By Grusha Andrews –
In the year 2018, when France has a Macron, Croatia has a Kolinda Grabar and even Pakistan, a country with an estimated literacy rate of just 58%, elected an Imran Khan backed by its army in a moment of dangerous hope, the editor of Colombo Telegraph, Uvindu Kurukulasuriya has shown poor taste in sharing a two year old post from 2017 proposing Kumar Sangakkara for the Presidency of Sri Lanka. This post suggests that Sangakkara is of presidential material based on the fact that he ‘renounced’ the captaincy of the Sri Lanka cricket team. I translate his 2017 Facebook post: “what is needed are leaders who can renounce power. What Sri Lanka lacks is just that. What would happen if someone like Kumar Sangakkara emerges for 2020?”
Dangerous Memes Inflate Dangerous Men
Little does the editor Colombo Telegraph realize the danger of being an originator of a dangerous meme. It is irresponsible for a senior journalist of his political and professional maturity to propagate the myth that Kumar Sangakkara, ex cricket captain of Sri Lanka merits presidential hopes for an array of reasons. This meme has resurfaced with the election of Imran Khan to the premiership of Pakistan after two decades of tireless political activism and investment. The conversation in the media suggests that the presidency of Sri Lanka should be offered on a golden platter to Sangakkara, cricketer and once national icon perhaps the only traits Sangakkara shares with Imran Khan.
Sangakkara is a human embodying the very concepts of sharp and cunning strategy. His fluent ‘accented’ English and pageantry brand of western sophistication that can be aspired to by the common man only in his dreams making him a ‘can-do –no –wrong” gentleman in the eyes of the gullible Sri Lankans. In a country tragically devoid of heroes, even a cricketer playing for millions of rupees as a salary is a savior prince; a messiah; a resurrected Jesus; an unearthed prophet. The pathetic extent of Sri Lankan tradition of persona worship and western sophistication worship is such.
Love, Sex, Accountability and Transparency
Sangakkara delivered the 2011 MCC Spirit of Cricket Cowdrey Lecture at Lords, popularly considered “the most important speech in cricket history”. During this hall mark speech he stated “accountability and transparency in administration and credibility of conduct were lost in a mad power struggle that would leave Sri Lankan cricket with no clear, consistent administration”.
How sweet? It appears that Sangakkara is a big fan of yahapalana jigsaw pieces such as accountability and transparency. In 2015, an event organizing business called Live Events ‘pretended’ to organize a musical concert titled Love and Sex where Enrique Iglesias was to perform. Live Events, a company formed in the aftermath of Sangakkara’s retirement by himself, Mahela Jayawardena and others executed this event in a fashion amounting to daylight robbery and blatant disregard to any business ethic where the show did not start for over 3 hours and there was gross mismanagement of crowds, ripping off those who paid high prices for tickets .The company owned by Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardena was reportedly involved in an estimated 30 million Sri Lankan rupees ($288,123) tax fraud in the form of evaded municipal tax due for this concert to the government. Sangakkara and Jayawardena who command great social and power clout due to their celebrity status wriggled out of this unprecedented entertainment cum business fraud with the following words: “although we know an apology or refund cannot fully satiate your disappointment, we wish to reiterate that we remain fully committed to all of you and our country,” Yeah. Some commitment to the people and the country. Transparency and accountability, anyone? Pity these Sri Lankan who think that such day light fraudsters will take us to a better place.
Consistent Spokesperson For Cancer Causing Food Industry
From cement, telephone connections, shirts, substandard cars, three wheelers to supermarkets, Sangakkara has been a rampant endorser of goods putting his mouth where money is.
Claiming to be a fan of accountability and transparency, Sangakkara has been a consistent endorser of cancer causing (carcinogenic) food and beverages over the decades. His most noted TV commercial “Brrr!” to endorse Coca Cola is the most notorious to date.
According to literature published in high impact scientific journals, a statistically significant increase in the incidence of cancer of the pancreas is associated with the consumption of coca cola. Cola consumption is also associated enamel decay and excessive consumption of regular soft‐drinks is highly discouraged for all ages, in particular for children and adolescents1.
Further, epidemiological studies have demonstrated the association between increased cancer mortality and high concentrations of trihalomethanes, a compound similar to surface cleaners found in Coca Cola2.
The 500ml ‘buddy’ bottle that Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardena and others are holding in their hands in this commercial affecting the minds of viewers, especially the young, has 53 grams of sugar. You can imagine the collective national sugar consumption that such advertisement would have ensured. Currently the prevalence of diabetes mellitus in Sri Lanka ranges between 10.3% to 15% of the population depending on location. This prevalence is estimated to escalate causing premature death, heart disease, blindness, kidney failure and stroke attributed to diabetes. Mahela Jayawardena the self-proclaimed crusader walking tearfully for cancer should also take a good look at himself for his pretentious crusade while filling his pockets promoting cancer causing, diabetes promoting beverages. A well suited ‘bromance ‘between Sangakkara and Jayawardena, certainly. One must ask Sangakkara whether he feeds Coca Cola to his children before aspiring to make him the future president of our children.
Sangakkara’s second most salient carcinogenic food endorsement is the Prima Instant Chicken Noodles commercial.
Large prospective cohort studies have conclusively proven the association between consumption of instant noodles and bile duct cancer and gall bladder cancer3. In 2015 Indian superstars Amitabh Bachchan, Madhuri Dixit and Preity Zinta were sued by the FDA of India for “endorsing a harmful product (Maggie Noodles which is a product of global giant Nestle for its carcinogenic concentrations of lead and MSG) and misleading the public”. The global instant food industry is known to be responsible for the loss of significant disability adjusted life years where instant noodles constitute a large contributor of cancer and cardio metabolic disease including premature death by heart disease.
One must ask Sangakkara whether he feeds Prima Instant Chicken Noodles to his wife and children before aspiring to make him the future president of our children.
And think about it. He has done all this for money, while earning millions as a national team player, county cricket player and a 20-20 player. Does he sound like a certain group of people we know so well, who will not let go of any opportunity, ethical or unethical to earn a buck like a local Shylock? Yes. He sounds very much like our 225 friends down Diyawanna.
Mascot Of The Milk Food Mafia
In addition to his role as an endorser of the carcinogenic food industry, both Sangakkara and his wife have been the most known duo for the endorsement of unethically marketed milk products of Fonterra Milk Food Company. In the past Rosy Senanayake has also been an endorser of Anlene, a product that proclaims to prevent osteoporosis in a country full of foods with natural vitamin D and sunlight. The manufacturer of this product, priced at USD 5.80 and Sangakkara himself have been pressurized by public health professionals and consumer groups on misleading advertising which Sangakkara has completely evaded through legal loop holes and pure celebrity arrogance. In a country where a tablet of calcium supplement is available for far less, starting from under 50 cents SLR, Sangakkara and his wife Yehali have been engaging in unethical marketing attributing their active lifestyle to drinking Anlene. The manufacturer of this product has come under severe fire from cognitive scientists, pediatricians and public for their unethical marketing of Anchor Pedia Pro proclaiming unscientific benefits of brain development in children with the use of the said product. Clearly, Sangakkara and his wife, parents to twins themselves shamelessly advocate products of a company which is a player at the global milk food mafia well known for discouraging breast feeding and promotion of healthy lifestyle, instead using celebrities to endorse their dubious products.
Doing un to others as you would not do unto yourself or your children? Sangakkara still sounds like he is already a member of the Diyawanna.
The Cunning Response of Sangakkara
Sangakkara, 41 years of age, by the estimated life expectancy of a Sri Lankan male has nearly a good 40 years left to live. It would be imbecility to imagine that a self-promoting, self-enhancing person of his cunning , self-serving intellect would have retired from cricket to simply sit and spend the money earned by promoting carcinogens etc. till his last days. A master schemer of the highest order, it is quite possible that Sangakkara harbors political dreams that may send shivers down the collective spines of Sajith Premadasa, Naveen Dissanayake and lately Patali Champika Ranawaka. With the election of Imran Khan his possible long term strategic entry to politics has taken an accelerated manifestation. 
Sangakkara has artfully evaded response when Ceylon Today published the above news article pointing towards a semi-denial by Sangakkara about entering politics. He quickly distanced himself from this news item neither denying, nor accepting with the following twitter: “I wonder who gave them that quote? Certainly wasn’t my words”. Apart from the slight error in grammar, he is spot-on on political cunning.
However considering the uncontested service he has done to Sri Lankan cricket and to global cricket as a superb player , and in spite of all his manifestation of deplorable avarice and pitiful greed, it is sad that man of his intellectual caliber is joined in the list of Presidential Hopefuls of 2020 that borders on fearsome, uncertain, dubious, impractical and sometimes hilarious: Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Nagananda Kodituwakku, Rohan Pallewatte, Malinda Seneviratne and of late the self-proclaimed “quintessential dream boy of Sri Lanka” Madhu Roxz (the highest trending Sri Lankan video artist on YouTube in the last week who has proclaimed his presidential intentions)!
It is high time that Sri Lankan electorate woke up from their misplaced adulations to face hard facts. Regardless of our personal level of attachment to cricket, we have all admired Kumar Sangakkara’s immense ability as a cricketer. But before suspending our ability to reason in the face of celebrity we should all take a hard look at what we want from a leader.
Sangakkara’s fact based track record shows one thing. He is more of the same. It is sad when a fan has to be the iconoclast. But sometimes it is the burden of the one who sees the truth to speak it. Or write it.
Sanga, thanks, but no thanks.
References
1. Navneet Singh and Kuruswamy Thurai Prasad, A Cola to Improve My EGFR TKI Absorption in Metastatic Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer? No, Thank You, I Prefer Lemonade or Orange Juice Instead, Journal of Clinical Oncology, 34, 33, (4053), (2016).
2. K.O. Ajanaku, C.O. Ajanaku., A. Edobor-Osoh . and O.C. Nwinyi ., Nutritive Value of Sorghum Ogi Fortified with Groundnut Seed (Arachis hypogaea L.), American Journal of Food Technology, 7, 2, (82), (2012).
3. Takeshi Makiuchi, Tomotaka Sobue, Tetsuhisa Kitamura, Junko Ishihara, Norie Sawada, Motoki Iwasaki, Shizuka Sasazuki, Taiki Yamaji, Taichi Shimazu and Shoichiro Tsugane, The relationship between vegetable/fruit consumption and gallbladder/bile duct cancer: A population‐based cohort study in Japan, International Journal of Cancer, 140, 5, (1009-1019), (2016).
asela / August 2, 2018
Who is not in need of money! i love it ,you love it and 99% of the world population will go for it. Even monks do the same thing. It is not fair to accuse Sanga that he is going after money. That is natural. However Sanga should never ever enter in to politics. Though he is a giant in the field of cricket he is just a baby in politics compared to heavy weights such as MR , RW etc. If he contests he will certainly taste the bitter side of a massive defeat and it will end his innings as a great cricketer and a gentleman.
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Pollbamuna / August 2, 2018
If sanga can be president, why not Mahadenemuththa or in fact Mahela, or Colombo Man
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Pollbamuna / August 2, 2018
I would clearly say that Sri lanka should not have a leader and be either a military or communist based country
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Cool potato / August 2, 2018
Colombo man is right sanga is a good cricketer and will use his cricket skills when herules Sri Lanka
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Cool potato / August 2, 2018
I believe that Mahinda must come into the scene, he was a brave president that demonstrated genuine leadership. Also SF, Ranil and one shot are suitable for such a big role in our countries development.
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Sunil / August 2, 2018
Rajapaksas trying to split the vote or a new alliance against them in the making is the question? Where does Kumar Sangakkara stand?
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Lasith / August 3, 2018
If we are actually looking for a person to save Sri Lanka in the former of a messiah then none of these people you have mentioned above Sanga, Mahela, Dilshan, Jayasuriya, etc can ever fit the profile.
A messiah is selfless. He doesn’t do anything for his own sake. He gives endlessly and unconditionally. He does what benefits the public rather than himself. Simply put he is not materialistic!
Which of these arse holes that people are rooting for has any trait even close to that of a messiah? None I would comfortably say! Everyone we know and have mentioned are just actors fighting to line their pockets.
One person comes to my mind who would fit the description fairly well and that person was Ven. Sobitha Hamuduruwo. He was the engine room behind the yahapalana idea, he found traction, he brought politicians to the forefront and yet he never wanted power for himself. That is a quality of a true Messiah. I didn’t say he was a God, he may have misjudged the people whom he promoted, or they changed after his passing away, but my point is that he was not greedy for power or money. That kind of soul is very rare to find. That is Messiah material.
According to Buddhism greed is one of the root causes of suffering, and greed is the result of Ignorance. So for one to be greedy he must be ignorant. The likes of Sangakkara are extremely greedy and materialistic, hence ignorant. We can’t have ignorant people leading us anymore. It has not done us any good in the past 70 years.
We as citizens have to start thinking outside the box. We have to stop idolizing people and start looking for subtle traits or qualities in people to recognize them.
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Dr wijeratne / August 5, 2018
You think Tamils ,christians and Muslim’s would have voted for Ven Sobitha If He was the candidate,.I think Ven sobithe was murdered by Colombo doctors wth the help of yahapalanaya thieves. and the Rajapakses ,So many elderly patients are getting killed by Colombo doctors due to unnecessary cardiac by pass surgery.when these things can be treated conservatively,.Come Sanga and medical council will be reconstituted,
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Native Vedda / August 5, 2018
Dr wijeratne
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By any chance you are connected/related to the Aryan Dr Joseph Goebbels or Dr Strangelove?
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Diyanii / August 3, 2018
Kumar Sangakkara, has been criticized for advertising fast food !!!!!!
While it’s true that idols endorsing fast food may encourage young people to eat it, star power is only one of the many variables affecting this decision. In most cases, the deciding factor is the socio-economic status of a person. Evidence shows that children from low-income families are more likely to suffer from obesity. They will eat fast food regardless of whether their favourite celebrities are supporting the brand.
Eating fast food is also a habit, and one that is difficult to break, irrespective of whether celebrities endorse such meals. Tobacco advertisements were banned in certain countries from the print media. But many people continue to smoke anyway. Just because something isn’t advertised or promoted it doesn’t mean people won’t buy it.
Advertising is also one of the ways celebrities earn money. Endorsements provide a platform for emerging celebrities to reach a wider audience. It seems unfair to take this opportunity away from them. Particularly because even without their backing, fast food companies will continue to advertise, and people will still eat fast food.
The reality is that celebrity endorsements don’t have a lot of influence over the food people eat, as price, food quality, socio-economic status, habit and other factors all play a more significant role. Therefore what has been is all muck.
Also by the way fast food restaurants, such as KFC, McDonald’s, Burger King, Dominoes are already influential. Advertisements only play a secondary role, and having one celebrity endorse them won’t affect people’s choice of restaurants. Rather, people will be swayed by food quality, service, and price
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Sinhala_Man / August 7, 2018
Diyanii,
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Other factors are there, but advertising is a crucial and deadly part of the system that is responsible for a lot of the new evils.
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Sanga, a guy with enormous potential, has lost his way recently. I’ll try to analyse on Page 3.
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Sinhala_Man / August 10, 2018
Diyani,
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Do you realise how similar your arguments are to those of white slave traders 250 years ago?
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Sandra Aponso / August 3, 2018
All the past cricketers sleep together with the Jarafucksas.
No vote for any of the Cricketers.
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Anonymous / August 3, 2018
Rohan Pallewatta another one of these potential independent presidential candidates is supposed to be associated with Basil Rajapaksa.
Is Kumar a Rajapaksas puppet too? I don’t think he will ever work with the Rajapaksas.
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Anonymous / August 5, 2018
Rajapaksas we know you are trying every trick in the book to come back to power but you will fail. We are many we see all evil will never prevail.
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Helasingha / August 3, 2018
Dr. Wijerathna’s views may not have a grey area other than black or white, neither has Grusha’s. For people to accept you preaching, you need to balance your article with comparisons between the protagonist in your story and other presidential wannabes. For example, compare his skills, knowledge, experience and aspirations with that of MR, RW, MS, GR, BR etc. By your definition, there are no presidential material in Sri Lanka at all unless there is someone who has not come to the forefront yet. I read some comments about the political experience of others I mentioned here. Had their political experience has any value at all, this country could not have been in the state that it is today. So, we can live without such experience. Grusha, at times you nearly worshiped Ranil. What has happened now? I want to defend Dr.Wijerathna because having seen the other rogues ruining the country at least he wants to bank his hopes on Sangakkara’s management skills and international recognition. I see no problem with that view although I am not a Sanga lover. When Dr. Wijerathna returns to Sri Lanka I will return with him.
Helasingha
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Grusha Andrews / August 4, 2018
Dear Sir, I agree with yoyr comment that this piece should have been written comparatively. But the article was very long which was the reason it was not done.
I’m certainly not a worshipper of Ranil Wickeramasighe. In the face of the no confidence motion I supported him because of the undemocratic reasons for which Sirasa media et al tried to rob the people’s mandate.
Thank you.
Grusha Andrews
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Nilame / August 3, 2018
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/
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ramona therese fernando / August 4, 2018
If Kumar can only be like communist Khan, that he’d be unique. But instead, Kumar is based on all things Western capitalistic that the West is discarding at this time. At least the Rajapaksa capitalism, and also the Sirisena capitalism are based on traditional organic paddy- fields (let’s hope they are not Monsanto-ing them) And also was the smug “gentlemen…hmmm…hmmm” talk (typical) about Sri Lankan cricketers vis-à-vis the sweet Aussie guy crying his eyes out in apology (what a time to get the pecker up to show heritage). So he’s a ZERO for me. But if he starts investing in paddy-fields and organic produce, and investing in the livelihood of the agriculture community, then all is forgiven……(truth is, that can’t happen, as the investment money can only come from Western discards). And after investing in all the carcigonic products, Kumar then gives some returns to the cancer hospital(what a shameful cycle).
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LAC3(rtd) Buddhadasa / August 4, 2018
Ramona dear lady,
Are you sober?
” But if he starts investing in paddy-fields and organic produce, “
Last I heard, bullshit is also organic.
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ramona therese fernando / August 4, 2018
USA is getting started into just that, old chap.
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Nirmal / August 4, 2018
All this goes to show that an executive president is not the solution for our country. We have seen, time and time again, that persons elected to this exhalted position, have fallen woefully short of expectations. Most have promised much but succumb easily to the popular axiom that “ “power corrupts but absolute power corrupts absolutely!”
The rule of law is thrown out of the window and instead, friends, relations and sycophants rule the roost as if there’s no tomorrow. Let us go back to a parliamentary system of government with election of MPs by the first past the post method every five years. Though by no means perfect, this system is definitely better than the absurd state of affairs prevailing today.
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Raja Senanayake / August 4, 2018
There are no perfect solutions to human problems as we see from the history of philosophy where the greatest minds have grappled with the problems of life but found no solutions.
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Damian / August 4, 2018
This rambling ismainly about Sanga appearing on commercials, promoting certain products. Who cares whether he or his family use those products? Steve Jobs didn’t let his children to have iPads!
Has Sanga robbed/plundered state resources, killed or white vanned people? Many more can be asked?
The agenda of the author, the so called fake “Grusha Andrews”, is patently clear with all the pieces under the same name in CT. Of course the “Pohottuwas” are dead scared of Sanga entering the scene.
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Anonymous / August 5, 2018
Damian, you hit the nail on the head this fake author “Grusha Andrews” is another Rajapaksas front. They have got news that a new surprise is coming their way in 2020 and prosecutions and arrest before the next election. So they are getting nervous. After seeing Imran Khan come to power in Pakistan and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharifs arrest.
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Chuti Doni / August 4, 2018
Grusha
I am very sad you stated this:
“I’m certainly not a worshipper of Ranil Wickeramasighe. “
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Helasingha / August 4, 2018
Hi Grusha;
It was very generous of you to respond to my comment to clarify your stand. I apologise for my rash comment and withdraw parts of it. Thanks
Helasingha
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Lone Wolf / August 4, 2018
Dear all,
%
I had to click on the link to find out who Kumar is.
%
No, I did not read the article nor the comments.
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Sinhala_Man / August 5, 2018
Good heavens, Lone Wolf.
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Do you really mean that? Don’t know who Kumar Sangakkara is? In a sense, happy you, not to be carried away by collective obsessions.
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We’ve exchanged comments before. Let me assure you that Kumar S. has been one of the greatest ever cricketers, but there is much substance in what Grusha Andrews has said.
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I’m sad to see an idol fall, but it’s good that we’ve faced up to the damage done by irresponsible advertising. Kumar needn’t have chosen to endorse all those products.
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These people have enough. Even if Yehali Peiris had not married Kumar, she would be well off in her own right. Thanks Grusha for alerting us to the fact that those who talk smoothly, and are not obviously crude could also be at fault.
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These revelations make it all the more important that we support a man like Nagananda Kodituwakku. It’s good that we’ve started asking these questions.
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Thanks, again, dear Lone Wolf, for not being shy to reveal your naivety.
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Rajash / August 6, 2018
what a fitting name: Lone Wolf!
even Velupilliai Prbakaran knew who Kumar is
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Vinoth Nath Gunahewawasam / August 4, 2018
Thank you so much for exposing real Sangakkara. God Bless.
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Chun Paan / August 4, 2018
It is Charlie Austin who lifted Sanga up. Charlie Austin waswith Circinfo (ESPN) journalist. He sensed money in Sri Lanka. Came and lived here, found a woman too. He became ‘Manager’ to many high profile players including Murali and Sanga. Charlie Austin with his British accent constantly spoke to Lankan companies and secured advertisments. He made millions if not billions for Sanga, Austin also profitted. So Sanga must thank Charlie Austin profoundly for making him a filthy rich man. ‘Ministry of Crabs’ is Mahela’s brain, which brain is far more superior than Sanga who is more concerned about cosmetict things like publicity.
Rather than promoting Sanga who is a Kalu Sudda, let’s promote Mahela as President.
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bandara / August 5, 2018
there are some joker in the run starting from Milinda seneviratne, Roxy and Kumar sangakkara for the presidential election.
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Upul / August 5, 2018
Carcinogenic??
When did KS become a source of Cancer?
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Diogenes / August 5, 2018
Best bugger for the post: Wimal Weerawansha!
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Malathi Rozairo / August 6, 2018
Charlie Austin must be commended for his brilliant managerial post. Through Sanga he has proven he is not only capable of making money for his ‘boss’ but can convert the boss to become the King.
Murali and Sanga must not worship God but this Charlie Austin.
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Gunasena Thilakasiri / August 6, 2018
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/
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Choi Dharmadasa / August 6, 2018
The comments here are very damaging to Sanga. His Presidential hopes are now dashed. Even Charlie Austin can’t make miracles, Sanga has 0 chance of becoming the President.
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Andrew / August 7, 2018
Superb article, Sanga no doubt a great cricketer but his priorities have been manifestly exposed many times. Wasnt he and Mahela responsible for running after politicians to play for IPL rather than tour England with the national side? Also he was in a cement ad extolling the virtues of test cricket and that he gave up limited overs cricket/twenty twenty to play test cricket and the moment he retired started playing 20 20 leagues all over the world. no issue in doing that but the hypocrisy is what is regrettable.
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Sinhala_Man / August 7, 2018
This searing article by Grusha Andrews may make a water-shed difference to the country.
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Kumar Sangakkara is a huge talent, and he may even recover from this bashing to re-make himself in to a politician, even become the President! Actually, owing to the minority-community support he will probably have, he may do better at that level than as a village level politician. Someone had commented that Kumar is hated (by all, he had said). It is true that Kumar S. is a polarising figure. We love him – and so do the majority of those who talk openly, but there are those who hate because of envy.
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Grusha has exposed the hollowness that has now overcome this magnificent sportsman, and clever, intelligent young man. Those who excuse dishonest advertising are wrong; it causes a great deal of harm by promoting life-styles that the average citizen will never be able to afford, and which, in any case do not reflect the lives lived by Kumar and his family. His advertisements succeed because Kumar has so far lived a life during which he hasn’t associated himself with the stereotypes of the drug-mafia under-world, and, in his cricketing career I’m sure that he has not got involved in sordid match-fixing and the like. And he could continue to occupy that niche which he has created for himself, because as the country goes downhill in all things, the majority of the unthinking public will continue to blame themselves for their failures. It was a scenario in which Kumar was not going to be exposed by anybody. But then he probably got tempted by Imran Khan’s success to start weighing his chances. Had he been allowed to continue with his Presidential ambitions, there could have been disaster. .
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Ajay / August 7, 2018
Sinhala_Man
You seem to be an expert commenter, using all kinds of bells and whistles for emphasis and clarity. Could you please tell me how you do the bold and italics. I can’t figure it out. Thanks.
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Sinhala_Man / August 8, 2018
Dear Ajay,
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Thanks for what I think must be a sincere compliment. Yes, I think that we must all try to be as clear as possible when we say something. I am flattered by what you say, but I’m no expert. I’m an old man who has taught himself just two of the tools at our disposal when making comments. I learnt them only recently. Trial and error!
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I believe that comments on this article end tomorrow; if I can, I’ll elaborate before that, but I’ll indicate here what has to be done to get bold lettering:
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https://www.w3schools.com/html/html_formatting.asp
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I have not used italics yet, but I think I will be able to manage it.
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No, I haven’t mastered this, and probably never will, but there are other commenters who, I’m sure are much better at using the resources at our disposal. It’s best not to overdo these things; else it’ll just become a display of vain virtuosity.
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We all like to show off, but ultimately, all that is done must contribute to communicating. For all the reservations that we have expressed about Kumar’s excursions in to the world of advertising, you have in him, an outstanding man, who has certainly mastered the art of batting in cricket.
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I’d be very happy to see him working out the needs of our society, and even ending up as our President – but he’s got to apprentice, and, in the final analysis, we’ve just got to be ready to serve only when it is needed, and retire when somebody else should take over.
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Thanks again.
.
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Sinhala_Man / August 7, 2018
Cont.
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The real politicians would have begun highlighting all that Grusha has said now, with dreadful results.
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The truths about nutrition have to be worked out by Biochemists who devote their lives to just that field, but we can use our common sense to realise that we shouldn’t be paying unnecessary amounts for commercially marketed foods:
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https://milklife.com/articles/nutrition/types-of-dairy-milk
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I’m sure that somebody can pick holes in my argument if I stop with posting that. But think of the extra cost of the advertised foods; there won’t be money enough to buy fresh health-promoting natural foods. As for milk, full-cream tastes much better. Let’s follow our instincts and enjoy life. I have no way of checking whether the Sangakkaras actually all drink so much Anlene: most unlikely. So, then, they are cheating.
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Neither Kumar nor Yehali drives a vehicle as basic as a Renault Kwid. What all this means is that they’ve now become only slightly less bad than the drug-mafia who promote what is harmful (and in their case addictive), while eschewing the stuff themselves.
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As has been pointed out again and again, this couple have by now earned enough to begin thinking more ethically. What may not be realised is that Yehali’s hard-working father-in-law also makes lots of money by being so good at manufacturing and maintaining tea factory machinery. He is energetic even now, and visits East Africa regularly. A simple, hard-working man. A very devout Anglican who was hoping that Kumar would convert. I know that the last sentence is one that may inflame people; but I mean it when I say that his life has been devoted to following the Protestant Work Ethic, while being decent an honest. Let’s hope that Kumar starts thinking of ethics. .
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