PARLIAMENT

President not afraid of threats - Minister G L Peiris

Parliamentary corrs.

Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa presided when Parliament met at 9.30 am yesterday.

After the presentation of papers and oral questions, the House took up the Committee Stage debate on the Appropriation Bill 2011. The House took up Financial Heads under External Affairs, Foreign Employment Promotion and Welfare, Labour Relations, Productivity Promotion, Parliamentary Affairs, Disaster Management, Resettlement, Transport and Private Transport Services Ministries for debate.

Lakshman Kiriella (UNP): Today is an ideal day to discuss the External Affairs Ministry after the President's visit to London. I hope that the Foreign Affairs Minister will enlighten us about the real situation of this problem. Why did the President visit London at this time even knowing the prevailing circumstances? This embarrassed him. We all like the President and we have no personal allegation against him.

Even the High Commissioner had asked him not to come.

The abductions continue in the country even though the government refuses this fact.

Will foreign investors and tourists come to the country under these conditions? We need to satisfy the international community. So why don't you start a dialogue with the Western countries to explain to them about the real situation in the country?

We will also support this endeavour. Nobody is aware of what is happening in the country today. We got to know that even the British High Commission might close down their office.

External Affairs Minister Prof G L Peiris: I am happy to respond to the questions raised by Lakshman Kiriella, MP. One thing has to be clarified. That is the personality and the disposition of the President. He said that he is not a coward and ready to face challenges.

The President pointed out that he was invited and even though there were obstacles and threats to prevent him from going, he should make this visit. Therefore, the President was of the view that he should continue with the visit as scheduled disregarding the threats and protests. He said that he was not afraid of protests and ready to face them.

Deputy Speaker Chandima Weerakkody takes the Chair.

Prof G L Peiris continuing: The country needs a leadership that is not afraid of challenges and does not runaway from them. The President bravely took the decision as the country's leader.

The letter of the Oxford Union mentions that they regret the cancellation of the speech and they had to arrive at this decision unwillingly.

When considering the protests held in London, I myself witnessed that the protestors had the Eelam flag in their hands. But Karu Jayasuriya MP in a statement that he has signed, defends those protestors. I can't believe the statement made by him. It is useless to blame the newspaper.

What Karu Jayasuriya MP is trying to convey is that those who protested are an impartial group. But this is completely misleading and this group clearly belongs to the LTTE.

The President was not afraid to face the difficult situation. He was not a coward to hide at home. He willingly accepted the challenge.

I also table the letter giving reasons for the cancellation of the speech sent to us following our request, so that all can see it and understand who paved the way to this situation.

We had no appointment with David Cameron during our visit. This is incorrect information .

I am happy that I could work with this President since I understand him as a brave and valiant leader of the country.

Suresh Premachandran (TNA)

If the President made this visit willingly, why were rallies organised at various places in the country. There is no need to organise these rallies, if he had paid this visit willingly.

A large sum is being spent for publicity. The Government has no clear view about the country's foreign policy.

Abductions are seen not only in the North and the East but also in Colombo. Nobody is arrested regarding these issues. When the Government is criticized, those who criticise are labelled as LTTEers. Even though the war is concluded no solution has been found to the national problem upto now.

Fisheries and Acquatic Resource Development Minister Rajitha Senaratne:

I would like to raise some points about the statement made by Karu Jayasuriya MP to an English newspaper. As a person who worked with him for a long time, there is no other suitable person than me to talk about this issue.

Jayasuriya MP says that he did not mention the words 'war crimes' and 'diaspora'. Even though he claims so, in the article we see that he has used those words.

Many who live in the North initiated protests in their region against the protests in London. They closed their shops and started protesting. Irrespective of what Jayasuriya MP says the people in those areas support the President.

Dilan Perera (Foreign Employment Promotion and Welfare Minister): Ranjan Ramanayake talked of Rizana's issue. In Saudi Arabia, the law is Shara Law, under Shara Law even the King of that country cannot pardon Rizana.

The king of that country has suspended the carrying out of the sentence considering our President's request. The pardon can be granted only by the family of the victim. If they are willing, we can pay the blood money in exchange. If that family is willing to do so, our government is prepared to pay the blood money. He also raised that the passport was prepared fakely as she was below 18 years. But it is not a fault of the Foreign Employment Bureau. We are taking measures to increase the minimum age limit from 18 years to 21 for applying for foreign employment in the Middle East.

Our sisters go for employment in the Middle East carrying their clothes and other belongings in shopping bags the other women from other countries go there for the same employment wearing fashionable clothes. When those employers see ours in poor attire they attempt to treat them in a degrading manner. We hope to change this situation by educating the migrants of cultural and social setting in that country.

Those employees who bring an enormous amount of foreign exchange to our country are not appreciated in a suitable manner when they arrive in Sri Lanka.

So we are making arrangements to provide them with a green channel at the air port.

Joseph Michael Perera (UNP): When we consider the Labour Relations Ministry what I see is that the labour related matters have been divided under various topics and they come under the purview of various ministries. My view is it is not a good move.

The Employee's Provident Fund is a very massive fund. That money should be invested for the benefit of the workers. That money can be given back as loans to the workers.

Major role of the development of this country is played by the workers like farmers, fishermen etc. If we want to get the maximum service of the workers both in the public and private sectors for this country we have to empower them. We have to give the public servants a good salary and make the environment conducive to earn a good living for the employees of the private sector.

Gamini Lokuge (Labour Relations Minister): The EPF is safe and is deposited in the Central Bank. The EPF now amounts to Rs. 850 million. The members of EPF are paid an interest rate of 13.5 percent. The members will never be deprive of the benefits of the EPF. You know there is a housing loan scheme for EPF members. This has both good and bad effects. So we have to formulate a mechanism to find a solutions for these issues.

We have formulated a mechanism to provide the members a 30 percent loan to construct a house or for operation. We need support of the opposition to grant these reliefs to the workers.

Ravi Karunanayake gave about Rs 150,000 to Sathosa Employees when it was closed. Now they have no way to earn their living.

When we talk of these issues we have to look at them leaving aside party politics to give benefits to the workers.

Dr Rajitha Senaratne (Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development): The West did not support us wholeheartedly to defeat terrorism. Why then has the UNP become stooges of western forces?

I really appreciate UNP MP Sajith Premadasa's statement made yesterday in Parliament. He has a backbone to say that it is only the LTTE that committed war crimes in Sri Lanka. Today, what UNP Members do is having dinner with foreign diplomats and dancing to their tunes.

Anura Kumara Dissanayake (JVP): Even if we are a small country, we are a proud nation. Therefore, our foreign policy should be designed to safeguard this dignity.

The cancellation of President Mahinda Rajapaksa's address to the Oxford Union is a big embracement. We condemn this incident. It is necessary to find out whether the President's speech was cancelled due to pressure and the influence of the Tamil Diaspora. This brought disgrace to the country.

R Yogarajan (UNP): It is reported that the Government is going to bring a no confidence motion against UNP MP Karu Jayasuriya. But MP Jayasuriya has not mentioned anything about war crimes in his news paper interview. So why is the Government getting excited?

If there were no war crimes then why has the Government appointed the LLRC to investigate many incidents that had taken place during the war.

Sajin de Vass Gunawardena (UPFA): President Rajapaksa was invited to the Oxford Union for the second time. He is the only leader to be invited twice to address the Oxford Union among other world leaders. He had to face LTTE protests when he arrived in the UK. The Oxford Union was not aware of the threats and objections of the LTTE.

The time has come for all of us to get-together and combat LTTE at international level. LTTE supporters living abroad are challenging Sri Lanka. We need to eliminate LTTE terrorism rising at international level.

I urge UNP Members not to make statements supportive of the LTTE.

Ranjan Ramanayake (UNP): Lakhs of Sri Lankan women work in the Middle East. Their welfare facilities and protection should be ensured. It is good that the Government had increased the age limit for those going abroad for employment from 18 to 21.

This will pave the way to minimize many harassments faced by Sri Lankan workers in the Middle-East.

Neomal Perera (External Affairs Deputy Minister): The Ministry of External Affairs has been working proactively to implement foreign policy objectives as elaborated in the Mahinda Chintana and the other directives.

Sri Lanka's bilateral relations with all countries continue to strengthen.

There has been particularly dynamic engagement with the key nations of the Asia region. Sri Lanka has actively engaged and taken on important responsibilities on the international front, having accepted the Chair of the Group of 15 and having served as Chair of SAARC.

Prof Rajeeva Wijesinha (UPFA): We would have to implement the foreign policy considering our dignity and sovereignty. The country was able to achieve many objectives based on our own foreign policies. We need to build strong relations and ties in the Asian region.

Providing training to staff members in the diplomatic service, will enhance the relations among foreign countries.

Ravi Karunanayake (UNP): The Government thinks the entire world is inside Sri Lanka. It is useless carrying slogans and hooting in front of Embassies. The Government should answer the allegations in a responsible manner. It must show and prove to the world that Security Forces had not committed war crimes.

UNP wants a committee appointed

A group of UNP members yesterday, handed over a resolution to Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa, seeking the appointment of a Parliamentary Select Committee to inquire into a statement made by Chief Government Whip and Minister, Dinesh Gunawardena.

The resolution signed by eight UNP members including UNP Deputy Leader Karu Jayasuriya, had not been signed by UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe.

The UNP requested for the appointing of the committee in connection with a statement made by Minister Dinesh Gunawardena on December 02, in Parliament.

Industry and Commerce Minister Rishad Bathiudeen (continues):

Govt has expedited resettlement process

The resettlement process has been expedited by the Government. It is a very complex target. We cannot resettle the people within one day. We expect your support to carry out this process successfully. Please discuss with us if there is any problem with regard to the resettlement.

Wijayakala Maheswaran (UNP): More than 1,000 people in Kilinochchi have been affected by floods due to the heavy rains. The transport service has been interrupted, causing hardship to the civilians in the North. But no relief were given to them so far. It is necessary to reconstruct the houses that have been destroyed by the floods.

Vinayagmoorthy Muralitharan (Resettlement Deputy Minister): It is our responsibility to preserve the peace prevailing in the country. Peace was achieved with lots of commitments and sacrifices. I urge the Tamil diaspora living abroad to join us and help to uplift the living standards of the people living in the North and East.

There are only a limited number of IDPs in welfare centres. Resettlement could not be done hurriedly.

It is being delayed owing to the demining process and heavy rains. Once, the demining is over, the IDPs will be resettled.

A H M Azwar (UPFA): The Parliamentary Affairs Ministry is dedicated for the implementation of the policies, plans and programs in respect of services provided by the Members of the Parliament to the public more efficiently and effectively. The souvenir shop established in the Parliament has become more informative place for the schoolchildren who visit Parliament.

I am also happy to announce that Saudi Arabia's king has suspended the death sentence given to Sri Lankan housemaid Rizana Nafeeh, following a request by President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Mahinda Amaraweera (Disaster Management Minister): The Ministry is committed to mitigate the disasters. It is our responsibility to rescue the people from disaster. More than 85,000 individuals have become destitute due to the floods. Three persons had been killed. It is reported that 313 houses had been totally damaged, while 3,000 houses were partially damaged.

I have already sent sufficient food items, dry rations and medicines required by the displaced people, and we are in the process of compensating them. The 10-year-old road map will be formulated to identify the places that are more vulnerable to disasters in Sri Lanka.

Dayasiri Jayasekera (UNP): There are eleven ministers in charge of transport in the Central Government and Provincial Councils to monitor the 22,000 buses operating in the country. Though there are 11 ministers in charge of transport services, bus services are not properly functioning, while people linger at bus halts during the night without buses.

Please take measures to formulate time tables for both CTB and private buses. It is then only that you can streamline the bus service.

Shantha Bandara takes the Chair

Ajith Kumara (DNA): I would like to speak a few words about the disaster management. After the tsunami disaster, the disaster management was discussed on large-scale. However, we don't see a proper plan to mitigate the effects of disasters. The cities submerge after a heavy rain. It is said that unauthorized constructions are being removed to prevent the flood situations.

Deputy Chairman of Committees Chandrakumar Murugesu takes the Chair

Ajith Kumara continues: But the effects of flood have not reduced. The city of Galle goes under water even after a light rain. A large number of people suffer as a result of flood and landslides.

Productivity Promotion Minister Lakshman Seneviratne: I express my gratitude to the President for placing me as the Minister in this new Ministry.

We have taken measures to promote productivity throughout the country.

We promise to build up productivity by 80 percent in Government institutions. Productivity does not mean working hard, but the work should be handled efficiently and intelligently.

We are in a transformation period regarding the population. About 34 percent of the population consists of dependents. 22 percent of them are children while, 12 percent are the aged. As expected, the percentage of dependents are expected to increase upto 60 percent by 2031.

People always think only of themselves. They don't care about others. Therefore a separate Secretariat is established to bring about an attitudinal change. We hope to create an attitudinal change in the whole country. We request film-makers to aim for an attitudinal change through their films. Television programs such as teledramas and advertisements should also give some message for an attitudinal change in people. When we are talking about attitudes, it could have been better if we can start this process from the Opposition itself.

Mavai Senathirajah (TNA): The country is experiencing a rainy season. Heavy rains are experienced in the North too. We request that people in those areas be resettled before the rainy season. Temporary camps are not sufficient to provide shelter in this rainy season. We see that even the area near Parliament has a threat of floods.

About 53,000 people are still to be resettled in the Mullaitivu district. A program to protect these people from floods should be implemented. Both the Resettlement Ministry and the Disaster Management Ministry should look into it. Necessary facilities and relief should be provided to them.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Sumedha Jayasena: The responsibility of my Ministry is to look into the welfare of the members of this House, while assisting them provide a better service to the people.

The use of modern technology to simplify the work of the House is also considered by us. Disregarding party and colour, we have provided our service to all in an equal manner. The needs of new MPs are looked into. Various awareness programs were conducted by our Ministry during the past few years.

We have also issued a special Identity Card for Parliamentary staff.

With the limited officers we have, we have tried our best to provide our service efficiently. There was no demand nor complaint against us upto now. We hope that we will not get any complaint in the future too.

Irrespective of the party, we distributed necessary money allocations needed for social services. Therefore the MPs can go to their villages and work for the welfare of those people using that money.

In the past, these allocations were not granted on time. But now, we provide it without a delay. I request all 225 MPs to provide their best service to the people using the facilities and services given by us.

Gayantha Karunathilake (UNP): I would like to speak a few words about the Labour Relations Ministry. After the elections, the Government has forgotten about the labourers and the promises given to them were not fulfilled.

The cost of living has gone up, but the salaries are not increased. Only a minute allowance of Rs 500 is given to the people. The hopes of the people have been shattered. People have to bear the burden of maintaining a huge Cabinet.

Due to lack of employment opportunities in the country, women seek employment in Middle East countries and subject themselves to severe ordeals.

Resettlement Minister Gunaratne Weerakoon: I take this opportunity to express my gratitude to the President for having faith in me to handover this Ministry. I also thank all those who voted for me at the elections.

The main duty of this Ministry is to look into the re-settlement work of the people who have been displaced due to the humanitarian operation in the North and East.

This is a Ministry that strengthens peace and unity in the country. I request all TNA members to participate in consultative committees and contribute to carry on the re-settlement work in their areas.

We value their ideas and opinions too. Our Deputy Minister is Muralidaran and he has a sound knowledge about this issue. He knows the real situation and what actually has happened. Therefore I am sure that I can carry on this work successfully with the co-ordination of the Deputy Minister.

We hope to empower the Resettlement Authority to speed up the resettlement process. A large sum of money is spent on providing relief and facilities to the families who were resettled.

S Vino (TNA): We are grateful for the invitation extended by the Resettlement Minister to participate in consultative committees. I am happy to say that we highly appreciate this position. We are ready to support the efforts of the Government in the resettlement work.

People in many areas of the North are affected by the floods due to heavy rains. The cultivations are also destroyed. If this rain continues, many more difficulties will rise in these regions. Specially Vanni district people will face a critical situation.

The resettlement work is delayed in some areas and various reasons are brought out for this delay such as the demining process.

Disaster Management Deputy Minister Dulip Wijesekara: I extend my gratitude to all those who voted for me to come to this House once again. This is a Ministry that was connected to many subject areas under various Ministerial portfolios.

This rain ushers havoc since we were ready to cultivate many more acres of land after the war was concluded in the country. But now, uncertainties have cropped up over the cultivations due to heavy rain.

We are now clearing the unauthorized constructions in the Colombo district and we continue this work in the whole of the island. We carry on this work without being suppressed by any power.

We hope to provide a better service to the people in collaboration with all officers and authorities.

Rishad Bathiyutheen (Industry and Commerce Minister) Only a small number of people remain in the Manikfarm camp at present. Mannar district has experienced floods with heavy rain.

I request that necessary relief be granted to them and the Disaster Management Ministry should take measures to prevent the occurrence of such a situation once again.

The financial assistance are not fairly distributed by the NGOs. I think the Government should intervene in this process.

People should be treated equally irrespective of their ethnic group.

Transport Deputy Minister Rohana Dissanayake: MP Dayasiri complained that nearly 13 ministers were appointed to look into the transport sector. I think he has forgotten that it was his party that wanted to give ministerial portfolios to Provincial Councils. It is because of this initiative that nearly 11 Provincial Council transport minister were appointed.

The SLTB consists of 35,000 workers as staff members and we have targeted a sum of Rs 55 million as daily income through SLTB service.

There are indirect benefits to the transport sector from this budget. It has been allocated a sum of about Rs 6,199 million.

MP Dayasiri spoke about the rail service too. A large number of programs are being implemented for the upliftment of the railway.

The Motor Traffic Department has also given necessary financial assistance to upgrade its service. Branches will be established in several regions.

Modern technology is being introduced to the transport sector in order to facilitate a better service to the people.

P. Ariyanethran (TNA): When one considers areas in the north and East, there are many problems pertaining to the transport sector, SLTB depots lack buses.

Appointments are made without adhering to exam results. Those who sat for exams are still awaiting results while 14 people from outside filled the vacancies.

On the mechanical side, workers are insufficient in some areas. A large number of vehicles are being imported regularly to the country. Accidents occur on our roads very frequently.

A H M Azwer takes the Chair.

Private Transport Services Minister C B Rathnayake: Transport is something like hunger felt by the people. Special attention should be paid to provide an efficient transport service.

There are prominent figures widely recognized in the world who have revolutionized their nations. Mao Tse Tung from China and Fidel Castro from Cuba, are some of them. Today we have reached a great transformation in the country in our aim to become the 'Wonder of Asia'.

Our transport sector should be modernized. We have planned to introduce electric trains in our country, while the maintenance of road rules and regulations should be paid much attention.

An attitudinal change is also needed in reaching our goals. People should not run down the Government service.

A proper plan with the support of the private transport service should be made to solve our problems. People should be able to go to work at time.

P Harison (UNP): Minister Welgama is a pragmatic minister who attempts a lot to improve the transport sector.

But he alone cannot fulfill this task. He has to work with the authorities of the Railway Department and the SLTB. We are happy to support the Minister in his endeavour. The collapse of the Railway Department has been due to lack of coordination between officers.

The Minister has already shown some interest about electric railway lines. We too await this change.

We can reduce the maintenance cost by introducing electric lines. This will also help to reduce the crowding in buses, since trains will be more popular among the people.

Deputy Speaker Chandima Weerakkody takes the Chair.

Lalith Dissanayake (Health, Deputy Minister): The CTB spends Rs 850 on a schoolgoing student who uses a bus after buying a season ticket.

The Government has utilized 545 buses for school services. The CTB provides a great service to the public.

Kumar Welgama (Transport Minister): I will accept all the positive criticism and suggestions made by the members at the debate.

Some members spoke of the Uthuru Mithuru project initiated by then Transport Minister Dullas Alahapperuma. By that project Rs 61.5 million was collected and remitted to the account of the Treasury to construct 3 stations and for other development projects.

During the UNP regime, buses were sold.

A sum of Rs 1,000 million has been allocated for the purchase of buses for the CTB.

There are allocations made to buy spare parts. The CTB earns Rs 4.3 million daily. My objective is to increase the income to Rs 5 million.

Where the railway is considered, we have old engines. We have planned to import 33 trains while 6 are engines.

I travel by buses and trains. Now trains on the southern line runs on time. But I have to accept that I couldn't do it with upcountry trains. But I am taking measures to achieve that end as well.

There are 35,000 employees in the CTB, while 17,000 are employed in the Railway Department.

I want to develop the transport service in accordance to the wish of President Mahinda Rajapaksa. The President wants a superb public transport service in Sri Lanka.

The Heads were passed with amendments.

Parliament adjourned until 9.30 am today.

UNP Deputy Leader protecting pro-LTTE groups

External Affairs Minister Prof G L Peiris yesterday stated that UNP Deputy Leader Karu Jayasuriya has come forward in defence of pro-LTTE groups that caused the cancellation of President Mahinda Rajapaksa's speech at the Oxford Union. Minister Peiris speaking at the committee stage debate of the Appropriation Bill 2011, under the head of the External Affairs Ministry, stated that it was clearly obvious by the statement made by him to a weekend English language newspaper.

The Minister further said that the protest in London was launched by pro-LTTE groups and he witnessed they were carrying LTTE flags during the protest. He added that Karu Jayasuriya was attempting to point out that the protest was conducted by an impartial group of people. Minister G L Peiris refuting a statement made by UNP MP Lakshman Kiriella, stated that the British High Commission in Colombo will not close down.

The Minister explained that the Swedish Embassy was a part of a restructuring process of their overseas missions.

He added that the Scandinavian country's mission in New Delhi is overseeing the works in Sri Lanka.

Measures to help fisher folk during off season

Parliamentary corr.

Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Minister Rajitha Senaratne said in Parliament yesterday that his Ministry has taken alternative measures to sustain the economy of the the fisher folk during the off season.

"Arrangements are made to reorganize the fishing communities while provision of funds from the revolving fund will be made for them for income generating activities," the Minister said.

A program will be implemented to cultivate savings habits of the fishing community and providing loans to them for self-employment.

Meanwhile, the "Diyawara Saviya" loan scheme has been launched for 3,000 entrepreneurs at a cost of Rs 420 million for strengthening small scale enterprises and generating additional revenue in Tsunami affected areas in Kalutara, Galle, Matara, Hambantota, Trincomalee, Ampara and Batticaloa districts.

Minister Senaratne further said that several programs have been implemented for improving the livelihood of fisher women as well. Facilities have been provided to fisher women who are engaged in self-employment to sell their products such as dry fish, making potted fish (Jadi), processing fish for animal feed and making ornaments from seashells.

Assistance is provided through the IFAD funded project for marketing of products and strengthening of enterprise relations of these self-employees and fisheries community based organizations.

MPs insurance cover to be extended to family members?

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Sumedha G Jayasena said in Parliament yesterday, that the government was considering extending the one million rupees insurance cover given to Members of Parliament and their immediate family members as well.

She said MPs had made a request that the insurance cover be extended to cover their spouses and children. The matter was still under discussion, Minister Jayasena said, during the Committee Stage debate on the Parliamentary Affairs Ministry.

In addition to the accident and death insurance, MPs were also entitled to medical insurance which cover hospitalization for accidents and illness with benefits up to Rs 200,000 per year.