By Siri Gamage –
Dr. Siri Gamage
I have listened to various interviews given by Anura Kumara Dissanayake in the past. However, the interview given to Sudaththa recently provides better insights about the JVP and NPP thinking. It displays the wisdom, experiential knowledge that leaders like him have gathered through decades of political engagement and practice with the people on the ground, political class and the machinery of government plus the insights gained about the political process and where the country is heading? Instead of quoting selectively, a full transcript like this can give the reader a comprehensive picture about the issues that matter to a leader like Anura Kumara and the path his party has mapped out to solve the changes facing the country. This is not an authorised transcript. Translation is purely my own.
Key Points made:
The crisis is not due to natural causes. It is brought about by the political class. Foreign debt is not due to Corona. While the country became poor, rulers have become rich. If the crisis is created by politics, it can be solved by politics too. It can be solved collectively. How strong are we economically? Our resources are given to Multinational corporations. Rule of law is broken down. People’s hopes have been dashed. Look at Singapore-the size of our Western province. How they have developed? They don’t lease their ports and airports to others. We have to change the economic policy. A revolutionary transformation is necessary in the political, economic and social fields. People learn through living experiences. They know how governments failed them. They know that they need a new path. This new path requires two things: 1) Strategy for acquiring power 2) program to develop the country.
Changing the people in the parliament (Olu Gedi Maruwa) is not going to work. There are examples from around the world where corrupt regimes have been expelled by people. If people are ready to come to the road, we are ready to lead. Ours is not a plan with violence or conflict. If people are oppressed, they have a right to come to the road. E.g. the farmers, trade unions, common people. Our plan is to go for an election. An early election is possible. People shouldn’t wait anymore. At present we can’t send dollars for students learning abroad. Can’t even send dollars for an urgent operation in India. Cost of living and consumer goods high. Yet those in power travel in private jets. Ministers are holidaying abroad to spend time with their children and entertain.
Chaura Walalla (circle of thieves): Rulers earned money and let their friends also do the same. This circle includes some politicians, bureaucrats or public servants, some policemen, and dealers who are not industrialists or businessmen but those who are there to earn commissions. When governments change, this corrupt circle unsettles but it continues. We have to break this circle. An incorrupt circle has to be bro8ght in.
What will Anura’s party do to these thieves and stolen wealth?
We will not take revenge. The wealth should be there for building hospitals, providing nutrition etc. We will get it back. Already there are three strong Acts: money laundering act, Bribery and corruption Act, Crimes Act. Then we have various institutions to monitor and find those who are corrupt such as attorney generals department, judiciary. But those who are corrupt jump through such institutions. Independence of the judiciary in the case of politically significant cases is questionable. We have to remove politics out of these institutions. Janatha Varama (people’s mandate) is more powerful than any of these institutions. We can meter out punishments to corrupt people only if we are not corrupt. There has to be an incorrupt movement. We will strengthen the institutions. I am not corrupt (Mama dushithayek Nove). Crime takes place when the ruler becomes corrupt. At present, parties give nominations, minister posts to corrupt politicians. We have not stolen a cent. Examine is. We are there not to earn. We are people from remote areas. We know the problems of people and their aspirations. We will punish whoever engage in corruption including our party members. WE WILL SEEK A PEOPLE’S MANDATE TO PUNISH THOSE WHO ARE CORRUPT.
Majority has been denied a good life to live as a citizen. We have seen the destruction brought about to the country. We will provide basic needs such as a house, income, health, education, transport network, and mental freedom to the people. Rulers have houses in developed countries like USA, UK. At the same time common people (Podu Janaya) have been subjected to a calamity (vyasanaya).
Citizens earn wealth through their initiative, knowledge etc. We are not against it. We like to see the citizens live happy life. We are not against parents sending money for their children to learn abroad. However, we are against when people’s wealth/property is stolen. Look at the privileges given to former presidents? Look at the guards given to politicians? Anura gives examples. A minister is given 8 back up vehicles with guards. An MP is given 2 policemen for security? The politicians protect each other. This reflects not a problem of security. It shows a problem of the mind/mental problem. Our aim is to bring about a development (Pragatiya) better than this sorry state. I don’t want aropana(impositions). We will take away all the privileges of former Presidents (If we come to power). The house given free to DB Wijetunge was used by his daughter until her death. Now it is used by the wife of another former President. Current PM has Temple trees as the PM and another house as former president. The president has several palaces (mandira) throughout the country. Anura lists them. Each one has 100-200 guards. Under the JVP government, we will jeep the one in Colombo as it is necessary to meet and greet foreign leaders. All others will be given either to the Tourist Board or turn into libraries. This is not an empty promise. If we fail to do this, send us home next time.
Q. How will you utilise the skills of those in other countries? We will rule the country under socialist principles. Re-building the country is not the responsibility of one party. All sections of society have to get together. For this we will need new knowledge, wisdom, capital. There are entrepreneurs who live abroad. Those who work in companies, researchers, education experts. They expect our country’s development. We invite those who are in the Tamil diaspora that do not support armed struggles like what the LTTE did.
Socialist Principles:
We will introduce an economic system tied to people’s lives.
1. People’s participation in production. At present 36% are from the Western province. Only 6% from the north central province.
2. Distribution of income has to be fair (Sadharana). There can’t be disparities. If the economy is good for the citizens it will be good for the entrepreneurs.
3. Fair tax system. At present it is all over?
Investment have to generate an income. Waste is not good. E.g. Suriyaweva road with several lanes each way.
Q. How will you take Hambantota port back?
It is only when we strengthen the economy we will be able to take them back. Oil tanks, Keravalpitiya etc. In about 3-4 years we will be able to take them back. However, to build a strong economy it will take 7-8 years. While we are seeking help from India to import Dhal (Parippu) we can’t ask them help in other fields (e.g. fund our economic enterprises or help to meet foreign exchange reserves). We have strong resources such as natural reserves, resources, international relations. Mrs. Bandaranaike paid 2.5 million pounds and got back our oil tanks. What we need is a transformative policy.
Rapid Response:
We released a small booklet (Draft)recently about our policies to address the current crisis and re-build the economy and society.
Our current plan is to form a government.
On the National List MP System
As it is commonly accepted, we are not against it. However, we will not ask future candidates to have a degree. There are many who could not enter universities due to various reasons.
Muslim Extremism, Minorities and reconciliation
Muslim and Tamil extremism do not arise from the community. It emerges within a given culture. We have to rescue politicians from such extremisms.
We accept the equal rights of every citizen for their religion, language. Any changes to the law have to be by respective communities not by us. We shouldn’t impose changes on them.
Anura prefers if there is a Sri Lankanness instead of various ethnic categories.
The danger for the rulers is if we unite at the bottom levels of society. Among the upper levels they are united. Those at the higher levels try to divide us. To change this system, we need everyone to awaken. We have started our political project in all areas. We will be able to secure power if we get the support of Sinhala, Muslim, Tamils and all.
There is to be a conference of monks in march. We expect a large number to attend. We will not mix politics with religion. However, monks have a huge responsibility to change the current form of politics. Buddhist temples were the centres of resistance against the British colonial rulers. Our country was built on the basis of Buddhist culture. After the arrival of Rev.Mahinda education, dhamma, economy etc were built. In the construction of our civilisation thus the Sinhala culture made a huge contribution. Temple is a centre for us. Through Sinhala, Catholic and other cultures a person’s consciousness(adhyatmaya) is formed. But the rulers smuggle it. However, responsibility of the government is to make people’s secular life comfortable. Then the inner self will be nurtured. When the rulers cannot solve the real problems, they poke fingers on the consciousness by saying we are coming to save Sinhala Jatiya. We know that they don’t even follow the five precepts.
Q. Will you strengthen the Sangadhikaranaya (court for the Bhikkhus) and allow it to function independently? Anura accepts its authority to function independently. Buddhism is based on non-violence. But when we look at the way some Bhikkhus behave, it is a disgrace.
Q. Is he prepared to formulate an economic plan suitable for the next 30 years? Until now the country has been going without direction/on a slow path(ibagathe) based on the President’s or the Minister’s concepts. When he was in charge of agriculture in a previous government, he prepared a plan for milk production in consultation with stakeholders and experts. They found that small and medium producers of milk did not enter the production process. One dimension identified was to increase the production of cows already there. Another was to increase the number. The rulers we appoint do not know what to do in each sector? If our short-term plan is implemented it will help to formulate the long-term plan.
Q. If you are planning to save the country, how will you do that? Rajapaksas are not going to give up power so easily? They had more power earlier. For example, in 2015. But they were defeated. Went home. A leader can’t keep going in government with only money and dividing the rest. We won Thissamaharamaya before. We lost it in 2010. We lost the capacity to govern (api deshapalanayen vatuna). Today Rajapaksas are politically fallen or unpopular(vatila). They can’t win by distributing money or by oppressive actions. The key is whether a party or coalition is politically at the top or down?
Q. Can the JVP secure power alone? Are you willing to join with others? We need a change. There is no point in joining with others to travel on the old path (Parana purudu pare yanna). Therefore, we cannot move forward by joining with other parties. But there are individuals who are not corrupt and want to develop our country. We invite them to join with us. That’s why we formed National People Power (NPP). This is not our private work. This is something we all have to come together,unite and launch. There are some who want to join us opportunistically. We are not political babies. We can distinguish those who are opportunists from those with genuine desire to develop the country. We can join with the latter.
At this time, our aim is to build Jathika Jana Balavegaya (NPP).
Q. Nagananda says he wants to join with you but you don’t talk to him? The way we function in such cases is that we appoint a small committee of 3 from the party to liaise and correspond. Then the party makes a common decision on each individual.
Q. How will you spend money on education under a JVP government? Human resource is the main resource we have. Therefore, we plan to develop it. Develop children with three qualities 1. nanavath(wise) 2. Nirogimath (healthy) 3. Courageous. We aim to spend 6% on education. But we will not be able to spend this much initially but progressively.
Today 30,000 children a year leave school. Among those who are addicted to drugs, 72% have not completed SSC. Among those in the prison, 80% have not done so. So, poverty and lack of education go together. Education is fundamental. It is the responsibility of the government. Not parents. We will take that responsibility. We have a plan. Education is the path for development.
Q. How many ministers will be in the cabinet in your government? Only 25. And another 25 deputy ministers. It will be the maximum. Under us, there will not be that or this minister i.e. state minister, project minister. We will give only one vehicle for an MP for the duration of his/her term. Today MPs get a license to import a car worth $65,000. But we in the JVP got double cabs worth $17,000.
Q. Bar licenses given to MPs and ministers? We will remove them. But those not in the parliament will be able to keep bars. We will not ban alcohol.
Our aim is to create people’s representatives with responsibility and discipline.
Today, parents try to educate children and prepare their future. But many leave the country. Parents tell children that this country is not suitable for you. We have a duty to correct this.
We don’t need to wait 3 more years. We invite people to join us to change this system. It is our generation that has to come forward and change.
Source
අනුර කුමාර සමඟ සජීවී සංවාදය | Talk With Sudaththa | Sudaa Creation Live Stream
Eratne / January 8, 2022
All these are good. They are trying to raise from three (3) seats to one-hundred and thirteen (113). On its way they will break up the votes and pave the way to Rajapakses to come back. GR recently said “If we are not good, don’t vote for other two parties” Was he asking to vote for JVP? He knows what the result would be. All against R regime should join together to defeat them and that is what country now needs more than high level principals and policies.
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siri / January 8, 2022
Contesting 113 seats will be a big ask. Concentrating resources in about 50-60 winnable seats should be the aim rather than spreading limited resources thin.
All parties have to win votes from Podu Jana Peramuna to change government.
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Sinhala_Man / January 9, 2022
Siri,
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I’ve listened to the 123 minute Youtube (with distracting hair dye ads!). Read most of your valuable rough and ready translation. We owe you a lot, man!
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I didn’t seem to hear much about the War.
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There are 25 electoral districts in Lanka. I’d expect the NPP to contest them all. Aren’t you confusing the old electorate system with Proportional Representation from the Districts + a smaller number of seats decided on the aggregate of votes at National Level? Please, some bright young guy, work out the Mathematical implications.
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The seats that the NPP wins will depend on how about 14 million people cast their votes. If they all vote NPP, then they’ll get 225 seats in Parliament.
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Let’s get realistic. The NPP doesn’t have sufficient charismatic Tamil speakers to make much headway in the North and the East. Many “Upcountry Tamils” use Sinhala effectively. I hope that quite a few of them will be nominated by the NPP.
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I can only tell you that I will vote NPP, and rather absentmindedly list Preferences. The last time in the Badulla District, I voted preferences for 1, 5, and 10: a Muslim name, Hindu name, and a Sinhalese name. End result: 3 seats only. At the next elections 40 MPP won’t be a huge disappointment – but let’s hope that they get 225!
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Panini Edirisinhe
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SJ / January 11, 2022
siri
There are no individual electorates. A party contests districts.
When support is evenly spread like butter on a slice of bread, which part does one discard?
The JVP lost its base in the deep South long ago. It needs to contest all districts except most in the North and one in the East.
Campaigning can be on a low key in places, but every vote counts for a National List seat.
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leelagemalli / January 8, 2022
Colombo circles drive prestige BMW, Audi, Rover and the like cars, how can they afford them and why ? India is one of the powerful country thought over 70% live under poverty in that subcontinent.
The story behind srialnka s vehicle import is that state income earns billions by importing them: I dont think we pay that much like few hundreds of lacks for a car, we as average in europe. I can buy a LAND ROVER for a price of 60 000 euro in europe, but it will be the double if you would order from sl. (32 millions in rps).
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JVPrs car pool if they would become the leaders, is a very good solution. Those who make every effort to show off by abusing tax payers funds, but showing the colours to the very same people, would then erase out automatically. Not just law and oder being kept above, but in th esame time, leaders should set ” palpapable ” examples so that thanakola eaters dominated srilanken could see it right.
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Rajapakshes travel a to b by hiring ” private jets” while the average is not given the least faclities as its citizens.
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As no other leaders, MaRa led politicians looted the state, i tis hight time to get them back by any govt next being made very likely by NPP/JVP and civil society groups.
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Nathan / January 9, 2022
I agree that the independence of the judiciary is questionable; It favours the politically significant.
But, that is where my agreement ends.
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On: Anura prefers if there is a Sri Lankanness instead of various ethnic categories.
This is merely a slogan. It will be decades before the ethnic divisions disappear. It has to have a natural death. It cannot be killed by a ‘broom’.
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On: We will not mix politics with religion. AND on: Our country was built on the basis of Buddhist culture.
Put together the latter defeats the former!
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Overall, AKD would be better, but not good enough.
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Nathan / January 8, 2022
I agree that the independence of the judiciary is questionable; It favours the politically significant.
But, that is where my agreement ends.
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On: Anura prefers if there is a Sri Lankanness instead of various ethnic categories.
This is merely a slogan. It will be decades before the ethnic divisions disappear. It has to have a natural death. It cannot be killed by a ‘broom’.
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On: We will not mix politics with religion. AND on: Our country was built on the basis of Buddhist culture.
Put together the latter defeats the former!
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Overall, AKD would be better, but not good enough.
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Human Touch / January 8, 2022
From what I can perceive from all this talk, these JVP guys are living in the past.
By the way, I used to vote for the JVP, and have only voted for them thus far.
But we have to be realistic. Let us start by being realistic.
Today we live in a globalised world.
We cannot think so conservatively and hope to make any significant progress.
Sri Lanka doesn’t have abundant natural resources that we can exploit as a get out of jail card.
Hence we have to look at the bigger picture.
The most effective way forward is by seeking foreign investment, cooperation and finding ways for inward technology transfer.
Looking for ways to compete at a global scale.
That is how most of the East Asian countries developed. Japan, China, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore and the rest.
To achieve this we have to set aside our sentiments and attachments.
JVP is still quite narrow-minded in its outlook. It is a fact.
We have to study how the rest of the world works and key into that.
The bottom line is wealth creation.
We need to create wealth, lots of wealth.
Do they have the slightest inkling of what that means?
JVP are good at pointing out the mistakes of others, but at this stage, that is not what we need.
Millions of mistakes have been made, the justice system has been hijacked, we have been robbed by a family of thieves, JVP has cried and cried, yet nothing has changed.
Let us continue to explore new and practical options to save our country and make life better for all.
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Sinhala_Man / January 8, 2022
Dear Human Touch,
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Many thanks for being alive to the need to respond to this very important interview. Also thanks to Dr Siri Gamage for providing a link to the entire interview on YouTube.
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I often make mistakes when commenting. I hope that there aren’t many in this.
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Right now, my dear HT, there are 12 LIKES and one DISLIKE. I have to make a confession. The DISLIKE was from me. I like YOU very much, but the problem is that there is no pure praise for AKD, and the NPP.
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I notice that Siri has given us many more details than had appeared in the English newspaper account. But really, I must listen to the more than two hours of the original Sinhalese interview. Although I desist from writing Sinhalese, I have no problem whatsoever with listening to my mother tongue.
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Some people (example Jit) are obsessed with the verb “apologise”. Dear HT, please accept my apologies for the DISLIKE!
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Human Touch / January 8, 2022
Dear Sir
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Thanks for your candid response. There is no harm in giving a dislike either. No hard feelings at all.
The truth is what I say is not based on the number of likes or dislikes. The Truth is the truth.
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Allow me to point out some things regarding the AKD/JVP/NPP scenario.
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For starters, I think it is just a blind repeat of how people voted for Gota, even though all logic and evidence pointed otherwise.
It was wishful thinking. Or not thinking as it seems now in retrospect.
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This is how Sri Lankans solve our problems, by not getting our hands dirty, and hoping that the least likely person would somehow do it for us. We like taking shortcuts.
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Ask yourself this, how did AKD suddenly become the Messiah? He has been in politics as far as I could remember, yet there has been little or no impact. Only bickering.
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Perhaps if Sri Lanka were the only country in the world we could try AKD and Co for a while without much of a risk.
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But things have changed drastically in the past 2 years, the situation is very awful. We cannot afford to experiment with our future.
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Continued….
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Human Touch / January 8, 2022
We have to double down and undo the damage perpetrated by the Devil family and catch up with the rest of the world as well.
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Therefore we have to nominate and elect the next leader wisely.
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It is time to set aside our tendency to listen to jibber-jabber, it is time to look at politicians actions and intentions behind those actions.
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It is time for all of us to stop trying to take shortcuts by listening to politicians building castles in the air, and start putting what we see, hear and have experienced, into perspective and think for ourselves.
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Put on your thinking cap and sift through the heaps of bullshit being fed to us daily.
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All these idiots in power have been in the system forever, nobody retires, they want to instead bring their lineage into this same dirty scheme at our expense.
Just think about it, how we have been taken for a crazy ride for the past 73 years.
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It is because we have allowed them by not being realistic ourselves.
Our reasoning faculty is in sleep mode.
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The only talent our politicians have is fooling the majority of the population all the time.
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Sinhala_Man / January 9, 2022
Dear HT,
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You’re obviously a young fellow; I’m an old bugger. I do remember a time when there was no AKD, and I didn’t vote JVP.
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I regarded the JVP as a we bit racist in outlook; may be it was unwarranted. Cultural/ family prejudice: See how strong that can be:
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https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/parliamentary-erudition-a-case-of-failed-guile/
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Must tell Dr Pethiyagoda a thing or two before hitting the pillow.
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Now they have certainly shaken off all racism.
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Marxism? I don’t know much about it, but I’ve got nothing against it. I know that Marxist thinking will dominate the NPP. I’m not bothered by that!
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Oh, and both your recent comments got their initial “LIKES” from me!
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Panini Edirisinhe
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Nathan / January 9, 2022
Dear Sinhala_Man,
A word of CAUTION.
You are easily persuaded.
(You had the same faith in Maithri.)
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I am not any wiser than you are. But, I am somewhat cautious.
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AKD makes noncommittal declarations. That is a kind of deceit.
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See the comment I made earlier. It’ll tell you, where I am coming from.
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Thank you.
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Sinhala_Man / January 9, 2022
Yes, I reposed too much faith in Maithripala. However, I will even now say that he’s a mediocrity, rather than downright evil. I don’t think that he’s a murderer.
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However, I’m not all that easy to persuade. Think of Upathissa Pethiyagoda’s article on “ragging”. Link provided in comments on his current article. I refused to accept your assessment of that article!
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You are much too cautious, Nathan. Once one is convinced, you must have the courage to act boldly. If not, found your own Party (that suggestion I know is a non-starter!)
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Don’t you remember how you wanted to solve the current shortage of teachers by importing them from Kerala? You know where that ended! however, you then said that you’d solve the problem, “somehow”. Such comments don’t help anyone.
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Nathan / January 9, 2022
Dear Sinhala_Man,
I NEVER said that we could import teachers from Kerala to solve the CURRENT shortage of English language teachers.
( What I said was that we HAD teachers from Kerala, when I was a student.)
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My only solution was to START with whoever we have now.
( I also said that there were other ways; but, never spelled any out. However, I indicated making use of TV as a channel.)
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(I also said that if we fail to see eye to eye, we ought to bring that discussion to a halt. That is what I’d urge even now.)
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Nathan / January 9, 2022
Here’s my view on Upathissa Pethiyagoda’s article on “ragging”.
I don’t mind being dumb when it comes to appreciation of good prose!
I could see that Upatissa Pethiyagoda was using the Title as an excuse to share those anecdotes with us. At least, that’s how I saw it.
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old codger / January 10, 2022
Nathan,
I think importing teachers even now from Kerala would be a good idea. Not all of our teachers are like Sinhala Man. There is a famous one, Tissa Jananayaka, who thinks that Singapore was a fishing village in 1960!
The problem may be that Kerala teachers are paid more than ours nowadays. Remember the INR is now 3 LKR.
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old codger / January 10, 2022
Nathan,
Apropos your comment on perceived JVP racism, don’t forget that it was AKD or Vijitha Hersth who stood up in Parliament and condemned the forced eviction of Tamils from lodges at the height of the war. Weerawansa objected to the statement. It seems that the racist elements like Wimal have been purged. But one can never say. Look at the “patriotic” regression of the SJB.
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Nathan / January 11, 2022
old codger,
I appreciate your support in defence of my outlook.
Our rupee was doing well against the Indian currency, then. There should be countries we could go to.
Begin teaching now. Get additional resources as and when.
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leelagemalli / January 11, 2022
Part 1
Dear Sinhalaman, Manel, Nathan, Oldcodger and the other sensitive souls,
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I have to thank Old codger to have joined to CT sinhala lately. That is a very good step. We should add more comments in Sinhala to transport the message to many as possible.
If srilanken would have produced more of you the kind of real sensitive citizens, this country would have turned out to be a real paradise for sure. Your comments really make my day 😊- nodoubts, that others with some sanity would feel the same.
May I join you the discussion though late, tell me why not our people focus on, that there are plenty of other options other than importing KERALA teachers in order to improve the shortage of English Teachers? Sinhalaman’s favorite journalist, ———– makes it clear that srilanka is one oft he richest countries in the region – however current bunch of facists in power deliberately made it a fool s land.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nVHUwvC7Og0
It is known fact, that SRILANKA is one of the holiday parasidses for rich europeans for such a long time. I am not talking about hippies, but those who really love the natural beauty and srilanken culture. To tell you, I myself have heard more europeans discussing tha they truly intend to sacrifice 2- 4 weeks or longer out of their annual holidays by teaching English to srilankens. Srilankens should see it positive leaving thei „ western invasion or the like fairy tales „ away from their ISLAND mind set.
To be Ctd.
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leelagemalli / January 11, 2022
Part II
There are also Medical students that dream of getting a chance to do their internship in srilanken hospitals. And such experiences in a foreign country would be a greater plus to their CVs in their future carrier chances. Anyways, Sadly enough, It is just our diplomatic missions or other responisible authorities dont seem to do enough regarding the kind of requests being made by them. WIth the fact that the index for „ English Skills“ is 86 or so for SL today, it is advisable to focus on using various sources rather than waiting Kerala teachers to fill the gap.
https://www.ef.com/wwen/epi/
This morning I happened to look at the list oft he loans or grants gotten by current govt for the last two years, even if the head of state vehemently denies to have not taken a cent – surprisingly, I dont see any loans taken from Germany or other non-English speaking conuntries.
The second option would be, knowing that SRILANKEN urban schools are good at English compared to the whole lot of rural Maha vidyalayas, why can t the urban schools take the responsibility yet to teach their fellow pupils ?Alevels students could also take over the role of a teacher for some months, improving his or her teaching abilities. That can then improve their paedogoical skills in their future carriers. There are common institutions or bodies in europe that help european studends to freely move and improve their language skills. For example french pupils can apply for a „school exchange program“ in Germany and vice versa.
TBC
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old codger / January 11, 2022
Nathan,
To grasp how far our standards have fallen, you only have to look at the Indian English media. One newspaper has a daily column correcting even minor grammatical mistakes of the previous day! Will our Broken Mirror or Daily Noise ever do this?
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Sinhala_Man / January 12, 2022
Dear Nathan,
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Apologies for any distortion.
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It is difficult to make anything work throughput the country. old codger recently pointing out that not everybody needs English is something that made me rethink my fifty years’ acceptance of official policy.
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The problem is that English is so much of a matter of social status in the country, but it was NEVER taught effectively to the majority.
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Simon / January 9, 2022
Human Touch: Pl. listen to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OgmhdzlkpTE
If you don’t get it, pl. go to youtube and type sunil handunneththi and select his speech titled: Sunil Handinneththi Impulsive speech.
For your information, I made this available to a “Pocket” of “Pohottuwa” voters, and how they reacted was unmentionable here. Let us be proactive this time.
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Human Touch / January 10, 2022
Dear Simon
I am a regular follower of Sepal and I watched this interview a few hours after it was uploaded to YouTube.
To be very honest it was this very interview that made me think twice about the competence of the JVPs team.
His vibes are too basic and at times quite primitive in my humble opinion.
I realized that the JVP guys are concentrating their operations along a very narrow corridor. They have not kept themselves abreast of the times.
That is why they are trying to embellish themselves with the likes of that lady who is polished and speaks eloquently and all. But they are who they are.
People from difficult and underprivileged backgrounds.
I am so sorry, I don’t see them thinking outside the box. They have the ideology that putting the breaks on everything and micromanaging everything is the answer.
In this day and age, we have to think of unconventional ways to approach our extreme situation.
Like I have said many times, we need a new mode of thinking. We need to think on a global level.
We need a Jack Ma or an Elon Musk type of person who will think outside the box or we need an old hand like CBK at the helm.
Trust me.
Once we have beaten the economic crisis and made some money, perhaps we can chose AKD and co.
/
Nathan / January 12, 2022
old codger,
Let me use this space under Simon, out of necessity, since a REPLY is no more available under your comment.
There are schools in Tamil Nadu, where their skill levels compare with ours, or are even better.
There are schools in Nigeria, that could compete with the English schools.
(These are from personal experiences.)
/
siri / January 9, 2022
“This is how Sri Lankans solve our problems, by not getting our hands dirty, and hoping that the least likely person would somehow do it for us. We like taking shortcuts.
.
Ask yourself this, how did AKD suddenly become the Messiah? He has been in politics as far as I could remember, yet there has been little or no impact. Only bickering”.
From all of my observations, AKD is not a show piece or an imposition. He himself says this in the interview. He is the real deal. He is through, well prepared, knowledgeable, seems sincere and rooted in the culture and society that he comes from. He seems to look at the world from the country’s and local people’s perspective. I cant say the same about other polis. They preach one thing and look at the country from the point of view of Western Countries(Europe,America, Australia etc). They willingly or unwillingly let the globalisation horse run amock. Look at our super market culture. Look at the car imports, and many otehre imports.Look at the way our leaders have been borrowing by mortgaging all of us? Have they invested the borowed money in productive enterprises that brings an income regularly or wasted them on white elephents? I am not blaming the rulers for building a highway network.It is essential. So we have to have a sense of proportion when we criticise AKD. We need to be realistic. As a village boy he has come so far. Give him a chance. Try to understand what he says without colour glasses.
/
Fernando20 / January 12, 2022
Siri: The JVP, or the new Party (same people) HAVE been around for a long time as you say, so why have we not voted for them before? that is not a simple question and I’m sure we all had good reasons not to. Right now we are desperate, so suddenly the least attractive option seems like the best?. Referring to the interview, AKD says we need to be identified as Sri Lankans and not by our religions, but then goes on to say Monks will play a part in changing mindsets, isn’t Monks being involved in any sort of politics part of the problem now. What really needs to happen for all religions to be completely out of politics. Religion is a private matter and should stay that way. Government has established laws, rules and regulations to govern. There is no need to run to the Monks every time there are issues, that’s just incompetence.
They also intend to keep the PC system, which is a financial black hole.
They have historically been against privatisation, so the other financial black hole will continue as well?
So very few REAL changes then.
You have commented about westernization and globalization being a negative, but we don’t live in a bubble (no pun intended), what exactly are the youth of this Country to do? Go back to the villages?
/
Fernando20 / January 12, 2022
cont: The youth are leaving this country in droves because they can’t see any future prospects, they are not going to live in the past. What we need is rapid development, and as interconnected as the world is this can’t be done in isolation, trying to protect ourselves from ”westernization”.
/
Simon / January 9, 2022
Human Touch: You say: “Ask yourself this, how did AKD suddenly become a Messiah?……. Only bickering”.
I ask you the same question from you. Once I have your answer, I will come back to you.
Re. that “Only bickering”. My observation is that “Bickering” is receiving very serious attention at the moment with the formation of NPP. Recently, Sunil Handuneththi explained this very well. It is on “Youtube”. I will look for it and let you hear it. He said: “We told you all these for long years. Wrote it in prints form and gave you. But you did not care to read. You threw it away. Aren’t we telling the same even today? You now have begun to read and listen. Why? Because you have suffered and continue to suffer.” That “Bickering” is receiving attention.
/
leelagemalli / January 9, 2022
Simon,
This can help those who think that JVPrs were silent then.
.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MdvjGXsWCGc
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People were not in a mode to get it even if JVPrs made every efforts in the line of improvement of the awareness among the people
.
It was but ended up as if it was talking to a the deaf.
/
Human Touch / January 10, 2022
Dear Simon
I am a regular follower of Sepal and I watched this interview a few hours after it was uploaded to YouTube.
To be very honest it was this very interview that made me think twice about the competence of the JVPs team.
His vibes are too basic and at times quite primitive in my humble opinion.
I realized that the JVP guys are concentrating their operations along a very narrow corridor. They have not kept themselves abreast of the times.
That is why they are trying to embellish themselves with the likes of that lady who is polished and speaks eloquently and all. But they are who they are.
People from difficult and underprivileged backgrounds.
I am so sorry, I don’t see them thinking outside the box. They have the ideology that putting the breaks on everything and micromanaging everything is the answer.
In this day and age, we have to think of unconventional ways to approach our extreme situation.
Like I have said many times, we need a new mode of thinking. We need to think on a global level.
We need a Jack Ma or an Elon Musk type of person who will think outside the box or we need an old hand like CBK at the helm.
Trust me.
Once we have beaten the economic crisis and made some money, perhaps we can chose AKD and co.
/
Simon / January 9, 2022
Sinhala_Man: Do you, Sir, think that this man “HT” voted JVP all the time? I doubt it very much. I ask you to read his comment once again. In my opinion, either “HT” is a planted decoy or hasn’t even taken the least trouble to read and understand the policy statements of JVP and presently “JVP/NPP” thus far. I listened to that interview by “Sudaa” and even directed a few questions then and there, but could not get those aired. However, AKD was answering many of the “Concerns” raised by “HT” in his comment. Their “Awareness” of the “Globale” economy, the share that S/L must get of the world trade, how our most valuable “Natural Resources” (such as Phospate, Graphite, Illmanite, Human Resources, etc.) must be made a world commodity by making saleable “Products” through “Foreign Investor” participation on “Capital and Technology” have been very extensively and explicitly explained.
Compare my brief description above with what he says in his comment. I have asked him his own question posed to you and other readers. So far no response. I am still waiting for his answer on what he says how “AKD” has become a “Masayer”.
/
Sinhala_Man / January 11, 2022
“Human Touch” is a good and honest fellow. If he says that he voted for the JVP “all the time”, I believe him.
.
However, I’ve been lambasting the bugger well and truly on WhatsApp for his present stance.
.
He’s good; but just let him wait! I shall “fashion” the bugger as Cassius fashioned Brutus – no, that sounds all wrong. Didn’t Brutus undertake to “fashion” Caius Ligarius?
.
The problem is that I’m a guy who is as ineffective as Marcus Brutus in Upatissa Pethiyagoda’s favourite play.
.
See how ineffective I’ve been with Nathan, despite all my patience in improving the sentence that he himself had written using “soon” twice. And now that I’ve said that, he’ll get even more mad at me!
.
Come, come, Nathan; be not so petulant! We may rile you occasionally, but see how much affection we have for you; contrast with the withering scorn we express for “Eagle Eye”.
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leelagemalli / January 8, 2022
HT,
.
I also believed thaht JVP Handunnetthi and the like few others were narrow minded and only looking at how his chairmenship of COPE branded UNPrs to be the monsters while in the same time, Rajakashes are less-evils.
:
But today, looking back, I believe, JVPrs have learnt a lot. They would not hang on with revengeful acts focusing on – 89 insurngecy- but they have moved an extra mile ….. I like Lal kantha and what he has to say about new-JVP thoughts.
Also, them to have changed their attitudes to dress only in red – is a good step I would say.
Those THANAKOLA EATERS dominated village corners would never forgive JVPrs reminding how some youth were burnt down on tyre pyres in 89 – 92.
There, not just JVPrs to be blamed, but any country, people s unrest would not be different from that. JVPrs were then not politicians, but rebels. So, in that context, if anyone would compare them with elected govts and their reactions…. that is like comparing apples with pears.
:
Besides, JVPrs have now joined hand with NPPers and well realized that JVPrs alone would not be able to win votes in a country, where various, devious men andwomen are re the majority.
/
siri / January 9, 2022
I can observe that the JVP leadership group is much more sophisticated now. They have a good grasp of the situation,political and economic dynamics, and the required future strategy. You are right. They seem to have introduced a ‘new politics’ for new times.
This morning, I was listening to an interview given by Handunetti (see Infolanka) where he talks about the economy and the black economy. He says the economy is in trouble but the black economy is thriving. Politicians are also involved in it. How smart is such observtions? Economy is the one that should benefit all of us. but it is weak and on life support. Black economy serves the interests of a few. Making such conceptual clarifications -insteady of relying on classical economics -is important to understand the current reality. They can come only from experienced and insightful leaders who can illustrate/expose the broken system and its masters.
/
Simon / January 9, 2022
Dear LM: You refer to “89-92” tire payers. Yes, it happened and no one denies it.
I am a “Victim” of that “Season” and know it best, in the sense “How”, “When” and Who” should bear the responsibility for all that mayhem. Since then things have changed very much and so much so, even I have changed for the sake of our country.
Cheers!
/
leelagemalli / January 11, 2022
Simon,
.
Yes, I lost good sorta batcha in that insurgency. But it could happen anywhere where such an unrest is the case: Hope not that current situation in the country would pave the way for another insurgency of that nature. I wish all Rajapkshes would have been eroded out of srilanken soil…… to me, they deserve it.
.
I had a good friend – he is my childhood friend – was in 2nd year Med student at UOC. He too was caught by tyre pyres in that period. Luckily I had the chance to leave the country for europe.
/
siri / January 9, 2022
JVP ,according to the interview, is open to the world but not in a corrupt of wasteful way. He is talking about exports and utilising our education to advance the economy. I have read that it wants to utilie the technological advancements to our advantage. It is seeking ideas through the NPP which is a broad umbrella group of intellectuals,activists,academics and others who do not want to be members of the JVP directly.
Thailand exports vegetables worth 5 billion a year. Can’t we do the same?
Before the pandemic,Australia used to export international education worth 40 billion dollars a year. Can’t we attemot to do this? In such exercise, we should not reproduce Western knowledge,epistemology,methodology,concepts. We need to decvise an education sysem based on the Eastern thought,epistemologies etc. and culturally compatible too but use Western knowledge as necessary -but selectively. At the moment, what is happening is even the local education system(both school and higher) have been heavily influenced by Western colonial thought and practice,disciplines,text books. Our academics get training from Westrn institutions and return to reproduce the same knowledge to our students. So the local knowledge,culture, ways of doing and thinking get sidelines just as it was in the colonial period. What is this non sense? Only the JVP and the NPP in my view can change this.
I think the JVP leaders have a pretty good idea about how to create wealth? You ned to listen to their various talks available online. They have established contacts with other Sri lankans in the diaspora too. We shall not forget the main problem for all these new initiatives. i.e. the broken Governance system and the ruling class that thrives on it while the country is on fire.
/
ramona therese fernando / January 9, 2022
Hi Siri,
–
Yes, I agree!
–
Reading at first, one gets the impression that the JVP-NPP does not include much (or any) global economic plans pertinent for Motherland. But then one that realizes those plans are so futile and outdated. There is a huge change in the way countries are structuring their economic outlooks – what was done a year ago, is already being overhauled at a rapid speed.
–
Let’s face it: The only global industries we can export for a good sum is the Organic and Climate Recovery ones. The Eastern Epistemologies and Methodology Concepts are all the global economic rage now. Only the diligence and commitment of the JVP-NPP can achieve this.
–
Current GoSL went the global exports way in rapacious mode, for example, Chinese Financial City of the global money laundering proportions. All is outdated and highly risky in today’s global economic climate.
–
Yes, and get rid of the old-fashioned, old-methodology, money-grabbing, masses-worshiping (because they see no other way out) ministerial set.
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Jit / January 9, 2022
“….what was done a year ago, is already being overhauled at a rapid speed….”
Ramona, you are absolutely wandering and clueless! I asked how the JVP is going to be free from the India/USA alliance when they wield such power on us. You think you can separate politics from economics in the Indian Ocean?? you are seriously mistaken my friend!! Just 2 weeks ago only India asked Sri Lankan authorities to hold PC election which India enforced us way back in 1990! 32 years ago and they are still harping on that! They dont forget it! And you are saying “….what was done a year ago, is already being overhauled at a rapid speed….” Shows how little people know and no wonder why we are such a clueless nation!
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ramona therese fernando / January 9, 2022
Not at all Jit. But yes, politics and economics are intertwined. In our case, once the Rajapaksas and their despotic stance and outmoded economic policies are removed, all the aforementioned economic policies for Motherland will be put into place via JVP-NPP. They will be a unifying non-ethnic factor that will give the Northerners more hope, and so all these provincial councils and any twinges of separatism will become redundant. Yes, major powers are rapidly restructuring their economics and industry to delve into fresh and brand new innovative global enterprise because the previous ones were stagnant.
/
Jit / January 9, 2022
1 of 2….HT, Thanks for one of the most plain but very rich comments I read for a while. You sum it up very well about this ‘soda bottle’ popularity of JVP/NPP alliance. I don’t dispute their monopoly to brand them as ‘cleanest’ politicians of the country. That could be of their principles or practice, which is as a result of the fact that they never had a chance to be in power in their entire history (I purposely omitted their 3 years ministerial stint with Chandrika govt in early 00s because they didn’t have any absolute power). I am not saying they got involved with any corruption but cannot rule it out in a future government either. Because the electoral system and the mechanism of exercising democratic rights in Sri Lanka is absolutely corrupt because the candidates and most of the voters are corrupt too, so it is very hard not to heed to the petty, selfish demands of voters if you are an ‘elected’ member of the parliament and wish to be re-elected to run long terms in the government! JVP/NPP alliance has not muttered a word how they deal with that vicious way of our electoral system.
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Sinhala_Man / January 9, 2022
Jit, your Part One is all right, but in Part Two is such as to discourage anyone from taking a stand on any matter.
.
Unacceptable to me living in Lanka, whilst you are setting us these impossible tasks from the safety of the USA.
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Jit / January 9, 2022
SM, I deeply respect your liberty to hold your views while living in SL but do not forget I have lived there too and hold my views accordingly. Nothing has changed then and now. That is the pathetic side of this all.
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Jit / January 9, 2022
2 of 2..Also, I agree with you that JVP is still quite narrow-minded in its outlook. Mainly because a major part of their energy and resources are spent on the very easy task – blaming all previous governments plus the current one, but they seriously show poor understanding of the global players who were and are deploying severe influence on our political demography. Blaming all governments are very easy but understanding and having a strong strategy to deal with global powers is more important because Sri Lanka with its strategic location will NEVER be free from superpower influence. That will not be easy to deal with and will be a much, much harder task than narrating nice words to the naïve local crowds.
/
siri / January 9, 2022
Isny this answer too long? Better to write another article when you have such a long response.
Looking at your 2 of 2, I agree that trhe JVP should spend less time on blaming all other parties and more time on explaining their policies for the future. However, we have to understand that they are not in government, it is the government policies that have brought the country to its knees, and the JVP has every right to be critical of both the government policies and parties. After 60 odd years of political experience it is absurd to suggest that the JVP does not have a strong strategy to deal with global powers? we don’t see or hear everything that the JVP does or their internal party deliberations -except when a member of the central or executive committee talks.
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ramona therese fernando / January 9, 2022
Human Touch,
–
JVP-NPP are post-modernists! What you suggest for Motherland is outdated. Forget about all those bygone Tiger economies. Now is the time of Global Socialism, Organic Foods and Climate Change economics, Covid recovery, Eastern Epistemologies and Methodology Concepts. All will be huge money generating engines for Sri Lanka. Right up the JVP-NPP alley!
/
Human Touch / January 9, 2022
Dear Ms. RTF
.
Yes the world has changed since the rise of the asian tigers. Things have become much more complex these days!
.
You have mentioned a few fancy terms like climate change economics, organic food, etc what do those things mean in real terms and in relation to Sri Lanka’s situation?
Organic farming failed woefully in Gotas hands remember, I wonder what AKD can do to turn that around?
.
Wishful thinking is good, but the most important thing is for us to calm down and put things into perspective.
First and foremost let us understand our problem, then we can proffer appropriate solutions.
.
I will not accept anything on face value. Neither will I get seduced by a set of fancy words.
.
I will not like us to make the same mistake of rushing into hero worshiping someone because we are too lazy to dig deep.
.
Hope you understand my viewpoint.
.
Sorry I am not one who will ” go with the ralla “
/
ramona therese fernando / January 9, 2022
Human Touch,
–
Organic farming under Gotabaya is not working because he did it in mad autocratic way…..it had to be a gradual conversion in democratic fashion. Rajapaksas want to do it all ; All the latest fancy new innovative enterprise that is reality to many-a-country, and yet keep the glossy, albeit bygone era and severely unproductive, infrastructure-upon-infrastructure projects of the Tiger economies running at full speed because it looks macho and powerful. Then there is their ethnic-chauvinistic stance that they shamefully put on full display to show their personal power over minorities, but will be actually destructive towards the Sinhala masses because of its divisive policies. Now they are caught up in a huge debt-trap and can’t move. Country money that they placed in offshore accounts for investment purposes (for the top tier, not for the masses), like crypto-currency industry via Chinese Financial City is frozen or completely lost. It might/n’t be released with change of government. If unreleased, powers that are impressed with the non-ethnic stance of JVP-NPP like the US and India, will willingly give us the start-up capital.
/
Human Touch / January 10, 2022
RTF
“Organic farming under Gotabaya is not working because he did it in mad autocratic way….” Seriously RTF you really believe that?
You think that Nandasena and co are so childish that they took a blind gamble on one of our major resources, FOOD, particularly in the time of a crisis?
Do you think they are that stupid….
Here’s what I think 🤔, they deliberately sabotaged our agricultural industry for a variety of reasons.
1. Probably to frustrate farmers out of business and consequently force the value of farmland down.
2. To capture the organic fertilizer market for themselves.
3. To give a foreign country an advantage in agricultural trade.
4. Could be any other reason.
.
But the sudden decision definitely was not a mistake.
After all they killed the Garment industry in Sri Lanka. Most probably killed the Tea industry and the Airline industry as well.
.
To be very candid, organic food business is not something that is practical for the sir Lankan public.
I can explain the dynamics of organic food, but let’s leave it for another time.
.
I can agree with the rest of what you say, except the part where you say US and India will extend a hand towards NFF. Fat chance with that.
/
Mahila / January 10, 2022
Hi HT,
I would not discount the points attributed as a reason right now.
It may well be.
No one has any substantial evidence to prove such is the case!
It could well be another company like Bellimissa floated in Singapore!!! God only knows!
In the absence, we have to conclude, that it was chaotic decision making, without a trial or pilot project, after study by a committee of experts as to the viability and resources needed.
Just like chaotic Gazettes in and out for 2 years, with the Past Secretary of the Treasury for nearly 10 years as the Presidents Secretary – the Gazette issuing authority!!!!!!
How funny.
/
ramona therese fernando / January 10, 2022
Human Touch,
–
Naa….they’re not too bright. Full of hubris and brute force, but no idea how to run the intricacies of country governing. Take Hambantota and Mattala for example. Gota’s Organic farming was exactly like that.
–
UNP on the other hand might kill traditional farmlands for more commercial enterprise, especially with the Ranil plan. They are more deliberating.
–
Motherland has had enough capitalistic ventures – all avenues were tried, and they failed miserably. True we got a few tall buildings that look grand, but in the end, it was all about mass employment in labour camps of the Middle East. For the Honor of our Nation, it is time we go with the Socialists. There’s more money in it nowadays.
/
Fernando20 / January 12, 2022
Good points. Just to add to the comment why organic farming is not practical for SL, since you haven’t elaborated. I think one of the main drawbacks is that organic food is more expensive (as the process is more time consuming). This is the case in most countries, and SL being a lower income nation will still have food shortages because the organic food will be out of the price range of most consumers. Our average income needs to go up BEFORE the organic story comes into play.
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Mahila / January 10, 2022
HT,
I fully agree that it must after deep and detailed study!!
We cannot afford to “jump from the frying pan into the fire!”
/
Ajith / January 8, 2022
Some more questions?
What is the JVP policy on devolution of power to North East Tamil speaking people? What is the policy on 13th amendment?
What is the policy on Military and Police? Currently, the military is fully represented by Sinhalese only. How they are going to change that?
What is the policy on Buddhism?
/
Sinhala_Man / January 8, 2022
Dear Ajith,
.
Three sets of questions from you – all about Tamils. Even when you ask about policy on Buddhism, your concern appears to be mostly whether we Sinhalese won’t be allowed to force what I consider to be the best major “religion” in the world on you guys.
.
Actually, I don’t know much Buddhism; my background is Anglican-Christianity. I much preferred Christianity as understood by the Quakers and by Tolstoy. However, I now fear that I’m not sufficiently intelligent to understand matters ineffable.
.
Now Ajith, am I right in feeling that you’re a “Tamil” from a Hindu background? If so, you’re quite right to ask these questions; they are of vital importance to you. As such, I have given you a LIKE.
.
Had a Sinhalayo-Buddhist asked those questions, I’d have asked the guy to focus on the really important issues.
.
Panini Edirisinhe (NIC 483111444V)
.
/
Ajith / January 8, 2022
Dear Sinhala_Man,
Yes. I am a Tamil and Hindu by Birth but I am not against Buddhism or any other religion. I also love the principles of Religion. My concerns are not about Religion or principles of religion but against those politicians and Priests misuse the special status given in the constitution to create violence against other religions or people who follow the faith of their religion. JVP may be give guarantee or say that it will not happen when they come to power but there is no guarantee will they be elected next time in a democracy. We all know that it was the JVP who went to court to de-merge the North-East Provincial council.
Thanks for your like but I don’t bother about how many likes I am getting.
/
Sinhala_Man / January 9, 2022
Dear Ajith,
.
I’m only a guy who supports the NPP. I trust their current leaders. The JVP has made mistakes in the past.
.
I don’t think that I’m a racist. Do you suspect me of secretly being one?
.
Panini
/
Ajith / January 9, 2022
There is nothing wrong in supporting JVP. JVP may be better than SLFP/SLPP or UNP/SJB. If I want to give my vote to JVP they need to be transparent and open to their policies and they need to reach people.
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Ajith / January 9, 2022
Sinhala_Man,
Sorry, I didn’t answer to your question. The answer is No.
/
leelagemalli / January 9, 2022
Ajith,
.
first of all, we should stop calling us ” I am tamil” – or ” I am sinhala”. – as is the case, you have to face up it in abroad, they consider us as ” srilankens”:
.
We should be ashamed to see yet in 2022, that passport/identity cards be printed as ” sinhalese /tamils”.
–
/
Mahila / January 10, 2022
LLM,
“We should be ashamed to see yet in 2022, that passport/identity cards be printed as ”Sinhalese /Tamils”.”
I agree fully 100%!
I am surprised that in this Stone Age this is so!!
Perhaps, I would have been the first to get Sri Lankan Passport ‘Nationality’, classified as ‘SRI LANKAN’, way back in September /October 1983!
Not easy, but arguing the word Nationality derives from Nation which is DS Republic of SL
My then boss in 1984 too had his new passport declared as Sri Lankan!!! Many others too had their passports same classification, thereafter!
My question is,
1. Why?
2. How?
3. When?
It reverted back to identify Nationality referred on Ethnic (‘Jathiya’) basis than on the Nation???
I am sure by most PATRIOTIC Modaya of SL nation, pursuit of the goal of cleansing the perceived Traitors of the country, but indirectly growing their numbers.
Who is the Modaya? I mean the guy who changed this progressive measure??
He/They must be found, and Lynched alive or on a stake as in prehistoric times!!!!!!!!!!!!
Same Story ‘Organic Agriculture’???!!!!
What a backward step in Sri Lankan history.
We take “One step forward and take 2 backwards to compensate”!! Whither progress”””!!!!
/
old codger / January 11, 2022
Mahila,
I don’t think our passports or ID cards mention ethnicity nowadays. But it’s always obvious from the name. Not sure about birth certificates.
/
leelagemalli / January 11, 2022
This is right / thank u😎😎😎😎
I now have latest info/
.
Mahila/ apologies for my anecdotal info😥😥😥😥
/
old codger / January 9, 2022
S.M,
“now fear that I’m not sufficiently intelligent to understand matters ineffable.”
I don’t think it is possible to understand these matters of faith. You are intelligent enough to understand that many who claim to know are faking it. Like the Emperor’s clothes, you see.
/
siri / January 9, 2022
Direct such questions to Sudaththa.He will have another interview with AKD later. Obviously the current system is very messy,wasteful and expensive. We need a simple system of governance that actually serves the people rather than the political class including their friends and families. If we have a good parliamentay system based on electorates plus an upper house(senate), and a better Local Government System that will do the job. It is not rocket science. Sri Lanka is too small to have too many (ineffective)layers of government. Basic services are not provided unless you go after officials over and over again. Passport office used to be good in a previous government not sure now?
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siri / January 12, 2022
For those living in Australia, there is a Zoom meeting with Handunetti and Anil Jayantha on the 15th. You can ask such questions in the meeting. or submit the Q beforehand to the organiser. ID 82169338467 Passcore 617833
Coordinator-Dr. Arosha Vidyabhushana-President, National Intellectuals Organisation Tel: 0466384635
/
Jit / January 8, 2022
1 of 3…..There is no doubt that the JVP/NPP have already mobilized a stronger, progressive, and democratic political and social capital in the country than they have ever done in their history of six decades. Needless to mention it is because of the utter mess Rajapaksa gang has created over 10 years, with no light in the vicinity from this hell hole where people are suffering every minute. However, I don’t have much faith that the JVP/NPP as a political movement are capable of rescuing the country from the current hell hole plus maintain a sustainable long term government that can give Sri Lankans some hope in to the future, due to few of these factors:
A. Inability to mobilize wider social empathy: If JVP has a genuine desire to get power to steer the country on the right pathway, first of all they must admit the failures of their two insurrections and apologize unconditionally to the families of which members were killed by JVP because of their affiliations to either UNP, CP, LSSP, Mahajana Party and SLFP. They have not done that so far but celebrate their ‘heroes’ only twice every year. Absolute hypocrisy!
/
Jit / January 8, 2022
2 of 3
B. Their love affair with China: Anybody knows the current despicable state of Sri Lanka is predominantly created by looting the national wealth by the Rajapaksa family. China is the main single provider of that loot, by giving high interest loans to white elephant projects and turning a blind eye while the gang robbed up to 40-50% of the loans obtained. Today, the whole nation is paying through the nose for that and JVP knows that pretty well too. They are yet to tell the nation how they intend to distance themselves from the China Inc., and free us from their economic hegemony.
C. Selective trust mode: AKD says he will not trust other political parties but will work with ‘some’ individuals. It is not only the JVP that has lot of frustrated citizens as members, but from all other political parties too, except Pohottu party. Heaps of people are rallied around main opposition parties for ages and it is stupid to think they will drop their parties and join NPP individually to participate in a future consensual government.
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old codger / January 8, 2022
Jit,
“predominantly created by looting the national wealth by the Rajapaksa family. China is the main single provider of that loot”
That is like blaming the rape victim for not dressing modestly. Chinese debt in any case is a small part of the total. It is true that the rates are high. It is we who took the loans. Nobody forced us to build unnecessary highways which caused traffic jams in Colombo, which needed more overpasses to resolve. Nobody forced us to build empty airports or harbours or stadiums all named after one man.
The Rajapaksas are to blame for this mess. Did they not even consider that at the end of a very expensive war, taking more loans was suicidal?
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Human Touch / January 8, 2022
Dear Old Cogger
.
Not everything is as it appears.
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We didn’t force china to build anything, China roped us into getting them involved in our projects. Many of which are of benefit to them.
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Most times they used their veto power at the UN to bail Mara out of human rights issues, in return he had to consent to Chinese contracts such as Hambanthota Inland harbour. Which is actually a strategic asset.
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Just check it out, each time there was UN pressure, Mara met with Chinese government and almost immediately a new contract was awarded, and the matter in the UN was quenched.
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Obviously, it was a win-win for Mara, he got saved from UN issues and China would give him a cut from the contract and interest payments.
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China has done this in many other countries. It is nothing new. Now we pay the price.
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When a leader puts himself before the country this is what happens.
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old codger / January 8, 2022
HT,
My point is that we are very good at blaming evil foreigners for our problems. Shouldn’t our so-called leaders have known that we were living beyond our means? Foreign lenders will lend money. That is their business.
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Human Touch / January 8, 2022
Dear OC.
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Yeah, You are very correct, we should not be blaming other nations for the foolishness of our leaders….
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I was only highlighting the fact that Mara and Co. dined with the devil because of their selfish interest.
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Now the country is at a deadlock. The population is suffering and will have to bare the consequences for the deliberate blunders and generations will have to pay.
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leelagemalli / January 10, 2022
HT@
Yet today/
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“I was only highlighting the fact that Mara and Co. dined with the devil because of their selfish interest”.
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The plane loads Mara et at then brought to Europe on the cost of tax payers emptied state treasury on an on. But why main media stream media was not vocal enough?.
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And fake public perception paved the way known high criminal s to get to their usual mode with even a more mandate/?????.
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Recent entourage of MaRa et at to Bologna Italy had costed nearly 30 millions / why on earth the media bury the kind of facts or mitigate them yet today.
🐃🐃🐃🐃🐃🐃🐃😎😎😎😎😎
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siri / January 9, 2022
We have to blame ourselves too for not monitoring the direction of the country over the last decades. Where have we been? There is enough blame about the leaders. we know they have taken us towards a promised land but failed. it is now time to think about what we can do as individuals,groups,networks, alliances, Old boys and Girls associations,clubs, Temple associations, etc. Our energies should be directed at a futue program of action and those who will drive it.
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Mahila / January 10, 2022
Siri,
Until 6 years ago we were frightened of Grease Yakkas first and then marauding Kidnappers and murderers in white van and Trail Bikes.
How to ask questions.
Now all are behaving well as Good “Pussas”
They are showing a different ‘Face’
/
siri / January 9, 2022
Managing a nation’s economy is like managing a household economy. Income and expenditure. Our keaders wee focused on borrowing and spending not generting income through production and manufacturing plus export.?
/
old codger / January 9, 2022
Siri,
Living beyond our means is a national characteristic. I think, for a start, all personal credit and hire purchase schemes must be banned. Let people buy only what they can afford. This will be bad for dealers in consumer goods, but good for the country.
/
Eagle Eye / January 8, 2022
old codger,
“The Rajapaksas are to blame for this mess.”
—-
Ts and Ms who ruined this country by resorting to violence and terrorism always try to clean their blood-soaked hands by putting the blame on Rajapakshes who brought peace and stability by eliminating Tamil terrorists who terrorized the people for three decades.
/
Mahila / January 10, 2022
Blame the same bu—rs for bribing them with the RDA or Tsunami (Helping “Humbiyas Tota”) Money to ensure the terrorist guns are trained to muzzle the vote, which would have gone towards RW in 2006 to defeat RW and win the election!
Win elections earn money!!!!
You wouldn’t dare challenge the miscreants??
Some jokers and idiosyncratic people, may believe it!!! None with basic intelligence!!
Go and tell them and they may give a silent ear!!
We know, where they went and Sri Lankans, one and all should be determined to salvage for SL’s future prosperity.
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Jit / January 9, 2022
Oldie, Re- your analogy, I do not think china is the rape victim here, neither the Rajapaksa gang, but the poor Sri Lankans are!! HC has given a good reply so I would not elaborate much. However, in international aid and loans, it is a fundamental requirement to make sure the aid is managed in an effective and efficient manner and not used for any other purpose not intended in the loan documents. Those are basics in international aid/loans and the lending country strictly monitor the progress and management of the progress phases or else the next installment would not be disbursed. You ask yourself whether China did that due diligence with regard to all the loans they granted to the gang!
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old codger / January 9, 2022
Jit,
“However, in international aid and loans, it is a fundamental requirement to make sure the aid is managed in an effective and efficient manner”
China did not give “aid”. What it gave were commercial loans. The ADB simply refused to give loans for what it saw as non-viable projects. Commercial lenders aren’t bothered what you do with the money. They , like the poli mudalali, will seize your property if you don’t pay. Is it the poli mudalali’s fault if he gives you money when you ask?
/
Jit / January 10, 2022
OC, I disagree. You go to any commercial bank to get a loan say, a housing loan. Dont they lay down conditions that the loan would be released in installments?
Structure amount released after foundation completed, roof money after structure was completed…etc.,? Will they credit you the entire loan amount to your account on day 1?
/
old codger / January 10, 2022
Jit,
There is something called a “personal loan” that you can get with collateral and no conditions. That’s what the Chinese loans were. When you can’t pay, you lose the collateral.
The ADB or WB don’t take collateral, but finance only viable projects.
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MyView / January 10, 2022
Dear Jit & OC.
Commercial loans or aid, is not the real issue. It is the lenders final aim – give in instalments to safeguard one’s own exposure to failure by giving in instalments which also helps in minimising the interest payable being staggered – (genuine help), as against the ulterior motive of grabbing the security offered or grabbing a foothold in a country by just not imposing conditions, knowing it is unlikely to be repaid, and you will have the borrower on a leash or stranded out on a limb – (an ulterior motive).
Reminds one of “Easy Come – Easy Go.”
Yes it the foolishness of the borrower not to know 0r just go ahead recklessly.
/
MyView / January 8, 2022
Dear Jit,
I really endorse point C above :…. Selective trust mode: AKD says he will not trust other political parties but will work with ‘some’ individuals…… …… Heaps of people are rallied around main opposition parties for ages and it is stupid to think they will drop their parties and join NPP individually to participate in a future consensual government….
AKD seems to overestimate their position.
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siri / January 9, 2022
At least they are trying to expand to the village level. Listen to the talk AKD gave at the Kabndy District conference recently. In addition to district level committees they are expanding into villages.
Lal Kantha recently said that people ask how can they support? He tells them we dont need support. Do the job together.
Grassroots political acvitity is something that I have been advocating through CT and otehr means for several years. Glad to see that the JVPO and NPP have taken the idea and applying it in 2022.
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Sinhala_Man / January 9, 2022
Let’s be specific, MyView (for whose straight talking I have immense respect). I fully agree that those wanting to join the non-sectarian NPP (it’s not a pre-condition that we all start reading Marx, Trotsky, and Gramsci) must come as individuals, not demanding nomination, quite apart from portfolios.
.
The SJB does have some good people who have unfortunately become career politicians. Mangala Samaraweera was almost the only politician to decide to retire. I can’t see the SJB getting anywhere until they ditch Sajith. Watch – 8 minutes.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WV3U4REJmKY&t=239s
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Sajith goes round and round in circles, without saying anything. How does one deal with such an ass who wants to display that he knows some polysyllabic English words? Whilst listening to this, please observe the expression on Palki Sharma’s face. It is obvious that she has rarely come across such filibuster.
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NPP must not enter into coalition pacts now. Assess situation after next elections.
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Jit / January 8, 2022
3 of 3
D. Poor understanding of major international players: What is JVP stance on India and the USA? Two countries which pump severe influence on our political demography but a pair unfortunately we cannot get rid of, so we have to learn to live with. How does JVP going to balance the relationships with Chinese camp and India/USA camp? AKD has not divulged his strategy with India/USA alliance which has played MAJOR roles in ANYTHING in Sri Lanka, although 99% of population would not believe it. One fine example is the ending of the civil war in 2008. It was nothing to do with any capability of these world class pirates who are still in power! We could never win over LTTE since late 70s because India and USA did not want us to. The moment they decided it was the right time, they did the needful and VP was captured. Rest is history.
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Human Touch / January 8, 2022
Jit
Correct, USA and India can change the tide. At the same time we need to balance China.
Rescuing our country need a very high level of international experience, recognition and goodwill.
That in my humble opinion can be handled by CBK, only.
/
siri / January 9, 2022
Abnovbe question was not asked in the interview.
/
MyView / January 8, 2022
Unfortunately, a very big expense to state coffers is the pension to MPs after 5 years. Will JVP/NPP cancel this scheme and stop all payments ?
..Then the party makes a common decision on each individual…
So he avoids/sidesteps the question on Nagananda. May be he is too much for the JVP/NPP with their simplistic leaders.
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MyView / January 8, 2022
It is true that Dr. Harini is the only one of stature in the JVP/NPP hierarchy. Earlier the Auditor General Mayadunne was the very shortlived MP, but had to give way. The JVP needs more than just individuals, quite good enough to criticise. They are cliquish enough to avoid good people like NK. In fact in that short lived honeymoon with CBK when they had 3 cabinet portfolios, did they achieve anything of significance? They may make a good opposition, but I believe they do not have the ‘oomph’ to run a government as they are composed of now.
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Sinhala_Man / January 9, 2022
I have met Nagananda briefly, and know some people working with him quite well.
.
Nagananda is a courageous and honest man, but he is a loner. He has a few obsessions, the Constitution in particular. The Constitution is important, but there’s no way talking about it is going to win elections. And if an election is not won in such a way that Nagananda has undisputed power, he cannot change the constitution.
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How many are aware of the systems of voting for the President? That there are three Preferences that can be exercised? How many of those commenting are making any effort to educate the voting public?
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Being well-meaning is not enough. If Nagananda comes in he, more than even others, should come in as an individual. He just doesn’t listen.
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As for CBK, is she willing to play a role any more?
.
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old codger / January 10, 2022
SM,
“Nagananda is a courageous and honest man, but he is a loner. He has a few obsessions, the Constitution in particular”
Not surprising for a lawyer. But the problem is in implementation. The police implement laws which don’t exist, like the one against
” insulting the President”. And laws which do exist are implemented in a biased way or not at all.
/
siri / January 9, 2022
Do we know who the members of JVP Central Committee?
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Sinhala_Man / January 11, 2022
Yes, I saw it somewhere.
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AKD, “the leader”; but Tivlin Silva has a more vital full-time role to play as JVP Secretary. I’m proud to say that I met him at a “pocket meeting” in “Diyabibila village” in Bandarawela.
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These guys are doing their best, and I get mad at the fellows who say, “not enough”. Armchair critics like HT!
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And isn’t the Secretary of the NPP a medical man, Dr Nihal Abesinghe? Siri, please correct if I’m wrong!
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https://www.npp.lk/en/
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Also, during a 32-minute telephone chat with MP, Vijitha Herath, he told me that fellows like me needn’t read Marx, Engels, Lenin, Gramsci, et al.
.
Can nugatory fellows like me even talk to these other MPP? Well, a few the SJB, may be. Rajapaksas? Why, man they do bestride the narrow world like colossi.
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We don’t have ambitions of becoming Ministers, or even Pradeshiya Sabha (i.e. Village Council) members.
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We will vote for the sake of our grandchildren, and then creep into our graves.
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SJ / January 11, 2022
Siri
Do we need to?
The party membership elects them.
There is no secret about it, but these are things that need not be in the public domain.
Who pays money to parties is more important.
/
Manel Fonseka / January 8, 2022
A ‘hell hole’?
This morning I sent an email to a Sri Lankan in the US who abandoned this country many years ago. The loss was this country’s but he did continue to research & write about & contribute considerably to an understanding of Sri Lanka.
Inter alia, I described the unhappy situation here that led to a rare return to the country of my birth, a few years ago, & said that I wish I could have stayed there, but “I had no choice but to return to this hell hole…”
–
After sending off that very negative, pessimistic letter, I began to regret using those 2 little words, ‘h’ words — did I exaggerate? Are things really so bleak? Am I forgetting the good things, the positives that still survive? I don’t think I have ever used such words before – of anywhere. Perhaps I should email again & withdraw them… I didn’t…
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But I have just discovered they have been used here, twice….twice, by someone — someone far more “authentic” than I dare claim to be. And probably more qualified & having more right to do so.
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chiv / January 9, 2022
Manel as a Lankan I may feel different but as a human dosen’t think there is any thing wrong in how you feel right now. All this country and mother land sentiment may have feel good value but not good enough for a decent living. Definitely as a parent my commitment is to my child providing a better quality of living and certainly not go through some of what I had in Silly Lanka. People do walk out of relationships, jobs , their own houses, from their families for good reasons and why mot from country?? When a country dosen’t want or deserve me why bother. ( unless it’s like those who hang on to abusive relationships)
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Sinhala_Man / January 11, 2022
chiv,
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I’m sure that there are many of us who want you.
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Well, since I haven’t conduce a poll, I guess it wouldn’t be correct to speak for others. As for me, yes, I definitely want you.
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leelagemalli / January 9, 2022
Dear Manel,
.
Who are the architects of the hell hole ?
–
Buddhagama – which is being practised in SL today is far from the true teachings of buddha.
.
–
“After sending off that very negative, pessimistic letter, I began to regret using those 2 little words, ‘h’ words — did I exaggerate? Are things really so bleak? Am I forgetting the good things, the positives that still survive? I don’t think I have ever used such words before – of anywhere. Perhaps I should email again & withdraw them… I didn’t…”
–
You question ” Are things really so bleak ?”
.
Also yesterday my eyes could not believe, but the facts as they are all, people live with anxities – keeping Gas-Cylinders in their kitchens. Not a single statement came from president yet on the alarming issue…. so what do you make of the situation ?
You would not realize the gravity of the problem – because you dont follow sinhala telecasts.
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I think main stream media is to be blamed for all the mess. Their breaking and irresponsible news telecasts misled the people. Leader the elected is not at all sensitive enough to people s problems today.
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Manel Fonseka / January 9, 2022
Leelagemalli
from Leelage akka
Re: You would not realize the gravity of the problem – because you dont follow sinhala telecasts.”
–
But I do read the English press, & even more impt, I LIVE here & experience & worry about the situation, & have a maid who comes from Dematagoda several days a week, who is also my responsibility. (She’s also been in fear for years that GR will demolish her tiny abode). And like millions of others I’m anxious about the gas. Mine shd run out any minute. I just tried making an omlette in the microwave! Dont recommend it. And I cant find my old electric kettle which I stopped using years ago when electricity got too expensive, so what to do about drinking water? Kerosene & wood out of the question where I live.
Nearly 50 years ago, travelling with friends by car, I learnt to cook rice (surreptitiously in hotel bedrooms) by starting it on a very small gas cylinder & then wrapping the pot in blankets. With the room door safely locked of course. Or we’d have been thrown out. I don’t spose even the JVP-NPP has solutions for such mundane problems.
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leelagemalli / January 9, 2022
Nooptios left but to pray unknown gods Manel Akka/ I think the the state of the cancer is beyond cure/or it can take another few decades😥😥😥😥😥
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siri / January 9, 2022
This is an excellent opportunity for the JVP and other like minded parties/groups to assist the suffering Lankans (setting aside political arguments for a moment). I have advocated them to engage in vountary service helping those who need such help prctically e.g. elderly,sick,poor,marginalised, oppressed. I remember reading about the life of late Rev. Henpitagedera Ghnaseeha in a newspaper article that my father had kept for me to read long time ago. I think I still have it. He used to visit low caste villages off Rathnapura area at a time when most other monks did not visit. So the analysis and interpretation of the political and economic condition is important but practical action is much more important.
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leelagemalli / January 11, 2022
Please listen to Dr HW,
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This lady joins srilanken politics without having any personal agendas. I go back to Ms Merkel s younger days. I compare it with that of Harini s.. … why not you guys do it … for a better srilanka ?
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YM21KkNy84U
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The head of state would praise of a boy who asked him why not trying to extend further two years,….. while Dr Harini Wijesooriya – with lot more talents to become Dr Merkel or the like personalitiees for the future of this island nation, makes it very clear….highlighting how some youth think of NPP …. etc… it is the need of the hour NPP to go to grass root of people … day by day and win the hearts and minds of the people —- using the simple langauge free from statistics…. then only they can breaks the various walls aroud those masses who are the most decisive factor in srilanken elections.
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SJ / January 11, 2022
Manel
Such reference was most uncharacteristic of you.
Your sense of decency demanded a regret, and you did the right thing.
There are those who say nastier things and are thrilled about it.
Many of us are angry about many things, but try to be positive, and some even seek to put things right.
There is a lot of cursing of darkness, but not the heart to light a candle..
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Manel Fonseka / January 8, 2022
I refer to Jit’s:
‘Needless to mention it is because of the utter mess Rajapaksa gang has created over 10 years,
with no light in the vicinity from this hell hole
where people are suffering every minute.
However, I don’t have much faith that the JVP/NPP as a political movement are capable
of rescuing the country from the current hell hole…’
/
Manel Fonseka / January 8, 2022
Sadly, I’m sorry to say that I dont have much faith either
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nimal fernando / January 8, 2022
Manel,
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Sadly I have to agree with you. I feel, perhaps not the JVP, but AKD is honest and incorruptible ……… but those qualities/traits alone are not enough to rescue SL at this stage.
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It’s hard for me to see how a modern economist can fit in to an outfit like JVP …….. that’s still bogged down in long discarded concepts …………
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Native Vedda / January 9, 2022
nimal fernando
–
“It’s hard for me to see how a modern economist can fit in to an outfit like JVP”
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Find one or two British trained Government economists, they will house train AKD and his ministers , so that all of them will go native, nothing will be done, they will make sure no radical changes are made to nation’s economy.
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siri / January 9, 2022
If hyou dont have faith why dont you consider getting involved and supporting them to move forward?
Looking at the problems at a safe distance and criticising is the hallmark of our educated lot -within and outside the country. THis is why I wrote the otehr article about the role of educated class in the future transformation of society. If you dont think the JVP and NPP will not be able to rescue the country from its current mess, then develop and alternative network /party to do the jhob by joining with like minded people. Action is what is necessary -not criticism alone. No disrespect intended here.
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Jit / January 9, 2022
Dr Gamage, you say “……. Looking at the problems at a safe distance and criticizing is the hallmark of our educated lot -within and outside the country…..”. I disagree!
What is the prime duty of the ‘educated lot’? At least to do critical thinking on things they see as issues, whereas the common man does not. I believe you belong to the ‘educated lot’; are not a medical doctor. Therefore, as one who has done your doctoral studies, you must know that the main aspect of critical thinking is to analyze, evaluate, argue, to make reasoning for those arguments and finally give your own interpretations on a certain phenomenon. That process needs critiquing skills, does not necessarily warrant one to do any action plans or make blueprints for such or do any actions either. Simply they can show algorithms to people like why 2+3 is not 4. If you believe you can be part of the action group – that is fine! But remember that there are many people in the ‘educated lot’ who only want to be analysts and observers and you can’t find fault with that. Its just what they are trained to do. No disrespect intended please!
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siri / January 10, 2022
I broadly agree with hyour view here but do we want critical thinkers as a Brahmin group who only preech to the uneducated? This is why we have the phenomenon in Lanka called ‘intellectuals’ i.e. political intellectuals. Getting a university degree(or multiple degrees) in a discipline does not make one an intellectual. Furrthermore, using Western theories, concepts, readings of one’s own country does not make one an intellectual. Intellectualism without corresponding political action is not necessarily helpful at a critical point like the present one when people are seeking solutions to life probems. Ideas -critical or otherwise-need to help people to understand the complex situation they have been thrown into on one hand and show the direction for salvation. Still our higher education system trains students to be arm chair thinkers(without getting the foot dirty). As in the colonial times, even Social science students specialising in the subjects are sent to the so-called FIELD to collect data for analysis. My concern is that our fellow authors -established and emerging- in CT are spending enormous space and time for looking back rather than looking forward? Why do we spend time in talking about Senanayakes,Bandaranayakes, Premadasas etc. instead of those who devoted their life to freedom, nation-building and human progress? Was it only the political leaders who constructed our society and its institutions -for better or worse? We need to dig deep into the history to find out those who presented ideas for societal progress as a nation rarther than tnhose who tried to divide.
/
Jit / January 10, 2022
1 of 2…Siri, appreciate your long reply, here are my comments which will be the last in this forum:
1. You say you do not expect everybody to be critical thinkers. I don’t either. But at least in your own terms – the ‘educated lot ‘ should be. You seem to believe that is not necessary to run a country, so I rest my case!
2. Finding fault with western education system which is a very popular game in Sri Lanka, particularly by those benefited from itself. “…Furthermore, using Western theories, concepts, readings of one’s own country does not make one an intellectual….” Really?? Do you think you are an intellectual? What did you learn in your higher studies? Not western scientific research method? Or Peruvian Inca techniques, Indian yoga methods, Chinese Acupuncture or sherpa techniques of Nepalese people??
/
Jit / January 10, 2022
2 of 2
1. I do not condone armchair intellectuals either, but western education system did NOT produce them. They are there because of a faulty hybrid i.e.: traditional lazy Sri Lankan cultures cloning with high profile western job titles. Doctors, Engineers, Lawyers, Accountants…rings a bell? If you go to any civil project in a western country, you will see the chief project manager is always in the site with dirt all over his work cloths! It is a far cry from the lazy Sri Lankan Engineers who run projects from AC rooms.
2. “…. My concern is that our fellow authors -established and emerging- in CT are spending enormous space and time for looking back rather than looking forward…” Even your favourite party JVP/NPP is looking back all the time to blame all other political parties too. The very reason why most Sri Lankan intellectuals whether at CT or elsewhere are looking back is because they don’t trust ANYONE now! They have been highly let down by ALL parties – that includes JVP too, which almost crippled the entire economy in 1989 with their blinking toy wars that ended with 60,000 dead people!
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chiv / January 10, 2022
Sadly, my 95 year old mom and me have resigned to the fact that “Lanka as a country is a basket case” with no hope what so ever.
/
SJ / January 11, 2022
Manel
The JVP has to do a lot of work to do to make themselves a credible force– not appearing to be one.
They are not seriously Marxist, and that is no crime. But to pose off as something that one is not is bad.
A party that wants to transform society must have an ideology to guide it.
The JVP had a chance in the period 1979-81, but it blew it and went back to its chauvinism. Lionael Bopage deserted JVP after his efforts were wasted.
Many communist parties of Europe redefined themselves as social democrats, while dissenters continue with the ideology. In both cases there is clarity about their political line.
JVP’s talk about a ‘Srilankanness’ is woolly. It is only an escape from reality.
In Year 2000 it uncritically welcomed support from India and US to fight the war.
It went to the Mahanayakes to bless the JVP manifesto. In 2005 it joined hands with the JHU. That is opportunism.
The JVP should spell out its ideology for it to know itself before the people know it unambiguously.
I am not sure if it is opportunism or naivete that makes some see a Messiah in a JVP which has yet to tell us how it is different from what it was in 1971, 1978 and 1988-9.
/
Jit / January 9, 2022
Manel, I am not sure whether you addressed me or not, but I will respond anyways. I firmly believe ‘hell hole’ is an amorphous concept. It changes on the individuals; one makes their own hell hole or not. To me, that depends on important two factors – perceptions of a certain environment as well as the real-life experience in it which can be termed as internal and external factors. You may perceive a particular palace a heaven but actually things may not be that rosy. But you may not be ready to accept the latter because the former is overpowering. And vice versa. It is a bit rare one gets both positive, but as I said it depends on your own making. I have made both very positive and do not worry on many things in my life as most do, because my psyche is very lightweight. That works for me and quite contended with it. I am sure you made your own choices, and you probably are contended with those too. If you did, then you are not living in a hell hole although others may view it differently. Does it matter anyway?
/
Manel Fonseka / January 10, 2022
“Does it matter, anway?”
I dont know, Jit.
Does anything, for that matter?
I envy you your “light psyche”.
/
Raj-UK / January 8, 2022
We have only 2 mainstream parties opposing the current failed regime. Of the party leaders, Premadasa jnr. has skeletons in his cupboard & I am not impressed with his international credentials either, therefore, remain sceptic. On the other hand, I am impressed with AKD but the NPP, with JVP underpinnings, is also with baggage. They have yet to publicly apologise for the destruction & murder of innocent civilians, & as socialists with a dangerous past, I am suspicious, how sincere AKD’s intentions maybe. Therefore, I look forward to read their manifesto on-line, if available, to be convinced.
I would be interested in their foreign policy, taxation & the economic recovery plan. Then there is the question, why need a people’s mandate to bring those who robbed the country to justice? Why not, at least, draw up a list of all those suspected of corruption, abuse of power & mismanagement from the incept of the Presidential system, inclusive of dead & living Presidents, PMs & all the cronies, so that they will be named & shamed in public? I am sure such a list would include the all current politicians & the rubbish can be swept away once & for all.
As socialists, are they prepared to do away with Parliamentary privileges, from subsidised meals to perks like duty free vehicles & generous pensions, & use that money to provide a state pension for all citizens? So, AKD, spell out the details.
Cont.
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Raj-UK / January 8, 2022
Cont,
Just to remind those in SL, MPs in UK are not given vehicles, nor bodyguards, despite the fact that a couple of MP’s have been murdered in recent years. When attending Parliament, their first class train fare & overnight hotel stay reimbursed if the constituency is far from London. Only Ministers are provided with a vehicle, which is leased by the respective Ministry, along with a seconded Police driver & bodyguard. The PM is provided with 2 vehicles & another back up vehicle with bodyguards. Only the PM is entitled to a motorcade & that is only on state functions & that applies to the Royalty as well. Everybody is entitled to the same state pension which is built on deductions from the salary as National Insurance. In contrast to the perks of politicians in the 6th biggest economy, bankrupt SL is a paradise for uneducated politicians.
AKD, if you are unaware, please take note & reform SL’s self serving political system. Can you take the challenge?
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siri / January 10, 2022
In the name of democracy what Sri Lanka has constructed over the decades after independence is a system -feudal in nature- where politically involved families get undue privileges by way of various poerks,positions,vehicles, influence in making decisions, etc. After the elections democracy is in fact is subverted. The system in place is in fact far worse than the one existed during the British colonial time when it comes to social justice. So at the elections voters in fact vote to elect a political class who are supposed to make decisions on behalf of all in theory but in practice the story is quite the opposite.
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SJ / January 11, 2022
Has any former colony that has not truly broken with its colonial heritage behaved any differently?
Our dominant ideology is feudal despite capitalist penetration of the economy. We are saddled with a system that is unsuitable for us.
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Agnos / January 9, 2022
.AKD still seems to be tiptoeing around minority rights, by simply saying ‘equal rights.’ That will limit its outreach to them.
By staying as a socialist left party, it may go from 3% to 10-15%, not more. It will have to form an alliance with a center-left party. The NPP cannot eliminate corruption overnight, so in the interim, they will have to compromise with parties like SJB that still have popular support.
In India, Congress is more corrupt than the BJP, but if one is from the secular left, the only option nationally is to come to a coalition agreement with the Congress. And despite having the same level as or even worse corruption than in SL, India has found ways to keep growth rates high. The NPP will need a dose of pragmatism if it is to wield any significant power.
Among developing countries, SL probably has the highest military to civilian ratio. Nearly 13 years after the end of the war, with the North-East having been quiescent all along, how can anyone justify such a massive expenditure on the military? High overhead costs keep the country’s economy down, but that is nowhere in AKD’s rhetoric
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SJ / January 11, 2022
Agnos
The JVP does not recognize Tamils, Muslims and Hill Country as distinct ethnic groups, strictly nationalities in my dictionary.
The Tamil nationalists do not recognize Muslims and Hill Country as distinct groups.
The attitude is one of hegemony.
The UNP and SLFP were at some stage willing to devolve power. The JVP stubbornly refused. Has it not given thought to it even after the tragic war?
Power by hook or by crook leads to disaster.
Being truthful and open to criticism and correction may not win votes but will build a committed following that can achieve things– certainly when all else on offer fail.
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Mallaiyuran / January 9, 2022
Singapore which got freedom in 1960 has gone far beyond any others. Lankawe which got freedom under sole dictatorship, has to have a Lee to be born in it.
Jayawewa Aluth Hitler (Stalin?) King , because our next five years is still vacant without real unscrupulous crook come to the stage.
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Eagle Eye / January 9, 2022
Mallaiyuran,
If Sinhale had a person like Lee Kuan Yew, separatist Tamils and Marxist politicians would not have had the chance to play hell and ruin the economy.
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Jit / January 9, 2022
If Sinhalese had a leader like LKY, he would never go worshiping Gnanakka and yellow robed s**t bags either!
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Sinhala_Man / January 9, 2022
Jit, think of possible solutions. Haven’t you yet learnt that there’s no point crying for the moon?
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You must necessarily make up your own mind, but I’m leaving no doubt in anybody’s mind about how I intend voting. I’ll never be a hide bound supporter, but I give the NPP my assurance that they don’t have to be wasting time trying to WIN my support.
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On the ethnic front, a book detailing the systematic exploration of plantation workers by those who became the leaders of the UNP will be out soon. This happened before independence: 1900 to 1948. Book by Dr Rajan Hoole, elder brother of the Elections man. He’s acutely conscious of how then “Jaffna Tamil politicians were indifferent.
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The Leftists were good on the issue but the estate workers didn’t support them with votes. Support must be given at the correct time.
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Sinhala_Man / January 9, 2022
I’m by no means a Marxist, but when the NPP is saying the right things, I see too many saying that it’s “not enough”. Stop saying negative things of this sort.
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Racism must end; end now! Tamils see the “let down” of their rights as having begun with Colvin’s constitution in 1972. The Tamils themselves must take some of the blame for talking separatism at a time when such talk was unjustified.
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Nathan / January 9, 2022
Dear Sinhala_Man,
You have a right to your stand. It is my turn to bring to your notice certain events, that preceded Tamils talking separatism.
The necessity arises when you rule, ‘talking separatism at a time when such talk was unjustified’.
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I’ll make it brief.
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Jaffna always welcomed NM Perera and his men with open arms; Colvin’s constitution amounted to backstabbing!
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That left the Tamils with no hope of a Sinhala polity to go to.
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Talking Separatism was not demanding separatism. There were ways to placate an upset minority. No one was ready to do that.
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Sinhala_Man / January 11, 2022
My knowledge of affairs in the North is sketchy.
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How many Marxists/ Trotskyites were elected to Parliament between 1947 and 1970. Not many, were they?
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Nathan / January 12, 2022
A stalwart Councillor was removed from LSSP, for attending the funeral of a friend, who happened to be a liberation campaigner.
Support for LSSP was picking up, when Colvin backstabbed.
As such, your question is puerile.
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old codger / January 9, 2022
Eagle,
“If Sinhale had a person like Lee Kuan Yew”
If such a person had existed, he would have made Tamil and English, not Sinhala, as official languages.
Don’t you know Tamil is an official language in Singapore?
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Native Vedda / January 9, 2022
old codger
–
“If Sinhale had a person like Lee Kuan Yew, separatist Tamils and Marxist politicians would not have had the chance to play hell and ruin the economy.”
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If Sri Lanka had a person like Lee Kwan, he would have been tough on terrorism, and tough on the causes of terrorism, for example he would have been tough on crooked politicians,Saffron clad fascist supporting bigots, rapists, criminals, drug smugglers, …………………. made possible to have each stakeholder their right state power, enjoy their rights and facilitated each person to unleash their true potential.
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old codger / January 10, 2022
Native,
The myth that is promoted is that Singapore was a fishing village in 1960. In fact, it had even a car factory and other industries in 1939, but suffered from the Japanese invasion.
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leelagemalli / January 9, 2022
OC/
People saw a LKY in a man whose profile was not clear. If they could see it right going by what was known to world about him- crime records things would have ended up better for the nation/ problem lies on people not having proper knowledge to differentiate good from the bad/ that is where the authorities should focus on😥😥😥😥😥😥
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Simon / January 10, 2022
old codger: Please be informed that in terms of the Constitution Chapter 4 Section 18 (1&2) Sinhala and Tamil shall be the Official Languages of Sri Lanka. This was done after the Indo/Sri Lanka Peace Accord in 1987.
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old codger / January 10, 2022
Simon,
According to this same Constitution, aren’t police and land powers to be given to the PC’s?
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Simon / January 10, 2022
old codger: I made you aware of a Constitutional provision that was up to now UNKNOWN to you. Now you ask for another information again available in the Indo/Lanka Peace Accord. Just take the trouble to study what you talk of and become what is widely known, rather than beat about the bush. Period.
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old codger / January 11, 2022
Simon,
My point is that in this country, constitutions are just pieces of paper, not a set of laws that must be followed to the letter. Worse, the police make up their own laws as they go along. They now arrest people for ” insulting the President” 😳😳
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leelagemalli / January 12, 2022
This comment was removed by a moderator because it didn’t abide by our Comment policy.
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Mallaiyuran / January 10, 2022
Tamil may be only an Official Language. But in Lankawe the constitution has to declare that it is also “Superpower Official Language Same Class with Aandu Pashawe, Sinhala “to be put in use even at Jaffna or Batti.
You have become poorest in South Asia from Richest in Asia, at the Britain gave you freedom. Anyway, why you have to get into so much straggle to keep Tamils under your feet, while your all comments indicate how much hate in your heart for Tamils? Is it not striking in your head to let them go and rebuild you with your friend, China’s Predatory loans?
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siri / January 10, 2022
Do opposition parties in Singapore have the freedom to criticise the government and its policies? How didd=fferent is it from China or HongKong?
I believe the system of governance in Singapore needs more examination. We tend to hold it as an ideal system economically but ignore the political reality?
One good thing is that it has a meritocracy I belive. But speak to the Indians there.They will tell if there is any discrimination when it comes to employment etc.
I have heard that Singapore imports less than 1000 cars a year. To get one, a person has to join a lottery. If he/she wins,have to spend money more than worth a house to biuy a car there. Is this true?
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old codger / January 10, 2022
Siri,
“he/she wins,have to spend money more than worth a house to biuy a car there. Is this true?”
Quite true. But then, even in Sri Lanka, some cars cost more than a house.Even a tiny Maruti is about 2.5 million.
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MyView / January 10, 2022
Dear Siri,
True. Car ownership is an expensive luxury few can easily afford.
But Singapore is a compact city with an extensive and reliable public transport network. As such, owning a car isn’t seen as a necessity for most residents. Car ownership is an expensive luxury few can easily afford, unless need to drive to Malaysia.
This is the difference. Gradually Spore built up a public transport system over 20 years get people to access all over before tightening car ownership. Unlike our sudden fertilizer ban to create chaos.
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siri / January 12, 2022
Good point. I have also enjoyed the taxi rides in Singapore. Very polite drivers.
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Mallaiyuran / January 10, 2022
Eagle,
You left Malaysia because Lee came there from Singapore and chased you out?
Eagle, you are trying to go deep in Singapore. That seems to be boring for me. Lets take another subject, if you can turn it into interesting.
Media: Ranjan Jeyalal, the the electricity employees’ union president says ” If the people will be getting full day electricity by you (Aanduwa) firing me for talk about the failed government, please, then go ahead and fire me, so let the people get electricity”
P.S Ganapthipillai gave the Oil Tank Farm to India, but it is going to take some time for Langkang get oil. There is not enough oil to pass though January, though many times Ganapathy promised that there will not be any oil shortage. Two months ago, during budget negotiations, JVP Ex MP predicted this situation, though he is not even an MP in this parliament.
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Mallaiyuran / January 10, 2022
” To get one, a person has to join a lottery. If he/she wins,have to spend money more than worth a house to biuy a car there. Is this true?
I don’t understand the argument underlying this point, which is inserted into the discussion of Langkang which always longs for a Lee but gets only Hitlers. Do Singaporeans play lotto in Singapore to get minister positions? Then it would not be that hard for Singaporeans to get them extra luxury cars, even eight or ten. Is China paving fancy highways in Singapore too like it is doing in Burma or Langkang? If not, where the stupid Singaporeans are going to take those hard-earned cars, after all their income is puny like, only $60,000 per head. Singapore manufactures all kinds of garbage, but why don’t they make themselves this damn thing the so-called Luxury Cars? Or is it possible that Lee had been more environmentalist than Hitler King, who imports only Hunu cargo?
It is like we insult ourselves if we analyze Langkang. Let’s analyze Singapore more deeply, so it can be relaxing & refreshing.
p.s: ” Singapore, which currently has no car manufacturing facility, will get its first one in 2020, and it will be for an electric car. … The Singapore plant is……… GBP 2.5 billion….
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Simon / January 10, 2022
Dr. Siri: Just to say a “Big Thank You” for engaging in a discussion with the commentators on the views expressed by hundreds of the forum. I haven’t seen this type of response from many others who make presentations. Thank you again.
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siri / January 12, 2022
No problem Simon. Such exchanges are important and we have to thank CT for providing the platform.
Sri Lankan stuyle of comminicating with audiences is preeching style copied by Univesity lecturers also. This doesn’t have to be the norm anymore because the modern media provide ample opportunities to exchanfge views on an equal basis(between the person talking or writing and those reading or listening.
Onething I have learned over 3-4 decades of my academic career both in Peradeniya and in Australia is that no single person holds the truth or wisdom. Another is that the sharing and collaborating to find answers is better than one person dictating. When I was teaching internal classes, I often used group work in the tutorials. Small groups of students work on a topic/question and present their collective views by taking into account views of all members of the group. Such exercises proved that each individual view is respected but by agreement they produced a group view. Here we are not trying to produce a groiup view through our discussions in CT. But the more we exchange our views become clearer. Listening to the opponent patiently is also very important. For a disciplined society, we need the capacity to listen-not only speak and try to impose one’s view on others.
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asoka1958 / January 10, 2022
I have respect to Anura Kumara for the fact that he is constantly raising issues of corruption in parleiment. I am not so sure there have been times that he too carry some responsibility when the other two major parties engage s in illegal schemes including selling duty free permits etc.
In other words I am not sure if JVP can claim squeeky clean. ! But a whole lot better than the two mega rotten alternates.
I am glad they let go the RED JVP flag and attire . No 21st century foreign investor even from Capitalist China want to waste their million on an apparent Marxist party . It is not like they have no choices.
I was looking forward to AKD’s exact policy positions to revamp the economy. There is no point simply telling ” we are going to get the local economies involved” . He needs to spell our exactly how . He could have explained how exactly he plans to attract foreign investment ( especially with a Marxist history). He did not.
So AKD and his team have a lot of homework to do before they run for the big office !!
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chiv / January 11, 2022
I do agree with Asoka and few others in that JVP/NPP will have to do a lot of ground work to be counted as a political heavyweight. It is very clear that masses in huge numbers attending rallies do not always convert to real votes. Given their past performance it should be clear to them what kind of work is needed from them to make a real difference. 1) They will have to connect with people at every level , where they should be able to present their party stand, policies, explain clearly, if elected the changes they will make, why they are different from the rest, why they should be given a chance, as a party what they stand for, identify the myth from facts in voter’s mind and clarify to each and every voter so that they know ,who and why they are voting. This work needs to commenced ASAP and not just few months before election. The similar situation comes to my mind is AAP which is jut few intellectuals getting together and started in New Delhi, capturing the state from major rivals in their very first attempt, still ruling and now made inroads into many other states (some faraway) and are considered major opponent to ruling BJP, (leaving Congress and hundreds of regional parties way behind) in coming elections in Punjab and Goa.
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siri / January 12, 2022
JVP has begun this task already. You are right that it has to come closer to the people at all levels and communicate their policies and future steps clearly,in short educate the masses. This is why it is establishing District Committees and village committees. Person at the remote village or the suburb should have someone recognisable to speak to,exchange views on a person to person basis. This doesnt happen overnight. Step by step. Once there is a network of people and supporters at the grassroots level affiliated with the party, it can be used for communicating most importantly at the election times.(in a context where the mainstream media is controlled by vested interests)
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chiv / January 12, 2022
Siri, I was about to write the same you mentioned. JVP/NPP should get group of supporters/ volunteers who should setup district or sub district level offices after a brief but intense training.( a open shed or garage space will do) . They should go out meeting each and every potential voter explaining their manifesto and listen to their concerns. JVP should address all important categories at least in brief, including economy, health, education, reconciliation—etc—etc. They also should try arranging public debates (most probably Rajapaksas will refuse but SJB may take up ), if not arrange public meetings where voters should be allowed to ask questions and raise concerns.Thoughat times, questions are difficult, tricky or complex, having accurate statistics and genuine attempt in answering, earns public confidence and hearts. Looks like Rajapaksas may again use Covid threat or other excuses in restricting opponents from campaigning. JVP should make use of social media and even mobile/messaging services to get their message out. If restricted , Social media can be used for public debates or live Q &A meetings with public. Though villagers may not have access to TV or news papers now a days most have mobile phones to reach them. In USA money is spend on sending recorded phone message /emails to every household. Last but not least , public involvement/input is must in policy making or modification.
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chiv / January 11, 2022
JVP has the advantage of recruiting young tec savvy supporters who can make a huge impact. Where as in India they have to be hired and paid. A group of people should be assigned at each district level who should collect data, trends, people opinion on certain policy, dissect, analyze —- etc —etc so that information is passed 24/7 to a strategy room,which is managed by experts lead by a political strategist,who is not only familiar with data but with the knowledge to use and interpret in different district , culture, race, religion, economic income, gender, class —- etc. This again is provided to the politician to help with planning ,manifesto, modify as and when needed, give priority ,financing (expenditure), effective use of budget resources, man power and time as needed in campaigning. For example in certain district there may be few local issues which needs to be addressed , and the core theme of a party may not fully satisfy the voters. Hearing the local issue addressed gives the voter the confidence and believe in voting. I am definitely not an expert but aware of such methods in many countries.
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siri / January 12, 2022
I am glad that my English translation of Anura’s interview attracted so much interest and comments. I found another video with his views,by implication JVP views, about educational reform. I will try to translate it and post in about a week. it is time consuming in that I first have to listen and write down in Sinhala,then translate.
Encourage others to do the same with other policies as illustrated by Anura and other key figures in the party or NPP.
It is crucial that their ideas get across to English speaking audiences as they provide a way out of the current crisis facing Lanka
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siri / January 12, 2022
For those living in Australia, there is a Zoom meeting with Handunetti and Anil Jayantha on the 15th. You can ask such questions in the meeting. or submit the Q beforehand to the organiser. ID 82169338467 Passcore 617833
Coordinator-Dr. Arosha Vidyabhushana-President, National Intellectuals Organisation Tel: 0466384635
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