Education Services Minister has a lot to learn

After delivering a controversial speech at his father's funeral, Education Services Minister Duminda Dissanayake, son of the late Berty Premalal Disanayake, turned up at the Janadipathi Mandiraya last week.

When he walked in, President Mahinda Rajapaksa was in his private gym doing his regular morning exercises. Minister Mahinda Yapa Abeywardene was present. Dissanayake said he wished to speak to the President in private.

The President's response was not so polite. He asked what else Dissanayake had to discuss with him privately after saying all the things he needed at the funeral of his father.

President Rajapaksa also said that five senior ministers had asked him how Dissanayake can remain in the Cabinet after making such remarks. Dissanayake struggled to explain his position. Mr. Rajapaksa then advised Dissanayake not to be misdirected by people who had different agendas. He said Dissanayake was young and had a lot to learn in politics.

Meanwhile, Anuradha Jayaratne, son of Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne also turned up at President's House. The President gave him the same advice.

Two days later, when the Government Parliamentary Group meeting was in progress Minister Duminda Dissanayake turned up somewhat late. At the door of the meeting hall, he changed his mind and turned back saying that he had to watch a sports event on television. After learning of his conduct, President Rajapaksa had reportedly asked party seniors whether action should be taken against him.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa has imposed a ban on his ministers, deputies and senior officials from foreign travel from November 1 to 30.

The order has been sent out to all ministry secretaries by Presidential Secretary Lalith Weeratunga.

Besides those in the Cabinet and their deputies, the directive will apply to Ministry Secretaries, Additional Secretaries, Heads of Departments, Chairpersons of Corporations and heads of statutory bodies.

The move is in view of the CHOGM.