Speaker cautions against unparliamentary language

Despite the drama enacted by the Opposition on the President's eligibility to contest his third term, Leader of the House and Irrigation and Water Resources Management Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva on Tuesday conveyed to Parliament that the Supreme Court had unanimously decided that President Mahinda Rajapaksa could seek a fresh mandate for another term. When the Opposition and certain people tried to mislead the public over the past couple of weeks, the President in terms of the powers vested in him under the Constitution sought an opinion from the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court Opinion debunked those misconceptions and endorsed the President's eligibility to call for an election and contest such an election.

Minister De Silva who participated in the Committee Stage debate under the Expenditure Heads of Irrigation and Water Resources Management Ministry told the House that the Supreme Court had conveyed to the President that according to the powers vested in him under Section 31 (3) A of the Constitution, he could contest a third term. The Minister said that according to the opinion, there is no legal impediment barring the President calling for a snap presidential election. The Supreme Court had delivered an excellent opinion, he said.

Although the Opposition was informed of the Supreme Court's opinion on Tuesday, Chief Opposition Whip John Amaratunga on Thursday attempted to make a big hue and cry requesting the Government to table a copy of the Supreme Court ruling that enabled the President to seek re-election for a third time.

Amaratunga attempted to tell the House that instead of reading out a part of the Supreme Court opinion, Leader of the House should have tabled a copy of that document. MP Amaratunga said that they would not challenge the opinion, but he maintained that the opinion of the Supreme Court was sought after amending certain sections of the Constitution so that parliamentarians would know the Supreme Court opinion. The MP said this opinion should have been sent to the Speaker and he should have announced it in Parliament.

UPFA parliamentarian A.H.M. Azwer countering the argument by Amaratunga said this is not a judgement given by the Supreme Court. According to the powers vested in him in the Constitution, the President sought the opinion of the Supreme Court and the Supreme Court has conveyed it to the President, not to Parliament. Azwer also said the UNP has not gone to courts against it. UNP MP Lakshman Kiriella tried to highlight that according to Standing Orders, there is no provision for the Leader of the House to convey such a decision to Parliament. He said that when a Bill is challenged, it is referred to the Supreme Court which will communicate its opinion or decision to the Speaker. But no such procedure had been followed.

Chief Government Whip and Water Supply and Drainage Minister Dinesh Gunawardena told the House that this should not be interpreted as an announcement by the Leader of the House as announced during the Committee Stage debate on the Expenditure Heads of his Ministry. Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa who listened to the views expressed by both parties told the House that he could not force the minister to table the Supreme Court opinion to Parliament. He said he would look into the matter and convey his decision to the House.

Government legislators expressed their displeasure over the manner UNP MP Ranjan Ramanayake spoke during the Committee Stage debate on the Expenditure Heads of the Foreign Employment Promotion and Welfare Ministry.

The MP who spoke aggressively attempted to criticise the Government for its failure to protect Sri Lankan housemaids working in West Asia. It was also witnessed that the actor-turned politician in his speech used unparliamentary language and attempted to accuse the Government of not taking action on cases involving sexual abuse and rape of Sri Lankan migrant workers. This led the Speaker to warn the MP not to resort to unparliamentary language.

Ports and Shipping Project Minister Rohitha Abeygunawardena who spoke after MP Ramanayake vehemently criticised the manner and the unparliamentary language he used in his speech.

The Minister accused the MP of his deliberate attempt to humiliate those engaged in foreign employment. The Minister queried whether a people's representative can resort to such deplorable language and betray people working abroad. When the Minister was responding to some allegations by Ramanayake, the latter attempted to walk out of the Chamber. However, the Minister urged him to remain in the Chamber and listen to his response. The MP returned to his seat.

Thereafter, Minister Abeygunawardena accused MP Ramanayake of attempting to become yet another Dayasiri Jayasekera in Parliament. He called upon the MP to study the ongoing political dialogue in the country. When the Minister wound up his speech, Ramanayake left the Chamber and the Government members booed him.

MP Gayantha Karunathilake who opened the debate on behalf of the Opposition attempted to portray that the state media was biased. He explained how equal opportunities are given to the Government and the Opposition in the private media.

The MP cited an example to show how equal opportunities are given to the Government and the Opposition by private television channels in their political programs. Petroleum Industries Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa described how the Government was criticised by the media and said this is clear testimony on the media freedom that prevails in Sri Lanka. No former Governments have ever looked after or provided facilities for journalists like the incumbent Government.

The Minister said that the Media Ministry had provided facilities for journalists to improve their professional skills. He said that the Government should be subjected to criticism within the democratic structure. Even today there is no legislation in Sri Lanka to control the media. Minister Yapa said the Government has introduced far-reaching changes into the media sphere.Mass Media and Information Minister Keheliya Rambukwella responding to the queries raised during the Committee Stage debate on his Ministry, expressed his regret over the attempt by some Opposition members to present distorted and false information before the House under the pretext of Parliamentary privileges.

He said criticism is also a part of the job of the media. When the Minister responds to allegations levelled by the Opposition MPs on various issues, except UNP MP Gayantha Karunathilaka others are not to be seen in the Chamber. He said most Opposition MPs leave the House soon after they conclude their speeches. The Minister drew the attention of the House to the Parliamentary privileges being used to sling mud at the Government. It is the duty of the Opposition to participate in the Budget debate in a positive manner, the Minister said.

The reply by the External Affairs Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris during the votes of his Ministry was clear testimony of the significant achievements by Sri Lanka in foreign affairs under the leadership of President Mahinda Rajapaksa. The Minister said distinguished world leaders and other foreign dignitaries visited Sri Lanka due to the international recognition of President Rajapaksa.

He said that TNA MP R. Sampanthan's remarks on China-Sri Lanka relations are an attempt to fish in troubled waters. China and Sri Lanka have a historical relationship. He told the House how Sri Lanka has strengthened its ties with all Commonwealth countries. UNP parliamentarian Sajith Premadasa made a special reference to the pivotal role played by the late Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar to protect Sri Lanka's image. We described him as a great Foreign Minister Sri Lanka ever had.