Chairman of the Elections Commission Mahinda Deshapriya has embroiled himself in a serious scandal after he solicited a huge personal favour from President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and his top officials at a time when an election has been declared in the country.
Colombo Telegraph has seen documentation proving that President Gotabaya Rajapaksa personally approved the repatriation of Deshapriya’s son W.V.K. Deshapriya, who was pursuing post graduate studies in The Netherlands on a flight arriving in Colombo from London on May 5, 2020.
Chairman of the Elections Commission Mahinda Deshapriya
The controversy has a major bearing on the forthcoming parliamentary elections, with the head of the independent Elections Commission effectively being beholden to the President and his Government for bringing his son home. After an election has been declared, the Elections Commission becomes the country’s highest authority. Good Governance activists told Colombo Telegraph that Deshapriya’s decision to involve himself in the repatriation of his adult son casts a huge cloud over the Commission and its ability to remain neutral during a major election.
The approval came after Deshapriya, by his own admission in a telephone call with the Editor of Colombo Telegraph, hand delivered emails from his son to the Presidential Secretariat, the Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The letter addressed to Government officials from the EC Chairman’s son is published below.
According to Deshapriya, on receipt of the letters he received calls from Presidential Advisor Lalith Weeratunge and Secretary to the Prime Minister Gamini Senarath to work out logistics regarding his son’s repatriation.
Deshapriya also told Colombo Telegraph that he had called former Rear Admiral Jayanath Colambage, the presidential advisor on Foreign Affairs and the man who essentially runs the Ministry of Foreign Affairs under President Rajapaksa, about his son’s matter.
Colombo Telegraph has seen correspondence between Colambage and the Chairman of SriLankan Airlines and Softlogic Moghul Ashok Pathirage and several others claiming that President Gotabaya Rajapaksa had approved Deshapriya’s son’s name along with four other students in the Netherlands for inclusion on the May 5 special flight from London. (See email excerpt below – with personal information and email addresses edited)
Upon receiving information about Deshapriya’s intervention with the President and his officials about repatriating his son, Colombo Telegraph emailed the Chairman of the EC on May 4. In response, Deshapriya said the following: “My son is an engineer at the Irrigation Department. He and four other engineers who are government servants were hoping to return to Sri Lanka after going to the Netherlands on scholarship to do post graduate studies. My son and three others registered themselves with the Sri Lankan High Commission in the UK and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs through Sri Lanka’s embassy in The Netherlands. Having written to the authorities and SriLankan Airlines he was included on a flight arriving from London on May 5th. This is not a special flight chartered for my son. I did not make a special request of the President about his case,” the Chairman of the Elections Commission told Colombo Telegraph.
We publish below Mahinda Deshapriya’s full quote in the original Sinhala for the benefit of our readers:
මගේ පුත්‍රයා වාරිමාර්ග දෙපාර්තමේන්තුවේ ඉංජිනේරුවෙකි . ඔහු හා රාජ්‍ය සේවයේ තවත් ඉංජිනේරුවන් සිවුදෙනකු නෙදර්ලන්තයේ රාජ්‍ය ශිෂ්‍යත්වයක් මත පශ්චාත් උපාධි පාඨමාලා හදාරා අවසන්වී ලංකාවට නැවත පැමිණමට අපේක්ෂාවෙන් සිටින ලදී . ඉන් එක් අයකුගේ අධ්‍යාපන කටයුතු අවසන් නොවූ නිසා මාගේ පුත්‍රයා හා අනෙක් තිදෙනා නෙදර්ලන්තයේ ශ්‍රී ලංකා තානාපති හරහා විදේශ අමාත්‍යාංශයේද එංගලන්තයේ මහ කොමසාරිස් කාර්යාලයේද ලියාපදිංචි වී ඒ පිළිබදව ශ්‍රී ලංකාවේ කටයුතු කරන රාජ්‍ය නිලධාරීන් හා ශ්‍රී ලංකන් ගුවන් සේවාව අමතා ලිපි ලියා ලද අවසර අද මැයි 05 දින ලන්ඩන් නුවර සිට පැමිණෙන ගුවන් යානයේ පැමිණේ . එය ඔවුනට වෙන් කළ විශේෂ යානයක් නොවේ. මොහු විශේෂ යානයකින් ගෙන්වා දෙන ලෙස හෝ මොහු සම්බන්ධයෙන් විශේෂයක් කරන ලෙස මා ජනාධිපතිවරයාගෙන් ඉල්ලා නැත.
However, as detailed above, Deshapriya subsequently admitted in a phone call with the Editor of Colombo Telegraph that he had indeed been in touch with powerful officials over the repatriation of his son.
Colombo Telegraph can now also reveal the following.
At precisely 6.02 PM on May 4,2020 Sri Lankan time, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa telephoned Elections Commission Chairman Deshapriya. The phone call was regarding Attorney General Dappula De Livera’s letter to the Commission about the legal position on receiving nominations on a gazetted public holiday. This is the conversation that followed:
දේශප්‍රිය- සර් කාටවත් කිව්වෙ නැහැනෙ ඒ ගැන. උවිඳු ඇහැව්ව ඒ ගැන.
ගෝට – නෑ නෑ.
දේශප්‍රිය- හරි සර්
දේශප්‍රිය- හරි සර් මම හෙට කියන්නම් දප්පුලගෙ ලියුමට කරන දේ
TRANSLATION
Deshapriya: Sir did you tell anyone about that matter? He [Uvindu] asked me about it.
President: No no I did not.
Deshapriya: Ok ok sir
President: [Asks about letter from AG]
Deshapriya: Ok Sir, I will reply Dappula’s letter tomorrow and tell you about tomorrow.
[Conversation unclear. Both chuckle]
Subsequent to the queries from Colombo Telegraph it is learnt that Deshapriya was torn between submitting his resignation as Chairman of the Elections Commission with several members of his own family telling him not to resign over his son’s matter.
Serious questions are also being raised about whether there are elements within the Government that seek to force Deshapriya’s resignation in order to appoint a full-blown lackey in his place who will blatantly overrule Commissioners Ratnajeevan Hoole and Nalin Abeysekera.
But Deshapriya’s actions to involve himself in the repatriation of his son raises huge ethical questions, good governance activists and lawyers said.
“The only way for him to restore dignity to the Commission after this is to resign. It is true he is a father who was concerned for his son’s safe return. That is only human. But when you serve in this sort of high office, that has to be a public official’s first and foremost consideration. What makes this doubly bad is that an election has been declared – and the Government will basically have him eating out of their hands because they have done him this favour,” an activist told Colombo Telegraph in an email.
In fact it appears that the chairman of the Elections Commission through his actions is not just beholden to the President and his Government, but also to corporate interests – in this case Softlogic – by the involvement of Ashok Pathirage in his son’s repatriation,” the activist added.
Other questions also crop up as a result of the phone call between the Chairman of the Commission and the President. It is unclear why Deshapriya is reporting to the President about matters between the Elections Commission and the Attorney General. Under the terms of the 19th Amendment the EC is an independent commission that must not take its instructions from political authorities. It is also unclear if other members of the Commission are aware of this pattern of the Chairman reporting matters to the President. (By Chinthika de Silva)
rj1952 / May 6, 2020
From the first time I had a look at the face of this dude, I was able to ascertain for my good self that he was a swabasha blue shirt loyalist.
It is not good to prejudge a fellow living being but on his performance, in the long run, and especially on his conduct in handling the present poll he has a bias towards the rajapuka family and the SLPP written all over his
If I am in error I forward my sincere apologies to him.
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As the article clearly states a man in his status quo should never be under any obligation to any living thing, he by wanting to get down his son and a few other engineers was a below the waist hit whereby he is under a tremendous obligation to this kallathoni president.
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At the rate, the Kallan [ thief ] of a kallathoni is making appointments one should be prepared to have a blindly loyal military general to oversee the running of this much-needed institution which looks after and protects the interests of the common man.
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The article has also exposed the lapse on the part of the EC to convey to the always SLPP siding rajapuka the details of the Attorney General who’s now bending in two’s and three’s to dance to the whims fancies of this clan.
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It is now a disgusting sad sorry shitty nation that is being dedicated to by the criminal uncouth unsavoury hora boru rajapuka clan of undesirables who are nothing but a pandemic.
In frustration, R. J.
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S. C. Pasqual / May 6, 2020
Dnk. rj1952,
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No sense replying to a low life toilet cleaner.
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Native Vedda / May 6, 2020
S. C. Passqual
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“No sense replying to a low life toilet cleaner.”
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You mean you don’t want rj1952 to respond to you.
Isn’t it fun dealing with you, all at no cost to rj1952.
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I am beginning to appreciate responding to you, loads of fun. Keep up your good work.
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SJ / May 6, 2020
SCP
May one ask you what kind of low life career yours is?
Kindly avoid insulting people in such ugly fashion.
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S. C. Pasqual / May 7, 2020
Mr. SJ,
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Please rephrase your definition of “insulting people in such ugly fashion”
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What do you think lowlife people like “rj1952” “leelagemalli” are doing…?
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Look at the words and phrases they use.
These people with abused childhood think the language used by their parents to address them is the best one to use in a forum.
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leelagemalli / May 7, 2020
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Mrs Pasqual (we treat everyone equal, but if you come that way, we have to treat you this way).
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We would not become vulgar whenever we post our comments with few exceptions. To me, Rajapakhes that loot and mislead nation deserve to be attacked.
And we have got to know that uncultured rascals they cant enjoy further while over 40% of island nation are under poverty levels.
:
. Just because you stupid guys/eunachs stay playing housanas to them, we cant let our poor people fall from frying pan to the fire. They are all srilanken citizens. No matter whichever banner they wear. They are all human beings.
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Mrs Pasqual – just come with facts, why do the BROTHER DUO fail to control COVID -19 yet in srilanka ?
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4 Weeks ago only I read, China had sent them 40 000 PCR kits /or kits sufficient for 40 000 tests… why have they blocked them … ? why only lip services are on their top of the list ?
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We are an island nation. Island nations world wide have succeeded it but OUR BPs have thoug been boasting about their steps taken, but not even 30 000 tests completed as of today …. why ?
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Collossal sums flew as funds but now they try to hide them keeping the people in dark.
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S. C. Pasqual / May 7, 2020
Mr. leela ge ……..
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1. I wander who you refer as “WE”. Two times.
2. Are you trying to imply that commenting on CT belongs to few idiots with pseudonym.
3. Why do you think that when you decide to attack someone we all have to line up behind you. Irrespective of facts.
4. Why do you think that democracy / on time elections and things like that are not important.
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leelagemalli / May 7, 2020
Mrs Pasqual,
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1. that may be a typo
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2: No we understand even Rajapakshe criminals could join CT at any time, but with some constructive comments. Yours contain almost nothing, …. like for example, we voted for him, and he is our president – not even WANNI aththo would agree with you, since not only punnaku drinkers but also over 60 lacks of voters that stood against BPs are still living in this country.
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3. I wrote above the reason – it is PUBLIC secret that Rajapakshes are at its best again – LOOTING and MISLEADING… LOOTING and MISLEADING… LOOTING and MISLEADING… LOOTING and MISLEADING… LOOTING and MISLEADING… LOOTING and MISLEADING… LOOTING and MISLEADING…
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4.Democracy – the democracy we enjoy would not agree with any kind of elections going to be held against the will of the MAJORITY.
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In order to go for ELECTIONs, first prerequisite would be – create an environment where VOTERs would be safe. Currently that is not the case in our country governed by a bunch criminals.. that were once proved to be criminals, but brainwashing brought them back.
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5. Please get back to us again – if you now agree with your OP… we can provide you with necessary funds. .. we are human … you ve been struggling not being able to see it right …
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SJ / May 7, 2020
SCP
I am not defending anyone.
Have you given any thought to the implications of saying “No sense replying to a low life toilet cleaner”?
Even a million wrongs do not make another wrong right.
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paragon / May 7, 2020
WHO ARE THE TOILET CLEANERS IT IS YOU YOUR NAME.IF AM CORRECT FORMER MATTUGAMA MP.DAYA PASQUAL WAS CALLED AND TREATED LIKE A LOW CAST MAN IN THAT PARLIAMENT SO YOU STILL REMEMBER YOUR GENERATIONS PAST ROOTS.
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SJ / May 7, 2020
CT
Cannot you see what you are encouraging by allowing derogatory personal remarks based on caste, race, gender and other identity?
Sick minds need treatment, but CT need not be the ‘Bigots Anonymous’ camp?
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Rajash / May 9, 2020
SCP
People like you clean Rajapakse’ shit…..and wipe their arse squeaky clean so that for you guys sun shines through their arses
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Sinhala_Man / May 7, 2020
PART ONE of THREE
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Dear rj1952,
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When I submitted my initial comment there were none visible. When the comments were displayed, yours was the first, mine was the second.
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Both of us wrote showing disapproval of Mahinda Deshapriya’s actions which seemed to us to favour the Rajapaksas. We are in full agreement on that score.
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However, please give some thought to how you express your disapproval. I try to keep my language clean; you don’t!
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However, a matter of far greater concern to me is that you have used the word “Swabasha” as an insult. Please never do it. Our land has had waves of immigrants (you use the word “kallathoni”). Please look at a very sensitively written article by an old man who labours though he is not in the best of health:
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https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/indian-plantation-workers-experiences/
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I have not yet commented on it. I must. We humans must learn to treat others with dignity. When we act like beasts, and insult others, we degrade ourselves as well. What seems to be Professor Sarvan’s plea? It is that we should treat all humans with respect. The abuses that he refers to have sprung from Colonialism.
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Sinhala_Man / May 7, 2020
PART TWO of THREE
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Colonialism is exploitative. Had we brown fellows been the guys who spread through the world, I fear that we would have been guilty of heinous crimes.
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What happened when the Brits got here as the third successive Colonising Power? Our ancestors who had first converted to Catholicism, then to Calvinism, next converted to the British Churches. My ancestors were all from the Galle District, around the Gin Ganga. I had eight great grandparents. One of them had gone back to Buddhism. The Missionaries had parcelled the land. One grandfather taught forty-nine years at Richmond College, and so was a Methodist. Other ancestors, near Baddegama, were Anglicans. Was this owing to conviction? I don’t know. It brought worldly profits. We acquired English.
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This had to be corrected. The Colonialists referred to Sinhalese and Tamil as “Vernacular” languages. The word comes from Latin, used by the Romans who enslaved so many other races. It meant the “language of the slaves”. So, our ancestors gradually began to despise those who used the two languages of this island (I don’t think it useful to speak of any tongues except Sinhalese, Tamil, and English, in this context).
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Sinhala_Man / May 7, 2020
PART THREE of THREE
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The changes of 1956 were necessary; the excesses of zeal were unfortunate. I’ve not bothered to investigate the genesis of the word “Swabasha”, but it gained currency with a movement to assert once more the dignity of the native people. It means “our languages”. It ought to have accorded both Tamil and Sinhalese equal honourable status.
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I have no problem with your insulting Mahinda Deshapriya! What is deplorable is the way in which you did so – by insulting all things local, all that is sacred to us and our culture.
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In actual fact, I’m myself most fluent in English, and respond more spontaneously to Western Art Forms. I’ve never been out of Asia myself, and I’ve had thrice this week have had to confess that I am almost a foreigner to my own culture. I’m embarrassed, but not really ashamed. This is where we are now. Most of our citizens envy us for our insights into the culture of the White Man. It carries with it so many advantages.
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I was in agreement with what you said, but, please, please, try to say it differently, hereafter.
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Sinhala_Man / May 6, 2020
It would be amazing if this happened in any country except Sri Lanka.
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Well, no. It could possibly happen in the Land where King Donald Trump is asserting his right to rule. We’ve got certain things in common with that Evil Empire. His Excellency Gota, Basil [and Hoole] are all humble citizens of that Land of Promise.
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We had questions being raised (by Prof. G.L. Peiris?) about the propriety of Hoole flying off to the U.S.A. for his mother-in-law’s funeral in February. Some Patriotic Sri Lankan must ferret out evidence that the Elections Commission footed that bill. The person calling himself “Common Sense” has written here yesterday that all three Members of the Election Commission are “equally guilty”.
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https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/the-election-commission-five-questions-that-require-answers/
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Seriously, though, isn’t it getting ever clearer that the Elections Commission Chairman has a “special relationship” with the Rajapaksas, that Member Nalin Abeysekera, lives in Colombo, has little problem with driving around in his car, but behaves with the uttermost rectitude, but that Member Jeevan Hoole has to persuade the Deputy Commissioner in Jaffna to accompany him for all meetings of the Commission.
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I despair of making sense of all this.
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old codger / May 6, 2020
A poetic friend sent this to me. I think it sums up the situation: ?
I address this to you, Professor Hoole; the 3 of you are in a pool, though MaCo thinks you are a fool over whose eyes he can pull the convenient wool. He thinks you as an imbecile who ought to be sent back to school. So stay cool and in nobody’s hands become a tool. MaCo is as stubborn as a mule with nary a care for the rule; He gazettes laws as casually as he passes stool. He wants to pander to the one wearing the kattadiyas’s nool and would, for this purpose even offer to gods the vegetable puhul; the very one who, over one-man-rule, does incessantly drool.
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Native Vedda / May 6, 2020
old codge
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???????
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leelagemalli / May 6, 2020
Mr Sinhala Man,
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There is a saying in sinhala vernacular – “if they want to eat they would turn even a kabara (monitor-lizard) into a thalagoya-Igunana”- . ඔවුන් කෑමට අවශ්‍ය නම් කබරා තලgoyaයා බවට පත් කරයි. කිසියම් ප්‍රතිසංවිධානයකින් තොරව පවසන දේ ගැන ඔවුන් වැඩි සැලකිල්ලක් නොදක්වයි. ඔවුන් සුපුරුදු පරිදි පණිවිඩකරුට වෙඩි තබයි. ශ්‍රී ලංකාවන්ගේ ස්වභාවය එයයි.
They even seniors dont simply care much about what is being said regarding any serious issues of this nature, nor would they take any resoponsibitily.
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They just shoot the messenger as usual. No tolerance to social critique.That is the nature of many down there.. or am I wrong ?
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You should have lots of exp all along during your teaching carrier -that srilanken people in general, would not care much about anything in SL today.
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To tell you, during my last visit paid to SL, it was end of Feb 2020, there i came to know a few retired teachers – that only praised about Gotabaya and millitary personnel in general.
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. They did not allow me to bring my sentence to the end. I was speechless. Went on saying if not Rajapapakshe who to have done that much to the nation.
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I added if tying up with CHINESE DEBT TRAP being no different to a tribal leader is to be considered as serving the nation, there they attacked me I have to learn to respect the due.. ha ha..
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.. I left the place myself and spent my remaining days at a sea side. Looking at sea in a bay area gave me a real relief. Can you imagine Sir ? I am very happy to see that you guys have been doing a great thing on the improvement of the awareness of the nation. But how many would read CT even if we make our contributions from that day on ?
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Greetings from Germany (we have like 18 degrees for today in Berlin).
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S. C. Pasqual / May 6, 2020
Mr. Mrs. Sinhala_Man,
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Funny this is coming from people….
# ……..who wanted EC to reject GR’s nomination siting false citizenship issue.
# ……..who went to supreme court to manipulate false citizenship issue to delay GR’s nomination.
# …….. who wanted to cancel 2019 presidential election.
# …….. who wanted to postpone 2019 presidential election.
# …….. who wanted to cancel 2020 general election.
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Walter Bagehot / May 6, 2020
Dear Sinhala Man
Did you not see Hoole’s daughter’s online tantrum blasting Sri Lankan airlines for the lack of wifi and ‘sardine like’ conditions on social media after she should be grateful for being able to get on a repatriation flight, from the comfort of her luxury quarantine at Jetwing? She later had to do a new post praising Sri Lankan airlines, probably due to pressure. If Hoole cannot manage his own family how can we be sure of his motives in any other forum? Why do you have such a high regard for him, Deshapriya, or any other false patriot? Everyone is in it for themselves.
Bagehot
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Sinhala_Man / May 7, 2020
Why should I know about this “incident” and it doesn’t bother me.
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Hoole can have no control over such doings of his adult daughter. Nothing that you have said shows Hoole’s involvement in any of this, or approval.
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At least you seem objective in your use of “luxury” to describe a Jetwing Hotel. Not like those who talk about Glen Aber Place accommodation.
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Having said that, I have the feeling that Hoole has strong family values. I wouldn’t be surprised if he waxes eloquent if any of his family are actually ill-treated. Should that ever happen, please don’t tie such things up with these comments of ours.
.
Yes, I have the highest regard for him – although I do sometimes wish he were more careful.
.
I thought I had said all that I wanted to – but let me add this: I don’t like the idea of “managing” one’s children – especially if they’re grown up. The proble for the citizens of this country is that we are all “managed” by the Rajapaksas. Is that Democracy?
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Walter Bagehot / May 7, 2020
Well done SINHALA MAN, you have tried to absolutely well and truly nail me by the balls. Or have you in fact?
Let us remind our selves of the past of this ‘respected’ figure Hoole…
I Quote: “This morning, Sept. 13…40 youths campaigning for the TNA were arrested in Kodikamam….The 40 youths had copies of the newspaper [TNA’s newspaper Veedu/House,] …and Prabhakaran’s picture for distribution.” (‘The Northern Provincial Council Election’, Colombo Telegraph, Sept 14, 2013).
Prof. Hoole sees nothing wrong in the dissemination of Prabhakaran’s photograph and denounces the police action. All the more surprising given the purported animosity between his family and the LTTE – or is there? How would we know for after all every man has his price? Isn’t that what you have often preached about regarding fools in robes?
The fealty of even well-educated Tamils to the memory of the Hitleresque Prabhakaran; the bitter reaction to the movie Madras Cafe, coupled with a continued refusal to denounce the murder of Rajiv Gandhi by the Tigers; the failure of Tamil communities in the liberal First World to absorb and replicate the values of these societies by producing a moderate Tamil political alternative reveal not only the commitment of Tamil nationalism to a secessionist project but also the covertly/latently fanatical and politically fundamentalist character of Tamil nationalist consciousness itself.
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Atu / May 6, 2020
Is the writer trying to say this is something happened first in Sri Lanka? In Sri Lanka, everyone calls everyone for help. Government officials are not immune to this culture. Yes..in a perfect world there is no need to ask help and the systems in place should serve the purposes. For the election commissioner, the family comes first. This is the case for everyone. His son sought assistance officially. Also he applied it with others. As the father, Election Commissioner can use his contacts to check on this. Do you expect father to abandon his son being the EC? This is rubbish. God help Sri Lanka from this kind of sensationalists.
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Mahila / May 6, 2020
Bribery, Corruption, Nepotism is rampant and endemic in SL. There is no difference. That is normal way of life. No one cares about old adage that job comes first. Surely he could have atleast directed his son to contact the HE directly, considering the current situation. Even if you are corrupt, at least do not transgress this way
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Ashan / May 6, 2020
It is crystal clear, where EC Chairman’s loyalties are. One favor like that, will result in receiving a bigger one. Looks like the Rajapaksa’s have everything in line, and ready to win the elections.
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paragon / May 6, 2020
WHAT NEXT ITS LOOKS LIKE EVERY THING IS GOING OUT OF CONTROL FOR RJAPAKASE CLAN.THIS WILL FORCE GOTHAPAYA TO TILT TOWARDS MORE DEEP IN TO TAKING TROUBLE SHOOTING AND LOT OF PEOPLE IN HIS INNER CIRCLE INCLUDING MAHIND DESHHAPIRIYA IS GOING TO FALL IN TROUBLE.
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Champa / May 6, 2020
Ha ha ha
Who leaked this to media? The Office of the President, right?
The Elections Commissioner seems have walked straight into a trap.
Oh no, didn’t he earlier coincide the election day with President’s Birthday?
I think his kindness was repaid!
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leelagemalli / May 6, 2020
Maco is proved to be not an honest person.
:
He is suffering from a syndrome going beyond that of his predecessor the man who was fallen to depth by athathaiya… remember ?:
:
When MACO responds to TV press conf. he overestimates his profile so as any Rajapakshes would do. That is in their blood for some unknown reasons, but in the same violating the law… why is that ?
:
As Mr SM raised it – if this would be the case in any other country – the bugger has no right to continue… but in our rotten hell – aka so called pearl of the indian ozean – they dont care abou the laws even if they repeat about their 2500 year old heritage.
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old codger / May 6, 2020
Champa,
You’re sharper than I thought.
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Sinhala_Man / May 7, 2020
Champa is extremely smart, and her concerns are serious.
.
I have no idea who s/he is, but I always treat Champa with the respect that I think s/he deserves. Never mind not being certain that Champa belongs to the fairer sex. This s/he business is irritating! The problem is with the English Language.
.
Champa’s first concern is with the Sinhalese people of Sri Lanka, but she is not unfair by other communities and she is honest. She does tend to avoid serious engagement with economic affairs.
.
Many of us, Sinhalese, on this site, try hard to empathise with the minority social groups in the country, but we must pay attention to people like Champa. She doesn’t come up with the same platitudes time and time again.
.
Most importantly: “she is her own person”. Dear old codger: superficially she may seem to contradict herself precisely because she thinks out each situation for herself. She’s every bit as consistent as any of us.
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leelagemalli / May 7, 2020
Mr SM,
.#
Beg to differ, I dont agree with Champa. I have no doubt, Champa is an agent hired by MAHINDA Rajapakshe. Please watch out !
–
Honesty is often very hard. The truth is often painful. But the freedom it can bring is worth the trying. Fred Rogers
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Going back to those FAKE 52 DAY govt – remember how Champa reacted then ? That will help you a lot. Just start arguing with her about WIMAL WEERAWANSE the most abusive man in srilanken politics of the day… there you will clear your doubts. Thank you.
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leelagemalli / May 7, 2020
Mr SM,
she is after me now… No doubt Rajapakshes may have given the next contact to kill me.
To very same manner they are forced to believe if any dissident would raise the voice against – they should either be LTTE diaspora supporter OR NGO worker.::: See how narrowminded they are. In the country itself, there are over 6 mio that stood against Rajapakshes… and there are whole lot of others that abstained their votes. Nevertheless these diehard supporters to stay misled ?
.
Please be cautious. Champa is changing her colours no different to a real Chameleon – her comments are well thought ones.
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Sinhala_Man / May 8, 2020
Quite often I don’t agree with Champa’s views, but I still respect them. Ah, yes: Wimal Weerawansa – you’re right on that! He’s a horrible man, but she thinks the world of him. On things like that, I do disagree with her.
.
No, I don’t think that she takes orders from anyone.
.
I think that it’s time to sleep, but I must write something about Prof. Charles Sarvan’s long article – which, he says, ha had written some time ago.
.
Also, the article below that is very well written. There is no humbug in it! I remember those strange Afghan moneylenders on BSA motor bikes. I’m sure that they were tough and not very nice to deal with. What is refreshing about the article is that there’s no humbug about it.
.
https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/written-out-of-history-the-forgotten-afghans-of-sri-lanka/
.
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Mallaiyuran / May 6, 2020
Smart Patriotic Deshapriya has to answer many questions now. Did Deshapriya’s son get government Engineer job after or before he was promoted to the EC Chairman Job? Does that job not restricting immediate family members taking a government job? If the young gentleman had got the job before Deshapriya got his job, did Deshapriya officially declare that his son was employed by the government and that will impair his judgements, in future? What was the basic requirement for an Engineer sent for Post-graduation studies? Did Deshapriya’s son skipped the seniority or higher marks kids in the list for recruited to foreign education. What are the terms of that scholarship? Does it provide transportation fees too? Did the irrigation department was in contact with the Engineers to bring them back home. Is this young man returning to any foreign country seeking job? Who others are the parents wrote to president to bring their children home? When he was coming home, did the young man break the plane’s emergency door thinking it was bathroom? How many other passengers broke and entered bathrooms not being able to wait until the door is opened by the occupier?
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Kuviyam / May 6, 2020
EC chairman has established himself as a man of credibility working as Election officer He never accepted a bribe or political favor. In this case of bringing his son who is a Sri Lankan citizen, it is the duty of the government to treat him in the same way they treat other students to be brought back to Sri Lanka. Weerwansa’s son was brought back to the island. If GOTA is using this as his trump card to intimidate that proves the caliber of the President who has gone to scavenger level The politics in Sri Lanka has entered into the families of devoted government servants It is damn disgrace for the country. Do the country wish to have President of this mentality. Elections should teach him and SLPP lesson
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Easton Scott / May 6, 2020
What an abject performance this is, Mahinda Deshapriya.
How do you sleep at night? How do you look in the mirror and not want to die of shame?
I guess it is now clear that you have succumbed to the election special pork curry that has been liberally dished out.
Has Dappula also called you for a three-way conference with Gota? Did the three of you enjoy a damn good chuckle?
Oh Sri Lanka, my heart weeps for thee.
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S. C. Pasqual / May 6, 2020
So what…..?
/
Does this mean that he has to stay in Netherlands while others coming home…?
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leelagemalli / May 6, 2020
SCP,
.
Human association can be harmful to you SCP… get back to your cage.
:
Thank you.. Greetings from SUNNY Berlin… We ve been enjoying seeing the curve becoming flattened to this part of the world these days.
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I wish you all best – even if you would continue with your assignment – SHIT EATING PIGS.
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SJ / May 6, 2020
One is in hot water if caught doing something illegal.
Unethical? That is for one’s conscience.
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leelagemalli / May 7, 2020
SJ,
.
People make mistakes. Nobody is perfect. But these guys are appointed to stand against ethics in general. No excuses came up from any sides yet.
May well be an another roundabout will be MACO’s reprimand.
–
http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=221992
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SJ / May 7, 2020
L
I was not defending anything or anybody but just stating the reality.
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Sugandh / May 6, 2020
The ‘powerful’ officials were overly eager to please the EC Chairman.
It’s further damning that the President seemed to know the ins and outs of the independent Election Commission for him to inquire about the EC Chairman’s question to the AG.
How far is the AG party to this? Have the AG , the Prez, and the EC Chairman been colluding?
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sitha / May 6, 2020
What do you expect from the Banana(KOLIKUTTU) republic in the Indian Ocean??
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leelagemalli / May 6, 2020
Sitha,
.
spot on you lady !
.
we are a doomed nation by every means. if over 6.9 mio voter eligible prefered it… we cant have any other better choice right… best to practice our patience.
:
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Paramanathan / May 6, 2020
Election Commissioner Mahinda Deshapriya is a family man and a true father to have repatriated his son to Sri Lanka come what may. He did his fatherly duty to his son which is not unnatural. For this matter no one is exempted and nothing wrong in that. He is like any government servant would have done the same thing. President Gotabaya would have happily consented to grant this favour to him. This incident also due to the deadly virus the COVID19 spinning the world no one is exempted, not even the most ruthless foul mouthed Donald Trump into circles.
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Mallaiyuran / May 7, 2020
Dear Friend,
I understand your compassionate care. But I wonder for how many other non-published poor children you were able to show that compassion. If a peon had appealed like this to his boss to help his child to come home, I would not have worried there the official procedures being broken to bring the child home.
Mahinda had legal grounds to ask the Presidential Task Force or any other civil servant who was responsible to transport back the students. Mahinda cannot send his terminally ill child to scholarship and seeks out constantly political favors from politicians to save the child holding on to the soul. I asked earlier in my comment, what were the requirements to government sent such an ill child to post-graduate studies and when it came back, sits in air-conditioned room, not being able to supervise the irrigation sites?
All public servants have facilities. If a family got a child, either father or mother is allowed to have 6 months’ vacation. There are close relatives medical emergency leaves. But an election commission cannot go after political figures for favors. There are cases Doctors while their relatives died by Corona, without leaving their hospital, taking care of their patients. There are Muslim nurses in Europe stayed at hospitals, leaving their tiniest with families, until their turn came they were wiped out. Mahinda like thick salary earner should show compassion to other poor’s children, not just his ones. If Mahinda Deshapriya has a sick child, detrimental for him to discharge his duty without conflict of interest, then must immediately resign, without falsely threatening that if he resigns a, President’s person is going to replace him. How many jobs you can save like this? Can you save Hisbullah from false-political arrest?
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Jaffna Man / May 6, 2020
Mahinda Deshapriya’s son has some medical condition. MD has worried about it several times in personal conversations because he is running out of his stock of medicine. A father will naturally worry. Last we spoke, he told me that the son has difficulties in making it in time from Amsterdam to London for the flight on the fifth which he took. If he asked for special favours from the President, I am not sure he was wrong. I do worry however, about the conversation about the Attorney General and preparation of a reply without discussing with the Commission.
There are various allegations and racist messages to my daughter at Cambridge on Instagram that I too asked for favours in getting her on the earlier flight that came on the 3rd. The High Commission wrote to all students registered with them about the 2 flights. She wrote back. She was asked for Rs. 225,000 to be sent to Sri Lankan Airlines fir a one-way ticket. Doing that was my only role. She got the ticket. She contacted an uncle on the Jet Wing Board and ensured a room for which she is paying.
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N. Perera / May 6, 2020
Is this COLOMBO TELEGRAPH know the SRI LANKA belongs to Sinhalese Aryans or Helayans? Earlier Sri Lanka’s name was HELADIVA. Tamil Nadu belongs to TAMILS, Fiji Islands belongs to Fijians, Japan belongs to Japanese, Indonesia belongs to Indonesians, China belongs to China, Korea belongs to Koreans, Cambodia belongs to Cambodians, Thailand belongs to Thai, Nepal belongs to Nepalians, Butan belongs to Bhutanese, Iran belongs to Iranians, Arab countries belongs to Arabs etc. Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s theory, Do what as I say not as I do.
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SJ / May 6, 2020
N.P.
If “Fiji Islands belongs to Fijians, Japan belongs to Japanese, Indonesia belongs to Indonesians, China belongs to China,” etc., would not Sri Lanka belong to Sri Lankans?
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Native Vedda / May 6, 2020
N. Perera
–
The weeping widow and her merry men changed the name from Ceylon to Sri Lanka without subjecting the change to a nationwide referendum.
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The name Lanka was found in ancient Indian Mythology, in fact some Indian scholars argue the name Lanka does not point to this island.
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Where did your weeping widow get the idea changing the name Sri Lanka? Perhaps an inspiring moment in her toilet.
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Stupid is as stupid does
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kali / May 6, 2020
Perera
You bloody Racist can you tell me if Sri Lanka belonged to Sinkalams who built the 3 World Famous Hindu Temples. From you ignorance I take it it was Gemunu who built the Tamils to Pray. What a wonderful piece of History.
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Mallaiyuran / May 7, 2020
But Siri Mao belonged only to Ceylon and she was only a Ceylonese.
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leelagemalli / May 6, 2020
Current election commissioner and his biased behaviour is public secret. I would put him above mahinda RAAJAPKSHES when it goes for misleading the gallery.
.
And they dont care about anything, if the gains would have to be set before the guidelines valid to election commission. Now the leadership is headed by rascals, any culprit coming from any lower background, so long they are ready to please the leaders could be successful. Wimal Buruwanse is made silent for the moment, since loads of alleged crime investigations against him can make him silent by the authorities. These men are made as wandibattayas to the rajaakshe leadership.
.
His facebook exchanges should not have happened, but a country and nation that would not respect law and order let him functioning further. As was the case with his predecessor Chandananda who dissppeared with his stress-related health hazzards, this guy would too have to face his next.
.
As many in srilanken officials, this guy though rotten in his position as the commissioner would not seem to respect his working regulations. If such a person would have been the commissioner in Germany or Singapore, they would have gone to behead him on the spot.
He always makes roundabouts whenever he is in press conferences misleading the citizens of this country. The reason him to put off the election from 25th April to 20th June was inevitable since the other two members in that commission stood firmly against holding elections. Those both are highly educated personalities, that would not bend their heads before easy manipulations as is the case with most known OXFORD educated Prof. Peris. I respect more to Prof. Hoole not because he is an academic but he has always balls to stand against any untruths. He is an asset to srilank lanken democracy.
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Walter Bagehot / May 6, 2020
After Hoole’s daughter’s self entitled and childish performance on social media after being evacuated from the UK I think you may have to reconsider that option. What cannot be controlled in the home cannot be controlled outside.
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chiv / May 6, 2020
I have no comments on EC actions but I admit , I NEVER thought MD was totally independent. For those who did not understand the meaning of independent commission , hope this will help in clarifying some of their confusion. This also vindicates Prof. Hoole,s prior actions.In my comment I mentioned about how SC judge was visiting MR for evening tea with snacks and exchanging gossips. Definitely it was not an exaggeration. See the casual telephonic conversation between EC and GR in relation to AG.
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Lasantha Pethiyagoda / May 6, 2020
There seems to be a rather obvious conflict of interest in this case, where personal interest has trumped official duty and independence. While resignation might be what he had his sights set on, this issue cannot be resolved by his resignation alone, as the whole process of the elections commission’s work is now compromised with contamination. It would be interesting to see what Prof Ratnajeewan Hoole’s perspective on the matter is. I did not think he approved of the general attitude that the chairman exhibited in the matter of partiality to the government in power.
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leelagemalli / May 6, 2020
Mr Pethiyagoda,
.
I dont think Prof. Hoole would add anything on this because he has already made it clear that MACO is an agent of Rajapakshe Kalliya-clan.
–
Secondly, all these are public secrets , recalling how MACO responded to the numerous questions came up regarding as to why MACO and commission never focused on the CITIZEN SHIP issue related documentation of PE candidate Gotabaya. I think alone that could block the man becoming the president, if it was raised then. I have no doubt, to that time, GOTA or even today, his citizenship case is not yet clear.
.
And not once but several dozens of times sofar, MACO is reported to have exchanged a lot through FACEBOOK as many down there are used to. As a respectable and highly responsible official, he should not have done so, in compliance with the guidelines of the EC.
.
I have never heard such mal functions be reported from the couterpart officials in Europe.
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RBH59 / May 6, 2020
It is true he is a father who was concerned for his son’s safe return. That is only human.
During curfew time father is going out to feed the sons and dautghter because there is no food like the is it ethical to remande them who will look after the children when he is in remand a double problem for the family, the law is loked as an enemy, not as a friend. taking something away.
Did you tell any about it is point that shows it is a favour action out of responsible
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kali / May 6, 2020
CT
This is nothing new in Sri Lanka under Gotha. It is all about you SCRATCH my BACK and I SCRATCH Yours . It now appears that Ratnajeevan Hoole acted in the best interest of the Country and from his past record I know once he rebelled aginst a Magistrates Court and only turned up when threaetened with areest for Contempt of Court.
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saman.mudan / May 6, 2020
Now we know what happened to gota’s citizenship matter.
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Helios / May 6, 2020
If Chintika Silva thinks he has set the world on fire with this so-called ‘expose’, he needs to find a baby soother (or something a bit longer) to suck on.
=
The man (EC) hasn’t engaged in any action that is remotely corrupt. Its a shameful act to suggest otherwise, and low-bred Paranghi bastards like rj1952 to cheer the campaign from behind the rubber stumps he is hiding behind.
=
The E. Commissioner’s son has the same right to seek a seat in the plane arranged for all Sri Lankans, and trying to make this harmless exercise a major corruption only shows the levels of desperation the anti-democratic forces in this country are in.
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Ignore the bastards Mr Deshapriya,and concentrate onconducting the election on June 20, safely.
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kali / May 7, 2020
Helios:
*** It is obvious you are a Boot Licker and Gotha Lover. From your argument which amounts to CRAP I take it you are a “Maladu with No Pillai and No Kutty”
Let me go through your Crap.
1) If Chintika Silva thinks he has set the world on fire with this so-called ‘expose or something a bit longer to suck on..
*** You mean like Gothas Tonsils .
2) The man (EC) hasn’t engaged in any action that is remotely corrupt.
*** Oh yes he has. EC has used his position to JUMP the Queue at the expense of less well of Students who could be Tamils or Muslims
3) The E. Commissioner’s son has the same right to seek a seat in the plane arranged for all Sri Lankans,
*** Yes you IDIOT by joining the Queue not Jump it
4) and trying to make this harmless exercise a major corruption only shows the levels of desperation the anti-democratic forces in this country are in.
*** What rubbish are you talking about . What EC and Gotha have done was use Powers enjoyed by a DICTATOR STOOPING so low.
5) Ignore the bastards Mr Deshapriya,and concentrate onconducting the election on June 20, safely.
*** Who are these Bastards . You mean Gotha and Weeratunga. You are right Bloody Bastards.
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Helios / May 7, 2020
Kali (or Mali),
=
There is no point in trying to enter in to a meaningful argument with an imbecile like you.
=
You seem to have been drinking too much of your own toilet water, which you seem to find irresistibly tasty!
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kali / May 7, 2020
Helios
*** You have had a good nights sleep and let us analyse your bad dreams.
1) There is no point in trying to enter in to a meaningful argument with an imbecile like you.
*** You are right. We know you are a born Racist. had no education and the power of argument is nil. Especially when you make statements which are false and you cant Defend which makes the Job difficult. Next time think ( if you can) before yo write.
2) You seem to have been drinking too much of your own toilet water, which you seem to find irresistibly tasty!
*** You have been shouting a few words Murderers of which there are plenty in Sri Lanka Gotha, MR Shanverda so I cant blame you . The other wortd you came up with was Bastards. Not surprised again there are Plenty of the yiur Country and in addition to the above you have found another one EC.
I know it is 41 Degrees in Sri Lanka so the natural water to drink will be anything you can find even Tioilet Water. For the sake of your health just filter it before you drink. Have fun.
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Helios / May 7, 2020
You are proving my point over and over again.
You imbecile.
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kali / May 7, 2020
Helios
*** What is your point. We all know you are a Nutcase and an Idiot. What is ther to prove. You cant read or write and cant argue other than support Murderers , Bastards. Get some help before you end up in Angoda.
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Kuviyam / May 6, 2020
Sri: Lanka has stooped to a very low level of DIRTY politics. Searches are made to find ways to trap who are against SLPP and those who voted against Gota Just imagine if GOTA gets a two-third majority. What will happen to those who oppose him? After all, GOTAS is strong Buddhist as such he is acting as per Buddha Dharama CID is wasting the time in ways of fixing GORAls enemy
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Ruwan / May 6, 2020
So…. what’s the big deal? Isn’t chairman of the Elections Commission human? Culture of Loken Uthum Rata is that it is very hard to get things done without contacts. So.. in this case MD’s son wrote to the president and the president acted on it. MD may have had some influence but what’s the big deal. Wouldn’t those who portray themselves as saints do the same if his/her son/daughter is stranded? Please stop making mountains out of molehills.
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Mallaiyuran / May 7, 2020
Ruwan,
What the heck are you talking?
You read the News piece and write your comment, otherwise write your essay we read, or leave us alone & bugger off please.
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Buddhist1 / May 6, 2020
Deshapriya’s present and past actions clearly show he is bias. He displays a public face that he is a fair independent commissioner, yes at times he has been so only because the other two commissioners have held their ground.
If one looks at the document provided to EC by the President to prove he is no more a citizen of USA one will notice that there are two dates in that document. One at the bottom of the document – the date on which that certificate was issued. The other on top right – the date the oath was taken to give up the citizenship. Now, from the dates indicated in this document one can clearly see that the date at the bottom i.e. the date on which the certificate was issued is dated before the date the President took the oath to give up the citizenship. How genuine can a document be if it has been issued before the date of the oath? Deshapriya accepted this document without any objection. His answer was no one challenged it. Well is it not the duty of the EC to ensure that the document is genuine? All EC should have done was to write to US High Commission to verify, he did not do this. Further, as per US Citizenship law, although a person takes the oath to renounce the citizenship its not done until the Government (IRS) department issues the confirmation of release. In this case that document was not presented. All Deshapriya said in public was no one challenged it.
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Ari / May 6, 2020
If Deshapriya has any sense of integrity, he should openly admit to his shameful judgemental error, abusing his position to intervene on behalf of his son. He ought to make all conversations and correspondence he had had with people in authority in this regard public. He should do this in all print and electronic media, with an unreserved apology to the public and to his other two commissioners, for his actions making clear that the commission owed no favours to those in political authority and the commission would not compromise its independence in conducting the forthcoming elections. He should also give an undertaking that he would not make any unilateral decisions, but would do so jointly with other two commissioners, on all matters concerning the forthcoming election. If this had arisen with no elections in the offing, it clearly would be a matter of resignation without question, for he clearly has compromised the integrity of his office.
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Ajith / May 6, 2020
The Rajapakse family are the experts in bribe. They will receive and give bribe. It is crystal clear truth that Mahinda bribed lots of MPs to get two third majority to amend the 18th amendment. They even bribed Indian official including Nambiar of UN to kill over 50000 Tamils in 2009. In the Tsunami fund allocation he bribed even the Chief Justice. Gota prepared illegal passport to Karuna and all arrangements to him to travel UK. When it comes to safety of his son, as a Father it is not surprise Mahinda Deshapriya surrendering to Gotabaya and violating the law. If he refused to do what they said what will be the outcome? White van, accident, fraud charge, ……………….! I am sure no one will dare to play with Mahinda Family. Lasantha will come in front of you.
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SJ / May 7, 2020
A
I am not sure about some of the claims although others are true or likely to be true.
But you forgot the big bribe to the LTTE in 2005.
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srikrish / May 6, 2020
I want to advocate a common sense approach!
There is no doubt that there exist a conflict of interest and Mahinda Desapriya should go.
Then what will happen?
Well! Mahinda Desapriya during his long innings at the election department /commission was generally beyond reproach!
Under these circumstances in the name of good governance,should we demand for an immediate replacement ?
Will the Constitutional council select a better person?
The conventional wisdom tells us that it is highly unlikely. Then what?
What will happen to the Independent election commission?
The independence will be further compromised and thereafter will it be a free and fair election?
The country is faced with a Hobson’s choice
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Buddhist1 / May 7, 2020
Simple solution would be for Deshapriya to step down from being the Chairman of the EC and allow one of the other two to be the Chairman.
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Mallaiyuran / May 7, 2020
“The conventional wisdom tells us that it is highly unlikely. “
Didn’t our conventional wisdom said in 2015 that we should make the White flag murder to replace the JVP Girls’ Lawyer so he would bring Democracy; but now he has brought us to autocracy? Why our conventional wisdom always tells us to jump from pan to fire? Is that because that the direction Lankawe politics is growing?
/