Former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga while expressing her grave concern over the rampant militarisation in Sri Lanka has stated that all signs presently are indicative of the country being pushed towards a militarised governing system.
Chandrika | File photo
Kumaratunga in an interview with the weekend edition of the Aththa newspaper has stated, “Today even the roads are swept by military personnel. My worry is that one day, they would throw away the brooms in their hands and take up arms against those who rise against the government.”
She has gone on to state that the military is being used to spy, tap phone lines and even hack email accounts.
“All the star-rated hotels are infiltrated with the CID and state intelligence to spy on the comings and goings of visitors. My friends are questioned by the CID the very next day, if they happen to visit me. This is not a harassment that I alone go through, but by anyone who bears views opposing to that of the present governing parties,” she has added.
Meanwhile, speaking of the activities of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party, she has stated that it is no longer the party that existed prior to 2005 where Bandaranaike principles were followed and blood was not shed in order to gain political power.
Kumaratunga has also been heavily critical of the extreme nepotism that has been promoted by the Rajapaksa-regime.
“I am disgusted by the favouritism and nepotism. This is a result of abandoning the Bandaranaike principles of the SLFP. If one is truly interested in serving the people, there is no need to involve the entire family; entire families are involved only in running businesses,” she has added.
The former President had gone on to state that the governing parties today are only interested in their well being and on glorifying their names. “Even the constructions made for public use are made in a way that promotes their names, not for the betterment of the country.”
She has also said that it is paramount importance that the Executive Presidency is immediately abolished.
“A united, common coalition should be created with the collaboration of all opposition parties with the participation of all progressive minded individuals. This is not the time to remain divided by difference in party politics. All challenges should be overcome together in order to save the country from the present rut it is in,” she has added.
James Chance / September 20, 2014
Great to see CBK raise the issue of militarism and take on the Rajapaksas. But it would be SO MUCH more powerful and persuasive if she would admit that “Bandaranaike principles of the SLFP” had some serious problems and not a few examples of nepotism. A bit of self-criticism and evidence of learning from her (family’s) mistakes would make it much easier for many to hear her criticisms of the current ruling family.
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Amarasiri / September 20, 2014
RE: I Am Disgusted By The Favouritism And Nepotism: Chandrika Tells Aththa
Dear Ms. Chandrika Kiumarartunga,
You let them take over SLFP.
Why not ask the SLFP Voters nor to elect these criminals and goons.
You are the best person.
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ela kolla / September 22, 2014
CBK removed that killer mindset from SL army by introducing thavalam and sudu nelum….we suffered a lot under her stupid leadership..
you’d better rest your soul soon alnog with para-AmASSiri the altar boy..
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Sven Perera / September 22, 2014
And the majority suffers today – since ballige putha promotes all kind of violence being in his sober mode.
And cockless idiots of yourkind would have no other choice than being supportive to the ruling bunch. First identify who you are, then leave your comment. Else, no point of adding this kind of comments.
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ela kolla / September 22, 2014
sven perera the fruit salad, you are wrong and ela kolla doesn’r support ruling party because it’s multi religious and multi ethinic. [Edited out]
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Tamil from the north / September 22, 2014
@ela kolla – “ela kolla doesn’r support ruling party because it’s multi religious and multi ethinic” – hahahaha funny bugger. Multi religious and multi ethnic is filled with goons and pariahs from the Tamil community and the Muslim community. Show me on from there with any decent education or political experience?
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ela kolla / September 23, 2014
that’s the reason i don’t support MR sarvagamikaya
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Native Vedda / September 22, 2014
ela kolla
“CBK removed that killer mindset from SL army by introducing thavalam and sudu nelum….we suffered a lot under her stupid leadership..”
CBK couldn’t remove your Mahawamsa majoritarian mindset.
You continue to suffer from it.
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ela kolla / September 22, 2014
stupid vedda, you are a hopeless minority scum. keep your opinion to your [Edited out]
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Ben Hurling / September 21, 2014
CBK is an inherent part of the problem in Sri Lanka. Not the only one.
Her “party” SLFP iS an utterly corrupt entiity producing politicians that ruin our country.
Being a daughter of SWRD is hardly a qualification to stake claim to lead Sri Lanka again and again.
She was given an opportunity over nearly 12 years. She failed beyond any doubt. And never again.
She may look like a saint compared to the current guy in the top slot. The fact remains the incumbant is a product of the corrupt SLFP.
Sri Lanka needs new alternatives.
Cheers!
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Native Vedda / September 21, 2014
Ben Hurling
“Sri Lanka needs new alternatives.”
Whom do you have in mind?
You have plenty of leadership material to chose from:
Malaka Silva, Premakumar Gunaratnam, Duminda, Karuna, KP, Pillayan, Somaratne Rajapaksa, R. J. M. Jayasinghe, A. S. P. Perera, W. A. W. Alwis, D. G. Muthu Banda, D. M. Jayathilake, D. V. I. Kumara, A. P. Nishantha, G. P. Priyadarshana, Malinda Seneviratne, Gnanasara, Nalin de Silva, …………………… ….. DIG Vass, Gen Jegath Dias, Svendra Silva, Lalu Prasad Yadav, Subramanian Swamy, Hindu Ram, EPRLF Premachandran, TNA Senathirajah, Sivajilingam,A. H. M. Fowzie, Arumugam Thondaman, Douglas Devananda, Rishad Bathiyutheen, Wimal Weerawansa, Keheliya Rambukwella, A. H. M. Fowzie, ………………..
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Ben Hurling / September 21, 2014
Native,
You must have misunderstood.
Sri Lankans are not exactly looking for a “bottomless pool of douchebags”.
Should they choose to do so they wouldn’t mind contacting you as a broker, I guess. Kindly provide your contact details.
Cheers!
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Native Vedda / September 21, 2014
Ben Hurling
“Should they choose to do so they wouldn’t mind contacting you as a broker, I guess. Kindly provide your contact details.”
I am available on CT.
If you need more names I can 20 million of them.
Where would you find alternatives?
Throw some names.
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Ben Hurling / September 22, 2014
Native,
Let me do an “Obama”. “We are the ones we’ve been waiting for”.
That where we will find new, talented, honest alternatives.
Coz’ we know all too well, while we may be desperate to kick the meglomaniacs from Hambantota out of Colombo, not much will change by having the UNP at the helm either.
Based on historic facts torture, abuse of power, media opression, nepotism, favouritism & corruption etc. will continue.
Merely voting the UNP in, will not bring about the sea change this country neeeds.
Cheers!
PS: Why don’t you jump in and run for a seat? I will be right behind you to support you.
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ela kolla / September 22, 2014
stupid vedda dancing to a NGO tune
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Seelawathige Puthaa / September 23, 2014
For you everyone that go against you are NGO workers. OMG
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Native Vedda / September 23, 2014
Seelawathige Puthaa
“For you everyone that go against you are NGO workers. OMG”
ela kolla is a secret admirer of Vellupillai Prabaharan.
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ela kolla / September 24, 2014
stupid para vedda is related to fat VP
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Amarasiri / September 21, 2014
Ben Hurling
“You are the best person.”
Correction : What was meant was..
CBK: You are the best person to ask the SLFP Voters not to Elect the Rajapaksa goons and their cronies, notwithstanding tho goons asking to be elected on the SLFP ticket…especially those SLFP Modayas who still do not understand the issues involved..
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Kanga / September 21, 2014
“Even the constructions made for public use are made in a way that promotes their names, not for the betterment of the country.”
Hmm… Wonder whether she would agree to remove the name “Bandaranaike” from the signboard at the country’s major airport at Katunayaka so that it could be just Colombo airport.
Wonder whether she would agree to cange the sign board of the BMICH so that it could just be ICH.
Probably not. This woman has been, and continues to be, the most selfish, dishonest and disgraceful politican Sri Lanka has ever seen.
She just does not seem to see how ridiculously contradictory her currents comments are, with her own performance as President.
Dear Satellite, accept it is over. You have no future in politics in Sri Lanka. Go to England and look after your grand children for the rest of your life. Leave us alone.
PS: Hope she arrived in time for the Aththa interview, not four hours late!
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T . George UK / September 20, 2014
MADAM WHEN YOU ARE THE PRESIDENT YOU ENJOYED THE EXECUTIVE PRESIDENT POWERS AND NOW YOU WANT TO ABOLISH IT. ALLOW RAJAPAKSE ALSO ENJOY THESE POWERS WHICH YOU ENJOYED.DONT CALL THE KETTLE BLACK.
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n.ethirveerasingam / September 21, 2014
“Today even the roads are swept by military personnel. My worry is that one day, they would throw away the brooms in their hands and take up arms against those who rise against the government.”
If Ms CBK wants to understand in depth the overt and subtle militarization in the guise of development and reconciliation in the North she should visit all the villages and towns in the North and talk to the people and not listen to second and third hand stories. Such a visit will bring solace to a traumatised population and give them hope. Every sphere of civilian activities, including various civilian sectors, is infused, controlled and dominated by the Armed forces. It is far more serious than just acquiring and occupying large tract of civilian and crown land space and packing the North armed forces enterprises and with armed force personnel and their families. The elected representatives of the people in the NPC is handcuffed from making any decisions without the consent of those appointed by the President.
When CBK came into power in 1994, she was revered by the people in the North. She soon lost them. She still can regain their confidence if she can genuinely enter into dialogue with the Tamils and the Muslims and usher in a just political solution that can transcend the objections of the Buddhist Clergy and their supporters who continue to deny the rights of the Tamils and the Muslims.
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Fathima Fukushima / September 21, 2014
Look who is talking!
During her time all her relatives were appointed to top places!!
Once the president, speaker were both Bandaranaikes (sister and brother) in addition to many other posts. At another time the president and the prime minister were both mother and daughter.
All their relatives headed top government jobs.
I forgot. Her mother was twice the prime minister and her father was also prime minister.
Talking of dynasties.
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mechanic / September 21, 2014
I forgot, what was that job assigned to her tomboy?
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mike / September 21, 2014
Mechanic!
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Native Vedda / September 21, 2014
mechanic
“I forgot, what was that job assigned to her tomboy?”
Tomboy:
A girl considered boyish or masculine in behavior or manner.
– The Free Dictionary
Toy boy:
the much younger male lover of an older woman
– The Free Dictionary
Which of the above two did you mean to insult her?
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Upali Wickramasinghe / September 22, 2014
Fathima, your criticism is misplaced.
CBK did not appoint her relations.The appointment of Mrs B as the PM was as a result of what was done to her by JRJ. Anura B was appointed Speaker by the UNP of which he was an MP.
CBK did fail us on the question of the Executive Presidency. People blame Ranil for what he did and the gross behaviour of his party members at the Parliament.CBK has to bear a major quantum for that failure.It is true that the minority parties would not have voted with her and the attempt to change the constitution would have been defeated. But she should have gone through.
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EW Golding / September 21, 2014
Is the good lady in inviting Gotha to arrange a fatal motor accident for her?
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Paisa Must Appah / September 21, 2014
No need to; White Van will do the job.
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Dr Romesh Senewiratne-Alagaratnam / September 21, 2014
Ex-president Chandrika Kumaratunga’s fear that the soldiers will throw away their brooms and take up arms against those who rise against the government is realistic. The soldiers will indeed do so again if they are ordered to do so – that is the nature of a military hierarchy and its relationship with government. Soldiers follow orders. They’re trained to do so.
What is going on in Sri Lanka is a different type of militarism to that which affected the Germans before and during the Second World War, or the militarism of the USA and Russia with their huge arsenals. It is, instead, the encroachment of the military into every sphere of the civilian infrastructure under the leadership of Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who was appointed to his position as Defense Secretary by his brother. This can be seen as a pure act of nepotism – although Gotabaya Rajapaksa played a central role in winning the war against the LTTE, a fact that the Rajapaksa government has made much of.
Riding high on their success against the LTTE, the military has taken a lead role in rebuilding and reconstruction, with the Department of Defense taking over the area of “urban development”, becoming the Department of Defense and Urban Development. This means that soldiers, rather than destroying are building. This is very different to the Australian military, say, where the standing army engages in war games in its spare time, and is also stationed in several overseas locations – where they are using typical military training and weapons.
Under Gotabaya Rajapaksa the Defense Department has modernized its propaganda activities. It has its own YouTube site with numerous speeches by the Defense Secretary in English and Sinhalese. These propaganda clips have shown the types of reconstruction and reconciliation efforts that the Sri Lankan military have made since the end of the war. Of course, such propaganda needs to be viewed with appropriate skepticism, but they give an indication of how the Defense Department and its boss want to be seen by the outside world. This is that they are building roads and railways, churches, mosques, and temples for Hindus and Buddhists, schools, hospitals and other essential infrastructure in support of all four major religions, as well as actively recruiting Tamil youths to enter military service. The defense department is also proud of its success in rehabilitating and releasing LTTE fighters, and in promoting a shared national identity as Sri Lankans irrespective of race or religion.
The history of the Sri Lankan government, including during the time of the JVP uprising in the 1970s and 80s, is that they will use their armed forces to defend themselves against armed uprisings if the police fail to do so, regardless of whether the armed rebels are Sinhalese or Tamil. In this regard they are similar to other countries, including other Asian countries including China and Russia, but also by the liberal democracies of the West. In Australia, those who take up arms against the government would not be tolerated either. Nobody is foolish enough to try. They would be shot by our heavily-armed police before they got very far. Long before there was an armed rebellion the would-be rebels would have been locked up in the prison system or the psychiatric system and either criminalized (in the prison system) or rendered complaint (in the psychiatric system).
Sri Lanka’s militarism is more the building of a family business that threatens democracy in Sri Lanka. It is not a threat to the rest of the world, but it is a threat to the people of Sri Lanka unless the Defense Department can be successfully demilitarized. This should be the objective for the future. By this I mean focusing on the urban development rather than combat training.
In Australia there are frequent ads on TV urging youth to join the Australian armed forces for a life of adventure and to learn a trade. In reality the Australian armed forces is geared towards fighting wars in other countries. Sri Lanka’s armed forces fought a war against its own people, who were armed (and motivated) from abroad. Regardless of the government, sedition is seen as a serious criminal offence around the world.
The problem of spying is ubiquitous, and this is another example of militarism in Sri Lanka. This is, of course, a problem around the world, but in Sri Lanka it is easy for the spy network to serve party political purposes. Again, Gotabaya Rajapaksa and the Rajapaksa family can use the spy network for their own party and personal interests rather than the genuine national security interests of Sri Lanka.
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jansee / September 21, 2014
Dr Romesh:
During the first tenure of Srimavo, there was a fear that there would be a coup. Contrary to the then claim, it has now surfaced that the IPKF did not land in SL to protect the Tamils but to protect JJ who feared of a coup and wanted protection. It is naive of you to contend that SL may not be on the road towards such a possibility. Except for India, the other countries in the sub-continent have to deal with army coups. Even in India, Indira Gandhi had feared that Sam Manekshaw may go for her throat but, of course, he had dismissed it personally to Indira. With democratic institutions gravely compromised, it will be foolhardy not to notice the signs of what the Rajapakse regime is up to.
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Dr Romesh Senewiratne-Alagaratnam / September 22, 2014
Jansee,
I am not saying that Sri Lanka is not on the way to a military coup. The expansion of the military into civilian affairs make a coup more likely if the Rajapaska government is voted out of office. That’s why there needs to be demilitarization of the Department of Defense and Urban Development, as well as a broader demilitarization of the country. Police and civil institutions should progressively take over duties from the military. The point I was making is that the militarization of Sri Lanka only threatens its own people and not the outside world.
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batik mangygy / September 21, 2014
“I Am Disgusted By The Favouritism And Nepotism: “
Just ask who made the famous murderer-uncle a big-shot in the Army and covered up for his gory murders of innocent ballot box youths in broad daylight. This is just ONE case. Now, she talks of ‘favouritism and nepotism”. Disgusting woman.
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Senthil / September 21, 2014
Actually the present situation is the result of all the subsiquent governments including CBK. No point in blaming the present government only, none of the previous presidents were prepared to settle tamils problem. If they have settled tamils problem in time and dealt JVP in a proper manner , srilanka could have been still a paradise. Like a Garland in a monkey’s hand, all previous governments tore srilanka apart. When talk about military government, the country comes to one’s mind is pakistan. Is any human being will like to live there, stupid srilankan government is friend of that failed nation and proudly copying their system. Another thing is Srilankan government is trusting china too much, it is no point and it will be too late to cry when they suck all the blood like a leach and drop srilanka at the middle of the sea, which will happen and the day is not too far. We proof again and again that we are modias – learn from uk how to rule a country and how they have dealt Scotland.Hope CBK will do “pirayachitham” to all the sin she made in the past,before life ends – God bless you CBK.
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mechanic / September 21, 2014
Senthil,
Don’t talk crap, tell us, where in the world had Chinese ‘sucked all the blood?
Go back in memory lane and think what Sri Lanka was like during Chandrika’s rule. I understand your anxiety, you guys cannot even plan a road-map to Eelam.
Chandrika allege that military personal are being used to sweep streets. What a lie? I do not see any military man or woman sweeping streets. All I see is, our streets are clean today. Of cause, policemen from ‘Police Environmental Unit’ are checking whether the job is done properly. During Chandrika’s rule heaps of garbage lie in every street.
During Chandrika’s rule, she had peace as well as incessant wars with LTTE. Thousands of soldiers got killed unnecessarily because she appointed her incapable uncle in-charge of the war. Consequently, LTTE exploded humanbombs in our buses trans and public places daily. How can she destroy or even degrade LTTE when she encouraged NGO avalams to demoralize and con our military personal with peace thavalms and sudu nelum at the same time they wage wars. Chandrika developed a grudge against Rajapakse brothers because it is they who motivated the entire nation to fight a real war against the terrorist LTTE, won it and ushered a real peace to Sri Lanka. that she couldn’t do for eleven years.
During her rule, potholed streets were never repaired properly nor a single highway was built nor village roads were concreted or carpeted nor could a pedestrian walk on pavements safely in Colombo. The list is too long to complete.
There were daily power cuts and yet she couldn’t initiate a solution by starting a single low cost power plant like Norochchola or Kothmale even though the Japanese funds were there. Today there are enough power stations built or planned to built so that there will be no power cuts in a foreseeable future. Not only there were no power cuts but electricity charges were reduced as well. What more to say if shanty dwellers too are offered proper accommodation. No wonder bandit queen cannot stand any of it.
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Upali Wickramasinghe / September 22, 2014
Senthil, please allow me to correct you.It is all the previous governmets , the
subsequent governments is yet to come.
Senthil all parties are to blame,- Sinhala as well as the Tamil. The biggest failure were the two left parties the CP and LSSP
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Native Vedda / September 23, 2014
Upali Wickramasinghe
“Senthil all parties are to blame,- Sinhala as well as the Tamil. The biggest failure were the two left parties the CP and LSSP”
Since independence Sinhala/Buddhists have been and are in control of the state, government and the nation building process.
From citizenship Acts 1947 & 48 to Sinhala only language policy ACTs, framing 1972 an 1978 constitutions, all changes detrimental to general public were brought in by Sinhala/Buddhists.
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sach / September 23, 2014
I agree with you all governments are to be blamed. But we cannot blame CBK for not settling war. The SL leaders were not the only people with power to change SL’s destiny (still it is the same to a certian extent)Since war started none of the SL leaders were in a position to settle tamil problem. LTTE had to be taken out of the picture even to think about a solution.
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Nilame / September 21, 2014
In any culture, particularly in Sri Lanka people always calling up the parents of the culprit. Even now, Rajapaksha is lesser guilty, but people talk more about his mother. The hypothesis is a very rich concept. The female parent of anything is actually the creator of “that”thing. For example, you may be the physical mother of Vimukthi, but as far as his intentions, goals, attitude or thinking patterns are concerned his mother may be one of the universities and or any other social network such as Sinhala Buddhist Culture or The chief Buddhist monk in the temple or perhaps his class teacher. Not necessarily be the physical mother.
My question is, Who create this Culprit and who is his real mother?
If I were to blame, the most responsible for this situation is you. But we always have chances rectify ourselves.
Please come back, contest and rectify the issue.
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sama / September 21, 2014
It is the nature of our people to see things on the surface. At the time, island nation was hit by 89 insurgency, there was nobody to come forward give a lead to the nation. THere CBK was the only person to do the job. She risked her life. She is the creator of today UPFA coalition, though she is isolated by ruling rascals within the party today. If anyone would raise the question, if CBKs foregin affairs under Kadirgamar were not mastered, nothing like war victory would have been achieved. Ballige putha to grab the credit of the war, by marginalizing SF and soldiers – is the key failure that the current bunch to face in coming tday. people slowly ask themselves, why to back Rajapakshes anyfurther, if they only fat their pockets day to another. Alone the fact price reduction in 3 items to grab the votes from the rural poor was the main trick to abuse them, while price of milk power stay unchagned for their benefits.
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sach / September 23, 2014
when CBk came to politics in SL, danger was no more..
JVP destroyed. many of the unp leaders killed.
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Siri / September 23, 2014
Man we left the country in 89. To that time, student unrest was at its height. There were almost over 50k youth across the island went disspaeared. No leaders were there to restore democracy – Wijentunga govt failed to do much. So CBK and the ones had guts to normalize the situation. This is why many considered her first term was right. BU tin the second term, she had not had good advisers – the very same idiots that run the current brutal outfit being on opposition stood against her.
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douglas / September 21, 2014
Ms. Chandirika: In making that statement: ” I Am Disgusted By The Favouritism And Nepotism” – Did you look back to the time of your Administration as the President? Please be reminded that you were also a party to this problem that this country is engulfed. Having said that, I respect you for that “Realization”, even at a later stage.
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thondamannar / September 21, 2014
“I Am Disgusted By The Favouritism And Nepotism: Chandrika Tells Aththa”
This is like the POT calling the KeTTLE black
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senaratna / September 22, 2014
Native veddha…one more addition to your list of leaders… D.V. UPUL the PS member from Hambanthota who went to UVA with a sword to assist UPFA.
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Kaalakanni / September 22, 2014
She appointed more of her Bandaranaike relatives quietly than her Ratwatte relatives. Even there Anuruddha was made a General despite his monumental bungling and a loyal cousin was made a director of insurance although he had failed o levels. DeSaram was made UN rep although he was a geriatric weak fool. Deraniyagala was made Chairman Electricity board. So she is not quite spotless.
But the Medamulane gang takes the cake.. When a President’s son brags about Louis Vuitton shoes that cost over $1,000 dollars and the sons race luxury expensive cars you begin to wonder where the wealth came from. The sons and their blatant take over of publicity and media is so arrogant that it reeks of medieval times.
Rajapaksalaata Lamborghini; maha janathaawata badagini.
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Dr.Goebells / September 22, 2014
This lady had a wonderful opportunity to make a great contribution to Sri Lanka. Sadly , she lacked commitment , discipline , and a vision for the country. She could have appointed LK as the PM , but …….
Do we want her back ? No thank you , the idyllic life of a social butterfly suits her best .
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Sylvia Haik / September 22, 2014
I think CBK has paid for her sins and should be given a second chance as she is the only one available to have a glimmer of hope defeating the Rajapakses. Had she been at the helm, we would not have seen the likes of Bodu Bala Sena or the abhorrent Gnanasera Thera. The Rajapakses sponsor these belligerent outfits because they help to keep the communities divided and keep them in power
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Kavun Kanna Modaya / September 23, 2014
@Sylvia Haik
“I think CBK has paid for her sins and should be given a second chance….”
And then, when she fails her second chance (as we all known she undoubtedly will), are you going to give her a third chance? And the logic behind your argument is like setting a thief to catch a thief. No wonder, Silly Lanka will always have Silly Lankans messing up their own future.
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Tamodaya / September 23, 2014
Look at our Thalaivar.
He killed his brother in law Mahattaya!
That is the example we should follow.
(But Thalaivar’s wife’s husband crossed over to government and survived. Traitor.)
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Lasantha / September 25, 2014
Why don’t Chandrika form a common Government involving Sobitha Thero, Ranil, Gen.Sarath Fonseka, Vigneswaran, and Anura Kumara Dissanayake and getting all their knowledge to make a better Sri Lanka.
I don’t think no single party politics suit Sri Lanka where those single parties act like dictatorships when they come into power.
Also they give into various demands to stay in power.
Sri Lanka needs proper vision, guidance, discipline, honesty and direction and no one party can fulfill all these criteria.
Therefore a combination of Politics with academics, intellectuals, economists and visionaries help to achieve this objective.
Also we should get all the help and support from International community to put back the country on correct path.
Madam CBK should help to achieve this objective for the sake of our country.
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Pot shot / October 9, 2014
Dear Madam,
There is no point in crying over the milk you spilt. When you had the best opportunity for 12 years you let the people down. It was the people you let down who voted you into power. Set an example by publicly apologising for the grave mistakes you made. 1. Not abolishing the executive presidency. (A promise you made) 2. Dissolving parliament prematurely when the UNP was in charge 3. Nominating MR to be the presidential candidate. These were 3 main follies we the people can never forgive you. Your actions have put this country in the hands of communal minded megalomaniacs and the rot will last for years to come. This government has no idea that it is leading the country into a revolution one day. A revolution far worse than the Arab Spring because when it happens China and India will influence opposing factions. The results of whiich will leave us in despair. Mothers wil lose their children, Sri Lanka wil lose its peace and as a nation we will lose our dignity. Blood will flow in rivers and madam you will have to bear much of that responsibility because when you had 12 long years you did nothing about it.
As much as Ranil is a weak leader now when he was your Prime minister the economy showed positive signs of recovery. It was he who he who strategically started splitting and weakening the LTTE. The rewards of which MR enjoys. There was no chance in hell for MR / Gota / Sarath to win the war without the inside help of Karuna and Pillayan. The least you could do is set a new trend in responsible governance and apologise to the people and then fully back a common candidate to oust this regime. Many think that MR is Betraying the minoroties but what few know is that he will betray us the Sinahala people eventually and you will go down in history as the one who caused it.
So do whatever you can do, do it now with passion and conviction. Theorising the failures of this government is of no use as we are all well aware of the failures. We need somebody who can get us out of this mess. Can you ?
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Apds / June 7, 2016
I was a Sri Lankan tamil who did not speak tamil & partly studied in the English & Sinhala medium just to get a decent job. Life was tuff all the way around as a tamil in sri lanka
There was JR to CBK. It was the same drama.
15 years back I got out of the country & had to start life from the beginning. It is so peaceful here.
I have been there twice. There is no change. If someone focuses on the country and not on their personal benefit, Sri Lanka can be a paradise.
Who is that someone ?
For years I did 2 full time jobs, traveled at 2am and I was safe eventhough I was counted as a second class citizen. I am married and was able to buy a home. My parents couldn’t do that there. Something is wrong with the system in Sri Lanka…
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