Former President and current Parliamentarian, Mahinda Rajapaksa has vowed to topple the Yahapalanaya Government in 2017 and reclaim power. “I don’t want to be the President, but I can still rule the country, without being the President,” he said, hinting at hopes of becoming Prime Minister.
Speaking to foreign journalists, Rajapaksa said that even though the current coalition government enjoyed a two thirds majority in Parliament, there is a strong possibility of ‘change’ in the future. “Conflicts are already brewing within the SLFP and UNP, and this country can’t go on like this,” he said.
Photo via Facebook Shihar Aneez
When a journalist asked if Rajapaksa was willing to become Prime Minister under incumbent President Maithripala Sirisena and work under him, Rajapaksa said that if Ranil Wickremesinghe can do it, why can’t he. “After all I have known him since the 1970s,” he said of Sirisena, his former friend turned foe.
Incidentally, the journalists who were invited for the discussion with the former President were served hoppers, which were the same food Sirisena ate with Rajapaksa, the night before his announcement where he broke ranks from Rajapaksa and announced his candidature at the 2015 Presidential Election, which he won, defeating his former leader, Rajapaksa.
Thanga / December 31, 2016
The Tamils who voted en masse at the last elections to president Sirisena are disappointed by the lacklustre performance of the national unity government. The President publicly assailing those who charged ex naval officers and Gotabhaya Rajapaksa was in bad taste. He thinks no member of the armed forces should be arraigned before the courts of law because they are war heroes! He is also dead against foreign judges appointed to war crime courts. This after cosponsoring the US resolution No.30/1 in 2015. The government is simply inept. The Prime Minister is going out of the country at the drop of a hat. Understandably he has no time to do his ministerial work. Yet, Tamils will never vote for Mahinda Rajapaksa. It was during his tenure Joseph Pararajasingham was killed by Karuna-Pillayan gang after receiving Rs.50 million from Gotabhaya. It was during his regime Tamils couldn’t conduct a sports meet or temple festival without inviting the army top brasses as chief quests. Rajapaksa was oblivious to the trial and tribulations of the IDPs. He never bothered to give back the private lands occupied by the army to the rightful owners. In Sampur he handed over 818 acres of private lands to one of his relative on a99 years lease for an industrial complex. In fact the army was earmarking acquisition of further lands to expands army bases. He treated the Tamils and their representatives with utter contempt. He does same to day. He is opposed to anything beyond 13A. He has not repented for all his sins. The copious tears shed by Tamil women toppled him from the throne.
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kumaran / January 3, 2017
Hypothetically, for whom will you vote? You are disappointed with MS and resent MR. So whats your choice?
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raza / January 4, 2017
You have voted for Sirisena. But Tamils also voted for Mahinda. Do not live in the past. Who is going to be a good leader in the future? We are going to live in the future.
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Piyadasa Yalagala / December 31, 2016
We an opposed current MS of New UNP leader and Ranil W..of Old UNP leader and CBK of Neo-con Federalist of SLFP that three in one combination of that unholy political alliances has fail to delivered what they promised 2015 January 9th by “Rainbow Revolution”.
In case of definitely that UNP led political alliance was back by JVP-Political Terrorist cum anarchist and TNA of Separatist alliance by anti-establishment outfits were main politically elements are the anti-democratic parties that they want to live in fish-in-trouble water which game of governing rules.
These social elements were very danger in politically, it become bad elements and trend want to undermined whole system of democracy in Sri lanka.
Look at TNA was encourage and endorsed by Political terrorism through-out that LTTE came into being 1970 later and since 1948 of Federal Party and TULF. Their forefather’s were TULF and Federal Party from 1949 and 1976 are Tamil chavnanist of separatist.
Well known fact that TNA is continuation of politics of separatism since Federal Party political line of anarchism. (1949)
Even currently TNA support for UNP led alliance by want to partition of Island that basis the Racism ground of One Tamil Eealm regime in North. TNA seek “New” Constitutional shifting of Federal Regime of by New Eelam governance under the so-called “federalism” base Constitution proposed by UNP CBK and TNA.
UNP Ranil W..MS and CBK working on New so-called Federalism to partition of Island for New Tamil -North and Muslim ISIS regime in North and Eastern province of Sri lanka.
This proposed constitution shifting totally undermined and destroy Unitary character of Sri Lankan state. What ever the cost of our people not possible to be partition of Sri Lankan nation survival on 2600 years of old civilization in our soil.
JVP and TNA that while undermined norm and principles of democracy of Island. Well these forces want to be destabilised whole range of political democracy by misusing Parliamentary politics.
The political uncertainties and chaos are playing leading role by UNP misrule of governances.
No doubt MR and its alliance has to play positive role in future changes of Governances in Sri lanka. But we want Old Mistakes has to be address by MR alliances by that time put county need correct track by promptly actions.
No doubt MR is direct option of new Governances, while Majority people seek in near future.
The People of majority voters want New way of life under MR led alliance as soon as possible.
The People is willing give New Mandate for MR led alliance to run good governances if needed.
That is Ours Democracy Patten of governance by Sri Lankan
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Raj / December 31, 2016
”I’ll Be Back To Rule Sri Lanka”-
In your dreams, Mahinda.
There maybe still a few misguided or misinformed people who will vote for you, particularly, as Ranil has been a big disappointment (Sirisena, being obviously an opportunist with no education to hold a high Position as the President, so not a lot was expected from him), but I am sure the majority of the voting public has had enough of you & your family.
Besides, don’t you have any shame, trying to hold on to power as a lowly backbencher or work under your own Minister after being the most powerful person in the country? Or is it because you want to hide the corruption, misuse & abuse of power you & your cronies were responsible for during your watch? Whatever the reason, the people of SL are not going to buy if you say you are there for the love of the country & it’s people. You ruined the country big time & don’t deserve a second chance.
Take a lesson from David Cameron. In case you don’t know, he stepped down as PM of UK after the Brexit vote because he didn’t support it & being in power to lead UK out of the EU meant going against his conscience, therefore, he gracefully stepped down & didn’t even want to continue as an MP after holding the highest position. Maybe he learnt about principals & integrity at Eaton but in your case, you have accumulated enough wealth to last generations. So take a hint & retire to enjoy the ill gotten wealth. After all, life, as the saying goes, is too short.
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Sama / January 2, 2017
I think third world countries of our nature – people can easily be abused. That is what he did and will do in the future too. Those in power today, seem no interest promoting what they have done sofar. Actually in terms of external affairs, they have achieved a lot. But they dont just boast on anything. Any opening ceremonies they dont make extra vaganza as had been the days of the former. That has been interpreted by some senders by now as if nothing was done by the current people yet.
In Europe, dog s owner would not let dogs to leave their extrementa on the streets, if done, the owner collect them on the spot and pack for the garbage – but Rajaakshes had done all the high profile abuses and left behind all the extrementa in mountaenous manner the successive would have to face it. Be it with loans taken or others are the same. All intrests for the loans started paying in the term of Mr Maithriee and PM rule, until then MR men had been merry making continue their higher abuses. Those who know are well aware of the facts in terms of documentation left wihtout any trace is possible.All these should loudly be discussed by state televisions, that is very important. Then only the average will know the gravity of the harm made by Rajaakshes. It was multiple times more than the development projects.
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punchinilame / January 3, 2017
“Sirisena, being obviously an opportunist with no education to hold a high Position as the President, so not a lot was expected from him”……
One Minister has boldly declared that M.PP do not need any qualification for the job and a columist stated that was so for say scavangers, latrine coolies etc.
It is of interest to note that N.Modi with the largest Democratic country in the world has proved otherwise – he must be working with a dedicated team of Ministers and trusted Officials for sure, as opposed to our H.E. recruiting known corrupt officials to work with him!!
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mj / December 31, 2016
This looser should eat punnakku in the mornings ..not hoppers. .
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Leelagemalli / January 2, 2017
You are very right…
these men are no good enough to serve hopers.
To that manner they ended up.
But today shamelessly just add big talks as they are born yestreday.
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punchinilame / January 3, 2017
The hidden harm in continuing to eat hoppers is that with every bite MR is reminded
of MS and his “last meal” and this going on for two years, morning and night. The severe psychological effect of this will have a bearing on a 70 year old politician is not beyond readers imagination. A change in menu is recommended for any
promising Statement!
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Sylvia Haik / December 31, 2016
With all the $Billions still missing from our coffers, I was expecting Mahinda Rajapakse and his family to be languishing in an extradition-free country like Brazil. This only shows that our quality journalists have either been disposed of or have fled our country as this crop appear to be asking stupid questions with no investigations. That old adage “You can never fool all the people all the time” is proven wrong as indeed in Sri Lanka you can.
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Podda / January 1, 2017
There are many professionals in Sri Lanka who can be the country’s leader and lead the country. It doesn’t have to be a Rajapakse. These politicians think they are the only people that can develop the country and it has to be one of their family member who can rule the country. We need to change this mentality.
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Munir / January 3, 2017
Maybe. They don’t necessarily think that, but politicians (the competent ones) and the professionals have a symbiotic relationship in governing the country. He doesn’t say “only my family can do that”, but says “I am competent enough to do that” in an openly challenging tune. He seems to be quite confident about the rapport he has with professionals. Time will tell the truth about this claim.
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Sunil / January 3, 2017
Yes let’s kick out all the politics and run our country as a company with hired professionals local and international…
Maybe then for the first time in the history of our planned a nation might be run properly…
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Kodippili / January 1, 2017
This man will finish Sri Lanka if he comes back.Easily the most corrupt and most deadly fiend of a politician ever to rule Sri Lanka.Is the voter so stupid to bring a murderer / Pariah like this buggier back?
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Parakrama / January 1, 2017
You are a spent force now though you defeated the LTTE. Majority of youth have already rejected you and your family members.Please do not waste valuable time of our future generation. Parakrama
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K A Sumanasekera / January 1, 2017
Bodhi Sira is scared shitless,,
He does not want Batalanada Ranil’s Govt to hold even a Municipal Election.
Because Sira Party of the SLFP will be annihilated.
That is the mood of the great majority of the inhabitant population, after the shenanigans of the Yahapalana Cabinet which has ruined the Economy and diverted Billions of Public money to UNP party coffers and the pockets of their Tamil mates in the Diaspora.
When the UNP Leader Batalanda Ranil gives the Homelands to the certain minority groups even the patriotic UNP grass roots( if there are any) will be pissed off.
That is the fact..
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Native Vedda / January 2, 2017
KASmaalam K A Sumanasekera
” When the UNP Leader Batalanda Ranil gives the Homelands to the certain minority groups even the patriotic UNP grass roots( if there are any) will be pissed off.”
When you say patriots did you mean the crooks, war criminals, rapists, fraudsters, drug smugglers, forgers, ….. in SLFP, NFF, MEP, Gnanasara’s Cobra Head Party, …… ?
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Barus / January 1, 2017
The infamous HOPPER meal is back in the news !!! The last time, hoppers were served, we got a new President from his own party.
He needs to be careful when serving hoppers again. The bloke sitting next to him (GULP Pieris) might flip sides after the meal is over.
Had you ruled this country with all fairness and justice, you would not have to do another HOPPER PARTY, nor would you be struggling to change a regime.
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Nagananda / January 1, 2017
The truth shall prevail.
I feel sad for this man, who had every opportunity to retire gracefully after completing two terms in office. Unfortunately his utterly self-centred attitude only demonstrates his incapacity to serve as a president. He recruited weak individuals, who lack integrity, to legitimise his unacceptable actions. This includes the man in the image, who caved and meddled with the Supreme law of the land to satisfy his superior.
The greed and power hungry nature of this man has already and will always deny him the opportunity to enjoy a peaceful retirement.
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punchinilame / January 3, 2017
Just read what My3 had to say about MR after he gained his guts to speak about MR,
as webbed in June 2015:
“……After this discussion concluded , the UNP deputy minister Ranjan Ramanayake arrived to meet the president personally. When the discussion centered on what the president related to the party leaders, Ranjan inquired , ‘how is that you spoke with such certainty that Mahinda Rajapakse will murder you?’ The president’s answer was :during the by -election at Mulkirigala , Mahinda carrying a gun himself shot and killed .At that moment two individuals were dead , and I was some distance away. Hence I know how he murdered , and that is why I am saying this.’
Ranjan in a state of shock asked , how did he then escape ? The witnesses were threatened that they will also be killed . It is John Amaratunge of your party who saved him then. By giving contradictory evidence that the victim was killed by shooting from a top of a tree , the case was discharged, the president told Ranjan. Mahinda after winning the case at that time even contemplated joining the UNP. Even today John and Mahinda are good friends,’ president said disclosing an old secret. When Ranjan inquired whether or not to reveal this story to the media , the president has replied , ‘this story was related by me to you to be conveyed to the media’.Ranjan when relating this episode to Lanka e news said, the president pointed out , he cannot forget that the members of the SLFP who voted for Mahinda Rajapakse on 8 th January voted to bury him and his family six feet underground. Hence, the president advised Ranjan to unrelentingly announce all the time that he is a UNP president ….”
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sinaha_voice / January 2, 2017
WE DO NOT WANT MAHINDA RAJAPAKSHE BACK (FULL STOP).
BUT WE DO NOT WANT UNP, SLFP, JVP….
THIS IS THE PROBLEM THE SINHALA PEOPLE HAVE NOW
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Vanguard / January 2, 2017
Patience – wait 5 years…
People may not wait.
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Vanguard / January 2, 2017
2020 Vision
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Renu / January 2, 2017
You want to come back and rob the country again with your kith &kin.Yes people will vote for you .look upb and wait
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Jayan / January 2, 2017
You should be in jail for the crimes committed during your tenure. Very soon Sirisen and Ranil will pay a big price for protecting you and your cronies.
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virgo fernando / January 3, 2017
MR, you were voted out twice and this hallucination is the outcome of your fear that soon you and your family will be serving long jail sentences. Try as you might the company you are keeping is deeply embedded in corruption and crime, rape and abductions and the people are fully aware that your intentions are not for the good of the country but to protect your crooked mates and relatives. The likes of you should not be in politics as you are a crook and criminal who has used the political platform to rob and torture the poor people of SL. Disappear into oblivion and ask your astrologer for more assistance to keep this pipe dream afloat which may give you some hope but will only end in despair. Wish you a good 2017 in the dustbin of the criminals who ruled this country.
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raza / January 4, 2017
Definitely there is a chance. Normally once a person is elected as an MP he can cross over. Thanks to Sarath Nanda de Silva.
Mahinda should thank Mahendran for bringing him back and destroying Ranil. Ranil must wake from his dream world and kick out Mahendran and likes if UNP is not to be destroyed.
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gamini / January 4, 2017
This bugger MR when he comes to realize that he can not make it back, will die of heartburn. I hope it will be a prolonged affair and he suffers immensely, for all the killings of his opponents. The basted richly deserves it.
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Native Vedda / January 5, 2017
gamini
“The basted richly deserves it.”
Please don’t wish him ill in case if he is reborn on this island. When he dies I want him to attain Nibbana so the people do not have to suffer.
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Poor Lankan / January 5, 2017
These two rouges should be sent to Angoda to rule over mad men and not sane Sri Lankans.Is this the beginning of an anarchy that will last over 100 years ruled by Rajapakse siblings their wives children and grand children.May all the Gods save this resplendent isle from such loud mouth rascals who let go all farts and no shit!!!!!!
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Dk / January 6, 2017
what ever we say , he has done lot to sri lanka, you all talk big now after he stop LTTE , he had few bad people around and he did not stop them , other wise what ever he has done barring fruit now, it is same for all of Us you be the person that your friends make you out to be , so associate good people
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Bana / January 6, 2017
To keeping his mouth shut, the new constitution must have a provision to the effect that a person who held the position of President of Sri Lanka for two term cannot become, not only, as a President but also as the Prime Minister.
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Richard / January 6, 2017
Dear participants,
The impunity and treachery of Rajapakshas naturally got inculcated in them through decades of minority bashing with impunity by all the successive Governments after independence. Rajapakshas regime was just a continuation brought about notably by DS, SWRD, JRJ and all majoritarian leaders of the past. What other lesson could Rajapakshas derive from the past?. Besides contributing more towards corruption, and anarchy, they also contributed more towards the main goal of all the predecessor regimes that is annihilating minorities. Mahinda and family got educated for doing what they did from their predecessors of Sri Lanka. Why do you think Mahinda and friends have hopes of returning to power? Because he is a hero who made many think alike also heroes by Sri Lankan standards.
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Dayawathie / January 8, 2017
As long as there is poverty and political ignorance exist in my beloved Sri Lanka these handful of cunning politicians can hoodwink the public time and time again. Therefore, I am not surprised if MR comes to power in some form or another. Legally he can become the Prime Minister, and if that happens, the President of the day will be like a puppet, just like the same way it is happening now. As some writers rightly said so, Maithripala Sirisena was not expected to do a lot. It is so sad what’s happening to this beautiful country of ours. We can do better than this.
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