No moving left or right but forward - Basil Rajapaksa

By Chandani Kirinde, Our Lobby Correspondent

Lead characters in the annual budget presentation/debate of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.

Mahinda Rajapaksa: Executive President of the Republic of Sri Lanka

Kabeer Hasheem: UNP Kegalle district MP and frequent spokesman of economic affairs

Wimal Weerawansa: Parliamentary Group Leader of the Janatha Vimukithi Peramuna (JVP)

Basil Rajapaksa: National List MP and brother of President Rajapaksa

Suresh Premachandran: Jaffna district MP of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA)

Other characters: Cabinet Ministers, Non-Cabinet Minister and Deputy Minister and MPs.

Audience: Special invitees including Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, Sectary to the President Lalith Weeratunga, several political appointees to government institutions, members of the press.

Intruders: Photographers of non-state-media institutions who were asked to leave the chamber before scene one unfolded.

Parliament Chamber – day one Act 1, Scene 1

At the auspicious time of 9.47 am, President Mahinda Rajapaksa enters with a file in hand , walks down the alley to his seat. A loud cry of “Jaya Sri” erupts from a back bench followed by similar cries from a few others in the government side. There is also some thumping on the tables to welcome the President by members on his side.

President Rajapaksa reads the first part of his budget speech detailing economic trends, foreign income and expenditure, government finance, economic reforms, legal reforms and other measures taken to improve the economy in the past year.

Part two of the budget speech: “We believe that the influence of the Mahinda Chintana -vision for a new Sri Lanka has assisted in reducing ideological differences, since some of our leaders who demanded a federal solution for years, have now given up such solutions, those who mapped the process of privatisation of health, education and national resources are now compelled to demand the protection of such sectors.”

A scene in Parliament captured by photographers prior to being asked to leave the press gallery

“I wish to emphasize that the fight against terrorism is not a fight against the Tamil people. It is our duty and responsibility to protect and preserve democratic rights of Tamils, Muslims and Sinhalese in all parts of the island. Therefore I want all of you in the opposition to join hands with the government and move forward with a common agenda in the interests of our motherland.” (applause from government benches)

‘Although the prices of certain essential commodities are likely to remain high due to soaring international prices, it is indeed a blessing in disguise to promote local substitutes.’ (more applause)

“Honourable ministers, secretaries to ministries, heads of institutions and all public servants, I request you to cooperate and assist to develop a dedicated public service by marking attendance with the use of an electronic finger printing system, render your service based on a Code of Conduct and Ethics and free from corruption and also make a concerted effort to eradicate bribery and corruption.” (Lots of applause)

House adjourns and as President leaves chamber shaking hands along the way. Many retire to the MPs lunch room in the building to enjoy the tradition post budget presentation tea party. UNP MPs decide to boycott.

Act 2, Scene 1

Kabeer Hasheem, UNP MP Kegalle district begins the debate on the budget presented by the President. “The state media has called this a desha premi budget aimed at developing the country. Under this everything from the match box (gini pettiya) to the coffin (mini pettiya) are being taxed. The President said Mihin Air was set up to facilitate foreign travel for low income travellers. People can’t spend for a three wheeler to get a patient to hospital in an emergency and you are asking them to go overseas.” (Sarcastic comments erupt from UNP benches)

Basil Rajapaksa, newly appointed national list MP is chosen to open the debate on behalf of the government. Though seated in the last row on the government side, he is flanked by government seniors such as the Chief Government Whip Jeyaraj Fernandopulle, Minister Champika Ranawaka and Deputy Finance Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya.

“For nearly 30 years from 1977-2004, we have adopted economic polices that were intended to destroy the national economy and benefit outsiders. I remember it was through CARE that the Americans introduced powdered milk to Sri Lanka. We have to undo the damage that has been done to our economy. It is like maneuvering an oil tanker at sea, when taking bends, it could topple over.

Opposition members interrupt by saying: “A person who has been living aboard for 20 years is talking of a national economy.” Ignoring the occasional opposition banter, Mr. Rajapaksa continued his speech. “We must not move left or right but move forward.”

JVP MP Wimal Weerawansa rises to his feet. There is a sense of anticipation that he may provide a hint as to how his party will vote on the budget. Both government and UNP MPs present are particularly attentive.

“We have sowed the seeds of economic ruin from 1977-2007.This budget falls far short of the expectations of the people. It’s like the man who went to pluck coconuts and came down the tree with only dried leaves instead.” Mr.Weerwansa then reads an extracts from ‘Confessions of an economic hit man’ by John Perkins, an American national who managed to convince the political and financial leadership of underdeveloped countries to accept enormous development loans from institutions like the World Bank and being saddled with huge debts, these countries had to toe the line of the USA. Sri Lanka too is in this trap now.

“This is the development bubble that the country has been in for 30-years which has now burst. This Budget does not lay a clear plan for moving towards a national economy. Instead it is presented with some make up but that will begin to run soon and its real face will be exposed. It’s like the prostitute wearing the Kandyan sari.The sari is good but we have to see who is wearing it.”

As his speech draws to an end, everyone waits to hear the decisive words on how the party is to vote on the budget. Unfortunately those waiting eagerly will have to wait another week. “We reject this budget but we will inform this House how the JVP will be voting on the day of the vote.” Next rises TNA MP Suresh Premachndran. “This budget is intended to destroy the Tamil people. Sri Lanka is maintaining a military that is bigger than in most countries to kill a section of her own people.” The UNP and the TNA make it clear they will be voting against the budget. But the suspense will continue till the JVP makes its decision known. The remaining acts will unfold in the coming week and will conclude on November 19, the day of voting.