28 March, 2024

Blog

Avurudu Ganudenu With Gota

By Rashmi de Alwis

Rashmi De Alwis

Under normal circumstances, the people of Sri Lanka would celebrate ‘Aluth Avurudhu’ today. It is an age-old celebration packed with rituals.

It is celebrated after gathering the harvest from the paddy fields. This year our farmers did not pick a yield sufficient to feed themselves and produce a surplus that would have allowed them to send their kids to school, look after their elderly and survive until the next harvest. Our President has ruined the nation’s agriculture. He had made our paddy cultivators, who were essentially petty commodity producers, into penniless paupers when the country progressed to a middle-income country.

Avurudhu is also a time for rituals such as cleaning up the household, lighting the hearth, and exchanging money (Ganu Denu) with someone propitious. The day before ‘Avurudhu,’ the government announced that Sri Lanka would suspend all ‘Ganu Denu’ with its international lenders.

Instead of reconnecting with family and friends, our young are gathered in front of the President’s house chanting “Gota Go Home’. The President inside has raised the draw bridge and is deaf to the din outside.

In the past, this has been a time for celebration for the citizens of Sri Lanka. It is a time for us to reflect on our past year, make new resolutions, reconnect with our family and friends (near and far), and most of all, it is the time for us to await the dawning of a New Year that we hope is blessed with happiness and prosperity for all.

2022 marks a different kind of a year ahead for us Sri Lankans; our existing government has officially declared its inability to pay off our foreign debt.

They call it a “Soft” default. There is nothing “soft” about this. Our politicians, and here I signal out/call out the current administration and past administrations that have gone before-hat, have also contributed to this failure of epic proportions that has successfully bankrupted our beloved serendipitous tiny island. This is a failure of great magnitude. We are a nation ravaged by a 30-year civil war, but even in those past dark times – we never ran out of fuel, food, electricity, or dollars. This is not a result of the global pandemic of the war in Ukraine. This results from corruption and mismanagement at a level that none of us thought possible.

So the 51 billion dollar question for my fellow Sri Lankans is who is to be blamed? The Ugly Truth is that we must own up to our hand in this. We voted for these people. We turned a blind eye to their indulgences. We surrendered our dignity. WE NEED TO CHANGE OUR WAYS. WE NEED TO OWN UP TO OUR PART IN THIS MESS. And we need to be realistic. The next five years are going to be crucial to Sri Lanka. It will determine whether we come out of this in the next 5-10 years or spiral down this tunnel even further with no hope of returning. We need to challenge our business leaders to do better.

So far, no business leader has come forward to tell the Sri Lankan president what Cromwell told the long parliament.
“You have been sat too long here for any good you have been doing. Depart. I say, and let us have done with you. In the name of God, go!”.

It is strange that the mighty wizards of industry and commerce who applauded him at his ‘big do’ at the Shangri-La (no underscore) now opt to remain ‘Hangila’ (close the quote) – in hiding.

As late as the 17th of March, this President was firmly off track. A communique from his office was emphatic. The President and the Government have the most confidence in the CBSL Governor (Nivard Cabraal), and there is no reason to seek his resignation.

Our business community needs to stop pretending that this will blow over. THIS IS NOT blowing over. A population of 22 million people has inherited a foreign debt of approximately 51 billion US dollars. OMG, 51 billion dollars in debt, and the government say this is a “SOFT” default. There is nothing soft about this situation.

With the current government in place, no one, I mean NO ONE, will come to us with a bail-out plan. It makes sense, right? Cause lending this government money is like throwing money down the cliff at World’s End.

It defies essential common sense to keep giving money to a regime profligate as a habit, devious in mind, and crooked in reasoning.

The IMF or lenders will not agree to restructure loans without a clear and concrete plan for recovery and debt repayment. The IMF will talk to a government that enjoys the confidence of its core constituency – the people.

In the world of international refinances, PEOPLE’S CONFIDENCE IS CURRENCY. And today, the Sri Lankan government has zero value in that. And sadly, our corporate sector (business leaders) is no different. We must collectively be the change we want to see.

So this new year, my prayer for Sri Lanka is the gift of liberation from a system of corruption and abuse, an opportunity for the younger generation to rebuild our nation. Given that we have given you “politicians” our hard-earned money and our dignity for most of the last two decades, this is a small price for you to pay.

I have spent the last decade working outside Sri Lanka. I have seen the appeals on social media calling ex-pat Sri Lankans to send dollars home through official channels. I hear that calling. I want to answer that call to help my country. But I wonder, should I send my hard-earned money to my land currently being held hostage by a corrupt government? So, Mr. President, listen to the people’s voice; they have spoken – please go home, GOTA.

The parliament will meet again on the 18th of April. The useless and hopeless 225 should be reminded of another Cromwellian adage, ‘a few honest men are better than numbers.

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Latest comments

  • 23
    1

    If I am accused of stealing something which I did not do, I will not hesitate to immediately respond ” No I did not steal that”

    • 8
      1

      When I said, the time for Sajith and AKD has passed it was only a gut feeling. Now, I’m more certain than ever: the old way of doing politics is over ……. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JA3do-XiQnQ

      Sinhala_Man, only a few days ago you were trying to stifle all criticism …… and lead the people blindly into the arms of the JVP/NNP. …….. Do you at least now realize how moronic it was?

      I will come after anyone if they don’t have the decency to admit the error of their ways and take responsibility. ………. It’s nothing personal but someone gotta do it.

      Like what you were attempting to do ………. some people did in 2019 election: led people blindly into the arms of the Rajapakses.

      Sure, knowledge, intuition/inkling is power: one does not fall into every trap in one’s journey of life ……….. Sure as hell, I’ve tried to be clever all my life and I do not make any apologies for it. None whatsoever!

      I already know your answer ……… but for the sake of Nathan, what do you have to say?

      • 1
        2

        nimal, you are not as intelligent as you think yourself.
        .
        I have been asking you not to condemn the NPP out of hand.
        .
        I walk around Bandrawela (and demonstrated in Badulla with the NPP) asking people to think for themselves, but that I have done a lot of thinking, and NPP it is for me.
        .
        On other matters, I have written a personal email to Kavinda; mentioned you, haven’t heard from him yet.
        .
        https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/the-bishop-cms-fiddle-while-st-johns-college-jaffna-burns/
        .
        There’s more to add there. You wouldn’t even have looked at that. You’re happy if people say that you’re “brilliant” – well you’re not! Nobody is going to trust an anonymous fellow.
        .
        Good Bye!
        .
        Panini Edirisinhe

        • 2
          1

          “nimal, you are not as intelligent as you think yourself.”

          What else can you say? ….. It’s just a matter of opinion you have to back up with facts/evidence ……. can you? :))

          “I have done a lot of thinking, and NPP it is for me.”

          It’s a free world pal ….. to each their own ………but that doesn’t mean others have to shut up because you like something …… now do they? :))

          It’s not my intelligence that matters here but yours. …………. Try and have the intelligence to let others have their own opinions …… without trying to get them to shut up. :))

          Hope your New Year is as good as mine.

    • 3
      0

      dtg
      The case is that, even if one is accused of stealing something which one did steal, one will not hesitate to respond ” No I did not steal that”.

    • 5
      2

      davidthegood,
      “I will not hesitate to immediately respond ” No I did not steal that”

      I did not hear Ranil Wickramasinghe say that. Worst thing is allowing the guy who helped to steal to escape with his share.

    • 3
      0

      DTG,
      .
      wish you happy easter holidays !
      :
      You are spot on DTG.
      Why do MaRa, GoRa, BaRa, NaRa and all others in that bunch stay further mum regarding the high volumes of accusations on high crimes ?

      Even a little child would behave as you say, but Rajapakshes would not.
      :
      I think they are clear that MAIN STEAM MEDIA would not transport the message to the grass root level of people.
      .
      Even if SIRASA or few other institutions would just mention them, are not captured by so called INVESTIGATIVE journalists again again…. that is the fate of srilanken sort of head line news. This is similar to water drops on a heating plate, which then evaporates as nothing can be seen.
      :
      This moves forward as one walks on a circle. Be it on a highly serious issue such as PANDORA Papers related alarming news or anything else, and its fate is no different.

    • 3
      0

      AVRUDU GANUDENU has been done already.

      In today issue of “Ada” newspaper, Sri Lankan Airlines has confirmed that a cargo of 102 tons of “PRINTED MATTER” was airlifted to the Entebbe International Airport in Uganda.

      Prof.Sarath Wijesuriya quotes:

      The most recent submissions related to the need to focus attention in controlling the annual illicit financial flows of Sri Lanka, estimated between 3-4 billion US Dollars per annum, based on 2021 estimates[1]. Global Financial Integrity Report titled “Illicit Financial Flows from Developing Countries: 2004-2013 by Dev Kar and Joseph Spanjers – December 2015”, estimates the average annual Illicit Financial Flows of Sri Lanka, in respect the 10 year period 2004-2013 at USD 1,997 million per annum….

      HOW MUCH MONEY WAS TAKEN OUT OF THE COUNTRY?
      This is mind-boggling –
      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cnFC2mPVvNc

  • 31
    0

    Talking about righteousness, the author says the 51 Billion dollar question for my fellow Sri Lankan is who is to be blamed ?? The ugly truth is we must own up to our role in this. We voted for these people, we turned a blind eye to their indulgence. We surrendered our dignity, we need to change our ways , we need to own up to our part in this mess and we need to be realistic.

    • 3
      0

      Agreed – chiv.
      The looting started with the Tsunami Funds and we closed our mouths, eyes and ears like the 3 proverbial monkeys and our silence was assumed to be consent. And now 102 tons of “PRINTED MATTER” has been airlifted by Sri Lankan Airlines, to Entebbe International Airport in Uganda ( a country soon to be blacklisted for money laundering”

  • 9
    1

    My good man “this Yohan Seneviratne” is here …….. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TR00zAKaGRE

    Native, Do you have to hold your nose? I hope he is not rather too terribly odious for you old chap……….. I say, he’s rather awfully spiffing old boy.

    Toodeloo …… old chap.

    • 17
      3

      “we must own up to our hand in this. We voted for these people. We turned a blind eye to their indulgences. We surrendered our dignity. WE NEED TO CHANGE OUR WAYS. WE NEED TO OWN UP TO OUR PART IN THIS MESS. And we need to be realistic. The next five years are going to be crucial “
      Well written. I am sure over half the people protesting everywhere voted for the Rajapaksas. They ignored Ranil’s provision of price stability, even price reductions in drugs and other essentials, 19A, the Freedom of information Act, the independent commissions, freedom of the media, etc. They ignored the fact that he was having his leg pulled by his own President. Finally, they voted for some nebulous “national security ” , falling for an orchestrated campaign of lies, from fallopian tubes to halal, carried out by the very same scoundrels like Ratana and Weerawansa who now prefer to be seen as anti-Rajapaksa.
      Yes, the next few years will be very difficult. I have no faith that the currently protesting masses will not vote for the next messiah that turns up in an year or so. Sri Lankans are like that.

      • 4
        3

        “I have no faith that the currently protesting masses will not vote for the next messiah that turns up in an year or so. Sri Lankans are like that.”
        Not just Sri Lankans.
        You know well how opinion is manipulated by various means and the role that money and media play in parliamentary elections.
        In Britain decent politicians like Heath and Corbyn have been edged out by vested interests. We know how the sleep walking US president was preferred over Bernie Sanders by Democratic Party high ups. That is inside parties.
        The media have played dirtier games.
        *
        Issues of government are too complex to limit choice between a few, often two, parties. People are manipulated to concentrate on one or two which may be the least relevant to their well being.

    • 11
      0

      NF, .
      .
      first of all wish you sinhala hindu new year !

      That guy from Kandy may be a good guy, but all these men supported GOTA in Nov 2019.
      .
      They were then not just teenagers that were passing their puberty.
      :
      Sepal Amarasinghe, Sudaththa Thilakasiri and Yohan Seneviratne along with all new comers in SL spot light today were so called ” HELAYA and RAVANA Promoters”.

      There was one another fox – by name Mahdu Madhawa… who was then singlehandely leading SINHALA BUDDHISTs against muslim srilankens. Remember ?
      That Madhumadhawa also created ” fake public perceptions” standing against VICTIMIZED Sandya Ekanligoda as saying that Ekanaligoda ( alleged to have been murdered by Rajapakshe inner circles) was living in Dubai… remember ?

      • 11
        1

        Putha,
        It is Sinhala, Tamil New Year.
        The Tamil New Year is for every Tamil, even though it is the Hindus who ardently celebrate.

        • 1
          0

          Beloved Mr. Nathan,

          A happy Sinhala, Tamil New Year !
          .
          Thanks very much for focusing on the title. I think HINDU dominated India celebrates it in 24th October . This is one another problem of our people. They dont care much about anything today. I was all along thinking, that itwas Sinhala hindu new year because sinhala tabloids and very many other newcasts interpreted it that way. It then became conditioned in our mindset.

          Diwali is a festival that celebrates the beginning of the Hindu New Year. Also called the Festival of Lights or Deepavali, it takes place on the 15th day of the Hindu month of Kartika.
          Thanks again – you drew my attention on this.. This is another clear cut evidence that we srilankens as tamils and sinhalese are entwined with our cultural links, than appeared to be.

          I knew it from my former mates from Nepal, that they too celebrate it on the 14th April.
          :
          I rechecked it myself for everyone s clarity.

          https://www.urlaub-sr-lanka.info/celebration-of-sinhalese-hindu-new-year/

          https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sinhalese_New_Year

      • 11
        1

        wish you sinhala hindu new year to you too LM …….. and to all others too!

        Hope this will turn out to be the best year for us Lankans by getting rid of all these corrupt bastards!

        • 13
          1

          nimal fernando

          Sorry nimal
          It is not Sinhala Hindu new year but Sinhala Tamil new year.
          I am not sure when new year was saffronised by anyone.

          • 6
            0

            “Sinhala Tamil new year”

            I’m sorry I didn’t know that …… I just repeated what LM wished me …… I hope no one is hurt.

            Hope a simple mistake will not again break the wonderful unity achieved now by the people in the country ……… it’s a wonderful start but some ways to go yet ………

            When I saw people of all races/ethnicities/religions/walks-of-life …… sharing their food around Gall Face Green tears welled in my eyes …….. I’m not the crying type: the last time I cried was the day I married Ramona, ask Old Codger ……..

            • 4
              1

              Nimal,
              “the last time I cried was the day I married Ramona, ask Old Codger ……..”
              I knew it! I knew it all the time!

            • 1
              0

              nimal fernando

              Do find the stupid Tamils more of Linguistic fanatics than religious ones?
              I am told they are.

            • 1
              0

              You know next to noting of Lanka and her common people, nimal.
              .
              An empty vessel making great noise.
              .
              I grant that you are not a horrible villain. A dilettante.
              .
              Panini Edirisinhe of Bandarawela
              .

              • 0
                1

                Now now …….. :))

          • 1
            0

            Beloved Brother NV,
            Wish you too a sinhala tamil new year please see my corrections above.
            .
            Greetings,
            LM

            • 3
              0

              leelagemalli

              Thanks
              Wishing you the same.
              SJ prefers Chinese new year.

              • 0
                1

                Regret forgetting to wish?
                I do understand that your b&b are playing pucks with your faculties.

  • 2
    2

    The only hope for sinhala land, (and I frankly am enjoying the current and also the possibly worse sinhala land circumstances bestowed by the buddha on the chosen land! and the baila on galle face, them sinhalas know how to have fun while protesting!) is the exiting either vertically or horizontally of the RATPACKses

  • 6
    5

    Happy Tamil New year /Vishu and Vaikaisi Celebrations

    • 3
      1

      Yes Pk, for many today is New Year. A day of celebration, for Sinhalese, Tamil, Malayalee, Tulu and few others. Apparently Telugu and Karnataka people celebrated their new year as Gudi Padwa/Ugadi on April 2. Hope this Holy Month for Muslims, Christians (Easter) , Tamils and Sinhalese will bring a new beginning, for all Sri Lankans, free of political corruption, mismanagement, racial hatred and other maladies, which we all have been suffering, from the time of our InDependence. Foe all those PSEUDOS “wish you a prosperous and splendor new year” (nothing really new).

    • 0
      1

      வைகைசி? வைகாசி?
      Vaikasi is next month.
      What is Vaikaisi then?

  • 4
    1

    This comment was removed by a moderator because it didn’t abide by our Comment policy.

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

  • 3
    16

    “Our President has ruined the nation’s agriculture. He has made our paddy cultivators who were essentially petty commodity producers when the country progressed to a middle come income country, into penniless paupers.”

    I would not say “ruined.” Farming can be done organically. I know of successful farmers (chicken and poultry), within Sri Lanka itself, who employ organic methods. Chemical fertilizers are controversial. For example, a recent headline reads as, ‘The number of U.S. lawsuits brought against Bayer’s (BAYGn.DE) newly acquired Monsanto has jumped to about 8,000, as the German drugmaker braces for years of legal wrangling over alleged cancer risks of glyphosate-based weedkillers.” These weedkillers employ potentially toxic chemicals. The prevalence of kidney disease in Sri Lanka was well-known before Gotha banned chemical fertilizers.

    Regarding nepotism, corruption, extrajudicial killings, etc. these cases should be pursued in the Supreme Court. Mob justice is not the solution. Has it been proven GR was responsible for the murder of LW? The mob would say “yes”, but the evidence is circumstantial at best.

    • 9
      2

      Lester the pester !
      As usual touched the areas where he is an abcidian. There are two main groups of reserachers that work on Glyphosat-research; Monsanto biased group and their rival group. Srlanken researchers work close to both groups.
      And are there any clear-cut evidence of UKKD in farming communities in SL and the other LMCs ? Answer to my knowledge is no. If anyone would come with the update, please provide us with a link for the supportive evidence.
      That self proclaimed fake Professor (that clown from viyathmaga-Jayasumana) repeated it could be through „ Natha dewiya or Arsenic God “ came into being because of the complex state of those kidney patients and their autopsies.
      Tom y best of knowledge as one who was busy with etiology of those patients, and having read about few publications on the topic – I would say, it is not yet clear that Glyphosat ist he key factor for onset of the disease.

      • 5
        8

        Mr. Leela,

        As usual, you are beating around the bush without getting to the point. Answer the question directly, do chemical fertilizers cause kidney disease? Yes or no.

        “The public hospital in the provincial capital of Anuradhapura treats at least 2,000 chronic kidney disease patients every month. No one knows the exact death toll, but health officials say that in Anuradhapura district alone, about 150 people die from the disease every year. The disease first came to the attention of physicians at the hospital about twenty years ago, says Dr. Rajeewa Dassanayake, the hospital’s kidney specialist. “They started noticing that there [were] a number of deaths due to kidney disease,” he says. “And the physicians at the time noticed that this was not happening in the rest of the country.”

        https://theworld.org/stories/2012-09-14/sri-lanka-kidney-ailment-linked-farm-chemicals

        “and having read about few publications on the topic”

        You are late to the party as usual. Go and read the professional literature. The issue is not just Sri Lanka.

        • 4
          2

          Lester,
          What Sri Lankans need utmost in this time of crisis, viz., “People dying of standing in “VERY LONG QUEUES” for Kerosene, Gas, Milk Powder and staples”, is a qualified COURT JESTER as in the times of YORE, the Sri Lankan ‘KINGS’?
          Realisation must dawn on all Lankans we too, now have one to boot!
          To divert attention and introspection of the MALADIES AND MISDEEDS of the King and SAFEGUARD Kingdom it is an urgent and VITAL necessity indeed!!
          We Sri Lankans are very happy that you have ventured to wear that Cap, so preciously guarded and proclaimed as a very intrinsic necessity of the KINGDOM!!
          You are the MAGNIFICIENT FIT for that position!!!
          We need a ‘COURT JESTER’ as otherwise, the crisis would be UNMANAGEABLE!!!

          • 1
            3

            Mahila,

            What happened to your leaders at Nanthikadal? I understand your frustration, man. You supported a failed cause for 30 years and bloody racist Sinhala Rajapakse took it away with one axe chop. However, I can assure you ingesting dangerous toxics from Chinese products is not the solution. Even the dog food from China is not safe.

        • 2
          0

          1/2
          Even school going children would not disagree, that more of chemicals can damage flora and fauna (above all mammalians). There we dont need to argue anymore. However, looking at the manner rich nations faced it by introducing organic manure for their agriculture, and outcome being not satisfactory, out of reach, but our stupid consumptous so called politicians to nevertheless promote „ organic farming „ within a short period of time was a headless attempt. It was like driving against a wall. If our leadership had a brain size of a needle head, things would not have ended up this way. Their political masturbation ruined the Tea exports and paddy cultivations in the country making the poor farmers poorer. May be the rascals knew this, but they painted the picture palatably. The fact should be lack of dollars to purchase the agro chemicals to the amounts ash ad been before. Hoodwinking loads ruined the nation in the end.
          Again this is what pompous LESTER aka Rajapakshe diehard supporter initially added above:
          ‘The number of U.S. lawsuits brought against Bayer’s (BAYGn.DE) newly acquired Monsanto has jumped to about 8,000, as the German drugmaker braces for years of legal wrangling over alleged cancer risks of glyphosate-based weedkillers.” These weedkillers employ potentially toxic chemicals. The prevalence of kidney disease in Sri Lanka was well-known before Gotha banned chemical fertilizers“

          tbc

          • 2
            0

            2/2

            May I add some facts regarding the topic of Glyphosat; because I am close to a dozen of environmentalists, that keep update about the subject. This info could be useful so that the CT readership would not get misguided by Lester‘s balderdash.
            When did Bayer acquire Monsanto?
            Bayer acquired Monsanto for $63 billion in 2018 after a tough buyout battle and intense antitrust scrutiny.

            When was glyphosate first used?
            1974
            Glyphosate was first registered for use in the U.S. in 1974. Glyphosate is one of the most widely used herbicides in the United States. People apply it in agriculture and forestry, on lawns and gardens, and for weeds in industrial areas. Some products containing glyphosate control aquatic plants.
            Agro farmers in US, EU, Australia, Canada have been without Glyphosat (round-up) fort he last 3 decades because Glyphosat s direct involvment in UKKD is not yet clear. Surprisingly no similar onset of Kidney disease or ist variations are found in those rich countries. Their water analytics keep the values of hazardous chemical particles in their ground water. Latter is a regular process that devleoping countries cant afford – due to high costs.
            Ubiqutous use of agro chemicals incl. Glyphosate (herbicide/biozid/aka round-up) became inevitable during the period of Rajapakshe Regime, because it was a lucrative market to his cronies.

            • 1
              0

              3
              Please do some homework before adding your heresays to CT forum. At least few of us are there, to rethink the fabricated information.
              Since glyphosate was introduced in 1974, all regulatory assessments have established that glyphosate has low hazard potential to mammals, however, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) concluded in March 2015 that it is probably carcinogenic .
              So the truth is those US lawsuits against Monsanto go as far back to 2015. I think that FAKE professor, who ruined the life of COVID patients in SL, Jayasumana could educate Lester for sure, because FAKE man s doctoral thesis was based on this subject.
              It is worth reading the paper given below for some more information.
              https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6279255/

              This paper concludes:In this large, prospective cohort study, no association was apparent between glyphosate and any solid tumors or lymphoid malignancies overall, including NHL and its subtypes. There was some evidence of increased risk of AML among the highest exposed group that requires confirmation.

              • 0
                1

                Leela,

                ” There was some evidence of increased risk of AML among the highest exposed group.”

                AML is leukemia (cancer).

                What we know for sure, a large number of farmers in Sri Lanka were being severely affected by kidney disease linked to high concentrations of toxic chemicals.

                ” The prevalence of CKDu is 15.1–22.9% in some Sri Lankan districts, and previous research has found an association with farming occupations.”

                https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5102238/

                That is a very high percentage. The government had to take action. Gotha’s idea to go with organic farming was a clever one, that in theory, SHOULD have worked, although the implementation may have been lacking. Sri Lanka would have been the first country to rely exclusively on organic farming, setting a precedent for all other countries. Unfortunately, subsidies given to the farmers during the transition were too little/too late. There should have been a plan to increase imports of rice and other essentials during the transition. Obviously this plan was no longer feasible when forex reserves ran dry. Anyway, there are definite benefits that come from organic farming, which I will not go into here. The real question is not the government’s bungled fertilizer policy, but whether sustainable organic farming is possible in the long-run. The Gotha government or other future government should again try to promote organic farming, this time with a more measured approach.

                • 3
                  1

                  Lester,
                  “What we know for sure, a large number of farmers in Sri Lanka were being severely affected by kidney disease linked to high concentrations of toxic chemicals.”
                  Nice try, but NO WE DON’T.
                  What our farmers suffer from is kidney disease, not leukaemia.
                  Never give up, do you?

      • 4
        1

        LM,
        Lester as usual is talking through his hat about a subject he knows nothing about. He claims the Sinhalese invented hydropower 2000 years ago.. Now he’s trying to show you, a biochemist , his YouTube expertise. What a loser!
        A sewage worker with a lot of time on his hands . What next from Lester? Free energy?

        • 3
          0

          old codger

          “Lester as usual is talking through his hat about ……………………”

          Hat is euphemism for …?

          • 0
            0

            Native, Talking through his hat ??? Here is one. Contaminated is better than conventional chemical fertilizer .

        • 1
          6

          I did not claim Sinhalese invented “hydropower.” Those who disagree should quote exactly.

          Unfortunately, “Codger” has limited English comprehension ability and doesn’t know the difference between “hydraulic” and “hydropower.” His comrade in terror “Native” does not know the difference between mechanical and electrical energy.

          • 3
            1

            Lester,
            How come those terrorists could build submarines while you patriots have to brag about winning a war with a 10 to 1 advantage? How incredibly brave.And you don’t even want to live here? Just like your paymasters, US citizens to a man.

    • 7
      1

      The very existence of guys like Lester will ensure that nothing will ever be proved.
      .
      Why all this talk by you of organic fertiliser. We all know that dumping all kinds of chemicals in the ground is not to be recommended; but organic food is only for the rich, never for me.
      .
      You just cannot produce food in sufficient quantities using “natural methods”. Since for the past two hundred years we’ve been lengthening human life spans, we should also have been limiting human births.
      .
      Now had that fellow Don Aldrin Rajapaksa decided to have only one child (was Chamal the first born?) what a wonderful place Lanka would still be.

      • 4
        8

        Chemical fertilizer is only necessary for mass commercial production. I know this from personal experience. One can easily increase the yield by using chemical fertilizer, but at what cost? At some point you may damage the soil and water to the extent that humans cannot live there. This is similar to why Europe has banned “fracking.”

        Sri Lanka was a net rice exporter for thousands of years without any use of chemical fertilizer. Organic fertilizer is cheap and effective. It does not affect the ecosystem negatively. Meaning that fish, plants, and animals do not ingest deadly toxins. Anyway, “Leela” is in Germany, where GMO foods are banned, scolding Gotha for banning dangerous Chinese chemical fertilizers. Not only Chinese fertilizers but even Chinese cars are banned in Germany, as they don’t meet basic safety standards.

        A pot calling a kettle black!

        • 5
          1

          Lester
          You maybe able to put a few words together in English, but from your writing it is evident that you are not an educated man.
          Remember Reading maketh man.
          Read and understand before typing away.
          Education is the ability to put things into perspective, of which yours is topsy-turvy.
          Sorry man this is the truth.

          • 6
            1

            HT,
            “You maybe able to put a few words together in English,”
            Yes, and a few misleading or irrelevant links and fake graphs. It impresses his illiterate masters. The guy is a liar, and has “personal experience ” of everything from hydropower to biochemistry. But he doesn’t know that “hydraulic ” is different from “hydroelectric “.

            • 5
              0

              OC,

              Whenever I see, yet today, pro Rajakashe marches are active in the country. I wonder why Lester of the like lag to do so in UK ?

              See how Gonthadiya made him a laughing stock before an UNO gathering, boasting about organic and his own work.
              .
              https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XzUsln7mEJw
              .
              Lester is a hired man by melchcha Rajapakshe kalliya.from the day one.
              .
              No doubt about that. He gave us a big vacation all these months. Now only he turned up to waste our time again.

              He or the like simpletons would do any cheap work pleasing his pay masters.
              This is the reason why ” cancerous levels of Rajaakshe politics” polarised in the island. Wimal Bruuwanse or th elike street boys are the masters of these men.

              No matter youth of the nation struggle not being able to get rid of mlechcha rulers. No matter he would have been on the soil of queen, man does not seem to have learnt little anything about being correct.
              :
              Unforutnatley, the kind of asskissers got bred like termites during the last 4 years.
              :
              Entire world is aware of the fact, that MARA and GORA did not single handedly defeated nothern rebells.
              :
              Please watch the video clip below.
              https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C8oiVu9Bh1E

          • 1
            5

            You have no data to back up your argument. Another fool. Explain why there are thousands of lawsuits against Bayer. Explain why GMO foods are banned in Europe. Explain why fracking (where chemicals are released into the wastewater) is banned in Europe. Explain the source of the kidney disease in Sri Lanka and the dozens of journal articles pointing to agro-chemicals as the primary source.

            • 4
              1

              Lester,
              Give us the links to those “dozens of journal articles” that prove agrochemicals as the cause. Aren’t you also the guy who “proved” that burying Covid victims is dangerous?
              This should shut you up permanently. Prof. Dharmawardena is a renowned scientist who says: “last November, the world’s largest study on the health effects of glyphosate covering over two decades and involving 90,000 people, found NO harmful effects even on applying powerful statistical analysis to scrutinize the data.”

              https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/the-gmoa-guns-glyphosate-misses-a-milestone-study-on-90000-people/

              Idiot.

              • 4
                1

                Lester,
                Does it take you so long to provide links?
                Lying again, aren’t you? You are SO pathetic.

        • 4
          1

          Lester the agri pundit,
          “Chemical fertilizer is only necessary for mass commercial production.”
          So, isn’t that what our farmers do? Which idiot banned chemical fertiliser overnight?

        • 4
          0

          Calculate human beings per square mile in each country.
          .
          If you’re more familiar with hectares, it won’t matter. Make those comparisons.
          .
          Gota is only as superficial as you. It looks as though Mahinda has decided to take charge now.
          .
          the protesters are right: all Rajapaksas must be locked up, so as to recover their loot. Includes Lester Rajapaksa.

          • 2
            1

            Sinhala_Man,
            Whether it is the magic of ‘Lester’ or ‘Rajapakse’ or ‘Lester Rajapakse’, doesn’t matter.
            They have by accident, coincidence or deliberate action, mindset of the people such as these has made sure, following:
            1. Import Rice (staple food) for the next 2 or 3 years from India and China
            2. We will use valuable US$ fr the import because of this rash decision
            3. Tea exports would be compromised India would gain
            4. Other crops too would suffer and therefore, escalate the prices and CoL
            5. Ofcourse, there is always a ‘Fall Guy’, RW and blame Yahapalanya
            6. Who is responsible or accountable?? No one!! It’s an ACTOF GOD!!
            Excellent governance and we would reach the vistas of prosperity and splendour faster!!
            Is this a “ruse to request an extension of term” of the presidency??

        • 2
          0

          Lester,
          “At some point you may DAMAGE THE SOIL AND WATER TO THE EXTENT THAT HUMANS CANNOT LIVE THERE”
          You have hit the nail on the head!
          The problem leading CKD deaths in SL is the OVERUSE of chemical fertiliser per acre/hectare of land!
          Not justiciable use of chemical fertiliser – the cause of CKD.
          Misinformed President banned by the use of all fertiliser!!
          Paediatricians and religious monks, should keep their hands away from Agro-science, rather than dabble and advice the President as they are specialist authorities on the subject!
          President should have also appointed an independent committee before outright ban!!
          Enabled the ban based on facts, limited the use of chemical fertiliser per unit area for different type of plants and crops, instead of banning wholesale!
          Just because, one person committing murder you don’t kill all those in the vicinity.
          That amount to a Rampage and over-reaction, which is counterproductive!!!
          Now it eill a few years to beself sufficient in Paddy and get Tea exports back to normal.

          • 0
            3

            Mahila,

            “Enabled the ban based on facts, limited the use of chemical fertiliser per unit area for different type of plants and crops, instead of banning wholesale!”

            Most farmers will not follow such guidelines. As I said, chemical fertilizer is well-suited towards mass production. Mass production means unlimited profit. Let me explain, one time a Dutch fellow told a relative of mine he can help him to massively increase his production by using XYZ machine & fertilizer. The relative refused, as he did not want to start a competition with the local farmers. The goal of farming should be sustainability before profit. There is no need to go for obscene profits as it will only hurt the ecosystem and create unnecessary competition.

            • 3
              1

              Lester,
              Where are those links to “dozens of journals ” proving that CKD is caused by agrochemicals?
              Why do you habitually lie to back up your ludicrous arguments? You probably think you’re the only one who can use Google. You are so pathetic.

      • 7
        2

        SM,
        “You just cannot produce food in sufficient quantities using “natural methods”.
        Exactly. Nor at affordable prices. If we had stuck to “natural ” agriculture in the sixties, its proponents like Ratana and Lester would have perished at birth. Gota probably only learned to read inthe 70’s, so he wouldn’t have known.

        • 7
          1

          OC
          What most of these idiots who talk for organic fertiliser do not understand is that, most crops we cultivate these days are designed to give a much higher yield than the traditional crops.
          Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium are naturally occurring elements that are the source of nutrition for plants, but the natures process of producing these elements is not enough to feed high performance crops.
          Hence the need to supplement with fertiliser.
          Fertiliser is not toxic. That is a misconception.

          • 6
            1

            Beloved HT,
            .
            Exactly the facts.

            Basics are kept away from srilanken people. Media and politicians are to be blamed.

            Thank you HT, as always. No doubt, if plants per se could express their heart out to their farmers, things would have much clearer.
            .
            Not because of anything else, Organic issue was unanimously brought to hit srilanken tea plantations paving the way to Kenyan tea in world s markent. The kind of unsubstantiated info are in the air, but those who live in Kenya correct our doubts. They believe there are huge tea estates under the ownership of Rajapakshes.
            :
            And if methological changes from MIXED feritlizer use to fully organic would have been that easier, Germany, France, The Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, Canada, Australia and several otherl agro naions would have succeeded it long ago… it is a dream even for them to reach 100% organic. Besides, organically produced food items in european markets are very expensive. How can a begging nation of our nature could ever afford the kind of high costing food items ?

            • 1
              6

              Come on Leela, I am asking you to answer a simple question. Why should Sri Lanka import dangerous Chinese fertilizers when countries like Germany are openly banning numerous Chinese exports, including cars? China is the origin of COVID-19, SARS, H2N2 , Bird Flu , Swine Flu, and Porcine Pestivirus. Now here is another interesting statistic: “In a study of almost 14,000 adults living in Beijing, 13% showed signs of kidney damage consistent with a diagnosis of chronic kidney disease (CKD), which can progress to kidney failure, requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant. ” This is just Beijing, the most developed city in China.

              The level of pollution (smog) in Chinese cities is so high, the government restricted days that people can drive. Meanwhile, Koreans have to cover their faces with masks because of fine dust from Chinese factories. Various fish, dog food, medicine, etc. from China have been banned by the US health regulatory agencies, as they are known to be contaminated. Mr. Leela, you should explain your logic for Sri Lankans using fertilizer known to be contaminated with arsenic and other chemicals. The costs of medical treatment exceeds any loss to the bottom line of farmers.

              • 3
                1

                Lester the liar,
                Chinese cars are NOT banned in Germany. Only one is banned for copyright reasons.
                Liar, liar!
                The topic here isn’t China. It is the stupidity of banning fertiliser overnight. Nice try with red herrings.

        • 4
          1

          No; I don’t want to see babies perishing.
          .
          The mothers of Ratna and Lester should have avoided pregnancy. They could still have enjoyed sex.
          .
          I try to talk straight.

      • 7
        1

        SM, do not bother. See the referral source provided by fake patriot,dated 14/09/ 2012. Almost a decade, that means this guy hasn’t read anything after that. What you heard in Anuradhapura or from one physician doesn’t represent the whole world. This issue was already discussed by fake Champa who also claimed thousands of illegal abortions were performed in dark with no assistance what so ever. ESRD ( end stage renal disease can be caused by hundreds of factors and the common are Diabetes and Hypertension. Lanka is hotbed for both. Rural farmers also consume more carbs by eating rice what they cultivate, they also do not have easy access to preventive medicine. There is no single study yet to show chemical fertilizers are direct causative factor for ESRD among farmers. Also knowing Rajapaksas ,what if they did contaminate (like organic from China), adulterate (like petrol), or compromised for cheap quality (cooking gas). None of the things this retard says here is true.

        • 5
          1

          Chiv,
          Lester is a world authority on everything from fertiliser to ancient electricity.. Isn’t it strange that his views always align with current Rajapaksa dogma?
          You annoy him at your peril.

        • 0
          0

          This comment was removed by a moderator because it didn’t abide by our Comment policy.

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

    • 6
      2

      Lester,
      Has your thumb machine battery died? No money for a new one?

  • 4
    3

    All most all the govt since indepence contributed to the disintegration of the country. This is not a one man Show

  • 5
    3

    All most all the govt since independence contributed to the disintegration of the country. This is not a one man Show

  • 4
    5

    It seems that the protestors leaders at galle face have really good planning logistics skills. These persons would probably be more suited to lead sinhala land and be in their parliament.

    From news reports it seems that the RATPACKses are using their stolen moneys to buy the corrupt sinhala land politicians to continue to SIT ON THE THROATS OF THEM BEGGAR SINHALAS.

    Personal benefit NOT national benefit is the goal of these sinhala land politicians!!!

  • 4
    3

    BLATANT CORRUPTION / PERSONAL BENEFIT RUINED IT. MALAYSIAN AIRLINES SENIOR PILOT TOLD ME A FEW YEARS AGO THAT MAINTENANCE ISSUES WITH SRI LANKA AIRLINES (fly at your peril!!):

    Sri Lanka’s loss-making national carrier revealed plans Thursday to lease up to 21 aircraft, just two days after the government announced a default [EE NOTE DEFAULT NOT RESTRUCTURE] on its $51 billion foreign debt.

    Sri Lankan Airlines will lease up to 21 extra aircraft

    The island nation is in the grip of its most painful economic downturn since independence in 1948, with severe shortages of essential goods and regular blackouts causing widespread misery.

    Huge protests have called for the resignation of the government, which has begged [BEGGAR SINHALAS] Sri Lankans abroad to send cash home to help pay for essential imports.

    • 3
      2

      This is eye wash. Bankrupt country can no longer subsidize a massive loss making airline. It should be among the first SOE’s to be shut down since it is not saleable.

      • 2
        1

        That air line is there for gives lavish employment to elites

        Remember when Kong’s in law was in charge they divert the passenger air line to Singapore to pick him ….

    • 3
      4

      Gus,
      “Huge protests have called for the resignation of the government,..”

      There are dumbos who think resignation of the Government will open the tap and $$$s will start to flow to the country.
      You have not understood what the Governor of CB told. The Monetary Board has decided to stop repayment of loans temporarily until they negotiate with the IMF and come out with a plan to restructure debts.

      • 0
        5

        Eagle Eye,

        You are right. If these “protestors” knew what the IMF did to Greece, they would throw a kiribath party for Rajapakse. Rajapakse was smart to get the loans from China, although one could argue some of the projects were not necessary. The loans should have been proportional to debt-to-GDP, in case of some exigency like COVID-19.

    • 1
      1

      Gus shameless racist name calling in your posts. Is that the best you can do for the Tamils? Haven’t they suffered enough?

      • 4
        1

        Paul

        “Is that the best you can do for the Tamils? Haven’t they suffered enough?”

        Don’t worry about Tamils and Sinhalese.
        No one can save these two self destructive people.
        Even Gus can’t.

        Tell me one good happy thing ever happened in this island.

        Stupid Tamils thought it was VP later stupid Sinhalese thought it was Mahinda.
        You know what happened after the euphoria had died down.

        • 1
          1

          “Stupid Tamils thought it was VP later stupid Sinhalese thought it was Mahinda.”
          Is that the full list of stupid thoughts that your ball shows?
          Rattle off more names, and I will fill in the blanks.

          • 2
            0

            SJ

            “Is that the full list of stupid thoughts that your ball shows?”

            If you bend bit more to your front you may see everything clearly when you are having your bath.

            • 0
              0

              Native, what if retired old prof cannot bend?? I guess hand held mirror will do. Here is one name for prof to look at and fill in the blanks. Ding Dong XI.

            • 0
              2

              I leave all ball visions to you.
              No list yet? Try bending a little more.

          • 2
            0

            By the way are you enjoying rice from India?
            Maybe you are not taking any medicines imported from India.

  • 6
    0

    A point I wish to make is this problem and how much of the debt belongs to the Rajapkshes as opposed to all other governments makes them the sole cause of the bankrupt nation. Mahinda mindlessly borrowed money and ate it to the tune of 74% of the total debt. How can you blame the other governments since 1948. Sure they were not perfect. Racism ran thru all of their tenures and policies with a few exceptions. But no previous government burrowed at commercial rates, pocketed half of it and then proceeded to waste the rest on white elephant projects like the Rajapakshes did. Mahinda in fact set a time bomb ticking over which blew up in the face of his brother not that I am defending any one in this crooked family. This is the simple truth. A truth you the voters who voted back into power the Rajapakshe family for the second time ignored and continue to white wash by dragging in all the previous governments. Sirima bought the tank farm in Trinco from the British. Today we have at least some power thanks to the Mahaweli project. The money saved has paid back the costs of the Mahweli many timer over. These were wise investments. Admit it. Also, think of the environmental destruction this CURRENT government has wrought on the country which is rarely mentioned

    • 3
      7

      Thiha,
      “But no previous government burrowed at commercial rates, pocketed half of it and then proceeded to waste the rest on white elephant projects like the Rajapakshes did.”

      What did ‘Mr. Clean’ and his ‘Royala Gang’ do? Exactly the same thing. At least Mahinda Rajapakshe produced what some dong keys call ‘White Elephants’. No one knows what happened to the money borrowed by ‘Yahapalana’ Government. No record of money paid by Chinese for Hambantota port.

    • 4
      0

      Thiha
      You are one in a million who is able to put things into the correct perspective.
      Thank you.
      Mara is the chief culprit at the centre of all our woes.
      A greedy bastard who deceived the majority into voting him.
      Then brought in the entire family into the government and robbed us to the last dime in broad daylight.
      Mara must be made to pay for his crimes.
      We should join EE, Soma, Champa, Lester, that Reginald bastard, and the rest of the Mara ass lickers into the mix and grill them all over slow fire.
      All of them are traitors. And should not be spared.

  • 4
    2

    I also appeal to INDIA. PLEASE stop trying to help these scoundrels if you have any common sense. This family needs to be asked to quit politics. They cannot be trusted. Any aid you give them provides them with oxygen to twist the will of the people. So please STOP offering help until a new caretaker government with real experts can be formed devoid of any Rajapkashe family members. In 2015 you asked Mahinda to leave office after he lost the election and tried to hold on illegally. This time the entire country wants them gone. Honor their pleas.

  • 3
    6

    General Cromwell told the long Parliament “You have been sat too long here for any good you have been doing. Depart. I say, and let us have done with you. In the name of God, go!”.

    British Parliamentarians are no different from our Parliamentarians. Our guys have followed British. General Shavendra Silva should tell the same thing to 225 in the Parliament.

    • 4
      1

      EE
      You are just a sewer rat on the MARA payroll.
      You have no concience or any love for our country.
      You just love money and you will do anything to fill your pockets.

      • 3
        0

        Human Touch

        “You are just a sewer rat on the MARA payroll.”

        Being what he is, do you think Mahinda would keep Eagle Dumbo Eye in his payroll? Mahinda does understand and expect value for money. Otherwise he would not have accumulated so much of people’s money, deposited abroad.

        Therefore Eagle Dumbo Eye has no chance of being recruited as a b***s carrier of Mahinda’s retinue.

  • 2
    0

    When the farmers were protesting its only a news sadly,it was hit the most of the village farmers, but the govt
    imported and filled the shelves,
    But how all ignored the farmers plight, they left out ,the angry farmers made the call,they were the ones hit most, the pain and suffering, with anger they came to street but ignored.
    Now no AC gas fuel ……asked for drinking water just killed….no justice

  • 3
    1

    EE

    In the country where I live a restructure of a debt is a default. The rating agencies have already downgraded sinhala land. In 30 days the rating agencies have foreshadowed further downgrade on basis of the inevitable default.

    In contracts in the land where I live a RESTRUCTURE OF DEBTS is considered a DEFAULT!!!

    EE PLEASE get your known persons in sinhala land to refuse hindustan gifted tamil nadu toilet nadu fertilised rice

  • 3
    2

    EE constant claims is that the RATPAKses are less corrupt that the previous corrupt sinhala beggar politicians.

    News report I read in western media is that because Emirates would not allow the sinhala peasants to be kicked of a sri lanka airlines flight (then managed by Emirates and profitable) from UK for the benefit of Mahinda RATPAKses family of RATs , the Mahinda RATPAKses cancelled the management with Emirates resulting in now loss making SORI CANT PAY LOANSLANK Airlines and also resulting in 2 billion plus USD debt.

    Great isnt it for them sinhala beggars how their sinhal beggar politicians treat them !!!! Just use the sinhala beggars to milk them for personal benefit!!!

  • 3
    0

    Rashmi.

    22Million people have inherited a Foreign Debt of $ 51 Billion.
    The Govt:says it is a SOFT default.Rightly so……….
    Compare this to what the Rajapakses looted……..
    Though no one knows the precise amount it would be quite a percentage of $ 51 Billion……..
    Mangala Samaraweera reckoned it was $ 18 Billion a few years ago ; This would be about 35%. Looting continued right upto 2022. So, it would amount to be >35%.
    So,: my dear the Govt; calling it a SOFT default is quite justified……….

  • 3
    0

    These cunning journalists seem to think, that the wickedness they participated in back in 2020, can be buried and they can fool everyone into thinking they are on ‘the common mans side’.
    These scoundrels were demanding tyrannical lockdowns from the government, not caring how much damage it caused to the working class communities, who dont get paid to ‘work from home’.
    I heard of poor people on the island committing suicide in rising numbers from 2020 onwards, and hardly a peep from these journalists.
    They have to be held accountable for it, along with all the other freemasons.
    Dont let the Rajapaksa family be used as some kind of sacrificial goat, so the rest of the culprits can sneak away.

  • 7
    4

    Old Codger you don’t get it, do you ? The battle is against the entire 225, including Ranil the nominated MP ( defeated at the elections)

    You so fondly list some things which you say are good things done by Ranil W. I am sure if you want even the Rajapakses can give you a long list of good things they have done. Not everything they did were bad. I am sure even if you or Old vaddha fellow were in parliament for 40 odd years and were PM so many times ,there will be some good things to show ( also many foolish and bad things !)

    But these chaps on the whole were bad, they ruined the country. You guys say that Aloysious( Perpetual rascal ) was robbing us on the Bonds even before Ranil became PM. You say that Aloysious employed Cabrall’s sister so that he could play the market. May be he tried it that way.

    How clever of your great Ranil to get the central Bank under him no sooner he became PM ( not Finance Ministry as is the usual thing) and then appoint Aloysius’s father in law Governor instead of Cabrall. Their laughter was heard all the way in Singapore !

    • 2
      4

      deepthi silva

      Has there ever been a protest in this island at such scale against other politicians?
      The ever loyal public racist Wimal Sangili Karuppan Weerawansa wanted to storm Temple Trees in 2018. It appears he now wants the Rajapaksa family chased out. He also wanted to bomb the parliament. He was part of filthy part of Rajapaksa coterie once, he has jumped ships.

      Coffins and wreath have been on display. What more insult do you think will remove the family from the seats of power?

      When will Gota unleash his war criminals on innocent unarmed protesters?
      In case Surgeon General has forgotten, he has been banned visiting a number of foreign countries, especially USA where he served at the UN.

      Let me remind you this is not about Ranil, its all about Rajapaksa family.

  • 8
    3

    Also Old Codger your appointed MP Ranil W( who lost at the general elections. which means rejected by the people after being in politics for 50 years, leader of UNP for 25 years, and PM 5 times !) says he is talking to India, World bank ,USA, Himalayas, Indian Ocean etc to solve our dollar problem. Ranil does not say who he talks to and in what capacity.

    Now that other looney Nagananda is saying he wrote a letter to the US Government on the present crisis ( perhaps the US government has gone into emergency sessions to discuss this letter !)

    So, more lunatics have escaped from the asylum !

    • 2
      4

      Deepthi,
      You forgot to mention that Ranil is gay too. Has your position that only macho men have brains changed? Perhaps you have finally realised that among Sinhala Buddhists, the gay ones are the smartest, not the ones with a moustache?
      Oh, you still don’t know how to use that little “reply” button under a comment? Perhaps you don’t know what “reply” means.

      • 1
        1

        ..not the ones with a moustache…
        OC, Basil hasn’t one and Cabral too.

        • 0
          1

          Maybe “not the ones with a scarf”. Cabral isn’t an SB. I believe even his alma mater is ashamed of him.

  • 3
    2

    Old Codger, only the ” gays”are smart ? You seem well informed in that department.

    Old Codger dont keep telling me to do this or that.

    Do I sound like a person taking orders from “that Department” ?

    • 0
      3

      DS,
      I don’t know about you, but I am provoked by blind donkeys masquerading as lions.

      • 1
        2

        old codger

        “but I am provoked by blind donkeys masquerading as lions.”

        You mean Mahinda’s lackeys?
        deepthi is a beautiful name.
        Do you think she is also a pretty looking girl/woman/grandma?

        • 0
          0

          Native,
          It seems Lester has sold his “thumb machine” to DS. Isn’t that interesting?

    • 0
      0

      ds
      Prejudice against gays is a perversion that dominated European Christian and Muslim thought.
      Enlightened Christians and Muslims are tolerant.
      Asian attitude to sexuality itself is tolerant. Eunuchs commanded respect and power in various quarters including Royal Palaces. The Mahabharata accepts polyandry and eunuchs with respect.
      The Buddha did not denounce homosexuals.
      Some of the greatest thinkers and artists were homosexuals, Leonardo da Vinci.
      If people are born some way it may be called an abnormality, which may not be a bad thing altogether. Even being very clever or creative is abnormal.
      A good Buddhist more than the follower of any other faith is tolerant towards others.
      I trust that you are a Buddhist. How good is for you to decide.

  • 2
    0

    SJ ,It is not I who brought this subject up . It is Old Codger who probably is a closet Homo hater. People who are open about it like me are not too serious about the subject.But some of these so called advocates of homosexuality are true haters ! By the way OC uses animal imagery a lot, Lion, Donkey etc like Sarath Fonseka, same mind-set.
    Frankly I don’t care what a person’s orientation is , but there is something called perversion. Some people like small children, some like violence etc.
    However when a man is a Homo how will he be as a leader of men ? Is his decision making perverted by desire for the men around him or is he inclined to surround himself with other Homos ?This happened in the UNP.
    It also seems that when it came to fighting anyone, Gamini Dissanayake, Chandrika, MR, Prabakaran the homo loses. He tries to be very devious but his cleverness is so stupid, every war the guy loses.When faced with an alpha males like MR or Prabakaran maybe in his innermost soul there are wet dreams !

    • 1
      0

      DS,
      “Frankly I don’t care what a person’s orientation is , but there is something called perversion.”
      Please feel free to make up your mind. If you have one.

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