Mr. Rohitha Bogollagama,Member of Parliament 2004 (Daily Mirror - 03/08/2008)

Do you have any idea to contest the coming election, if so under which party.?

 

Question Submited By: WEERAKKODYSARATH

When elections are held I will always contest elections. I have served the UNP in the past and now I am holding office in the PA administration. I will continue to serve the country in terms of the PA administration which has done well in finding solutions to national issues that has confronted Sri Lanka for several decades. I am also an advocate of consensual politics. I am sure you will understand by now the party ticket under which I will be seeking my candidacy.

 

Generally I admire you as a gentlemen as you possess remarkable qualities for being a very few of your colleagues in the ruling party carries a proper educational back-ground. It is the lack of proper education and proper culture that makes some of your co-ministers and deputy ministers to behave in the manner they do. What is your comment on this issue?

 

Question Submited By: Jayantha Jayamanne

Thank you for the kind sentiments expressed about me. I do believe that having a proper educational background is important for members of the legislature. However, you would agree that there are many in the private sector and other fields who have no university or professional qualifications but have proven to be extremely successful. In my view members of parliament should be those who work for the welfare of the people of this country and who conduct themselves with grace and dignity. In particular they must respect the rule of law of the country and strive to bring development to Sri Lanka.

 

Do you think Sri Lanka needs to and can afford to squander Rs.4.5 billion on hosting the SAARC summit in Kandy given the current economic predicament facing the country, and the dire hardships being faced by the common man? How can recklessness of this nature be supported by any credible politician? Why couldn't Sri Lanka just tell the SARC members that it cannot afford this tamasha?

 

Question Submited By: David

In view of logistical constraints the main SAARC Summit will be held in Colombo. We are hoping to organize some events in Kandy to commemorate this event. The reason that Kandy was thought of as a venue initially was to develop the city as an alternative conference destination. I believe that a country should have the ability to hold international conferences at several venues. Certainly the figure of Rs. 4.5 billion is a gross exaggeration. We are yet to finalize the cost for the event. Furthermore, you would agree that as a member of the International Community, it is vital for Sri Lanka to take on its share of responsibilities in promoting regional interactions. It was our view that as Sri Lanka celebrates the 60th Anniversary of Independence this year, it would be significant to have an event of this nature in Sri Lanka with the participation of 8 Heads of State from the region and numerous VIPS from the world. I do agree that such events are held at a cost. However, it also promotes the image of the country as a safe destination for travelers and raises our profile. It contributes well in terms of our promotion of investments, trade, tourism and able all Sri Lanka’s profile for stability.

 

Dear Sir; I respect your endurance in withstanding the criticism targeted against you by the opposition. Obviously they do it to show their existence rather than what they really believe in what they say. In any case, what is puzzling me is: Why do you have to enter into politics and work hard without finding a job in any of the government departments where you can relax, instead of working hard?

 

Question Submited By: Busby

Well, Sri Lanka has always been a very vibrant, multi party democracy and as with all democracies criticism from opposition parties’ forms a key element of such a system. I welcome comments from opposition parties as it reflects a difference of opinion and demonstrates a counter point. I have entered politics to serve the people and I think you would be making a generalization to say that at Government Department people do not work hard. I can safely say that it has not been the case with all the Government institutions I have been associated with since entering parliament and the ones I have headed and held office in.

 

Dear Mr. Bogollagama, it's nice having you in the meeting room. Do you feel the people are pleased with situation in the country in terms of rising COL, war, uncertain political conditions, under the present government? And apparently the government is planning a general election. In the event the govt. loses the election, what would you would be the result?

 

Question Submited By: Hamdon

The rising cost of living is of grave concern to the Government and all possible efforts are being taken to minimize pressure on the general public. The Government deeply appreciates the fortitude with which the general public bears this burden particular in view of the efforts being taken to rid the North of the country of terrorism. You would agree that these are difficult times with the Government having to take on one of the most ruthless terrorist organizations in the world. We are advancing with great success. The East has been cleared and elections are being held there. We seek the understanding of the people at this crucial time. No general election has been planned nor is it in sight. Period of Government extends up to 2010.

 

Hon. Minister, I have a few questions for you: 1) You undertake many foreign tours. According certain media you have visited some countries more than once during the last year or so. My question is, wouldn’t this extensive traveling make you and most of all our country seem desperate? 2) There are reports in the media that suggest that some of your family members have a lot of influence on the Foreign Ministry. In fact it was reported that you son travels with you on foreign tours. What’s your response to your critics? I am sure your son is very capable but don’t you think such unprofessional acts on your part would hamper your credibility? 3) We are getting closer to Iran. Apparently the Iranian President will be visiting us next month (unconfirmed yet). I know Iran has promised to sponsor a few projects, but isn’t the government worried about irking the US? Thanks, Ares!

 

Question Submited By: Rajitha Jayasinghe

1) The type of foreign visits undertaken by me falls in to three categories. The first of these being to promote bilateral relations which entails visits to meet counterparts thus registering support for Sri Lanka’s political, economic and other agendas. The second is participation at multilateral fora which Sri Lanka is a member of or has gained membership in. Sri Lanka’s visibility was enhanced in 2007 due to these visits. Multilateral and regional fora attended were the United National General Assembly sessions (UNGA), Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), SAARC, ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) Ministerial Meeting. The third type of foreign travel is accompanying the Head of State on State visits numbering over 6 visits in 2007. If I had to repeat a visit to a country like that of India or the US it was largely due to these visits belonging to any one of the three categories mentioned above. 2) The members of my family have no influence in the Foreign Ministry and my two children are studying overseas. My children have always been exposed to overseas travel form a very early age and they are being educated and continue to live overseas. My children have never traveled at the expense of the State. 3) Sri Lanka has remained a Non Aligned country and continues to follow an independent Foreign Policy. We have maintained strong bilateral relations with several countries in the closest form, and do enjoy a similar relationship with both the US and Iran. The Iranian President is due to visit Sri Lanka in the third week of April 2008.

 

was the official residence of Sri lanka High Commissioner in UK which was occupied by Mr.Faiz Musthapa, Q.C. until his departure in Feb. 2005 not suitable for the occupation of new high commissioner who assumed duties after one week of his departure?

 

Question Submited By: Ama Senadeera

The issue of an official residence should not become a matter of choice of an Ambassador or High Commissioner. It is a matter for the Foreign Ministry to assess and determine the suitability of the lodging and premises for the Head of Mission. The decision to demolish the current residence due to its dilapidated state and undertake reconstruction of new premises at the same site was taken by the Foreign Ministry after several consultations with independent experts and a Cabinet Decision was accordingly taken.

 

It is indeed always a treat to see how you speak & do things as the FM of Sri Lanka. In fact without any doubt you are the best Sri Lankan to replace the big shoes of late FM Mr. Laxman K. Yet I feel you are not as aggressive as late Mr. Laxman K. when it comes to counter attacking western deplomats allegation on Sri Lanka & its conduct on war & I feel it is people like Dr. Dayan J. & Prof. Rajiv W. who are on the frontline responding to these so-called "All well, All in line west, which happened to be grand mothers of Human Rights". Any reason why you choose this way ???

 

Question Submited By: Kapila Kahapola

Maintaining foreign relations must be viewed both from the point of view of national interest and international repercussions. In this regard the Foreign Minister’s task lies in positioning Sri Lanka’s message with clarity and sustaining it with credibility. In today’s context, issues confronting Sri Lanka have several angles. One needs to be mindful of using one response to a given angel without allowing it to have an adverse effect on the other side of the divide. We are living among many friends in the world and some of these friends may place different moral judgments on some of the issues that we may be confronted with. I strongly believe that an “explanation” should be a means towards clearing misgivings rather than verbose attacks.

 

What will be the policy of appointing ambassadors and representatives of sri lanka to other countries? Is the criteria to only include old politicians, retired personnel from armed forces, qualified and well educated diplomats or your son whom you are reportedly training to be a politician/diplomat?

 

Question Submited By: jayantha dharmaratne

In the selection of Ambassadors and representatives foremost consideration has been placed on the suitability of the individual vis-à-vis that of the country’s representation given the specific location. In this regard a great emphasis is being placed on the achievements of the respective individuals in their respective careers which stands as a yardstick in the selection process. In addition their integrity is also measured. The ones who come from the Sri Lanka Foreign Service (career diplomats) are also evaluated both in terms of their suitability and seniority. My son’s entitlement to be what he should be is his own individual preference and I will not bear my influence on that.

 

Sir, what is the progress of the Examination held by the Ministry to recruit Grade III officers? Have you already taken a lot without releasing the results?

 

Question Submited By: Rohana

The Examinations referred to was held in January 2008 and the results of this Examination have not been released as yet by the Department of Examinations. No recruitment has been made based on this Examination as results are pending.

 

Do you believe that you are doing a better or at least an equal job of representing our country as the late Dr. Lakshman Kadiragamar did? Has your extravagant expenses lead to any sort of benefit towards our country? If so why have there been so many blunders reported in the media attributed to the incompetences of our foreign service?

 

Question Submited By: Dushan Dharmasena

In terms of the job that I am doing the assessment can only come from persons like you. At the same time all the deeds in my term of office could be seen from the benefit Sri Lanka is deriving in international fora. The effort to counter terrorism has gained substantial momentum in 2007 with the LTTE front organizations being banned in several countries in the West. We have been able to position Sri Lanka’s military efforts purely as a need for countering terrorism whilst enhancing the political approaches to the conflict. We have become a member of several international fora in 2007 and enjoy reciprocation from bilateral relations as seen from the State visits undertaken by H E the President. In the year 2007 we won a seat in the UNESCO Executive council with over 130 countries supporting us. Sri Lanka hosting the SAARC Summit in 2008, the Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) Ministerial Meeting in 2009, the Commonwealth Heads of Government (CHOGM) Meeting in 2011 are significant achievements during this period. As for the extravagance in expenditure, whilst respecting your personal viewpoint I must state that expenditure has been in line with allocations and no extra expenditure has been incurred. In most visits the host country also extends hospitality which helps to minimize costs.

 

 

Done