The Colombo Telegraph exclusively reveals today that contrary to popular belief, plans are a foot to field either Sunethra Bandaranaike, or Maithree Wickramasinghe as the common candidate for the upcoming Presidential Election, in the event Ranil Wickremesinghe declines to contest.
Sunethra
During a dinner held yesterday among critical forces behind the bid to propose a common candidate at the Peach Valley restaurant in Flower Road, it was decided that the two females would be the most potent candidates who could garner the support of all opposition political parties in the country.
Mrs. Wickramasinghe and Bandaranaike were viewed as being able to play a dual role of garnering the support of the hardcore SLFP and UNP voter base, while having a wider appeal among the minorities.
Ranil and Maithree
According to initial reports the two have agreed to come forward on the basis that the Executive Presidential system was to be abolished within six months after which they would no longer remain in politics.
The wider appeal the duo would have among a critical voter base of females was also discussed.
Ealier, moves to propose Chandrika Kumaratunga as the Common Candidate fell flat due to legal impediments stemming from the Waters Edge judgment against her in which she was convicted of corruption and fined three million rupees by the Supreme Court. She is also said to pressured by her son Vimukthi and daughter Yashodara to stay clear of politics in the country.
During a press briefing held yesterday by opposition parties sans the JVP, common candidacy was agreed to in principle.
The move to bring in the two females, will only be subject to UNP Leader Wickremesinghe declining to contest the elections.
Harry Hatton / November 11, 2014
The lunatics have taken over the asylum !
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Kelum / November 11, 2014
An April fools joke in November?!
Women are more than half the voters in Lanka but have less than 5 percent seats in parliament. So good to target women as a vote bank today with increase of violence against women.
Maithree Wickramasingha is a bad choice since she has been sitting pretty in white and doing free trips to Venice when CJ was impeached and Ranil destroyed democracy and became virtual dictator of the UNP. Maithree was a strike breaker at the University of K though she says she’s feminist and should know that private is public and the personal political.
Maitree and her Colombo 7 & 3 elite feminists on the NGO band wagon are big Joke! CBK knows the pulse of the people.
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srilal / November 11, 2014
CT , if your news is true , this is one of the dumbest stories we have heard so far ! how many “gamme bayyas” know prof. Maithree W or Colombo 07 Sunethra ? what common features do they posses with ordinary Srilankans ? Majority of Sri lankan people eat grass as their staple food , for them these two high class ladies are big NO , what the majority of village folks want a person with big fake smile on his/her face and endless list of promises , neither of the above ladies stand a slightest chance against the power hungry clan , forget it , i would rather suggest either Paba or Ginger , at least village folks know them .
PS: this is a country where majority of rural people didn’t have a clue who CJ Shirani Bandaranayake was and what her responsibilities were !
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Ben Hurling / November 11, 2014
Adding salt to the wound.
They gathered at Peach Valley restaurant in Flower Road. Very heart of exclusive Colombo 7. To discuss what moves things among impoverished, grassroots level voters in SL. Ha..ha!
I bet all of them arrived in their own gas-guzzling, road clogging, gigantic 4WD vehicles. Sponsored by stupid & impoverished, grassroots level voters of SL.
Way to go opposition! you truly set an example. I don’t know about SL. But, your future prospects are secured.
Cheers!
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Native Vedda / November 11, 2014
Ben Hurling
“Way to go opposition! you truly set an example. I don’t know about SL. But, your future prospects are secured.”
Did you say the population of this island is over 20 million, literate, educated, top in HDI in this region and very clever comparable to Jews?
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Amarasiri / November 11, 2014
Native Vedda
“Did you say the population of this island is over 20 million, literate, educated, top in HDI in this region and very clever comparable to Jews? “
Don’t’ be fooled by gossip and marketing. Get the facts.
Einstein was a Jew and had an I.Q. over 160. The average I.Q of a Sri Lankan, comprising 70% Sinhala Buddhists is 79. Buddhist Singapore, Japan and South Korea have Average I.Q. of 106.
National IQ Scores – Country Rankings
http://www.photius.com/rankings/national_iq_scores_country_ranks.html
Rank
——– Country
———————– %
————-
1 Singapore 108
2 South Korea 106
3 Japan 105
27 Kenya 80
28 Guatemala 79
28 Sri Lanka 79
28 Zambia 79
29 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 78
29 Nepal 78
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Peace Lover / November 11, 2014
Hey Ben I have a suggestion
shall we nominate Mrs K A Sumansekera as the patriotic common candidate buddy?
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Thrishantha / November 11, 2014
Theory says “Game Bayyas” need a “”Gamme Bayya” to lead them. But in practice, “Game Bayyas” hate their own “Game Bayyas” as their leaders. They need a “Hamu nona” or “Hamu mahattaya” with some understanding about “Gamme Bayyas” to lead them. If MR was truly a “Game Bayya” who doesn’t get involved in night car races, casinos, airports in romantic wild areas, international harbors in quiet romantic waters, expensive sun glasses, expensive Lambo cars, none of the “Game Bayyas” would vote him. If people vote Sunethra than Maithree, it is just because Sunethra is more posh and the “Hamu” trace is more visible. Unfortunately, even if Abraham Lincoln and Mahathma Gandhi are re-born in Sri Lanka as they were, they would not become the leaders they were because “Game Bayyas” would not like their shabby outlook.
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Seelawathige Puthaa / November 11, 2014
You are deadright Srilal:)
They the GAMEBAYYAS know nothing why CJ should be handpicked by Meeharaka Rajapakshe
They the GAMEBAYYAS know nothing ABOUT why Dr. SB was removed
They the GAMEBAYYAS know nothing about how much funds have been grabed by Rajapaskeh brothers but saying palatalable stories to them.
They the GAMEBAYYAS know nothing about why people are made to believe that RW and CBK and other leaders did not work against elimination of LTTE terror
They the GAMEBAYYAS ARE MADE to believe that MAGICAL hands of MR and his thugs wer instrumental in eliminating terror within the country
They the GAMEBAYYAS know nothing about as to why the Rajapakshes dont make any price reductions for daily essentials like Kiripiti
They the game bayyas are made to believe ALL WHAT Rajapapske MEDIA units and chakgolayas have to say.
All these Gamebayyas are the EPIDEMY of the nation – in any kind ELECTIONS held sofar. Their votes decide the country.
Meeharaka can lead the nation so long Gamebayyas stay away from Facts and Figures of the destruciton of the country
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whywhy / November 12, 2014
Srilal
Beyond personal preferences,Ranil,Anurakumara and
Ven Sobitha Thero are for variety of reasons,the
ones who must be put forward.Even Harin could be a
dark horse because of the image he promoted and won
with so much confidence.Harin’s resounding victory
is undoubtedly one reason among many for wanting
an early president’s poll.I am personally very much
in doubt whether this common opposition alliance is
a meaningful exercise to stop a third term unless
few more cracks in the power house appear sooner
than at the last minute.Smashing new all included
attraction is the best way for the masses to feel
in full form after such a tiresome boring long
twenty years of Bailas.
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srilal / November 13, 2014
Why Why,
what do you mean by personnel preferences ? i’ve got nothing personnel here against any one ,what ever i say here is for common good , i’ve been accused of so many things before , i can tell you one thing though , i never trust politicians , period !
for me Ranil is a decent , educated twice elected president ( 99,2005) but majority of the SL people he is a traitor , this is the perception which CBK and MR have succeeded in planting among the gullible masses over the years , having said that , i personally believe ranil’s used by date has been expired after 2005 debacle.
Ranil’s re election may happen only as a default !
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whywhy / November 13, 2014
Srilal
I just meant to say “anybody’s” personal preference
and for common good as you said.I do understand
your point but we don’t have the luxury of few
more better choices and it’s the same with the
UPFA, if not MARA who else?True, Ranil had passed
the Best before date but the problem is the stuff
is still on the shelf!
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Leelatwathi / November 13, 2014
why not… none of the other leaders were given the chance.
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srilal / November 14, 2014
Why why ,
Apologies ………
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whywhy / November 14, 2014
Srilal
That’s quite alright Srilal.
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Ben Hurling / November 11, 2014
Outcome will be like late Gamini D’s wife’s run against CBK in 1994.
Cheers!
PS: These women’s primary task will be to ensure the survival of political families in Colombo.
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shankar / November 11, 2014
ben
You may be right and you sure pointed out a valid one in 1994,but also there was the instance when hector kobbekaduwa instead of rightful sucessor maithiripala senenayaka took on JR.however here there is a big difference because it is for a 6 month term only.So theoretically for arguments sake you can take even a donkey provided animals are allowed by the elections commissioner to contest as the presidential candidate.
So the decision for the voter is not whether he prefers the donkey to our present raja or vise versa,but whether he likes raja to continue in the same system for another 6 years or is he fed up of raja and the shit he is dishing out and either wants someone else who he likes to be primeminister or even does not mind raja as the prime minister to run the country in future.
So do you think the voter will really care who is going to contest raja now.he will be thinking more of the person who is going to contest raja for the prime ministership,don’t you think?
I,am 50:50 on this anyway so awaiting yours and others views.
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Kalu Nangi / November 11, 2014
The majority of Sri Lankan voters will not understand the “6 month program” and “Common Candidate” issue will be lost on them. To put forward an unknown female, whatever the background, is nothing but a foolish move. To beat MR at his game, a candidate who appeals to the masses must be selected.
If not, it will be like RW contesting against MR….
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shankar / November 11, 2014
kalu nangi
if they can’t understand a 6 month program,then they are not fit to vote too.We would have more than 50% spoilt votes then.
as for an unknown female,don’t you think that the daughter of 2 prime ministers and founder of the SLFP,and sister of a former president of 2 terms can’t be considered an unknown female.
Everyone knows she is contesting because chandrika cannot contest because of legal impediments due to the waters gate affair.
Did the people not vote for thakshins sister in thailand.
i’am still 50:50 on this even after your comment.Hope some others can can make me tilt over one way or another.
One of the most toughest scenarios to decide because there is no precedent in any part of the world where someone contested for only 6 months.I can just imagine a perplexed raja even after more than 40 years of political experience scratching his head or more probably hands slowly going under the lungi and acratching his ..
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Pena Kiyanna / November 11, 2014
Is this the “modern” Sri Lanka these jokers are offering the country’s poor?
Neither of these two women identifies with Sri Lankan women or anyone else in the country. They have also lived sheltered lives, and they treat the common eople with contempt.
Looks like another bright idea of J. C. Weliamuna and Paikiayasothy Saravanamuttu. (At yesterday’s “peace meeting”. Weliamuna was holding the hand of that joker Sobhita Unnanse. That failed, with Sarath Fonseka’s brilliant comments, and they are now going to the domestic servants of these few families for a c “common” candidate.
The one good thing about this idea is that the government will get their deposits.
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Amarasiri / November 11, 2014
Harry Hatton
“common candidate for the upcoming Presidential Election, in the event Ranil Wickremesinghe declines to contest”
RW will not decline to contest.He will spoil it for everybody.\ and Medamulana Mahinda Rajapaksa likely will win again…
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Vimukthi / November 11, 2014
What about Karu Jayasuriya?
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shankar / November 11, 2014
after his rs.50000 bribe story came out he withdrew,gentleman that he is.
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Kalu Nangi / November 11, 2014
CT killed the ‘best out of the opposition lot’ with the Rs.50,000/- story…
Do you have an Agenda CT?
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Amarasiri / November 11, 2014
Vimukthi
“What about Karu Jayasuriya”
He has a wife?
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n.ethirveerasingam / November 11, 2014
Sunethra and Maithree are great human beings. People can rely on them to do what they promise to do. The story itself is a breath of fresh air in a political atmosphere that stings like hogwash. How one wish that the story is true.
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Ravana / November 11, 2014
I must agree, two able women with courage.
Having said that I have no idea if our meeharak public know who these women are. For the meeharak in the country they are just an other Malini Fonseka, Pavithra, or Hirunika so on only.
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Humanist / November 11, 2014
This is the best news I’ve heard so far, it it were true. Two fresh faces, unsullied by corruption or hunger for power.
How about Kumar Sangakkara as another potential candidate? He has the plus point of not being associated with any political dynasty. He is known to the entire country, would appeal immensely to the youth, is an articulate speaker, is committed to peace and reconciliation, and has integrity.
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Dev / November 11, 2014
In 2010 Mahela and Kumar (along with Murali) came and said
“suba anagathayaka chanda denna”
For a certain candidate !
If my memory serves me right.
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srilal / November 11, 2014
exactly Dev , Sanga is one of the finest cricketers we are having but it doesn’t mean he is suitable for presidency , sanga will do any thing for money !
Just look at the TV commercial ,once he was sponsored by Airtel , then it’s rival Dialog came and offered him a better deal , he didn’t hesitate to think twice about the ethical side of story , If there is right amount sanga will do anything .
this reminds me how Arjuna refused to appear before a single cheap TV commercial .
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Iraj Jayarathne / November 11, 2014
So now we understand why CT published prior article tarnishing KJ’s image.
Then it’s going to be between Madamulana dynasty vs Colombo 7 dynasty. MR should be already celebrating his victory if this new is true.
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Humanist / November 11, 2014
Don’t be so sure. After all, the Colombo/Gampaha boy Harin Fernando did pretty well with rural voters in the poorest province of Uva. Much better than the Madamulana boy. People are not necessarily idiots for ever! New faces have a better chance than those who haven’t delivered for years…
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srilal / November 11, 2014
don’t try to compare Harin to these two ladies , Harin had been there as a MP for some time and was immensely popular among the locals , whereas these two ladies , how many village folks know them ? forget the presidency , can they win a local municipal council election ?
some where some one is doing the dirty tricks for MR , question is how many people will realize this under hand game ??
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Saroja / November 11, 2014
Arjuna Ranatunga is a good choice as the man for the job that can muster the entire opposition, attract a sizable lot of UPFA votes, a parson with no skeletons in his cupboard and we are a cricket loving nation. He delivered and put us on the world map.
A man with his ear to the ground and touch with the common people. A man who stuck to his principles and stayed away from the government turning down many requests to join and be in the laps of luxury and access to so much power.
Look outside the box and see how many boxes that can be “ticked” in his favor.
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Dr.Rajasingham Narendran / November 11, 2014
Mmmmm…!
Come or go Chicago!
Ranil, should come forward boldly to contest. He is the only one on the horizon now. He has nothing to lose. The country has everything to lose, if he does not contest. I look at him as an individual and not the leader of the UNP. It is for the opposition to decide whether he is a better choice for the country at the present moment than MR. Let them choose to support him or oppose him. I am sure he can attractthe required vote, on his own. The people need him and from what I can perceive, want him.
Ranil is the known entity and has been civilized in his political behaviour. I remember S.B.Dissanayake, when in the UNP, prodding him to oust Chandrika as President, through mass protests. He did not. Chandrika ousted him as PM, using every trick in the then edition of our constitution. Yet, he bore no malice and has been gracious enough to promote her as the common opposition candidate. He has dealt with MR decently, despite the back stabbing. Chandrika has a moral obligation to go all out to support him, as is General Sarath Fonseka. The JVP and the TNA should do so too, with enthusiasm. TNA should not once again commit the Tamils to a political hara kiri. The JHU can make its choice, given its poiltical agenda, which has led MR to his present shameful position on post-war reconciliation issues.
Ranil is a mature, wise and cultured person, tempered by his family background and, both Christianity and Buddhism that were his heritage. He has the right blend of the Sinhalese, Sri Lankan, the East and the West. He will be free of coruption and nepotism. He has seen how JR, Premadasa, Wijetunge, Chadrika and MR have worked and their positives and negatives. This is inavlauable experience, that should not be lost to this country.
He can also afford to be bold, because this would be his last hurrah. He will be trusted by all Sri Lankans and is less divisive. He is the last of the Mohicans!
I would give him the opportunity at this juncture of our history. MR fears him more than anyone else. I say this with confidence and have reasons that I cannot disclose.
Dr.Rajasingham Narendran
/
Mallaiyuran / November 11, 2014
You can hang on the tail of any Sinhala Intellectual, but for all Sinhala population, whether, Sinhala intellectual or Sinhala Buddhist you are Parau Demilo. Douglas, Ponnampalam, Thondaman, Karuna all these have been linking the feet of UNP. Douglas and Karuna returned to Ranil whatever he did to them.
This dog has publicly said King has association with Diaspora. He had said when King went USA, met with Prime minister Rudra. Yesterday he said, in addition to the money payment, Diaspora took 200,000 thousand call to defeat in the election he lost. He has not explained why diaspora so angry with him and why the North east listen to diaspora, but not the comedian Naren. The Truth is, the money exchanges between LTTE and King is not yet proved in any court. This invalid leader is mentioning that but never went to court and made the election null void. That story was spread long after the confession of Tyron Alli, by Blake for the justification of supporting the war. If had taken palace it was a secret deal. Diaspora had no chance of supporting based on that. LTTE never took decision based on money. If so they might have accepted the 2.5 Billion offered by the joint facilitators.
This guy is the one dead against to investigation. He went and tried to cheat Ban-ki-Moon, in New York. He has appealed against the EU verdict.He has already said the watered out 13A is the only solution to Tamils, But the constitutions will be improved to Sinhalese. He never received the support of the TNA. It looks like it will the case in the coming election.
Time to time UNP find out Dogula, Karuna, Naren like traitors. So More and More the Naren like traitors support the this anti-Tamil candidate, UNP is guaranteed to face demised by the campaign of the diaspora will be launching. Tamils will not be going away from EP. that is where they decide the ruler of the country, the way Sinhalese decide.
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Sellam / November 11, 2014
That would be a step to Rajapaksa’s definite win. As far as Tamils are concerned, they should not be interested in the Presidential elections as who ever who comes to power will be in the same boat. The Tamils needs a referendum to determine their fate. Catalonians have voted for separation. Similarly the Tamils have the right to decide their fate and the Sinhala majority cannot impose on the Tamils.
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Vibhushana / November 11, 2014
Well for the last 6 years or so Ranil protected his position like a girl protecting her virginity isn’t it?
Now that time has come for consummate the thing he wilts like a wall flower. This is probably the moment that defines his political career. He needs to pull his socks and give the fight of his life.
I don’t see any desperation in the guy to win. He is the usual lack lustre, uninspiring and dithering fart that see no evil hears no evil.
Learn how Ghandi, Obama and Martin Luther King inspired their audiences. Practice at home with your wife.
His grass roots campaign is almost nill. Where is his shadow treasurer?, his shadow foreign secretary et al with their policies?
When I look at the UNP I see bland and boring. Fix this soon or perish.
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jimi / November 11, 2014
Prof. Maithree Wicramasinghe
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Patriot / November 11, 2014
Both failed being a post of “KIRI AMMA”. determined less vote. Need to Nominate someone else.
/
Karigalan / November 11, 2014
What about
Anuna Dissanayake
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Jayan / November 11, 2014
Most of the good candidates are in MR’s camp. Common Camp should be able to a one if they can throw few bucks or girls at them,ie, Malaka Silva, Duminda Silva, Mervin Silva, Jurampitiye Amare, Kudu Lal,
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shankar / November 11, 2014
hope it is sunethra,not maithree.The bandaranayaka name still carries a lot of weight especially in SLFP stronghold gampaha district in which the opposition candidate has to do well if the election is to be won.
main thing is i can’t think of anyone who would have a dislike for her and not vote for her.She is also just going to be there for 6 months.
good chess move.I can see mahinda frowning and looking at the board.
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EW Golding / November 11, 2014
I think the CT Editor is having fun at our expense pulling our leg!
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punchisingho / November 11, 2014
NEVER
I do not for a moment believe that either of the ladies will be invited to contest as the common candidate simply because both of them are poor candidates in comparison to Mahinda.
The best bet is Chandrika .
My belief is she will emerge as the common candidate once the presidential election is declared.
/
bo / November 11, 2014
OMG, NOoooooooooooooooo not any more family spongers
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MirakRajBanda / November 11, 2014
This comment was removed by a moderator because it didn’t abide by our Comment policy.For more detail see our Comment policy https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/comments-policy-2/
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Patriot / November 11, 2014
Colombo Telegraph is acting just like Colombo Gazette, Divaina,Daily mirror and Island newspapers. Don’t know whether the Rajapaksas have bought Colombo Telegraph as well.
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Fathima Fukushima / November 11, 2014
Good choice especially Maithree.
A well educated, clean, uncorrupt, non-racist woman.
SL needs another woman not from the Banda family but form a decent family.
My vote goes to her, if Hon Ranil does not contest.
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Lapatiya / November 11, 2014
In my personal opinion we as pure Sinhala Buddhists should vote for Hon. Percy Mahendra Rajapaksha to become a life time President in this “Pin Bima” . Reasons are given below.
1. This time he will promise to abolish Executive Presidency again when Diaspora inform him that they have given up “Tamil Elam” We have to believe this as he has never lied before.
2. Mattala Mahinda Rajapaksha International Airport is just started making profits. According to Dr. Harsha De Silva Last month Income was something around Rs. 17,000/- So we should allow him to make more and more profits.
3. There was a news that he has ordered New specially designed A340 Airbus for his personal use. Imagine If he loses that money is wasted.
4. He is going to Introduse In his “Mahinda Chinthanay” Idiri, Idiri Dakma (New Version of “Gajabinnalankaraya) that he is going to introduce again “Mathata Thitha”
5. He is going to Increase the Payment from Rs. 100,000 to 1,000,000 for the 3rd member of all Rana Viruwos Families. (This will be applicable for Police and all armed forces members) This is to Increase Wimal Weerawansa Kind Deshapremees.
6. This time he is going to promise that he is going to give a chance for all Muslims in the country to go Saudi, Sinhala Buddhists to Buddha Gaya and invited Pope to visit Sri Lanka for Christians. He will send others to hell or Heaven.
7. He is going to start another Profit making Airline as Namal Air.
8. He will also promise through his Chinthanaya that he will protect Independence of Judiciary, freedom of expression, Media freedom etc. like he did in his previous terms.
There are more to come including Gas and Petroleum from Mannar Basin.
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Dr.Goebells / November 11, 2014
Arjuna Ranatunga will give the incumbent a good run for his money . He is a born leader who has the reputation of being honest and straight forward , and he has runs on the board .
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Seelawathige Puthaa / November 11, 2014
Arjuna is a great figure no doubt about that. But what RW cant achieve, you guys think AR could achieve is a great joke
The leader who ever he or she is should have skills to outreach the masses.
Rajapakshes use all kind of tricks abusing rural public in any chance they get.
Even if Rajaakshes are millions more abusive than any other leaders the country has sofar, nothing the folks would say because his term terminated country wide terror held by Ltters. This is just the cover story – though CBK govts did lot more to achieve those goals by reaching outside world endevoured by late great Kadirgarmar. What have MR administraton achieved intenrially is nothing in compared to what CBK gained by appointing clever kind of FMs to her terms. But harvest was croped by Rajapakshes. Had Madam CBK been away, donors would not have spent that billions in the post period of Tsunami- today, almost entire west, america and asian pacific are against MR administration.
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K.A Sumanasekera / November 11, 2014
Brilliant…
Must be music to the Vellala ears, I mean our Vellalas..
.
Did TNA or their constituent parties ever have a Sheila, sorry a Woman Member..
My Elders tell me .Although her Husband was the Chief of the LTTE Political wing after Suppiah, poor Ananathi couldn’t get a guernsey , even in their Provincial Government.
/
Mahesan Nirmalan / November 11, 2014
I very much like to endorse the views expressed by Dr G on Arjuna Ranatunga. He was a brave person who stood by Muralee during the difficult times. He is also responsible for bringing several yongsters from the remote parts of the island and accommodating them in the elite world of Cricket. Even though some of these youngsters have moved away into more lucrative deals, I think AR’s integrity and honour are still intact and perhaps he is best suited to give MR a run for his money.
It is also very necessary to point out the fact that the English speaking elite’s performance as leaders of our Country was nothing but an absolute disaster. Whether it was in the field of infrastructure development or in terms of Nation building their performance was dismal. While preaching Nationalism, Patriotism, ‘Aanda paramparai’ or ‘Jathika Chintanaya’ to the Bandas, Silvas and Nadarajahs, this Group ensured that their own children spoke English, played Cricket and attended St Thomas’s, Royal or Trinity College. The English speaking background and the Oxbridge education did not prevent GGP from demanding 50:50, or SWRD from implementing Sinhala only within 24 hours, or SB/NMP/PK from adopting a Constitution that excluded one entire Community or JRJ from first walking to Kandy and then burning the Jaffna library down. They used their ‘soft, polite and elite’ backgrounds not for Nation building but rather for their own selfish political ends…….I am sorry, that is the hard reality of the Sri Lankan story.
It is in this context, I am rather encouraged by Mr Sampandan’s comments this morning (reported in today’s Udayan) expressing the TNA’s willingness to open a new chapter and work with MR, provided a formal request to that effect is made. It is equally pertinent to raise the issue of the underlying reasons that may have led to a conflict between JHU, Rev Maduluwawe Sobitha Harmaduruwo and MR. Could it be that in the eyes of JHU and Sobitha Harmaduruwo,MR is not being ‘Patriotic’ or ‘Sinhala Budhist’ enough? Could it be that by enabling unprecedented development in the NE, and through facilitating organisations such as the ‘Meththa Foundation’ and the ‘Gnanam Foundation’ to provide relief to the people of the NE, MR (and GR) have become traitors of the SB race? Could it be that by arriving in Jaffna with Holy ash and ‘Pottu’ on his forehead MR acknowledged the existence of another rich culture in Sri Lanka and thereby betrayed the belief that the Sri Lankan identity should be an exclusive SInhala Budhist identity? While not claiming to know all the facts, it is necessary to at least consider whether this may be the background to Mr Sampandan’s willingness to reconsider their relationship with the Government. If that’s the case is there some optimism in the horizon that the Tamil leadership is finally beginning to learn the lessons of history?
Best wishes
Dr Mahesan Nirmalan
Manchester Medical School
/
Robert.R / November 11, 2014
You who made a big show and dance of “planted mercenaries” only a few weeks ago is now happy to talk of Dr.Goebells.
Did you think that is his/her real name? LOL
Ha so its ok when people use pseudonyms when they write things you agree with?
How do you know that he/she is not a planted mercenary?
(Your word not mine for several people who commented against people whom you seem to adore)
(I mean no offense to the person writing as Dr.Goebells, just wanted to highlight the hypocrisy of this particular writer).
/
K.A Sumanasekera / November 11, 2014
Now you are talking mate……
We should meet up in Wellala Gardens for beer at the OZO, when you come over next time..
Please try to bring your drinking buddy along…
/
K.A Sumanasekera / November 12, 2014
Dr Nirmalan,
Could it be that a Punter from the Diaspora checked the Betting odds at Ladbrooks on the Election, and tipped off Sambandan ?….
/
Anpu / November 12, 2014
Mahesan,
“GGP from demanding 50:50”
Did you read his speach?
“Mr Sampandan’s comments this morning (reported in today’s Udayan) expressing the TNA’s willingness to open a new chapter and work with MR, provided a formal request to that effect is made.”
Are you trying to twist what he said?
http://onlineuthayan.com/News_More.php?id=292453627112745180
“Tamil leadership is finally beginning to learn the lessons of history?”
In my opinion Tamil leadership know the history better than you and me.
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Burning Issue / November 12, 2014
GGP’s infamous 50:50 was in fact 50% for Sinhala Buddhists and 50% for all the minorities. It is always misconceived to be 50% Sinhala and 50% Tamils. Nevertheless, it was an ill thought out concept. However, GGP was a minister in the first even government post independence; hence, he endorsed the constitution and agreed to serve under the then government. So, he should not be castigated as if the originator of the Sinhala hatred! The Sinhala pick on him because, they have no other way to justify their misdeeds!
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Taraki / November 11, 2014
Whats new? They are keeping it in the family. Same old story. Different leaders same stench of nepotism.
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Native Vedda / November 11, 2014
Taraki
“Whats new? They are keeping it in the family. Same old story. Different leaders same stench of nepotism.”
Since there is no difference would you like to keep it in Rajapaksa family/clan?
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Vasantha Raja / November 11, 2014
Mahinda thinks EP system is necessary to keep a lid on separatism. This is an illusion. EP is, in fact, a major cause for strengthening separatism ideologically. The real answer lies in the radical transformation of the CENTRE enshrining equality at all levels – making even the provincial councils superfluous. A new constitution reflecting truly democratic values must be created through a Constituent Assembly representing Sinhala/Tamil/Muslim leaders and experts. That’s the way to permanently remove all justifications of separatism.
All parties in the opposition, in my view, should back a Common Candidate who is not connected to any political party (who does not have a political base in the parliament).Thus, he/she will have to resign from presidency after six months after fulfilling the promised-task. Within 6 months, he/she will have to call a Constituent Assembly representing Sinhala/Tamil/Muslim leaders and experts to do the job. Hopefully, Sri Lanka may be able to produce an unprecedented model of a Constitution for the whole world to take note of.
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Mallaiyuran / November 11, 2014
When I was in Colombo there was talk that Sunitra [Edited out]
Ranil could not improve his image. It is so funny, when they say the one can have a better image than Ranil.
Some Sinhala intellectual wrongly evaluated the Uva election. Now they see every enthusiasm came out of that Uva victory( The real loss) is Gone with the Wind.
They yet don’t have a candidate.
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cyril N / November 11, 2014
Cannot understand CO’S expectation, first to publish
a negative story about Karu who is still a great choice for the presidency and then suggest two ladies above for this most important
position in the country. Very suspicious
about CO’S credibility.
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Hooter / November 11, 2014
I am for Murali as the common candidate.
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Gaje / November 11, 2014
It is best to grin and bear when MR wins the 3rd term with any of these mischievous suggestions by CT!
The common opposition is nuts if they do what is suggested! Or is it MR nominating these names via CT???
I AM HAVING SECOND THOUGHTS ON LOGING INTO SUCH A WEB SITE WITH INFANTILE THOUGHTS!
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justice / November 12, 2014
All this discussion does not consider the most important decider of who will win – the Commissioner of Elections and how he cannot enforce
election laws.
MR has the mechanism of a strong election campaign in his pocket, with all state resources & media, slavish public servants, army & police, a force of thugs and enforcers. Holograms too have been mentioned.
Poliing booth staff and those who count ballots will be his men.
We have never had a fully free and fair election and this one will be the worst ever.
The votes thus garnered will tip the balance in his favour.
There will be impersonation unchallenged on a massive scale, intimidation, bribery, & treating of voters.
Only if the election is conducted like in western democracies – eg. recent Scottish referendum, will any opponent of MR get votes of those who actually wish to vote for him/her.
The two ladies mentioned, cannot manage this rough and tumble of our electoral process. They are eminently suitable, and I wish them luck – which they will surely need.
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