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| Friday, 23 April 2004 |
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Politics | |
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| New Speaker pledges to safeguard dignity of House by Our Parliament Correspondents Newly elected Speaker W.J.M. Lokubandara yesterday pledged to perform his duties in an independent manner, safeguarding the dignity and decorum of Parliament and upholding its traditions. He also called on all members to extend their support to safeguard democracy and Parliamentary traditions. "Everyone should be dedicated to safeguard democracy and we must move away from confrontational politics marching beyond petty party politics," the Speaker stressed. While recalling his 27 year political journey, Speaker Lokubandara said he was grateful to former President J.R. Jayewardene for the opportunity given him to enter politics. "I highly appreciate that opportunity extended to a person like me who came from a village and the strength given to make the journey in the political arena. I am proud to state that I have always stood on behalf of the ordinary class of this country," he said. The Speaker also recalled his alma-mater Yahala-Bedda School, Bandarawela Maha Vidyalaya and Peradeniya University where he gained his education and higher education. Congratulating Speaker Lokubandara, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse urged him to safeguard the Parliamentary traditions and rights and privileges of all Members of Parliament. "We believe that with your vast experience, you will be able to perform your duties in an independent manner preserving the traditions of the Speaker post and safeguard the decorum of the House," he said. The Prime Minister requested the Speaker to extend his support to the Government's development process. Former Prime Minister and UNF Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe while congratulating the new Speaker urged him to ensure safeguarding the sovereignty and liberty of the people. "Though it was a hard-fought contest - now the vote is over and you belong to this House. It is your duty to ensure that the sovereignty of the people is safeguarded and upheld," he said. While stressing the necessity of maintaining dignity and decorum in the House, Wickremesinghe referred how the Lichchawi Republic was ruled. "Like that, we must meet in harmony, discuss in harmony and disperse in harmony. We must maintain high dignity." MP Athuraliye Ratana Thera: We never expected a horrible situation in the House. We do not accept members from the North and East as MPs of this House. The Government should work with us in the future. We will support the good work of the Government. JVP Parliamentary Group Leader Wimal Weerawansa: We congratulate W.J.M. Lokubandara for assuming this high office. Only 37 per cent voted for the UNP, while they gave a mandate of 45 percent to the UPFA. But we have an abnormal electoral system which does not reflect the real will of the people. However, the UPFA was able to increase 106 MPs to 109 at today's vote. We are certain that it will increase to 113 in the future. You were able to get a wonderful combination of votes from UNP, TNA and JHU. We wish that you will act impartially in carrying out your duties. SLMC Leader Rauff Hakeem congratulating the Speaker said: We look at your mandate as a complete mandate from three communities. I condemn the aspersion cast on Sangha. Our votes were not against Mr Gunasekara but they were protest votes against the formation he represented who try to change the Constitution without following the correct procedure. If the Government can go forward with constructive formulas to bring peace to the nation, we will extend our cooperation. CWC member M.S. Sellasamy: The CWC welcomes you. You have assumed this office when we are encountered with so many problems. Up Country Tamil Front leader T. Chandrasekaran congratulating the Speaker, said: You have a legal mind. Therefore, you can guide this House well. The JHU can spread a good message to people. Minister Tissa Vitharana: We have to face so many obstacles. We have to introduce a more helpful Constitution to the country and bring permanent peace. This Parliament is entrusted with a heavy task. MEP Leader Dinesh Gunawardane: We wish the Speaker Lokubandara for his success. You have a responsibility of safeguarding the democracy. We believe that you will act impartially when a debate is going on. You must work without the pressure of the Eelam agents. But we regret that we are going to miss your interesting speeches for sometime. The Government nominee for the Speaker's post DEW Gunasekara: First of all I congratulate you for assuming this high office. You have a great responsibility towards Parliament. I thank the 109 members who voted for us. We have to improve the quality of our speeches. We must improve this Institution. We must also improve the dignity of MPs which have eroded for sometime. |
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