28 April, 2024

Blog

Abolishing The Presidency – Two Cunning Foxes Plan The Unexpected! 

By Sam Panditha

Dr Sam Panditha

A land mark political development has emerged this week. Based on reports that few weeks ago President Ranil Wickremesinghe (RW) and National Organiser of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Basil Rajapaksa (Basil) discussed the future political agenda, a new situation has emerged. News analysts and some politicians have revealed that a plan is set to abolish the Executive Presidency, and as a result, allow the life of the current parliament to the end of August 2025- the full 5 years it was elected for.

This video has interesting public speeches. Anura Kumara Dissanayake (AKD) of National People’s Power (NPP) revealing a RW plan to abolish the Presidency before the scheduled next Presidential Election in October 2024. The same clip shows a speech by Mahindananda Aluthgamage – SLPP announcing that the next parliamentary election will be in two years.

Let us look at the technicalities. Next Presidential election has to be held before 17 October 2024, and nominations to be called latest in August 2024. Likely Presidential Candidates RW (supported by Pohottuwa and possibly Namal Rajapaksa to be PM), Sajith (SJB) and AKD (NPP), and possibly Dulles Alahapperuma (Freedom People’s Congress- Nidahasa Janatha Sabha). The current public anger against the Rajapaksas and the resignation of Gotabaya and Mahinda during the Aragalaya, places the SLPP at a distinct disadvantage in any coming elections. RW on the other hand and the UNP could not win a single seat at the last election, albeit the one seat allocated free. RW – SLPP Presidential alliance will have a major Challenge. AKD and NPP had a significant public following on their anti- corruption stand and demand for a “revolutionary” political change away from the historical “family” driven politics and overcoming the county bankruptcy. Recent RW tactic to not hold the local elections (saying no funds available) is due to the fear of the AKD-NPP public support. Sajith (SJB) chances also difficult to assess. In a 3 horse or 4 horse race, it is highly likely AKD- NPP has a good chance to win. If a non- RW-SLPP candidate wins, the winner will definitely dissolve the Parliament currently dominated by the SLPP.

On the other hand, if the Presidency is abolished through a 2/3 Parliamentary vote and a public referendum, there will be no Presidency after October 2024. Hence the current parliament would run the full 5 year term ending on 20 August 2025. Current SLPP aligned MPs are fully aware that if RW/SLPP aligned Presidential candidate is defeated in October 2024, the new President will definitely dissolve parliament. If the Presidency is abolished these SLPP aligned MPs will hold the Parliamentary power till August 2025. On the one hand, without a President, SLPP allied parliament will handle the budget and pass voter friendly projects to please the electorate, and hope for a revival of SLPP political chances. Current SLPP Linked MPs are fully aware that if an election is held next October, their chances of re-election as MPs are pretty slim. Additionally, they also know that Sri Lankan voters have a very short memory and given a chance to entice them with roads, jobs, gifts, Samurdhi etc., SLPP political future can be secured. A further factor is, if an AKD-NPP candidate wins, they may start an immediate anti-corruption drive and some current MPs may end up in jail. These are all the reasons to abolish the Presidency and keep their Parliament power till August 2025.

If the covert RW/Basil plan to abolish the Presidency through 2/3 and a referendum goes ahead, it will be difficult for opposition politicians AKD/NPP, Sajith/SJB, SLFP or even Wimal Weerawansa and Tamil and Muslim parties to oppose the move, as almost all have in the past campaigned for the abolition of the Presidential system. AKD/ NPP in the video quoted above responds supportive of the abolition of the Presidential system, but add that they will only support if the abolition referendum is also linked to the dissolution of the parliament at the same time. This is wishful thinking on AKD part. The Parliamentary proposal for the abolition of the Presidency will be drafted and passed by SLPP allied MPs. They would never add the AKD proposed clause to dissolve the Parliament as well. If the referendum to abolish the Presidency comes to vote even the public tired of the current Presidential system would vote to pass it. AKD/NPP, Sajith/ SJB, SLFP and other parties would find it difficult to publicly oppose the referendum. So there is a pretty good chance the abolition referendum will be passed, Presidency abolished in October 2023 and the current Parliament to run the country till August 2025 with the SLPP having a very comfortable majority.

JR Jayewardena (JRJ) was referred to as the cunning fox. He used the massive parliamentary majority to extend parliament by six years in the face of a potential election loss.

There was a political dark side of JRJ political coup through the referendum. He enjoyed power beyond the initial public mandate and used the power to ban the JVP. Rohana Wijeweera that came to mainstream politics after the failed 1971 JVP uprising had to go into hiding. They again took up arms in the late 1980s and terror to fight the regime, as there were no options for a banned party to contest elections. The current AKD/ NPP have chosen a fully democratic path. They were again cheated by RW who blocked the April 23 planned local government election which AKD/NPP were expected to win. Now if through the abolition of the Presidency and allowing the current parliament to go the full term till August 2025, the move would block/delay AKD/NPP plans to come to power.

RW on the other hand can even claim he is a full democrat and was against the Presidential system for some time. He can state though many former Presidents came to power with a promise to abolish the Presidency, after getting power they ignored the pledge, and only he would abolish it. RW can justify his past action to block the April 23 local Government election on grounds of saving costs (no funds to hold the election), more after the abolition of the Presidency. He can claim he saved billions for the future Sri Lankans from totally abolishing Presidential Elections.

A further twist on the Gimmicks side was presented by Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe. He has submitted a Cabinet resolution seeking approval to introduce a new system to elect members to Parliament under a mixed system. According to the resolution, the electorates will return 160 members to the House whereas another 65 seats will be reserved under proportional representation. Such a resolution if passed and implemented through the referendum, it would require the “de-limitation” Commission to come up with the boundaries for the new 160 seats. We have seen the local Government elections getting postponed due to the de-limitation committee delay and parliamentary consensus in defining the new electoral boundaries, which would be accepted by all parties. That could take ages and the current parliament life can be “indefinitely” extended until agreement is reached.

The final word. From the two cunning foxes (RW & BASIL) who would have the last laugh is an open question. RW agreement to abolish the Presidency must be on condition that after Presidency is abolished, SLPP would make RW the Prime Minister till August 2025. What guarantees would RW get on that! How well SLPP would keep such a promise? With SLPP and Namal political ambitions, surely they would discard Ranil to history and appoint Namal as the new Prime Minister.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Latest comments

  • 1
    2

    “On the other hand, if the Presidency is abolished through a 2/3 Parliamentary vote and a public referendum, there will be no Presidency after October 2024. “

    can they get the 2/3 required?The tamil and muslim parties will vote no.SJB vote we don’t know.

    one good thing out of all that is the presidency that gave unlimited powers to bankrupt is gone.

  • 15
    2

    The simplest of the simple objective questions.

    Is Ranil solving the problems of the country/people …… or is he trying to solve his own problems?

    Native, what say you? …….. Silence is golden, eh? :)))))

    Who are we trying to fool? ……. Really ……

    The informed, knowledgeable, educated, well-read, intelligent, and-the-rest ………… watch how people fool themselves.

    Lankans are the best entertainment in town! :))

    The forum becomes addictive day by day …………

    • 7
      0

      nimal fernando

      “The informed, knowledgeable, educated, well-read, intelligent, and-the-rest ………… watch how people fool themselves.”

      Please check this news and accompanying photos:
      Professionals discussion draft Constitution
      https://www.dailymirror.lk/caption-story/Professionals-discussion-draft-Constitution/110-269102

      The 6th photo in this page says everything about the draft constitution and those who participated in the discussion.
      Your mates Gamanpilla, Channa Jeyasumana, Gevindu, Sarath Weerasekere, Anuradha Yahampath, …., GL, …. seated in the front row, …. and a few Saffronistas on the stage and a whole lot among the …….

      These sample participants should indicate the quality of the outcome of the discussion.

      I am incautiously pessimistic.

      • 10
        0

        Native,

        Who is Jackson Anthony? Why are people making such a fuss about his demise?

        • 14
          1

          Nimal
          In case you don’t know, Jackson Anthony was Mahinda’s answer to Hitler’s Goebbels.
          Be that as it may, the loud weeping on the media and the thousands who showed up at the funeral shows that the Pohottuwa is alive and well.
          As VP or someone else said, the Sinhalese Buddhists can’t remember anything beyond a week.

          • 9
            0

            Thanks, OC. ……..My memory is still good – all what I can’t remember is what I studied – I could vaguely remember there was some huta-pate about the Hambanthota port opening ceremony where he was paid a large sum of money by the Rajapakses.

            Like the brilliant term you came up with ……. “shape-shape culture” is what prompted many people to attend ……. it’s who you know …… and along the way you might need them ….. the network …….

            I can’t be holier than ……. I had to use it as well …….

            • 3
              0

              Now, that the Ranil-patriot, Native, can’t speak the truth ……. the real-patriot our own Lacille bravely speaking ill of the dead ……… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBnCzUQFPQM

          • 4
            9

            I say OC you called me a coconut ( this is not original like everything you write -something by a Chinese guy about Lee Kuan yew )

            Coconut or not both Singapore and china are far superior to countries/provinces/cities where you guys are a majority !

            For you to call me a coconut is funny, you who is so proud of your English and going to pubs, various European habits including eating thosai with cutlery !

            You think US being a dominant power is bad ! Would you recommend China, India ,Saudi Arabia or Nigeria for that role ?

            As to Muslim countries, they say the Koran says differently, but in reality Muslims will not tolerate any other religion, or even democracy. Remember how a Sri Lankan was butchered in Pakistan recently ?

            • 7
              3

              DS the coconut,
              1. You look down on your own people.
              2. You think all non-whites are stupid.
              3. You hang around dodgy bars with your hair dyed blond
              4. Therefore you are a coconut.

              • 3
                6

                Oh my god ! Do you read what you write , Esp about Rajapaksa etc ?

                Can we look up at a people which has characters like OC,Vedda and leela !

                • 6
                  1

                  DS,
                  “this is not original like everything you write -“
                  So, everything I write is original? Oh my god ! Do you read what you write ?

                  • 4
                    5

                    Very clever English OC ! You dont think you are a coconut like Ranil ?

                    Any way what is wrong with being a coconut ? It is accepting the obvious .Who wants to be stuck for ever with Leelas and Veddas in a thosai joint !

                    I think you sense the truth but you have too much TN genes to accept it. So you continue as a crass, one-sided ,pundit south Indian “thinker”. There are millions of such people in that part of the world( ranil,MR,Sirisena,JR and you may add all TN biggies)

                    But look at the state of those countries !

                    • 4
                      5

                      OC, do you know the meaning of hypocrisy ? Saying one thing , doing the opposite.

                      You say I look down on your kind of people. Do you look up to them ! All those coconuts posing as decent immigrants in western countries !

                      In other words you write in support of your own kind. .So you are not objective or honest.

                      You are a propagandist on behalf of your own kind.

                    • 5
                      3

                      DS the pathetic
                      “I think you sense the truth but you have too much TN genes to accept it. “
                      Tell me one person who doesn’t have “TN genes”.Including you, of course.
                      “You dont think you are a coconut like Ranil ?”
                      Because he wears a suit? Is Xi Jinping a coconut because he wears a suit? No, but a wrinkled brown matron with blond hair is a coconut.

              • 3
                3

                And with botox injected lips 💋 akin to that of “Dolly buster” erotic top model🤔🤔🤔🤔

                • 3
                  1

                  DS is like a coconut, she is dark on the outside and white on the inside. 🤔🤔🤔

            • 5
              1

              “Remember how a Sri Lankan was butchered in Pakistan recently ?”
              *
              Remember how a young Muslim rugger player was cruelly killed (probably by a good SB) and nothing was done to identify the killer for over a decade now?

              • 2
                7

                SJ are you a judge ? You witnessed the accident ?

                I think most sensible people think it was a motor accident.

                Beside that death had nothing to do with race or religion.

                Buddhist are most indifferent about the idea of a god or even religion. Now you can talk about the stupid priests. But then these priests are humbugs like the rest of South Asians.

                • 5
                  0

                  “Buddhist are most indifferent about the idea of a god or even religion.”
                  .
                  What about sinhala Buddhists?
                  .
                  Why do they constantly defend high crimes of Rajapakse?
                  Why on earth do they go after Katharagama, thirupathi and other divine places ????🤔🤔🤔🤔

                • 4
                  1

                  Wassim Thadjudeen s accident was a fake. Experts revealed that.
                  IT WAS OBVIOUS TO ANYONE WITH SOME KNOWLEDGE, as to why that murderous wife,Shiranthi [aka gold biscuit queen of stolen gold from north] was deliberately nt interrogated by CID [ polonnaruwa Pingona to blame].
                  .
                  Everyone knows who was behind colombo NH regarding the prolonged hospitalisation [458 days] of Mahendra’s Goebells.[Jackson]
                  .
                  Speechless?

                • 4
                  1

                  DS,
                  “SJ are you a judge ? You witnessed the accident ?
                  So, in your adopted country, do judges witness accidents? How do they find time to arrange all those accidents?

                • 4
                  1

                  Dear Readers,
                  Botox baby in London is correct about Buddhists, generally not interested in divine powers, witchcraft, astrology, but our Sinhala Buddhists fall for the easy tricks of ignorant politicians, media crooks *untouchably rich Reno Silva and Dilit Jayaweera* and so called SInhala B Monks in today’s society. There is a great “hidden fear” in the psyche of the Sinhalese not do the right thing in accordance with the world standard. Psychologists and sociologists should break the long silence and come forward and rebuild the nation is the need of the hour.
                  /
                  Please check your circles yourself and clear your doubts. I do it every time I visit my relatives in the mother country. I am speechless every time. More than 99% of Sinhala Buddhists follow myths. The best example given before you was “Even though Nagaya was carrying fake relics, it was approved by Sarbone learned Nayaka Thero of Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara”. Even today, they believe that if someone goes mad, there are invisible forces behind it.
                  /
                  tbc

                  • 2
                    0

                    cont.
                    Just as a whole blood transfusion can save a blood cancer patient, if the same style of “social revolution” comes, people can break out of their “benevolent cow” status. The need of the hour is to work rather than rebuild the mentality of the sick people. This is not impossible if the collective guides them regularly.
                    /
                    I feel that our people are bound by myth and squeezed like no other country, and they are preparing the way to become easy victims for evildoers and criminals. But many will not admit that they are no better than any other primitive tribes in Latin America, Africa or neighboring India. They criticize others round the clock, but do not look into our normal mind.
                    /
                    By and large, people do not care much about their conscience and but continue to make mistakes. For some reason people do not question why, because their childhood upbringing has misled them permenantely to remain passive or refrain from raising their voice, thinking that this will help preserve respect and dignity for their elders.
                    /
                    NOW IT IS TOO LATE, BUT THERE IS NO OTHER OPTIONS THAN IMPROVE THE AWARENESS OF THE MASSES. JVPrs over to you, please realize the ROOT CAUSE of the general mindset, as to why they behave like PINGONAs on and on.

          • 3
            1

            OC: I think, in my opinion, it would be more appropriate to name “GOTA” the nominee of Mahinda’s answer to Hitler.

            • 6
              2

              “it would be more appropriate to name “GOTA” the nominee of Mahinda’s answer to Hitler.”


              Doug,

              OC is right, Gobbles was the chief of Hitler’s propaganda unit and did a “fantastic” job ……. I guess, Jackson performed a similar task for Mahinda …… I don’t know if he measured up to Gobbles ….

              If your and Sinhala_Man’s memory is still non-selectively good …….. Ol’ Wimal Weerawansa performed a similar task for the JVP. I guess, he surpassed Gobbles and Jackson both: he was one of a kind! …… The truth is the truth, any which way you look at it. :))


              Native performs a similar task for Ranil …….. I wouldn’t call him Gobbles …….. he’s rather subtle, underhand and a little more sophisticated than the run of the mill Lankans ……… a Saatchi & Saatchi, perhaps ……. with similarities …… they also attack women: grab them by the throat ………



              Sorry, Native ……… friend or foe ……..the truth is the truth. :))))))))

              • 3
                0

                NF, OC, NV and all others,
                /
                do any of u know that he was not “Mahinda” but “Mahendra”? In order to twist the mind set of the vulnerable SB buddhists, his media net works made him “Mahinda”.
                https://m.wikidata.org/wiki/Q57338
                /
                Term “Mahinda ” is known to the SB buddhists as one thero who brought buddhism to srilanka from INdia. That is another vote gain gimmicks.

              • 2
                0

                NF: Thanks. I referred to GOTA’s “CRIMINAL” (White Van operations; Disappearances; Death Squads; Mass Murders; Elimination of opponents; etc.) operations as equivalent to Gobbles.

                In the above context isn’t GOTA in the camp of MR’s regime the equal of Gobelle in Hitler’s regime?

                • 1
                  2

                  D
                  I doubt if Goebbels had a hand in any killings or kidnappings.
                  But he had the knack to offer a seemingly credible innocent explanation for any evil deed.
                  Can Gota be accused of that?
                  He needed a Goebbels to protect him.

            • 1
              0

              Douglas,
              .
              Did u know that he was Mahendra, not Mahinda?
              .
              Sinhala term ” Mahinda” is reminded as Mahinda Thero who brought buddhism to the island. .
              .
              They deliberately misled the gullible led nation for vote 🗳 gain gimmick.
              .
              This is why Mlechcha Rajapakse fits better🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔
              .
              So called journalists, over to u, please prove ur innocence 😩😩😩

            • 1
              0

              Douglas,
              Mahendra Rajapakse s thoughts are not genuine, those who know it know well.
              .
              Man is though held above by punnaku eating majority yet today, every right thinking ones would feel, the bugger is brith failure to this nation.
              .
              . NOT even india or pakistan, people would stay in their hibernation mode, but srilankens would take more time to wake up and beat the criminals on the spot…….. UNFORTUNATELY our people are like amazonian sloths. Aragalya was misinterpreted by masses, however, its emerge was due to lack of basic needs, such as cooking gas, petrol and diesal, and various other daily essentials. HOwebver, yet today, there are jokers that make efforts to give Birth certificates to Aragalaya.
              /
              IN EUROPE IF A LEADER WOULD PUBLICLY MAKE LIES TO THAT MANNER, NO DOUBT, THE KIND OF POLITICIANS WOULD HAVE SHORT LIVES. HOW CAN MARA SEE IN THE EYES OF THE VERY AUDIENCE TODAY, BUT HE DOES….. CAN U IMAGINE ?
              please talk to YOUR KADAMANDIYA PEOPLE and clear your doubts.
              .
              BESIDES,. IT WAS MAHANAYAKA therors who used the term “Hitler” glancing at GOTA, if I may remind u. GOEBELLS activities of Mahendra et al continued by DE/RANA and HIRU TV along with JACKSON or the like artists and WImal BUruwanse or the like thrash of people.

          • 3
            0

            OC,
            How true your observations are my dear OC. This is 100% consistent with a close observation of the crowd at SL Goebells funeral db yesterday. Professor Sunil Ariyaratne surprised me by his biggest lie to the stupid gathering.
            /
            Dr. Bellana of Colombo NH hinted that powerful politicians must be behind the scandalous decision to keep the long-brain dead Jackson in the iCU despite the public outcry over the day-to-day expenses that the hospital authority squandered at the expense of the public. /1.5/3 rupees in short supply per day.
            /
            tbc

            • 2
              0

              it should be 1.5/ 3 lacks of SLR per day.
              /
              pardon for my typos.

              • 3
                0

                Dear OC and other rational thinkers,
                /
                Why can’t we see a journey towards the truth yet today?
                /
                Why mlechcha main stream media is not paying enough attention to this
                _
                For people to develop better awareness, they need to be fed with truth. Why is it not happening even today?

                • 2
                  0

                  Padadaya Namal is making the pitch to lead next. This is unfortunately due to lack of proper understanding about them in our society. The so-called mainstream media does not seem to be working properly to cleanse the society by feeding it with the truth yet today..
                  /
                  The Sri Lankan Goebbels’s funeral proved that no matter what anyone says, the SLPP is still the strongest political power in the country.
                  /
                  They still run our country. It is like Maulanka / MOTHER LANKA has been kidnapped by a bunch of thugs and big criminals. Judiciary and mainstream media are still deaf but for how long _
                  /
                  Not one person in any coverage of Jackson A had the balls to criticize, how can the main national hospital waste so much money on a patient who has been kept in intensive care for over 457 days at people’s expense?
                  /
                  Jackson s second son lied in public about the long hospitalization of his father. Dr BEllana made it clear that the ventilator provided by Jackson s family was from july 2023. So, the commenters in Rajapakshe ruined srilanka now believe it was no right to attack Jackson family .

            • 4
              0

              LM
              You know it is a Sri Lankan tradition to not speak ill of the dead. But toasties like Jackson don’t deserve that respect.

              • 2
                0

                Toadies not toasties.

                • 5
                  0

                  oc
                  I wondered for a moment!
                  I like my toasties hot.

                  • 0
                    1

                    BTW
                    There is the ‘toad in the hole’ dish, which I did not care for much.

                • 5
                  2

                  “Toadies not toasties.”

                  What people have for breakfast is a very touchy subject in the hills!

                  Now, I too correct my mistakes instantly ……. before the scones get burned. ………… Or is it burnt? ……. One more thing to add to confusion …… and complicate a simple life.

              • 1
                0

                OC,
                Btw, I understood well / there is no term such as ” Volker/fart in german” / poop as “Pupse” what I am compelled to hear in colloquial langauge. I DID NOT USE THIS BEFORE BECAUSE I deliberately avoided thining not TO INSULT A “Fart”. THe kind of poisonous beasts in human disguise is the root cause for the fall. I think Raj will undrestand him shortly. Please watch the movie ” THe silence of the lamb” *1991*. FOr some resaons, I am compelled to compare it with that of the PERSON.

      • 5
        0

        They are in earnest SEARCH for another, as Gota is finished!!!??? Thirst for REPETITION is as great as Innovation and CREATIVITY – for the CONTENTS within ONE’S CEREBRUM to continue to be virile and potent!!!???
        For leading legal eagles, that component is to be at utmost potency and they need exercise badly!!!?
        Oh Hara, ‘Haro Hara’, Hari Hara Puthra, may the lord all mighty bless you all, collectively and Severally!!!???
        My suggestion, much mindless, may be it looks like!!!???
        New Article 2 should read,
        “Notwithstanding anything in this instrument or any other to the CONTRARY, ‘’THE MANIFESTO AND LEADERS STATEMENT AS AN ON-GOING DEVELOPMENT OF THE SLPP, WOULD BE THE ‘MANTRA’ for “FUNCTIONING Constitution” and deemed part of the SL constitution form time as applicable.”
        Recommend, amendment, would heal all pain in these members “POURING THROUGH”, PAPERWORK which probably, don’t understand!!! The manner members appear painstakingly going through, make us believe, that the document isn’t making sense!!!??? Whether, in Sinhala, Tamil or English??? Probably in Greek or Latin!!!???
        God bless Sri Lankans! Sri Lankans, should rejoice at “Noble Thought”, that we have become the cognisant part of the Proletariat Progressive Democratic Socialist Republic as of Now!!!???
        3 hearty cheers!!!???

    • 4
      0

      nimal fernando

      Why are you silent on Palestinian question (right to their land, right to rule themselves, right to do many things including what to eat, when to eat, … when to ease themselves, …. )?

      Are you scared of Zionists targeting you?

      • 4
        0

        I’m half-Jewish: a Zionist. ……… The only Zionist you have learnt to love ……. and now hate.

        Such is life.

        • 4
          0

          nimal fernando

          “I’m half-Jewish”

          Which half?

          “a Zionist.”

          What the hell are you doing in this forum?

          • 2
            0

            “Which half?”

            The half that is not Lankan ……. the half that can see straight: the half that can see Ranil for what he really is!

            The problem is not in your eyes, Native! ……. Time for Brit Milah if you have one ……… Gundu, Shenali …….. should oblige ……… :)))

            Will we see you tomorrow? :))))))

      • 4
        0

        Native,

        I’m too lazy to write all over again …….. I’ve written way back then …… https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/another-view-on-jerusalem/

        That’s one instance you’ll have to agree with Dayan. :)))

    • 5
      0

      nimal fernando

      “Native, what say you? …….. Silence is golden, eh? :)))))”

      Break the country and build it again, like the army recruits, they join the army with different useless ideas, habits, practices, … state of mind, … The drill sergeant initially makes them to feel shi** …. break them then slowly build them to feel part of a group, team, .. .. platoon, …. focus is on the task, …. kill and get killed, … You know what I mean, ….

      If you believe nothing can or should be done to alleviate them from their suffering you are cheating yourself.

      • 4
        0

        “Break the country and build it again”

        Jeeze man, Native …….. are you for real?

        Is that what Ranil is doing with 37 hard-working ministers? :))


        I thought you were passable at propaganda ……. this is kindergarten novice ……..

  • 16
    0

    … and appoint Namal as the new Prime Minister.
    This is the worst that could happen to you, me, and all.

    • 10
      0

      Nathan, Why Not??? He is a nice little ‘Chipmunk’!!!??? as usual doesn’t know, what he is spelling out!!!??? Meaning the “Brain or Mind”!!!??? These 2 (Brain, Tongue and Mouth) are presumably “detached” and no synchronisation!!!?? He may turn it upside down for better!!??

    • 3
      0

      That is not being sufficiently pessimistic
      I can think of other options– just as bad or a little worse.

  • 14
    1

    Sinhal_Man,

    As a man who has spent all his life trying to be shoosh-boosh English/Western ……… if you were a keen observer ……. you would’ve seen Ranil’s duality coming apart in that DW German interview. ….. East-West stitched-up duality coming apart at the seams ….

    I’m too lazy and busy to write anew ……… read what I wrote about Lankan-duality back in 2016 ……… nimal fernando / April 17, 2016 ……… https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/at-the-last-gasp-sirima-chose-unp-family-over-her-own-party/

    “At one end there is a grand facade of mimicry/aping of the White-man in language, dress, mannerisms, a sort of “out of body experience” which is not inbuilt. At the other end, at the core, it’s a Sinhala-Buddhist/Tamil-Hindu pre-historic mindset. Totally separate, there is no connect between the two entities of the duality. One can instantly change from one to the other without even knowing. One doesn’t have to guess too hard to know, in a crunch, which end of the duality we take refuge in.

    • 14
      0

      cont

      In spite of the best efforts of the best “educational institutions” around the globe, the modern 21st century Lankan man is not going to arrive anytime soon. The End of History is not as near as one might think.”


      Native is the only exception …… he hasn’t made the effort to Westernize himself ……. he’s very native ……. :))

      • 14
        0

        Sinhala_Man —–> Sinhal_Man

        before the scones get burned ……. ( burnt —-> Bandarawela English )

  • 15
    0

    chiv,

    “Some of Native ‘s responses are absolute gems ( especially to that Sumane guy).”

    Someday Native’s dialogues will be collected and abridged into a book by Gunduvindu and Shenali ……. and kept in Ranil’s library for posterity …….. for Royal College students to study …….. like Plato’s dialogues!

    They say the whole of Western philosophy is nothing but a footnote to Plato ……… What do you think Native’s is? ……… A footnote to Lanka’s?


    “Seems Native has mellowed with time.”

    It’s not time but Ranil ……. Ranil gradually neuter people around him …….. Alas, what Native could’ve been!

    • 11
      0

      Very funny Nimal. . I mean it. I just forgot, what I was about to write.

  • 9
    0

    Two Cunning Foxes … .
    Only 2?
    Sri Lanka politics is a den of foxes.
    Don’t shame just the 2. Shame them all!

  • 1
    0

    If President without people power can work on tedniclaties the people for people can have other option of technilaties that have to be discovered and it know in advance what he is going to do. A great person attracts great people and knows how to hold them together, President dont have.

  • 8
    6

    Thanks, CT and Sam Panditha.
    .
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Igv6KShQu7U&t=5s
    .
    Those who can, please make YouTube comments in Sinhala/Tamil.
    .
    Yes, this is a possible scenario. Our people have got quite inured to cheating at all levels. Our task is to get people to understand that voting for the Party that is in the best position to defeat these dirty plans. gets our vote. Right now, it is without doubt the NPP led by AKD.
    .
    I have by now actually convinced myself that the group also occupies the moral high ground. There may be individuals within the Party who don’t appeal to us. The solution? Vote for others in the party. What is imperative is that we elect a Party that will draw up a Constitution that is fair by everybody. Many are fools who will not accept such a Constitution. How must we set about this?
    .
    The Sinhalese (who are also Buddhists) are the overwhelming majority in this country, and they must be won over through arguments in Sinhalese. I do it all the time – orally. I can’t even think of writing it out in Sinhala. Others must do that.

  • 8
    5

    Continuing………………
    .

    And it must be fair by minorities, be they linguistic or religious minorities. Ethnic? I’m sure that we’re almost all Dravidians.
    .
    Now, start doing what you can. I do it all the time, in Sinhalese, to all whom whom I meet – be it strangers or known persons. Remember that it is an utter waste of time to get into a huddle with people who think the way that we do. They’re already with us. Speak to those who are probably against all our ideas.
    .
    Typically, I grumble about the current state of affairs in the country. Then I ask the simple soul who is my current victim, to think carefully before casting their valuable and secret vote. Only THINK. “Do not disclose to me, or anybody else, whom you going to vote for. Accept all bribes offered, remember that it is public money that is finally recouped.
    .
    I then tell them that I myself discount all risks involved in disclosing. My choice, the NPP, and then I give my reasons. Ordering people will always be counter-productive.
    .
    Panini Edirisinhe of Bandarawela (NIC 483111444V)

    • 6
      0

      SM

      I can understand your total faith in the NPP/JVP & a corrupt free govt. which recognises the rights of all its citizens is my dream too but I need more convincing that the NPP/JVP is THE party. AKD is charismatic & a good orator but bringing to justice all those corrupt politicians, including their minions, alone is not enough. As much as I love to see these punks behind bars, how the country’s economy is going to be handled is also important but, so far, there has been no detailed strategy in their manifesto.

      Apparently, AKD has publicly stated that religion is a private matter & will not play a part in governing the country. Amen to that but if that is the case, why is a Bhikku Front a part of the coalition? Do these monks want their rights represented in Parliament? So, lets be consistent & time AKD starts weeding out the undesirables from the party but until then, I remain skeptic.

      • 1
        2

        It sounds as though you will always be a skeptic, Raj.
        .
        However, that doesn’t mean that I either dislike you, or disapprove of you.
        .
        Why not we start talking to each other? Scared? Thinking of how things have turned out between Dan Silva and me?
        .
        Just look at this!
        .
        https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/charles-ponnuthurai-sarvan-first-death-anniversary-a-song-in-dark-times/
        .
        My next comments there may shock even more. I have yet to type them out.

        However, not as shocking as the results of what this man, Balfour, did more than a hundred years ago:
        .
        https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthur_Balfour
        .
        It is sometimes very difficult to know what we ought to be doing. I appreciate the dilemmas that you face.
        .
        Panini Edirisinhe of Bandarawela (NIC 483111444V)

        • 2
          0

          SM

          I am not scared to pen my opinion & if I am wrong, I will stand corrected. As for your arguments with others, they are of little interest to me unless related to the subject.

          I remain sceptic until I am convinced. Maybe, I will never be convinced but SL is on crucial stage & the next govt. will make or break the country. Therefore, voters should think rationally, not get carried away by smooth talk. Mere words & promises are not going to impress me unless there is an action plan as to how it’s going to be done. I have no respect, nor, faith in any of the mainstream parties as they have proven to be lacking in competence & integrity but the NPP/JVP, the ‘new kid on the block’, have portrayed themselves as educated & capable, an alternative to the current politicians. Therefore, knowing the credibility (or lack of it) of our politicians, I am expecting a consistent policy & objectives to differentiate them from the riffraff.

      • 3
        0

        Dear Raj,
        Have you or any rational commenter read anywhere that the JVP led NPP made any attempt to clarify these issues __
        If yes, please let me read it by providing us with the source for the information.
        They deliberately avoid the question of their secret links with Sinhala/Buddhist priests as their intention is to get more votes by imitating MaRa #s mlechcha gimmicks.
        This is also not the only question they tend to avoid. Why on earth are they fooling the nation again?

        • 3
          0

          leelagemalli

          You can make a judgement by reading between the lines & adding up inconsistencies. My last question to SM was simple. If AKD categorically denies the participation of monks in governing the country, why is he, as leader, accepting a bunch of monks in the coalition? Is it just to increase the membership? Unless the monks want representation, in which case, isn’t it influencing of the running of the country, what is the purpose? They can provide spiritual guidance if needed without being members, staying in the temple as they are supposed to be.
          This is an example of the consistency SM couldn’t clarify for me. We have to learn to hold politician accountable & that is by asking tough questions. If the voters were not so gullible, we would not be in this situation today. We should at least learn from mistakes, not change pillows for the headache as before.

  • 6
    0

    Excellent article. It may go that way. Today Handunhetti insisting parliament to be dissolved no sooner Presidency abolished (see below link)

    This is similar to your article referring to AKD wishful thinking. If RW/Basil is planning to abolish the Presidency- surely they plan to extend parliament to August 2025

    https://economynext.com/sri-lanka-must-dissolve-parliament-no-sooner-it-abolishes-presidency-jvp-135197/

  • 10
    1

    Calling JRJ a fox is quite fitting because he had been a fox all along . But
    these two guys to be called cunning fox is a disgrace to JRJ . These two
    are definitely something else stinking no doubt . Whatever cunning plotter
    JRJ was , he was a genuine master planner of our time and nobody else
    will match him . All others are still playing the games he left behind , Ranil
    is only copying him , nothing of his own . Basil is nothing but Kaputas .
    Signs are that ‘ we are headless chickens ‘ . Cheating and Cowardice should
    not be covered with Cunningness . The truth is , people are forced to sit with
    uninvited , unwelcome and stinking creatures that still enjoys resources from
    outside to carry on in the name of the General Public of a kind no other
    country can match ! Throw them a bone , they won’t bark , thieves are safe .

  • 8
    1

    Both these proposals: (1) Abolition of the Presidency and (2) Change in the Electoral System are not that easy, because quite a lot of ramifications are involved. (1) The State Functions and the Administrative Machinery are too involved with the functioning of the office of the President. Any changes would involve “Re-Constitutilazation” of innumerable functions that are already in place and where/to whom those “Authorities” would devolve. In short, the “Amendment” to the Constitution to abolish the Presidency would not be a short and simple “Resolution” to be placed before the Parliament to secure that required “2/3rd” Majority. It is at this point that the “Opposition” (except perhaps SLPP -Pohottuwa) will have a major role to play. In that effort, can they prevent the “2/3rd Majority”? This is where they (the whole of the Opposition – a Coalition) will have to work out the strategies. All such “Strategies” will be within the confines of the Parliament to prevent that “Omnipotent” “2/3rd Majority”.

  • 6
    0

    Unless corruption is addressed and corrupt jailed- NO FUTURE for Sri Lanka.
    RW came to power 2015 promising Yahapalanaya. Nothing achieved. The Central Bank day light robbery as SLPP quotes.
    No one has been jailed for corruption.
    We have a mansion is Malwana- no owner. People with 2 passports, 2 NICs – no action taken.
    MP with a British passport- no action

    See Lacille DE Silva video today below

    https://youtu.be/hh1Uta1UcdQ?si=he00S0woD7Zrm5Kk

    • 9
      1

      Nisal Fonseka

      “Unless corruption is addressed and corrupt jailed- NO FUTURE for Sri Lanka.”

      I beg to differ.
      Until the constitution of this country guarantees a secular state and the political and bureaucratic culture is changed to accept the idea of unity in diversity, there is not much change can be expected in the law and order front.

      Please note since the public racist Anagarika Homeless Dharmapala concocted a new identity (Sinhala/Buddhists) and new religion (Sinhala/Buddhism) crooks find and use both as their cover, all they have to do is to invoke Sinhala/Buddhism, the crooks, murderers are automatically exempted from all sorts of laws of the land.

      “No one has been jailed for corruption.”

      Except two no one has been jailed for war crimes and crimes against humanity committed between 1971 and 2009, instead they have been given top political posts or undeserved promotions. In fact Green Tiger represented this country in International institutions, Human Rights violators, incompetent b***s carriers and practising racists have been given top jobs abroad.

      Therefore consider secularization of the constitution, state, functionaries, education, .. rewrite the Vinaya for saffronistas.

      • 7
        0

        NV,
        HIT THE NAIL ON THE HEAD!!! SAFFRONISTAS AUTO INCLUDED!!??

    • 7
      0

      All these guys, high level criminals, equivalent to crimes committed in 1960’s and 70’s would have merited disabling those who did commit to their civic liabilities or Prison Terms!!!
      They are free to ROAM, because they are so-called ‘Sinhala-Buddhists’ (SB)!!!?? If they belonged to any other community, Tamil, Hindu, Christian Sinhala, Muslim, Malay, Burgher, Sindhi, Punjabi or Dalits, they would have “HELL-to-PAY”, NO BAIL AND NO FREEDOM!!!???
      this COUNTRY NEEDS SYSTEM CHANGE and the CONSTITUTION!?
      Secular one and none other!!!??? Bribery and Corruption will “AUTO DISAPPEAR”!!!??? TAKE MY WORD FOR IT!!!??
      Foremost Place for Buddhism is one, unique, singular, leading Prime cause – nepotism, Corruption spreading as “CLOISTERED, SEQUESTERED NETWORK” – ‘LOOTING AND BANKRUPTCY’!!!??
      CHANGE NOW!!

  • 7
    0

    II: Apart from the “Strategies” to be confined within the Parliament, the “Opposition” will have to work out a “Plan” to present both proposals to the PEOPLE because that is the place where the main “GOALPOST” is fixed. That “Strategy” – all depends on the contents of the “Resolution” that would be presented to Parliament for approval.

    No doubt, it is too early to work out the “Political Strategies” because no one knows for certain (1) That there would be such “Proposals” and (2) What the “Contents” of such proposals are.

    Having said that, If the “Opposition” takes the view that these “Proposals” are (1) Detrimental to the smooth functioning of the Governing Functions and (2) Are an “Attempt” to deny the Democratic Right of the People to elect a Government of their choice and scrumptiously continue holding on to power, ( a continuation of Ranil/Rajapakse regime) it is vital this “Attempt” be explained to the people. I find NPP has already stated that “Cautioning” at their public meetings. The other Opposition parties have not yet stated their views. It could be too early for them.

  • 5
    8

    “UNP could not win a single seat at the last election, albeit the one seat allocated free.”
    That is false.
    Nothing was allocated free.
    The performance was pathetic, but the rules are clear.
    The UNP earned its seat on total vote count.
    Ir is good to be precise, even when it is not to one’s advantage.

  • 5
    7

    Fiction and fantasy are becoming the stuff of politics these days!

    • 11
      1

      “Fiction and fantasy are becoming the stuff of politics these days!”

      It started in the ‘Pancha Maha Balavegaya’ days, and continued through ……. ….

  • 1
    0

    FATE OF CURRENT PERIOD OF PARLIAMENT WILL DEPEND ON THE RESULT OF THE JUDGEMENT OF THE SUPREME COURT AGAINST HARIN FERNANDO AND MANUSHA NANAYAKARA AND THE CASE AGAINST DAYANA SPENCER GAMAGE PENDING IN HIGH COURT FOR A LONG TIME.

  • 1
    0

    sajit made a important statement that he will support the abolishment of the presidency if a general election is substituted for the presidential election i believe in 0ct 2024.Good compromise.

    • 2
      5

      S
      Abolition of the presidency is not so easy.
      It has to go through parliament or be done by a referendum.
      We do not know the name of the game that is played.
      But the ones who take it seriously are likely to be rather disappointed.
      *
      If the presidency is abolished at all, what follows will be anything but a Presidential Election.
      What other than a parliamentary government could take state power?
      What is Sajith’s offer really worth?

      • 1
        0

        sj
        “What other than a parliamentary government could take state power?”

        what is wrong with a parliamentary government? singapore,scandinavia,UK.

        • 1
          4

          I have no faith in its ability to deliver justice to the socially downtrodden.
          But what did I say about its being good or bad in this context?

          • 1
            0

            sj
            “I have no faith in its ability to deliver justice to the socially downtrodden.”

            switzerland and netherland are good models to follow to see that there is social justice. Has the presidential system delivered social justice since 1977?

      • 0
        1

        S J ,

        In a Democracy , the majority of the citizens is capable of
        exercising the most cruel oppressions upon the minority .
        Edmund Burke .

        Death of Democracy is not likely to be an assassination from
        ambush . It will be a slow extinction from Apathy , indifference
        and undernourishment – Robert M Hutchins .

        As I would not be a slave , I would not be a master . This expresses
        my idea of Democracy- Abraham Lincoln .

        Democracy is a device that insures we shall be governed not better
        than we deserve – George Bernard Shaw .

        Democracy passes into Despotism – Plato .

        NO MAN IS GOOD ENOUGH TO GOVERN ANOTHER MAN WITHOUT
        THE OTHER’S CONSENT – Abraham Lincoln .

        • 1
          5

          ww
          Democracy makes little sense in an unequal society.
          It has always been a tyranny of a wealthy/powewrful minority in the name of a cleverly defined majority.

          • 3
            0

            Where is an ‘equal’ society or closest thing to it where democracy can/does makes the most sense? China, Russia, Cuba, or N.Korea perhaps!

  • 5
    0

    When the constitution of the country clearly prohibits a dual citizen or a foreign citizen from voting or running for a political position, how can Phottuwa allow a dual citizen to be the organizer of the party? What logic is this? What is the election commission doing about this? Even if Basil is not registered as an official of SLPP, when Basil is openly negotiating on behalf of SLPP with the President how can the election commission close its eyes? Is the election commission so blind?

  • 4
    1

    Most people in Srilanka are struggling to make ends meet in this Economic crises while another set of political scoundrels are working hand in glove,
    striving to keep themselves in Power and bleed the country.
    Even the foxes have been outsmarted by these two referred to in this essay.

  • 2
    1

    We all voted for MS on the ptez election he promised when his terms end he will abolished and brings back the powers to parliament,
    Even this Ranil he gone to India got all the deals said by 4th of Feb 13A scared to Mullas
    .
    They says tourists are flogging and happy with the numbers but who exactly coming under that category its so expensive to comes here than Kerala or even to Dubai. .
    .

    .

    • 2
      0

      Cugan
      “under that category its so expensive to comes here than Kerala or even to Dubai. .”
      It is expensive for us but cheap for them. Even petrol is cheaper here than in Kerala.

  • 4
    1

    Two cunning foxes? Certainly, Basil has the street cunning of fox all right but I would say RW is a big dumbo if he believes he can trust the Rajapakses. Maybe RW is so hellbent on holding on to power as long as he could, he is blind to the Rajapakse family capabilities, who until now, have been is political enemy, even spoiled his chance of becoming President legitimately a few years ago.

    It is clear that the Rajapakses are biding their time until one of their own family member could take over, & with their supporters being in the majority in Parliament, they call the shots even now. Once the path to Presidency or Premiership is cleared by the constitution for the Rajapakses, RW will be discarded to the bin. RW is so obsessed with holding on to power, he has prostituted his integrity & is not thinking of the betterment of the country but if he trusts the Rajapakses to support him until the ‘heir’, Namal, is ready to step in, he could be making the biggest mistake in his political career. Can anyone be serious about ‘honour among thieves’? I am sure Prabhakaran also realised that too late.

    • 1
      2

      Dear Raj,
      .
      The time now is 00:38 (that’s right, “Midnight thirty-eight” as BBC General Overseas Service used to say when I was a schoolboy.)
      .
      By the time a stripling like you began to listen to BBC radio (if you then listened!), it would have been “BBC World Service.”
      .
      Now nobody listens to short-wave radio; probably nobody now knows what it means.
      .
      What have I been doing for the past two hours? Difficult to relate it all, but I did submit a comment above, about 5 minutes after midnight. I there suggested that you read about Charles Sarvan, with all senses active. He did not do his A. Levels at STC, Mount Lavinia. I can’t remember what exactly Professor Thiru Kandiah told me about it. They had been batch-mates at Peradeniya University, with “Charlie” being a little older.
      .
      However, non sequitur as it may appear to you, please listen carefully to this 3 minute video in Sinhala:
      .
      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ldP1YLq5wJQ
      .
      Although it’s a video, listen is the key word here. How logical is the reasoning there? I’m sure that what is said there is serious, not sarcastic.
      .
      Panini Edirisinhe of Bandarawela (NIC 483111444V)

      • 2
        2

        Dear Raj,
        .
        The time now is 5.05 am. I’m still at it, but I’ve not been typing all the time. I’ve been listening to this:
        .
        https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arKoBwtmuX0
        .
        And I’m getting exasperated with you. That is quite different from being angry. We have to learn patience and forbearance. Out lives are short. I’ve just tried WhatsApping my sister, Devika Collins (born 1956) , in Brisbane, where it’s a civilised time – sun shining etc. – there. No answer; she thinks that I’m mad, because she doesn’t fully understand the situation today.
        .
        Talking of 1956 births, it appears to be the yearZimmerman (the pianist in the recording) also was born. I “know” him well, but he looks so young there. On the other hand, the conductor, Bernstein, was born in 1918, in Ukraine, but we always thought of him as American. He was a Jew, now dead – so, please don’t tie him up with what is happening in Palestine.
        .
        https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leonard_Bernstein
        .
        If comments are still being accepted on the Sarvan article, I’ll say something there about Bernstein.
        .
        Panini Edirisinhe of Bandarawela (NIC 48311144V)

        • 1
          1

          Did Raj or anyone ask family details of a thanakola eater? .
          .
          What has that got to do with Raj ‘ s comments? .
          .
          OC, can u also share us at what time u go to bed? Alas, so called 😕 pundis that don’t seem to know what to be answered 😕 🙄 😒 😢 😞 😑 😕.
          .
          Good luck to our people🙄🙄

    • 1
      3

      “RW is a big dumbo if he believes he can trust the Rajapakses.”
      IF! That is the word.
      The whole exercise is utterly cynical.
      It would be the Rajapaksa’s who may have some doubts about RW, but it is too late to change anything.

  • 1
    0

    This comment was removed by a moderator because it didn’t abide by our Comment policy. The key to maintaining the website as an inviting space is to focus on intelligent discussion of topics.

    For more detail see our Comment policy https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/comments-policy-2

    • 1
      1

      SM,
      My sincere condolences. The mods have a hard enough time without having to deal with Bernstein, Wittgenstein, Hamlet, csones, scawns,……..
      “The key to maintaining the website as an inviting space is to focus on intelligent discussion of topics.”. Indeed.

      • 1
        2

        “The key to maintaining the website as an inviting space is to focus on intelligent discussion of topics.”
        What has he got against CT?

      • 1
        0

        Dear OC and other readers,
        .
        the reason his comment is not displayed may be due to the guideline below
        /
        1. We welcome debate and dissent, but personal attacks (on authors, other users or any individual), persistent trolling and mindless abuse will not be tolerated. The key to maintaining the website as an inviting space is to focus on intelligent discussion of topics.
        /
        . I read the guidelines again. I’m ashamed now. I will not add my personal attacks again.
        / We must stop now. I put up with his attacks again and again and started to add my attack rather late. One’s personal details, even bedtimes were repeatedly explained as if he had no place to explain it. However, CT space is not for that.
        Such people should eventually learn that we are not all JVP supporters. And we can’t make others JVP. We can only convince some with facts. It is up to them to join or reject. Each of us should be free to share our thoughts, but within the topic. This is not the case for some on this platform. I think CT’s warning is fair and timely. Treating us like beasts just because we still don’t support the JVP-led NPP can cause significant backlash. It will be a setback for the JVP-led NPP

    • 2
      1

      CT,
      thank u for this. This person constantly attacks us all the anonymous commenters on and on. Obviously he doesn’t grasp as to why many of us here join the discussion anonymously.

    • 2
      1

      CT,
      thank u for this. This person constantly attacks us all the anonymous commenters on and on. Obviously he doesn’t grasp as to why many of us here join the discussion anonymously. 🤔

  • 0
    2

    Executive President is a good thing. It should not be abolished. We need strong and honest leadership to turn this country round. Otherwise we will forever be burdened by vote seeking political parties whose continuous agenda is to plan for the next elections.

    What we now need is ACCOUNTABILITY of all elected representatives and Government officials including the President. The President term should be strictly restricted to two terms. All elected representatives should have minimum educational qualifications and/or income tax payers and should retire at 65 years. None of them should have any immunity from the law; and Parliamentary privileges should be controlled and cannot be decided by themselves. All such privileges should be decided by an independent Public Service Commission.

  • 5
    0

    The new Constitution should be written by an Independent Group of Academics, Professionals and Tax payers and should strictly exclude any politicians.

    • 2
      1

      Alpha,
      .
      Agree with u fully. So as Ethics Commissions [EU countries] are generally represented by scientists, medical professionals, non-academics, and lay men. I think we should seek support from EU countries. As I believe they have almost perfect and well thought 🥰constitutions.

    • 5
      0

      Alpha

      Considering the caliber of our academics, the likes of GL & ‘Viyathmaga’ intellectuals, I don’t think it would be a good idea. Afterall, how many times the constitution has been amended to suit the party in power? Any volunteers from the civil society?

      • 0
        3

        “Any volunteers from the civil society?”
        You mean NGOs?
        No, thanks.

      • 1
        0

        Dear Raj,
        /
        Some who until recently opposed him are now tolerating GLP. Among them were his political rivals before. How so ? Remember that GLP was an architect of the federal proposals, then joined forces with the Sinhalese/Buddhist racists who dominated Mahindaism
        . It is contradictory, however the shameless GLP changed his positions. IN the same time, he is oxford product. What is he sending out by his chamelian like changes ?
        His erudition as a law professor exposed him not once but dozens of times. I believe that no matter what level of education you get, the bottom line is Sinhala/genetics. We should be ashamed of being Sinhalese.

    • 2
      0

      Any amendment to the constitution or a new constitution will still need to be voted in by the parliament. So we can only hope the forces that be do not water down and/or adulterate the work of the proposed independent group.

Leave A Comment

Comments should not exceed 200 words. Embedding external links and writing in capital letters are discouraged. Commenting is automatically disabled after 5 days and approval may take up to 24 hours. Please read our Comments Policy for further details. Your email address will not be published.