Constitution bill presented in House
Opposition jeers greet president’s speech
By Sumadhu WeerawarnePresident Chandrika Kumaratunga made an appearance in
Parliament yesterday and opened the debate on the controversial constitution amendment
bill amid catcalls from the opposition and applause from government ranks.
In a speech in Sinhala that lasted over ninety minutes the President urged the
Opposition to vote for the new constitution, which she said had been mandated by the
people at nine elections since 1993. At one point looking directly at the Opposition
Leader, Ranil Wickremesinghe, the President bore upon him to give his party’s support
to pass the new constitution. "It is a prime duty in the effort to bring peace to
this bloodied land," she said. The Opposition Leader ensconced in his seat gave a
half-smile.
The President’s speech had few main points, the urgent need to give the Tamil
people their legitimate rights and undermine and defeat the LTTE that is wreaking
terrorism in the name of liberation; that the new constitution presented an opportunity
for the majority Sinhalese to demonstrate that they are not racist, and that the people
had mandated the presentation of the new constitution nine times since the PA had first
been elected to government. She also urged both the Opposition and the Maha Sangha to
co-operate with the government to bring peace "to this bloodied land". She
assured that the Sinhala Buddhist culture on which the nation was founded would not be
undermined by the proposed constitution.
Parliament commenced sittings on an expectant note with both ranks of the house
demonstrating good attendance. UNP’s Ronnie de Mel who pole-vaulted two sessions ago
was observed in the front bench seat of the deceased Minister Dharmasiri Senanayake. Susil
Moonesinghe and Ariyapala Walpitagama too were seen seated in government ranks. The
alternative UNP’s Wijepala Mendis and Chula Bandara took their places in the
opposition ranks. The members were well seated when the President made her appearance.
Minister Mahinda Rajapakse was the only one to enter a few minutes after the President.
Arraigned in subdued tones of beige the President made her way to the seat generally
occupied by Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayake as the Leader of the House. She shook hands
with Ronnie de Mel who had also been assigned a front bench seat. Her entry saw
predictably a mixed response, applause from the government and hoots from the opposition.
The Opposition Leader was seen gesturing to his members to stop the ruckus, but to no
avail.
After Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Prof. G. L. Peiris introduced the
bill, Opposition ranker Mahinda Samarasinghe raised a point of order that the government
had informed the UNP at the plenary discussions that the matter would be taken up for
debate on August 7, 8 and 9, and that it would be unfair to commence with the debate. The
Leader of the House responded that the president would merely open the debate and it would
continue on Monday.
The Opposition Leader Ranil Wickramasinghe soon followed with the objection that the
party leaders had not met to allocate time for debate in terms of procedure. The Leader of
the House assured that the party leaders meeting could be held within the course of the
day.
The rumblings that had been evident almost since commencement took full force when the
President stood up to speak. Thrice the President began her speech, but the opposition
members would not give way. The Speaker even appealed to the Opposition Leader and the
Chief Opposition Whip to intervene, but there was no response. The President who had
hitherto waited for the opposition to silence itself commenced amid the noise. She drew a
parallel between the calls of the UNP and that of a bovine species. But once she had
decided to proceed she did not give way. She spoke in grave tones about the momentous
event that was before Parliament, even as the Opposition MPs continued to bang the tables
with books and throw torn up bits of paper into the air.
The President spoke at length both blaming the UNP in categorical terms for its part in
the "tragedy faced by the country" and also calling upon it to assist the
government to pass the bill. While the drone in Opposition ranks continued unabated
varying in decibel at times during the entirety of the President’s speech, the
government ranks made their contribution at regular intervals with supportive applause.
During the first half of the speech the Opposition was satisfied to merely thump the
tables and throw paper into the air. The ever alert lady from the hills Renuka Herath was
also seen gesturing with a PA election manifesto in her hand. "My face is nice
isn’t it? It is isn’t it?" the President queried from the pint-sized member
smiling across, in obvious reference to her photo on the cover of the manifesto.
The President continued to decry the acts of the LTTE saying that they were
perpetrating terrorism in the name of liberation. "Api elewa elewa gahanawa (We will
fight them tooth and nail)," she said. Her speech was repetitive in terms of content
berating both the UNP and LTTE in turn, even while asking the former to vote with the
government.
The Opposition midway during her speech was seen forming itself into little groups at
the back, while the Opposition Leader moved out of the Chambers at 10:05 am. The UNP
ruckus took new form and life under the leadership of MP Suranimala Rajapakse.
"vyavasthava akula ganna. pacha malla gedera yavamu (Withdraw the constitution. Send
home the bag of lies)," were some of the less abusive slogans chanted by the
opposition. At one point the President inquired from the Leader of the House, "What
are they saying?" to which Minister Wickramanayake responded by urging the President
to carry on with her speech. "This is a big joke. The Leader has fled, while his pack
continue to shout," she quipped.
She urged the Maha Sangha to support the package adding that this was the time to show
that majority Sinhalese are not racist. The Opposition Leader returned to the chambers at
10:45 am even as the battle continued between the denigrating mass of opposition voices
and the President. The President ended her speech with a request to the opposition to
co-operate. The Opposition members tore up the new constitution and threw it into the air,
and UNP’s D. M. Bandaranayake was seen setting one copy alight. The government
rankers applauded the President and hailed her saluting with clenched fist. The main
Opposition did what its name betokened, opposed with great furore, something that they too
had helped to draft.
President asks for
clergy’s support
By Walter Nanaykkara and Kesara Abeywardena
The Government yesterday presented the new draft constitution to parliament amidst
strong opposition from the UNP benches who kept on disturbing a one hour and forty five
minute marathon introductory speech by President Chandrika Kumaratunga.
The bill was presented to Parliament by Minister of Justice Constitutional Affairs,
Ethnic Affairs and National Integration and Deputy Minister of Finace G. L. Peiris after
the speaker announced the decision of the supreme court that it did not have jurisdiction
to repeal and replace the constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.
The UNP benches came alive with President Chandrika Kumaratunga standing to make the
introductory speech. The President unmoved began her speech saying that this day would
mark a unique place in the history of the country since the government was making a
genuine effort to solve the ethnic problem that was a curse to the country.
Speaking in Sinhala she appealed to the people of the country to lend their support to
her in adopting the new constitution. She called on the Buddhist clergy not to be mislead
by false propaganda as the special place given to Buddhism was intact and the rights of
the Sinhala Buddhists have not been undermined. "I have been practicing Buddhist
Philosophy from my childhood. I was voted to power last year with the vote of the majority
Sinhala Buddhists. I appeal to the Buddhist clergy to lend their support," she said.
The Opposition UNP kept on an unbroken tirade throughout the President’s speech.
The UNP backbenchers were shouting slogans calling to defeat the bill and threw torn
pieces of the constitution bill on the floor of the house.
The new constitution would neither change the unitary character of the country nor
would it diminish the position enjoyed by the Buddha Sasana said the President to the
applause of the Government side.
The President continued:
The concept of devolution was not a new thing to us. In ancient times although the
kings were the rulers of the country they did not concentrate absolute power in their
hands. Power was devolved on a village and regional level and those who exercised those
powers acted with greater independence.
The thinking underlying the new constitution is basically this ancient practice with
some changes to suit the modern age. Our kings were able to successfully repel foreign
invaders because the society was strong and properly organised in this manner.
The conflict in the North and East was the making of the UNP governments that ruled the
country from 1977 to 1994. I am asking the Leader of the UNP whether his party would not
support my government to resolve the ethnic conflict for good.
The murder and mayhem of 1983, led the Tamils to take up arms to support their claim
for self determination. The conflict over a period of almost eighteen years has taken
thousands of lives on both side. It is time that every representative of the people put
his effort together to see an end to the blood bath.
The Bill the government is presenting to Parliament is of great historical
significance. I call it significant because this is the first committed and bold action to
resolve the ethnic crisis that had been the scourge of the country.
From the Western Provincial Council election in 1993 we have pledged to resolve the
ethnic conflict by devolution of power. I have done it in nine elections. The majority of
the country has given us a mandate to bring the new constitution and those who are against
it are against the majority of people.
After the People’s Alliance came into power in 1994 we took steps to restore human
rights in the South. New laws were introduced to protect individual rights. Those who
violated fundamental rights were brought to book. After my government came into power in
1994 for the first time law and order was re-established in the North and East. Free and
fair elections were held in the area and human rights were restored.
However all our efforts to bring peace to the North and the East have not paid
dividends because the LTTE never heeded our call. The LTTE is wreaking havoc in the
Northern peninsula claiming to be the champions of the rights of the Tamils. The LTTE
cruelty has not even spared infants of poor villagers.
The UNP is responsible for the war. It started with the conflict of 1983. The entire
Northern peninsula was under LTTE rule during the UNP regime.
Our government fought back and brought back 85 percent of the LTTE held land under
government control. It is actually the UNP as a responsible party that should help us to
resolve this conflict begun by them.
The people who die as a result of the conflict are those belonging to the country
whether they are PA or UNP. I make a fervent appeal to you to support the constitution
bill, which I present to the house today and help me to end the bloody war.
NMAT launch
protest march and fasting campaign
by Kalinga Weerakkody
Members of the National Movement Against Terrorism (NMAT) yesterday launched a protest
march and a fasting campaign at Bodhi Raja Viharaya in Fort, to protest against PA’s
unilateral decision to table the draft constitution in the parliament.
Convenor of NMAT, Athuraliye Rathana Thera, briefing the members gathered at the
Vidyodaya Pirivena at Maradana said that as the guardians of the Sinhala nation the Maha
Sangha have a right to involve themselves in issues threatening the nation during periods
of national crises. While the two main parties are trying to come to power by dividing the
country at any cost, the Maha Sangha have to come forward to save the nation.
Addressing the public at Pettah, Rathana Thero said this country is not owned by
Chandrika or Ranil. It belong to the unborn and to the younger generation.
Chandrika who is trying to be another ‘Dona Kathirina’ has already dug up her
own tomb with her dictatorial actions.
A unitary state means ‘one constitution, one government, one rule, and one nation.
But according to this controversial constitution there would be eight federal states,
comprising several governments, nationals and nations.
"If the government thinks of getting the approval of the public or Maha Sangha to
divide the country it will only achieve that over our dead bodies," the thero stated.
"The approval of this constitution means the end of the Sinhala Buddhist
people."
The Thera recollecting some brutal killings carried out by the LTTE including the
killings of Aranthalawa Bhikkus, killings carried out near the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, the
1987 bomb blast and the killing of the incumbent of the Sambodhi Viharaya at Fort, said
that on behalf of all the people who have shed their blood for the nation we now have a
duty to oppose this constitution.
The Thera further said, "These extremists will only cause to irreparable damage
and will enable the government to tarnish those opposing the constitution reforms as
chauvinists and as blood thirsty extremists. We are not against the minorities.
"From August 8 we will mount protest campaigns throughout the island against the
government’s package till it withdraw the attempt to betray the nation," he
added.
Winding up his speech, the thera said that on August 10 the NMAT will organise
programmes at 1000 temples in all parts of the country as part of the ongoing efforts to
inspire the people against the proposed constitution.
While the General Secretary of Sihala Urumaya (SU) Thilak Karunaratne participated in
support of the procession the national organiser of it Champika Ranawaka addressed the
gathering.
The procession started in front of the Technical College and proceeded towards the
Bodhi Raja Viharaya where around 50 monks launched their fasting campaign till 6.oopm.
Later the members of the NMAT also joined them.
Ronnie becomes a minister?
By Franklin R. Satyapalan
Former Finance Minister and UNP MP Ronnie de Mel sat in the front benches of the
government in parliament yesterday taking former colleague Dharmasiri Senanayake’s
seat raising speculation whether he had been sworn in as a Minister.
Mr. Jayasumana Dissanayake, Secretary to the Chief Government Whip Minister Richard
Pathirana told ‘The Island’ that upto noon yesterday Mr. de Mel had not been
appointed as a Minister.
He explained that though parliamentary tradition was that usually only Cabinet
Ministers sit in the front row of the government benches MP De Mel had sat there with the
approval of Speaker K. B. Ratnayake.
During the debate for the extension of the emergency last month Mr. De Mel spoke in
favour of the extension defying the UNP whip.
The UNP General Secretary MP Gamini Atukorale has called for Mr. De Mel’s
explanation for his conduct and Mr. De Mel has asked for time to reply.
Srimani
won’t participate in reforms debate
United Lalith Front (ULF) leader Srimani Athulathmudali has informed President
Chandrika Kumarat-unga that she would not be able to participate in the debate on the
constitutional reforms in Parliament next week as she is unaware of the contents of the
Bill.
"She has informed the President that this is a matter that gravely concerns the
Nation but that the United Lalith Front had not been invited to participate in the recent
discussions. She is unaware of the contents of the Reforms and therefore regrets that she
would not be able to participate in a debate on this subject," ULF statement said
yesterday.
Queen Mother
celebrates 100th birthday today
Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother celebrates her 100th birthday today.
A press release from the British High Commission States:
Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother is the longest-living Queen Consort in history and is
one of the best-loved members of the British Royal Family. As she celebrates her 100th
birthday on 4 August she can look back proudly on a life which saw her fashion a more
modern image for the British monarchy and bring the Crown closer to the people of the
United Kingdom and the Commonwealth. Paying a birthday tribute to her, her grandson the
Prince of Wales said "Her greatest gift is to enhance life for others through her
effervescent enthusiasm for life."
Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon grew up in a large and happy family, the youngest daughter of
the 14th Earl of Strathmore and Kinghorne. She first met her future husband, then Prince
Albert, Duke of York when she was 5. They did not meet again until 1920 and were married
in 1923. Her first child, the current Queen Elizabeth was born in 1926, and Princess
Margaret was born in 1930. In 1937 the Queen Mother’s world changed for good with
abdication of King Edward VIII and the succession of her husband, who became King George
VI The Queen Mother said that she saw her role at that time as one of a supportive wife.
One of the reasons for the special place the Queen Mother occupies in the heart of the
British people is the support and affinity she showed during the Second World War.
Throughout the bombing of London, she and the King continued to visit the devastated areas
and she instituted a system of relief convoys to the worst bombed areas.
When King George VI died of cancer in 1952, the Queen Mother faced yet another great
challenge in her life. In the weeks after the King’s death she was inconsolable.
There were rumours that she wanted to retire from public life, and it was Churchill who
coaxed her to take on a role that she has made her own.
There are two Queen Mothers: the private woman in tweeds, a raincoat and gumboots
striding out in all weather and pursuing her love of fishing and horse racing; and the
flawless Royal performer. Between 1952 and 1965 the Queen Mother toured Australia, New
Zealand, much of Africa and the United States. By 1965 she had already fulfilled more
engagements than any other member of the Royal Family in history had. In the next decade,
she visited France, Tunisia, the West Indies, Fiji, West Germany, Norway, Scandinavia,
Kenya and Ethiopia. She still carries out Royal engagements to this day, albeit on a
reduced scale.
Her interest in horse racing has increased over the years both as an expert breeder and
proud owner of more than 350 winners. She registered her racing colours in 1950, the first
Queen to do so since Queen Anne, who founded Ascot racecourse in 1711. Her other loves
include gardening, music, dancing and the theatre.
Her courtesy and kindness are a byword, and she has never left an aircraft or Royal
train without thanking the crew. In fact, throughout her life the Queen Mother has never
taken anything for granted, not least her extraordinary life. As she says "The work
you do is the rent you pay for the room you occupy on earth."
Demos for and against
amid tight security
by Saman Indrajith
As President Chandrika Kumaratunga spoke in Parliament yesterday on the proposed
constitutional reforms under tight security, demonstrations for and against the bill took
place near parliament and other parts of Colombo.
Thousands of JVP members marched from Rajagiriya upto Pita Kotte junction despite
police barricades, demonstrating their protest against the proposed bill.
JVPers swamped to Rajagiriya last morning and started to march towards Parliament
premises while senior police officers led by DIG Jayantha Wickremaratne attempted to stop
the advancing protesters.
JVPers marched shouting slogans against the proposed constitution which they said would
divide Sri Lanka on racial grounds. "Defeat the separatist constitution of the PA
Government," "No Constitution to divide Sinhala, Muslim, Tamil
communities," they chanted.
DIG Wickremaratne finally lined up an armed posse of policemen across the road on Pita
Kotte bridge and warned he would give orders to shoot anybody who advanced.
Demonstrators then sat on the road repeating their slogans and wielding placards.
Meanwhile around 80 persons marching from Parliament area yelled for the victory of the
PA and President Kumaratunga.
When asked to name their organisation, they said they were from nearby CWC and
Sethsiripaya. They said that they came to support President Kumaratunga.
Addressing their supporters standing on a double cab, the JVP leaders pledged that they
would fight to the last man to see the downfall of the proposed constitution. Propaganda
Secretary of the JVP, Wimal Weerawansa said, "This fraud constitution bill drawn up
secretly at PA and UNP meetings will divide this country on racial lines. It was hurriedly
drawn up by the PA leadership without consulting leaders of other political parties and
religion. It is a death-trap. We will not let the PA and UNP leadership to decide the
future of the rest of the nation, we’ll fight to the last man to save a united
motherland.
"This constitution of Pickering and Norway will pave the way to many unintended
trouble for Sri Lankans. The President and her ministers are planning to buy UNP
parliamentarians with foreign trips, money and houses from Kurunduwatta area," said
the General Secretary of the JVP, Tilwin Silva.
"We won’t stop until the proposed constitution is sunk in the Diyawanna
Oya," he said. |
