By Rajeewa Jayaweera –
Rajeewa Jayaweera
The dismissal of Ranil Wickremesinghe as Prime Minister on Friday, October 26 by President Maithripala Sirisena or the ‘Constitutional coup’ as referred by some is another instance of the derogation of democracy in the history of independent Ceylon/Sri Lanka.
The first such instance was in 1975 when the then United Front government, voted into office in 1970 for five years extended its term by an additional 2 years. The UF draftees of the first Republican Constitution had specified a five-year term for the government from May 22, 1972, the date of promulgation of the new constitution. It was then followed by extending the tenure of parliament by a further six years by President JR Jayewardene in 1983 by way of a referendum. His justification was theneed for more time to complete work on the programs he had begun. In reality, he desired to maintain the United National Party’s 4/5 majority in parliament. Since then, there have been many instances such as the passage of the 13thAmendment under gunpoint, adoption of the 17thAmendment and removal of Chief Justice Shirani Bandaranayake by a vote in parliament. Wickremesinghe’s dismissal was the latest. Most were carried out by democratic process, were democratic in letter but not in spirit.
From the beginning of January 2015, the Sirisena-Wickremesinghe unity government was a doomed project. It was formed for one purpose, the ouster of the Rajapaksa administration. Once it was achieved, it was the end of the road.
As President Sirisena stated in his address, they (he and Wickremesinghe) were culturally, ideologically and politically mismatched for consensual governance. Sirisena, a son of the soil from a farming family, educated at Topawewa Maha Vidyalaya and Rajakeeya Maha Vidyalaya in Polonnaruwa, more at home speaking in the vernacular attired in national garb and of a conservative political orientation. Wickremesinghe is the son of an upper-class local press baron and political kingmaker, educated at the elite Royal College, more at home speaking in English attired in western garb and a political liberal, except in party matters when he turns into a total autocrat with little tolerance for dissent.
The former Prime Minister’s conduct since January 9, 2015, leaves little doubt, he expected President Sirisena, hitherto a political nobody and essentially a backroom boy suddenly propelled to the presidency out of political necessity, to be malleable and easy to manage. Sirisena’s pledge on being sworn in as President of not having plans for a second term may have further encouraged Wickremasinghe.
The current political impasse may be viewed from two standpoints.
The dismissal of Wickremesinghe from the post of Prime Minister, taken in isolation amounts to a dictatorial and undemocratic act on the part of President Sirisena. Critics argue of the dismissal contravening some provisions of the 19thAmendment. Whether the action violates the Constitution is best argued in the Supreme Court. But it is indeed against the spirit of the 19thAmendment.
However, the dismissal taken in the backdrop of developments from the beginning of the unity government is another matter and must be essentially viewed differently. Rather than list out such instances, a few examples would suffice. Elections are the hallmark of democracy. Wickremesinghe, his supporters and defenders screaming of anti-democratic acts actively prevented Local Government (LG) elections for three years. Similarly, elections for several Provincial Councils (PC) were indefinitely postponed with no dates set even now due to delimitation issues.
Nevertheless, he did manage to have several controversial bills passed in Parliament as required in the UNHRC Resolution which he and Mangala Samaraweera co-sponsored. On that basis, his inability to have the Delimitation Report approved in parliament leaves many bewildered. Has he never heard of ‘where there is a will, there is a way?’
At this juncture, it is pertinent to question reasons for objections by the international community and their Ambassadors/High Commissioners in Colombo for Wickremesinghe’s dismissal and Rajapaksa’s appointment as Prime Minister. Why was there not even a squeak from these champions of democracy when a Prime Minister commanding 140 MPs in parliament was replaced by a Prime Minister with a mere 60 MPs in January 2015? Why did they not take up with President Sirisena and former Prime Minister Wickremasinghe, the issue of long-delayed LG and PC elections? When it suited them, they remained silent despite the fact, non-functional PCs negated their own Geneva Resolution 30/1 which called for devolution of power. Similarly, they did not object when democratically elected President Mohamed Morsi of Egypt was overthrown by the military.
Wickremesinghe has a track record of unsuitability for consensual governance. The first such instance was his ceasefire agreement with Norway and LTTE in February 2002 totally ignoring the President, Service Commanders and the country’s Attorney General. His attempt to prevent President Sirisena from visiting the Central Bank in the wake of the bond scam was another. So was the recent fracas during a cabinet meeting when the Head of State stated his preference for Sri Lanka managing the East Terminal and Wickremesinghe’s response of his having already promised the terminal to India. He simply does not accept the fact such arbitrary and unilateral decision making is not an option in both Presidential and Prime Ministerial systems of government. His is the modus operandi of a dictator.
It may also be argued the current impasse is partly a manifestation of the electoral defeat suffered by the unity government in the February LG elections. No doubt, it was not a Presidential or Parliamentary election. Nevertheless, the result clearly reflected the public mood and the extent to which, the unity government had exhausted its political capital. The bond scam related No Confidence Motion (NCM) which followed, during which the loyalty of some of his own party men was in doubt, though not successful was yet another indication.
Wickremesinghe’s decision not to challenge his dismissal in the Supreme Court and insistence in resolving the issue in Parliament makes one wonder if he considers his chances with Judges less favorable than with MPs in parliament. Similarly, discussing the subject with western foreign envoys confirms his long-standing status as a ‘Poodle of the West.’
The net outcome is that tables have turned, and former President Mahinda Rajapaksa is back in office, albeit as Prime Minister.
It is abundantly clear, the concept of a unity government has failed and is not a viable option for Sri Lanka, considering its type of politics and politicians.
Once parliament is convened, and NCM is held, Wickremesinghe may or may not be restored to his former position. Regardless of the outcome, a unity government is no longer an option. Even if the spirit of democracy is revived. A dysfunctional government is the last thing this nation needs.
The present makeup of the parliament is based on parliamentary elections held in August 2015. Much water has flown under the bridge since and it no longer accurately reflects the will of the people which they clearly expressed in the LG elections in February.
The need of the hour is for fresh parliamentary elections. This time around, let no defeated candidates enter parliament through the National List.
It is also clear, both main parties desperately require a change of leadership. It is time for septuagenarians, octogenarians (not forgetting the geriatrics) to step down or made to step down and it is best started with the Grand Old Party which has had no change in leadership since 1994 despite its many electoral losses.
There is no doubt, the UNP is desperately in need of a major overhaul. A younger leader with new blood and fresh perspective, preferably in his/her 40s or 50s is urgently needed to see both the party and country through the coming turbulent times.
It is time to dump Ranil, revive the party and save the country.
Mrs Mayadunne / November 4, 2018
This Rajeewa Jayaweera is a Sajith Premadasa stooge. Ignore the buggar.
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Burt / November 4, 2018
I too think Ranils best before use days are way past but now is not the time to step aside and reward the Appaya for sabotaging Yahapalana government from day one.
Even after a week the international community has not recognized the PM or supported Appaya’s actions.
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nimal fernando / November 4, 2018
Rajeewa Jayaweera,
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Why not get rid of Mahinda instead? Any thoughts on that? :))
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We should dump Mahinda ………….what the hell has he done for the country except shamelessly taking all the credit for the war-victory?
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Mahinda has and would do more damage to the country than Ranil ever could even dream of.
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Ranil never got commercial flights to take off from Katunayake and land in Mattala 5 minutes later! For that alone Mahinda should be hanged!
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Rajeewa Jayaweera / November 4, 2018
Nimal Fernando
“Mahinda has and would do more damage to the country than Ranil ever could even dream of”.
That is exactly why a new and younger leader for the UNP is required. SLFP/SLPP/JO new leaders will be the same old wine with a new label.
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nimal fernando / November 4, 2018
Rajeewa Jayaweera’
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I have always said that the greatest tragedy – more than anything else – for the country is that the UNP doesn’t have a leader that can win the presidency in his/her own right.
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But at this moment, if the country needs to get rid of anyone, it’s Mahinda and the Rajapakses ……… I am not too worried about their looting of the public wealth ……… but the damage they have done to the fabric of the society by the corrupt example they have set ……… is insidious and will take generations to get rid of …….. if not never!
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Everyone among the “learned” always talks about getting rid of Ranil but never about getting rid of Mahinda ……… and that’s very puzzling
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For the record (that is if we are honest) Ranil has never stolen to enrich himself ………. and never done an economic imbecilic act like getting commercial flights to take off from Katunayake and land in Mattala 5 minutes later (perhaps one of the stupidest acts in history) ……….. and never sold the country freehold to China like sections of the port city and the Army headquarters
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What say you Rajeewa Jayaweera?
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The tragedy is Ranil has never got a chance to govern the country in his own right; always in tandem with worse crooks than he is ……. even now he is wearing the mess uneducated Sirisena created by putting obstacles in his path at every turn.
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Rajeewa if you are honest ……… please for the record ……….make a point by point comparison of Ranil and Mahinda for the benefit of all the readers …….. so they can decide who should be gotten rid of.
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Rajeewa Jayaweera / November 5, 2018
Nimal Fernando
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No doubt, you have your concerns and I have mine.
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I will try and keep my response brief. The main reason RW should go is due to the many electoral failures both he and UNP under his leadership have faced since 1994.
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In vibrant democracies, when a candidate loses an election, their party nominates a new candidate for the next election. Presidents have one or maximum two turns in office after which they fade away. Party Leaders quit party leadership once his/her party loses an election. Prime Ministers leave politics after losing an election while holding office except under exceptional circumstances i.e. Winston Churchill, Harold Wilson.
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In our third-class democracy, there is no such practice or tradition.
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It is pointless going into a list of RW’s mistakes. He certainly has not been involved in making money. However, permitting his cronies to do so is as bad. To say the least, hijacking the Central Bank from the Finance Ministry, presiding over two bond scams, not accepting moral responsibility for the scam and resigning makes him no better than MR. Remember, he was voted into office to correct the grave mistakes of MR and not to emulate him.
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A real-time change will not occur with the current lot of politicians and their henchmen. Certainly not with MR, GR, BR, and NR. Others are not leaders but followers. The only way to save the country from the Rajapaksa clan is to keep them away from high office. To achieve that, the UNP has to field a younger candidate acceptable to a majority of citizens and a clean track record.
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That is why, it is time to dump Ranil, revive the party and save the country.
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nimal fernando / November 5, 2018
Rajeewa,
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Thanks for taking the time to elaborate and defend your views
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“A real-time change will not occur with the current lot of politicians and their henchmen. Certainly not with MR, GR, BR, and NR. Others are not leaders but followers. The only way to save the country from the Rajapaksa clan is to keep them away from high office. To achieve that, the UNP has to field a younger candidate acceptable to a majority of citizens and a clean track record.”
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I can agree with that ………. but I don’t think right now is the time to dump Ranil. Even though at some stage, for the good of the UNP, he should hand over to the younger generation and fade away; sooner the better.
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In fairness to the man, I should say in comparison to others, Ranil is still one of the few uncorrupted SL politicians around …………. although he is not a born leader. His leadership style would have more suited a corporate boardroom.
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And ……… I don’t think Sajith is the answer ………. his claims of LSE qualifications was proved to be wrong …….. Politicians aspiring to high office should be honest about basic things like qualifications ………. It would have been better for him and more honest if he has said he has no qualifications
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Rajeewa Jayaweera / November 6, 2018
Nimal
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Whilst I do not condone it, in my subjective opinion what was done on 26 October is little or no different to what was done on 9 January 2015. Where were all the defenders of democracy and principles then? Why was there no Vote of Confidence till after parliamentary elections?
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Where were the great democrats when parliament was dissolved the day before the release of COPE report on CB bond scam was due? Would RW and UNP have won the election had the report been released?
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As I said, RW has not been involved in making money. But does not corruption come if different forms? What is it called when a blind eye is turned when cronies indulge? It is now known, some of the money distributed by Mendis & Co, a subsidiary of Perpetual Treasuries came from the bond scam and given to UNP parliamentarians who in turn spent it on election work. Did not the UNP benefit from such money? What difference was it to state funds siphoned out by the Rajapaksas whilst in power?
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By the way, I did not even dream of Sajith Premadasa when stating of the need for a leader in 40s or 50s for the UNP!
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Dr. Gnana Sankaralingam / November 4, 2018
Dear Rajeewa, you seem to have no adequate IQ to understand the drama that is taking place. I have told you several times that Sri Lanka sovereignty is curtailed by security interest of India. Look at what is happening in Maldives, a ding dong battle between China and India. Now India is on top and China is not going to keep quiet resulting in instability and uncertainty in Maldives. Same thing will happen in Sri Lanka. When MR was dethroned in 2015, I told that China is a wounded animal and will not keep quiet. China started working soon an read the riot act to MS when he visited China. MS who had been telling something earlier started singing a different tune in fear of China. Handing over Hambantota harbour to China on a 99 year lease is a big blunder for which Sri Lanka will pay dearly in the future. When Mahathir can tell China to stop the projects started by his predecessor as they cannot afford it why Sri Lanka cannot tell China the same. Correctly. India and USA/West expected Sri Lanka to get China out, but what happened was something else. You cannot play double game with powerful players. India wants unstinted subservience from Sri Lanka and if not face the consequences. MR may succeed but he cannot continue to remain there without serving Indian interests which is getting rid of China. There is of course Indo-Lanka accord of 1987, which Sri Lanka cannot abrogate, though provisions on Provincial council act has been tampered with and not conformed to. India can intervene even militarily to implement it if Sri Lanka fails to fulfil it.
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Eagle Eye / November 4, 2018
Dr. Gnana Sankaralingam,
“India can intervene even militarily to implement it if Sri Lanka fails to fulfil it”.
Hindian intervention is nothing new for Sinhalayo in Sinhale. That started around 3rd century BC. Latest intervention took place using Demala terrorists. But Sinhalayo preveiled.
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Dr. Gnana Sankaralingam / November 4, 2018
Eekel Guy, India never invaded Sri Lanka till 1987. It was Tamil kingdom of Cholas who invaded Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka was always a vassal state of Pandyan kingdom sending gifts and offering to marry their princesses. Therefore without support of Tamils India cannot prevail in Sri Lanka, which was demonstrated in 1987 when LTTE stood against Indian troops. This is at a time when Sinhalese leaders were hiding behind LTTE to attack India. Please do not distort the truth that without LTTE, Sinhalese would have never prevailed. If India changes its anti-Tamil policy and empowers Tamils, it will be another story. This is the only way India can subdue Sinhalese as what happened during Indira Gandhi time.
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Eagle Eye / November 4, 2018
Dr. Gnana Sankaralingam,
“India never invaded Sri Lanka till 1987.”
You are right. It was not India but Dravidians invaded Sinhale. There was no country called India until British amalgamated all the small kingdoms and created India. After the arrival of Parangi, Dravidians stop invasions. Marrying from Royal families of other countries is not uncommon. Even British Kings and Queens have married from Royal families in Europe. Queen Elizabeth is an example.
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Ajith / November 4, 2018
Dr< Gnana,
I don't agrre with you that Reeva have no adequate IQ to understand the drama that is taking place. He understand everything very well but his patriotism to Mahinda is much than to the country or its people. For him, Mahinda is god similar to for those people like Dr Dayan, Prof, Vitharane, Vasudeva, GL Peries etc. Jeyadeva approves this coup. He approves bribing MPs, selling Srilanka to China etc. Mahinda once said he did the war for India and now Mahinda & Sirisena did this coup for China. So, far we thought Mahinda is the only person became the richest person in Srilanka. With this coup Mahinda & Sirisena will become the richest in Asia.
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Rajeewa Jayaweera / November 4, 2018
Dear Gnana
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Using your acclaimed high IQ, can you explain in simple terms the relevance of your diatribe to my opinion piece and subject at hand?
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As for the Indian military intervention, keep dreaming. Remember the end result of the previous attempt? Do you also recollect Indian response to the request for military intervention my Maldivian ex-President Mohd. Nasheed?
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They will certainly use covert methods to destabilize Sri Lanka and other countries as they do in the neighborhood.
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Dr. Gnana Sankaralingam / November 4, 2018
Dear Rajeewa, Indian military intervention in 1987 failed because of LTTE and not due to anything else. If India had granted independence to Tamils as demanded by LTTE then it would have been different. In Bangladesh India intervened with genuine concern of granting justice. In Sri Lanka India came in with an ulterior motive of using Tamils to get what they want and letting Tamils down, which was the cause of their failure. In 1987 India was at loggerheads with USA and west and they undermined Indian adventure by buying Prabakaran over. After departure of IPKF, USA and west let Prabakaran down. Now it is different as USA and west are with India and there is no Prabakaran to spoil the party. Maldives is different as the real estate is worthless and USA and west assured India they will settle the problem and they have done it. Remember that Indo-Lanka accord is still relevant as Sri Lanka cannot abrogate it unilaterally. 13th amendment which is part of it has been tampered with as well as not implemented fully regarding land and police powers. India can trigger anti Tamil violence in north and east and take it as an excuse to set foot in Sri Lanka. militarily.
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shankar / November 4, 2018
Dr gnana
you are forgetting one thing.Just look at taiwan and china.Taiwan just like us is in a similar situation,right next to a giant neighbour. As a result it has to have the US as its protector because the giant neighbour is hostile to it.So it moves away(not physically of course because that is impossible) from that neighbour into the protection of another that is far away.Same will happen to sri lanka if as you say india expects complete subservience.It will have no choice but to get closer and closer to china just as taiwan is close to the US.Don’t put all your eggs in one basket india and think srilanka will do whatever india wants it to.UNlike during rajiv ghandhi’s time a huge giant which has more than double the economy of india and is the 3rd most powerful military in the world has an extraordinary interest in the indian ocean and the south china seas,not like 20 years ago.
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Dr. Gnana Sankaralingam / November 4, 2018
Shankar, there is a small but important difference between Taiwan and Sri Lanka. Taiwan is wholly one ethnic group and is at loggerheads with China on ideological grounds. There is no effective factor in Taiwan, where China can use to undermine Taiwan. When China is dabbling with capitalism, communism is a non starter in Taiwan. In Sri Lanka there is a disgruntled Tamil minority who could be used to undermine Sri Lanka. Problem with India is that it has an anti-Tamil policy and does not want to empower Tamils to counter Sinhalese. As long as India continues with that, it will always be a loser. In 1983 onwards India used Tamils to get what they want and the moment Sri Lanka surrendered, they let down Tamils. By doing that they have made Tamils to lose confidence in India. India can never get Tamils to take up arms against Sri Lanka however much they assure. Look how USA is controlling middle east with Israel. USA will never let Israel down under any circumstances. Just as you think China is not powerful to wage a war in any part of the world. If they were so powerful, they would have invaded Taiwan by now. With economic sanctions against China by Trump, now China is climbing down to agreeing for a meeting to resolve it. Why should China do that if as what you say that they are economically powerful. I will take a safe bet that if India supports Tamils to have a powerful say in Sri Lanka, Sinhalese will have no chance other than to be subservient to India. It is time India to stop giving carrots to Sri Lanka and show the stick. Situation in Nepal is similar to Sri Lanka where they had leaned towards China and the country was destabilised. There India used immigrant north Indians to create trouble and demanded that they be given an autonomy and got it. Nepal is different from Sri Lanka as it has a land border with China where troops can be mobilised easily. With Sri Lanka at a distance away and China having no capacity to ferry large troops by sea, it is a different picture. If USSR can annex Crimea and destabilise Ukraine and if China can build an island in south China sea ignoring ICC order, then why not India other than making empty boasts of a regional super power.
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shankar / November 5, 2018
Dr.gnana
“In Sri Lanka there is a disgruntled Tamil minority who could be used to undermine Sri Lanka. “
How can 11% undermine 75%?Even if it is possible,the moment india gets what it wants it will change its support to the 75%.Do you think the tamils are fools to be sacrificed as pawns over and over again in the chess game between india and sri lanka.India has already done that once by supporting a armed rebellion by the tamils and then abandoning the rebels to be annihilated.Once bitten twice shy they say.next time they try that stunt the tamils will say go to hell.
“Problem with India is that it has an anti-Tamil policy and does not want to empower Tamils to counter Sinhalese.”
that was not the case when indira was the primeminister.She was pro tamil.The problem with dealing with india is that with each leadership changes policies also change.The sinhalese allying with china will not have that problem and can continue to expect support for the next 20 years at least.The tamils can be supported by a indian leader today and dropped like a hot potato tomorrow when there is another leader.Continuity of policy is the problem with india.
” In 1983 onwards India used Tamils to get what they want and the moment Sri Lanka surrendered, they let down Tamils.”
exactly what i was telling just now.So you and i seem to agree on that point at least.So why should we trust india gain like fools.Once bitten twice shy.
“Look how USA is controlling middle east with Israel. USA will never let Israel down under any circumstances. “
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shankar / November 5, 2018
US has a very powerful and influential jewish lobby.In india the tamils are not so.So comparing israel to the tamils in srilanka is a worthless exercise.
“With economic sanctions against China by Trump, now China is climbing down to agreeing for a meeting to resolve it. Why should China do that if as what you say that they are economically powerful.”
china is a 23 trillion economy on a purchasing power parity(ppp)basis,EU second with a 21 trillion economy and US third with a 20 trillion and india fourth with 9.5 trillion and japan fifth with 5.5 trillion.
china exports much more to the US than Imports from the US.So trump can impose tariffs on much more value wise on imports from china ,than china can value wise on imports from the US.However profitability wise the US will lose in a tariff war than china,though china with its thin margins will lose turnover wise more than the US.For example the chinese will have to export more than 10 million shoes to make the profit of one boeing airliner.It is trump who is mouthing the most about a deal with the chinese and running behind the chinese president,not vise versa.All the soya bean farmers in the US will be coming after him too very soon.Anyway both will suffer in a trade war.
“I will take a safe bet that if India supports Tamils to have a powerful say in Sri Lanka, Sinhalese will have no chance other than to be subservient to India. “
The proud sinhalese will never be subservient to anybody.They have a rebellious and independent nature and have to be handled in a different way.
Anyway “have a powerful say” is a pie in the sky broad term.I
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Buggered / November 4, 2018
Mrs Mayadunne, Do you know the meaning of the word ‘bugger’? Hope you were sitting down when you wrote this comment!
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old codger / November 4, 2018
“Even if the spirit of democracy is revived. A dysfunctional government is the last thing this nation needs.”
True, the country would be even more ungovernable than it was in the last 3 years with RW proposing and MS opposing (it turns out now, in cahoots with MR). The majority in this country may be literate, but they are far too dumb . They prefer free parippu to clean government.
There are many commentators on this forum and others who push the myth that this is a “great hydraulic civilization”, etc . Some keep sneering at Tamilnadu for having no toilets. It is about time these idiots with a superiority complex realized how the outside world sees us now, as a banana republic boasting the most contradictory constitution in the world, which is taken advantage of by the most corrupt who are voted in by the most gullible electorate in the world.
Tamilnadu may be short of toilets, but are we better off with no pants?
The international community will not forget this for a long time. Await further calls for foreign judges, maybe enforced with paratroopers this time.
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Thappu / November 5, 2018
old codger, You say that the majority in this country may be literate, but they are far too dumb.
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I have no issues with your observation. But, there is a problem. You are equating literacy to learning, knowledge, wisdom etc. None of it. Literacy is simply the ability to read and write.
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We have academics who are stupid. Their knowledge is limited to the areas in which they qualified. Beyond that sphere of studies they are idiots. Yes, our people are certified idiots!
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Kossa / November 4, 2018
R Jayaweera is mad to ask to dump Ranil. Ranil is the saviour of UNP and saviour of Sri Lanka
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soma / November 4, 2018
Rajapaksa is the saviour of Sri Lanka TWICE from Ranil Wickramasinghe, once from Wickramasinghe-Prabakaran agreement and once from Wickramasinghe-Sampanthan agreement.
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Soma
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Shevan / November 4, 2018
Forget about Ranil being the saviour of of Sri Lanka.At least show us how he has saved UNP ? If UNP means few of his selected Royal cronies Yes perhaps.
For heaven’s sake let the UNP supporters come to their senses and elect a new leader .Ranil is a loser
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Shenal / November 4, 2018
Kossa,
How did Ranil saved the UNP?
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Janaka from Matara / November 4, 2018
Kossa:
Is dumping Ranil a good idea this moment. No. Dont even think about it. Is he a well-read man. Of course he is.
But Ranil, the saviour of UNP !!! You need serious medical help for having a negative IQ score – extremely rare occurance for people who can correctly complete a sentence.
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Eagle Eye / November 4, 2018
Kossa,
Ranil ruined both UNP and the country! He was a curse for the country. Tamil Diaspora like Ranil because he gave one third of the country to Demala terrorists on a platter; tried hard to introduce a new constitution with a Federal System; brought a bill to pay compensation even for Demala terrorists; allowed Demalu in the North to play hell etc. etc.
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GREEN / November 4, 2018
You are worried about some people ..
You are worried about party politics .
We are worried about democracy and human rights ?.
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Nilame / November 4, 2018
I disagree with the conclusion that a coalition of major parties is not a good system for Sri Lanka and for that matter for any other country. It is an ideal system for countries with uneducated populations (a large percentage of them at least) that are divided along party lines. The major hitch was that it was attempted in Sri Lanka by unqualified and not well intended leaders.
I agree that RW is not a lesser dictator that MR. MR is a fool and is extrovert and RW is cunning and introvert.
I also agree RW should be kicked out. Disagree that MR should not be kicked out in the same vein.
Nilame
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nalmen / November 4, 2018
rajeewa is right
if ranil had been dumped after the lg election debacle this crisis would never have taken place
he had the same problem with chandrika and she kicked him out
what is wrong with the unp
even now cant they find a suitable replacement for this arrogant bum
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kolla / November 4, 2018
Some want Ranil retained ! Maybe MR stooges.Or may even be Indian agents.
Sirisena, a humble unsophisticated man was traumatized by the devious cunning of Ranil. Everything is underhand, cunning, dirty, perverted with Ranil.
So MS reacted with revulsion. The UNP can never be clean again.Even the second rung Ranil has created is mediocre and dishonest. The country will suffer with chaps like Sajith and Navin, just two bogus pretenders.
Liberals and Conservatives need a new party, something not sullied by Ranil’s perversions and those dirty fingers.
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GooWimele / November 4, 2018
Faisa Mustapha and Sirisena had the power to call election. With a 5% vote he could not. So why blame any one else. Also bringing in a twice defeated megalomaniac/dictator with out the consent of the people is justified?
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edwin rodrigo / November 4, 2018
Ranil: when I take a look at the motley crowd that go as Sri Lankan politicians, Ranil stands out as the best out of a very bad lot. Arguable, he is the only world class leader we have.
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The other side are perfect as a gang of thieves and mafia but not as good politicians.
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Eagle Eye / November 4, 2018
edwin rodrigo
“Arguable, he is the only world class leader we have.”
He may be world class leader but a rotten leader for this country. He has become a world class leader because he is from a famous school, speaks English fluently, comes from a Christian family and most of all because he is willing to lick the ass of white guys in the west.
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In Sinhala we have a saying ‘Loketa Parakase, Gederata Maragathe’. Ranil is like that.
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Ajay / November 4, 2018
The writer must be thinking the CT readers are stupid. Otherwise he wouldn’t have presented such a simpleminded account of the current political crisis. See how he carefully avoids even a single criticism of either the treacherous President or the illegal Mafia PM – except at the end to say both major parties need new, younger leaders. Other than that, the entire article is a shameless, one-sided attack on Ranil. No balance, no objectivity, no fairness – not even basic decency.
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K.Pillai / November 4, 2018
Rajeewa Jayaweera wants us to dump Ranil and save SL.
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If MS found RW incompetent, a No-Confidence-Motion could have been used to remove him. Moral-turpitude? Dissolution of parliament and immediate election.
Instead MS sacked RW and appointed MR. This is what MS wanted and he could not have got it by any other legal means.
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What we have is a coup which will be etched in our chequered history. Thanks to the restraint shown, the coup is bloodless.
RW may not be an angel but does he deserve the sack? The unkindest cut is the replacement.
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Rajeewa: You correctly pointed out some past transgressions on our constitution – particularly by JR J and C BK. These were not coups.
As an aside, you have shown interest in SriLankan Airlines. It has got into the messiest of messy mess. Will you let the airlines to get into their hands again?
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SJ / November 4, 2018
The immediate issue is not about dumping any person but about averting the dumping of parliamentary democracy.
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shankar / November 4, 2018
“Most were carried out by democratic process, were democratic in letter but not in spirit.”
In this case it was not even democratic in letter.The constitution clearly said how a prime minister can be removed.What is the point of having a constitution.Might as well use it for toilet paper.
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shankar / November 4, 2018
what rajiva says is true,ranil has to go from leadership of the UNP,but now is not the correct time.
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Douglas / November 4, 2018
Rajeewa: This is not to confront you on the justification of removing Ranil W from UNP Leadership, which I think is a matter for the membership of that political party. The opinion contributors, at this point of time, in my opinion, must address the issues in relation to the “Governance of State Affairs”. We need a “Government” to handle “State Functions”. We had a Government and still I believe, we have it because that “Government” has not been “Dissolved”, instead a “New PM” has been appointed. According to the “Gazette Notification” PM Ranil W has been “Removed” and a “Another” has been appointed by the President. The legality of the “Removal” and the “New Appointment” could be argued in different forums and the first of that forum must be the Parliament. Let the Constitutional Provisions prevail in deciding who the PM must be in the Government that is entrusted with “Governing Functions of the State”. That is what I believe the People of this country must be informed of and made to know. The “Leadership” of political parties, whether he/she is A,B,C,D must be in the hands of the “Membership” of those parties. At this point of time, no doubt, the President who is the Head of STATE has not realized the turmoil he has created in not following the normal procedures and setting up a “Precedent” in handing the “STATE FUNCTIONS” devolved to that position. That has to be corrected, sooner than later and if not this “PRECEDENT” will remain for the FUTURE to be followed by any other who would follow to hold the position of the “Head Of The State” that which is different from the “Government”. If the Politicians of the country cannot understand that NEED and the RESPONSIBILITY of the hour, let it be decided by the Judiciary. Mr. Nagananda K has gone to Courts; but I am not quite sure on what he is seeking his “Rights” as a citizen. He should have challenged the “Action” by the Head of the State. Before the Judiciary, I hope the Legislators would ERASE OFF this “Precedent” created by the President.
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Nilame / November 4, 2018
Mr Pillai;
“If MS found RW incompetent, a No-Confidence-Motion could have been used to remove him.”
Yes,but this would not work in SL with power hungry, perk-seeking, gullible and undignified MPs who wouldn’t bother even if their mothers are abused by the leader as long as they are permitted to plunder public wealth. They don’t bother about national development ,democracy or ethical behaviour of their leader, but care only to hang on to power by hook or crook.
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MH Lakshman / November 4, 2018
It is stupid article and all ills befallen on RW. THE band scan misrepresented and full of wrong stories spreads to discard him. Principle ignorened thet market forces diermined the interest.all are forgot how high interest in previous regime .there are no able leaders in UNP then RW who withheld the party from storm by both MR and MS.NOw the leader besieged what action those secondary leaders been taken to unshake the party. My view is RW be supported by millions of UNP and if they missed the bus they will definetly NO UNP and MR and MS will be eaten it early without RW.
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