12 December, 2024

Blog

Dictatorship Will Deplete Institutional, Social, Financial & Human Capital: Jackboot Cannot Salvage Sri Lanka

By Kumar David

Prof. Kumar David

Gota knows no other way than to talk tough, hand authority to Army Silva and military brass, undermine confidence of civilian authorities and via 20A erase the democratic ethos that has caught on in Sri Lanka since Independence. Mind you, it is true that democracy has landed us in pretty much of a mess; it has empowered racism and been the midwife of economically damaging populism. Yes, Sri Lankan democracy has been a disappointment – look at the composition of Parliament, if we can’t do better than that, I shudder. I will not repeat the all too well-known riposte ‘Democracy is the worst of all systems except for all the others’ because it smacks of smartarse.

I argue Gota’s post-20A authoritarian status and the prospect of it evolving to dictatorship will undermine public Institutions (the military excepted); it may damage relations amongst communities, undermine political stability, drive corrode finance and deplete the nation’s human capital which I call expertise (intellectual base, innovation, expertise and free exchange of ideas). I attempt to show this in as table. We could conveniently place Institutional, Social, Financial and Expertise as four vertical columns and use four sharply concretised contemporary goings-on as rows to depict how authoritarianism will bring Sri Lanka to a sorry pass. The events or goings-on that I propose to use are COVID-19 (CV), Direct Post-20A outcome, Rebuilding the Economy in the medium term of three to five years and fourthly Political Stability to build my direction-finder Table.

Clearly CV is the dominant issue now and will remain so in 2021-22 and I was intending to make an evaluation when Dr M. M. Janapriya published “Corona Resurgence Is A National Emergency, Wake Up & Act Swiftly & Decisively” In Colombo Telegraph on 31 October. I have not known of Janapriya but he speaks with the authority of an expert so he must be one though I wish he had offered a sentence or two to help readers locate his professional role. His case can be summarised thus: Victory in the first leg of the fight against CV was commendable but lulled the authorities. A military task force cannot comprehend or lead against so complex a challenge. “Seemingly the task force did not meet for two months”. The spread of CV in India posed a hazard that was neglected. Janapriya then makes two technical points “Viral genome sequencing of the second wave virus seems wanting” and “Realistic numbers of random tests are not being done”. The implication of this critique is that political preoccupation with 20A trumped national interests and furthermore the public is not being told the truth. I endorse the first censure without hesitation but I don’t know enough about the second.

Moving along the first row of my Table, Institutional scores D (poor) to F (failure) because militarisation of the Task Force undermines civilian norms and institutions; Society scores a B in that not much harm will done to relations between communities by CV and there is no visible social unrest against tough anti-CV measures and will remain so unless the second-wave leads to debacle. CV will harm the economy so Finances should score an F but for a reason I will explain later I compromise at D. Since I don’t expect the CV mess to drive away intellectuals or harm innovation in businesses, I leave the last box on the first row at a harmless C. This is the logic behind the first row of my table.Potentially, rankings on the table can range from A to D and F; don’t dismiss the exercise as a children’s game since it is useful as a compass or as a direction-finder. Readers can change entries, or change the columns and rows to reset the table and reflect their own priorities. The point is to make assessments of the impact of authoritarianism objective and less arbitrary. True the entries are not hard numbers or statistics but filling out the table enforces mental discipline and forces people on whichever side to reason with care. 

Having spelt out the barebones of a methodology I can proceed to fill out the rest of the table. The second row considers the direct effects of 20A within the next two years. I rate its Institutional impact (influence on state and corporate institutions, judiciary and apparatus of state repression) bad. The de facto military seizure of the top echelons of decision is Institutionally harmful – vide Egypt, Burma and the Banana Republics. The people of this country are now not capable of mass movements – except pogroms abetted by the police and military against minorities. In the foreseeable future there is no reason to believe the bourgeoise domestically, or internationally China, India or US will abandon Sri Lanka because it is authoritarian or a potential dictatorship. For these two reasons, I rated it B along the second row in respect of both Society and Finances. The C for Expertise at the end of the row is a shot in the dark; honestly, I am not sure whether innovation, smart-business, broad-human talent and intellectual excellence will desert the country in fear of putative dictatorship. On the third row the across the board C rating for the Economic Factor follows from my negative outlook for economic recovery under a dictator; talk of a tough Gotabaya executing wise economic programmes is partisan myth. Finally, every worm will turn one day hence my across-the-board D index on the last row; that is to say, the people will protest against dictatorship at some point in time and then the guns will come out. The D is meant to signal not current but I fear unavoidable future unrest. 

It seems that the Gota autocracy which we much fear will be stillborn because of the two points I make in the next paragraph and also because, despite the Sajith Circus bungling the parliamentary vote, there is strong and deep opposition to 20A in the country. Religious orders, civil society and almost the entire intellectual classes have deplored the amendment and condemned its provisions point by point. There is more fear and opposition within the government than the parliamentary vote indicates. Many opportunist ministers who have sold their souls and sold themselves for a portfolio which is their highest aspiration in life our perturbed by 20A for the reason that it tilts the balance against their personal interests or political implications. All this adds up to two opposite possibilities; either the attempted autocracy will be weak and have little clout, or alliteratively driven by its own weaknesses the regime will lash out in ever more pernicious directions.

I would like to close with broad brush remarks about prospects for the posr-20A authoritarianism regime in Sri Lanka. The regime’s supporters are over the moon about two expectations: (a) public services will be reorganised, disciplined and put right, (b) economic development of the nation will take off. This is where a simple matrix like the table gives a snap-shot overview of the lay of the land and the direction in which things are likely to go. My take on both accounts is discouraging. There can be no dispute that though the public service inherited from colonial times served Ceylon and the classes that mattered in the post-independence decade, it is now inefficient, dysfunctional and corrupt. Modernising and restructuring the public services and changing the mind set of public servants is a daunting staff; it is easy to say Gota and his military cohorts have do not have the visions and that the legislature and judiciary (some cases have been dragging on for a generation and the bottleneck in the courts is a nightmare) are useless but the task is gigantic. In the two Asian territories that have top-class government administration the colonial administration was obliterated by Japanese occupation in WW2 and a brand-new model was burnished and installed in the 1950s and 1960s. Not only is Sri Lanka but in India, Pakistan and all across Africa the public service seems irreformable. 

Economic renewal and growth on a capitalist basis, that’s what we are talking about is also a daunting task at the beast of times. We need “creative destruction” (Schumpeter), a lot of useless activities, processes and even jobs have to give way. New product lines, new ways of integration into global supply chains, stronger ties with regional economies and the uphill tasks of raising productivity and benefitting from the digital-economy are gigantic challenges. More sharply, at this juncture Sri Lanka is tossed by surging seas and buffeted by stormy winds. The ocean on which ship Lanka is tossed hither and tither is a restless sea of Chinese, Indian and American agitation, and to make things worse no one can be sure how this second and future waves of the corona virus will pan except to say that year 2021 is likely to be another year of little achievement for nation and government. 

There is no need to expand on either because so much said about both and the razor thin margin in the presidential election will not change US foreign policy much and will not reduce the intensity of the “Thucydides Trap” that is containing the rise of China as a parallel world power. Gota is unlucky to be buffeted by these two tidal waves so early in his presidency. But it is also an opportunity; if he overcomes both and rises to high presidential stature he would make a mark, but I have argued in this essay is that by showing a mind set much dependent on command thinking and relying on the military Brass as his delivery vehicle, he has lost the plot in advance. Then we the people would have given away our democratic freedoms in exchange for nothing. 

 

Latest comments

  • 22
    3

    Two immediate examples of Dictatorship of the President:

    1. AG going to Supreme Court to complain that his staff who are more senior than those Judges recommended by the President to be appointed to the Supreme Court.

    2. Senior DIG Padmini Weerasuriya transferred out by President as she was the Director of CIABOC and started an investigation against a Cabinet Minister.

    If these are not the actions of a Dictator what is?

    • 21
      54

      Actually JUDGEs, law professionals and other professoinals and media jouranlists as a whole should get together, if they are hearted should stand against the appointment of Mr 10% who is the other brother, going to be introduced to the parliament next week. !Sirisena the clown was elected by various forces to fight against all the harm deliberately done by Rajakashes and their criminals, but on the day 10th Jan 2015, immediately after that govt came into being, Basil Rajapakshe the most abusive in that family, with much higher records to have grabed collosal funds of the tax payers, was caught by JOURNO cameras at the manner how he left the country for his real home country, it is the US…. remember you guys ?

      They should also stand against ” going to be release of KUDU duminda from the prison next days”. PEOPLE wake up from your long slumber… we have to protect this country from this high criminals.

      :
      Americans and civilized nations get close their final goals, but our idiots abusing their mandates permit their criminal brothers entering the most respectable institution of the country.
      :
      Why stupid people to allow branded criminals to abuse the VOTERs naivity in this country this way ?

      • 13
        0

        leelagemalli: The last question you posed. The answer: That “Quality” of “STUPIDITY” of the “PEOPLE” (inclusive of pseudo “Professionals” & “Intellectuals”) has allowed branded “CRIMINALS” (inclusive of “TOP” most politicians &beaurocrats) to “USE” and “ABUSE” all the systems to plunder the National Wealth and Assets of the country.

        • 7
          0

          No where in the world but in srilanka it is possible to pass such amendments in parliament, sinhaliune nagitiyaw? People would be made fools, but to this levels????????😉😉😉😉😉😉😉😉😉😉😉😉😉😉😉😉😉😉😉😉😉😉😉😉😉😉

          • 4
            0

            Next amendment would be to kill any dissidents if would stand against Rajapakshe be killed on the spot, what happened our peoples??????😉😉😉😉😉😉😉😉😉😉😉😉😉😉😉😉😉😉

            • 2
              0

              leelagemalli

              In the glory days of Hitler’s regime, apparently, a German citizen made this observation which you may have heard as well.

              ‘First they came for the communists, gypsies & Jews, but I didn’t say anything because I was not one of them, then they came for the disabled, intellectuals & critics but I didn’t say anything because I was not one of them, now they are coming for me & there is nobody to say anything ….’

      • 0
        8

        Mr. LM(Loose Motion),
        .
        Imitating Trump is not easy.
        But you come close……..

      • 1
        0

        Former POTUS – Donald Trump ( I would call him Gonado Trump)
        .
        1)damaged the faith kept on the AMERICANS on world stage from the day 01.
        2) Daamaged transaltantic ties between europe and the US
        3) Destroyed – pacts such as PARIS CLIMATE AGreement and NATO as he could make them silent for a while
        4)Destroyed the impression the developing nations kept on them, and that was instrumental CHINA to go more radically with so called 3 rd world hunger countries incl. ours
        5)damaged all becuase he has nothing but made efforts pleasing – testesterone of the RIGHT WING politicians
        .
        Srilanken Counter Part GOTLER


        Most joke is, many close to GOTLER today make every effort to paint the picture that elected VPOTUS would work against srilanka and its politics – because according to them Democrats under Ms Clinton were close with LTTE Diaspora…New myths are in making last few days, as that NAGAYA – WATER snake carried the RELICS and healed srilanka by appointing most known high criminals as country s leaders…..
        .
        1) Came to power, better said, grabbed the power, by promising sun and moon. NOthing is achieved as of today for the benefit of the voters, but for his POWER and FAMILY

    • 0
      9

      My dear Mr. Buddhist1,
      .
      We have democratically elected President and a Government to govern the country.
      You just worry about raising few pigs somewhere……….
      .
      No wonder your “English Speaking Colombo Elite” choose to kick RW and his fraudulent UNP out of parliament.

      • 4
        1

        S.C.Pascal
        If you call a winning by Racist Lies and Racist Speeches, well you do not know the definition of Democracy. You only know the meaning of De-Mockery! Where are the “Vanda Pethi”, “Vanda Sanitary Napkins”. To date no one punished for Easter attack and when Saharan’s wife give evidence the media was sent out, why? Democracy or De-Mockery!

        • 3
          0

          My Dear Buddhist 01@

          Even if those facists went on saying that “Vanda Pethi”, “Vanda Sanitary Napkins” are all provided to SINHALA mothers in Kurunaegala, not a single case was investigated yet. See, that is what I notice is CRIMES against own nation. But calling themselves further – SINHALA BUDDHISTs.
          :
          You are dead right, they dont know about DEMOCRACY but Demo -crazy. This country was a wonderful place to live at the time, some good leaders ruled this. But as of today, it is the KARMA; that thanakola eating majority have been milsed band robbed out by Medmulan Rascals.
          :
          Americans went on saying ” Charactor matters” all these, but we the srilankens in and out of the country could resound – what matters in SRLANKA is criminal energies…Sadly, this country would never be reached to singapore but to SOMALIA.

          • 0
            2

            Mr. LM(Loose Motion),
            .
            Need a tissue…???

            • 1
              0

              Ms: SCP,
              .
              We can understand your post OP pains.

              Please take a good rest…. you cant please anyone on CT, but EE.
              .
              Gute Genesung ! Get well soon. We know that you would nt get over with your IDENTIY crisis. Go back to that IRAJ Weeraratne the the king ass kisser of Gotler and plan it with them…

            • 1
              0

              Ms SCP

              Go back to KINDER GARTEN… we always asked you to do so… CT forum is more advanced to you.
              .
              If african tribes could march forward, you guys … being old boys of so called colombo popular schools, but to behave permament ass kissers ?

              Learning is a life long proces.. but why not you the kind of modayas dont get it ?

        • 1
          1

          Mr. Buddhist1,
          .
          Imitating Trump….????

  • 18
    7

    Looting of ruling class Sinhalese politicians since independence first,
    Buddhist hierarchy’s Buddhism sitting and watching impotently in the foremost place,
    Armed forces in the forefront of everything even to fight corona menace,
    Borrow to the hilt and enjoy life while it lasts think later,
    Use our strategic position in the Indian Ocean to the maximum to milk the powers be.

    Everything else including;
    Justice, rule of law, human rights, Peace, Progress and Prosperity can wait to be considered later.

    Let’s do a devil dance and celebrate 72 years of torturing. raping, disappearing, killing with impunity.

    With our new constitution and 20A, nobody can touch us ever after.

    This is the real miracle of Asia!

  • 11
    32

    These ‘Pundits’ who keep on writing article after article keep on repeating what readers in this forum as well as the Government already know; ‘Sri Lanka is facing a crisis and foreign hands are exerting pressure on the Government’. They do very little to suggest/propose ways and means to face the crisis and the challenges. That is the difficult part that require more attention.

    • 12
      3

      EE, are you out of your mind? You know darn well what those foreign hands are. Basil for one. He is tipped to be in charge of the economy! Gota was in charge of defence when he was a foreigner. Don’t look too far for “foreign hands”. They are in the regime itself. Pity you.

      The only way to face the crisis – replace the Americans and associated people (who are married to Americans) with true Sri Lankans who never ran away. Have you heard the story of a bear and two men? What did the bear tell the man on ground?

      • 3
        12

        GATAM,
        It is true that Gotabhaya Rajapakshe had dual citizenship at the time he worked as the Secretary to the Ministry of Defense. But his loyalty to Sri Lanka remained in tack. There was lot of pressure from ‘Suddas’ to stop the military operation against Tamil terrorists but he went ahead and eliminated them.
        On the other hand even a true Sri Lankan who never ran away can do harmful things to the country. Mangala Samaraweera who co-sponsored the UNHRC resolution admitting Sri Lankan Armed Forces committed war crimes that they did not do due to pressure from Western countries is a good example.
        Jayampathy Wickramaratne was a true Sri Lankan (?) who never ran away but he was one of the main architects of drafting the new constitution to abolish the Unitary State and create a ‘Confederation’ of nine units to fulfill the aspirations of separatist Tamil politicians. Eventually he ran away.
        Ranil Wickramasinghe who masterminded the ‘Bond Scam’ is a true Sri Lankan(?) who never ran away. But he planned and brought Arjun Mahendran giving assurances to MPs who objected to use him for ‘Bond Scam’ and allowed him to escape.
        Sinhalayo have no doubts about the loyalty of Rajapakshes to the country. So, Sinhalayo have no problem if Basil Rajapakshe becomes the Minister of Finance or the Prime Minister.

        • 4
          0

          EE, are you the spokesperson of Sinhalayo?

          You are wrong on this one. “But his (GoRa) loyalty to Sri Lanka remained in tack.” Please do not lie willfully and repeatedly. It is a grave sin and shameful. Do not sacrifice your next life for these crooks (as if this life sacrifices are not enough). It is not worth it. Keep your morals safe from them.

          “I Nandasena Gotabaya Rajapaksa (I Basil Rohana Rajapaksa) hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty including Sri Lanka, of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen; that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform noncombatant service in the Armed Forces of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law; and that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; so help me God.”

    • 9
      6

      You could make a start, trolling Eagle Eye by truthfully telling us who you are. I began accessing Colombo Telegraph only after we had at last succeeded in getting rid of would-be-monarch, Mahinda Rajapaksa in 2015. Unfortunately that was all undone by Ranil Wickremasinghe’s attitudes. Sirisena changed because of that. Why hasn’t the UNP nominated an MP even now?
      .
      At first, people were saying that I was really a Tamil masquerading as a Sinhalese. No regular reader now has any doubt about my identity. Should I quote you in context?
      .
      Some don’t know how to navigate within CT (that may include Kumar, who has not got used to doing some of the “little things.” His knowledge of many other things is stupendous – mine is not). Locate all the articles that Dr Janapriya has written. If you don’t know, I’ll help readers, provided they follow up.
      .
      I’m going to be blunt with you. I don’t trust you! You specialise in innuendo, nothing that you say is verifiable.
      .
      Kumar is famous, but he knew nothing of me two years ago. Now we’re in close touch, and I have put him in touch with Dr Janapriya whom I hadn’t heard of. Neither wants his email publicised – people like you will get spam sent so that they will be rendered impotent.
      .
      Panini Edirisinhe

      • 9
        0

        Dear Mr SM,
        .
        Hope you are happy with the election outcome in the US, with JB becoming the POTUS.
        :
        See he is 77 years with sufficient exp in US politics. He proved himself that age would not be a barrier .. if he or she would have strong wills to do some good work…. also looking at Mr Mahathir Mohammed in Malaysia…. I thought you guys, … please dont think that you re too old now… you had added the kind of remarks about you lately… Sorry, neverthless i added my reply to that here…
        .
        We in central eruope are today in over-joyous mood.. with the news of TRUMP the DUMP being defeated….. of course it wont be easy for JB -KH combination to achieve almsot all the lords of damages deliberately resulted by Trump et al.. but they the americans (74 millions of voters) changed the direction of americans.::: I am so happy Kamal Harris to have become the VIZ President…. she made it very clear… people chose for SCIENCE, TRUTHS and DECENCY…… Germans are currently somewhat silent … but I know most of them are very happy having heard the news…
        :
        Cheers,
        LM

        • 3
          0

          leelagemalli: Pl. don’t rush. Hold your breath. It is too early. USA “Politics” is a different kettle of fish. The “SECOND LAYER” operations are vital and cannot be “DISPENSED” when it comes to “POLICY” matters and “ACTUAL” operational realms. So “Wait and See” is the “NORM” of the “GAME” in US politics.

          • 6
            0

            Simon,
            Thanks.
            I dont live in Sl, .. my thoughts are based me being in Central Europe. I dont think the situation would be worsened… I know how much pressure the Germans and other europeans had all along with transatlantic handlings since TRUMPACHCHI took the office. So, even if the newly elected duo would not be able to make wonders, but definitely, they would do lot more good work than all the damages made by Trump during the last 4 years.
            :

            • 4
              0

              leelagemalli: That “Second Layer” virtually “Dictates” what a “President” has to do and “Comply”. If “NOT” even a “President” is not “SAFE”. I can give examples, but not the “TIME”. Mind you that “Second Layer” is both “VISIBLE” and “INVISIBLE”. If what the “Visible” dictates doesn’t happen, the “Invisible” goes into “ACTION” and that “action” will come in different forms. You have “Hopes” and that is “Futuristic” and “NOT SEEN”, but I live to “SEE” from moment to moment. Cheers!

        • 2
          1

          Dear LM,
          .
          You asked
          about my sister’s area in North Carolina.
          .
          The results are not out yet, and I have sent off an email to her, but I just don’t know whether she will bother to respond.
          .
          That’s how life is. She was a Bandarawela kid upto the age of eleven or so, and, interestingly was the only member of the family who acquired fluent Tamil. But then turned into a Colombo kid. May still remeber her Sinhalese.
          .
          Now, this is the area they live in:
          .
          https://chapelboro.com/2020-election/north-carolina-republicans-seek-data-to-resolve-top-races
          .
          I asked my sister in Brisbane, Aust. She confirmed that my sister is in Chapel Hill still. I found that it’s in Orange County. That’s a Democratic stronghold. Often the last place to declare a result – I don’t know why. Very affluent, very educated area. Brown Americans are now some of the richest.
          .
          It looks as though they would have voted on many issues apart from choosing the President.
          .
          Gambada iskole mahaththaya doesn’t understand these things.

          • 3
            1

            Dear SM,

            last weekend was so nice with the news being gone viral across europe that BIDEN-HARRIS made it. But as is the case with srilanken MEDAMULANA bastards, Donald Trump is yet within his rights to delay conceding US election defeat, but it doesn’t mean he can claim the election victory.. Many in europe believe, that Trump should be a mentally sick person even if he is said to be raised by wealthy parents. Analysts rewine the interviews of DT on and on,… there his responses were often not based on truths. But he was another powerful president elected to the US.

            Btw, I thought the bond between you and your sister in SC was that close. People change after moving out of their home country. I tried not to change so long I can stay writing with our people….. Decades pass by but I would never forget my younger days how I spent the time with my family down there.
            :
            To tell you, I also have got my relatives scattered around the world, at least in 3 continents. But I have not seen many of them for such a long time. Nor have I close contacts with any of them today.

      • 6
        10

        Sinhala_Man,
        “You could make a start, trolling Eagle Eye by truthfully telling us who you are.”

        I told you this before and I am telling you again. Why the hell you want to know who I am? Does that make any difference to understand what I write?
        ===
        “I’m going to be blunt with you. I don’t trust you!”

        Did I ever tell you to trust me? I do not care two hoots if you do not trust me.
        Please learn to mind your business.

        • 5
          1

          Eagle Brain Dead Blind Eye

          “Why the hell you want to know who I am?”

          You sound like an a******e who has lost his/her/it’s way to Blackhole.

          “Does that make any difference to understand what I write?”

          Of course it does, it would help us to understand you and your typing.
          Do you think that Brown woman who has Demela ancestry would force Gota to sign any dot dot lines, even his Death Warrant?

          You should start a riot, burn Jaffna Library, houses, business premises, kill, …………………… in order to compensate or let out your bottled up anger for a Demela descendant is being elected to the second top job, a heartbeat away from the most powerful person.

          How can you tolerate this injustice being committed against the Sinhala/Buddhist, …. a Demela descendant has been allowed to become the vice president.
          Get Weerawansa and his fellow racists to protest against Kamala.

        • 2
          1

          Eagle Eye,
          .
          Yes, it makes all the difference.

          .
          I’m going to post my respnse at the very bottom.
          .
          Panini Edirisinhe (NIC 48 311 444V) of Bandarawela, aka “Sinhala_Man”

          • 1
            0

            Dear Sinhala Man,
            .
            You succeeded turning “then Champa” somewhat ” intelligent Champa” as of today. When reading her comments, I feel how much love she owns for her mother country. But she would not be racial the manner EE or the like low lives have displayed it.
            :
            So I think your efforts would not work rehabilitating EE… his is more pathological than appeared to be. … Unfortunately… the truth.

    • 9
      2

      I am in a way intrigued by the many thumbs down for EE comment. After many moons, he has not been confrontational but accepted the frailties existing in SL. That indeed is a change to be appreciated where earlier he made out that SL is a place like no other. CT readers, I feel, should be more discerning.
      Let us all help him to find “ways and means to face the crisis and the challenges”, he admits SL is faced with.
      Well I give him a Thumbs Up for his comment.

      • 1
        1

        Dear Ferryman,
        .
        I think that you’ve done something pretty crazy, giving his comment a thumbs up. It is not often that I’m so very negative about a fellow human being.
        .
        However, I don’t mind. It’s good to have somebody giving the lost soul some solace.
        .
        My respect for you remains. If we had more persons like you, Sri Lanka will indeed be a wonderful place. But make no mistake: some of the things that we lose, we will never get back.
        .
        Having made that mournful observation let be get back to Prof. Charles Sarvan.

        • 1
          1

          Fm is much senior to u Sm. May be his Uni is also Pera. I love his positive energies long live u gentle sort of our seniors😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍

    • 3
      0

      Eagle Eye: You are correct. “Suggestion/Proposals” are not pouring in. Why? That needs to be examined. In my opinion, even the “Limited” numbers made are “Tossed” away and “Brushed” aside, and the “Leaders” have a very high level of “EGOISM”. Isn’t that a FACT? It is. Think about it.

    • 5
      1

      It’s very difficult to give solution for brain dead backward idol worshiping pagan peasants. What advice can you give to a people to save themselves when they re elected murdering thug criminals who looted the country into debt traps ? sri lanka is the only country in the whole world that reelected a criminal corrupt murdering thugs to high positions of leadership. the peasant insecure mindset the singhalese have is the main cause of their dowfall.

      I will take full joy when the thug monks revolt against the current government and the government respond with bullets. The streets are hungry for the blood of child molesting thug monks.

  • 5
    2

    Dear Prof. Kumar David
    As ever a methodical arguments which makes it a simple reading . Thank you
    Your tabulated analysis is very interesting and useful to have a pictorial and mental view and summary of the status quo in SriLanka and its sordid and power politics.
    Your analysis of the economy is patently obvious to all and sundry except the power , money hungry and greedy people.
    Power corrupts and military power ruins the nation. Example Burma, Pakistan and former rule of Rumania to quote a few.
    What is the future for SriLanka. How about the abatement and control of Corona virous(CV)
    These are the question the civil societies must wake up to.
    Is it too late? Do we have leader in the making of Lee Kuan Yew. Its a story for another day and time
    Ratnam Nadarajah

    • 4
      0

      RN
      When majority of people would be ultra fools and would nt care the little about the truths,decency what cant be expected? Myths and rhetoric s of idoots go viral in this country because people are made slaves for their political survival. Not a single pledge is fulfilled yet today even after rascals in power. Since last 12 months but people have no chance to question, fear mongering is placwd above in the society😉😉😉😉😉😉😉😉😉😉😉

      • 4
        0

        Dear LM
        Very true; anyone I converse with in SL are afraid to to be open in their sentiments. Because of the apparent threat. Its so sad to stifle peoples passion. Those pledges as you know are sketched in running water . Say no more about it.
        The sad thing is these , a few of these leaders are capable of doing things to up lift the people who wanted change and prosperity. of the nation. Logic fails me why it not been done. What is holding them? Is it fear the of the unknown.
        ” You can fool some people all the time and some people some of the time , but you can not fool all the people all time”
        Am I a dreamer “. I am a dreamer …” remember the song?
        Country needs very badly development so that there is employment and growth in the hard hit exchequer’s purse One might say I am day dreaming again

        Keep up the good work leelagemalli. Not many of us are left in this cruel world 🤣🤣🤣🤣 . No , No its not the world but the people

        • 3
          0

          My Dear Ratnam Nadaraj,
          .
          I have not lived there down for decades. But I remain yet today being that close to srilanken culture for one good reason – that is srilanka remains our mother land for all of srilankens. Anyways for some time now, I feel…
          The following would not be a match with our people (looking at the manner recent political leaps of Muslim MPs, not necessarily valid only to sinhalaya).

          “” You can fool some people all the time and some people some of the time , but you can not fool all the people all time””
          .
          If you would please check it back, they have repeated their stupid nature on and on.
          :
          I ll bet you – if you would please find any single country, whose majority of voters behaved like our sinhala modayas within last 5 years. Even – so called world s poorest people – Etihopians are overtaking us today. Adisabeba is equipped with chinese built “tram rail services” but srilankens have kicked back the metro system offered on cheaper interest loans by JICA….. but not many would have the guts to go on protests today.. how come ?

        • 1
          0

          RN,
          .
          That is why I repeat, I love my country (landscape wise) but I dont respect our people whose stupidities paved way criminals be represenatives of the nation.

          At the time, TSUNAMI hit the island s coastal belts, if GOTLER or MAHINDA RAJAKASHE were the leaders, nothing like that SIZE of COLLOSSAL sums would have flown srilanka… but thanks to CBK and RW only developed world supported our country.
          This is not clear to the RICE eating PIGs who are majority of our island…..let alone today, they should see it right.
          :
          But as one who travells around the globe (currently though caught up with COVID restrictions), I think if people would realize it only, we could elect good leaders. Even in the US – 70 millions of voters are PRO-TRUMP.

          US Statistics

          Turnout statistics
          Election Voting eligible population (VEP) % Turnout of VEP
          2008 229,945,000 57.1%
          2012 235,248,000 54.9%
          2016 230,931,921 59.2%
          2020 239,247,182 66.4% – 72.1%

  • 6
    2

    The abuse of power has started by the President to appoint his yes men Relations and Famil embers They bought over 8 Mps and got the two-third Majority to win 20th Amendment Now Basil will be in the range of Finance and will buy over the entre island It is time to listen to speeches by President lect, and VP elect of USA Things are going to be difficult for S Lanka due to their attitude towards Democracy Unless they together attitude the life of the people will be difficult Joe Baiden specifically said that there are no discrimination of residents of USA Kamla Harris whose DNA has kinks with Thulsiuram Village in Tamil Nadu gave a more realistic message to the Americans Let Sri Lank learn a lesson Dictatorial rue of Donald Trump is ver, and new America will rise It is the reverse in Sri Lanka where Mahinda dynasty through corruption was crazy to get the third Majority to kill Democracy

    • 5
      0

      Dear Mr Kuvi, where had you all along been ? Hope you are keeping well. Thanks for coming back to comment sessions. Please stay safe !

  • 1
    0

    The Table referred to in the Text has been omitted in this column.

    @Prof. David, it was a mistake, just added. Sorry about that. – CT

  • 5
    9

    I say David you are critisizing this government from day one.
    have you got any alternative to Gota?

    [edited out]

    • 3
      0

      Why not😉😉😉😉😉😉😉????

  • 4
    0

    What had he achieved for the benefit of the masses during last 12 months??????????😉😉😉😉😉😉😶😉😶

  • 5
    0

    As correctly pointed out, democracy has not been truly representative for many decades (ie representative democracy) where the will of the people is exercised through the ballot and policies accordingly. On the contrary, the popular vote is only valid until a parasite gets a parliamentary seat, after which it is largely his own expectations, desires and thoughts. None of the members of parliament almost ever says “this is what my electorate has asked of me to do” in specific terms. A One-man show cannot change that, as the parasites that surround even a well-meaning dictator will only enable their own interests to be fulfilled via the One-man showman. This is more so when a family is involved.

  • 2
    1

    Eagle Eye,
    .
    PART A

    .
    I quote you again:
    .
    This is what you have stated above:
    .
    I told you this before and I am telling you again. Why the hell you want to know who I am? Does that make any difference to understand what I write?
    .
    This is what you stated on the 2nd of November, just a week ago:
    .
    https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/why-the-world-is-counting-on-a-biden-victory/
    .
    “Sinhala_Man,
    Tamils want to create Tamil enclaves. Muslims want to create Muslim enclaves. Dumb Sinhalayo want to change boundaries to be fair to minorities.”

    .
    My then response was adequate. I had presented you with maps of this area that I know well. You have not challenged the authenticity of any of that. Re-phrasing it, what I said then, the entire process of what we are here doing is to ensure that we live peacefully and happily as long as Nature will allow us to. For that purpose, we democratically elect trustworthy and intelligent human beings to represent us.

    • 1
      0

      PART B

      What you have said implies that what we say must always depend on whether we identify as Tamils, Muslims, or Sinhalese. No, we have to be objective, and agree on what is fair.
      .
      My words have riled you, although before this many readers have addressed you as H.L.D. Mahindapala who has written much, elsewhere, and here on Colombo Telegraph.
      .
      https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/author/mahindapala/
      .
      They have said many nasty things about you, sometimes using intemperate language. You did not mind any of that. In fact you probably smiled to yourself since you had succeeded in misleading them. Somebody once said that you were this other man:
      .
      https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/author/chandred/
      .
      I can’t remember how you responded to that. It is possible that you are that guy, but would he have the time to turn out all the rubbish that you do? You have now acknowledged that whether you are trusted or not needn’t matter to me (or to anybody else). Why write at all then? Clearly you want to mislead people as much as possible.

      • 1
        0

        He never responded to any of our questions? So knowing that he behaves like a pathological racist, why u have to make effort further? Is it not like talking to a deaf ? I am very sorry to say u ve been wasting ur precious time which u could use for bringing us more of ur experience for example about misconduct in schools in UVA province. Or there are lot more good topics which many would nt even talk.😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎

    • 2
      0

      PART C
      .
      To me it is clear that somebody employs you to write all that you do. It matters to all who dwell on this island, or who are concerned about its welfare because you cause dissension. There are many racists in this land, but most of them believe that they are doing something in the interests of their community. What you say implies that like Iago in Othello you just rejoice in doing evil. You have aptly named yourself.
      .
      There are many others who write pseudonymously. They may have their own reasons for doing so. Few readers will have a problem with you if you are consistent and constructive.
      *
      *
      A random search for Iago’s character gave this
      *
      https://www.researchgate.net/publication/303407253_IAGO_AS_THE_EMBODIMENT_OF_EVIL
      *
      “Iago has the ability to turn man’s inner nature against itself, to extrapolate the bad and eradicate the good. Iago is a man without an “active conscience;” he has no capability for guilt or remorse for his actions. He has no better nature; his evil extends all the way to his very core. He takes pleasure in manipulating others so that they will harm one another. . . .
      *
      Panini Edirisinhe (Sinhala_Man)

      • 2
        1

        Sinhala_Man,
        You give a stupid answer to my question.
        You do not need to know who I am. If you do not agree with what I write, you are free to give your view. That is how dialogues take place, not by digging into unnecessary things such as whether I am Mahindapala. It does not matter to me whether you are Panini Edirisinghe or Muttusamy or Marikkar or Kundumani.

        • 3
          1

          Eagle Eye,
          .
          We all need to know who you are.. there is no doubt about that… you attacked fellow TAMILs and MUSLIMs as no others would do.. your rhetorics are even more racial than that of those Hitler supporters in 40ties.

          You dont answer to our questions.- but for some reasons, CT allows your posts repeatedly filled with racial remarks on tamils and muslims.
          :
          You only hang on with your kind of hateful remarks being repeated on TAMIL and MUSLIM srialnkens. U never recoganize them as srilankens.
          :
          There have been enough contents packed in your COMMENT led to hatreds. We the sinhalayas are no such racial as you have been upto. For some pathological reasons, you may have faced your kind of setbacks in your life, but it is no right to continue your kind of hatreds pleasing your RIGHT WING supporters in our motherland.
          :
          Many like me – being unabiased to any parties have added their thoughts. Most of them are anti-Rajakshe politics. However, we would not promote RACISM as you guys have been upto.
          :
          I am not in your age, but I am telling you you guys (EAGLE EYE AND LIKEMINDED) as SENIORs lived decades but having done not even the little regarding PERMAMENT PEACE and HARMONY for the nation.

  • 2
    0

    Dear LM
    I aapreciate your sentiment about the country and the countrymen .
    Give you another anecdote:
    When I was a visiting lecturer at the University of West Indies (UWI) St. Austine campus , way back in the mid 80s., one of the undergraduate in Mechanical enigineering asked me ” Sir , is that right that the main export of SriLanka is brains?.
    I said “May be so in the past, but sadly not anymore” end of quote
    All we have is educated and intellegent modayas.This is a contradiction in terms , one may argue. But this is the naked fact as I conceive to be .

    • 1
      0

      My Dear RN, You sound to be very interesting.. Thanks for your unbiased thoughts.
      .
      I have been living in europe for decades. But I have not lost my close ties to the country. ; we keep travelling back home 1-3 a year even if COVID barriers would nt have been the case.

      I have been working with many nationatlities : So I know lots culture. I got to know lots of african academics in Europe. Some of them are like my own brothers and sisters. Most of them talk only good about srilanken teachers. My nigerian friend knew a to z about srilanka. They had a greater respect on our BA/BSc gradudates. Some went on saying that their teachers were only from SL…. can you imagine ? Those teachers to that time (70ties and 80ties) earned greater respect in african countries. That is why them to have added like ” we export brains”. Today, it has turned out to be ” upside down today- they only export ” unskilled house maids and other workers ” to Italy, Middle East , Korea and Japan. Anyone with some sanity would easily get it,..that all is changed since 1978. Not because of UNP but the manner SLFP led UPFA governed the country.

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