Parliament

The Defence Services Command and Staff College (Amendment) Bill:

An institution to instil discipline and sense of commitment

Sandasen MARASINGHE and Irangika RANGE

Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa presided, when Parliament met at 1 p.m yesterday. After presentation of papers and oral questions, the House took up the Defence Services Command and Staff College (Amendment) Bill for debate.

Water Supply and Drainage Minister Dinesh Gunawardene: The Defence Services Command and Staff College is one of the most prestigious institutions in Sri Lanka. This institute renders yeoman services, specially in the field of conducting military courses, training and planning war strategies.

The Commandant of the Staff College or any other officer of the Staff College authorized on that behalf by the Commandant, will provide relevant powers to implement and handle disciplinary control on the permanent staff of the Staff College through these amendments. The disciplinary control of the civilian staff of the Staff College, shall also be exercised by the Commandant of the Staff College in accordance with the procedures to be specified by rules made by the Board.

Civil Administrative Officer, a qualified Auditor and Accountant would be appointed to the Staff College through these regulations.

Lakshman Kiriella (UNP): Today the government is losing the trust of the public. Today people have no respect and confidence for the judiciary system. One of the most important recommendations in the LLRC is removing Army from civil administrative matters. This is a very timely recommendation which needs to be implemented in the aftermath of the war. So why has the government not implemented this recommendation yet?

The LLRC has recommended the government to take urgent steps to stop unlawful killings and abductions, while establishing media freedom in the country. Why is the government afraid to implement these recommendations?

Minister Felix Perera: We have to protect the country irrespective of our party politics. It was President Mahinda Rajapaksa who gave brave leadership to eliminate terrorism. No other leader who had ruled the country during the past, was able to liberate the country from terrorism other than President Mahinda Rajapaksa. Today the people are living in peace and harmony. We do not want to witness the raising of the ugly head of terrorism once again. That is why proper security had been strengthened in the country.

These security personnel who underwent many hardships during the war, have made their maximum contribution to develop the country today. The tri forces are engaged in many development activities and agricultural resurgence. We must appreciate their endevours.

Today, a decisive day for our country

Dayasiri Jayasekara (UNP): Today is a decisive day for our country. Our country was able to defeat terrorism. We thank President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, the tri forces and police and others for the efforts taken to defeat terrorism. We repeat the fact that since we are not hipocratic to bestow them their due respect in that endeavour.

But what is happening in Geneva today, is a result of a joint agreement entered into by the government and Ban Ki Moon. With that agreement, the government is bound to uphold human rights in the country. But the government is not doing so. The government had to establish democracy in the country. Thirty two persons have been abducted by a white van.

Various local and foreign forces supported terrorism in Sri Lanka

Rural Affairs Minister Athauda Seneviratne: We are today talking of the Defence Services Command and Staff College (Amendment) Bill.

There was a 30 year long conflict in the country, so that we lost many lives, disabled many and assets destroyed.

On the other hand, justice could not be established well, due to terrorism. That is the reason we had to impose the emergency law. Various local and foreign forces supported terrorism and it was another reason to continue with the Emergency so long. Those terrorist friendly forces, without negotiating with the government, was now attempting to influence many others. Those forces are envious of our government. Now those forces are finding avenues to put the government into difficulties with the prevailing situation in the country.

So far they have not been able to do so. Finally the most powerful country in the world, the USA had dared to move a resolution as they think that other countries are not powerful to do so.

However, whatever outcome should it be, we will work with the recommendations of the LLRC. We will try to find solutions within our country as we are a sovereign State though small.

Palitha Range Bandara (UNP): Two and a half years have lapsed after the defeat of terrorism. The government has to solve the problems in the country and uphold democracy. Today Sri Lanka has been defeated in Geneva by the US backed resolution against Sri Lanka.

LTTE friendly diaspora attempting to pressurize us

Thilanga Sumathipala (UPFA): Today is a very sad day for us. The LTTE friendly diaspora is attempting to pressure us. They are attempting to make representations to parliaments in respective countries they are living. They have made representations to 75 such parliamentarians. With their pressure, they could win this resolution.

LTTE leader Prabakaran's project is widely being put in motion by the diaspora throughout the world against Sri Lanka. However, we were able to secure 15 votes against America. They were only able to get 24 votes. We request all the people to support the government to solve these problems.

Sujeewa Senasinghe (UNP): We accept that the LTTE had caused a tremendous damage to the country. We accept that this government, President Mahinda Rajapaksa and the Defence Secretary defeated the LTTE. The government members asked us to tie a black band round their arm.

Opposition did not support government in Geneva

Sarath Weerasekara (UPFA): This Defence Services Command and Staff College had been established to cater to a timely need.

It has been established to provide joint training. Previously, only Army personnel were trained in that college.

But later, members of the three forces had been trained in the college. Not only that, the security forces personnel in our region had been trained in the college.

The Opposition did not support the government at the US backed resolution in Geneva. They indirectly supported the resolution against the country. Ranil who is presently in Jaffna, said that Jaffna is not being developed.

Good move to recruit officers to Defence Staff College

Ranjith de Soyza (UPFA): It is a good move to recruit civil officers to the Defence Staff College. It will help to develop this institution.

Today the Opposition is shedding crocodile tears over the plight that had befallen the country.

The UNP created the 'Black July' in 1983. The UNP is responsible for creating the diaspora to work against our country. But its a pleasure, that nearly 20,000 people who left the country in 1983, returned to the country after 30 years, when terrorism was defeated.

The Defence Services Command and Staff College (Amendment) Bill was passed without amendments.

At adjournment

Measures must be taken to protect the rights of women

Chandani Bandara (UNP): The majority of the population in the country consists of women. We must take measures to protect the rights of women. Today women's rights are being violated in various ways.

We must all get-together to provide social justice to women who have been physically and mentally abused.

Rosy Senanayake (UNP): This is a very timely motion. Sri Lankan women are in a high position concerning education, literacy and health, compared to several other countries. But cases of women abuse have increased. The government should take steps to safeguard their rights.

High representation in public sector

Water Supply and Drainage Deputy Minister Nirupama Rajapaksa: There is a high female representation in the public sector.

Women contribute immensely to the private sector as well. Today women have come forward through experience and knowledge.

Women are faced with social pressure

Anura Kumara Dissanayake (DNA): We must take measures to prevent violence against women. Today women are faced with great social pressures. We hear of rapes taken place in this country. Females face these injustices due to the lack of female representation in decision making.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Sumedha G. Jayasena: Considering statistics pertaining to cases of violence against women, child abuse and various other crimes have increased.

There should be attitudinal changes in society to minimise these types of incidents.

Thalatha Athukorala (UNP): Women make the biggest contribution to Sri Lanka's economy today. But they are deprived of their fundamental rights. At least one female officer should be appointed in each state and private institution to handle issues related to violence against women.

Dr. Sudharshani Fernandopulle (UPFA): The literacy rate of women have increased. As a whole, Sri Lankan women have achieved many victories in different fields.

Especially during the war, women had made a greater contribution and commitment to eliminate terrorism in the country.

Adaikalanathan (TNA): The contribution of women to the country's economy has been vital and valuable. Therefore, they must be provided with equal rights. First of all, we must make aware of the injustice faced by them. Stern action should be taken against those responsible for crimes and violations against women.

Kamala Ranatunga (UPFA): Every time, our country had been backward, it had been women who had come forward to protect it.

One of the biggest reasons for violence against women was alcohol. This has resulted in domestic violence.

That was why the President had initiated the Mathata Thitha programme.

Child Development and Women's Affairs Minister Tissa Karalliyadda: We have taken steps to eliminate terrorism which had adversely affected women and children for the past 30 years. Most women have become victims due to their own faults. We have to follow what was suitable to us.

Our theme for this year has been to empower the rural women. We are committed to protect the women's rights.

Lets get-together, irrespective of political differences to formulate a proper programme to minimise violence and crime against women.

The House adjourned until 1.30 pm today.

At adjournment

All should contribute to betterment of women

Child Development and Women's Affairs Minister Tissa Karalliyadda, told Parliament yesterday, that all should unite and contribute for the betterment of women in Sri Lanka.

He was responding to an adjournment motion moved by UNP MP Chandrani Bandara.

Security personnel deployed at museum

National Heritage Minister Dr. Jagath Balasuriya told Parliament yesterday the estimated value of the artifacts stolen from the Colombo National Museum was over Rs 4.4 million,.

He said among the items stolen were coins, swords and belts worn by important persons in the Kandyan period.

The minster said this is response to a question raised by DNA MP Anura Kumara Dissanayaka who asked about the break in and the circumstances surrounding it.

The minister said that six new armed security personnel have been deployed at the Museum since the break in last Friday night and admitted that there had been no back up security set up after the CCTV camera system broke down a few days prior to the robbery. Even the Mona Lisa painting was robbed once. This sort of things can happen anywhere in the world, he said.

Fake notes withdrawn from circulation

Currency notes to the value of over Rs 136 .5million have been withdrawn from circulation in 2010 and 2011, Parliament was told yesterday.

'In 2010, Rs 136.6 million worth of currency notes had been withdrawn, while in 2011, this amount had risen to Rs 137 million, Senior Minister for International Monetary Affairs, Dr Sarath Amunugama said. The Minister said so in reply to a question raised by UNP MP Ravi Karunanayake, who also queried as to the number of fake notes that are in circulation per year. Minister Amunugama said that it was not possible to estimate the fake notes in circulation, but in 2011, law implementing officers of the Central Bank had detected 4,697 fake notes.

He said that to tackle the fake note issue, measures have been taken to introduce a new security mark for currency notes as well as train relevant personnel on how to tackle the printing of counterfeit notes. Public awareness programmes too have been initiated to enable the public to differentiate between fake notes from a genuine note.

US backed resolution:

'Sri Lanka ready to face any outcome'

Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa, yesterday stated that Sri Lanka was ready to face any outcome of the US backed resolution in Geneva.

He made this observation at the Parliamentary complex premises, following the protest staged by the ruling party members against the US backed resolution against Sri Lanka, in front of Parliament.

One hundred and nine government members participated in the protest, which was organized under the leadership of Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne. Government ministers and members were wearing black bands round their arms in protest against the resolution brought against Sri Lanka.

They were also armed with banners which read "UNHRC allow Sri Lanka to live peacefully," "USA do not destroy our earned peace," "Sri Lanka suffered for 30 years, give us a break," "Do not allow to separate Sri Lanka," "Lets defeat the international plot against President Mahinda Rajapaksa," etc.

The members who were chanting slogans which said "Hands off Sri Lanka," urged the opposition members to join in the protest and stop betraying the country. Minister Basil Rajapaksa speaking to the media following the protest, said the country was ready to face any outcome of the US backed resolution against Sri Lanka at Geneva.

He said that Sri Lanka had to face numerous such challenges since this government put forward the 'Mahinda Chintanaya'.

"We had to face such challenges when we took measures to open the Mavilaru sluice gates, when our forces advanced to Sampur," etc.

He also emphasized that the government would not sacrifice the hard earned peace which all citizens - Sinhala, Tamils and Muslims enjoy today.

The minister also stated that certain countries were attempting to sabotage the peace and development in Sri Lanka. He said that though Sri Lanka was a small country, we have worked hard to win the support of other countries against the resolution.