The need for an independent and prompt investigation regarding allegations against Gotabaya Rajapaksa, being registered to vote and allegedly voting at the 2005 Presidential Election when he was not a Sri Lankan citizen.
Gota
The Centre for Monitoring Election Violence (CMEV) attention has been drawn to the complaint made regarding former Defense Secretary Nandasena Gotabaya Rajapaksa. According to the complaint made by a deputy editor of a Sinhala daily news paper to the Elections Commission of Sri Lanka, Mr. Rajapaksa’s name had been included in the annual electoral list used for the 2005 Presidential Election and he had allegedly cast his vote in the said election, at a time when he was not a Sri Lankan citizen. This allegation becomes even more problematic as he is to contest the forthcoming Presidential election as the candidate representing the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP).
In terms of Article 89(a) of the Sri Lankan Constitution, a person who is not a Sri Lankan citizen is not entitled to vote at a Presidential Election, General Election or at a referendum. Voting in sucha situation is an offense and is punishable in terms of the Presidential Elections Act No. 15 of 1981.
According to media reports, Mr. Rajapaksa obtained his US citizenship in 2003. He arrived in Sri Lanka on the 04th of September 2005 on a tourist visa and had campaigned / assisted the election campaign of Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa in 2005. This, it is alleged is an offense in terms of section 45(1) (a) of the Immigrants and Emigrants Act no 20 of 1948.
These allegations if proven, would constitute a serious violation of the Constitution and the laws of Sri Lanka and are indicative of acts that compromise the very basis of the electoral process. Thus it is incumbent on Mr. Rajapaksa who aspires to be the seventh executive President of Sri Lanka, to refute these allegations and co-operate fully with all investigations. Anything less would bring into question Mr. Rajapaksa’s commitment to Sri Lanka’s sovereignty, its Constitution and the rule of law. Furthermore, Mr. Rajapaksa’s silence in the face of these allegations and the allegation that he has failed to renounce his dual citizenship, is extremely problematic. As a potential candidate for the highest elected office in Sri Lanka, it is incumbent upon him to demonstrate a greater commitment to the electoral process.
The enumeration process is a constitutionally mandated responsibility for the Elections Commission. The Commission is expected to maintain accuracy in the process, at all times. Ensuring that only eligible electors and verified information is contained in the electoral list is essential to ensure free and fair elections. Allegations, such as those mentioned above, cast serious doubt on the reliability of the enumeration process and compromise the integrity of the electoral process.
Accordingly, it is incumbent upon the Election Commission to conduct a prompt and impartial investigation into these allegations. CMEV is of the view that the swift and impartial interventions by the Elections Commission and other relevant authorities into allegations of malpractice in the electoral process is essential for maintaining the good faith and confidence of the voters in the electoral process.
Amarasiri / August 20, 2019
CT,
For the Rajapaksa Mafia, it is NOT about the constitution and the laws. It is about power and hegemony of the Mafia.
See how many cases are pending against the Rajapaksa Mafia? They are not coming to s conclusion because the Traitors Sirisena and Ranil are protecting them.
This is called Para-Sinhala Para-Buddhist ethics, that is an insult to Buddhism and to the Buddha.
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Native Vedda / August 20, 2019
Centre for Monitoring Election Violence (CMEV)
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“he had allegedly cast his vote in the said election, at a time when he was not a Sri Lankan citizen.”
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Please ignore the trivial incidence of voting by just one person.
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There are a few other important legal and moral questions Gota may be compelled to answer.
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Being a foreigner how come Gota the National Hangman was able to preside over a war, allowed to chose the targets, and get his goons on the ground to kill so many innocent life with impunity?
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Being a foreigner where did he get the authority to place orders for procuring war related goods and services?
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Being a foreigner how did he manage to loot cash and gold from Vanni and remain free?
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Being a foreigner who authorised him to own and operate white vans that were essentially used in kidnap, assassinations, ……….?
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Will USA take note of this little man’s large scale crimes?
Why has USA turned a blind eye on his crimes he was supposed to have committed between 2005 and 2015?
What is in USA’s interest to protect him from all possible charges?
What has he agreed to give to the USA in return for impunity from US laws?
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This is an American killing in this island.
How is it different from Americans killing in Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, …… or in Chicago?
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Burt / August 20, 2019
NV:
These are some serious questions people need answers to. Maybe the Mahasanga that is backing will be able to give an answer.
While at it can the Rajapaksa’s also say how they were able to collect so much wealth in such a short time.
If a foreigner could be defense secretary and direct a war killing Sri Lankans and Cardinal Malcom had no problem but when the international community wanted to help investigate the crimes committed by this foreigner the Cardinal made a meal of it.
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Lasith / August 20, 2019
If you are the type of person who says the Sinahla Buddhists are racists and that the Mahavamsa is a work of fiction, then you have a brain the size of an atom, and quite frankly how you even manage to breathe is a complete mystery.
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Native Vedda / August 21, 2019
Lasith
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“If you are the type of person who says the Sinahla Buddhists are racists and that the Mahavamsa is a work of fiction,”
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Why do you doubt it when you yourself know the answers. No doubt Sinhala/Buddhists are racists and they are turning themselves into Fascists. First of all you should know the difference between Sinhala/Buddhists and Sinhalese or Buddhists.
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Sarojini / August 22, 2019
Should end this rubbish story as Dual citizens can vote in SL END OF STORY.
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anonymous / August 21, 2019
@ Mr Atom Lasith,
“If you are the type of person who says the Sinahla Buddhists are racists”
There are no such creature called ‘Sinhala Buddhist’. All humans belong to the ‘Manushya Kula’ & ‘Sathwa Jathiya’. The ‘Buddha, the Enligtened one’ was a animal who belonged to the ‘Manushya Kula, and was an Indian by birth.
” Like spoons unable to taste
the flavour of the curry,
are the fools cannot see truth,
even though they live all their lives among the wise” # Dammapada; verse 64
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Karthigesu Nirmalan-Nathan / August 22, 2019
This sort of modaiya vagae statements does not help Lasith. Stick to logical and lucid argument or debate to aid good governance.
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Emil van der Poorten / August 23, 2019
Lasith;
Would suggest that you do not write comments to CT while looking in the mirror. While on the subject of fairy tales, would suggest Grimm, Hans Christian Andersen and our own Andare as sources for your next dissertation.
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Roman Leslie / August 21, 2019
Native I can’t agree more but let’s not forget ONE vote matters too if it is an Illegal one
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Kuveni / August 22, 2019
He was a ‘dual citizen’ when he was the ruthless sec. Defence. More powerful than the President, as he commanded the joint forces. H acted with utmost impunity. He must never be allowed to rule again. Never ever.
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Sarojini / August 22, 2019
DUAL CITIZENS ARE ELIGIBLE TO VOTE IN SL. !
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Sarojini / August 22, 2019
Should end this rubbish story as Dual citizens can vote in SL END OF STORY.
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Eagle Eye / August 20, 2019
Portuguese, Dutch and British colonial parasites ruined the Land of Native Sinhalayo and Vedda Eththo by bringing Demalu from Malabar to work in their plantations, dumping them here and running away. Colonial parasites had to bring slaves from Malabar because Native Sinhalayo refused to work for colonial rulers as laborers. In return for the help given by Demalu to exploit the Land of Native Sinhalayo and Vedda Eththo, British gave citizenship to these ‘Para Demalu’ in Sinhale. Para British who were occupying Sinhale had no right to give citizenship to ‘Para Demalu’.
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Hatharabirikatharina / August 20, 2019
And Eagle Evil, ballige puthas of your nature sought greener pastures in Australia even if you behave as ultra sinhala buddhist. I think not just Rajakshes but youthe kind of people should be destroyed in SL then only we the real sinhalaya and other srilankens can live today without any kind of racism based life style.
I have no doubt, you will ever be rejected by the soil worms, since your hatreds being set on Tamil srilankens are beyond the size of NAGAZAGI bomb blast.
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Roman Leslie / August 21, 2019
Blind Eagle, as always goes out of topic. Just try and answer the questions about the foreigner who served you as the Defence Secretary.
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Lankan / August 21, 2019
Hateful Eye,
Please desist from spreading racism based on untruths.
You also need to acquaint yourself with the teachings of the Buddha and become a kinder person…
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Eagle Eye / August 20, 2019
Amarasiri,
Rajapakse mafia is a blessing for Native Sinhalayo. President Mahinda Rajapaksa is King Gamini Abhaya (aka Dutu Gemunu) reincarnated. King Gamini Abhaya killed Para Demala Elara and unified the country. President Rajapaksa gave the leadership to kill Para Demala Velupillai Prabhakaran and unified the Land of Native Sinhalayo.
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Kuveni / August 22, 2019
Amarasiri, you are such a bl- – -y racist. Your kind contaminate Sri Lanka.
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Buramphisincho / August 20, 2019
Brother Amarasiri.
.
The day BP Rajapakshes is hung by his balls, the day we start a flourish future in the island.
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Third force of the nation, the media is caught by the tricks bieng played by BP and his forces.
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Blatant lies being spread on and on, people s side is not taken serious.
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Modaya / August 21, 2019
Foolish Readers
Dual citizens can vote.
Why stress too much about vote. Soon we experience loosing many votes FOREVER.
Just wait a little please. I beg you. Haha
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Babalathappu / August 22, 2019
Gota or anyone with surname Rajapakshe is above law no matter even if those men would abuse the women on broad day light.
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Just for no reasons, people are made to believe that Mr Ranil Wickramasinghe is behind americans. But those who have assets in American incl, american nationality for such a long time, are no considered as ones with traitor characteristics.
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Media prostitutes, please take the lead pouring the POOR folks with truths about the ground realities. Bp Rajakshes should rather be hung by their balls for all what they have done sofar.
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Craig / August 20, 2019
Its difficult to comprehend how this pathetic desperate man with so many court cases, law-breaking episodes and constitutional breaches can be nominated as a Presidential candidate. Shows the bankruptcy of his party and the evil motives of those twisted people who lurk around him. The U.S. Ambassador’s diplomacy today is also thought provoking: “..the Federal Register could often be months behind the recording of one’s renunciation of citizenship.”
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Hadeniya / August 20, 2019
“Swift and impartial” investigations have never been conducted in the country, especially when it comes to the Rajapaksas. Look at all the machinations that Gotabaya Rajapaksa has used to dodge several indictments in the courts. Despite all these serious allegations, the people seem to believe he will be the saviour of the country. The present lot of politicians have demonstrated that they simply clean up politics. This is sad.
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chiv / August 20, 2019
Not a surprise because Rajapaksas family is exempted from Lankan constitution and law. They have self claimed special privileges where they need not abide by any law or constitution. Because the Lankans are in so much love and affection, they exempted The Family from abiding by law and order. Irony is , voting rights of legitimate upcountry workers was taken away by previous governments. Even now government is working actively to take away voting rights, from diaspora and minorities who are still Lankan citizens. But a guy who left country and became a citizen elsewhere was able to return, canvass, hold government position, dictate terms, put people illegally in prison, threaten journalist, white van kidnap, murder, disappearance and yet return back as presidential candidate. Jeyawewa.
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justice / August 20, 2019
He also gave orders to the armed forces on the conduct of the war, and treatment of prisoners.
All the while, being a US Citizen.
Why is it that only now all this is being questioned?
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Pat / August 22, 2019
He is still at this moment in time an American Citizen!!!! How dare the Pohottuwa Types nominate him as a Presidential candidate. He keeps saying he has ‘completed the process’ of renouncing his American citizenship. He has not as yet obtained renunciation.
He is a troubled and frightened man. Me thinks he will not be released from citizenship. All the visits to Vihares will not help the man or his ‘big brother’ who is craving for power.
The Gods are kind to Lanka.
Remember if ‘they’ are in power we will never be able to write like now.
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Spring Koha / August 21, 2019
Nice one Chiv. The irony is that our Great Enforcer (dear brother of our Great Liberator) retired to the Great Satan for a peaceful life (pumping gas and parking cars). He returned from those comforts because his Presidential brother had a vision of greatness. He dreamt one starlit night in his Medamula ranch that he was the new Dutu Gemunu. He convinced his faraway brother that greatness beckoned, and, never mind the US citizenship problem etc (that is for minorities); “a Rajapaksa will never be a foreigner in Sri Lanka – “don’t worry about these minor matters, just come”. GR told MR “but you must let me have full command of the forces” “agreed” said MR. GR returned first class. The rest is history. Never mind the business in the north, he also ensured that any smart-arsy, “shit-eating pigs” will also be seeking refuge elsewhere e g Keith N, Frederica J, and of course Lasantha W. (to name but a few of the many). This then is the ‘Ranaviru of Ranaviru’s’ who now hopes to become our Great Leader.
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nadarajah / August 20, 2019
only JVP is genuine –
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Spring Koha / August 21, 2019
O Yes! who can forget those great days of 1971. The aluth avurudha specials – night swimming with dead bodies in the Kalu Ganga. Cheena Patt’ass in Eheliyagoda. Who can forget the brave assassins of the unarmed Lieutenant Colonel Dr. Anthony St. Clare Rex de Costa, MBE, CAVF. O Yes, the JVP is genuine all right and has great credentials for leading our beautiful Sri Lanka.
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chiv / August 20, 2019
Do not panic. Ranil Sir will fix the problem. He is the savior of Rajapaksas Family. He can produce any document to bring, even the dead out of their grave. Lanka is all about “shaping”, “adjusting”, ” fixing” for “Appe minnusu” and in general, Lankans love this culture and prefer to stay that way.
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Christopher Seneviratne / August 20, 2019
As I have said before. The rule of law is for the poor and middle class. It is not for the Politicians and the rich. It has been abundantly clear .There is know law for them.
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Ash / August 20, 2019
Agree with Chiv. Nothing is going to happen to the Rajapaksas – they are clearly above the law. Spineless Ranil and the Yahapalana jokers will continue to protect them as they have done for the last 4 1/2 years. Has anything changed in their approach to Rajapaksas even after the failed power grab ?
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ROHAN JOHNPILLAI / August 20, 2019
WHAT A CHEAP BREED OF 2 LEGGED IMBECILES THIS POWER HUNGRY WILL EVEN PAWN THEIR OWN WOMEN TO SIT ON THE ROYAL TOILET BIDET.
SHAME ON THE SINHALA BUDDHIST FOLKS FOR FALLING TO THEIR CUNNING PLOYS.
ATLEAST CEASE SITTING ON YOUR BRAINS FOOLISH CITIZENS, VOTE FOR ONE OF THE TWO CORRUPT POLITICIANS WHO INTEND THROWING IN THEIR LOT TO MAKE OUR INNOCENT RESPLENT THE ENVY OF THE REST OF THE PLANET
Get rid of these family of hoodlums and their ever willing criminal racist cohorts for ever & ever.
Cheers, R J.
Loyal son of SRI LANKA who was forced to run away from the most caring and wonderful island on earth due to the fact that he was born a TAMIL and this was no fault on his part..
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bhumiputhra bandaara / August 21, 2019
dDOESN’T yhese NGO Vallahs know any person with dual citizenship can vote in his first country of citizenship as long as his citizenship has not been denounced that is the legal situation of dual citizenship such a perso is considered a citizen of two countries
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AR / August 20, 2019
With the 18th amendment Rajapakses thought they would be the eternal rulers of the country. They thought they could do any crime, any fraud and there would be no investigations, no punishments. That is why they killed MR’s friend, Lasantha Wickramatunga on a public road in broad daylight using a dagger in front of the public where there could be many witnesses, without deploying an “Unidentified Gunman” to shoot him in the night. By killing LW that way they gave a warning to others and showed that killers would not be caught or punished. All their crimes were well exposed, but they thought there would be no inquiries because they are the controllers of the police and judiciary. (Sadly Yahapalanaya couple too granted them that immunity)
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PARAGON / August 20, 2019
This comment was removed by a moderator because it didn’t abide by our Comment policy.For more detail see our Comment policy https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/comments-policy-2
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Edward Upali / August 20, 2019
Yes we need investigate a lot of stuff.
Was Gota a citizen here or in Kenya like Obama? Has he a birth certificate?
But I am still waiting for the Bonds cam investigation to finish.
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edwin rodrigo / August 20, 2019
Guys, Prabha outshone Shavendra on many fields including the killing of Tamil civilians. In fact Prabha killed more Tamils than SL Army, Indian Army and all the rest put together.
.
No wonder, US, UN and Tamils are angry. The post should have been given to Prabha posthumously and since Prabja is dead (May he RIP) transferred to another Tamil like Karuna.
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Spring Koha / August 21, 2019
Nice logic Edwin. Let’s recap: Naughty Prabha killed innocent Tamil civilians – Shavendra’s men killed Prabha (actually some 15 are claiming it was their bullet) – so Shavendra gets the prize posting to the UN. Nice one! Here in sunny Sri Lanka its the biggest killers (proven or accused) who get the biggest prizes. So, who will get the Presidential bidet? Time will tell . . . .
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Good Sense / August 20, 2019
All this new stuff against Herr Gottler, why were not they raised many moons ago? Are we to believe that this was found only recently? I have the feeling that He might impose a kind of an authoritative setup if he were elected. (Girls! do your morning exercises wearing a bikini in the Galle Face Green so that we the future patricians can have an invigorating start of the day.) I may not like the man but I must be fair by everybody in levelling credible, verifiable charges if any.
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Roman Leslie / August 21, 2019
Bad Sense, whether you raise it or not the issues have been in existence so why question the Question let’s hear some answers NOW
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Kuveni / August 22, 2019
Mr. Good Sence,
Why don’t you men wear an ‘amude’ (loin cloth) and exercise at GFG.? We and Herr Gottler will be invigorated. He surely needs it after his by-pass surgery and the 6 inch incision on his chest.
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Ajith / August 20, 2019
The country needs some one who is willing to serve the nation unconditionally without any expectation from the country. Gotapaya and his Family should have remained in the country to give their services when the country was in difficulties. Even after his brother become President and when he came to serve the nation he and his family did not give his US citizenship. Even after the end of war they did not give their US citizenship. Even now after he was given nomination by his brother for Presidential candidate he did not give up his US citizenship. In other words he does not believe that Srilanka is not a safe place for him or his family. He will run away from this country if he loose the election. It is a disgrace for those 20 billion people who remain in this country under all situations whether it is good or bad. We need a President from one of those 20 billion people. Not from opportunistic power hungry people.
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Rohan / August 21, 2019
Native veddha,
You seem to have serious mental issues. You should get yourself checked and stay away from CT. If I were to guess, you must be a no job, single, loner. Get a life man. Enjoy a bit, don’t be stuck on CT
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Native Vedda / August 21, 2019
Rohan
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Please check whether you are talking to yourself in front of a mirror.
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Douglas / August 21, 2019
Native Vedda: Your comment: “There are FEW (emphasized by me) other important legal and other moral questions Gota may be compelled to answer”..Man! up to what number you can count, when you wrote the word “FEW”? I tried to count and gave up, because those questions, especially relating to “Moral” exceed, even my imagination. Let us see how the PEOPLE of Sri Lanka “COUNT” those in the forthcoming “Presidential Election”.
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Karthigesu Nirmalan-Nathan / August 22, 2019
For the Rajapaksa clan, it is NOT about the CONSTITUTION WHICH IS THE “LAW” OF THE LAND and any other LAWS. It is about power and accumilation of wealth by robbing the country blind.
There are numerous cases pending against the Rajapaksa clan and they are being overlooked by the wimp of a President and Traitor In Chief Maithripala Sirisena and imbercile Ranil Wickramasinge are protecting them with the help of Sampanthan, Sumanthiran and the whole of TNA.
Had there been an ivestigation by the UN all these would have come out in the open much sooner.
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The Good Nitizen / August 22, 2019
Colombo Today News paper has Confirmed on 1st/August/1019 , it has the true copy of the duly attested US citizenship renuanciation certificate of Gota .
So why are people making such a fuss anyways ?
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The Good Nitizen / August 22, 2019
sorry 2019
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The Good Nitizen / August 22, 2019
correction
We have the Copy of the orignat renuanciation certificate
Colombo Telegraph .. Reported Ceylon Today on 1/8/2019
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The Good Nitizen / August 22, 2019
Sri Lankans must understand there are 100 and 1 ways USA-CIA has to skin a cat.
If they want a stronghold in Sri Lanka to protect their interests, they will not ask , they will just take it.
Once you are a VIP family member of Unclesam, you can do whatever you want …
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The Good Nitizen / August 22, 2019
Some french say do not ask for a kiss , just take it , France is all.about kisses …
So it is for US about the rest of the world, its all about US intetest,they just take it , they do not ask .
We Sri.Lankans have just been kissed by an Ex-US Citizen ? may be
(once a us citizen always one, its like becoming a member of a blood cult remember the skining of the Cat)
Just smile and walk the miles.
stop antagonizing The giant ..
Better use diplomacy .
Gulf is not buring but the rest around them are , willingly or unwillingly to save their own back they are fueling the fire as part of the bagain.
Sri lanka can not afford another internal war .
So smile and walk that extra mile.
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Mano / August 23, 2019
Hell with Dual Citizenship.
Kallathoni Vijaya was the first Dual Citizen of Indian origin and had ruled this Country. His illegal Descendants have ruled and still ruling this Island.
What’s wrong with an American Blend of Dual Citizen contesting for Presidency ?
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kandiah2015@gmail.com / August 27, 2019
For all their “we are the best” democracy talk of US the US is aiding and abetting Goatabaya’s election knowingly.
Why is Election Commission not asking US embassy to check Goatabaya’s US citisenship? RTI is willing to send information. Election commissioner is going to push the country into blood bath again. Mr. Deshapriya in Election Commission will never challenge Sirisena or Goatabaya. He is’ wanting to continue his job.
The country will run red in the Tamil areas again if Goatabaya comes back.
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