Columns

The Budget debate should be more about economics and less about politics, but as the debate on the Second Reading of the Appropriation Bill drew to an end, it was overshadowed by several other issues such as the move to impeach the Chief Justice (CJ), the Welikada prison riots and the lingering questions about the future of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution.

On Thursday, Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa announced the names of the 11 Government and Opposition members on the Parliament Select Committee (PSC) that will probe charges against the CJ, with Environment Minister Anura Priyadharshana Yapa as Committee Chairman.

While the same evening the PSC held its first meeting, the Speaker had to caution MPs from making any public comments regarding the Committee, until its sittings are concluded.

Meanwhile, further questions were raised in Parliament last week, by JVP MP Anura Kumara Dissanayaka, on the Welikada prison riot which left 27 prisoners dead. He queried as to who had given orders to call in the Special Task Force (STF) to search the prison wards, a task entrusted to prison guards.

Prison and Prison Reforms Minister Chandrasiri Gajadeera said that STF assistance had been sought by the Prisons Commissioner. “The ‘L’ and Chapel wards at the Welikada Prisons have not been searched for years. The reason being the refusal by the inmates to allow such search operations. The STF was asked to assist with equipment and personnel for this purpose,” he said.

The Minister denied that any particular officer had given orders to send the STF inside the prison, while brushing aside Opposition MPs’ claims of a move to bring the Prisons Dept under the Defence Ministry.
Opposition leader Ranil Wickrermesinghe also raised questions about the Government’s stance on the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, as conflicting reports were emanating from the coalition partners of the UPFA.

“Gotabaya Rajapaksa who is an officer playing a major role in the Rajapaksa government, states that, the 13th Amendment to the Constitution should be repealed. Also, the political allies of the Government raise similar voices,” the Opposition Leader said.

House Leader Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva responded that Government will not make a unilateral decision about the future of the 13th Amendment, and would discuss any changes to the law at the PSC appointed for this purpose.

“It’s been a year since the Government named members to the PSC, but the Opposition has so far failed to name anyone,” he said, adding that, repealing the 13th Amendment was not the official stance of the Government, though some of its allies had called for it.

Tamil National Alliance (TNA) MP R. Sampanthan who took part in the Budget debate on Thursday, warned that, repealing the 13th Amendment would have dire consequences for the country. “Any attempt to repeal the 13th Amendment will cause grave harm and irreparable damage to the future of Sri Lanka,” he said.
Most Opposition legislators referred to the Budget presented by President Mahinda Rajapaksa on November 8, as one that catered to the needs of the rich, even though Government members reiterated that the Budget has been prepared during trying times, with the best possible relief being afforded to the public.
Several UNP MPs touched on the decision to reduce the tax on certain types of racing cars. “This Budget is for the Lamborghini class. It’s only for the affluent classes, “Chief Opposition Whip John Amaratunga said.
Similar sentiments were echoed by UNP Badulla district MP Harin Fernando who queried, if the Lamborghinis are going to be used instead of tractors to plough the fields. He also livened up the debate by bringing half-a-loaf of bread into the Chamber, saying that the Government had not given sufficient relief to the people, to enable them buy even half-a-loaf.
However, Government members accused the Opposition of not appreciating the good points in the Budget. “The Government has given relief to many sectors such as agriculture and to public servants. The Opposition does not see any good in anything the Government does, “Minister Jagath Pushpakumara charged.

Follow @timesonlinelk

comments powered by Disqus

MR’s quip: Weli to save weli

Petrie report: Diplomatic blunder projects Sri Lanka as a Rwanda

Fiscal targets commendable, achievement difficult

Drawing back from a ruinous precipice

Budget blues and Galle Face Green