Sajith opts to lie low:

Ranil raring for an extension

Opposition leader Ranil Wickremesinghe seems to be on a better wicket as he plans to retain his United National Party (UNP) leadership for another six years. The proposal to get a fresh mandate for the extension of his party leadership will be presented at the annual UNP Convention to be held on December 1.

Though some of the backbenchers in the Reformists Group are against the move, the UNP leader is well set to get his term extended with the backing of powerful Working Committee members loyal to him.

Surprisingly, most of the UNP seniors and parliamentarians who originally led a campaign to oust Ranil and demanded sweeping reforms within the UNP are extraordinarily silent. Even the Deputy Leader of the UNP, Sajith Premadasa seems to have given up his aggressive mode and opted to lie low. Parliamentarians Dayasiri Jayasekera and Karu Jayasuriya too are extraordinarily silent, knowing that they will have to face serious consequences if they open their mouths against the party leader.

The UNP Working Committee has taken a serious stance against parliamentarians Palitha Range Bandara, Palitha Thewarapperuma and Asoka Abeysinghe, along with UNP Provincial Council members Maithri Gunaratne and Shiral Lakthilaka for taking part in Sarath Fonseka’s controversial meeting at Hyde Park.

Unconfirmed media reports said parliamentarian Abeysinghe has approached the UNP leader to iron out things and reach an understanding. Such a move will prompt Ranil to reinstate Abeysinghe’s UNP membership which has now been suspended with all those UNP members who had been present at the Hyde Park meeting.

If that happens, Abeysinghe could once again get into the good books of the UNP leadership, isolating the two Palithas – Range Bandara and Thewarapperuma.

Divisions within the UNP were clearly evident at the re-launch of the Sunday Leader newspaper, which has now abandoned its defamatory and malicious style of reporting under its new management.

Politicians at Sunday Leader re-launch

It was nice to see the Sunday Leader getting a new look under its new Chief Editor, Shakuntala Perera and the re-launching party was held at the new R & R Restaurant at the Racecourse mall.

In a classic example of coexistence and cordial relations among newspaper editors, Chief Editor of The Nation, Malinda Seneviratne made a brief welcome speech before inviting Shakuntala to address the gathering. Among the other chief editors present were Manik de Silva (Sunday Island), Mohanlal Piyadasa (Irudina) and Dinesh Weerawansa (Sunday Observer).

There were many politicians who graced the occasion, including Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka. When Champika was sharing a light moment with JVP parliamentarian Vijitha Herath, a photographer approached to take a photo.

“There will be news stories on Champika-Vijitha discussions,” Herath joked after obliging.

But the UNP politicians had their own groups. Parliamentarian Ravi Karunanayake and UNP media spokesman Gayantha Karunatillake were seen in one corner and enjoying a soft drink on the opposite side was the Mayor of Colombo, M.J.M. Muzammil.

It was only a few days ago that Karunanayake made a surprising visit to the Colombo Municipality when the Mayor was abroad and attempted to make some investigations. Unconfirmed reports said Ravi had to return empty handed as the UNP members of the CMC did not like his controversial presence at a time Mayor Muzammil was out of the country.

UNP Deputy Leader Sajith Premadasa and former deputy Karu Jayasuriya too joined the party at different times and sat at different places. Parliamentarian Dayasiri Jayasekera mixed with both the Government and Opposition politicians but was careful enough not to air all his views.

UNP leader on Tiran’s world record

Opposition leader Wickremesinghe told the Parliament last week that DNA parliamentarian Tiran Alles had created a world record by refraining from speaking in Parliament for two years.

He said Alles had not spoken in Parliament since 2010. “Let’s give him a present for this achievement,” Mr. Wickremesinghe said.

The Democratic National Alliance (DNA), which was formed by Fonseka and the JVP to contest the 2010 General Elections jointly, seems to be facing a major split. After the JVP isolated Fonseka by contesting the subsequent Provincial Council and Local Government elections separately, Fonseka recently lost two of his closest political allies with the resignation of parliamentarians Tiran Alles and Arjuna Ranatunga from the DNA.

But Fonseka covered his political nudity by coming out with a different story. Following the disclosure by Tiran and Arjuna that they have resigned from the DNA, Fonseka told the duo that their resignation from the Democratic Party was not valid as such a party had not been registered as yet.

In his letters to the two MPs, Fonseka said he was shocked to see the resignation letters of the two parliamentarians. Fonseka had said the latter was appointed as a National List MP through the mandate given to the DNA.

“They are watchful of the next political decision which you are about to take,” he was quoted as saying to Alles. Fonseka had said the same in a separate letter to Arjuna. Fonseka had also told the two MPs to inform him whether they are going to remain with the DNA or not.

Another setback for DNA

The DNA suffered another setback when its parliamentarian Ajith Kumara declared that he would function as an independent member in Parliament.Kumara accused his JVP colleague and DNA Group Leader, Anura Kumara Dissanayake of violating his right to participate in the Budget debate.

The MP charged that the DNA had no democratic values as it had violated his right to speak.“DNA’s claim that it was fighting against capitalism is nothing but a joke,” he said. Kumara said the Chief Opposition Whip John Amaratunga had agreed to allocate time for him on November 12. But he said he was surprised to find that his name was deleted from the amended original speakers list.Kumara also said the DNA had informed him that his name was included in the list prepared for November 10.

However he said his name was not included in the subsequent list. Amaratunga who joined in the cross talk that ensued said Dissanayake had informed him that Kumara’s name should be cut off from the list of speakers scheduled for November 12 as he was given time on November 10. “We are sorry about the situation which MP Kumara is in,” he said.

Anura Yapa heads Select Committee

Minister Anura Priyadharshana Yapa was appointed as the head of the 11-member Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) to look into the impeachment motion against the Chief Justice, by Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa on Wednesday.

The PSC comprises seven members from the government and the rest from the opposition.

The Democratic National Alliance(DNA) decided to appoint Parliamentarian Vijitha Herath as their representative to the PSC.

Meanwhile, Tamil National Alliance (TNA) leader Parliamentarian R. Sambandan has been appointed from the TNA to the Parliamentary Select Committee.

Under heavy pressure to refrain from hearing cases while the impeachment hearings in Parliament are set to begin, Chief Justice Shirani Bandaranayake stepped down from the three Judge Bench of the Supreme Court hearing the Golden Key Shriram case. Earlier last week, the Chief Justice announced in open Court that she will no longer hear cases related to the Ceylinco group of companies.

The Chief Justice said that she had presided over the Bench hearing cases related to Golden Key and Shriram companies of the Ceylinco Group on the request of the parties but those cases would be taken up before a different Bench.

Speaker warns MPs

Members of Parliament should refrain from making comments outside Parliament in respect of matters before the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC), Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa warned on Friday.

He warned MPs, when Chief Government Whip, Water Supply and Drainage Minister Dinesh Gunawardena drew the attention of the Speaker to a news item published in a section of the media, which attributed some comments to DNA MP Anura Kumara Dissanayake which violated Parliamentary privileges.

Minister Gunawardena pointed out that the DNA member had disclosed facts discussed at the party leaders’ meeting. When questioned by the Speaker, MP Dissanayake responded in the positive to a part of the news read by the minister.

“Commenting on matters before the Parliamentary Select Committees is against the Standing Orders and violates Parliamentary Privileges,” the Speaker said.

Minister Gunawardena further stated the DNA MP had revealed the facts that were discussed at the Party Leaders' Meeting which should not be the practice. He added that the Parliamentarian had made a statement in connection with the Parliamentary Select Committee appointed on the impeachment motion against the Chief Justice.

The Minister said the MP had made statements on the composition of the Parliamentary Select Committee which was decided by the Speaker after having discussions with all Party Leaders. He added that his statements had violated the Parliamentary privileges and privileges of Ministers, Deputy Ministers and the Members. At this stage, the Speaker queried from the DNA MP as to whether he made such a statement.

Parliamentarian Anura Kumara Dissanayake answered in the positive for the part of the news item read by Minister Gunawardena. The Speaker observed that one can discuss or make statements on the minutes of a party leaders' meeting.

He added that it was not suitable for one to make statements or reveal matters discussed at the party leaders meeting other than the minutes.

He added that in order to be fair, he invited all Party Leaders to the Party Leaders Meeting to seek their suggestions.

The Speaker also said the composition of this particular Parliamentary Select Committee was decided following discussions with Party Leaders.

He said that when appointing members to the Parliamentary Select Committee in a manner to reflect the composition of the House, he considered the government as having 117 seats, although it has 161, to be extra fair by the Opposition.

The Speaker said it was not fair by the members to criticise such decisions. Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa warned the Members in Parliament not to make any comments outside Parliament in connection with matters before the Parliamentary Select Committee.

No mobiles in House

Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa on Monday instructed members to refrain from using mobile phones inside the House.

He made this observation when Plantation Industries Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe was responding to a question raised by UNP MP Dayasiri Jayasekera during the round of questions for oral answers.

The Speaker said he observed members using mobile phones inside the House which interrupt business in Parliament.

“The members may leave the House when they need to use mobile phones,” the Speaker stressed. “The use of mobile phones interrupts the sound system within the House,” he said. The Speaker asserted that using mobile phones in the House is unpleasant.

President congratulates new Chinese leader

China has been one of Sri Lanka’s friendliest countries which has actively supported us in development and during the battle against terrorism.

Xi Jinping was appointed as the new Head of the Communist Party of China on Thursday, taking charge of a relatively conservative leadership team. Xi, who also assumed command of China’s military, introduced a new Politburo Standing Committee that has been reduced from nine to seven members in an effort to streamline the party’s collective decision-making process.

“Our party faces many severe challenges and there are many pressing problems within the party that need to be resolved,” Xi said.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa in a congratulatory message to General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Xi Jinping greeted the new Chinese leader. “It is with immense pleasure that I extend my warmest congratulations and best wishes to you on your election as the General Secretary of the Communist Party of China at the Party’s 18th National Congress,” he said.

“Your election to the highest office of the Communist Party of China is a manifestation of the confidence that the members of the Communist Party have placed in you. I am certain that your vast experience in the realm of politics and the affairs of the State, which is expanding from your associations at provincial level to those at the national level will provide the necessary guidance to steer China forward. I also believe that China-Sri Lanka relations that are in an excellent status at present will reach unprecedented spheres under your able leadership,” President Rajapaksa said in his congratulatory message.

President Rajapaksa expressed confidence that China will continue to be a true friend of Sri Lanka during Xi’s tenure as General Secretary of the Communist Party of China as in the past. “As the Leader of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party that was founded on the value of social justice like the Communist Party of China, I look forward to working with you closely for the cooperation between our two parties,” he said.

Welgama takes depot managers to task

Transport Minister Kumara Welgama said he would not hesitate to dismiss Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLCTB) depot managers who fail to pay employees’ salaries on time.

He said the minister, chairman and officers attached to the SLCTB headquarters draw their salaries on time.

“Workers at bus depots who toil do not get their salaries on time. This should not happen. Due to the weakness on the part of depot managers, workers’ salaries are not paid on time. I will not hesitate to throw out depot managers who cannot pay workers’ salaries on time,” the minister said.

Welgama made these observations after inspecting an SLCTB depot in Anuradhapura last week. The minister said the Treasury provides Rs. 10,100 for each worker.

“The balance money has to be provided by the depot. Managers should see that their depots earn the balance money. I know that some managers are honest and efficient. They ensure workers get paid on time.

They should also see that payment with regard to buses purchased on lease, are paid on time. Managers can earn nothing by warming chairs. They should report to their depots early and ensure that all buses are put to the road to earn revenue,” he said. Minister Welgama said depot workers complained that they are yet to receive their September salary.

“How can families of these workers live and sustain themselves without food?” he asked. The minister ordered the managers and officers to pay workers’ salaries or face the consequence. “ I will take stern action against managers and officers who fail to carry out my orders,” Minister Welgama said.

Bodhi poojas for Tony Greig

Former England cricketer and Test captain turned international TV commentator Tony Greig has been a firm supporter of Sri Lanka cricket. Ever since Arjuna Ranatunga and his men conquered Mount Everest in cricket and brought home the World Cup in 1996, Tony has lavishly praised Sri Lanka cricket and the passion for the game here.

Tony has been diagnosed with a form of lung cancer and is undergoing medical tests to determine at what stage the disease is at the moment. The 66-year-old former all-rounder, who played for England between 1972 and 1977 before becoming a commentator, underwent a biopsy to know at what stage the disease is and what needs to be done for its cure.Parliamentarian and former Sri Lanka cricket chief Thilanga Sumathipala has organised a series of Bodhi Poojas to invoke blessings on the former England captain who has taken great trouble in projecting Sri Lanka’s cricketing image the world over.

Thilanga has organised a Bodhi Pooja at Gangaramaya on November 22 at 5 p.m. He has invited all past and present Sri Lanka cricketers and cricket administrators.

Sri Lanka, safe to live in

Foreign countries have begun to acknowledge that Sri Lanka is a safe place to live in and have begun sending back people who illegally migrated to these countries, External Affairs Minister Prof G L Peiris told Parliament on Friday.

“Countries like Britain and Switzerland are happy and convinced that the country is safe,” he said. Being convinced that there is peace and political stability here, many countries have begun sending back Sri Lankans who had gone to their countries for safety, the minister told the House.

He also told Parliament that appeals by those seeking asylum in those countries have been rejected as peace and stability prevail in Sri Lanka. “Many governments appreciate the political stability of the country. It not only benefits our country, but, also has a positive bearing on many of Sri Lanka’s neighbours,” he said.

“The Australian Government has commended Sri Lanka Navy for its role in curbing illegal migration. The Australian Government has announced that it will send back Sri Lankans who entered the country illegally.

If they do not think Sri Lanka is safe and peaceful, they would not do so. No doubt, these people are economic refugees,” the Minister said.

Minister Peiris further said in Parliament: This budget was presented to cater to the new opportunities available in the country, in a context of peace and political stability. “We have concentrated on simplifying our tax structure and reducing the number of taxes. This is essential to attract more foreign investments. Our endeavour to simplify the tax structure has been appreciated by the international community.

Moreover, the development of infrastructure facilities and renovation of roads and electricity expansion in the country have helped towards bringing in more foreign investment. Many foreign governments appreciate the political stability in the country.

“Shangri-La is a massive investment in our country. It is one of the most prestigious hotel chains in the world. It is now recruiting Sri Lankans as employees and giving an internationally recognised training to them. Shangri-La is coming here because they think profits could be made from the investment, and it is obviously not the only investor coming to the country.

Sri Lanka’s relations with the Arabic world, which has a long history, have been revitalised and strengthened. There were four Gulf countries at the UNHRC Session and three of them, despite their international political alignments, strongly supported us and actually even canvassed on behalf of us. “We had so far neglected West Africa. We are now rectifying these mistakes. We also have a very close affinity with some island nations, like the Seychelles and Madagascar which pursue blue economies.

“It is also equally important to maintain regional relations. Our volume of trade in the SAARC region must be improved. Our relations with India are very sound and when I say so, I really mean it. People to people contacts between the two countries are also flourishing. The bringing down of the Kapilavastu relics was a fine example of people to people contacts.

The goodwill and understanding between Sri Lanka and India is very high,” the Minister said.