PARLIAMENT

Four amendment Bills to boost national economy

Sandasen Marasinghe, Irangika Range and Disna MUDALIGE

Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa presided when Parliament met yesterday at 9.30 a.m. After the presentation of papers and oral questions, the House took up the Ports and Airports Development Levy (Amendment) Bill, Economic Service Charge (Amendment) Bill, Excise (Amendment) Bill and Telecommunication Levy (Amendment) Bill for debate.

Finance and Planning Deputy Minister Dr. Sarath Amunugama:

These amendments were presented with the 2013 budget moved by President Mahinda Rajapaksa in his capacity as the Finance and Planning Minister. These amendments were discussed lengthily at consultative committees and sub committees several times. We have also taken into consideration the views and ideas moved by the Opposition members at these committees. We have planned to set up an International Petroleum Operational Service Centre in Sri Lanka. We expect that the national economy would be promoted through this proposal. We will provide technology and sophisticated equipment for the centre. We intend to promote oil refinery ventures in the country.

The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation could earn huge profits storing oil and supplying them to international ships sailing near Sri Lankan. We have also launched a programme to promote jaggery production as an option for sugar consumption. We spend a huge amount of money to import sugar to meet our sugar demand.

We will be able to save money by providing more concessions on coconut and treacle tapping. Our intention is to minimize alcohol consumption under the Mathata Thitha programme. Alcohol consumption may increase corresponding to the increase of the population. Strict measures will be taken to eliminate the moonshine business. The government expects to provide more concessions to promote the telecommunication sector in the country. Our target is to make Sri Lanka a hub of telecommunication. The number of mobile phones and fixed line users have increased during the past few years.

Dr. Harsha de Silva (UNP):

I commend the government’s proposal of granting tax concessions to promote the telecommunication sector. If the government wants to create Sri Lanka as a telecommunication hub in South Asia, it is necessary to grant more concessions to the field.

Today, the economic growth rate has reduced from eight percent to six percent. This is a result of devaluation of rupee. Both P.B. Jayasundara and Nivard Cabraal are responsible for this crisis.

Ports Minister Rohitha Abeygunawardana:

The government has been able to fulfil the expectations of the people. The Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport was one of the dreams of the people. Today, that dream has become a reality. We have been able to fulfil the task entrusted upon us by constructing large scale airports, ports, highways and roads across the country. Our next target is to promote the tourism industry by creating an environment conducive to attract more tourists to the country.

A H M Azwer (UPFA):

When we take up the Ports and Airports Development Levy (Amendment) Bill, I would first like to congratulate the government for the opening of the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport which was a result of the President’s far sighted vision and great endeavour.

After the conclusion of war, roads, bridges and other infrastructure facilities in the North and East, as well as in other parts of the country, have been uplifted. See the difference between the then A9 road and now.

Any country that persues development must have at least two international airports. This was a long-felt need of the country. Yesterday was a proud day for all of us and it was a milestone in the Sri Lankan history.

Vijitha Herath (DNA):

The Finance Ministry was unable to present these Bills to the House in the proper manner. The Finance Ministry has not been capable enough to handle the country’s economy efficiently.

The rupee was depreciated by three percent with the aim of enhancing export revenue. However, in reality, the export revenue has not risen, but import expenditure has risen.

Economic strategies should aim to increase the country’s production. The government should take a wider contribution of the people to enhance local production. Today, the country’s economy is heavily depending on loans.

Social Services Minister Felix Perera:

When the coastal railway line was destroyed due to tsunami, we reconstructed it with the co-operation of all trade unions.

This act showcased the strength and unison of our people.

If we introduce direct taxes instead of indirect taxes, we can salvage our economy. The trade gap between Sri Lanka and India is growing at an alarming rate.

The excise income from bars is less in our country compared with other countries. These levies should be increased.

We obtain loans for the development activities. The dividends of them may not come immediately. But those are useful investments for the future.

The agro-economy is very strong today. The fertilizer subsidy has contributed to this achievement.

Dayasiri Jayasekara (UNP):

The Hambantota Port was set up to provide fuel for ships. But in reality it is not happening.

In 2026, it is expected that one million people will use the Mattala Airport. We have spent Rs 26,460 million.

The Samurdhi allowance has not been paid since last November. The situation in the country is worsened. Our pilgrims were assaulted in India. I tell the politicians in South India not to attempt to fish in the troubled waters.

Arundika Fernando (UPFA):

If we considered the Airport tax collected from the Katunayake Airport since 1950, we could have built many other airports in Sri Lanka.

But the reality is that our aircraft have to carry a lot of fuel when they take off to face emergencies as we don’t have another airport. It is very costly. If we can’t land in Katunayake, we have to go to another country to land in absence of another airport.

When we read the Village in the Jungle, we saw how the Hambantota people lived. The youth in Mattala cultivated cannabis. Now the area is being developed. Our leader had a backbone to set up another international airport. This will become popular like the Katunayake airport.

The Hambantota port is the same. The Norochcholai power plant was set up. Express ways were developed.

Ravi Karunanayake (UNP): When the roads are developed eightfold as the expenditure is increased. The poor people’s money is used for them. It is a burden to the people.

The Mattala Airport does not have a fuel tank. So is it an international airport? Is it development?

Today, people are facing great difficulties due to the high cost of living. The government has placed an extra burden on the people by increasing fuel prices and electricity bills.

This has resulted in increasing prices of all goods and services, including bus fare, prices of bread, vegetables etc.

Corruption is rampant in all over the country. Why is the government unable to eliminate these corruptions? It is useless developing the country unless bribery and corruption are eradicated from the country.

Manusha Nanayakkara (UPFA):

The government has carried out mega development activities with the aim of converting Sri Lanka into a best economic hub in the world.

In order to fulfill this target, a number of industrial zones, tourism zones and export zones will be established. Our policies are based on the Mahinda Chinthanaya future vision. Today, we are heading towards prosperity after the war. The government has given priority to the development of local productivity. Tax holidays will be further granted to the main sectors in the economy.

Sujeewa Senasinghe (UNP):

Dr Sarath Amunugama often opines pragmatic views. The government should discourage liquor usage with increased excise duties. The President introduced Mathata Thitha to cut-down liquor consumption.

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

I raise a point of order. An MP, at one time, had asked Rs 10 million from Krrish Group when it came for investment in Sri Lanka. Please tell the House the truth. The MP can deny this allegation, if he is not guilty.

Sujeewa Senasinghe: I ask the government to conduct a special inquiry on the illegal importation of ethanol consignment. It should be inquired whether there is a political figure behind this move.

Development projects in Hambantota are being carried out under loans. These investments have not been successful. Ships do not come to the Hambantota port.

Y G Padmasiri (UPFA):

These Bills refer to the budgetary proposals for 2013. In this development era, urban facilities have been brought to the village, and the scenic beauty in the village has been brought to the cities. The President in his speech yesterday explained how he plans to make this transformation.

The expenditure on sugar importation is a heavy burden on the country’s economy. In 2009, we spent Rs 25,045 million to import sugar.

In 2010, sugar imports cost Rs 41,077 million. Sugar imports account for the 3rd top import expenditure of the country. Therefore, I appreciate the budgetary proposals to uplift the sugar industry in the country.

Ajith P Perera (UNP):

The Parliamentary tradition was often questioned in the House today. There are certain members in the House who speak to fulfil the contracts of others.

I also want to make an observation that there is a delay in switching on the microphones of Opposition MPs when they stand up to a point of order. Contrarily, the microphones of the government MPs are switched on as soon as they rise to speak. This should be inquired.

There was a countdown for the opening of the Mattala Airport. Now, the countdown has begun for the electricity tariff hike. According to the new system, the electricity tariff for the usage exceeding 300 units would only increase by 14-22 percent. However, the electricity tariff of the poor will increase by 50 percent.

R Yogarajan (UNP):

Today, the speech of Sujeewa Senasinghe MP was interrupted. This is a bad example. Members of Parliament are guaranteed of their freedom of speech. The government should allow Opposition MPs to speak. The government has lost its tolerance because of its arrogance. If a member of Parliament cannot do his politics or engage in his profession, what kind of democracy is in the country?

Health Deputy Minister Lalith Dissanayake:

When the LTTE killed citizens of this country, those included all ethnic groups, including Sinhalese, Tamils and Muslims. Everybody suffered due to the brutality of the LTTE. Nobody can force the government to fully implement the LLRC report. It is not a law in the country. But the President clearly expressed his willingness to implement the recommendations in this report. But this may need time. External pressure in disguise of human rights should be defeated. There are conspiracies against the country.

The Bills were passed with amendments.

The House was adjourned until 1 pm today.