PARLIAMENT

Regulations under Public Contract Act and Private Members’ Motion:

‘Registration increased according to regulations’

Sandasen Marasinghe and Disna Mudalige

Deputy Speaker Chandima Weerakkody presided, when Parliament met at 1.00 pm yesterday. After the presentation of papers and oral questions, the House took up the Regulations under the Public Contracts Act and the Private Member Motion by Chief Opposition Whip John Amaratunga for a Vote of Appreciation for the Services of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI.

Industry and Commerce Minister Rishad Bathiudeen: I present the Regulations under the Public Contracts Act.

Sri Lanka thrives to become the industrial hub in South Asia. The Public Contracts Act was enforced in 1987, to curb malpractices. From time to time, amendments have been brought to suit modern requirements.

According to the Act, any public contract exceeding a sum of Rs 5 million, should be registered. This registration fee had been increased according to the amendments brought today.

The registration fee, renewal fee and application fee, had been raised through the amendments after 25 years. This money is remitted to the Treasury and it could be utilized for other development activities.

The amendments brought today are timely.

Deputy Chairman of Committees Chandrakumar Murugesu takes the Chair.

Ravi Karunanayake (UNP): There is no reciprocal benefit to the people concerned through these amendments. The government collects money for its expenditure through every possible means. The government does not follow proper tender procedures. We are glad that Minister Wimal Weerawansa had seen the truth with regard to economic killers. We would like to question as to why the government did not initiate a special inquiry on this issue and take actions against the relevant Ministry Secretary?

M A Sumanthiran (TNA): These regulations are for the revision of charges under the Public Contracts Act. The provisions in this Act are for the maintenance of transparency. There are guidelines in this Act for tender procedures.

Today, if we look at all the mega development projects carried out in the country, it is seen that no tenders have been properly called for. The tender guidelines in the Public Contracts Act, have been ignored. There is no transparency with regard to the tender procedures of the government.

Anura Kumara Dissanayake (DNA): Minister Bathiudeen earlier imposed a Cess tax and the very next day, it was withdrawn immediately. Today the registration fees under the Public Contracts Act has been increased.

Today in reality, this registration is not necessary, because it is mostly through various other sources that tenders are obtained. With a show of affection towards a certain family is enough for this purpose. The tender guidelines are blatantly violated at most instances. Then what is the purpose of this registration? Today, who can obtain a tender through the correct procedure?

Sujeewa Senasinghe (UNP): Sri Lanka is much talked of internationally, due to corruption and malpractices, since the end of war. According to Transparency International, Sri Lanka is high ranked with regard to corruption. Those who rule the country from the top level to ground level, are even unaware of the meaning of the word ‘transparency’.

Petroleum Industries Deputy Minister Sarana Gunawardena: These orders are meant to encourage the contractors.

Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa takes the Chair.

There are government institutions that are involved in contracts of over Rs 5 million. In some incidents, some are remanded. To have transparency on these matters, these orders are introduced. Though the opposition complains, there is no any political influence in these matters. By these increments we cannot collect an enormous amount of money. But it is to encourage the contractors.

Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa: The vote of Appreciation for the services of his Holiness Pope Benedict XVI will be moved by Chief Opposition Whip John Amarathunga.

John Amaratunga (Chief Opposition Whip): His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI, took the world by surprise by announcing his retirement from his Ministry as Head of the Catholic Church on February 28. He was the Head of the Vatican City State, A State that is the smallest State in the world, but with a flock of 1.2 billion Catholics around the world over, to whom he was their Spiritual Leader.

The Holy Father’s announcement on the 11th of this month, came as a bolt out of the blues with even heavens above reacting with a bolt of lightning above the Vatican Dome in a clear blue sky at the precise moment of his resignation.

Catholic means Universal and Papacy the world’s oldest dynasty. So Holy Father the Pope speaks out not only for Catholics, but for all humanity.

He was the 265th Pope of the Catholic Church and the first in 600 years to step down. The last Pope to do so was Pope Gregory XII in the year 1415.

Pope Benedict VXI was born in Germany on April 16, 1927 as Joseph Aloysius Ratzinger, to a very devout religious family.

His brother is also a priest and still living. His childhood ambition had been to become a priest, but never dreamt that he would end up as the Pope the Head of the Holy See.

He was seeking to heal the internal problems with the Divine Spirit of Forgiveness for to err is human. Although he was a Conservative hardliner in preserving the Catholic doctrine, he was flexible to the extent of being receptive to acceptable interpretations to the literal meaning of the scriptures. He called scriptures a spiritual experience that cannot be debated upon.

Pope Benedict spent his entire life teaching and preaching as a Priest, Bishop, Cardinal and Pope. He was a wonderful theologian and Pastor to his Flock. He was courageously honest to admit that he was too frail in mind and body to fulfill his Ministry of the Church as anticipated. He had taught the world and the Church that Papacy was not about power, but true service and that the path of power was not the path to God.

The Pope perhaps saw his happiest moments had little to do with power and he was happier otherwise, devoting his full time to prayer which he hoped to do after retirement. He was a great example of humility, courage and inner honesty. The Church under him did have problems and challenges, but all in all, in spiritual leadership, Pope Benedict gave his flock 8 wonderful years of faith.

As a Catholic I say Thank you Your Holiness (Conclusion) A new leader of the Catholic Church for a flock of 1.2 billion Catholics will be chosen before Easter celebration and it is my prayer and wish as that of the children of Mother Lanka that God willing, a front runner for the position, son of the soil, our own Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, be blessed to be chosen Sri Lankan born first Asian Pope which we hopefully await, perhaps as a happy surprise and God’s gift to the people of Asia.

Leader of the House and Irrigation and Water Resources Management Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva: I second this motion pleasingly on behalf of the government. Pope Benedict XVI announced his retirement from Papacy to the surprise of the Catholic world. The Latin meaning of Benedict is ‘the Blessed’. True to words, he is a blessed Pope. He was an educated scholar. He was a professior in 1956 in the Bon University.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa through His Lordship Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, sent a letter to Pope Benedict XVI at his announcement of his retirement from Papacy in appreciation of his services as the the Holy Father.

Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe: He is the head of the Universal Catholic Church and the Vatican State. He seemed frail recently and I thought he should drop few of his jobs.

He was also the head of the entire Catholic world. He had to face many challenges. He had set a precedence. He thought that he was not physically strong enough to render his services and decided to resign from papacy. His services was not adequately appreciated. Here we too have set a precedence in Parliament by appreciating the services of Pope Benedict the XVI. He has resigned from the papacy leaving room for a young Cardinal to become a Pope in this 21st century.

External Affairs Deputy Minister Neomal Perera: The Roman Catholic Church, the single largest denomination of Christians, numbering over one billion in the whole world, has a rich and long history with disciple Saint Peter being the Bark to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus, established in the State of Vatican as the Headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church.

His Holiness Pope Benedict at the age of 85, the German born Pontiff is also recognized politically as Head of the State of Vatican and after eight years in office, has made the decision to step down prior to his term in office being over, recognizing the fact that due to his age and the deterioration of his health, he says that he does not have the physical strength to fulfill the ministry entrusted to him. His Holiness states that the strength of mind and body were both necessary to adequately discharge his duties to proclaim the Gospel as the Head of the Catholic Church.

It is a significant moment in the time and space of world history and the renouncing of the ministry of Bishop of Rome is a rare occurrence and a conclave to elect the new Supreme Head of the Catholic Church, will have to be convoked in the faith and process of selection from cardinals nominees worldwide.

His Holiness was advocating unity, Unity at an International level, Unity at a Global level and Uniting the World at large. It is good for us to reflect on those words of wisdom and translate that unity among us as Sri Lankans, as citizens of one nation and as citizens of one universe.

His Holiness Pope Benedict a German national was the oldest in almost 300 years at 78 years, at the time of his election to be appointed to the Supreme Office of the Head of the Catholic Church and is the 265th Pope which is evidence of the history of the dual roles as Sovereign of the Vatican City State and Leader of the Catholic Church. His Holiness is also the first German National in almost 500 years to be elected Pope. The previous German National was Pope Adrian VI (1522-23)

S Adaikalanathan (TNA): I like to speak on behalf of the TNA. He was born in 1927. He was one one among three siblings. His father was a policeman and mother a housewife. During the period Nacism was active, he expressed his protect against Nacism. He joined the Air Force in 1943 and later was injured.

Wijayadasa Rajapaksa (UNP): I am very pleased to speak a few words in appreciation of Pope Benedict XVI, at a time when he has announced his retirement at the end of this month. During the last 8 years, he aspired for world peace and harmony, while holding sublime policies. He would always be remembered for fulfilling his mission impeccably.

Social Services Minister Felix Perera : As a follower of the Church, I am very pleased to get this opportunity to speak today. We should appreciate the interest taken by Pope Benedict XVI to elevate his Lordship Bishop Malcolm Ranjith as a Cardinal. I twice had the opportunity of meeting Pope Benedict XVI. His retirement is a sad occasion for us as well as the Catholic Church.

M. Swaminadan (UNP): As a Hindu, I too would wish to contribute to the vote of appreciation that we have taken up today. Pope Benedict XVI was a great spiritual leader who was born in Germany. He was born on April 16, 1927 and was ordained in 1951.

A shock to the people throughout the world

Prime Minister D. M. Jayaratne: The sudden retirement of Pope Benedict XVI, came as a shock to the people throughout the world.

He is the first Pope in 600 years to step down.

His main teachings were peace, kindness and unity. He could have been a professor, if he did not take up this path. We throughout the world honour and admire his qualities. Following the teachings of Pope Benedict XVI, we should work to safeguard the religious and ethnic harmony in the country. We are also proud of Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith.

Vijitha Herath (DNA): The retirement of Pope Benedict XVI, from his status as the Head of the Catholic Church, came as a surprise to his followers throughout the world.

For a person with so many talents and skills, his retirement is an example to politicians in Sri Lanka too, at a context they try to be in eternal power. He preached that there should be a balance between material and spiritual development. He was a leader with a thorough knowledge and far-sighted vision.

Human Resources Senior Minister D E W Gunasekara: On behalf of the Communist Party and Leftist Movement in Sri Lanka, I would like to associate myself with the feelings expressed on Pope Benedict XVI, in this House today.

The retirement of Pope Benedict XVI was an unexpected and unprecedented announcement.

He was the first German national to hold this position since the 11th century. According to my view, he was more liberal, humane and objective in respect of many contemporary issues in the world. I will be the happiest man if Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith emerges as the next Pope representing Sri Lanka.

Dr. Jayalath Jayawardena (UNP): We are grateful for bringing this motion today, which is the first of this nature in the history of Sri Lanka’s Parliament. Pope Benedict XVI will be recorded in history as a spiritual leader who worked with the rest of the religious leaders in the world for religious harmony. His teaching enlightened the entire world and we should take an examples from his life.

Social Welfare Senior Minister Milroy Fernando: I thank the Chief Opposition Whip for bringing this motion and the Speaker and the Chief Government Whip for approving and facilitating the debate.

Pope Benedict XVI was a great leader who aspired for world peace even before he was elevated to the Papacy. He has given an example to the rest of the world by announcing his retirement when he believed that he had no more strength to continue.

Dr. Harsha De Silva (UNP): As a Royalist, we were allowed to grow up with boys of other faiths and respect them.

Pope Benedict XVI used his full strength to allow Catholics around the world to lead peaceful and moderate lives. We express our warm wishes to him and hope perhaps Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith would be elected as the next Pope.

Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Deputy Minister Sarath Gunaratne: Pope Benedict XVI could spread his voice over the world. His advices were respected by each and every person in the world and he had the capacity to instruct anybody.

Pope Benedict XVI openly asked for International Support for Sri Lanka. He loved Sri Lanka very much.

Neranjan Wickramasinghe (UPFA): All Catholic followers were surprised to hear the announcement of the retirement of Pope Benedict XVI. He will be retiring at 8.00 pm on February 28. He was the 265th Pope of the Catholic Church. He was elevated Pope on April 19, 2005. He will be recorded in history as a rare exemplary religious leader.

Arundika Fernando (UPFA): As a Catholic, I appreciate this opportunity to speak today. Pope Benedict XVI was selected from among thousands to hold this holy position. He held the papacy at a very challenging period and at times he did not hesitate to swim up stream to correct the practices of the world.

Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa (in Chair)

I approve the appreciations and well-wishes expressed in this House on His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI, who was elevated on April 19, 2005 and is due to retire on February 28, 2013.

I join in wishing him a long and healthy life.

Chief Opposition Whip John Amaratunga: I request for a copy of this motion be sent and sentiment expressed in the House to the Vatican in Rome.

At Adjournment

Traditional Industries and Small Enterprise Development Minister Douglas Devananda, yesterday stated that the democratic rights of the Tamil people have been breached in front of LTTE Leader Prabhakaran’s firearms. He also thanked President Mahinda Rajapaksa for restoring democracy in the country, guaranteeing the rights of the Tamil people as well.

He made these observations in response to an adjournment motion moved by TNA MP R. Sampanthan.

R Sampanthan (TNA): On February 15, 2013, the Association for the Displaced People of Valikamam North staged a satyagraha at Thellippalai Durgai Amman Temple. Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe participated at the satyagraha. When he attempted to make an address, some people disturbed him and when his speech was over, those people attacked the people there. One was arrested by the people and handed over to the police. Later he had been released by Army personnel. So far none had been arrested in this connection.

S. Sumanthiran (TNA): This is not an isolated incident. There are incidents that happen everyday in areas where Tamil language speaking people live. We think that the Army is guilty of this act. Could unidentified groups act like this wearing military uniforms?

Sunil Handunnetti (DNA): In the North and East, there are abductions and assaults. The people have no rights there. Nobody has been arrested in connection with those abductions and assaults. Is there connections between the government and those criminals?

Hunais Farook (UPFA): I too belonged to a minority group. We have a history. Today a particular community is attempting to stand above the other. There are some people who speak against when the Muslims when they were to be resettled. There were Muslims who had been chased away from the North by terrorists. They did not talk about them. Those Muslims for 22 years lived with difficulties. T But now there are Tamils. Those lands belonged to the Muslims.

R Yogarajan takes the Chair.

A H M Azwer (UPFA): The LTTE used the State property to build bunkers. The Muslims had problems. The saviours of the TNA are Sunil Handunnetti and Ranil Wickremesinghe. The TNA are representing the Diaspora and fulfilling the needs of foreign inimical forces going against the country in Geneva.

Dr Jayalath Jayawardena (UNP): The democratic rights of people in the North should be protected. The peaceful protests should not be obstructed. The government spies should not be sent to these protests. The people have the right to protest and this right should be respected. What power has the Army to take away a suspect arrested by the police?

Deputy Chairman of Committee Chandrakumar Murugesu takes the Chair.

Ajith Kumara (Independent): The rulers have wanted to adopt a military rule in the country.

The people in the North as well as in the South should line up for a civil rule in our country. The resettlement in the North is not complete and their basic needs are still not provided. Their hopes for a better future have been ruined.

Industry and Commerce Minister Rishad Bathiudeen: Different opinions were expressed by MPs in this House on this motion. As an MP representing the North, I would like to observe the destruction the people in this area experienced during the war. Fortunately, we have gained peace once again and the lives of people are returning to normalcy.

As a person who had been in IDP camps, I know very well the impact of the war. We should not allow people to endure further problems and losses. All politicians should give their support to resolve their problems.

P Ariyanethran (TNA): We vehemently condemn the recent incident which took place in the North which is the subject of this motion. Several years have passed after the war, but we have still been unable to enjoy peace and harmony. The Independence Day celebrations were held in Trincomalee. But the Tamil people in the North are living in an atmosphere of trepidation.

Mavai Senathirajah (TNA): This adjournment motion is with regard to the token hunger strike organized in Jaffna. The incident took place during this token strike and it should be investigated. We accept that the TNA should come to a round table discussion to arrive at a negotiation on the ethnic issue. But the suitable conditions for that should be created by the government.

Traditional Industries and Small Enterprise Development Minister Douglas Devananda: Our service to the Tamil people is not limited to lip work, we have made sacrifices on behalf of them and have worked hard with the government to lift the living standards of these people. We do not hesitate to raise our voices, if injustices have been taking place for Tamils. But we do not have petty political motives or personal agendas. The TNA previously stood for a ‘Tamil National Army’ and then it was changed to ‘Tamil National Alliance’. Today, the High Security Zones have been shrinking under the directives of the President. The TNA at least should keep quiet if they cannot help the people.

The House was adjourned until 1.00 pm today.