19 March, 2024

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Defiant Nagananda To Represent Himself

Public interest litigant Nagananda Kodituwakku who was banned from practicing as a lawyer for three years by the Supreme Court yesterday will nevertheless represent himself in cases that he has filed, Colombo Telegraph learns.

Nagananda Kodituwakku

Accordingly he will appear in the Court of Appeal today as a citizen supporting the case he had initiated against the Director General of Customs for releasing 24 containers of adulterated palm oil unfit for human consumption.

Although barred from practicing as an attorney, Kodituwakku can and will make use of general legal provisions for a citizen to represent himself or herself.

Related posts:

Nagananda Kodituwakku Barred From Practising Law – Nagananda’s Response To Supreme Court Charges Against Him

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Latest comments

  • 24
    17

    I can see that Nagananda is trying to do the right think, But i also feel he is overly self righteous. I hate how he refers to himself in the third person. If he runs for the presidency and manages to win, he will end up just like MS, mark my word. Fortunately for all, he won’t win.

    • 24
      1

      You may be right. I respect NK as a fearless SENIOR lawyer, but I am doubt that he would be able to make a real change in a country whose majority is provably over corrupted and beyond dignified life styles. Alone the fact majority of the people to neverthelss go after RAJAPAKSHE and the like OVER corrupted leaders prove me everything about the mindset of the gullible people.
      :
      NK is a good senior lawyer but he is very immatured in lanken politics.
      If he would have been matured enough to enter lanken politics, I have no doubt, the educated would choose him as the first alternative to get rid of highly corrupted and abusive politians in the power.
      :
      I always have the feeling the cry of NK on any issue regardless of its size, he exaggerates – mostly not having studied the issue properly.
      :
      JVPrs have also been doing the same, keep on accusing on the corrupted parties and party men, but nothing seems to work on getting them cornered curse to PREVAILING legal systems in the country.
      :
      POILTICS of a developing country SHOULD not only focus on the LAW AND ORDER issues but their systems perse, need to be reformed from TOP to BOTTOM. Proper systems can guide the nation to successes nothing else.
      :

    • 18
      8

      Dear Govishankar Ebolanathan,
      .
      We’re all good at “finding out that another guy has faults”. Yes, many others, too, have found it disconcerting that Nagananda refers to himself in the third person. He is rather a one-track guy. If, as you say, he is sincerely trying to do the right thing, he’s much better than most of our professional politicians.
      .
      Sirisena has been a huge disappointment, but he hasn’t been a mass murderer. I think that when I voted for him in 2015, I did the correct thing. What I would now say is, “Deny an outright victory on the FIRST count to any candidate.
      .
      That way the victor will know that it is only that “floating vote” that bought him victory, and he will be more respectful towards us all. To allow that to happen, we must be more outspoken than you seem willing to be. However, thanks for your comment, because at least you don’t reject him outright.

      • 14
        1

        Dear Sinhala Man,
        :
        Deterioration of lanken society is obviously reached beyond cure to date. Lankens living in the country apparently dont care about the appalling levels. What and how you guys as senior citizens (retired teachers) could contribute to improve the awareness of the common man in this country ? More awareness much better their thinking patterns would become.
.

        To tell you, I have gone through a prodigious number of comments being found underneath of each Social Media YT videos SINHALA) that have been published all these 6 months. This had been one of my volunatarily set activity myself to gather lot more reliable inforamtion about lanken society. Most of the commenters obviously are clueless about the topic being addressed in each of the video clip, however their emotional behaviours proved me that they overstate themselves SINHALA race: .They usually start shooting the messenger by their sinhala filth as no times in the past. They often sound to have no respect of any civilized cultures. The terms being frequently used by them make the viewers very upset. Perhaps similar to what you notice in current day North Korea, the manner the people are made to believe on some prominent figures going by misleading information about various issues.

        Blatant lies and doctored statistics they bring up to mislead the viewers. Unfortunately, their comments contain ” umbe ammata” and end up with all defarmatory, derogatory terms but permamently mainating them to be seen as ” sinhala buddhists”:If you would respond to them with your whataboutary, they would not even care about your feedback, but continue calling you as traitors/tigers or as ones that cough for dollars of the NGOs. Since my purpose is to gather own info about the people (cross section) of lanken society, I thought to give the benefits of the doubt and continue, but now I have come to a point, people lack of proper awareness programs.

      • 14
        0

        cont.

        As I am coming from a traditional buddhist family which had a long history, so I am embarraced to see that the destruction of society is reached to appalling levels today, not knowing how we could improve the awarness of the average people in the country; I put my efforts off back and forth. Even most of the SIVURU wearing monks behave worst today than average lay buddhists when they rebute for seriously concerned issues though point by point.
        .
        I did it just because i myself wanted to gather reliable information about the average mind set of current day SRILANKA. I have not myself lived in the country for the last few decades.
        :
        We cant also compare today’s appalling levels of society with that of int he past, since, we have not had the chances to compare the thoughts and minds of the average as is the case for us today. This is , because in the past we never had the chance to quickly check them on the screen. Information technology and the revolution made it possible for today generations. However, youth have no comparisons about the past, but they just focus on the current comments only.
        :
        and their general knowledge is beyond all unthinkable lower levels. For some reasons they have been caught by a fallacy that Rajapakshes are the only MAGICAL powers if the country to lead to success.
        :
        TBC

      • 8
        6

        Sinhala Man

        I am with you. The vote per person, who represent any particular political party should remain at about 25% and the world will realise that we have jokers in politics.

        Since 2014, Australia had four Prime Ministers. The first was defeated at an election. The other three ( rather two excluding the incumbent) was removed by the members of the same party over ineffeciency. In SL Mr Ranil had been theleader sincwe 1994, Mr.MR was there since 2004, what a joke.

        We need a third force.JVP that gave Mrs B a 2/3 rd majority andd JRJ 5/6 majority will need to do more to become the third party.Again they did accept the Rs100,000 and Rs175,000 that was given by the Govt – a bribe- without a whimper.

        • 7
          6

          Thanks, Upali.
          .
          There are some people who listen politely to what I say, but I think that you are only the second to whole-heartedly agree with me.
          .
          It may be that Junius Richard deliberately introduced a system that seemed to call for the winner to get more than half the votes cast, but ensured that few would understand how to cast a strategic vote. I now observe that you have probably seen my fuller explanation here:
          .
          https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/nagananda-kodituwakku-barred-from-practising-law-naganandas-response-to-supreme-court-charges-against-him/
          .
          Others may not have seen. I had indeed given links to actual Presidential Election results in 2005, 1988 and one other, when the JVP again contested and got some votes. Nandana Gunetilleke it was. The 300 word limit had intervened. I fear that few readers take the trouble to even click a link; exploring on their own is something that hardly any of our “highest literacy in Asia” people do.
          .
          So, the blame should come not only to the”crooks-in-any case” politicians, but to us!

    • 22
      6

      Nagananda Kodituwakku,

      Yes. Represent yourself, as you are the litigant.

      Next form a Group called Citizens for Justice, and Amarasiri will contribute Rs. 10,000.00.

      Ask everyone who voted for Sirisena to contribute Rs. 20 each. Let’s fight the corruption getting all the citizens involved.

      • 5
        0

        A.
        Way to go.
        Someone with “BALLS” and outspoken is the need of the hour.
        Enough of FAKE Justice; Banana Republic.

    • 1
      0

      Still much better than the eofoues in the past. What else do we have. Choose the best person than going with the same rubbish. If you select the same corrupt people they will never impeove the life of the average person and taken go granted tgat no matter with all the robbwries and unlawfulness peoplw still vites for them. So think twice before you say something.

    • 9
      2

      Dear Govishankar,

      Overly self-righteous did you say? Overly?

      Would you prefer someone less so; a sort of more earthy, more human, more fallible, more given and take type; in fact, more like the rest of us? And isn’t that exactly how we end up with men who are all of above when the rise to power and thereafter become unstoppable, dictatorial, corrupt, cruel and ruthless?

      If Nagananda’s reference to himself in the third person is what irks you, there are many who have much more worrying things on their plate than such triviality. And to surmise that he will be the equivalent of someone else without being given an opportunity to prove himself is not only illogical, it is as unkind and unfair. In fact, it is as unfair as my trying to assume and conclude what sort of a person you are, purely going by your post.

      • 5
        1

        Thanks, Justice & Fairplay.
        .
        As you say, we so often pick on trivialities. What is now needed is to give Nagananda our full and unstinted support.
        .
        I gave that sort of support to Maithripala Sirisena. He has by now become a huge disappointment. Yet, that means that we should be more wary of those who come promising impossible things.
        .
        We should be more wary, it is true, but it is irrational to say that our experience with Maithri is proof that we’ll be disappointed with Nagananda. The point about Naga is precisely that he is not promising impossibilities. He promises to be strict and impartial in cracking down on corruption. On the other hand he has not played to the gallery by saying that horrible punishments will be meted out while being vague about whom it would apply to.
        .
        Naganada has filed many cases in our courts. They have all been specific. Appointing defeated candidates to Parliament, for instance. In filing such a case it must apply to all concerned, but we know that we have to make a distinction between Sunil Handunetti being appointed by the JVP, and S.B. Dissanayake being appointed – by whom? He’s been in so many parties that we just don’t know. It is such people who must be hounded out of positions in our society. CJ Sripavan had said that such appointments are not maters of nationa importance!
        .
        We have to do some serious thinking.

        • 6
          1

          Dear Sinhala Man,

          Thank you for the courtesy of a valued reply.

          I agree with everything you say. I believe Nagananda is the only ray of hope we have, because he intends to fix a pivotal link towards a stable society and make that link strong, incorruptible, efficient and fair. That link is our judicial system.

          Despite a lot of hype, both Sirisena and Ranil have disappointed us no end proven they are both, unworthy leaders. One way or the other, the important cases which irked every decent human being in 2015 still remain unsolved. There are various stories as to who did what for that to happen the way it has, but we aren’t impressed nor interested. It was the duty of both Sirisena and Ranil to see that justice was done in the name of every civic minded person in this country and I feel offended and cheated they have reneged on their promises with such effortless ease. And additionally, we have another huge scam of astronomical proportions with not a hope in hell of it being resolved. The manner in which both these leaders are seen hob-nobbing with those who have been accused of serious crimes is so nauseating, they arent worthy of a second consideration..

          The amount these unworthy politicians cost us is so immense, we need to scrap them all for good, and get back to a system which allows us to live within our means as a dignified nation of honest people..

          Nagananda therefore to me, comes across as a fresh breeze blowing in an otherwise arid desert.

  • 3
    4

    If this is true, It needs to be watched. Are they harassing him. I think Sajith Pemadasa is the future President and we need to see how NGOs cheers for him.

  • 21
    7

    Nagananda, you are great!
    .
    In trying to understand this case, I don’t think it necessary to insult the three Supreme Court judges who delivered the verdict. As far as I can tell these judges are not the worst of the people in the system. However, this case brings into stark contrast the dilemma faced by us, the people, when confronted by a system that is corrupt, and where the whole concept of what is meant by Justice has been lost sight of.
    .
    We, the people, must support the cause of Nagananda in every way possible. That does not mean financially supporting the Nagananda cause. Actually, it is not his cause, it is our cause. And let’s face it, most promises of donations usually come to naught.
    .
    What is necessary is for us to “educate” almost every person we meet (they can be those whom we consider, in our own conceit to be ignorant and uneducated.) Many are fed up with the system, but don’t know where to turn.
    .
    Too often I have come across people who tell me irrelevant things like, “if his own family is in England, where’s his commitment?” We must appreciate what Naganada has done, and spread the word around that our quarrel is not necessarily a personal one with the three judges who have delivered this verdict.
    .
    It is probable that most of us delude ourselves that the entire country has awareness of what the issues are. No, that is not the case. I have never met Naganada, and made only a half-hearted effort to find out how to get through to him. I just don’t have the time nor the inclination to go into Facebook, but Nagananda has rightly judged that to be the most effective way open to him to spread awareness of issues.
    .
    My comments on CT represent my own inadequate efforts to support our cause.

    • 20
      4

      Its the duty of every law abiding citizen to support Nagananada, whom I believe was a customs officer before he became a lawyer. In this particular case he has every right to challenge the decision /verdict of the supreme court.
      It seems that the higher commands wants to shut Nagananda up for good. We the common people should not allow this travesty to happen.

    • 12
      6

      Sinhala Man,

      Can you together with Nagananda and others form a Civic Organization called Citizens for Justice, raise funds to get this going. Amarasiri will contribute Rs 10,,000.00.

      • 7
        2

        This is a very good idea and nodoubt the need of the hour.
        :
        We should sacrifice lot more by making every effort regarding the awareness to grass root levels of people. But I am not sure, – not really good feeling if those villagers would ever be ready to sense it whatever being anecdotal information about the ground situation would have been pumped to them.
        :
        Today, the former Prez had reiterated that Rugby Player’s death was not a murder but to have been through an accident.
        :
        Derana, Hiru and other senders seem dancing to the tune of the BP Rajapakshe.
        :

      • 3
        7

        Dear Amarasiri,
        .
        The answer to your question is: yes, I don’t mind the risks I run; I’m willing to do something on those lines.
        .
        However, I’m hardly suited for this role. I think that you, and most other regular readers, know pretty much all that there is to know about me; I don’t know anything really about you or Native Vedda.
        .
        On the other hand, I know you both to be amazing guys (Oh, dear Trump’s vocabulary is coming to me!) and I find you always consistent and taking the right line all the time. It goes without saying that you will have to reveal more of yourself to me, although not to others. Have you got my contact details?

    • 5
      0

      Dear Sinhala Man,

      Part I
      You may perhaps have the numbers about how many of lankens are now accessed to FB today ?: I DONT THINK it is more than 45%, even if you get to see almost everyone using a mobile phone today. Most of them have no smart phones being connected to the net. And also the fact that seniors in general are not mobile phone literate. You may know all these better than I do.
      :
      Then how could NK think that it as the most effective way open to spread awarness of the issues to the masses in the country ? Besides, NKs currently lives in SL not in LONDON. This I see as his biggest achilles heel. We happenedto shar this with him a year ago. But his management has not done much to improve his propaganda. That is why not many yet today, are aware of HIS Person/PARTICULARs.
      :
      As one living in the country, you may also know lot more about the FACTs about Mr NK and what he may possess what JVPrs dont. This is very important since JVPrs though known to people for the last 30 years, nevertheless, have NOT yet been able to win a dozen of seats in the most promisecuous election, which was the last one held in 2015.
      .
      I dreamt of JVPrs becoming more powerful in the parliament, winning more seats in the last election.Unfortunately, they won only 6 seats. Assume how would it have been, if they were 12 in the current parliament ? They are all doing a great job in parliament today, although Lal Kantha and that Samarasinghe are no matured enough to do their jobs well.

      CONTD

    • 5
      0

      Part II
      :
      Dear Sinhala Man,

      The ONLY issue bothers me about JVPrs is their OPINION on UNPrs yet today. They are VERY against UNPrs going by 89 Insurgency related rivalries. Why not both parties forgive each other today since the common enemy of th UNP and JVP is RAJAPKASHE led extremists/racists groups. To my Rajaakshes did lot more harm to the nation than the 89 insurgency claimed it.

      And if JVPrs would not join hand with UNPrs, Rajapkshe led groups will definitely end up us becoming an another SOMALIA. And the anecdotal information about 89 insurgency revealed that both UNPrs and JVPrs equally committed crimes in that youth unrest, with or without their knowledge. I know how many of my batchmates were caught,found on the tyre pyes in that brutal period. How many of those victimized families suffered yet today in the country. Some got killed were only sons to those parents. . That is why I believe, forget and forgive will open the door for a better future.

      JVPrs should not hang on with their hatreds against UNPrs. Both party men today are moderate politicians. I think young UNP Ministers are doing a great job. If JVPrs would not change their stance about the future, we the people will have to suffer lot more in the years to come.
      :
      Having CLOSELY studied lanken current day politics, I believe, onlyway out to pave the way for a better GOVT is THROUGH a coalition govt by UNF, JVP and TNA (or the biggest political voice of notherners). We perfectly know that JVPrs’ thinking is almost like that of the southerners. Southerners are the obstacle that always beleive, the RULERS would easily partition and give it to notherners. Or even as WIMAL WEERAWANSE rhetoric repeats, that some of our politicians are the caricatures of the western powers. These political slogans easily change the perception of the masses in rural areas.

      • 4
        4

        Dear Concerned Sinhala Man

        You are right about there being not much awareness of Nagananda Kodituwakku among the people. Even if people have smart phones they may not have the money to reload to browse the net.
        .
        The difficulty that the JVP has in getting more votes is the memories people have of their 1989 activities. As it is their village support is from the poorer people who will be aghast if they align themselves with the UNP. In Colombo, there are some English speaking middle-class people who may voice suppport for them, but may not vote for them.
        .
        I don’t think that they will voice any support for the UNP, even suggest strategic voting. If they do, they lose the support of the people who support for ideological reasons. “The younger UNP Ministers” – as they get older they may turn out to be as bad as the older fellows! Few are educated; typically the children of wealthy businessmen.
        .
        Don’t over-estimate my knowledge of social affairs, true though it is that I spend such a lot of time in Bandarawela.
        .
        Your kind comments do encourage me.

        • 5
          0

          Sinhala Man@
          thanks for your response.
          :
          I do believe, there are lot more behind people’s not taking JVPrs seriously. It is NOT just the politicians but people at large are part and parcel of corruption-promotion machineries well established in the country. They simply dont care about the media mafia being instrumental in today exercise of hanging on with Rajapkashe politics. Paradoxially, people them selves know how devious their politics have been. Are the majority of people in this country that stupid, gullible and incorrigible? Yesterday, I had a search for some statistics in Africa for the moment and futuristic predictions for the next 20 years. There I got to know africans are the fastest in their economic growths in their countries today. Europeans markets overflow from the products being imported from them today day by day. 70% of world flower-industry are from Kenya. Kenyans have overtaken us also from Tea industry today as CEYLON tea brand would surivive its name in the next years to come.
          .
          1) If people stay criticising but not doing THE slightest they can, being pro-active than sofar, how can they get rid of today’s problems ? If you would study the comments being found on YT accompanying threads, there you will realize how profound the Rajakashe have influenced them with blant lies almost about everything as NOBODY ELSE but Rajakshes should be the ones to lead this nation.
          I read your HONEST posts about therequests on propaganda campaign if Nagananda K to succeed the next PE, but how many seem to be even endorsing your open statements ? no even handful of among CT commenters – that is unforutantely the saddedst reality- so pathetic Mr SINHALA MAN.. it lies on the genetic of SINHALAYA i believe..

  • 13
    5

    All the best Naga. I hope another Bakalgoda will not complain in a manner to put you in jail.

  • 19
    1

    Why Legal community is so afraid of him if they are cleaned as they seen? The truth is that they know Mr. Nagananda will catch & squeeze them with the help of Law & Order of Sri Lanka. So no place for thieves & thugs. I personally support him as he’s trustworthy so far to make a better country for our children.

  • 14
    7

    Sir,
    I repeat:
    Nagananda Kodituwakku for PRESIDENT!
    Cheers!
    PS: Question to Sri Lankan Judiciary. How many CID, FCID or Bribery Commission cases against extra-judicial killings or serious corruption have resulted in convictions so far? NONE!
    BTW, who abducted and killed Richard De Zoysa, massacred Welikada Prisoners in cold blood or murdered Lasantha Wickramatunga? What happened to Tajudeen? That corrupt MIG Deal guy is about to run for Presidency, rather than spending rest of his days in jail.

    • 7
      0

      If you propose thus, so you may please answer the followings:
      .
      1) Why JVPrs stay unchanged even if their diehard efforts to stand against the rampant of corruption in this country ? If people would love leaders with less corruption, why JVPrs failed to claim not even 10 seats in last GE?
      .
      This proves not just boldness and affinity to LAW AND ORDER alone would not please lanken THANAKOLA eaters ?
      .
      2) So with ZERO exp in local/devious politics, how would NK or the like CANDIDATEs ever be able to cover the fee in a CORRUPTED and UNCIVILIZED portions who are the majoirity of the country ?
      .
      3)And not much is done by him yet today, towards propaganda, so he is not known to rank and file in the country ?

      4) Dont you guys feel the way I do…. for me, if the kind candidates would get elected, PIGS MIGHT FLY….

      • 1
        0

        Dear LEELAGEMALLI,
        .
        My common-sense view for the poor performance of the JVP at elections:
        .
        1. Fear of them owing to two past insurrections.
        .
        2. People vote for those they consider to emerge as the dominant party.
        .
        3. Those who analyse the figures more closely may realise that although there is proportional representation will realise that owing to features like cut-off point for small parties, and bonus seats for the winner in a District, it is all weighted in favour of the major players. So, Sunil Handunetti didn’t get elected from Matara District, although fairly acceptable to people throughout the country. Some other JVP also had to come in like that. So, their National List guys were Sarathchandra Mayadunna and Chrishmal Warnasuriya. Nagananda filed action against the appointment of defeated M.P.s. Our disapprobation was surely more about the S.B. Dissanayake appointment, than Handunetti. Please work put ramifications yourself and tell us.
        .
        4. If you vote for one party, you obviously can’t also say that another is good. This is where this Preferential voting that at this moment is obsessing me comes in. Think about it. You show your approval of the honest people, but are pragmatic enough to compromise and vote for the lesser evil as exemplified by the candidates for the two major parties. This is not possible in our country at any other level of voting.
        .
        The chances of Nagananda winning are near zero, but his candidature could prepare the way for future honest men to exert influence. We shouldn’t be looking for future personal benefits.

    • 6
      3

      Yes, I am with you, Nagananda and most cheated and oppressed peoples of this planet. Happy to help financially should Naganada send his preferred details through CT.

  • 10
    4

    Dishonesty and corruption cannot prevail over integrity and sincerity. Truth like oil will come to the surface. Exposures by Nagananda Kodithuwakku will be a virtual ‘Sunami’ for the corrupt politicians. His efforts to establish truth and justice in our country legally will be supported by all people who value freedom and honesty .We have no other man who has come up with such policies and plans that will put our country in the correct perspective. The Govt. thinks 19th. amendment is the panacea for all problems, far from it, just imagine the colossal amount of Govt. moneys pillaged and plundered by dubious means by leaders and their cohorts during the past four years or so and on the other hand they have personally intervened in preventing other culprits from being taken into custody without even batting an eyelid. added to these PM has been very generous in increasing the salaries of all MPP while the Country’s majority are living hand to mouth lives. This is a mean way to consolidate one’s political position. We understand Nagananda’s sole effort is to eradicate this grave injustice and give a face lift to the people and the country. We wonder what these traditional political parties will have in their future manifestos’,of course Yahapalanya will be out of the vocabulary and tender bending,commissions, money laundering are well established and will be careful not to upset the apple cart.What we understand is Nagananda appears to be a great obstacle to all other political parties though they appear to ignore him as a David before a Goliath. In my opinion Nagananda has presented the best and one and only way to redeem our country from the present impasse progressively created and now well nurtured by two main political parties and other opportunists time servers.

  • 12
    6

    Mr. Naganada is trying to introduce a civilized culture that respect rule of law and ensure the right of sovereign citizens are able to criticize all three wings (judiciary, executives and legislators) with complete with complete wisdom and responsibility.

    Hats off to Naganada.

    we should learn from Naga and try to struggle to ensure the democratic right of sovereign citizens of Sri Lanka.

  • 8
    3

    The verdict against him is a Blessing in disguise in my opinion. Let’s hope for the best yet to be
    revealed.

  • 9
    5

    dont give up naga, you are going great guns
    but dont contest the presidency as karu will be the sure winner

  • 7
    3

    Go Naga !!

  • 8
    6

    Sinhala_Man: Well said. Many people ask you “irrelevant” things: “If his family is in England, where is his commitment”. Do those “Many People”, inclusive of Viyath Maga” ; “Eliya” and some sections of “Maha Sanga” who campaign for “GOTA” to be the President of the country make or raise that issue “If his family is in USA, where is his commitment”? That is why we have this saying: “Kanna Ona Unhama Kabragoyath Thalagoya Karagannawa”. Anyway, Mr. Nagananda will not contest at an election; but hopefully he will continue with his struggle to campaign for establishment of Law & Order and Rule of Law and dispel that “Mafia” style of Legal Fraternity. Also please note, there is nothing wrong with the “System”; but the problem is with those who administer the system. One example, yesterday the Chief Magistrate of Colombo “Discharged” ex Minister Jhonstan Fernando from four cases filed against him because, the Bribery Commission informed courts that it cannot continue with the cases due to “Technical Problems”. Shouldn’t these “Legal Experts” in the Commission be taken to task for not “KNOWING” and “CLEARING” those “Technical Problems” before filing cases wasting “Public Funds” and “valuable” time of Courts? The same “Mistake” was committed in the case that was filed in Kurunegala courts against this very ex Minister. How many such “TECHNICAL PROBLEMS” we will see in relation to many more such “High Profile” case that are lined up to be heard in the future? So I am of opinion that it is not the “System” but the “People” who on behalf of “PEOPLE” handle executive duties either “FAIL” or “WILLFULLY” or “BOTH” work to disrupt and dislodge the “System”. That is the essence of Mr. Nagananda’s campaign and fight. That is what I see and perceive.

  • 6
    3

    “Even those who live wholesome lives can experience suffering
    so long as their acts have not yet borne direct fruits.
    However, when the fruits of their actions ripen
    the joyful consequences cannot be avoided” # Dammapada verse 120
    Keep going Nagi”””””””””””””’
    Theruwan Saranai.

  • 9
    6

    My best wishes to Nagananda Kodituwakku. If he so wishes to come forward as a Presidential candidate, he has my vote. Nagananda may lack political experience but I would prefer a man with integrity to any of the current corrupt yobs in politics.

    • 8
      6

      Nagananda!
      You are wonderful. If one door closes on you, another door will open for you. Straight and narrow is the path you are walking and only few like you shall walk there in. All the best.

      • 7
        3

        Sinhala Man

        I am with you. The vote per person, who represent any particular political party should remain at about 25% and the world will realise that we have jokers in politics.

        Since 2014, Australia had four Prime Ministers. The first was defeated at an election. The other three ( rather two excluding the incumbent) was removed by the members of the same party over ineffeciency. In SL Mr Ranil had been theleader sincwe 1994, Mr.MR was there since 2004, what a joke.

        We need a third force.JVP that gave Mrs B a 2/3 rd majority andd JRJ 5/6 majority will need to do more to become the third party.Again they did accept the Rs100,000 and Rs175,000 that was given by the Govt – a bribe- without a whimper.

  • 7
    3

    Mr. Naganada, please publish your e-mail address and postal address.Your movement is only on one track – law and society.
    To be effective it must encompass more subjects.
    The readers of CT may be able to help you. Time is running out with only 8 months left.

    • 2
      5

      That he has done.
      .
      http://naga2020.com/home/
      .
      .Also, for contributions he has given these details:
      .
      Account details
      .
      Nagananda Kodithuwakku
      82968430
      Bank of Ceylon
      Swift Code BCEYLKLX
      Bank Code 7010
      Branch Code 049
      Nugegoda
      .
      There is little purpose in his publicising his e-mail address. Those wanting to wreck our entire effort will send a million e-mails, and the address will be in ruins.
      .
      Actually it would be advisable to introduce a “catchpa” as well. I’ve just sent him a message of support before proceeding to make this comment.
      .
      We won’t be able to get a response to all except a message which is such that it is significant.
      .
      I had that experience with this personal website:
      .
      https://raeesnasheed.com/
      .
      I got there from his Wikipedia entry:
      .
      https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mohamed_Nasheed
      .
      This explains how I got to that point:
      .
      https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/nasheed-requests-sri-lankan-government-to-engage-robustly-in-transition-of-power/
      .
      My contribution made a huge difference, but I still don’t have his e-mail address. When some PDF files had to be sent, he got a cousin of his to e-mail me requesting they be sent as attachments.
      .
      We’ve got to be humble enough thereafter not to rub shoulders with the leader thereafter.

      • 6
        3

        Sinhala man. Thanks. I will support Naganda, not because I see in him the Ultimate Saviour, but as a change agent from the current lot of idiots liars and crooks who live on our hard earned money..

        The problem with NK is that he has only one item to projet. That wont do in running a country. He has to encompass himself with other solutions, for which he has to build a support group – a think tank.

        However I adore Narasigha Rao prediction, chaos last only a short time, stability will come eventually. My hope is that NK can provide that stability.

      • 0
        3

        You can see for yourself.
        .
        I had given purely factual information for those who want it. Someone there is, who doesn’t want any information being given to the public.
        .
        They will go to all necessary lengths to stifle anybody who wants the voters to know the choices before them.
        .
        I don’t know who Upali Wickramasinghe is; it sounds as though he is resident in Australia. I am an aged villager from the wilds of Uva, who has lived elsewhere for short periods, but never been out of Asia. Nagananda Kodituwakku is a third person, unknown to both Upali and me.
        .
        Upali and I are Sinhalese people who feel that another Sinhalese man (majority community and all that), should be elected as the next President of Sri Lanka. Some people obviously don’t want even that known to “the owners of the island”.
        .
        Barack Obama, a black man, was elected POTUS in 2008. More recently, a gay Indian was elected “Prime Minister” of the Catholic Republic of Ireland:
        .
        https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leo_Varadkar
        .
        In Ireland, they don’t seem to like the British, and they try to use their own Irish language, so Varadkar is called the “Taoiseach”.
        .
        What chance has a minority person got to be elected to lead our country, if the UNP and the SLPP will not allow a credible third Sinhalese candidate to even get his campaign running?
        .
        It’s YOU, the public, who are to blame for allowing such injustice even in day to day affairs. How many are aware of how the President is elected? You think that you know English well. Do you know what Preferential Voting means?
        .

      • 2
        0

        But sinhala man, you need to be very careful with the details provided above. As far as my knowledge is concerned, Mr NK would not intend people to provide his organisation with funds because he once said (few months ago), he would set an online system so that each and every donator could see what they have done from the funds if anyone would donate them. That way only, he wanted any interested parties to support them financially.
        :

        • 2
          2

          Dear Babalathappu,
          .
          I’m glad to note that both upali wickramasinghe and you are talking rational common sense.
          .
          May I ask, have you been in to his website? I have, but, obviously, we will have to go into it in greater detail. These are problems, but they are not insurmountable. He could display them oh his website, names arranged alphabetically? It’ll be clumsy, and laborious for any donor to check. However, the real problem will be that some donors will not want their names displayed. They may be businessmen who donate to every candidate, but want only the candidate to know.
          .
          I’m sure that Nagananda would know how to handle such issues. His weaknesses lie elsewhere. He seems forbiddingly serious – which in itself is not a bad thing.
          .
          What we should be doing is publicising all the positives that we know. We can’t be the major player in this, even though I have given a positive response to Amarasir above. It is significant that K. Anaga has sent greetings to Nagananda. K.Anaga is obviously a man of some standing in the North. See his article here:
          .
          https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/international-court-of-justice-the-ceylon-tamils/
          .
          Babalathappu, let’s not get masochistic! At this stage it is for those who don’t want Naganada to make any statements that they have against him. Why should we bother?
          .
          I agree that if a miracle does occur, and Nagananda gets elected, then it’ll be our business to ensure that he doesn’t do a “Sirisena”. What is important right now is to get started.

          • 4
            0

            You are dead right Sinhala Man ! I did visit his website. Unfortunatly ended up with the same feeling as you do. I have no clue, how NK et al would get on with their propaganada. Over 50% lanken population is not accessed to internet. It is high time him to go for a big campaign now itself. Knowing that current day srilanka s overwelming common denominator being stupidity and tribal thinking, it wont be easy to win over people, if NK foundation would not focus on a diehard campaign. We ve been overserving it closely, unfortuantely, much is being not done by Winwida Foundation yet in SL in the linke of grassroot level propaganda..Not even 1 in 10 would be aware of the profile of NK yet today. With only 45% of lankens are accessed to internet forums, how can he and his organizers only rely on internet?
            :
            Sinhala man, I think we need to contact NK directly and ask what he intends us to do next. Not just one single website but lot more info platforms should be introduced:

            I also read, that ARUN SIDDHARTHA, a tamil activist (sofar sound tobe neutral going by his TV interviews) could help a lotin convincing nothern and eastern people for a common achievement. K. Anaga can also contribute a lot in that line. More they are aware of the seriousness of NK, much easier it will be. Round of discussions should rain in the days to come, proving that we dont have any other alternatives but to help NK representing our wholehearted voices.

            • 2
              1

              Dear Babalathappu,
              .
              If 20% of Sri Lankans seriously access the Internet, that’s huge. There never will be one medium that allow us to reach out to everybody. There have to be a variety of approaches, because any collection of millions of individuals will have all types. CT readers are definitely people who think about issues – it may be because most of us are likely to be retired persons. But our numbers: I wouldn’t be surprised to find that it’s just a few thousands who comprise the readership.
              .
              By the way, have you worked out why we need a captcha on the website? It is possible today to set a computer to generate messages. But a captcha (I had mis-spelt that acronym yesterday) may cost money. Amarasiri’s generous suggestion must be appreciated, and also his suggesting such small donations from us. Actually, I think that those who can give more.
              .
              Any real change will depend on guys like us, hopefully a thousad, discussing this whenever we find some guy who is receptive, hopefully in Sinhalese.
              .
              Nagananda must surely be reading these comments. It is now his duty to post some acknowledgement here. Without doubt we should not expect personal messages to us from him.
              .
              The chances of his obtaining sufficient support to get into the run-off stage are remote indeed. Let him be like John the Baptist, preparing the way for someone who is to come later.

              .

              • 2
                0

                Thanks Sinhala man@.
                The reason why I asked about the percentages that are accessed to Internet is because NK intends to outreach only via Internet. That is not at all fine for his campaign.
                No I did not try it yet. Completely Automated Public Turing test to tell Computers and Humans Apart:(captcha) will cost like 30 Euros for me I guess.
                I will make the transfer while going to travel to Lanka in April or few weeks later.
                :
                I hardly trust, that NK would read the comments on this platform. I really really want him to approach various means to transport th emessage to all walks of people.
                Lanken professionals coming from various fields should come forward and help the great man.

                • 3
                  0

                  Sinhala Man,
                  you are now like the FATHER of all commenters to CT platform.
                  I think almost everyone respect your valuable comments and recommentations.
                  I m so glad to see it. Except Champa or the like few, all others respect you.
                  That is really nice to see.
                  Greetings from Germany.

      • 6
        2

        Sinhala Man,

        You have done every decent man and woman a great help with this information. All this attention paid to Nagananda by the judiciary will do his cause a LOT OF GOOD, which no amount of publicity would have got him. So as I see it, the Judiciary has done him a great favour..

        • 2
          2

          Dear Justice & Fairplay,
          .
          Thanks. I’ve just e-mailed an account of how the Preferential Voting system will work, giving also the statistics for one London Mayoral vote, and one Sri Lankan vote, where, unfortunately, there has never been any counting of Preferential Votes.
          .
          I’m convinced that this is of critical importance. I wonder if what has been written could be improved upon. If you can find out my e-mail address, please get in touch with me. I don’t mind posting it here on CT, if you want it.

  • 0
    0

    Self righteous Tamils are speaking for NK.. What else need to be said? Those who think otherwise are either blinded by racist hatred or don’t know what they are ballbing about, to get attention :)

  • 0
    0

    Last night I posted an attempt to give you the statistics for the London Mayoral vote in 2016. There you have, in the first column, the votes counted on the first round by each of twelve candidates.
    .
    In the second column you will see the figures of second round counting, with only the Labour Party candidate (Sadiq Khan) getting 56.8%, and Zac Goldsmith 43.2% of the total count. Could somebody with better Maths than me please work out the implications? Almost all those who voted for the ten candidates who did not get past that counting of First Preferences, appear to have expressed a Second Preference (Can’t be. What am I missing? I need the help of readers to work it all out.). Of course the ballot paper was different. Much less confusing. It was clear from the Ballot Paper that a tick each had to be put in each column.
    .
    Of the ten who got knocked out, as many as six got between 5.8 and 1.2% of total votes in the first round. Labour had had 44.2% and Conservatives 35% on the first round.
    .
    So, you see, people were able to think out of the box. In Sri Lanka, the problem is that more than half the Sinhalese electorate has, since 1956, been voting either UNP or SLFP. Typically, in a village, the whole family identifies with one party – but they don’t really brawl with the other. Not like the Montagues and the Capulets in Romeo and Juliet.
    .
    The London figures to me indicate that individuals do their own thinking.
    .

    Please save me, CT, and yourself a lot of trouble by scrolling down after clicking on this link:
    .
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2016_London_mayoral_election
    .
    There you will get all the figures neatly laid out.

  • 1
    0

    It is by now clear to me that if a Presidential Election according to the system in place in Sri Lanka does not yield a winner on the counting of First Preferences, all except the first two at that point will get eliminated.
    .
    It must then become a race between those placed First and Second. The Second and Third Preferences of all eliminated candidates must be counted. The process ought not to stop when gets past 50% of valid votes with only some Preferences counted. We must have an explicit statement on this by the Elections Commission. If this is not done, there will be endless arguing after an election has been concluded.
    .
    This is said in the Wikipedia entry that I have been quoting:
    .
    “Green Party candidate Sian Berry, who finished third ahead of Pidgeon and Whittle, received the largest number of second-preference votes of any candidate with 468,318 votes representing 21% of the total.”
    .
    It would be good to hear that all preferences will be counted, and the figures made available to those who are interested. A national level election is a huge exercise, with enormous costs, if one thinks of all the efforts made by the administration, the officials, and the voters. In our silly Sri Lankan way, we are concerned only with the budget allocation for the purpose. Expenses are of two types: real resources expended, and payments made to persons doing some work. the latter is a negligible transfer of money from one person to another. There is no waste of real resources. The benefits of full feedback will be huge.

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