19 March, 2024

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Interim Government For Reform Not Consolidation

By Jehan Perera

Jehan Perera

The government’s intention to appoint a full complement of ministers and state ministers, and the jostling for positions amongst them, seems to suggest an attitude of business as usual. This is quite astonishing as it was just two weeks ago that no government member felt safe from the wrath of mobs that formed themselves very swiftly and apparently spontaneously to attack their homes and properties.  Last week they overrode the opposition’s demand for time to debate the motion of censure against President Gotabaya Rajapaksa for having led the country to disaster. They also scuttled efforts to nominate a female legislator to the post of Deputy Speaker, disregarding the request of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, which could have sown the seeds for consensual governance. They gave priority to their own personal concerns of getting compensation from the state for their losses.

It is unsurprising in this context that anger against the government continues to boil within the country.  There are roadblocks and demonstrations by the members of the public in places where petrol is either not being provided or has been pumped to private vehicles by officials and politicians. The lines for petrol and diesel and for cooking gas are longer than ever before despite announcements that ships have begun unloading these fuels. The lines stretch for over a kilometer in the case of petrol and diesel meant for vehicles. Videos circulate on social media providing vivid images of the frustration of those who have waited in line for hours and hours only to find out that stocks have run out before they could get access to the fuel.

The three-wheel taxi that took me to the Aragalaya protest site opposite the presidential secretariat charged me nearly three times the regular fare that prevailed before the economy collapsed.  He justified his high rate on the basis that he had spent the whole of the previous day trying to fill his vehicle tank with petrol.  The Aragalaya site on Saturday evening was not as busy as it had been the previous week and nowhere near as crowded as it was two weeks ago.  But the spirit of the Aragalaya lives in the hearts and minds of people everywhere. The physical presence of protestors may be only a fraction of the turnouts that made the government want to put an end to it through thuggery a fortnight ago. Even those who are protestors have to live their daily lives and earn their daily bread.  But special occasions will bring them back in large numbers.

Abolish Kingship

Galle Face is the site of the passion and commitment of a younger generation of Sri Lankans to the eradication of corruption and mis-governance foisted on them by the old. The young people know they are being monitored by state CCTV systems and are vulnerable to being picked up on a later date to be done away with as happened in the past. Hundreds are currently being arrested for the attacks that took place against the homes and properties of government members on May 9. But only a few of those government members who streamed out of the prime minister’s residence with iron rods and other improvised weapons after being instigated by the prime minister’s men are being arrested.

Those who are powerful because they are in the government are glibly denying what is plain to be seen on the social media. This is a continuation of past practices which gives impunity to the powerful whatever they do, which needs to end.  At the Aragalaya site on Saturday l listened to speakers who described the hardships of the economic crisis, of the mother whose gas cylinder exploded due to inappropriate mixing of gases by the government, and of the parents who saw their infant die because they could not get petrol for their vehicle to take their child to the hospital in time. These were educated young people who spoke and there were many who listened to them to become message-bearers to the larger population that was not present at the site.  They were all brave or had lost their sense of fear. I was also given a private lecture by a regular visitor to the Aragalaya site.  He explained to me why the diminished numbers that day did not mean that support for the cause was diminishing. He had a vision for what the Aragalaya should achieve which he summarized in four short points.

First, he said, an all-party interim government needed to be appointed for a temporary period to provide the cohesion needed for political stability that would give the government the credibility to raise the necessary economic resources from abroad. Second was the need to repeal the 20th Amendment and to replace it with the 21st Amendment that would reduce the power of the presidency. Third was to conduct general elections in a new system that would depart from the present 100 percent proportional representation to one in which first-past-the-post constituency system would account for at least 70 percent of the seats to make the parliamentarians accountable to their electorates. Fourth was to abolish the presidency that catered to the traditional ethos of relying on the saviour king rather than on the empowerment of people exemplified by the Aragalaya youth.

Aragalaya Promise

Prior to the appointment of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, when the power of the Aragalaya protest caused the entire cabinet to step down, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa pledged to set up an all-party interim government for a temporary period. This has now taken on a distorted form in the wooing and horse trading of members of other political parties without the consent of their party leaderships. Both the SJP, which is the largest opposition party, and the SLFP, which is the government’s largest coalition partner, have suffered defections to the new government. This display of power play is not a positive sign of stability which is necessary if the government is to deal with the difficult economic issues the country confronts. It is not possible to justify how those who resigned from office due to a failure of government can be part of a new cabinet as if the failure had nothing to do with them.

Prime Minister Wickremesinghe has made a comparison of the predicament he is currently facing in the government by comparing his situation to the famous play by Bertolt Brecht, the Caucasian Chalk Circle. The prime minister has brought credibility to the government through his ability to deal with the international community and his understanding of the macro economic situation of the country in relation to the world. The 21st Amendment to the constitution that will be brought to parliament this week, if passed, will strengthen the prime minister’s powers still more. Unless circumstances, and the balance of political forces within parliament, permit him to chart a new course of governance that is consensual and transparent, the present government will also fail.

Much is at stake. Unless the economy improves fast the possibility of violence that can suddenly erupt, as it did on May 9, cannot be ruled out.  As Sri Lanka’s closest neighbor, India has been extremely generous now with its latest gift of Rs 2 billion worth of essential commodities gifted by Tamil Nadu state. The challenge will be to persuade the more distant but wealthier Western countries, Japan and China to be equally generous. The stability of the government that is brought about by the willing participation of the opposition political parties will be extremely important in demonstrating to the world, and to the Sri Lankan people, that the government led by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe really intend to chart a new path. The holding of elections within six months and a new leadership can be an example to other countries with similar broken down systems and government leaders who step aside as statesmen for the new generations to take over.

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Latest comments

  • 19
    0

    Jehan , I had already raised my concern on this elsewhere. 1′) Instead of grop of experts who can help in recovery, what is the need for ministers and state ministers, in an interim / temporary government 2) promised count of ministers keeps gradually increasing from.10 to 20 and soon it will be full house. 3 ) state ministers will be upto 30 4) when money has to be printed to pay salaries and non essential govt workers are told stay home and not report to work, why do we need tens of ministries 5) IMF usually doesn’t agree with such BS. People who accuse IMF should know what their own politicians are upto .

    • 10
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      Because of unreliable stats and facts, today Inflation is announced as 35%, yet experts believe it’s much more than what is reported. Knowing and experiencing firsthand, some of the worst recession, financial meltdown elsewhere in Americas, Europe and Asian countries, it’s seems highly impossible for our Sorry Lanka to recover. I say this with caution, looking at the tragicomedy taking place right now, amidst severe crisis. In medical analogy any ACUTE crisis ( like complicated Covid, heart attack, stroke or any organ failure) with appropriate management ,there is always a fair chance of recovery. Doctors aggressively manage patient with the purpose of buying time , so that the organ can recover. But in cases of chronic medical issues with multi system involvement exacerbated by patient’s own ignorance, denial and poor compliance, the end is inevitable. No modern medical technology including organ transplant cannot save such patient. All the donation, relief and IMF relief is to help buying time, hoping the country will take necessary measures towards recovery. Forming ministry, and FOUR spokes person ???? is definitely not one of them.

      • 3
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        Yesterday new CB chairman admitted, information provided by Basil , Cabraaal and other Rajapaksa frauds, related to current financial crisis are madeup and the actual problem is much much larger than what was told. He also warned politicians to stop their BS for the sake of recovery.

    • 4
      9

      “1′) Instead of grop of experts who can help in recovery”
      Can you kindly identify such a group?
      *
      “IMF usually doesn’t agree with such BS.”
      IMF has its own BS which it has fed to several countries to their economic ruin.
      Browse through:
      “Confessions of an Economic Hit Man” a semi-autobiographical book by John Perkins, first published in 2004 expanded as “The New Confessions of an Economic Hit Man” in 2016.
      Some reviews:
      “Perkins has, once again, made a substantial contribution to a world that needs whistle-blowers to open its eyes to the true sources of political, social, and economic power” – Yanis Varoufakis
      “It comes from the heart. I highly recommend it.” – Michael Brownstein
      “it’s all here in toe-curling detail’ – Guardian
      *
      No IMF loan is a blessing in disguise.

      • 3
        0

        You already said this. In medical analogy a patient should be committed and motivated to treatment ( for own benefit) before complaining about services receiving

        • 3
          5

          Several doctors these days impose unwanted treatment on patients in private hospitals. (That is besides life-support racketeering.)
          Greedy financial institutions and greedy doctors belong together.

          • 5
            0

            You mean there are Silly Lankans greedier than Rajapaksas. Poor you.

          • 4
            0

            “Several doctors these days impose unwanted treatment on patients in private hospitals. “
            Can you identify who are these doctors and which are these private hospitals?

      • 4
        0

        Answer is simple 1) IMF is not pressuring any country to take loan 2) go ahead , if there are other options / lenders eagerly waiting to help Lanka. 3) anyone in the right mind will not lend a penny to Sorry Lanka. 4) there is nothing can be worse than what Lanka created for itself 5) why is China as one of IMF contributor requesting them to help Lanka?? 6) for every single random conspiracy theory there are countries which thank IMF for helping out of their crisis. 7) last but not least, beggars can’t be choosers. 8 ) ” no IMF loan is a blessing in disguise ” you just talk for your own sake without generalizing or stereotyping. 9) sensible people do their homework before getting loans and because Lankans failed doing so is NOW leading to IMF.

        • 5
          0

          Not even a day passed since I wrote my comment, today world bank said, it’s NOT planning to provide any new financing until an adequate / appropriate macro economic frame work is put in place. ( instead of BS). It said that recent media reports had inaccurately stated that they plan to support Lanka with a new bridge loan or other loan commitments. WB assured to continue working in coordination with IMF and other partners in re-purposing resources from previously approved projects to help the poor with essential medicines, cash transfer to vulnerable families, school meals for children and help farmers and small businesses.

          • 4
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            Not sure what our Lankan media is reporting, but the recent IMF report says recent talks with Lanka are just the beginning and nothing will be finalized until an appropriate /adequate economic policy is in place. Do anyone really think the recent appointment of recycled cabinet, sub cabinet, sub sub cabinet , and four spokes person , will help in IMF decision making ??? According to Mass media minister (funny indeed) Bandula . G , cabinet has already approved retaining the international financial advisory and legal services from two consultant firms M/s Lazard institute for financial advise and Clifford Chance LLP for legal , at a cost of $ 5.6 MILLION. ( didn’t someone here ask for the names of experts). It also says , the govt received 28 proposals for international financial advisory services and 23 for legal services following tender called by cabinet. I wonder, the same process was followed, when receiving Chinese mega loans??

            • 4
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              I guess M/s Basil and Cabraaaal consultant firm, offered their services for those Chinese mega loans and took the $ 5.6 million ( or is it 56 ) as retainer fee. SJ, may know the details.

              • 0
                4

                Go on shooting in the dark.
                It is easier than searching for information.
                *
                Basil is the darling of the US by the look of things since mid 2021; any thoughts?

                • 2
                  0

                  Basil is the darling of the US by the look of things since mid 2021; any thoughts?
                  So Basil is darling of US, What about Gota & Mahinda? Darlings of China?
                  What information search?

        • 1
          4

          Have you even looked at a synopsis of John Perkins’ work?
          That will tell you how the system operates.
          Oops! Sorry, that requires an open mind.

          • 0
            0

            I already have a good understanding of your work here in CT “synopsis of retired professor” . It will be better, to understand how Lankan financial /banking system operates so that there is no unwanted surprises in your retirement.

            • 0
              0

              Today news, according to Chairman Sujeewa Rajapakse , People Bank’s non performing loans are now up to Rs 54 BILLION, apparently lent to private sector. Question is how much was lent to Mafia families govt. Reportedly Bank of Ceylon is in much worse state, where most loans were lent to Govt. (non performing loans to non performing govt). Wonder John Perkins explained this in his synopsis.

          • 0
            3

            Bad it seems even to suggest serious reading. It seems to hurt people specializing in superficial comments.

  • 12
    0

    Abolish Kingship

    The question arise if the President and Prime Minister leave who will run the country.

    Look at the world all rulers have died and the country is are better in technology and competing to super power. What happens if President and PM dies they should train new comers? The crew who went to the moon first Apollo 11 did not have a previous experience, with experience the second time they went the it crashed Apollo 12. Leadership is about vision and responsibility, not being in continues power.

  • 12
    0

    People wants changes for their survival but politicians wants no change to their survial. Ultimately, day by day the loans are increasing while the prices of goods are also increasing in line with loans but the Gross Domestic Product and Gross National Product decreasing but the amount of debt every citizen to pay doubling day by day. Is it called recovery?

    • 5
      4

      “…amount of debt every citizen to pay doubling day by day”
      A, thanks for that news.
      BTW, how much will a $1000 loan per head become in one year’s time?
      Approximately $1467 with 107 zeros I figure.
      Zillions will be an understatement I fear.
      Ajithillions?

      • 5
        1

        Well done!
        You may get the appointment letter from China to become Finance Minister.

        • 4
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          Ajith, sorry to disappoint, Wank Wanks are smarter than Silly Lankans. That is why they laid the trap and we became their prey.

          • 1
            6

            You bear balls besides those of NV.
            He may be cross.

            • 2
              4

              I was only being helpful.

            • 4
              1

              You mean, you never had your own, hence jealous.

              • 0
                0

                Of course I am NVious and the owner of the ball you bear knows it.
                But then, who can I blame when I do not encourage stupid hangers-on or yes-men?
                *
                I doubt if NV likes to share his most-favored-ball-bearer (mfbb for short in future) with another.
                Think about it.

          • 4
            0

            I know Chinese mama went to convince Lord Muruga in Nallur Temple says a lot about Wank Wanks.

            • 0
              3

              So, you go after ‘mamas’, do you? For how long has this been going on?

        • 1
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          A
          Thanks an Ajithillion!

          • 0
            5

            A red thumb is no way to say “It is my pleasure” as civilized folk do.

  • 16
    0

    The Rajapaksas are in no mood to let go of the reigns.
    Ranil Wickremasinghe is their Night Watchman cum Wicket-Keeper.
    Very soon they intend to continue ,Business as usual.
    They reckon that the Aragalaya will run out of Steam…………………..
    But this may be the calm before the storm just weeks away………………..

  • 8
    1

    “As Sri Lanka’s closest neighbor, India has been extremely generous now with its latest gift of Rs 2 billion worth of essential commodities gifted by Tamil Nadu state”. But the Maldives Magazine reports that Sonu Shivdasani (Maldivian) has agreed to sell an island to the Rajapaksa family for US $ 12 million. – Sri Lanka is indebted to many countries. Mahinda Rajapaksa, who looted, is trying to buy an island. Probably it is with the looted money. Can any one clarify this news. If this news is true, the stabilization of the government becomes a question mark.

    • 4
      5

      AR
      It is good gossip.
      But is it realible news?

      • 1
        0

        SJ
        It may be a gossip. But there cannot be smoke without fire. Now there is another news item. Fifty billion crore tax evaders are Sri Lanka’s top rich. According to the Auditor General’s report, between 2015 and 2020, billionaire traders evaded about Rs. 50,000 crore in taxes. Allegation against Sri Lanka’s richest man Dhammika Perera. The Auditor General’s report clearly states that Sri Lanka’s richest man Dammika Perera has embezzled 575 million rupees and another millionaire Ravi Wijeratne 760 million rupees. Thus, many of Sri Lanka’s leading millionaires are in arrears of tax evasion alone, amounting to Rs. 50,000 crore. Therefore, in this situation where the country is facing a major economic crisis, the government should take action to collect the tax arrears from them, said Puputhu Jayagoda. How will Ranil’s government collect this money? Will Dhammika Perera also be protected?

    • 3
      0

      AYATHURAY RAJASINGAM

      “India has been extremely generous now with its latest gift of Rs 2 billion worth of essential commodities gifted by Tamil Nadu state”

      Please note Mao’s b***s carriers would like you to mention China too provided matching assistance.
      Do you know what that was?

      • 1
        5

        Hasn’t the glass ball seen the shrink?

        • 0
          0

          Seems not–
          Sad!

      • 1
        0

        Native Vedda,
        The way India is lending a helping hand to Sri Lanka, it appears that the Indian Rupee will swallow the Sri Lankan rupee. It cannot also be ruled out that the Indian Rupee will be used from now on instead of the Sri Lankan Rupee. This is also signals that Sri Lanka may become a part of India, which should come as no surprise with the passage of time. It may be a wonder that a section of Sri Lanka may be another State of India while the other section be an Independent Territory within the Indian Union. The diplomacy of Nirmala Sitharaman and Jaishankar is on the right track and Sri Lanka’s Ministers are no where near to them. It is a total surrender of Sri Lanka without dropping any blood. China will be kicked out. This is the legacy Rajapaksas have left.

  • 9
    6

    “India has been extremely generous now with its latest gift of Rs 2 billion (US$ 26 million) worth of essential commodities gifted by Tamil Nadu state. That is generous.”
    What price did India extract for earlier loans and currency swaps?
    *
    “The challenge will be to persuade the more distant but wealthier Western countries, Japan and China to be equally generous.”
    (The author seems unaware of matching assistance from others.)
    Still, there is nothing called a free lunch.
    Beggars should be choosers at times: No assistance shall be conditional.

    • 3
      3

      Keeping in mind that “there is noting called a free lunch”, could you tell us what price did India and China extract for earlier loans and currency swaps ?? Beggars should be choosers at times, but losers ???

      • 3
        3

        India, you should know better than I do what it extracted in recent months.
        China, again you are the expert on Chinese loan traps and other fairy tales.

        • 0
          0

          After M/s Basil and Cabraaaal, you seems to be the expert on “synopsis of John Perkin’s work”. The new CB Chairman who is familiar, now seems flabbergasted ( in fact shocked) at our own financial / banking system.Why do you make claims when you cannot support with facts. Is that a strategy recommended in your synopsis. .

        • 3
          0

          ” Beggars should be choosers at times, but losers ?”
          That is food for thought.
          Losers should not gamble away what is left in well manipulated casinos.
          So simply refuse.

        • 2
          0

          No less an organisation than Chatham House (the British International Affairs Think Tank) had this to say about the ‘Chinese debt trap’.
          .
          ‘While Sri Lanka is often portrayed as having been engulfed by a Chinese debt trap as a result of public investment finance, the evidence suggests that Sri Lanka has a general debt problem rather than a specific Chinese debt problem.’
          https://www.chathamhouse.org/2020/03/chinese-investment-and-bri-sri-lanka-0/summary

          • 0
            0

            Paul
            Your Chatham House reference is Sri Lanka specific. there is much more there.
            Some research organizations work to guide rulers and investors in meaningful ways. There are others that have dubious motives. I hope that people track it.
            *
            Here is more:
            “The Chinese ‘Debt Trap’ is a Myth” by Deborah Brautigam and Meg Rithmire
            (https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2021/02/china-debt-trap-diplomacy/617953/)
            “The Hambantota Port Deal: Myths and Realities” Untangling the truth about Chinese debt and Sri Lanka means cutting through some misleading media narratives, by Umesh Moramudali https://thediplomat.com/2020/01/the-hambantota-port-deal-myths-and-realities/
            *
            But one cannot reason with obsessed minds.

          • 2
            0

            Paul,
            Yes, there is no debt trap, Chinese or otherwise. Statistics show that Chinese debt is about the same as Japanese debt , 10% each. Hardly a trap, though it is a fact that Chinese loans carry much higher interest rates, up to 6% as against 0.5 % for Japanese loans. Most debt is from commercial loans, 48%. It isn’t clear if some of these are Chinese.
            http://www.erd.gov.lk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=102&Itemid=308&lang=en

            SL has been going to the IMF since the 60’s, which shows that the problem is endemic. The fact is that we spend more than we earn. In the late 70’s, more money started coming in the form of remittances , but even this was squandered. The culmination was the totally unnecessary “war”.
            There is no point blaming others for giving us loans. We asked for them, nobody forced us.

          • 2
            0

            Paul

            Chatam House is not Chinese owned hence could not be trusted.
            You will not convince Mao’s b***s carriers by referring to Non-Chinese sources.

          • 3
            0

            Paul , I too read the article. In case of Lanka it,s not just the debt but our dysfunctional political system and years of economic mismanagement that lead to crisis / bankruptcy. But it does not minimize the debt trap in anyway. In case of Chinese it’s not just about the size of loans but what comes along with it. It,s not just us but there are others who were trapped by the Chinese. Countries which realized took counter measures whereas Rajapaksas went with it for their own gain. A parasite will not want the host to die unless the host too is a parasite.

      • 3
        0

        chiv

        Hindians provided $2 billion loan facilities during and after the war. I am not sure if that loan has been repaid. On the other hand Sri Lanka bought arms from merchants of death (Sri Lanka’s all weather Mango friends China and Pakistan) paying hard currency dollars.

        Could anyone list all items received being GIFTS, LOANS, SOLD, …… from China. Mao’s b***s carriers cannot provide a comprehensive list. Instead we hear snigger without supporting proof.

        At this age people should take time to teach less fortunate people and share their wisdom rather than making cheap remarks. What a pathetic wasted life.

        • 3
          0

          Native, I agree for that people should be really open minded , ( not just saying but in thinking) Regardless it’s USA , West or East , Chinese or Indians we need to understand the benefit and risks , differentiate right from wrong. Instead of Maoism, Marxism, amti west, anti US , capitalism ………When we fail to differentiate is where we pay the price. That is the difference between us any many others who are struggling today. Not every country is bankrupt, failed and dysfunctional as us.

        • 3
          0

          Native,
          The only real solution to our problems is to simply adopt the Indian Rupee as our currency. At one stroke, it will stop idiots like Cabraal playing with the economy. And parippu will be only 30 bucks a kilo.

        • 3
          0

          Native, today Champika said “we have cheated many (not repaying) who will loan money to us” ?? I guess IMF. China just doesn’t loan but exploit and thereby trap. 1) It’s rare to see a country having positive trade balance with China.2) In Lanka they interfered with elections, funded Mafia families election campaign, and put pressure in making political decision 3) All projects taken up by them are mostly beneficial to them and none to us, they do not even provide employment, 4) Their loans come with very high interest and hidden agendas. 5) In certain instance they loan very well knowing it will not be repaid so that they can partially or fully claim ownership 6) China doesn’t loan but pawn. 7) In the name of projects they bring their own people who in turn bring more people who are involved involved in illegal activities, or starting their own small businesses ( massage and parlor shops) 8) In pretext of trade agreements they dump their goods (garments, small electronic items) with intention of wiping out other domestic players, so that eventually they can monopolize that sector.

          • 2
            0

            Chiv

            The problem is much much deeper.
            A review of all policies adopted by all governments since 1948 will show you the policies or lack of it had all the ingredients for crooks, racists, unsuitable persons for state jobs and public office, ….. war criminals, merchant of death … to thrive.

            The so called nation builders had had no clue as to what was they considered “Idea of Ceylon/Sri Lanka.”.

            Please read the following:
            The idea of India
            August 16, 2020 by Shashi Tharoor
            https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/toi-edit-page/the-idea-of-india/

            Please ask your mates if they have any clue about “Idea of Sri Lanka” and let us know what they have to say.

            • 0
              0

              Fully agree. INdependence from 1948.

    • 3
      0

      “What price did India extract for earlier loans and currency swaps?”

      What price can the dumb asses afford?
      Two ping pong balls?

      “Beggars should be choosers at times: ……..”

      Free rice from Mars perhaps.

  • 8
    2

    In the Hitler Churchill combo, the former was voted, the latter was dealt,
    by design or default. Neither the 6.9 and nor the “others” have any control.
    Constitutional we always tinker, it is the sovereign land’s industry anyway.
    Development first their choice, but systemic change is the at Gall face and ignored.
    Development simply means borrowing. Systems requires truth and that no one can lend, you have it or you don’t. WB,ADB here we come, don’t you dare tell us what to do
    Horton place fuel is what we want..
    Law and Justice we leave for the morrow.
    Costly debt restructure plans are afoot, but there are even more twists and turns ahead.
    Dr Colombege out and new girl in our Dr GL has no silk route afloat or demarches to flaunt. Its RW treating his teacher now as his slimy courier boy. ?
    In Toiyas game when Royals of any sort bat, the Thomians must go ball catching, and the masses to Galle face.
    Meanwhile the “gravy train” in parliament grows into a long que !
    Parliament and sons reshuffles anew to “polima and sons” for us this is nothing new.
    The same old drivers always drive best on reverse gear !

  • 1
    0

    Parliament consumes a large part of each annual budget. Salaries, staff proliferation, overtime, perks, vehicles, bodyguards, pensions, free meals etc. should be pruned.
    Pensions after only five years is ridiculous – public servants need 40 years service for full pension. Daily attendance allowance in addition to these is too much. Family members should not be allowed as MP’s staff for MPs who must meet constituents in electorates for at least five days every month. Attendance for 2/3 days each months in parliament should be compulsory. No tax free vehicle permits
    should be given – a vehicle pool with drivers for all purposes is enough.

  • 1
    2

    “It is unsurprising in this context that anger against the government continues to boil within the country.”

    If the government was incompetent to control the economy then we can say the general populace is incompetent at controlling their anger and putting it to constructive use. Dont know what religion you are following Dr. Jehan but Aragayalism is not my religion.

  • 1
    3

    Crabs in the pot seems to be having a party on which crab to cannibalize next ? Be it Mahinda , Gota or Dhammika Perera or Ranil. Next why not take down and burn Haleys JKH and all the rest. Next why not your own bungalows ?

    Maybe while you are wallowing in self-pity, may be its hard to see the crashes coming in the western economies . The Stock market in the US has crashed for the past two months no end in sight. They say US inflation is 7.9 percent double from the year before. I just dont know how that is!! Food is almost double the price Gas almost 90% up . every service we buy has almost doubled. and Biden the senile old fool is pledging 40 Billion to Ukraine. !!!! wtf(on creating a WW3 with that Zelensky puppet with all the propaganda) all the while homeless colonies are growing. I dont think asking the west for handouts will work . They will worry about their own . not Sri Lanka. I dont know how things are in Europe cus I dont live there. but I dont think it is peachy there either.

    But killing and burnin will may be reduce the population to the point that the few remaining fools have enough of the spoils.

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