28 March, 2024

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Democracy And Freedom, Medamulana-Style

By Tisaranee Gunasekara

“…the tradition of giving pretty names to ugly things is as old as warfare.” – Christopher Hitchens (Arguably)

Organised mobs are important weapons in the Rajapaksa armoury.

An organised mob was deployed on Tuesday to prevent Channel 4 journalists from travelling to the North[i]. For hours, two trains were stuck at the Anuradhapura station because the rail tracks were occupied by “nearly a thousand supporters of North Central Provincial Council Chief Minister and supporters of his brother Deputy Minister SM Chandrasena”[ii]. Though the regime had imposed a ban on demonstrations ahead of the Commonwealth, the police gave the mob a veritable carte blanche. “The demonstration was also joined by several Buddhist monks affiliated to the government… (And) was organised under the leadership of the NCP Chief Minister’s Public Coordinating Officer T Upasena and Coordinating Secretary of Deputy Minister Chandrasekara, Nilantha Ekanayake, reports add”[iii].

MahindaAnother organised mob was deployed to ‘protest’ outside the UNP Headquarters where a meeting highlighting human rights-violations by the regime was taking place. Earlier the authorities had prevented members of the ‘Families of the Disappeared’ from travelling to Colombo[iv]. But the mob outside ‘Sirikotha’ was allowed to burn tires, destroy UNP decorations and attack Ranil Wickremesinghe’s vehicle, while the police watched in silence.

Two days previously, another contingent of ‘demonstrators’ had appeared at the Katunayake Airport to protest against the arrival of Channel 4 journalists. Since the airport is a high security location, the freedom accorded to the ‘demonstrators’ (who reportedly ‘protested’ for about two hours) sufficed to demonstrate their Rajapaksa provenance.

The Rajapaksa saffron-mob, the BBS, is planning to surround ‘Sirikotha’ today over the Channel 4 issue.[v] The self-appointed protectors of Sinhala-Buddhism have nothing to say about the honoured Rajapaksa guest, Casino-King, James Packer.

The government which did not hesitate to deploy the army (under the command of a brigadier and three Lt. Colonels) against the peaceful protestors of Weliweriya did nothing to deter any of these organised mobs. If asked, some minister would say that this amazing forbearance is proof positive of the Rajapaksa government’s total commitment to democracy and freedom.

In Rajapaksa Sri Lanka there is freedom to say anything, so long as you do not criticise the Rajapaksas (even ministers are fair game, but not the ‘First Family’). In Rajapaksa Sri Lanka, there is freedom to do anything, so long as you do not use it to demonstrate or organise against the Rajapaksas.

That is democracy and freedom, Medamulana style.

At one point, a Channel 4 journalist asks the ‘protestors’ how many of them had seen any of the controversial movies they are so agitated about. None had. Nothing more was needed to prove that these are not bona-fide protestors taking an informed stand against the work of Channel 4 but paid-hirelings who are sowing terror on the orders of their political masters.

The regime is reportedly incensed that the British Minister for Foreign and Commonwealth Office talked about human rights at the Commonwealth Peoples Forum. Minister Rambukwella says that “he cannot vouch for the safety of foreign media personnel who travel outside the Colombo city”[vi]. He also boasted that “recently we even deported an Australian and a New Zealander who were engaged in activities that do not come under the conditions in which their visas were issued”[vii]. He then proceeded to warn British PM Cameron not to talk about human rights issues because his invitation was ‘not based on that’[viii]. Mr. Cameron is scheduled to visit the Uthayan newspaper in Jaffna; he is likely to talk to the media frankly, even if he is not allowed to hold a formal media conference. When he mentions rights-violations and accountability what will the Rajapaksas do? Organise demonstrations against British colonialism while revelling in the hosting of that colonial-progeny, the Commonwealth[ix]? Detain PM Cameron and deport him?

Clearly the Ruling Siblings lack the mental capacity to understand that by acting like Medamulana thugs during the Commonwealth Week, they are harming their own cause and bringing dishonour to the country they supposedly represent.

And prove their critics right. The patriotic Rajapaksas could not have bestowed a greater gift on pro-Tiger Diaspora-elements – and the dead Vellupillai Pirapaharan whose Birthday falls this month.

The Commonwealth Summit is going to become a poisoned chalice for the Siblings, thanks to their own uninformed maximalism, their uncouth bullying and their ignorant belief that they can fool all the people all the time.

Mercy and Justice, Medamulana-Style

Thanks to the Commonwealth Summit, the world might get some excellent insights into Rajapaksa thinking and governance.

Take, for instance, the laying of a wreath by Canadian MP Deepak Obhrai at Elephant Pass. The wreath is ‘In memory of all innocent Sri Lankan victims of violence’, as the label attached to it stated. Anyone not turned addlebrained by maximalism would have realised that the wreath is for all victims of the war, and left it at that.

Sadly, sense is the rarest commodity in the Rajapaksa-milieu; Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, no less, dived into the unnecessary fray, urging Commonwealth delegates “not to strengthen the hands of those promoting separatist sentiments. Defence Secretary Rajapaksa was commenting on Canadian MP Deepak Obhrai laying flowers at Elephant Pass on his way back from Jaffna”[x]. The Canadians not only denied that lie publicly, with photographic evidence to buttress their denial; Canadian Foreign Minister “followed up on twitter by noting that only about half the 51 government heads would be attending. ‘Lowest number in years,’ he wrote.”[xi]

Multiplying enemies seems to be a Rajapaksa forte.

What a pity for Sri Lanka that the Rajapaksas did not stop to wonder why the LTTE is still banned in Canada; or why Canada shut down the World Tamil Movement for being a Tiger-proxy and seize its assets; or why Ottawa extradited Suresh Sriskandarajah alias Waterloo Suresh to face terrorism charges in the US. Interestingly, the super anti-terrorist Rajapaksas went out of their way to save Mr. Suresh from American justice: “The Sri Lankan government has asked the US to abandon the prosecution of Mr. Sriskandarajah…. The letter (to the State Department)…urged the US to drop the charges against Mr. Suresh ‘in light of his publicly recognised efforts to secure a lasting, peaceful reconciliation for the Tamil people’….”[xii] Though Washington ignored Colombo’s impunity-plea, that judge was influenced by it to deny the maximum sentence the US prosecutors were asking for: “…it seemed the Court listened to the ‘extraordinary request’ by Sri Lanka to sentence him to just mere two years behind bars”.[xiii]

Mr. Suresh had pleaded guilty to the charge – that of ‘conspiring and attempting to procure sophisticated submarine and warship design software, night vision equipment and other electronic equipment’[xiv] for the Tigers. This display of mercy comes from the same Rajapaksa government which accuses any opponent of being terrorist-lovers and arrests Jaffna youth for carrying posters with pictures of Vellupillai Pirapaharan.

Is Mr. Suresh blessed with powerful friends in Colombo, such as Tiger weapons-procurer-in-chief turned Rajapaksa-acolyte, Kumaran Pathmanathan (KP)? Was that why a government which criminalised mourning in the North was so forgiving to a Tiger weapons-procurer?

Persecution for opponents; impunity for friends – that is mercy and justice, Medamulana-Style.


[iii] ibid

[vii] Ibid

[ix] CHOGM – Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting – reflects the original condition of the Commonwealth – a group of dominion states which have a common head of state – the British monarch.

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Latest comments

  • 0
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    Ms T’s favourite son .Managala clubbing fellow UNPers in the South is not a problem,

    If he starts to attack peaceful protestors who don’t like the UNP Cinnamon Faction allowing LTTE Tiger lobby and its documentary makers to denigrate and tarnish Srilankan and its majority Sinhala Buddhist population, it is a different story.

    These protestors didn’t sacrifice the dear lives of their sons,, cousins and friends for LTTE supporters to join the UNP and wreak havoc and destroy the hard won freedom and development .

    Ms T must have been in deep slumber when her dear Diaspora Buddies in London chased away the Srilankan President.

    Praba must have had Ms T in his mind when he said that Sinhalese have only a seven day Memory Bank.

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      Brilliant and Thanks Thisaranee – you should get the Nobel Prize for Bravery!

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        Second that Don! Hats off to you Madam Thisaranee!

      • 0
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        Nobel peace prize for bravery?Good idea.But why don’t we let Thisaranee share it with Mangala of Kurundu polu fame!

      • 0
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        Wait and see, Rajapskes will end up by this CHOGM circus, that will be like digging the grave by themselves.

        India^s absence has not yet been justified. Kehelmal of lanka would see it differently, as I feel having listen to what senior indian diplomat to say – it is minimum that Rajas have performed in terms of own made LLRC recommendations. Latter can NOT be eyewashed by Katunayake expressway or any other road constructions.

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          “Wait and see”.Yes wait wait and wait!Other than waiting there’s isn’t much you can do.

          • 0
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            Mad Max, looks like you have got a pay hike from Medamulana Meeharaka and clan??

    • 0
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      Tisaranee,
      What ever said & done during last 2 or 3 days,

      just imagine what UNP did with Channel-4 guys ?
      Are they so politically blind ?
      How many votes UNP won by this ?

      Don’t they know Sinahalese hate C 4?

      How can they win any election ever in Sinhala Bduddhist country ?
      Where is the political pragmatism?

      Don’t you think present UNP needs to be in opposition only ?

      Any wonder UNP under Ranil is losing, losing & losing ???
      Another 20 years in opposition / if not what else ??

      • 0
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        The UNP knows that the writing is on the wall for them.[Edited out]

        • 0
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          Mad Max, you are getting closer to extinction from these columns!

    • 0
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      “If he starts to attack peaceful protestors who don’t like the UNP Cinnamon Faction…….”

      That is true Machan Aathal ASumane. Mangala Shouldn’t have attacked that peaceful Protest where Herman Gunaratna acted like Matara Cow (da) Boy with a firearm.

      “These protestors didn’t sacrifice the dear lives of their sons,, cousins and friends for LTTE supporters to join the UNP and wreak havoc and destroy the hard won freedom and development”

      But Machan Aathal Sumane who told you that we won the freedom? only Govt. Goons has the freedom for every thing. Sarath Gunaratna’s “Taxi Mahajathawa”, Kahadagamage “Malu Paan Balukaya”, Gaanu 5 Nanasara Bebadu Balukaya, Rawana Balukaya, Sinhala Rawaya, Mohan Peiris, Attorney Genarel has the freedom.

      “Ms T must have been in deep slumber when her dear Diaspora Buddies in London chased away the Srilankan President”

      Machan Aathal Sumane, chased away the Sri Lankan President was not ok. Because world lost the opportunity to listen to a Great speech from a War veteran. “Kohoma unath eka Anthima Katha wadak Machan Aathal Sumane.

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      KAS, Can you explain this issue about Suresh Sri Skandarajah? Is it true that the Mahinda Rajapaksa government appealed for leniency? You are definitely on the wrong side my friend.

  • 0
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    Jimmy, Hela, Banda. Sarojini, Navin and others

    It looks like rent a mob business is the next big growth area besides Casinos.

    Rent a Mob
    Rent a Monk
    Rent a White Van
    Rent a Gun
    Rent a Historian
    Rent a Judge/Justice
    Rent a Policeman

    Come to think of it there are other growth areas too.

    • 0
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      Don’t forget the refugee boat business, kidney business, etc. which are already growth industries for the junta.

      • 0
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        Thiru

        There are millions of other things you could rent. However I forgot to mention one important area of growth industry.

        Rent a bunch of war crime deniers.

    • 0
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      The NGOs set the model with their rent a crowd services.

    • 0
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      Native vedda,
      You forgot one small thing.That is “rent a defeated Tamil terrorist to clean our backside”.My god!your fingers are so magical when cleaning shit!

      • 0
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        Brother max
        cleaning the backside and interior is youe territory, NO one can beat you on that. I know that your mother trained you well. Good job bro!!!

      • 0
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        Max Silva

        “You forgot one small thing.That is “rent a defeated Tamil terrorist to clean our backside”

        How long you have stayed uncleaned?

        It is difficult to rent “Tamil Terrorists”, most of them had been either killed or working for Gota. Some of them sleep in Gota’s bed while he is away hanging his opponents.

        KP, Karuna, Pillyan and others are house trained terrorists therefore you might be able to procure their services with the consent of your wife, that is if you have one.

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      NV ,

      don’t forget

      Rent a P.hD

  • 0
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    God makes people mad before destroying them – is a saying that is becoming true in the case of Rajapakses.

    A mad person’s mind is so deranged that he never realizes that his thinking may be flawed, but thinks that the others are not thinking properly. That is an inherent attribute of madness!

  • 0
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    Rent a sermon, rent an opinion…. Rent a minister..Mervyn’s quiet! The biggest threat to our nation is larger than the terrorist threat that was… the rule of this naughty regime!

    • 0
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      Wathsala

      “the rule of this naughty regime!”

      Rather, nasty regime.

  • 0
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    The strategy of Rajapakse regime is to agitate Sinhala Nationalists. It is doing its work through Sri Lankan military personal, BBS (Monks) and the people he bought from other political parties like Kekeliya,GL Peries, Weerawanse, Douglas, and Karuna. They think Sinhala masses are brainless modaya people who don’t read or write or use internet. It s true that there are large number Sinhala masses do not have access to true information because of their economic situation. Rajapakse regime wants to keep those people under the same poverty because that is the group they can exploit using racial hatredness. The invitation for the Casino is to do the same. It is the poor masses who always loose playing gambling.

    Unfortunately, Rajapakse regime has to extend the terror that was used against Tamils in the past towards Sinhala People. The information about their motives and terror tactics cannot be hided in the technological advance. It is going fast spreading within seconds with evidence. Those who helped the nation to stop the war are now speechless and defenceless because the evidence is obvious. Those who see the video clips of stoppage of trains or stoppage of Tamils traveling to Colombo at Anudharapura and closing down of Universities are hardcore evidence. You can’t deny the same way you denied other channel 4 videos. It is not only spreading internationally, it is now a matter of subject people discuss within the corners of Sri Lanka as well.

    You can continue your terror for some time but you can’t continue for long. Your actions keep people awake. They feel that it is coming to them and it will come to you. Rajapakse you thought you can build your own kingdom by terror but you don’t realize that you are digging your own grave. There are ways to escape from this but all of your your family and friends are criminals.

  • 0
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    Anybody with knowledge of history? Did Dudagemunu also rule like Rajapakse?

    I thought he Mahinda is emulating Dudagemunu.

    • 0
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      Thiru ,

      after the battle , Dutugamunu ordered every body to pay respect for his arch rival Elara .

  • 0
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    Now MR has has taken full ownership of CHOGM and ordered David Cameron not to speak about Human Rights. Tail wags Dog.

    CHOGM is not any donkeys property and no member need be invited to participate. It seems MR does not know that CHOGM stands for freedom of expression and he cannot order people around like his medamulane appu. Least of all he cannot suppress talk on HR when he is the chairman.

  • 0
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    So at last we no longer have to explain what is going on.

  • 0
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    You guys are loosers, our King has the Dorje in his hand, nothing can stop our king.. You are fools.. Long live the King..

    • 0
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      Floppy tell me what is this Dorje, it seems to be a dodgy thing he is carrying in one hand.

      Where can I buy a Dorje? Will it protect me from white vans?

      • 0
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        You can not use this Dorje / Vajra, only our great king can use such a tool.. I also have one and I have the power of the universe. You are just a waste of sperm Thiru, I can not say anymore because I’m wasting my time talking to a commoner such as yourself…. How do can you use such a magical tool??? ha ha.. lol…

        Long live my King.. You will never be defeated Raja, hip hip hooray.. May the power of the dorje keep these evils spirits away from your holy self..

      • 0
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        Thiru,

        This is one of the parts that was stolen by Kangetta from the National Museum. So you could guess who the real Kangetta is.
        This looks like a Black Magic, like what Soora Saradiel wore.
        Hope you know what happened to the [Edited out]
        Soon to follow same.

  • 0
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    All this fake mobs and acting tough is not fooling any of the western media outlets. Although I bet the SL people might think different and vote Rajapaksa as the eternal leader. I can’t understand how gullible the people of SL are. Fool me once…. ??

  • 0
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    Top stuff Thisaranee!

    It’s too late to stop the carnival, but the rest of world are now beginning to glimpse a bit of the nonsense that you (and others) have written, and warned about, for long enough. Alas, in the Kingdom of the Brothers, thick skins prevail. Suffice to know that there are many of us railing against the shitty madness surrounding us.

  • 0
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    Why can’t protest against Ch 4 the government supporters? Do they don’t have wright for protest for the country. This is Sri Lanka it is our mother land any one who against our motherland we have a wright to protest against them.

    • 0
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      They are NOT against Sri Lanka… They are against the Human rights abuses and corrupt regime of Rajapaksa. Where do you get your “facts” from!!!

    • 0
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      vignaswaran, you are identifying yourself by your spelling,
      like what gynecologists say that they don’t recognize a patient by the face.

      • 0
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        so you agree with me?… thank you for understanding.

  • 0
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    Democracy And Freedom, Medamulana Style
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gv8k3Au4oGI&feature=youtu.be

  • 0
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    To Vignes: Sri Lanka is Our Motherland Yes. But remember it is not the property of Raajapassa & Co.Unlimited!

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    In this corrupt lawless Banana Republic with Jungle Law, we should only worry if these did not take place. The crazy Jokers have now demonstrated to the entire Commonwealth that the citizens of this Nation has no rights at all and the Jungle Law only protects the criminals.

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    “…the tradition of giving pretty names to ugly things is as old as warfare.”

    Oh T.G., and i was beginning to think that you were going to crucify the Americans for coming up with pretty names like ‘ smart bombs’ to describe ugly things :)

    I’m so proud of the way this Commonwealth summit has been organised. Everything is ticking along like clock work. I’m so proud to be Sri Lankan. The govt. has invested Rs. 2 billion on the summit and they have already attracted US$ 2 billion in fdi. Inside sources tell me that they are finalising another US$ 2 billion in fdi which will be signed in the next month or so.

    The channel 4 guys visiting our island was a real bonus for me. By now, I’m sure they have got a good taste of Sri Lankan hospitality ;)But, the next time you meet them, please remind them to settle their transportation hire amounting to Rs. 30,000. I would have thought that with all the tiger diaspora funds in their pockets, they could easily settle. Surely, they couldn’t be on a tight budget.

    I was also wondering why the canadians decided to place a wreath at Elephant pass because most of the casualties during the ‘Humanitarian Operation’ did not happen in Elephant pass as you know. Infact, by the time Sri lankan forces reached Elephant Pass, there was very little resistance since the damage had already been done elsewhere. So, my question is why Elephant Pass as against maybe Mullaitivu or Killinochi or Mullivaikkal or Paranthan or Kilali?

    And T.G., i just thought of reminding you about the upcoming elections which are just around the corner. I hope your vote will at least make a ripple in the ocean :) Since you brought it up, I’m willing to challenge you on the outcome of the elections in Welliweriya especially. Inspite of that unfortunate incident, the Welliweriya people will over-whelmingly vote for the govt. Are you up for that challenge?

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      Jass ,

      “Since you brought it up, I’m willing to challenge you on the outcome of the elections in Welliweriya especially. Inspite of that unfortunate incident, the Welliweriya people will over-whelmingly vote for the govt. Are you up for that challenge?”

      i’m willing to take a bet on that , only if your boss agreed to hold the election on a fair field , in other words revert to 17 th Amendment and see the contest , will your boss take up the challenge ?

      • 0
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        Srilal,
        You are sadly mistaken. The ‘boss’ does not need the 18th Amendment to win elections. The patriotic people of this country need the 18th Amendment because we do not have anybody better to lead this country for quite some time. Surely, you could not be entertaining any thoughts of Ranil W. or Sajith P.? Now, that would be a real misadventure for all of us. :)

        However, if you could come up with a credible name to lead this country, then the ‘boss’ may consider taking up the challenge :)He would love some real competition for a change.

        • 0
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          Jass ,

          “You are sadly mistaken. The ‘boss’ does not need the 18th Amendment to win elections “

          yes all srilankan people desperately need 18 th Amendment and
          i rest my case ,no more response from me , thank you !

  • 0
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    IDIOTS ARE RUINING THE COUNTRY. AIYOOOOOOOOOOO. I DID NOT THINK SINHALESE ARE THIS STUPID TO ELECT A BUNCH OF BRANLESS PIGS (RAJAVASSAS AND CLOSE ASSOCIATES) TO RULE OOPS SORRY TO RUIN THE COUNTRY.

  • 0
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    I can hear Tamils howling again.

    Mullivaaikal Memorial at Vilar in Tanjore (Tamil Madu) was razed to the ground by Indian authorities to build a public toilet!! :(

    Just 2 weeks to go to Mahaveer Nai!!

  • 0
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    So long as our ignorant Sinhala educated ignorant village & suburb fools who believe the Govt lies, could be taken for a ride, including the selfish tail wagging educated who deliberately knowing facts side the rogue politicians for their petty favours.

    I wonder the fools know about Suresh Sriskandarajah,how Canada treated LTTE, how Washington reacted I doubt even BBS know about Suresh.

    Anyway Hats off to Tissaranee Keep it Up.

  • 0
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    PM Abbot’s citizens are also in hot water because of the mega Paedophile ring run by PM Harper’s citizens in Toronto.

    It is the worst ever as the kids ages range from infants to the young teens..

    Harper.s Mayor in Toronto has been on Crack for a while according to his own admission in the council.

    Toronto is the home to the biggest concentrantion of LTTE members and their supporters.

    They still carry Tiger flags to commemorate Praba’s achievements.

    And Ms T is telling porkies to her loyalists that the LTTE is banned in Toronto.

    Suresh Skantha didn’t kill anyone. He only tried by sophisticated weapons in the Black Market.

    Who gave hm the money?. Suresh wouldn’t have gone shppping with his Bank Scotia credit card.

    Where are the Canadians who financed the normal weapons, ships and Aeroplanes that killed thousands over 30 years?.

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