PARLIAMENT

Terrorism made country to be governed by Emergency regulations - President

President Mahinda Rajapaksa proposed to Parliament yesterday, that the Emergency regulations need to be repealed. “I am satisfied with the fact that there is no need to extend Emergency regulations for the administrative activities of the country now,” he noted, while making this proposal. The country can function democratically under ordinary law, he further said.

Full text of the statement by the President:

“As the President who had participated most in the affairs of Parliament since the Executive Presidency was established, I am in Parliament today to further demonstrate by determination that there should be closer links between Parliament and the Presidency.

From the time I was elected President, I have presented all budgets in Parliament. I was able to obtain the continuous support of Parliament for the economic and development programmes presented in these budgets. I participated at the conclusion of the last budget debate to further widen the cooperation between Parliament and the state.

With all humility, I am proud at participating in the Parliamentary Consultative Committee meetings of all ministries that are under my direct control and by this means, carrying out in large measure my duties to Parliament as minister.

‘In establishing a very strong connection between the Executive and legislature, we have done a great task on behalf of the country after it was freed from terrorism. It is my belief that through the close connection between the Executive and the legislature, it would be possible to strengthen democracy, establish sustainable good governance, strengthen the economy and further confirm the belief of the people in the process of Parliamentary democracy.

“Hon. Speaker,
Black July of 1983

The brutal terrorism launched by the LTTE coincides with the destruction of places of worship, livelihoods of the people and property during the ‘Black July’ of 1983 which created an unfortunate environment where the country had to be governed by Emergency regulations. Terrorism and insurrection which arose in the South in 1988/89 and the systemic increase of the assassination of politicians led to justifying the continuation of Emergency regulations. The State of Emergency was removed with the signing of a Ceasefire Agreement in 2002 with international cooperation, seeking to open the way to peace. However, the Emergency regulations had to be brought back with the LTTE violating this ceasefire agreement on a large number of occasions and demonstrated the height of its terror with the assassination of Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar.

“When I took over the leadership and administration of the country in 2005, what we inherited was this environment of Emergency.

“Although we made strong efforts to proceed with the peace talks that had been initiated at the time I assumed office in 2005, the brutal killing of people by the LTTE at Kebithigollewa and later closure of the Mavil Aru anicut led to our having to launch a humanitarian operation. The liberation of the East and the subsequent liberation of the North from terror was done under this environment. Emergency regulations became necessary and useful for providing relief to a large number of innocent people who had been taken hostage by the forces of terror and were released with the liberation of the entire North and East from terror, as well as for carrying out urgent measures for their resettlement.

Hon. Speaker,
Censorship of Press

“You are aware that even before 2005 there were several occasions when there were censorship of the press under Emergency Regulations. However, although we were compelled to carry out a massive battle against the most ruthless terrorist organization in the world, at no time in the term of our government has there been a control or censorship of the press under Emergency regulations.

Although some sections of the media caused grave obstacles to the humanitarian operation up to this time, we have not carried out any media censorship. I believe this is a good means of showing the world that we were engaged in a genuine humanitarian operation. It is with considerable regret that I state that this media freedom is being betrayed today to discredit the humanitarian operation that we carried out.

“The humanitarian operation carried out between June 2006 and May 2009, enabled us to eradicate terrorism from the country. From then on, our main responsibility was to open up that terrain for proper livelihoods to the people and for this purpose, to remove landmines, supply basic infrastructure facilities all directed at resettling the displaced people. We were able to achieve admirable success in this and nearly 300,000 persons who were displaced, we have now resettled all but 8,000 in their former places of livelihood. We have established schools, health centres and administrative facilities in those areas. In order to restore proper community life and provide necessary livelihood facilities, we have restored agriculture, animal husbandry, fisheries, tourism, commerce and trade and financial activities to necessary levels. At present, the people in these areas are harvesting the Yala crop and also reaping a good harvest from onions, vegetables and other supplementary crops. These people are engaged in fisheries and animal husbandry and have begun to enter higher levels of activity in trade and commerce.

“Towards the sustainable development of these areas, we have prioritized construction of roads, railways, ports, airports, irrigation, water supply, power, markets and transport facilities as well as religious and cultural centres and sports facilities that cover all necessary infrastructure aspects of development. The state investment, set apart for this region alone, exceeds USD 2,000 million. These funds have been obtained as long-term loans and assistance from different countries and financial institutions, as well as from the income earned by the government from taxes and other sources of income for development. We expect a very high level of development in this area within the next two years.

Hon. Speaker,
Local Govt elections

Not only has the entire country been freed of terrorism and reconstruction been done in these areas that suffered under terrorism, within this short period we have also held Local Government elections and by this strengthened a system of democratic administration. It is our expectation to hold elections to the provincial council in the next year. By this means, we have been able to give the people of the North the same rights and opportunities as available to people in other regions to participate in the election of Pradeshiya Sabhas, Provincial Councils, Members of Parliament and the President.

Hon. Speaker,
Health and education

For the purpose of proper administration and good governance, we have appointed District Secretaries to all districts and the necessary Divisional Secretaries, Grama Niladharis, doctors and teachers necessary for the health and education sectors and for all other services in the different regions. Through this widening of the public service, we have built a necessary environment to cater to the necessities of the people in these areas. In order to broaden the language capabilities of officials in those areas and to enable public officers in other areas to work in all languages, the government has taken action to carry out a national policy on language.

Hon. Speaker,
The Mahinda Chinthanaya

“We have achieved a broad level of progress in economic development too. In 2010, we were able to take the speed of the economic growth of the country to 8%. Statistics show that this trend has prevailed in the first six months of this year too. We now see a lowering of the rate of inflation and the assurance of greater food security through better availability of food and vegetable. Unemployment has reduced up to 5%. Arrival of tourists has risen to a high level of around 700,000. In all parts of the country, there is now an environment in which both foreign and domestic tourists can move about in freedom. Investment activities are reaching a higher level. As a result of the rapid growth the export sector and the flow of foreign currency to the country, the foreign reserves have now reached a level of 8 billion US dollars. Due to the stability of the exchange rates, the uncertainties that prevailed in international trading activities, have been largely eliminated.

Due to the low interest rates, the obtaining of loans by the private sector is on the increase. There is wide infrastructure development in sectors such as ports, airports, highways, power, irrigation and water supply. Through the “Divi Neguma” programme, there is increased self-sufficiency in agricultural sector and in domestic economy. Through the spread of this economic progress to every corner of the country, it has been possible to bring to the people their rights in education, health services and social security as envisaged in the forward vision of “Mahinda Chinthana”.

Hon. Speaker,
Responsibility to protect democratic freedom

“From the time when terrorist activities ended in May 2009 until today, there have been no reports of any terrorist activities other than the imaginary Grease Demon. During this period, through the conduct of several elections, the country has moved further towards democracy. Society has accepted that these were peaceful and fair elections. Accordingly, in the recent past, we have been removing various clauses of the Emergency regulations and steadily bringing society to normal administration. Internationally too, it is now accepted that there are no reports of terrorist activity in Sri Lanka. We have also introduced to Parliament internationally recognized laws and regulations to avoid monetary activities, exchange of goods, drug trafficking, banking and financial risks carried out by terrorists engaged in further nurturing terrorism. In addition to strengthening national security, we have worked towards preempting opportunities for terrorism to emerge through these laws and regulations.

We are proud to mention that our government has succeeded in protecting law and order and peace through rules and regulations approved by Parliament, based on the constitution.

Therefore, it is our responsibility to protect the democratic freedom achieved after many years.

It is under the ordinary law that the State administration, police and the judiciary take action against those who take the law into their hands and thereby disturb peace and stability. It is a great victory achieved by the people. This success was possible for the country because our heroic soldiers accomplished the humanitarian mission with great dedication and exemplary manner, because the people of this country extended their generosity and patience. What we can benefit from this is immense. We laid a foundation to strengthen our country as a rising democracy in Asia.

Hon. Speaker,
Multiplicity of views

For several years this Parliament has extended the Emergency regulations every month. Some voted against it, while some abstained. This supreme Parliament is enriched by representing all political parties in the country. Through this representation, we can consider the Speaker and 225 members as a great asset that brings together the multiplicity of views in the country. It is nurtured by all ethnicities, all religions as well as those who hold liberal and progressive views. All of them have gained wide experience in the recent past. Among these representatives are about 40 young members. We have for the first time an opportunity to find solutions for problems in our country within a democratic framework and without any influence from terrorists. Therefore, on behalf of the people of this country I request Parliament to grant this opportunity to them through Parliament.

I would like to present to this supreme Parliament, the proposal to repeal the Emergency regulations for administrative activities to function democratically under the ordinary law. This is because I am satisfied with the fact that there is no longer a need for extending the Emergency regulations for the administration of the country now.

Therefore I propose not to extend the Emergency regulations.”

House honours departed colleagues

Irangika RANGE and Sandasen MARASINGHE

Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa presided when Parliament met at 1 p.m. yesterday.

After the presentation of papers and oral questions, the House took up the Vote of Condolences on late MP Leslie Goonewardene, late MP Jayasena Rajakaruna, late MP. J.D. Weerasekera and late MP Augustheenu Fonseka.

Irrigation and Water Resources Management Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva

Late MP Prof. Leslie Goonewardene, was a great politician and rendered yeoman service to the country. He was born in 1938 at Veyangoda. He studied at Tholangamuwa Central College and entered the Peradeniya University for higher studies. He passed his BA degree with first class honours in history from the Peradeniya University.

Later, he served as a Lecturer, Dean and Vice Chancellor of the Peradeniya University. The services rendered by him to the Peradeniya University was immense. He entered Parliament in 2000. He was appointed as Science and Technology Minister under former President Chandrika Kumaratunga. He passed away in 2010.

John Amaratunga (UNP)

He rendered a great service not only to Sri Lanka but also to the entire world as a professor. He was an asset to the entire world. He brought glory to Sri Lanka by serving in many international forums.

Higher Education Minister S.B. Dissanayake

He was an active member who was involved in social, cultural and political activities. Prof. Goonewardene was an advisor to former President Chandrika Bandaranaike. The service he made for the entire education service was immense.

International Monetary Co-operation Senior Minister Dr. Sarath Amunugama

Late MP Prof. Goonewardene was one of the greatest intellectuals produced in Sri Lanka. He was engaged in leftist politics. He achieved all scholarships from examinations he sat during his schooldays and university days.

He accepted Marxism and was a Marxist to the end.

He illuminated Parliament and brought prestige to it. He always attempted to do the correct thing. He had authored over 100 books.

Human Resources Senior Minister DEW Gunasekara

He was one of the greatest of historians in Sri Lanka. He was an academic and political scientist. He added more colour to the leftist movement in the country. He was an author and used his literary work to break the myths in society.

Scientific Affairs Senior Minister Prof. Tissa Vitharana

I had the opportunity to associate with him very well during former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga’s era.

He was also an explorer who came up with new ideas always. His important discoveries and comments were always beneficial to the country.

A H M Azwer (UPFA): Late Prof Leslie Goonewardene, was a great scholar. He was brilliant in lecturing Sri Lanka’s history to students from foreign universities. His contribution to Sri Lanka’s history was noteworthy. He was also engaged in research and publications.

He always fought for a united and cultural Sri Lanka. He rendered yeoman service to protect democracy as well as for the benefit of students who were involved in higher studies.

Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa

Copies of the Hanzard containing speeches made by members of both parties of the Well during the condolence vote, would be sent to the family members and relations of late MP Prof Leslie Goonewardene.

Then the House took up the condolence vote on late MP Jayasena Rajakaruna.

Irrigation and Water Resources Management Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva: Late MP Jayasena Rajakaruna representing the Kurunegala District rendered a great service to the country. He was born in 1927. He studied at Kuliyapitiya Maha Vidyalaya, Dahanehgedera Vidyalaya and Maliyadeva Vidyalaya in Kurunegala. He extended his support to former Prime Minister S W R D Bandaranaike.

As a lawyer and businessman, he served the people to his maximum capacity. Representing Panduwasnuwara, he was elected to Parliament in 1989.

He was committed to the development of his electorate. He had close contacts with Buddhist monks and made great contributions to protect Buddhism.

He passed away in 2010.

Deputy Speaker Chandima Weerakkody takes the chair

Akila Viraj Kariyawasam (UNP): Late MP Jayasena Rajskaruna was a superb politician, who emerged from the Kurunegala district. The services rendered by him is still in the hearts of the people of the area. He hailed from a respectable family. He was an exemplary leader.

Shantha Bandara (UPFA): He was a politician who had been able to win the hearts of the people in Kurunegala. He was also a very competent English teacher who imparted his knowledge to innocent rural children.

He entered Parliament obtaining the highest mandate from the people. He took steps to provide electricity to the people under his leadership.

Dayasiri Jayasekera (UNP): He was fully committed to serve the people as a lawyer. He was a competent lawyer for civil cases. He had strong ideas and views on the ethnic conflict. He had a unique quality of expressing his views directly without any fear.

He rendered his services for the benefit of the people in Kurunegala.

Neranjan Wickramasinghe (UPFA): He was a politician who engaged himself in gentleman politics. He served the people as a competent lawyer for nearly 40 years. He was a close friend of my father. He rendered great service to people of Panduwasnuwara.

Kamala Ranatunga (UPFA): The late MP Jayasena Rajakaruna was a gentleman politician. He was appointed as SLFP Chief Organizer for Paduwasnuwara. He was a honest man. He showed special interest in rehabilitating irrigation projects and providing electricity to many areas in Paduwasnuwara.

A H M Azwer (UPFA): Copies of the Hanzard containing the speeches made by the members of both parties of the Well during the condolence vote, would be sent to the family members and relations of the members of that late MP Jayasena Rajakaruna.

Then the House took up the vote of condolence on the late MP J D Weerasekera.

Irrigation and Water Resources Management Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva: The late MP J D Weerasekera representing Ratnapura and Dehiovita electorates, rendered yeoman service to the country. He was born in 1924.

He studied at S Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia. He entered the Law College and became a lawyer. He contested the Dehiovita electorate and was elected to Parliament for the first time in 1960.

He had a very close association with well-known politicians in Sri Lanka. He was called by the people a great gentleman who had unique qualities. He was also a politician who loved the environment. He took several measures to protect the environment. He was also engaged in vast social service activities.

He was a true humanitarian, who passed away in 2011.

John Amaratunga (UNP): He was well-known as a horticulturist. He also served as a lawyer. He was a great politician who served the people to his maximum capacity.

W G Padmasiri (UPFA): He was a very popular member of Parliament among the people. He always gave ear to the people and solved their problems. He was a pioneer in establishing co-operative villages. He was instrumental in popularizing horticulture in Sri Lanka.

Livestock and Rural Community Development Deputy Minister H R Mithrapala: He was elected to Parliament with a vast majority. He was a very creative and innovative leader and was engaged in genuine and practical politics.

The fresh water fishing industry and animal farming projects were developed in his area during his period.

National Languages and Social Integration Minister Vasudeva Nanayakkara: He was a prominent figure and youth leader of Lanka Sama Samaja Party. He was actually an asset to Sri Lanka. He was a great politician who rendered a unique service to the country.

Kamala Ranatunga (UPFA): He hailed from a very respectable family and was committed to serve the people in his area. He was well-known for Orchid cultivation. He must be identified as a honest politician.

A H M Azwer (UPFA): Copies of the Hanzard containing speeches made by members of both parties of the Well during the condolence vote would be sent to the family members and relations of the late MP J D Weerasekera.

Then the House took up the vote of condolence on the late MP Augustheenn Fonseka.

Irrigation and Water Resources Management Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva

Late MP Augustheenu Fonseka representing the Wennappuwa electorate, rendered yeoman service to the country. He was born in 1925. He studied at Wennappuwa Joseph Vass Vidyalaya and Lunuwila Maha Vidyalaya.

As a teacher and deputy principal, he rendered a great service. He obtained an Arts Degree from the Jayawardenepura University while he was engaged in teaching. In 1964, he was appointed Chief Organizer of the Wennappuwa Electorate. As a Deputy Fisheries Minister, he served immensely to promote fishing in Sri Lanka. He was instrumental in developing infrastructure facilities in the area. He was a true humane and great politician. He was a devout Catholic, but helped Buddhism as well.

Niroshan Perera (UNP)

He was committed to promoting the fisheries industry. He had a good understanding of the problems of the people. He was a person who had unique qualities.

He was always a true leader of the people who emerged from within the people.

Social Services Minister Felix Perera: He stood for the needs of teachers. He initiated the only Teachers’ College in Sri Lanka.

His children are well educated and was never directed to politics. His father was a fisherman whom he spoke of always. He became an attorney in the latter part of his life.

A H M Azwer takes the Chair.

John Amaratunga (UNP): He who came from the society of ordinary people, served the ordinary people when he was a minister and a member of this House. When he lost elections, he entered the Law College and became an attorney. He joined the programmes launched by President R Premadasa and served the public.

National Languages and National Integration Minister Vasudeva Nanayakkara: He voiced the needs of the fisher folk. He initiated the associations of the fisher folk. He became a good orator and later applied it in Parliament.

State Resources and Enterprise Development Minister Dayashritha Tissera: He made a revolutionary change in the 1970-1977 period. He was a friend of my father. He had four children Sisil, Gamini, Aruna and Sandya.

He took initiatives to develop the Puttalam area and is remembered by the people even today.

Arundika Fernando (UPFA): He was born in my electorate, Wennappuwa, which is a very beautiful area. He was a descendent from a family of teachers. He was an eloquent orator and represented the people of Wennappuwa in this House during 1970-1977. He rendered a great service to uplift education as well as the living standards of the fisher folk. He had exemplary qualities.

He was a teacher and obtained a degree later. Then he was elected to Parliament. When he lost his seat, he studied and became an attorney. He became a leading lawyer. He educated his four children and was an exemplary father.

A H M Azwer in Chair: I direct the General Secretary of Parliament to send the copies of the condolence motions to the family members of Augustheenn Fonseka.

House adjourned until 1.30 pm today.