New Defence Secretary General Shantha Kottegoda today said that he can’t give an assurance to the effect that there will be no ‘American boots on the ground’ but added he hopes it will not come to that.
Shantha Kottegoda
Kottegoda made the statement this morning at his first TV interview, when he was questioned by Bandula Jayasekara on whether Kottegoda, in his capacity as the Defence Secretary is able to assure there would be no U.S. boots on the ground, in response to growing fears in the country about possible arrival of American troops to Sri Lanka.
“I cannot guarantee that there will be no ‘boots on the ground, but I hope it won’t get to that… Anyhow, we have studied and analyzed some of these contentious agreements and due concerns about certain points have been raised with relevant authorities,” he added.
Kottegoda said he believes the upcoming Defence agreement with the US – SOFA/VFA; Status or Visiting Forces Agreement – that has been a subject of contention for the past few months, must be tabled before the Cabinet and then the Parliament, before signing it.
“Then only we can ensure it would be for the betterment of the country and ensure it does not impose any concerns or threats to the territorial integrity of the country,” the new Defense Secretary added.
He went on to state that Sri Lanka does not need foreign armies and although foreign armies maybe equipped with the latest technologies, none can match up to the experience of the Lankan troops.
“Our military is well equipped to take care of our security, Sri Lanka does not need foreign armies – Sri Lanka must be very wary in signing such agreements,” he added.
The SOFA/ VFA between Sri Lanka and the US has been a hot topic of debate for the past few months. The US has been accused of attempting to manipulate Sri Lanka into signing a defence pact that is partial to America as opposed to both parties receiving equal benefits. Critics have also pointed out that the clause demanding diplomatic status to all U.S. military personnel and open navigation and travel routes through the country to all US military vehicles, aircrafts and ships that would visit Sri Lanka, will be a threat to territorial integrity and national security of the country.
Weekly print outlet, the Sunday Times, in their political columns over the past few weeks has also been writing extensively on influence exerted by Americans behind the scenes to ensure the speedy signing of the agreement in secret. Among Sri Lanka Government officials named by the columns as those who push American agendas forward was former Foreign Secretary Prasad Kariyawasam and former Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera.
Colombo Telegraph also learns that former U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka Atul Keshap was keen on seeing former Foreign Ministry employee Mahishini Colonne – close associate of both Prasad and Mangala – being appointed the Defence Secretary. Mahishini at present holds a position in the Finance Ministry.
The plans however fell through.
Last week UPFA MP and former Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said despite concerns raised by all stakeholders including military commanders, the government is preparing to sign the SOFA during Secretary Mike Pompeo’s visit to Sri Lanka next week. (By Purnima Ranawaka)
max / June 17, 2019
As a country, we are in a very dangerous situation let alone national security, but every other sector since 2015. Even the defense secretary is not in a sound position to guarantee the public that there wont be foreign powers landing here in the future. The lame duck president’s rhetoric has no power because, the govt runs by Ranil, Mangy, Abraham Sumanthiran and their strongest ally, western embassy bloc. RW knows the art of getting to pass any pact or act through parliament. So, be ready to get the best of “yahapalanaya” now becomes clear “yamapalanaya”, in the months to come.
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Amarasiri / June 17, 2019
CT,
What is the need fit this pact?
To contain China?
Make Sri Lanka another theater of war in the superpower hegemony?
Is there a sunset clause? Is it for ever?
Do the Paras, mean IQ 79, get it? Why are the monks on the streets and not fasting to death?
Why not such an agreement with Nepal?
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nimal fernando / June 18, 2019
In the past, especially during the height of the Cold-War ……… there were many countries that were under threat (more than Lanka will ever be) by the Super-Power power plays. The leaders of those countries were intelligent enough to overcome the threats and protect their countries.
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There are many Lankans – in typical Lankan fashion – walking around bragging that we are the only country to comprehensively eradicate an insurgency. But anyone who reads even a little will know Nigeria overcame the Biafra insurgency and Malaysia eradicated a Communist insurgency instigated by China – Even the English Governor was ambushed and killed by the insurgents. Both of those insurgencies were more virulent than our own.
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We can’t bury our heads in the sand and “We Cannot Not Know History” ……….. one way or the other, the truth has to be faced someday ………… if not history will drag our faces in it; like now ……. if we close our eyes and pretend not to see then that’s our own folly.
We could not overcome the 5000 young boys/girls of the LTTE because of our own Sinhalese monumental stupidity and incompetence. The only reason we cannot acknowledge the brilliance and ingenuity of the LTTE to prolong/drag a war for 30 years against vastly superior odds is our own inferiority complex ……… which we have to submerge with military-parades and self-congratulations.
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nimal fernando / June 18, 2019
Continued
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If you need proof of our monumental stupidity and incompetence ……… look no further than the Easter-bombings. The date, the times, the locations, the names of the bombers, were handed to us on a platter on more than one occasion; even few minutes before the attack. What did we do? ……….. The typical Sinhalese response was given by the dressed-to-kill then Defence-Secretary; Sunglasses and all. Can a man get any stupider than that? But because he is one of our own, a Sinhalese-Buddhist, we have already made mental-excuses for him and cannot bring ourselves to look at him as a colossal idiot. Multiply him by 70% of the population …….. you have the true picture of the mental set-up of collective-Lanka.
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In some primitive societies, cunning is mistaken for intelligence. The Rajapakses are very cunning but monumentally stupid – a classic trait of many Lankans.
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We wouldn’t be in this pickle,
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if the ignorant monumentally stupid vain moron Mahinda didn’t borrow money at high-interest commercial rates ( in a near zero interest rate environment) to build a white-elephant port and an airport just to stick his name on them for his foolish vanity.
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And if the Lankan “economic-Einstein” Ranil didn’t hock it to the Chinese for 99 years with the surrounding lands. And later, in hindsight, when he became aware of the danger, didn’t invite the Indians to take over other assets!
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The next war between China and India will be fought on Lankan soil!
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You can thank Mahinda and Ranil for it. ……….. to hell with all your other favourite bogeymen.
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For Buddha’s sake man, all you idiots out there, get it into your thick skulls.
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There was no frigging foreign conspiracy ………. our own leaders got us into this pickle!
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Try telling that to Lankans!
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Spring Koha / June 18, 2019
Kottegoda is right when he says “. . .Sri Lanka does not need foreign armies ….none can match up to the experience of the Lankan troops. “Our military is well equipped to take care of our security . . ”
Wonderful! We did defeat the greatest terrorist army, and our security did a good job rounding up the ‘helpers’ AFTER the Easter bombers did their vile deeds.
Maybe the foreign armies want this deal more than we do, in order to learn from our experienced and capable military.
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jayt / June 18, 2019
Nuclear weapon definite requirement. It can be obtained within six months and station them in the north facing India. Local agents who are behind this agreement should be arrested. And again to protect Sri lanka is best solution is Nuclear weapon. It can be done in two ways. First, obtain at least one two nuclear submarines from friendly countries and station them in Trinco harbor. Also, nuclear warheads should be stationed in military base in Jaffna. Second, bring foreign technicians and build Sri lanka weapons both nuclear and non nuclear, use Trinco harbor or build a harbor in Jaffna for it. I am sending letters to those responsible people including priests to get president to look forward to this programs.
foreign conspiracies cannot be met without these weapons.
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jayt / June 18, 2019
Sri lanka have legal rights to obtain weapons from any country
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D.P. / June 18, 2019
I think you are on the wrong track. Yes, it is true that 21/4 suicide attacks exposed a huge weakness in SL national intelligence system but, the security operation after the attacks also showed how efficient the SL national security system is to deal with threats arising from within. As I ave been arguing all along, SL national intelligence never has been very efficient; not even under MaRa/GoRa; for, if there has been intelligence agents planted withing the NTJ, as GoRa claims as the excuse for keeping 26 NTJ members under military payroll, then, there shouldn’t be any reason for the failure to verify the details came with the Indian tip. If they had any planted agents, they certainly had been “double agents” working for NTJ while fooling the so-called “intelligence masters” of GoRa. I strongly suggest to discontinue their service, if they are still active.
Now, the challenge is how to form a new efficient intelligence unit within a short period of time. This going to be a very challenging task b’cos it requires: (a) Reorganizing the existing operation under well trained management, (B) selecting best operatives from the existing pool & retrain them and, (C) starting to recruit new members with a good education & intelligence – This needs to be done with extreme care under the supervision of experts.
This is where the expertise from a foreign country is needed very badly; not in the area of national security. Therefor, I believe that the talks about setting up US military camps on SL soil is extremely premature & out of context. There is no need for foreign camps in SL b’cos India is strong enough to protect the Indian ocean from any foreign intervention. What SL need right now is an agreement for intelligence sharing & training. However, there is nothing wrong with signing a bilateral agreement on a contingency plan for a future use in case there will be a need. But, the priority is the intelligence; not the security.
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Sunil Samarakoon / June 17, 2019
The SOFA push is due to the recent International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling that the British occupation of Diego Garcia (leased to the US for a rent of 1$/year) is illegal as the islands were cheated out of Mauritius during decolonisation.
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American warmongers are currently planning an attack on Iran in the near future (just like they did against Afghanistan, Iraq and Libya) and they are in desperate need of a service point half way to bombing attacks from America.
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This SOFA was rejected even by the Maldives back in 2016 when America tried to force it on them. The Maldives said it was refusing to sign as a respect for India and Sri Lanka.
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Now the yamapalana boot-lickers and corrupt elements within it are pushing Sri Lanka to accept this colonial arrangement.
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It will be a disaster for the country if this is allowed to go ahead.
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Amila W / June 17, 2019
Their focus is on Trincomalee. They will achieve it through RW and RAW of India whose sole interest is to maintain Indian-US relations despite showing fake care for SL. Time to keep RW and Indians at a distance while welcoming China with some caution.
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maalumiris / June 17, 2019
The US does not recognise the ICJ therefore anything it says does not bind the US
This is our perennial, pro-West, English speaking, trouser wearing, Royal College Ranils doing
Instead of threading a careful path between two or more interests, this fool is throwing us under the US bus, a waning power in the world who has a record of morality-free operations all over the world
Chaos is the place where the US benefits most
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Sunil Samarakoon / June 18, 2019
US might not accept the ICJ (they are hypocrites trying to impose ‘human rights’ on other countries without being a member of the UNHRC), but the ICJ referral was made by the crooked faces of the US and Britain will be rubbed on the ground by the UN General Assembly if they don’t hand over Diego Garcia pronto.
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Roman Leslie / June 17, 2019
Why do I feel that the Easter attacks are somehow connected to this. We all know who controls ISIS and Bhagdadi supposedly made reference to it as well ( French authorities dispute its authenticity).and the masses are fighting each other as no tomorrow. What fools
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jayt / June 18, 2019
Real truth is they are coming to Sri lanka issue a threat to Sinhala Buddhists majority. this was done American Jewish extremists groups who are linked to both Tamil and India. Jews are bend on Conspiring against Sri lanka because they find both Indian and Tamil are huge population which is their best interest, and Sinhalese don’t have anybody and one day, they can easily carry out a plot against sri lanka by giving secret military support to Tamil.
This is conspiracy carried out by Jewish groups. And other groups behind this Christian fundamentalists from US and Europe who have been major backer of Tamil in the last 30 years. Look at how they did in Sudan and East Tumor.
I see Every day, somebody operating in Sri lanka. there are some foreign agents hiding in lanka websites and advising Tamil to make threatening statements. Some Sinhalese spies who work for them too make malicious comments.
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Sunil Abeyratne / June 17, 2019
This truly a tragic outcome for Sri Lanka, perhaps idiotic Sri Lankan voters deserve this. Reminds me of Iraq!!
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Uthungan / June 18, 2019
Sunil Abeyratne
It is the MaRa brotherhood that uses the bald headed orange robed SB to manipulate the SL voters to be idiotic. If that process is firmly countered there wouldn’t be a risk of ISIS,Bagdadi influences for the US jackboots to crunch into Lankan soil.
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shankar / June 17, 2019
defence secretary can put a condition that only female US soldiers will be allowed.ISIS fellows fighting the kurds were terrified of the female kurdish soldiers and when they see them they run away cos if they are killed by a female they cannot go to heaven and have seven virgins greet them.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SbyAZQ45uww
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Shan / June 17, 2019
The trolls take an article like this to spew anti Muslim propaganda, pretending to be Islamic scholars. Pathetic.
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shankar / June 17, 2019
shan
take it from the horses(telhelden’s) mouth,not islamic scholars.Get killed by a woman and no seven virgins coming dancing with boots on.
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shankar / June 17, 2019
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/isis-are-afraid-of-girls-kurdish-female-fighters-believe-they-have-an-unexpected-advantage-fighting-a6766776.html
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Shan's mother / June 18, 2019
You make a fool of yourself spewing garbage. Is someone paying you to make these anti Muslim comments? They are wasting their money.
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shankar / June 18, 2019
shan’s mummy
the kurdish women are not muslims for you?Only the ISIS are muslims?Why don’t you go and tell the kurdish women commander that she is talking garbage.We know that shan is a muslim extremist who does not want to give his real name here.We have been monitoring all his earlier comments ferociously defending islamic extremism.If decent muslims in sri lanka don’t cut out the extremists and throw them out instead of supporting them like you,they will be committing the same mistake that tamils did when they allowed tamil extremists to expand.Don’t defend the indefensible.The ISIS are scumbags.Their behaviour is abhorrent to any muslim who truly practices his religion.They have made their own islamic laws to suit themselves,so without shooting the messenger,blame the so called muslims,the ISIS.
Ps.I will give you a true story.You can call it garbage if you want,i don;t care.so many kurds left britain when they heard about it and went to kurdistan to fight ISIS.The story was told by one of them.After overunning a kurdish town,Isis took all the young boys into their camp.A kurdish mother went into the camp looking for her son.She was waiting for a long time and then they brought her a meal with lot of meat.After she had eaten she asked why is it taking so long to see her son and they replied it took time because they had to cook him and give her to eat.How would a mother feel that her son has been freshly killed and cooked and has eaten him.
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Douglas / June 17, 2019
All these “SOFA & VFA” are the result of the Government’s FAILURE to work out a Balance Approach to Foreign Powers. The main issue arises from the ill-considered approach adopted in relations to our Economic and Political situations. Our “DEBT LOAD” which is far beyond our capacity of repayment and servicing has prompted the administration into disarray to such an extent, that the Authorities handling the Governmental affairs do not know what they are doing and supposed to be doing. So no wonder, the law of trampling the weaker, plays a major role in world politics. We are, in that respect, TRAPPED and BOUND for many generations to come.
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Tara / June 17, 2019
So was the anti Muslim campaign part of this? A precursor to this huge announcement of American presence here? An excuse to allow America to have yet another base in yet another nation? Is this why Sirisena did nothing? We have sold our country to China, and now America. Why are we giving the US more benefits in our own country, and less for us? Sinhala Nationalists should be outraged about it, but they are more focused on the minority taking over this country, while foreign nations are taking huge bites out of it.
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Amarasiri / June 17, 2019
Tara,
Para-Sinhalayas Are Modayas, mean IQ 79.
Most follow Para-Sinhala Para-“Buddhism “.
Remember, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and the Domino Theory?
Now it is the Indian Ocean, Iran and China containment Theory,
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Menika / June 17, 2019
You should incluse Para (Parangi) Lansis in there somewhere.
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Does your failure to do so prove you are one of them?
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Aelajo / June 17, 2019
Menika, you should be grateful to the Suddhas and Parangis, if not for them you would have been a Manikku by now.
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Jagath Silva / June 17, 2019
at the moment we need erik solheim as go between sira andRW
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Jake V B / June 17, 2019
What a pathetic statement to make. These guys are truly disgraceful and disgusting in their status as top ranking members of the administration. To put it bluntly Sri Lanka has no independence and never achieved anything in 1948.
The country is virtually governed partly by India, China, the US and the West. This is not simply a statement or a joke but in reality a very frightening scenario. The two leaders ( Prez & PM ) are both Eunuchs confirmed Eunuchs and other politicians are Eunuchs some openly others in secret.
Wonder !!!!!!!!! whether the Citizens are aware of the state of captivity they are living in.
Off all the south Asian Citizenry, Sri Lankans are the top buffoons in survival , they were made buffoons in 1948 , live as buffoons and will die as buffoons like their politicians.
There will come a time very soon when Sri Lankans will not be able to leave a fart without permission from India, have sex without permission from the US and clean the shit from their bottoms without permission from China. And Oh !!!!!!! their lifestyle eating habits, dress code, education, religion will be governed by the West.
Well the buggers deserve it for their lax , lazy , corrupt , way of life while other countries surrounding them move into progress and prosperity in governance and independence and economics, lankans will be gradually strangled to death by their own bloody ignorance.
As someone stated in comments in the past , Sri lankans will not know the value of the turf they live on unlike the other over populated countries surrounding them and when that beautifully groomed turf is taken way from them the it will be too late to regret..
One will come to know the value of the Diamond in ones hand when one has lost it.
Poor little fools.
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Amila W / June 17, 2019
Jake,
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“What a pathetic statement to make” – What is wrong? He is being honest among the rest.
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Burt / June 17, 2019
The defense sec. is right in saying that he cannot give any guarantees. Saying otherwise would be limiting Sri Lanka’s options.
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Spring Koha / June 18, 2019
Jake V B is not a million miles off the mark.
Just taken some visitors around our beautiful SL but the railways were atrocious. The toilets on the train stink. The toilets at the stations stink. Most public toilets outside the 5* are the same stinking mess. In Negombo, the open sewers stank to high heaven. No wonder Negombo is the dengue capital of SL.
And the local politicians drive by in their air-conditioned suv’s totally ignoring the stink.
Maybe an army of foreigners can come and instill some good potty habits amongst our people. But I won’t hold my breath!
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rbh / June 17, 2019
The ultimate security is understanding of reality, It is well equipped internal security is not good enough for international defence in view of this cause it will step to fulfill
there other agenda
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Tara / June 17, 2019
The terrible terrorist attacks on Easter day was the excuse they wanted, to allow the US to put their feet on Sri Lankan soil. Makes you wonder if it was all part of the master plan. Our tiny nation is going to be used as a tool, for America’s aggression, and endless wars, around the world. Once they are allowed in, American dollars will allow them to buy their way into far more deeper demands, as we know our politicians, and people, can be easily bribed into giving in easily. They will sell their mothers for some dollars, if need be. While the BBS goons and the mobsters focus on attacking Muslims, the real threat to our nation slithers in.
There are none so blind as those who will not see.
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Siribiris / June 17, 2019
“Once they are allowed in, American dollars will allow them to buy their way into far more deeper demands” – Benefit for ordinary Sri Lankans is only when and if those soldiers come out of their base for sight-seeing with their girls and buy a spicy Vadai for 2 bucks. And we won’t be able to see a part of our own country on even Google map let alone visiting, while the list of our enemies will grow including Chinese and Iranians. Wonder why India can’t offer them Pattukotai?
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Sarvan / June 17, 2019
I am reminded of an African saying:
“When two elephants fight, the grass suffers.”
On the lines of the title of Alan Paton’s novel, ‘Cry, the Beloved Country’, one can say “Pity the people”!
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Roman Leslie / June 17, 2019
Why pity them? They are busy sabotaging Muslim businesses and spewing hatred towards Muslims and Tamils following their Buddhist ideology and Buddhist thug monks good for them. Fools are the masses who fall for the games of their political masters
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Estate Labourer / June 17, 2019
“I cannot guarantee that there will be no ‘boots on the ground, but I hope it won’t get to that…”
We want a categorical answer, not an equivocal answer.
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Anon69 / June 17, 2019
You ago against USA and see what happens. Everybody is trying to be a weerayo,when it comes to US. But they can bring Sri Lanka to their knees if we oppose them. Every dollar we use is tracked, if we or any person go against their citizens, they will get involved. For all the people who oppose USA, you have to just look at what happened to Mexico recently. Mexico just had to cave in to US demands and block, illegal immigrants from their southern border. Canada and Mexico had to renegotiate NAFTA. NATO members had to contribute more, China, may hold on for some time, but will cave in very soon.
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Roman Leslie / June 17, 2019
I think US chose the wrong country to wrestle this time around. Our Lions will definitely defeat them wait and watch
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jayt / June 18, 2019
US is conspiring on behalf of Zionist Jews, but Sri lanka will be their last stop, and it will not take too long time to end Israel. We need to tell this to American public and European public if they do not stop conspire against Sri lanka.
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Sri-Krish / June 17, 2019
US and Sri Lanka are two sovereign states,but they are not equals. Agreements are possible only between equals.
An agreement between two unequal will on the long run results in the big fish swallowing the smaller one..
A prudent country should not fall for SOFA/VFA. If we sign then it will be at the peril of the country.
Let us keep all powerful countries at arms length.. it may be difficult,but foreign policy has to be carefully managed.
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Ukussa / June 17, 2019
The time that Prasad Kariyawasam and Maheshini Colonne worked intimately in Foreign Affairs Ministry many under hand things were done.Many officials these two people did not like were put in trouble.This matter is one of many such things.Maheshini has without permission taken a Foreign Affairs Ministry car and is using it for working in Finance Ministry.Even when Kariyawasam was Secretary,it was Maheshini who took all the decisions.Not too bad for a person from the third class Poona University isn’t it?Maheshini’s brother a Gota man still works in Defence Ministry but keeping quiet for moment.Aiyo what to tell aney.
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ramona therese fernando / June 17, 2019
Let’s face the hopeless situation people, and move to the only level of securing our sovereignty (away from India) once and for all.
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We need to instill resignation and humility, and know that Western goodies do not grow on Western, Chinese, or Sharia trees. Buddhist Mantra is the way forwards, together with the Buddhist countries alliance.
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Then we can get some of the US goodies at least, for being a non-threatening piece of land in the midst their bid for survival.
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Yes, they’d certainly help us with the efficiency of our systems structures, together with the computers, uplift of the IQ-status and entry into the space-age, as long as we are non-threatening to the US dollar.
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Best way to finally install the traditional Buddhist Socialist cultural ethos once and for all.
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Estate Labourer / June 17, 2019
RTF: “Best way to finally install the traditional Buddhist Socialist cultural ethos once and for all.”
To do that you have to get the approval of the minorities first!
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ramona therese fernando / June 18, 2019
EL,
Yeah,….via glitched election results (gilmarts). somebody remove that elections commissioner asap.
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Roman Leslie / June 17, 2019
Yes please let’s do this Buddhist alliance and then our country can come up like China because China is also a Buddhist majority country through they don’t say it in writing in their constitution
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ramona therese fernando / June 18, 2019
RL,
For several generations they have been atheists, with touch of Confucius. Previously, they used Buddhist culture to paint the landscape….that’s all.
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jayt / June 18, 2019
Jews have been sending threatening messages to me everyday through lanka news papers, and this military agreement is part of that. I do not need to give you any more warning
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Siribiris / June 18, 2019
Chinese have no religion. They believe in hard work, and people are quite intelligent – sorry to say, no comparison between Chinese & Indians or Chinese and Sri Lankans (Sri Lankans & Indians are anyway similar in terms of appearance, intelligence or IQ except that Sri Lankans are more arrogant than Indians, but since last century Indians have improved quite a lot).
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Native Vedda / June 18, 2019
Roman Leslie
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“Yes please let’s do this Buddhist alliance and then our country can come up like China”
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I do not know if this country could ever match progress of China nor do I want it however if you are interested in Sinhala Buddha religious alliance please contact
Sarath Weerasekera, Shenali Unhappy Waduge, ……………… and sundries.
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“China is also a Buddhist majority country through they don’t say it in writing in their constitution”
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?????????????
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Rtd. Lt. Reginald Shamal Perera / June 17, 2019
This just a usual maneuvering by the US to see if they can establish a base in SL. Today our President is meeting up with the Russian leader Vlad and will be well advised about this.
In the end it will all end up well.
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JD / June 17, 2019
US has done a similar thing to ECuador. ECuador had some problem. No one knew who was behind certain protests that were occurring in Ecuadore except US was very concerned. Now, the Protests are over. But, Ecuadore owned Galapagos Islands have been handed over to US for air force camp. So, it is not what we are talking. It will be something else.
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ramona therese fernando / June 17, 2019
The Russian Socialist network will be the the best deal of all (if it is ok-ed by the Trump admin). I too commend Sirisena on this.
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Goviya / June 17, 2019
For once you are giving a sensible response. Keep it up!
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JD / June 17, 2019
CT has published the usual CRAP article. More information are published else where. I can only say; Mangala Says, they ask so many things, but I do not do everything. But, they says, Mangala has done lot to us far more than what we expected. I hear they come to discuss GSP+ and we give GSP only if you sign this. SO, if Maithripala does not sign it, then Maithripala will be bashed saying Sri lanka lost Exports. But, the way we export is Pathetic. else where there is lot of information.
Instigator of the bond scam is still saying we respect Lichchavi rules. what can we say. That kind of pathetic cheating of the public.
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Lester / June 17, 2019
The US building a big base in Sri Lanka would be excellent for the country. The Eelamists would have to permanently hide in the jungle with their Eelam maps and Tiger flags. Some of the US weapons are extraordinary, for example drone technology. Given the small size of Sri Lanka, drones could be used for real-time reconnaissance and intelligence gathering in place of human resources. This kind of surveillance could have prevented the Easter attacks. Another system in development are special lasers. These lasers will be used to shoot down missiles, making airplanes and helicopters virtually unstoppable. The US should build the base in Jaffna or Kattankudy; SLA can do joint exercises with them. Those who say it is a violation of territorial integrity; the US has 800 bases all over the world, including Japan, Germany, and Korea. Secondly, any kind of defense partnership will boost the islands technological capabilities, which is good for the economy. Thirdly, it will attract FDI and increase tourism.
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Manel / June 17, 2019
Colonial days will be here again. We are taking the tiger by the tail.
Yipee!
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ramona therese fernando / June 17, 2019
Lester,
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Will happen only if we turn Buddhist-Socialist if we want all the technological goodies courtesy USA.
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If we try to be capitalistic in the the midst of US -involvement, it will be the Indian merger, land-bridge and all.
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And as it is known that the Sinhala Masses are honorable with their nationalistic aspirations, they will not vote the capitalistic way in an island-wide election .
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We will trust Sirisena and the Trump-admin to help us out with a Russian Socialist Buddhist alliance.
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Lester / June 18, 2019
Ramona Fernando,
India is still struggling with hygiene. Their Bollywood movie industry made a movie called “Toilet: A Love Story” in 2017. Improving sanitation was one of Modi’s campaign promises. If you build a bridge to S. Lanka, they will come flooding, not the wealthy ones, but the poor ones. S. Lanka will have a refugee crisis, as Afghans, Pakistanis and Bangladeshis will also use the “bridge” to migrate. Better to build a wall than a bridge. Russia is also poor, plus there is a language barrier. So clearly SL will benefit the most from US investment. First the military, then US companies.
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Rajash / June 18, 2019
Lester – you guys are still scared of the sdead Tiger…
….USA wants their boots on Sri Lankan soil not to fight the dead tiger !
…but to fight and take foot hold in the Chinese territory in within Sri Lanka
be prepared to take shelter from USA firing Missiles at Hambantota Harbour and airport and Port City china countering with their missiles…
you Sinhala people will be permanently hiding in the jungles of Sri Lanka waving the Lion Flag for a lost island..
The island is already lost like a ship being steered without a captain…..
USA will take it back and will be lost for ever
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Siribiris / June 18, 2019
Lester, US is building base for supporting their country needs, wars and security, not to safe guard SL or work in collaboration with SL Army. They wouldn’t care if it is Eelamists or Islamists as long it it is not a threat to their operations. And the entire base and its surrounding would be like 200 years ahead of other SL areas, with direct Internet connection and they usually won’t go through ISPs. No one has access (including politicians and monks) except few selected contractors who are allowed access to their work related areas with high security checks on daily basis which is worse than an airport checking.
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If a base is going to be built, SL govt has to ensure and agree with US that we won’t allow Indian companies or individuals work as contractors, or we will lose all opportunities to them while will have to add extra police and forces to manage them coming in legally & illegally in hundreds seeing the greener pasture in SL which is taking all the pains.
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Burt / June 17, 2019
The defense sec. is right in saying that he cannot give any guarantees. Saying otherwise would be limiting Sri Lanka’s options.
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Nma / June 17, 2019
Since there is lily pad . Why not make it official. I don’t see harm to our country
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Rtd. Lt. Reginald Shamal Perera / June 17, 2019
Gentlemen,
Don’t ever let any article or rumour distract you from the problem at hand. The killer community of the Easter Sunday victims.
Today a Madrassa was raided and found to be a mosque with weapons hidden inside, then there is the interrogation of Hizbullah for his meeting with Saudis a day after Easter.
All this proves the dangers we as a nation would face if the army stayed in hibernation. Our Army always needs an enemy to fight, that is the way to evolve. That is also the only to keep our morale and self respect high. We need to bring someone into the interrogation room ever so often and show him whose the boss in this country.
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Idroos Fahmy / June 18, 2019
Hey Cheap piece of s$hit..
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“Our Army always needs an enemy to fight” – So once US base is established, send your Hyena petaws to throw stones and run away. I saw one of your posts in a different site discouraging foreign investments to SL. Did you do that in anger when Army kicked you out for stealing in the camp?
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Ponkoh Sivakumaran / June 17, 2019
Colvin R de Silva’s some sort of anniversary is on. He brought untold hardship to the country by destroying the left movement which kept the political bastards in check. He was like the rest of them a self-seeking racist. But one thing he said is worth remembering. “Two languages, two nations> Do we want two halves that can be gobbled up by every ravaging imperialist monster?” Our disunity makes us easy targets for outside powers.
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John / June 17, 2019
Yes buddies, after the British left, how our own brow Sahibs ran the country to ground and gutters. It’s good for the Americans to come, and the people would get good benefits out of them.
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Parangi Leftover / June 18, 2019
This has been the objective of the Fifth Column since 1948. That is the reason why they stayed here!
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Taraki / June 17, 2019
Pompeo, who will be visiting us soon, is one of the many hawks in the Trump administration from the Bush days. He has always advocated destroying Iran. This is the sort of man who will be ‘offering’ SOFA and other ‘mutually’ beneficial agreements to us. No doubt our donkeys will accede.
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Native Vedda / June 18, 2019
Taraki
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“Pompeo, who will be visiting us soon, is one of the many hawks in the Trump administration from the Bush days. “
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Please stop kidding.
Seriously, why do you need foreign hawks to destroy this island. We did/do have our own homegrown hawks who excelled/excel in destruction.
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Rajash / June 17, 2019
defence-secretary-says-he-cannot-give-a-guarantee-there-will-be-no-us-boots-on-the-ground
Foreign army boots were on Sri Lankan soil assisted by foreign air force in the Sri Lankan air space and foreign Naval force in Sri Lankan waters to defeat LTTE.
So this would not be the first time.
but it appears this time it’s a long term permanent presence and not short term assignment
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shankar / June 18, 2019
At least china has given us some benefits and got a foothold in the country,but the US is trying to get its boots on the whole country on the cheap without giving us anything in return except they are here to protect us against islamic terrorism.Our armed forces who protected us from the LTTE ,can do that job if indeed it is necessary,though i don’t think it is as muslims here are largely peaceful. We don’t need the US to do that job for us.AS for the US saying that we should honour any agreements,what about the US agreement with Iran?Trump has broken all agreemnts with countries since he came to power,saying they are not in the interest of the US and america first policy.We also should say all agreements have to be revised if not in sri lanka’s interst and sri lanka first policy.
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JD / June 18, 2019
TRUMP is manoeuvring. Because, after the politics, he needs to build his Hotel business more in those now hostile countries.
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jayt / June 18, 2019
various terrorists attacks around the world done by Jews as part of covert action and direct US to threaten other countries. Tamil and Indian were set against Sri lanka part of this.
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Native Vedda / June 18, 2019
shankar
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“At least china has given us some benefits and got a foothold in the country,but the US is trying to get its boots on the whole country on the cheap without giving us anything in return except they are here to protect us against islamic terrorism.”
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So you agree the entire country is for sale, as far as you are concerned the only factor that determines the buyer is the price offered.
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Remember this is not a sale, basically you are expecting/demanding a good price/payment for them using your private parts and the kind of services you are willing to provide, in other words you have no issue with the entire country trading its soul, body, dignity, ………… being the best prostitute in the neighbourhood.
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“Our armed forces who protected us from the LTTE”
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Oh please.
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shankar / June 19, 2019
native
wherein have i said the country should be for sale.However there is nothing wrong in making big people woo us.Our strategic geographical position can be a plus or a minus depending on how our leaders play the game for us.For example i saw sirisena inspecting a soon to be built hospital to treat kidney disease built by the chinese entirely on a grant.It is supposed to be the largest and most advanced hospital in this area of kidney treatment in south asia with hundreds of state of the art dialysis machines.Are you saying people desperately wanting treatment should be allowed to suffer because getting the hospital is like selling the country.Was getting the BMICH selling the country?What have the americans given for us?nothing,but they want everything.They bribed and got this agreement.
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JD / June 18, 2019
This time it is for sure, EELAM war V starts. american Army is coming. Some where else, GTF is saying to muslims let us gang.up. No one will be able to blowing every where in Island. Noise will be simply New year every where,
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K A Sumanasekera / June 18, 2019
Dr Ranil’s 30 years years of hard work is not in vain.
In fact Dr Ranil’s Life long Dream seems to be coming into fruition thanks to Sobitha and Sirisena.
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Uncle Yankee Dicky must be rolling in his grave thinking what a marvelous nephew he has produced.-
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No wonder Millenium got that 120,000 Acre patch , connecting Mannar ,Trinco , and KKS with Colombo Port City so the American Boots can travel around without any hassles.
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We will have a War Lord in the South, It won’t be Keselwatta Kid for sure.
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It will be a tough competition in the East between Hezbulla, Assath Sally and Bathudeen..
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Don’t know much about the West.
Are there any heroes there?..
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Jaffna wouldn’t need one, would they ?..
unless AAVA Boys become naughty..
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JD / June 18, 2019
TRUMP is manoeuvring. Because, after the politics, he needs to build his Hotel business more in those now hostile countries. Deep-state is trying their best to resuscitate a terminal patient. Trump knows the reality. He wants to fill china and other countries with hotels
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