19 March, 2024

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Gotabaya Rajapaksa At Viyathmaga: Vision With An Authoritarian Zeal! 

By Laksiri Fernando –

Dr. Laksiri Fernando

Gotabaya Rajapaksa has unveiled his national strategy or vision as a presidential candidate with an authoritarian zeal. This is clear from his Viyathmaga speech. He should be commended however for his fairly clear expression of views and objectives. His definition of objective of government was the following at the outset. 

The objective of any government should be to develop a prosperous nation of productive citizens, living in a disciplined society with content families.” 

Such a definition or interpretation gives the authority to a government, although elected by the people, to direct the economy, the society and the people unreservedly. If Gotabaya Rajapaksa is elected by any chance, he can claim that he has a mandate or ‘referendum’ for that purpose. In this rigid scheme of things, ‘prosperous nation and content families’ are the objectives. ‘Productive citizens and disciplined society’ are the main means to achieve them. 

Coming from a very traditional social milieu, although lived in America, it is not strange that he talks about ‘content families’ and not ‘content citizens.’  

There is nothing much wrong in referring to ‘nation’ as the overall entity. However it has to be admitted that it is deeply divided in the case of Sri Lanka today. In his vision of things, there is no clear determination to unite the divided nation of different communities and religions. In the absence of such a vision, the possibility is for him and others to equate the ‘nation’ at least as their own, or of their ethnicity. 

There can be several key objectives for a future government, elected both through the presidential and parliamentary elections. Completely narrowing that to ‘economic prosperity’ is not realistic, sufficient or workable. Equally important objective for a government, in the present case of Sri Lanka, is ‘national unity.’ A terrible mistake of the 2015 government was to restrict it to constitutional change, yet unfulfilled, hiding a narrow economic agenda behind it. Along with economic prosperity and national unity, there is another objective that any future government should pursue. That is to restore democracy in its real meaning and not just maintain the existing structures and functions, or introduce a technocratic element to it, as he intends to do.            

Gotabaya Rajapaksa after outlining his vision for International Relations, has ventured into a more controversial domain of National Security. Many of the general premises could be considered correct given the past experiences, but could one consider the following statement to be correct?  

During this post-war period, neither the police nor the military were engaged in any activity that would pose any harassment to the people.” 

Has he forgotten or hiding what happened at Rathupaswala in July/August 2013? He was the Secretary of Defense or de-facto minister at that time. The experience of the people in the North and the East almost continuously was also the same. There were no efforts to demilitarize, remove the unnecessary army camps, reduce the number of soldiers, give back the lands which were taken over, or investigate the alleged atrocities or excesses during the war or thereafter. It is also important to remind what happened in November 2012 at Welikada prison. It was of course not a harassment of ordinary people, but mostly convicted criminals. However that should not be the way even the criminals should be handled in a prison. He has said, “Our country should be free from crime, drug trafficking, terrorist financing, money laundering and corruption.” However the killing or elimination of those people should not be the way those matters should be handled in a civilized society. Is he a believer of Eugenics in that sense? We are yet to discover that. 

Some of his economic policies are important or praise worthy, but it would be a mistake to consider them as foolproof.  

What he talks about as a ‘disciplined society’ is the most worrying. He has not clearly explained ‘what is that’ and ‘how he is going to achieve it.’ Most undisciplined and unruly today are the politicians. He has not talked about them, but undisciplined society or people. Unruly and crooked politicians are on all sides, but most of them are apparently behind him. But he is talking about a ‘disciplined society’ and not ‘disciplined politicians.’        

Is it a type of military discipline that he is trying to impose on society? It is questionable. If it is in the social meaning, and if it is through the rule of law, education and independence of the judiciary, that is going to be implemented, that is acceptable. However, the legal reforms and arbitration that he proposes are ambiguous to that end. If it is through the ‘security apparatus’ that he most talks about, it should be opposed. 

His vision of democracy is the most limited or even pathetic. He says the following. 

In a country with a well-functioning democracy, people are provided with the opportunity to express their opinion of their government through timely elections.” 

That is his vision and not a statement of any country. In his vision, ‘freedom of expression’ is limited to the times of elections. No mention about freedoms and rights in between – freedom of the press, the media, religion, association etc. He is even reluctant to mention the term ‘human rights.’  

Gotabaya is a military man and not a civilian who is contesting for the presidency. Many warned and opposed Sarath Fonseka in 2010 for the same reason. GR has no experience as a politician working among or with the people. On security matters he could have played a positive role, if under a civilian President. 

Most problematic for the country’s future might be such a military man (if elected), trying to assume full executive powers in a context where most of those powers are now curtailed. That is the danger of his vision.   

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Latest comments

  • 25
    14

    Not his vision, but his grip on power will make him king if he wins election….
    the first causality will be freedom to speak, freedom to express, freedom to move, freedom to write..
    all know how many people disappeared during his time..

    • 10
      8

      Lankan,
      I think that the series of lectures GoRa gave at “Viyath Maga” had two intentions: To provide a cover to the obvious lack of intellectual foundation to SLPP (SLFP in general) and with GoRa himse. It is carefully orchestrated to rebuild his image as a softer gentleman vs the establish image of ruthless killer. Not even media were allowed to ask unauthorized questions.

      But why is he so guarded from questions? I believe that the answer explains the difference between the carefully molding image and the reality: Close allies of GoRa know very well that Gora could explode at any moment if bothered by rough and/or unpleasant questioning. The taped conversation with Fredrica Janz is the best evidence. Another one the interview he had with Stephen Sackur of BBC’s Hard Talk in 2010. In other words SLPP leadership knows the risk of GoRa ‘s candidacy but going ahead with it for lack of any other option to keep political power within the family.

      As I explained several times, I believe that GoRa is suffering from a mental disorder (Bipolar Syndrome) which makes anger management impossible and that this disability is the key factor deciding his management style. What GoRa was as the Defense Sec will certainly make his presidency as well if get elected. If SLPP win the control of both the parliament & the Presidency, nobody, not even MaRa (I t sis not a secret that MaRa was afraid of him), could stop him from behaving as he did before. Viyath Maga is only to sugar-coat this ugly reality!

      • 10
        6

        Spot on D.P. !

        Gota read out a piece written for him …….. if even a few half-smart people/journos asked a few specific questions from what he had read out he would have stumbled. He wouldn’t have had a clue.

        This goes back to the days of Ronald Regan ………. Basil may have not learned English during the decades he spent in the US …….. but he has studied Karl Rove et al well.

        The Russians swung the election in Trump’s favour …….. by employing all the modern propaganda tactics.

        If the UNP under Ranil is backward, dumb, lethargic ……..and not attuned to modern tools/methods of propaganda …….. you can’t blame the Rajapakses.


        Elections anywhere in the world are deceptions ……. the ones who deceive best wins.

        At this stage the Rajapakse side is head and shoulders above the rest in the game of deception …… the best in the history of Lanka; so far.

        ‘Life has not been devised by morality: it wants deception, it lives on deception.’

        Don’t ye know it? :))

        • 10
          1

          Nimal Fernando
          Your analysis and prediction is right on the money!
          Kuveni’s curse is still on us and ALL of us will be victims.

        • 2
          0

          You are absolutely correct. Deception rules

  • 19
    5

    Why go that far to understand the “MIND SET” of Gota? His speech was titled: “I HAVE A PLAN FOR THE COUNTRY”. Doesn’t he give that signal of ” I “. In another instance he says: ” I HAVE A DREAM”. That “Philosophy” and the “Sub Conscious” stimulus” of ” I ” is nothing but a “Primordial” existed from the days of “Army Life” that which had to be given up for some time but “Revived” after he was made the “Head of Security” by his own brother. Now, the history has begun “Repeating”. From the days of “Secretary, Defense” that which kept him busy, not only “Defense” but masterminding the “Extinction” of any opposition to his plans and not forgetting to get , directly and indirectly involved amassing wealth by corrupt activities. Then he “Retires” for a brief period to his “Hiding” in USA. Now the same brother, brings him back, not to give him only “Defense” but also “HAND OVER”the entire country and bring all and sundry under his “Shoes and Feet”. Go back to another typical history of Germany “Making” a “HITLER”. That “Hitler” too “Captured” power in an “Election” by the people, of the people and for the people. This “Gota”- a “Hitler” in the making for Sri Lanka, too has the same “Road Show”but made more “PALATABLE” by garnishing the campaign with the famous words of a USA “Black Movement” Activist : ” I HAVE A DREAM” . Hope the Sri Lankans would read and understand the “History” of that Germany under Hitler and recent past of Sri Lanka in the iron hands of a “Defense Secretary” and avoid the “MAKING” of another “Hitler” type “President”. To the PEOPLE of Sri Lanka: Please don’t sing: “APATA THERENNE NEHE BUDU SWAMINE”.

    • 4
      4

      Douglas

      It appears he is the only one who has vision.
      Don’t you have any vision?

      Since he is the only one who has a vision don’t you think he should be allowed to father as many children as possible to all women who have attained age?

      Like Genghis Khan, dictators love to spread their seeds all over the island and neighbouring lands. The Asgiriya is ever ready to bless him with a special noola.

  • 4
    10

    If my memory serves right didn’t Dr Laksiri Fernando argue a few days ago that contrary to common notion being pushed around these days executive powers of President remain largely intact?

    Soma

    • 5
      4

      somass

      “If my memory serves right “

      Like you and your fellow Sinhala/Buddhists he is also blessed with selective memory.
      What’s wrong with that?

      Look Dayan how shamelessly out in the public.

    • 2
      6

      Soma,
      I did argue against the (Jayawickrama) argument that the ‘presidency is now nominal.’ That is not the case. That on the other hand is the importance of the forthcoming elections and electing a reliable person. The position is still executive, but most of those powers are now curtailed. There is no contradiction between the two positions. However, if a military person is elected and tries to assume full powers, that is a great danger. That is what I have said in the present article by analyzing his declared vision. In politics, we have to understand subtleties.

      • 4
        3

        soman

        Have you noticed like Dayan the warmonger and war crime denier Laksiri Fernando also takes 64 positions all at the same time.

        He could do no wrong.

      • 8
        2

        Laksiri,

        Sri Lankans yearn to eliminate corruption, crimes, drug peddling, one country several laws, destruction of archaeological sites, destroying of forest reserves, and the expect revival of economy, increasing of production for local and foreign markets, further developing local industry with higher attention to traditional ones etc achieving through technological system of governance based on National Policies.
        If the above can be achieved, whatever the action may be Sri Lankans do not bother as same as annihilation of separatist terrorist and same treatment if Wahabis want.
        The speech of Gotabaya Rajapakse at Viyathmaga that evening was the most clear outline of vision, mission required by Sri Lanka to-date given by a presidential candidate and I am certain that nobody else can be able to produce.
        Finally, if anybody afraid of the speech made by Gotabaya at Viyathmaga, he or she is a supporter and living on/cashing on all the social ills mentioned above.

        • 3
          3

          Nimal Tissa Wijetunge,
          Toughness against corruption, drug, inefficiency etc., in speeches are very attractive but, history has shown again and again that such tough rulers finally created new bureaucracy that will become even worse than before. That is b’cos those who were trusted to eliminate problems became the worst problem makers. Remember how the situation prior to 2015? This true every where in the world. Even police was no help if politics were involved. That is why there are so many high-profiles unresolved criminal cases.

  • 10
    1

    To ALL the VOTERS of Sri Lanka: In my comment conclusion, I requested you not to sing ” Apata Therenne Nehe Budu Swamine”. Now, please change it to and sing with one voice ” API THERUM ARAGENAI THIYENNE BUDU SWAMINE”

  • 5
    2

    “Productive citizens and disciplined society.”

    To achieve that you must first have a “Disciplined Government” that will not tolerate corruption but tolerate dissidence instead. What Gotabaya means by ‘disciplined society’ is a meek and docile society that will toe his line at all times and step beyond that only at its own peril!

    “Disciplined Government” also means that criminal cases against criminals will be expedited and not withdrawn by the Attorney-General’s department. Disciplined government also means no back door deals.

    • 4
      1

      Please note the politicians he is with and also top notch of Viathmaga are guys with cases against them for fraudulent activities, AluthgamGe RatarAn Prassana 1 & 2 , Go anpilla,Wimale Basil, SB

  • 10
    5

    Laksiri, we have remember the statement is made by alleged criminal and murderer. What he means by prosperity is for few families and already rich (participants of viyathmaga mainly super rich crooked businessman), not the for the guy who dumped his deceased elderly mom in forest because he did not have money (today news). According to him the so called less productive or non productive citizens have no place in this country. Sounds familiar ???? Hitler was on a project in producing a nation with productive citizens and we know what happened to the rest. Living in a discipline society, we are well aware of the fate , when people were undisciplined in Rathupaswala and Katunayaka, how dissenting journalist were disciplined by Gota, how Janzy was disciplined ,so much so she had to leave the country and take refuge in foreign land. Content families ??? Under his rule who ever in Lanka have to be content, even if not , they will not be voicing it in public.(they very well remember the fate of people who tried doing so in past). Viyathmaga, my foot. Lankans seems to be getting better and better in “word play “

  • 9
    2

    Following is a quote from a noble laureate who worked on successfully testing the human made destructive force ever.

    ———————
    “I believe that one of the greatest dangers to modern society is the possible resurgence and expansion of ideas of thought control. I think that one of the greatest dangers is that this shall increase until it encompasses the entire world.”
    —————-

    In his 1960 speech, he mentioned H from Germany, S from Russia, An influential religious enterprise from Europe for past and China as present example.

    • 6
      4

      Aspirational Thought Controllers

      In addition to thought control the dictator usually want to control every aspect of your life, including life and death, when you will be permitted to have sex with your partner, how long, how many times in a week, what position, ………….. The saffron clad thugs under Gnanasara will be empowered to publically scrutinise your private parts in order to check whether you comply with “our leader’s” decrees.

      Asgiriya may grant permission to disperse Gota’s seeds throughout the island by forcing the women to have artificial insemination of his spermatozoa.

      Gota will be remembered as the Sinhala/Buddhist Genghis Khan of the island.
      By the way millions of men bear the genetic legacy of Genghis Khan.

  • 7
    3

    In any civilised country, the leader is expected to be above board or, at least, should clear his/ her name before coming forward as a candidate for the high office. The vision of the leader can be written by any hired academic & not expected to be fulfilled, so does GR think we (at least those who do not live in denial) believe all those allegations of murder, abuse of power, massive scale corruption & mismanagement are the work of his opponents?

    Theresa May had a slogan, ‘strong & stable leadership’, & it turned out to be mere words but UK being a democracy, she stepped down honourably when she couldn’t deliver. In SL, it’s different & GR’s past actions say much more than his words, & now that Sirisena has paved the way for a military dictatorship by appointing war criminals to head the army & the navy, the writing on the wall is not much different to that of Zimbabwe under Mugabe with the possibility of GR as President for life, once he is elected to power

  • 9
    15

    Gothabaya does not make the laws, the laws are made in Parliament via majority consensus. There is an opposition party, so Gotabaya cannot be a dictator. Talking about the “demilitarization” of the North and East, the professor must be unaware that jihadi elements are there in the East. The military camps are necessary to conduct surveillance. If the Tamils are given a federal state, it will be under a one-party authoritarian rule, much worse than living under a Sinhalese administration. The authoritarian rule will use the caste system to enforce Thesavalamai and other discriminatory laws. Muslims and Sinhalese will not be allowed to own land or property in any Tamil federal state. Electing Gotabaya now is a smart move, as he will be able to deal quickly with any Islamic terror threat. This is the number one issue.

    • 3
      3

      Lester, Agree Islamic terror threat is the number one issue. Not because it is current and LTTE is past, but because bible clearly shows the threat to divide Jerusalem. It is the site of Christ’s crucifixion, resurrection, ascension and coming again, which God calls his holy city. The world wants to divide it, and Islamic terrorist activity against it is very real now like in past conquests of Egyptian, Habylonian, Medo-Persian, Greek and Roman empires. Why this urgency? US Embassy has shifted from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem and other nations will follow to make it the eternal city of the Living God. None can stop it. So world is experiencing anti-semetic threat of establishing a universal Jihadist caliphate.
      The question asked is “Why elect a military head in GR with its previous record of abductions, terror and murders, when there is no required experience to be had as a previous MP, and is still a US citizen, son’s family living in California. No guarantee of citizen’s living unoppressed and in democratic peace. Hitler was voted into power.

      • 3
        2

        Concerned, that is rather interesting. You are saying everything should be done to prevent Jerusalem from being divided. What about Sri Lanka? Many governments tried to negotiate with the LTTE with no result. What is your solution when negotiation is not possible? War is a dirty business, there is no war where innocent people don’t die. Gothabaya was not personally involved on the front lines, he gave the commanders maximum leverage. That is why SLA was able to defeat the LTTE, unlike NATO which has been losing to the Taliban for 17 years.

        • 0
          0

          Lester, When negotiation is not possible as you ask, higher justice will always take over according to its plans and purposes for its creation. God never negotiated with Lucifer, but threw him out, became devil. Humans too fell but the plan was to redeem. At Tower of Babel tried to unite and get back up, but God scattered with different languages. After Jesus made redeeming possible, now its re-gathering time back into unity. Isa 33,22 says Lord is lawgiver (legislating parliament), judge (judiciary) and king (executive). So our govt. is a reflection of God’s govt. but with many flaws needing correction. Rebellion against govt. will always and finally fail. Rom.13 says authorities are appointed by God and rulers are for good works and not for terror. If they are evil, there is God’s wrath. How to maintain good works depends on the presence of God followers on earth, few in SL War starts from evil side. Hence war will eventually eliminate evil. Death not the end.

    • 8
      6

      Lester

      “The authoritarian rule will use the caste system to enforce Thesavalamai and other discriminatory laws. “

      What was/were the purpose(s) of Thesawalamai Law?
      When was it last enforced?

      When will you learn to on bum than on your head?
      If and when federal laws are being drafted don’t you know laws which discriminate could be superseded by new Federal Laws.

      You should make it a habit to pull your head out of wherever it is now at least when you type your stupid and racist sentiments.

      “There is an opposition party, so Gotabaya cannot be a dictator.”

      There was a coup, his brother was involved in it.
      Immediately after Church bombings his brother the crook in chief invited/summoned all retired/former uniformed crooks/murderers/Child kidnappers/Gota, …. those who are enjoying impunity ……. for a meeting as if they were part of separate state, shadow state, state within a state, ……………

      “Electing Gotabaya now is a smart move, as he will be able to deal quickly with any Islamic terror threat. This is the number one issue.”

      Actually the number one issue is keeping the war criminals crooks and their cronies away from access to state power. The first steps towards rebuilding the broken/failed state and put democracy on the saddle.

      Seriously if ever people established in this island do you think the leaders would ever employ shameless (war mongers and war crime deniers, war criminals) to represent this island?

      What has the country achieved since 1956 during which the noisy racist minority (you/Dayan/soma/…..) have been very active with Sinhala/Buddhist fundamentalism?

    • 8
      5

      Lester

      After Gota’s natural death you need people with his caliber to deal quickly with any Islamic terror threat and Tamil Separatism and casteism.
      Therefore would you like Gota to father your granddaughters children? If Gota is too busy would you like Gnanasara’s contribution towards this end?

    • 7
      4

      Lester dream on. Shame on you that you forgot how a few years ago how these R BROTHERS BEHAVED. Killing looting, corrupt and raping what parliament what security are you talking about?? Security was handled by them to profit their own. No doubt the Tamils wanted a land for themselves rightly so in a way when you look at how the minorities are treated. Fear mongers will not cease

  • 18
    5

    Sri Lankans are about to elect the “strong man” who terrified the people, journalists, and the opposition. He has been accused of killing, threatening, kidnapping, and harming, those who opposed or criticized him. We will go back to white vans, and nepotism, terrorists in saffron robes, and let us not forget the oodles of commission taken by one family.

    Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice, shame on us all.

    • 6
      11

      Gothabaya has a bad temper. People associate the bad temper with the man being a criminal, that is a false assumption. After 2009, very few LTTE were put in jail, Gothabaya rehabilitated them in camps with job training. Some were allowed to go abroad. Why don’t the media talk about this? Where is the proof Gota was responsible for abducting journalists? If Jansz has evidence, let her come to SL and make the case in courts. Personally, I think it was SF responsible for abducting journalists. People who make a big noise, like Gothabaya, don’t act so brazenly. Those in the shadows, like SF, are the ones who act in that way.

  • 5
    11

    The writer, one of my old political science teachers at Peradeniya, has really nailed this.

    • 6
      4

      Hello Dr, public racist#1 and warmonger, are you still galavanting in the restricted areas of Moscow? Presidential elections are around the corner, time to get back and start singing for your supper under National Hangman Gotler!

      • 2
        4

        mike

        Please read the following article:

        Resist, Fight Back, The Darkness Will Lift
        ‘Today, tomorrow and every day, look around you, begin small, resist the hate and propaganda in every way you can.’
        Smruti Koppikar 25 May 2019
        https://www.newsclick.in/resist-fight-back-darkness-lift

        Turkey’s jailed journalists
        Turkey
        How to survive tyranny: 10 pieces of advice from Turkey
        Spread facts, be careful, and don’t assume democracy is safe, say people who know what life is like under a strongman leader
        Guardian readers
        theguardian.com
        Fri 24 Mar 2017 07.00 GMT Last modified on Fri 9 Feb 2018:

        Head off the threat at the onset
        Spread facts – but stay safe
        Assume everyone is lying to you – even your allies
        Never assume democracy is the default mode – it needs constant protection
        Respect for justice is sacrosanct
        Do not wait for the tyrants to leave, because they won’t
        Do not treat all government supporters as monsters
        Use humour
        Seek international support
        The state is afraid of your thoughts – that is your power

        EVERYDAY TIPS FOR SURVIVING TYRANNY: ANONYMOUS
        14/09/2019
        Masha Gessen’s Autocracy: Rules for Survival’ . Her ten rules include
        Rule #1: Believe the autocrat. He means what he says

        Rule #2: Do not be taken in by small signs of normality.

        Rule #3: Institutions will not save you

        Rule #4: Be outraged.

        Rule #5: Don’t make compromises.

        Rule #6: Remember the future. Nothing lasts forever.
        https://kafila.online/2019/09/14/everyday-tips-for-surviving-tyranny-anonymous/

        Mike
        The tyrant is only a minor irritant while his b***s carriers are the real threat, especially the “Aye aye, sir” variety.

    • 1
      3

      In one of my earlier comment, I quoted in a Thero De Silva’s reply to an essay of learned professor Laksiri, as “two beggars killing each other on the middle of the road to have determined that whether Birla was rich or Tata was rich”. That time learned professor temporarily had taken Yahapalanaya side and Thero was still adamantly on Chitanta side. Our, theoretically bankrupt beggars fought because they were on the opposing sides that time. Now as the Old Brother Prince learning on Maha Viyaths, not with Biryani Arrack Mahajan, they have united and they have even invented an honorable -respectful Guru-disciple relationship to celebrate their new relationship. I have less doubt that the readers wouldn’t be surprised on that relationship because unless Thero was taught by the learned professor, he would not have become an erudite Cuban Communist. It is the same learned professor offered his highest award of DSc in killing field to his other disciple, Old Brother Prince. That time Old Royals were practicing Cuban, Russian, Chinese, Iran, Syrian, Korean, Venezuelan, Dubai, Saudi Arabia and Pakistani communism- all in one time. But for the disappointment of the learned professor, the Maha Viyath has reprogrammed Old Prince as a Capitalistic Extremist. So the Australian Communist who ran to Australia in fear of Old Royals and the Cuban Communist have rejoined together to launch a ferocious war against Old Brother Prince.
      They both know Old King’s economic policy is oligopolistic cronyism and government is family Oligarchy –Nepotism. For that governing, Thero’s theory is, if you borrow from China with commission, it is Marxism and middle path. Learned Professor has nothing as policy or his own theory, he use a parrot to tell if that right or wrong. Anybody reading his essay would easily recognize it.

    • 4
      3

      Dayan, I was wondering who would have taught political science to you. Now, I got the answer. No surprise!

    • 6
      3

      Dayan do you mean Gothas ” Coffin”. I doubt as Gotha is a dracula

    • 5
      1

      Dayan Jayathillake Trapeze Artist,

      Who nailed what?

  • 6
    3

    Every voter who would go to the polls on polling day for the presidential elections should consider the following questions and its factual answers before they would cast their vote for GR is his name appears on the ballot paper. They have to vote with their brains and NOT with their hearts.

    1.Question: Is GR qualified to hold the Executive Presidency in our country?

    Answer: NO ! GR has passed only the GCE(OL) examination, which is the basic qualification to be selected as an Officer Cadet in the Sri Lankan Armed forces.

    2. Question: Has he acquired any type of degree in either management, human resources, finance, or any other discipline?

    Answer: NO ! If he has any it would help if he could disclose what, where and how he procured them

    3. Is his hands clean from any types of Corruption, Bribery, Money laundering, or any other criminal or anti-social activities?

    Answer: NO ! The MIG deal, DA Rajapakse Museum issue (How nice if every Sri Lankan could build a memorial or mausoleum for their parents with government funds), Avant Garde issue, these are just some of them where GR has soiled his hands.

    4. Question: Has GR ordered or aware of any murders or assaults that took place under his watch, when he was the Secretary of Defense?

    Answe: YES ! The Lasantha Wickrematunga murder, the Prageeth Eknaligoda disappearance, the murders of some Tamil journalists, the assaults on Keith Noyar, Jayantha Poddala are just some of them.

    There are more questions which are to be answered before nay voter who IS REALLY PATRIOTIC should find and answer before they would cast their vote for GR. If they do not……even God will not be able to help us. This would be true to all and sundry, the Sinhalese, Muslims, Tamils,m Burghers, Malays, the Borahs etc etc

  • 4
    2

    Dayan, take a day off to get over the “hang over”. Recent reports indicate Binge drinking may be same, if not, more harmful than daily drinking.

  • 2
    1

    Laksiri are you that old to be Dayan,s OLDEST teacher ????

    • 2
      1

      Chiv,
      He said, ‘old teacher’ not oldest teacher. I am 74. Dayan took a very principled position during the Rathupaswala army/police repression.
      Laksiri

      • 4
        3

        Laksiri Fernando

        “Dayan took a very principled position during the Rathupaswala army/police repression.”

        Any other principled position you could think of?
        He is another shameless little islander who never had any principles other than “me”, “I”, “Mine”,……………. He is another of the Sinhala/Buddhist racist like many other academics in liberal Masks.
        He takes 64 positions all at the same time.

      • 3
        0

        do you think DJ took ever a principled positions ?
        :
        DJ is good to sink in his own ideology which I noticed based on his personal gains. The guy has been suffering from some sort of mental stress, that his parents are seen to have failed to settle in his childhood.
        Else, I have no clue, DJ sits with Wimal weerawanse or the like low level, unedcuated bastard but provoking the educated people.
        :
        If his father would have been alive, would collapse on the spot not being able tosee if DJ could be his own blood.

  • 2
    2

    Gotabaya Rajapaksa has placed economics / money above policy. He really would ‘see’ economic prosperity as successful governance. In truth – he means Enforcement through top-down Administration. What is the difference between him and the armed militant leaders who used their own rules to ‘show’ outcomes? That started with money from those who left it to armed persons to fight for their rights. The government also retaliated at that level – money for money and gun for gun. Now they do not have the capability to see anything wrong with it. That is in fact ‘right’ in their eyes. THAT is our real constitution. It is just not democratic.

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    It is too little too late.

    The two key words of Gotha uttered were
    1) I love my country
    2) I have a vision

    If he loved his country why did he abandon it for 14 years and returned to mint money under his brother.With all due resect the war was won with Indias help without which the LTTE would never have been beaten. His love for his country is what is in it for me .

    As for his “vision” it is not the same as Martin Luther he had a Vision for his people. But in Sinhala Lanka it is 71 years since Independance and we havent seen a Leader who will solve the Ethnic
    Issue and for me that is the Vision.

    Under Gotha dark clouds are gathering.. It is obviou in Sinhala Lanka there is no RULE OF LAW , DUE PROCESS and SYSTEM OF JUSTICE. In anticipation of his Presidency he has been let off the hook by the Supreme Court. What a Joke. If American Citizenship means anything I hope the US Justice system will find him out for all the Crimes he committed as an American Citizen. There is no Immunity

    • 6
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      Kali,
      India never supported us anytime in the history except the period ruled by Emperor Dharmasoka.
      There is no Ethnic issue or problem in Sri Lanka and if it is so, please prove it.

    • 4
      4

      Kali,

      Gothabaya is a 20 year veteran of the SLA. He did not run away. Joker Ranil tried to sell the country to the LTTE for 1/2 price. The people quickly elected Mahinda in a democratic process. Clearly the people (majority) made the correct choice. As long as there are free and fair elections, Sri Lanka is a democracy. In a real dictatorship, the legitimate government is removed in a coup or elections are rigged.

      • 2
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        You are wring and I have no time to explain to you .Keep dreaming that you won the wr on your own. There is only one Jurisdiction that matters and that is the Indian Jurisdiction and if Gotha is electec there is a rude awakening waiting to haunt you all.

        • 1
          1

          Is it not Hindia hell bent on Singala agenda of Tamil genocide?

          Hindia does not have guts to take on Sinhalese because the Sinhalese has got the Hindia bt its balls.

        • 2
          2

          Kali, India, aided, abetted, funded, trained, fed for terrorist activities in Sri Lanka until they learn the lesson of their history by blowing off the head of Rajiv Gandhi terrorist LTTE. Even in future, if they try to poke fingers to our internal affaires, they get similar lessons without any doubt.

          We almost defeated LTTE in 1987 and LTTE was rescued by India and 30yrs later, we annihilated them. If you want similar experience once again, you may give a try and you get similar fate as LTTE. However, you will never ever get semblance of support from Tamil masses certainly.

          Therefore, do not talk about fanciful and whimsical Ethnic issues or problems in Sri Lanka.

          Gotabaya Rajapakse as one of the Key Architect of giving right to live to all sri lankans will complete the mission by giving the masses the economic empoerment to Sri Lankans to complete the freedom that we all require.

          • 2
            1

            Nimal you Sinkalam
            You have got all your facts wrong. Only one is spot on.
            1) India, aided, abetted, funded, trained, fed for terrorist activities in Sri Lanka until they learn the lesson of their history by blowing off the head of Rajiv Gandhi terrorist LTTE.
            *** Yes Mrs. Gandhi stsrted arming LTTE because of your atrocities. There was no lesson for India to learn but unfortunate because Rajiv was a Pilot not a Politician and he got everything wrong and paid a price for not being an honest broker.
            2) Even in future, if they try to poke fingers to our internal affaires, they get similar lessons without any doubt.
            *** You are a bloody KOSU and MR & GOTHA have allowed India to erode your Sovereignty . You are only 22 miles and you will never be allowed to pose a Security threat to India and some of you are like Ostrich.
            3) We almost defeated LTTE in 1987 and LTTE was rescued by India and 30yrs later, we annihilated them. If you want similar experience once again, you may give a try and you get similar fate as LTTE. However, you will never ever get semblance of support from Tamil masses certainly.
            *** NO you bloody didnt defeat the LTTE . It was Sonia taking revenge for her husband”s killing. Let us see when Gotha comes to power and try to wield a big Stick and bring Cheenavedi back in how India reacts. Gotha has already admitted that he was told in no uncertain terms that it will not be tolerated and India cant afford to allow Gotha to run Riot.
            4) Therefore, do not talk about fanciful and whimsical Ethnic issues or problems in Sri Lanka.

            • 0
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              Kali, you got all the facts wrong and not me except ethnic issue or problem is a whimsical and fanciful.
              Yes. I am a Sinhalese. Do you have any problem about it?
              In 1987, our heroic forces surrounded LTTE and Prabhakaran and almost defeated when India rescued them and at the time India was fully behind LTTE.

      • 2
        4

        Yes Lester you are right Gotha the pauper didnt run away. He just disappeard into this air and claimed American Citizenship., MR, GOTHA , RW , SF and you lot are all CROOKS and RACISTS. I wont trust any one of you Sri Lanka is not a DEmocracy . It is a JOKE.
        Dont forget HITLER was elected by a polular mandate. He didnt take over after coup. Start learning history. Even Africans are better than you They dont appoint a War Criminal as Head of the Army and slecet a CRIMINAL like Gotha to stand for President

        • 2
          2

          Kali,

          Hitler was not elected by any popular mandate. He was appointed Chancellor by Hindenburg. When Hindenburg died, the President and Chancellor’s powers were integrated into one unit, making Hitler the President, Chancellor, and Commander of Armed Forces. Hitler then wiped out the Opposition, including the SA and Communists. If Mahinda was a true dictator, he would have deported Tamils to Nadu. Instead, he let the TNA represent the LTTE interest in Parliament. There is no opposition in a dictatorship. In Sri Lanka, there have been useless political parties since 1948, e.g. TNA, TULF, now UNP after Joker Ranil took over.

          • 2
            2

            July – Reichstag elections. The Nazis became the largest party with 230 seats. Hitler demanded to be made Chancellor but Papen remained.

            November – Reichstag elections called by Von Papen to try to win a majority in parliament. Nazis lost 34 seats but remained the largest party with 196 seats.

            1933

            January – Von Papen and Hindenburg turned to Hitler, appointing him as Chancellor with Von Papen as Vice Chancellor. They believed they could control Hitler and get him to do what they wanted.

            Lester:

            Read the above Hitlers appoinment was democratic and not from a Coup.

            My point is Sri Lanka is very similar to Nazi Germany.

            You silly man MR cant deport Tamils to Tamil Nadu without inviting the intervetion of the Indian Army. MR was foorced by India to have the Provicial Elections . For your information India has a Consul General in Jaffna recognising North as a seperate entity and MR was forced to accpet this. Indian Independance day was celebrated in Jaffna recently much to the annoyance of MS

            • 3
              1

              Kali,

              You forgot to write, Hitler lost the Presidential election to Von Hindenburg in 1932. That was a clear REJECTION of the Nazis by the majority of Germans. Hitler would NOT have become President of Germany if Von Hindenburg had not appointed him as Chancellor. Von Hindenburg did not like Hitler, he was pressured into making Hitler the corporal by Papen.
              ———-
              Mahinda Rajapakse was elected by a majority of Sri Lankans to end Tamil Tiger terrorism once and for all. He had a clear mandate from the people, which he kept. After losing the election in 2015, he stepped down. He could have killed his opponents and remained in power forever. Now, if you are upset about Gotabaya winning in a democratic election, you can join the “leadership” in Nanthikadal Lagoon. There will never be an armed Tamil uprising in Sri Lanka again. Sun God lost!

              • 2
                1

                I take tht you have never heard of a HUNG Parliment.. You are similar to NAZI Germany and that hurts See where MR has taken you. You have lost your FREEDOM . You are under the total Control of India and when MR & GOTHA Come to power Indian Anexation will become a reality. Modi sang the Song of ” SInkala Thieevinukor Palam Amaipom” and my friend the Loan is ready to build the bridge. You must be sh.t.i.g in your pants.

              • 1
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                Lester:

                There will almost certainly be an attempt by you lot to form a Cheguvera type armed struggle to fight Indian Doination but where are you going to get the Arms from . Certainly not from CHEENAVEDI. because Indian warships will be patrolling your coastal waters such as when you allowed Chine Sumarines to dock at Colombo. Man how sad. British gave you Freedom and you lost it to India Ask Gotha and he will tell you how.

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                  Kali,

                  Forget about India. Where is Eelam now?

                  • 1
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                    Lester

                    How can you forget India. That is the Jurisdiction whether you like it or not. Even Gotha is talking about 13th Amendment to please India .

  • 1
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    Contented Families ..No worries
    Australia has good Safety Nets.
    If the families abandon the kid , The kids go on the Dole.
    Our Mother Lanka is not the same..

    Even the self declared UNP Prez Candidate said 30% of our Inhabitants deserve to be on the Samurdhi Dole..
    But Dr Ranil’s replacement CB Governor says our inhabitants are better off than in Rajapaksa times, with us now in the Higher Mid Income Group in the World.

    I really don’t know what that means when our young girls go to Middle East as House Maids for just LKR 60 thou.
    It is not surprising when the average wage in the Motherland is only LKR 20,000 . That is if our girls and boys are lucky to find one..

    Dr Ranil and his UNP came out with all the Bells and Whistles to give Dalits VW assembly Jobs, Free Wifi, Gold Bracelets, and hang out just like our neighbors s in Singapore.-
    But Dr Ranil’s agenda was to divide the nation with his new Constitution, Eliminate the Armed Forces Influence together with the Influence of the Sinhala Majority in Politics .
    And make his rich and powerful mates live happily ever after..

    Wonder what the UNP Prez Candidate will offer this time to our Inhabitants, besides the self declared candidate,s promise to put all our sisters on LKR 50,000 minimum and give their Moms and Dads free houses.
    Will Dr Ranil better that Offer?…

  • 1
    2

    “In his vision of things, there is no clear determination to unite the divided nation of different communities and religions.”
    Racist Wellala politicians and Muslim opportunistic politicians are the main barrier for National Unity. They thrive by promoting disunity among different groups. If ordinary Demala amd Muslim people get rid of these crooks, they will have no problem living in this country with Native Sinhalayo.

    • 1
      1

      racists ballige puthas of Mahindapala nature, being in his 80ties seems to know nothing but to attack srilanken minorities. Get it let alone today, we are all the same. We the sinhalayas cant be better. Just imagine the way bp Rajapkshes hoodwink the gullible just to escape from all the court cases. Not a single men would raise the quesiton, ballige putha Rajakshe finance all the big gatherings. He does not come from a wealthy family, his status was clear to the nation prior to 2005. But with his presidency .. the brutal leader collected all the sums from the state NOT leaving any records.
      Not for no reason his former secretary is now caged.. not being able to face the nation.
      Not for no reason his cousin, former illiterate ambassador to the US, stay cornered today.
      Not for no reason his cousin, former illiterate ambassador to the Ukraine, stay cornered today.
      All in all, you guys as octagenarians, not to have gotten this is beyond everyone s understanding.

  • 5
    0

    Nothing comes good of electing a dictator. We saw with Mugabe- Zimbabwe, a basket case, Pol pot Vietnam -still not a place to get a residency. Why are people going to the west, even if they say china will be a super-power. Because of upto an extent justice, rule of law and freedom .
    1MILLION Chineese millioners and billioners are duel citizens, there children are americans/Australians/british/Canadians why? Because they don’t trust dictator(ccp).Even Sri Lankens lock stock and barrel leaving Sl for good is basically due to no justice, and with a dictator coming, we will see the brain drain getting more steam. We don’t need gota, he is a killer and a crook. He will destroy Sl, with his security mentality. Using retards like the bbs and ratne the pelopiane monk.

  • 3
    1

    We already see gota tactics behind monks led harressement of muslims and tamils. We will see more when this dictator becomes president. He will bump his brother MR and core, as he is mentally unstable. Any one who keeps sharks in a tank, needs a mental evaluvation. We also have seen, how he behaved when he was the defence secretary. If president, without a leash, we will go into a blood bath.
    Hitler is back with polpot sadism.

  • 5
    2

    “Gotabaya is a military man and not a civilian who is contesting for the presidency.”
    Professor, you’re in some sense wrong to state that the Goat is a military ‘man’. Military men do not act like this Goatabaya psychopath who somehow managed to get into the military. I think this country is not that dumb to elect such a brutal swine because this would mean that this criminal psychopath will only take his reigns by suppressing or aligning with other competing criminals. Don’t forget that this nation is a SINHALA BUDDHIST nation of CRIMINALS. We all know too well of the Rajapakaya’s criminal and feudal past. Also the current regimes Royal Mafia and daylight robberies although they don’t waylay and pray on journalist like the previous blood suckers. Everyone of them siding with this vipputh maga are all vying to murder, pillage and plunder the nation ponce more for their greed and obsession. “It is forbidden to kill; therefore all murderers are punished unless they kill in large numbers and to the sound of trumpets” said Voltaire.

  • 2
    4

    Gota may be a military man but his legendary big brother Mahinda will keep a tab on him.
    /
    Sri Lanka is desperate for an authoritarian leader, especially, at a time, more Muslim terrorism is expected.

  • 3
    0

    Lester and Nimal Wijethinga:

    You toddlers this is frightening.

    Man ” Kada Kada Loda Loda Vandi” is coming

    New Delhi: India, after signing a road transport agreement with Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal, is said to be considering an ambitious bridge or undersea tunnel linking the Indian mainland with Sri Lanka.

    India was mulling the project after the Manila-based Asian Development Bank (ADB) suggested that India look at a project linking Sri Lanka, roads minister Nitin Gadkari said at a Mint Conversation, a platform where special invitees interact with Mint staff.

    “When I met ADB officials (in June), they told me to look at a connectivity project between the Indian mainland and Sri Lanka as well. They said that they would finance it. They proposed a bridge between Rameswaram and Sri Lanka,” Gadkari said.

    Gotha will see to the above

  • 2
    0

    No stone should remain unturned to prevent him from getting in to this presidency as he clearly articulated how he is going to act once elected to this post.

    I am hoping he will be stopped before the next presidential election either by his own people or some unforeseen hand working behind his brother.

    He is the motel danger to this country and the country should be prepared to face consequences which people may not have imagined in their wildest dreams.

  • 0
    1

    Writer was born by theologian cum ex-Trotskyist ,that his political views are by an evolutionary process which that seems to be working towards on against ” Democracy” shape of contortion.
    He was one of that leading persons who claim for ‘new’ concept of “good governance” and that talk of “rule of law” taken as seriously that the key pillar of on behalf of 2015 Jan 8th regime.
    That his voice become, voice of UNP, SLFP, -(CBK+MS) ,JVP, TNA MC, JHU and other committed to unholy alliances with by foreign intervention regime in an Island.
    Indeed 2015 Jan 8th change of regime . has of that contradict of practices of ‘democracy’ by that regime change being to power back by UNP.
    That was leads for political mandate won by MS !
    The way of Writer’s political practices of ‘democracy’ by regime change has act on that mode of namby-pamby means of implantation.
    The writer claim that if GR being to head of state ,so-called “military man” Rule will be appear?
    But I have to say we ample an opportunity to analyze of that GR speech do respect incoming transformation . of capital and globe market compositions a real process of modernization of Island Political-Economy.-Socialization of basic structure of Island governance.
    Last 4 years and half current regime has nailed basic norms of democracy..
    The UNP so-called “World market establishes a REAL Politics of differences” said by Antonio Negri
    Well Negri said further “what is essential for postmodern management is that organization be mobile, flexible and able to deal with difference. Here postmodern theories pave way for transformation of the internal structure of capitalist organization”.
    This is a simple fact of GR speech of that background unable to indigestion by writer .

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