28 March, 2024

Blog

A National Disgrace

By Ameer Ali

Dr. Ameer Ali

The rowdy behaviour of a collection of parliamentarians this week was nothing short of a national disgrace. Their hooliganism and violence is now globally known and the government has become a laughing stock in the world arena. How shockingly the legislature of the country has lost its decorum, civility and standard of debating can best be understood by comparing last week’s rowdiness with one incident that happened in the past. If I miss some of the details of this incident I stand to be corrected.

Soon after the UNP lost the elections quite comprehensively in 1956 under the leadership of Sir John Kotelawala, and when the new MEP government held its first session in the parliament, the defeated leader Sir John arrived amidst some random applause from the back seats. One of those who sat at the back was C. Suntharalingam, the MP for Vavuniya and renowned mathematician who became first in the Indian Civil Service Examination beating Subash Chandra Bose. When he saw Sir John entering he addressed John, “machchan” and asked the leader to come and be seated next to him. All Sri Lankans know that “machchan” is a way of addressing among close friends. There was another person who witnessed this friendliness and that was Mr. Themis, a postman elected to the parliament on MEP ticket. After the session was over and when MPs began to leave Themis met Sir John along the corridor and called him “Hello John”. Sir John had apparently kicked him, according to some, or slapped him, according to some others. Angered by the pain inflicted Themis went and reported the incident to SWRD, the Prime Minister. Here is what that erudite leader did. He reprimanded Themis and said to him, “I myself call him Sir, who are you to call him Hello?” 

This simple incident shows how party leaders in the past maintained civility and discipline within their respective camps and controlled the miscreants and misbehaved. Where was the leader last week to control his hooligans in the parliament? Was the leader tacitly encouraging this behaviour? How was it possible for a parliamentarian to carry a knife inside the legislature and stab one of his opponents? Was it premeditated? What was the security doing at that time? Was that member inebriated or under the influence of some drug at that time? What example did the other MP, who occupied the Speaker’s chair and prevented its legitimate occupant from doing his duty, set to young students in the country? Is he saying that it is ok now for a student who scored a low mark in the class to sit on the teacher’s seat and prevent that teacher from teaching unless he increase that student’s mark? Is that the Buddhist, Christian, Hindu or Islamic value the parliament is promoting? Where is the outright condemnation from the religious leaders?  

There was a time when it was part of a student’s educational progress to get a chance to sit in the parliament gallery and listen to the debates. It was a treat to listen to the polished arguments and counter-arguments between the government and the opposition represented by stalwarts like SWRD, NM, Colvin, Philip, Peter, Ponna, Chelva and a whole galaxy of them. Even the jokes they cracked during debates were civil and cultured and stuck in our minds to this day. Why did this golden heritage disappear from the supreme institution of this country? Do we need to introduce new regulations to upgrade the quality of those who aspire to become legislators?

The buck ultimately stops with President Sirisena for all that happened in the parliament. He has made a fool of himself by his inconsistent and contradictory positions taken in this prolonging constitutional saga engineered by him. He has made a mockery of the constitution. The fact that he has not uttered a word of condemnation about the appalling behaviour of his henchmen in the parliament says a lot about his mentality.  Little does he, his supporters and advisors seem to realise that the country’s economy and with it the life of ordinary people have been shattered. Does he care at all? What a national disgrace? This country deserves lot better than what it is going through now.   

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Latest comments

  • 17
    2

    Dear Mr. Ameer Ali,
    Thank you for your wonderful and descriptive message but unfortunately there only few who can read English in this country.
    Most so called members of parliament are unable read and understand English

    Buruwansa, Prasanna Ranwaweera, Amaraweera, and most Pohottu karayo are uneducated.
    Most of them can not make any speech on the basis of any topic.
    These HELLY BEINGS have created that chaos in that August Assembly.
    Even Wattakkaya and Naaki Dinesh behaved like Meeharak .
    what we expect???
    They wanted to create that environment in the parliament and APPAYA is the Dog created that HELL in our country..

  • 13
    1

    M&s is main person behind all this .
    His mistake led the country to this status ?
    The entire Sri Lanka communities must charge him before all.
    He was fooled by all thugs .
    M&s thinks all forces are behind him .
    He thinks that police; army; air force and navey all support him.
    He is a chief of all forces but they are not bound to listen to him if he is destroying the country .
    I think Sri Lankan forces must take law into their hands ..
    If M&s does not do his job ..

  • 6
    1

    The Sri Lanka Sinhala Buddhist is pariah nation of disgraces……Ranil is not an angle neither is SWRD or JR or CBK , Mahinda, My3 the list goes on …..

    • 5
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      Rajash, why no Tamils? Please don’t discriminate.

      • 4
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        Taraki – why no Tamils? because Tamils are treated as second class citizens…..despite that TNA is not selling itslef for 3 million dollars per MP….despite Namal Rajapakse indirectly enticing them

        • 1
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          Don’t you mean third class?

          • 1
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            Taraki – Sinhala politicians treat the Parliament and the Speakers Chair with no class….
            the country is where it is today because people like you cant see beyond Tamils….
            people like you are blinded by your obsession with the Tamils…you cant see what you are doing to the country….

            70 years since independence the only word the people like you know is “para demala”

            and its the para demala who is fighting to safeguard democracy in Sri Lanka

            when para demala get Eelam it will surpass SIngapore

            • 1
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              You appear to be contradicting yourself

              ‘its the para demala who is fighting to safeguard democracy’

              ‘when para demala get Eelam’

              Who’s idea was it to make Eelam a democracy?

              • 0
                1

                Eelam would have been be a Singapore by now

              • 2
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                You say ‘its the para demala who is fighting to safeguard democracy’ but its the Tamils who put the idiot Sirisena into power.

                You say ‘when para demala get Eelam’. 70 years since independence and you are still dreaming of Eelam!

                You say ‘The Sri Lanka Sinhala Buddhist is pariah nation of disgraces’ but you don’t mention the Tamils who have been a part of every government since 1948, usually as kingmakers, supporting the majority parties.

                So as I say, don’t discriminate, the Tamils are as much to blame as anyone else. Sri Lankans may be a pariah nation of disgraces (sic), but the Sinhala Buddhists and the Tamils are not.

                Basically, the Tamils blame the Sinhala Buddhists as a race but when Sinhalese complain they blame the LTTE, not the Tamils.

                • 1
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                  The Sinhalese are a wonderful bunch of people, Only the illiterate guttersnipe subgroup behave as such
                  But when they kill, they kill all tamils whether LTTE or not!

                  Modaya

  • 7
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    It is all the fault of Sirisenamutta and Mahindamutta.

  • 9
    1

    I think JVP is only party that has been a honest, dedicated, and hardworking party that follows a good political culture in Sri Lanka. Look the differences between them and others.. look how they behave and how others behave? look how they talk and others talk and how they debate and others debate..
    If all of us, vote them we could make a difference in Sri Lanka.
    Do not go behind all these thugs and thieves . Vote them out. Vote them out next election. we need to teach them a lesson Name them and shame them.
    Identify all those thugs ..
    put their name in social media with evidence.
    give their names to police and court…
    send their names to election commission
    send their names to partly leaders
    send their name to all religious leaders..
    make sure they do not come back next time
    they need to pay the price for their bad actions.
    they need to know that they are elected by people for people and are paid by people.
    they need to know how respect parliament….
    Do not vote Mahinda and his thugs any longer..

  • 8
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    I heard this in “Social Media”. The book “Written” by Ms. Chaturika titled “Thatha” (Father) some where in the pages 325 or so, relating to “Father” MY3, it is said: “When his (MY3) Grand Father gave a knock on the head for some wrong doing, he (MY3) in anger went and set fire to the paddy field.” In seeing and observing what this “President” MY3 is doing today and perhaps in the days to come, I tend to rely that “Incident” related in the book “Thatha” (Father) to be very true and correct. Can someone out there who has read the book – “THATHA” (Father) “Written” by Chaturka (the daughter of MY3) correct me, if I am wrong. If this incident is in fact as stated there, I would once again pose that question raised by Dr. NM in relation to the creating of a position titled “PRESIDENT” in the Constitution. “What if a MAD MAN is elected the President of the country”? We got the ANSWER loud and clear with the present “President” In another context, the “DEVILS”(evil spirits) led by the “Chief” from Medamulana have set upon this President and make him (MY3) to perform the “Devils’ Dance” . Now the “Patient” – the Country and the People have to watch with caution and intelligence and be prepared to take action to “KILL” all these “DEVILS” and dispel all those “EVIL SPIRITS” at the earliest “OPPORTUNITY”. Remember: Crabs float and swim gleefully til the water in the “POT” gets HEATED.

    • 0
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      Douglas”…you mean if he cant find his way he will set fire to Sri Lanka?

  • 5
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    The buck ultimately stops with President Sirisena for all that happened in the parliament.

    Before the president had only one problem and he has Two problem how to get rid of one prime minister, Both have damage done to countery how does the president gauge, whos damage great and come to conclusion to recognizes Mahinda , Beware of over confident people who believe they know a lot. They may commit as much damage as ignorant people. The new government faces a strong opposition. Mr Mahinda Rajapaksa says that forcibly or unlawfully removing him from the Premiership will not be an easy task. “ Ranil says I still remain the Prime Minister and I have the confidence of the majority of members of the House,” Wickremesinghe told the BBC from his official residence Temple Trees.

  • 7
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    All these they did, not for the sake of the country or the people, and Shitsena’s greed for power created this mainham. When Ranil and UNP disowned him, he lost his base, and turned to MR and cabals in an unauthordox way through back door to grab power and launch his bid for 2020. All utterly misfired, now every move he and MR make turns into nightmares for them, their standing in the country and the world is diminishing by the minutes. These two champions have dug their own graves and falling in them at fast pace. At least they should find a way out to limit and salvage their self respect before long it become zero.

  • 4
    0

    All these they did, not for the sake of the country or the people, and it’s Shitsena’s greed for power created this mainham. When Ranil and UNP disowned him, he lost his base, and turned to MR and cabals in an unauthordox way through back door to grab power and launch his bid for 2020. All utterly misfired, now every move he and MR make turns into nightmares for them, their standing in the country and the world is diminishing by the minutes. These two champions have dug their own graves and falling in them at fast pace. At least they should find a way out to limit and salvage their self respect before long it become zero.

    • 2
      0

      Sri Lanka Parliament is a crying shame of the nation. The thuggerism and intimidation displayed is a new low and people (voters) should take note of their representatives and how they behaved, when deciding if they should be re-elected at the next hustings. Losing candidates must never be appointed by President at his own discretion through National List (backdoor), since that is going against the mandate of the voters. Jumping from losing party to party by accepting bribes and promise of ministerial posts must be made a punishable offense and strictly banned by law. They are violating the aspirations of those who voted them in to power. If these issues are not addressed now and rectified, this circus is bound to come around again and again. I doubt this will ever happen, since those legislators like it the way it is. as it is to their advantage. Woe be unto them. As long as these issues are not addressed, our country is doomed, and we may never get out of this political mess.

  • 3
    0

    You are right it is national disgrace for all of us who continuously elect and select who undermine the civilisation of this nation, undermine the teachings of Lord Buddha, undermine the law of this nation, undermine the people as a whole. What Sirisena and Mahinda teaching our children and grand children is to lie, rob, cheat, hate, kill. Unless people realise the damage they have done to our country and people, the country will become a wasteland and bloodland.

  • 2
    0

    “When he saw Sir John entering he addressed John, “machchan” and asked the leader to come and be seated next to him.”
    There is an element of myth in the narrative. Tamils (and Sinhalese too) have a tendency to spice up their narratives a little more than they do thier food to make it interesting
    *
    CS inviting Kotelawala to sit next to him is highly feasible but the language is questionable.
    *
    Behind the civility in conduct was much backstabbing.
    Education only helped people to add polish to their dirty deeds.
    *
    The country is reaping the consequences of what these gentlemen did over the decades to achieve their ends.

  • 3
    0

    I am not that fond of RW. But RW is cultured person with good attitudes, no doubts, despite occupying the leadership for over 20 years continuously and forcefully. Also, we should not forget to notice that RW’s good attitude and decency reflecting among most of the UNP politicians during his leadership is a sign that he is a good leader too. One can remember the rowdy and thuggish politicians UNP had under R.Premadasa despite their winning capabilities at elections. Today, SLFP leadership and their politicians???

    • 0
      0

      Fathima: Ranil’s offensive behaviour is Pathological and is identified as Passive Aggressive.

  • 1
    2

    I am surprised why no one went to SC to get their verdict on removing Ranil from PM post. Is it because Ranil has accepted that his removal is not unconstitutional. If so why the hell he is hanging in TT?
    When Ranil was appointed as PM in 2015, the then PM Wijetunga left TT as a gentleman. If Ranil wants to be a ‘Gentleman Politician’ he should go to SC and obtain their verdict or get lost from TT.
    ———————————-
    As a person who failed to win an election for 29 times, Ranil is suffering from election phobia.

    • 0
      0

      It is D M Jayaratne and Visumpaya, not Wijetunga and TT ? Why people compare RW’s removal with DMJ’s in 2015? Complete different scenarios, imagine in 2015, a PM like DMJ from MR gang protesting like RW today, regardless of the fact DMJ can’t come anywhere near RW

  • 2
    1

    The RW sack, MR appointment as PM, dissolution of Parliament, transfer of Police under Defence Ministry, taking control of the Government Press, refusal to recognise NCM against MR are few of the indications of the intent of MS to get ‘What he wants’.
    .
    How come our leaders do not realise that we have had a coup d’état?
    Yes, that is a national disgrace.

  • 1
    2

    Some Goo N.P MPs are hanging with Ranil hoping that he will be able to prevent dissolution of Parliament so that they will be able to get ‘Pin Padi’ for the rest of their life. Although they are representatives of people, they do not care for the wishes of people who are asking for an election. Their only concern is ‘Pin Padi’. All MPs who voted to save Ranil the Maha Benku Hora during NCM should be branded by people as traitors and teach them a good lesson at the next election, whenever it happens.

    • 1
      1

      Eagle Blind Eye

      Though no LTTE, yet self made destabilisation continues to destroy whatever is left after clan’s wholesale loot of this island.
      What is the matter with you?

  • 0
    0

    Yes, a national disgrace indeed !!

    Where have all the decent politicians and national leaders gone? Where is the spirit of statesmanship exhibited by our great fore-fathers of the calibre of D. S. Senanayake, the first Prime Minister of independent Ceylon, Sir Baron Jayatillake, a great politician-philosopher, the noble rank and file of statesmen and national leaders who knew how to wage a commendable fight and struggle.

    We do not need astute politicians who can hoodwink, the need is for eminent and noble statesmen of character and of the calibre of D. S. Sēnānāyake, Dudley Sēnānāyake – the epitome of honesty and sincerity, and Ranasinghe Prēmadāsa, the leader of the common man. Party politics need not be a shameful political rivalry for grabbing power by hook or by crook.

    The dignity of the people is trampled and denigrated by those who use them as tools for their hidden agendas and personal benefits.

  • 0
    0

    What national disgrace? This is an INTERNATIONAL disgrace. Why do the Sinhalese elect such rowdies, thugs and imbeciles? What is the value of claiming this as a Buddhism country when there is scant or no regard at all for the teachings of Buddha? One after the other this tiny island has been bedeviled by Sinhalese politicians who are so obsessed and drunk with power and money. It is simply not a charade, it is a curse that has befallen the country that the vicious cycle of two parties won’t do and won’t allow others to do. For a country to have an Executive President and with an elected Prime Minister, there must be maturity in understanding how a democracy should function but in Sri Lanka such maturity is a scarce commodity. It more and more looks like a country cursed that since independence the politicians have never allowed the people to live in peace. With the end of the war, many Sinhalese trumpeted that peace will prevail but it doesn’t look that way, does it?

  • 1
    0

    This comment was removed by a moderator because it didn’t abide by our Comment policy.For more detail see our Comment policy https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/comments-policy-2

  • 0
    1

    It is because as Sir John said; ‘Banda unleashed the dogs’
    The said John was also critical of ‘thugs in robes’
    Then there was Jungle John (kayle John), who back-stabbed his own party and became the ‘father’ of the ‘nation’.

  • 0
    0

    Eagle Eye: Your question: “Why Ranil did not go to SC and challenge when he was removed from PM position”? No it is not a matter to be canvassed in SC. Why? The President appointed a new PM, whom he, in his OPINION has a majority in Parliament. That is CORRECT. Then whose is the responsibility to show that number “113”? and WHERE? It is either by the “Newly” appointed PM OR the “Sitting” PM. So, first Ranil W has taken that initiative as he thinks he is the “Legal” PM and also in the absence of the “Newly” appointed, MR did not take that FIRST step before he starts work in the Parliament. That PROCESS has to be done in Parliament ONLY and NOT in SC. Even if the mater was canvassed in SC, it would have been definitely referred to the Parliament and advised to give the post to the Leader who has the “Majority” votes. Please note, I am neither “Ranil W” NOR “MR” supporter. So just ALLOW that to happen and let anyone who can show that “NUMBER” get that “JOB”. Isn’t it SIMPLE as that.? Incidentally, that “PAGE” number (as told by a person who read the book “THATHA” (Father)) written by the daughter, Chaturika and mentioned in my earlier comment is page “368” . Again subject to correction.

  • 0
    0

    Sorry. Again, another corrected me and said: “that page is 338 and not 368. Anyway I am trying to get the book “Thatha” (Father) and see for myself. Will come back.

  • 0
    0

    These sad state is mainly due to naked racism and appe anduva policy that let lose the mad dogs that were kept tied prior to that. Now the country is 100% in the hands of crooks and opportunist and as someone said it is ungovernable. Crude Laws and violence against minority organised by these goons collectively are now backfiring. These goons have proved to the world who they are. It has reached a point of no return

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