Government embarks on giant project

Government embarks on giant projectby Jayampathy Jayasinghe The government is embarking on a gigantic project to build around 20,000 to 30,000 temporary houses for displaced persons affected by the tsunami disaster, a spokesman for the Commissioner General for Essential Services told the Sunday Observer. The houses are expected to be built in the affected areas of the Southern and the Northern provinces to ease the acute housing problem caused by the tsunami victims. The idea behind the move is that it will take at least two years to build 20,000-30,000 permanent houses, for these people. But as far as the temporary houses are concerned they can be built within a period of six months. Although adequate tents have been provided to affected families, many prefer to live in temporary houses as they are not accustomed to live in tents like in the west. Meanwhile, the government is looking for suitable land in higher elevations to build these houses. The houses will be built with imported wood and roofing sheets as local materials would not be sufficient, the spokesman said. Meanwhile, the government has had two rounds of talks with Inte rnational Organisation of Migration (IOM) and the UNHCR and several NGOs.

Finance Minister brings US $ 81m from Japan

Finance Minister brings US $ 81m from JapanJapan pledges an outright grant of US$ 81 million as tsunami emergency relief aid and its unstinted support to Sri Lanka in the reconstruction and development of the devastated areas, Finance Ministry media sources said. In an official visit to Tokyo during the week, Finance Minister Dr.Sarath Amunugama, had succeeded in striking this deal with his Japanese counterpart Sadakazu Tanigaki and Foreign Minister Nobutaka Machimura, they added. Minister Amunugama has thanked the Japanese government for the grant and the medium and long-term reconstruction and development assistance pledged by them in the aftermath of the catastrophe. He also lauded the prompt medical and humanitarian assistance extended by the Japanese government and NGOs for the alleviation of suffering of the tsunami victims in the Southern, Eastern and Northern coastal belts. During the high-level bilateral consultations, Finance Minister Tanigaki had vouched for the provision of continued assistance in the reconstruction and development of infrastructural and technical support, human resources, financial assistance and consistent regular Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) to Sri Lanka. While conveying Sri Lanka's desire in enhancing the degree of bilateral consultations between the two finance ministries in the future, Dr. Amunugama has extended an invitation to Minister Tanigaki, to visit Sri Lanka at a mutually convenient time. Dr. Amunugama had conducted lengthy discussions with the Japan Bank Governor for International Cooperation (JBIC) Kyosuke Shinozawa and Japan International Corporation Agency (JICA) Sadako Ogata, on the ongoing development projects in Sri Lanka, including fisheries, power and energy and irrigation sectors, in addition to the special assistance given to the tsunami-affected regions. He had also paid courtesy calls on the Senior Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Shuzen Tanigawa, Japan-Sri Lanka Association Chairman and former Chief Cabinet Secretary Yasuo Fukuda and the Japanese Central Bank Governor Toshihiko Fukui.

US Embassy officials convicted

US Embassy officials convicted WASHINGTON, Feb 12 (AFP) - Three so-called 'visa-brokers' were sentenced Friday after they had been found guilty of forwarding bribes to two former US government officials who then in return issued hundreds of illegal visas from American embassies in Sri Lanka, Fiji and Vietnam. The US Justice Department said in a statement that Vinesh Prasad, 33, and his brother Minesh, 30, both of California, and Kim Chi Lam, 53, also of California were sentenced to 57, 41 and 30 months respectively by a California judge for acting as visa-brokers in the scam. The three mens' sentencing follows the convictions of Long N. Lee, 52, and her husband, Acey R. Johnson, 34, two US officials who were found guilty of issuing 200 visas unlawfully, the department said. "In this era more than ever, it is vital to ensure integrity in the issuance of United States visas," US Attorney McGregor Scott of the Eastern District of California said in the statement. "The actions of those involved in this case, including a high ranking US embassy official in Sri Lanka, were reprehensible," Scott said. Lee, as a State Department employee, had worked at the US embassies in Sri Lanka, Fiji and Vietnam between 1995 and 2003 while her husband, Johnson, worked at the US embassies in Sri Lanka and Fiji between 1997 and 2003. Lee and Johnson admitted that Lee agreed to issue the US visas in return for bribes as early as 1995. The couple used their ill-gotten gains to either buy or maintain two homes in the United States, stashed 350,000 dollars in various bank accounts and in their Oregon home, and gave some of the cash to their children, according to the Justice Department. "I am gratified by the successful collaboration of so many agencies in this investigation, including the Diplomatic Security Service of the United States Department of State, the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force, and other federal and state agencies," Scott added. As well as their sentences, the Prasad brothers were ordered to forfeit 75,000 dollars while Lam has to forfeit 40,000 dollars in seized cash.

BSC Dragons win annual big match

Karn Kashyap stroked a brilliant unbeaten half century (53) with nine boundaries and a six to lead BSC Dragons record comfortable nine wicket win over BSC Warriors in the annual big match of the British School Colombo. Warriors batting first scored 74 for three in their first innings.

Dragon in response reached 75 for the loss of one wicket in ten overs with Kashyap top scoring with 30 runs. Warriors in their second innings scored 97 runs for the loss of one wicket with Nivanka Pathirana hitting an unbeaten 32 runs. Sahansa Pathirana hit 28.

Dragons in response reached the target with four balls to spare. They reached 101 for 1 in 9.2 overs.

Karn Kashyap was the man of the match for his all round contribution. Neshan Moonasinghe was named the best fielder while James Grahma received the best bowler award. Warriors captain Sahansa Pathirana won the best batsman award. Man of the match award won by Karn Kashyap for his all round contribution. 

Senehase Thilina Christmas Carnival

Over 300 children celebrated the season with Anchor this December, when their ‘Senehase Thilina Christmas Carnival’ was held at SOS Children’s Villages in Piliyandala and Galle. Together with the Ministry of Social Welfare, children at the Villages engaged themselves in numerous activities including face painting, train rides, a mini pool and bouncy castles. Dancing, singing, musical chairs, relays, and art competitions were also organised by the Anchor team, giving children more chances to play together and win 

IMPEACHMENT PROCEDURALLY FATAL - PM President advised, removal flawed and illegal

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday stated that as there was a serious defect in the process of impeachment moved in Parliament against Chief Justice Shirani Bandaranaike, her removal by former President Mahinda Rajapaksa was totally illegal. He also stated that as the process of impeachment was flawed and the removal was illegal, Shirani Bandaranaike was not considered removed from the post of Chief Justice, and the appointment of Mohan Peiris is illegal and considered invalid.

The Prime Minister further said that the Speaker had acted as per House rules with the motion moved in Parliament and the debate was held accordingly, but, the President's Secretariat had to determine if the resolution was an impeachment.

He added that the President's advisers had to instruct the President he had two options, to decide if it was not based on a proper impeachment and to send it back to Parliament for amendments.

Or, the second option was to amend the Standing Orders. He added that it seems that the adviser to the President had the need to sit in the office which fell vacant. He said neither the Speaker nor the House had made any mistake in this matter at hand. The Prime Minister quoting the motion said that, at the end of the motion included in the order paper on November 6, 2012 it was stated, "The aforementioned Members of Parliament resolve that a Select Committee of Parliament be appointed in terms of Article 107(3) of the Constitution read with the provisions of Article 107(2) and Standing Order 78A of Parliament enabling the submission of a resolution to the President for the removal of Dr. Shirani Bandaranayake from the office of the Chief Justice of Sri Lanka in the event the Select Committee reports to Parliament that one or more of the charges that have been levelled been proved after the aforesaid charges of misconduct have been investigated."

The Prime Minister further stated that however the same content was included in the motion on January 11, 2013 when the motion was taken for debate. The resolution of the House on the same motion was sent to the President in writing.

The Prime Minister further added that the House passed the resolution under Section 107 of the Constitution and Standing Order 78A(2). He added the letter did not contain anything with regard to the 78A(7). He added that this is what actually happened in the House and the process of impeachment was full of defects. He added that Chief Justice Shirani Bandaranayake has been removed by former President based on something other than a resolution in Parliament to remove her from the office. He added that the removal of Chief Justice Shirani Bandaranayake is illegal.

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe made this observation yesterday in response to a statement made by the Opposition Leader under Standing Order 23(2) and Point of Order made by Parliamentarian Dinesh Gunawardena. The Prime Minister further said that he also would recall the incident that took place on the day of the Presidential Election. "I went to Temple Trees on January 9 at 4 am on the request of the then President Mahinda Rajapaksa. He stated when he went to Temple Tree, Mohan Peiris was there. He said the Attorney General told him later that Mohan Peiris was at Temple Trees at 2.30 am at the time the Attorney General went there to give the President legal advice. The Prime Minister further said Mohan Peiris later telephoned him and said some groups attempted to remove the CJ from office. He expressed his wish to extend his support to the government as the Chief Justice. The Prime Minister said the Chief Justice asked for an appointment to discuss the matter to which he answered that he would given be given an opportunity to talk with the President and himself. He invited Thilak Marapana for the discussion.

The Prime Minister said Mohan Peiris came to meet him with his wife and two doctors. At the discussion, Mohan Peiris said that it is better if the Executive and the CJ work together. Prime Minister Wickremesinghe said that he told to Peiris that he would discuss with the BASL and inform its opinion to Peiris.

The Prime Minister said the Executive Committee of the BASL met on January 17 and unanimously stated that Mohan Peiris' appointment to the office of Chief Justice was illegal. The Prime Minister said that when he conveyed that message to Mohan Peiris, he said that he would resign from the office of CJ if he is granted the position of Ambassador to Geneva.The Prime Minister said that the position of Ambassador to Geneva had not fallen vacant, and there might be a vacancy in Brazil, Vietnam or Rome in a few weeks time.The Prime Minister further said that the Secretary to the President informed the President and himself,that Mohan Peiris had not asked for an Ambassador's post. He further said although he requested Mohan Peiris to meet him at 8.30 am on January 22, he did not come.

The Prime Minister further said on January 26, senior BASL members informed him that Mohan Peiris should resign.

He added that the BASL had passed a resolution. The BASL was concerned about Mohan Peiris' presence at the Presidential candidate's residence on January 9, 2015. The BASL confirmed my doubts about stating that it was not fair by the CJ to be seen with a Presidential candidate at that moment in time. The Prime Minister further said Mohan Peiris' name is connected with several companies like Rakna Lanka Pvt Ltd and Lanka Logistics Company.

Under these circumstances, the President in keeping with the Constitution, the National Executive Committee and the Attorney General, stated that the correct measure would be to inform Mohan Peiris that the appointment made by the former President is null and void. The President also informed Shirani Bandaranayake to resume duties as the Chief Justice. According to Section 119(2) of the Constitution, the judgments issued during the period when Shirani Bandaranayake was not in office are considered as judgments issued by the Supreme Court.

The Prime Minister further stated that after re-assuming duties, the Chief Justice expressed her wish to retire the following day. He added Chief Justice Shirani Bandaranayake was welcomed and was bade farewell by State Counsels and other attorney-at-laws at the traditional Ceremonial Sitting. At this stage Opposition Leader Nimal Siripala De Silva stated that as discussed earlier, sittings be suspended to hold the Party Leader's Meeting to decide on a debate on this statement. He added the Party Leader's Meeting was to be held at 12.30 pm. He said but the government members were not present and later decided to suspend sittings to hold the Party Leader's Meeting.

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Parliament suspended twice

Sandasen Marasinghe and Disna Mudalige

Parliament was suspended twice yesterday by Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa as there were heated arguments on the statement by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on matters pertaining to the appointment of the Chief Justice.

Prime Minister Wickremesinghe responding to questions raised by Opposition Leader Nimal Siripala and MP Dinesh Gunawardena in Parliament on Thursday made a special statement yesterday at the beginning of the sittings. As the Opposition Leader urged to convene a Party Leaders' Meeting soon after the statement, the Speaker suspended the House at 2.15 pm to facilitate time for the Party Leaders to meet. The House resumed at 3 pm and again a tense situation prevailed due to the demand of Opposition MPs to immediately facilitate a debate on the Prime Minister's statement. 

[Parliament] 31.01.2015 House suspended to convene Party Leaders' meeting SANDASEN MARASINGHE and DISNA MUDALIGE

Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa presided when Parliament met at 1.30 pm yesterday. After the presentation of papers Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe made a special statement on the issue pertaining to the appointment of the Chief Justice. Opposition Leader Nimal Siripala de Silva requested a Party Leader's meeting soon after the statement and the House was suspended by the Speaker at 2.15 pm to convene a Party Leader's Meeting.

The House resumed at 3.00 pm.

Dinesh Gunawardena: We want a clarification on the debate we requested, on the statement made by the Prime Minister on the Chief Justice. When we were in the government, we always gave time for the Opposition Leader to speak. Do not try to suppress us.

Wimal Weerawansa: We cannot agree to a long date to debate this issue. Removing judges forcefully, has now become a trend. Let us have an opportunity to speak on this matter.

Leader of the House and Plantation Industries Minister Lakshman Kiriella: We will definitely give a date for the debate but it will not be today. No statement made has been debated on the same day in the history of Parliament.

Chief Opposition Whip W.D.J. Seneviratne: The removal of Mohan Peiris is a hot topic today. Let us debate this matter and then the Speaker can adjourn it to a future date.

Joseph Michael Perera: We have an agenda today. The Bill on the agenda is important. It affects the entire country. We cannot postpone it.

Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa (in Chair): The Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (Amendment) Bill is important.

Opposition Leader Nimal Siripala De Silva: If what the government wants is to pass this Bill, then the Opposition is ready to give its support to pass it immediately. It is that only the opinion expressed by the Prime Minister will be reported tomorrow. That is why we as well, need an opportunity to express our opinion on the matter. I ask Prime Minister Wickremesinghe to be flexible on this matter.

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe: We also want to take up the matter for a debate soon but the problem is that roads leading to Parliament will be closed from today, for rehearsals of the Independence Day celebrations. The earliest date we can give is February 5. There is one more thing that should be stated. It is not the SLFPers who shout today in Parliament but the others. Opposition Leader Siripala De Silva earlier agreed to a future date. Those 'shouting outsiders' in the Opposition, are responsible for the plight of the SLFP today. The Independence Day ceremony is an important event in the country. Does the Opposition want to stop it?

Tissa Vitarana: The removal of the Chief Justice is not a minor matter. It affects the future of the judiciary and the democracy of the country. I wish to ask if this is good governance.

Leader of the House and Minister Lakshman Kiriella: Our President is the Chairman of the SLFP. This is a new political culture, let us work in unison.

Chief Opposition Whip John Seneviratne: We need to express our opinion on the Prime Minister's statement. Presentation of one-sided facts is not fair. That is why we are requesting an opportunity at least for one Speaker from our side.

Opposition Leader Nimal Siripala De Silva: As the name of our Party's Chairman was mentioned, I want to mention that the President had advised us to point out the shortcomings in the 100-day programme.

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe: What is the urgency? Let us debate on a future date, peacefully.

Susil Premajayantha: We have the right to speak on this matter as there were arguments on the procedure followed in removing the ex-Chief Justice Shirani Bandaranaike.

Ranil Wickremesinghe: I said there was no fault in Parliament. The fault was with the Presidential Secretariat.

Let us take up the debate at 6.30 pm on February 5. It is impossible to take it up earlier. We have agreed to today's agenda.

Wimal Weerawansa: Let us debate on the statement of the Prime Minister. Why did the government request the Chief Justice to resign if he was not duly appointed? The government wanted the Chief Justice to resign and threatened him to do so.

Dinesh Gunawardena: I state with responsibility that Mohan Peiris did not consent to resign at anytime. Mohan Peiris was forced many times to resign.

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe: At no time did I ask Mohan Peiris to resign. Actually he was the one who spoke to me.

Vasudeva Nanayakkara: The Prime Minister questioned the procedure of the House at the impeachment of former Chief Justice Shirani Bandaranaike. Therefore, this is a matter related to business of Parliament. The supremacy of Parliament has been challenged. This debate is an urgent matter.

Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa (in Chair): There should be a motion when requesting a debate. The time allocated for today's business is getting restrained.

Leader of the House and Minister Lakshman Kiriella: I present item number one on the agenda for debate.

Dinesh Gunawardena: I disagree. Ask the House.

Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa (in Chair): I suspend the House for 10 minutes to discuss this matter.

The House resumed at 4.15 pm.

Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa (in Chair):

I adjourn the House to a further date.