Opposition parliamentarian Eran Wickramaratne has today urged Speaker to act against Hambantota thugs. “I request that appropriate action be taken against the UPFA Mayor of Hambantota, the other individuals who were part of the unlawful assembly acting in furtherance of the said breaches of parliamentary privileges, and the police officers who aided and abetted by their inaction, including the police spokesperson, who also demonstrably aided and abetted the breaches by his subsequent interest in attempting to cover up the police inaction and the breaches, by trifling the criminal acts which took place.” he said.
We publish below the speech in full;
Eran Wickramaratne MP
Hon. Speaker, as you are aware I as an MP have contributed to many of the debates relating to public finance, which I firmly believe is an essential aspect of the sovereignty of the People. I have raised concerns as to the viability of the MRIA and Hambantota Port, and have explored means to convert them into viable investments.
During debates on these investments we have been invited by govt MPs to visit and see for ourselves that these investments are in fact (according to the govt) viable.
Therefore, I together with four other MP’s namely Hon. Ajith Perera, Hon. R Yogarajan, Hon. Ajith Mannapperuma and Hon Nalin Bandara chartered a bus, and with prior intimation to the Minister of Civil Aviation and the Chairman Ports Authority, decided to visit the MRIA and Hambantota Port on 17th April 2014.
After our visit to the MRIA several individuals began verbally abusing us, and acted in a threatening manner, alleging that we have criticized the MRIA and Hambantota Port in Parliament. Criminal force was used on Hon. Ajith Perera by a citizen, who can be clearly identified by video recordings, now circulating on the internet.
Thereafter we proceeded to the Hambantota Port after informing several high ranking officers of the Sri Lanka Police including McCarthy Perera – DIG Tangalle.
After we inspected the Port a large group, which included the UPFA Mayor of Hambantota, acted in a violent manner throwing eggs and stones at us and the vehicle we travelled in. The vehicle was damaged. Their accusation against us was that we had visited the Port to thereafter criticize its functioning, the group sought to provoke us into a fight. Needless to say we did not engage. The media persons present were subject to similar abuse and intimidation. An individual brandishing a gun, identified as the Mayor of Hambantota was running towards our vehicle followed by others causing panic among those in the bus. While we took cover from a possible shooting, the driver and MSD Officers bravely steered the bus away from the Port.
The ASP, HQI Hambantota and other police officers present did nothing to prevent the criminal attacks against us. Meanwhile the police spokesperson initially made a statement suggesting that the incidents had not warranted police intervention.
When it was clear that the vehicle of the HQI Hambantota was about to overtake us, we sought to flag it down, since we suspected we were being followed. But the Police vehicle sped off, being unwilling to assist us.
Statements were obtained from the MPs, but no action taken against the gun wielding thug inside the high security zone – port.
The Constitution requires Parliament to exercise full control over public finance. This can only happen if MPs are able to engage in meaningful and informed debate. As Members of Parliament we have a right and obligation to visit and inspect these projects since they come under the purview of and are financed by funds provided by Parliament in terms of Chapter XVII of the Constitution of the Republic.
The attack on us was clearly, among other things, towards compelling us to vote in favour of UPFA positions on the MRIA and Hambantota Port and / or to prevent us from exposing serious issues relating to same. This is clear considering that the attacks were led by the UPFA Mayor, and aided and abetted by the inaction of the Government controlled Police.
Quite apart from the violations of the criminal law, these incidents constitutes a serious breach of privilege of both Parliament and these members and myself specifically set out in item 1 and 2 of part A of the schedule to Parliament (Powers and Privileges) Act.
I request that appropriate action be taken against the UPFA Mayor of Hambantota, the other individuals who were part of the unlawful assembly acting in furtherance of the said breaches of parliamentary privileges, and the police officers who aided and abetted by their inaction, including the police spokesperson, who also demonstrably aided and abetted the breaches by his subsequent interest in attempting to cover up the police inaction and the breaches, by trifling the criminal acts which took place.
Don Stanely / April 25, 2014
Eran must be living in cloud cuckoo land!
The Mayor of Jarapassa’s Kingdom – Hambantota which is the capital of Sinhala Modayas), is Mahinda Rajapaksa’s hand picked PET GOON!
It would be easier to make Sri Lanka independent from Hambantota! Declare Hambantota a separate state by giving it independence from Sri Lanka!
Then deport Jarapassa to be the king of the Hambantota Sinhala Modayas who vote for him – and get him and his corrupt and criminal brother and family to leave the rest of Lanka alone…!
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Amarasiri / April 25, 2014
Eran Wickramaratne MP,
RE: Eran Wants Speaker To Act Against Hambantota Thugs.
The Curse of the Paras.
Q1. What about the other Thugs? Sinhala Buddhist Monk Mahanama Thugs.
2. Racist Thugs?
3.
4.
5,
6.
Add yours. the list is too long.
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Dodo / April 26, 2014
The UNP is a bunch of shameless, corrupt and morally and intellectually bankrupt, self-seeking clowns – headed by looser Ranil Wickramasinghe.
UNP members only squeal like castrated pigs when their “parliamentary privileges” are under attack – otherwise they pretend they do not know about BBS and all the other violence and corrupt of the Mahinda Jarapassa govt. sometimes they squeal about casinos.
We need a proper technical evaluation of the Hambantota White Elephant projects and its impact on the economy – not this bus load of UNP morons on a joy ride to Hambantota.
Chandrika Kumaratunge CBK should be made the leader of the UNP. The CULTURE OF DICTATORSHIP in the UNP and the country is the cause of the Jarapassa dictatorship. Ranil is an ABSOLUTE DISGRACE and he does not need a trip to MIT to learn that defeated leaders need to hand over to those who are able to win. Chandrika Kumaratunge CBK should be made the leader of the UNP!
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Amarasiri / April 27, 2014
Dodo,
“Ranil is an ABSOLUTE DISGRACE and he does not need a trip to MIT to learn that defeated leaders need to hand over to those who are able to win. Chandrika Kumaratunge CBK should be made the leader of the UNP!”
Well articulated and succinctly summarized. Thanks.
1. MIT cannot Ranil Wicramsingha deficits and leadership deficits. Yes, for that need Either CBK, Sarath Fonseka or Ven. Sobitha Thero
2. What is he good at? Doing Hardly anything. The dictator and his cronies love him.
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sama / April 26, 2014
“Eran Wants Speaker To Act Against Hambantota Thugs”
Is it not the same if one would act against – Mahinda Rajapakshe ?
Is it not the same if one would act against – Rajapakshe Family ? incl. teethless Namal baby -Rajapakshe ?
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Thiru / April 25, 2014
Sri Lanka today (with a cast of Sinhala Buddhist mafia-type rulers, yellow robed thugs, crime abetting police, and mass murdering soldiers) is the greatest tragedy and comedy going on now in the world stage!
It’s truly the wonder of Asia.
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Dinuk / April 25, 2014
Eran is a publicity seeking hot air bag who is TECHNICALLY incompetent!
A proper EVALUATION of the Hambantota white elephants by TECHNICAL EXPERTS is necessary – Port, airport and cricket stadium, convention center etc.
We are still waiting for that report from Eran!
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Sapumal / April 25, 2014
One must not think simple solutions for this kind of developments. We have lots of experience in the past including under the UNP administration. When you all are in opposition, even Mahinda made such statements in parliament.(Please refer to the HANSARD RECORDS) When he is in the govt. and the ruler, who is responsible for all its citizens safety and protection,MR and even Premadasa did the same. If we dont change this system, you may do the same. We vehemently condemened the attack and we all have to well concerned about the statement made by MR, which is violate of the constution and the criminal code by his supporting behaviour towards the maffia. This country belong to its people. The resources and the total ownership has not given to this goons by writing a deed. Everyone must come forward to rescue the country and its people from this Maffia regime and its goons!
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punchinilame / April 25, 2014
How about the Opposition looking into these too, if applicapable under “financed by funds provided by Parliament in terms of Chapter XVII of the Constitution of the Republic.” as you say:
(Source: http://www.transcurrents.com of 3-01-2010. -DBSJ owned & since closed)
“We reproduce here a list of alleged acts of corruption presented by the campaigners for Sarath Fonseka. If the Mahinda Rajapakse campaigners send us a response we would post that also:
1. Hedging Deal – Petroleum Chairman – Asantha De Mel – Exam passed ‐ None– Cricketer‐ Shiranthi’s relation – losses to Sri Lanka Rs. 230 Billion ( Rs. 230,000 Million) Chairman lost his job by virtue of a supreme Court order. The S.C. order to sell petrol at Rs.100 not complied yet (current price of a Petrol liter is Rs 130/‐)”
2. Loss on National Carrier Air Lanka for 2007‐2008Rs. 10,000 Million (10 Billion) – Chairman Nishantha Wicremasinghe (Shiranthi Rajapaksha’s Brother) – Exam Passed GCE O/L
3. Loss on Mihin Air for 2007‐2008 Rs. 4,000 Million (4 Billion) – Chief Executive Mahinda’s Sajin Vas Gunawardena – Exam passed GCE O/L
4. New 2008 Budget allocation for Mihin Air Rs. 1,000 Million (1 Billion)
5. Air port project Weerawila cancelled. Initial cost on feasibility study Rs 500 Million
6. Mig Deal – through “King’s cousin” Udayanga Weeratunga (Exam passed – GCE O/L Sri Lankan Ambassador – Russia ‐ purchase of 4 Mig fighters which were not air worthy from Belimissa holdings at a price Rs. 400 Million more than the last published price.
7. All defense purchases through Lanka Logistics ‐ Chief Executive Officer Jayantha Wicremasinghe – Exam passed GCE O/L– Mahinda’s Sister Gandhini’s Brother in Law the owner of ‘Akuressa Palace’ (also Chairman Bank of Ceylon Gamini Wicremasinghe’s Brother.)
8. VAT Scam – Loss to the Country Rs. 35,000 Million. (Rs. 35 Billion) Inland Revenue Department – Minister of Finance – Mahinda Rajapaksha
9 Hanbantota Man made Safari Park to be created at a cost of Rs. 16,000 Million (1.6 Billion) This makes no sense as the Natural Safari Park is next door in Yala.
10. Kerawalapitiya power plant cost US $ 400 Million. Actual cost US $ 200 Million. Planned for 300 Mega Watts built for 200 mega watts.
11. Kerawalapitiya power plant. (Additional Losses) Cost per day to CEB Rs 70 million. Per year Rs 25, 550 Million (25.5 Billion) Initial agreed purchasing price per unit Rs 18. Current purchasing price Rs 40/‐ Loss to the CEB from a unit Rs 22/‐
12. Uma Oya Project.‐ projected value US$ 265 Million enhanced value US $ 545 Million. Increase of US$ 280 Million. Rs. 28 Billion ( Rs. 28,000 Million). Two reservoirs that are built have an extent of only 50 acres. Victoria project has an extent of 7,500 acres. Minister–Chamal Rajapaksha – President’s brother
13. Cabinet of Ministers have approved purchase of 35 Gantry Cranes at a price US $ 600,000 higher than the last purchase price. This purchase has not been effected yet. (Minister in Charge; Chamal Rajapaksa‐ President’s brother)
14. Contract signed with Dilhan Wicremasinghe Shiranthi’s brother’s son (Chairman Air Lanka) to supply branded computers to all divisional Secretariats at a cost of US $ 16 Million (price per computer Rs. 150,000/=). He supplied all unbranded computers which are available at unity plaza at Rs. 50,000/=. Amount robbed Rs. 1,200 Million”
Will someone cover the period 2011 to 2014 in preparation for forthcoming Elections so that M….. Voters be educated.
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Sinchoappu / April 25, 2014
In today´s context:
If Opposition raise a big voice – that is being criticised
(so, people and media instituations brought almost every evidence the way the MPs were lately manhandled/abused in Hambantota, what has happened ? How many of them are not under Police arrest ? ?
If Opposition would not raise a big voice – that is also being criticised to all low levels
Stand against or not – no any opposition parties have been able to go against Rajapakshes.
So, what kind of rule we have today ?
Simply – Authoritarian GOVT with elections holding to consolidate their reign. That is it.
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Piranha / April 25, 2014
Eran and his party will get more mileage from this incident by complaining to the Commonwealth secretariat and the interparliamemtary Union than to a family member of the criminal gang ruling the country. Only foreign intervention results in restitution for the aggrieved parties in Sri Lanka these days and that is a fact. Rajapaksas dirty hands are everywhere in Sri Lanka and fairness and justice are not to be expected at their hands. What a sorry state of affairs! If anybody is tarnishing the image of the country it is no one else but the Rajapaksa clan.
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justice / April 25, 2014
This is a government by thugs,of thugs and for thugs.
In addition,it is a government which has refined the Art of Corruption and Nepotism.
Foreign emissaries in Colombo read our national newspapers and send regular reports to their governments.
This is why the UNHRC resolution was passed.
There is no remedy unless MR is removed from power – but the executive presidency plus 18th amendment have virtually made him a dictater over a militarised country.
If at least unflawed elections are enabled,MR will win the presidential election,and he knows it.
Only a revolution like the Arab Spring will dislodge him.
But if this is attempted,many thousands will die.
We need another Prabakaran in the south too.
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Piranha / April 25, 2014
With powers from the 18th amendment Rajapaksa has become irremovable from power. He will use his powers, threats and influence to remain in power for a long time. What is needed is another Somarama thero to dispose of Mahinda for good and rescue the country. That is the only way.
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Sinchoappu / April 26, 2014
What are the alternatives for the people today.How can they stand before any of their rights ?
There is no point of attacking opposition repeatedly, because we all know that opposition´s voting power in the majoratarian UPFA colialtion led parliament is 1/3. WIth or without knowledge people have voted for the UPFA. They seem to do so again and again. They the majority of the poor people are naive and easily manipulative.
Even if several constituent parties would vote against or abstain from it, will not change a lot.
They can do whatever they feel it right. Might have become right under the guidance of MR – this we saw a number of times
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RAJASEPA / April 26, 2014
THE THIRD SON SAID IN 2005 IN HIS INNOCENCE SAID THAT THEY LIVED IN GOVERNMENT HOUSES AND THEY NEVER HAD A HOUSE.
IN 2014 THE SAME MAN WEARS LOUIS VUITTON SHOES WHERE IT IS SAID THAT THE LOWEST WAS 870 US DOLLARS.IN RUPEES 870 AT 132 ITS OVER 100 THOUSAND.HOW DID THEY GET ALL THAT WEALTH.
CHAMAL RAJAPKSE WAS A SECURITY OFFICER STATE TRADING CORP THANKS TO PARTY CONNECTION ILLANGARATNE PUT HIM THERE.SHASHINDRA WAS CONSIDERED A BUFFOON BY GAMINI WICKRAMASINGHE AT HIS COMPUTER JOINT WAS USED AS AN ERRAND BOY FROM TO FLOOR.HE IS CHIEF MINISTER UVA AND ALSO OWNS A HOUSE ON ARCADIA GARDENS OFF ROSMEAD PLACE. THAT RUTTY GRAVEL ROAD IS NOW A WELL CARPETED AND OTHER RESIDENTS ARE LAUGHING.FORTUNE SMILED AND ALL PAKSA’S AND WICKRAMASINGHE’S ARE SET FOR GENERATIONS.
AS SOMEONE SAID THE 18TH AMENDMENT WILL KEEP HIM THERE TILL NATURE OR A SOMARAMA TAKES OVER AS NOTHING HIS PERMANENT IN LINE WITH THE WORDS OF THE BUDDHA.
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Sirisena Yatawara / April 27, 2014
Sri Lankan security of today small portion people lead to intolerably insecure life that after end of War since 2009 May. The risk of being killed, kidnapped ,raped and robbed or expelled form homes and disappearances large part of Island by Tamil -terrorist of LTTE and War oriented politics had totally stop, an Island since 2009 May.
War politics no longer exist, confrontations of conflicts and of all round way by terrorism Sri lanka no more there.
Nonetheless WAR as key combatants and war battles in ground field between men and machinery in politics of war footing un-democracy pattern had been totally been uprooted by OUR NATION political agenda. Such as politics of war 30 years dominated factors is no more Sri lanka Ruling political party led by Mahinda Rajapakase.
But civilians are main victims of War and Terrorism. Today the ratio of civilian to military and LTTE terrorism deaths is probably even higher than available data of 30 War Sri-lanaka, that are notoriously poor.
Since 1977 under the UNP regime that state privatization of violence’s and non-state violence of regular and irregular forces of combated armed groups play vital role of ruling party politics of WAR footing democracy more than 30 odd years.
Who ever or what ever political party in power Sri lanka, last 30 years ,often governments established these groups in order to distance themselves politics from more extreme manifestation of by the means of violence.
Ongoing political democracy since 1977 political violence was often difficult to recognized and distinguish form organized crime and political violence take place many parts of Island. Needless to say term of state un-building regular forcers are by and large, still funded by since 1977 tax payers money.
UNP has forget their old pattern of War politics has three features,
1 Civilians as Victims
2 The privatization of Violence
3 Demarcated Political violence and Organized Crimes
Due to undermine democracy of civil society had lost individual protecting of violence.
UNP MPS and Ruling Party of MR govt. has comes to realization and memorandum of Understanding that future human security and organizing new Democracy framework in writing that lucubrate of civil society in an Island.
1 About the security of Individual and communities in which they live rather than the security of State.
2 The nature of interrelate security of civil society from freedom to fear that demand by civil society . In other real senses Civilian are fear from violence.
3 Democracy nature of security and blurring the difference between internal and external security which supposed to be guaranteed by the rule of Law in Island.
In other hand Sri lanka’s shifting from WAR paradigm and TERRORISIT paradigm to a rule of LAW paradigm.
UNP MPs has to learn lessons of its past politics of War has to changer politics, into non violence model and path Democracy in future Sri Lanka
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Ragavan / April 28, 2014
Withdraw military from the North. Give autonomy for Tamils and the watch how this country improves
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Sapumal / April 28, 2014
I agree with Sirisena yatawara and Ragawans comments as fundamental principles to peace, democracy and development in the country. We all should agree to reforms without any differences. I don’t think any one in the country want to die after wasting their precious life under a dictatorial, fascistic regime. WE may support opposition, but that is not enough. Because when people change this regime, next will be the same within months. people may come and go. But system should protects the fundamental rights of the people under democratic principles. Rajapaksha family ruining the country , because of the weakness of this opposition. To find out the way to topple this they have identify their weaknesses at first. Otherwise people will not recognize them as a alternative to this system. In this article you can see where Eran is standing. He haven’t seen anything like this before! Where was he when Ratupaswela incident? We have to live with people to find out what is going on with them and what to do next!
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