Features

MRS. BANDARANAIKE’S GOVERNMENT LOSES BY ONE VOTE

Published

2 months ago

2025/01/26

(Excerpted from Memories of 33 year in Parliament by Nihal Seneviratne, Retired Secretary General of Parliament)

In the Parliamentary Election held in July 1960, Mrs. Sirimavo Bandaranaike became the world’s first woman Prime Minister creating a world record. She began her parliamentary career with a seat in the Senate entering the House of Representatives later. It was only subsequently that women like Mrs. Indira Gandhi, Mrs. Golda Meir, Mrs. Margaret Thatcher and Mrs. Benazir Bhutto headed their respective countries.

She headed a 15 Member Cabinet which included Mr. C.P. de Silva as Minister of Lands, Dr. N.M. Perera as Minister of Finance, Felix Dias Bandaranaike as Minister of Agriculture and T.B. Ilangartne as Minister of Trade, Mr. Maithripala Senanayake as Leader of the House and Minister of Rural and Industrial Development. It was indeed a formidable Government and a strong Cabinet.

But four years later things began to get shaky for the Government and Parliament was prorogued in 1964 and a new Session of Parliament began around November that year. After the new Session was opened by the Governor-General William Gopallawa, as was customary following Westminster tradition a motion was moved in the House thanking the Governor General for opening Parliament. This is what we refer to as the Throne Speech Debate.

This is usually a two-day debate. After the Leader of the House, moved the Motion to thank His Excellency, Dr. W Dahanayake (Galle) moved the following Amendment, “…but regret that the people have no confidence in the Government as it has miserably failed to solve the pressing problems of the people, such as unemployment, the high cost of living and housing. “

Before the debate began, Speaker Hugh Fernando summoned me to his chambers and told me of his inability to be present in the House that day and requested that an alternative arrangement be made to chair the proceedings. I vehemently argued with him saying that it was a very important day in the House as a crucial vote was to be taken that evening. I argued with him for over half an hour to be present, but he insisted saying that he had some very urgent private business.

I then realized that I would have to get another government Member to preside and the government, as a result, would lose one vote in its strength. Deputy Speaker D. A. Rajapakse (Mahinda Rajapaksa’s father) chaired the proceedings. By mid-evening a story started circulating in the lobbies of Parliament which took everybody by complete surprise.

It was indeed a well-kept secret till then, but soon it transpired that J. R. Jayewardene as the Leader of the Opposition had been studiously planning and spearheading a coup in Parliament with a view defeating the Government at the conclusion of the Throne Speech Debate vote fixed for that evening. Soon we began to know that many Members of the UNP who were abroad had had been summoned to be present that day. They included E.L Senanayake who had been in London; Paris Perera was away on holiday abroad and a few others. All of them suddenly showed up in the lobbies.

But the bigger surprise of all was when soon after evening tea break when the House resumed at 4.30 p.m., C P de Silva, Minister of Land, Irrigation and Power walked into the well of the House, bowed to the Speaker and instead of taking his assigned seat on the Government front benches, moved to the Opposition side and took his seat there. A few other Members of the Government showing their loyalty to him also walked over and sat in the Opposition benches. Among them were Indrasena de Zoysa and Edmund Wijesuriya. It was no longer a rumour. Soon we found as many as 17 Members of the government party had crossed over to the opposition.

By 7 p.m. that evening the Throne Speech debate had come to an end and a vote was due to be taken. Then following recognized Parliamentary procedure, we had to put the Amendment moved by Dr. W Dahanayake to the House first. The division bells were rung for three minutes. .

As the motion with the amendment read that the House had no confidence in the Government, all Government Members shouted ‘No’ and then the Opposition Members shouted ‘Aye.’ Then, though being tired and exhausted, we called out each name and marked “Aye” and “No” on the provided voting list. We finished counting and then gave the slip with the marked votes to the Presiding Officer. A total 74 had voted “Aye” and 73 had voted “No” with the Government losing by a single vote.

I recall Maithripala Senanayake and Baduideen Mohamed seated on the Government Front benches saying forcefully, “You have counted wrong. Recount the votes.” My heart missed more than a single beat as I realized that if we had made a mistake our jobs were in jeopardy. With our hearts beating vigorously, with added caution and care, we recounted the figures as we may have in the excitement marked a wrong “Aye” or “No” on the one sheet in adjoining columns. After the recount we forwarded it to the Presiding Officer who announced the division to the House and we informed the two Members who had objected that our figures were correct.

But I reassured Government Members that following correct parliamentary procedure, the amended motion would once again be put to the House and there would be another vote soon after. Thus, the Government had every opportunity of getting one or two Members to come into the Chamber and vote with them. So, yet again, the division bells were rung for three minutes and at the end, we once again repeated calling out the names of all the Members seated.

Since the amended motion signified that the Government had lost its confidence in the House, I advised all Government Members to say “No”. By 8.30 p.m. that night we had recounted the votes and it was the identical result- 74 “Ayes” and 73 “Noes”. The Government had been unable to get just one other Member to vote with them and finally the Government lost by a single vote.

I must add here that though the Government had lost by a single vote, it was only because two or three Members of the Government-side were abroad at that moment and the Government, completely unaware that Mr. J.R. Jayewardene was planning this coup, did not arrange for their return. Dr. N.M. Perera as Minister of Finance was in USA for a meeting with the World Bank and Mr. Bernard Soysa was also out of the country.

Mrs. Bandaranaike was made well aware of the constitutional position by her advisers that she could have very easily summoned Parliament to meet on a future date and asked for a Vote of Confidence which she and the Government could well have won. But the great lady that she was, having suffered a defeat in the House, two weeks’ later dissolved Parliament on December 17. Then the General Election was held in March 1965 and the UNP were voted to power with Dudley Senanayake being sworn in as Prime Minister on March 25.

His Cabinet of 16 which included J.R. Jayewardene as Minister of State, M.D. Banda as Minister of Agriculture, U. B. Wanninayake as Minister of Finance, C.P. de Silva as Minister of Lands was sworn. Five years later in March 1970, the sixth parliament was dissolved. In the general election held in June that year, Mrs. Bandaranaike re-took power and became prime minister but seven years later, in 1977 parliamentary election, her United Front Government was routed and the UNP led by J.R. Jayewardene won with a five-sixth majority.

With the change in government there was a change in the fortunes of Mrs. Bandaranaike who was subsequently deprived of her civic rights.

How Mrs. B lost her civic rights

Soon after the new Government headed by J.R. Jayewardene was sworn in after the UNP received a five-sixth majority in the House in 1977, J.R. Jayewardene who was Prime Minister moved a Motion in the House for the appointment of a Select Committee of the House to draft and adopt a new Constitution for Sri Lanka, repealing the 1972 Constitution, which was in place till then.

I worked as an Assistant Secretary to the drafting Committee which was set up soon after the new Government started work. In drafting the Chapter on the Legislative Procedure and Powers, a new Section 81 was introduced titled “Expulsion of Members and Imposition of Civic Disability”.

During our deliberations it came to our notice that this was altogether a new Section which found no place in the Soulbury Constitution of 1948 nor in the Republican Constitution of 1972.

This new Section provided for a Special Presidential Commission of Inquiry being set up consisting of a Judge of the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, High Court or District Court. They were empowered to recommend that any person should be made subject to civic disability by reason of any act done by such person. Clause 81 stated that if such person was found guilty with two-thirds of Parliament voting in favour, a civic disability on such person for a period not exceeding seven years, was going to be imposed and if such person is a Member of Parliament, for such person to be expelled.

It so happened that in August 1980, a Special Presidential Commission of Inquiry was set up consisting of Hon. J.G.T. Weeraratne (Judge of the Supreme Court), Hon. S. Sharvananda (Judge of the Supreme Court) and Hon. K.C.E. de Alwis (Judge of the Appeal Court). The Commission Report was published as a Sessional Paper of 1980 and the Gazette in September 1980.

The Cabinet decided to accept the recommendations of the Commission which held that Mrs. Bandaranaike be subject to civic disability by reason of the acts done by her, which constitute abuse of power or misuse of power as set out in the Report published. After a lengthy debate, Item 2 of the Order Paper of October 16, 1980, was put to the vote and Parliament with the count being 139 Ayes: 18 Noes. Mrs. Bandaranaike declined to vote.

It was late in the night when the House adjourned. just after the vote was taken, Mrs. Bandaranaike left the Chamber and walked down the stairs of the old building to get into her car. I recall accompanying her down the stairs as the disappointed lady left the building. I felt it was part of an obligation that as she walked down the stairs alone that I accompany the ex-Prime Minister. The country’s and world’s very first lady Prime Minister was leaving the House under the most unusual circumstances. I wished her farewell. Many years later she returned to Parliament as Prime Minister.

The chapter on the imposition of civic disability on Mrs. Bandaranaike did not end there. On April 8, 1996, with her daughter Chandrika Kumaratunga as the country’s new President and Mrs. Bandaranaike as Prime Minister, a Minister in her Government Hon. (Prof.) G.L. Pieris moved a Resolution outlining the circumstances which led to the Motion depriving Mrs. Bandaranaike of her Civic Rights in October 1980. He moved that : Parliament hereby resolves that the said Resolution of October 16, 1980, ought not to have been passed.

Prof Peiris winding up the Debate said a remarkable feature of this Debate had been that not a single voice was raised in opposition to the substance of the Resolution. All sections of the House that participated in the debate agreed that it is right and proper that the historic mistake, which was perpetrated on October 16 ,1980 should be rectified. When the Motion was put to the House a division was taken by name and 124 Members voted for it, none against. It should be recorded for posterity that there was just one person who declined to vote and that was none other than Mrs. Bandaranaike herself.

All News Advertisement

Features

SL urged to use GSP+ to the fullest to promote export development

Published

2 hours ago

2025/04/10

Sahan Weerasooriya

Ambassador of the EU to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Carmen Moreno and Chairman, Pathfinder Foundation Ambassador Bernard Goonetilleke

Sri Lanka needs to take full stock of its current economic situation and use to the maximum the potential in its GSP+ facility for export sector growth. In the process, it should ensure that it cooperates fully with the European Union. The urgency of undertaking these responsibilities is underscored by the issues growing out of the recent US decision to sweepingly hike tariffs on its imports, though differentially.

These were principal ‘takes’ for participants in the Pathfinder Foundation’s Ambassadors’ Roundtable forum held on April 8th at the Colombo Club of the Taj Samudra. The main presenter at the event was Ms. Carmen Moreno Raymundo, Ambassador of the European Union to Sri Lanka and the Maldives. The forum was chaired by Ambassador Bernard Goonetilleke, Chairman, Pathfinder Foundation. The event brought together a cross-section of the local public, including the media.

Ms. Moreno drew attention to the fact Sri Lanka is at present severely under utilizing its GSP+ facility, which is the main means for Sri Lanka to enter the very vast EU market of 450 million people. In fact the EU has been Sri Lanka’s biggest trading partner. In 2023, for instance, total trade between the partners stood at Euros 3.84 billion. There is no greater market but the EU region for Sri Lanka.

‘However, only Sri Lanka’s apparel sector has seen considerable growth over the years. It is the only export sector in Sri Lanka which could be said to be fully developed. However, wider ranging export growth is possible provided Sri Lanka exploits to the fullest the opportunities presented by GSP+.’

Moreno added, among other things: ‘Sri Lanka is one among only eight countries that have been granted the EU’s GSP+ facility. The wide-ranging export possibilities opened by the facility are waiting to be utilized. In the process, the country needs to participate in world trade in a dynamic way. It cannot opt for a closed economy. As long as economic vibrancy remains unachieved, Sri Lanka cannot enter into world trading arrangements from a strong position. Among other things, Sri Lanka must access the tools that will enable it to spot and make full use of export opportunities.

‘Sri Lanka must facilitate the private sector in a major way and make it possible for foreign investors to enter the local economy with no hassle and compete for local business opportunities unfettered. At present, Lanka lacks the relevant legal framework to make all this happen satisfactorily.

‘Sri Lanka cannot opt for what could be seen as opaque arrangements with bilateral economic partners. Transparency must be made to prevail in its dealings with investors and other relevant quarters. It’s the public good that must be ensured. The EU would like to see the local economy further opening up for foreign investment.

‘However, it is important that Sri Lanka cooperates with the EU in the latter’s efforts to bring about beneficial outcomes for Sri Lankans. Cooperation could be ensured by Sri Lanka fully abiding by the EU conditions that are attendant on the granting of GSP+. There are, for example, a number of commitments and international conventions that Sri Lanka signed up to and had promised to implement on its receipt of GSP+ which have hitherto not been complied with. Some of these relate to human rights and labour regulations.

‘Successive governments have pledged to implement these conventions but thus far nothing has happened by way of compliance. GSP+ must be seen as an opportunity and not a threat and by complying with EU conditions the best fruits could be reaped from GSP+. It is relevant to remember that GSP+ was granted to Sri Lanka in 2005. It was suspended five years later and restored in 2017.

‘The importance of compliance with EU conditions is greatly enhanced at present in view of the fact that Sri Lanka is currently being monitored by the EU with regard to compliance ahead of extending GSP+ next year. A report on Sri Lanka is due next year wherein the country’s performance with regard to cooperating with the EU would be assessed. The continuation of the facility depends on the degree of cooperation.

‘A few statistics would bear out the importance of Sri Lanka’s partnership with the EU. For example, under the facility Sri Lanka benefits from duty free access in over 66% of EU tariff lines. The highest number of tourist arrivals in Sri Lanka in 2023 was from the EU’s 27 member states. Likewise, the EU’s 27 member states rank second in the origin of inflows of foreign exchange to Sri Lanka; with Italy, France and Germany figuring as the main countries of origin. Eighty five percent of Sri Lanka’s exports to the EU market benefits from GSP+. Thus, the stakes for the country are high.’

Meanwhile, President, In-house Counsel & Legal Advisor, The European Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka, John Wilson said: ‘GSP+ should be seen as not only an opportunity but also as a necessity by Sri Lanka in the current international economic climate. ‘Implementation of local laws is what is needed. Considering the pressures growing out of the US imposed new tariff regime, a good dialogue with the EU is needed.

‘Sri Lanka’s level of business readiness must be upped. Among the imperatives are: An electronic procurement process, Customs reforms, a ‘National Single Window’, stepped-up access to land by investors, for example, a clear policy framework on PPPs and reform of the work permits system.’

It ought to be plain to see from the foregoing that Sri Lanka cannot afford to lose the GSP+ facility if it is stepped-up economic growth that is aimed at. It would be in Sri Lanka’s best interests to remain linked with the EU, considering the aggravated material hardships that could come in the wake of the imposition of the US’ new tariff regime. Sri Lanka would need to remain in a dialogue process with the EU, voice its reservations on matters growing out of GSP+, if any, iron out differences and ensure that its national interest is secured.

Features

SENSITIVE AND PASSIONATE…

Published

2 hours ago

2025/04/10

Sahan Weerasooriya

Chit-Chat
Chiara Tissera

Mrs. Queen of the World Sri Lanka 2024, Chiara Tissera, leaves for the finals, in the USA, next month

I had a very interesting chat with her and this is how it all went:

1. How would you describe yourself?

I am a sensitive and passionate individual who deeply cares about the things that matter most to me. I approach life with a heart full of enthusiasm and a desire to make meaningful connections.

2. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

Actually, I wouldn’t change a thing about myself because the person I am today, both inside and out, is the result of everything I’ve experienced. Every part of me has shaped who I am, so I embrace both my strengths and imperfections as they make me uniquely me.

3. If you could change one thing about your family, what would it be?

If there’s one thing I could change about my family, it would be having my father back with us. Losing him six years ago left a void that can never be filled, but his memory continues to guide and inspire us every day.

4. School?

I went to St. Jude’s College, Kurana, and I’m really proud to say that the lessons I gained during my time there have shaped who I am today. My school and teachers instilled in me values of hard work, perseverance and the importance of community, and I carry those lessons with me every day. I was a senior prefect and was selected the Deputy Head Prefect of our college during my tenure.

5. Happiest moment?

The happiest moment of my life so far has been winning the Mrs. Sri Lanka 2024 for Queen of the World. It was a dream come true and a truly unforgettable experience, one that fills me with pride and gratitude every time I reflect on it.

6. What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Happiness is a deeply personal and multifaceted feeling that often comes from a sense of contentment, fulfillment and well-being. For me, perfect happiness is in moments of joy, peace and accomplishments … and also being surrounded by my loved ones.

7. Are you religious?

Yes, I’m a very religious person. And I’m a firm believer in God. My faith guides me through life, providing strength, dedication and a sense of peace in every situation. I live by the quote, ‘Do your best, and God will do the rest.’

8. Are you superstitious?

I’m not superstitious. I believe in making my own decisions and relying on logic and faith rather than following superstitions.

9. Your ideal guy?

My ideal guy is my husband. He is compassionate, understanding and is always there to support me, no matter what. He’s my rock and my best friend – truly everything I could ever want in a partner.

10. Which living person do you most admire?

The living person I admire the most is definitely my mummy. Her strength, love and unwavering support has shaped me into who I am today. She is my role model and she inspires me every day with her wisdom and kindness.

11. Your most treasured possession?

My most treasured possession is my family. They are the heart of my life, providing me with love, support and strength. Their presence is my greatest blessing.

12. If you were marooned on a desert island, who would you like as your companion?

I would like to have my spouse as my companion. Together, we could make the best of the situation, supporting each other, sharing moments of laughter and finding creative ways to survive and thrive.

13. Your most embarrassing moment?

There’s quite a few, for sure, but nothing is really coming to mind right now.

14. Done anything daring?

Yes, stepping out of my comfort zone and taking part in a pageant. I had no experience and was nervous about putting myself out there, but I decided to challenge myself and go for it. It pushed me to grow in so many ways—learning to embrace confidence, handle pressure, and appreciate my own uniqueness. The experience not only boosted my self-esteem but also taught me the value of taking risks and embracing new opportunities, even when they feel intimidating.”

15. Your ideal vacation?

It would be to Paris. The city has such a magical vibe and, of course, exploring the magical Eiffel Tower is in my bucket list. Especially the city being a mix of history culture and modern life in a way that feels timeless, I find it to be the ideal vacation spot for me.

16. What kind of music are you into?

I love romantic songs. I’m drawn to its emotional depth and the way they express love, longing a connection. Whether it’s a slow ballad, a classic love song or a more modern romantic tune these songs speak to my heart.

17. Favourite radio station?

I don’t have a specific radio station that I like, but I tend to enjoy a variety of stations, depending on my mood. Sometimes I’ll tune into one for a mix of popular hits, other times I might go for something more relaxing, or a station with a certain vibe. So I just like to keep it flexible and switch it up.

18. Favourite TV station?

I hardly find the time to sit down and watch TV. But, whenever I do find a little spare time, I tend to do some spontaneous binge – watching, catching whatever interesting show is on at that moment.

19 What would you like to be born as in your next life?

Mmmm, I’ve actually not thought about it, but I’d love to be born as someone who gets to explore the world freely – perhaps a bird soaring across continents.

20. Any major plans for the future?

Let’s say preparing and participating in the international pageant happening in the USA this May. It’s an exciting opportunity to represent myself and my country on a global stage. Alongside this, I am dedicated to continuing my social service work as a title holder, striving to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others through my platform.

Features

Fresher looking skin …

Published

2 hours ago

2025/04/10

Sahan Weerasooriya

The formation of wrinkles and fine lines is part of our ageing process. However, if these wrinkles negatively impact appearance, making one look older than they actually are, then trying out some homemade remedies, I’ve listed for you, this week, may help in giving your skin a fresher look.

* Banana:

Bananas are considered to be our skin’s best friend. They contain natural oils and vitamins that work very perfectly to boost our skin health. Skincare experts recommend applying the banana paste to the skin.

Take a ripe banana and mash a quarter of it until it becomes a smooth paste. Apply a thin layer of the banana paste on your skin and allow it to sit for 15 to 20 minutes before washing it off with warm water.

* Olive Oil:

Olive oil works as a great skin protector and many types of research suggest that even consuming olive oil may protect the skin from developing more wrinkles. Olive oil contains compounds that can increase the skin’s collagen levels. Yes, olive oil can be used as a dressing on your salads, or other food, if you want to consume it, otherwise, you can apply a thin layer of olive oil on your face, neck and hands and let it stay overnight.

* Ginger:

Ginger serves to be a brilliant anti-wrinkle remedy because of the high content of antioxidants in it. Ginger helps in breaking down elastin, which is one of the main reasons for wrinkles. You can have ginger tea or grate ginger and have it with honey, on a regular basis.

* Aloe Vera:

The malic acid present in Aloe Vera helps in improving your skin’s elasticity, which helps in reducing your wrinkles. Apply the gel once you extract it from the plant, and leave it on for 15-20 minutes. You can wash it off with warm water.

* Lemons:

Lemons contain citric acid, which is a strong exfoliant that can help you get rid of your dead skin cells and wrinkles. Also, as an astringent and a cleansing agent, it helps to fade your wrinkles and fine lines. You can gently rub a lemon slice in your wrinkled skin and leave it on for 10-15 minutes. Rinse afterwards and repeat this process two to three times a day.

* Coconut Oil:

Coconut oil contains essential fatty acid that moisturises the skin and helps to retain its elasticity. You can directly apply the coconut oil, and leave it overnight, after gently massaging it, for the best results.