Unpleasant situations were experienced at almost three fourths of the Parliamentary meetings held last week. Such situations will only result in the public losing confidence in a supreme institution such as the Parliament. The public begins to underestimate the parliament and look at it with disgust. No citizen will have faith in such an atrocious political culture.

Therefore, with a view to changing this political culture, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has decided to have the opposition directly involved in parliamentary activities in leadership roles; to serve as Chairmen on some of the 14 Oversight Committees to be formed.

These views were expressed by Prof. G. L. Peiris, Minister of Enterprise Development, Industrial Policy and Investment Promotion, Minister of Constitutional Affairs at the launching of the 6th stage of the English for Youngsters free training programme, conducted by the Prof. G. L. Peiris Foundation under the supervision of the Department of Languages, at Lanka Sabha Vidyalaya, Kirillapone recently.

English classes commenced simultaneously in 14 electorates of the Colombo district.

Minister Peiris also distributed funds of the decentralised budget and distributed loans for self-employment under the women's programme carried on by the Foundation with the assistance of ECLOF. Thirteen women received loans for manufacture of mosquito nets and travelling bags, tailoring, mushroom cultivation, beauty culture, ornamental fish, welding, sale of fruits and other small-scale income generating activities.

Funds of the decentralised budget were also given out towards community services such as tarring of Colombage Mawatha, Colombo East, construction of drains on Kitulwatte Road, Narahenpita, repairs of Poorvarama Vihara hall, construction of the front wall of Lanka Sabha Vidyalaya, etc.

Minister Peiris said children are educated for the purpose of creating within them, totally successful personalities. Education is the most important factor for solving the problems of today. Education is the most powerful mechanism which enables us to lead more successful lives than that of our forefathers, by putting into use our inherent talents and developing them, thereby having its benefits enjoyed by ourselves as well as our families. The Foundation gives preference to English langauge classes because it is widely used locally as well as globally. Computer skills are a definite requirement to secure employment. Hence the Foundation concentrates also on this subject.

"We are in the process of finding practical solutions to three serious issues of today. The ethnic issue, the economy and the political culture. Peace is of vital importance to carry out constructive programmes towards economic and social development. Due to the peaceful atmosphere currently prevalent, the investment inflow is on the increase. There are visible changes in the trade, investment and industrial sectors.

The LTTE has temporarily pulled out of the peace talks. A complicated issue which dragged on for years cannot be solved overnight. As anticipated there would be breaks from time to time and various issues cropping up. The LTTE will resume talks very soon.

The government is preparing a series of proposals for the attention of the LTTE, delivered by the Norwegian counterpart. Based on this, the government is making a meaningful approach towards achieving lasting peace. Peace and economy go hand in hand. The budget which will be presented in November by Minister Choksy, will bring some relief to people in regard to the high cost of living. CMC member Titus Perera appreciated the assistance extended by Minister Prof. G. L. Peiris towards educational activities.

Minister Peiris together with Minister Moragoda are actively and tirelessly engaged in bringing in peace to this country. It is not an easy task to, at the same time devote time towards educational activity. We can walk the streets and send our children out, without fear. This situation has arisen due to untiring efforts of Minister G. L. Peiris.

Commissioner of Official Languages Padma De Jayaweera said that the dedication of Minister Peiris towards educating the children is a praiseworthy act. There is an islandwide programme launched for teaching English language as a link language.