28 March, 2024

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Impeccable Character & Economic Wisdom Of Naganada Kodituwakku

By Hema Senanayake

Hema Senanayake

Mr. Nagananda Kodituwakku has announced his candidacy for 2020 presidential election. He claims that he has an impeccable character. At least this means that he will not lie to the people of Sri Lanka. I like it the most. In other words which are familiar to him, he will tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. This is the very reason that he must be careful in submitting his election manifesto. What is troubling me right now is that he unknowingly, assuming that he doesn’t lie, has declared some of his economic views which would be found false when come to actual governance of the country.    

However, certain reforms he proposes have well resonated with me and I guess so should be with many. This parliament with having 225 parliamentarians are too big for the country. Nagananda proposes to reduce it to 125 members that is 100 parliamentarians less than now. It reduces the chances of fielding and getting elected politicians with lack of integrity. I like it. If he really proposes to stipulate to have certain education qualifications for those who are allowed to contest in parliamentary elections, that would be a bonus benefit. The country needs politicians with high integrity. Also, he proposes to establish the supremacy of law, I would say over corrupt politicians of all kind. If elected, he has the vision and vigor to do it and he would do it better than any other prospective candidates. I like it too. But I have a problem with his economic wisdom or how he approaches the issue of economic governance. 

When come to the subject of handing the economy, he seems to be in the same fantasy world in which many UNP leaders had been living in prior to the presidential election of 2015. By profession Nagananda is a lawyer and might have no knowledge of economics specially as to how extremely complex system of economy works in Sri Lanka and elsewhere. Therefore, I think he should not suggest any conclusive propositions at this time, in regard to economics other than expressing his commonsense economic vision. But I noticed that he made some mistakes which would be tantamount to political lying. Let me be specific.

Nagananda proposes to declare one-month amnesty for corrupt politicians and high-level government officials if they agree to pay all monies earned from corruptions. This is one method of finding money to pay huge government debt. Just one week prior to the 2015 presidential election, UNP’s best team had similar illusions in regard to economic governance which is one of the most important subjects, then and now. For an example, at the historic debate held on December 31st night of 2014 at the Independence Square, when the incumbent President Mahinda’s team questioned as to how they (UNP) proposed to find money to finance the proposed salary increment of Rs. 10,000 for each government employee and for other projects, Ravi Karunanayake and others have insisted that they can find money just by stopping corruptions. They have presented nice calculations to prove not only that they would have enough money but also they would save a considerable amount of money by stopping corruption. By that night I realized that they would make a big mess in regard to economic governance but as I openly said in my prior articles, I casted my vote to the common candidate in January 2015.

However, the next day after the said debate, that is on January 01st, 2015, I wrote an article explaining how the economic system works. On that day I wrote that, “…you may win an election on corruption charges, but you can’t run an economic system by just being not corrupt. This means stopping corruption would not give you any new money to finance the salary increases etc. This truth will be found out soon by the new government… Stopping corruptions might reduce the cost of doing government business. But systemic arrangement of the economy is such that it does not necessarily bring in new money to increase welfare payments. Unfortunately, sometimes corruptions bring in new money into the system… I am writing this not to absolve the government from the culpability of corruption. But I want to enlighten the general public and the civil society organization activists who happened to be the vanguard of the current movement of the opposition in order to make them intellectually ready in economic governance. Then they can be a true force acting outside the new government. They need to be mindful that powerful anti-corruption charges/allegations would have limited and minute impact once the new government sworn in. Perhaps subsequent litigations against corrupt politicians or officials might help to recover and bring in a few millions to government coffers. It cannot be huge, I guess.” (Another Dimension of Corruption, Jan. 01, 2015, Colombo Telegraph).

Mr. Nagananda, I request you to read the above said article again and again because as I pointed, I never know any large physical system than ECONOMY that truly depends upon a hypothetical system created by human imagination –And that hypothetical system is being the monetary system. The monetary system is not real or physical phenomenon. 

Then the other method of reliving debt burden is to request debt forgiveness from foreign debtors and Nagananda pointed out that Russia did cancel debt for many African countries. Those countries might be lucky. But any prospective presidential candidate should not keep hopes on foreign debt forgiveness. The country must be ready to honor their debt obligations, especially foreign debt, if the country has a slightest hope of maintaining a reasonably stable currency. Without a reasonably stable currency our all economic hopes will be shattered as is happening now due to inefficient monetary policy management.

Thirdly, Nagananda, rejected to deal or negotiate with the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF). This is sheer ignorance. The UNP had and still has the totally opposing view to Nagananda’s; they totally rely on IMF’s policy interventions. This is sheer ignorance too. Any country that uses some other country’s credit based domestic currency as its reserve currency, has to negotiate with IMF, period. Sri Lanka is one such country. Not only those countries, even the powerful European Union had to seek IMF intervention during the Great Recession of 2008-09, as the European Central Bank could not create money as easily as the Federal Reserve of the United States for the use novel policy tool call “Quantitative Easing.” 

IMF is not a monster, instead Sri Lanka is a member country of IMF. However, all IMF policy interventions are not correct even though the UNP takes them as god’s words. Let me give you a quick example. Recently, IMF insisted that Sri Lanka must have a floating exchange rate and secondly, from the same report they propose to target inflation. This kind of recommendations based upon the economic theories which IMF believes as true. Many such theories held by IMF previously as true had been fallen apart many times.

When this report was published and was quoted by the former Chairman of Ceylon Chamber of Commerce Mr. Chandra Jayarathna, I knew that those two propositions of IMF have no economic meaning. When a country is having an increasing current account deficit (which simply means that the country has more outflow of dollars than inflow of dollars from trade) you can’t target inflation by having floating rate of exchange. 

The IMF theory is that excessive current account deficit would be contained when the rupee gets depreciated by requiring importers more money to import their respective merchandise. When the rate of interest is reasonably low or even moderately high this will not happen. The only thing that could happen is to trigger an inflation. However, in order to discourage imports the CBSL could increase the rate of interest but if CBSL did it, it could again trigger an inflation and diminish economic growth. IMF’s propositions are self-defeating. The CBSL understood it after the rupee’s exchange value got the hardest hit. So, they used something call administrative policy tools to prevent the rapid depreciation of rupee. This kind of measures were used by Treasury Secretary P.B. Jayasundera when the rupee got depreciated rapidly from 113 to 133 in 2012, but those shocks are bad for the economy that time and so is now.     

Why any country should have a floating rate of exchange? A couple of days ago, a high official in the Central Bank explained through a main TV channel, not his views but IMF’s view. He said floating rate of exchange helps to absorb external shocks while domestic interest rates could be used to target inflation. These are clear nonsenses. When I make such a claim I must provide evidences. Take the example of increasing salaries by Rs. 10,000/= for government employees. This was a change of domestic policy environment. The situation it created hit a significant blow on the existed exchange value of rupee. Here, I do not suggest that the new government’s decision to increase salaries was bad. But what I am suggesting is that the government (or the CBSL under Arjuna Mahendran) did not change the monetary policy environment which was required to prevent the devaluation of rupee due to the increase of salaries. Now, this was an internal shock not an external shock. When salaries were increased, it increases the potential to increase what is known as “credit money” exponentially. If the CBSL had contained it happening, salary increases would not have brought unnecessary pressure on the currency. My point is that most currency depreciations occurred in recent past were caused by internal “shocks.”

In fact, what the IMF should have suggested was to take all policy measures (monetary, fiscal and administrative) to contain the increasing current account deficit and by doing that stabilize the rupee so that such fundamental stability increase the chance of increasing the inflow of non-credit based dollars (and other reserve currencies) into the country which currency flows are posted in the country’s capital account. This might strengthen Sri Lanka’s balance of payment only which can ensure a stable currency. If Sri Lanka can show to IMF that the country can prudently manage its monetary and fiscal policies in order to prevent any balance of payment difficulties, I guess IMF would be a true source of strength for the country. When the country can’t do it, IMF usually imposes conditions and policy recommendations with a view to strengthen the balance of payment situation of any member country. IMF is an international agency with which you can negotiate positively if you know the subject.

Now, understanding economics especially macro part of it, is not that simple. Once you understand this, then you as a previous executive of a prestigious government department, would easily figure out, what action you have to take in order to bridge the said knowledge gap.

The other thing I like your candidacy is that at least, it would upgrade the whole process of the next presidential election. I wish you good luck.   

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Latest comments

  • 17
    6

    Nagananda Kodituwakky seems to me to be the ideal Presidential candidate for 2020. For years now, the average Sri Lankan has been asking for a tough clean man who would rule firmly for long enough to cleanse our society of corruption. That need is urgent now.
    .
    Many wanted a military man; I used to shudder at the prospect. We want a man who will treat all Sri Lankans alike. This is a man who is talking that sort of language. Of course he’s saying these things without the elegance that Grusha Andrews was demanding, but tha’s all right by me. We can wait for that sort of sophistication until after the rogues have been locked up and the most obvious thieving from Public Funds has been ended.
    .
    I’m writing this fast, not weighing every word. However, I have given a great deal of thought to this problem of finding a decent and honest man. He’s also got to be tough. The present robber politicians will not give up all that easily. During the next month we will probably see how the defeated Dictator of the Maldives will try to hold on to power.
    .
    https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/nasheed-requests-sri-lankan-government-to-engage-robustly-in-transition-of-power/
    .
    Will those who don’t think Nagananda the ideal choice, please give us other names – and quickly, please. It takes time for a guy to get known throughout the country.

    • 5
      0

      Sinhala_Man,
      With the advent of the 19th amendment to the constitution, the President is fairly powerless. So, even if we have a clean person as president, he/she with be at the mercy of the Prime Minister who will wield the power.

      With the mighty hurry to change the rules to keep the Rajapakshas away(19A), MS basically got schooled by RW.

      So, unless Nagananda can control the party in power, he wont have much to offer in terms of real reform, just like MS

      • 2
        0

        Hema, thanks, yes, we know that IMF is in the business of destroying economies and societies like Greece, Argentina, Haiti etc, with Trumpland of course..
        There are other policy solutions to the rupee crisis, aside from debt forgiveness which is essential. Sri Lanka needs and independent foreign, trade and economic policy, rather than follow Washingtons economic Hit Men and fake experts.

        1. Iran is Lanka’s most important trade partners because it sells cheap oil and buys Lankan tea, but US has put sanctions on Iran. Oil prices going up is one of the big reasons that rupee crashed also because of US sanctions on Iran. EU and India has decided to ignore US sanctions on Iran and Russia and continue to trade with them. So too, it is in the best interests of Lanka to continue oil imports and tea exports to Iran.
        2. Also, Trump is militarizing Sri Lanka and Indian ocean, but Sri Lanka needs to reduce its defense spending by Half. Defense is the biggest budget expense. Lanka again must and say NO TO TRUMP and his strategy of militarizing Indian Ocean due to its Cold War with China. Lanka must say NO to the IMF-World Bank-ADB-MCC Washington Consensus that has put Lanka in the debt trap with neoliberal” reforms”, financialization and deregulation.
        3. Sri Lanka needs to go for Yuan and Renminibi bonds and reduced its dependence on USD What is needed is a political economic analysis and a foreign policy reorientation to get out of the IMF-WB Debt trap and “Bail Out Business” (that Greece, Argentina and Haiti suffered), and where Lanka is headed .
        In short Lanka need to look east – to Malaysia and China for help to get back funds looted and for sound economic policy advice.

        • 0
          0

          Very productive contribution by Hema tq and valuable observations above by Don too. The current Malaysian Premier Dr M’s management of the IMF during the difficult time/recession late 1990’s is what has saved Malaysia to date. Since we are well into debt crisis/trap as a developing country (I recall the days 1 SL Rupee = 2 Indian Rupee in 70’s) any elected head of state’s dilemma will be all about surviving the “debt collectors” if the good/well meaning leadership ever were to be translated into life changing events for the people. The international debt collectors = Corrupt local officials to certain extent therefore a rudimentary look at this issue is fundamental to a Patriotic/Nationalistic policy making in Management of the Economy on a long term basis. No partisan policy making will do as all political parties should have fundamental economic approach until we get ourself out of this debt trap with ever so changing get political agendas before we exercise more adventures endevors. A successful South Asian Association for Regional Corporation (SAARC) is essential to remove/counter balance military adventures of the Super Powers in the Indian Ocean as the alternative to the now dysfunctional Non Aligned Movement if this is not too late?? The understanding of the ASEAN model is also critical for foreign policy makers of any future administrations. Is it too late for us for a democratically elected leadeship to shape a soverign future for the nation as we now well trapped with China-India powerplay at the expense of our Childrens flesh and blood for the past 40 years?

      • 0
        2

        Dear Rajiv Tennekoon,
        .
        Yours is a very valid observation.
        ,
        It is comments of this nature that carry the discussion forward. A year ago, I was still supportive of My3. My respect for him lasted that long because I didn’t expect either perfection or miracles. Others expressed bitter disappointment – each for quite different reasons. For instance, within a month I was mildly disappointed at reduction in petrol prices, 10K salary increases for all government employees, appointment of his brother to Telecom.
        .
        Some were against a Tamil being appointed Leader of the Opposition. It had been the case with the Amirthalingam appointment in 1977. I was conscious of the 4+ million (almost all Sinhalese) being “tricked” by Yahapalanaya. Nuances, if you get what I mean.
        .
        Now, however, I must express near total disappointment with the man. Let’s see if he succeeds in redeeming something of self-respect in the appointment of the Chief Justice.
        .
        There can be few absolutes in life. It partly depends on how the new Chief Justice conducts him/ her – self. I have elsewhere hope that it his choice would be the Perera who is said to be a “career judge” – i.e. not a politician.
        .
        No, we shouldn’t be sitting on the fence. Let us have the courage to express our honest opinions. So, despite the validity of your caveats, my choice would still be Nagananda for President.

    • 6
      0

      The very fact that you confess that your comment is made without weighing every word,itself is an indication that you are not seriously sure about Mr.Naganand’s chances of becoming President.
      I have no hesitation to concur with that position.
      But I feel he certainly is a person who can deliver considering his sincerity.

      • 5
        0

        Well, yes, Uthungan. Sheer fatigue!
        .
        Right now the chances are that the Rajapaksas may walk in because we dither.
        .
        True, I didn’t weigh every word, but that doesn’t mean that I would assent to every name that is put forward; however, I wouldn’t veto a reasonable candidate without good reason.
        .
        We should not be each intent on promoting somebody whom we have taken a fancy to. In the case of Nagananda, I had expressed reservations when Sugandika and he first burst on the scene; after that Grusha went at him, and I felt that her reasons for rejecting Naga were not cogent enough.
        .
        Rajiv T., we need reform on certain fronts, it is true, but what has been lacking with Yahapalana has been the will to the necessary things because they wouldn’t please all.
        .
        I’m encouraged by the views of the six others who have commented.

        • 0
          0

          Sinhala_man: What were Sugandika reasons.I liked her spunk.

      • 7
        2

        Uthungan

        Nagananda Kodituwakky is good at campaigning and bringing issues to the masses. I am not certain he is a politician who can deliver. Moreover let him be himself do the things he is good at. We should not raise our hopes by expecting others to do what we cannot or couldn’t do. The moment he becomes a politician that would be the end of Nagananda Kodituwakky as we know him.
        Leave him to do what he is best at.

        By the he may have good intentions however the corrupt Sinhala/Buddhist fascistic establishment is so entrenched in every aspect of the state, polity and community it is unreasonable to expect one man to deal with it, in every step of the way he will be undermined, frustrated, …………… the only option left for him is to join the crooks.

        Do you think people need complete change?
        I think they are comfortable with the current deeply corrupt system of governance.

    • 3
      5

      Sinhala_man:

      Possibly Nagananda may a one of your kind of racist. He blamed Jeyampathy that by preparing a draft report for constitutional Steering Committee to present in Parliament, Jayampathy had divided the country.

      But you ahead; Sampanthar, to support this racist, will market in North any cow dong as Ruby. He will tell Tamils this guy is new guardian angel has been sent by Gods to save the Tamils.

      • 4
        0

        It is good that this Forum is discussing Nagananda. He deserves discussion and the attendant publicity.

        • 2
          0

          It is time that opinion was created and mobilised to propel Nagananda forward. This country should be sick of its politicians by now but it isn’t. Largely because a viable alternative free from baggage and other trappings have not been forthcoming. That fresh wind blows in the form of Nagananda. Let CT pioneer this man’s forward march like no other.

      • 0
        0

        In the first instance, where did he publish his promises – manifesto? I would like to read it.
        The manifesto should be out by early Nov 2018 for the 2019-2020 election, in order that people could decide, in the same manner, that Hema Senanayake had analysed.

        I have doubts about both Naganda and even Pallewatte. They like RW and GR talks about Foreign investment. That is no solution. The solution has to be found within. We have to feel that we have to save ourselves- outsiders cannot save us.
        A magic solution like what Pallewatte offers is not credible.
        Sri Lanka had a framework on which a future president can work on. An improved version of 1970-1977 economic policies but made more modern and more practical.

        One cannot expect others to bail us out we have to bail ourselves.

        The first solution is to go in for alternative fuels. Import of fuel is the biggest import bill.Peradeniya University laid the groundwork with their work on Butyl alcohol. If it was not disrupted, that had the solution for our electricity problem too. We should direct our technologists to work on it.

        I say stop selling our assets, get the people to use them. Let us forget the nonsense about capital from external sources. We can build the capital within.

        What ever it is, I have decided not to vote with the establishment, both parties form the establishment. They have jointly and singly failed us..

        I would also like to see a leader who does not pay homage to priests. In that sense I like Mangala.

    • 2
      0

      NK has no doubt shown his ability to clearly define problems Sri Lanka has. He seems to push a line that all its ills lie with the rotten legal system – his bottom line is that, nothing else.. He seems to not see huge external forces that are at play in the local politics. The Chinese, Indians, Americans. Then on economic fundamentals he is very weak. He is too idealistic – how it is that he does not have a single follower. We need him. I like to see him succeed in things he tries to do. He is honest. But he is the wrong horse to back in a presidential election.

      • 1
        0

        JANAKA from Matara.

        Could you please tell mr if the incumbent president got any expertise in anything? If so could you spell it out please?

        And what is the need for NK to be very strong on economic fundamentals? A man based in London these last many years fails to recognize the huge external forces that can come into play when in governance?

        Then You say he is honest but is the wrong horse to back. May we know the type of horse you recommend for backing?

        In my view Honesty and fixing the legal system are more than sufficient. He will attract other honest people for the other tasks.

        • 0
          0

          Justice and Fairplay.
          mister ( ..just returning your complement, hoping you are not mrs or miss); I just expressed an opinion. You obviously dont agree. You seem to be saying that since the incumbant knows nothing ( on which I agree), it is ok for the next guy to be or know something & that something NK is/has, is honesty and the battle plans to cleanse the legal system. And you think that is “more than sufficient”. Sorry we have to disagree. But I definitely like to help him fight the fight.

    • 0
      0

      In the first instance, where did he publish his promises – manifesto? I would like to read it.
      The manifesto should be out by early Nov 2018 for the 2019-2020 election, in order that people could decide, in the same manner, that Hema Senanayake had analysed.

      I have doubts about both Naganda and even Pallewatte. They like RW and GR talks about Foreign investment. That is no solution. The solution has to be found within. We have to feel that we have to save ourselves- outsiders cannot save us.
      A magic solution like what Pallewatte offers is not credible.
      Sri Lanka had a framework on which a future president can work on. An improved version of 1970-1977 economic policies but made more modern and more practical.

      One cannot expect others to bail us out we have to bail ourselves.

      The first solution is to go in for alternative fuels. Import of fuel is the biggest import bill.Peradeniya University laid the groundwork with their work on Butyl alcohol. If it was not disrupted, that had the solution for our electricity problem too. We should direct our technologists to work on it.

      I say stop selling our assets, get the people to use them. Let us forget the nonsense about capital from external sources. We can build the capital within.

      What ever it is, I have decided not to vote with the establishment, both parties form the establishment. They have jointly and singly failed us..

      I would also like to see a leader who does not pay homage to priests. In that sense I like Mangala.

    • 0
      0

      other names –
      Mine Medalankara de Choppe. I belong to the same family of local politicians.All choppes.- my relations.

  • 4
    0

    Even though I am not an economist, I’m happy with Hema Senanayake’s thoughts on restoring our economy.
    .
    If the strength of our parliamentarians could be limited to 125, it would be a start. The Cabinet a maximum of 10% of our MPs, a fair share of them being women. Better, if they are evenly distributed over the 9 provinces.

  • 5
    0

    Yes its true mr n kodituwaku is genuine person let’s all get together bring him forward good luck

    • 2
      1

      Mohamed Rafeek
      He may be genuine but the important question is, but will the masses of this country vote for him to win?
      People as far as I am aware have only seen or heard of him via social media.
      I have heard denizens in Hulftsdorph say that he is just a maverick.
      Do you know if he has addressed any public meetings throughout the length and breadth of the island?
      Is he the type of man who will offer supplications to that extra constitutional body the Maha Sangha to seek approval?
      What do you say?

  • 7
    0

    A President cannot be an expert on all fronts. As long as he has qualities of a Statesman, Vision, Integrity, fairness, and the ability to lead he will do well. He needs a competent Cabinet and should not expect yes men/women. Corruption is a cancer that has grown into the system and that would be the biggest challenge.

  • 4
    0

    good on nagananda for throwing his hat in the ring.I would vote for him because he says he will bring the number of parliamentarians down from 225 to a25.I would have preferred him to say to 100 only.

  • 6
    0

    When one examines the real causes for the perilous situation our country has been drawn into any person with a modicum of understanding will realise that same has been and is due to nothing else but due to dishonesty and corruption of politicians and the resultant break down of law and order degenerating to the extent of even manipulating the justice system. With the introduction of the new constitution in 1978 one could list the colossal amount of Govt. wealth and assets that have been pillaged and plundered by the politicians with their cohorts. Since then every successive Govt. has been cheating and hoodwinking the people and to this day it is being continued unabated. Thanks to Nagananda for the many a revelation he has made and any right thinking citizen will agree with the proposals he has made. I concur with the views of Hema Senanayake and his references on economic management which I am sure could be dealt within a solid frame work so far Nagananda has proposed. Until and unless we firmly establish the rule of law and bring all perpetrators to book no economic plan will produce benefits to the people . My candid opinion is that if we are sincere about the future of our nation we must support and encourage Nagananda with
    every possible support that is within our means.

    • 5
      4

      Thank you, Henry.
      .
      I feel that you have addressed the genuine issue raised by Uthungan, above. The collective whom he refers to as the “denizens in Hulftsdorph” are precisely some of those who are seen by people like us as so much slowing down investigations that they just don’t take place at all.
      .
      We don’t wish to see revolutions, but all wrongdoers must surely be punished.

  • 1
    1

    Hema Senanayake,

    You are putting the cart before the horse. Please let us fully enjoys the Heroes Saving Heroes whom we selected with all kind of marketing materials. “No Leader, No Commander, No Soldier Will be prosecuted”. That was only election promise enabled him to win the election and he was honest to that promise. He gave that promise because all kind of the Sinhala Intellectual groups wanted to fool & get them out of the land the International Governments, who wanted save Lankawe out of the hand of “Hitler, Mussolini, Stalin, Mugabe” team ruling government. But they all failed in protecting country not just from them (they are well and alive and with more resolve, possibly, will come), they have turned ordinary unscrupulous politicians like Mangala ….. Harsha into master thieves – the replacements for Thero De Silva, Sajin, Shenuka……….. After UNHRC presentations, Mangala turned out to be the title holder of “World’s Greatest Liar”. The somersault Harsha did in UNHRC after getting proper training from this con artist and Ranil, will be renaming in the history as a master piece. UNHRC review panel wanted Lankawe some 170 + matters attended. To fool the entire panel, he added another 50 and gave it them to delay their concerns and action of UNHRC. Then Tilak went there and threatened to pull off from UNHRC. What a game!

    Nagananada is man who defended in CT his appearance in court for a foreign exchange fraud criminal. The criminal was bringing in cash. Would you associate your name with thank of criminals? Nagananada is cat doesn’t drink milk at home but sit under the Palm and drink milk. How many lawyers have become famous politicians by appearing to money laundered? He fooled Ranjan and another talkative woman to market him.

    • 5
      1

      Dear Mallaiyuran,
      .
      Can you name even one Sinhalese whom you will not consider a racist?

      • 1
        1

        Sinhala_man,
        That doesn’t clear your racism.
        There are many issues need to be look at detail in that essay. I just wanted to point out the major part Hema Senanayake was missing -Political solution. Though he was talking on Law and Order, and economy – an unknown subject for him-, he, the racist, apparently has not commented on Political Solution after he accused Jayampathy a traitor because he divided the country. (It was not even a draft, but only STC report to discuss in parliament; It is for that Nagananda spewed that much venom.)

        Country is going down the hill from 1948 because of racist like you, Champawathi, Wimal, New-Old Royal, Champika, Gunadasa, Ranil, Don Stephen, Richard,P, SWRD, Cyril, KMPR, JR, Sirimavo……..! There is no monetary, fiscal, administrative policy solution available, not just with IMF, but nowhere in the universe, for racists destruction. Stopping corruption will never restore the country’s property Sinhala Buddhist burn in their annual pogrom celebrations. Nagananda is disillusioning. You and he better stop your racism and get it right now, at least.
        Inflation has to be mainly controlled by budgetary measures, in situation like Lankawe. It would not respond Monetary, Fiscal policy changes when the country’s productivity is at 30%. If food, cloth, housing are produced internally and it is in excess for internal consumption prices will drop immediately. Eventually, it can be exported too. IMF only told to control inflation. It never says don’t mind about the internal production, but just free the import and manage it Monetary policies. You don’t blame IMF for asking to keep inflation under control. Other than Greece and other few, inflation did not damage the country’s economy. That is a wrong interpretation of what IMF says.
        After losing from 1948, it is real idiocy to tell IMF economists also can wrong. Unwanted PhD tuition!

        • 2
          1

          Dear Mallaiyuran,
          .
          The different communities in any society often have somewhat different perceptions of the problems facing them.
          .

          However, if you study what I say on a range of issues I don’t think that the words “your racism” is justified. How can we solve problems without being willing to accept people on the “other side”.
          .
          As for Nagananda Kodituwakku, although I don’t spend all my time studying a man whom I have never met, I don’t think that I have found him appealing to racist instincts. Your being specific helps: you have said that he had rejected Jayampathy Wickremaratne’s proposed new constitution because it would divide the country.
          .
          I wonder if other Northern Tamils would comment on this: I just don’t know what Nagananda said on this score. Could you please provide a link? I myself would not like division, but I think that there is unnecessary interference with the lives you desire to lead.
          .
          In discussing let’s try to be factual rather than emotional.
          .
          If Nagananda has a weakness it may be his being a single issue candidate – focussing on corruption. He’s been quite specific about what he intends doing in that respect.
          .
          Let us look for solutions to problems – what are your realistically suggestions? For the Economy you seem to suggest greater local production. I agree; encourage simpler life styles.

          • 1
            1

            Sinhla_man,

            You are a racist because you support unfair stands of Racist Appe Aanduwa. Government has banned “Killing Filed of Sri Lanka”. But you wrote “ I have not seen this famous or infamous film, “Demons in Paradise”. When I read about it in the morning it struck me that this is a film that should have been shown to the audience in Jaffna Why didn’t’ you add below that the “Killing Field of Sri Lanka “ also should be shown in South and Hambantota? Because you are racist you skipped that. I am not a racist, so in my very first comment on that topics, I said, it is ok to show this movie, (which everybody in Lankawe knows produced, right after end of the Genocide War, to justify the genocide, with the blessing of Appe Aanduwa by an acolytes of Old King,) only if Yahapalanaya is ready to allow the international documentary produced by an Independent News Network. If you really were an English teacher, you must be able to understand the background difference between those two production circumstances. Your quality in talk only makes many Sinhalese to suspect if you are a teacher and some deny that you can’t be a Sinhalese. But ask somebody if they don’t believe that I am Tamil. Don’t blame me for that.
            Do you know who this guy Jude Ratnam, who is claiming he produced a movie to reform Northern Tamils, is?
            I am not interested in proving what Nagananda said in CT. If you didn’t read it, you don’t know who Nagananda is. But who he is so obvious from he avoided proposing a solution for the country’s main problem. Your recommendation again is about something you don’t know! You are asking me that what is the solution for the Country’s main problem, but skip from asking that question from the Author or the person he is recommending for the country’ highest for post. It is that Chaff the game going on is!

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              mallaiyurin

              please don’t call sinhala_man a racist.You are the racist.From morning to evening you spew out racist garbage.can you at least reduce the volume cos nobody id reading it.The more you write the less the people who read.

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                You missed your opportunity to ask Old Royals to reduce the Cluster, Chemical and Thermobaric bombs burned 150,000 alive. You thought calling Tamils as the racist is going to win the game on your side. You borrowed from 32 nations to win the war and went ahead and cheated them too.

                UN has now accepted that it was looking at the other side while Mullaithivu was burning, on its own investigation.

                The cowards who bet on Prof. Raghu Ram’s life to show “Demons in the Paradise” in Jaffna don’t have the life or courage to watch “Killing Fields of Lankawe?”

                Get out and face the UNHRC’s investigation. We are not asking anything illegal! Wind down the Sinhala Jury and convict the Raviraj murders in the court of law. Conduct a DNA test in Vydya’s case and hang the Navy men raped her. Investigate the more than 2000 paramilitary Aava members, not Vijekala.
                How can a man who says that he is appearing for a money launderer can sue a MiG dealers or Central Bank looters? What is this Jimart? Isn’t it because he is covering up the ethnic problem and trying to exaggerate dollar value you want him?
                Bring back the country’s economy;
                Bring back country’s sport_ship;
                Bring back country’s discipline and culture;
                Bring back the country’s prestige it had when British and Tamils were ruling it.
                How my racism is is affecting you to fixing your country
                Don’t sit and insist on bringing back a racist worse than Old King. Honestly find a guy who would be ready to put the solution for the ethnic problems first. Give him your real support. Bring him to power; solve the country’s problem; then minorities’ shops won’t burn. You can live peacefully & they can live in peace. Start to move your heavy back instead of fruitless blaming of me.

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              Yes,

              “Killing Field of Sri Lanka” is also something that we must see – if we can bear it!
              .
              Please I try to help – I must also live my life.

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              Sinhala_Man, you see? Differentiate between the ordinary Ceylon Tamil who works hard for a living and the racist Tamil bigots in the diaspora. They are still smarting after the war. Losing after all that money they put in is a serious matter to them. Posting their hatred in Sri Lankan forums like these are their idea of vengeance. Pathetic cases unable to extricate their heads out of their behinds, still trying to square the circle with sophistry.

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            1. Nagananda said in CT that he was appearing for a Money Launderer caught by customs official while he was hiding currency notes, not declaring. He said as per his logic it was right deed, not telling Appe Aanduwa, to bringing in that money, which was above $100,000. I asked Nagananda if he had informed the country, from where his client left, that his client would have been in compromised departure. Nagananda didn’t reply to my question, but somebody argued in US above $10,000 can be taken out of the country after proper declaration. But there was no talk about if Nagananda’s client promptly declared his departure country the amount of the money he was bring to Lankawe and if so what kind of the problem made him to fail to declare at the customs of Lankawe. Nobody was explaining why the client took the trouble and gave the trouble to customs official counting so many dollars by licking the thumb so many times but could have done a easy bank transferred it? But, whatever the Jilmart Nagananda is showing in that, little latter, the country was added to 19 countries which are safe heaven to International Money Laundering. You don’t owe me any honest explanation on that but if that not done to the proper international bodies, country’s dollar rate going slip and country is going to continue in the black list. If Nagananda wants to become EP you tell him to prepare that answer too.
            2. Nagananda said in CT that Jayampathy is traitor because the report prepared to discuss in the Parliament to draw a draft constitution, was dividing the country. But it proposed a federal Solution as per Sumanthiran, but report itself denied it if will go up to a Federal solution. Yet the Supreme Court has said Federal Solution is not Separation.

            In those circumstances can you confirm me if Nagananda is a real Lawyer or has a local press printed certificate?

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    Thanks for the article Hema Senanayake. Yes, we need a change in our mindsets.
    Nagananda Kodituwakku’s entry into the Presidential race is symbolic.
    He explicitly states that the two teams in the beach volleyball tournaments are soaking wet in the culture of corruption/nepotism/impunity. The beach volley ball (the people) are left with a Hobson’s choice.
    Nagananda knows that modern governance is complicated for a single person to handle. To the best of my knowledge Nagananda has not fronted up with like minded spokesperson in for example Law and Order.
    .
    Nagananda’ remedy to save by reducing 225 MPs to 125 will help but will it make much difference if the 125 are from the same pool as the 225?
    Educated MPs? One associates education with degrees. The chairman of SLPP, G L Pieris has two doctorates, was VC of Colombo University but he flies the language/religion-divide flag!.
    .
    To cut a long story short: A vote for Nagananda is a protest vote.
    This article will draw very few comments but mention the word UNHRC will bring in hundreds. Here is our problem.

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    Muralitharan the chucker has brought immense disglory to to this paradise land. Let’s deport him with Mano Ganeshan to where they came from – Tamilnadu

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      siribiris

      We should deport all the descendants Kallathonies back to south India.
      When are you leaving?

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    No doubt Mr. Nagananda has a “Vision” and a “Mission”. Yet, will that be sufficient enough to assume any power to implement that “Vision”? He himself talk very much of “Janatha Adipaththiya” (Peoples Power); but so far has failed to set up a “MECHANISM” to assemble that “Power Generation”. Once, at a public address, he said: “I will announce shortly a “TEAM” of twelve eminent persons who would take charge of that “Mechanism”. I have yet to hear of that “Announcement”. In short, without any kind of “Political” set up he cannot carry himself “ALONE” to that “Power Seat”. As of now, there are many such “Civil/Social” organizations that have come up all naming themselves as “Intellectuals” but backing some of the political outfits presently in operation. Is Mr. Nagananda conscious and aware of those newly formed organizations that have already commenced spreading their roots into the “voter base”? Where does Mr. Nagananda think of assembling with or formulating another “Brand Name” outfit to “Match” or go in a “Different” path? Without any of these “STRUCTURAL” mechanisms, Mr. Nagananda will only be a “LONELY WOLF:” howling in the jungle of chaos and darkness. By the way, is Mr. Nagananda a “CITIZEN” of Sri Lanka or a “DUAL CITIZEN” of UK & SRI LANKA? This matters in a future election bid.

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      Douglas

      Why would any self respecting sane minded Sri Lankan vote for Nagananda if they thought he is incorruptible?

      Will he be able to fill a large war chest large enough to fight SLFP, SLPP, UNP …. all at the same time. Those who fund the elections now will expect large benefit kind in return later.

      Watch the media (barons, editors, columnists, ….. ) for they will politically assassinate him even before nominations are being received.

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    Sri Lanka needs a political novice with integrity, like Macron of France. Unlike Macron, NK may not be an economist but I am sure he is a man of integrity & with a legal background, eliminating corruption & waste due to ineffective management by those yobs in Parliament is a good starting point. A slimmed down Parliament with, perhaps, non political professionals, would do a better job of running the country than the current set of yobs & save tax payers’ money wasted on outrageous perks of politicians & the importation of useless junk.

    NK (or someone similar) would be a breath of fresh air, if not, we have no choice but accept stench of the current uneducated thugs & educated crooks. The choice being either the stench from the cess pit or the sewer. However, I don’t think NK would be successful because the average voter is not likely to notice the fresh air. Being used to the stench all these years, fresh air is alien. Even so, NK has my vote & hopefully, his entry should at least shake up the corrupt system

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      We’ve got to start somewhere, sometime.
      .
      There seems to be consensus among those who have commented.
      .
      I have never met him; probably never will meet him. However, if we feel that Nagananda K. is the man to save us, I think that we should start right now the campaign to get him elected.

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    Let Any THUWAKKU Come, We are really ready with MaRaya JARAAWAPASSA Clan. We are going on a SWEEPING Sprees of SL Central Bank. And Catch US IF You CAN.!!!!!!

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      You remember MaRaja gave an advice to his subjects in last 2015 election?

      “Known devil is better than unknown angel.” His subjects didn’t heed to his prophetic wisdom word. Now Singala_Man like Comedies crying Koooyoooo Maaayuuuuuu. For what?

      New King appeared in the election campaigns as an innocent poor. Many rural folks voted for that image. But he turned out to be such a dangerous Mussolini for Sinhalese. This Nagananda is already dangerously violent & extremely manipulative in his talks. He wants cunningly focus on where the absolute Modayaism abodes. I would think MaRaja would come out with proper Sinhala saying for this man too, but will the Modaya Subjects going to heed this is time too is not known.
      Sinhala_man is seeing easy to get along with a cunning, manipulative guy like Nagananada.

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    Robbers have to be chased out. But this system make good people also to rob. NK is for change of the system which will deter robbing. So let’s do it together brothers. Those who initiated French Revolution against rulers because people had hardships, all died in the process. But the corrupt system changed and new beginning dawned with honest grabbing power. Somebody has to stand tall at this moment.

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