Week in PARLIAMENT

MP's conduct raises ire

Parliamentary sittings on Thursday turned into uproar and the House was adjourned for nearly 40 minutes as Government members flocked round UNP MP Jayalath Jayawardene and expressed their wrath against him alleging that he had incited an anti Sri Lankan protest organised by pro-LTTE elements at Heathrow Airport in London.

Before commencement of the committee stage debate, Chief Government Whip and Water Supply and Drainage Minister Dinesh Gunawardena making a special statement alleged MP Jayawardene had joined this LTTE protest which resulted in cancellation of President Mahinda Rajapaksa's address to the Oxford Union.

The statement made by the Minister led to a big drama in the House and the Government members led by Minister Gunawardena were seen approaching calling him a traitor and demanding him to leave the Chamber.

Amidst the uproar Chief Opposition Whip John Amaratunga told the House his party would not approve this act against the Head of State of the country. Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe was not in the House to make any comment on the incident.

As an indication of their protest against the MP's act, the UNP MPs did not oppose or counter the accusations levelled by Government members. Some UNP Parliamentarians even left the Chamber. Amidst the continuous protests made by the Government members, Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa adjourned the House for 10 minutes. Finally MP Jayawardena was seen leaving the Chamber. Parliament session resumed after the suspension with no sign of MPs Jayawardene.

Government Parliamentarians informed journalists of their plan to bring up a resolution to expel the MP from Parliament. Minister Gunawardena pointed out resolution would be brought against the MP for violating the oath given to Parliament. Government ranks also explained the possibility of removing MP Jayawardene from his seat as the resolution can be passed with the Government's majority in the House.

The Speaker showing his utmost commitment to uphold parliamentary traditions on Friday expressed his regret regarding the incident that took place in Parliament on Thursday. He requested MPs to co-operate with him to maintain the dignity of the House. Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe also informed the House, the UNP would support the appointment of a select committee to probe if MP Jayawardene had acted in contravention of his oaths.

The Parliament on Monday marked another significant milestone when Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and his official delegation visited Parliament and participated in a solemn ceremony held at the members lounge in they Parliamentary complex attended by both Government and Opposition members.

Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa and Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe along with Government Ministers and Parliamentarians welcomed Pakistani President. The Speaker recalled the solidarity extended by Pakistan when the nation faced three decades old terrorism. He explained that the Parliamentary complex symbolises the democratic governance in Sri Lanka and Parliamentarians have been able to maintain an unbroken commitment to safeguard this governance since the people of Sri Lanka exercise their universal franchise.

The Pakistani President told Parliamentarians that he was very happy as the relationship between the two countries has reached an unprecedented level. He was pleased on the tremendous victory achieved by Sri Lanka against terrorism after 30 years.

The Second Reading of Budget 2011 was passed on Monday (November 29) with an overwhelming majority of 104 votes. Marking another significant political development, the TNA for the first time abstained from voting at the Second Reading of the budget.

Only 46 members of the UNP and DNA voted against the budget when DNA MP Sunil Handunneththi asked for a division on the budget. Economic Development Minister in his speech commended the decision taken by the TNA to abstain from voting and extend their support towards the resettlement activities in the North. Deputy Transport Minister Rohana Dissanayake said the TNA vote has accepted that they can go on a journey with President Mahinda Rajapaksa.UNP MP Joseph Michael Perera stressed the importance of women representation in Parliament. Chief Government Whip and Water Supply and Drainage Minister Dinesh Gunawardena made the point though MP Perera speaks about women representation, the UNP does not give even a chance to female Parliamentarians like Rosy Senanayake to speak.

The unemployment issue of graduates was also highlighted in the House following a question raised by UNP MP Sajith Premadasa. Labour and Labour Relation Minister Gamini Lokuge who responded remained him that the UNP Government did not give employment to graduates. The Minister pointed out that Government has already given 45,000 jobs to graduates and Budget 2011 has also proposed to give another 12,000 jobs to them.

DNA MP Anura Kumara Dissanayake raising a Point of Order asked Minister Lokuge in lighter vein whether they have any program to give employment to the Ministers who lost their portfolios. Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa making the concluding the remarks on the Second Reading of the Budget said Opposition members did not make any constructive criticism on the budget or the new direction of the Government.

The topic of newly appointed Senior Ministers was highlighted again in the House due to some remarks made by Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe at the commencement of the Committee Stage debate of the budget on Tuesday. The Opposition Leader suggested to the Government to set up a new Secretariat for Senior Ministers and called it "Vishramapaya". He also raised a point of order regarding the non-allocation of funds for Senior Ministers. He told the House that "Vishramapaya" is like a refrigerator and it is for cold storage.

Both Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne and Construction and Engineering Services Minister Wimal Weerawansa responded to the comment made by the Opposition Leader. The Premier said Senior Minister portfolios have been given to efficient and clever politicians who had served the country. Minister Weerawansa who raised a Point of Order said the UNP Headquarters Sirikotha is now referred to as Sohonkotha. Media Minister Keheliya Rambukwella in his speech stressed the point that when future plans are formulated he would seriously consider on the criticism levelled against the Ministry by the Opposition members. He made the point though the Opposition alleged that media institutions are biased, 62 electronic media are operating in Sri Lanka and anybody can switch into one according to their wish.