Austin Fernando, Secretary to the President, offered a full clarification on the contents of the report submitted to President Sirisena by the Commission of Inquiry he (the President) appointed to inquire into the Central Bank Bond issue scam.
Austin
Colombo Telegraph sought explanation from Fernando when it was noted that the report uploaded on the official website of the President’s office did not include all the documents listed as being part of the report. [http://www.presidentsoffice.gov.lk/?p=4978]
Fernando, while pointing out that media institutions that have been talking about the report had not contacted him, offered the following clarification:
“The footage of the official handing over of the report shows three volumes, but these were just three copies of the same report that was submitted to the President. When we requested a soft copy the Secretary to the Commission of Inquiry sent it in a pen drive. It is this file that was uploaded to the website,” he said.
Fernando added that all the documents that constitute evidence and representations made are in two cupboards.
“These include details of bank transactions, interest rates and personal details of various individuals etc. Since I do not know whether it is correct to make all this public I have sought the advice of the Attorney General,” he added, pointing out that anyone, if he or she so wishes, can invoke the Right to Information Act and obtain copies of the relevant documents.
Krow Kracked Kracker / January 20, 2018
Austin is Uvindu’s good friend anyway…
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Jagath Fernando / January 21, 2018
Be realistic.
No MP will go to jail due to this report. Arjun Mahendran will roam around as if nothing has happened.
AG wil not take any action since he is keen to become CJ. He needs support of PM.
Sit back and relax. Life will go on as if nothing has taken place.
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Hilmy Ahamed / January 22, 2018
I honestly don’t think that there was anything illegal, but certainly unethical from a Yahapalanaya point of view. what Arjun has done is borrow from EPF, Mahapola and other state institutions at a lower interest and lent the central bank at a higher interest. To my simple mind, There is nothing illegal about it. Anyone knows better, please explain. Ofcourse people in-charge of EPF, Mahapola and other state institutions who lent money at a lower interest whether they are the PM, ministers or state officials should be arrested immediatetly and prosecuted in court if there was any illegal activity. The ministers would not have signed any document and the poor officials will be behind bars
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Saha / January 23, 2018
Hilmy, do you know how insider trading works? If not google it and research a bit.. hope that will help..
If that doesn’t give you a good explanation, I’m happy to explain to you.. ?
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Sinhala_Man / January 20, 2018
Thanks Austin Fernando.
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This is a neat and simple explanation. My logic teacher used always to tell me that the simplest explanations were the best.
He said that he was following John Stuart Mill in saying this.
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Native Vedda / January 21, 2018
Sinhala_Man
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John Stuart Mill also said “One person with a belief is equal to ninety-nine who have only interests.”
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Why do you think Austin Fernando is not in the 99% after all he was/is a functionary still serving political master?
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Hilmy Ahamed / January 22, 2018
JVP rhetoric is good entertainment. How did they know there were 5 volumes even before it was released. They must have been fed this Lanuwa by the JO. Austin in his position cannot lie. The commission itself will respond if he is lying. So, lets wait for the parlimentary debate
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Jim softy / January 20, 2018
does not Austin Fernando lie here. Because, JVP has said that there four or five volumes. But, the third volume is missing. I heard there are other 35 names. All the 35 names of other politicians who got bribes should be in that volumes. Sri lanka, politically, is a very uncivilized country. What is the reputation these politicians brought to Sri lanka. The last govt also had the same reputation because they did not bend to the West during the War. So, this govt was expected to reputation. but, how it is now.
JVP is the only trust worthy party. Vote JVP. Even the president looks like a weakling and dishonest. He is talking more than doing. JVP is the only trustworthy party that we can trust. Unfortunately they cannot contest for President and Prime minister this time as that makes these thives come again by dividng the vote.
both Pohottguwa and UNPATRIOTIC Party are the public thieves. SLFP can not be different.
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thrishu / January 21, 2018
Gommanpila’s complaint was related to the page count; quoting the number of pages of the original document, he states that the one released to the public had fewer pages, about 200 pp missing!
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Champa / January 21, 2018
DON’T vote for JVP!!!
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JVP is a fundamental element of the Yahapalanaya government. They are Ranil’s right arm. All this time they talked about using the Bond Commission Report in eliminating corruption but suddenly changed their tune after realizing that Ranil is completely entangled in the Bond mess. Now they attack the President instead of the mastermind. President is not “responsible” for the appointment of Mahendran, only “answerable”. It is everybody’s knowledge that Mahendran is Ranil’s buddy. Only issue is the then President’s Secretary’s failure in verifying with PM in writing about Mahendran’s non-Sri Lankan citizenship factor and its impact on giving Oaths as per the Constitution. There is no question of Ranil’s high handedness in quieting everyone on this matter. But the former President’s Secretary should have got it in writing. Ranil is fully responsible of Mahendran’s unconstitutional appointment which was the fixed base of the Bond scam.
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As someone from the public, in my opinion, all options available in the LG election are BAD. When the options are bad, people should not go for any CHOICE votes but opted for REJECTION votes.
In all fairness, in support of Wimal’s unwavering patriotic stand on safeguarding the country, people should vote for NFF who are contesting from Hotu Pohottuwa and the Independent contestants. In all other places, people should spoil the ballot paper to show that they don’t agree with present politician lot and their cohorts. All of them, even Mahinda/JO who didn’t vote against Ranil’s Magamapura Sale Act, are answerable for the loss of Magampura Port. It was the vigorous, incessant and fervent protest of MahaSangha, Wimal Weerawansa and the general public that persuaded President to stop the Federal Constitution Interim Report-Vote while JO took part in Ranil’s Constitutional Assembly that formulated the Federal Constitution.
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Edwin Rodrgo / January 21, 2018
That decides it. If Champa says don’t vote for JVP, it has to be taken seriously. Champa is known for going through all facts and giving a clear decision on what to do and what not to do. That is why I am going to vote for the JVP.
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Prakash David / January 22, 2018
Have you seen AKD flying first class on qatar airways? Why does he travel so often to Ireland? He is as good as Gnanasara in France? Any guess. By the way, there are also rumours in social media that AKD is amongst the 10 richest in Sri Lanka. Long live socialism
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Sinhala_Man / January 25, 2018
I have never met AKD, nor do I know much of him. However, I have heard him, mostly on Youtube.
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I don’t know enough about these facts to contradict these “rumours”..
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Yes, the ad hominem comments do need to be countered; please allow me some time to do so.
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Jim softy / January 21, 2018
CHAMPA: when you say NOT JVP but wimal Weerawansha I can trust you. Wimal Weeraqwasha is being taken to the court only for RS 91 millions of assets that he can not show evidence. but, that is only the tip of the ICeburg. both Wife and husband cheat the people and the govt and became ri h. Patriotism is only his cover up just the way Mahinda rajapakse and his henchmen did.
JVP may have done wrong and dishonest manoeveres. Even then JVP is only party who submitted their assets declaration forms to EC. Wimal Weeawansha or any one MP in diayawanna Oya has done. I think that includes PResident too.
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Champa / January 21, 2018
Jims
Your comment is ridiculous. How could you say he cannot show evidence? Did you handle his accounts or are you his lawyer? NFF lawyer Kapila Gamage already summarized how this government calculated the number even by adding official allowances.
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Wimal was taken to courts because he is against the government. If you have forgotten he was taken to courts for staging a protest on February 6, 2016 against Al-Hussein too. If he was in support of the government he will never be taken to courts. JVPers are safe as they are in support of the government. Otherwise Anura would have been taken to courts simply based on Ireland house case. That’s the truth.
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There is no need for Wimal to hide behind patriotism as he didn’t start defending the country after Yahapalanaya came into power. He was in the vanguard of patriotic movement since his time in JVP, most prominently in 2000, 2002, 2005, 2007.
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If it was not for Wimal, government might have already taken our Army personnel to the galore, have ruined Buddhism and rob all temple tills. If it was not for Wimal, UNP might have held the LGBT carnival as scheduled in 2015 attended by international LGBT community making us rename Sri Lanka as the “Gay Paradise of the Indian Ocean.” If it wasn’t for Wimal this government would have divided the country in 2015 itself. I can write a long list of his achievements in the name of the country. He is someone who would willingly give his life for the country.
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I invited people to vote Wimal’s NFF entirely based on his performances in safeguarding country’s sovereignty and unitary state which I witnessed through my own eyes.
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Now you are free to list Anura’s achievements for the country. Don’t be shy.
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Emil van der Poorten / January 21, 2018
Chump ah(?):
Please stay on the planet which seems to be your current abode and, if in any way possible, desist from polluting CT with your imbecilities. PLEASE!
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Champa / January 21, 2018
We have enough gun control.
What we need is idiot control.
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julampitiye amaraya / January 21, 2018
We have seen wimal weera Wanchakasa going to kelaniya wihara on poyaday to observe DASA SIL wearing White White Clothes
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Kalu Albert / January 20, 2018
Missing pages, 103 of them apparently contain Investigations about Dr Ranil and his Deputy’s dealings with the former’s Buddy and his SIL…
What a coincidence.. Thanks anyway Dr Austin…
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Sarrij / January 21, 2018
Fair enough for AF to comment about the missing pages.
Should not the President consult “his staff” and make a pronouncement to clear the air. After all he has promised that all the culprits involved in the scam will be punished?.
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Edwin Rodrgo / January 21, 2018
What to believe: Let me start with a quotation from Otto von Bismarck – Never believe anything in politics until it has been officially denied. But I am faced with a logical paradox here because Bismarck himself was a politician and his statement therefore should be included in the dagger and cloak domain of politics. With this statement he brings his own statement in to doubt and we must therefore believe the opposite of what Bismarck says, namely, to always believe the official denials.
By now you may thinking that Edwin has gone completely crazy despite denials to that effect. Anyway, just bear with me for a few more lines. Coming to the Bond Scam, there are dozens of allegations against dozens of important politicians and we find these politicians denying their involvement in all those wrong doings, cover ups etc. Going by the straight logic of Bismarck, this is solid proof that these guys are guilty of all those allegations. But then going by the deeper unseen logic of the same man we find that they are innocent of all those allegations. So, let us vote for UNP.
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Sarrij / January 22, 2018
E R.
Isn’t this twisted logic?
MS will agree with you. He is the President.
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shankar / January 21, 2018
maybe James Bond took it.007 must have handed it over to her majesty’s secret service.Since ranil is their darling boy he is now safe.
Will one of the cupboards too go missing one day.Anything is possible in hub of asia.
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sinahaasle punditi / January 21, 2018
it is really shame: Each group tries to hide the truth from public. Look how much money is looted by previous government and its supporters: billions: This government used that weakness of previous government to come to power: listen to speeches of last presidential election. You will see all are telling lies and lies: Green lies: Shame on Sri Lankan politics. Politicians do not have any policies or moral principles:
otherwise how could all thieves escaped punishment: Rule of law should maintained at all time and at all place and for all .. yet, how about all these so called legislators in parliament break the law as they like. It is like you have a thief to watch over your money or wealth:
nowhere Sri Lanka could become like Singapore if we have these people in power:
Ranil, MR and MS you name it all are same : No difference..
Yet, JVP will be different : They have policies and they have some principles: they are disciplined .. They will never loot public money .. instead they some of them do not get wages.. some of them do all charity work.. some of them are role model for good politics. ..
vote for JVP .. if you want to see a real change.. a really free country from corruption..
if Sri Lankan people love this country they would only vote for JVP.. I tell my Sinhalese.. Tamil.. Malay.. Burgerer. Muslims all people of Sri lanka.. take you families ,, .. go and vote JVP.. and see all politicians will learn a lesson.. OK..
please do this time to send a message to all nasty politicians .. If you are truly patriots do it..
there is no best chance like this .. to teach a lesson to all these public fund looters.. all these thieves..
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Champa / January 21, 2018
JVP, – role models you say, oh yeah one is accused by Wijedasa R for accepting Rs. 2.5 million as a bribe. Another was accused of misbehaving in a strip club in another country and another is accused of having a palace in Ireland. They have to first free them from these accusations before accusing others. JVP has never voted against Ranil. JVP is very much a part and parcel of bloody Yahapalanaya government. They took part in Ranil’s Constitutional Assembly which formulated the Federal Constitution. They voted in favour of the sale of national assets in the Parliament and later carried out a bogus campaign against UNP, outside the Parliament.
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JVP policies are very clear. They are in support of Geneva Report, Federal Constitution, Sale of nationals assets, OMP, ICPPED, and Racist Delimitation Report. Voting them only strengthens Ranil’s hand. One may have hope them to be different by only listening to their speeches. But the truth is they always acted in support of Ranil’s treacherous agenda against the country. Those who love the country will never choose JVP as an alternative. People are not idiots. They rejected JVP in August 2015 already by confining them to 6 seats.
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Eagle Eye / January 21, 2018
Tamil terrorists blew up the Central Bank using Bombs. The Royal terrorists blew up the Central Bank by using Bonds.
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Kumar david / January 21, 2018
I refuse to believe that Austin F’do will lie.
He is too honourable a man to blotch his copybook on the last page.
I am prepared to take what he says at face value.
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anonymous / January 21, 2018
“I refuse to believe that Austin F’do will lie.”
Another ignorant statement. ‘Believing’ and ‘Experiencing’ (knowing) are two completely different actions (mental states), only a human being possess the capacity to figure out him or herself. You are not a ‘Buddha or an Arahant’ with ‘Parachitta Vijaanana Gnana’, or are you?
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Edwin Rodrgo / January 21, 2018
in the context that AKD has used, the phrase ‘I believe’ is a way of speaking only. Believe in a strictly religious basis means hard belief, the way you believe in God.
There are several dictionary meanings. Some given by Google are:
1) accept that (something) is true, especially without proof.
have religious faith. “there are those on the fringes of the Church who do not really believe”
2) hold (something) as an opinion; think.
“I believe we’ve already met”
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Percy / January 25, 2018
We refuse to believe you !
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Good Sense / January 21, 2018
The explanation is not crisp and clear as it is made out to be. Can he tell the world that as to why at the very outset he did not disclose that certain parts of the report would not be published at once but may do so upon receiving a clarification from the Attorney General? The clarification as published here is not full. He must clearly say in total how many pages are there in the total dividing the number for front pages, table of contents, prefaces and introductory addresses, main body of the report, pages of each of the annexes. He must also state that which of the pages are not published (perhaps constituting an annex) and is awaiting advice. I am also sure that if certain parts are not for public consumption then the Commissioners themselves would have so recommended in their report. I am made to understand that under the RTI it is not possible to provide personal details in terms of that act.
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Hela / January 21, 2018
The (il)logical Kumar David now talking about beliefs? AF is a cog in the machine. When he cannot explain he has to lie for his masters. Readers understand it.
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rbh / January 21, 2018
Strong presentation has one key element in common they tell the story, in the modern age of story.
Why was that half information document was submitted to the president.
The right of information presented to the president is wrongly given to the president
without verifying ( standard procedure)
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rbh / January 21, 2018
Strong presentation have one key element in common, they tell the story. in the modern age of technology have the facts tell the story.
why was such document presented to the president.
The right of information presented to the president is wrong from the document submission office ( Standard procedure )
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Jim softy / January 21, 2018
It looks Presidential Secretariate is not an easy place to work. So, the Secretary does not know many things. I think, the president is also involved in the bond scam. So, he protects parliament. AG’s action statements looks very duplicit. So, people have to vote to thieves.those who steal from them.
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Percy / January 21, 2018
Is there any reason why Tamils are falling over each other to praise Austin. Did he do any thing against the interest of Sinhalese, or has he any Tamil connection.?p
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Mallaiyuran / January 21, 2018
Percy,
Austin was not known to Tamil playing double games, so they like him.
The Hindu god Krishna said to be a Women man. So, Krishna’s Unnada Leelas, his holistic affection to women and the women with holistic-jealous, competing for him is composed with highly pleasure-ful musical songs and dramas all everywhere in the Hindu literature. One of these adorable occasions is appearing in a 1955 Tamil Movie Missiamaa’s song. The song is praised as the one gave necessary stamina for Tamil Sound Track to leave from Old Bhagavathar, Subbulakshmi period’s pure Carnatic Music, to its own style. So the song is still very alive in Tamil community. The quality work put on that song has made it to cross borders few times. Occasionally, it is performed by others (non-Hindu Tamil) too. (Here, this Chinese woman is singing it mixing Tamil, Telugu and Chinese. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_-DISFp7MA). Recently, on the occasion of the departure (Thank you) ceremony of Jaffna office Indian ambassador, Reginald Cooray performed this song beautifully.
Apparently , those, who were involved in selecting and training Reginald Corey on that song had some background knowledge of this song and that is why Corey was initiated in that. Further, a high profile Governor like Corey would not go for to sheepishly shout out some imbecile or obscene sentences on public stage like the one he attended. But for Tamil community, in these types of songs and especially on those politically charged stages, Lyrics counts. This song is written with shifted classical language, with provocative philosophy, to bridge Old and Modern thoughts.
brindhavanamum nandhakumaranum
yaavarukkum podhu selvamandro
aeno Radha indha poraamai
“The land “Brindvan Park” and “Lord Krishna” are common property of everybody. Radha!( she is his consort), why are you so jealous on this and forcefully excluding others from these?”
Corey can sing or dance, North and East are Tamils’ property they guard it jealously.
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Native Vedda / January 22, 2018
Percy dated and pathetic
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“Is there any reason why Tamils are falling over each other to praise Austin. Did he do any thing against the interest of Sinhalese, or has he any Tamil connection.?p”
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Of course one assumes he shares his DNA markers with Tamil Nadu Tamils unless he subjects himself to Genetic Testing and proves otherwise.
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You should subject yourself to such tests frequently for reasons given below:
it could identify genetic mutation in your genetics, could help you seek medical help to rectify defects, and take early treatment, such as gene editing, bio brick building, ….
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Percy / January 23, 2018
If Stupid Tamil Vedda says anything positive about Austin Fernando then we can safely assume that Austin has said or done something against the Sinhalese. Some of these functionaries sell their birthright just for an extra piece of chicken on their plate.
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Native Vedda / January 23, 2018
Percy the dated pathetic
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“Some of these functionaries sell their birthright just for an extra piece of chicken on their plate.”
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When did you discover this. Congratulations.
However now you are being anti Sinhala/Buddhists as you are criticizing the Sinhala/Buddhist functionaries.
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Percy / January 23, 2018
Stupid Tamil. Vedda
Rectify defects? Go to Ranil or even better go to Mangala they are both good at rectification.they are both great fans of Arsenal as Iam beginning to think you Aretoo.
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anonymous / January 21, 2018
Austin,
You have ruined your dying years (OAP) on this earth by joining a bunch of crooks, fraudsters, murderers and my advice to you is to vacate your position ASAP. I do not know your believes but as a practising Buddhist, I can see, you have chosen to take the ‘inter-city’ to the ‘Aveechiya’ which your once obedient gramasevaka has been publicly blagging. Lying is a very serious ‘Akusala Karmayak’, you know?. Good times in ‘Aveechiya’ my friend, as you are in the company of ‘Mithya Drushtika’, ‘asathpurisha’ lot. Metta!
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Percy / January 23, 2018
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Native Vedda / January 23, 2018
Percy
Brilliant
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Percy / January 25, 2018
I endorse that with all humility.
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shankar / January 21, 2018
Austin is talking BS.What’s missing has nothing to do with these volumes shown in this picture and he is right when he says that they are just copies.What is missing is really annexure 111 of the report.This contains the most important documents,for example document C350 etc.
Also it is not the JVP that has brought it up but CaFFE(Campaign For Free and Fair Elections).
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Government servant / January 21, 2018
PM is not leadership material, specially among royalists who support UNP expenses as this outdated party still tricks the elite masses. Good governance gets state progressing right, not street citizens. Govt. must do state projects and get commissions. It is sheer insanity for govt. to do private projects simply to collect rewards and destroy the original intent.
Classic example is SAITM meant to produce practicing doctors for the welfare of state citizens, to bridge the lack as well as give chance to those who “missed the bus” Result is a whole collection of imprisoned and stagnant students, bereft of their fully paid up fees, and insane leaders clutching the Institute but having abandoned students into programme which still cant receive internship. Student training has now become a money game. They pay Rs.50,000/ each for Avissawella hosp.
Robbed wealth alone can produce excellent training of state students as well. Is it still not obvious that we are not ready for private business medical education which will lead to bond scams. SAITM students are trapped in a wrong path with no hospital training because of anti private GMOA, also suggested by non govt. clueless uni deans of SLMC out of touch with govt. hospitals, suggesting unrealistic and unworkable programmes which cannot be enforced, though their principles are ok. So GMOA continues to obstruct internship training with many false documents collected by SLMC registrar. Between SLMC and GMOA, no private medic academic path, but battles galore.
Suggest only workable solution is to attach to Moratuwa uni and add on Kalutara Hospital also.
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Justice / January 22, 2018
About secrets and Bond reports.
Whether Bond report with fraud and robbery, or SAITM report with no fraud but scholarships obstructed by GMOA for Z with higher scores, now solutions are unrealistic and unworkable. In SAITM uni teaching deans are demanding hospital training which the GMOA in govt. hospitals wont give. President must use his head and his power and give SAITM MBBS internship training 2 years to cover 4 major areas demanded by SLMC. SAITM STUDENTS should be absorbed to Moratuwa uni with Kalutara Teaching Hospitals so they can continue with Z scores. If SLIIT admits new, they should go through process of SLMC approval during 5 years. SAITM students are falsely accused and battle weary from GMOA obstructions which also disrupts their paid education
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concerned parent / January 22, 2018
Bond scam is nothing compared to SAITM scam after report, students left high and dry without an accountable head to steer its affairs. A wrong shift is taking place determined by SLMC uni deans and VCs who want govt. hospital training for MBBS and Students. That is not their field as GMOA in health service run hospitals and allow only state students access. So the only option is to absorb Students to state Moratuwa with Kalutara hospital access. SAITM already MBBS can easily be given 2 year internship training in 4 branches as requested by deans of SLMC. They must all be absorbed.
Any new institute can admit fresh next year according to alignment with SLMC for privates & ‘Z’ Those in Moratuwa uni can continue admitting Z even this year, giving terrific advantage to ‘Z’
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Thilak peiris / January 22, 2018
Royal college gay club think they can do anything and get a way Ranil and his gay boys should resign and leave the country?
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Justice / January 23, 2018
SAITM scam created by President directly affects the future of about 900 govt. UGC approved full fees paid medical students with 3 batches completing MBBS. President fearfully said “Abolish SAITM” which was the institute without making just provision for the students. President must immediately restructure the students with acceptable state uni without injustice and victimization of these young lives simply because some jealous parents who have no authority are shouting in the streets trying to commit suicide. Let them take their lives as the suicide rate is rising and these rabids should know better. They are dictating medical courses and exams. and whatever next. They should be disciplined into their places within their rights which should not interfere with or govern others future. Jail them when outside their boundaries, saving food for SL.
Bond scam and others prove beyond doubt we are too corrupt for privatization of uni. Money has become god for all, whether undergrads, ERPM mafia, other exams., practice. Robbery is the way of living. Hence absorb the injustice and victimization done to SAITM like how President Premadasa cleared NCMC parallel with new Kelaniya uni batch. He had common sense not PhD.
Absorb students into Moratuwa with Kalutara Hospital OR Sabaragamuwa with Ratnapura hospital, so that the demanded clinical training is accessible to state students and clinicals are generally completed with the 20 spot type exam. These exams are not like written A/L on competitive levels. They only test proficiency taught during appointment, not parents claims.
President must rectify SAITM whatever the cost, just as he wants to in bond scams.
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Charter Malanayake / January 23, 2018
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Charter Malanayake / January 24, 2018
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