We have brought a people-centered constitution to build the Nation – President 

 

President Mahinda Rajapaksa said that the government has brought before the people, a new constitution, which is a people-centric constitution. “This constitution is for the development of the country. This is not to extend my Presidential term. That is wrong. It is an opportunity to contest an election,” he said.

Addressing the 59th anniversary of the Sri lanka Fredom Party at Temple Trees today (September 02), President Rajapaksa said, “We have united this country. Now my task is to take it towards prosperity. The Sri Lanka Freedom Party must strongly contribute in this  journey.”

Pointing out that under the constitution, those who were elected twice cannot contest, President said that it should be for the people to decide. “The people will decide. The people will choose who should be elected,” he said.

Commenting on the proposed new Constitution Council, he said, “instead of the legislature outside the parliament, this will include the Speaker, Prime Minister, Leader of the Opposition and two from Tamil and Muslim representatives, not representing ethnicities of the first three. The people will give power to the parliament. The parliament is the highest body.”

Full text of the speech:

Friends,

Today, we are not celebrating the usual anniversary of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party. When considering the establishment of the Party in September 1951, we have been able to build a strong and an outstanding Party to celebrate its 59th Anniversary today. Thus, we need to recall the history at a time when our Party is at its greatest epoch.

The Working Committee of the United National Party rejected the proposals agreed upon during the Sinhala Mahasabha Meeting in Madampe in 1951. The Chairman of the Sinhala Mahasabha was Mr. S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike. On July 11, 1951, Mr. Bandaranaike reminded about these proposals to Mr. Dudley Senanayake who was the leader of the UNP.

Yet, Mr. Dudley Senanayake did not accept the proposals of the Sinhala Mahasabha. Therefore, Mr. Bandaranaike decided to leave the UNP. This was not a preplanned conspiracy to leave the UNP. Some Members of Parliament were among those who comprised the Sinhala Mahasabha. Even the MPs who voted for the proposals did not leave with Mr.Bandaranaike. Not even the friends and relations of Mr. Bandaranaike accompanied him. But, photographic evidence shows that my father worked with good understanding with Mr. Bandaranaike.

Friends,

In 1952, the Sri Lanka Freedom Party contested for the elections first time after its establishment in September 1951. Eight among the then Members of Parliament contested under the Party. They were S.W.R.D.Bandaranaike from Attanagalla, George R. De Silva from Colombo North, D.S. Gunasekara from Udugama, Thamara K. Ilangaratna from Kandy, A.P.Jayasooriya from Horana, Jayaweera Kuruppu from Balangoda, H. Sri Nissanka from Kurunegala and D.A. Rajapaksa from Beliatta. Among them,only two persons were able to enter parliament in 1952. They were the founder of the Party Mr. Bandaranaike and D.A. Rajapaksa of Beliatta.

During 1956 election the Mahajana Eksath Peramuna (MEP) and Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) united and defeated the United National Party (UNP) for the first time in the history of this country. Since then the UNP and SLFP came to power in turn, in alternative elections.

Friends,

Never in history did our party conspire to topple a government. There were always conspiracies against the regime of Sri Lanka Freedom Party even though the party did not conspire against any element. Regime of Sri Lanka Freedom Party had faced conspiracies such as, press bill in 1964 and military conspiracy against the government in 1962. Even today these kinds of conspiracies exist against the regime of Sri Lanka Freedom Party.

Even at today the children of those people, who tried to change the Government of Madam Sirimavo Bandaranaike with the implementation of press bill in 1964, are trying to change the present government as well. I believe that we have to be awake to these realities.

As a political party we suffered worse defeat in 1977. Civic rights of Madam Sirimavo Bandaranaike also abolished. In the past we were  not able to bring thousands of people to the streets. It was after 1977 that our Party had to face such major struggles. From the leader downwards, we were attacked. Houses were burnt down.

Subsequent to 1977, vicious characteristics were incorporated to the history of the Sri Lankan politics. Election violations and Fraudulent Voting Systems were introduced to this country.

We all remember that during the Mulkirigala by election, how we as a Party faced the thuggery of those from the underworld transported from Colombo and also suffered imprisonment. imprisoned.

When the party office was abandoned, when 60,000 innocent youth were killed we were able to organized the longest Pada Yatra in Sri Lanka, janagosha and human chains and reorganize the party. We withstood all pressures for 17 years and stayed firmly without leaving the Party. I would like to say modestly that the strength thus gained has helped immensely in the fight to unite the Nation.

In 2004, when we were contesting for the General Election, it is not wrong to say that there was no party called Sri Lanka Freedom Party. What is the result of that? Number of our MPs went down to 57. That is the fate of this great political party when some are working on their personal agendas. A party should not work according to private agendas. It has to be strong as a party. We must be ready to forge ahead with the policies of the party and with the leadership of the party.

The situation in the country was quite unfortunate when I was contesting for the Presidential election in 2005. For the first time in its history, not even a single leaflet was distributed by the Sri Lanka Freedom Party in support of its candidate. Our Secretary General Minister Maithreepala still reminds of that. When we took the reins of the government what we had was a government party which cannot even elect a Speaker. That was the reality.

Friends,

Everyone say the biggest shock is the way we defeated the most ruthless terrorist organization in the world. It is also said that it was not possible to set up a government with a 2/3rds majority under this Constitution. Today this party has obtained two third majority and formed the strongest government in Asia.

Constitutional experts thought it is not even possible to have a clear majority under the present Constitution. But by strengthening the party, we have obtained two third majority. The constitution should not remain unchanged until the sun and moon exist. The time has come for us to change these things.

If we cannot meet the aspirations of the people through this constitution, it is our responsibility to obtain required strength to form a stable government.

Sri Lanka Freedom Party has given leadership to the people of this country always. You are aware what has happened in the past. What has happened to the national assets built up during late Ms. Sirimavo Bandaranaike's time? They were sold for despicable prices in a shameful manner by the UNP regime. Separatist sentiments were spread clinching into NGO ideologies.

There were peole amongst us who wanted the Party to distance from sentiments such as this is our country, our nation or our religion.

But all these were changed by the Mahinda Chintana. Sri lanka Freedom Party succeeded in giving the nation a Sri Lankan identity. We have joined with the other progressive forces and instilled a sense of anti-imperialism, courage, nationalism and values in the party while getting all races to align with it. There was a time when we did not have a Tamil leader ion the party.

Today, the Tamil and Muslim leaders are recognizing our party rallying around it in their areas. It is not possible for one particular group to build a party. All communities should join. They should come to our party from various parties. New young faces should come to our party. Then only the party will be modernized and built strongly. During the last six years we were able to secure a two third majority for the government led by the Sri Lanka Freedom Party.

As a nation, Sri Lanka has taken a giant leap forward. This Motherland has taken a giant leap forward. Now the time has come for the Sri Lanka Freedom Party to rise as a giant.

But we cannot do the politics of this country alone. Left parties and various progressive political groups always joined with us. We should learn to work with them in co-existence. We should never try to belittle the small political parties thinking that now we are the
strongest political party in Sri Lanka. It is when we start thinking so that even our will start facing destruction. We must understand the
strength of those political parties and their right.

We have brought before the people, a new constitution. It is a people-centric constitution. This constitution is for the development of the country. This is not to extend my Presidential term. That is wrong. It is an opportunity to contest an election. The 92nd paragraph outlines those ineligible to contest. They are mental patients,persons guilty of bribery or bankrupt. They are not eligible. In this category, those who were elected twice cannot contest. The people will decide. The people will choose who should be elected.

Instead of the legislature outside the parliament, this will include the Speaker, Prime Minister, Leader of the Opposition and two from
Tamil and Muslim representatives, not representing ethnicities of the first three. The people will give power to the parliament. The
parliament is the highest body. You need to be aware that the tragedy projected here is utterly false. The people need to be made aware.

We have united this country. Now my task is to take it towards prosperity. The Sri Lanka Freedom Party must strongly contribute in this journey. This is what we expect of you. Let us develop this nation reviving the villages and strengthening our Party. We have a duty towards our future generations and our unborn children, to develop this country and hand it over to them. Let us fulfill this task. We need your contribution and commitment towards this end.

I remember that it was in the 70s when the foundation stone was laid for the SLFP. The foundation stone for the SLFP Headquarters' building was laid on Darley road. It opened in 1973. I participated in the opening ceremony as a young Member of Parliament.

Today, we have laid a foundation stone to a Party office. But constructions have halted. I hand over the responsibility of this task to our young MPs. Construct this building within two and a half years. Our young MPs get ready for this. Finish this task with the help of other Ministers and senior MPs.

Wish you a prosperous future.
 
 
 

 

03:19 AM Friday September 03rd, 2010


 

Over 300,000 landmines cleared

Demining groups operating in the North and East have achieved tremendous success by removing over 300,000 landmines laid by LTTE terrorists during war time, said Military Spokesman Major General UAB Medawela.

Speaking at media conference held at the Media Centre for National Security yesterday (02 Sep), he revealed that there are still another area of 2000 square kilometers to be cleared.

He went on to say that an area of 1,800 square kilometers of the Northern, Eastern and North Central Provinces have been cleared by the de-mining groups.

The landmines are scattered all over without adhering to proper procedures stipulated by international conventions making the demining process a difficult, he added.

He further said that the Army is involved in clearing of 90 percent of land minds while other eight locally and foreign operated NGOs have contributed for the rest.

03:18 AM Friday September 03rd, 2010


 

"Api Wenuwen Api" Second Phase to hand over another 27 houses to war heroes

Another 27 houses constructed at Thorayaya in Kurunegala under the Second Phase of Api Wenuwen Api programme by the Ministry of Defence has completed and to be handed over to war heroes on 5th September.

These hoses will be handed over to war heroes who were rendered disable and to widows and children of the fallen war heroes, said the Director General of Media Centre for National Security, Mr. Lakshman Hulugalle speaking at a press conference.

The first phase of this program was completed on July 11 with President Mahinda Rajapaksa handing over the keys of 25 houses in Senarathgama, Kandy to war heroes.

The objective of the project is to uplift the living standards of families of war heroes by assisting them to build their own houses on plots of lands owned by them.

Mr. Hulugalla revealed that many Sri Lankans living in here and abroad have contributed to the "Api Wenuwen Api" programme at the request of President Rajapaksa and Defence Secretary Ghotabaya Rajapaksa, and could raise funds over Rs. 700 million for the purpose.

The Api Wenuwen Api Fund is a collaboration between the Ministry of Defence and the Central Bank of Sri Lanka to build 50,000 houses for the serving Tri-Service personnel as promised in the Mahinda Chinthanaya. The housing project is conducted under the guidance and close supervision of the Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa and Defence Ministry's Seva Vanitha Unit chairperson Ioma Rajapaksa.

He further explained that every cent received for the Api Wenuwen Api fund from the public is utilized to construct houses, and the labour is provided by the three forces personnel so that the fund was only used to buy the materials for the constructions, he added.

Mr. Hulugalla kept on to say that the value of each house is around Rs 2.5 million. Sometimes, infrastructure facilities such as electricity, water supply and roads for the villages in which the war heroes live are also developed to provide better facilities to them

Hulugalla further said that the construction of 12 more houses in Kurunegala District is in progress.

He also said the third and the fourth phases of the program that had already started in Hambantota and Matara districts are nearing completion and the next phase will be commenced in the Moneragala district immediately. Hulugalla further said that it is decided to construct two houses in each of the 14000 GS Divisions with the support of the Samurdhi Authority.

Defence Ministry Additional Secretary and Defence Ministry Seva Vanitha Unit Deputy Chairperson Indu Ratnayake and Military Spokesman Major General UAB Medawela also participated at the occasion.

Contributions can be made to the Api Wenuwen Api fund to the following Account Numbers.

Bank of Ceylon Ac No: 704000, Sampath Bank Ac No. 704000 and Ac No: 092960000600 and Peoples Bank Ac No: 204-1-001-7-0000323.

03:17 AM Friday September 03rd, 2010


 

Direct air links between Kunming and Colombo soon

Public Management Reforms Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayaka welcomed the initiative taken by the Yunnan Province Governor in China, Qin Guangron to launch a direct air link between the capital of Yunnan Province, Kunming and Colombo as it would further boost relations between Sri Lanka and China.


Yunnan Province Governor Qin Guangrong and delegation presenting a picture to Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayaka.

The Governor is visiting Sri Lanka with a delegation of over 200 persons from Yunnan Province on the inaugural flight by China Eastern Airlines to Colombo. He called on Minister Wickramanayaka who hosted a lunch in honour of the official delegation led by the Governor.

Wickramanyaka recalled his two visits to Yunnan Province in 2008 and 2009, when he was able to have very productive discussions with the Governor on further promoting relations between Sri Lanka and Yunnan Province, which has close links with countries in South East Asia and South Asia. During his first visit in 2008 he invited the Governor to lead a business delegation to promote trade and economic links between Sri Lanka and Yunnan Province. He also brought to the attention of the Governor the importance of having direct air links between Western China and Sri Lanka to promote people to people interactions to consolidate relations between the two countries.

The visiting Governor told the Minister that he was responding to the invitation extended by Wickramanayaka in 2008 by visiting Sri Lanka now with a business delegation. He was planning a visit last year but as he had a busy schedule he sent his Vice Governor to Sri Lanka with a delegation.

His delegation now included businessmen as well as representatives from other sectors as he believed there was great potential for closer cooperation between his Province and Sri Lanka in trade, investment, tourism and educational fields. His Province had decided to offer Sri Lanka 20 scholarships to promote educational and cultural links.

He said that there were facilities in his Province for Sri Lanka students to pursue higher education.

03:15 AM Friday September 03rd, 2010


 

Facets 2010 begins:Facets Sri Lanka 2010 organized by the Sri Lanka Gem and Jewellery Association in partnership with the National Gem and Jewellery Authority and the Sri Lanka Export Development Board is held at the BMICH till Sunday September 5. A keen buyer examining some items. Picture by Saliya Rupasinghe

03:14 AM Friday September 03rd, 2010


 

Sri Lanka Freedom Party celebrates the 59th Anniversary today


ImageEarly in the 1950s when  a mere 3812 elite urbanites of the then population of 7.5 Million enjoyed more than ½ of the country’s income a group of patriotic intelligentsia met at Madampe and adopted a set of resolutions aimed at changing the course of government and ushering in real freedom to the oppressed masses and to safeguard the national values of the country, and the independence of the people.

The outright rejection of these resolutions by the UNP government made the late Mr. S.W.R.D.Bandaranaike to resign his ministerial portfolio and crossover to the opposition on the Budget Day in 1951 with the late Mr. D.A.Rajapakse, father of President Mahinda Rajapakse heroically taking the lead to follow him. Later 4 other UNP MPs and two independent MPs joined the duo.Subsequently after much discussion among the patriotic intelligentsia a decision was taken to form a new party to emancipate the oppressed masses, to strengthen racial amity and national harmony, to confer prime place to national values and liberate the nation from the shackles of imperialist bondage. A notice calling for the formation of this party on 2nd September, 1951 was issued with the signatures of 44 eminent personalities of that time, which included persons of all religions and all races.

Over 10,000 persons, a massive crowd at that time, heeded this call and converged at the Town Hall premises for the formation of the new Party. At this convention the naming of the new party as the Sri Lanka Freedom Party was proposed by the late Mr. H.Sri Nissanka and it was seconded by the late Dr. Badi-ud-din Mahmoud. The convention elected Mr. S.W.R.D.Bandaranaike as the President, Mr. Bernard Aluvihare, Dr. Badiuddin Mahmoud, and S.Thangarajah as Co-Secretaries and Mr. George R. de Silva as the Treasurer of the new Party SLFP. The nascent Party contested the 1952 General Election and was successful in getting 9 Members elected.  In the 1956 it formed an alliance with Mr. Philip Gunawardene’s Viplavakari Lanka Sama Samaja Party (VLSSP) and formed the coalition Mahajana Eksath Peramuna and contested the General Election, capturing power winning 51 seats of the 95 member Parliament.

The Government elected by the rural masses, and under the Premiership of Mr. S.W.R.D.Bandaranaike, worked to liberate Sri Lanka from the imperial bondages, give pride of place to Sri Lankan cultural values,give priority to uplift the living standards of rural masses,
strengthen the status of farmers, and nationalize the main pillars of the economy.

Unfortunately the  Prime Minister was assassinated and died on 26th September, 1959.  Since then the Party had a period of turmoil until Mrs. Sirimavo Bandaranaike stepped to take the reins of the Party in 1960.

Mrs. Bandaranaike led the party to victory in the 1960 General Election and became the First Lady Prime Minister of the World.  She strengthened the Party’s grassroot rural base and carried out the socialist programmes of the Party molded by the late Mr. Bandaranaike
and continued with firmly imprinting the Sri Lankan identity in the main economic sectors by nationalizing the schools, the oil industry etc., and establishing major industries and Corporations.

Mrs. Bandaranaike led the party in its thick and thin and inculcated the members the value of patriotism, dedication to motherland and the determination to stand at any odd without bowing down external pressure, the noble qualities evidenced in the character of  President Mahinda Rajapaksa, referred by some even as the political child of Mrs. Bandaranaike.

What left behind by the SLFP led by Mrs. Bandaranaike has been taken over by the present President of the Party, President Mahinda Rajapaksa, and made it as the strongest political party in Sri Lanka.President Mahinda Rajapaksa became the President of the SLFP in 2005.

There is no other political party in the history Sri Lanka that has contributed for development of the country, for strengthening the identity of Sri Lanka, for emancipation of the rural masses, as the Sri Lanka Freedom Party.(niz).

07:13 AM Thursday September 02nd, 2010


India, SL addressing fishermen’s issues humanely and practically – Krishna


ImageIndian External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna ruled out a call by Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam leader T.R. Baalu to revisit the Indo-Sri Lanka agreement signed on the Katchatheevu islands in 1974 stating,“We cannot go back on the solemn agreement between two governments”.

During a debate at the Lok Sabha, the Minister added that India and Sri Lanka were discussing, through the Joint Working Group, and addressing such issues in a humane and practical way. The Joint Working Group is constituted to deal with issues related to fishermen and to work out bilateral institutional arrangements for ensuring the safety and security of the fishermen of both countries, the Hindu reported Sep 01.

07:10 AM Thursday September 02nd, 2010


 

Beautiful butterflies: Bellanwila Esala Perahera
One of the eyecatching items at the the Bellanwila Esala perahera held from August 26 to 28 with the participation of Kandyan, low country and Sabaragamuwa dancers. The Ransivi Perahera paraded the streets on August 27 and the Randoli Maha Perahera on August 28. The water cutting ceremony was held yesterday. Picture by Suranjith Perera

07:58 AM Monday August 30th, 2010


 

Foreign-educated students welcome to return - Prof G L Peiris

External Affairs Minister Prof G L Peiris invited those innovative Sri Lankan students who had attended foreign universities and received their higher education, to return to the mother country to serve it.

The External Affairs Minister expressed those sentiments when he attended the Certificate and Award-giving ceremony of the Edexcel institute of London at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium as the Chief Guest recently.

Edexcel, which was formerly known as the University of London Examinations and assessment Council, is the largest awarding body in the UK of academic and vocational qualifications. Formed over 100 years ago by Royal Charter, Edexcel is respected across the globe as an advocate of quality educational standards. It is now part of the Pearson Group, the world’s largest educational services company.

Prof Peiris said Sri Lanka’s unique resource was its creative human element that’s packed with great innovative potential. At the present time when the country was ready to step forward after three decades of a conflict-ridden period, it was essential to draw upon this distinctive resource for the country’s development.

Sri Lanka had achieved an unprecedented annual economic growth rate of seven percent and been able to maintain a foreign exchange reserve of US$ 6,200 million. The number of tourists visiting Sri Lanka had increased tremendously while New York Times had described it as a desired tourist destination. As such, there was a need to expand the infrastructure and the services in the tourism sector to cater to the increased arrivals, he said.

The Minister pointed out that the International Monetary Fund had stated their satisfaction with the path that the economy had taken in Sri Lanka and this increased acceptance by the international investor community had resulted in several internationally-renowned financiers and business houses visiting Sri Lanka.

Recently the Chairman of the reputed Shangri La hotel Chain arrived here to explore the possibility of opening up a hotel in the country while Indian giants like Mahindra had made known their intentions to invest here. Prof Peiris also stated that it took long-time for the per capita income to reach US$ 1,000 whereas it’s more than doubled to 2,200 dollars in only three years.

All these factors indicated a successful future for Sri Lanka and thus it was necessary that the country should make use of the talents of those students who had received their higher education from the world’s best universities. Hence his invitation to them to return to Sri Lanka, the Minister said.

While pointing out that Sri Lanka supplied 80 percent of the world’s demand for cinnamon, the Minister said that a process of value-addition with regard to such spices as well as fruits, vegetables, gems, jewellery etc had been undertaken.

In addition new technological practices were to be introduced for the qualitative upgrading of natural products. He also said that efforts would be undertaken to tap the bountiful resources of the Eastern sea and the coast while new reforms in the education and health spheres would be embarked on with a view to streamline such services based on country’s needs. He also said that the Colombo Stock Exchange was performing in a highly satisfactory manner.

Among the others who addressed the gathering were Susil Premajayantha, Minister of Petroleum, Ms Jill Westaway, Director, British Council, Patrick Casey, International Director, Edexcel and Vivek Govil, Chief Executive Officer, Pearson India. The welcome speech and the vote of thanks were delivered by Ms Premila Paulraj, Manager, Tertiary Education and Kishore Roy, Examinations Manager of the Edexcel respectively. Awards and certificates were handed out by the two Ministers Prof G L Peiris and Susil Premajayantha and other guests.

07:57 AM Monday August 30th, 2010


 

Commander unveils cenotaph to honour Fallen Heroes

First ever war heroes monument in Eastern Security Force Command area to honour the valiant soldiers who have laid down their lives fighting the separatist terrorist in the 30 year prolonged war was declared open by the Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya on 28th August in Minneriya amidst a gathering of many distinguished guests and family members of war heroes.

The monument erected in a scenic site in the vicinity of the historic Minneriya Tank will be of reminiscence to all who travels to East through Minneriya, of the sacrifices made by the heroic soldiers in defending the integrity of the motherland.

The Chief Guest, Lieutenant General Jayasuriya was warmly welcomed by the Commandant of the Infantry Training Centre Minneriya, Brigadier Asoka Amuugama on arrival and ushered to the seat which was followed by a brief welcome speech by Brigadier Amunugama.

Thereafter the Chief Guest was accompanied to the monument where he unveiled the monument and a granite plaque with the engravings stating that the monument was declared open in honour of the Fallen Heroes who fought bravely to conquer the ruthless terrorists.

Commander of the Army paying his respect to the fallen heroes placed a wreath of flowers at the monument and saluted which was followed by the senior officers of the tri forces and police paying their floral tribute. Immediately after, beloved family members of fallen War Heroes paid their respect. They knelt down at the foot of the monument and went on shedding tears while laying bouquets of fragrant flowers. It was a solemn moment of memory.

Lieutenant General Jayasuriya illuminated the magnificent cenotaph as a mark of respect to the War Heroes. Then followed the military traditions as the Last Post, honouring their memory was heralded by buglers which marked the ending of the ceremony.

Courtesy : Sri Lanka Army

07:56 AM Monday August 30th, 2010