By Colombo Telegraph –
Last Thursday five editors, Sinha Ratnatunge -Sunday Times, Prabath Sahabandu – The Island, Siri ranasinghe – Lankadeepa, Champika Liyanarachchi – Daily Mirror and Victor Ivan – Former Editor Ravaya were invited for a “confidential” dinner with the President Mahinda Rajapaksa. Only the President, Gotabhaya Rajapaksa and Lalith Weeratunge were present.
Victor Ivan
They arrived first 45 minutes nothing of any significance was discussed. Victor Ivan then told the President instead of talking only the good of this government shall we now focus on the bad. He then asked Gotabhaya if you think journalists are pigs who eat shit why are you here to eat shit with us pigs? To which Gotabhaya replied “I did not mean you all when I said that I only said that to Frederica.
Victor asked; what is this??? You have threatened to sue her and the newspaper? If I were frederica I would sue you. Gotabhaya sat “red-faced” looked “very upset” hardly said a word. Did not at any stage deny using foul language not even having used the F letter word. The President did not utter one word. Later, over dinner he was overhead telling Daily Mirror editor, Champika, “the language used was too much”
But, giving an interview to Lakbima News editor Rajpal Abeynayake , Goatabhaya said; Nothing I said was with any direct reference to her. I did not say so and so, Ms. so and so — I am doing this to you, or going to do this to you, or whatever… I said nothing directly to the editor who called me. Whatever I said, I didn’t say ‘I am going to do this and this to you’ or anything like that! So you can see they are exaggerating and the reader, without knowing any of this background, gets an entirely different picture.
When asked, But did you use foul language on the lady? Gota replied; I did not do so. I used words such as ‘bloody’ or whatever, not to refer to her but to refer to the incident. I never used foul language on her – but I used certain words in the context that she provoked me unreasonably, in referring to the incident, as I have pointed out above. I mean these are words that are used very commonly in America (USA) for instance, in normal usage. In fact a very high ranking officer of the American government (name withheld by this writer) met me and said about the TV programme Hard Talk and the person who does Hard Talk on BBC: ‘You know we are in the same boat… being questioned by that a_shole.’ This person was referring to Stephen Sakur who does the BBC programme Hard Talk. So this is very common usage, in USA for instance, and they use these words in normal talk — but these people are trying to make a big issue out of it to get at me, because they hate me about the war. In any case I used certain words with reference to the incident; I did not use foul language to abuse her. ( Read the interview here)
Speaking to The Nation, Gotabhaya Rajapaksa described the story that led to the exchange between the two as ‘a non-issue’.He admitted that he did swear during the exchange but claimed he was not directly using those words at Jansz. “I was using the words in general terms, on people who betray the country. However, I let my emotions get the better of me and I regret that,” he said. (Read the story here )
It was only the Sunday Island reported the above reported “confidential” dinner, but with a spin with a wrong date. The Sunday Island political columnist CA Chandraprema wrote; On Friday night, newspaper editors Victor Ivan, Prabath Sahabandu, Siri Ranasinghe and Sinha Ratnatunga were invited to dinner at Temple Trees. The sudden meeting, outside the regular meetings that the president had with newspaper editors was a fire fighting exercise to deal with the fallout from the blackguarding that defence secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa had given Sunday Leader Editor Frederica Jansz. Jansz had published a transcript of the conversation that had taken place between her and the defence secretary last Sunday and that made quite a sensation. The defence secretary’s outbursts are well known, but what was new was his reference to ordure and the use of the f-word. He has never been known to use such words. Be that as it may, the defence secretary too had been present at the dinner given by the president on Friday, and his version of the story is that the Sunday Leader had not published all that he said and that the published conversation had only excerpts of the full conversation. Like everybody else Gotabhaya Rajapaksa too should have the right of reply. ( read the Sunday Island political column here )
Colombo Telegraph contacted three close confidents of the three editors who participated the “confidential dinner” and all of them are confirmed that Victor did confront with Gotabhaya and but Gotabhaya never gave his side of the story or deny Sunday Leader editor’s description of the story as Sunday Island political columnist says.
Related posts;
Gota Is Mentally Sick, A Family Friend Reveals
‘Keep Frederica Jansz Safe’, ‘Embassies In Sri Lanka Should Raise Her Case’ – ARTICLE 19
Gota Has Gone To The Dog: SriLankan Airlines And A Puppy Dog For Gota’s Wife
‘You Dirty F**king Journalist, You Are Pigs Who Eat Shit’
Aruna / July 18, 2012
We are from a country where education is given the foremost respect but we never bother to check the credentials of our politicians and their qualifications to represent us in the Parliament.
Then we end up with Mervyns and Gota’s of this world in hallowed positions of power. Some of then even get Doctorates while perched on these seats, God knows in what.
Just remind yourself the capabilities of peole who held positions as Permanent secretaries of ministries in the years since our independence.then we end up with Gota’s who in the normal course of events without any strings wouldn’t end up better than a quasi clerk in some back office if he works very hard. His only qualification for being the secretary of defense is because Loku Aiya is the President.
Then we complain that he is foul and expect him to behave like a gentleman. What do you expect? Power is akin to naked fire. It should be in the hands of people who understand fire and respect it. Properly used it gives you comfortable warmth and cooks your meals. But in the hands of some one who runs amok you will end up setting fire to the whole country!
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Joseh Fernando / July 18, 2012
I would like to ask the opposition leader Mr. Wikramasinghe following questions, and I hope one of the brave participants of the above meeting has the chance to do so.
Do you have anything to say about the recent news related to Mr. Gotabaya’s outburst over the new paper interview? For your information, the Sri Lanka media has been reporting the information with regards to the newspaper interview that Mr. Gotabaya had with the Sunday Leader Editor Frederica Jansz and the intimate details of the filthy language Mr. Gotabaya used to explain his side of the story. The exerts published from the interview explain the true nature of Mr. Gotabaya’s approach and the way he deals with stress. The information also shed light into Mr.Gotabaya’s ability to or lack thereof to articulate professional response to reasonable queries from a journalist. So Mr., Wickramasinghe, what do you have any comments regarding the way and the nature of Mr. Gotabaya’s response as a senior government employee? Or do you want to run into India for advice before you make comments on the story? As the proxy leader of the opposition, do you believe that you have any responsibility making comments on such matters as this story seemed to have spiraled into much more than its initial intention? Subsequent to the story, it was revealed that Mr. Gotabaya had made comments on the white van abductions and given reasons or credibility to such acts while denying his participation in such acts. So do you have any comments on that? Do you believe that it is the interest of Sri Lankan public to find out more information as to how the senior government officials such as Mr., Gotabaya supports white van abductions for the sake of cleaning the society from evildoers? If so, do you have any comments on how to implement law and order? As a professional of the law, you have extensive knowledge of the existing Sir Lankan law and are you planning to take any actions on such persons who seemed to have supported, aided or may have been committed crimes against general public, when you come to power? Or do you want to make any comments on any of the information described above?
Joseph
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genga / July 18, 2012
Atleast now the majority people started to realise the plight of this beautiful nation. No one is fit to rule the country, we need some professionals to take over and establish the rule of law in this land. To do that the pigs have to go and face the consequences for the crimes that they have committed against the humanity and this will not exclude those lovely generals now talking freedom.
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Bandula / July 18, 2012
Victor Ivan. Thank you for your courage to question GR on FJ’s issue.We need to show the Rajapakses that Sri Lankan’s are not pigs or fools or muts or cowards who are waiting to gulp anything they throw. These are the baits they use to check how much people could be tolerated by their white vans and other kinds of suppression. I was in USA for 20 yrs. Never I herd in middle class or extremely never in US administrative circle ever used this language.May be….in the ghettos…or seven eleven night shift where sometimes thieves come to rob and the use of abusive language could occur. Otherwise no and we know where GOTA belongs.What we need is the five pinnacle (pancha maha balavegaya)including the politicians and the press to unite to rise up and direct the country to the rightful direction where the GOSL has failed.
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cardinal sin / July 18, 2012
There is no need for editors to go for confidential whatevers to temple trees,slap on the wrist and the entire excercise being to set the media/news agenda until the next meeting.
They talk,joke,eat come back to the news offices happily and we fools buy their papers when in fact it’s all stage managed.
These meetings are unhealthy in a environment of clamp downs and should stop if editors want us to buy their papers.
And in our miracle isle we are blessed with Ranil,Sajit,Karu etc who all have kate pittu over this affaire.
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hansan / July 18, 2012
If this is a commen langage with him any one can call Gota. Hay You F…king, Sh..t eating Pig, Can you get this and that done to this country or to us. What will be the Sh…t eating F..kers reaction will be? Tell Me please.
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Nilame / July 18, 2012
I thought All mara family hate west but still they use american lanvage to blast some one when they need to. Ha ha what ajokers.
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American Lanka Lover / July 19, 2012
this mouthpiece for the LTTE is a legitimate threat to Sri Lanka’s national security and should be dealt with accordingly.
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SERUVILA SENARATH / July 19, 2012
IF THIS G HO THABAYA IS A N OFFICER AND GENTLEMAN,.
AT THE FIRST INSTSNT, THE G HO THMBAYA SHOULD HAVE OUT RIGHTLY, TOLD THAT FEDRICA WOMAN,
####### “”””NO, NO, NO COMMENTS, ANY THING YOU WANT ASK MY MEDIA GUY,””” #########
PROBLEM SOLVED AND HE CAN DO HIS SO CALLED DIRECTIVES,
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Donald J Gnanakone / July 19, 2012
Don’t get carried away with such private dinners.
This is damage control and a drama to fool everyone.
Proof of the pudding is in the eating. (Not pigs eating shit).
Podi Athula aka Ivan needs to be consistent with his writing and conduct.
They all know which side of their bread needs to be buttered.
“Both sides”.
This incident is not the first attack on the journalist.
It is just immaturity and inexperience with the gained arrogance of the past 4 years suddenly burs-ted out.
Ivan is talking nonsense of Frederica suing Gotabaya in Sri Lanka?
That itself shows he was not serious.
But Frederica can sue or atleast receive legal protection in Los Angeles courts, since he is a US citizen and comes under US jurisdiction. But in Colombo courts, every body will be P………….. in their pants or pant……….Including Mahinda Gey Ba……
Tell Ivan to write a good editorial in Sinhalese and translate it to English. I will get it published in Los Angeles and USA… So stop fooling us Ivan and Uvindu please pass the message to your friend…Podi Athula.
Gota is also a director at the Dharma Vijaya Temple in Los Angeles where Rev. Piyananda is the Chief Priest and is a Presidential (SL) adviser for MR on Buddhist affairs. The reaction in the temple is best left without public comments by me. It is only divided reaction.
The other journalist and media should set up a legal fund for Frederica in the USA, without talking to Gota while dining with him. Let them put their money where there mouth is. This is just for a restraining order which is only a protection against Gota and his uncontrolled/controlled goon squad where so many other journalist has suffered and even died. Even foreign journalist were white vanned, and unfortunately you guys are in the dark burying your heads like ostriches in the sand.
All editors of newspapers and websites operating from outside were too scared of the MOD and Gota to publish it and inform their readers…And They Came For Me …. Neimoller Poem….(Please be reminded).
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American Lanka Lover / July 19, 2012
First, California courts would not exercise jurisdiction over an incident that occurred in another country.
Second, on what basis would she sue him? he stated it to her, so even if his statements were somehow actionable SHE published them not him. Intentional infliction of emotional distress requires proof of “extreme and outrageous conduct beyond what any civilized society could tolerate.”
He never explicitly threatened her merely stating the truism that many people hate her and might take actions against her.
No way that interview would qualify. The law in California follows the American children’s rhyme “Sticks and stones can break my bones but names can never hurt me”.
Despite the perception that any claim, no matter how weak, can get you big money in California courts, it is not true.
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Merril / July 19, 2012
It is not fair for us to make only one governement is responsible for this kind of behaviour. There were many culprits prior to this regime, most jounalists and many of us have respected them as intelligent politicians. They were dishonest and cunning. This mess had created by one of them, he got away with the absolute power, no politician wants to give that away.
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Donald J Gnanakone / July 19, 2012
Frederica can sue or legally appeal in California for restraining order and nor damages.
She and SL will use an experienced attorney if they so decide.
Beyond that, this is not the forum for me to discuss this matter.
It is up to Frederica’s attorneys and the US judge whether US laws can be applicable to a US citizen.
This could be trail blazer case in US judicial history.
One will never know until and unless motions are filed. Until then everything is pie in the sky, and your assertion is not based on California or US law. Restraining orders are routinely issued by the dozens in every court, and every day, FYI.
Don’t be silly to argue the merits and demerits of the case here. There will be only one man or woman who will decide to issue temporary orders and in 21 or 60 days there would be a full inquiry by the courts.
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Donald J Gnanakone / July 19, 2012
@American Lanka Lover: California courts have jurisdiction over US citizens and LA county residents.
Let Gota’s lawyers argue the jurisdiction issue in courts.
This case is not about money but safety and protection orders.
US needs to take responsibility for it’s citizens going on a killing or threatening spree around the world. Furthermore, it can be easily proven that there is NO Justice for anyone, who would ask for, against any Rajapakse in Sri Lankan courts. They are the LAW.
American attorneys can make some money, or some HR attorney via journalist associations would take the case “Pro Bono” or for little payment via such groups including NGO’s. You don’t worry about that part. Frederica’s life is worth much more than such legal fees, and many organizations also would step forward to get protection for her from possible murderers and kidnappers.
Isn’t the Secretary of Defense Minister (aka President) supposed to protect all citizens of such threats? Can you remember what happended to Lasantha and other journalist??? This is a disgrace for Sri Lanka and America in American courts, my friend!!! The US congress and senate also would be hearing about it, and they will have some private words with the appropriate people.
Have you wondered why Mahida Rajapakse is never invited to the White House in 7 years, if he had won the war on terror? Then war heroes who are US citizens or residents will also be receiving medals or honorary recognition by the US authorities? In this case, there is nothing.. Zero.
Read the State Dept. reports on Human Rights for the last 3 years. It is all about the US citizens but they do not spell it out. The noose it getting tighter. That is all.
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kk / July 20, 2012
Donald J Gnanakone -Day dreamer stop talking fairy tale stories, what happened to your hero Bruce Fein and million of dollars you and your brother paid for him
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kk / July 20, 2012
But Frederica can sue or atleast receive legal protection in Los Angeles courts
Donald gannankone ,Did you run out of money ? are you trying to collect funds from Federica ,she is not terorist to fund your american lawyers sue , she is not an idiot like you
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American Lanka Lover / July 20, 2012
Donald: ONE of is us a lawyer in California and the other . . . .
She has no case. This whole incident is a tempest in a teapot. If GOSL were so repressive and intolerant of independent media, you and CT management would have been whitevanned long ago.
You (collectively) get you panties all in a bunch if Gota is blunt, and you catharsis calling Gota the root of evil, but the IC could really care less. If clinging to the pipedream that all of a sudden they are going to take punitive action against the Rajapakses makes you feel better, more power to you. Perhaps Basil, instead of Gota, will succeed Mahinda, but Ranil, the TNA, the JVP, the traitor Fonseka and any other opponents of the Rajapakses are going to face long odds unseating Sri Lanka’s dynasty anytime soon. I’d estimate thjat the US will beat Lanka at cricket before the Rajapakses are ousted from Temple Trees.
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Donald J Gnanakone / July 20, 2012
@Lover. Rajapakses are terrified to have elections in the North, begging Pillaiyan, Karuna and SLMC contest under their name from the East.
Borrow, UNP fellow Ali Mowlana also from the East. See what happens.
If Rajapakses are so popular then they do not have to use all the state resources illegally, thuggery/intimidation, use the Police/military and even stuff the ballot boxes in their desperate attempt to hold on to power. They are only cheating the Singhalese people, as the Muslims have got wiser about the political manipulations.
If they create the dynasty, that is the choice of the people, to create it and suffer. Good luck to them. There are plenty of racist, chauvinist and extremist in Sri Lanka who support them. True.
Gadaffi, Mubarak, and Ben Ali ruled their people for 40 years. Rajapakses only for 7 years when they were installed in power by the LTTE themselves. May be that was their parting gift to SL, now buried in a mountain of debts for only 1 family to enjoy what the country borrow/plunder.
Sri Lankans are fickle minded and despite the stuffing of the ballot boxes, they will change, or some will grow a spine. May be Somarama Thero, or Buddharakktha Thero have been reborn.
ICC will not act because there is no jurisdiction, but the US has, and they will act. International community have their own ways of doing things.
As for the US courts acting on threats, it is up to Frederica to seek protection and restraining orders. If she does, then one US judge will order. Until then there is only a hypothetical situation.
There are pro bono attorneys who will be willing to take up a case for journalist. There are HR attorneys. There are also NGO’s and other individuals who would help in “Legal Trust Funds” for the attorneys.
Noose is indeed getting tighter.
CT would have been whitevanned many months ago, if he lives in Sri Lanka. Murder is the name of the game in Sri Lanka, and we all know who the players in the team are and their Captain.
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Kapila Kahapola / July 20, 2012
Donald,
Do you do anything else other than day dreaming ???
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American Lanka Lover / July 21, 2012
Donald you makes some valid points. There ARE lawyers here that will take ANY case, no matter how frivolous. But as to a judge issuing a restraining order, even if you were correct , of which I am quite dubious, it would only prevent threats made in California. Our courts have no jurisdiction to enjoin acts in other countries. Just forget this delusion.
And yes Lankan voters, like all voters, are fickle and economically motivated. If the economy is booming, unemployment low, and the consensus is that those conditions will continue, it is hard to unseat a sitting government. Most the Sinhalese dont care about Muslims or Tamils’ plight, they care about their own family’s wellbeing. Sinhalese are just like everybody else, generally acting out of perceived self interest.
And even if many Sinhalese believe Rajapakses to be corrupt and/or brutal, they certainly would still feel safer with them in Temple Trees rather than any of the alternatives. They worry Ranil is too sympathetic to the Tamils and dont trust him.
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Donald J Gnanakone / July 21, 2012
Well US/California courts has jurisdiction on acts such as death threats, and causes for Restraining orders for acts done outside the state.
That is similar to US citizens involved in sex crimes outside the country. Courts will not reject such motions without a full inquiry which means GR can be deposed. That will be interesting and it won’t be like a BBC or Channel 4 interview.
Frederica has nothing to lose, except her life like Lasantha.
I do not care for attorneys in America.
The issue here is not about money. Only a few will take such a case, and that too on a pro bono basis.
So you don’t worry your little head about it or the courts jurisdiction. This is a matter of possibly life and death is the argument. It is better to be safe than sorry. Under his watch (GR) or command/direction another editor lost his life as well as an innocent man Jesuthasan whose stolen NIC was used to purchase the 5 sim cards used by the army riders in black who whacked Lasantha to death in cold blood. They also used cattle prods.
Those army guys are roaming free and even committing other murders. The sinhalese do not care as you said. They are worried about their families.
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Donald J Gnanakone / July 21, 2012
@Lover. Better read this on war crimes.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alleged_war_crimes_during_the_Final_Stages_of_the_Sri_Lankan_Civil_War
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Donald J Gnanakone / July 21, 2012
FREDERICA SUES MINISTER FOR 50 MILLION RUPEES.
MORE LAW SUITS IN THE WORKS.
http://www.thesundayleader.lk/2012/07/22/sunday-leader-editor-sues-media-minister-for-50-million/
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Channa / July 22, 2012
Put on the hat if it suits you.
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Tsar / July 22, 2012
These Hyenas (Frederica J and Victor I)belong to one clan.They sell shit,eat shit, and simply make their living on shit. People have not forgotten their role during the past 30 years.
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Peter Casie Chetty / July 25, 2012
Well said!
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The Minister / July 22, 2012
Victor thinks that he is a Journalist.
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Donald J Gnanakone / July 24, 2012
@Lover and others.
Re US Jurisdiction on US citizens in US courts.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-state-of-nova/post/hong-kong-tycoon-eric-hotung-ordered-to-pay-son-michael-hotung-12-million-by-fairfax-county-jury/2012/07/23/gJQA0fJY3W_blog.html?hpid=z4
Interesting episode.
But US citizens of Sri Lankan origin will be more interesting.
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Peter Casie Chetty / July 25, 2012
Adai. Sit in your hole and let Gota look after our country. You will be banned and if you do step here I hope they hang you by your toes.
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Peter Casie Chetty / July 25, 2012
You have to know these people to know what type of scum they are. Champika Liyanaarachi is now working for the [Edited out] and RSF… strange for a woman who was JHU for a long time.
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Sam / August 2, 2012
:D because Gota is also a pig like Ivan and Fredrika
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