A group of civil society activists and academics have stated that they are alarmed by President Maithripala Sirisena’s move to appoint former President Mahinda Rajapaksa as the Prime Minister without the support of a Parliamentary majority.
Issuing a statement, the group has stressed the need for all parties to uphold constitutional provisions, rule of law and democratic processes and bring the current constitutional crisis to an end.
The full statement issued by the group is as follows:
We are alarmed by the recent turn of events, where Mr. Maithripala Sirisena has called upon Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa, who does not command a majority in the Parliament, to form the government. In 2015, the country voted in Mr. Sirisena, on the promise of change and good governance. The majority of people voted in the Coalition government too, in the general elections, with Mr. RanilWickramasinghe at the helm. Neither Mr. Wickramasinghe’s government nor Mr. Sirisena have kept their promises to the people.
The last three years have been a series of manoeuvres between warring factions in which divided loyalties and self serving opportunism ruled the day. The current move is simply a culmination of these acts. Although there have been some positive changes during this time, such as the opening of space for civil discourse and freedom of speech, the legislation of the Right to Information Act, and the return of some military-held lands, the current regime’s neoliberal policies, not to mention theimpending Counter Terrorism Act (CTA), build on similar policies of the previous regime and provide little relief to the people. With a global economic crisis looming large, the country is facing challenges all round.
The announcement of the President calling upon Mr. Rajapaksa to form the government, and then proroguing the parliament, makes us think that Mr. Rajapaksa does not have a majority at this moment. Such a postponement also signals a time of political manipulation of a precarious situation and warns of a premeditated and near autocratic take over. It weakens the already fragile fabric of democracy that we have and spells further danger to dissent, protest and people’s collective action.
The struggle for democracy is not just about the constitution. It resides in economic, social, and individual welfare, the right to dissent, and a commitment to pluralism. Although important toconsider the unconstitutionality of the President’s act and the precedence that it sets, our concerns go beyond those of a constitutional crisis. We want to stress that democratic processes need to be cherished and upheld at all times. Rather than continuing to support the ‘lesser evil’, let’s work toward bringing all people together as a citizenry to build hope for our collective futures.
We wish to call upon all those in positions of power, particularly all political actors, to pledge their support for democratic processes. At the same time, we wish to pledge our support for democratic action. This is the moment to begin a collective action by students, teachers, workers, women’sgroups, religious groups, and others working toward social justice, to form a coalition and a counter force against authoritarian reaction.
Endorsements
- Dr. Ranil Abayasekara University of Peradeniya
- Dr. Kanchuka Dharmasiri, University of Peradeniya
- Prof. Liyanage Amarakeerthi, University of Peradeniya
- Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Open University of Sri Lanka
- Swasthika Arulingam
- B. Aswini, Women’s Coalition for Disaster Management
- Crystal Baines, University of Kelaniya
- Dr. Lionel Bopage, Australian Advocacy for Good Governance in Sri Lanka (AAGGSL)
- Anushaya Collure
- Dr. P. A. D. Coonghe, University of Jaffna
- Dr Enoka Corea University of Colombo
- Marina Daniel
- Prof. Kumar David, formerly University of Peradeniya
- Marisa de Silva
- Dr. S.J.S. de Mel, University of Peradeniya
- Dr. Nirmal Ranjith Dewasiri, University of Colombo
- Geethika Dharmasinghe, Liberation Movement
- Prof. Priyan Dias University of Moratuwa
- Fr. T. L. Rohan Dominic, Claretians
- Rasu Eeswaran, graduate student Michigan State University
- Evan Ekanayake Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Colombo
- Ruki Fernando, Human Rights Activist
- Priyantha Fonseka University of Peradeniya
- Nilshan Fonseka
- Sunila Galappatti
- Mario Gomez, International Center for Ethnic Studies
- Devaka Gunawardena, Collective for Economic Democratisation
- Prof. Dileni Gunewardena, University of Peradeniya
- Dr. Ranil Guneratne – Formerly University of Colombo
- Tasneem Hamead
- Dr. Farzana Haniffa, University of Colombo
- Rohini Hensman – Writer, Independent Scholar
- Kaushalya Herath, Lecturer
- Dr. Rajan Hoole – formerly University of Jaffna and University Teachers for Human Rights
- Deekshya Illangasinghe
- Saman Ilangamuwa Journalist
- Prof. Qadri Ismail
- Mihiri Jansz, Lecturer, Open University of Sri Lanka
- Sumedha Jayakody, The International Centre for Ethnic studies
- Prabhath Jayasinghe
- Dr.Prince Jeyadevan Professor of Chemistry, University of Jaffna
- Dr. D.R. Jayewardene, University of Colombo
- I. Jeyanthi, Women’s Coalition for Disaster Management
- Rev. Dr. Joseph Jeyaseelan, Claretians, Sri Lanka
- S. Jeyatheepa, Women’s Coalition for Disaster Management
- Dr. Ahilan Kadirgamar
- Dr. Ranga Kalugampitiya University of Peradeniya
- Saman. M. Kariyakarawana Visiting Lecturer Univ. of Sabbaragamuwa
- T. Karthika, Women’s Coalition for Disaster Management
- Niyanthini Kadirgamar, graduate student University of Massachusetts
- Dr. Pavithra Kailasapathy, University of Colombo
- Chulani Kodikara, PhD Candidate
- Rushira Kulasingham
- Peace S. Kulasingham
- Dr. Ramya Kumar, University of Jaffna
- Dr. Shamala Kumar, Univ. of Peradeniya & University Teachers for Democracy & Dialogue
- Dr. Vijaya Kumar, Professor Emeritus, University of Peradeniya
- Prof. N. Savitri Kumar, Ph.D. Research Professor, Institute of Fundamental Studies
- Prof. Amal S. Kumarage, University of Moratuwa
- Kaushalya Kumarasinghe
- Jayanthi Kuru-Utumpala
- Dr. Vivimarie VanderPoorten Medawattegedera, Open University of Sri Lanka
- Dr. Saumya Liyanage University of Visual and Performing Arts
- Rita Liyanage, Formerly Univ. of Peradeniya
- Dr. Prabha Manuratne, University of Kelaniya, University Teachers for Free Education
- Dr. Sudesh Mantillake University of Peradeniya
- Saravanabavan Mayuran – Government Surveyor
- Achala Meddegama, Entrepreneur/ Environmental Conservationist
- Juwairiya Mohideen
- Rumala Morel – Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya
- Thulasi Muttulingam, Journalist, Jaffna
- Sabreena Niles, Lecturer, University of Kelaniya
- Afrah Niwas
- Dr. Gehan Panagoda, University of Peradeniya
- Buddhima Padmasiri, Lawyer
- Thadchaigeni Panchalingam, graduate student at The Ohio State University
- Chaminda Perera, Assistant General Secretary, Ceylon Federation of Trade Unions
- Nicola Perera, University of Colombo
- Vihanga Perera
- Ramindu Perera – Open University of Sri Lanka
- Muthulingam Periyasamy, Institute for Social Development, Kandy
- Thiagi Piyadasa, Lawyer
- K. Rajaledsumi, Women’s Coalition for Disaster Management
- Rajany Rajeshwary, Feminist
- Sumathy Rajasingham
- Sanjayan Rajasingham, Graduate Student, Yale University
- Vasuki Rajasingham, Principal, Nuffield School, Kaithady
- R. Rajiththa, Women’s Coalition for Disaster Management
- B. Rakini, Women’s Coalition for Disaster Management
- Dr Harshana Rambukwella, Open University of Sri Lanka
- Sandamini Ranwalage, graduate student University of Miami
- Madhubhashini R. Rathnayaka
- Dr. Champa Ratnatunga, University of Peradeniya
- Peter C. D. Rezel, Strategic Inspirations (Pvt.) Ltd, Boralesgamuwa
- Dr. Kanchana N. Ruwanpura
- Athulasiri Samarakoon, Open University of Sri Lanka
- Dr. Dinesha Samararatne, University of Colombo
- Prof. Gameela Samarasinghe, University of Colombo
- T. Sangeetha, Women’s Coalition for Disaster Management
- S. Sasiyanthini, Women’s Coalition for Disaster Management
- R. Sathanayaki, Women’s Coalition for Disaster Management
- Shreen Saroor, Women’s Action Network
- Muttukrishna Sarvananthan, Pointpedro Institute of Development
- Sharmila Seyyid
- Fathima Shahira
- Dr. Jani De Silva, Independent Researcher
- Vanie Simon Social Activist
- Priyalal Sirisena, Attorney-at-Law
- Prof. Sumathy Sivamohan University of Peradeniya
- Esther Surendraraj University of Colombo
- Rev. Jude Sutharshan, Principal, Christian Theological Seminary, Chunnakam
- Prof. V. Thevanesam, University of Peradeniya
- Dayapala Thiranagama
- Mahendran Thiruvarangan – University of Peradeniya
- Dr. Darshi Thoradeniya Visiting Lecturer, Dept. of History, University of Colombo.
- Sandun Thudugala, Social Activist
- Tanuja Thurairajah
- Dr. Ramila Usoof, University of Peradeniya
- Nelum Uttamadasa
- Deanne Uyangoda
- Prof. Jayadeva Uyangoda, University of Colombo
- S Vijiyaledsumi, Women’s Coalition for Disaster Management
- Thiyagaraja Waradas
- Amali Wedagedara, graduate student University of Hawaii
- Devaka Weerasinghe, University student, University of Sri Jayewardenepura
- Natasha Weerasinghe, Art teacher/home maker
- Dr. Ruvan Weerasinghe, University of Colombo School of Computing
- Prof. Carmen Wickramagamage University of Peradeniya
- Prof. P. Wickramagamage (Emeritus Professor) University of Peradeniya
- Upul Kumara Wickramasinghe, graduate student at the University of Durham
- Prof. Nira Wickramasinghe, Leiden University (formerly University of Colombo)
- Dr. Sinha Wickremesekera, Medical Doctor
- Priyan R. Wijebandara Independent Journalist and Visiting Lecturer
- Asanka Wijesinghe, Graduate Student, The Ohio State University
- Subha Wijesiriwardena Women and Media Collective
- Lal Wijenayake – Convener, Lawyers for Democracy
- Dileepa Witharana, Open University of Sri Lanka
- Setheeswary Yogathas, Women’s Coalition for Disaster Management
Laksiri Fernando / October 29, 2018
Even I could have signed, if the statement called for a general election, instead of taking sides in the power gamble! It is frozen by the 19th Amendment.
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nimal fernando / October 29, 2018
Dr Laksiri,
–
Sorry to tell you this ………… if you have even an ounce of shame and your education means anything …….. please refrain from acting in this shameful way. Your position as a columnist in this forum warrants better behaviour from you at this perilous moment of our nation and it’s democracy.
–
Honestly do you have to stoop this low in expectation of some position? A person in your position should have some self respect.
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Justice and Fairplay / October 29, 2018
I say Laksiri, you have run yourself out along with Dayan J by showing your partisanship. Now stay quiet. This statement will stand very well without your signature.
/
Native Vedda / October 30, 2018
nimal fernando & Justice and Fairplay
–
While you are engaged with Laksiri Fernando, guess who sneaked into this forum. Please see below:
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Dinuk / October 29, 2018
Indeed, what is needed is a general election!
Both Bondscam Ranil and Mahinda Jarapasa have turned the Diyawenna Parliament into a Hub of corruption or as Nikki Haily would say “Cesspit” of Corruption with duty fee SUV bribes. Convening a Cesspit of corruption without first cleaning it out is useless.
Also, the next general election should ban Ranil, MR and all those over 70 from contesting
There should be a retirement age limit of 68 for politicians contesting elections. It is time the younger generation is given the opportunity to clean up the mess made by the current corrupt generation of politicians who are living longer and have destroyed the country.
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Ajay / October 29, 2018
Lackey Fernando
You’re a toady and a coward. Don’t try to insult the CT readers with your nonsense that this is a ‘power gamble.’ We are not idiots; we can see this is nothing but a power grab by the Rajapaksa Mafia with the help of the spineless slimy rogue Sira. All right-thinking people in the country – except for politicized crooks like you – demand the immediate summoning of the Parliament. Then whoever has the confidence of the house can emerge as the PM. Can’t you understand this simple truth? It is better you don’t sign the statement. Your name will only blemish a laudable effort by decent individuals.
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Lionel Bopage / October 30, 2018
Dear Laksiri,
How could one demand a general election, when the constitution as amended does not allow for that to occur, unless at least a two-thirds of the whole Parliament resolves to request the President to do so. Even for that to occur Parliament needs to be convened.
Otherwise, to have an election there is a waiting period of four and a half years from the inception of a new government. We are not yet into four and half years of this government.
So, I think demanding a general election is not be an option.
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Jayakarthik / October 30, 2018
Dear sir,
I have high regard for you.unfortunately you seem to be forfeiting it by your stand on murder of democracy.you know what happened during rajapakshe rule.only probable reason why white van did not visit you is because of your Australian citizenship.Dont ever think Mahinda is a changed man.International community will have to intervene if this murder persists.
/
PROF. KOPAN MAHADEVA / October 29, 2018
IN ORDER TO RESTORE THE DEMOCRATIC PROCESS, THE PRESIDENT SHOULD ARRANGE TO RECONVENE PARLIAMENT WITHIN DAYS (WITHOUT WAITING FOR 16 NOVEMBER) AND GIVE A CHANCE FOR MR. RANIL W. TO PROVE HIS MAJORITY STILL CLAIMED BY HIM. THE SPEAKER SHOULD CONSULT ALL PARTY LEADERS BEFORE DECIDING ON THE PROCEDURES FOR THE UNIQUE AND UNPRECEDENTED DAY WHEN THE PARLIAMENT REOPENS, IN VIEW OF THE FACT THAT TWO MPS WILL CLAIM TO BE THE PM, ETC, ETC. — PROF. KOPAN MAHADEVA, LONDON, 29-10-2018.
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sellam / October 30, 2018
How could any leader of the party prove that he has a majority. The negotiations between the leader and the members to cross over takes a long time as it depends on the sum they expect .The is the disgraceful situation in Sri Lanka. The best way Srisena should have handled the situation was to dissolve parliament and hold fresh elections. Even now it is not too late.
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John Mancini / October 29, 2018
Why wait for novemeber 16th. MR Sirirsena rajavassa are all rogues. They are trying to bribe everyone to build a mjority. OUt STUPID VILLAGE IDIOTS doesn’t have a clue how these devils destroy the country.
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Unbias. / October 29, 2018
Oh. Forgot the country was going so well before this. While I don’t think this is the best way, something had to happen before the country went to a point where it could not cope up again. How could you call a country where people over the age of 60 HAVE to work hard to survive. PC Elections postponed for over a year. No one talks about how undemocratic that is. Elections are the most fundamental right in a democracy yet that was taken away. The CB was robbed 3 years ago, and still there is nothing being done to bring the main culprit to Sri Lanka from SG. Don’t speak like the country was functioning properly before this. If you want to point out mistake, make sure you point out mistakes of both sides. Also the local govt. elections gave everyone a sense of what people wanted. They wanted RW out. I don’t agree with whatever is happening now as it is not completely fair, but I am glad there is some change. UNP should’ve got rid of RW and replaced him with someone better if they wanted the Govt. to go ahead without any issues. Unfortunately anything RW goes in the UNP, and others views don’t matter.
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Eagle Eye / October 29, 2018
John,
Haven’t you heard how Ranil won the no confidence vote?
——————–
At the Local Government election, stupid village idiots sent the right signal to the Royal Gang but those Royal idiots failed to understand that.
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Mallaiyuran / October 29, 2018
Latest Royal’s argument is they don’t need the parliament vote to remove Ranil and it is done with executive power.
One must understand that official procedure to seat new Prime Minister is over. The oath taking is over. He officially accepted the work today, October 29, 2018. When the parliament is reconvened, I am not so sure, if it can pretend like none of these have happened. Apparently the seats will be rearranged for Ranil and Old King.
The resolution that is going to be presented is confirming Old King. If Old King is defected, still outed Ranil doesn’t get the job.
I don’t see a junction that these two paths meat at some point in parliament and reconciliation reached. One must wait and see if military will occupy parliament on 16th.
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Bandu / October 29, 2018
Let People of the Country to decide ,called for a general election, instead of taking sides in the power gamble.
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K.Pillai / October 29, 2018
Some of us lay-Lankans, guided by the good old commonsense, felt that our latest dilemma fitted the description of a coup. We knew this was coming because the desperation of some of our ‘leaders’ were getting very getting visibler and visibler.
We understand the ‘alarm’ experienced by the eminent academics.
PS: It is worth noting that the absence of the language/religion-divide. However, come elections, this will be the magic wand of SLPP.
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Mallaiyuran / October 29, 2018
All the indications are, on Nov 16th, in Parliament, Ranil will voluntarily allow only Old King’s confirmation voting to take place.
The case is, under normal circumstances, an opposition member would present the NCM. In this case Joint Comedy Club is not interested in a resolution like that. So it seems Ranil’s supporter have to ask to verify Ranil’s command in the parliament. It sounds like an odd procedure.
So the NCM or however it is going to called, on Ranil will not be on Ranil.
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Dr.Nilanga Samarasinghe / October 29, 2018
I would like to add my name to this list because I too,bare the same opinion.
Dr.Nilanga Samarasinghe
Department of Health Sciences and Health Policy
University of Luzern
Switzerland
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Lankan / October 29, 2018
Now you all feel the pain in coming months;
GOATA white van culture will appear ..
Media will be one sided;
Some politicians will be jailed;
Some journalists will be killed;
Some fraud will appear once again;
Some crooks will loot public money;
Some thugs will appears now ;
Some fake appointments will be made;
How did people forget dark days;.
Some judges will be appointed;.
Some army officials will be promoted; brought form home towns of both;
Some politics will be promoted;
Some revenge will take place;
Murders; corruption; anarchy; will rule of the country soon.
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Irandathi / October 29, 2018
We had no questions when a PM was appointed without the will of the people. His attempts to grab power by assasination, his arrogance, push to compensate terrorists, harassment of military, push to sell national assets and sell sacred land of Sri Lanka is not patriotism. MS and MR are experienced enough to have checked their legal sources. MPs who have privileges will swing like a pendulum. The suffering masses are the real barometer. I was in Sri Lanka just last month and didn’t find a single citizen who was happy and most were unashamed to admit they voted for RW with much regret.
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Eagle Eye / October 29, 2018
“Neither Mr. Wickramasinghe’s government nor Mr. Sirisena have kept their promises to the people.”
President Sirisena in his speech to the nation explained very clearly why he could not fulfill the promises he made. Former PM Ranil Wickramasinghe has been the main obstacle. You guys are dumb idiots to believe that Ranil Wickramasinha will fulfill ‘Yahapalana’ promises he made. He fulfilled or trying to fulfill the promises he made to Tamil Diaspora and Western Governments who helped the ‘Regime Change’. If Sobhitha Thero was alive, he would have committed suicide by hanging in front of the Temple Trees.
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Mallaiyuran / October 29, 2018
Jehan is forced to stay only in direction in this issue. He has to agree that constitution has to be followed. He could not insist that the President has to follow the Sinhala Buddhist so he/she can let down Tamils, Muslims and IC, his usual logic.
Unlike the other two acolytes, Lasksiri Fernando and Thero de Silva, here Jehan PhD has stayed out of suggesting an election, which they both see as a more reliable option because Donkey Trading can go wrong or even revered. They think the election will transfer power as they think. They believe a Biriyani – Arrack election would be accepted not questioned by many. There are some communist and dictator countries too, have their self-sponsored elections. . Those twos cunning talk is LG election is a decision for Parliament, too. Beyond many mismatches in the parliament election and LG election, Old King did not win in LG election and me not talking about the 46%. Further Slap Party LGs failed to gain absolute majority in most of the LGs. Probably that will be situation in the coming Parliament election too. But most important point is Old King did not face the February election. In that Old King did not stand for seat. Old King’s Party got 4% only. Old King is going to meet the coming election with that 4% party. Now Old will have to stand in the party he campaigned against in LG. Before the parliament election, there has to be another constitutional coup, within SLFP, to decide who lead the SLFP. Many suggest even before that Old May Pack New in the 6 feet box. Especially Thero has been predicting a lot about the Slap Party, but we questioned a lot about those talk. (He always stayed away from suggesting a coup like this). Those questions are still remaining unanswered. It is in those circumstances Thero de Silva and Lasksiri Fernando suggesting an undue election instead of or in addition to donkey trading.
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Sri-Krish / October 29, 2018
I endorse every word in this statement
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Namal Perera / October 29, 2018
If Ranil Wickramasinghe stepped down over the Central Bank issue, none of these would have occurred. No one can blame the President over the removal of Ranil Wickramasinghe. But replacing one crook with another is not acceptable. If the President picked any one other than Mahinda Rajapakse, the situation today would be quite different.
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Dodo / October 29, 2018
Good try, but folks need to understand that what is going on in Sri Lanka’s “Constitutional crisis” is also a result of geopolitical power games in Indian Ocean region give the island’s strategic location.
Ranil’s downfall is ironically a result of America’s Cold War against China, even though he is America’s man and MR China’s buddy. Bondscam Ranil while protecting Mahinda Jarapassa and family these past years in the name of Fake Reconciliation, created a UNP-SLFP bi-partisan corruption racket and turned the Sri Lanka’s Parliament into a “Hub of Corruption” – all this was with backing from Trumpland which sought to control the policy process in Sri Lanka through Ranil’s office, as China was making inroads with BRI.
Ranil Wickramasinghe, who does his medical checks in America, has however, been played by Washington’s economic Hit Men and deep state security “advisors” , who increasingly controlled Lanka’s outdated neoliberal economic policies, designed to put America First and benefit the global 1 percent and related security interests. This is why Lanka was in a worse debt trap with the rupee being crashed. Washington’s Millennium Challenge Corp. (MCC) designed the “Land Bank” to asset strip and get Cheap land and mineral resources in Lanka and were targeting Transport infrastructure (with India) and energy security and marine and air space sectors in the island. A perfect storm was created with RAW fake news about an assassination plot.
Lanka’s political-economic crisis is externally driven, as much as, a result of corrupt politicians – MR-Bondscam Ranil and Sira and cronies. Hence, what is needed is an integrated National Development plan that benefits the people of Lanka rather than global 1 percent and US, China or Indian security interests. Also, all the so called foreign aid and loan projects should be halted and reviewed at this time, to ensure that they are priority and benefit the people of Lanka, rather than donor countries and their debt trap.
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Sri Rangan / October 30, 2018
I agree with you.
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Laxmi / October 30, 2018
Right on Dodo, Japan which is Washington’s proxy in Indian Ocean and ADB (owned and operated by Japan and US), are the biggest SL debt holders (25%) vs China’s 10.3 % .
There has been a lot of Fake news about a Chinese debt trap when in fact Japan holds much more Lankan debt. Japan has been giving loans to corrupt Lankan politicians to build hugely expensive highways and flooding the Lanka with Japanese cars and SUVs to benefit Japanese economy.
This fake aid from Japan is a big part of the debt trap along with ADB, WB and IMF loans. What we need is good PUBLIC TRANSPORT – air conditioned trains and buses also to avoid air pollution. Also, it was the dodgy Japanese rating agency Nomura Ratings that started the crash of the rupee by publishing Fake data on the amount of Debt that Lanka has.
These academics should ask Japan keep its Fake Aid loans and ask for Debt cancellation, not re-structuring, from Japan and protest outside Japan embassy and ADB which are responsible for Lanka’s debt trap and crashing rupee.
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Barathan / October 29, 2018
Great is the initiative of Civil Society and Academics to right a grave wrong committed by the President and his camp followers. Greater still is the debut of Sri Lankan Students Studying Abroad, making common cause with citizens resident within.
Swami Vivekananda’s oft repeated quote is worthy to be remembered. “Arise, awake and stop not till the goal is reached”. What is the immediate goal?
The following sequence seems mandatory.
Revoke forthwith the prorogation of Parliament.
Parliament to be summoned by the Speaker at the earliest.
Vote of confidence to be taken on the constitutionally appointed authentic Prime Minister Ranil.
Vote of no confidence on MR who the President knew was unlikely to command confidence.
Impeachment motion against the President to be filed.
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Manel / October 30, 2018
If Rajapaksa rams this through he will always be called the illegitimate Prime Minister.
No one can can act like they are above the constitution, and take the law into their dirty hands. Shame on Sirisena for agreeing to this arrogant power play. What was he promised, and is he aware that one the Rajapaksa’s put their foot in the door, they will bring their entire unwanted family once again, to rule with corruption, crimes, racial tensions, and a threatened media, with no freedom of speech.
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Dr. Dayan Jayatilleka / October 30, 2018
These quintessentially Clintonian clowns will never learn and will keep popping up until they push the disgusted Sri Lankan electorate into the doomsday option this time next year of a Bolsonaro backlash. Nice going, ladies and gentlemen, hope you’re happy with the successful results of your achievement so far. You’ve just got to push a little bit more!
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K.Pillai / October 30, 2018
While introducing the ‘Bring back the hangman’ bill, a local hero of Dayan Jayatilleka praised Duterte of Philippines for the massacres. Duterte thanked the hero.
.
Dayan has a soft corner for Bolsonaro and so does that Valery G who by the way claims to be in the inner circle of Putin. This Bolsanaro is the Duterte of Brazil. He is a misogynist and is as crude as Duterte. The Bolonsaro ‘backlash’ at the next elections is really his dream/wishful thinking!
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Signatory / October 30, 2018
Dayan,
Please stop creating an artificial distinction between Gotabaya R and Mahinda R. The moment MR was sworn in as PM, we entered into the Bolsonaro era. No intelligent person will fall for your theoretical chicanery. Stop your nonsense.
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Burt / October 30, 2018
Interesting NOT a single monk among the 138 names.
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charles / October 30, 2018
What about 08 Jan 2015 ,when RW was appointed as PM. If appointment of MR is not legal and ethical enough. Then appointment of RW was not ethical and legal. Wait till parliament resumes. The truth is RW will never be PM. Because people from his own party wants him out. President went for this decision because he got the support from some UNPers.
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Vincent Gunawardena / October 30, 2018
The other lackey, Dayan has also come again to the fray. He will do anything to get a high position like Ambassador and then will put into prostitution! And he will come out with the jargon that he thinks nobody understands. This time “Clintonian clowns”! Go on man. There will be another day when you lose your trousers at Kanatte Junction very soon!
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Gos / October 30, 2018
NGOs and academics who live in ivory towers ! They may well be alarmed since they have no clue about the pulse of the people on the ground. Who created NGOs ? The West of course so they can infiltrate and make weaker nations dance to their tune. First condemn any such country as violating Human Rights and cause tension among the masses – hey presto you get the likes of Libya Egypt etc uprising. If it’s not oil it would be about some other assets or natural resources that they are after. And academics only read Western oriented writing imbibing everything like sponges without hearts or minds and no understanding whatsoever of ground realities pertaining to different countries, their culture history or economic realities. NGOs make millions with their slavish boot licking and pandering to these evil forces with no regard to the plight of the everyday man woman or child and laughing all the way to the bank !!!
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Vanguard / October 30, 2018
It is gratifying to see a signed statement admitting to the following:
“The last three years have been a series of manoeuvres between warring factions in which divided loyalties and self serving opportunism ruled the day.”
frowning upon
“the current regime’s neoliberal policies”
and
“At the same time, we wish to pledge our support for democratic action.”
All very good. Peaceful demonstrations are good, however patience to wait until the 16th to resolve this issue would also be a good idea.
It’s a good time to remember that it was a democratically elected leader, fulfilling his promises for a Sinhala – only system, that caused untold problems for this country.
President Sirisena’s promise to hold elections in 3 years, 2020 is when elections are due, is a sign of hope.
But we need more that democracy.
All the above signatories need to educate the voting population on the real issues involved and how the alternatives stack up. Hopefully politicians will discuss issues and not be bent on attacks on each other.
Each party needs to put forward its stand on the issues of:
1. The findings of the LLRC and how best to serve our minority citizens
2. Our relationship with India, China and the US
3. What kind of economy we want
4. How we manage transition between governments
An education campaign instead of a political campaign is in order. Let the thus educated masses choose their even more educated leaders. We will all be winners then.
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dayal / October 30, 2018
mr.president, pl.note. with your recent despicable, unconstitutional , totalitarian and shameful action, you have betrayed yourself and if you seek elections mainly the intelligent sinhala will never vote for you. those days are over with you recent dastardly unpopular action… joining forces which were trying to kill you, according to your own statement.
-dayal
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nagalingam ethirveerasingam / October 30, 2018
I cannot understand why RW did not go to the Supreme Court for a Ruling instead of begging the Prez and going to the street and precipitate disastrous action by third parities.
I am glad a citizen has filed an FR with the SC. Hope they hear the case and rule on it before the Nov 5 or even before if all the legal pundits are correct.
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Rtd. Lt. Reginald Shamal Perera / October 30, 2018
Please add Rtd. Lt. Reginald Shamal Perera to that list. Looks like bloody good company to be associated with.`
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Maha Kaluwewa singalaya / October 31, 2018
This is a “farting in the wind” exercise organised by ex Ltte sympathisers, political adventurers, and other doubtful characters. Of th 138 signatories 50 are Tamils, and some of them known LTTE sympathisers. More than a dozen signatories from Tamil women from an outfit called “ women’s coalition for disaster management.”. Very appropriately titled the disaster being a person by the name Ranil Wickremesinghe.There also8 Muslim signatories waiting with lapping tongues to pick up the crumbs that fall from the Dravidian table. And of course the balance assorted Sinhalese trying to stand out as extraordinary Sinhalese waiting to help our Tamil brethren in the hope that the Tamil professor would duly reward them with promotion for his lack of patriotism !, The names of the Sinhalese traitors will be etched forever for their disgraceful betrayal of their heritage.
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