19 March, 2024

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From Revolution (Viplavaya) To Transformation (Parivarthanaya): AKD’s Response To 10 Questions

Translation by Dr. Siri Gamage

Opening question: If AKD becomes the next President, what are your plans?

Response: There is an uncertainty as to what we will do if there is our government. It is difficult for some people to visualise it, as we did not rule the country before. This interview will provide a good opportunity to elaborate what we will do?

Q1. Like some other leaders have you prepared your dress (costume) to be the President?

R: Not at all. I have my preferred dress. What we need is not a change in the dress of the person responsible for governance. We need to change in the direction of politics as it is moving to destroy the country. Instead of a society where there is no trust and the people look at each other with suspicion, we have to create a better society where each person work with others in a unified way (samagiyen). We need to change the economic policy that led to the destruction of society. What is important is not the dress but what we can do to transform our economy, polity, and society. We emphasise these. We are engaged in discussions on this path for a transformation.

Q.2. If you become the President, what action will you take urgently?

R: We will propose a vision to build this society collectively. In our country, politics is located in the upper floor (Udu Mahala). The politician who inhabits it is not subject to the rule of law. The politician has a privileged position. He entertains significant privileges (Varadana, Varaprasada). Therefore we are in a position where we think the existing political culture has to be changed. This society has to be changed into a virtuous one (Yahapath Bhavaya). Our aim is to prepare basic foundations required for that journey. We don’t say that we will give free shoes or make the labourer the owner of an estate/plantation. Our duty is to restore the economy, society and the state once again. In our government, the first thing we will do is to prepare the foundation for this journey for reformation along the following lines: 1) remove all privileges given to politicians 2) take steps to stop fraud and corruption 3) Subject everyone to rule of law 4) Implement a new economic plan. These are not actions that will come one after another. Our aim is to implement these simultaneously.

Q.3. Many people talk about the executive Presidency. If you become the President, what will you do? Will you change it?

R: Since 1947 until 1977, our country was governed by a system centred on the parliament. Between 1977-2021, the system was centred on the executive President. If we look back, we can observe that the executive Presidential system has not been successful. In the tribal societies, the leader controls everything including the formulation of laws, administering justice and meting out punishments. He holds legislative, executive and judicial powers. As civilisations grew, instead of a governance system centred on one person, a system based on collectivity emerged. This became the norm. Out country went back to the uncivilised (Ashista) world/era. Instead of the rule by various structures/institutions, the power was concentrated on one individual. Take the examples like change of the Litro gas chairman, the decision to stop importing fertiliser, change of four secretaries in the Ministry of agriculture. The last secretary was an expert in the field. He could not stand the decisions made (by the Government). Some professors with expertise were removed. It is the executive power that led to the problematic situation we face. Under this any (momentary) thought that comes to the mind of the executive President can be implemented without checks and balances. In our country, leaders do not have a higher mindset suitable for the position. He can set free someone already punished by the courts. He can implement half judgement, delay, and stop. Release someone from the prisons. Why is such a power is given (to the President)? If a person is wrongly accused then he can intervene. Thus the leader should have a mind suitable for the power he holds. Authoritarianism has been strengthened through the 20th amendment to the constitution.

Given all the difficulties we face, we think the executive President system is not suitable for us. Therefore, it should be changed. We will bring necessary legislation to do so before the parliament. This is a decision of our collective movement –not my individual view. I am only one factor here. Ours is a collective effort. We have to take the power back to this collective. We can bring about a positive change that way. We have a group of people who are sincere, dedicated to the task of changing this society.

Q 4. Country’s economic problem is the major problem we are facing today. People are suffering from multiple issues. Many accuse the leaders for not developing the economy since 1948. If you become the President, how will you reform the economy? How will you move the country to be a developed one?

R: I will guarantee that we will do it. I am happy that you are asking such questions. In the past, governments changed and people voted not on the economic factor. In 1994, people voted to change the 17-year curse (He gives other examples here). Today we are facing all these problems due to the economy. Economy has become the main factor for deciding on the next government. The main responsibility of politicians has become the securing of economic development. We need a better program.

However, economic program alone is not sufficient. We need a government that is not corrupt. (Mind you) There are good features of the existing economic program. But bad features come to the fore due to bribary, corruption and commission taking. Therefore, before the economic program, we need a government (Deshapalanaya) that is not corrupt. We will establish such a governance system. Secondly, we need collective action. Public servants, the private sector, entrepreneurs, youths, farmers, fishermen etc. have to come to an agreement/decision that we will collectively work towards restoring the country within 3-4 years. For this to happen, we have to escort politicians from the upstairs (Udu Mahala) to downstairs. Citizens should feel that politicians have given up privileges and made sacrifices. In our country, we have to appeal to the youth. To bring about collective responsibility, we have to remove privileges from the politicians.

Thirdly, we need a definitive economic program. We need to get over the debt trap. The gap between imports and exports has to be reduced. We need a program to restore our production. Income disparity needs to be reduced. We have an economic program covering all these aspects. In it we give attention to the specific location of our country, natural resources, human resources, geopolitics of the world, and our civilisation. The task of government is to set targets to achieve. For example, in tourism we have to look at data, predications, trends and determine that we have to take the sector to such and such level by 2030. We have to then invite private entrepreneurs to build hotels. Likewise advice those producing tiles to go ahead with their production levels. Same for food producers. Training for hotel sector is required. Such an approach is necessary in all fields including agriculture, tourism, and construction. I don’t say that I will give free fertiliser. We have to move forward collectively according to a plan. The main priority is to develop the country.

Q 05. You are asking people to (support you) to gain power. Government states that there will be no election soon. If so, what is your plan?

R: today there is a lot of unhappiness about the government. According to our (existing) system, people’s power has been transferred to a group of people for 5 years. However, a majority in the parliament can vote to dissolve the parliament and advice the President who can then dissolve it. I don’t think the MPs will dissolve the parliament by simple majority. They want to remain in power for the full term. If dissolved, many can’t return. Today’s politicians will attempt to preserve their power until the end. Our task is to prepare for an election.

Q 06. There is no election forthcoming soon. As people are suffering from various policies they say let’s give our vote to the JVP and see? Will the people forget JVP at an election?

R: The crisis today cannot be solved by patchwork. Citizens ask us what the governing parties will do at the last minute (before an election)? It is good that they think like this. We are the JVP. Our aim is to build a people’s movement going beyond the political parties. NPP is such a movement. Current need is a modern freedom movement. If we are losing our national assets..? A few who have exploited our resources are covering our bodies. We need a NPP. We will extend it to common people at the village level. We ask them to set aside their blue, red, and green hats. We will build a people’s movement to free the country and then rebuild. We are working in different sectors to achieve this goal. Journalists, professionals, academics, farmers, trade unionists are involved. For us, when the election will come is irrelevant. People are determined to restore their country out of the current calamity. Such a people movement is necessary not only to secure power. It is necessary for nation building also. Our main agenda is to build this movement.

Q 7. Who supports the NPP? Is it China, India or another country? Can a party come to power without such support?

R: We know that in our country governments are brought to power by embassies. They make parties and break them. (Next time) the power will be determined by how far the common people (podu janaya) trust the NPP movement? Ours is not a political movement that is dependent on embassies or dance according to their tune. We do politics according to people’s heart rhythm. We exist on the people. But we have political dialogue with different countries. We have close relationship with the Chinese Communist party. Likewise, we have relations with the Indian embassy staff. None of our discussions are focused on bribing to get MPs from one side to another. We are ready to work with other countries to rebuild this country.

Q 8. Many political parties are inviting the JVP for a coalition. But your party says you will not agree to any coalition. Do you have confidence that the JVP can gain power on its own?

R: We thank those parties for keeping trust on us and for their belief that we will bring a transformation (Parivarthanaya) to the country. Why are we unique? Lets look at the two parties that ruled this country. They are different on the surface in terms of appearance, colour, faces etc. But they are tied to each other by one thread. i.e. corruption and fraud. When we try to find reasons for the current economic decline and foreign debt this is what can be seen as the reason. The request (from other parties) you mentioned in your question comes from such superficial differences yet the agreement and close relationship underneath. They are lined up on one line. We are lined up on another line. If we join them we will be joining their line. If that happened, there will be 1,2,3 lines and voters will have to choose one out of these. They are on the line of destruction. We are on a different line for a solution. We don’t claim that good and sincere people are there only in our movement or the patriots are there only in it. They exist outside (our movement) also. Those who resist the path to economic destruction are there only in our movement. They argue for a different path away from corrupt, destructive policies being pursued currently. They are committed to nation-building. The NPP is open to all of them. There is no point us joining other camps.

Q 09. To obtain power for the JVP-NPP is cleanliness (Parishuddha bhavaya) in politics enough?

R: No. But it is an important factor to secure power and build the nation. In the last 73 years, this has not been the case. Sincerity and trustworthiness are very important. A better vision and an operation to achieve it (implementing a corresponding project) are also important for nation building. We place more emphasis there. We have prepared a plan for re-building this country. We engage with that plan. For example, we identify 5 main problems and give priority to them: 1) improve production 2) address the debt trap 3) Reduce the gap between imports-exports 4) Reinstate the rule of law 5) provide health, education, transport facilities. As these are our priority areas, our capital investments, interventions, programs (Karya Sadhanaya) will be directed to solve these problems. Checking the price of rice in Pitakotuwa market, Prices of Wattakka in the Pola (fair) or whether there is a long line (polima) in the RMO are not real solutions to our existing problems. They are only the symptoms of our current crisis. Our aim is to go after (follow) the targets we set to solve the key problems we identify. It is necessary for re-building the country/nation.

Q 10. What will be the difference between a government led by the JVP vs. by other parties without you in 2030?

R: Today people leave the country to go for work (overseas). Others also leave for various reasons. The former is normal. In essence, today people with professional qualifications and capital leave the country. Many are doctors. Why? Many leave the country due to the uncertainty in the country and the future (prospects) for the children. People are leaving not due to one reason only. One reason is the breakdown of the economy. Next is the absence of rule of law and lack of discipline. Another is the increasing crimes. The comical (style of) governance is another. I recently met 53 doctors from Moratuwa University. (I was told that) 50 of them left the country. Doctors have respect, decent income, house, car, children are in good schools. However, the wife tells the doctor ‘what will happen to our children’s future’? (let me assure) If the government is not by us more and more people will leave. A small number of families who will extract the essence of this nation will emerge. Don’t let this happen. We will salvage the country from such destruction. Under our rule in 2030, instead of the mentality (described earlier for compelling the people to leave the country), we will build a generation who will place their trust in the country’s future.

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Latest comments

  • 15
    27

    JVP is a Buddhist only party.

    Minorities including Christians don’t trust the JVP at all. Equal rights don’t sit well with them.

    • 16
      5

      May be JVP at the begining, was a buddhist only party, but today s JVP under NPP is an union of various parties.
      .
      We perfectly know that majoritiy in this country mix it up – psychology and psychiatry. If they were asked to line up to collect Dhammika paniya they did it like trained dogs.
      :
      Asked them to line up to welcome FAKE relics at Kelaniya temple, they rushed in millions to the Viharaya.
      .
      Asked them to attack minorities,, no thjink twice, but they did. latest being rajapakshe’s pleas immediately after EASTER SUNDAY diaster.
      .
      They mix it up Federalism with partioning the land
      They mix it up Patriotism with feudism
      They mix it up Good with bad.

      So improvement of awareness of the people is the wayout.
      :
      If you would closely listen to their speeches, it is becoming clear to everyone.
      :
      People should have the knowledge to tell them, if they would put the religion above, that will be no difference to the parties/unions that ruined the nation.

      Also yesterday,my eyes could not believe but true, helpless GOTABAYA was rolling on the floor before BUDDHAGAMA monks as saying ” you are the only help for me right at the moment”. …… SORYSENA may have personality problems, but he never fell down before the monk community to the manner Rajapakshes are roped.
      :

      • 6
        4

        Dear Leelakemalee
        There is some semblance in your sentiments.
        Politicians of all colour and creed all over the globe are the same
        They are a breed apart from any pedigree

        What is the solution; short term
        and in the medium term. That’s the burning question for all Lankans

        When you and me included sitting infront of our cosy fires in the west, the suffering of the masses in SriLanka ,the suffering of the 99 percent souls in SriLanka doesn’t seem to hit our conscious or mind and soul to any degree
        We need to focus on getting
        or finding a solution . That has to come from within SriLankan society.

        Where are the do Gooders??.The church for instance. We don’t hear anything from Cardinal M
        Where are former Judge and former CM of Northern Province Hon. Wigneswaran and former leader of the opposition Hon Sampa..
        You scratch my back I will rub yours seems to be mantra LME

        I have a blind reason to believe that Gothabaya hands seem to be bound . He isn’t able to operate freely to find solutions or operate independent of the Army

        China looming on one side and far right on the other. While the left is given the luxury of being the kingmaker. That’s the scenario I see
        That’s my candid view and may not be the ground reality

        Ratnam Nadarajah

        • 3
          1

          My dear RN,
          .
          Thank you. long time no see. hope is all is well with you. Sure, it is if you are out of our RAJAPAKSHE beaten motherland.
          .
          Please watch/listen the video below. Not many Hamuduruwos have guts to call a spade a spade, but this monk fearlessly attack the CRIMINAL leadership.


          https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GH_7wK2i3Ng

          To tell you – not only hand s of Gota but his all body parts are bound so that the bugger could not react by his own. Just look at how he fell down before the monks yesterday, as if he is left to be alone by his 6.9 millinos of voters today.
          :
          Gota s profile is becoming clear to everyone today – his was lifted in the sky through FAKE PUBLIC PERCEPTION created by a media fraudsters that are today making bllions being close to GOTA (Derana TV and the owners of few pharmaceutical industries registered by the name of ” Delete Jayaweera” the owner of DERANA TV. channel.
          https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g3Agow6aAhQ

          • 2
            0

            The JVP can keep a straight face.

            To hell with development and the rest of the crap ……… if, in their first stint, the JVP, catch all the crooks – including their erstwhile best buddy Weerawansa – and recover all the loot. They’ll have my vote for their second stint.

            Lankans, I believe only after the fact.

            I believe Ranil can rescue the economy ………. he has done it twice before.

            I believe Fonseka can win a war with Maldives with some difficulty. He has won a war with a numerically inferior enemy.

            I believe Gota can kill. He has proven skills in that area.

            I believe Mahinda can loot. He has proven it over and over again.

            I believe Basil can count to 10.

            I believe Narahenpita Temple Muttetuwa is skilled at being a Lankan “Buddhist priest.”



            Lanka has many experts in many areas ……… putting it all together is the problem.

            • 1
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              nimal, what you say is not good enough. What we need are many sharp people who pledge now, in spite of their clamouring for improvements in the NPP, nevertheless unambiguously pledge their support (in the form of a vote) to them at the next hustings.
              .
              To start with are you registered to vote in Lankan at the next elections? If so at Bindunuwewa?
              .
              I have little doubt that you are of great values as an entertainer here; I’m sure that many readers visit the site because they want to see your most witticisms.
              .
              Your attitudes are unsatisfactory, although not as bad as those of Sepala Amarasinhgha.
              .
              Show some commitment, man!

        • 4
          2

          Ratnam Nadarajah,
          Your, ‘I have a blind ..’, is well supported by your, ‘Gothabaya hands seem to be bound’.
          Take to some other pastime to get rid of your blindness!

          • 3
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            Thank you LME

            Kind regards
            RN
            Don’t be so supercilious Nathan
            Take it easy, life is too short to be worried about blindness etc
            Have a pleasant day from your apparent constipation

      • 6
        1

        There are differences between 1) temple going Buddhists for worship and seeking spiritual help(ritualistic) 2) Buddhists who worship at home in a private shrine/middle class 3) Philosophical Buddhist who focus on Dhamma in a critical and creative way.4) Buddhists who follow a simple lifesyle by keeping to the values such as loving kindness, compassion etc. In reality these categories are mixed in some way. By far the majority are those who adhere to Buddhism as a ritualistic exercise where the critial abilities are undermined. Easy to manipulate.

        • 1
          1

          Don’t mix up the religious/spiritual sides of whatever religion and politics.

          SL’s politics and voting is mostly determined by ethnicity and religion. SL is a factionalized society held forcibly by military might.

          JVP only gets Buddhist votes.
          SLPP mostly get Buddhist votes. 5% others.
          UNP/SJB mostly get Christian, Hindu and Muslim votes. 25% Buddhist votes.
          TNA/TMVP/CWC only get Hindu votes.
          SLMC, ACMC only get Muslim votes.
          EPDP only gets Tamil Christian votes.

          Because JVP only gets Buddhist votes, the so called Modarates avoid it. They want a multi-ethnic party to vote. Extremists are tied to various parties as above. So JVP loses either way.

          The only way the JVP can get ahead is to follow TNA and create a similar brand of Sinhala nationalism.

        • 0
          0

          Which of this 1). 2). 3). and 4). Buddhist category carried out the Annual celebration of the pogroms, i.e raping, looting arson, murders…… Or is that all of them are good at that?
          Annura has not answered any of the questions in any meaningful way. He miserably failed to differentiate his government from the other governments, like the Slap party government, when asked. His intellectual-perceptual capacity is still at a high school rebel level. The rathu Color shirtkaraya suddenly, hypocritically answered that he doesn’t care about the color. What a gimmick!

          I wonder if Anura can spell Economy. He openly showed his immaturity in his answer. JVP carrying protests march in Trinco against India who wants to take over China bay tanks and deliver gas. He is talking about building hotels and inviting tourists. Canada advised its citizens to keep needed gas with them while in Lankawe. Can Anura solve this economic equation? He says until the Siri Ma O government, the economy was going good. The beggar bawl FM NM Perera created in the 1970s worse famine than this. Standardization created the Tamils war. Probably he might have been high on something when he was answering the questions.

        • 0
          0

          Siri, whatever the serious way you want to categorize them, every soul that comes under your 1-4 categories DO WORSHIP yellow robes with no questions asked! That is the core problem with Buddhists today in SL because 99% of yellow robed people are corrupt to the core! They don’t even follow the basic 5 precepts, let alone striving to attain the noble bliss of arhath status in the end! So it does not make any difference between the “temple going Buddhists” and “Philosophical Buddhist who focus on Dhamma in a critical and creative way”! Both categories I knew and know are deeply respectful of the ‘cheevaraya’ (yellow robe). That kills the core meaning of dhamma Gautama Buddha preached which is NOT focused on a cheevaraya or a monk but on the core principles of emancipation from all desires! In other words NOT aamisa pooja but only prathipaththi pooja will salvage our souls from the eternal suffering and lead to the eternal bliss of nirvana.

          • 1
            0

            We do not have to put all monks in one category. There are good Bhikkus(monks0 who aspire to higher ideals and engage in simplistic daily practice(quite a contrst to others who seek funds to build walls,buildings,shrines, plus foreign visits called pilgrimages and so on from the lay patrons). One has to find them. So putting all monks as one category is not wise.

            • 0
              0

              In democracy only majority rules, no talk about who are the good in that population. That is why Sinhala Buddhist rules for 73 years and brought the country to this situation. If many are good monks, at least one time during the last 73 years, the good many monks should have taken to the road for the protection of the population.

    • 0
      0

      (Part I)
      Gatam,
      “JVP is a Buddhist only party.
      Minorities including Christians don’t trust the JVP at all. Equal rights don’t sit well with them”
      So I would like to know, “What is your take on the party in power at present?”
      What difference it would make??
      What is the need of the hour is to have a change in governance, with a proper plan and weed out the corruption which is rampant? No plan to solve the existential issues, which is non existent!
      “Policy on the run”, causing severe strain on the economy!!
      Organic fertiliser program as a case in point:
      1. Payment of US $ 6 million to china as compensation – culprit not known
      2. Chemical fertiliser not available in the absence of organic
      3. Doomed with possible food shortage in 2022 and thereon
      4. Chines donation of 1 million tons dependent to sustain to feed population
      5. Plan not discussed with professionals or streamlined to local needs
      6. Figment of an individual or 2 and no case study or plan
      7. Neo Nitrogen fertiliser imported,
      a. Expensive
      b. Unsuitable for administer before rooting 14 + days post sowing

    • 0
      0

      (Part II)
      We need better than that for a country with free education up to tertiary level and intelligent population to boot.
      Hon Minister of Agriculture has not resigned, if he was a responsible minister. Why not??
      Sorry that is the SL honourable tradition!!!!
      HE president has not sacked him either.
      Instead we have had 4 Agriculture ministry secretaries sacked, including the last a University don as “sacrificial lambs”!!!
      The reason not related to organic fertiliser, but for ‘speaking out of turn’ or may be the truth!!
      What do you think of this present lot?
      They are all falling down and prostrating and paying tribute to the Buddhist clergy (Nothing wrong in that) except proclaiming they are too believers in Buddhism!
      So what harm????!!!

    • 1
      1

      GATAM belongs to that category of persons who are not worth engaging in discussion. His simple mind has been made up on all issues; it’s a waste of time even reading his responses.
      .
      All of us others (including me) have our faults, but we can be persuaded to change our minds.
      .
      Actually, GATAM, I have my doubts about your possessing a mind. You are a creature of some sort who has got conditioned to say the same thing again and again.

    • 0
      0

      What do the minorities want?

      Soma

      • 2
        0

        soman

        “What do the minorities want?”

        Do you mean my people?
        They want all of you descendants of Kallathonies to go back to your homeland, Tamil Nadu.

        Why did you ask this silly question?

  • 12
    3

    I watched it live. My main observation was AKD’s response to all questions based on “YOU” was rebutted by the use of the words “WE” and “OUR”. There was one answer which said: ” I will guarantee that “WE” will do it. What one can make out of that response?

    In my opinion, the use of “WE” and “OUR” is the “KEY” to the success of a “TEAM” and a stepping stone to Good Governance that opens opportunities for “PARTICIPATORY DEMOCRACY” by the People. I would request the readers to trace the political history for the last few decades and the present setup. Wasn’t it management by “ONE” (PM, PRESIDENT) and those in the team say “YES SIR/MADAM”? Even a “Learned” MP and a “State Minister”- Mr. Susil Premajayantha asked in Parliament: “Are we here to be signal posts and raised our hands and say yes”? This present President said: “My word is the rule and circular. Follow my word”. In that situation, aren’t “WE” and “OUR” are NEW concepts to rely on?

    Next: “I will guarantee that we will do it”. That “LEADERSHIP” volume was reduced to a few words. It is a NEW hope and a stable FOUNDATION to build the future.

    • 7
      1

      Dear Simon
      Its more probable that something is amiss due to the translation. Having said that I believe that JVP has leant its lessons over the years
      One need to study the whole article and come to a conclusion.
      May be AKD is a different person to Wimal Weerawansa, who is the biggest racist and bigot on the planet,

      President Gotabhaya knows this fully well. Thats why he has side lined this nasty good for nothing creature
      Coming back to AKD, in the 10 or so years, I believe his stance has been for an equitable society. In that one hopes he supports an all-inclusive pluralistic society and electorate. Politics is as we know is a game of drones.
      It all depends on who is in control of the dice
      The question for SriLankan is not a question of who is good person to govern the country. For the present this is a double-barrelled question and unfortunately even God himself I doubt has the answer
      Ratnam Nadarajah

      • 4
        1

        Ratnam Nadarajah: Thank you. I appreciate the pragmatical approach you have expressed. I am not telling that “JVP/NPP” is the panacea for all the ills the country and the people are suffering. My view is, some start has to take place to replace all whom we have trusted and failed us and “RECOVER” what we have been made to lose and forge ahead with some hope for a better life at least for the future generation.

        The “GOD” is ready to provide the “Answer” provided the PEOPLE are ready to allow the “GOD” to live in them. The trouble is, instead of providing a “Sacred” abode for the “GOD” within the people, they have accommodated all the “SATANS” who has appeared in various disguised forms such as “Dharmishta Samajaya”(Just Society) “Mahinda Chinthanya” (Mahinda Philosophy), presently “Saubagaye Dekma” (Vista of Prosperity & Splendor). This curtain has to be torn off and allow people to see GOD.

        • 1
          0

          Simon,
          JVP/NPP is not KOKATATH THAILAYA-pnacea – that is for sure, But looking at all other, what other better options the people will have ?

          To me, It is sad to see that RN compares AKD with a Cheap man of Wimal Buruwanse nature. We ve been studying his profile since 1994. I dont think anyone would ever compare AKDs with that of a dog like Wimal Buruwanse.
          .
          Wimal Burwanse and Vasidewa have made all damages to motherland than anyone else. Not even Prabakaran did that much of damage. I think AKD is not coming from a family background similar to that of Thunmulle Wimalaya. Wimalaya should be coming from a very poor back ground to get caught by the easy tricks played on him by MaRa.

        • 3
          0

          Dear Simon
          I agree with you. To give the devil its due, we must give AKD a chance to prove his mettle. We have nothing to lose. Considering the state of play in SL; where dog eats dog and anything is better than the present state of affairs.
          Things cannot go on like this for ever. We will be the next Venezuela or Zimbabwe with inflation in triple figures.
          Where is the long-awaited IMF /Loan/ funding?. Cabaral the GOCB is very silent on this and one wonders why? Is he planning a Mahendran?
          RN

        • 0
          0

          At least the JVP/NPP are thinking differently about the way forward. They seem to have a vision and a program for reforming the State, economy and society. They have identified the causes of current problems and a way forward to get out of the current mess created over decades of elite politics. through tattumaru system.

          Fres thinking and a noval program is absoultely needed to circumvent the existential crisis facing the country today.

      • 0
        0

        RN
        “I believe that JVP has lea(r)nt its lessons over the years”
        All of us learn lessons, but not always the right lessons.

        • 0
          0

          but not always the right lessons

          Long live UOJ and do that excellent service for long time to come!

        • 0
          0

          Dear SJ
          Nice to hear from you
          Yes very true
          You can’t teach old dog new tricks and try straighten old dogs tail!!
          Kind regards
          RN

    • 8
      2

      AKD’s mindset which reflects the collective thinking of the NPP while exhibiting his broad knowledge on the varied topics brought up by the interviewer reflecting his leadership skills, needs to be appreciated. His views seem well grounded.
      Will a public apology by him for the crimes committed in the last two insurrections help more citizens to see the fresh commitment by the JVP to uphold the rule of law and respect of human life?
      One thing is certain, AKD sounds sincere and honest in comparison to the hollow promises and convoluted language spoken by the leader of the rogue party that trampled the UNP and paved the way for the current leadership.

      On another note it is a relief that Sirasa now uses talk hosts who are polite and respectful of the guest. Let’s hope and pray that the media will not drag candidates into a mire of insults and vile slogans like they did to Mr Ranil Wickramasingha, the last time round.

    • 0
      1

      Good distinction indeed. There is a huge difference between leadership by consensus vs decree. We live in an era where the citizenship rights all over are being eroded in favour of Security State. This is even happening in countries like Australia. Parliament itself enacts laws to protect the sovereignty of the country -at the same time giving more powers to security establishment. In the Sri lankan parliemtn, as you show even the MPs do not have much power now -unless as part of a kitchen cabinet. JVP-NPP is planning to devolve the power to the locality(I was listening to 360 interview by lal Kantha recently). He says problems that can be solved at the village level ought to be solved at that level. So the village community will be empowered to do so.

  • 3
    9

    Making AKD would be the flip the side of the record Maithreepala Sirisena. We live to learn.

    • 1
      1

      Which other leader from the available lot do you suggest as an alternative?

      • 2
        0

        Siri@
        There are a large portion in lanken island mindset that would just oppose just because the others do/ it is no different to the ” sadu sadu effect” of beetle eating Seelawathies and Sinchoappus/the mentality is also prevalent among a larger portion of the youth too/ so long nothing would work on improving the awareness/ I hardly thing a palpable change in the virulent mindset of our average(70%)./ smart phones that the youth are busy today dont seemvto help them much because no many among them seem to be using it for digging the info by their own 🐃🤥😡🐃😡🐃😡🤔😡🤔

      • 0
        0

        siri
        We have been choosing best of a bad lot for too long.
        It may be time that we looked elsewhere for the answer.

        • 2
          0

          SJ

          “It may be time that we looked elsewhere for the answer.”

          China perhaps!

    • 2
      0

      HP,
      .
      assuming that all in your age group would bear the same opinion – …… so how can anyone think of a better future ?.
      .
      Those who stand against NPP, it is high time to come with better alternatives. They may have lack of experience in the areas of ” external politics” but I dont think it can be worse.
      :
      In today s context, almost everything in a mess in terms of external poltiics. Just imagine, if a Tsunami would hit the nation, today, would the International community donate the nation to the manner, they did it in 2004 ?
      .
      Entire europe is against BARBARIC Rajapakshe led govt.
      Not a single leader would share their opinion in favour of their beautiful holiday paradise- srilanka..
      Tourism industry is fallen as nothing can help them reverse in the years to come.
      :

  • 0
    4

    Collectivism sounds too old-fashioned and like Russian communes. To reflect the modern global economics, they could call it things like consumer socialism, public ownership, social democracy, democratic socialism, progressive economics, left-wing commonwealth, capitalized egalitarianism, liberal representative, climate change progressives……

    • 0
      0

      Grandma,
      Your politics stands many steps above Anura’s. You could win EP seat, 2/3 and if you wants you could abolish the EP. All what Anura can do walk on the opposite to SLFP-UNP ‘s cyclical path and claims that he is different from others. He cannot configure what is the difference in mechanically walking on the opposite side. Anura cannot understand that if one walk on East or on West you only come back to the starting point. No progress!

      • 0
        0

        AKD uses Sinhala words like Parivarthanaya (transformation) that the Sinhala masses understand. Each of these Sinhala words have a intricate and expansive meaning, painting a very visual picture. They lose their clout when translated into English.

  • 6
    4

    Early JVP was attacking politicians and not christians. So even today they may not struggle satanically to destroy the catholic church of the Living God while taking large presents to the Sangha. If they leave the church alone to function as it is called to do, they will have the heavenly blessings too, to be able to govern well. Those who seek to govern against God’s kingdom government by destroying church, will reap what they sow.

    • 0
      0

      davidthegood,
      *
      Yes, so true. Buddha and God would want it that way too. But it is right if JVP-NPP abbrogate more recent money-making groups using untaxed country money to establish their version of divine kingdoms on earth.

    • 0
      0

      DG,
      “Early JVP was attacking politicians and not christians.”
      Would you Google “Fr. Michael Rodrigo” ? He was murdered by the JVP.

  • 9
    4

    What a blinking eye wash!! Look at some of his vague and poor answers……

    1. “…..executive President system is not suitable for us. Therefore, it should be changed…” Why doesn’t he have a backbone to tell “…I will definitely ABOLISH it and return people’s power to the parliament…”??? Instead he says “….I am only one factor here. Ours is a collective effort. We have to take the power back to this collective….” what the heck is that?? THIS COLLECTIVE is his kitchen cabinet??

    2. “….We have close relationship with the Chinese Communist party. Likewise, we have relations with the Indian embassy staff….” OMG!! His right hand man Handuna visited a mahanayaka the other day and pleaded the sangha to save our country from Indian invasion..!! Now AKD is having friends in the Indian Embassy?? Such double agent games!! And JVP love affair with the CCP is no secret either!! Who AKD is trying to fool is anybody’s guess!!

    3. “….we identify 5 main problems and give priority to them: 1) improve production 2) address the debt trap 3) Reduce the gap between imports-exports 4) Reinstate the rule of law 5) provide health, education, transport facilities….” These 5 points are just like ‘cakes and mud guards!!’ Shows how they got it all mixed up!! Our #1 priority must be their #4. And plug corruption and punish who were in it. Without that any plan for economic development is bloody pointless!

    • 6
      1

      Jit: You are absolutely correct in saying: “plug corruption and punish who were in it. Without that, any plan for economic development is bloody pointless”

      Have you been following what AKD was telling at all the “District” level meetings of NPP? I heard him at Maharagama and recently at Matara. He very emphatically and categorically stated: ” No economic or any other development plans could be made successful if we do not FIRST clean the political culture of corruption and crimes.” He spelled how it would be done. He said: “All the privileges now enjoyed by the politicians will be withdrawn and that service would be made an “Honorable Service”. No ex-Presidents would be maintained by the State and all their privileges, such as housing, security, transportation would be withdrawn. All the “Palaces” they presently have would either be handed over to the Tourism/Hotel industry and or converted to house Public Libraries”. In answer to a question from the audience, he said: “All the ill-gotten money by the politicians would be recouped to the Treasury and punish all of them under existing harsh laws”. Any more?

      • 3
        1

        But voters will still vote for other parties whose leaders enjoy these privileges? Why? Because the voter is interested in whart they will get if the JVP-NPP come to power rather than what the leaders of parties and former Presidents will lose. The average voter does not have a sense of what the privileges enjoyed by former Presidents and Ministers etc are except the car they travel! have they seen any of the palaces? perhaps AKD and the NPP can open them for public viewing as the first step after gaining power. Such a promise can excite the voter.

        • 3
          0

          Just speak to a 100 representing a cross section of the society/ u ll see it mirror image that the whole lot of our people are equally corrupted so as their representatives that their votes ekectedcthem nobody else. .
          .
          Did u meet staffs of teachers / doctors/ engineers/ uni lectures/ professor s/ in significant numbers to feel that they are unbiased to their traditional way of thinking patterns? .
          .
          Many in srilanka yet today would not respect European style rigorous law and order setting s/ but they have the audacity to repeatedly criticise the other😡😡😡🐃🐃🐃🐃🐃🐃🐃

        • 3
          0

          Siri/
          .
          It is similar to their eating patterns / Ruwanwalisaya size of Platte of rice irresponsible of the facts prove more carbohydrates will worsen the rapidly increasing numbers in diabetes in slanka and neighbouring SA countries.
          .
          Peoples attitudes would nt change easily/ if psychologists/ society builders would nt take the role to their hands. 😡🤔🤥🤥🤥🤥🤥🤥🤥🤥

      • 3
        0

        Be honest!!!!
        how many in sl would be happier if Rajapakshes would be punished to the manner our all time Ranjan is jailed? .
        .
        Now the latest report s reveal a lot that MARA to have lived on stolen state funds since 1994/ this news boils my blood but howmany down there in sl would stand against?.
        .
        Main stream media is highly irresponsible 😡🤥🤔

      • 0
        0

        Simon, I have no doubt AKD and the gang are the least corrupt team in SL politics today. That may be because they didn’t have absolute power in the 74 years since 1948 or probably they are much more honest than all other political crapies. I don’t really know! However, that alone is NOT good enough qualification to be in the driver’s seat of a country.

        My main questions are focused on their amateurism (apart from their history) on few of the core issues we face today.

        1. Executive Presidency. I am yet to see their clear policy on this. Are they going to continue with it or transfer full powers to the parliament? If so how will they get the 2/3rd consent?
        2. How are they going to eliminate corruption? 99% of politicians and state bureaucracy is utterly corrupt today, including the judiciary. That is at least a 50 year process. How are they going to deal with it instantly? How are they going to enforce it when corruption is the rule of the law within all of our security forces??

        • 0
          1

          Sorry this part was missing in the original post published as the Mods kindly deleted the section over 200 words, sorry mod 😊
          2 of 2….
          The other 2 most important issues are:
          3. NPP’s amateurish behaviour on our foreign relationships. India is our closest ‘superpower’ and JVP has a toxic attitude toward India while having a close relationship with China. SL do not have the luxury of antagonizing India and be happily living with China. Both have their agendas on SL but SL have no other choice but to learn to live with India. With their current anti Indian and pro-Chinese policy, aren’t they pushing SL further towards the wrath of India?
          4. Doubts about ethnic reconciliation. It is clear that JVP as a party is seriously engaged with village Buddhist monks particularly at university level, apart from its huge Sinhala Buddhist membership. It is also no secret that 99% of those monks believe Sri Lanka is a Sinhala Buddhist country which looks quite racist to other ethnic groups. That will not help bringing in any reconciliation to the current ethnic issues while India is pressing on the 13A. How does JVP/NPP overcome that situation?

        • 1
          0

          Jit: Question 1: Yes NPP has pledged to transfer power to Parliament from Executive President (brought in by 20A) Yet there will be a President (nominal) Responsible and Accountable to Parliament. The Parliament will be supreme.

          Question 2: NPP has pledged to eliminate corruption starting from TOP to Bottom. Mind you not from “Bottom” to “Top”.

    • 1
      0

      Jit,

      Well, they can’t sound too militant can they? But as Siri says, they can paint a more creative picture from the current artifacts and occurrences of present government. Yet, Sinhala words like Parivarthanaya and Udu Mahala are very self-visualizing for the people.

      • 1
        0

        RTF, whether they sound militant or not, their nature of governance will only be seen if they win the elections and how they manage the power they got with it. Their history never appealed to me but I am not pessimistic at all about the future, I can see there are a lot of honest and genuine people around them than with ANY other party. They may do a great job or they may not. Time will only tell because I still have couple of grey areas about some of their policies which I have stated elsewhere in this forum.

    • 0
      4

      Completely agree with you.

      They are against every country, and every program and project done by any country. How in the world can these fools work with anybody.

      Simpletons like Simon and LM ( Not sure this guy is a simpleton or a JVP cats paw) will cry to the moon about the development that can be done by them.

      Even though I live overseas I with to come and live in my country. That dream will vanish if these clowns come to power.

      • 4
        0

        A14455,
        “Even though I live overseas I wish to come and live in my country.”
        No, don’t. We’ll pay you not to.

        • 2
          1

          Oc
          .
          The kind of men live in out would nt change much/ Gota and A14455 are best examples 🐃🐃🐃🐃🐃🐃🐃🐃🐃🐃🐃🐕🐕🐕🐕🐕🐕😉☹😉☹😉☹

          • 1
            0

            Oc
            .
            The kind of men live in or .

            out would nt change much/ Gota and A14455 are best examples 🐕🐕🐕🐕🐕🐕🐕🐕🐕🐕🐕🐕🐕🐕

          • 0
            0

            Dear SJ
            Nice to hear from you
            Yes very true
            You can’t teach old dog new tricks and try straighten old dogs tail!!
            Kind regards
            RN

  • 14
    3

    “We do politics according to people’s heart rhythm. We exist on the people.”
    The question to JVP is: Majority of the Population are Buddhist Sinhala people. If the Buddhist Sinhala people wants the government to remove all the rights of the Tamils and Muslims and also remove the 13th amendment of the constitution or provincial councils what will you do?

    • 12
      1

      Any leader/party that caters only to the majority is unfit to lead this country. We are a multi-religious country, and EVERY citizens must be included fairly in all polices. Until we have leaders who will unite this country, include all people, and tell the majority that citizens of all religions belong here, this country will never progress, and we will forever have ethnic strife, and violence directed at the minority.

      • 3
        1

        AKD’s other talks emphasise the multicultural,multi ethnic nature of Sri Lanka and the need to accommodate all Lankans in a safe and secure society.

        • 2
          0

          Siri, those are nice words of course! However, with a strong force of Sinhala Buddhist people and monks with rural backgrounds very active within the party, do you think those words can turn into deeds? Eg. letting Tamils work in their own language, having their own bureaucracy, having their own provincial admin system etc?

          • 2
            0

            Depends on who participates in he NPP? Examine how many from the minority groups are in the 70+ JVP executive Committee.

  • 5
    6

    You think these commies will get any international support . I am laughing.

    With their policies no one will support us . WE will go the way of Myanmar , Laos. That is it .

    WE will have to break down our cities and sell to other countries.

    any way Id be surprised if the 3% will even go to 4

    • 3
      0

      a14455
      🐃🐃🐃🐃🐃🐃🐃🐃
      What else can the punnaku eaters do? U the kind of bps should be made responsible for self made mess in srilanka today/ we knew Rajapakshes are high criminals but ones like u with degrees to go licking their backs misled the rural masees 😡😡😡😡😡😡

      • 3
        0

        a14455@
        When I look at u the kind of mercy cows/ I feel free education clearly wasted state funds in sizeable amounts for no purposes. 🐃🐃🐃🐃🐃🐃🐃🐃🐃

  • 0
    0

    It is foremost important to make Sri Lanka a secular state with no affiliation to any religion to gain communal harmony. I have seen AKD visiting Mahanayakas for advice and blessings. These “Nadagam”, or the dramas to please Buddhist destroy the trust of non-Buddhists.

    Have seen Buddhist living in West adopted to secular society but perform their religious duties unhindered and freely. Therefore, why can’t Sri Lanka. We always put in the forefront our Buddhist heritage and culture irrespective of assessing the damage of had happened over 72 years of independence.

    Being said, the only group which is capable of strengthening SL is JVP. Also they will bring all the rouges and culprits before the full extent of law and with no mutual deals.

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