Ranil underlines his supremacy in the UNP

Opposition leader Ranil Wickremesinghe beat all overwhelming odds to underline his supremacy as the leader of the United National Party (UNP) as the resolution to hold elections to appoint the party leader once in six years was adopted at the UNP Convention held in Colombo yesterday.

It was a landslide victory that proved Ranil’s strength as a total of 4,978 out of 5,315 UNP members who participated at the annual Convention voted for the extension of the leadership tenure. On the other hand, it not only humiliated Sajith but also exposed the fact that he has no support among the party seniors as there were only 337 votes against the Resolution.

His opponents who have been shouting from the roof tops ultimately ate humble pie as Ranil flexed his muscles as the undisputed leader of the main Opposition party, the UNP, which is guaranteed not to have executive powers for over two decades.

The last Executive President the UNP had was the late D.B. Wijetunga who was appointed after the death of the then President R. Premadasa who was assassinated at the 1993 May Day rally in Grandpass. Since Wijetunga ended his term in 1994, it has been the SLFP-led coalitions that have won the last four Presidential elections – two each by former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga and President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Though the UNP has lost 28 consecutive elections under the shaky leadership of Ranil, he still managed to ‘work the ball on the blind side’ to score that victorious ‘try’ and retain the party leadership until 2017. That means Ranil would contest the next Presidential election due for 2016, though he has lost twice. Whether he would be lucky the third time is a question that could easily be answered even by a child in the kindergarten.

It was only a week ago that DNA parliamentarian Tiran Alles made a stunning prediction in Parliament, that Ranil will definitely lose if the UNP leader decides to contest the next Presidential election.

Despite all these obstacles and a malicious campaign conducted by a particular private television channel, which telecast daily segments to sling mud at Ranil in their news bulletins, the UNP leader finally achieved what he had been dreaming of.

At yesterday’s UNP Convention at the party headquarters – SiriKotha, Ranil’s plan worked in perfect fashion, thanks to the confidants in his Working Committee and the thoroughly-scanned members who were invited.

Deputy leader Sajith Premadasa, along with former party deputy Karu Jayasuriya, Dayasiri Jayasekera and Buddhika Pathirana have strongly objected to the resolution but Ranil’s majority power demolished all objections. It was learnt that some UNP members, who initially showed their resistance to the Resolution, met Ranil after his victory to tender an unconditional apology. At least two UNP parliamentarians who had objected to the Resolution subsequently met their leader in private to apologise and extend their support for the remaining five years of his term.

Ranil Wickremesinghe

Chamal Rajapaksa

It all points to a gloomy political future for deputy leader Sajith, who is widely accused of giving leadership to the party’s Reformists Group. The extension of the term of the UNP leader has forced Sajith to remain as the UNP leader-in-waiting until 2017. But there is no guarantee that Sajith could succeed Ranil even in 2017. Perhaps, the customary UNP politics could prompt Ranil to bring a close relative of his, who is already a parliamentarian, within the next five years.

The latest UNP resolution would undoubtedly be good news for the ruling UPFA as the UNP will continue to have a leader with a humiliating track record of losing three general elections and two presidential elections under his leadership. As parliamentarian Alles had said, Ranil is set to establish ‘a few more world records’ as a leader who has suffered the most number of election defeats. Perhaps, Alles will keep a trophy ready, as he had told the House.

During the lead up to the controversial UNP Convention, there has been a big hullabaloo over UNP parliamentarians taking their weapons to Sirikotha for the meeting as they raised a privilege issue.

Deputy Speaker Chandima Weerakkody, on the eve of the UNP Convention, said that 33 UNP Parliamentarians have been prohibited from taking their security officers with weapons to the UNP Party Convention premises by the members’ security division on a request made by the UNP Party Convention Organising Committee.

He was responsing to a point of order raised by UNP MP Dayasiri Jayasekera. The Deputy Speaker said the security of several UNP MPs have been removed only for the day of the event. He said two police officers have been assigned for each MP with firearms, but they have been informed that the police officers would not be allowed to use the weapons on Saturday.

The Deputy Speaker said it was a threat to the security of the parliamentarians. At this stage, UNP MP Buddhika Pathirana said there are 41 UNP MPs and asked as to why weapons of 33 MPs were prohibited. Parliamentarians Sajith Premadasa, Sujeewa Senasinghe, Ranjith Madduma Bandara, Rosy Senanayake, Ruwan Wijewardena, Harin Fernando and Chandrani Bandara also said their security had been removed.

Weerakkody later said the weapons of the security officers of those MPs will not be allowed only at the UNP Party Convention premises on December 1.

But the security officers with their weapons were allowed to accompany the UNP MPs anywhere other than the Party Convention premises.

Speaker rules SC notices invalid

Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa, making a special announcement in Parliament on Thursday, said the purported notices issued to him and to members of the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) are a nullity and entail no legal consequences. He said the ruling would apply to any similar purported notice, Order or Determination in respect of the proceedings of the Committee which would continue solely and exclusively under the authority of Parliament.

Speaker Rajapaksa also said future notices from Court will be treated similarly. He said: “I wish to make it clear that this ruling of mine as Speaker of Parliament, will apply to any similar purported Notice, Order or Determination in respect of the proceedings of the Committee which will continue solely and exclusively under the authority of Parliament.”

The Speaker said the notices issued on him and on members of the PSC have no effect whatever and are not recognised in any manner.

The full text of the special announcement made by the Speaker:

“The Honourable Nimal Siripala de Silva, Leader of the House, raised an issue relating to Privilege on the floor of the House this morning. This arose from an event which occurred on Thursday.

“I found exceedingly helpful the detailed observations which were made on this issue by 15 Honourable Members on both sides of the House. The range and depth of the views expressed during the debate, which I have reflected on, greatly facilitated my task in reaching my decision on the matters brought to my notice by the Honourable Leader of the House.

“Notice was served on me, as Speaker of Parliament, and on the Members of the Select Committee appointed by me on 14th of November 2012 to inquire into allegations against the Honourable Chief Justice under Article 107 of the Constitution. I, as Speaker of Parliament and the Members of the Select Committee appointed by me have been cited as respondents in these proceedings. These were notices issued by the Court of Appeal, on the direction of the Supreme Court, in the matter of an application for mandates in the nature of Writs of Certiorari, Mandamus, Quo Warranto and Prohibition in terms of Article 140 of the Constitution.

“On careful consideration of this matter, I wish to convey to the House my ruling that the Notices issued on me, as Speaker of Parliament and on the Members of the Select Committee appointed by me, have no effect whatever and are not recognised in any manner. I declare that the purported Notices, issued to me and to the Members of the Select Committee are a nullity and entail no legal consequences. I wish to make it clear that this ruling of mine as Speaker of Parliament, will apply to any similar purported Notice, Order or Determination in respect of the proceedings of the Committee which will continue solely and exclusively under the authority of Parliament.”

Faiszer Musthapha

However, a three-judge Bench of the Supreme Court yesterday ordered written submissions in respect of the petitions filed against the impeachment motion of Chief Justice Shirani Bandaranayake be submitted on December 13.

The next call date was re-fixed for December 13 and 14. The Bench comprised Justice Nimal Gamini Ameratunge, Justice K. Sri Pavan and Justice Priyasath Dep. The Bench allocated the respondents seven days to file written submissions subsequently to be submitted to the Attorney General.

Meanwhile, the Leader of the House, Nimal Siripala de Silva told Parliament on Thursday that the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) is obliged to abide by the orders, directions and advice of the Speaker.

There is no legal provision to direct or order the staying of functions of the PSC from outside.

“The order by former Speaker Anura Bandaranaike issued on June 20, 2001 states that the Supreme Court has no judicial power to issue a restraining order against a Parliamentary Select Committee. The Speaker is not legally bound to act in accordance with such an order,” the minister said.

“I thank the Speaker for allowing me to move this matter of privilege. In accordance with article 107(2) of the constitution an impeachment motion signed by 117 members of Parliament was moved in Parliament against the Chief Justice Dr. Shirani Bandaranayake.

It was included in the Order Book of Parliament on November 6, 2012 and the Speaker appointed a Parliamentary Select Committee of 11 members headed by Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa on November 14,” Minister De Silva said.

War-losers using Hulftsdorp

President Mahinda Rajapaksa said on Friday that some elements with vested interests, who could not achieve what they wanted through the 30 years of conflict, are trying to achieve their sinister goals through Hulftsdorp.

President Rajapaksa said he as a lawyer, has the highest respect towards the Judiciary and is committed to protect and promote its dignity. The President said members of the judiciary should protect the dignity of their profession.

He said some persons involved in wrongdoings are in the process of criticising the government when it takes legal action against them. “When we are taking action against these fraudsters, they cross over to the opposition and start criticising me and the government,” he said.

The President said some members of the legislature are representing the needs of Non Governmental Organisations and foreign governments in the House. “Some Members of Parliament are speaking on behalf of NGOs and foreign governments,” he said.

The President said they do not speak about the problems of the people, represented by them.

These legislators are in the habit of betraying their country and its leaders, he said.

Jeyaraj Fernandopulle

President Rajapaksa was speaking at the launch of three books on Ports and Highways Deputy Minister Rohitha Abeygunawardena at Temple Trees on Friday.

The books Methi Sabe Kala Katha containing speeches by the Deputy Minister in the fifth and sixth Parliament and his autobiography Rohitha were launched at Temple Trees and the first copies presented to President Rajapaksa by Deputy Minister Abeygunawardena.

He said some Members of Parliament have double standards in their opinions in Parliament.

The President said some parliamentarians who demanded action against corruption in Parliament, criticise the government when it took action against corrupt individuals.

“Then these parliamentarians say that taking action against corrupt individuals is undemocratic,” he said.

The President said the people of the country have placed enormous confidence in the government during victory and defeat. He said politicians should have courage to face problems effectively. The President said politicians can gain much experience when they are in the opposition.

He was of the view that perseverance and fortitude begin in politicians’ minds when they are in the opposition. The President said the people cannot be taken for a ride and the people are aware of those who actually care for them.

Tuesday (4) will be a D-day for the Chief Justice when the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) resumes its sittings on the impeachment motion against Dr. Bandaranayake.

President at Faiszer’s celebrations

Government and Opposition politicians were present in their numbers at the massive party hosted by Deputy Minister Faiszer Musthapha at Cinnamon Grand on Wednesday, following his swearing-in as a President’s Counsel. The differences among UNP parliamentarians were once again evident as they were having conversations in different groups. When UNP and Opposition leader Ranil Wickremesinghe walked in with his wife Maithree, none of those UNP parliamentarians, including Ranil’s confidants, showed any interest in directly walking up to their leader.

Ranil initially spoke with a couple of his old lawyer friends. After about 15 minutes, parliamentarian Ravi Karunanayake approached Ranil for a chat. Though UNP General Secretary Tissa Attanayake and media spokesman Gayantha Karunatillake were present in close proximity, they were engaged in their own conversations without disturbing their leader.

Among the other UNP parliamentarians present were deputy leader Sajith Premadasa, Dayasiri Jayasekera and Sujeewa Senasinghe.

Several Government Ministers and Deputy Ministers were present to greet Faiszer – Prof. G.L. Peiris, Nimal Siripala de Silva, Susil Premajayantha, Navin Dissanayake and Neomal Perera. When the party was coming to an end, a special guest arrived at the venue. He was none other than President Mahinda Rajapaksa and the Oak Room was all of a sudden was packed to capacity as the guests who were walking out returned to have a closer audience with the President. A thrilled and excited Faiszer welcomed the President, who freely walked to every corner and talked to the guests, the majority of who were Faiszer’s collogues at the Law College and Royal College.

Among them was former Royal rugby captain Chiranjaya Nanayakkara, a son of Minister Vasudeva Nanayakkara. ‘Chiro’, who left for the US days after taking oaths as a lawyer in 1993, met most of his batch mates after almost two decades and many could not recognise him at once. Many questioned Chriro as why he not taking to politics to follow his father who is a veteran politician and a great trade union leader.

Lawyers take law into hands

A group of lawyers, supporting the Chief Justice and opposing the ongoing impeachment motion hearing by the PSC against her, went to the extent of taking the law into their hands on Friday. This group of lawyers opposing the impeachment motion brought against Chief Justice Shirani Bandaranayake attacked a group of three-wheeler drivers on a peaceful protest march towards the Supreme Court premises at Hulftsdorp.

The protest march was organised by the All Ceylon Three Wheeler Association against lawyers who attacked Association Secretary Rohan Perera who stood in support of the move taken by the government in respect of the Chief Justice.

The protest march from Colombo Fort was on its way to the Supreme Court at the time of the attack. It is alleged that the lawyers who attacked Perera had run away after causing damage to the three wheeler in which he was travelling. Perera was seen lying on the ground with his shirt torn off.

“Fellow three wheeler drivers were seen chasing the lawyers who assaulted their Secretary, but, they managed to creep into the court complex,” Perera said. He said: “This group of lawyers asked me whether I was pandering to the government and started assaulting me”.

“There was a heated argument between the lawyers and three wheeler drivers when the three wheelers were passing the Hulftsdorp Court complex. The lawyers also blamed the Police officers on duty with regard to law enforcement.”

Senior Police officials said if the lawyers could conduct a protest march carrying a coffin to the court complex, the three wheeler drivers have the same right to hold a protest. They insisted that staging a protest is a democratic right.

Speaking to the media, Association President Lalith Dharmasena said: “We respect the judiciary. Right now, an investigation is on by a Parliamentary Select Committee against Chief Justice Shirani Bandaranayake. Hence, she should step down from the post until the PSC investigation into her conduct is completed”. He said Bandaranayake is surrounded by NGOs whose prime objective is to betray the country. “She should not connive with the NGOs and betray the country. The three wheeler drivers were carrying placards some of which stated ‘Shame don’t betray the country for dollars”, he said.

Jeyaraj memorial library opened

Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa had a special function to attend on Tuesday evening and he was well prepared for that, taking time off all other important engagements lined up for the day. He travelled all the way to Seeduwa to perform his obligations and respect a dear friend and a former stalwart of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party.

The Jeyaraj Fernandopulle Memorial Library constructed at a cost of Rs. 48 million was opened by Speaker Rajapaksa at the Seeduwa Municipal Council grounds. The Asian Development Bank provided Rs. 27 million and the Urban Council contributed Rs. 21 million towards the project.

The fully air conditioned library includes a children’s library and computer unit. Parliamentarian Dr. Sudarshani Fernandopulle, the widow of the slain minister, was happy to see the project becoming a reality. She said that some questioned as to why they have given priority to such a project then the people in the area faced a greater problem of finding drinking water.

She said that the library project was an investment for the future to improve the quality of education that would help children in the area.

She said that the Government has now given a solution to the water problem and the Gampaha District is making steady progress under the guidance of Economic Development Minister, Basil Rajapaksa. Doctor Sudarshani said that her husband-Minister worked tirelessly for the betterment of the people in the area and that she is happy to fulfill one of his dreams.