“I am not surprised that Hon. Mahinda Rajapaksa is acting, as usual, as if the country owes him and his family special privileges that need not be given to any other Sri Lankan,” says former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga.
CBK
Issuing a statement on the regularisation of Mahinda Rajapaksa’s security detail, the former President said; “In September 2007, 15 months after my retirement, President Rajapaksa and his brother Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who was responsible for the entire security apparatus of the Sri Lankan State, instructed the relevant authorities to withdraw every single one of my Security personnel, all vehicles and weaponry. I was left without any Security for two months.”
We publish below the statement in full:
I watched with amusement the agitation of the Joint Opposition MP’s regarding the reduction of the Security accorded to Hon. Mahinda Rajapaksa.
It is pertinent to remind Hon. Rajapaksa of the manner in which he treated another former president and the Security he accorded her.
I retired in November 2005, while the civil war between the State of Sri Lanka and the LTTE was going on. The LTTE issued several formal statements announcing that they would attempt to assassinate Chandrika even after her retirement, giving the main reason for this as the take-over of Jaffna from the LTTE by the Kumaratunga Government and clearing Jaffna of the LTTE, compelling the LTTE to limit themselves to the smaller areas of Killinochchi and Mullativu.
The Special Committee of the Security Council studied my security needs after retirement and suggested that I be given a Security detail of 300 personnel with the required vehicles and weaponry. Acting on my usual principle of cutting down Government expenditure to the maximum, I rejected the Security Council proposal and agreed to only 150 personnel and 10 vehicles, including security vehicles.
In September 2007, 15 months after my retirement, President Rajapaksa and his brother Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who was responsible for the entire security apparatus of the Sri Lankan State, instructed the relevant authorities to withdraw every single one of my Security personnel, all vehicles and weaponry. I was left without any Security for two months.
Protests expressed by a few MP’s of the UNP and several foreign governments (ALL MP’s and other representatives of the SLFP being forbidden from talking to Chandrika Kumaratunga or taking up any issues for her) compelled the Rajapaksa Government to restore a small part of her Security – 40 personnel in all and five vehicles in poor condition. Until the present day my Security remains the same.
The Sirisena/Wickremesinghe did inform me that I could ask for more Security. My Security has now been increased by only eight more Security personnel.
At present the country is not at war, the security situation is stable and I do not understand how Hon. Rajapaksa can argue that he needs more Security and privileges than I do.
I am not surprised that Hon. Mahinda Rajapaksa is acting, as usual, as if the country owes him and his family special privileges that need not be given to any other Sri Lankan.
Signed: Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga
Jal / May 7, 2017
In your case, I blame LTTE which failed to eradicate a dirty cow from our beloved motherland. They could have done a better job and purified this land.
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Leelawathie / May 8, 2017
It is just CBK is human and democratic leader, in contrary to her, Mahinda Jarapakshe is a proved rebel, unethical, uneducated rascal. Mahinda has no education no whatsoever respect to anyone but to abuse even his men for his survival. THat is it.
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max / May 8, 2017
Rohana Kumara, Beddagane Sanjeeva, Ronie Peris etc., etc., will come from the dead and say you are perfectly right, Leelawathie!
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srinath gunaratne / May 8, 2017
Torture of Rukantha Chandralekha in front of their children?
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Native Vedda / May 8, 2017
Jal
“In your case, I blame LTTE which failed to eradicate a dirty cow from our beloved motherland.”
Are you a secret LTTE supporter.
How did Gota miss you?
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K.Pillai / May 7, 2017
MR has lots and lots of opponents – most unarmed. Some of his “enemies” are in his inner circle.
CBK has just a handful of but very well armed, trained and powerful.
CBK is in greater danger but can go overseas. MR cannot do a Basil because may be arrested if he ventures out.
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Mallaiyuran / May 8, 2017
Old King did something, but has no idea of what was it. He transferred the $18 billion to foreign accounts. He does not know how,when,what, who…. But LTTE has faced a defeat in Mullivaikkal. That is not what all about a security detail issue.
To Look at the matter: he does not know if the LTTE is gone. His fear is, day and night, “LTTE coming back”. He is seeing that even at a small girl called Vibushika. To demonstrate it, he found out a Suicide Jacket in Chavakachcheri. LTTE is not just chasing him, but he is seeing it chasing, Sumanthiran, Sampanthar, CV…. and many other political leaders. In total he has no Idea what happened to Leader Pirapaharan. He was in power for 6 years after Mullivaikkal, he was not able to issue the death certificate. He saw an army coup at the January 2015 election. He still seeing army coups coming. Above an all, as the Jewel of the Crown, he is envisaging the UNHRC electric Chair coming to him. These all are his security concern. Does any of these matters are bothering CBK too. Is she starting to fear about the small girl called Krishanti? Is Jesus coming out of Navali Church.. Chamani ghosts? …………………….. Then she too need the security enhancements.
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Lanki / May 8, 2017
You are correct Chandrika. Mahinda is just an MP and he set the standard for providing security to ex-presidents when he changed it to hurt you. Now he has to live by it. Madam, please ensure that President Sirisena or PM Ranil do not bow down to Mahinda. You and Mahinda should be provided by the same number of security persons.
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sarrij / May 8, 2017
Probably the best solution is allow “had been presidents” to be given the option of retiring abroad with a handsome retirement pension and no other perks and no security guards; this might solve the problem of bickering.
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Jack / May 8, 2017
Because he thinks that he won the war. Soon he will be behind bars for robbing our money. He might need security in prison where LTTE guys are to keep company.
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Jillball / May 8, 2017
I almost fell off my chair seeing this news. What a stupid woman she is. By the end of 2004, the world was on firm belief that the LTTE could not be defeated and Sri Lanka’s economy is at an absolute breaking point. All changed when the head of state changed. She needs a mental check up not an addition security.
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ranjith chandrasekera / May 8, 2017
You are absolutely correct.
What did she do when she had the power to annihilate the terrorists. Instead she dragged the war behind peace talk giving into LTTE, to regroup. She couldn’t understand the logic Norwegian pushed for peace talk as an excuse for LTTE to rebuild, lost fire power. Norway was well behind LTTE to support the Ellam war. Even at the 11th hour they tried their best to save Prabahakaran and rescue him out of SL. At the time when LTTE was in control of certain Northern parts of SL a photograph of Norwegian peace negotiator Eric Solheim appeared in their LTTE propaganda media Tamil Net receiving from Prabakaran a gift of a gold sovereign made into a Tiger Crest. Others present at the event were then Norway ambassador Jon Westberg, Prabahakaran’s right hand Head of LTTE political section Tamil Chelvan and LTTE official Shankar.
When talking about money laundering how did CBK built a mansion, in UK. Where did she find this money. My humble opinion is that she need not have more than 10 or 15 security personnel and two or three security vehicles. She is still living in luxury, on tax payers money. All these politicians robe money from the poorer.
At least Mahinda saved the country from evil LTTE and brought peace to all including Tamils who were living in fear of their lives and children being taken away by force to join the organisation. Some were recruited to be child suicide bombers and others trained to kill innocent unarmed Sinhalese civilians lived in remote areas close to their territory. Targeted attacks were carried out indiscriminately killing infants, nursing mothers, without mercy upon old feeble and disabled, men and women.
How could she deserve any privileges over Mahinda.
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Real Siva Sankaran Sarma / May 8, 2017
What bout evil Sinhalese racists like you and Sinhalese Buddhist racism that started this war and is still continuing and will start another war. Who is going to defeat this and tame this. Instead of fanning it? This racist is far more dangerous than the LTTE. The LTTE would not have been there if there was no Sinhalese racism that was fanned by the Sinhalese ruling establishment and politicians and supported by racists like you. Blame the victim but not the reason, as it is Sinhalese like you who are the reason.
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Siva Sankaran Sarma / May 9, 2017
Cool story, bro :D
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Wera / May 9, 2017
This article is about the fairness of the security details provided to two former presidents. It is about how one president who was a victim of a direct attack by the LTTE and lost sight in one eye had her security down graded and even had a supreme court judgement to confirm that all she needed was seven policemen and one ASP while the war was ongoing. The court ruling was the most dishonest judgment ever given and rubbed the judiciary of this country in a septic tank. But all that aside what do you comment on? Some completely irrelevant vicious rubbish. You are off topic and your hatred is showing what a scoundrel you really are. Your mentality is what got us into the ethnic war. It is why people like you keep on agitation to bring back like minded scoundrels back into power so the you can keep on fighting another war. Please take yourself and get lost.
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Lanki / May 8, 2017
If he beeds better protection, he can be locked up in the prison!
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Andi / May 8, 2017
The Mad Cow should be given protection in remand prison.
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Babapulle / May 8, 2017
Buy the lady 400 Local Walli Kukulas, with some Kabaragoyas a few Kimbulas n put it around her house. she’ll be safe as in Wilpattu.
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charles / May 8, 2017
Only People love and live in Sri-Lanka know why Mahinda needs more security than Chandrika .
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Independent Outsider / May 8, 2017
He needs more security as he defeated the LTTE that is now being fed and nurtured by you moron and your gang. You can talk big thanks to him. You with the enemy betraying all who made safe to utter BS. Shut the f… up if you witch cannot find something you have a moral right to talk about. Period.
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ranjith chandrasekera / May 8, 2017
What did CBK do when she had the power to annihilate the terrorists. Instead she dragged the war behind peace talk giving into LTTE, to regroup. She couldn’t understand the logic Norwegian pushed for peace talk as an excuse for LTTE to rebuild, lost fire power. Norway was well behind LTTE to support the Ellam war. Even at the 11th hour they tried their best to save Prabahakaran and rescue him out of SL. At the time when LTTE was in control of certain Northern parts of SL a photograph of Norwegian peace negotiator Eric Solheim appeared in their LTTE propaganda media Tamil Net receiving from Prabakaran a gift of a gold sovereign made into a Tiger Crest. Others present at the event were then Norway ambassador Jon Westberg, Prabahakaran’s right hand Head of LTTE political section Tamil Chelvan and LTTE official Shankar.
When talking about money laundering how did CBK built a mansion, in UK. Where did she find this money. My humble opinion is that she need not have more than 10 or 15 security personnel and two or three security vehicles. She is still living in luxury, on tax payers money. All these politicians robe money from the poorer.
At least Mahinda saved the country from evil LTTE and brought peace to all including Tamils who were living in fear of their lives and children being taken away by force to join the organisation. Some were recruited to be child suicide bombers and others trained to kill innocent unarmed Sinhalese civilians lived in remote areas close to their territory. Targeted attacks were carried out indiscriminately killing infants, nursing mothers, without mercy upon old feeble and disabled, men and women.
How could she deserve any privileges over Mahinda.
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Banda kumara / May 8, 2017
For MR 7 securuty personal is enough.court ordered only 7 security for CBK during rajapakae ruling.if MR need more security pls appoint SF as defence minister. He will protect MR.
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Percy Embuldeniya / May 8, 2017
The grand auntie of good governance is piqued.
She does not want any other President’s security
to be higher than hers.
The auntie, who, to say the least, is in a state
of amnesia says anything. She gets away and has
remained relatively unscathed, Look at the bribery
and corruption that occurred when she was President.
No one spoke about it.
True, Rajapaksas, particularly that blood thirsty
maniac Gothabaya, withdrew security not on threat
perceptions It was how much he liked or hated people.
He was ably assisted by that Works Services Battalion
officer who later became Chie fo National Intelligence.
People knew this and that was why they voted Rajapaksa
out of office. Now the Yahapalanaya godaya is doing just
the same thing. So what is the difference between Rajapaksa
and Sirisena.
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jayasigha / May 8, 2017
MR has a larger following of people wherever he goes compared to CBK. So the threat level is higher.MR and not CBK is a threat to the now underground gone LTTE rump. CBK is deadwood. If she utters one word against the LTTE now then only will her threat level be higher. Courts decide on the numbers after advice from the security authorities.
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Native Vedda / May 8, 2017
jayasigha
“MR has a larger following of people wherever he goes compared to CBK. So the threat level is higher.”
You mean the larger following come to kill/harm him?
“MR and not CBK is a threat to the now underground gone LTTE rump.”
MR was and is a major threat to people as the Jan 2015 elections confirmed.
“Courts decide on the numbers after advice from the security authorities.”
Reduced number brings savings to the coffer and better spend on essential needs of the people.
If more people loved him which should give him more protection. Does MR trust the people?
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Bensen Berner / May 8, 2017
dear Madam, The answer is very simple. He along with his family committed many more crimes. Bensen
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jayasigha / May 8, 2017
MR has a larger following of people wherever he goes compared to CBK. So the threat level is higher.MR and not CBK is a threat to the now underground gone LTTE rump. CBK is deadwood. If she utters one word against the LTTE now then only threat level for her will be be higher. Courts decide on the numbers after advice from the security authorities. Can one believe these people now when they are politicized?
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Nimal / May 8, 2017
It’s a stupid status symbol created by people like CBK at our expense.
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John / May 9, 2017
Chandrika’s attempt to be equal with Great Mahinda is laughable. Mahinda defeated the Sinhalé invading Eelam LTTE terrorists.
Allegedly CBK is having dinner parties in Paris and London with LTTE diaspora. She and her family live in Britain. Her traitorous grandfather Solomon was a big time boot licker of British colonial masters.
Chandrika is the worst president Sri Lanka ever had. Mahinda is the greatest president Sri Lanka ever had.
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John / May 9, 2017
The level of dumbness of CBK is unbelievable, she should know that Mahinda is still in active politics and a member of the parliament and still popular with people as well.
Whereas, Chandrika retired from active politics long time ago and people hate her.
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John / May 9, 2017
If, then very popular Gamini Disanayake was alive on the election day, Chandrika would never be the president of Sri Lanka.
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Ravindra Perera / May 9, 2017
Mahinda Rajapakse was able to achieve what no other president was able to do.To eliminate one of the most ruthless terrorist organisation ltte that had little regard to humans.Exploding bombs at bus stops,railway stations,butchering border
villagers adults and children.Ltte recruited young children and send them to fight the army to use as cannon fodder.Mothers in north no longer have to hide
their children being recruited bythe ltte.People in north no longer have to hide when they here a sound of an airplane thinking that they might get blown up by a
missiles fired by the Airforce.People now can get along with their lives irrespective of their nationality.But still their are some bad dudes who would like to harm Mahinda for what he did to ltte.That is why he needs more protection than this wisky madam
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ross eters / May 9, 2017
I may disagree with Rajapaksha but he is the man who finished the war.
Wen you were in power you were lazy, late and incompetent to the core.
Ceylon Electricity board still paying dues for your uncles corrupt deals with the power generation. Aturugirya Millennium city exposure may never happened if Lohan Rathwatte not misused the weapons stacked for the LRRP training in the safe house. Yes you have taken your revenge for alienating you from SLFP but to be honest you do not deserve or qualify to be in a commanding position. I do not think anybody wants you dead now.
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Raj / May 9, 2017
Presidents of SL., past & present, are a burden to the poor tax payers. They have an army of servants & security personnel at their disposal, a fleet of vehicles (that is on top of the duty free personal vehicles) & other perks for which we have to pay in stealth & other form of taxation.
CBK has (or had) a posh pad in very expensive St. John’s Wood in London & the time she was living there, the Metropolitan Police would not provide any extra security (unless paid for by the SL govt. which I am not aware of), despite the potential threats from LTTE activists in the UK, so I am sure she can go back to UK, now that she is retired from politics. Of course, she will miss the butlers, chauffeurs, chefs, etc. but she still can have a comfortable retirement among the cream of society in London. As for MR, he would be safer in solitary confinement in a jail for all the crimes committed by him & misuse of public funds when he was in power. The current President, once out of office, need only to fear MR & the clan but if they are in jail, he is safe enough, although it is known that many underworld godfathers continue to operate from the comfort of a prison cell but if MS is the peoples’ man he claims to be, why worry? Anyway, we certainly can’t afford another President who will need a fleet of custom built Maybachs. The sooner we get rid of these parasites the better.
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Ananda Wijepala / May 9, 2017
I concede that CBK has done some good. However,
she takes credit for all the good others have
done too. She will not let anyone have a claim
to their share.
I am sorry to say she is now like the vermin in a
decaying tree. She is trying to sap up every bit of
the public money under the garb of bringing about
reconciliation. People run from her when she talks
about national unity. What did she do during the
eleven years she was in power. It was sweet fanny
adams.
It will be better if this Mamma Mia keeps her mouth
shut without spewing venom, lies and malicious
slanders. At least people will not be misled.
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Mevan / May 9, 2017
Mahinda should definitely be given more security. The Government should take urgent steps to accommodate him in the safest house in Colombo – located at Welikada.
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Hamlet / May 10, 2017
Yes Mevan, Like the Security in a Safe House, they Gave General Fonseka!
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Akila / May 10, 2017
Chandrika you are spot on.
Certainly you should be given more security for doing nothing and ruining the country. Your old male friends are waiting to gun you down for messing up their lives.
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Sherlock Holmes / May 10, 2017
Now, CBK has said only 60 per cent of
Galle Face Green was occupied by Joint
Opposition supporters.
I don’t blame her. She, unfortunately,
cannot see the remaining 40 per cent. I
pity her for that. The best thing she
should do is not to continue to sing for
a few buckshees she will receive. What
a way to go!!
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nalmen / May 10, 2017
she has more to fear from a rejuvenated ltte as she was directly attacked and lost an eye while mahinda was unscathed so as far as security is concerned they both need the same.
re corruption one will have to read victor ivans book
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