14 December, 2024

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General Election: Ready For A Structural Change? 

By S. I. Keethaponcalan –

Dr. S. I. Keethaponcalan

The 1977 general election was transformative. It provided JR Jayewardene’s United National Party (UNP) more than a two-thirds majority in parliament. Jayewardene used the unassailable parliamentary majority to alter the Sri Lanka society and polity structurally. When the general election was announced in March this year, we did not know that the 2020 parliamentary election will also have a transformative capacity. Writing about the parliamentary election in an essay entitled, Politics: Frozen by COVID-19, I pointed out that “it seems the government would win more than 125 seats if the election is held in, for example, May 2020. Space has been created to win a two-thirds majority. But, would it win such a majority? No one knows.” The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) exceeded expectations.   

Election Results 

Multiple factors worked in favor of the government. I have discussed some of these factors in the essay indicated above. Therefore, I do not want to repeat them here. However, one aspect neglected in that analysis was the campaign restrictions. Campaign restrictions imposed on political parties due to the COVID-19 crisis by the Election Commission was brutal, especially for small parties and first-time campaigners. 

Meanwhile, the government enjoyed the power of state media. It is also imperative to note that most, if not all, major news outlets, especially television channels, are pro-government entities. This provided the government an added advantage in reaching out to the voters. I am sure that the Rupawahini would have unloaded campaign materials day in and day out. Therefore, one cannot understate the role of the media in the SLPP’s mammoth electoral victory.        

The SLPP won 145 seats, only five seats short of a two-thirds majority. In fact, as of today, the government has 148 seats. The Eelam People’s Democratic Party (EPDP) is a longtime ally of Rajapaksa and contested in the North on its own for strategic reasons. Contesting under the pohottuwa (lotus) symbol would have fetched fewer votes. Now the party has two seats won from the Jaffna and Vanni districts. The Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) also won one seat from the Jaffa district. The SLFP is also an ally of the SLPP. It contested the election in the rest of the country under the SLPP banner. Hence, these three seats are government seats.  

Although, two seats short of the much needed 150 seats (from the SLPP perspective), the government could easily manufacture the two-thirds majority. Interestingly, the Sunday Times (of Sri Lanka) on August 9, claimed that “a Tamil National Alliance (TNA) politician from the North is also expected to join” the government. This may or may not happen. Keen observers of the Northern campaign would not be surprised if a leading TNA personality crossed over.   

Two-Thirds Plus 59 Percent

If one goes by the 18th Amendment experience, it is clear that the government would break opposition parties to manufacture the two-thirds majority it was desperately seeking. This time around, there are very few candidates. The UNP has only one member in parliament. The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) with three seats, will be hard to break. That leaves the Samagi Jana Balavegaya (SJB) to be the primary target for additional members. 

At this point, one can presume that the SJB will be the main political threat to the SLPP in the long run. The SJB surprised many people by its electoral gain of 54 seats. The party’s future looks bright. The SJB’s success should be a worry for the SLPP leadership. Therefore, targeting the SJB for additional parliamentary votes could also serve a strategic purpose, weakening the party. Preserving the party’s unity and integrity will be one of the significant challenges the SJB would face in the short term.  

Nevertheless, the point is that the government is guaranteed a two-thirds majority in the national legislature. What will it do with that power? When the SLPP leaders argued for a two-thirds majority during the campaign, their main aim was to undo the 19th Amendment. It is possible that the SLPP leaders did not expect a landslide victory during the campaign. Hence, the minimalist objective of repealing the 19th Amendment.  

Now, the general election results have provided the government with the capacity to introduce structural changes. Why is that? Because 59 percent of people have voted for the government. In other words, the government has 59 percent support in the country today. To introduce a new constitution, a two-thirds majority in parliament alone is inadequate. The changes need to be ratified by the people in a national referendum. The 59 percent votes the government won indicates that it can win a national referendum. A two-thirds majority with 59 percent approval could be lethal, especially in terms of minority interest.     

A New Constitution? 

The election result has created a new reality where the government leaders may already be thinking about a new constitution. A new constitution would help remove some real and imagined political hurdles to the SLPP’s long-term success. It would also help cement the legacy of the Rajapaksa clan in the political history of the country. I will not be surprised if the government tries to introduce a new constitution or fundamentally alter the existing constitution soon. Therefore, like the 1977 general election, the 2020 election could prove to be a transformative one. 

The presidential form of government is unlikely to change in a new constitutional scheme. Rajapaksas and Sinhala nationalists love the powers vested on the president in a presidential form of government. One should not be surprised if presidential powers are further strengthened. However, three significant subject matters could be targeted for change. One, the unitary nature of the state could be consolidated and strengthened. The fear of continuing internal and external threats would justify such a move. 

Two, provisions of the 13th Amendment could be dropped in favor of a system based on a Gramarajya concept. Mahinda Rajapaksa had been advocating a solution based on a Gramarajya idea to the ethnic conflict for a while. For example, in a tweet dated June 19, 2013, Mahinda Rajapaksa stated, “Power must be devolved to the lowest possible level, the village – the Gramarajya or Panchayat. Sub nat’l level PCs haven’t served purpose.” The notion that Provincial Councils are a waste of money and resource is considerably prevalent. A new constitution would provide an opportunity to replace the provincial council system with a more grassroots-based scheme.  

Three, the electoral system could be changed fully or partially to do away with the Promotional Representation (PR) system. Jayewardene introduced the PR system because he believed that the system is beneficial to the UNP. The flipside of this argument is that the PR system was disadvantageous to the SLFP (now SLPP). Therefore, the PR system will be targeted fully or partially.   

Latest comments

  • 22
    6

    Economy is going to be the crunch.
    SLPP asked for 2/3rd majority and now they got it.
    But can they deliver on the Economic front?
    Structural changes to governance will be short lived.
    The new government is coming in to power in the midst of world recession caused by Covid-19
    The big FX earners are hot by Covid-19
    Tourism
    Export of labour to Middle East
    other exports such as apparel industry
    add to this huge loan interest payable to China

    if the new government fail to deliver on economy the rural voters will ask
    you asked for 2/3rds and we gave it to you.
    why is cot of living going up – you have 2/3rds fix it

    • 19
      5

      Rajash

      Though I share your concern I trust Gota delivering a Singapore on a platter as you know he is the self proclaimed strong man who is seen by Asgiriya as the next Asian Hitler. When we have Hitler why do we need 2/3?

      When he cocks up the economy, law and order, foreign relation, race(?) relation, ….. do we have any ready made scapegoat to blame? How about you an active/inactive member of Tamil Diaspora?
      Beware Manori Unambuwe is watching you from Germany.

      • 9
        5

        Native Vedda ..”Though I share your concern “

        Not my concern my two cents worth!

        when they cock up the economy another bomb will explode this time they may have to go to the extreme and aim for a low ranking Buddhist Temple

        Gnasra is rumoured to be made an MP …he will have a ministerial post not ofcourse listed

        • 10
          5

          Rajash


          That saffron clad thug would be appointed as the Sinhala/Buddhist head of the Committee for the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice which gives him broder powers, …

          Entering woman’s bedroom without prior notice, performing virginity tests, digging middle of the houses for archaeological artefacts, if not found, the director of department of archaeology by the powers not vested in him will allow the saffron thugs to occupy the land and premises and have the right to use or abuse members of the household, in the name of Sinhala/Buddhism, ………

      • 0
        1

        In this Rajapaksa dynasty will run another 10 years as a sole legitimate ruler of this Sinhalese Aryans country Heladiva (Sri Lanka). Lets Diaspoda or Peelam bark we don’t care. International Community, International Human Rights Commission, etc. we don’t care, let them bark and let them cry for Diaspoda or Peelam. Our ruling party proved to the world Sri Lanka belongs to the Sinhalese Aryans and this election 97% Member the Parliament are Sinhalese, out of 225 MPS more than 200 MPS are Sinhalese Aryans also. Long live Sinhalese Aryans country Heladiva (Sri Lanka). Go to hell Diaspoda and PEELAM

    • 11
      6

      This country woul dnever be a singapore.

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdBv2bIbriU

      So long stupid people are the majority.
      Come ahead will again be the era, where Astrlogers and other pattapal horu would start the day sitting with abusive media mafia instituions.

    • 10
      4

      Last night around 20.50 hours, I was watching the Aussie cable TV called Foxtel when the presenter Mr Alan Jones towards the end of his show made many a scathing truthful humiliation on the voters of this sad sorry nation and the power greedy Rajapuk clan.
      \
      He made a reference stating that the president was Gotabaya Rajapuka, the prime minister mahindan Rajapuka, the elder brother name not mentioned also a cabinet minister and the only person he left out was the dubious lawyer Namal rajapuka.
      \
      If i was still a Lankan I wold have run to drink a bottle or two of polydol or runbug or would have taken with sadness Velu Annai’s result guarnteed cyanide capsule.
      \
      It was a scathing attack on the intelligent of the entire YAKKO people where their lack of brains and intelligence was proven.
      \
      I am now told that a few yak groups along with the High Commission are up in arms with their pants down howling with gusto about the highlighting of these paramount facts to the Australian public.
      If this was the point of view of one of the oz media what would have been the effects this rigged greedy for dictatorship successful power grab be viewed on the airwaves of the free world.?

    • 15
      14

      Mr. Rajash,
      .
      This is funny…….
      .
      You guys tried to destroy the country by terrorism……
      .
      You guys wanted to make GR stateless to let “Yahapalana” setup to destroy the country…..
      .
      You were waiting till COVID – 19 destroy the country……..
      .
      You guys are a funny lot.

      • 0
        4

        Robbers of the wealth of Heladiva(Sri Lanka) still barking for nothing. No one can do anything to our present rulers all are legally elected by people of Sinhalese Aryans, Tamils, Muslims etc. Where is PEELAM? Where is Diaspoda? Now these lunatic Kallathonies and Extremist Muslims barking for nothing.

        • 1
          1

          Those who talk much about HELADIVA may need to check their ALADIWA (pancreas), because they sound to be suffering from pathological reasons to see so.

          If any good leaders would not respect all alike, he or she shoud be punished by gods and all divine forces. That is what I feel. No matter who he is, what religion he belongs to , as citizens we should have the same rights… if anyone would see other way around, should be CHARGED with high fines as is the case in some european soils. Basta.

    • 6
      2

      Nothing will be positive with the new cabinet in the line of economists. Good old Acabral who is the architect of the sluggish economic setbacks which the previous govt had to iron out will be the right hand of the leadership.Those bitch s sons that looted the state, prior to 2015 have now got reelected to ruin it goingn an extra mile. On one hand it is fair them to do the job, since they were the creater of the huge loans keeping the people in dark. But Mahinda Rajakshe should be kept away from all handlings becuase he does not know much about the area, and his highly corrupted cultures were highly instrumental making the island eternal debtors to china. So called gigantic projects brought nothing but along maintenance of them today have become a headache to the state which is now struggling not being able to pay the salaries to the public servants.

      Not only middle east and the exports that were one another key areas that brought foreign exchange are totally disrubpeted, … I heard europeans saying that they would rather focus on AFRICAN countries than SRILANKA and some asian countries. Those african countries are more flexible for their markets today than asian markets.

  • 8
    7

    Yes Your Excellency our Nation of People look forward to a fundamentally different SL to what we have had in the past.a weak Nation due to her post colonial inheritance misused by many foreign Nations for their agendas…we want.a Sovereign Nation that can stand on her feet and take care of her subjects…..every where the law will be applied equally to protect her citizens forever where we will be known for a law and order country first and foremost and equally a Scientific Nation focused on Environmental Protection/Sustainability as the heart of the Program/Agenda please.

    In return as her subjects we will stand by the elected and help them deliver all that tranpires as a Nation Building Program without treason and treachery.

    • 15
      6

      Thiagarajah Venugopal – dream on

  • 8
    2

    Rajash

    Though I share your concern I trust Gota delivering a Singapore on a platter as you know he is the self proclaimed strong man who is seen by Asgiriya as the next Asian Hitler. When we have Hitler why do we need 2/3?

    When he cocks up the economy, law and order, foreign relation, race(?) relation, ….. do we have any ready made scapegoat to blame? How about you an active/inactive member of Tamil Diaspora?
    Beware Manori Unambuwe is watching you from Germany.

  • 13
    3

    latest social media trending

    UNP started by a Thomian destroyed by a Royalist

    I let you guys sort out this ridle

    • 19
      4

      by the way I forgot to add …I am not a Royalist nor am I a Thomian..
      I come from a much better institution from North
      but I have friends from Royal St.Thomas, Ananda. Nalanda, St Peters. St Joseph.HFC, St.Bridgets, St.Bishops

      all these educational institutions excelled…..before Sinhala only

      I am out of touch I hope they are upholding the same high standards

      • 4
        0

        LOL!

      • 6
        0

        Rajash,
        .
        I like what is now trending!
        .
        But as an iskole mahattya I’m a gambada fellow!
        .
        Sinhala and Tamil had to be given respect – which was not the case at Independence. I’m sure that we don’t have to get lost in such soul-searching. Haven’t we done enough already?
        .
        The “ONLY” was the problem – but don’t you realise that he was forced into that position by competition from Sir John close to the elections.
        .
        You look at the past through rose-tinted glasses. I got surprise last week. A guy who ought to have known didn’t: that Sir John’s father was about the first to make biting cyanide capsules popular among Sri Lankans.
        .
        He had committed murder, and the gallows summoned.
        .
        What a past we have to face upto!

      • 6
        12

        Of course Mr. Rajash,
        .
        YOU ARE NOT A Royalist not even a Thomian….
        .
        It’s obvious.
        .
        .
        .

        • 13
          4

          Pasqual bugger machan .thank you machan.
          my pater bugger machan quiet rightly thought educational institutions in Jaffna are far superior machan.

          I agree with him now machan.

        • 9
          2

          SCP,# WHAT IS MORE OBVIOUS is you are an ultra bastard. Just to have gone to a school of popular nature but having nothing in head – is the best example you give by yousrelf. You cant even differentiate the good from bad. THat I think is the basics. Curse go to your parents and teachers sadly.

          I had to go to several schools during my school education. But I think I have achieved a lot in this life than you SCP – today we have been dealing with world’s best reseachers in Health Care. Btw so called royalists I got to know in Europe – unfortunately, they have been suffering from an inferiority complexy of rarity. My best buddy at Pera was a royalist. He had to face lot more ragging than I was destined.

        • 2
          0

          A plague on both those schools, I say!
          .
          I grant that they have their good points – but so have others!
          .
          S. C. Pasqual appears to have been educated in one of them.
          .
          I have threatened to write about them – and I know them both pretty well.
          .
          Let us sing in praise of “the closest school” and really make sure that it is the best for the children attending it.
          .
          My threat is here:
          .
          https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/sri-lanka-rides-a-gotabaya-surge-blends-to-a-sinhala-buddhist-ethos-election-sends-a-chilling-message/
          .
          The guy who’s written that appears to have been well-educated, but he never tells us where. That, in itself, is a sign of good education!.

          • 2
            0

            Mr SM, If I may say so: ( now SCP will brand me as I am envious not being able to go to their school – my gosh?)

            Those who went to Royal College – they are later identified as ROYALISTS by theirlocal circles (this is no better to that frog-ina well culture) just because their world is too small – but to tell you Royals and Royalist – terms being used in UK and european countries in order to identify ones belonging to royal family. Not only UK there are few other monachies in Europe. – but our hungry nation, make every effort to self-proclaim on and on for self made contents. To me as one wh has seen the world coming out of srilanken hell – I dont feel to call me who I am even if I may have obtained international qualifications.

            • 0
              0

              Nonsense! You’re about the most well-meaning guy to be found anywhere.
              .
              You’ve got to be impervious to what people say of you! I think that I’ve stated clearly enough the importance of all schools, but all people, starting with kids, will have a sense of attachment to what they feel is theirs. We surely don’t want a system of strict regulation to achieve supposed equality. There must be room for diversity.
              .
              Where is your sense of humour today, dear LM?

          • 0
            0

            Dear SM,

            Ministerial Portforlios to Nimal Lanza but not to John Senvirante. h a ha..

            I see something in their hidden agendas, but I really dont know yet what it is.

            https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNxyXg3BHmc

            I look at them, and felt, Katussa s neck was decorated with gold… my gosh, not few years ago, these bitch s sons were only seen in COURT premises, and got enough proofs to push them to jail sessions. All these men have again become MINISTERs ? This is THE WONDER LAND srilanka and its affairs.

            • 0
              0

              How old is John Senviratne? Close upon eighty!
              .
              I have only heard about Lanza; and that’s not been at all good. You surely don’t expect me to get to know each of these characters, do you? Now that the elections are over, we’ll just have to be less concerned, and live our lives.

      • 1
        0

        Dear Inquirers All,
        .
        What I have revealed yesterday has shocked you, and many readers will be reading it because it is sensational. However, so few know of these significant events and it is necessary for an understanding of the 20th Century history of our country.
        .
        https://www.dailynews.lk/2018/09/15/features/162651/trial-john-kotelawala-snr-and-two-others
        .
        I’m afraid that it’s all too well attested:
        .
        https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Kotelawala_Sr
        .
        If you look at the end of this Wikipedia article, you will see much to admire in how many of the relatives responded in caring for the innocent widow and “orphans”.
        .
        It was someone on CT about five years ago who got me to search for this “story”. I think that this was the first account that I read:
        .
        https://www.sundayobserver.lk/2020/03/08/impact/john-kotelawala-snr-commits-suicide-his-cell
        .

        This tells you about the motivation of the crime, and also gives you the family tree. I’m sorry if this proves a little unfair by people who are connected in various ways to Kotelawala Snr. All families have such skeletons in their cupboards, and that includes mine! None of us, including me, is perfect, although few, I’m sure are as guilty.
        .
        http://www.worldgenweb.org/lkawgw/gen3119.htm
        .
        Panini Edirisinhe (NIC 48 3111 444V) aka “Sinhala_Man”

  • 3
    13

    Mr Keethaponnakalan
    Gramarajya is the logical extention of arguments supporting the Federal structure presently touted. Therefore voiceforous Federalists will find it hard to come up with counter arguments. However given the sophistication of their hypocrisy one can expect them to oppose it anyway.
    .
    It also can address the anomaly of +51% of Tamil speaking people living in Sinhala majority Federal units loosing the benefits of Federalism which had been my main concern.
    .
    This is the closest we can approach to ‘Cantons’ in Switzerland which is generally considered as similar to democracy in ancient Greece.
    .
    On the other hand Tamil Nadu which is double the size of Sri Lanka area wise and four times the population has not been further subdivided.
    .
    One can expect a very lively debate on the subject of Gramarajya.

    Soma

    • 8
      2

      Somawathi or Somapala . Tamil Nadu is an Ethno linguistic federal state within India. Its native population are Tamils belonging to the Hindu , Christian Islamic and Jain faith. The mother tongue of these people is Tamil. There are other linguistic and ethnic minorities who live in Tamil Nadu but they are not native to Tamil Nadu but have migrated from neighboring states or from further north. Therefore why should Tamil Nadu be further divided? No one is clamouring or demanding this. However Tamil Nadu is divided into many districts for easy administration. Sri Lanka like Canada or Belgium has two native linguistic groups , therefore like these two lands need to be divided into two lingustic federal states. The homeland of the Tamil speakers is the NE and Puttalam and the rest is the homeland of the native Sinhalese speakers. The Sinhalese cannot use their majority and claim everything as theirs , as it never was theirs , until the British gave the Tamil NE and north west coast to them. Do not try to deliberately mislead

      • 3
        6

        You are a Kilattu Chaniyan who posted like me in another thread. How dare you. I hate you. നീ ഒരു കുരങ്ങാണ് ( knee oru kurangan )

        • 6
          1

          Sorry Miss Piggy. In future I will not tread on your dainty Piggy feet and try to behave myself and refrain from posting like you , even for a joke.

      • 2
        5

        Mr Rohan25
        I am a Sinhalese on this forum promoting a SEPARATE Homeland for all Tamil speaking people scattered across the island irrespective of their religion, caste or the date of arrival. But I am facing ferocious resistance indicating that majority of Tamils prefer to continue live outside North East. This is a unsurmountable road block on the path to a Tamil Homeland.
        .
        May I have your opinion over my comment above:
        “It also can address the anomaly of +51% of Tamil speaking people living in Sinhala majority Federal units loosing the benefits of Federalism which had been my main concern.”

        Soma

        • 6
          1

          Some ass.?
          Now even the illtreated minorities still living among you Yakkos, the island since 1956 for the last 64 years this once upon a time the salubrious island is still the world’s best well-known hellhole on this well-loved planet that I have to adorn in.
          \
          Okay if all the minorities with all their assets including animals move to the east and the north of the country what will become the fateful positions of you yaks who are many times bitten but never shy how will the present down in the dumps economy still survive.?

          • 1
            2

            rj
            “Okay if all the minorities with all their assets including animals move to the east and the north of the country what will become the fateful positions of you yaks who are many times bitten but never shy how will the present down in the dumps economy still survive.?”
            .
            Don’t worry about us. When are you planning to go?

            Soma

      • 10
        2

        Rohan25

        “Somawathi or Somapala . Tamil Nadu is an Ethno linguistic federal state within India.

        somass is a descendant of South India.
        He never disputed the fact that he shared common stupid gene with South Indians.

        • 1
          3

          Native
          “He never disputed the fact that he shared common stupid gene with South Indians.”
          .
          I found the following from the Web:
          “Ever since researchers sequenced the chimp genome in 2005, they have known that humans share about 99% of our DNA with chimpanzees, making them our closest living relatives”
          .
          So dear native how can I ever dispute the fact we are close relatives.
          By the way are there chimpanzees in South Indian jungles?

          Soma

          • 2
            1

            somass

            “By the way are there chimpanzees in South Indian jungles?”

            Rama brought many of them to this island when he fought a war for his wife.
            Later many turned up on our shores unannounced and unauthorised then their descendants converted to many religions, presently they call themselves Sinhala/Buddhists, causing prolonged grief to 21 million.

            What was your question?

      • 2
        4

        Rohan,

        You can have Jaffna Peninsula as a last resort. When did you rule or control East.
        Tamil population in the East is mainly along the coast. British created Eastern Province by annexing relatively thickly populated Tamil areas along the coast with the sparsely populated sinhala villages of the interior to create this illusion. East forms part of the Ruhunu Rata (when it was Ruhunu , maya and Pihiti) and later on was part of the Kandyan kingdom. The Tamil kingdom you had in the north was smaller than the current Northern province for most periods.

        Anyway your best bet is to take it up with the International community, give all the facts and figures and see if you can get your homleland.

        There are whites in south africa who too are dreaming of a seperate state now that the power is with blacks.

        I have moved around a lot with the embassies in colombo and I know whose version of the history they believe.

        By the way gtry and promote more and more people like Ponnambalam and Vigneswaran. This is is what we want

        • 2
          1

          You can have the mad asylum as your resort. Mr. Ravi Perera the Sinhalese speaking Tamil as Native Vedda states . The real story of most these so called Sinhalese. All assimilated Tamil immigrants from South India . Now many beating the so called Sinhalese Aryan anti Tamil drum The east was never part of any Sinhalese kingdom or land, It had always been Tamil . Occupied and ruled by Tamils. Prior to the independence other than a few stray Sinhalese border villages, that largely arose due to many Kandyan Sinhalese taking refuge , there were no Sinhalese in the east. Population statistics prove this. When the British created the two Tamil Provinces the north and east . it was from land that the Sinhalese had no claim on . Even the most remote claim that the Sinhalese made using the Kandyan kingdom , as an excuse was looked upon favourably by the British and these lands became part of the seven Sinhalese provinces. Hence the once Tamil North West areas were given to the Sinhalese. Tamil Padaviya or Pathavi Kulam was taken out of the north and given to the Sinhalese and Tamankaduwa or Thamban Kadvai was taken out to the east and given to the Sinhalese.

          • 2
            1

            What then remained as Tamil North and East is pure Tamil land and now Sinhalese are faking up and concocting history to claim these ancient Tamil lands as their, as they think they can and can get away with this lie.
            This story that the east of Part of the Kandyan Kingdom used by Sinhalese racists and extremists to turn the Tamil east into a Sinhalese area by genocide and ethnic cleansing activities is a big lie. The Trincomalee district had always been part of the Jaffna kingdom, historically and the Tamils here are very similar to the Jaffna Tamils . In reality the nature of claims of the Kandyan Kingdom to the East was no different from the claims the Kings of Kotte were making over the whole island and offering the territories of the island to foreign powers so that it will become one day their own territory. The Kotte kings invited the Portuguese to carry out their design whereas the Kandyan kings invited the Dutch to carry out the scheme. The consequence of this clever maneuvers was the same, the loss of Sri Lankan sovereignty to foreign powers, to be followed by the British with the same experience to the Kandyan Kingdom itself.

            • 2
              1

              By nature and orientation the Kandyan Kingdom, during the time of its existence, was an anti-colonial alliance of the patriotic forces of both Tamils and Sinhalese as well as Tamil and Sinhalese principalities and in latter stages depended considerably on the Nayaker power that prevailed in South India. The tendency by the Sinhalese of today to over exploit the rights of the Kandyan Kingdom of this period to make claims and annex territories is totally unjustified, more so is the abuse of the Judiciary for this purpose and divide the Tamil homeland which is despicable.
              As it prevailed during the period of Jaffna, the aspiration to become the overlord of the whole island existed among the Kandyan Kings as well and the Tamils were aware of it. The reduction of the Kandyan Kingdom into a Sinhala Buddhist Kingdom, that would justify Sinhalese claims of today, exists only in the conspiracy which miserably failed leading to the end of the Kandyan Kingdom and it becoming a British colony instead of its emergence into a Sinhala Buddhist Kingdom as it was hoped for.

              • 2
                2

                The beginning of the Kandyan Kingdom is traced to 1474 when Vikramabahu proclaimed him King of what was the originally Kandyan territory, the Kantha Uda Pas Ratta and asserted his independence.
                The Kandyan Kingdom, like any other kingdom, rose by specific political conditions that facilitated the rise of smaller principalities into kingdoms. This, in the case of Kandyan Kingdom, undoubtedly was the arrival of the Portuguese, who sooner brought on considerable pressure to extinguish the freedom and independence of the native rule in the maritime kingdoms of Kotte and Jaffna.

                • 2
                  1

                  The Kandyan Kingdom and the Eastern Principalities
                  Opening a route through the East became vital as the Kandyan Kingdom did not have even a right of passage through these areas which were Tamil principalities who have emerged as independent principalities with the decline of Kingdom of Jaffna and were having their own problems with the Portuguese. So the Kandyan kings decided to use the Portuguese for opening a pathway through Trincomalee and Batticaloa.
                  The relationship of the Eastern principalities with the Kandyan kingdom during this period could best be described as friendly neighbouring principalities. The Eastern principalities had their ambassadors in the Kandyan Kingdom, writes the missionaries who visited the hill kingdom during this period.
                  For the King of Batticalou and Triqunamalee have ambassadors here (in Kandy) who wish to become Christians.” – The Catholic Church in Sri Lanka, Portuguese period Vol. I, 1505 to 1565. V. Perniola, Letter of De Sousa to Joao De Castro from Kandy. 27 May 1546, page 154.
                  Portuguese missionary, De Coimba, writing on the nature of political relationship of the Eastern principalities with the Kandyan Kingdom notes,
                  “On this same coast there are two other Kingdoms; one called Jala, which adjoins the Kingdom of Madune on one side.

                  • 1
                    1

                    The other in Batecalou, which borders on Jala and Triquinomalle. The Kingdom of Jala belongs to the Prince of Batecalou, for he is the nephew of the queen of Jala and, according to their customs, he is the heir to Batecalou since he is the son of the King.
                    To the kingdom of Jaffna these southern principalities were the many Tamil Vannimai or autonomous principalities neighbouring each other that stretched through the mainland, linked by a common identity of language, religion and culture and also by the nature of governance under the overloadship of Kingdom of Jaffna.
                    According to ‘Yalpana Vipava Malai’, the history of Kingdom of Jaffna written during to Dutch period, the beginning of the Principality of Batticaloa is traced to the decision of the Kingdom of Jaffna to create a principality for the Mukkuva community who would not fall into the traditions of Vellala dominated cast stratification of Kingdom of Jaffna and the Mukkuvars from the rest of Kingdom of Jaffna were settled in Batticaloa.

                    • 1
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                      However, the history of Trincomalee is different. Trincoamlee shared the same cast stratification of Jaffna and was closely aligned to Jaffna with connected Royal households. The entire territory of Trincomalee was linked to the Temple of Koneswaram which was patronised by the Kings of Jaffna. When the King of Jaffna decided to go for agreement with the Portuguese and accept vassalage after their defeat in the War of 1560, the Muthatliyars of Trincoamlee were with him and were party to the treaty, though this treaty soon came to an end as the people of Jaffna rose in revolt and drove the Portuguese to Mannar.
                      In this war the regiments from Trincomalee fought along side those of Jaffna and the Prince of Trincomalee was killed .
                      Here died a Prince, son of the Prince of Trincoaqmlee and some other great persons. – The Temporal and Spiritual Conquest of Ceylon, Father Fernao de Queyroz, p369.

                    • 2
                      1

                      It is saddening that the alliance of the Tamil principalities with the Kandyan Kingdom, after the fall of Jaffna kingdom could have been made a basis for Sinhalese territorial claims in subsequent years on the basis that any territory that had anything to do with Kandyan Kingdom belongs to the Sinhalese of today.

                    • 1
                      1

                      Rohan25, Rubbish. Have you even seen a map of the Kandyan Kingdom? It stretched from Anuradahpura in the North to Trincomalee in the East. Today thanks to idiotic Governments we have the Islamic Republic of Kattankudy in the middle of Tamil settlers. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_Kandy

              • 1
                1

                “By nature and orientation the Kandyan Kingdom, during the time of its existence, was an anti-colonial alliance of the patriotic forces of both Tamils and Sinhalese as well as Tamil and Sinhalese principalities”
                Tamils would never have supported sinhalays, they sucked up to the suddas. Briutish did this where ever they went favoured a group that sucked upto them.
                As to Nayakara kings becoming rulers of sinhale, well this is no diffferent to rest of the world. In your own tamil nadu a Keralite was the chief minister. A King of scotland became the king of the whole of UK. There are many likle this europe.
                “The reduction of the Kandyan Kingdom into a Sinhala Buddhist Kingdom, that would justify Sinhalese claims of today, exists only in the conspiracy which miserably failed leading to the end of the Kandyan Kingdom and it becoming a British colony instead of its emergence into a Sinhala Buddhist Kingdom as it was hoped for”
                Sri lanka is very much a sinhala buddhist country , though tamil is an iofficial language in practical sense it has no place in the country. Muslims are sharp people they have understood that the sinhalayas will always cvall the shots.

                • 2
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                  RAVI PERERA the Sinhala Speaking Demela.

                  Silly boy.
                  You do not know what you are talking about . Are you a Southern South Asian trained historian?

                  Why don’t you stick to your usual bigotry and Mahawamsa, Vijaya, Beauty and the Beast copulating, Sinhala/Buddhist invented Zero, wheel, fire, Sinhala is the second oldest language, Mahinda is the reincarnation of Ravana, …. Buddha was born in Anuradhapura which was witnessed by Weerawansa’s paternal ancestors, …. Shavendra Silva believes he and Kamal fought the Hindian IPKF single handedly and got rid of them, ….. now Sri Lanka is officially looking for Ravana’s birth certificates, degree certificates, attested by Assgiria, ….

                  • 1
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                    super vedda. Great piece of entertainment

                    • 1
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                      RAVI PERERA the Sinhala Speaking Demela.

                      “super vedda. Great piece of entertainment”

                      It is free.
                      Enjoy.

            • 1
              0

              “What then remained as Tamil North and East is pure Tamil land and now Sinhalese are faking up and concocting history to claim these ancient Tamil lands”

              Sinhalese do not need to fake history in the sinhaladveepa (As Modi addressed in his speech). You tamils are the ones who are concoting history.

              Your homeland is Tamil Nadu. Just accept.

          • 1
            1

            You can have the mad asylum as your resort”
            The word asylum obviously is familiar with you.
            “All assimilated Tamil immigrants from South India”
            less than 9% of the sinhalayas have their origins in Kerala. Now you are trying to use Tamil instead of Keralites. These groups are the most anti Tamil, just like the Malayalam people in India.
            I say, If you are so confident about your statistics and facts and figures pls call for an open inquiry to investigate about the historical facts and get them approved by UN. You fellows know that you do not have an iota of evidence prove that East as well as vanni are part of your historical homeland.
            Just as much as you are mentioning about North West and Padaviya, your ultimate aim is the whole country. Good Luck. Your Jaffna Kingdom was a very weak kingdom and existed for about 300 yrs and most of the times was paying taxes to Kotte and kandyan kingdom. Eastern province was part of the ruhunu rata and later part of the Kandyan Kingdom. it was during the para colonial periods you fellow started encroching on the coastal areas of the East and British created an illusion by annexing vast areas of sparsely populated sinhala villages with relativelyt thickly populated Tamil Coast.

            • 1
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              I really think you are a nasty despicable creature. As for Sinhalese being Aryans , do not make me laugh. They are Dravidian largely of South Indian Tamil ancestry

              This is the history of Trincomallee . You and the mad Sinhalese can try to change history or create new fiction but this is the truth

              https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trincomalee

              • 1
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                “I really think you are a nasty despicable creature”

                I think it is you who is nasty despicable creature

                • 0
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                  RAVI PERERA the Sinhala Speaking Demela.

                  “I think it is you who is nasty despicable creature”

                  You think, surprising.

  • 5
    4

    2020 SLPP win outside the north-east is very similar to 1977 TULF win in the north-east. Both won on ultra racism. But what TULF started in 1976 ended in defeat in 2009.

    The fate of SLPP depends on how well Rajapaksas look after their voters. If they look after them relatively well, they will win again in 2025. If they try to be everything to everyone, 2025 will be another 2015.

    • 2
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      Not yet the TNA has 9+1 seats as a political party (FP/ITAK + armed wing who eliminated opposition PLOTE/TELO on behalf of the FP) termed the following

      “Ratha Pottu FP/ITAK/TULF/TNA/Tamil Nadu Mafia killings Fields in Jaffna 1970-1977-1981”

      This is 70 years of FP survival and looking after their votes in North and East democratically?? too- they had the Armed forces of SL/India protect them ever since 80’s.

      Deliverables – Federalism-Separatism-Devolution-Unitary Devolution etc, toilet washers to the worlds human resource management (I am one of them) as refugees, 1977/1981 DDC election killings/1983 riots, the rest of SL died ever since until 2009. Major part of the war still maintained parliamentary seats with votes counted in 2 and 3 digits, Indian Embassy in Jaffna.

      Any GOSL survive this and now they have to deliver more than surviving this tsunami fat chances. Now Mr S moderate want deliver something a bit different he is in trouble already that is to include an ‘a” abiveruthy…means Development.

      You give a man development and let them feel free in the entire SL landscape not ruled over by this entity there will be no one left to rule and pay the do’s?

      • 2
        1

        Hence 50% of the Tamils never returned to the space after the war ended in 2009. Other want to leave to western countries…….then the real test came where Hon MR face the NPC and got voted in again but this time it was Hon Justice’s fault why Jaffna not looking like Singapore or to be exact Israel (in the TULF heydays the public was told we can economically survive by following Israel as an example after separate state is achieved).

        To analyse the fate of a Jaffna man and woman we are not even remotely close as very many factors have been left out conveninently…we have been collectively played by all the factors (parties) as we have become the wasteland for National/Regional/Geo Political Blunders by all.

        Does the Nation/World know why the PLOTE/TELO and all other groups were on the run from the LTTE in the first place??

        • 3
          2

          Hello Chetta Still crying?

  • 10
    1

    We are all hoping GR will be different to Mahinda and make real changes in Education. An Education that will create citizens who are employable in lots of different roles. Hopefully he will make driving in SL less accident prone by punishing the speedsters and drunken (alcohol or narcotic drugs) drivers harshly.
    Hopefully he will make all public servants to work conscientiously and efficiently without taking bribes.
    Doctors too should not be money greedy and do work in the government hospitals with sincerity. The private hospitals’ quality of work should be under check by SL Medical Council. GMOA should not dabble in Politics and limit their activities to be a union caring for their colleagues problems/issues.
    We need unbiased Judiciary/Media/ security.
    Hopefully religious personalities are kept away from politics and their activities limited to bring in peace within the entire country

  • 8
    4

    Sajith insulted public to vote for him suggesting he would give Rs. 20,000, interest free loans etc. Sri Lankan majority may not be educated but they could not be swayed by gifts. They trusted GRs words and actions and offered him the power. See how he issued a Gazette outlining ministries and responsibilities. All ministers should deliver specific responsibilities in line with Presidential task forces objectives. GR knows if public expectations are not delivered, he is answerable because people voted for him, not for his brothers and the clan. GR will control their behaviour. This is what people wants. There will be a website showing progress of work and how the ministers are delivering the expected results. People would support GR to set aside non performers.All professionals must be ready to serve the nation. Otherwise they will be chased away from the Government machinery. Exiting time ahead. I love every moment of it.

    • 4
      1

      Atu
      What is the website showing his progress.
      He started it wrong from the day one of this last election by allowing his brother to go to several temples, that divides the country. They should be neutral which is fair to all,bad start I say.Fundermantals are wrong, so let’s hope for the best.

      • 2
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        GR’s website is majority people’s mind, heart and face. Wake up Noel and look at how people’s faces lit up when they meet GR. This is called genuine love and respect. You can not buy this, how much money you spent, how much write on biased publications like CT . This is how SLPP won. Without GR, there would have been a hung parliament.

        • 2
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          Atu, you the kind of people rushed to worship that FAKE relics shortly before Gota s election. Right ?
          :
          That says everything about you. Just looking at those poor gaping folks to grab their votes – is the style that Rajapakshes ahve been practising all along. But this time, this will be an end – because they have given them the expected mandate and now BITCHs sons should deliver their promises …. the question would be how ?

          If more taxes would not be IMPOSED on the folks, how can they increase the STATE INCOME ?

          Not even 10% of the sum that MI labour forces were used to tranfer annually would be the case following COVID restrictions.
          :
          USA and EU markets would not welcome srilanken aparels due to COVID restrictions and limitations.
          :
          And not to forget the state has to pay their HUGE loans amounting to 5 billions of US dollars in 2020 alone: How would they manage to do, even if they DID NOT give the people yet that OIL PRICE reducation concession: They ballige puthas wasted those billions saved by HIGH oil prices… for their election campaignS

          Now how would they face it ? WOULD they bring more loans on HIGHER INTERESTS ?

          Would they go for MCC agreement ?

          Or RAJAKSHES WILL RELY ON THEIR DEPOSITs which became through LOOTs of their previous terms ?

  • 8
    1

    Both SLPP and SLFP are same racial minded people . With regard to constitutional aspects they never succeeded.
    1. Sinhala only Act – No longer there in Sri Lanka
    2. 1972 Republican constitution – Abolished in 1978 (short lived say 6 years)
    3. 18th amendment to the constitution – Abolished in 2015 ( again short lived less than 6 years)

    At the moment they have economic issues . Will they succeed?.

  • 5
    1

    This kollama of a hora boru brainless SLPP gang with their fellow sitting on their tiny midget brains will for a certain mess up further the already sunk bankrupt Kotama Uda country as a whole.?
    \
    The economy is a dirty word to these low life’s who instead of rectifying the mess created by themselves are now moaning that with the coronavirus-19 that there are fewer aid monies being circulated around due to this global pandemic
    \
    Very soon there will be a demand for fishing boats that can carry their cargo of economic refugees for which the yaks have gained notoriety. .
    \
    Around the corner, salli salli salli [ money money money ] will become the national anthem of the country.
    They the Yak’s in frustration will soon begin to devour each other by killing and eating uncooked human flesh.
    Viva Lanka Viva. – The wonder in Asia and the place not to be in.

  • 3
    3

    The author mentions in his article about the 13th amendment to the constitution. In my opinion nothing will happen to this.
    Former Serbian President Slobodan Milosevic revoked the autonomy of Kosovo in 1989 (Full autonomy was granted to Kosovo in 1974). What happened to Kosovo and Milosevic.
    Kosovo declared independence in 2008.
    Milosevic died in prison cell.
    THE HAGUE (Reuters) – Kosovo’s unilateral secession from Serbia in 2008 did not violate international law, the World Court said on Thursday in a decision with implications for separatist movements everywhere.

  • 2
    5

    A worthless Essay! The guy is saying this election is a transformative election. Well, the guy was supporting Old King Coup. Now, he just can’t remember it. So he doesn’t want Joint Comedy Club as transformative Coup leaders. He was explaining a lot when King refused to call back parliament after June 2nd and ruled over the 3 months’ time. But author is calling the election as transformative. But everybody is waiting to see what the transformative president going to do after the election with his PTFs. After all news is saying they first want to roll back to 1978 constitution by removing 18A and 19A.

    As usual, the author is just showing his hate of TNA by telling Old King wants to introduce Indian Panchayat; author’s opinion is it would be better and he hopes it would come. He says PC is waste of money, but paying for (3500 by 20) members will be worth. Not just 8th graders, but even the auto guys would not be enough to fill up those. In India they use it because the administrative arm cannot reach the forest villages. India still has States governments too; they are semi-federal and Language based! Further author doesn’t know 13A is modeled from India. So he wants Indian style PC removed but wants to have Indian style Panchayat introduced.

  • 0
    5

    Even Indian media had listed 151 members for Slap Party. The writer is listing 148. He can’t remember who are Pillaiyan, Gnanam and Ali. Right now younger brother Prince is still outside of parliament. We don’t know the idea behind that. He could be appointed as Upper House Chairman. Or after 19A is removed he may come in as minister. This guy doesn’t know the law.
    He says anybody can change the party taking money from Royals. Last time TNA did not dismiss party changer because it did not wanted create a mess in between negotiation. SLFP did not fire Old Royal fearing for them, but it did fire Umbalakada Wrestler, GLP. SJB will fire anybody they don’t obey party rules. Sumanthiran and Sritharan seem to be having a deal. Sumanthiran wants minister post, leaving TNA behind. In that case Mavai may fire him. To neutralist that Sumanthiran is trying to appoint Sritharan as the party leader. Slap Party already has its own 151. It doesn’t need Sumanthiran. But they may take him in if he wants to corporate with Mahaviyath group. There is opening to Author too. Suren Ragavan was working with Sumanthiran. But he has got in first. I would think, author has been dying for Old King, so now it is time to claim the reward in Mahaviyath.

  • 2
    1

    Dr K, Thanks for the notes and after the war GR, was trying to get northern and eastern peoples issues to the front but some how other forces may have ignored that. Myself and my brother was there and our take was to create jobs for youths in those areas and we are happy to invest. As you know we know what happened with MR’s bad governance.
    As an adviser to GR, I would ask people to give him space since he is not one of those that will rob or appoint idiots since he is truly a peoples leader that care so much for the country.
    Watch the space and hope GR’s governance model will be achieved even though so many crooks still in the party. To our family poor human being has no religion or race except survival and hope Tamils in the country join the government and support their kins for better Sri Lanka for all the races… Stay Safe.

    • 2
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      Tamil, who lived as richest and industrious community wants to have their land secured by international investigation. By 72 years developments, Sinhalese has reduced the Tamils, the richest to poorest, most educated to least educated, North the exclusive prize winner as most crime free region in the land now as the South Asian hub for Kerala Kanja export. Tamils were the developers in the South, but now they are turned as the poorest community by the Sinhala Buddhist racist by their 72 years of pogroms and war. They don’t want to be made below to Estate workers in their own land, North East by the new traitorous Kankanies(like the author) talking about Sinhala developments, for the Sinhala Buddhist government. The Donkeys, the Sinhala Intellectuals, without knowing how to develop them, they are selling piece after piece their land to China. I saw an aerial photo of “Mahavamsa Royal Hangbangtota” renamed as named as “CHINA” by constructing building complexes. This is a new form of abusive, slavery, China White Elephants, which is intended to playing with Ceylon Tax payers’ money . Who calls this as development? Under what developments, building complexes being developed to rename Hangbangtota as “CHINA”?. Who approved these building? Which architect designs a building on letter shape “E”, which is least environmentally acceptable?

      • 1
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        It is the miracle of Asia.

    • 1
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      UNP sold 16 different wharfs ports in North for Chinese Universities to do research. Thanks for India, for some time saving the North East from rascal Royals selling to China and invest that money in Western assets & banks. China is destroying Lankawe in a form that cannot be redeemed and reclaimed from disasters. For the first time, for last three years, after the start of China and Iran developments projects, there are continuous landslides and floods in South. Colombo area sooner or later going to sunk into sea by erosion. Already fragile North East environment landscape cannot withstand these destructive games. Tamils want Tamils’ lands are developed for Tamils by Tamils. They want India and West help them to do that. Our NorthEast government has to be secular. Our education has to scientific, not taught women sleeping with lions and bringing barbaric rowdies; Our economy has to competitive, open to globe so will be strong like Singapore for random shocks.
      The aggressor China wants to buy North East from Lankawe’s extravagant, greedy Sinhala Intellectual politicians. Author may have protected his family in America. He is proposing to sell North East. We don’t want to sell our women and lands like these Sinhala greedy Buddhist to neo Hitler, Xi Jinping and ME Abdulazeeze .

  • 6
    1

    The new government has made an impressive start with the issue of a gazette notification providing policy guidelines and the checks and balances required to steer the economy under a challenging environment. I hope the focus on the economy will not be diluted by the proposed changes to the constitution.

  • 2
    2

    Any structural change will not improve the economy of Sri Lanka. The attitude of Singhal politicians should change . Every politician wants to make money Every elected SLPP MP wants ministers to post The parliament will consist of criminals. Lawyers and Hudges. Hence judiciary can be un in the parliament

    • 2
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      Mr Kuvi,
      dont worry, they will not be able to come with any structural changes as they loud today.

      The state will be sunken akin to Greece and SOMALIA

      Besides, just imagine, if you know it very well the team is predominately run by IDIOTs… including criminal LEADERSHIP, how can you ever expect them to bring good to the nation. Of course some thing could bring to the poor as promise, but in today s context no funds even to pay off the salaries to public servants. And health ministry is collapsing not being able to provide the nation with essential medical drugs.

  • 2
    2

    Dera SIK

    Thank you.

    I hope GOSL will publish a “job scope document” for the elected to be included in the GOSL websites and published on all the news papers too. Each and every MP should be given a mandate/training how to perform their job and should have GOSL officers attached to each one independently to verify the neutral way in which they treat their constituents/perform their function/code of conduct/if the party members behaving intimidating ways to prevent/have access to the MP on party grounds of those whom they consider opponents etc, what the answers constituents get in response to what was asked, how MP’s communicate responsibly and in a recorded way with their constituents, how do they progress report on going work, how do they communicate the GOSL messages to people as their civic responsibility and active participation in the development work, regular town hall meetings (not party political meetings) where all are invited and encouraged to participate. This document should be displayed at each MP’s surgery which will be CCTV monitored for any crimes/criminal activities and should be able broadcast to the Nation as documentaries for how the system is working/implementation of GOSL policies carried out by each and every elected MP please. Based on the above will remove all the inadequates somehow got the job by default in their ghettos.

  • 2
    4

    This is the kind of structural changes we should be embarking on as we have through our own “Universe of Alternate Facts” have normalised the unthinkable/redefined functions/used them for our own agendas. That is to hold MP’s responsible for delivering a job scope ‘not all else’ they cook up at the expense of the Tax Man in their own spaces for the tenure they are “employed” to deliver.

    This is not a charity nor a social service but a job function has expectation has to be drilled into the elected at all level.

    Any foreign involvements to the elected & their travel have to be monitored/accounted as they are now part of a Government of Sri Lanka answerable to the people of SL. Secret services should have regular meetings and discussion on each MP and their activity and a regular briefing published to the masses/performance index stated etc. They can not cause “havoc”/instability/destabilising activity through their party political news papers/news medias misquoting/undermining/ridiculing/victimising their opponents within their constituents. Please ensure they behave well in the parliament as we can not have the ugly Seans as we witnessed earlier setting wrong president to our children please. Every elected should be able to be a Mentor to the next generation in many areas..civilisation/civilised values/good manners as to how the next person to be treated irrespective of the political believe has to be mentored by the elected.

  • 8
    6

    To move this country forward, it is essential that the separatist racist Vellala elite politicians are kept under control. These guys are real trouble makers.
    These Tamils have violated the 6th Amendment to the Constitution passed on 8th August 1983 which says:
    (1) No person shall, directly or indirectly, in or outside Sri Lanka, support, espouse, promote, finance, encourage or advocate the establishment of a separate State within the territory of Sri Lanka.
    (2) No political party or other association or organization shall have as one of its aims or objects the establishment of a separate State within the territory of Sri Lanka
    The punishments for these offences are removal of civic- rights, forfeiture of movable and immovable property.
    The Government should invoke the 6th Amendment to the Constitution and take action against all Tamils who promoted the idea of creating a separate State within Sri Lanka.

  • 5
    0

    One must consider the status of the higher courts and the legislature in a future Sri Lanka to predict what might become of the country in the next few decades. These institutions ensured two things. One is the supremacy of the law above all personal agendas or discretion. The other is that the people’s will is represented adequately in matters of state (not just the caretakers that people appoint at polls). If judges are appointed on the basis of loyalty and are therefore obliged to act in accord with the executive’s desire, will the law still be supreme? The legislature, where acts are passed and become law have the people’s representation and the people’s wishes above personal agendas. If legislators (ie members of parliament) are loyal to their “Ser” or the people’s chief rather than a conduit for people’s wishes and welfare, will the people’s will be represented? What does that leave the country with? One person’s agenda, probably influenced by close associates. Is that what people voted for, or what “strong” leadership means?

    • 2
      2

      Dear Lasantha

      Agree until the Investigations of the “Ratha Pottu FP/ITAK/TULF/TNA/Tamil Nadu Mafia killings in Jaffna 1970-1977-1981” by the SL judiciary and the International body one can not speak about the mandate/rights/consent/wishes of the people.

      We should all work to that in parallel will explain the 1977 riots, 1981 (events in Jaffna) and the 1983 riots too so one can look at who should be allowed to be in a democracy and what are the International norms governing foreign sponsored terrorism etc. We have not done this yet.

      Judiciary is all about Justice for all specially those who choose not to contribute further to the misery by taking up Armes to defend themselves too?? the innocent civilians.

      The investigations should focus on the elected more than the “youth” a tool used by the Elected to silence the decent??

      JVP requires the same investigations too? you can see the democratic results for the JVP a landslide victory for them too?? same as the TNA?? – the act of allowing these groups to participate in the democracy itself is an amazing justice too in its own merits??

  • 7
    1

    Yes, they will enact all the structural changes they have been dangling before the naive Sinhala – Buddhist people now that they have the two-thirds majority. But these changes will prove nothing more than cosmetic measures in facing the new threats emerging from the fast changing geopolitics in the region. Threats to the cherished unitary structure and sovereignty will be coming more from the outside from now on. There’s never a vacuum in power politics. If things are quiet on the home front, expect the intrusion of external pressures. Sri Lanka’s economy is in a perilous condition. Despite all the anti-neoliberal rhetoric, there is essentially no difference between the economic policies of Rajapaksas and Ranil’s UNP. Actually, the Rajapaksas have no choice but to continue the same policies in order to avoid insolvency. Indications are that they will sign the MCC, and continue to allow China and India make inroads into Sri Lanka’s economy. With the return of great-power competition between US, China and Russia, and the rising belligerence between China and India – Sri Lanka is going to pay a heavy price for the Rajapaksas’ special relationship with China. Currently there are developments in India signaling its deep concern and resentment over China gaining a foothold in such close proximity.

    • 4
      5

      Ajay, when did you study astrology? I too studied the current positions of stars and found that in order to maintain good relations with Sri Lanka India will decide to keep away from the Tamil problem.

      Soma

      • 8
        1

        soma

        “………………………………………………………………in order to maintain good relations with Sri Lanka India will decide to keep away from the Tamil problem.”

        India never involved itself in Tamil Problem nor Sinhala Problem. However it will continues involve itself with Sinhala/Buddhist problem until it get it right. As I told you as far as Hindians are concerned Sri Lanka is the Sinhala state of Hindia. Hence it has the right to and means of dealing with with the people of this island, according to Sultanate of New Delhi.

        When you meet Hindians next time please take Ravi Perera the Sinhala speaking Demela with you.

        • 1
          2

          NV
          “As I told you as far as Hindians are concerned Sri Lanka is the Sinhala state of Hindia.”
          There you are.
          Sri Lanka is the S I N H A L A state of Hindia.
          When there is big Tamil Nadu for Tamils why they muck around the Sinhala state is the question in the minds of many Hindians.

          Soma

          • 2
            1

            somass

            “When there is big Tamil Nadu for Tamils why they muck around the Sinhala state is the question in the minds of many Hindians.”

            Hindia is linguistically divided into states with federal features. As far as Hindians are concerned Sri Lanka is the Sinhala state of Hindia. Therefore North and East would be separated and merge with Tamil Nadu in the fullness of time, for reasons of linguistic federalism. State borders will be redrawn.

            So you agree with it. How would you motivate the 6,853,690 who never understood the reality though MR, GR, CR, BR, NR, …… know this is coming.

            • 1
              2

              NV
              You have been following my comments. You must have observed that my problem is not North or East.- those who are living OUTSIDE North and East and refusing to budge. They shiver at the thought of a Tamil only Homeland , half controlled by Vellars treating others as shit and the other half controlled by Wahabis treating others as zombies.

              Soma

              • 2
                1

                soma

                “You must have observed that my problem is not North or East.”

                No your problem is not North or East , you are the problem.
                Let the Hindians do the worrying.

                Are you still celebrating SLPP’s hollow victory?
                By the way did you know 9,410,195 electors who are eligible to vote chose not to vote for Gota/SLPP.

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        That is one way of looking at it, but since Ladakh India is moving towards Quads grouping and thus may not choose the slowly slowly catching monkey route, it instead may opt to tighten the screw using the Indo Lanka Accord of 1987 as the tool! One has to wait and see, but for sure one thing is certain playing the China card against India by Sri Lanka as done in the past, will certainly not work any longer and that I guess people here too are alive to!

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      [Contd. from above].
      .
      If a war breaks out, this can turn deadly to India. So in the coming months we can witness Dinesh, Mahinda and Gota being summoned to New Delhi on a regular basis. Though India helped Sri Lanka wipe out the LTTE, now it is very much in its strategic interest to revive the Tamil struggle in the northeast of the island and see something concrete comes out of it this time. Indian strategists think such a step would also help remove the sense of betrayal felt by the Tamils in Sri Lanka and Tamil Nadu towards the Indian government for its (mis)handling of the 30-year civil war.

      AJAY

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        Modi has no time for Tamils because he is playing up by erecting temples and acting like a big joke in the modern world.

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    If anyone interested read “post election saga” by Victor Ivan. I too believe, it may not be that bad to be on the loosing side.The economic melt down is real and Lanka is in no position to come out of it.A single non payment of debt is enough to loose credit ratings and declare bankruptcy. The government is forced to sell assets to borrow further and our public is in for a rough ride.The two major sources of income from foreign employment and tourism has hit rock bottom. Given the global economic crisis there is no definite time period ,for recovery. Unemployment is expected to be on the rise.It is only a matter of time for the real crisis.

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      You thalayas are smarting from defeat. We will come out of this crisis too man.

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        RAVI PERERA
        the Sinhala speaking Demela

        “You thalayas are smarting from defeat.”

        You don’t understand.
        VP being a smart Chanakiya, made sure greedy Rajapaksa family rule for ever which he knew (I am told) will gradually ruin the Sinhala speaking people.

        By the way you being smart patriot would not learn what has been happening around you for example Thalaya’s are doing well,

        the US vice presidential candidate Kaamala’s mother was Tamil, her grandparents were from Thamil Nadu,

        Google’s parent company CEO is a Tamil

        Indra Nooyi CEO of PepsiCo

        Head of ISRO is a typical thalaya with oily head inside and outside,

        Another Tamil Nirmala Sitharaman is the Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs of India.
        —-
        —-
        Late Mr A. P. J. Abdul Kalam former president and director of ISRO,

        James Appathurai NATO Deputy Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs

        S. R. Nathan President of Singapore

        Veerasamy Ringadoo – President of Mauritius

        Roy Padayachie – Minister of Public Service and Administration of the Republic of South Africa

        ….
        ….
        You should urge your stupid supporters to try Thalathel for a change and see if it can improve or revive your dead brain (if there is one).

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    Illliberal democracy, a state-led economy, Sinhala-Buddhist supremacy — Sinhala Buddhists are about 70% of the population. Optimists may argue that Sri Lanka now has a stable decisive government that it lacked under the previous government. President Gothabaya Rajapaksa has centralized power in his small circle, crowded with retired senior military officers. Even more than his brother Mahinda, he favors Big Man rule, exercising untrammeled power, issuing orders and expecting them to be executed without dissent or delay. That has worked, so far, to limit the spread of COVID-19 in Sri Lanka. But will it work to tackle more complex and long-standing problems concerning the economy, interethnic relations, public administration and much else besides?

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      Countries become stable and prosperous by nurturing effective institutions and social trust over time, not with Big Man politics with its never-ending command-and-control, short-term, ad hoc fixes. That is something the Rajapaksas — and all but a tiny minority of Sri Lankans — don’t seem to understand. Sri Lanka is now hurtling back to illiberal democracy. It may provide short-term political stability, but I doubt it will lead to better governance. The Rajapaksas are unapologetic Sinhala-Buddhist nationalists. President Rajapaksa and the SLPP were elected with a huge majority of Sinhala votes but only a tiny percentage of ethnic-minority votes. The Sinhala-Tamil cleavage is long-standing. The Easter Sunday blasts last year, perpetrated by Islamic radicals, opened a new cleavage between Sinhala Buddhists and Christians, on the one hand, and Muslims, on the other. The Rajapaksa Sinhala-Buddhist supremacist agenda is guaranteed to keep ethnic tensions on the boil. Muslims will be most at risk if that gets out of control.
      This is from the Asian Review

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        President Rajapaksa has largely ignored the West, the IMF and other international organizations, but he is friendly with Narendra Modi, a fellow strongman and ethno-religious nationalist. China, however, remains “first friend.” Money talks: Chinese state-backed investment is the only big game in town. There is a real possibility that Sri Lanka will rely on new Chinese loans to avert a macroeconomic crisis, especially if it does not come to a new agreement with the IMF.
        Sri Lanka increasingly resembles a Chinese tributary state — rather like a brief interlude in the fifteenth century, when Admiral Zheng He abducted a local king and took him to Beijing to pay obeisance to the emperor, after which an annual tribute was sent to China.

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          Still Sinking Sharma, how come your people are still Losers after 70 plus years? What happened to ‘my beloved people of Tamil Eelam’?

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            Whether it took 70 years or 700 years, if wife tries to save her man, who doesn’t know to swim, but even at the time of death filtering with China prostitute, then the wife cannot save her too from sinking irrelevant of the fact she knows to swim,. Time for her leave to alone the sinking Modaya in the water and go on her path.

            Which part of your dream are you now, Stanley? In Ravana’s Pushpaka Vimana and flying over the Angels’ land ? Man get up, you are sleeping in hellish Wildlife Sanctuary SinhaLE Lankawe.

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    To rely on China totally will attract the attention of the Western super powers and may result in proxy war in SL which is NOT good. See what is happening in Yemen.
    Had there been a Sinhala Buddhist STATESMAN soon after the Independence, OUR country would have been a self reliant prosperous country. Instead we self DESTRUCTED. It is time to put our country first and care for all its citizens. Time for religious and racial trouble promotors to stop their activities. Time for politicians to say ‘good things’ to other [esp.west] countries that they care for the minorities and then do THINGS against their interests.[ i.e STOP HOODWINKING REST OF THE WORLD.]

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