Minister of Finance and Media Mangala Samaraweera said yesterday that the kingpins of the drug business are in Lions Clubs, Rotary Clubs and ‘Buddhist Organizations’ yesterday (14th).
Samaraweera made these revelations at a media conference where he expressed opposition to the death penalty, a subject that has once again aroused interest following President Maithripala Sirisena stating that it should be implemented against drug offenders.
Mangala Samaraweera
‘I will say one thing, even the big drug dealers who operate from prison are only second level leaders. The big people (drug lords) are in Lions Clubs, Rotary Clubs and in Buddhist Organizations,’ he said.
Speaking on the drug menace Samaraweera said that capital punishment will not help catch the key figures running the business.
‘You can’t lump the addicts and the dealers together. What we need are more rehabilitation center for addicts so that young people who due to various reasons have become addicted can be helped.
‘It is good if the death penalty can help catch the drug lords in a country where in certain cases the police officer is the judge, the jury and the murderer…but I must say that I am against the death penalty even in the case of murders. I think that murderers should be held for life and thereby die every moment.’
Samaraweera opined that the best solution would be to implement the law to the letter. He did not however comment on the fact that the death penalty is part of the law. He acknowledged that he stood with a recent cabinet decision to implement the death penalty despite his personal views: ‘I stand with the podu theeranaya (common decision).’
Samaraweera did not name any particular individual, however.
Representatives of Lions Clubs, Rotary Clubs or Buddhist organizations are yet to respond to Samaraweera’s charges.
Update: Issuing a statement, Mangala Samaraweera on Monday ( 16th) said:
“In response to a question on the restoration of Capital Punishment for drug dealers at a press conference last week, while reiterating my opposition to Capital Punishment, I said that certain individuals connected to the drug trade try to cover their sins by being benefactors of society, holding high positions in various organizations or as philanthropists in religious organizations. Inadvertently, I also mentioned Rotarians and Lions Clubs, which I deeply regret.
“There may be some individuals in society that join various organizations for such reasons. However, I fully recognize and acknowledge that this does not, in any way, diminish the noble charitable work which has been, and continues to be done by these Organizations throughout the country, especially for the poor, needy, destitute and the vulnerable.
“I understand that my comments would have resulted in causing pain of mind to many. To all of them, I express my sincere apologies.”
Nilame / July 16, 2018
He is dead right, as he is most of the times.
Minister Samaraweera was the only politician who spoke his mind, stood for what he thinks is the right thing, no matter what the consequences are. You can disagree with the man but still admire his courage.
the other politician rising rapidly with the same caliber is Minister Fonseka. So much grown up since his 2010 presidential bid. His lost in that election was a blessing in disguise. just look at this.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zf5gxVQ0R4Q
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Flanker / July 16, 2018
Name them if he knows where the kingpins are coming from … why is that half bake information is being ditched out and we praise him… what a load of rubbish.
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Radical Ideas / July 17, 2018
The only guys who escape from DEATH PENALTY are the clans of the GOVIGAMA who have ROBBED the nation, Killed thousand of people with their racial WARS created through the SINHALA ONLY Zionist Agenda, and the Political and Personal murders they committed in full day light…… The GOVIGAMA ELITES will never, ever be condemned for their acts or penalized or Punished…EVER! ……Sirisena is a criminal himself where HE WAS a member of the Mass Murdering and thieving RAJAPAKSES. As a clan member, DO YOU THINK that he or RANIL will ever put their GOVI brethren to hang on the NOOSE????? That’s a BIG JOKE….. Do you ever think that DIVAINA, LANKADEEPA, DERANA, SWARNAWAHINI, HIRU, TNL ever be on the side of the VICTIMS who are tax payers and EXPOSE the crimes in truest form to rescue this country of ours????? Thats a wild imagination…… Because, the GOVI ELITES have everything under their full control. Its the general public that will be hanged for the crimes of being PASSIVE onlookers to the RIOT of the GOVI TERMINATORS who are destroying this beautiful country of ours through a century of years…..
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Sinhala_Man / July 16, 2018
Yes, Mangala, you owe it to the country to tell us what you know. There are collective responsibilities to the cabinet etc – but the situation has become grim.
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Mangala tends to talk straight; one wonders why he cannot be the Yahapalanaya (I know the very word has become joke now) candidate against the unprincipled.
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Let’s take the dilemma by its horns: there’ll be talk of sexual orientation: he’s the one guy of so many who is honest about it. What we most certainly don’t want is paedophilia (to me reform of MMDA fits in there – with me it’s not Islamophobia), or the numerous ways in which women are exploited, at any age.
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Next, there’ll be talk of caste. I hope that my openly stating that it will be used against him will alert “liberals” to the fact that this is the reason why all sorts of other reasons are adduced.
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Mangala, in charge of Finance, has not gone for populism.
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I do remember one horrible speech he made challenging My3’s selection as “Common Candidate”. My3 has now become such a joke that it is easy to forget just how right the choice was at that time. Now, it has to be Mangala or Nagananda Kodituwakku .
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Let us hope that they both have sufficient sense of responsibility to realise that one has to play second fiddle.
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Nilame, I promise to look at the Fonseka YouTube later.
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Radical Ideas / July 17, 2018
The common Sinhala psyche has been so much so, that whenever they get into a mood to open up their verbal barrage on someone or something, they never miss the opprtunity, to pinch at least at a miniscule level against the Tamils, Muslims and Islam. Sinhala man, is bringing up MMDA issue into the subject of punishment of death penalty wherein he is trying put forth an argument that the issue of “underage marriage” should also be considered punishable by death penalty. We must ask him about the PEDOPHILIA which is RAMPANT in BUDDHIST TEMPLES should also be considered to the death penalty like the MMDA issue???? PEDOPHILIA is rampant in the political heirarchy of the worlds govts. Just follow the “PIZZAGATE” and you will come to know the JEWISH ELITES who are running the world has destroyed millions of children in the US and EU and the world over. Thailand, Cambodia, Philippines are the leaders in supplying children to the hippie criminals who travel for sex.
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Sinhala_Man / July 18, 2018
Dear Nilame,
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It was yesterday that I viewed how Sarath Fonseka discussed the treatment of elephants. I was impressed. I can see that once Fonseka is set a task, he sets about it rationally.
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We all have our blind spots. I’ve been so implacably against all armed forces that I had refused to even consider the possibility of there being much good in him. That view of him began to change when I considered the fortitude with which he bore his incarceration.
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The video that you sent me has helped strengthen that positive view of him that I had. Our views get built up in little increments; what you sent has strengthened the feelings that were already there. Thanks.
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Amarasiri / July 16, 2018
Minister of Finance and Media Mangala Samaraweera,
RE: Drug Lords: Mangala Whacks Round The Wicket, Shames But Doesn’t Name
“the kingpins of the drug business are in Lions Clubs, Rotary Clubs and ‘Buddhist Organizations’ yesterday (14th).”
Yes. They are in the temples as well. Go to the Fake Temple of the Tooth in Kandy. One Monk wants Hitler back!
Not only there they are in Parliament as well, or at least their underlings.
Let’s hang them all. If you can’t hang them, give them life imprisonment, but make sure that they do not end up in the Prison Hospital.
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max / July 16, 2018
Yes Nilame. We saw the real Samaraweera to own eyes during the “operation kurundu polu”, sometime back. And went against his own legitimate army and took the side of terrorists.
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nosey parker / July 16, 2018
Name names please , or else it is just baseless loose talk amounting to slander . Remember the US$ 18 Billion , how much of it has been recovered ?
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Eagle Eye / July 16, 2018
Mangala forgot to mention ‘Diyawannawa’.
These guys tell what people already know. People like to hear what measures they are going to take to deal with these kingpins of the drug business. Introducing capital punishment will not affect kingpins. White vans will do the job.
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Eagle Eye / July 16, 2018
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Isharath / July 16, 2018
Mr. Samarawera speaks some sense, hats off. Death sentence looks like hurriedly taken decision like fuel prices case
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Global Independent Activists & Journalists / July 16, 2018
People like Mr. Minister Mangala & ,Bernie Sanders will never be given a place in this world ,they will forever be under attack .
Simply because most people in the world prefer the alternative kinds .
Nevertheless, Politicians ,Rights activists ,Journalists (Esp investigation Journalists) must continue their noble tasks ,rumours ,insults ,lies and especially death threats should not stop them, death is real it comes to each of us in different ways ,if it has to come through a criminal thug ,then it is a degree you can not change ,you need to stand by people who have given up their lives on this ,the criminal and his circle of beloved friends ,their whole family and his whole family will pay through karma while they both will have to watch and not able to do anything about it .
So march bravely Soldiers of truth ,honesty and justice.
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K.Pillai / July 16, 2018
Thanks Mangala Samaraweera for standing outside the circle.
Yes, the person on the street will agree with you that capital punishment will not help catch the key figures running the drug business.
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Song and dance is being made of the ‘success’ of President of Philippines Duterte in his ‘eradication’ of drug menace. Duterte has NOT succeeded. Thousands of people have been brutally killed. But not the kingpins. Duterte inherited a corrupt police from Ferdinand & Imelda Marcos. Duterte must clean up the police first but he cannot.
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Executing a person following a court sentence is premeditated murder. This is as abhorrent as chopping off the hands or feet or blinding or chopping the tongue for some offences. The state has a duty to keep criminals from society but not eliminate them.
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K.A Silva / July 16, 2018
Managala is the person who said, in January 2015, Mahinda Rajapaksha has US$ 19 Billion, Bank deposits in foreign countries. The money MR has robbed from the country.
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Rajeewa Jayaweera / July 16, 2018
Minister Samaraweera
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Why are you mixing up Addicts and Dealers? President Sirisena referred to those repeatedly convicted in dealing in drugs and not using them.
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Your objections to death penalty notwithstanding, what is your solution for keeping these criminals repeatedly convicted for dealing in drugs in jail for life? Who pays for their board, lodging, and security?
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Being an MP and Minister exempt from PAYE on your earnings, you can afford to be charitable. However, the many who pay PAYE on earning and WHT on savings does not share your charitable views. It is easy to be charitable at other people’s expense.
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Ditto for murderers.
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If you oppose the Death Penalty, put all criminals to work, pay them a daily wage and make them pay for their upkeep. That would be a much fairer solution than keeping them locked up at expense of taxpayers..
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You write about “implementing the law to the letter.” If such a thing is possible in the Paradise Isle of ours, start with your 224 colleagues in the Parliament.
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Mudson Amerasinghe / July 16, 2018
Former DIG Prasanna Nanayakkara and former SI Thissa Sugathapala, arrested over Lasantha Wickramatunga murder case, have been released on bail by court a short while ago.
Former Minister Basil Rajapaksa was granted permission by the Colombo High Court today to travel to the US for medical treatment.
He sought court permission to travel abroad by filing two motions in connection with two cases in which he was accused of.
Considering the motion on the GI pipes case, High Court Judge A.A.R. Heiyantuduwa allowed him to travel to the US between August 10 and September 10.
Meanwhile, High Court judge Vikum Alluarachchi allowed him to travel to the US between August 19 and September 19 after considering the motion on the roofing sheet case.
What is DR Ranil doing?????
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whywhy / July 16, 2018
I feel that Wele Suda be made President and and Susei the Peime minister !
There is more democracy in them than the Duo operating from out side the
prison in the name of YAHAPALANAYA .! They are operating successfully
while their hands and legs are shackled , eyes blinded and hearts blackened
with no hope whereas the Yahapalanaya is grappling in the mud shooting
in all directions without any success , eyes wide open and legs flying most
of the time ! What these Yahapalana fellows screaming on a daily basis
without rest is , widespread CORRUPTION everywhere . See the beauty !
From Welikada , the whole of Lanka Matha customer base is covered ! No
shortage , hassle free delivery routes ! Kingpins don’t move but their boys do .
Are they not clever ? Billions lost but the game goes on ! FOR SURE , THEY
ARE NOT ALONE !
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Mallaiyuran / July 16, 2018
World’s greatest liar has curled out another verbal stunt. His object is to save the 8th graders’ cartels. Sooner or later, the bill to legalize the Drug Cartel will come through the Finance Ministry. We do know how the Foreign Exchange Fraud Amnesty Act (2017) is saving the Cartels and the Royals Clubs to bring their drug money back into country legally.
1. A war Crime Accused is the EP of the Country.
2. The Batalanda crime accused is the Prime Minister of the country.
3. Another 40 War Crime accuseds are in Ministries, Embassies in the main opposition and in Police & Military leaderships.
4. Many others are directly accused of murders “in and out of their houses”.
This new game of death penalty was invented by the leader of the dead party called SLFP only because the UNP could not hide its only elected Tamil Minister said “Pirapaharan only can bring justice to mass”. In all other cases justice (impunity) is brought to the ruling criminals.
Container loads of drug shipments are cleared by EPs and PMs of the country. They are still ruling and their next generations are promoted to rule because of their crime of they bring drug into the land. These people are still outside and operating the same drug cartels. But those who ended in prison are those who slipped, probably by not sharing the earning of the cartels in expected way by the rulers who decide the death Penalty.
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Raj / July 16, 2018
Minister Samaraweera, is probably one of the very few politicians with some integrity, compared to his other elite & ‘educated’ colleagues in the current cabinet, such as, Ravi K & Sujeeva Senasingha. In that sense, Mangala stands out & I applaud his courage to speak his own opinion, instead of going with the flow for cheap popularity or being a mouth piece for party populism. However, his decision, in his own words to go ”…….with the podu theeranaya …”, against his own convictions, shows he is lacking in principals to stand up for what he believes in. Maybe he wants to be a team player but this is not a game & standing up for one’s convictions, against all odds, as the case maybe, is expected in cases of national importance.
As for his comments on drug kingpins belonging to respected charitable organisations, which maybe true, but did he mention that all these criminals have one common factor, & that is, political patronage of some sort? The Mafia gave generously to the church & there are criminal ‘godfathers’ but despite memberships of International charities being bestowed only on those with some honourable standing in society, undoubtedly these charities, too, may have benefited from ill gotten wealth but that does not mean all civic minded members of these charitable organisations are associated with criminals & for that reason, any ‘undesirable’ member would be quickly denounced. Of course, the Buddhist organisations maybe another story.
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Sinhala_Man / July 18, 2018
Dear Raj,
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My respect for Mangala grows. This note is just to say that I don’t think he has reneged on principles by deciding to accept for the time being the cabinet decision on the Death Penalty.
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He isn’t anywhere near being the supreme leader. For now he has to go along with the majority decision while stating that his views are different. Your can sacrifice yourself only once – and you’ve got to select the issue carefully – and in this case, although he has our support, the public as a whole will not be with him.
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In such circumstances one has to survive to fight another day. I don’t think him a coward or unprincipled.
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Thappu / July 19, 2018
Sinhala_Man, Mangala Samaraweera treads gingerly and properly, given the circumstances!
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wannihami / July 16, 2018
How about that 18B USD Managala malli said was robbed by the MR, can Mangala recover that first and then we go after the Drug kingpins he knows about. Are we still taking his word seriously?
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Thengai Srinivasan / July 16, 2018
Wanniass
18B USD is in Dubai, Texas , Los Angeles, Seychelles, Ukraine and many more.
Seems you are worried.
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Dharshana W / July 16, 2018
Mangala always barks @ the crowd, but never bites anybody. As I see it, all he wants is to keep the “ball” of current political turmoil gently running around in the turf, so that the “ball” will keep rolling back for the same issues from time-to-time, until the next Presidential election, and it seems that he has yet to figure out his strategic options @ this tollgate event, despite his pundit advisors telling him what he should do.
In summary Mangala S is still lost for a sound strategic solution (Plan A) and is definitely clueless about any Plan B , cometh the next presidential election @ the end of Next year.
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jim softy / July 16, 2018
The government started war on BBS in the pretext of war on drugs, as the government is aware the BBS is funded by drug smuggling. When the BBS comes to power, the cabinet will be responsible for their war BBS
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Douglas / July 16, 2018
This topic of “CRIMES” spreading throughout the country has already reached its volcanic state, even the President, the Government, it’s Cabinet of Ministers and even the International Community have gone virile with reasoning and suggesting solutions to solve it. Joining the “FRAY” are the MEDIA; (both print and electronic) the “CIVIL SOCIETIES” ; the “RELIGIOUS LEADERS”; the “INTELLECTUALS” on different heightened levels of competition to shine in the arena with different “AGENDA” on varying motivations. There is one thing all these ACTIVISTS have chosen to ignore and that is : The FEAR PSYCHOSIS that has already got embedded into the society, in that, even a 71 year old woman has offered “Voluntary Services” to be the “HANGMAN”,( if chosen would be the first “HANGWOMAN”. ) The other day, it was widely reported and discussed how the STF has spoiled the attempted murder of a wife of another criminal living inside the prison and WHO and HOW that plot has been masterminded by another criminal supposed to be operating from overseas. As mentioned above this, environment of “FEAR PSYCHOSIS” along with “THIRST FOR A SOLUTION” has provided the “VULTURES” a virtual hunting ground to “PREY” on the PEOPLE to grab power and even to ASCEND the “Throne”. Added to this “Fertile Ground” of preying has been provided by the “Wigneswaran/Vijayakala Combo” from the North. If you look at this “Environment” and “Situation”, voluntarily and involuntarily created , it is not any more of rocket science level of intelligence to see the imminent DISASTER that awaits Sri Lanka.
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Buddhist / July 16, 2018
Although as usual President Sirisena made the statement that he would hang drug dealers, he never meant to go ahead with it, it was as usual a political platform speech for the consumption of the public only and not for action. However, President still can do some thing that would bring better results. Create a new ministry to stop all smuggling, Drug imports and distribution and other such substances. Hand over the Ministry to Sarath Fonseka with enough powers to investigate, arrest, and file action in courts. This ministry should have enforcement rights with its own force with police powers. All appeals against any lower court decision should be taken up immediately by the higher court (only one chance) and heard on a daily basis and a decision should be given within a period of 3 months. Those who found fault with should be locked up in a high security prison managed by this new Ministry. Will the President at least have the guts to do this, that is if he is not already protecting any top rank drug lords now.
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Jim softy / July 16, 2018
What Mangala Samaraweera saying is right. but, what others say, Even Mangala Samaraweera was a Drug lord at one time. Tody most of the liquor shops, Casinos, brothels, Drug business are owned by politicians or their close assosiates who even get help from Police. Ranil May have selected to support them as they helped him with the election donations. Mahinda Rajapakse even Now associate with Drugs they say. Maithripala Sirisena for some time was signing to parcels comig to embassies to release it without checking and later he gave up.
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Fahim Knight / July 16, 2018
Mr.Mangala ,deeply disappointed about your accusation on Lions International by connecting it with drug peddlers .
I am surprised to note that a person of your knowledge being ignorant of the rigorous screening Lion Members go through before the induction ,
Next to The Fraternity – Freemasons ,which is the strictest in .the world Lions International has the most rigid screening .
Lions international is not like Sri Lanka Political parties ,how come it missed your mind that there could be a greater chance of having such members among your political fraternity ?
I never expected such a irresponsible remark from you Mr Mangala.
I demand an apology on .behalf of the Lions international.
FAHIM
Charter Member/Past President
Lions International
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Sanipa / July 16, 2018
Is that so . There was a time when I had been screening and the opposition to some crap by me met with resistance to others. Talking shop Fahum .
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Sinhala_Man / July 18, 2018
Dear Fahim Knight,
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I think that you should take a broader view of this. It is good that you have made your statement.
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I think that Minister Mangala Samaraweera goes just far enough with his apology. He’s been around for a long time; I’m getting more impressed with now.
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The rest of my comment I shall place on the next page, where more readers will look for new comments.
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Jim softy / July 16, 2018
IT is well known most politicians are associated with the drug trade. There was pistol fights and turf wars among politicians and one got killed. Ranjan Ramanayake said 175 PArliamentarians are associated with Drug trade. Kudu-Dimu and his children, Kudu, Mervyn who has appelled his conviction expecting a gotabhaya presidency which will release him, Ecstasy MErvyn De silva and Son who are in the CIA list for posible appropriate covenents.
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Jim softy / July 16, 2018
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Jim softy / July 16, 2018
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K A Sumanasekera / July 17, 2018
Mahinda Rajaaksa said a Senior Yahaalana Minister’s Golayas have been caught selling “Crack Tablets” near St Thomas Colege Galkisssa.
And Yahapalan Police hasn’t taken any action.
Why didn’t Mr Mangala Samaraweera respond to it, rather than blaming the Lions Club, Rotary Club . Gangaramaya and Bellanwilla Temple.
When I listend to Mangala, he said Civil Organizations.
But those organizations I thought are not under this Category.
And no NGOs who openly canvass for Yahapalanaya are in those Organizations.
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K A Sumanasekera / July 17, 2018
Sorry, I had to re visit after reading this bizzare episode today’s Colombo News.
Mr Mangala Pinsiri Smaraweera the FM has tipped a Shit bucket right in the Lankawe President’s Yahapalana Office.
PHU Lawyers want the IGP to question Mangala Pinsiri, because withholding information about Drug Dealers apparently is a crime under Mahavamsa Statues Book.
Specially when the Yahapalana President is about to sign their Death Sentences.
Dr Ranil’s buddy, the Little Red Elephant of the JVP accuses the most powerful leader of the Yahapalana Government being the God Father of Drug Business.
Minister T Harrison of the UNP alleges that the Rajapaksa supporters are the Drug Barons.
JHU says Dr Ranil and Nephew Ruwan are members of Lions Club in Biyagama.
This will make a good after dinner game Guessing Game for the Yahapalana suckers sorry supporters , ” Who Done It” Or Guess the God Father…..
BTW Dr Ranil’s Buddy ADK says 500 Hoppers are equivalent to 20 Kilos of Crack Tablets..
And the recent hauls are in excess of 250 Kilos.
Wonder How many Hoppers are in 250 Kilos
.May be a good puzzle for the President to work out while relaxing after a Hopper Feed..
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charles / July 17, 2018
Mangala is the one of the biggest liars and foul mouth in SL. He just say things but no evidence and action. People know he is not a genuine guy. He does all bad things like other majority of politicians do but with a innocent face.
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Hela / July 17, 2018
Mangala’s media jilmart….again………..He must be questioned by CID since he appears to be withholding vital information regarding grave crimes…….
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Hela / July 17, 2018
There was a story that Ranil W and Ruwan W are members of The Lions club…………………..
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Hela / July 17, 2018
Is Mangala trying to save the drug barons currently in prisons by passing the blame to Buddhist temples? Classic case of killing two birds in one stone………….defaming Buddhist temples and saving drug buddies……….
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FAHIM KNIGHT / July 17, 2018
Mr.Mangala ,
Ate you aware that illegal sand mining is going on openly ? And most of them are doing it with your government’s blessing ?
Stores are erected with the blessing of the UDA in residential gated properties by thugs ,,illegal Sands and other building materials such as metal are smuggled in as early as 3 am in 6 wheel lorries and when residents question this thug , in return he threatens to murder the whole family .and he even goes as far as insulting the police and the President who is the Minister of environment by challenging to report the matter if the resident can do anything at all,
So much to the bragging of Azaeth Sally and a DIG in a TV talk show hosted by TV anchor Sonali .
Do you think This Thug would have made such open threats if he does not have enormous support from his political masters and Some Police friends ?
What kind of a Chairman is the UDA having ?
To deny COC for minor short comings of decent folks homes while approving the erection of stores and labour quarters where the workers have their underwear hanged openly and sing and shout all night after drinking.
Please stop making scapegoat out of Lion’s Club to stop The President’s effort to pass the death penalty to save the necks of political proxies .
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