Doubts have been raised over certain comments made by Deputy Wildlife Minister Vasantha Senanayake regarding the two elephant calves that were in possession of former secretary to the ministry of defence Gotabaya Rajapaksa.
Vasantha Senanayake
During a press briefing on Saturday, Deputy Minister Senanayake dismissed allegations that have been leveled at Gotabaya on illegally holding two baby elephants, claiming he has not engaged in any illegal actions with concern to the elephants.
“One of the calves has been registered and was held in his possession legally. The process to register the second elephant calf was underway when he decided to hand in both animals to the zoo; he had even submitted the application. The second calf had been given to him by the former President through a grant (sannasa) in January 2014,” Minister Senananayake told media.
However, several issues can be raised over his statement. As environmental law experts point out:
– The President is not entitled with provisions to grant the custody of ANY animal to a private party – the sole authority lies with the Wildlife Director
– Before taking the elephant under the care of a private owner physically, the law dictates that relevant authorization documents including the registration should be completed – which was not the case with the second calf that was in Gotabhaya’s possession
– Minister Senanayake himself admits that the original owner/s of this calf that had not been registered nor its origins are clear since the sannasa does not specify those details. As such, this calf (if it was not given away from Pinnawala) could very easily be a baby elephant that was smuggled out of a national park – a racket that was heavily carried out during the Rajapaksa regime
Animal activists point out that it is vital for a CID investigation to be carried out on this animal and its origins as a simple documentation noting the origins of the animal can be prepared by the authorities in order to cover-up the issue.
crazyoldmansl / February 1, 2015
Shape, Shape, Shape!
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Ben Hurling / February 1, 2015
Inter-connected, inter-dependent monkeys. They have each other’s back.
People ought to stay wide awake.
Cheers!
PS: BTW, Question is who are true wild animals? Inhuman lunatics who kill mother elephants to steal their babies. And those who help cover these crimes.
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Leelawathie / February 2, 2015
This is because our people are just impatient. Deputy Wildlife Minister Vasantha Senanayake made it very clear in last Satana programm that he would take every action against anyone regardless of his or her status.
I think our people should learn to practise their patience.
The very same people to have reacted as if dumb and deaf until 8th of Januarary is not comprehensible to me. Now only they have lost their patience. New govt is not even 3-weeks old.
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Palayang Yako / February 2, 2015
Since when did patience become a virtue when action against criminal behaviour was imperative?
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rew / February 2, 2015
What can one expect from a turn coat himself?
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Javi. / February 3, 2015
Classic Lankians asking the thief’s mum if the son is a thief.
Now all that the Rustic President needs in his hand is the
Gold Vajra or Gold thunderbolt he has already slipped the new rings.
Remember almost all dictators were village jackals.
Anointed by 40,000 cold blooded atta pirikana freaks
of civilization- they have pricks without covering saying celibacy!
Landa funda madde landde -(hello new precipitation)
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thondamannar / February 1, 2015
Afterall, they were on the same side before and Gota has given the current regime a head start with beautification of cities.
They can gladly receive their visitors.
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Snowden Edward Asange / February 1, 2015
Baby faced Wasantha is way too immature to be a minister or even deputy. He stated that GOATa had called him in regard to the Elephant calves, wonder if there was a backdoor deal… Why would he give 30 days for those who own elephants to return them? Dr.Harsha, AKD, Champika and others are making a bee line to the Bribery Commission to have people who abused and swindled arrested..BUT this kid is asking the rouges to return what they took, so they can be saints….
WE DID NOT VOTE THIS GOVT TO POWER TO LET SHARKS GO SCOTT FREE… NAIL them and JAIL them…. nothing less… PERIOD
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Palayang Yako / February 1, 2015
Snowden:
I would like to second what you have to say, adding that after these vermin are locked up, the key should be thrown away.
Enough of these backroom deals, particularly with those who raped this country while carrying foreign passports!
What is WRONG with this government to open back doors for these criminals? Wasantha Senanayake, whoever he is, should be given a cell adjacent to Gota’s.
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Snowden Edward Asange / February 2, 2015
TY Sir, and not just throw away the keys, but into an ocean where they would never locate the keys… let them ALL rot in hell…GROBR !
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Matilda Ellepola / February 2, 2015
Wasantha Dude,
Having a last name of a Senanayake or related to them will NOT make you do whatever you fancy without following the due process.
Why on earth you need to give 30 days for that sicko Goat to get the papers filled and do all those hanky panky and underhand deals?
We know you were a shameless man who hangon with corrupt Rajapaksas for until Dec 2014 and got all that perks and good times from them and its time to pay back for the Rajapaksas.
Its a shame to carry that Senanayaka name for you as well as another Pradeep Jayawardana who was the grandson of JRJ who was doing bootlicking of Rajapaksas just for few million Rupees.
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Sinchuappu / February 2, 2015
How come Matilda Aunty (Nandamma) to call him Dude ? OMG… all these women and men have only lost their patience. Paradoxially the very same people had been in PASSIVE mode again and again – was what I cant get it yet. What made their thinking process accelarated ? Even in developed countries those govts take that long. See along the situation before the greek nation. Many thought they would respect the bail out made on them – but their Anti- bailout viewers and their party was won in the recent election. It seems that folks would never want to pay taxes as is the case with other EU countries, but want Germany and other countries to gap up greeks long held credits.
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FAMOUS449 / February 1, 2015
QUOTE:
“The second calf had been given to him by the former President through a grant (sannasa) in January 2014,” UNQUOTE:
How come the goat, (Gota) being the then Secretary to the Ministry of Defense didn’t bother to finalize the procedure to register the elephant calf when it was given to him by his brother, the ex-President Mahinda?
Why did he take such a long time, a period of more than 300 days to the registration. The delay in itself shows and an ample proof that he was trying to flout the law being the brother of the ex-President…
Yes, this matter calls for an investigation.
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Rohan deZilva Wijewardena / February 1, 2015
Don`t you`ll have any other topic about him ? There are so many other issues that you cold bring about Gotabaya Rajapaksa.
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maali karunaratne / February 2, 2015
Agree. There are lots of other issues that we need to address. There are supposed to be fraud and murder cases by GOTA. Being an animal lover, we know what elephants means to us, but for the moment lets take issues of murder, fraud and investigate how THEY became rich etc instead of going behind elephants. We have only about 80 days to do the big things, so small issues can be ignored for the time being
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Snowden Edward Asange / February 1, 2015
look at his tie knot… looks huge as an elephant..wow
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Su siri / February 1, 2015
Is the deputy minister still bootlicking? Question the wild life director before forged documentation starts blossoming right now. Did the mother elephants get harmed? Were the calves less than 6 months when abducted?
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Coconut Republic / February 1, 2015
Luxurious buses, Elephants and what not will start surfacing. Looks they are too big to hide since raids are in place. At least he’s an animal lover!!
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justice / February 1, 2015
How did the former president grant one of the calves to Gota?
What is a “sannasa” – is it a legal provision?
Can a president donate a wild animal/domesticated wild animal/illegally captured wild animal/an animal in custody of a national authority, to anyone?
Owning an elephant has/had become a sign of ‘prestige’ among super rich. Gota was one of them it appears.
Incidentally, what happened to the many tons of ivory seized as an illegal shipment by the customs, which reportedly were to be donated to a temple?
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Peace Lover / February 1, 2015
maybe we can send all the elephants to K A Sumanasekera’s home !
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Palayang Yako / February 1, 2015
Peace Lover:
Sorry you can’t do that because the reptile Sumanasekera’s cave is too small.
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Javi. / February 5, 2015
he’s parripu (eat) `It` ant army (Dalit party)
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Pasel / February 1, 2015
This is only a start,
State minister of aviation resigned because , he wants more and he was a bootl licker to MR and he wants to help MR on Mihin
CJ Mohan is waiting for MR to come back and reinstate him
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Pygmalion / February 1, 2015
A member of the Senanayake family who crossed over to the SLFP and then got back! History will prove that these guys are quite unlike the original UNP supporters!
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thondamannar / February 2, 2015
Mmmmmmmmm …….. Can speak of the Dissanayake’s, Jayasuriyas too in the same vein
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Rabok / February 1, 2015
Mr.Deputy Minister – These days If you want to be a patriotic popular minister you have to say something bad about GR – does’nt matter what you say is true or false – logical or illogical – hammering Gota is the trick – by mistake even if you happen to say something good about Gota – finish – there are so many guys suffering from Gotameninjytis – they will cut you into pieces with their keyboards – Specially if you say Gota is a war hero – no mercy – you will be subjected lowest grade of insults – one crackpot identified Gota as a rebirth of Hitler – another as the biggest robber baron in the world history – I think all these guys are suffering from some kind of a mental disorder – like secretion of excess dopamine in their brains which hamper logical thinking – but what to do
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Peace / February 2, 2015
Justice Srilankan style.
One set of laws and regulations for the don’t haves another for haves.
Investigate and prosecute any one who has acted at variance to law irrespective of family,connections,Civilian,Military,civil servants,Judiciary,Law enforcement etc, etc.
No wonder the Minorities are not in favor of local inquiry into Human rights violations and crimes against humanity.
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Snowden Edward Asange / February 2, 2015
I wonder why they let the SHARKS swim freely in the ocean while SPRATS are netted… IF Sarana Gunawardana could be taken to task, why not take GOAT, Basil, Sajin Vaas, Mohan Peiris, Gommanpila, Wimal booruwansa, Rohitha Abey, Vermin Saliva, Namal, Yoshitha et all ?
Surely this is NOT yaha palanaya that we voted for…. WE the citizenry want ALL of em proven guilty and sent to jail.. but until then have them arrested, or they would hatch plans to de-stabalize the country…
ANY other citizen is arrested on suspicion itself and not until proven guilty . so these morons need to be ARRESTED first and then produced in court.. why PRIVILEGED treatment for all these plunderers..? Pretty soon they all will admit themselves in 5 star HOSPITALS claiming weak heart condition… No luxury hospitals pls let em be warded and herded to the National hospital/ Army hospital..just like how they sent our war HERO SF. who was deprived medicine and basic amenities..
Sarana Gunawardana now ASARANAI… aney pau…
The passport of former Deputy Minister Sarana Gunawardena was impounded on a directive issued by the Colombo Chief Magistrate on a request made by the Bribery Commission.
The Commission has received 106 allegations of bribery and corruption against Mr. Gunawardena during his tenure as Chairman of the National Lotteries Board (NLB). (TFT) –
See more at: http://www.dailymirror.lk/62707/sarana-s-passport-impounded#sthash.x9H7W7y7.dpuf
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bo / February 2, 2015
Whatever the “begal” (lies) being uttered at press conferences by cronies of the previous regime to protect their handlers, the clear message is that the powerful villains in the previous regime have been sharing out national treasures among themselves, just like the Forty thieves in Ali Baba story. Once it was the stolen national treasures and antiques, discovered and lying undiscovered at historic sites. The latest craze seems to be the wild life, poor baby elephants kidnapped from their mothers. Owning an elephant is a fad? How backward these people are, living in stone age! Heartless wild beasts and hyaenas this Rajapakshas and their boot lickers. They have no self respect and strength of character to stand up themselves, and need an elephant to lean on. How sad! I won’t be surprised even if they have gekkos and chamelions concealed under their loin cloths.
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Jim softy / February 2, 2015
People are going after Gota because he involved in the war.
They are not going After Basil who stole the country and fled before being caught.
that is the Sri lankan journalists.
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Palmsquirrell / February 2, 2015
Gota was the most feared man in SL because he controlled the White vans and the armed forces, that is why he gets extra attention. Basil will get his in good time.
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Rabok / February 3, 2015
Can anybody enlighten me – how many murders Gota had carried out with his so called White Vans – to my knowledge White Van incidents happened during previous UNP regimes when JVP insurgency was at peak –Gonibillas , black /yellow cats , white vans were there and many young JVPers and sympathisers were arrested by these white vans and killed and burned on wayside during that time – I think Richard de Soysa was also abducted in a white van and thrown into a beach somewhere after brutally killing him during that time
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Javi. / February 3, 2015
Which 2 letters are rotten for your 32 set hopefully??
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Pubudu Jayasinghe / February 3, 2015
Even this particular Faekel mouth Javi was about to be whitevanned. Unfortunately that failed to workt out. His cesspit would see it nothing beyond for any good at all – his comments are the proof.
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Javi. / February 3, 2015
[Edited out]
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Javi. / February 5, 2015
So you come from dust not the bin that is never cleared in that smelly kitchen. Phew!!!
then how come you don’t get muddy when you come after a swim??
(^|%)
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Snowden Edward Asange / February 2, 2015
Basil couldn’t use the VIP entrance using his US passport, he had to hide his Diplomatic SL passport. He was seen pulling his luggage at the airport flying out on an Emirates airline( which the Brothers cut links with in regard to Sri-Lankan Airlines). IF the govt wanted to stop him, they could have done so..They let him go so that he could be extradited from US to SL via the interpol..or may be a backdoor deal involving millions of $ would have taken place.
NO MATTER what.. AKD, Champika, Dr.Harsha would leave no stones unturned to get this moron who Raped and Plundered the national wealth to face CRIMINAL charges along with his siblings and be jailed..
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Javi. / February 3, 2015
“”NO MATTER what.. AKD, Champika, Dr.Harsha would leave no stones unturned to get this moron who Raped and Plundered the national wealth to face CRIMINAL charges along with his siblings and be jailed.. “”
Where is your negotiating chip with west for it??
Fight no practical right- what is your resource more women to be sent to medavial middle east – even camels get boared and they may start chopping heads- alapan luliya.
Know in your heart that you can leave your prison.
The rich always run the rich always hide;
they don’t pay taxes anyway-
there are many criminals welcome as long as it does not hamper.
I’m certain nothing’s certain.
You saw the sheer audacity of mafia art inviting pope
Hope is no good dinner kick the pope Gota is in his sevura.
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lenny / February 2, 2015
I cannot understand why incidents that can be proved are being soft peddled by the authorities, first it was the floating armoury, now the elephants, what next ?
Makes you wonder where their allegiance lies, or if there is something to hide
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Justicia / February 2, 2015
Gota handing over illegal baby elephants in his possession is only after the exposure by ‘Ravaya,” which hit the news-stands last Friday. “Ravaya” also stated that, according to the application to register these two elephants by Gota has stated that by a “Sannasa” dated Jan.10, 2014, MR has donated one elephant to N.G. Rajapaksa, “Lay Custodian” of Ranasingharama Temple, Kaldilpaana, Deniyaya. As far as Buddhists know there are no Lay Custodians in any Buddhist temples. So this “Sannasa” (from the brother) looks bogus and an act of hood-winking the public and the Dept.of Wildlife.
So it is clear that WasanthaS still has allegiance to or frighten of Gota and MR and wants to save them from actions of their mis-doings.
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Sahan / February 2, 2015
New Justice System!
We publics vote for new Government to build a new Sri Lanka.
Please consider comments of Deputy Wildlife Minister, please check the term and condition on behalf of donating of Animals to third party. Is the Executive power of president can offer animal donation for third party, (is that power also include the boundary of Ex. President’s power)??
If it is wrong in term of law and order, action should take against on keeping baby elephant.
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ralahamy / February 2, 2015
why is the govt not arresting ali-roshan ? he will spill the beans if properly grilled. is there some under the table deal between the newcomers and the past crooks.?
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matarawije / February 2, 2015
These idiots divert the attention using elephant calves while gold worth of 300 elephants has been lost while taking the ltte gold into account. Forget the baby elephants and catch the criminals who stole my gold
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anonymous / February 2, 2015
To all,
I am sure(99.9%),there is a link between the attacks by wild elephants in some areas of the country and these calves.
Elephants are one of the most intelligent and sacred animals to all (Due to the Buddha’s great powers and kindness, the elephant known as parilayyaka attended on him. In the morning he would bring fruits from the forest to offer to the Buddha….).
I do not think any of these present day politicians know anything about animals at all. The way they have treated the humans in the past and even now, they are not worthy of any positions related to wild life.
Let the wild life departments officials with true hands on experience handle these shameful, vicious & inhumane atrocities toward these animals. Get these lawbreakers inside the Zoo.
Furthermore, this Senanayaka bloke should be rehabilitated before positioning him in any project. I totally disagree with the appointment of this immature, baby-faced young man as a junior minster.
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Javi. / February 3, 2015
“Elephants are one of the most intelligent and sacred animals t”
What is sacred??
elephant can discover a new variable star or predict a solar eclipse/Tsunami
Sacred is not keeping them imprisoned but the army likes them thinking of Hannibal the horrible.
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burt / February 2, 2015
“Deputy Wildlife Minister Covers-Up For Gota”
After all they are politicians one scratches the back of the other. May be he thinks Gota will be defense sec or a minister after the GE.
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yaha- pala- naya / February 2, 2015
If the president has the power to depose a chief justice , thr transfer of an elephant is nothing.
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whywhy / February 2, 2015
It has now become a fashion if someone is allowed to show up
his face on a tv show a couple of times,he’s inflated into
thinking that he’s suitable to become a minister!Put up a
couple of arguments for the party on tv,become a familiar face
to the public and enough to become a minister?This is the
thinking pattern of present day politicians.At the end of a
general election,if a party wins 80 or 90 seats,all should
become ministers or deputies?This minister lost his point
on “satana” tv show.Politicians should not behave like money
lenders.This young man is capable of being good in politics
if he properly advance his skills.
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muslim / February 2, 2015
Be honest to the people who voted MY3 to power,do not cover up the wrongs already done ,by the Rajapaksas,
We the people were suffering,but you the junior minister were happy and collecting all the perks under the then govt.
If you want to sweep all the wrongs done under the carpet,please resign the way Faizer Mustapha has done.
MY3 must give what the people want,GOOD GOVERNANCE.
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RE Goonetileke / February 3, 2015
I have worked in the department of wildlife for 40 years, and I can safely say that I haven’t seen a more intelligent and dedicated minister or deputy minister who has done so much in such a short span of time.
May I say the article has erroneously stated that the president cannot gift an animal to an individual. I challenge the editor to show where it states that in the country’s constitution. Its a totally false statement to discredit a young and promising politician.
The deputy minister is absolutely right. He can act only based on the evidence at hand. He has used the knowledge of his master of law degree to conduct himself aptly and with dignity.
Although I am retired my heart is in the subject. Long live Hon Mr Senanayake, your conduct will make your ancestors who founded the UNP and led the country with distinction and grace very proud.
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dingiri / February 3, 2015
We are not really interested in his ancestors or law degree. We know that he was in the arms procurment business with Swedish Industries selling very expensive Ammunition carriers to the army at iflated prices. He then joined MR and his mob in politics when no one with a conscience would touch MR with a barge pole. When it was evident to all that the tide was turning he made a well timed back flip double summersault back to the UNP. That is his record so far.
You now expect us to trust this man? The elephant may have a certificate. Printing a fake piece of paper was nothing for the Rajapakses. Just a matter of a phone call to the relavant subverted authority. But can he tell us how the elephant calf was procured? From whom? What was its mother? Where is the mother? Is it a captive elephant? Or as everyone suspects was it captured from the wild? If the mother was another captive elephant it should not be too difficult to establish parenthood through a DNA test which is available in Sri Lanka.
Most Importantly the minister should address the alarming rate of habitat loss for all wildlife AND flora in Sri Lanka.
Thousands of acres of primary forest has been flattened to build large reservoirs in the last few years. Moragahakande, Kalu Ganga, Yan Oya, Uma Oya. The National Parks have become theme Parks. Mere playgrounds for the rich with their fancy SUVs. Earth is being mined from inside the parks to maintain dirt tracks destroying habitat well away from the tourists eyes. Wilpattu, the only park with substantial areas of undisturbed primary forest is being converted to another Yala, shrubs and saplings are being cleared so “Defenders”, “Prados”, and “Intercoolers” can spot leopards easily from new roads that criss cross the park. A sad state of affairs.
Please.. at least now realise that our Natural and Archaelogical heritage needs to be preserved for its own sake. Not just so tourists to have a good time. If you want to make a name for yourself start working honestly, placing the contry’s interest above everything. And do not feel beholden to patrons who lent you money, stooges and other parasites who flock around vain politicians with little dicks and big egos. They will bring both you and the country down.
And remember. We are watching and will not forgive.
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Palayang Yako / February 3, 2015
RE Goonetilleke:
If your name isn’t Senanayake, would you please show us where the President IS empowered to gift an elephant, tame or wild, to anyone.
Yours is a very poor attempt to shield yet another slimy politician from the consequences of yet another deal!
If you have “retired after 40 years” from the Wildlife Department, would you please tell us how you are able to judge Senanayake’s performance in that very department. You seem particularly well-informed about Mr. S’s academic qualifications as well. Since you are so open about your opinions could you please provide your mailing address and phone number so that we may be able to speak to you? Or at least a verifiable email address?
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Matilda Ellepola / February 5, 2015
Wonder if Wasantha Baby wrote this himself?
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dingiri / February 5, 2015
You dont have to be Einstein to figure that out. Isnt it obvious?? These people think we are dumb asses to fall for their little triks.
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BBS Rep / February 3, 2015
With GOTA’s ill gotton billions anyone can be made to sing any tunes. Vasantha Senanayaka is no exception. Getting the CID to investigate this obvious corrupt conduct is useless as the officers assigned to the job will soon sing a GOTA tune.
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Javi. / February 3, 2015
Your Army that was to be on coup alert is a cannibal trained
internationally sex_perts at the un duty what next wowlas??
You have one in the Mini David :D S.hit shit sarma
Scumbag calls himself lover what does he love just his own goo
does not appreciate there is an I so he sends his 600k women to prostitute/maid
Medieval- you are better off being 4 legged like your mahawamse mentions
no exaggeration there. truth is a process ; boars and bacon.
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su siri / February 4, 2015
Not only did these clan of thugs loot the state treasury, they wiped cleaned the beautiful natural resources of the country too? There is no more time to waste…investigate fast and bring them to justice!
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