Former President Chandrika Kumaratunga, who returned to the country a few days back after leaving Sri Lankan shores in disgust following the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) decision to give nominations to former President Rajapaksa, finally decided to break her lengthy silence today.
Delivering a long awaited statement Kumaratunga called on the SLFP members and all citizens to reject Rajapaksa again at the upcoming polls and elect candidates with integrity to march forward with the mandate given on January 8.
Kumaratunga said she had decided to place the country before her party at this crucial juncture. She accused Rajapaksa of ruinng the SLFP and country and spreading racism and using the religion for political ends.
The following is an English translation of the full statement issued by Bandaranaike in Sinhala.
Upcoming Election and the Country’s Future
A silent revolution took place on January 8 in the country. It was a victory achieved by the citizens for the establishment of democracy. As a person who contributed to that victory, I consider it my duty to explain my stand with regards to the upcoming general election which I consider is a very crucial one. Patriotic citizens who respect freedom and democracy rose against the cruel suppression of the Rajapaksa regime in a heroic manner for a harmless struggle. It enabled them to unseat the suppressive regime with the use of ballots and not by force. The struggle which was conducted in a peaceful manner, without shedding a single drop of blood was to ensure the victory of a noble vision. This noble endeavour will be etched in history in gold. Rajapaksa contested elections while exploiting state resources, the armed forces, Police and the media. He exploited religion for his petty gain and shamelessly resorted to spread racism. It is a foregone conclusion that a country gets isolated, when a ruler attempts to be in power for ever by undermining human rights and ruling without foresight. The future of such a country becomes entirely bleak.
Fortunately we were able to avoid such an unfortunate event.
So it is the duty of all patriotic citizens to stand up irrespective of differences to protect the victory achieved on Januaray 08 with so much sacrifice.
The SLFP is a people’s party which was founded on the pillars of true democratic principles and good governance.
My late father S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike built SLFP with so much commitment and sacrifice for the benefit of the country. In this endeavour he successfully marshaled the five forces – the Sangha (Clergy), Veda (Physicians), Guru (Teachers), Govi (Farmers) and Kamkaru (Workers). The noble aim of the party was to work for the benefit of the masses and not personal gain. I recall with respect that after the demise of my father, my mother became the world’s first woman prime minister and garnered both local and international fame. After the demise of my parents, I was fortunate enough to lead the party.
Despite many setbacks and challenges I re-organized the party and took it to victory. I was committed to this task even despite threats to the safety of my children. I was able to take the party which had tasted defeat for 17 long years to victory. In this journey I became the Chief Minister, the Prime Minister and the country’s President on two occasions. Under my leadership the country achieved many notable triumphs in ensuring good governance and economic development. After my terms ended I decided to retire with dignity and respect.
At the time of my retirement, despite opposition from a majority within the SLFP I decided to hand over the leadership of both the party and the government to Mahinda Rajapaksa as I had some confidence in him. But after assuming leadership Rajapaksa who chose to undermine democratic norms also ruined the the party’s noble vision in a manner we did not expect. While uprooting all progressive expressions he acted as a dictator, driving the party towards ruin. I witnessed with such sadness the manner in which the party was been taken towards destruction.
In the backdrop of the country becoming a playground of a single family and a few of their friends who used state resources and power for ulterior gain I decided to align with forces who were fighting to re-direct the country towards a people friendly rule and re-establish good governance. While bringing all Sri Lankan forces committed for such a cause under one roof we tried to lay the foundation for a political culture of consensus.
I decided to bow down to the requests of the leaders of civil society organizations and some leaders within our party itself who had been talking to me for some time. A majority wanted to usher a change under my leadership. But I did not have any desire to remain in politics. I always detested attempts made by leaders to remain in power for ever. But as the country was spiraling out of control I decided to identify another leader from the party and with the support of sections of the SLFP, the United National Party, civil Society organizations and other patriotic forces put forward him as a common candidate to contest Rajapaksa instead of me. After doing this I acted with commitment to ensure his victory.
After this our aim was to form a national government and rebuild the country while ushering political reforms. We also wanted to re-build the SLFP.
After the January 08 victory people were fortunate to enjoy a government which ensured good governance. But unfortunately the defeated leader was biding his time to launch a counter revolution. With the help of some political leaders within the party and the UPFA he tried to scuttle the political reforms and the country’s forward march. He tried to wreck the good governance rule. Despite such obstacles I must note that the new government was able to do some noteworthy work for the benefit of the people. The most important role of the new government was to ensure democracy, media freedom, human rights and create a background where all communities could live together in dignity while enjoying equal rights. The efforts made to increase salaries and bring down the cost of living are commendable. Also they have initiated efforts to eradicate corruption from the state sector which is a gigantic task.
The efforts to identify those engaged in corrupt activities during the previous rule and punish the responsible are ongoing. Also efforts taken to control the drugs, ethanol trade and to stop political
violence against opponents cannot be taken lightly. While the government tried to introduce a people friendly governance policies, those close to Rajapaksa in parliament tried to block them. In the backdrop of conspiracies launched by the defeated former ruler growing day by day the parliament had to be dissolved. However, this became a much more complicated matter than expected. I think these events have had a negative impact on low abiding citizens. The attempts made by the defeated ruler and his corrupt followers to seek another mandate from the people has become a problem for respected party candidates. But I am most disturbed to see the lack of desire shown by some party seniors towards a proper restructuring of the SLFP. I am also saddened by their personal decline.
But hereby I like to explain my stance to true SLFP members who love the party. The question in front of us is whether to align with the people who destroyed the party principles and dragged the country towards ruin or support the people who are trying to take the country towards victory and have the vision and commitment to do so. After studying this deeply my decision is that we should build the country first. For this it is imperative to protect the victory we achieved on January 08.
The love and devotion I have for the SLFP will never change. I will always be committed to strengthen our true policies and through it to usher a righteous rule in the country. We need to establish good governance for us and our children to live in this country in a dignified and respectful manner. At the upcoming elections we have to defeat those forces who are trying to destroy the chance we got to create new nation. I appeal to all SLFP members to shed differences and join the political parties, civil society organizations and all progressive forces which came together on January 08 to ensure a new political culture of consensus instead of a political culture of dissent.
I truly believe those power-mad political forces who are trying to spread myths to create disunity should be defeated. To ensure good governance I appeal to all citizens to elect erudite politicians at the upcoming polls, who can carry forward the January 08 victory and make the parliament an institution which fulfills the aspirations of the people in a dignified manner.
Let’s work together to realize the dreams of a new nation.
D.Nimal / August 6, 2015
CBK lost all political packages including, that she turn into Right Wing politics of Junta type anti-democratic and anti-masses line of politics the bandwagons of UNP type of ” democracy”.
CBK is of number one diehard enemy of People of Sri lanka.
No doubt she is all round working with counter-revolution forces that against masses of poor people of our tiny an Island.
This type of politics not against MR, is against our nationl task of sustsnibility of development of capitalist revolution.
If you are having personal grudge and jealous with MR , she has settle account with MR is different matter.
But do not take revenge from poor masses of our country, nation and people by CBK join hand with UNP,TNA and JVP all are reactionaries classes of outfit had been proved last 67 years by in deeds.
This mode of politics doom to fail sooner or later!
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John / August 6, 2015
Hey Nimal, Don’t talk nonsense man, what is necessary at this hour is to see that MR & Mafia are defeated for good & UNF + good Governance are elected to office on 17th August.
That’s what CBK is after, understand .
What else we should do at this moment ? tell me.
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Just saying / August 6, 2015
The kiss of death – for Ranil. She is hated by all for her laziness, corruption, out and out lying -and by coming out as a born-again purist, she is not fooling anyone.
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Leelagemalli / August 6, 2015
Not only former Prez CBK, but also all right thinking folks of th enation would never want to go back and get led under MR regime. Even if some say, with a different bunch of parliamentarians- his style of adminsitration would change. But looking at the manner MR made decisions by not respecting all other men in parliment was the style that practised by him until Jan 8th.
Today, there are a lot to contest putting the man in front since most of those second men have no chance if they would contest the election without mentioning MR.
Apart from few that dont want Appachchi to be active anymore, will surely win the hearts and minds of the people in the next election.
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Ajith / August 6, 2015
I don’t think anyone is pesonally against Mahinda Rajapakse other than those who are victims of Mahinda’s direct involvement such as War hero and fomer military commander Sarath Fonseka, former chief justice Shirani Bandaranaiyaka, Sundey leader editor Lasantha and those who have been abducted, tortured and murdered.
The majority people of Srilanka did not like the way he ran the government. That is why they voted him out though he tried to come back to power with illegal methods. He betrayed the constitution of Mother lanka, he betayed the promises he made to the people of Srilanka and He betrayed the Buddhism.
CBK is one of the former President like Mahinda but she did not loose the public confidence but Mahinda lost public confidence. People have spoken clearly and undoubtedly. Respect the people voice.
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punchinilame / August 6, 2015
Here is why we need to re-elect a Leader, Hero, Statesman, Patriot etc. in a
Percy Mahendra Rajapakse !!!
HAMBANTOTA DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS – 22 Nos. and costs exceed Rs. 600 billion:
Source Ms.N. Wijedasa .. Sunday Times 30-11-14:
Fisheries Harbor upgrading (all figures are in million Rs.) 373
International Exhibition & Convention centre, Siribopura 2000
42 – Office administrative complex 2983
Mahinda Rajapakse Stadium, Sooriyawewa 700
Mattala Rajapakse International Airport (1) 27500
Hambantota Port – Phase 1 47380
Hambantota General Hospital 70000
Solar Power Park (Korea/Japan Govts.) 1300
Belliatta town & Irrigation tank rehabilitation 300
Mattala access road flyover 3090
Fuel hydrant system & aviation refueling terminal at MIRA 5100
Bunkering facility & tank farm 9900
Dry Zone Botanical garden (1) 500
Mahinda Rajapakse National Tele-cinema park (1) 600 (+ 600 more)
Siribopura Flyover at junction of H`tota-Werawila Road 2675
TRC 8 Storey Business Centre 3500
Hambantota Port (11) 106000
Expressway between Hambantota & MIRA Airport 54000
MIRA development project cost overrun & addtl.work 16000
26.75 Matara-Belliatta Railway 36500
H`tota International Hub development project 52.96 km 33200
Matara-Hambantota Expressway extension 90 km 253000
T o t a l: 676,601 billion SL Rupees
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Supun Jayawardhane / August 7, 2015
Hambantota Devleopments projects = only for Medamulana- Medamulana pockets filled with billions
Mattala brought nothing tangible to this day.
Harbor brought nothing tangible to this day
Meeharaka could feel like that he has done to the nation, but instead he sucked the funds of the innocient people without thinking twice before going for white elephant projects THAT brought nothing actually.
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Navin / August 6, 2015
[Edited out]
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Davidson Panabokke / August 6, 2015
Thank you, Madam.
Lying by public officials is punished and lying by a President to his own citizens and to international community cannot thus go unpunished.
Stealing by ordinary citizens is punished and corruption by a President is ignored?
NO, NO, NO.
Murder by ordinary citizens is punished and disappearace/murder arranged by a President is ignored?
NO, NO, NO.
Rajapakse lied, stole, set up murders ……
He should never go back to the parliament – the country and the people mustmove forward.
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NIRMALA n / August 6, 2015
Chandrika
You are a very stubborn person. Why are discharging so much venom against my Mahinda?
You are a spent force and just wasting your time.
Mahinda’s victory is certain and you have to get the first flight to London on the 18/8.
I will see you on arrival to give a big appudi.
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mike / August 6, 2015
Nirmala
“You are a very stubborn person. Why are discharging so much venom against my Mahinda?”
Your Percy Mahendran Rajafucksha will be thrust in the limbo of forgotten things come August 18. Keep on dreaming and enjoy Percy’s bowl of vattilapam to your hearts content! Loser.
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Lankan / August 6, 2015
NIRMALA n
“Why are discharging so much venom against my Mahinda?”
Because ‘your’ Mahinda is a corrupt man
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Lasanda / August 7, 2015
Nirmala,
Yes she has London Town to go back to after messing the country!! What a mess she and Ranil done to my country for this little time!!!
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Lankan / August 7, 2015
Lasanda
Sri Lankans are unfortunately very good at screwing things up.
They worship criminals, are not bothered about being treated like second class citizens, don’t have much in terms of conscience etc..
Perhaps things would be different in a few generations time
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Lasanda / August 7, 2015
Tamils are second class citizens in Sri Lanka!! You have to go to Tamil Nadu if you need to be first class citizens sweety!!!
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Lankan / August 7, 2015
Lasanda
Your racist attitude is appalling. You are a disgrace to
the good Sinhalese people. There is something majorly wrong in
our society if your views represent a majority, which I hope is not the
case.
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Lankan / August 7, 2015
Lasanda,
And by second class, I was referring to ordinary people of all communities,not Tamils, who are treated as such, by your heroic leader and his henchmen.
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Native Vedda / August 7, 2015
Lasanda
“Tamils are second class citizens in Sri Lanka!!”
Why the Sinhala/Buddhists treat them so badly. You must be a rare Sinhala/Buddhist to confirm their fears and hopefully they will be grateful to you.
“You have to go to Tamil Nadu if you need to be first class citizens sweety!!!”
Its a very good suggestion. When are you taking them with you to your ancestral homeland Erivirar Pattinam, Thamilaham?
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sama / August 7, 2015
What about rural folks that have been neglected in Rajarata areas, are they not second class though they are sinhalese ?
Lasanda, you guys need to go therapies to have rehablitated. After that only we can think of reconciliation in thi scountry. Your mothers should be blame for the feelings that you have today to call Tamils Muslims or others are second class but all sinahalyass are first class.
I am ashamed to be born to sinhala race, when thinking idiots of your kind repatedly bheave so. God see it this time, we want MaRa FREE srilanka. He to have sowed seeds for NATIONLISHM should be cornerd by all gods. He is the man who gave a life to idiots like Lasanda
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Native Vedda / August 7, 2015
sama
“Lasanda, you guys need to go therapies to have rehablitated. 2
Therapy won’t work and too expensive.
He/she/it should be sent back to his/her/its ancestral homeland across the Palk Strait, only 20 miles away from our shores.
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Lasanda / August 7, 2015
We are the seed of Kabithigolawa massacre ! Don’t forget, sinhalaya has been massacred by Tamils. So don’t talk baila!
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Lasanda / August 7, 2015
And don’t forget the 300 police offices who were torchered and shot by the Tamils. They were in their uniform at the time of killing! They took their weapons and killed like animals!!! Those are our fathers !
Why didn’t the Tamils have the guts to face the 300 offices with weapons???why kill them like animals!!’
Oh by the way, I had a maid who’s name was Sama!
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Analyst / August 7, 2015
Lasanda ,KAS and the like minded racists along with MR are doing the last dance here with all the flips and kicks.
Never mind guys be ready for the very last waltz with your master on the night of the August the 18th in MEDAMULANA Palace
I will join for the last supper .
These nuts have no qualities just empty in their brains and empty in their tanks.
Pathetic lot . They repeat the same old racial talk and nothing serious about developing the country which has gone to dogs for the last 10 years .
They are trying their best to BURY the loots ,the murders ,the drug peddling and many more crimes. They are trying their best ..
These above mentioned morons are a bit boring.
Expose the crimes committed by your friends and families. By doing so you’re doing a service to the country which you’re crazy about.
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Lankan / August 7, 2015
Lasanda,
That atrocity was committed by the LTTE. But is it right to hate
the whole Tamil community for that, forever? Atrocities would have been committed by certain Sinhalese as well, for example the 1983 riots. So should Tamils hate all Sinhalese?
It’s unbelievable how myopic people like you are, prisoners of your own minds, imprisoned by your own communal attitudes. I can only suggest the examples of Gandhi and Mandela to you.
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Lasanda / August 8, 2015
Lankan,
Don’t you Tamils want Mahinda to be dragged to ICC? Don’t you people want a separate state in this country?
If yes , you are a Tamil terrorist!
/
Lankan / August 8, 2015
Lasanda,
What makes you think I’m Tamil? Not all Sinhalese are as dim witted as you!
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samuel jayaweera / August 8, 2015
Lanken,
we cant change such mentalities easily. During the past regime, they were only on sowing seeds MORE LASANDAS to be grown. See, the manner they handled the brutal hate mongering spread by BBS pseudo monks. There as a statesman, was that the manner he had tobe. Do you think that MY3 would stay mum if Muslims or other minorities would have been attacked by Rajapksse led BBS like facist radicals ? No, only Rajapakshes have that in their genome as it is the case for those of Gadafi and even Hitler. Even today, shamelessly he speaks on the stages telling that he shoudl be the ONLY person to bring progress to this land. Can you imagine ? As if the country is dead of lacking talented personalities. Instead of functioning as a senior man for lanken politics, him to get back has made it very clear it is selfish politics … only that way they could find immunities for investigations being carried out agianst them right now. Give us any single clean man within that family. People say Chamal could be exemplary but his son and others too are smeared as no other.. even simialr to those of toy pistol mayor like candiates. Where is the respect and dignity among those men … these are not at all exemplary to future generations.
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sama / August 7, 2015
What a donkey you should be.
Remember the way how sinhalaya ( our people) treated the tamils in 83 july ? As it s the case with Germans and their brutalities at that time, we must not talk about all these – since itwas not all sinhalayas did that, bu tthe country ones belong to your category, shame on you being a sinhalaya man. I hate to be born to sinhala race.
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Lasanda / August 8, 2015
Maid Sama,
Why don’t you go and hang your self!!! It’ll be a great help for the Sinhala race!!
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sama / August 8, 2015
MR and all should be hung by his balls also including you and the folks for all the divisions being made by you. I am sinhaalya.. but I respect all other srilankens equally, but you guys make even further deviions. that will never be accepted by any folks but you. It is the stuipidy and the background you come from cause for all these. I am glad there are masses that represent my views and be ready to chase out Rajapakshes from our sight – all for the sake of all srilankens not only SINHALAYA. Our voice will give a life for all soon. THat is certain.
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Lasanda / August 8, 2015
Choice of language clearly shows you are a maid!!!
At least Mahinda has balls for you to play with, what can we say about Ranil who has no balls!!!
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Lasanda / August 8, 2015
As for hanging me, not possible ,because I am the elite and you are just a maid talking!!!
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sama / August 8, 2015
I will hang myself after chasing your guys away. Let s see what is going to be after August 17. THere will be no chance for Rajapakshes and their goons to caricate poor folks. They are becoming aware of the realities today in the MY3-RW rule. So not many would agree to allow thugs to lead this 93% literate nation. We are sad to see you guys ( ela balu kolla and you the fraction) seem to be rotten by your kind of frog in a well mentality not knowing the gravity of lanken alarming problems.
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Lankan / August 8, 2015
Lasanda,
You are a human being, before you are a Sinhalese, a Tamil, or a mix of the two. So act like one. It’s not too late.
/
sama / August 9, 2015
Inborn racial attitudes cant anyone forward. you are a curse of this nation.
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samuel jayaweera / August 8, 2015
Srilanken tamil problem is not due to tamils but because of idiots like Lasanda. They know nothing but limited info related to whatever. Why cant we live together sharing equal rights ? All those born to lanken families should have equal rights regadless of their race regligion or whatever. Anyways, awareness programs lagged in MR regime not making clear the gravity of sharing exchanges on the issues, that they did for their political survivial, telling the palatable and keeping way the facts from the village masses, they continued to show off their so called devleopment projects. But to this date, not many are praised about Hambantota and mattal airports. They know pretty well these men only sucked the people funds for their fun – twisting the mind sets of the rural poor people. But very same people would realize it later was not their thoughts. To date, we have come to such levels, poor folks become clearer the gravity of Raja problems- show offs only sucked poor mans blood only.
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K.A Sumanasekera / August 6, 2015
Dr Godahewa, the ex Chairman of the Securities Exchange Commission , the main watch dog of the the country’s Business & Commerce Engine says Srilanka had her greatest Development phase in the last 9 years..
That is obviously before Yahapalanay
Even I said it a few times here, and I am no elite, nor a PhD..
Dr Godahewa goes even further to tell the Elite that it is all Fuqed Up now by Yahapalanaya.
All development is stopped.
Jobs are lost,
International Financiers are disappointed.
And no long term Investments have come for the last 6 months.
Say no more…
And here our Whisky Madam is running around with Medumulwewa Sobitha holding his hand to Fuq us up even further..
And this Madam who was giving our inhabitants Yahapalanaya for 15 years couldn’t raise it even one half of one percent.
I am talking about the Economy here mind you…
What a joke ,
What a bunch of jokers…
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Lankan / August 6, 2015
K.A Sumanasekera
Maybe most Sri Lankan politicians are jokers. However you are a joker as well.
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vis8 / August 6, 2015
[Edited out]. LMAO :)
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Bruno Umbato / August 6, 2015
Who cares the opinion of Chura ragina?
She prostituted the name ‘Banadaranayake’ for her ego and money … She is a full blown foreigner to Sri Lanka …
Nobody except Arjuna Ranatunga has any respect for her …. Read Daily Mirror gossips column to know Arjuna’s work on ‘culture’, ‘appointment corruptions’ .. He is a laughble guy questioning about the education of politicians … I think he could surely hit a ball those days … If it is a educational qualification, he gets probably a Ph.D.
In real qualification, did he finish NCGE?
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Analyst / August 6, 2015
Chandrika.
I salute you for the reason that you put your country before your party. That’s very very commendable,
You were born into a political family and you grew up seeing the intricate world of politics.
I agree that you are a matured senior politician travelled far and wide and seen how the politicians conduct themselves .
We also have seen how our last ruler and his pathetic family behaved during the past 10Years. Our poor third world country became the play ground for the family and their friends. They did not give a chance for the poor and ill.
The illiterate villagers were brain washed to sit , wait and vote.
The hangers on picked a lot of crumbs as they did the dirty jobs for the Masters. I mean in PLURALS because all the offsprings and the siblings were ruling the country.
As a matured politician we are sure that you would work for the betterment of this country . There are multiple tasks for you and your team to get down to and put this country on a prosperous path.
You have a job and good luck.
By the way do not read the comments of negativity from those illiterate fools who only dreams about the return of the MAFIA FAMILY.
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Peter Casie Chetty / August 7, 2015
The Bandaranailes are responsible for the ethnic conflict that erupted in July 1983. No one else but this cursed family.
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Nathan / August 6, 2015
An election, any election, is an opportunity to elect a Government that not just promises but delivers; a Government that just not announces but have the intent to carry out a program that moves the country forward; that executes a clear and well thought out plan to keep clear of the pitfalls that had constrained our nation to bury ourselves deeper and deeper into the abyss of despair we have already been pushed into.
What has got us buried into the abyss of despair? What will move our country forward?
I do not see anyone, any party or leader, articulating this. Why?
Shying away from addressing the core issue of ethnic harmony has not made the issue disappear.
Prescribing remedies to help out just one community will not bring about the desired result. This has gone on for almost seven decades, with no end in sight.
Wake up. The minorities have not and will never accept the meagre and contemptible crumbs thrown at them.
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mj / August 6, 2015
Good lesson to this crazy women,, now go and kiss Ranil’s stinky side..
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mike / August 6, 2015
mj
Are you implying that you have adequate experience in sniffing Percy Mahendren Rajafucksa’s stinky side??
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mj / August 7, 2015
This crazy woman kissed MARA’S stinky side in 2002..to kick Ranil from power. .now worshipping Ranil. .what a mad women…as SB said she will run on street mad very soon..
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Azeema Raban / August 6, 2015
Well said madam.Hope the Srilankans are intelligent enough to make the correct decision on the 17th of August to take the country forward.
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S,Sivathasan / August 6, 2015
The former President, one of three architects of the January ‘Silent Revolution’ has issued a clarion call to the nation for a repeat performance in August. An absolute essential.
She has said “The defeated leader was biding his time to launch a counter-revolution”.
In my article of January 16, 2015 ‘Times Are Moving Fast’, I wrote:
“Laments of the dynasty are not about its demise. Thoughts are on resurrection. Plots are on counter-revolution. The deposed President is not at ease twiddling his thumbs at Hambantota”.
In 1917, Ten Days in Russia shook the world. In Sri Lanka too Ten Days can shake the country.
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Shamil / August 6, 2015
This time mahinda has no choice other than jumping to the Indian ocean.
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mike / August 6, 2015
Shamil
His former Offence Secretary has enough cyanide capsules to go around! All the Rajafucksa’s and cronies can participate after August 17 and let the people live happily ever after.
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Jango / August 6, 2015
Chandrika sure made her share of mistakes during her time as President and there was much to be critical about her leadership, but her role in unseating Rajapakse has to be applauded and will go down in history as a huge event. Who would have thought it possible even a few days before the election that the dictatorial and corrupt regime would be kicked out and most of us would sense and feel the winds of change that permeated the country.
What a relief it was to have that sense of ‘freedom’ and lose the paranoia that Rajapakse and his gang were responsible for – and for this, Chandrika could be truly hailed as a heroine.
Hopefully that was the first step in liberating this country from the hoodlums in the guise of politicos and we will have some honourable leaders to replace them.
Wishful thinking, I know, but ….
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words / August 6, 2015
What a disgraceful woman. The country went only backwards during her regime. She will go down in history as the biggest failed leader of our nation. Get lost whiskey madam
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Point of View / August 6, 2015
Biggest failed leader ??? She is respected all over the world !
Here is the record holder – shameless, corrupt, uneducated, uncivilised, megalomaniac, disgraceful, thuggish, only defeated President in SL and now candidate contesting from Kurunegala district – Medamulane Mahinda Rajapakse !
Who can beat this record ? Not even Marcos when it comes to robbing the country !!
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Raj / August 6, 2015
‘Respected all over the world’ Not likely.
She did get some publicity when ‘The News of the World’ in UK ran an article some years ago while she was in power that she had bought a mansion belonging to Prince Andrew. Now if this was untrue, she could have sued the Newspaper & made a few million £ legitimately in the process but I can’t remember even the newspaper apologising for getting the facts wrong.
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Daham / August 6, 2015
“Kumaratunga called on the SLFP members and all citizens to reject Rajapaksa again at the upcoming polls and elect candidates with integrity”
Rejecting Rajapaksa and Electing Ranil’s men(UNP) will not solve Sri Lanka’s problems for many reasons.
(I)UNPers too are corrupt and hence try to protect their own culprits.
(ii) Ranil being a very close friend of Mahinda Rajapaksa will go an extra mile to protect the Rajapaksa family.
(iii)During the past 7-8 months Ranil and MY3 have protected all the corrupt people.
As such, people need to take a brave decision and move away from the two main parties the SLFP and the UNP.
From the information that is being circulated the chances, that the JVP will come out with a surprising result on the 17th, are very high. What people hear is that the JVP is increasing their vote base day by day. Wonderful news.
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Amarasiri / August 6, 2015
Dear Former President Madam Chandrika Kumaratunga,
RE: Chandrka Breaks Silence – Calls On All Voters To Defeat Rajapaksa
“Delivering a long awaited statement Kumaratunga called on the SLFP members and all citizens to reject Rajapaksa again at the upcoming polls and elect candidates with integrity to march forward with the mandate given on January 8.”
“Kumaratunga said she had decided to place the country before her party at this crucial juncture. She accused Rajapaksa of ruing the SLFP and country and spreading racism and using the religion for political ends.”
Thank you Madam for being a leader and calling a Spade, a Spade, and exposing Mahinda Rajapaksa and their cronies for what they are: Liars, Crooks, Thieves, Robbers, Criminals and Racists in order to stay in Power and fleece the Populace.
To Succinctly Summarize Medamulana Mahinda Rajapaksa, here is a Kavi, a poem.
MaRa MaRa Chatu MaRa MaRa
MaRa MaRa Amana MaRa MaRa
MaRa MaRa HoRa MaRa MaRa
MaRa MaRa Dhushana MaRa MaRa
MaRa MaRa Mara MaRa Mara
Medamulana Game Sita
Colomba Maha Nuwarata
MaRa Pawula Gal Pita
Giya Dhushana Karanata…
From the Medamulana Village
To the Big City Colombo
Bunch of MaRa Family
Went to Commit Crimes and Crook stuff..
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Harry Hatton / August 6, 2015
This female is unbelivable !
She was president of the country for 12 miserable years. During her regime we were in negative growth-recession. The war in the North got worse after she bungled the peace talks. Then she bungled the war.Thousands of our youth paid the price with their lives. Her defense boss was her own uncle from the volunteer army hobbling Colonel Ratawatte who made money from the war.
Ratwatte’s son committed murder in public ( at a night club and then in kandy) but still got away. Chnadrikas own bodyguard Policeman Nihal himself was a criminal. Sothi Upali was her underworld action man. Her secretary Balapatabendi had a most dubious reputation.
She now lives in UK and flies about frequently without explaining how she can afford all this. Before she became president also she was living in UK. On her own admission then she used to wear borrowed clothes ( from Mrs. Ronnie Pieris and others) as she could not afford to buy new clothes.
How can she preach to others about anything ? She must be extremly thick and insensitive to even come to sri lanka having been such a negative factor here.
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Marwan / August 6, 2015
Viola! You said it all like a true Stateswoman, enough to expect a new order of respect and dignity for the people living together in a united Sri Lanka. You sound so appealing (like in your hey-days) but you may also now realize that doing Politics whilst still in power is very different to doing politics when out in the cold.
Modern day politicians when in power have so many hurdles to cross, many who throw the spanner at the works, undercutting, back biting, you don’t know whom to trust, opportunists thrive on ‘kangaroo’ jumps, bidding and auctioning of political aspirants (horse trading – for good or for worse) to form unholy alliances going against Peoples Will, are just some of the diseases, sickness of body politics that we have to live with. This whole political culture MUST change if this country is to see any real benefits from our politicians. The law makers have simply left the doors open and this has caused much voter apathy which has replaced our enthusiasm for change for the good of this country. We need to reign in these truants who misuse our trust, after-all it is We ‘The People’ who collectively elect them into positions of power, and their gratitude they show is to betray that trust as if it is their right. But no one will dare speak on behalf of us ‘The People’. Believe me, it will happen again since MR has all the buying power to pull it off convincingly, and no one can do anything about it. Ranil, My3, Satellite and Sobitha Thera will be left clutching straws not because they lost, but because they left the doors open to this kind of debauchery. They are all equally to be blamed.
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Dodo / August 6, 2015
Finally, CBK has spoken like a true leader!
Wish MY3 Sirisena had done the same and chosen to rescue the SLFP and the country from Jarapassa and denied Mahinda Jarapassa nominations for the elections.
Because Sirisena is weak he failed to act as a leader and prefered back stabbing Jarapassa after giving him nominations. Sri Lanka’s corrupt political culture is rooted in corrupt political parties SLFP and UNP.
Today JVP is the solution and JVP will win massively because both SLFP and UNP are corrupt and rotten and run by dictators. Ranil is a dictator in the UNP and Arjuna Mahendran his Central Bank appointee a corrupt insider trader who needs to face CRIMINAL TRIAL after the elections, the SLFP is a corrupt party of thugs, morons, criminals and looters and democracy in Sri Lanka is still under siege.
Hope CBK who did her share of damage to political culture in the country by appointing the clown Sarath SIlva CJ has learned a lesson and will steer a better course this time.
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Patriot / August 6, 2015
Wonderful and realistic analysis. People have decided to teach a lesson to both SLFP and UNP at this election. Both parties wanted to back scratch each other. 19th amendment of President Sirisena even went to the extent of proposing a national government formed between the two parties coming 1st and 2nd and to increase the ministries to 70-80. Interesting to know what will happen now that the JVP will surely take one of those places making UPLF 3rd.
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Vanguard / August 6, 2015
Dear President Madam Chandrika Kumaratunga
You love the party so much but you don’t want the party to win? You want the UNP to win? How is this possible?
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K.A Sumanasekera / August 6, 2015
CT has been kind..
“Chandrika breaks Wind” would have been fine.
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Tassimo / August 6, 2015
She’s delusional. Since the terrorist attack on her, she has been living in an angry vengeful world. She tried hard to get her term extended via her own political Sarath Silva the CJ she appointed.
Have you noticed how she is always about “I did this, I did that I I I”?she doesn’t know she’s lying because she is convinced that she is speaking the truth. It’s what Schizophrenics do. They’re are convinced they know the truth but it’s a mental condition .
Sarath Fonseka and Gota punished her in 2005 by reducing her security. But she blames Mahinda for it. She tried hard to arrange a farewell military parade for herself but by then Mahinda was mean spirited and wanted her out of there and did in fact blackguarded her in profanity; she played a double game and undercut his 2005 campaign and only attended one rally in Horogolka with Anura who also undercut MR out of hate and jealousy.
But as MR said “Lokki Mata sahayogaya dunna num eyaata Rajni kenek wagey Inna thibuna, mame Nuwara rajagedera eyaata hadala dennewaney” Lokki and Lokka are how they were reffwred to.
Sarath Fonseka hated her because she shot down his request for an extension and was very unkind in her comments about him. In turn so did he; and he was totally ingratiated to the Rajapakse mafia and had his way and his son in law made merry. Fonseka also hated Ranil who downgraded the readiness of the Army to appease Tigers in 2001. Fonseka told all this to CBK about how army didn’t have enough bullets or boots but she only used that information for political point scoring, but ignored Fonseka.
It’s only and only his friend Gota who saved Fonseka’s career with an extension when he was about to retire and if CBK had the brains to help fonny, she could’ve beaten tigers .
Her hatred of MR is because she couldn’t force her ailing brother as the candidate in 2005 because almost everyone in the SLFP including General Ratwatte backed MR. Her scheming failed at that time.
But in turn Gota and MR were paranoid and worried about CBK and her really nasty ugly catty remarks she made often m including catty nasty stuff about Shiranthi at functions the same way she referred to the homosexual behaviour of a VVIP who she hated before becoming friends before Jan 8th to get rid of MR. Before that, she’d openly denigrate this guy for his effeminate homosexual conduct and his Asbergers like inability to make eye contact with a person and also spoke openly about his male lovers etc.
Now they are allies because of their class and aristocratic attitudes towards king of Medamulane.
All this stuff she ran her mouth about Rajapakses including Shiranthi were being reported by Harry J and others on a daily basis to MR.
Gota got the secret service to spy on her and even spied on her sister and peoole who came to their birthday parties and social events. Cops took down license plate numbers like in the movie Godfather quite openly and checked guest lists of private parties CBK attended at Mt . Lavinia and so many other places.
Gota was paranoid and also a nasty foul mouthed person with an inferiority complex. They always felt they needed to create story of Royalty an aristocratic origins to match the Bandaranaike Ratwatte company. So they re-wrote history about their father; desperately even seeked CBK’s help to get the sons into Oxford and failed because Namal had limited educational prowess or intelligence. Shiranthi was desperate but realized Namal didn’t have the grades. Jaliya and Prassana Wickremesuriya are other close relatives of MR’s who made hay while the sun shined .
In a way Rajapakses were greedy like Premadasa and his wife Hema who desperately wanted to copy Mrs.B in dress and Kandyan saree though she’s a low country low birth person. Hema wanted president’s house staff to call her Haamu, walawwey hamuduruwo and not nona or madam. Shiranthi forced MR to appoint her brother to Sri lankan airlines and because of MR’s sports with Mervyn and others into it in Kandy Presidential palace, he wanted to keep his wife happy while he had his fun.
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Candid_Eye / August 6, 2015
Very interesting as gossip material. I mean we don’t know anything except what appears on the surface. You must be so close to know their inner workings and dealings, that can only come by personal experience gained by being within touching distance. Just keep it coming.
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Patriot / August 6, 2015
17 years of UNP administration was changed due to the untiring effort of Chandrika. Hence the SLFP politicians (members of parliament including MY3) should be much grateful to her. However, the Sri Lankan people are not obliged to do so as she has not done much good to the country even though she has not done anything really bad. So people have a mixed feeling about Chandrika.
She introduced Sirisena to become the common candidate, honestly in the belief that Sirisena will not betray the Sri Lankans by giving Mahinda Rajapaksa another chance to come back. Unfortunately, for mysterious reasons Sirisena met Rajapaksa for a third time and betrayed the people. No one knows what Sirisena is up to because he does not give a direct answer to any query.
It is evident that people are fed up with both the main parties. Voters have already made up their mind. There is no point having these election rallies or statements.
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taraki / August 6, 2015
Either Ranil has promised her a job or it is just revenge against MR for beating her to the Presidency. Strangely some good may come of it. At least MR will be defeated.
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Native Vedda / August 6, 2015
taraki
“At least MR will be defeated.”
You are traitor to the country, Sinhala/Buddhists and the people. Has the Tamil Diasporra also roped you in to campaign against national hero MR and his family. How much did the Diaspora pay you?
Are you working for the west which is bent on undermining the sovereignty of this island?
Too bad.
Get your act together.
MR is the only person who can protect this island, its people and the state, assuming of course in about five years time every bit of this island would belong to the clan.
Being a Sinhala/Buddhist bigot you should support him.
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thondamannar / August 6, 2015
The leading questions to CBK are;
Why did she return??
She is talking politics or spewing venegence ??
“My late father S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike built SLFP with so much commitment and sacrifice for the benefit of the country.” THAT IS WHY CBK ONCE DITCHED THE VERY SAME PARTY OUT OF RESPECT FOR HER FATHER.
“Despite many setbacks and challenges I re-organized the party and took it to victory.” LETS SEE WHAT YOUR ACHIEVEMENTS WERE? BTW, WHAT WERE THEY? UL/SLIC & SOME CROWN LAND WERE SOLD. THEN IMPORTED SOME LOCOMOTIVES FROM FRANCE….. TERRORISED THE SECURITY MEN AFTER THE NIGHT FELL……. H/E BEDDEGANA SANJEEWA ENTERETAINED IN THE OFFICIAL RESIDENCE. MATCHED UL WITH UL. MANSION & THE LIST GOES ON… AND ON ..
DISGUSTING TO SEE YOU UNCLOTHE YOURSELF FROM THE CONFINEMENT OF A GLASS HOUSE.
“In the backdrop of the country becoming a playground of a single family ” BANDARANAIKE/kUMARANATUNGA MOTHER, BROTHER, UNCLES,AUNTS & NEPHEWS LEAVING ASIDE FRIENDS.
HELLO !!! cbk, YOU HAD ALREADY DESTROYED THE SLFP ALONG WITH BEDDEGANA SANJEEWAS AND THE LIKES. GET BACK TO WHERE YOU CAME FROM AND YOUR BOTTLE.
YOU SLAPPED MR. KOOL AND DEPARTED TO THE U.K. – CAN YOU EXPLAIN ?????
WHOSE NEXT ?? SHOBITHA AFTER YOUR KURUNEGALA TOUR WITH HIM????
YOU ARE A DISGRACE TO YOUR CHILDREN. LEAVE ALONE THE COUNTRY.
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Punitham / August 6, 2015
Pl tell MR:
“Missiles may kill terrorists. But good
governance kills terrorism.”
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
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lasith / August 6, 2015
We should learn to respect the validity of a message rather than looking at the history of the messenger.
The truth is validated by applying logic and reasoning not by applying emotion and feelings.
The truth maybe bitter to some but its the truth. Naturally those who find it bitter will look for feel good excuses to hide under, but the truth remains the same.
The sooner we change our mode of reasoning from being emotional to being practical, the sooner we could move forward.
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Muniyandy / August 6, 2015
CBK may have innumerable faults and shortcomings in absolute terms; still, in comparison with MR, she is a Noble Angel!
In politics as in other things, everything is relative.
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ramona therese fernando / August 6, 2015
Rajapaksa is holding Communist-Weerawansa’s hands this time. This will only work, if Rajapaksa becomes ultimately good, and rejects excess loans and global currency speculation with part of the loans. If Rajapaksa can get down to the nitty-gritty of bringing the country to true development from within the ability of the masses, the pact will be of great success.
Ranil-JVP pact is a contradiction. American system with Soviet system will produce such incongruence, that our sea-border will be soon gravely compromised (besides the fallacy of using American money in Soviet style).
United Socialist Party might work if the Northern and Eastern border is patrolled 24/7 by armed forces. Any more devolution towards the North cannot include the removal of armed forces (on its sea-front at least). We wouldn’t want Tamil Nadu slowly encroaching N&E. SMU holds a moderate and modest approach that the Lankan masses will be able to work well with, and within their ability.
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ramona therese fernando / August 7, 2015
*United Socialist Party (USP)…..not SMU (was thinking of Social Market Economy)
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ramona therese fernando / August 7, 2015
*United Socialist Party (USP)…..not SMU (was thinking of Social Market Economy…..and the word “United” also came into it).
*USP is a moderate and modest approach that the Lankan masses will be able to work with, within their ability
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ramona therese fernando / August 7, 2015
*USP might work if the Northern and Eastern coastline (not border) is patrolled 24/7 by armed forces.
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Rabok / August 8, 2015
This woman deserves harsh words of everybody – during her tenure she ruin the country due to her lazy arrogant attitude – SL Courts found her guilty of robbing – towards the end of her tenure country was almost bankrupt – but a woman who had no proper clothing when she re-enter politics was one of the richest when she left politics – This shameless woman now tries to portray herself as a heroin of the land or rather as a savior of the land – bull shit – only deft and blind will believe her – she is simply a hate monger – During this election voters should think independently and select a set of good people who understand them and who love the country sincerely – the choice is yours – select it carefully without giving into rumors and unfounded stories — by looking at the political history of the guys who are trying hard to serve us will tell you who they are and what they would do
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sama / August 8, 2015
If ACCORDING to you CBK deserves harsh words, MR earns all brutal punishments to have murdered Northern folks and some folks across the country. Monday WILL open it further how his Siblings went on murdering youth of the country. Even if CBKs second terms ended up in vain, her involvement selecting Pre. My3 to chase out the most brutal man of the nation who abused almost everything for survivial of their familes… There the grand lady earns all resepct. Dogs of your kind may know the value of that, but those who respect justice and dignity see it right for sure regardless of the age levels.
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Rabok / August 9, 2015
Hello Sama – Hope you understand the fact that she planned the plot to throw Mahinda in January not because that she felt special love for the country but because she personally hate Mahinda –
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sama / August 9, 2015
She is not the only person who would hate him personally ? I think it is the educated masses of the country would never agree with Rajpakashe. They had no voice during the MR regime. Please talk to Univerisity dons and other social forces that signed agreements to go against the man in the last Prez election. So dont put the blame on CBK – it is not fair at all. She came forward to chase him out just because it was obligatory. Who would like if a leader would only listen to their siblings but telling the palatable to the nation. Their media machines worked round the clock to halloZInate the nation. Just going through all, I am sure, those who analyse it correctly, will get it clearly.
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