Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe who has from time to time lambasted the media since coming to power, once again took on the media on Saturday, warning certain media organizations against playing with his government, and also threatening to reveal names of certain journalists who were benefited financially during the previous government.
Ranil with journalists | File photo
Speaking at an event held in Kandy on Saturday, Wickremesinghe said that certain print media organizations were conspiring against the current government because they (journalists) too have been hit since the change of governments.
“Some of the rogues are trying to overthrow the government, and this includes print media journalists who are conspiring against the government. Over the next few days, I will reveal names of these journalists who were benefited from the previous government. These journalists ate with them and even took money,” Wickremesinghe said.
Wickremesinghe also criticized two leading English language newspapers in the country, the Daily Mirror and the Financial Times. “The Daily Mirror is telling us to remove Mangala Samaraweera as Foreign Minister. Sometime back, even the Daily Mirror editor said I should quit. I think she is the one who should go, if not we must see what we can do about it,” he said.
Wickremesinghe also criticized the Financial Times saying it too was playing a part in conspiring against the Government. “If rogues are trying to topple the government then we are ready to take on them,” the Prime Minister declared.
“Do not play with this government, we came to power with a mandate from the people, if they tell us to leave in five years, then we will, but we won’t go just because rogues wants us to leave,” Wickremesinghe added.
justice / July 24, 2016
There were many journalists who received free Lap Tops from the previous government.
Is Ranil referring to some of them?
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Nuwan / July 24, 2016
Is that so? Funny…If you were a journalist, one thing you must not receive from a government is an electronic device. Bugs are everywhere!!!
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Emanuel Perumal / July 25, 2016
The thief of Common Candidate who was living the whole day like a fool during MR1 is now afraid that a new Sobita is bound to arise to take the stupid brainwashed island out into a new rut called MR3.
one people one nation North Korea image in the image of him and his cohorts.- yahapalanaya.
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Sam Fernando / July 24, 2016
Lanken Journos are caught by Mafia. No doubt about that. Even if the press freedom is there, they dont use that to pass the truths to the gulliable people.
This has gone over the years. Even if the regime is changed, but they the press still work for previous agendas.
So, now they themselves HAVE to come out of the mafia considering their contribution in nations building. Journalists should have the free hand to react, but respecting countries ethics and morals guidelines.
In a country third force is believed to be the press. So long the press men have been under threats, nothing can work truths to outreach the masses. Masses that are the vulnerable targets of the most abusive politicians. Those masses are the prey of those poltiicians.
Today, Joint Oppo is becoming so, just because the journos stay deaf- allowing them to add their thoughts that way.
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Justice & Fairplay / July 24, 2016
“In a country third force is believed to be the press…………”
Yes indeed Sam Fernando you are correct, provided the Press did compose of educated men of the likes of Tarzie Vittachi, Rienzie Peiris, D.B. Dhanapala et al.
Compare them with the lot we’ve now got and then you will see that Ranil’s attitude is understandable. The present lot in the press can be as corrupt as the politicians who made them so and they do not want a clean government.
The truth is often the casualty as a result, but Ranil can help things by insisting that one by one, the perpetrators of crime are brought to book, be they politicians or pressmen.
Is he doing that? I just wonder….
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halifax / July 25, 2016
They write and that can be easily verified.
But when the unelected are appointed as MP’s in his pen then even the CJ says it’s irrelevant. Ranil’s backhander.
When bond scam goes bonkers Ranil proposes dodgers to run the scam.
Rainl is as sick as Mara, CBK and Sira.
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Amarasiri / July 24, 2016
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe,
RE:‘Don’t Play With Us’ – Ranil Tells Media As He Threatens To Reveal Names Of Rogue Journalists
“Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe who has from time to time lambasted the media since coming to power, once again took on the media on Saturday, warning certain media organizations against playing with his government, and also threatening to reveal names of certain journalists who were benefited financially during the previous government.”
Please DO reveal the Rogue Journalists and Rogue Politicians as well.
We the People want to know.
We also want to know why the crooks and criminals are still at large.
We the People also want to know as to what happened to the Billions stolen by the MaRa MaRa Chatu MaRa Amana MaRa and his Cronies.
We the People also also want to know how much of this stolen billions were given to the Rogue Journalists BESIDES the Laptops and other perks.
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Pete Pan / July 24, 2016
Amarasiri;
I agree with you that Ranil has to reveal the names of those Journalists, if he really sincerely believes in democracy and the impartial role that the journalists must play in a democratic society. The irony is; Ranil is not a sincere, democratic leader or simply put he is not even a “genuine leader”. He is a great schemer that is all!!!. He has used one of the tools in his bag of tricks, that is “intimidation.” Therefore, do not place much faith on any politician in Sri Lanka; the products of Houses of Corruption to practice any accepted democratic norms and standards.
These buggers; Ranil, Mahinda and their cronies are guided and driven by the principle of ” End justifies the means”. The journalists are not exception to this rule.
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Don juan / July 24, 2016
Amarasiri will keep shouting and screaming till the yankee Dollar bank runs dry.
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Dragos / July 25, 2016
The tribal tip cut amere tribe??
He is pygmy eunuch stuck onto CT like glue with goo – every thread day in day out 24 hours 366 days. his weakness woman.
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Antany Peter / July 24, 2016
I don’t think that a media can topple the government by asking Mangala to find a suitable position within the current government. PM is playing the same game of the preachers who preach democracy, but occupy others’ homelands.
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Mallaiyuran / July 24, 2016
Don’t you think by writing some rubbish like anti-Australian propaganda you want to bring down the entire world? Isn’t that what you tell in you writing. Isn’t by your writing Chitanta Old Royals hired you and send you to Australia and New Zealand? You can just answer Yes or No. Don’t worry for details. Isn’t for your writing made Australia to deport you? Do you write for Just fun? Don’t you write to some real action? If Panaadaies like you can cause such amount of havoc, what you think if a real writer in media thinks to damage how much he will be capable of doing it.
Do you know Anna started with “Purama Mathankal” like simple criticisms and sent the most powerful Congress Leader, Kamaraj Home?
Why Snowdown is asking America to let him go back in? He is still thinking with what he has he can create real trouble in America. Further Russia, if see one as a traitor, it always look at Snowdon like people with a suspicion.
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Antany Peter / July 25, 2016
Fool get your facts right. You write nonsense. I wasn’t deported from Australia; and nobody sent me to Australia.
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Mallaiyuran / July 26, 2016
Come on man, if that weren’t Australia it is really sad. No other country follow Australia like tough immigration laws. If you were deported by Australia that is understandable. If tell it is New Zealand, man that is pathetic. Didn’t you write one time that Australia, New Zealand and Canada deported you?
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Richard / July 25, 2016
Ranil has a habit of threatening but never actually following it through. This is the same when he threatened Maharaja group, Rajapakses and ministers and MPs of nefarious activities. If he is not divulging the corruption then he may be condoning it.
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Bagehot / July 24, 2016
Ironically, the Daily Mirror and the Financial Times are owned by Ranil’s own family. It is either a master plan by the man, or a sign of how much media freedom there really is in Sri Lanka now. Meanwhile, the idiotic journalists continue to feed us the most meaningless of news, whilst their stupid NGOs continue to vote down media freedom in the country (even though it has now reached the point of the freedom of the wild ass).
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L.G.B.T. Perera / July 24, 2016
The cancer that infected the country and its governance did not spare the
media, either. Blackmail journalism, that began in the early 1990s,
continues to survive although the main offenders are no more.
L.G.B.T. Perera
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Jurisprudence / July 24, 2016
If Ranil has incontrovertible information and evidence about journalists accepting bribes and trying to “overthrow the government” why is he waiting “for the next few days” to “reveal the names”?
Editors are entitled to their opinions and if they are guilty of libel, defamation, or other legal lapses, surely there are laws to prosecute them?
The media should be free to report and express their views if they are within the legal boundaries – if not use the laws to curb their excesses.
Ranil should rein in his arrogance and be more of a statesman. The photo says it all!
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mike / July 25, 2016
Jurisprudence
“The photo says it all!”
Ranilpassa and Rajapassa are from the same school of thought !
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thrishu / July 24, 2016
RW should also look closely at those former MR devotees that now operate in his shadow, pretending to be friends, but in effect working for MR still and feeding negative information from the government side directly to crooked journalists. In the photo, there is one right next to him, grinning.
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ruwan Semasinghe / July 24, 2016
Onother gimmick from this most unpopular prime minister the country has ever seen.
The FT, Daily mirror, Lankadeepa, Sunday times will never betray Ranil. These newspapers are owned by Ranil’s closest relatives. I am yet to read an opinion, commentary or editorial criticising this government. Daily mirrors still continues its vicious campain agaist the leaders of the previous regime, but notably inconspicuous about the plethora of stark corruptdealings and fronds under our very nose.
Hs Daily mirror, sunday times or FT ever tried to expose the three bond scandals at central bank.
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Bond / July 25, 2016
[Edited out] Please write instead of posting links – CT
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Gune / July 24, 2016
Don’t threaten Sir. Reveal the names.
Even in ARujuna M’s case you said you will reveal the names of the mole inside your Gov and the media and opposition members who were conspiring to stain Arujuna M’s name. In SL threats don’t work real action hurts!!!! So do it !
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Anura / July 24, 2016
It’s true and a real fact. Really the media is biased, the recent freedom they got is really misused to a great extent as I too follow the news. Looking at their news reports one feels so far government has done nothing to the country. It’s pathetic our media and media practicianers go down to such low level. I guess they like the MR & Gota white vans and thugs than to good true freedom.
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Shrikharan / July 24, 2016
There is some truth in his admonishment. Journalist also must have their code of ethics and not to spread lies and rumours. They should not publish personal matters. The journalist should substantiate what they tell. In many times the lies are not countered as their victims do have the time or means to counter such lies published. If the journalist can substantiate their story then they are perfectly ok.
Certainly Yahalpalanaya Government did not live up to its expectations. Many things the present Government criticized Rajapakse Government during the election campaign but still seem to continue the same practice they criticized. There are close relatives of powerful ministers of the present Government appointed to high posts merely because of the relationship but not because they were the most suitable applicant. People would have no problem with close relatives had if they were qualified and suitable for the job. These relatives too have rights and I do not dispute it, but they should not be selected only for the criteria for being a relative.
There are also other issues too when this Government had broken their promise to the people. They are not bold to act for what is right and show hesitance when it comes to implicate and punish the people of the former Government for their wrongs which they openly practiced thinking they will be always in power.
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Mallaiyuran / July 24, 2016
This is the Yahapalanaya Goverment!
Is that something unknown secret that all who supported got laptop and interest free loans. But did the Yahapalanaya government collected those loans?
Remember he threatened he may investigate how Kathirgamar was murdered? And then Kathirgamar’s family also wanted a genuine investigation. What happened? Yahapalanaya even shut the their mouth too. New King said he has file on Old King. May I know where the files now? When Ranil Mahata went to Old Kings’ house for dinner took them and handed back to Old King?
What a Drama! Criminal threatening each other with their crimes and protecting each other.This how the Yahapalanaya and Chitanda Appe Andu governments are swirling more and more deep into cut throat crimes. .
Now time for me to issue a threat. Don’t play with me! I may release the name of the rogue person who is saving all kind of criminals in this island. He is one fool the people he will set up just and fair government in the August 2015 election. He is one even fooled the people he will get China out of Port City. Now every week spending government’s money and visiting china. Al most all minister have travelled two …three times to China.
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punchinilame / July 24, 2016
Does it not sound that MS/RW are using similar tactics of MR – holding “Files” in a different way – pending Cases/Investigations on “hold” – to use as and
political needs dictate, with the loft claim that they do not interfere in Law
& Order!
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Jay / July 24, 2016
The only qualification majority of journalists have is -OPU2PAL + UF ( O’Level pass, unable to pass A’Level combined with unlimited frustration!
Don not take them or the nonsense they write, seriously.
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K.A Sumanasekera / July 24, 2016
Yahapalana PM, Batalanada Ranil has “cracked it” big time, this time..
He has gone ape shit at Daily Mirror which is an all time darling of the Colombo Elite and the Anglicans. I must admit I also learned a little English by reading the DM, back to front.
Batalanada going after that young gun Chatura Alwis is understandable.
He is a kid, although as lethal as any snipers in the old school media scrum in Colombo.
Ranil is pissed off mainly because DM demanded that his pretty boy FM go.,
He is not happy about the FT because they are party poopers when it comes to Yahapalana Economics Celebrations.
And guess what.
Batalanada is going to disclose who has taken what among these journos and “name and shame” them..
Wonder why Btalanada didn’t threaten them with his F*****CID?.
I mean if they have been on the take, it is not only against ethics but immoral ,, right..
But if they have taken any from Rajapakasas it is criminal, and the Yahapalana Colombo Magistrates will remand them on the spot.
Is Batalanada scared to use his bogey man here, when his boss Bodhisira reckons even his senior Ministers wee in their pants whenever F*****CID is mentioned.
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Ranbandu / July 24, 2016
There is no difference between this PM and the former president MR. MR threatened various individuals claiming that he carries secret files about them and now Ranil is threating media with a similar claims. If he has the names , people have the right to know. Dear friend Ranil, just don’t be bogey man just go ahead and reveal the names. Sick of your childish tactics.
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harry hatton / July 24, 2016
Arjun Mahendran ? Air lanka ? Coal power ? let us deal with the rogues !
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Peter Pan / July 24, 2016
There is no one to deal with the rogues you have identified in Sri Lanka. That is the dilemma right now.
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Patriot / July 24, 2016
These are signs of a desperate man. This is what happens when the tide builds against them. When anybody and everybody is a Rajapaksa stooge the worry hits home and it is evident. If Ranil has even a pea sized brain he will form a UNP government now and will tell Sira to decide where he wants to stand. Trying to hijack the SLFP has badly misfired.
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Antany Peter / July 24, 2016
This is one of the characteristics of good governance.
“Do not play with the government, they came to power with a mandate from the West and India, if the West and India tell them to leave, then they will, but they won’t go just because people want them to leave,”
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe is following the Western democracy. The West preach to others about good democracy, but in reality it does entirely the opposite. If the West walks the talk, why Snowden had to hide in Russia? Why impossible for me to get a human rights lawyer to fight my case when the Australian government deleted my citizenship due to my writings?
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Emanuel Perumal / July 27, 2016
“”Why impossible for me to get a human rights lawyer to fight my case when the Australian government deleted my citizenship due to my writings? “”
Ha ha, No `pin padde` legal aid in your sinhalaya stolen island??
thiransanno.
no human rights lawyers for orangutans try Mugabe your godfather
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sr / July 24, 2016
Why should you wait another 2 or 3 days?
Do it now.
Hon. PM our people are democratic and no hurry to topple you, don’t be afraid.
Don’t forget your election manifesto.
Good luck.
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Nuwan / July 24, 2016
Oh the media freedom…freedom of expression…tolerance…where are they?
It looks like a derivative of Talibanism is sweeping the Island. I don’t like you therefore…Look what happened at the Jaffna University.
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shankar / July 24, 2016
he better take legitimate criticisms on board and do something to rectify the governments shortcomings.How many times does he want to lose elections the born loser.NOw substantial votes are going to be lost at the next LG elections.
Consider criticism as a friend and praise as an enemy.That is a principle i always use since a muslim gem businessman said that to me in 1995.Works for me.Why shoudn’t it for ranil.If he does well then there will be nothing to criticise even if the media searches and searches to criticise.So his objective should be to make it difficult for them to criticise by not having anything to criticise,not to threaten them and make the same mistake as the former raja who thought everything was hickory dock because there was no criticism little realising the media blockade was the pit that he dug for himself.
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Plato. / July 24, 2016
Facts are sacred,but comment is free is the classical Journalistic tradition.The grouse of the PM,though, is that some media men are manipulating the facts and their comments are reckless!
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KA Sumanasekera / July 24, 2016
Besides his warnings and threats to name and shame the Journalists, Batalanada Ranil also threatened the JO that he will mobilise the masses to front up the PadaYatra parade, and take the fight up to them..
Unlike the threats to the Journos , this is serious.
When Batalanada came to South to celebrate the Yahapalanan Independence with the Tamil rendition of the Mahavamsa Anthem, Bodhi Sira had to bus in people from Pollonnaruwa,
To boost up the numbers from Badulla whom Ammta Digital Harin sent from the Estates.
Will the masses whom Batalanada planning to mobilize and bring on to Kadugannawa be the same Rent a Crowd?.
Or. is Batalanda going to get the Elite, Anglicans and the Yahaplana suckers to confront the Pada Yatra?.
Because as I understand these Pada Yatra are hard core and battle hardened Blue shirts and the real Red Shirts, unlike the ones whom Batalanda bought with that 25 Lakhs Yahapalana LKR.
Now, can the Elite and the Anglicans walk along these Pada Yatra confronting them and taking the fight up to them?.
Or Has Batalanada got other plans like creating a commotion and get the UNP Police to confront the Padayatra ,just the way he did to the Uni students who were on a Pada Yatra to greet Kandy Kirra.
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Ranjan Fernando / July 24, 2016
If he has incriminating evidence against journalists, in a civilised nation there are legal mechanisms to expose and punish them. There is no need for a prime minister to threaten anyone, thereby lowering his own standards.
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MUDSON SILVA / July 24, 2016
Well Done PM!! You should have done this long time back anyway its not too late. Killi Mahendran should also be given a strict warning along with Hiru and Derana media coolies. Be tough with the media PM the 6.3 million is with yahapalanaya.
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Ranbandu / July 24, 2016
Are you kidding man. You seem to approve PM’s tactics. There may be journalists well oiled by the former strongman. Every successive government since 1953 has oiled their mouth pieces and twisted the real facts. Ranil is no different, may be some journalists would like to promote MR but it is their freedom. Why should they promote Ranil only. Citizens of Sri Lanka are not naïve any longer they understand both Ranil and Mahinda are bogeymen.
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kumaran / July 24, 2016
Media has their favourites. In the United States, the Liberal Democratic party is more favourable because of their liberal and “generous” governance (which has led to a USD 19 TRILLION debt!) as against the Republicans who are more realistic. If one follows the CNN news, that is clear. But no one cares. RW is as always arrogant and does not endear to the ordinary people. Just be patient.
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truth finder / July 24, 2016
My dear Ranil Aiya
we all know the media is corrupt, they earned during the Last regime, However some gain during this regime too! If the govt advertising is in one newspaper more than in another, there is corruption! OK let’s say it is relative for arguments sake! But corruption is Corruption! Does Daily News say anything against the government? If not it is corruption!! Don’t point fingers at others!! You are part of the equation!! You have heard in your collegie that power corrupts? Be conscious of the power you have, make people accountable for wrong thing s they have done without threats!!
How can you blackmail people by threatening them? If you have evidence expose them and get them behind bars!!! If not we understand that you know of a corrupt deal but not willing to expose which makes you a passize
perpetrator! Stop your manipulation of the system to hide crooks! You too are then corrupt
L?
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Douglas / July 24, 2016
Mr. Prime Minister: Your remark: “Don’t Play With Us”. Why are you getting agitated and restless? If you play the Game (Governing) well and truly to the highest degree of honesty and integrity the Media too will “Play the Game” along with you. Then there will not be any necessity to raise your finger in a warning style (as shown in the picture); but in contrast you will enjoy their company. In the picture there is one person very closely standing next you having having a hearty laugh along with some others in your company – please make a note of them and BEWARE. Please remember MR too had this type of ENTOURAGE and you know what “Evil Spell” that fell on him. I remind you of that “environment”; because in my opinion you too are falling a PREY to these vultures hovering around you.
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Piranha / July 25, 2016
Ranil is right, some of these so called journalists benefitted from the crook Rajapaksa and are still repaying for his favours to them. These people must be exposed before they further destabilise the government with their lies.
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KA Sumanasekera / July 25, 2016
Batalanada’s speech in Kandy to motivate the Elite , Anglicans and and the Yahapalana suckers to join the UNP Pada Yattra was fascinating.
He says he is like King Wessantara, he wants to give everything to the masses.
How cool.
I know He has give masses the VAT .
May be he is also referring to his mate who is now in Singapore and his Son in Law and the extended family…
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sumane / July 25, 2016
Really speaking our journalists needs a jab like this. Since of late we hear and see some so called journos asking stupid, just politically rousing questions from everyone. They would ask MR ” this minister says this, what do you think of that ? At times MR is annoyed at these useless questions asked by inexperienced news paper Charlies.Ranil says he will bring 50 flights per day to Mattala, ask him from where, going where, he says 10 lacks jobs ask how what exactly is the mechanism,He says various invalid,baseless things, like by November he will sign ECTA with India,MY3 says we will study is further and take a decision, ask on these things not just sub standard topics,Did you save Wimal from being arrested ? Did he call you ? Why did you appoint a aimless,non focused minister to a key portfolio such as Tourism ? Don’t waste time by asking to their choice but find answers to the public.
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Piyadasa Yalagala / July 25, 2016
When UNP being to power current leader that setup Old policies that all Media come under the “Sirikota” Judiciary.
The UNP capitalism operated by USA, UK and Indian outfits in Colombo. That UNP depend capitalism would simply produce a different set of persons to satisfy a different pattern of tastes of USA, UK and Indian political classes and their vested interest to be occupy our land, soli and people by as past as 1987 Indo-Sri lanka accord of UNP-JRJ -which political vision of surrender National sovereignty to foreign powers.
In fact that “democracy” of UNP capitalism generates great Inequality among Ethic, Religious of millions of people’s Income and wealth. Finding those opportunities in neo-con. liberalism of Ranil W…where one can make a lot of money is what drives capitalism’s of UNP’s
so-called efficiency. But some find them, some do not.
What is that UNP call “good governance” & “rule of law” driving others out of market system of Neo-can liberalism and forcing their income to Zero.
Indeed conquering their earning opportunities is what UNP said competition is all about.
Once few UNP butchers is acquired an opportunities to make more money by multiply ,since 2015 January 9th that are NOT OPEN to those Without Wealth.
While the UNP probably have been period of 19 moths ,since 2015 January 9th which the political, economic and social inequalities rose fast then past 9 years of MR ruling alliances, since Ranil W…emerged helm of state power by the backdoor of “democracy”.
Until now the UNP policy makers are NOT that cares of -democracy norms-, they are act on deprived the “freedom of pressed” is unmeasured and unknown or at least we want to be debatable.
UNP -Ranil W..led of USA has that >change of regime< by sharply rising inequality and poverty as a result the simultaneous existence of the two different power system'; One cater for USA, UK and Indian has never been tested during last 19 months. Other suppressed living standard of People time when rapidly rising economic and social inequalities were widely known to the public ;by and large that UNP Government is determined to do nothing about people.
The Media Freedom of UNP Ranil W… MS and CBK join hand of power mongers test is now under way!
The current UNP media policies are in tragedy of democracy.
The Dark days of ugly democracy of the anti-press freedom been that arise an emerges an Island. As the gap between Top leaders of UNP's riches and bottom masses widens and middle forces shrinks.
The current UNP -Ranil W.. MS and CBK regime of anti-democratic ruling powers going to have severe problems dealing with Freedom of Press with that unequal political-economic-social structure left by democratic society.
The Freedom of expression fatly disappear from Daily News papers, magazines, TV News Programmed are confined to only Govt. sided propagandas, political debates are only who support of New Rule of anti-sovereignty and democracy of developing sustainability of Capitalism.
The visionless leader of UNP-Ranil w…has to know that if there is One Rule on global capitalism, it is that No country can run a large Trade deficit forever.
To flourish democratic society need a political vision of something better for the masses of people. By UNP Neo-con liberalism of that definition of utopias cannot builds new nation after defeated Tamil LTTE terrorist in 2009 May 19th; but they provide by MR alliance elements that can be builds into current situation, less than perfect capitalism system to allow them to adapt to new conditions and circumstances of sustainability of sovereignty of the our country..
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