Minutes of Parliament Present

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Minutes of Parliament Present (Eighth Parliament - Second Session ) No . 8 . ] MINUTES OF PARLIAMENT Friday, May 25, 2018 at 10.30 a.m. PRESENT ::: Hon. Karu Jayasuriya, Speaker Hon. Selvam Adaikkalanathan, Deputy Chairperson of Committees Hon. Mahinda Amaraweera, Minister of Agriculture Hon. Gayantha Karunatileka, Minister of Lands and Parliamentary Reforms and Chief Government Whip Hon. Lakshman Kiriella, Minister of Public Enterprise & Kandy City Development and Leader of the House of Parliament Hon. Nimal Siripala de Silva, Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Hon. Patali Champika Ranawaka, Minister of Megapolis and Western Development Hon. Ravindra Samaraweera, Minister of Labour & Trade Union Relations Hon. Mahinda Samarasinghe, Minister of Ports and Shipping Hon. Ranjith Siyambalapitiya, Minister of Power and Renewable Energy Hon. Wasantha Aluwihare, State Minister of Agriculture Hon. Ajith P. Perera, State Minister of Power and Renewable Energy Hon. Niroshan Perera, State Minister of National Policies and Economic Affairs Hon. A. D. Premadasa, State Minister of Plantation Industries Hon. Eran Wickramaratne, State Minister of Finance Hon. Lakshman Senewiratne, State Minister of Science, Technology, Research, Skills Development & Vocational Training and Kandyan Heritage Hon. A. H. M. Fowzie, State Minister of National Unity and Co -existence Hon. Ashok Abeysinghe, Deputy Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Hon. Lasantha Alagiyawanna, Deputy Minister of Finance and Mass Media Hon. Karunarathna Paranawithana, Deputy Minister of Science, Technology, Research, Skills Development & Vocational Training and Kandyan Heritage ( 2 ) M. No. 8 Hon. Seyed Ali Zahir Moulana, Deputy Minister of National Integration, Reconciliation and Official Languages Hon. Ranjan Ramanayake, Deputy Minister of Social Empowerment Hon. Hector Appuhamy Hon. Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena Hon. Ananda Aluthgamage Hon. T. B. Ekanayake Hon. Ranjith Aluvihare Hon. A. Aravindh Kumar Hon. J. M. Ananda Kumarasiri Hon. Siripala Gamalath Hon. Nihal Galappaththi Hon. Dinesh Gunawardena Hon. (Dr.) Bandula Gunawardane Hon. Edward Gunasekara Hon. Padma Udhayashantha Gunasekera Hon. S. M. Chandrasena Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayathissa Hon. Anura Sidney Jayarathne Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara Hon. Mylvaganam Thilakarajah Hon. K. Thurairetnasingam Hon. Janaka Bandara Tennakoon Hon. Sirinal de Mel Hon. Piyal Nishantha De Silva Hon. Anura Dissanayaka Hon. Douglas Devananda Hon. Buddhika Pathirana Hon. (Dr.) Ramesh Pathirana Hon. K. K. Piyadasa Hon. Sanath Nishantha Perera Hon. Sujith Sanjaya Perera Hon. (Dr.) (Mrs.) Sudarshini Fernandopulle Hon. Ashoka Priyantha Hon. A. D. Susil Premajayantha ( 3 ) M. No. 8 Hon. (Mrs.) Hirunika Premachandra Hon. S. Premarathna Hon. Tharaka Balasuriya Hon. K. Kader Masthan Hon. Imran Maharoof Hon. Abdullah Mahrooff Hon. Ajith Mannapperuma Hon. (Prof.) Ashu Marasinghe Hon. Prasanna Ranaweera Hon. Mujibur Rahuman Hon. Angajan Ramanathan Hon. Gamini Lokuge Hon. Vidura Wickramanayaka Hon. A. A. Wijethunga Hon. (Dr.) (Mrs.) Thusitha Wijemanna Hon. Lakshman Ananda Wijemanne Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri Hon. Duleep Wijesekera Hon. Heshan Withanage Hon. Chandima Weerakkody Hon. Wimal Weerawansa Hon. S. Shritharan Hon. Gnanamuthu Srineshan Hon. Jayantha Samaraweera Hon. Sandith Samarasinghe Hon. E. Saravanapavan Hon. M. A. Sumanthiran Hon. Shehan Semasinghe Hon. Sunil Handunnetti Hon. Wijepala Hettiarachchi Mr. Dhammika Dasanayake, Secretary -General of Parliament Mr. Neil Iddawala, Chief of Staff and Deputy Secretary -General of Parliament Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera, Assistant Secretary -General Mr. Tikiri K. Jayathilake, Assistant Secretary -General ( 4 ) M. No. 8 Parliament met pursuant to adjournment. The Speaker took the Chair. 1. Presentation of Papers : (1) The Minister of Public Enterprise and Kandy City Development presented the Performance Report of the Presidential Secretariat for the year 2017 and moved that this Report be referred to the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Legal Affairs (anti - corruption) and Media. Question put, and agreed to. (2) The Minister of Public Enterprise and Kandy City Development presented the Annual Report of the Institute of Policy Studies of Sri Lanka for the year 2015 and moved that this Report be referred to the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Economic Development. Question put, and agreed to. (3) The Minister of Public Enterprise and Kandy City Development presented the — (i) Annual Performance Report of the Ministry of City Planning and Water Supply for the year 2017; and (ii) Annual Report of the National Water Supply and Drainage Board for the year 2015 and moved that these Reports be referred to the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Sustainable Development and Environment and Natural Resources. Question put, and agreed to. (4) The Minister of Public Enterprise and Kandy City Development presented the Annual Performance Report of the Ministry of Disaster Management for the year 2017 and moved that this Report be referred to the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Sustainable Development and Environment and Natural Resources. Question put, and agreed to. (5) The Minister of Public Enterprise and Kandy City Development presented the Annual Reports and Accounts of the Sri Lanka Social Security Board for the years 2015 and 2016 and moved that these Reports be referred to the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Health and Human Welfare, Social Empowerment. Question put, and agreed to. (6) The Minister of Public Enterprise and Kandy City Development presented the Annual Performance Report of the Land Commissioner General’s Department for the year 2017 and moved that this Report be referred to the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Agriculture and Lands. Question put, and agreed to. (7) The Minister of Public Enterprise and Kandy City Development presented the Annual Performance Report of the Ministry of National Co -existence, Dialogue and Official Languages for the year 2017 and moved that this Report be referred to the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Reconciliation and North & East Reconstruction . Question put, and agreed to. ( 5 ) M. No. 8 2. Presentation of Reports from Committees : (1) Hon. J. M. Ananda Kumarasiri, the Chairman of the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Economic Development presented the Report of the said Committee on, “Regulations under Section 20 of the Imports and Exports (Control) Act, No. 1 of 1969” which were referred to the said Committee. Ordered that the said Report do lie upon the Table. (2) Hon. M. A. Sumanthiran, the Chairman of the Committee on Public Finance presented the Report of the said Committee on — (i) Notification under the Excise Ordinance; and (ii) Seven Resolutions under the Appropriation Act which were referred to the said Committee. Ordered that the said Report do lie upon the Table. (At 10.58 a.m. the Deputy Chairman of Committees took the Chair.) The Minister of Public Enterprise & Kandy City Development moved, —That Hon. (Dr.) (Mrs.) Thusitha Wijemanna do take the Chair. Question put, and agreed to. (At 2.08 p.m. Hon. (Dr.) (Mrs.) Thusitha Wijemanna took the Chair.) Hon. Padma Udhayashantha Gunasekera seconded by Hon. Gamini Lokuge moved, —That Hon. Edward Gunasekera do take the Chair. Question put, and agreed to. (At 2.46 p.m. Hon. Edward Gunasekera took the Chair.) The State Minister of Power and Reneawable Energy moved, —That Hon. J.M. Ananda Kumarasiri do take the Chair. Question put, and agreed to. (At 3.43 p.m. Hon. J.M. Ananda Kumarasiri took the Chair.) 3. Twentieth Amendment to the Constitution Bill : Second Reading. Bill by leave of the House withdrawn. 4. Notification under the Excise Ordinance : The Minister of Finance and Mass Media moved, — That the Notification made by the Minister of Finance and Mass Media, under Section 25 read with Section 32 of the Excise Ordinance (Chapter 52) relating to Annual Liquor License Fees and published in the Gazette Extraordinary No. 2049/4 of 11 th December 2017, which was presented on 20.03.2018, be approved. (Excise Notification No. 1004) Question put, and agreed to. ( 6 ) M. No. 8 5. Resolution under the Appropriation Act (No. 1) : The Minister of Public Enterprise & Kandy City Development on behalf of the Minister of Finance and Mass Media moved,— That this Parliament resolves that the Order made by the Minister of Finance and Mass Media with the approval of the Government, by virtue of powers vested in him by Section 8 of the Appropriation Act, No. 24 of 2016 and specified in the Order No. 75 hereto, be approved: — ORDER Appropriation Act, No. 24 of 2016 Order No. 75 under Section 8 By virtue of powers vested in me by Section 8 of the Appropriation Act, No.24 of 2016, I, Mangala Samaraweera, Minister of Finance and Mass Media with the approval of the Government, do by this Order, vary the limits specified against the activity Item No. 21302 “Printing of Books, Publicity and Marketing Advance Account – Department of Educational Publications” of the Third Schedule to that Act. Item Revision (i) Maximum limit of expenditure From Rs. 4,300,000,000 specified in Column II of the Third To Rs. 4,315,000,000 Schedule to that Act. (ii) Minimum limit of receipts specified in Column III of the Third Not Revised Schedule to that Act. (iii) Maximum limit of debit balance specified in Column IV of the Third Not Revised Schedule to that Act. (iv) Maximum limit of liabilities specified in Column V of the Third Not Revised Schedule to that Act. (This Order is valid up to 31.12.2017) Mangala Samaraweera, Minister of Finance and Mass
Recommended publications
  • Ranil Wickremesinghe Sworn in As Prime Minister
    September 2015 NEWS SRI LANKA Embassy of Sri Lanka, Washington DC RANIL WICKREMESINGHE VISIT TO SRI LANKA BY SWORN IN AS U.S. ASSISTANT SECRETARIES OF STATE PRIME MINISTER February, this year, we agreed to rebuild our multifaceted bilateral relationship. Several new areas of cooperation were identified during the very successful visit of Secretary Kerry to Colombo in May this year. Our discussions today focused on follow-up on those understandings and on working towards even closer and tangible links. We discussed steps U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for taken by the Government of President South and Central Asian Affairs Nisha Maithripala Sirisena to promote recon- Biswal and U.S. Assistant Secretary of ciliation and to strengthen the rule of State for Democracy, Human Rights law as part of our Government’s overall Following the victory of the United National Front for and Labour Tom Malinowski under- objective of ensuring good governance, Good Governance at the general election on August took a visit to Sri Lanka in August. respect for human rights and strength- 17th, the leader of the United National Party Ranil During the visit they called on Presi- ening our economy. Wickremesinghe was sworn in as the Prime Minister of dent Maithirpala Sirisena, Prime Min- Sri Lanka on August 21. ister Ranil Wickremesinghe and also In keeping with the specific pledge in After Mr. Wickremesinghe took oaths as the new met with Minister of Foreign Affairs President Maithripala Sirisena’s mani- Prime Minister, a Memorandum of Understanding Mangala Samaraweera as well as other festo of January 2015, and now that (MoU) was signed between the Sri Lanka Freedom government leaders.
    [Show full text]
  • Minutes of Parliament Present
    (Eighth Parliament - First Session) No. 70. ] MINUTES OF PARLIAMENT Wednesday, May 18, 2016 at 1.00 p.m. PRESENT : Hon. Karu Jayasuriya, Speaker Hon. Thilanga Sumathipala, Deputy Speaker and Chairman of Committees Hon. Selvam Adaikkalanathan, Deputy Chairman of Committees Hon. Ranil Wickremesinghe, Prime Minister and Minister of National Policies and Economic Affairs Hon. Wajira Abeywardana, Minister of Home Affairs Hon. (Dr.) Sarath Amunugama, Minister of Special Assignment Hon. Gayantha Karunatileka, Minister of Parliamentary Reforms and Mass Media and the Chief Government Whip Hon. Ravi Karunanayake, Minister of Finance Hon. Akila Viraj Kariyawasam, Minister of Education Hon. Lakshman Kiriella, Minister of Higher Education and Highways and the Leader of the House of Parliament Hon. Daya Gamage, Minister of Primary Industries Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Minister of Sports Hon. Nimal Siripala de Silva, Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Hon. Navin Dissanayake, Minister of Plantation Industries Hon. S. B. Dissanayake, Minister of Social Empowerment and Welfare Hon. S. B. Nawinne, Minister of Internal Affairs, Wayamba Development and Cultural Affairs Hon. Harin Fernando, Minister of Telecommunication and Digital Infrastructure Hon. A. D. Susil Premajayantha, Minister of Science, Technology and Research Hon. Sajith Premadasa, Minister of Housing and Construction Hon. R. M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara, Minister of Public Administration and Management Hon. Anura Priyadharshana Yapa, Minister of Disaster Management ( 2 ) M. No. 70 Hon. Sagala Ratnayaka, Minister of Law and Order and Southern Development Hon. Arjuna Ranatunga, Minister of Ports and Shipping Hon. Patali Champika Ranawaka, Minister of Megapolis and Western Development Hon. Chandima Weerakkody, Minister of Petroleum Resources Development Hon. Malik Samarawickrama, Minister of Development Strategies and International Trade Hon.
    [Show full text]
  • Joint Civil Society Letter on Reprisals Against Sri Lankan Human Rights Defenders
    12 April 2017 TO: H.E. Mr. Maithripala Sirisena, President of Sri Lanka H.E. Mr. Ranil Wickremesinghe, Prime Minister of Sri Lanka CC: H.E. Mr. Mangala Samaraweera, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka H.E. Mr. Ravinatha Aryasinha, Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the UN, Geneva H.E. Mr. Joaquín Alexander Maza Martelli, President of the Human Rights Council Mr. Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Mr. Andrew Gilmour, Assistant Secretary General for Human Rights Mr. Michel Forst, UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders Dear Excellencies, Subject: Joint civil society letter on reprisals against Sri Lankan human rights defenders Firstly, we wish to express our appreciation related to the engagement by the Government of Sri Lanka with the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) to address long drawn issues of human rights, reconciliation and accountability. The participation of the new Government in this process indeed has given victims and human rights defenders working closely with them hopes of strong political leadership which is dedicated to creating an environment of freedom without fear and intimidation. We regret to note the emergence of a culture of intimidation and reprisals in the recent past against NGOs thereby exposing human rights defenders and NGO leaders to danger of threats and intimidation including in the North. The increase in attacks against NGOs in general and human rights defenders in particular is worrying. In this respect, we are addressing this communiqué to you to express our deep concerns regarding the recent reprisals against two human rights defenders from Sri Lanka, Ms.
    [Show full text]
  • Minutes of Parliament Present
    (Eighth Parliament - First Session) No. 187. ] MINUTES OF PARLIAMENT Wednesday, August 09, 2017 at 1.00 p. m. PRESENT : Hon. Karu Jayasuriya, Speaker Hon. Thilanga Sumathipala, Deputy Speaker and Chairman of Committees Hon. Selvam Adaikkalanathan, Deputy Chairman of Committees Hon. Ranil Wickremesinghe, Prime Minister and Minister of National Policies and Economic Affairs Hon. (Mrs.) Thalatha Atukorale, Minister of Foreign Employment Hon. John Amaratunga, Minister of Tourism Development and Christian Religious Affairs Hon. Mahinda Amaraweera, Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development and State Minister of Mahaweli Development Hon. (Dr.) Sarath Amunugama, Minister of Special Assignment Hon. Gayantha Karunatileka, Minister of Lands and Parliamentary Reforms and the Chief Government Whip Hon. Akila Viraj Kariyawasam, Minister of Education Hon. Lakshman Kiriella, Minister of Higher Education and Highways and Leader of the House of Parliament Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Minister of Sports Hon. Nimal Siripala de Silva, Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Hon. Duminda Dissanayake, Minister of Agriculture Hon. S. B. Dissanayake, Minister of Social Empowerment, Welfare and Kandyan Heritage Hon. S. B. Nawinne, Minister of Internal Affairs, Wayamba Development and Cultural Affairs Hon. Gamini Jayawickrama Perera, Minister of Sustainable Development and Wildlife Hon. A. D. Susil Premajayantha, Minister of Science, Technology and Research ( 2 ) M. No. 187 Hon. Sajith Premadasa, Minister of Housing and Construction Hon. (Mrs.) Chandrani Bandara, Minister of Women and Child Affairs Hon. Tilak Marapana, Minister of Development Assignments Hon. Faiszer Musthapha, Minister of Provincial Councils and Local Government Hon. Anura Priyadharshana Yapa, Minister of Disaster Management Hon. Sagala Ratnayaka, Minister of Law and Order and Southern Development Hon.
    [Show full text]
  • Ministry of Foreign Affairs Sri Lanka Annual Performance
    MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS SRI LANKA ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REPORT 2017 MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS Contents Page No 1. Mission, Subjects and Functions of the Ministry of Foreign 1 Affairs 2. Preface 3 - 5 3. Organizational Chart of the Ministry 7 4. Progress Report of the Divisions - Africa Division 9 - 27 - Consular Affairs Division 29 - 35 - East Asia and Pacific Division 37 - 80 - Economic Affairs and Trade Division 81 - 88 - European Union, Multilateral Treaties and Commonwealth 89 - 95 Division - Finance Division 97 - 102 - General Administration Division 103 - 106 - Legal Division 107 - 112 - Middle East 113 - 134 - Ocean Affairs and Climate Change Division 135 - 142 - Overseas Administration Division 143 - 149 - Overseas Sri Lankan Division 151 - 154 - Policy Planning Division 155 - 157 - Protocol Division 159 - 167 - Public Communications Division 169 - 172 - South Asia and SAARC Division 173 - 184 - United Nations and Human Rights Division 185 - 192 - United States of America and Canada Division 193 - 201 - West Division 203 - 229 5. Network of Diplomatic Missions Abroad 231 6. Revenue collected by Sri Lanka Missions Abroad in 2017 233 - 235 7. Consular activities carried out by Sri Lanka Missions Abroad - 236 - 238 2017 Vision To be a responsible nation within the international community and to maintain friendly relations with all countries. Mission The Promotion, Projection and Protection of Sri Lanka’s national interests internationally, in accordance with the foreign policy of the Government and to advise the Government on managing foreign relations in keeping with Sri Lanka’s national interests. Subjects and Functions of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Implementation of political plans and programmes in respect of Foreign Affairs; Representation of Sri Lanka abroad; International Agreements and Treaties; Foreign Government and international organization’s representation in Sri Lanka; External publicity; Diplomatic immunities and privileges and Consular functions.
    [Show full text]
  • Sarath Amunugama by Cyril Wimalasurendre “Politicians Are Mented
    4 Thursday 7th January, 2010 The Island More News Page Four Politicians should maintain continuous rapport with voters - Sarath Amunugama by Cyril Wimalasurendre “Politicians are mented. It was the duty of leaders to give vocational training institutions in the seen at least in a tent the correct guidance and advice to those country. Kandy - Politicians should not restrict erected outside dur- who follow them, he said. Young children should be directed to fol- their relationship with the people to the ing elections and the Opportunities to air their grievances low a suitable course in a vocational train- The 20th annual general meeting of times of elections only.They must carry on day after the election and help to overcome their problemsmust ing institute. Hambantota Women’s Development a continuous rapport and interaction with the tent will be rolled be given, he said. In this field, politicians themselves Federation was held at the Singapore the people to understand them and help up and the gates The demand by most people was could take the initiative to provide more Hall at Siribopura in Hambantota. The them live a contented life, Public closed,” he said. employment. The parents were worried and diversified courses of vocational train- group has 40,000 members. Women's Administration and Home Affairs Usually, he said, about the unemployment of their young ing for the youth, he said. Affairs Minister Sumedha Jayasena Minister Dr. Sarath Amunugama said at politicians live a life sons and daughters. Under ordinary cir- Dr. Amunugama said that it was with with Mrs Chandra Rajapaksa, wife of Nugawela on Sunday (03).
    [Show full text]
  • The Rajapakse 'Coup' and Upcoming Parliamentary Election in Sri Lanka
    IDSA Issue Brief IDSA ISSUE BRIEF1 The Rajapakse ‘Coup’ and Upcoming Parliamentary Election in Sri Lanka Smruti S Pattanaik Dr Smruti S Pattanaik is Research Fellow at the Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses, New Delhi. July 28, 2015 Summary The 8 January election was a decisive anti-Rajapakse vote in spite of Rajapakse's claim to the contrary. Notwithstanding that, as Sri Lanka prepares for parliamentary elections in August, two fundamental issues are at stake: democratisation of the political system, which regressed during Rajapakse's rule, and national reconciliation. Rajapakse's victory in the forthcoming elections would not only be a reversal of the January 8 mandate but his divisive politics based on Sinhala chauvinism will not be conducive for national reconciliation - a prerequisite for long term peace and stability of the country. A UNP victory is predicted given the dissension within the SLFP and voter uncertainty about a Rajapakse return. Unlike the Presidential election, local politics and local issues would influence the voters. People have not forgotten the Rajapakse decade, which epitomised corruption with his family directly controlling Rs. 1.2 billion of the Rs. 1.7 billion national budget. His development model has few takers in the rural south. It has not generated the employment that they were looking for as many of the projects have become economically unviable. People are aware of the massive corruption in which both the Rajapakse family and his close allies were involved. Given his past policies, the SLFP is also unlikely to get the votes of the minorities. Disclaimer: Views expressed in IDSA’s publications and on its website are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the IDSA or the Government of India.
    [Show full text]
  • Minutes of Parliament for 23.01.2020
    (Eighth Parliament - Fourth Session ) No . 7. ]]] MINUTES OF PARLIAMENT Thursday, January 23, 2020 at 10.30 a.m. PRESENT ::: Hon. J. M. Ananda Kumarasiri, Deputy Speaker and the Chair of Committees Hon. Mahinda Amaraweera, Minister of Transport Service Management and Minister of Power & Energy Hon. Dinesh Gunawardena, Minister of Foreign Relations and Minister of Skills Development, Employment and Labour Relations and Leader of the House of Parliament Hon. S. M. Chandrasena, Minister of Environment and Wildlife Resources and Minister of Lands & Land Development Hon. (Dr.) Ramesh Pathirana, Minister of Plantation Industries and Export Agriculture Hon. Johnston Fernando, Minister of Roads and Highways and Minister of Ports & Shipping and Chief Government Whip Hon. Prasanna Ranatunga, Minister of Industrial Export and Investment Promotion and Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation Hon. Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, State Minister of Irrigation and Rural Development Hon. Lasantha Alagiyawanna, State Minister of Public Management and Accounting Hon. Mahindananda Aluthgamage, State Minister of Power Hon. Duminda Dissanayake, State Minister of Youth Affairs Hon. S. B. Dissanayake, State Minister of Lands and Land Development Hon. Wimalaweera Dissanayaka, State Minister of Wildlife Resources Hon. Vasudeva Nanayakkara, State Minister of Water Supply Facilities Hon. Susantha Punchinilame, State Minister of Small & Medium Enterprise Development Hon. A. D. Susil Premajayantha, State Minister of International Co -operation Hon. Tharaka Balasuriya, State Minister of Social Security Hon. C. B. Rathnayake, State Minister of Railway Services Hon. Nimal Lanza, State Minister of Community Development ( 2 ) M. No. 7 Hon. Gamini Lokuge, State Minister of Urban Development Hon. Janaka Wakkumbura, State Minister of Export Agriculture Hon. Vidura Wickramanayaka, State Minister of Agriculture Hon.
    [Show full text]
  • The Document Was Created from a File "F:\Wpdoc\DSAS South Asia\12
    European Parliament 2014-2019 Delegation for relations with the countries of South Asia DSAS_PV (2016)1031 MISSION REPORT of the Interparliamentary meeting of 31 October - 3 November 2016 in Sri Lanka (Colombo, Trincomalee and Batticaloa) by Jean Lambert, Chair of the Delegation 01/12/2016 KA/am PV\1111396EN.docx PE593.040v01-00 EN United in diversity EN 8th EU/Sri Lanka Interparliamentary Meeting Overall assessment Since January 2015 and the defeat of former President Rajapaksa, a number of positive developments have taken place and are undertaken by the government. This mission was a very timely one to get an impression of the state of play of the reforms undertaken so far. They are currently preparing the revision of the constitution, the reconciliation process has seen its first steps and there is an increasingly confident civil society which is scrutinising the entire process. On the economic side, Sri Lanka is committed to undertake the needed reforms to get the GSP + (Generalised Scheme of Preferences) status back, which is very important especially for the garment sector. In a long-term perspective, the ambition is to transform Sri Lanka into the gateway to the South Asian market, similar to Singapore today. They are currently negotiating Free Trade Agreements with China and Singapore which could be concluded early next year. While lots of reforms are planned (and vividly discussed) to advance Sri Lanka on its path to more democracy, a limited amount has been delivered so far by the unity government. The will of the government for change is certain, but difficult to put in practice against the fierce opposition of former President Rajapaksa’s followers and the fact that the whole administration, responsible for implementation of reforms, still remains nearly the same as before with a cautious appetite - if any - to embrace change.
    [Show full text]
  • Statement by Hon. Mangala Samaraweera, MP Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka
    1 Statement by Hon. Mangala Samaraweera, MP Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka High-Level Segment of the 34th Session of the UN Human Rights Council Geneva, 28 February 2017 Mr. President High Commissioner for Human Rights/ Madam Deputy High Commissioner Excellencies Distinguished Delegates Ladies and Gentlemen It is an honour for me to be here today at the 34th Session of the UN Human Rights Council which I believe has the highest number of dignitaries in attendance. I stand here today at a time when the very basis and fundamentals of human rights are being questioned around the world. Many of the universal values that we subscribe to are being challenged in the name of ‘populism’, with populists spinning webs from threads of ignorance. The role of this Organisation, in this context, is becoming more important than ever. Mr. President, This Council is familiar with Sri Lanka’s story. After years of denial, disengagement, and self-isolation, the National Unity Government of President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, proceeded to set our country on a transformative trajectory in terms of human rights, good governance, rule of law, justice, reconciliation and economic development. The people of our country voted in large numbers granting a resounding victory to President Sirisena at the election in January 2015. The voter turnout was the highest recorded for any Presidential candidate, and in the North and the East, President Sirisena’s share of the vote was also the highest ever as people placed their trust in President Sirisena who they believe will not short change them as in the past.
    [Show full text]
  • Parliament Watch – Sri Lanka*
    PARLIAMENT WATCH – SRI LANKA* 2009 REPORT _____________________________________________________________ * Conceptualised, implemented and funded by South Asians for Human Rights; Research carried out and assistance provided by Transparency International, Sri Lanka A Report on the proceedings of the Sixth Parliament of Sri Lanka Background The report covers the period from January to December 2009. The period under review was significant for Sri Lanka as it marked the end of the armed struggle that spanned over 26 years. The war was officially declared over by the Sri Lankan government on May 19, 2009 generating much hope at the end of a protracted war. Public expectations were high with regard to the restoration of civil liberties which were long compromised to enable the execution of the war to an end. However, Sri Lanka was also left to deal with grave issues such as the 300, 000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDP), a war-battered economy and the lack of investment and industrial development, in addition to dealing with allegations of war crimes and human rights abuses. This report looks at the conduct of the Sri Lankan Legislature during the year 2009 and how Parliament dealt with issues related to transparency, accountability, good governance and human rights during the last phase of Eelam War IV and its immediate conclusion. Significant attention is also paid to the area of human rights, given its extreme importance in times of war, and the immediate aftermath when countries tend to experience more violations of rights that are constitutionally guaranteed. In addition, the report covers a range of topics including the specific issue of IDPs and freedom of expression concerns in Sri Lanka.
    [Show full text]
  • Parliamentary Series First Report
    Parliamentary Series No. 11 of THE SIXTH PARLIAMENT OF THE DEMOCRATIC SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF SRI LANKA (Fourth Session) First Report From The Committee on Public Enterprises Presented by Hon. W D J Senewiratne Chairman of the Committee on 19 August 2009 i MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC ENTERPRISES for the Fourth Session of the Sixth Parliament 1. Hon. W. D. J. Seneviratne (Chairman) 2. Hon. (Mrs.) Pavithra Devi Wanniarachchi 3. Hon. A. D. Susil Premajayantha 4. Hon. Hemakumara Nanayakkara 5. Hon. Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena 6. Hon. Chandrasiri Gajadeera 7. Hon. A. P. Jagath Pushpakumara 8. Hon. Mahinda Amaraweera 9. Hon. (Dr.) Mervyn Silva 10. Hon. Mahindananda Aluthgamage 11. Hon. Navin Dissanayake 12. Hon. Lasantha Alagiyawanna 13. Hon. Piyasiri Wijenayake 14. Hon. Muthu Sivalingam 15. Hon. Hussain Ahamed Bhaila 16. Hon. (Mrs.) Renuka Herath 17. Hon. John Amaratunga 18. Hon. Mangala Samaraweera 19. Hon. Lakshman Kiriella 20. Hon. Ravi Karunanayake 21. Hon. Anura Dissanayake 22. Hon. K. D. Lalkantha 23. Hon. (Dr.) Jayalath Jayawardana 24. Hon. Kabir Hashim 25. Hon. Bimal Ratnayake 26. Hon. Sunil Handunnetti 27. Hon. Faizal Cassim 28. Hon. M. T. Hassan Ali 29. Hon. Mavai S. Senathirajah 30. Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara 31. Hon. Senathirajah Jeyanandamoorthy 32. Hon. (Ven.) Athuraliye Rathana Thero 33. Hon. Basil Rohana Rajapaksa - ii - MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC ENTERPRISES for the Third Session of the Sixth Parliament 1. Hon. W.D.J. Senewiratne (appointed as Chairman on 23.07.2008) 2. Hon. (Mrs.) Pavitra Devi Wanniarachchi (appointed on 17.03.2009) 3. Hon. Anura Priyadharshana Yapa (resigned on 12.09.2008) 4.
    [Show full text]