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PM praises 20A, explains what went wrong with 19A brought in to ‘suppress Rajapaksas’
By Saman Indrajith
Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday (21) told Parliament that he was happy and proud of the 20th Amendment to the Constitution for it would become law without any political deals to get it passed in Parliament.
Participating in the second reading stage debate on the amendment bill, the Prime Minister said that instances of constitutional reforms in history were full of political deals to obtain votes from other parties to pass those bills. “There is neither such pressure nor political deal in this instance,” he said.
The 20th Amendment was brought to remove the 19th Amendment which had plunged the country into anarchy and was rejected by the people, Prime Minister Rajapaksa said.
The PM said people had given the SLPP to strengthen the position of the President and therefore the 20th Amendment had been brought in to strengthen national security and repeal the 19th Amendment which destabilized the country.
The Prime Minister said that the government was not planning to continue with the existing Constitution would introduce a new constitution to build the nation fulfilling the long awaited aspiration of the people.
“No other Constitution has been criticised as much as this Constitution. Dr. NM Perera, Dr. Colvin R. de Silva and Sarath Muttettuwegama were the ones who initially opposed this constitution but, they are not alive today. However, we have no choice but to maintain this constitution. Although the SLFP opposes this Constitution, the Presidents produced by the SLFP have formed governments under it. Although UNP leader J.R. Jayewardene had introduced the present Constitution to prevent the SLFP from coming to power, the SLFP had ruled the country for the longest period by producing the highest number of residents. Therefore, all of us have been subjected to political ridicule under this constitution. But we have not been able to change this Constitution because one party could not get a two- thirds majority in Parliament under the PR system, but we have won a two-thirds majority. The people of this country wanted a government that would safeguard the sovereignty of the people without succumbing to foreign pressures and breaking up into factions.”
The PM said that when a Constitution was amended it was normal for various debates to arise in Parliament. “However, certain amendments in history have been made with MPs kept under pressure. But, we are not bringing this 20th Amendment to Parliament through political deals or by securing votes by exerting influence on anyone. That is why at this moment when the 20th Amendment is being brought, there is room for debate. On the other hand, I would like to ask whether the same could be said about the 19th Amendment. At that time the Maha Sangha or anyone was not allowed to protest. Therefore, we can be happy about the manner in which the 20th Amendment is being debated respecting the democratic rights of the people without any underhand deal making involved.”
The PM said that the 19th Amendment was solely aimed at taking revenge from the Rajapaksa family and to target the civic rights of the Rajapaksas. But unfortunately, it had only jeopardised the national security and unity of the country.
“Some people rejoiced when the President’s wings were clipped, not realising that such action would endanger national security. The Head of former State Intelligence Service has revealed before the Presidential Commission of Inquiry probing the Easter Sunday attacks that at least 10,000 officials had been aware that the terror strikes would happen but could do nothing to prevent the attack.”
In addition the Prime Minister noted that the president did not even have the power to remove the IGP even after such a tragedy or even to transfer inefficient police officers. “Only the Police Commission can do that. But it was a mystery as to who the Police Commission was answerable to.
“The state intelligence and other intelligence services were very strong during our time. But after the introduction of 19th Amendment, the CID was used to hunt down Opposition politicians. As a result, the efficiency of services such as the CID intelligence deteriorated. Now, the CID could not apprehend Rishad Bathiudeen fast. Rishad’s younger brother who was allegedly linked to terrorists has been released on bail by the police. No there is nothing that can be done about that.”
Prime Minister Rajapaksa said that officials from the Attorney General’s Department had been summoned to Temple Trees to conduct an anti-corruption committee during the previous regime. For five years Temple Trees had spent a colossal sum of money to maintain that committee. “Even the officials of the then Attorney General’s Department have publicly stated that the committee was illegal. But has the Independent Audit Commission audited the huge expenditure incurred by this committee? Is there a report submitted to this country after such an audit?”
The U.S. Embassy in Colombo welcomed the U.S. Sports Envoys to Sri Lanka, former National Basketball Association (NBA) and Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) players Stephen Howard and Astou Ndiaye, from June 8 through 14.
The Public Diplomacy section of the U.S. Embassy said that it would launch a weeklong basketball program intended to harness the unifying power of sports, made possible through collaboration with Foundation of Goodness and IImpact Hoop Lab.
While in Sri Lanka, Howard and Ndiaye, both retired professional basketball players, will conduct a weeklong program, Hoops for Hope: Bridging Borders through Basketball. The Sports Envoys will lead basketball clinics and exhibition matches and engage in leadership sessions in Colombo and Southern Province for youth aged 14-18 from Northern, Uva, Eastern and Western Provinces, offering skills and leadership training both on and off the court. The U.S. Envoys will also share their expertise with the Sri Lanka Basketball Federation, national coaches, and players, furthering the development of basketball in the country. Beyond the clinics, they will collaborate with Sri Lankan schoolchildren to take part in a community service project in the Colombo area.
“We are so proud to welcome Stephen and Astou as our Sports Envoys to Sri Lanka, to build on the strong people-to-people connections between the United States and Sri Lanka,” said U.S. Ambassador Julie Chung. “The lessons that will be shared by our Sports Envoys – communication, teamwork, resilience, inclusion, and conflict resolution – are essential for leadership development, community building, equality, and peace. The U.S. Sports Envoy program is a testament to our belief that sports can be a powerful tool in promoting peace and unity.”
SJB Colombo District MP Mujibur Rahuman in parliament demanded to know from the government the reasons for CEB suspending the leave of all its employees until further notice from Thursday.
MP Rahuman said that the CEB has got an acting General Manager anew and the latter yesterday morning issued a circular suspending leave of all CEB employees with immediate effect until further notice.
“We demand that Minister Kanchana Wijesekera should explain this to the House. This circular was issued while this debate on the new Electricity Amendment Bill was pending. There are many who oppose this Bill. The Minister must tell parliament the reason for the urge to cancel the leave of CEB employees,” the MP said.However, Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena prevented Minister Wijesekera responding to the query and said that the matter raised by MP Rahuman was not relevant.
The Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM) successfully concluded the 8th Annual CIPM Symposium, which took place on 31st May 2024. Themed “Nurturing the Human Element—Redefining HRM in a Rapidly Changing World,” the symposium underscored the pivotal role of human resource management (HRM) in today’s dynamic global landscape. Since its inception in 1959, CIPM has been dedicated to advancing the HR profession through education, professional development, and advocacy, solidifying its position as Sri Lanka’s leading professional body for HRM.
Ken Vijayakumar, the President of the CIPM, graced the occasion as the chief guest. The symposium commenced with the welcome address by the Chairperson, Prof. Arosha Adikaram, followed by the Web Launch of the Symposium Proceedings and Abstract Book by the CIPM President. The event featured distinguished addresses, including a speech by Chief Guest Ken Vijayakumar, President of CIPM, and an address by Guest of Honor Shakthi Ranatunga, Chief Operating Officer of MAS Holdings Pvt. Ltd., Sri Lanka.
The symposium also featured an inspiring keynote address by Prof. Mario Fernando, Professor of Management and Director of the Centre for Cross Cultural Management (CCCM) at the University of Wollongong, Australia.
Vote of Thanks of the inauguration session was delivered by Dr. Dillanjani Weeratunga, Symposium Co-chair.
The symposium served as a comprehensive platform for researchers to present their findings across a wide range of critical topics in HRM. These included Cultural Diversity and Inclusion, Talent Development and Retention, Ethical Leadership and Corporate Social Responsibility, Adapting to Technological Advancements, Mental Health and Well-being at Work, Global Workforce Challenges, Employee Empowerment, and Reskilling and Upskilling.
The plenary session was led by Prof. Wasantha Rajapakse. Certificates were awarded to the best paper presenters during the valedictory session, followed by a vote of thanks delivered by Kamani Perera, Manager of Research and Development.
The annual symposium of CIPM was a truly inclusive event, attracting a diverse audience that spanned undergraduates, graduates, working professionals, research scholars and lecturers. This widespread interest highlights the symposium’s significance in the field of HRM, offering a unique opportunity for everyone to network and learn from scholarly brains.The CIPM International Research Symposium was sponsored by Hambantota International Port, Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology (SLIIT), E B Creasy & Co. PLC, and Print Xcel Company.
US sports envoys to Lanka to champion youth development
Rahuman questions sudden cancellation of leave of CEB employees
