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Hi-tech voting found wanting
It was almost three years since a electronic voting system was installed in Parliament but it went on trial only last Thursday. It was used to pass the investment promotion agreement signed between Sri Lanka and Australia in 2002 which required a two thirds majority in the legislature to become law. First the Secretary General of Parliament Priyanee Wijesekera explained how the machine would operate. Each MPs table is fitted with a switchboard with three buttons, green, red and white denoting aye, no and abstain in that order.

The electronic voting started after a manual vote was taken, as Speaker W.J.M. Lokubandara said the conventional method of voting would be first used as the outcome of the electronic voting may not be definite. He also requested all MP to stay in their seats and refrain from walking in or out of the chamber while the vote was in progress. As all parties supported the matter under consideration it was time for light entertainment for the MPs. There was a little confusion initially with the different numbers appearing on the electronic screen but finally the vote was taken.

It was all ‘aye’ with the tally at 198. When the Speaker finally asked if all were satisfied with how the voting went, there were many shaking their heads. No, it seems was their answer. The Speaker said the system would be put to more tests during next month’s Budget.

Getting uglier
The bickering at the national television station Rupavahini is continuing. Since of late, there are daily discussions in the newsroom which has been split into three groups, politically. There are the UPFA supporters, UNP supporters as well as JVP supporters.

During the last meeting there were heated arguments among the various factions with foul language flowing freely and things almost ending with blows being exchanged.

Hearing of these goings-on in the news section, employees of other department soon joined in the fray. They were there to support those in the groups that had the same political allegiances as they had. Looks like things will become uglier in the days ahead.

More time for religious activities?
Rumours of the impending resignation of the JHU MP Kolonnawe Siri Sumangala Thera were rife in Parliament on Friday. However the Thera did not show up in the morning. It was only around 1 p.m. that the monk walked in and handed in his resignation to the Secretary General. About two hours later Kalutara district MP Athuraliye Rathana Thera arrived to inquire whether Ven. Sumangala Thera had come to Parliament and then proceeded to meet the Secretary General.

He wanted to see if the resignation could be withdrawn. There was no favourable response and Ven. Ratana Thera left a short while later. By that time Ven. Sumangala Thera was holding a press briefing announcing in resignation. He said he needed more time for his religious activities.

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