The electricity lines to Temple Trees have been disconnected following orders from President Maithripala Sirisena, Colombo Telegraph learns.
Ranatunga was taken out of his office, camouflaged in a STF uniform
The disconnection of electricity lines indicates an attempt to forcibly take over the control of Temple Trees – the official residence of the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka – which has been held by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe since last Friday.
However, Temple Trees still continues to be a hive of activity with supporters of Wickremesinghe bringing in generators to the official residence of the Prime Minister. A large number of UNP MP and their supporters have camped inside the Temple Trees premises protecting Wickremesinghe and convention of Parliament.
Meanwhile, IGP Pujith Jayasundara has informed Jayantha Wickremasinghe, the DIG of the Prime Minister’s Security Division to reduce the number of STF personal provided for the security of Wickremesinghe.
According to Jayasundara’s orders, Wickremesinghe’s security detail will now be comprised of only 10 STF security personnel.
Commenting on the letter, UNP Parliamentarian Dr. Harsha de Silva said the Prime Minister’s life was now under threat.
“Under our government, former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who did not hold any government position, had 70 STF personal,” De Silva said.
UNP MPs currently inside Temple Trees have requested more party supporters to join them in a bid to resist what they term an arbitrary and undemocratic move by President Sirisena.
Meanwhile, one person, a Ceylon Petroleum Corporation worker, died last night during a shootout that broke our during a tense situation at the CPC premises. It all started when SLFP-SLPP unions attempted to prevent subject minister, Arjuna Ranatunga, from entering into the CPC premises, in Dematagoda, last evening.
After his entry amid protests, Ranatunga was trapped inside the CPC premises as protesters, led by Sirisena-Rajapaksa goons, blocked his way out. Several politicians of the SLPP were also seen among the protestors who were threatening to “finish off” the Minister.
This led to a clash between Ranatunga’s security officers and the trade union members which left three injured. One of the three later succumbed to injuries at the Colombo National Hospital. Ranatunga was taken out of his office, camouflaged in a STF uniform and a helmet. He later addressed a press conference at Temple Trees explaining the ordeal.
However, a CPC trade union affiliated with the SLFP has launched a continuous strike demanding the arrest of Ranatunga over the incident. Long lines were seen near fuel stations last night as the public launched into panic buying fearing a trade union action.
Several countries have already announced travel advisories on Sri Lanka, while many others, including UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, have issued statement expressing grave concerns. These unexpected developments took place just a day after Lonely Planet described Sri Lanka as the world’s best travel destination. Tourism industry is to be severely affected by the current political turmoil.
JD / October 29, 2018
This article is Like Ranil’s economic doldrunm coming from else where – A chicken little story. When Ranil was Tossed out by the PResident CBK, last time, what was the constitutional crisis. WAs it only the Fradulent 19th amendment the problem.
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Desperate Sinhalaya / October 29, 2018
Where JO men are involved. people die like cats and dogs.
Remember on their recent rally – on the 05th Sep … a young man died in the parade
Then again, today shootings took the life of a young man in early 30ties.
Now people will question ” දැන් සැපද ?
දවස් දෙකකින් උන දේවල්..
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nimal fernando / October 29, 2018
The reasons given by Sirisena for removing Ranil is a load of bullshit.
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Sirisena brought the no confidence motion to ouster Ranil …….. months before any of this trumped up conspiracy crap to murder Sirisena and Gota. ………. eas thrown up.
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When that failed this plan B ………. This is a well planned constitutional coup ……. people should have the guts to call a spade a spade!
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Iri / October 29, 2018
CBK didn’t toss out Ranil, she took over 3 ministries, and Ranil still stayed PM . It was only 4 months later, when she dissolved parliment, that Ranil was removed as PM. Dissolving parliment is within the ambit of the president, but that is not what has happened here.
If you want to make try to make a viable point, at the very least, get your facts straight!
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Justice and Fairplay / October 29, 2018
Iri I applaud you for reminding some to get their brains in gear before shooting their mouths.
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nimal fernando / October 29, 2018
Sirisena’s reasons for ousting Ranil is a load of bullshit.
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He just wants a second term ………. and he doesn’t want to run against Ranil. ……….. Simple as that.
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The moment Ranil – like a true gentleman – informed him way ahead of time his intentions ……. he brought a no-confidence motion to ouster Ranil …….. months before any of this trumped up conspiracy charges to murder Sirisena and Gota …….. was thrown up
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If Sirisena’s reasons are what he has given ………… then he has to answer why he brought the no-confidence motion months before …….. people should pin him down ……. he can’t have it both ways.
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This is just plan B ……….. Sirisena, Ranil or Mahinda …….. I hope Lankans have the courage and the honesty to call a spade a spade.
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Lanka does not belong only to the entrenched political-class ………. it belongs to all the 22 million citizens
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This constitutional coup is a clear violation of every citizens right.
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Lapatiya / October 29, 2018
“Moda Mee Harakek Muu, Anna Arehe Paththakata Wela Hitapan” – Mahinda Rajapaksha, Rajapaksha Nikaya, Madamulana Chapter, Suththara Puncha Nadagama.
This guy Silisena has no shame. When he was hiding fearing his life Ranil W along with Ravi K took him to the last Presidential election rally at Maradana. There he said 2 things. one is “Even if I am the President of this country still I call Ranil W as Sir” Second one is “I call Chandrika B as Madam” They sacrificed everything and saved your life from the murderous Rajapaksha regime. Now see the way this uncultured, uneducated, uncivilized, ungrateful, bastard betrayer is behaving. We can’t blame Rajapaksha’s as they want’s to grab the power to put a pull stop to endless corruption cases. This Suththara puncha should get the responsibility for this situation. He made a big mess in Doha Qatar with appointing that Rajapaksha bag carrier A.S Porter Liyanage. Now in the Sri Lanka. Remember your days are numbered. Finally all what you have to say is Sorry.
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Ranjit / October 29, 2018
CBK did not appoint a new PM, but dissolved Parliament. What CBK did was not unconstitutional as Art 70(1)(a) gave the President power to dissolve Parliament after one year of a General Election. Even 19th Amend; has provision to dissolve Parliament but after 4-1/2 years. Removing the sitting PM and appointing a new PM, is the issue here. Let the Parliament decided. And most importantly a PM is given a six year period to govern and that mandate is given ‘by the people at a general election’. The President can intervene only after 4-1/2 years.
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Samson Gunawardhana / October 29, 2018
Not a single person reported to dead during the start of Good governance govt.
But the transfer is made to the ones who broke records to be high criminals, a man was shot dead.
Arjuna s situation is helpless. So were teh situation to Mangala, Chathura and Rajaitha Senarathne – on the 26th, they had been attacked by the mobs.
These mobs the way they are upto is made known to the nation also on the 5th Sep.
Now all is made to tame the most stupid president, Rajapakshes are back.
They were right that they would do anything to get the power back.
Now Meeharaka Rajapakkehw will harm the nation as had been before.
Ranil was a gentleman – real human.
He has never abused to promote violence the manner MR has always been upto.
Sirisena is an uneducated man, in the bullock cart, now the driver is Mahinda.
No doublt things will change into worst in the days to come.
But accusations would go on to the side of Ranil. As always has been.
The kind of betrayal that Sirisena masterd is never heard in lanken history.
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Anonymous / October 29, 2018
This is turning into an act of terrorism against the state. Prime Minister Ranil should be protected the Rajapaksas are upto something. I hope they are not planning to try and assassinate him!
Our international allies should step in and international troops need to be deployed in Colombo soon.
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Vanguard / October 29, 2018
Ya you didnt want internationa troops when terrorists were attacking colombo what side are you on. This only a problem for theUNP and its supporters
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Navin / October 29, 2018
The dictators are back, journalists are already threatened, and soon Gnanasara the terrorists will be given his robe and released, to terrorize the minority. We Sri Lankans are looking like a banana republic, and will be know as being stupid, for going backwards again. Major scale nepotism, white vans, fear to speak out, but look people….the streets are clean again! Hurrah!
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Navin / October 29, 2018
Just when Sri Lanka was nominated as the TOP destination to visit. What is wrong with our people? THIS IS TAKING THE COUNTRY BACKWARDS. Back to travel advisories, nations boycotting us, and tourism, one of our top revenues, will be hit badly….but look, our streets are clean!
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JD / October 29, 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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Simon De Silva / October 29, 2018
This people who support criminals (Rajapakshes) should finally see it how cruel they have been.
Not a single day passed, but Mr Sirisena orders to treat former Premier this way. Not yet clear, if the appointment made to MR is consituttional.
How could this bugger pay no attention at the time, RW was his prime minister ? That proves not Sirisena, what appears to be democractic in national govt was the role of Mr Wickramasinghe.
Hirunika is dead right to loud that way, Mr Wickramasinghe is human and has been coming from a good family background. That is why he has shown cultured nature. Now MS has joined hand with former HIGH criminals. Already a man is dead.
People should raise the question ” dan sathutudha?”
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Native Vedda / October 29, 2018
Laksiri Fernando
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Well is this what you wanted?
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Simon De Silva / October 29, 2018
Native,
these people underestimated it.
See, not passed even 2 days since MR is back.
A young man is gunned down.
No such incidents were reported during the last 3.5 years.
These people dont know about the high standards.
Arjuna Ranthunga is traumtized but President has not even asked him how he was escaped….. but Arjuna reiterated, .. there were the ones who made Sirisena a president.
That entire world saw really.
Not many countries have welcomed yet newly elected PM.
But those men in JO have been adding big talks.
In between they have blocked the electcitiy lines to Temple trees as reports confirm.
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Hela / October 29, 2018
Simon,
Why don’t you say that the death was a suicide?
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Rabok / October 29, 2018
Brain dead idiots like you should stop commenting BS on public forums – are you living here ?? You donkey — who had gun down the young guy at CPC – it is not MR people – it is the security detail of Yahapalanaya Minister – You also comment ” No such incidents were reported during the last 3.5 years” – are you from Angoda Mental hospital or a deaf and blind mantal who is not interested reading news papers or listening any TV channel
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Laksiri Fernando / October 29, 2018
Native,
Stand for the facts. It was not a ‘shootout.’ The report is biased. The former Minister’s body guard shot the protesters. This is how the UNP tries to hold on to power.
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nimal fernando / October 29, 2018
Dr Laksiri,
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Why was the parliment prorogued? …………. Who is fishing for power. UNP or Mahinda?
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A honest answer please.
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Ad / October 29, 2018
Sirisena the bastard.
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Hela / October 29, 2018
CT spin would not work. It was one of Ranatunga’s armed men who has fired shots at the CPC employees killing one and injuring two others. It is alleged that the trade union members opposed when Ranatunga tried to take some files from the premises.
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shankar / October 29, 2018
hela
damn good for the buggers.Violence begets violence .They started it so don’t complain.
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Native Vedda / October 29, 2018
shankar
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Hela will blame G G Ponnampalam for dangerous level of racism.
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Hela / October 29, 2018
Shankar,
As you say, violence begets violence. Hope you and your ilk will not complain either. What goes around will come around…………..
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Native Vedda / October 29, 2018
Hela
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You haven’t had a “good” and “productive” riots against the minorities recently.
Hence make this into a LTTE/Tamils attacking the Sinhalese in Colombo. It might work.
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You, somas, Eagle Blind Eye ….. could make millions out of miseries of the minorities.
Have you stored enough petrol, food stuff …………………… name and address list, …
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Hela / October 29, 2018
NV,
Irrelevant harangue………
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lankan / October 29, 2018
This unwise move by Maithri tells us many things about his political stupidity. He was greatly influenced by MR and co.. They wanted to topple the government for the last one year or more, but they could not do that. They went to China for seeking support and they went to India seeking support. None supported them except China ..
MS knows well he does not have any political future. He won with support of UNP votes.. He was supported by some SLFP members not by all.. His political bankruptcy is very much clear..
it is 100% sure now they can not get the majority in Parliament..
most of minority parties with Ranil
some of SLFP members too with Ranil..
plus most of UNP members. with Ranil ..
most of western countries with Ranil…
India too will be with Ranil..
China is happy to see MR back..
MS did not foresee all this ..Now he is trying to use force to evict Ranil from his official residence..
MS will make a political suicide if his coup fails..
UNP will impeach him soon with support of more 140 members…
that is for sure..
wait and see..
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RuwanL / October 29, 2018
Unfortunately most Sri Lankans support MR!
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Martin / October 29, 2018
Yes, they are the basket of deplorables. Not anyone with any ‘Class’ will stoop to this level after all that was done by Ranil to stand by him at his hour of need and support.
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PARAGON / October 29, 2018
O MY GOD SEE THE POSITION of world cup winner for SRI LANKA. MULLIWAIKAL AND NANTHKADAL is coming back to TEMPLE TREES.THE 20-20 MATCH will be played in TEMPLE TREES. WHO IS THE THIRD UMPIRE INDIA-CHINA-OR -US-JAYAWEEWA
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Buddhist / October 29, 2018
Its time Indian Black Tigers give security to Prime Minister Ranil. Even at this stage Ranil has the majority as Mahinda’s majority has not been proven in the Parliament yet. OR may be US elite forces should provide the security to protect Democracy.
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justice / October 29, 2018
The IGP should have be neutral and should not have reduced Wickremasinghe’s security.
This IGP should be removed by RW after he wins majority in parliament.
It is to be hoped that a major confrontation will NOT develop.
MS and/or speaker should convene parliament immediately
Already a life has been lost..
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justice / October 29, 2018
The IGP should have been neutral and should not have reduced Wickremasinghe’s security.
This IGP should be removed by RW after he wins majority in parliament.
It is to be hoped that a major confrontation will NOT develop.
MS and/or speaker should convene parliament immediately
Already a life has been lost..
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Rajash / October 29, 2018
cutting electricity to Temple Trees?
what next starve out Temple Trees occupants?
this shows that My3 and Mahinda and their cronies are fing bastards
this is not the way to conduct politics….
whats wrong with you Sinhala people?
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Pandi Kutti / October 29, 2018
What is wrong. it is they are a mixture of lion genes from the jungles of Odisha and low life genes from the slums of Tamil Nadu. What can you expect from a people who are descended from a mixture of criminals, rapists. thugs and other misfits who were chased out of North East India and low lives, low classes , slave labour, mercenaries , adventurers, and other invaders from what is now modern day Tamil Nadu. All begotten from violence and crime
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Latha / October 29, 2018
pandi kutti
Your low life is exposed here
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Mallaiyuran / October 29, 2018
These all are already well planned. New King mad many changes in main players of the goverment for last two months.
Resistance is necessary. But resistors must form in numbers to ensure their safety. UNPyers, TNAyers must set a third communication channel beyond mass media and telephones. That is how how they can be in touch with mass.
Nothing unexpected.
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Good Sense / October 29, 2018
I am greatly saddened at the loss of life because of a political turmoil. Cutting electricity nor reducing security staff is not the right direction of movement. Despite all the mavericks on the part of the politicians in cheating of our sovereign rights at least there be some orderly conduct so that there is no loss of life. Ranil was the major player in the Constitutional Council in making various appointments to the senior judiciary. So he should be confident in the independence of the judiciary and contest the case in courts instead of staying put in Temple Trees. On the contrary if he is staying put it indicates that he has no case and he is creating trouble. Further it also indicates that he believes he has no chance if he were to face the people at an election. RW! Think of your innocent supporters who are prepared to lay their lives for you. They are not your cannon-fodder. At least sincerely look after them.
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Henry Fernando / October 29, 2018
One cannot imagine how a Country’s president could violate and transgress the basic laws of a country in the way that is being done in our country right now. This is nothing but due to fear psychosis and greed for power. One will not be surprised if he attempts to put an end to his life on his own seeking and many other innocent lives in jeopardy. We hope and pray that such a catastrophe will not befall on our people. No sane person would resort to this type of arrogance and unlawful conduct . It is a test case of a politician in the highest position in a country who is a law unto himself. My personal request to the Venerable Maha Nayakas Theros is “please intervene to stop this mayhem before it could escalate to uncontrollable levels. We have witnessed this type of foolish and selfish decisions from past political leaders which have caused lives of innocent people. If the Maha Sanga who are wielding power over this so called Buddhist country’s governance cannot contain this situation there is something radically wrong with our Buddhist leaders or the custodians of the precepts and teaching of this noble religion and its philosophy. May the triple gem bless you.
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Estate Labourer / October 29, 2018
Dear Henry,
The US Marines should intervene, not the Maha Sangha!
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MAMS / October 29, 2018
This tragic situation emerged due to unnatural lust for power & greed for money. In the process he bit the very hand that fed him or put him to President’s seat by the very UNP/UNF and Ranil risking his own life from MARA & clan the murderous regime.
From day one RW told he would contest next Presidency Maru Sira changed his colour like chameleon gunning after RW secretly. When RW got about his job as prime Minister, country got back GPS for exports which was lost during MARA’s regime. RW’s team signed bilateral trade agreements with every Asian, Asean countries to give exports a fillip. Tourism was flourishing like never before. Enterprise Srilanka gave new business new opportunity to improve growth rate and create employment opportunities. Fruits of these efforts were to come a reality. Maru Sira felt he would be doomed if & when elections are held.
So he started finding ways & means to scuttle RW and UNF together with like minded parties. SB Dissanayeka sevala Banda pin MP tasked to make the divorced marriage between MS & MR rework. Plot was hatched one month b4 at his residence and MS fell at Basil’s feet to topple RW & UNF.
Namal Kumara and his tapes are all concocted stories to connect to constitutional coup. When there is a running parliament and people elected UNP and its PM, Maru Sira has no constitutional executive power to appoint another prime minister. All such powers were removed with 19th amendment. Maru Sira should be impeached for ultra vire acts. Oct 26th events shows his level of education or political maturity. The fact of the matter was that Maru Sira earned ill gotten wealth way above MARA during his ten years rule. God save mother Lanka from uneducated uncultured immature power hungry creatures or bast…ds.
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Hussain Javid / October 29, 2018
You can see this as black and white the way they did this was a coup and unconstitutional. The international community specially the West can inform they do not recognize MR as Prime Minister because his election was unconstitutional. Will they do this, definitely no because they need trouble water to fish. You saw the hue and cry they daily make when Saudi journalist was killed. How about hundreds they killed? Even in other countries. There is no true justice in the world.
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kolla / October 29, 2018
Ranil respects parliamentary conventions and traditions !
How come a fossil like him has been on the top since 1977 ! Is there a single guy like this in the British Parliament ? Has anybody traveled first class and stayed in all top hotels like him, coming from a poor third world country ?
When they lose, British PM s and MPs resign and go home . They write books,do social service.Can Ranil even do that ? He is a fraud.
On the Bond scam Ranil said people only know James Bond and only he knows about the complexities of trading in Bonds. This guy is only a lawyer, not a economist or even a guy who has ever done a proper job.
Ranil don’t pretend to respect traditions.
For you everything is a joke and every man is a tool.Where is your malik and Mahendran now ?
You have manipulated every thing.Even your father Esmund was unscruplus and thought Sri Lankan institutions were jokes to be only used for benefit. Esmund bribed MPs in the 1964 crossover.
But eventually we see what an empty selfish rascal you are.
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old codger / October 29, 2018
Kolla,
“Has anybody traveled first class and stayed in all top hotels like him, coming from a poor third world country ?”
Why don’t you ask Mahinda? Or even Rocket Rohitha.
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Menna Aththa / October 29, 2018
Arjuna Ranatunga famously got a slap from Chandrika for his hmm… disloyalty, and he has been a notorious thug for a long time. Now that he has committed murder, this should be made his last act of thuggery.
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Manel / October 29, 2018
Ranil is to be blamed for this too. He was caught flat footed, and he had plenty of time to remedy the blunders he made. The country was aware that the untrustworthy Sirisena, and the Maha Raja, were conspiring, and up to no good. He did nothing.
If Ranil truly cared for the country, he would have admitted to himself that he was incompetent, and given the reins over to someone more efficient and stronger. He had a chance to succeed, but he failed.
Now we are stuck with a Modaya and a Hora, who will very quickly start giving his crooked family important jobs, so that they can rip the country off again. Jaliya the crook, Gota the bigger crook will start bringing down dogs and sharks from abroad at tax payer money, and the Carlton crooks will all flourish again. There is no doubt Sri Lankans prefer crooks to run the country…the more crooked they are the better. We are in a very precarious situation. Be warned.
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Rabok / October 29, 2018
Those Modayas and Horas at least did not allow the country to fall into current depth – what the heck Yahapalana Modays , Jokers and white color robbers did – they practically robbed country dead – and burden people with taxes to cover up their blunders – in the name of Sanhidiyawa – they allowed LTTE shadows to appear back and paved the way for the Eelam to be a reality – did they managed to eradicate corruption – corruption became the established norm of the country – Since Ranil had no family to look after – he started looking after all his Royal crooks and allow them to plunder at will –
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Strategist / October 29, 2018
Arjuna and his brother are not saints. CPC is not an easy place to manage but these guys made it even more difficult. Good sportsman but average politician…
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Rukshan / October 29, 2018
Reading these post & comments can tell what kind of mentality ppl have in our country..not to accept bitter reality & still hanging on sweet lie..
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Sunil Dahanayake / October 29, 2018
What a waste of public funds in providing 1000 security personnel to Ranil ?
In some developed countries PM is coming to his office without any security, only using bicycle.
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K.Pillai / October 29, 2018
{“………..Ranatunga was trapped inside the CPC premises as protesters, led by Sirisena-Rajapaksa goons, blocked his way out. Several politicians of the SLPP were also seen among the protestors who were threatening to “finish off” the Minister………”}
Hope things do not escalate.
Note “…..protesters led by Sirisena-Rajapaksa goons………”.
When did MS get into this goon-business?
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edwin rodrigo / October 29, 2018
Mahinda is tough but is not such a mean fellow. He will never treat Ranil this way if he was fully in charge. He should put a stop to all this nonsense and treat Ranil properly with respect that is due to a political opponent. This is looking more and more like the siege of Leningrad in WW2. Not even the Prabha was treated this badly during the war. This will surely lead to more and more polarization and finally the complete break down of law and order. If he wants to stay in Temple Trees, let him stay as long as he wants. It is not such a big deal.
.
May I remind the President that Ranil will be accepted with respect in any country including China. But where can he go? Only China. If he drags this on, he and his family will become Persona Von Grata in all countries that matter.
.
Mahinda should remember how Ranil treated him after his defeat and take charge and stop this nonsense. We were respected here in the ME because justice and fair play, to some acceptable extent, was a cornerstone of our politics and behavior.
.
Now this mad fool is trying to destroy all that for his personal gain.
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Thappu / October 31, 2018
edwin, You say that Mahinda should put a stop to all this nonsense and treat Ranil properly with respect that is due to a political opponent. So you find nothing wrong in MR accepting the appointment when Ranil was the sitting PM. That WAS meanness!
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Believe me, Ranil must be regretting the manner in which he was protecting MR and family.
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hancho pancha / October 29, 2018
People have no tears for Ranil. That does not mean that MR is an angel. Ranil orchestrated the CB Bond Scam in the first 100 days of forming his government and almost assured the Presidency of MR. Sooner Ranil leaves the political scene, better it is for Srilanka. The change was like tossing the pillow to cure the headache. Swap of one gang of looters to another of the same. Ranil failed the people of Srilanka but not his buddy Arjuna Mahendran and the ilk.
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Suresh / October 29, 2018
““Under our government, former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who did not hold any government position, had 70 STF personal,” De Silva said.”
Who ask you to give such security.
RW and UNP deserve this kind of humiliation as they protect people who should be prosecuted and sentenced.
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Jay / October 29, 2018
This is a high handed action. Thuggery. Despite assurance MR now resort to thuggery. Gong Sira will soon be buried by MR chopping his wings.
Good lesson for everyone
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Vanguard / October 29, 2018
CT fans should wake up to the fact that they are an English speaking minority quite out of touch with the common Sinhala man, whom they despise. Judging by the votes on negative comments this is so. I understand the Sinhala masses.
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