By Mangala Samaraweera –
Mangala Samaraweera MP
All right thinking people of Sri Lanka unequivocally and unreservedly condemn the purported appointment by President Mahinda Rajapaksa of Mr. Mohan Peiris as the Chief Justice of Sri Lanka. This utterly irresponsible act of the President is in defiance of the judgments of the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal. It is the position of all those in Sri Lanka who believe in democracy and the rule of law that Dr. Shirani Bandaranayake is, and continues to be, the lawful Chief Justice of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.
It is unprecedented in the history of our country for a Head of Government to so blatantly violate the Constitution, undermine the authority of our Judiciary and destroy the Rule of Law. In so doing, the President has demonstrated the callous disregard for International Law, and the fundamental principles and values of the Commonwealth, which Sri Lanka, as the next host of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, is bound to respect and espouse.
The purported appointment as Head of the Judiciary of an individual who serves as an Advisor to the Cabinet of Ministers, and was previously an Advisor to the Ministry of Defence, and who on numerous occasions has defended the Rajapaksa Government’s dubious Human Rights record in various international institutions and organizations, and made claims which have yet to be established as true, will result in Sri Lanka becoming an international pariah state. Mohan Peiris is the regime’s choice for Chief Justice because from the moment they place him on the chair, they are certain of being able to wield their influence completely and unequivocally over every court of the land. The international Commisssion of Jurists has condemned this appointment saying it deals a death blow to the rule of law and accountability in Sri Lanka. The ICJ in its recent report on impunity in Sri Lanka highlighted Mohan Peiris’ “lack of independence as Attorney-General, noting the alarming number of cases involving prominent politicians that were withdrawn during his tenure.” Naturally, this man is the regime’s first choice to head the judiciary of Sri Lanka.
This regime stands exposed today, for precisely what it has become. Drunk on its popularity created by the victory over the LTTE, the ruling regime has turned on the people and is no longer interested in hiding its autocratic face. The day that the Sri Lankan Government stamped on the constitution and discarded the values prescribed in it, as determined by the country’s highest court, in order to exact vengeance from a judge who asserted her independence on the bench, marks the day that this great republic, officially became a dictatorship. Since then, everything the regime has done has only lent further credence to that claim. It has used the might of the armed forces and law enforcement to turn the Temple of Justice into a garrison so that it could safely place its desired Chief Justice on the chair. On January 15, it went so far as to check the identity and cars of the honourable justices of the Supreme Court in order to ensure they were not attempting to smuggle Chief Justice Shirani Bandaranayake into the court house. It has vilified and insulted the country’s first woman Chief Justice by treating her worse than a common criminal. The regime’s actions have made it very clear to every citizen what the price of dissent can be. The road ahead of us has never seemed quite so dangerous. It is necessary to awaken to this injustice and dictatorial trend now, or be doomed to suffer its consequences for decades to come.
The decision of the President to make this illegal, unconstitutional appointment to the judiciary’s highest chair is nothing short of a national betrayal. It is unforgivable that a political ruler, who purports to be nothing but a custodian of the values and tenets upon which this republic was founded, has sought to wilfully destroy and subjugate the final steward of democracy and rule of law, by reducing the judiciary to the status of nothing more than just another public institution, in which heads will roll at the whim of a dictatorial executive.
At this critical juncture in the history of this country, we remain committed to protect the Constitution of our Republic, the independence and integrity of our Judiciary, and the fundamental rights and freedoms of our citizens. This is the intangible heritage that guarantees the dignity and well being of present and future generations of all Sri Lankans.
Safa / January 18, 2013
The presidents open interference in matters of the judiciary signals an end to any semblance of judicial independence. With the end of judicial independence, the end of justice and rule of law in this country. The presidents recent actions of appointing a close confidante and stooge as chief injustice belies any claim of respecting and fostering an independent judiciary. It seems he has forgotten some of the accusations made against CJ SB which are very apparent in the new nominee.
Summoning of judges to his door step indicates his utter disregard for ethics and professional conduct. The use of police and armed force to virtually chase away the CJ from her residence in an unceremonius manner indicates a dangerous mindset bordering on criminality. So now it is the rule of the tyrant and despot not the rule of law.
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Ben Hurling / January 18, 2013
Mangala should take over the leadership of totally disfunctional UNP. He can at least make a statement to the nation. Opposition leader RW is missing in action. While the corrupt Rajapassa clan is destroying our country step by step. Sri Lanka deserves a real, intelligent and brave new opposition to lead the battle against the terrible Rajapassa family.
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Shalini / January 19, 2013
It beats me that Colombo NGOs think that Ranil is not corrupt!
Ranil Wickramasinghe is as corrupt as Rajapakse in a subtle and slimy way.
Ranil and his white clad cigarette smoking wife, Maitree Wickramasinge who holidayed in Italy on Lanka tax payers monies while the country was burning, is the beneficiary of Rajapassa’s massive bribes in the form of tax free cars, houses, phones, security, five star hotel lunches to the corrupt parliamentarians of the Diya-wenna Parliamant..
None of the corrupt clowns in the parliament of mainly uneducated thugs want to give up their privileges – particularly, CORRUPT RANIL WICKRAMASINGHE. It beats me that Colombo NGOs think that Ranil is not corrupt!
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Shawn / January 18, 2013
Last critical one month(December), all of you (Mangala-UK, Ranil-Italy and Sampanthan-India) vanished from the seen. MARA had a free raid in the media as he pleased. All of you had some excuse to leave Sri Lanka instead of fighting to defend CJ SB and independent Judicial. Sampanthan (TNA Leader and Second Opposition Leader)went for eye treatment to India for two months while Sri Lanka is famous for eye treatment. During the critical time, we were simply told he is on overseas trip. Normally, when a politician is on routine medical sick, it is revealed to the public to get sympathy at the beginning. Here, after two months when game over for CJ SB, we are informed at the end that Sampathan came back from India for eye treatment. Actually, MARA sent him there (paid by stolen money) to hibernate while he butcher the Judiciary. Same thing with Ranil(UNP Leader and Opposition Leader)was sent on vacation to Venice, Italy paid by Sri Lankan Tax Payers through Sri Lankan Embassy in Italy. Mangala, I don’t know what he was doing in UK, may be helped Commonwealth to condemn Sri Lanka. But, it could have been done differently. All the players who should have been here to stand up to MARA group have in fact benefited from MARA and stayed away from the country and betrayed the people of Sri Lanka.
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Justin / January 18, 2013
The constitution of Sri Lanka(SL) was flawed from its first republican constitution, declared unilaterally and illegally by the Sinhalese in 1972. Further, there was no referendum as it is a “Must” for any constitution of any country. This deliberate action made the constitution null and void.
So, what is that we have in SL now? Obviously, it is not a constitution but a “Mandate” given by the Sinhalese to rule themselves and the people of Tamil Eelam, but erroneously called a “constitution” and accepted by the world, because SL convinced the International Community fraudulently.
Therefore, the present constitution is a fraud perpetrated on all the citizens, by the political elite in Colombo.
This action was allowed to pass by the citizens and the politicos felt that with this ‘political coup de tat” they could make the legislature Supreme, even above the judiciary.
Judiciary, which should have been allowed to act independently was threatened and policised. If we look at the Chief Justices who were impeached or confronted to make them go of their own will, proves my position ..
The licence to kill the JVP supporters in 1971 and thereafter, the killing of the LTTE combatants and the licence to kill about 70,000 Tamil civilians were all exercised under the same “constitution” which I call a “Mandate”.
This Mandate, which the GOSL calls a constitution, is a murderer and not for the people and by the people.
Therefore, let us all draft a constitution, at least now, to overcome the genuine and evidenced fears of Tamils against genocide and grant them at least a semi autonomous state as in Hong Kong under China, and live peacefully and unitedly in the island.
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anaperera / January 18, 2013
This is just to let ourselves know (not to UNP nor M Innocence) that we are not fools. Going by the title “democracy’s great betrayal”, even simple guys like ourselves know a fundamental element of democracy is the opposition, to act as a restraint, a counterpoint BEFORE the ruling faction in the democracy commits acts harmful to the country, voicing the opinion of the people and organising and guiding all the people to prevent that action.
When it’s not done to the fullest capacity of the opposition, doesn’t it it go as not fulfilling the role of the opposition and a betrayal of democracy?
If we believe these pontifications, we might as well go to gangaraamaya and obtain pansil from rev. galaboda gnanissara and get his blessings!!!
sickening !!!
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gamini / January 18, 2013
Is it the view as expressed above that the world in unaware what is happening here, where Democracy has been flouted, killings a galore of any who dissent? Legal body manhandled by thugs? The CJ unceremoniously removed? Why can not the World Body take some action? Or is it that the current Rulers who are their brief carriers, are acomplishing tasks to their dictate? What a mockery?
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M Y Foote / January 18, 2013
Hon. Mangala
Politicians have short memories, and you probably the shortest.
Let me tell you why. You put party before country, and yourself before the party. In the process doing more damage than you yourself would want to concede. You coined the Ali-Koti canard and you were part of the vile campaign to discredit the UNP. I don’t think winning elections at all costs was warranted at that time. What was needed was bipartisanship. I am certain you know nothing of the sort.
You cobbled together various coalitions and put together the hurried 17th Amendment, and then made MR our president. These were not done putting the country first.
You saw yourself as a kingmaker and now that you are thrown out like the pithy Sinhala saying “karapincha” you lament the lack of democracy.
You were the same person who rubbished this very same constitution, and did nothing to work on a constitution that was acceptable to all.
You have failed both as a politician and as a leader. Most honourable men would admit that they made mistakes and move on. Your ilk hang on stopping pragmatic and reasonable leaders taking this country forward.
I have no patience with people like you and hence your argument rings hollow, and sadly needs to be dismissed as dishonest and not worth a read.
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Mahen / January 18, 2013
Dear MY Foote,
Thak you for your candid presentation of the facts putting this great joker in his place. Wheeling and dealing by stupid politicians like this man have made this country bereft of any decent politicians or men of integrity.
Today we have become a laughing stock of the world having been a country of learned men at Independence.
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Lion / January 19, 2013
MY Foot, you are very correct all these men are deceivers and lyres.They don’t uphold any values, what they want is power by hook or crook.As you said he must admit the damages caused to the country by their actions.If they get power tomorrow, they will do the same. We are not fools to believe you all.
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Polkudu Chandrika / January 20, 2013
Hello My Foote,
Thank you for the light you shed on this useless trouble maker.As long as he clung to his Mathiniys saree potha he ignored the corruption around him and was in fact party to it.What about the millions he made and his swiss accounts when he was in power. Then he did not think of justice and human rights. Cunning fox like his ancestor, his best role is that of king/queen maker. He tried it with the Salvation Army Commander and it failed. Now he has a new Saree Potha to cling to in the hope that it can redeem him his own former glory. Wait till things turn sour for him with his new-found love and then he will be gushing forth about the trillium discount and the NSB booties. Soon coming near a theatre close to you.
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gala / January 18, 2013
UNP MP Man-gala Samaraweera is said to have met with the London based Global Tamil Forum (GTF) in the UK.
Man-gala was discussing with Suren Surendiran about coordinating with Diaspora Tamils of his planned coming up of rumour-mongering to sully the image of the President. Those of you who like it can write to him directly at Sirikotha to join his campaign trail.
Remember, at a recent press briefing at Sirikotha, UNP general secretary Attanayake had admiringly explained to party sleuth how Man-gala spread all sort of lies about President Premadasa in the early 90s. He requested them to rely upon Man-gala’s this extra ordinary ability to spread lies as a way to win the next election.
Few TV channels had shown this film clip a few days back. Attanayake also said, it was Man-gala who spread the rumour that Premadasa was bathed by seven virgins with seven pots of milk to rid of bad spells in the early 90s. He said the lies were spread in such a perfect manner, every one believed it. That’s the kind of skill Man-gala has, and therefore all the UNP supporters could rely on him this time around for the benefit of the UNP, Attanayake reminded them.
Leela
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M Y Foote / January 18, 2013
Leelo :)
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P.B / January 18, 2013
Hello Mr Samaraweera, can you educate your friend and, our fore Ranil first? Heis our greatest betrayer
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Kautilya / January 18, 2013
Mr. Samaraweera, your leader Ranil Wickramasighe strengthened the hand of MR for Democracy’s betrayal.Ranil’s dream is to become the President in 2014, and to continue the same.
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Peter / January 18, 2013
Mangala says “At this critical juncture in the history of this country, we remain committed to protect the Constitution of our Republic, the independence and integrity of our Judiciary, and the fundamental rights and freedoms of our citizens. “
Then why is it that you (UNP) were conspicuously ‘silent’ all this time instead of putting your money where your mouth is? Was it on orders by your so-called ‘leader’? Tell us what views you have regarding the UNP’s despicable non-action against what you term as the “utterly irresponsible act of the President is in defiance of the judgments of the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal.”
There’s no point in being an Opposition if you don’t oppose what you consider to be against the interests of our country. Please practice what you preach or …
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douglas / January 18, 2013
Dear Mr. Mangala Samaraweera –
Please don’t be another Sarath N Silva. The people of this country are well aware of your past doings. Have you forgotten that famous “drama” you enacted – “THARAWATTE AJITH” when you were the Minister of Media in Mrs. Chandrika Kumaratunga’s Cabinet.
This is the problem with our Polticians. They completely cover up the past doings by hanging on to a “present crisis” forgetting the “past Karma”. This is so with everyone including Ranil Wickramasinghe, Somawansa Amarasinghe and many others whose past performances are well embedded in the minds of the people.
It is better for them to shut up as otherwise the struggle to establish some good governance is all denyed to the country.
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srilal / January 18, 2013
Managala , democracy greatest betrayal was committed by none other than Sripathy ,Tiran and you , it was under your direct command and guidance MR robbed the rightful victory of 2005 presidential victory from poor RW, after that great betrayal MR did not look after you and the other two jesters the way you guys expected ( you , Anura B and Sripathi were side lined and basil, Gotabaya , Dalas et al became close confidants ), in the end MR sacked three of you guys and that is the history . let me remind you one important fact ,(touch wood)you are extremely lucky to be still alive !! i have some respect for you though , you have the nerve to stand up against tyranny, especially against the white van goon.
My question is, As the main opposition party what has been done or is being done about the deteriorating condition of the country ? Isn’t your incompetent leader is the root cause of the problem?, isn’t RW the worst ever opposition leader in recent SL history ? last minute calling all UNP pole vaulters to vote against the CJ impeachment , what sort of a comic story was that ? RW has lost all the credibility what ever he had before, please find an exit strategy for your double agent if you yearn for some light at the end of the tunnel, this is the ONLY way out for UNP as well as for the country. As usual few old guards (Tissa A, John A, Jayawickrama P , Dr JJ , Joseph MP et al) still trying to protect RW , even in this very forum , some morons emulating under varies pseudonyms trying to white wash the double agent , long overdue real reform is the need of the hour Mangala , get your act together, we have no time for “ ra Daniel daval Migel “ stage show.
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Jim softy / January 18, 2013
Mr. Mangala Samaraweera should gang up with Joseph Rayappu and Brian Senevirathne.
Mr. Samarawwera, they way you have worked foir the several years, you are not for SriLanka. Your simple goal is hatred and revenge from Mahinda Rajapakse.
In order to achieve that, you have ganged up with the LTTE rump.
I can not believe that Matara people keep you are their Parliamentarian.
Mahinda Rajapakse may not have handled it the best way. But, Ganging up with LTTE rump is not the solution. By looking at the number of articles in CT, I can imagine how foreign powers are interested in Sri Lanka.
All these work, including the Obsolete politician Ranil Wickramasinghe and you strengthen Mahinda Rajapakse.
FYI, UNP is made up just power hungry leader, people like you who think that Sri Lanka is Mahinda Rajapakse and an idiot who want to become the president of Sri Lanka.
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K.A Sumanasekera / January 18, 2013
So this Hon MP from the South,Mr Managala Samaraweera’s recent secret meet with the GFT heavies must have been to safe guard Democracy, Protect our Lankan Constitution and Bring home the Bacon to our long suffering inhabitants.
Let us look at the possible scenario.
Our peasants take to the streets en mass and try to roll Rajapaksas.
Cameron and Harper send the Mounties and the Gurkas waving UN Flags to sort the things out.
Ex General and his ex deserters take charge of security.
Ex CJ is already there to dispense justice.
Pasiokothy, Sumanathiran,Sambandan,Rudrakumaran and even the Reverend from the GTF are taking care of the inhabitants with Mangala and his mates in the UNP.
US , UK, Canada and the EU pouring in Billions to build more infrastructure ,more hotels more of everything and double our per capita income in no time.
No more peasants. All promoted to Elite class.
How nice it would be?.
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Native Vedda / January 19, 2013
K.A Sumanasekera
What is wrong with the meeting of minds?
SLFP rump and LTTE rump would have had a productive meeting in which they would have discussed about perverted democracy and constipated constitution.
Don’t you think London would be an ideal setting for democratization of the island and redrafting of illiberal constitution?
You say:
“No more peasants. All promoted to Elite class.”
It would be nicer if we could have just elites in the country. Since the Aryan/Sinhala/Buddhists consider themselves as the chosen race the peasants will remain plebs forever.
Do you consider yourself as an elite?
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Jim softy / January 19, 2013
Mr. Mangala Samaraweera:
Just remember this.
People will gang up with UNP if there are credible people.
Right now we know who they are and that Includes Sajith.
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Watcher / January 19, 2013
Mangala, are you you getting ready for the “Mardi Gras” What a looser.. Went to UK for studies but fail exams and became a tailor.. Old lady gave you a job and now you have nothing except practising buggery.
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Ranjith / January 19, 2013
This Avamangala is the person who vilified in Parliament that Sarath Fonseka as an unsuitable Army Commander & that he is not fit to even to be a Manager at the Brassier manufacturing plant. Fellow ridiculed teh army. He never expected that MR & Gota will finish the bloody LTTE fellows. Now he goes behind teh LTTE fellows & this will be end of his what ever left political carrier. We will educate the Southerners/Sri Lankans about this conspiracy to bring back terrorism. Whatever support UNP is having will get eroded in no time by bringing this fellow to UNP. Some politicians must take this message to Sri Lankans about the danger of this fellow to th country.
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K.A Sumanasekera / January 19, 2013
Comments of Ranjith and Watcher indicate that the peace loving people are irate about the continuous insults and deregotary allegations that Mr Managala Samaraweera make about Lankan and the Lankan inhabitants to please the West and try to introduce Terrorism .just to get revenge.
However the Sexual …..[Edited out]
As deomacratic and freedom loving people who only want a peaceful and prosperous society now for our inhabitants, should tolerate freedom in all aspects including sexual freedom as long as it does not break the law of the land.
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Native Vedda / January 20, 2013
K.A Sumanasekera
What has happened to your cool manner in which you usually make yourself an ass?
Now CT has resorted to censorship?
Your harmless mostly stupid spins got the worst out of you. Why?
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K.A Sumanasekera / January 21, 2013
Nothing nasty, Native.
We have to be politically correct don’t we, especially when we disscuss sexuality?.
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dicky Bird / January 20, 2013
Mangala was in UK ..
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