Bishop of Colombo Rt. Rev. Dhiloraj Canagasabey, in a strongly-worded letter, has condemned the attempted removal of Ranil Wickremesinghe as Prime Minister.
Rt. Revd Dhiloraj Canagasabey
‘The Diocese of Colombo of the Church of Ceylon is extremely perturbed by the events that unfolded on the night of October 26, 2018 , when the President proceeded to swear in the former President at the Prime Minster, when the incumbent Prime Minister duly and legitimately appointed under the Constitution continued in office,’ the letter said.
‘The action has plunged the country into more instability at a time when the Sri Lankan and global economies are in politico-economic turmoil. This unfortunate action will only harm our international standing, cause even more loss of confidence in the country and lead to a further deterioration of our economy which will severely impact the already difficult day to day lives of our people, especially the poor.’
Bishop Canagasabey said the 133rd Annual Council of the Diocese of Colombo, which had met from October 25-27, 2018 had adopted a petition condemning the attempted removal of the Prime Minister of the country.
‘The President was voted into power by the majority of the people of this country with a mandate to ensure good governance, uphold the rule of law and democratic principles. On more than one occasion, he gave solemn promises to the people to do so. He has also given his oath to uphold the Constitution of the country,’ the letter said.
‘That short-term expediency should not take precedence over ethical standards is something rooted with the teaching or all religions that we claim to profess in this land. These high moral teachings must be our guide and the lamp that must light our actions. We call upon the President to safeguard the Constitution and honour the mandate given to him.’
Bishop Canagasabey said the Church of Ceylon wished to reiterate that the Constitution is the supreme law of the land and called on the public service, the police and the armed forces to remain faithful to the constitution and to conduct themselves in a manner worthy of their office.
The Church of Ceylon also appealed to the President to take initiatives to resolve this impasse, keeping in mind the solemn promises given to the people of the country who voted him into office, and his oath to uphold the constitution of the country.
PCyap / October 28, 2018
Why this fellow drags the church into national politics ? Go and Mind his own churches affairs !
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Brown Boy / October 28, 2018
What about all the saffron robed thugs who are hero worshiped by every second grade politician looking for political survival and playing the Buddhist Peanut Gallery ?
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Dinuk / October 28, 2018
This is a silly statement. The law is an Ass, and the constitution making process is part of the problem rather than solution for corrupt political culture in Sri Lanka today.
Over the past 3 years Bondscam Ranil and his Royal college Mafia had acted as unlawfully and turned Lanka into a Hub of Corruption and rent-seeking in Indian Ocean, which is why no FDI came into the country, and only foreign property and finance speculators were circling around the country like vultures to grab strategic lands and transport sector infrastructure and asset strip Lanka, after the Land Bank run by the right wing Millennium Challenge Corp. came into play.
Bondscam Ranil’s economic policies put Lanka into a worse debt trap and were designed by and in order to benefit America First and the Global 1 percent, while the people of Lanka were looted and beggared as the rupee and economy crashed under a debt to Japan and ADB corruption epidemic. Bondscam Ranil did not give a damn about ECONOMIC RIGHTS and JUSTICE.
Of course, Sri Lanka should have elections within 3 months as Mahinda Jarapassa is no better and needs to be monitored, but one hopes he has learned a lesson from his defeat and would be more responsible. Time for Ranil, Jarapassa and sira to retire. There should be a age limit of 70 years for all politicians to hold office.
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A Disgusted Citizen / October 28, 2018
Tell thst tk the Catholic Cardinal as well
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Kumaran / October 29, 2018
How about you telling that to the Buddhist Clergy while you are about it?
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ramona therese fernando / October 29, 2018
Can’t see beyond his privileged Anglican crowd, can he! What about the the threat to our island sovereignty? What about our ancient forests being cut down? All is for your privileged community to secure their wealth via the aforesaid. You, reverend, are a traitor!
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Sanjeewa / October 30, 2018
No need for any more explanations Ramona. You are spot on!!!
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Sandy / October 29, 2018
‘ Silence, in the face of evil is itself evil:
God will not hold us guiltless.
Not to speak is to speak.
Not to act, is to act.’ – Rev. Dietrich
Bonhoeffer –
And this is what Rev.Martin Luther King.
Jr. Said –
‘ Our lives begin to end the day we become
Silent about things that matter’.
What if they never spoke up when they
Should have?
There is a time to speak,and the Bishop
Has done the right thing by speaking up.
‘Silence,is not always Golden you know..
It’s plain yellow’.
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Rabok / October 29, 2018
Because is a donkey like the persons of whom he is worried – mind your business without commenting on things that are not relevent
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kolla / October 28, 2018
This Bishop representing a minority group is getting into politics.
The church can interpret the Bible but cannot interpret the Constitution.
What does this Bishop think of the Bond scam done by Ranil, Mahendran and Aloysious ( same minority group) ? Does he forgive them !
What will this Bishop say when the people give their verdict at the next elections ?
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old codger / October 28, 2018
Now we need to know what the notorious Cardinal Malcolm has to say. Why is this great expert on human rights silent these days?
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RuwanL / October 29, 2018
The church should not get involved in politics!
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Real Revolutionist / October 28, 2018
Kolla
Yes this bishop is a fool or a corrupt priest
He might have received a cheque from AM.
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Justice and Fairplay / October 29, 2018
Oh I see…… only clergy that represents the majority group can get into politics, right?
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Mali / October 29, 2018
You are somewhat right. The Christians whether Pope or laymen in the church, must remember their Constitution is the Holy Bible. Just to remind Bishop to refer God’s Constitution Section Habakkuk Chapters 1 and 2. In short “to judge Judah’s wickedness, God handed them to over to the Chaldeans, a nation even more wicked, violent, and corrupt. The Lord shows him that something else is in store for the Chaldeans”. Watch and Pray Bishop don’t get panicked nor get carried away by world affairs. God is in control.
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Native Vedda / October 28, 2018
Bishop of Colombo Rt. Rev. Dhiloraj Canagasabey
–
We would rather like you to cermonize from the pulpit than dwell on mundane matters.
Thank you.
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Barathan / October 28, 2018
A sermon from the pulpit is vocal. This condemnation of a flagrant violation of the constitution had to be in writing. The Bishop’s invocation to the public service, the police and the armed forces to honour the constitution in a manner worthy of their office, couldn’t have been conveyed better.
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JD / October 29, 2018
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Native Vedda / October 29, 2018
Barathan
–
We have had enough of the so called religious leaders.
The past history suggests they should look after the spiritual needs of the laity not poking their nose into every political issue. Had they done their duty in the first place the situation would have arisen where he was forced issue a political statement.
–
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Taraki / October 29, 2018
Well said NV.
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Justice and Fairplay / October 29, 2018
Mundane matters?
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Eagle Eye / October 28, 2018
Where were these guys when PM Mr D M Jayarathna was removed and appointed RW as PM. At that time President acted as a dictator and used Presidential powers. Even the so called champions of democracy, the NGO lot, did not utter a word against that decision.
When Mahinda Rajapakse was appointed as PM by the President he has not done anything unconstitutional.
Suddenly, the Bishop has started worrying about economy. During the last three and half years the Royal Gang ruined the economy. They also followed the policy of ‘Sri Lanka is for Sale’. Because with each sale, ‘Something’ came to their pockets. Bishop did not see those things because those things were done by ‘outside Buddhist inside Christian’ Mr. Clean.
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clean slate / October 28, 2018
Eagle eye,
RW was appointed PM on the basis of a previously announced platform of his becoming the PM in the event of my3 becoming president which happened with 6.3 million people voting. The fact that DM Jayaratne was not removed from the post of tHen PM officially therefore is irrelevant as on my3 assuming office the entire then cabinet became non functional. You will remember that the documentation relating to RWs appointment as PM on that day was handled by lalith weeratunga. Doesn’t this prove to you its legitimacy?
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Sandy / October 28, 2018
‘ The Bishop….has condemned the attempted removal of Ranil Wickramasinghe as Prime Minister’.
The Bishop has the right to voice his opinion as much as anyone else.
Why are people upset?
Hasn’t he spoken the truth?
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JD / October 29, 2018
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RuwanL / October 29, 2018
No! he has no right to express his opinion as a public figure! If the constitution is violated go to the Supreme Court and sort it out !
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Angelo / October 28, 2018
Who is this joker ? Church of Ceylon, never heard of it ?
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Steve / October 28, 2018
Angelo
You are obviously a “frog in the well”.
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Sinhala_Man / October 30, 2018
Dear Angelo,
.
Bishop Dhiloraj Canagasabey and I know each other pretty well, but he refuses to meet me and I have lost respect for him. He’s lost, just can’t cope, so avoids me.
.
The official name of this diocese of Anglican Church is “Church of Ceylon”. This Church is a joke – total members 24,000. The planned new name will never get given. It is being kept in reserve for the day when the older, less provocative churches, unite. That’s something that will never happen. They are great at fighting over trivialities.
.
That said, this is not a bad guy, and he may have made this statement out of genuine concern. Let us welcome the statement.
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Sinhala_Man / October 30, 2018
Angelo,
.
This man is not a corrupt guy. Google “Shantha Francis” to read about a guy who actually stole: he drew his mother-in-law’s pension for ten years after she died.
.
No, Dhilo’s faults are different. I’m forced to rely on a mobile phone, at this moment. Please Google these two words: “Thomson Pharisees”. You will be led to article which tell a sad story, enacted starting exactly 3 years ago. A year from now, he may start it again. I hope not.
.
They used to say that it was all right lying to protect God’s interests. That perception has change. We now expect the same veracity from them, assessment them as from us.
.
On occasion they tell atrocious lies.
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Sinhala_Man / October 31, 2018
Sorry, Angelo,
.
Relying On this mobile phone, a bit short of sleep, I find that I’ve forgotten to tell you that the name “Church of Lanka ” was being reserved for the day when all the Protestant Churches were going to unite.
.
There isn’t any immediate prospect of that.
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Vanguard / October 28, 2018
Dear Bishop Diloraj Canagasabey
Being a Christian myself, and I wish no disrespect to you , dear Bishop, however there are some things I wish to point out to you.
Firstly, the President has said that his actions did not violate the constitution. Time will undoubtedly tell if he is right, if he has been misinformed, or he is being untruthful.
There is a once again curious attempt to call this an ‘attempted’ removal. As in the case of an attempted theft, where nothing gets stolen, in this case it would appear that the Prime Minister can celebrate the failed attempt to remove him from office. Case closed. However it is more than that, it is the refusal to accept the legitimacy of Ranil Wickramasinghe as PM. Even if unconstitutional, still represents an executive order by the President which the law requires to be followed. You will agree that public officials cannot refuse an order with impunity on the basis that the public official is of the opinion is unconstitutional.
The Prime Minister, for his part, has chosen to defend his position not based on the constitution but on an alleged majority on parliament, which is irrelevant because it is the President’s opinion which is the deciding factor according to the constitution. Whether the actions of the President are constitutional will have to be settled by the Supreme Court.
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Nosey Parker / October 28, 2018
The name Ceylon was changed to Sri Lanka in 1972 . With utmost respect Venerable Sir , I think you should consider a name change if you want to be identified as a truly national religious organization .
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old codger / October 28, 2018
Nosey,
May be you should check out the Jaffna diocese of the Church of South India.
Do you think the CSI should change to something like Ramanya?
Don’t you know that the Siam and Ramanya Nikayas have foreign names?
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CHANAKYAN / October 29, 2018
NP
How about Bank of Ceylon? Is it not identified as a truly national financial institution?
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Engineer / October 29, 2018
Have you heard of the Ceylon Electricity Board? The CEB?
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Mallaiyuran / October 28, 2018
Bishop should ask Vatican to issue an statement on this.
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A Disgusted Citizen / October 29, 2018
Bishop Dhiloraj is the Anglican Bishop of Colombo. You should direct your comment to the Catholic Bishops, Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith
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Nimal Tissa Wijethunga / October 28, 2018
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Plato. / October 28, 2018
If Buddhist Monks could air their views on matters relating to the Politics of the country why cant the Bishops also give their opinions? Double standards! or is it because Buddhism has been given the foremost place?
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Native Vedda / October 29, 2018
Plato
–
“If Buddhist Monks could air their views on matters relating to the Politics of the country why cant the Bishops also give their opinions?”
–
Irrespective of Religious Affiliations , the supposed leaders of religions should confine their sermons to their flocks, maybe they could dwell in discussing the shortcut or best spiritual path to heaven or nibbana.
–
When religious leaders are dying to establish their own theocracy in every country of the world, we need less interference from them.
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Rajash / October 28, 2018
The Sangha is yet to make a statement ….I am sure they are in agreement with this undemocratic act
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Native Vedda / October 29, 2018
Rajash
–
“I am sure they are in agreement with this undemocratic act”
–
I am not sure they are in full agreement. They will only be satisfied if Hitler Dr Go is appointed as the national hangman again in total control of his new fleet of white vans.
–
When do you think Dr Go will release the saffron clad thug Gnanasara?
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Buddhist / October 28, 2018
At least the Christian Bishop had the guts and the call to speak out. Where are the Buddhist Monks who are UNPers? Where is the Catholic Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith Pata Bandige? Is he hiding behind Mahinda Rajapakse? If Buddhist Monks can make political statements and sit in the Parliament as MPs, there is no restriction for any religious priest to make political statements. This is called Democracy and Freedom of speech. Even the Catholic Cardinal has not uttered a word regarding the violence that took place at ITN or Petroleum Ministry where thugs have walked in.
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A Disgusted Citizen / October 28, 2018
Fully agree with what you say. The Catholic Cardinal is a Mahinda stooger. People have forgotten how his neice got a diplomatic appointment under MR, without the proper qualifications
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JD / October 29, 2018
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Sandy / October 29, 2018
‘ There comes a time,when silence is betrayal’.( Rev. M.L. King)
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Sinhala_Man / October 31, 2018
Yes, Buddhist,
Any statement from any source that unambiguously denounces unprincipled opportunism must be welcomed without bringing in extraneous issues.
.
I’m wondering whether to write about earlier unfortunate incidents where I can personally vouch for inconsistencies on earlier occasions.
.
May be tomorrow.
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Kugan / October 28, 2018
It’s May be concern but this not good for the church in general,remember most of the people behind the bar will so happy Duminda,Gana thero all out will be soon
We go back to circle of old kings royal,
You can see how the laws work ,SLBC,ITn,etc,,,,taking over by Mullas of Mahinda free hand
Ranil wasn’t strong as leader he was to soft to wrong doers Ravi was got caught red handed but still kept him as minister Mahendran got away with,,,,so on and on
He may be got the credit for won the war but this was collective,
He met Modi,Subraswamy, SL is under watch of RAW any move is under their program
Forget about the fuel price bring back the night car riding,and white van culture
,
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Real Revolutionist / October 28, 2018
Bishop of Colombo
Fishing in troubled waters?
People gave mandate in 2015 to both MS & RW to go together; when they’re at loggerheads the constitutionally powerful man’s word should prevail.
Good to understand that RW has lost credibility so upholding his mandate is practically impossible.
Mandate has become null & void after the humiliating defeat in recent LG polls.
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A Disgusted Citizen / October 28, 2018
To all those who have criticized the statement of Rt Rev Dhiloraj Canagasabey, Bishop of Colombo (Anglican), WHY were you all silent when the Catholic Archbishop of Colombo, Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, made several statements in the recent past on political matters. WHY didnt you all condemn his statements and ask him to concentrate on matters pertaining to the Catholic Church in Sri Lanka, which, sad to say is in total disarray?????
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JD / October 29, 2018
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Guardians of a Sacred Land / October 28, 2018
Church + Ranil W + NGOs + Western Agendas = Destruction of Sinhala Culture, maiming of the land and its pristine Buddhist Religion
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Estate Labourer / October 28, 2018
If men of the cloth speak out in defense of good governance, responsible public administration, upholding of the constitution, honorable political conduct, and progressive policies etc., then that is acceptable.
But if they speak in support of corrupt politicians, approve of obnoxious laws, turn a blind eye to attacks on places of worship, and speak disparagingly of human rights, then that is not acceptable.
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Justice and Fairplay / October 29, 2018
Nv you call them Mundane matters?
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Native Vedda / October 31, 2018
Justice and Fairplay
–
Mundane matters
everyday, ordinary, or banal, relating to the world or worldly matters .
–
Conducting prayers, sermons, running the church, reporting to Rome or London, ……. when bored feeding the children, …………………passing the plate the ‘Sunday morning stickup’, ……………………….
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Naman / October 29, 2018
SL President’s action of making Mahinda as PM and removing RW illegally proves that SL is a Banana Republic where there is no real law and order
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Good Sense / October 29, 2018
Usually the RC faction of christianity in this country comes out first in uttering something if there is a contentious issue. Strangely HE (His Eminence) is silent. In a way, “Silence is golden”. However, although RW is a nominal buddhist, his grandfather was an Anglican and his uncle was the Anglican Bishop of Kurunegala. I am not making the allegation that the current Bishop of Colombo is making a noise because of these connections but in fairness to the faith it would have been better for the had His Lordship chose a guarded set of words in the statement he issued. After all let us guard religion out of this dirty politics.
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A Disgusted Citizen / October 29, 2018
Obvious reason why the Catholic Archbishop has not issued a statement – he is an MR stooger
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Edgar / October 29, 2018
Bishop Duleep Chikera wanted to buy wine from Prabhakaran for church services as a good will gesture to appease the biggest mass murder of Sri lanka.
This head of the church is relatively new, and he is running the risk of getting the stink of the Ranil-Rajapaksa-Sirisena-SDDissanayake types by poking his finger into it.
Buddhist monks interfere into politics openly, and Christian priests holds the British government unto its poltics by offcial decree; and in being more clever in the art of politics, they do it more
cunningly.
But this Bishop is an amateur.
As Jesus said
“Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s”
So, leave politics alone.
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Arunasalam / October 29, 2018
Rend unto Caesar what is Caesar’s if Caesar rends unto God what is God’s.
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Sinhala_Man / October 31, 2018
Dhilo is not “relatively new”. He’s been Bishop since 2010 or thereabouts. It is also said that he may retire in 2020 when he reaches the age of 65.
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Anglican / October 29, 2018
Blaming the Bshop is unfair.
This is a statement by the whole Diocese of Colombo. We were in our annual sessions from Thursday to Saurday when this sordid incident happened.
The Petition to protest publicly through the press was put forward by some prominent members of the Church. there were about 220 of us present. Eight abstained. No one opposed. So support was overwhelming. After that the Bishop gave his assent. That is the stage at which he made his mind known to us.
So he did not play any politics. It is the whole Diocese that was disgusted with wht the President did. As citzens like ll other citizens, we too have our duty in a democracy to advise and guide the nation on what is right. As a Church, we have a bounden duty to do that.
It is clear now from the protests that almost everyone agrees that the President should have gone through Parliament to unseat Ranil if that is what he wanted, by first proving that Ranil had lost his majority.
Witing for Parliament to adjourn was surely because the president did not possess the numbers. Proroguing is to buy time to buy votes.
I am reliably informed that one MP was offered Rs. 100 crores and he is now negotiating for more. Every day that parliament is prorogued is one more day to corrupt some more our badly corrupt system.
Parliament must be recalled immeditely to see who commands the majority. No delay in that please. If the Preident objects, it would how that he does not have the votes.
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Sinhala_Man / October 31, 2018
Thanks, Anglican.
.
You have added value the statement that has been issued.
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Ajay / October 29, 2018
Rt. Rev. Dhiloraj Canagasabey,
Please stick to your profession and pray to your God to send both Hopperman Sira & Mafia Criminal Mahinda to Hell. And keep out of politics. That is a field for politicians like Malcolm Ranjith and the Buddhist Monks.
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vini / October 29, 2018
Bishop Chikera, hopefully with divine help, has interpreted the SL constitution. There is no need for PCs and indeed the Supreme Court in this instance. He is too good to be in the Church; perhaps he should moonlight as a lawyer and earn some extra cash.
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Upali / October 31, 2018
Mahanayaka’s of all religions should be kept out of politics. Millions have been killed in the name of religions and continue to kill. What Karl Marx said on religion remain valid to date.”Religion is the opium of the people”.
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