DIVI NEGUMA’ PASSES TO A THUMPING MAJORITY

*‘Despite barriers’

*“Or in spite of 100 court cases...’

Sandasen Marasinghe and Irangika Range

The historic Divineguma Bill was passed in Parliament yesterday with more than a two thirds majority in the House. The Bill legislates to absorb 27,000 Samurdhi Development officers into the public service which is another move by the government to strengthen the public service.

This Act is designed to empower 1.8 million poor families in all parts of the country to overcome economic difficulties in the government’s attempt to realize the aim of making ‘Sri Lanka the miracle of Asia’, while eliminating the poverty in the country.

One hundred and fifty nine voted in favour while 43 members voted against the Bill.

Leader of the House Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva asked for a division by name. The government expects to set up one department bringing together the Sri Lanka Samurdhi Authority, Upcountry Development Authority and the Southern Development Authority to further the bid to eliminate poverty from the country.

With the implementation of the Bill the 27,000 Samurdhi Development Officers who rendered yeoman but unsung services to the country were entitled to pensions guaranteeing their job security. The Divineguma project aims to train 30,000 small and medium entrepreneurs during this year for commerce and industries, and will take measures to provide them with capital and financial support by means of bank loans. The Divineguma Bill was passed in line with directions made by Supreme Court and the amendments proposed by Parliamentarians. The UNP, JVP and the TNA voted against this Bill. Making the rebuttal during the second reading on the Divineguma Bill, Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa stated that the government never stops its efforts to provide a better future for the people of this country - whatever barriers encountered, or 100 cased filed against before the courts.