Media Focus to Shift from Parliamentary Distractions to Important Legislative Work

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An interview with Deputy Speaker Ajith Rajapakse revealed that LTTE terrorism was prevalent in the Kurundhi Temple issue. It is evidently clear that they attempted to instigate conflict between the Sinhala and Tamil communities.

The interview shed light on the attempt to sow discord between the Sinhala and Tamil communities during this period, emphasizing the clear evidence supporting this assertion.

From issues surrounding commemorative events and parliamentary security to the regulation of social media and reflections on past events such as the Easter Sunday attacks, Deputy Speaker Rajapakse provides a comprehensive perspective on the challenges and responsibilities facing the Government and parliament. His comments offer a glimpse into the intricate dynamics shaping the nation’s political discourse and decision-making processes.

Excerpts from the interview:

Q: In recent days, we have witnessed various efforts to commemorate Thileepan, who is considered a leader of the LTTE organization. We also observed a Member of Parliament participating in these commemorative events and taking a leading role, which has been suggested to violate Article 157 (a) of the Constitution. What actions will be taken against this MP?

A: I also saw this incident on television. MP Kajendran was involved in these events. He has addressed this issue in parliament, leading to some controversies. MP Kajendran has consistently maintained that Thileepan died while engaged in a peaceful hunger strike on behalf of the Tamil people. However, it is well-known that Thileepan was associated with Prabakharan and the LTTE, which we classify as a terrorist organization. Anyone associated with Prabakharan is considered a representative of a banned organization. Supporting a leader of a banned organization is a clear violation of the Constitution.

Additionally, we must assess whether this is a matter relevant to the concerned MP and if it is an appropriate role for a parliamentarian. Further legal analysis is necessary, and we will take the required actions in due course. Moreover, a recent Court ruling in Colombo addressed this issue, and we will adhere to that judgment. This matter has also been discussed in parliament, with various members expressing their viewpoints. We will conduct a thorough review and proceed with the necessary actions accordingly.

Q: We have observed a similar pattern in recent days, particularly related to the Kurundhi Temple issue. Several Members of Parliament have participated in these events, and it appears to involve the same group behind these incidents. With MP Gajendrakumar Ponnambalam’s involvement in Jaffna, we are witnessing a different form of behavior. How can Parliament address this situation?

A: When someone becomes a Member of Parliament, they are entrusted with a set of social responsibilities. MPs represent the public in Parliament, carrying significant roles and responsibilities on behalf of their constituents. However, a small group of our parliamentarians, not all of them, seem to be influenced by the agendas of international organizations. There may be individuals with connections to the LTTE organization at an international level. This influence was evident in the Kurundhi Temple incident as well.

These individuals are trying to create problems that do not exist within the Tamil community living near the temple. We know that there is no real division between the Sinhala and Tamil communities. Any division that exists may be between the LTTE organization and the Sinhala people, but there is no such division between the Tamil and Sinhala communities. This has been the case historically and remains true today. However, certain leaders who claim to represent the public may indirectly serve the interests of the LTTE organization. Some even claim a familial connection to Prabakharan, which aligns them with such agendas.

Therefore, it is possible that they are implementing international organizations’ agendas. It’s worth noting that many years have passed since the end of the war, and there have been no issues between the Sinhala and Tamil communities within the country. Some individuals may have expected problems to arise and the country to return to its previous state, but these expectations have not materialized naturally. Hence, certain groups are attempting various means to provoke such a situation.

An attempt was made to incite a situation that had not occurred even during the period when LTTE terrorism was prevalent in the Kurundhi Temple issue. This is abundantly clear. The aim was to create a conflict between the Sinhala and Tamil communities. We witnessed a similar situation when MP Kajendran participated in a vehicle parade commemorating Thileepan. This is evident.

The parade started and passed through an area where predominantly Sinhala Buddhists reside. When such a parade passes through an area where people have suffered from LTTE terrorism, lost loved ones, and had their lives disrupted as a result, it inevitably generates feelings of hatred, and these emotions can become uncontrollable. This is a natural response. This seems to have been the strategy of those who organized the rally.

Meanwhile, discussions are ongoing in Geneva regarding Sri Lanka’s situation. By organizing these events, they may seek to depict the situation in Sri Lanka in a certain light. In essence, they commemorated Thileepan to serve their own agenda. It is my opinion that they aimed to create a conducive environment for such a portrayal.

Q: Presently, there are threats to the lives of parliamentarians. The most recent incident involved the shooting at MP Uddika Premaratne’s vehicle. It was mentioned in parliament that MP D Weerasinghe is also facing threats. What actions can be taken by the parliament to ensure the security of its members?

A: The incident involving MP Uddika Premaratne is currently a matter under legal investigation, and it is an unfortunate event that should not have occurred. As a Government and as a parliament, it is our responsibility to provide protection to public representatives, and we are committed to fulfilling that responsibility. An extensive investigation is ongoing, which will uncover all the details, including the accuracy of the information surrounding the incident.

MP D. Weerasinghe has also raised concerns in parliament. Many of these threats and concerns manifest prominently on social media platforms. Even I have experienced various negative comments and attacks on social media in recent days. There are concerted efforts to provoke and divert our attention through these means. It is possible that various groups or individuals with extremist views are involved in such activities. We are all aware of attempts to create a public perception that all 225 members of parliament are unnecessary. However, while public representatives remain connected with the people, such a notion cannot hold true. It is conceivable that individuals with various extremist views on social media platforms are orchestrating these efforts. If all 225 members were to be removed, who would carry out the important work of governance?

We have witnessed unfortunate incidents like the assassination of Amarakeerthi Athukorala. Similarly, the incidents involving Uddika Premaratne and D. Weerasinghe should never have occurred, and we are determined to address them appropriately.

Q: There is a growing public discourse on the need to regulate social media. The Opposition Leader recently raised this issue in parliament under 27/2, suggesting that the draft Act related to this should be immediately withdrawn. Do you believe there is a necessity to regulate social media at this point?

A: Laws are enacted in a country to build a civilized society and cultivate a generation of people with self-restraint. These laws should not inconvenience individuals unnecessarily. However, we are all aware of the behavior of social media in our country. Some of the phone numbers sending messages through social media are not even registered in Sri Lanka; they originate from abroad. Therefore, it is crucial that such activities are brought within the bounds of legality.

For instance, using a false phone number while residing in another country to influence a citizen of our nation is not something I believe anyone has the right to do. Whether it’s on social media or any other form of media, it should operate within the boundaries of civility. It’s when behavior exceeds these limits that various negative incidents occur, such as the spread of false news, character defamation, and harassment. People attempt to influence personal lives through social media as well. Therefore, there is a need for regulation to address actions that lack restraint. Laws should be established to govern such activities.

The existence of laws and their enforcement should not deter anyone as long as they take responsibility for their words and actions. In a civilized society, we should ideally not require laws to govern our behavior.

Q: People are facing challenges in their daily lives due to the high cost of living and rising prices of goods. Although the situation was worse in the past, it remains a concern. What steps will be taken to address these issues?

A: You are referring to the current situation. We cannot forget where we were in the past. Inflation had surged significantly. We are well aware of the statistical decrease in inflation at present. The country’s economic and social processes had led us into a difficult situation, one that was challenging to manage. However, we are now working steadily to bring these issues under control.

We can recall the difficulties related to fuel and gas prices. We are taking steps to gradually address these concerns in a manner that is suitable for our country’s economy.

Q: Channel 4 recently aired a video related to the Easter Sunday attacks. Various political parties and groups have made allegations in response. This channel has continuously broadcast such videos concerning Sri Lanka. What are your thoughts on the investigations into the Easter Sunday attacks?

A: The Easter Sunday attack occurred during the previous Government’s tenure, and they were in charge at that time. However, many individuals and political parties seem to discuss the incident as if it happened recently. We observed the actions taken and the conduct of officials involved in the investigations during that period. There were certain actions that should have been taken promptly. There’s a saying in the villages that what can be fixed with a small tool should not require a larger one. Unfortunately, during a time when the issue could have been resolved with minor measures, those responsible, including those with specific roles, did not address it properly. One of the reasons, in my opinion, is that they may have acted in a manner that they believed would secure votes. Some political parties, regardless of any wrongdoing, chose to remain silent and uninvolved. The result was the emergence of political parties that did not benefit the country.

Regarding the Channel 4 video, I feel a sense of disappointment. Channel 4 has been a source of significant problems for some time. I view this channel as one that has tarnished the reputation of the entire country. However, Channel 4’s behavior has proven advantageous to certain political parties at this time. It appears to be a boon for them. This is the current situation. During the war, everyone was critical of Channel 4 for its role in tarnishing the country’s image. However, today, because Channel 4 is directly affecting certain political and religious groups based on one incident, it appears to be a blessing to them.

In my perspective, Channel 4 has brought discredit to the country, both during the war and today. Neither Channel 4 nor any other external entity should be allowed to interfere in our country’s internal matters.

Q: Three days were allocated for the debate on the no-confidence motion against Minister Keheliya Rambukwella just before the parliament was due to meet. Why was such an extended duration allocated for this debate? Holding a parliamentary session is costly, so why allocate three days for this?

A: What I can say is that it would be more beneficial if the opposition demonstrated greater wisdom in such matters. The decision to allocate three days for the debate on the Easter Sunday attacks and the no-confidence motion against Minister Keheliya Rambukwella appears to have been driven by the opposition’s political objectives. Both of these debates were used to further their political agendas. When this occurs, it can lead to public disillusionment with the parliament, with people expressing their frustration by questioning the necessity of all 225 members. It would be far more constructive if both the opposition and the ruling party could come together and collaborate on rebuilding the country. Until that happens, objections will persist, and trust in the parliament will continue to erode. Regrettably, these issues have become entangled in political calculations.

Q: During the eight days that parliament is in session, the first hour is designated for essential activities, such as raising questions with the expectation of receiving oral answers. However, the Government has pointed out that the opposition often uses this time for other purposes. The media also focuses more on the morning hour in parliament. Are you implementing any measures to address this situation?

A: I have been grappling with this situation since the day I assumed the role of Deputy Speaker. I encounter various challenges regularly. Frequently, the morning hour or even up to one and a half hours are devoted to television media coverage. Such behavior is evident. The Parliamentary Agenda is prepared in accordance with established rules. Unfortunately, many parliamentarians misuse this time. We employ various strategies to manage this issue. Regardless of what we do, it’s often the Chair that faces criticism. Therefore, the Honourable Speaker, we, along with the Standing Orders Committee, make certain decisions. Starting from the last parliamentary session, a program was introduced to limit the time allocated for questions expecting oral answers. This was primarily because this time slot tends to be the most misused. It was successfully implemented during the last session, and I believe it will help alleviate the problem in the future.

This approach will also allow the media to focus on the important acts and bills that are painstakingly discussed and passed in parliament from morning till evening. Otherwise, the daily reports predominantly highlight the quarrels and confrontations that occur in parliament. I believe we have laid a solid foundation, and when it is fully implemented within parliament, unnecessary disruptions will likely diminish. Each day parliament convenes, we discuss matters that directly impact the public, such as changes in laws, the creation of new acts, and amendments to existing ones.

However, despite our efforts to engage in important work in the morning, what often gets reported in the media are less substantial matters. Additionally, significant work is happening inside the committee rooms of the parliament, with certain committees meeting for extended periods, sometimes seven to eight hours at a stretch. Unfortunately, these crucial activities are not given much attention in the media.

We are working towards changing this situation in the future. As we continue to focus on important legislative and parliamentary tasks, we hope that the public’s perception of the parliament will also evolve positively in the future.

Swarna Wijekone