Academic and social activist Dr. Nirmal Ranjith Dewasiri says the recently awarded Field Marshall title to Sarath Fonseka is a ‘politically motivated move’ and says it is a symbolic act of militarization.
DR. Nirmal Ranjith Dewasiri
Dr. Dewasiri points out although there is no doubt over the fact that Fonseka was subjected to great injustice under the Rajapaksa regime, the question however remains as to whether awarding this title was the best way to compensate for the injustice he faced.
“Those who are shedding tears for the ‘injustices’ allegedly faced by the Rajapaksa today under the present government, are behaving as though they are not aware of what happened to Fonseka following the 2010 Presidential election or to retired Chief Justice Shirani Bandaranayake. The question, however, is whether this is the way to compensate for such injustice,” he said while adding that he perceives this promotion as a symbolic act of militarization, which was one of the main criticisms against the Rajapaksa regime.
He also said the move is problematic in the context of SF being a major political player in the present political scene and added that it is interesting to see how the Tamil community would perceive this move.
Peace Lover / March 26, 2015
Dr Nimal seems jealous that SF was made a Field Marshall
he also tries to drag the Tamil community into it saying they wont like it,but the fool in Dr Nimal forget that the entire North and East voted for Sarath Fonseka in the 2010 Elections hahaahahah please research and write if not you look a fool
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Patriot / March 26, 2015
Why should Dr Nirmal Dewasiri be jealous of SF. Nirmal is an educated person unlike Sarath Fonseka. President made SF a Field marshal to keep him away from the parliament and not because of any of his achievements. The stand taken by Nirmal is absolutely correct.
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Ben Hurling / March 26, 2015
Peace Lover,
Dr. Dewasiri has a very valid point. General Fonseka’s promotion is problematic.
We have a man with the highest military rank in the world. He is very active in top level politics as well. At the same time. A lethal combination. Specially in unstable, fragile, corrupt Banana Republics, such as ours.
Yes, General Fonseka was meted out terrible treatment by Rajapassa clan. That should be recognized and justice should be served. Meaning Rajapassa cronies behind that injustice must face criminal charges. Among other things.
Cheers!
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Sira D / March 27, 2015
To be fair, the 3rd largest army with the two Field Marshals called him the greatest General of our times. He was also awarded the Chief of Defence staff for this reason.
He needs to be honoured for delivering the military victory (Battlefield win) desired by the political leadership and the Nation alike.
When political leadership stagnated at the onset, and the political, financing and arms supply stagnated at the critical phase during the Olympics the FM used his contacts with his counterparts in Pakistan to ensure the path to victory. Suppose he withdrew the high security zones in 2002??
Politically this also cuts MR/GR to size and unites the Sinhala community and empowers the Muslim community that was abused by the above mentioned. Very potent indeed as the white-van brother is habouring ”political” desires.
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bo / March 26, 2015
The only way to compensate the injustice is to arrest those culprits who conspired to bring a trumped up charge against the then General, acted on it and sent him to prison. This includes the top politician at the time, the civil servant and the military puppets that were manipulated by the politician.
SF contested the Presidential election as a free citizen. Anyone else was entitled to do it. The only reason that he was singled out for torture and retribution, through sabotaging his political campaign and vote fixing, was MR’s fear. MR realized that SF was just as good, and, I guess, even more popular than MR by the common public at the time SF was feted and honored by MR himself.
MR got scared that his ambition to stay in power could be threatened by SF’s popularity. All the rest that followed were the results of a scared but irated MR acting as a mad man, much beyond reason. Especially MR’s campaign to discredit SF was specially designed to destroy SF’s popularity. For whatever he did at the time humiliating an innocent man and the true hero of this country, MR has paid back through his own downfall and gaining an ill repute as an untrustworthy person.
One could say, that with natural justice, it might be the best way to compensate, because the fallen cannot find a scapegoat to put blame on, but has to silently suffer blaming himself, and most likely ending up with cancer or death. That said, I too would agree with what this writer is trying to say, that the society and public has an expectation of justice that must be seen to have been done.
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lynx / March 26, 2015
The elevation in rank is an acknowledgement of the officer’s achievement in eliminating terrorism from the country. Even foreign military analysts – usually critical of Sri Lanka – have admitted that the military strategy was ‘textbook’. Why should one grudge this reward to him?
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Fr. Sarath Iddamalgoda / March 26, 2015
What Dr. Nirmal says is the bitter truth.The people in the South experienced it in 1971 and again in 89-90. We will face it again, perhaps in a few years time.
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Amarasiri / March 26, 2015
DR. Nirmal Ranjith Dewasiri
RE: SF’s Promotion Is A Symbolic Act Of Militarization: Dr. Dewasiri
“Dr. Dewasiri points out although there is no doubt over the fact that Fonseka was subjected to great injustice under the Rajapaksa regime, the question however remains as to whether awarding this title was the best way to compensate for the injustice he faced.”
This may not e the best way. bit a good way to:
1. Correct the Injustices Faced by Gen. Fonseka
2. Demoting MahindA Rajapaksa who tried to establish the Medamulana Mahinda Rajapaksa Dictatorial Dynasty.
“Academic and social activist Dr. Nirmal Ranjith Dewasiri says the recently awarded Field Marshall title to Sarath Fonseka is a ‘politically motivated move’ and says it is a symbolic act of militarization.”
Electing the President and MPS from different are all politically motivated moves. It is up to all communities to look at the issues and come to a consensus solution. Of course there is no ideal solution.Even the independence of 1948 was not welcomed bu all., as there was a question of Good of Governance by the Ceylonese, that proved to be the case since independence.
So, Read up on Realpolitik.
Realpolitik (from German: real “realistic”, “practical”, or “actual”; and Politik “politics”, German pronunciation: [ʁeˈaːlpoliˌtɪk]) is politics or diplomacy based primarily on power and on practical and material factors and considerations, rather than explicit ideological notions or moral or ethical premises.
Auf Wiedersehen
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Nafeel / March 26, 2015
Dr. Devasiri has become a critic for the sake of criticizing.
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patriot / March 26, 2015
This move shows the duplicity of Maitripala Sirisena. Instead of bringing SF to parliament MS has given this field marshal status as a bribe to keep his mouth shut. MS after backstabbing MR and hijacking Sobhitha Thera’s proposals became the president promising to eradicate corruption, nepotism etc. He has failed to keep to his promises and has done a great injustice to the people of Sri Lanka by becoming the Leader of the corrupt SLFP. The latest slap on the face of the people is the appointment of corrupt SLFP MPs as ministers specially SB Dissanayake and Pavithra Wanniarachchi who did redicule Maithripala during election rallies. Maithripala is either man without a backbone or a real cunning person who can deceive the people with his artificial behaviour.
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Thepanis / March 26, 2015
Very well said!
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Rabok / March 28, 2015
I think MS is a less ambitious simpleton , he is being manipulated by everybody around him (kind of a faithful pet) – not much vision and certainly tactless. When Ranil was publicly announcing that the Parliament will be dissolved on 23 April – I never saw him saying a word against it – because he was aware by that time the proposed 19th amendment in its original format would remove his Executive Powers by 22nd April and Ranil will become executive PM with powers to dissolve Parliament – this one incident shows clearly that he do not mind whatever happens as long as he remains ceremonial head of the Gov. – And for us — we will have to live with Mr Kekille Ranil as all powerful head of Gov.
Regarding SF becoming FM – it is I think a good strategy – both MR and the Ranil understood correctly if SF become Cabinet Minister he not accept any ministry other than Min. of Defence – which is going to be dangerous as SF is an ambitious, ruthless dictator, – This fact was clearly understood by GR/MR and used high handed thuggery for crushing his ambitions – Ranil being a more subtle cunning person used more diplomatic ways to sideline him
A good combination for this country would be a guy like GR as President with trimmed Executive powers as head of State and Ranil as the Prime Minister in charge of economic welfare of the country – and a Parliament full of uncorrupted young MPs – All the old hags from both SLFP and UNP must go home and rest with their pensions and those who have robbed the national wealth has to jailed without mercy – If Ranil waits until all legal formalities a finalized we will see these crooks and thieves freely roaming among us for many decades to come
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Ranasinghe / March 29, 2015
Not that PSYCHOPATH white-van goon.
Mass graves when he was in the army.
A traitor who bought disrepute to SL
Coward ran away after the IPKF left.
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Sadith / March 26, 2015
Another world’s first from Sri Lanka! SF is the world’s first politician cum field marshal which is a very dangerous combination, that imaginary military coup could become a reality. Thanks to “yaha palanaya” now Sri Lanka Army is divided in to ranil, MS and SF favourite groups. Nobody knows who is controlling the Army, fortunately barbaric terrorists are no more otherwise by now SLA will be planning troops withdrawal from Anuradhapura. Country is already in a political and economical turmoil and hope those morons will not compromise the national security, if they do it, it will be a unforgivable crime that deserve capital punishment.
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srilal / March 26, 2015
Sidath ,
“Thanks to “yaha palanaya” now Sri Lanka Army is divided in to ranil, MS and SF favourite groups. Nobody knows who is controlling the Army,”
what a dumb statement ! Army commander Lt .Gen Krishnatha Silva is controlling the Army , even though SF is a field Marshal , he has no say in Army administration , MY3 had appointed Krishantha as the army commander with good reasons , find out if you can rather than writing silly comments !
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Sadith / March 26, 2015
Don’t show your stupidity in a public forum like this, are you that dumb and naïve to believe that Lt .Gen Krishnatha Silva is in full control of the SLA ! here is few details how the Army divide in to 3 groups.
Lt .Gen Krishnatha Silva – MS appointee
He was the deputy ambassador to Russia re-enlisted by MS
Field Marshal – SF – ranil /MS appointee
Major General Mahesh Senanayake(Military Secretary)-SF appointee
Supporter of SF, lost his job due to that reason, came back from Dubai and Re-enlisted in February
Brigadier Duminda Keppetiwalana (Director infantry)– SF appointee
Supporter of SF, lost his job due to that reason. Re-enlisted in February
SF re-enlist another 9 officers (forced ranil and MS to do it) with key responsibilities.
Major General Kamal Gunaratne (Master General Ordnance)– Ranil appointee
Was the ambassador to Brazil, served as an additional judge in the court of inquiry against SF. Now he has to work under SF again !!!
Major General Nandana Udawatte (Commander Jaffna) – Ranil appointee
He was not in the SLA since 2012, now Commander Security Force Headquarters – Jaffna
This is just a glimpse of what is happening to SLA, in February Fifteen Major Generals and three Brigadiers have been transferred with immediate effect. This political manipulation goes from top brass to all the way up to Second Lieutenant.
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Peace Lover / March 28, 2015
naughty naughty sidath your trying to mislead once more
these officers are not SF appointees as you make it out to be,they were kicked out of the army or posted abroad by MR after 2010 elections as MR was scared of SF’s popularity
so its its obvious that now justice is meted out and they are reinstated to their former roles
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Thepanis / March 26, 2015
Well, may be time for a military govt:-) Every President after the grand father of dirty politics in SL (JRJ) brought corruption a notch up. MR regime perfected it and finally people got sick and threw the tyranny out. Then came Yahapalana guy. From what we see even before 100 days, any one would wonder if YAhapalana is possible with the same old foul mouth dogs (like SOB) and bitches (Apavitra W) joining the govt. Too early to predict but all indications are that MS betrayed average citizen who wished a change.
What SL need is a Lee Kuan Yew, but I doubt we will find such a person in among greedy bunch of idiots. Anyway, nothing to loose with a military govt assuming there a reasonable man. If fails, it is just another page of failed history of SL since late 70s. SL boast a 2500+ year history without any progress so what is there to loose any way.
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Jim softy / March 26, 2015
Christians don’t like Tamils becoming unhappy.
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Douglas / March 26, 2015
We all know of the suffering SF went through under Mr. MR’s regime. With this title offer, he must feel amply recognized for his services to the country and compensated for all what he went through under that “iron fist” of the previous regime. Now it is time for him to be honorable and live up to and maintain the dignity of that very title he had been offered. Playing into the hands of any politician must be avoided at any cost. He must be prepared to sacrifice certain freedoms and live a life of dignity and stand tall among the members of the Armed Forces of the country. At the same time, he must embrace and respect all citizens of the country, irrespective of ethnicity and no one should drag him to separation from that concept.
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thondamannar / March 26, 2015
“Quote -Christians don’t like Tamils becoming unhappy.” Our rev Fathers, bishops were loot keepers of Tamil terrorists.
Then they created Our leader prabakaran to be like Jesus Christ…
Then they were offering martyrdom to Tamil suicide cadres…
Then they catogorised Tamil figheters equal to fighters of God….
They they declared opened Our eelam house.
No wonder, Iddamalgoda and Nirmal Dewasiri are birds of feather [Edited out]
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bandaranaike / March 26, 2015
SF is not the only one who contributed to victory against LTTE. Ranil,Chandrika or Premadasa never wanted SF as the army commander during their times.When MR came to power SF had just 10 days to retire but Navy Commander Karannagoda recommended him to MR. At the same time Gota wanted him as SF! GOTA and Janaka Perera from three directions fought and re captured Jaffna.So it was Gota who was his friend and wanted him there.But during the war he wanted all forces under him and Karannagoda and Goonatilake( commander of Air Force) complained about harassments from SF to MR. After winning the war he wanted Minister post to himself.When refused he started attacking MR and Gota and talked about a “white flag ” incident to attack Gota and as a military officer he is not allowed to talk the military things in the public and it is a punishable offence.At the same time he was keeping military deseters and involving in politics with a uniform.His breakung law was clear and he bit the only hand that fed him.Without Navy we would have never won the war and the political leadership was much important in killing Prabhakaran as India and the West wanted to save him.Tamils know it and so the real hero who destroyed Tigers is MR.
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Heretic / March 26, 2015
Dr. Devasiri,
“He also said the move is problematic in the context of SF being a major political player in the present political scene and added that it is interesting to see how the Tamil community would perceive this move.”
Wasn’t this one of the promises of MS?
Is SF a major political player?
Tamils already voted once for SF. Maybe we will be ordered to do it again.
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Brian Wicklin / March 27, 2015
The President has done the right thing. To honor a brave soldier who laid out the strategy to win the war against terrorism. He succeeded in getting his staff engaged on this task and in defeating the enemy. This is the central issue and the award recognizes this enormous victory. Many have been involved but the Field Marshall was the leader.
What is interesting is that the country has recovered from abuse of power and is firmly on the road to good governance. The Greek philosophers had a good comment: Fear not for fear itself.
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tissa / March 28, 2015
Mr President please consider the threat to the democracy from the cronies who made their way well ahead of all the rest and backing the deposed big boss more important than your other agendas .If you don’t give the newly appointed Field Marshall Sarath Fonseka .The position of Defence deputy minister and bring all these criminals to the books without further delay as they did to him the sixty two million of voters who elected to you to this high office hopes are going to be scattered.May i plead you to do this as this is the number one priority of the public who voted you as president .
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Dr.C.S.Jamunanantha / March 29, 2015
Sarath was fooled in presidential election by opposing Makinda.Now he has been fooled by FM since all the resposibility for warcrime inqury willbe to him.Not to Kotta or Makinda.
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