Divi Neguma Bill: Govt. ready even for referendum

2 November 2012 08:43 pm - 28 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa yesterday vowed to enact the Divi Neguma Bill even by placing it before the people at a referendum in case the Supreme Court had given such a determination.

The Bill was challenged in the Supreme Court by the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) and the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP). The Court initially ruled that the Bill should be referred to the provincial councils for approval. Eight provincial councils approved the Bill.

With regard to the Northern Provincial Council, which has still not been elected the question was wether the Northern Governor could endorse the in place of the NPC.

The ruling on this matter has now been communicated to Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa and it will be announced in Parliament on Tuesday.
When asked about the Bill, the minister told Daily Mirror the Supreme Court would have stipulated the procedure to be adopted in making the Bill a law in Parliament.

“If it cannot be passed by a simple majority, the Court will stipulate the criteria to be followed. In that case, we might require a two-third majority. It may be required to be put for people’s approval at a referendum. We are ready for that. If we are asked to make some changes in the process, we will do it. We will respect the Court ruling and take necessary steps to enact it,” the minister said.

He said ‘Divi Neguma Movement’ was launched with the objective of developing household economic units and eradicating poverty through micro-finance programmes.

“In the past, there were household economies. Families cultivated their paddy lands. They had a few head of cattle. People on bought a few of their requirements such as salt and textiles from outside. Today, such household economies can be developed for commercial purposes,” he said. (KB)

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Comments - 28

Rahmathullah M. H. Saturday, 03 November 2012 05:10 AM

Why are you so adamant in implementing this bill? Love for the country or the commissions you will get?

Shanthi Jayasingha Monday, 05 November 2012 04:20 AM

---------------------
" Nangitai -matai
Gedi - dekak athie
Wediya kadana naraka lamai

Hama nowe apie...........'
-------------------------

Nodrog Sunday, 04 November 2012 06:10 AM

These guys are drunk with power. Just because they got a 2/3 majority in parliament by forcing and threatening does not mean the masses also will go along. A fair referendum will reveal to the Clan that not all citizens are fools.

Podi eka Sunday, 04 November 2012 05:05 AM

80 Billion / 20 Million = 4000 rupees

Hmm. Are they going to pay all of us 4000 per year?LOL

Nodrog Sunday, 04 November 2012 04:30 AM

Yep, the obvious outcome is a foregone conclusion.

SunilB Saturday, 03 November 2012 03:46 PM

Dear Minister do'nt do it. Because this is our money not you bring it to throw away. pls...... pls.... pls... stop unwanted vote.

Minister Saturday, 03 November 2012 07:48 AM

With the computer gilmarts, naturally!

meenavan Saturday, 03 November 2012 07:24 AM

Divi Neguma referendum expenses innocent public bear additional taxes....?

Cocohead Saturday, 03 November 2012 07:22 AM

"If we cant steal it..we will get a referendum and steal it" Nice Motto for the Gov

NA Saturday, 03 November 2012 06:06 AM

Plundering of the country by the clan is going at FULL STEAM.

Well done Sri Lankans.

Jamieson Saturday, 03 November 2012 06:02 AM

Can't the same objective be achieved within the present administrative structure ?????? Why is it necessary for you to have control of their (local govt) Rs80+ billion budget to improve household economies??? Can't others, other than the Rajapakse brothers and son be trusted with the countries funds?????????? Tell the people what this country has achieved economically after the war? You have increased spending on defense, built roads and nothing else the cost of living has skyrocketed, exports down, stock market doomed.

NA Saturday, 03 November 2012 05:54 AM

The scum the Sri Lankan people voted in, is now spitting at you.

Good riddance.

Impartial guy Saturday, 03 November 2012 05:54 AM

You respect the court ruling,but you don't respect Judges including CJ. Politicians from top to bottom should have patience and they must be able tolerate any type of situations going against them. If the court does rule in favour of you, then you make him retire or impeach him. This is not genuine politics this is called "Polytricks"

kautilya Saturday, 03 November 2012 05:18 AM

Singing Baila by BR

Mr.Plod Friday, 02 November 2012 11:40 PM

Now we know as to why the CJ is being impeached. This type of high handed action by these lowly educated politicians (read GCE (OL) ) should not and can not be tolerated by the masses.

xlntgson Saturday, 03 November 2012 04:07 AM

Non-binding referendum or impeachment by referendum?

Justan Saturday, 03 November 2012 04:04 AM

Provincial councils not necessary,utterly waste of public funds,Give Equal rights to all communities.

MWTA Saturday, 03 November 2012 03:49 AM

Yes to get Rs. 80 bn, spend another Rs. 5 Bn for the referendum . Central Bank joker will print money or issue another Bond. Suba Anagathayak.

krishna Saturday, 03 November 2012 03:33 AM

Yes,you mad can then see, the people who need a separate state.

mamath Saturday, 03 November 2012 03:22 AM

cat out of the hat

Jagath Leanage Saturday, 03 November 2012 03:05 AM

Elections and winning elections by M.R. and the clan.
ha! ha! ha!,
he! he! he,
hu! hu! hu!

Impartial guy Saturday, 03 November 2012 02:05 AM

Hon. Minister, please don't try to hoodwink people any more. People have seen the development of ministers and so on enough. Please don't ruin this country by saying you are doing everything according to the constitution. Huge corruption taking place in the country and human right violations taking place, they are not according to the constitution. Country is marching towards Constitutional Dictatorship. Please try to save this country at least now.

upali Saturday, 03 November 2012 01:46 AM

Mr. Minister. Development for the masses in any form is good and not the issue here. How you are trying to do it with unaccountable process is the problem.

Pink Panther Saturday, 03 November 2012 01:17 AM

We all know about the 'jilmarts' the govt. is capable of. Why does it want to go ahead with this bill when the whole country is against it? Of course the answer to that is simple-make tons of hay while the sun shines!!!

Muthu Saturday, 03 November 2012 12:55 AM

Who is going to pay for the referendum you or your clan?

Saman Saturday, 03 November 2012 12:42 AM

There is plenty of evidence that this is a community development strategy discarded some decades ago. Success of this sort of strategy depends on many other factors. In Sri Lanka, Population – high density, land extremely limited, water- a serious issue, irrigation already up to the stretch, society – well connected to globalization so aspiration of youth is national market economy and even beyond the borders, education – 16 Universities – aspiration of every single family is to send their kids there and higher up the social ladder, so many TV channels showing all 24 hours what is happening and what is available in modern urban-based market economies – Are you kidding honorable sir? Please, think about the country and its’ people, not about your family (extended), and its’ political future.

Janaki Kalansuriya Friday, 02 November 2012 11:53 PM

You are so sure of the result, even before a single vote is cast, aren't you?

Mr.Plod Friday, 02 November 2012 11:41 PM

Micro Finance = Micro Stealing !

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Divi Neguma Bill: Govt. ready even for referendum

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