Columns

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa meeting farmer organisation representatives this week at the Presidential Secretariat to explain why the Government has taken a decision to ban the import of chemical fertiliser and promote organic fertiliser.

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa spent the last weekend in Kandy. After visiting the Dalada Maligawa to pay homage to the Sacred Tooth Relic, he called on the Chief Prelates of the Malwatte and Asgiriya Chapters to brief them on the government’s ban on chemical fertiliser and its programme to promote organic fertiliser. No media personnel were allowed into these meetings.

On Thursday, President Rajapaksa met representatives of farmers’ organisations at the Presidential Secretariat to brief them on the programme to promote organic fertiliser and to obtain their views. The meeting was attended by representatives of farmers’ organisations from all districts of the country. Those in attendance on the government side included Agriculture Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage, State Ministers Shasheendra Rajapaksa, Seetha Arambepola, Mohan P. De Silva and President’s Secretary Dr P.B. Jayasundara.

At the beginning of the meeting, Minister Alutgamage praised the “courageous decision” by the President to ban the import of chemical fertiliser and to promote organic fertiliser. After hearing from the farmers’ representatives, President Rajapaksa said some were trying to paint the move as an abrupt decision, but it was not so. “We spend Rs 80,000 million (80 billion) each year to import chemical fertiliser. We can now save that money distribute it among the farmers,” he said.

The chemical fertiliser ban, however, has created a fertiliser shortage, and the matter figured prominently at this week’s Cabinet meeting. Several ministers pointed out that there was a severe shortage of fertiliser in many areas of the country. Agriculture Minister Aluthgamage, though, continued to insist that there was no such shortage. He claimed that for the ‘Yala’ season, adequate fertiliser had already been distributed. The shortage had been artificially created in some parts owing to traders hoarding stocks, he said, adding that his ministry could supply fertiliser to any areas that were experiencing a shortage if it was notified. The minister also told the Cabinet that several countries, including Germany, had come forward with offers of assistance to produce organic fertiliser here.

Backbencher operation to make Basil an MP

Government backbenchers, meanwhile, are intensifying their efforts to ensure that the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) architect, Basil Rajapaksa, enters Parliament. Spearheading the campaign are mainly first-time MPs. They met last Sunday evening at MP Pramitha Bandara Tennakoon’s residence at Anderson Road in Dehiwala for what was termed as a decisive discussion on the matter. When a group of these MPs had met the previous day to draw up plans for the meeting, some had pushed for the meeting to be held at the SLPP head office while others wanted it to be held at the residence of one of their own. It was then that Mr Tennakoon had offered his residence for the meeting. He then informed government backbenchers by phone to arrive at his residence at 3.00pm the following day. However, since it was the weekend and Parliament was not in session, some who were unaware of the meeting had already gone back to their respective districts.

Nevertheless, a large group of MPs turned up on Sunday at Mr Tennakoon’s residence. Those who could not make it had sent messages that they would abide by whatever decision was taken by the majority. In the end, 33 MPs took part in the discussion. While the meeting was supposed to remain secret, word had got out several hours before they met and a large number of media personnel had already gathered outside Mr. Tennakoon’s residence.

Welcoming the assembled MPs, Mr. Tennakoon described the situation as a critical point for the government. He pointed out that it was their belief that Basil Rajapaksa needed to be in Parliament. “We must take this decision collectively and invite Basil Rajapaksa to enter Parliament,” he told the MPs.

SLPP MP Sanjeewa Edirimanna endorsed Mr. Tennakoon’s comments. He said he had spoken to Basil Rajapaksa that morning and added the matters should be handled delicately so that the Rajapaksas’ image does not suffer as he enters Parliament. MPs Nipuna Ranawaka and Jagath Kumara also voiced agreement, stating that Basil Rajapaksa was entering Parliament to strengthen the hands of the President and the Prime Minister.

Talk then turned to speculation that the Opposition might react when Basil Rajapaksa enters Parliament. MPs agreed that they should come up with a programme to counter the allegations that were already being levelled by the opposition against Basil Rajapaksa.

Those at the meeting also discussed how best to invite Basil Rajapaksa to accept a parliamentary seat. Some suggested drafting a letter, to be signed by all MPs and handed over officially. Others said such a letter would only take up more time and insisted that they should, as a group, simply convey the message to him. In the end, it was decided to urgently convey the invitation from the SLPP backbenchers to Basil Rajapaksa inviting him to enter Parliament. Mr Tennakoon and his wife Gayani treated the assembled MPs to tea after the meeting. Many MPs were swamped by media personnel as they left the Tennakoon residence. They were asked why a group of SLPP MPs were holding ‘secret talks’. MPs who spoke to the media responded it was not a secret meeting, but acknowledged it was held to discuss how to bring Basil Rajapaksa to Parliament.

President speaks on the unity of the Rajapaksa family

During a meeting with some of his close associates this week, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa claimed there was an organised attempt via social media and some mainstream media organisations to foster a view that there was a split within the ranks of the Rajapaksa family. The main thrust of this operation was being conducted through social media, the President said. “They are saying that the PM and I both oppose Basil entering Parliament. They are trying to spread this story to gain political advantage for the Opposition. The people of this country know the truth. They know that whatever some may say, the Rajapaksa brothers take decisions together and work together.”

“How can I oppose Basil entering Parliament? I’m the one who asked him to enter Parliament. This is all happening with the knowledge and consent of the Prime Minister and myself,” the President added.

Meanwhile, Basil Rajapaksa himself is still undergoing quarantine at home. His quarantine is due to end on Tuesday. Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunga is also one of those at the forefront of the mission to bring him to Parliament. While on a visit to Batticaloa this week, Mr. Ranatunga phoned Basil Rajapaksa at his home to inquire how he was. Mr. Ranatunga informed the SLPP founder that he had drawn up a plan to obtain the views of the SLPP’s “bala mandala” (party branch) in the Gampaha District. “Obtain views on what?” Basil Rajapaksa asked, to which Prasanna Ranatunga said it was on him entering Parliament. “Are you going to do that from Batticaloa?” an amused Basil Rajapaksa asked. “Wherever we might be, we have made arrangements to get it done,” the minister replied.

Opposition distributes medical equipment worth Rs 50 million

The “Vipakshayen Husmak” programme launched by Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa on April 8 has now completed 19 stages.

Participating in the 19th stage of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) programme, Mr. Premadasa told those present that they had so far distributed medical equipment worth about  Rs 50 million.

He thanked all those who had assisted the programme. “Some are saying that we are doing work that the Government should be doing. That is indeed why we are different. We are a modern Opposition,” he said.

Sajith addresses the nation before the President

Mr Premadasa received word beforehand that the President was due to address the nation. He sat down with SJB General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara and prepared a speech outlining six issues that the SJB felt the President needed to address in his speech.

Addressing the media on the morning of June 25, before the scheduled broadcast of the President’s speech later that night, Mr. Premadasa outlined the hardships suffered by all segments of society owing to the fuel price hike. He said the SJB expected the President to announce a reduction in fuel prices back to where they were before. He also wanted the President to explain how fertiliser would be given to farmers now experiencing a shortage.

The Opposition Leader also drew attention to the still unfolding X-Press Pearl disaster and its impact on the fishing community and the country’s marine environment. He asked the President to explain how the government was going to provide relief to those fishermen and what steps were being taken to protect the marine environment.

Mr Premadasa also called on the President to explain what steps were being taken to provide relief to students who were being adversely affected by online schooling implemented by the government and steps taken to control the COVID-19 pandemic.

Failed speech

In less than 10 minutes after the President addressed the nation, the MPs (of the SJB) connected themselves via Zoom to discuss the President’s speech.

Parliamentarian Harin Fernando, who had noted down the time taken to address the nation remarked, “His address was for 69 minutes after increasing the fuel price by 69” (The reference was over the collective increase of fuel prices by Rs 69).

Dr Rajitha Senaratne remarked saying, “There is criticism against the President all over. Two persons were even brought into the president’s media section. After he realised they could not do anything, he decided to stick his neck out just like Madduma Bandara did. The President does not know what is happening in the country.”

Parliamentarian Nalin Bandara jokingly remarked, “At one time he (the President) addressed the nation to offer tin-fish and dhal. Ultimately, people had to fight it out to buy tin-fish.”

Joining them, Parliamentarian Manusha Nanayakkara said, “In the address it was stated that everything is planned out well. But the number of Gazettes reversed itself shows how well things are planned”.

Mr. Premadasa also joined the online meeting. He said, “The address to the nation was a reflection of the inability of the government. There was no focus on the issues that need to be given attention”.

Mr.  Madduma Bandara remarked; “Ara Koheda yanne. Malle Poll” (like the old saying when one is asked “where are you going”, to respond with “there are coconuts in my bag”).

It was Parliamentarian Kabir Hasheem who said, “I do not know how a President can address a nation and tell so many lies. He projected the opening of the expressway as one of their projects when we had constructed it. He also talked about the construction of roads amounting to 100,000 km. Money has not been allocated for these projects. So many lies were told.”

Parliamentarian Gayantha Karunatillake questioned whether the figures about the economy were true. In response, economist and Parliamentarian Dr Harsha de Silva said, “The President mentioned many factually incorrect things about the economy. I’m not sure who wrote the speech for him. The President should question the person as to why factually incorrect things were included.”

Mr Premadasa instructed SJB members to “create awareness among the people about the falsehoods in the President’s speech.”

Against suppression

A few minutes after social rights activist Asela Sampath was taken away by officials from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) from his house, Mr. Premadasa was informed by telephone. In turn, he called President’s Counsel Upul Jayasuriya, and told him, “work with our team of lawyers and look into it.”

Accordingly, a team of SJB lawyers and civil rights activists worked together in obtaining bail for Mr. Sampath.

Soon after his release, Mr. Sampath arrived at the Opposition Leader’s office. Pulling out a sarong from a bag he told the Opposition Leader, “I was taken away only with this sarong I was wearing at home”. Mr Premadasa inquired from Mr. Sampath’s children who were present as to what they were doing now. Mr. Sampath’s daughter said, “I am in the campus while my brother is preparing for his A/L examination”.

Mr Premadasa said, “I will give you a scholarship and I will get a tab for your brother.” Within two days the promise was fulfilled.

“Asela, do not fear to tell the truth at any time. Do not lie. Tell the truth always,” he said.

If the Government continues in this manner it will soon print Rs 10,000 notes

Meanwhile, in the United National Party (UNP) a discussion was held at Party Headquarters ‘Sirikotha’ and it was presided over by leader Ranil Wickremesinghe and attended by seniors. At this meeting Deputy Leader Ruwan Wijewardene said the government may issue a ten thousand rupee currency note soon.

Palitha Ranga Bandara, Ashu Marasinghe, Vajira Abeywardena and Saman Ratnapriya were among those who took part in the meeting where they discussed the economic situation of the country. Mr Wijewardene pointed out that the government had no proper economic plan and the people were suffering while the government did not care for them. Already, the government has printed currency notes amounting to more than a trillion rupees and the government is not showing any effort to bring back the economy on track.

Last Sunday when Mr. Wijewardene was at UNP chairman Vajira Abeywardena’s residence, UNP Leader Wickremesinghe also arrived. The focus of the discussion was entrusting responsibilities to local council level politicians. It was noted that while some grassroots level politicians had left the party others had remained.

Mr. Wijewardene had pointed out that since there were about 1500 local council members with the UNP they should be organised and given powers as they would be a strength to the party.

Another special event was the launch of the party’s official newspaper – ‘Siyarata’ – as an e-paper. Mr Wijewardene put in a great effort towards this launch.  Saman Ratnapriya remarked “newspapers are nothing new for Ruwan as it is in his body”.

Mr Wijewardene said the paper could be printed in future, and Wickremesinghe said that required changes in the paper needed to be discussed in the future.

Also, 71 new UNP local council members were given their appointment letters. They have replaced those who lost ther seats due to their defection to the SJB. Mr Wickremesinghe addressed the new members for the first time. The new councillor said they appreciated the decision of their party leader returning to Parliament and were seen exchanging pleasantries with him.

Mr Wickremesinghe also met lawyers on the party’s disciplinary board and told them to complete the disciplinary inquiries as soon as possible. At present, inquiries are underway on some of the SJB members. The issue of local council members working against party decisions was taken up. The party leader said that those who remained with the party should be given positions in the villages and persons who worked well would have a good future.

Mr Wijewardene last week travelled to Galle to vote in the Sri Lanka Football Association elections. Mr Range Bandara inquired as to whom he voted for. “I hope the person whom you voted for will win”, Mr. Range Bandara remarked.

Since Wijewardene is the president of the Football League in Biyagama, he was entitled to vote. He was also instrumental in getting some of the local council members who were supporting the SJB in the Wattala Urban Council and local government institutions in Aranayake and Mawanella to rejoin the UNP.