The Friday Forum, issuing a statement this afternoon, condemned the conduct of President Maithripala Sirisena saying he has failed to follow the constitutional procedures relating to the appointment of the Prime Minister and resorted to “extra-parliamentary measures “.
President Sirisena
It also said the President’s actions also demonstrate a flagrant disregard of the mandate he received from a majority of the voters of this country, who elected him to the office of President in 2015
The full statement issued by the Friday Forum on the current constitutional crisis is as follows:
The Friday Forum condemns strongly, the manner in which President Maithripala Sirisena has attempted to sack the duly appointed Prime Minister of the country and install former President Mahinda Rajapaksa as the Prime Minister. It is a matter of great concern for the nation that in doing so, he has failed to follow Constitutional procedures that required him to ensure that the Prime Minister had lost the confidence of Parliament, and could not hold this office. The extra Parliamentary procedures he has followed are a violation of his obligation to lawfully exercise his Constitutional powers and responsibilities.
The President’s actions also demonstrate a flagrant disregard of the mandate he received from a majority of the voters of this country, who elected him to the office of President in 2015.He has failed to fulfill his promises and give the necessary leadership for good governance in critically important areas. Even more astounding is the fact that he has used extra Parliamentary procedures to install former President Mahinda Rajapaksa as Prime Minister yesterday, when the majority of voters in 2015 voted for a change of regime from the Rajapaksa style of governance. It is perhaps an indication of what problems the country will face with this change, when Mahinda Rajapaksa accepts office in an unconstitutional manner and requests the country and political leaders to “respect democratic change.
We condemn the further undermining of parliamentary democracy by the prorogation of Parliament. We call upon the Speaker to urgently use his office to resolve this national crisis that has serious implications for the people of this country. We call upon our fellow citizens in the public service, the armed forces and the Police to act with professionalism and discipline and fulfil their responsibilities under the Constitution and to the people.
Prof. Savitri Goonesekere, Prof. Camena Guneratne and Dr. A.C. Visvalingam
For and on behalf of
Mr. Prashan de Visser, Mr. Pulasthi Hewamanna, Mr. Chandra Jayaratne, Ms. Shanthi Dias, Mr. Tissa Jayatilaka, Prof. Ranjini Obeyesekere, Bishop Duleep de Chickera, Prof. Gananath Obeyesekere, Dr. Geedreck Usvatte-aratchi, Prof. Gameela Samarasinghe and Dr. Dinesha Samararatne.
Manel / October 28, 2018
Sirisena has truly earned the name “Sillysena”. Only a naive fool will let open the door to the Rajapaksa’s. Very soon Sirisena will be ousted and shown the door, and a Rajapaksa will be installed at the throne. Sri Lankans don’t seem to be able to learn lessons from the past.
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vis8 / October 28, 2018
We’ll see if your hallucinations are correct, very soon. NOT!
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K.Pillai / October 28, 2018
Manel predicts ~ “…….Very soon Sirisena will be ousted and shown the door………..”.
MS will abdicate and will be present at the coronation. Written all over.
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Rabok / October 29, 2018
A rouge who robbed the Central Bank in day light and allowed his Royal buddies to rob at will – A donkey who is imagining that his economic policies are carrying the country towards prosperity while exactly the opposite is happening – should have been thrown to dust bin long time back – we must thank MS for what he did by throwing this useless donkey at least at this late stage – It is unfortunate to see that there are so many “silly idiots” who do not want see the real picture – and still see Ranil as their savior may be because he cannot speak proper Sinhalese and he Phoo !! Phoo!! others who do not belong to his class
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John / October 28, 2018
Who the hell is “Friday Forum”?
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LAC3(rtd) Buddhadasa / October 28, 2018
Johnny,
“Who the hell is “Friday Forum”
Most of them have 2 b*lls and one brain more than you do.
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Loku Nilame / October 29, 2018
best question so far!
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Rabok / October 29, 2018
Bunch of idiots who do not want to see the reality – Do these guys understand that UNP or Ranil have no right to say what MS did by throwing Ranil into dust bin and appointing MR in his place unconstitutional – because appointing a guy with 46 members in the Parliament as PM in 2015 while there was a sitting PM – is also bloody unconstitutional – So appointment of Ranil in 2015 is against constitution of this country – where were this forum guys in 2015 ?? MS had removed the unconstitutionally appointed PM – since that was his mistake he had corrected it now
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vis8 / October 28, 2018
Sri Lanka was headed for complete disaster under Wickremasinghe, who took great pains to please the Western countries. War heroes who defeated terrorism for good were jailed with bogus accusations, while he tabled a bill to compensate the terrorists at the behest of the Tamil diaspora-funded west. Sirisena was only a pawn who agreed to everything “Ranil Sir” asked him to do.
Finally, someone talked some sense into him. Despite the weird circumstances, he did what was best for the country. Despite what the UNP supporters who cry foul are saying, this is the best thing that have happened to the country in the past 3 1/2 years.
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Shantha Subasinghe / October 28, 2018
His correct name should be Sallisena. China has given him billions to stop India getting Eastern Terminal. Rajapakse is heavily involved. That is why the Chinese Ambassador visited Rajapakse.
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Desmond Fernando / October 28, 2018
This could be the reason for his recent visit to Seychelles.
We should curse this rascal but the GODs curseth will be upon him sooner than later
He will also lament like Chandrika and Sarath N Silva
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Hela / October 28, 2018
Who the hell is Friday Forum? A good question……….A clear example of a NGO working hand in glove with external forces trying to keep the country subjugated. This is an extra parliamentary measure no doubt. But arguably within the powers of the president when the fake ‘unity govt’ is officially no more.
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Pygmalion / October 28, 2018
Bad enough for a one time Grama Seveka to end up as Head of State; Worse still when he is also the Head behind the coup.
He qualifies now to be Impeached!
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Sri-Krish / October 28, 2018
Thanks Friday Forum for the strong statement.
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It is the need of the hour.
If you are an intellectual you have to take a stand..
The President is frightened to face the consequence of his undemocratic act in the only democratic Forum available-Parliament.
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By this act he confirms the suspicion that his opinion about the majority support of parliamentarian to Mahinda is partisan and false.
Democracy is in danger!
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Vanguard / October 28, 2018
As I have mentioned before, the FF has made a blatantly partisan statement, and apparently the JVP has more sense not to take sides.
For the sake of propping up their side, the FF has damaged its reputation badly here, and choosing to ignore certain facts.
In August 2015, you may remember that President Sirisena proposed a similar thing, offering to form a majority SLFP government if anyone other than MR was made PM. That, too, was an attempt to betray his mandate, but it seemingly went unnoticed.
FF also ignores the following:
1) Legal experts have ruled that there was no violation of the constitution.
2) There has been no ‘attempted sacking’ – if so, there is no problem and RW is still PM. However in words that betray their dyed in the wool bias, FF calls this ‘attempted’ and also calls it an unconstitutional act. Should they not be condemning a failed act then, a failed ‘coup’?
3) If this was unconstitutional, s0 was RW’s appointment as PM in 2015, without a majority in parliament.
4) In the ‘opinion’ of the President, MR holds the confidence of the majority of parliament. JR wrote the constitution with this sly provision in mind so no one can dispute that.
I hope the FF, many of whom are Christian, pray to God for clarity of mind and wisdom before making such statements.
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Lakmal / October 28, 2018
Why did former President Mahinda Rajapakshe sacrifice his reputation, dignity, and self-respect by stooping to such a low level and grabbing the premiership knowing very well it is unconstitutional?
He could have waited for just two more years and returned to power like a Hero.
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Ad / October 28, 2018
MS has made enough damage to himself and the people and has made sufficient grounds for impeachment. JVP must standby RW at this juncture and prove the support to defeat hooliganism raising its ugly head again. The support of the smaller parties for RW is critical at this time to save democracy. People have no voice and the leaders are fighting for control of the available last breath of the citizens. The unity that should be kept at this juncture will be always remembered by all the citizens in time to come. TNA and MC has already shown the way ahead. We should congratulate them. A friend in need is friend indeed.
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srilankan citizen / October 28, 2018
True enough to face the slfp authontorian and their super power and their business class, and the power of government mechanism even they are oppostion and their upper middle class and middle class vote base of 47% vote base as a single party , a simple pathola party like unp and innocent leaders like Jr or premadsa is not suitable.so a either JVP has to become a main opposition or unp and JVP has to form a alliance to hold at least 30% vote base unp 23% and JVP 7%. The parties like Muslim congress and digambaram who are providing 7% vote base to unp alliance is not sure whether they will change their mind
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Upatissa / October 28, 2018
Poor President we have to sympathise with him He was not Presidential material as his highest level in Government service was below executive level In his position he was threatened with.death . If he escaped.here he would have been persecuted by Mahinda..He saw that.Mahinda.was.to cme.back so he.joined him to save his neck. Forgive him, because UNP will never.come back under Ranil
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Daya Fernando / October 28, 2018
Today 20+ Millions of Sri Lankans are witnessing how Democracy is showcased by the Political Arena in the Island. One person with esteem power in hand throws away all normalcy, disrespects the Oath he took that he will never go against the Constitution of Sri Lanka, removed a country’s elected Prime Minister like a Stray Dog without a Proven Base, just like how Once A War Winning General Was arrested and remanded.
This clearly shows the power hungry politicians have no Self-respect or dignity. This will be written as the Darkest Era and the Biggest Betrayal by the Power Hungry Powerhouse and Marks the Murder of Democracy. This is a clear example of how the politicians treat the Voting Rights of the Public of Sri Lanka.
I am not against anyone being appointed to a position as there’s a saying “There is no Permanent Enemy or Friends in Politics”, but the manner it was done was absolutely uncalled for.
*This country could very soon be known as (Anti) Socialist (Non) Democratic Republic of Sri Lanka.*
Welcome to Sri Lanka, A Land like No other…
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sacre blieu / October 28, 2018
A revolt in the temple. The transformation of life from gloom to doom. Will the course to justice be now terminated. The PM was bad enough, but to hand over the destiny of the country to one with so much of accusations, is it not worse. Or was there reasonable doubt in the charges. The sleepless nights are getting very cold and dreams becoming nightmares.
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kolla / October 28, 2018
How did Ranil remain a Minster/MP from 1977 ?
Did he fix everything to suit himself ?
Is he a democrat , a liberal and even a honest man ?
Friday Forum , please tell us
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edwin rodrigo / October 28, 2018
I think Nari Sise also would be nice. The Nari explains all.
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Samson Gunawardhana / October 28, 2018
My3 became President thanks to UNPrs and other parties that kept faith on him at the dramatic change.
But he promised he would stay just 5 years in power. Now like a greedy animal would do… he does want to extend his term.
Now as if a fox would never want to relinquish his greediness, hehas changed his mind and want to stay in power, since he has just tasted it.
Now Rajpakshe relieves a bit since
1) They can feel secure from all the high crime investigations that are on going today
2) He does not want to lie Gotler or other siblings about the presidency – since My3 will be the candidate for next election ..
3) Mahinda s dream his son to be the next – will be done once the bastard son will be over 35 by 2025.
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clean slate / October 28, 2018
Vanguard,
Good thoughts. As regards item 3 therein it must be remembered that the alliance was formed under RWs leadership and with the explicit understanding of his being made the PM in case of my3s victory. This is what came to pass. So the position is my3 was elected and RWs appointment was endorsed by 6.3 million people. This is a more democratic process. So don’t have any misgivings about RWs appointment.
As regards praying to god, the Catholic church does this during Sunday masses, imploring god to grant wisdom and guidance to politicians. Of what practical use this is, is very uncertain especially because god wouldn’t have a copy of the Srilankan constitution. So this is a mere ‘going through the motion’ as it were. Don’t pin your hopes on god’s intervention. For every catholic who prays for RW there will be another praying for MR.
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vini / October 28, 2018
What is the opinion of the Saturday Forum?
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Rajash / October 29, 2018
Vivi: What is the opinion of the Saturday Forum – they said wait until Friday
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D .Nimal / October 29, 2018
The group of few elites has not air their voice against anti-democratic against norms of Parliamentary moves by UNP leader of Ranil Wicks and ganger of members of UNP’s in chamber.
The Politics of CBK has done irrapala damages to our order of democracy , but Friday forum kept silent. Now only that F..F.. an open eye of changing of Primer, while they wake -up new agitation against current govt..led by MR alliance .
This absolutely politics motivated act that back and pressure by outside forces on vital interest of Western elements . Indeed no doubt it is Foreign interest not looking after People sovereignty Or not that Parliamentary Sovereignty. by F…F!@ $$$.
We lost confidence and integrity of so-called elites of F..F are not that working of majority People of an Island!
In case of Parliament majority calcification that Hon. Ranil Wicks of UNP has to leave Official Resident of Primer of Temple Trees..
Needless to say that fact remain that Temple Trees is NOT that place for seek that legal judgment or verdicts.
Therefor, that RW of UNP has come to wrong place, for looking for court of law or attempted reconvene Parliament by looking mandate avenues is NOT suite to our democratic functions..
I want tell to leader of UNP but not RW to respect legal order of country ,but do not take political vandalism into Street will be crated that political turmoil undermine stability order democracy in our county.
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