Parliament

‘President allocated maximum amount of money for sports’

Sandasen Marasinghe, Irangika Range and Disna Mudalige

Deputy Speaker Chandima Weerakkody presided when Parliament met at 9.30 a.m yesterday.

After presentation of papers and oral questions, the House took up the Committee stage debate on the Appropriation Bill 2013 for the twenty first allotted day.

The committee took up the finance Heads of Construction, Engineering Services, Housing and Common Amenities Ministry, Youth Affairs and Skills Development Ministry and Sports Ministry.

Gayantha Karunathilleke (UNP): Housing is one of the basic needs of human beings. The golden era of housing development was ushered during the UNP regime under the leadership of late President R. Premadasa. He was pioneered in commencing a number of housing projects for the poor and large scale housing schemes for the thousands of landless and homeless people were granted with the ownership of new houses and lands during the UNP regime.

It was pledged under the ‘Mahinda Chintana’ to provide 65,000 new houses for the people living in temporary shelters. But, the government has failed in fulfilling this pledge. The government also pledged to construct new houses in Anuradhapura and Kurunegala districts for the migrant workers. But none of the houses has been constructed yet prices of building materials are skyrocketing. Low income earners who wish to construct houses have faced severe difficulties due to the price hike.

Lasantha Alagiyawanna (Construction, Engineering Services, Housing and Common Amenities Deputy Minister): The housing and construction sectors make a direct contribution to the economic development of a country. Many institutions like National Housing Development Authority, State Development and Constructions Corporation and State Engineering corporation which were on the brick of collapsing were restructured and revived by our government. We have planned to convert them to make profit earning and efficient entities. We are implementing a “Janasevana” housing programme to make our noble concept “a house for each Sri Lankan family” - a reality.

We have been able to resolve various problems that emerge with regard to housing development.

The government has also been able to fulfill a number of housing requirements through its strategies.

Dinesh Gunawardena (Water Supply and Drainage Minister): It is commendable the service rendered by both the Minister and Deputy Minister for the betterment of housing and construction sectors. The country which faced many devastations during the war is now marching towards development.

Therefore, it is necessary to allocate sufficient amounts of funds for the housing and construction sectors. These two sectors play vital roles in the economic development. These sectors also directly contribute for employment generation and developing minor industries like bricks and tile manufacturing.

Pon Selvarasa(TNA)

A number of housing projects were initiated during the previous UNP regime for the betterment of homeless people.

Late President R. Premadasa commenced a large number of housing projects to resolve the grievances of homeless people. When the North and East are concerned very few housing projects are being implemented. Houses of most of the people have been destroyed during the war.

Therefore, it is necessary to implement tangible housing schemes for the betterment of homeless people in the North and East.

Sajith Premadasa (UNP): It is the responsibility of the government to provide housing facilities to all citizens of Sri Lanka. The golden era of the housing development was during the regime of Late President R. Premadasa. A number of promises were pledged in the “Mahinda Chintana” to provide houses to the people. But none of the promises has been fulfilled yet.

The government has promised to build 25 houses in every village. If 25 houses have been built in each village, there should be 350,000 new houses in villages. But it was not happened. Promises given to the people have been violated.

Silvester Alantine (UPFA): The government has taken measures to improve infrastructure facilities in areas where there resettlement have been carried out. But, there are several problems pertaining to housing and unemployment still in the North and East.

Houses of thousands of people were destroyed due to the war. Therefore it is necessary to provide housing facilities to those people.

Dayasiri Jayasekara (UNP):

Minister Wimal Weerawansa always speaks about patriotism. But his work does not reflect what he preaches. The lands in the heart of Colombo have been sold.

The size of a house constructed at the new housing complexes is either 650 square feet or 850 square feet. These houses are very small, but the prices are unusually high.

The State Engineering Corporation in 2011 had given 25 vehicles, it owned to various other sources for use.

P. Digambaram (UPFA):

The facilities in plantation workers’ houses are not adequate. People living in these houses face so many hardships. The houses are not constructed up to the required quality.

We support the development work carried out by the government. Our aim is to serve the people to our best capacity.

Sujeewa Senasinghe (UNP):

Minister Weerawansa held anti-Western views. But he changes his policies very often. The distribution of houses does not carried out in a fair manner.

Former President R. Premadasa constructed a large number of houses. Even though Minister Weerawansa stated that he would construct 28,000 houses, only about 5,600 have been constructed in 2012.

Wimal Weerawansa, Engineering Services, Construction, Housing and Common Amenities Minister:

When the President assumed duties in 2005, the Housing Development Authority was to be closed. According to the ‘Regaining Sri Lanka’ plan it was to be closed. I am happy that the Opposition keenly joins in the debate today. Their interruptions show their interest on the Ministry. Please let me speak during the time allocated to me. I ask the Opposition to face the truth. We have not sold any land to any Indian Company or any other foreign company.

We have initiated to construct flats in several areas. The State Engineering Corporation has been strengthened. The NEMO, which was a loss-making institution in the past, has now been revitalised.

A housing project for the war heroes has been implemented.

Another housing project for low income families has been implemented.

We have incorporated the support of State banks for our work. I decline the claim that the vehicles of the State Engineering Corporation have been misused. I would resign from my Ministry if this claim was proved. We have never used State resources for political purposes. The Opposition would not criticise us this much if we do not work. They criticize because we do work.

Even during former President Premadasa's regime, the targets of the housing projects were not entirely met. If he had done so, 3.1 million houses should have been constructed by him. The total housing requirement in the country is about 5.1 million. Some spoke as if today was the condolence of former President Ranasinghe Premadasa.

Dinesh Gunawardena, Water Supply and Drainage Minister and Chief Government Whip:

Due to interruptions from the Opposition, the Minister could not reply properly. We request to extend the House for another 10 minutes to let him to continue.

Deputy Chairman of Committees, Chandrakumar Murugesu (in Chair):

We cannot do so since the Opposition does not agree. Then you have to go for a division.

Minister Dinesh Gunawardena:

We agree for a division.

Chandrakumar Murugesu (in Chair):

Everyone take the chair. A division has been called.

The quorum was sounded. The vote was taken.

Chandrakumar Murugesu (in Chair):

42 votes in favour and 18 against. Therefore, the Minister can continue for another 10 minutes.

Minister Wimal Weerawansa continues:

We could make revolutionary changes in the construction sector. The construction materials can now be obtained from one place and that revenue is remitted to the State Engineering Corporation.

Deputy Chairman of Committees Chandra Kumar Murugesu takes the Chair:

Ruwan Wijewardena (UNP): I would like to bring the incidents to the notice of this assembly that took place in the Rajaratna University. Several thugs had entered into the university hostels and assaulted the students. Five of them had been admitted to the hospital. I request the government to provide them with security.

The youth in the country are those who would take over the future of this country. So they have to be competent, strong, skillful and educated. I know that the government cannot solve the problem of unemployment overnight. But the government could minimize the issue.

P. Rajathurai takes the Chair:

Dullas Alahapperuma (Youth Affairs and Skills Development Minister: Ruwan Wijewardena introduced a discipline to the debate.

A leader of the country and Finance Minister for the first time in Sri Lanka after independence said his budget has been based on skills development among other important foundations. I have to thank Members, Duminda Dissanayake and Mohan Lal Grero for the commendable support they extended to me to make these projects a success.

Among all the countries of the United Nations, there's only one country which has a Ministry under the name of Youth Affairs and Skills Development.

The President had identified that the asset of the country is the education, skills and knowledge of the nation. That is the reason for the setting up of this ministry by the President. Priority has been given to the skills development now.

For the first time in Sri Lankan history from next year a Technology stream will be introduced to A/L stream in addition to the Arts, Science and Commerce.

During the past three decades we faced three youth struggles. Today 26 percent of the population is youth. So we have taken measures to use our youth for the betterment of the country's future.

Harin Fernando (UNP): Youth Affairs Ministry has given a good opportunity for the Youth. However, under our government, there are two programmes implemented for the youth. One being ‘Tharunyata Hetak” and the other “Heta Wenuwen Ada”.

Gamini Lokuge, Labour and Labour Relations Minister:

President Mahinda Rajapaksa has rendered a yeomen service to youth and also to develop the sports. Lots of playgrounds and swimming pools have been constructed at village areas. This has given great opportunity for the rural youth and children to engage in sports activities.

Youth those who had not qualified for the university entrance should be directed to vocational training courses.

Skilled youth have a good demand in the international job market. Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen the vocational training network in the country.

T. Ariyanethran (TNA):

Unemployment has become a worst problem in the North and East. It is necessary to create more job opportunities in these two regions with the support of public and private sectors. Youth those who did not qualify for the university entrance should be given the opportunity to enter the vocational training institutes.

Shantha Bandara (UPFA):

“Tharunyata Hetak” organization has provided a unique service towards the betterment of youth in the country. It conducts various educational programmes across the country to improve IT and English knowledge of the youth.

The Tharunyata Hetak Organization took measures recently to summon several sportsmen and women who have shown their skills at national and international levels to the Temple Trees and provide them financial assistance.

It is necessary to strengthen sports societies at rural level.

Thilanga Sumathipala (UPFA):

Towards realising the development goals in the sports sector, President Mahinda Rajapaksa has allocated a huge amount of funds, amounting to Rs. 2.6 billion. We have to develop the night races. The night car races are very popular in the world. These types of activities can help develop the economy. We can improve our tourism industry while creating employment opportunities in the country.

Niroshan Perera (UNP):

The problems of youth have increased. The government has been unable to address the youth unemployment which is high as 19 percent.

The youth is leaving the country. There is competition for Korean jobs. The government has not created new opportunities for youth. The incidents of suicides are going up. The politicians are behind the drug dealers and the drug menace is spreading fast.

Thalatha Athukorala takes the Chair.

Kanaka Herath (UPFA):

The youth is the backbone of a country and they are very important in the development of a country. There had been youth uprisings in the past and as a result of those unfortunate incidents about 100,000 youth sacrificed their lives.

Today, the government is taking a keen interest in youth welfare. The Youth Parliament is a very innovative and positive move of the government.

The set up of a Technical University is a commendable move, which allows our youth to sharpen their skills.

Dayasiri Jayasekara (UNP):

Both the Sports Minister and the Youth Affairs Minister are working efficiently.

Among the 7.5 million youth population in Sri Lanka 2.5 million are unemployed. A large crowd is waiting in the Korean job queue. The vocational training for the youth is not satisfactory.

The youth is attempting to leave the country. Some migrate through illegal means. The educated migrant youth of Sri Lanka is doing minor jobs in overseas.

Mohan Lal Grero (UPFA):

About 350,000 youth leave schools per year. Among them 13 percent leave without obtaining secondary education. About 60 percent who sit for the O/L exam pass the exam. Among the students who qualify for the A/L, about 60 percent pass the exam.

In 2011, 141,000 passed the A/L exam. The youth who are denied of higher education must be given vocational training to improve their skills and thereby to awaken their hidden potential.

It is from the budget proposed to establish 25 university colleges attached to technical universities. The students who pass the A/L but could not enter the local universities can enroll in to these university colleges. Each year there are about 70,000 students who do not gain the university entrance even though they pass the A/L exam.

There are about 200,000 students who fail the A/L exam. Next year we hope to recruit about 167,000 among them to 499 various vocational training institutions.

Arjuna Ranatunga (DNA):

I congratulate all athletes and players who achieved national level victories over the past few years.

I want to send my best wishes to Pradeep Sanjaya who won a bronze medal in the Paralympic Games in London.

I appreciate the money allocation made to take the village level talented sportsmen and women to national and international level. However this endeavour needs more money.

The Sports Ministry plans to construct international level playgrounds in each district. This is a good proposal. But when you speak of ‘International Standards’ you must be extra cautious.

Duminda Dissanayake (Youth Affairs and Skills Development Deputy Minister):

The members said that 5.6 million of population is youth. This is a great asset for a developing country. So we have to take measures to educate the people to increase this number. We have taken measures to provide vocational training for 40 percent of the youth who leave the schools and measures will be taken to train the rest 60 percent with the coordination of the private sector.

However, the parents want to make their children, a doctor, lawyer or an engineer. But through vocational training they can reach higher positions. In many developed countries there is no difference between a doctor and any other profession whereas the social status in these two profession are too vast. So this situation should be changed in the country.

M.L.A.M. Hisbullah (Child and Women Development Deputy Minister):

Minister Dullas Alahapperuma has taken over the future of the youth. He has taken measures to train them in the proper direction. The Youth Parliament is a great concept that would create great politicians for the future. He has set up many training centres in the North and East to guarantee good vocations for the youth who were drawn backward due to the 30 year war.

P. Ariyanethiran asked as to what this Ministry has done for Batticaloa? I would like to tell him to go and see the massive training centre constructed in Wandaramulla. It has been set up to provide vocational training to the youth.

Buddhika Pathirana (UNP):

The youth who were used to win election have been treated as curry leaves in a curry. The government has been able to introduce a National Youth Policy.

The youth should be given priority at elections.

Sanath Jayasuriya (UPFA):

Deputy Chairman of Committees Murugesu Chandrakumar takes the Chair.

All stadiums throughout the country have been renovated and provided to sportsmen and sportswomen to engage in athletics. The sports complex in Homagama is equipped with all the latest facilities including running track, and a swimming pool.

It would be a great opportunity for the islandwide sportsmen and sportswomen.

Cricket stadiums have also been renovated up to International level by spending large amounts of money. This would vastly help youth to engage in cricket.

A. Vinayagamoorthy (TNA):

It is reported that the Sri Lanka Cricket Board is running at a loss. We all know that the Sri Lanka Cricket has earned huge amounts of revenue through selling tickets for cricket matches conducted in the recent past. If the Board has earned a large amount of revenue, why it is incurring losses still?

Lohan Ratwatte (UPFA):

A number of problems pertaining to the sports have already been solved under the leadership of Minister Aluthgamage.

The government has spent money amounting to Rs. 4,500 million to renovate existing playgrounds and stadiums and constructing new sports complexes.

Wasantha Senanayake (UPFA):

It is necessary to eradicate tobacco use and consuming alcohol from the country. The younger generation should be saved from this menace. Therefore, I urge youth Parliamentarians to join hands with the Health Ministry to eliminate tobacco and alcohol menace from the country.

Sujeewa Senasinghe (UNP):

Twenty six percent of the labour force represents the youth generation. Their literacy rate is 98 percent. According to statistics, about 60,000 youth are undergoing vocational training annually.

It is necessary to create more job opportunities in the industry sector to recruit youth in vocational training institutions.

Mahindananda Aluthgamage (Sports Minister):

President Mahinda Rajapaksa has allocated maximum amount of money to sports for the first time in the history after 46 years. The President who loves sports is committed to develop sports.

There is a decline in the sport sector during the past 10 years.

We appointed a special committee to find the reasons for this decline.

With the implementation of the Committee recommendations, we have been able to overcome many barriers.

We have been able to formulate a National Sports Policy. This has helped to resolve a number of problems pertaining to sports field.

A national programme is being implemented to develop sports and improve the skills of sportsmen and women.

It is happy to say a number of rehabilitated ex-LTTE members have joined the National Pool representing many sports activities.

The Sugathadasa Stadium has been renovated to provide international facilities to the sportsmen and women.

It is equipped with a swimming pool and a track which have been constructed using latest technology.

Finance Heads of Constructing, Engineering Services, Housing and Common Amenities Ministry, Youth Affairs and Skills Development Ministry and Sports Ministry were passed without amendments.

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

UNP MP tables copy of draft Bill

Sandasen Marasinghe, Irangika Range and Disna Mudalige

UNP MP Wijayadasa Rajapaksa yesterday submitted a copy of a draft Bill to the Secretary General of Parliament to provide for “Fair independent and impartial trial to judges of the Superior Courts in case of a resolution for their removal”.

The MP will present it as a private member's Bill today. The Bill is titled The Removal of Judges of the Superior Courts (Special Provisions) Bill.

Yapa wants guidelines for media on PSC reporting

Sandasen Marasinghe, Irangika Range and Disna Mudalige

Environment Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa yesterday requested the Speaker to set guidelines to the media in reporting matters pertaining to the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) investigating the impeachment motion against Chief Justice Dr Shirani Bandaranayake.

He made this observation in Parliament yesterday raising a privilege matter. He stated that certain media were reporting matters discussed in the PSC which should not be the case.

He added that the media does not have permission to report what happens within the PSC.

At this stage Chief Opposition Whip John Amarathunga naming a website, said it revealed all details of the proceedings in the PSC.

Anura Priyadarshana Yapa (Environment Minister): I am talking about matters that can be controlled. The gossip webs publish many things. We have to pay attention to it as well.

Lakshman Kiriella (UNP): We have to open the PSC inquiry to the media. Then they would not report wrong facts.

Wimal Weerawansa (Construction, Engineering Services, Housing and Common Amenities Minister:

If the investigation is opened to the media, it is not good for the image of the Chief Justice. So it is better that steps be taken against what is appearing in the media. I can act independently within the PSC. Even within government we maintain different views in respect of different matters.’

Deputy Speaker Chandima Weerakkody who was presiding said the matter will be directed to the Speaker. He added that matters pertaining to the PSC should be discussed at the PSC. If amendments are needed the matter should be discussed at the party leaders meetings. He also stated that until then all should abide by the standing orders. UNP MP Dayasiri Jayasekara also spoke.