Commends Defence Secretary Gotabaya for developing the capital:

Landmark resolution at UNP-led Colombo Municipality

The remarkable transformation of the capital Colombo to a beautiful, cleaner and greener city under the dynamic leadership of the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence and Urban Development Gotabaya Rajapaksa has not only won the hearts of the people but has even changed the opinion of the Opposition politicians.

The United National Party (UNP) has been controlling the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) for over a half a century without any notable achievements or a solution to its garbage disposal problems.

Since terrorism was eradicated, Gotabaya Rajapaksa came forward to face the challenge and ultimately became the architect of turning Colombo to a beautiful city admired by all. Hence, the UNP administration at the CMC too had no option but to support the mega development drive.

More importantly, the Government funds were not used for the transformation of the Colombo city to its current status. The Defence Secretary used his expertise and manpower resources while the CMC did the funding. Even at the time the Colombo city had several of garbage dumps, the CMC had been paying Rs. 70 million monthly to contractors for garbage disposal. But the Defence Secretary mediated to make the best use of such funding and ordered the contractors do an efficient job for the money paid by the taxpayers.

On the other hand, the CMC’s UNP administration knew that it they would get the credit if the city is kept clean. Hence, the Mayor of Colombo , A.J.M. Muzzamil extended the fullest support and cooperation for the development activities initiated under the leadership of the Defence Secretary.

In a landmark move in the history of Sri Lanka’s party politics, the UNP-run CMC moved an unprecedented resolution on Thursday and praised Gotabaya Rajapaksa for throwing his weight behind the administration.

The UNP members admitted that the CMC administration couldn’t survive without ongoing mega city beautification project initiated by the Defence Secretary and that the mega development project is beneficial to them. Veteran CMC member of the UNP Premjayantha Kasthuriarachchi moved the resolution at the behest of Mayor Muzammil. The resolution was unanimously approved with the full support of all councilors from the UNP, UPFA and other political parties represented in the council.

Minister W.D.J. Seneviratne

A.J.M. Muzzamil

The CMC Mayor emphasised that the Defence Secretary deserved praise for his overall role in improving the city and its suburbs. Muzammil said that his intention was to provide better facilities for those living in the city as well as visitors. The CMC commended the Defence Secretary’s initiatives without reservation.

The resolution paves way for a new political culture rather than the Opposition finding fault with the Government all the time for petty political mileage. Probably, this was the first instance that an Opposition administration of any local government body thanking a specific government official for a job well done.

The resolution came in the wake of the completion of the stage one of the Racecourse development project and the Defence Secretary assuring his fullest support to address the crisis situation caused by a massive garbage mountain in the Kolonnawa electorate. The CMC and the Government recently agreed to work in unison to provide assistance to those displaced due to the destruction of houses caused by the garbage mountain sinking.

Unknown motorcyclist at RC opening

Addressing the members, UNP councillor Kasthuriarachchi commended the Defence Secretary for renovating the Colombo Racecourse mini pavilion at a cost of Rs. 125 million. The CMC couldn’t handle the job, though it came under their purview. The refurbished facility was declared open a week ago by Economic Development Minister, Basil Rajapaksa.

The restoration work was carried out by the Sri Lanka Army’s Sixth Engineers Service Regiment. About 300 military personnel were involved in the project. The mini pavilion is part of a Rs. 450 million project that includes the completion of the grand stand, a rugby field and a Sports Ministry building. The project is expected to be completed before the end of next year.

The opening of the stage one of the Racecourse development project was marred with an unexpected visitor during the proceedings. While the opening ceremony was taking place, a motorcyclist, with a pillion rider entered Reid Avenue, which was closed for the occasion, from the CCC end.

Despite the heavy security arrangements, the motorcyclist kept his cool and made his way using the Reid Avenue road stretch which separated the stage and VVIP audience. Defence Secretary immediately ordered the police to trace the motorcyclist.

Though the Police 119 and the CCTV system in the city were alerted, the motorcyclist could not be traced immediately. It was later believed that the motorcyclist had entered Reid Avenue from the Cinnamon Gardens police quarters gate without knowing that the road was closed for the function and had proceeded along it.

Ranil all out to strengthen his grip

Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe is going all out to underline his supremacy and eliminate the Reformist group which has been challenging his leadership. Wickremesinghe made the first move by withdrawing the party membership of the three parliamentarians and two provincial council leaders who attended Sarath Fonseka’s controversial meeting at the Hyde Park.

Though the UNP Working Committee gave a ruling that the UNP members should refrain from attending Fonseka’s meeting, the five of them – including police officer turned politician Palitha Range Bandara, violated the party ruling.

It appears that some members who lost their party membership are now putting the blame on former deputy leader Karu Jayasuriya who had confirmed his presence at the Hyde Park meeting until the eleventh hour.

“Perhaps, these five members, including three parliamentarians, had been mislead by Karu’s action. If the party is going to expel these five members, the Working Committee must also take action against Karu for misleading his juniors,” a Colombo District UNP parliamentarian said.

Ranil looked overjoyed last week when he met his inner circle and said the Working Committee ruling helped to keep the party intact as none of the party seniors attended the Hyde Park meeting. The UNP leader is set to take another step forward by expelling the three MPs and two PC members who have been criticising the party leadership.

Ranil is set to extend his UNP leadership for another six years after obtaining a mandate from the party convention to be held in the first week of November. But some of the Reformists alleged that only pro-Ranil members have been invited for the so-called convention.

The Reformist group is expected to begin a campaign to educate UNP supporters on the sinister moves of Wickremesinghe who has the complete backing of the party’s Working Committee. Surprisingly, deputy leader Sajith Premadasa is maintaining a low profile after he decided to refrain from attending Fonseka’s meeting.

Keheliya joins dialogue on 13th Amendment

Over the past few weeks, there has been increasing dialogue on the 13th Amendment to the Constitution. Various political parties and their leaders, including some Ministers who head the constituent parties of the ruling UPFA, have expressed their views on the 13th Amendment which introduced the provincial council system to Sri Lanka.

There has been severe criticism of the provincial council system which was introduced in 1987 after the controversial Indo-Lanka Accord. Many were of the view that the provincial council system is a white elephant for a small country such as Sri Lanka. Though most politicians accept the necessity to devolve power on principle, they feel the provincial council system is not the answer.

Mass Media and Information Minister Keheliya Rambukwella last week said that the Government has no intention of abolishing the 13th Amendment. “The 13th Amendment is a part of the Constitution. Because of that, we have given the oath to protect the 13th Amendment as the government,” he said.

“It can be changed at any time, but currently we have not taken any decision to abolish the 13th Amendment,” the minister said. Minister Rambukwella, addressing a special press briefing at the Mass Media and Information Ministry, said that several parties are trying to insult the Constitution of Sri Lanka and they are trying to say that the amendments to the Constitution will harm democracy in the country.

“But India which is known as the largest democracy in the world is also making amendments in their constitution. Anyone has the right to express their ideas on the 13th Amendment and the decision taken by Parliament will put into action in the future,” he said.

According to Minister Rambukwella, President Mahinda Rajapaksa has said he will never take action as a dictator on this issue, even if he has a chance to do as so. The President has said he will accept any decision taken by Parliament regarding to the 13th Amendment. Answering a question by the media, the minister said Parliament had appointed a Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) as the best possible avenue to find a solution to the national question.

But the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) has not appointed their representatives to the PSC yet. “The national political parties as well as all other parties representing various sections of the people should make a genuine effort to solve the National Question.

In that situation, the TNA has a responsibility to make their own decisions as a main opposition party. If they do not do so, the government has to take that responsibility,” the minister stated.

Notable drop in poverty level

Minister W.D.J. Seneviratne said that the poverty level in Sri Lanka has reduced to a greater extent after President Mahinda Rajapaksa assumed office seven years ago. He said that the Divineguma project has made an immense contribution towards the elimination of poverty in the country.

“The Divineguma Bill will be a great boon in reducing poverty in Sri Lanka. Over 1.5 Samurdhi beneficiary families and 27,000 Samurdhi officials will receive more benefits through this program, the Public Administration and Home Affairs Minister said.

“The poverty rate which was 30 percent when the government introduced the Samurdhi programme has now reduced to 8.5 percent.

The Samurdhi programme has helped bring down the poverty rate by 21.5 percent. It is a great victory for the country,” the minister explained.

“The Government has proposed “Divi Neguma Department to be established by amalgamating the Samurdhi Authority, Southern Development Authority and the Udarata Development Authority. Therefore, it will become a community based organization,” he said.

Meanwhile, Prelates of Malwatte and Asgiriya Chapters and Ramanna Nikaya expressed their appreciation and confidence that the Divineguma programme is a great success and major boost to the national economy.

The prelates, while blessing the project initiated by Senior Advisor to the President and Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa, also welcomed the infrastructure development in the country and said the project would bring more relief to the people.

Minister Rajapaksa who paid a courtesy call on the two prelates prior to commencing the fourth stage of the islandwide National Seed Planting Campaign on Thursday, presented a container with vegetable seeds along with mango and jak plants to the Mahanayake of the Malwatte Chapter Most Ven. Thibbatuwawe Sumangala Thera, the Mahanayake of the Asgiriya Chapter Most Ven. Udugama Sri Bhuddharakkitha Thera and the Mahanayake of the Ramanna Nikaya Most Ven. Naapane Premasiri Thera. Most Ven. Thibbotuwawe Sri Sumangala Thera also expressed his appreciation to the Minister Rajapaksa for mediating to end the strike staged by the university academic staff. The Ven. Mahanayake Thera while welcoming the infrastructure development in the country expressed hope that the Divineguma program would bring relief to the people.

The Supreme Court ruling on the Divinaguma Bill is expected to be conveyed to Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa this week. Following the previous Supreme Court decision, the Government obtained approval of all eight Provincial Councils that are functioning at present.

Since the Northern Provincial Council is not functioning and the elections are scheduled only for next year, the Government obtained the approval of the Governor of the Northern Province. When the Supreme Court assembled to determine the Constitutionality of the Divineguma Bill the solicitor General submitted to the Supreme Court that Justice Mark Fernando, Justice Amarasinghe and Justice Wadugodapitiya has held in the Agrarian Services (Amendment) Bill SC. Special Determination No. 2 and 4/1991 that “The Provincial Council established for the Northern and Eastern Provinces had been dissolved and accordingly the President could not comply with the requirement of reference of the Bill to ‘every’ Council.

The legislation therefore could not be passed at all, without such Council being first resurrected or resuscitated. However, ‘every’ Council may well mean every Council in existence, so that reference to a dissolved Council is unnecessary (unless perhaps such dissolution is being challenged as being a nullity), the solicitor General submitted.

Notice issued on ex-NSB chairman

Ever since the controversial transaction of the National Savings Bank (NSB) purchasing of shares of The Finance Company came to light, the Opposition has been attempting to gain political mileage.

But all those critics were silenced after the Government decided to take legal action against the then Chairman of the bank.

Colombo chief magistrate Rashmie Singappuli last week issued notice on former chairman of the National Savings Bank for the alleged unlawful procurement of shares of The Finance Company. The notice is returnable on February 28, 2013.

The magistrate issued the order to consider filing plaint against the respondent Pragith Gamini Suraj Kariyawasam, husband of Chief Justice Dr Shirani Bandaranayake, and a resident of Colombo 8, by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption.

The allegations are in connection that the respondent between 14-3-2012 and 3-5-2012 while employed in the capacity as the Chairman of the National Savings Bank (NSB) had initiated action to procure on 28-4-2012 7,863,362 shares of The Finance Company for a sum of Rs. 391 million with the knowledge that the state stands to incur a loss. Furthermore, while employed as a government servant on 28-4-2012 informing the entity (The Finance Company) that shares would be procured and informing the entity to appoint Shan Chandraselaran Shanmuganathan as a director to the entity.

Amongst the 26 witnesses listed are Executive of the NSB Anura Daniel Perera, Legal Officer Pathima Deen, Director of Taprobane Securities A.V.P. Arumadura and Samantha Rohan Silva.

The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption had listed 51 production items including documents of Taprobane concerning the transaction of shares.

Solicitor General's submission

Solicitor General (SG) Y. Wijetileke on Tuesday submitted before a three-judge Bench of the Supreme Court that the issue pertaining to the Divineguma Bill should be a matter coming within the purview of Parliament to be decided by the President.

The Bench comprised of Chief Justice Dr. Shirani Bandaranayake, Justice K.Shri Pavan and Justice Gamini Amaratunge. The Bench observed that the determination of the Divineguma Bill is to be submitted to President Mahinda Rajapaksa within a time frame.

Fourteen applications, including intervening petitions, were filed alleging inconsistency with the constitution, certain provisions of the Divineguma Bill which is aimed at poverty alleviation and social equality.

The Solicitor General was replying to a persistent query from the Bench pertaining to whether the court has jurisdiction over the subject of the Divineguma Bill.

President in Dubai

President Rajapaksa made his second successive tour of the Middle East inside a week when he toured the UAE, following his previous tour to Kuwait to attend the inaugural Asia Development Cooperation Summit.

President Rajapaksa arrived in Dubai last Sunday to attend the World Energy Forum. He also attended a meeting with the Sri Lankan community in Dubai. Over 2,000 delegates, including 22 Heads of States attended last week’s World Energy Forum 2012 at Dubai’s International Convention and Exhibition Centre. The UAE government decided to summon a forum for all First Ladies of the countries being represented at the World Energy Forum. First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa also took part in the event.

The World Energy Forum has chosen Dubai as the venue to host this event, because of Dubai’s geographic location and its political stability. This was the first time that such a high-level International Energy Conference took place outside the headquarters of the United Nations. Earlier, two fora were held with the attendance of Heads of State and leaders in the energy field.

The United Nations has designated 2012 as the International Year of Sustainable Energy for All. At the Forum, leaders sought tangible progress towards cleaner, safer and more sustainable energy as well as achieving universal access to modern energy services.

One of the primary objectives of this conference is to chart a road map for a sustainable energy mix that can fuel global economic and social development. The forum provides a unique opportunity to exchange new ideas on global energy issues from the perspectives of policy, technology, and business. The President told the Lankan community in Dubai that the time is now opportune for all Sri Lankans abroad to feel proud of their motherland which has achieved a miraculous level of peace and development after ending three decades of terrorism.

He who invited Sri Lankans in Dubai to visit Sri Lanka and see the current situation in the country first hand, said terrorism which caused the country’s decline was now over and all communities have gained the opportunity to live in peace and brotherhood.

President Rajapaksa said he would therefore request all Sri Lankans abroad to rally round and speak with pride regarding their motherland to the world. He said Sri Lankans abroad, who were rendering a dedicated service to their host countries, should endeavour to render a similar dedicated service to their motherland too.

President Rajapaksa who noted that certain groups sympathising with terrorists were trying to paint a wrong picture about Sri Lanka through the internet, stressed the need for people using internet facilities to beware of such machinations. He said a person could not make any allegations against Sri Lanka regarding peace and development if he or she visited the country at least once. The President said the people in the North and the East who suffered at the hands of terrorists and people in other parts of the country were enjoying all their due benefits and privileges today. The President said the country today had a network of developed schools, modern hospitals and a road network while almost 90 percent of the country’s electricity requirements had been met.