PARLIAMENT

Budget 2012:

'Meagre amount allocated for capital, recurrent expenditure of President'

Sandasen MARASINGHE, Irangika RANGE and Disna MUDALIGE

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 2012 for the first date. The House took up the financial heads of 22 institutions coming under the purview of the President.

Country plagued by corruption

Karu Jayasuriya (UNP): The country has been plagued by corruption. The Bribery and Corruption Commission should be strengthened by filling its vacancies with qualified professionals. The Independent Police Commission has not been appointed yet. The police service has been totally politicised.

Police officers are inefficient today. They do not perform their duties justifiably. The Independent Election Commission should also be set up soon before conducting the forthcoming elections. People will lose trust in democracy if the government fails in appointing the Independent Police and Election Commissions.

Irrigation and Water Resources Management Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva - A meagre sum of money has been allocated for capital and recurrent expenditure of the President through this budget. There are 22 institutions coming under the purview of the President's expenditure heads.

These are very important institutions in the country. Therefore, sufficient allocations had been allocated to maintain these institutions, considering their importance to society.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa is a people's friendly President who always lives with the common man. The President's Fund is rendering yeoman service to the less affluent people.

The fund provides money for medical treatment for the less affluent, while granting scholarships to schoolchildren. The President's Fund is currently distributing a massive amount of money for social activities.

Now the country is marching towards economic and social development. It is politically stable currently.

We will be able to convert Sri Lanka into the Wonder of Asia, if we continue to follow the policies of the 'Mahinda Chinthanaya'. We are at present working to streamline the electoral system.

Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe - If the government wants to see that human rights are not violated, why did it disallow the setting up of independent commissions? Impartial elections should be conducted from time to time allowing the people to elect their representatives.

Today the government openly violates election laws ignoring the fundamental rights of the people. Right of franchise of the people should always be ensured. Why is the government scared of appointing Independent Commissions? It is a question whether there is democracy in this country. At the Commonwealth Heads of States meeting in 2011, the Sri Lankan government opposed the appointment of a Commissioner for democracy, the Rule of Law and human rights. Why does the government want to oppose such a recommendation as a democratic country.

If we are functioning a democratic state, rule of law and human rights are being upheld, then there is no need to oppose such a recommendation.

Technology and Research Minister Pavithradevi Vanniarachchi: This government has been able to reduce the unemployment rate to 5 percent. We were able to stabilize the economy while 157 banks faced bankruptcy in America and turn certain government institutions profitable due to the positive economic strategies included in the budget proposals.

We are able to remember the finance head of President J.R. Jayewardene in 1988, which was 0.47 percent of the entire budget. But today in a new era, in a country liberated from terrorism, the finance head of President Mahinda Rajapaksa is 0.28 percent of the budget. So the opposition does not have moral rights to talk of the comparatively meagre amount of money allocated for the finance head of the President today.

17th Amendment to the Constitution should be Implemented

Lakshman Kiriella (UNP): This government is not on the proper track after the liberation of the country from terrorism.

The government has to take up a democratic path as King Ashoka did in India at the end of the Kalinga war. The President has to take this country along a novel path. President Mahinda Rajapaksa in late 1980s as an MP went before the International Human Rights Commission as there was no law and order in the country.

It is the same today.

We do not disagree that this government ended the war. But the track on which this government is moving after the victory over terrorism is incorrect.

Deputy Chairman of Committees Murugesu Chandrakumar takes the Chair

S. Vinayagamoorthy (TNA): The 17th Amendment to the Constitution had been passed to prevent the politicization of the public service. But it has not been able to appoint the National Police Commission, National Public Service Commission, Bribery Commission, etc.

The Human Rights Commission in Sri Lanka has many defects. It is not an independent institution. The Attorney General's Department should be thoroughly independent.

The Election Commissioner should also be independent. I advise that the 17th Amendment to the Constitution should be brought back.

V. Radhakrishnan (UPFA): There had been many presidents in Sri Lanka, but it was only President Mahinda Rajapaksa who was able to take measures to eliminate terrorism that tormented the country for 30 years. The war has been over. Now the country is being developed we observe, largely roads are constructed, massive bridges are being constructed joining distant areas. The tourism industry is booming. All these changes have been made under the leadership of President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Petroleum Industries Minister Susil Premajayantha: Lakshman Kiriella said that as the war had been over now to handover the country to restore democracy. The Opposition was unable to remember that two bombs had been blasted in the Committee room No. 2 in Parliament. During the UNP regime, how many attorneys were killed. Kanchana Abeypala, Charitha Lankapura and many others were killed. Many other lawyers left the country. When we appeared for those cases as attorneys, the CID came after us.

The verdict of a Court is given considering to statements made in Court and not according to what had been discussed in society.

Oil explorations in the Mannar Basin have begun and successful results obtained. Owing to these positive results, many companies have been showing an interest in joining the oil exploration work in the remaining blocks which are to be tendered.

A H M Azwar (UPFA): UN General Secretary Ban ki Moon had expressed his appreciation over the way in which President Rajapaksa eradicated terrorism. He mentioned that our President was one of the great contemporary leaders in South Asia.

It is right to say that President Rajapaksa's reign has marvelled the world. The first expressway of the country was opened recently and it is actually a 'Gateway to Wonder'. The fruits of development can be seen throughout the country and people are enjoying the dividends of these development projects. Today, independent committees have been appointed in the country which would provide good examples for good governance in the country.

Harin Fernando (UNP): The President should have control over the conduct of his MPs. The dignity of the House should be preserved. The Opposition MPs engaged in a peaceful protest displaying a few placards, where as the government MPs behaved aggressively during the presentation of the budget. I was attacked in the House, but I did not make a complaint protecting the brotherhood of the MPs on both sides of the well.

I have my sympathies for the minister who criticised my father. I am ashamed of his conduct and immature comments.

I pledge that if there had been a mistake in my conduct in the House, I would ensure that such mistakes would never occur in the future.

Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage: Even though MP Harin Fernando promised to correct his behaviour, he directed false criticism at MP Grero. The Opposition may not have any respect for him, but this country respects him and values his services. There are a number of Opposition MPs willing to support the government. But we do not have space to accommodate them.

The Opposition too accepts that this was overall a good budget. They too directed a few criticisms over democracy, but I would like to ask whether there was democracy during the UNP. The UNP MPs should figure it out first. There was no democracy within the UNP, even from its inception.

If there was no democracy, how could these private media institutions broadcast and publish their opinion without any restriction? The democracy flourishes in the island.

It is the UNP which disrupted democracy in Parliament.

Govt had pardoned many culprits guilty of crimes

Dayasiri Jayasekera (UNP): Today, we are taking up several important ministries at the Committee Stage of the budget debate.

All top officials from these institutions have come to Parliament expecting to review important issues in their institutions. So we have to pay serious attention to these subjects without resorting to political mud slinging speeches. The present regime has pardoned a number of culprits who had been responsible for crimes. Justice had not been meted out in Courts due to various influences.

Foreign Employment Promotion and Welfare Minister Dilan Perera: Dayasiri Jayasekara made contradictory statement today. He said a former Chief Justice had been appointed an adviser to

Deputy Speaker Chandima Weerakkody takes the chair

the President. It is bad. But when Sarath N Silva was appointed the adviser to Sarath Fonseka, it was good. Who ordered the ASPs to salute Soththi Upali?

It's Sajith's father, the late President R Premadasa.

Now when we allocated a sum of Rs 24 million for refurbishing the office of the Leader of the House and Rs 30 million for the Chief Government Whip's office, the total cost being Rs 54 million, the amount allocated for the Leader of the Opposition's office had been Rs 65 million. It is higher than the total amount allocated to the Chief Government Whip's office and the Leader of the House's office.

Dr. Jayalath Jayawardena (UNP): The allocated money of Rs 65 million has been allocated to the Opposition Leader and its office, not only for the Opposition Leader's office, but to construct an office for the Opposition as well.

Where is KP who is an international criminal and terrorist?

The report of the LLRC had been handed over to the President. We would like to know what it contains.

A.H.M. Azwer (UPFA)

The Southern Expressway, ceremonially declared open as the Gateway to Wonder, at Galle on Sunday, November 27, 2011, by President Mahinda Rajapaksa, is a marvel to the eye. An absolutely magnificent piece of work consolidating the South Western Quadrant of Sri Lanka.

This expressway is unique compared with those seen in Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo, Seoul and other international townships in the Far East. Unlike those grandiose foreign roadworks plying through mostly urbanized precincts of concrete jungles, the Gateway to Wonder wends its way serenely via eleven interchanges amidst the plush greenery of virgin lands untouched by man.

The fleeting natural scenery on either side of the traveller along the Gateway to Wonder, is God's gift to mankind! An experience of Sheer joy!

This grand project is one more remarkable addition to the extensive beautification of Colombo City, the systematic disposal of garbage; the upgrading of the life standards of people, causing a confluence of all minds in one positive direction. Another project in the Mahinda Chinthanaya is fulfilled in that of development of the road network and transport system.

In his address at Karandeniya, President Mahinda Rajapaksa shared his vision of a similar expressway linking Colombo with Jaffna via the longwinded A-9 and another connecting Colombo with Kandy and by end-2012, the Colombo-Katunayake Expressway. The President also foresaw the Gateway to Wonder extending to Mattala International Airport and Encompassing the Hambantota Harbour.

Making the keynote address at the inaugural National Conference on Reconciliation at the Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute of International Relations and Strategic Studies on November 24, 2011, Defence and Urban Development Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, rightly endorsed Sri Lanka's stance in that it did not need external guidance to achieve post-conflict reconciliation, which is now in progress. How true!

Surely, Sri Lanka will certainly not bow down to any foreign power's dictates in its road to achieving prosperity on the foundations of peace. A peace which emerged like a Phoenix from the sullen ashes of terrorism, which tormented this land for thirty traumatic years! That, remember, was a parlous period of decadence and decay. We have emerged from that morass and are now on the path to progress and development within a pious aura of peace and reconciliation.

It is now incumbent upon every loyal and law-abiding citizen, immaterial of party-politics, communal group or religious sect, to come together as one body and support Sri Lanka on its path to progress.

It was none other than Secretary-General Ban-ki-Moon of the United Nations, who told our President that he has received an overwhelming mandate from the people of Sri Lanka twice and he is qualified to take up the leadership of Asia. Viewing in its correct perspective, the peace that Rajapaksa has wrought, the gigantic development schemes he has now initiated and for the unity he has restored in the country, he is rightfully qualified to receive the nobel Peace Prize this year.

The Leader of the Opposition has failed to attend even a single meeting of the Parliament Council when it met nine times and appointed nine Commissions, and Judges of the Supreme Court. Appeal Court, Auditor General and the Attorney General. He was appointed to this Parliament Council as he is the Leader of the Opposition in accordance with the eighteenth Amendment to the Constitution. He has even prevailed upon his other Member D. Swaminadan from attending the Council and Swaminadan has gone on record to say that he was not attending because his leader did not want him to attend.

This is the way the Leader of the Opposition is respecting Parliament and he has no right to question about these appointments at all.

He deliberately removed his tie when in the House and thus violated Standing Orders which stipulates the correct code of dress when a member enters the House.

There had been many leaders before President Rajapaksa, but all of them were unable to defeat terrorism and usher peace to the country. We should praise him for his bravery.

This government has not curtailed any relief given to the people. Samurdhi benefits and fertilizer subsidy continue for the welfare of people. At the same time, large scale development projects too takeplace in the country.

The Opposition criticized the Attorney General's Department But it is the UNP regime which humiliated this department.

Today there is no such crisis in this department.

Rajith De Zoysa (UPFA): Certain members of the Opposition spoke with hatred and malice towards the President. We regret their conduct.

President Rajapaksa ensured the security of a 20 million population in the country using his executive powers.

His executive presidency is a blessing to every citizen living in the country.

The UNP MPs defamed the President with scandalous words during the presentation of the budget. We are ready to take any initiative to hamper such disturbances by the opposition. The opposition MPs also disgraced MP Grero after he crossed over to the government.

Water Supply and Drainage Minister and Chief Government Whip Dinesh Gunawardena: President Rajapaksa brought a historic victory to the country, where as the Opposition parties provided incentives for terrorism and helped strengthen the LTTE.

The Opposition criticized saying that the government protected the LTTEers. Some of the ex-LTTEers who have layed down their weapons and embraced the democratic rule, have joined us.

Minister Muralidaran and Chief Minister Pilleyan too have joined the government to support our endeavours to provide welfare to the people. This is real democracy and this is what we expect.

We hope to present amendments to the elections system prevailing in the country.

The Bill in this regard, will be presented in the House shortly. There has been many negative results due to loopholes of the existing system which is not the ideal system to Sri Lanka.

We also appreciate the dedicated services of the Auditor General and for his cooperation with the President.

I also wish to express my gratitude to COPE Chairman for presenting its report today and appreciate its hard work.

Dr. Jayalath Jayawardena in a letter had requested the European Union not to enter into economic agreements with Sri Lanka. We explained to the European Union the obstacles before us and explained that we could overcome these obstacles. We were able to win them over for the people of this country.

We will provide all provisions necessary to the Opposition and the Opposition Leader how so ever much he behaves in Parliament against the government. We have set an example in that way. We don't treat them in the same manner the UNP treated us when they were in power and also the treatment meted out to then Opposition Leader Sirimavo Bandaranaike. They even took away her civil rights.

The President took measures to end the conflict

Industry and Commerce Minister Rishad Bathiudeen:

We know that Mahinda Rajapaksa is the President who created an environment for us to go back to our villages without any fear.

President Rajapaksa took measures to solve the conflict in the country. Some people are betraying Sri Lanka in foreign countries. But all my people in the North need peace and nothing else. In addition, the President initiated a massive development project for my people in the North.

Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne:

Today we debate on the finance heads of the President, the Prime Minister and 22 institutions.

But most members spoke only of the President's finance head.

We know that President Mahinda Rajapaksa is the leader who prevented killings of 30 years. Yesterday, another member joined the government making the government's seat 161. Along with the Speaker the total is 162. They join us as it is easy to work and serve the nation under the leadership of President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Elections were held in a free and fair manner. I wish to know if the UNP thinks that the people in this country who elected this government into power are fools?

Deputy Speaker Chandima Weerakkody takes the Chair.

The Opposition says that human rights are being violated in Sri Lanka. Tell us where the human rights have been violated? The UNPers are going to complain to England. Still the UNPers are living in a colonial era.

They should get their blood checked to ascertain if they are having any defects to betray the country. Why can't they solve their problems within the country. We have to thank the Speaker, Deputy Speaker and other members who preside at various times, the General Secretary and others who skillfully function the business of Parliament.

There are more than 80,000 persons in the Police service. There might be one or two black sheeps in the fold, but you should not degrade all of them. They are performing a commendable job.

More than 92 percent of the people in our country are educated. The elections have been free and fair. The President obtained a majority of 1.8 million votes at the elections. So why is the Opposition trying to say that govt are fools? So, I request each and everyone of you to get rid of envy and jealousy.

I heard that some Opposition members and also the Opposition Leader had said that the incidents in Libya should take place in Sri Lanka.

What is happening in Libya now? How many people are being killed now?

How many will die in Sri Lanka if the same thing happens in Sri Lanka? We would not allow that to happen? Don't try to make our country a colony.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa said that he was ready to die on behalf of the country. So, we all should get together as one nation politically and make our country a proud nation. We will solve our problems ourselves.

The House was adjourned until 9.30 a.m. today.