Mangala and cinnamon poles...

Though the Government gave a two- day debate to the Opposition to air their views about the findings and recommendations of the COPE report, the lackadaisical attitude of the main Opposition, the UNP was clearly witnessed during the debate as most of the Opposition chambers were empty during the debate and the speeches made by some UNP MPs were out of context.

Chief Opposition Whip, John Amaratunga who moved the adjournment motion on behalf of the UNP on the COPE report demanded to know what action the Government would take regarding the findings and recommendations of COPE. Amaratunga said it is the bounden duty of Parliament to protect state investments in several enterprises and it is this duty that COPE exercises for and on behalf of Parliament. The MP drew the attention of the House that nearly 50 institutions failed to table their Annual Reports in Parliament as at 30-06-2013. The report also referred to the need for positive action against those found guilty of cheating and corruption.

During the debate a tense situation erupted in the House due to some remarks made by UNP MP, Mangala Samaraweera in his speech. It was was out of context and centred on the recent clash that took place between protesting pro and anti Ranil factions in Matara. Instead of talking about the COPE report, Samaraweera attempted to put the entire blame on the anti-Ranil faction and a private media institution for instigating the clash. The MP attempted to convince the House that when they were engaged in a peaceful demonstration in Matara, they were assaulted by another demonstration led by an anti Ranil faction. However, Government members who interrupted Samaraweera's speech drew the attention of the chair that the he was talking out of topic.

Later UPFA MP, Janaka Bandara who was the presiding member informed the MP to express his views under the subject matter being discussed.

Samaraweera who wasn't concerned about the order given by the Chair even resorted to unparliamentary tradition by posing a challenge to the Chair. Port and Highways Project Minister, Rohitha Abeygunawardena who raised a point of order requested the Chair to expunge all those remarks made by Samaraweera from the Hansard as they had no relevance to the subject being debated in the House. Disaster Management Minister, Mahinda Amaraweera who spoke next told the House that clashes erupted among supporters of the same party. Those who were attacked, injured and hospitalised were all UNPers. Therefore, the Government has no ability to prevent this kind of power struggle created within the UNP.

On the following day of the debate, Minister Rohitha Abeygunawardena also responded to certain remarks made by Mangala Samaraweera. The Minister stressed the need to analyse Mangala's speech. The Minister told the House in a lighter vein that Mangala claimed that his group was engaged in a Bodhi Pooja when the anti-Ranil demonstration was taking place in Matara. Mangala also said that they even didn't have an ekel in their hands, but people saw them with cinnamon poles in their hands, he said.

The Minister said they identified Mangala's true nature when he was with them." We could see for ourselves how he maliciously engaged in conspiracies. Therefore we stood against him", he said.

Coconut Development and Janatha Estate Management Minister, Jagath Pushpakumara who joined the debate drew the attention of the House about the significant progress that has been made by some state institutions based on the recommendations made by COPE. Citing an example, the Minister pointed out that the Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd which ran at a loss in 2005 has turned into a profit- making entity today. He said according to the COPE Report, of the 236 Government institutions, 162 were earning profits while the Bank of Ceylon, People's Bank, ITN and Rupavahini have also shown an increase in profits compared to last year.

Gampaha District UNP Parliamentarian, Ajith Mannapperuma who participated in the debate also resorted to some unruly behaviour within the chamber by tearing a copy of the COPE. MP said that there was no use of any report of which the recommendations and suggestions were not taken seriously by those responsible to act on them. There are recommendations and actions to be taken on the basis of findings of COPE. But everyone in this country knows these recommendations would never be put into practice or actions would not be taken against those who have found guilty. Mannapperuma queried what is the use of a report if the recommendations are not heeded? Later the MP was seen shredding a copy of the COPE report.

During the two- day debate on the COPE report, President Mahinda Rajapaksa on Friday paid a visit to Parliament and remained in the chamber for about 15 minutes listening to the debate. UNP MP Karu Jayasuriya was speaking at the time when the President arrived the chamber. When the President stood up to leave, Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa brought to the President's attention of the absence of relevant Ministers and Deputy Ministers during the time allocated for Oral Questions. Then the President inquired whether the newly appointed Deputy Ministers were also absent. Following a Point of Order raised by UNP MP Akila Viraj Kariyawasam on the absence of Ministers and Deputy Minister to answer their questions, the Speaker stressed the need for the presence of relevant Ministers or Deputy Ministers during the oral question session.

Senior Minister for Human Resources, D.E.W.Gunasekera in his reply speech made the point that Parliament can make a greater contribution to rectify and monitor financial management. He said the power of financial control is vested with Parliament. The Minister said that it should not allow to tarnish the credibility and recognition gained by COPE. COPE could gain high recognition from society due to publicity given by the Media. The Minister said the COPE report was a collective effort. Credit should go to the entire committee. Chief Government Whip and Water Supply and Drainage Minister, Dinesh Gunawardena who categorically rejected Opposition Leader , Ranil Wickremesinghe's claim informed the House that the Government has not taken any decision to ban 'Facebook' in Sri Lanka.

The Minister made this assurance in response to a statement made by the Opposition Leader that speculation was rife that the Government had decided either to ban or limit Facebook in the country. Wickremesinghe said there are some reports that the Government was considering action against Facebook and it would either ban or limit access to it. Minister Gunawardena informed the Opposition Leader that the Government has not taken any decision whatsoever to ban Facebook.

The rank of Major and Colonel offered to principals was an interesting topic before the House, following a question raised by DNA MP, Anura Kumara Dissanayake from Education Minister, Bandula Gunawardena. The MP queried from the Minister whether principals would have to comply with military rule and the convention of junior officers saluting seniors.

The Minister said principals who held the rank of Major and Colonel did not have to salute past pupils, holding higher ranks in the security forces. Principals who have been elevated to the ranks of Major and Colonel don't go to their schools in military uniform so there is no need for them to stick to the military rule of saluting senior ranks. The Minister said these principals don't draw any special salaries or allowances for holding such ranks.