19 March, 2024

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Is Sri Lanka On It’s Way To Becoming A Dictatorship?

A new infographic reveals how President Gotabaya Rajapaksa is ruling Sri Lanka, as if he is autonomous, through powerful militarised task forces that bypass the usual checks and balances of a democratically elected parliament. These bodies are unelected and report directly to the President requiring the full cooperation of  the Sri Lankan civil service and are not subject to the usual scrutiny and oversight of parliament. Not just secretaries but Ministers (currently 16) and ministerial committees will have to serve and obey these unelected bodies and if they don’t will be referred to the President with unspecified consequences to their careers. This is made more worrying because of the forthcoming parliamentary elections in which the President hopes to gain a two thirds majority to be able to alter the Constitution. 

“The Task Forces risk creating a parallel state and potentially give the President, his family and former military comrades unparalleled control over patronage networks and the use of public assets,” said the ITJP’s executive director Yasmin Sooka. “More worrying is that this new schematic for exercising control could survive beyond the next elections, which are anyway expected to return a parliament compliant and subservient to the Rajapaksa family”.

The President is allegedly allocating government funds and operating directly on a Budget on Account enabled by the absence of a sitting parliament for more than three months. According to the Sri Lankan state run newspaper and other media, approximately half the funds this quarter have reportedly gone through the Ministry controlled by his brother the Prime Minister, Mahinda Rajapaksa, and ten percent to the Ministry of Defence, headed by Major General Kamal Gunaratne, with no apparent independent oversight. 

The latest developments centralise power and give even more untrammelled authority to the President’s key military allies who already enjoy enormous  power through formal appointments,” said the ITJP’s Executive Director Yasmin Sooka. “This is the ‘deep state’ coming into the open,” she added. “It’s a structure of governance reminiscent of the President’s early role as an all-powerful  district military coordinator during the crushing of the JVP in 1989 in Matale;  he appears to be replicating this model of unfettered control over the entire nation”. 

Lawyers in Sri Lanka have argued that the establishment of the Task Forces is legally questionable and administratively murky. The task forces have no time limit, while the drafting is sloppy and ungrammatical. The name itself  task force – is redolent of militarism and the composition of the bodies is overwhelmingly military, male, Sinhala and unelected,  save for the bureaucrats who are included, whose only role is to execute the commands of the Task Forces. 

Members who are Civil Servants

It is worth noting some of the bureaucrats in the Task Forces were under investigation reportedly for corruption during the last government.

* The Secretary to the Presidential Task Force to build a Secure Country, Disciplined, Virtuous and Lawful Society is Senior Assistant Secretary, Ministry of Defence, D.M.S. Dissanayake. The Attorney General’s office considered DMS Dissanayake to be a suspect in one of the cases involving the Avant Garde floating armoury which was established by Gotabaya Rajapaksa when he was secretary of defence. In 2019, the Attorney General ordered the arrest of  DMS Dissanayake who had been working under Gotabaya Rajapaksa in the MOD, but subsequently charges were withdrawn. 

* The Presidential Task Force in charge of Economic Revival and Poverty Eradication: 

One of the secretaries to this important economic Task Force, D.S. Jayaweera, was reportedly investigated in 2012 by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption for allegedly submitting a bogus certificate claiming a doctorate from a University in USA. He was then again investigated in 2016 over alleged misappropriation of funds (Rs.5.7 m) while Director General of the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority. 

Another member, S.B.Divaratna, retired Deputy Secretary to the Treasury, should have been investigated regarding the lack of sufficient food supplies sent to the Vanni while he was Commissioner General of Essential Services in the last days of the war, resulting in a United Nations report alleging deliberate starvation. He was also a member of the Cabinet Appointed Tender Board for the controversial MIG fighter deal exposed by journalist Lasantha Wickrematunge who was later assassinated in 2009. Ahimsa Wickrematunge filed a damages case in California against Gotabaya Rajapaksa in 2019 under the Torture Victims Protection Act alleging the former secretary of defence (now President) was responsible for ordering the killing of her father in 2009.

There are two additional members against whom allegations of involvement or knowledge of irregularities have also been levelled in the Sri Lankan media, which they deny. 

* The Presidential Task Force to direct, coordinate and monitor the delivery of continuous services for the sustenance of overall community life, which is now replaced, included:

Secretary to Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, Gamini Sedara Senarath, whom Sri Lankan media reports said was charged in 2016 under the Penal Code, the Prevention of Money Laundering Act and the Public Property Act, but then acquitted in August 2019 from charges of misappropriation of state funds. 

Another member was Dr. Priyath Bandu Wickrema, Secretary, Ministry of Urban Development, Water Supply and Housing Facilities, whose portfolio falls under the Prime Minister, Mahinda Rajapaksa. Wickrema faced a corruption case in November 2019 after the Bribery Commission alleged that he had unlawfully employed 319 employees for election work around October 20, 2014, and January 7, 2015, while he was serving as the Ports Authority Chairman. The final outcome of this case remains inconclusive. 

It is worth noting that investigations were initiated by the former government into alleged corruption by officials in the first Rajapaksa government (2005-15), some of which investigations are now being themselves investigated by a new Presidentially-appointed Commission looking at alleged political victimisation. In addition, charges were dropped against several suspects just before the presidential elections in November 2019. 

Members who are Military 

Significant is that military members of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s inner circle have held multiple positions, in two or even three of the Task Forces, as well as holding other powerful government positions. 

* Retired Major General Kamal Gunaratne is chair of two of the new Presidential Task Forces. He is also secretary of defence and when President Gotabaya Rajapaksa came to power he was assigned 31 key state institutions to his control. 

* Retired Major General Sumedha Perera is a member of two of the current Task Forces. He served under Gotabaya Rajapaksa in the Gajaba Regiment in 1989 when the President was District Military Coordinator in Matale at a time when 700 Sinhalese were allegedly reported disappeared in state custody in the District. 

* Lt. General Shavendra Silva, who also served in Matale under Gotabaya Rajapaksa, sits on two of the Task Forces as well as holding the two most senior military posts in the country. As 58 Division Commander he was a key officer in the 2009 war when Gotabaya Rajapaksa was the powerful secretary of defence. He is designated for alleged gross violations of human rights by the United States Government. 

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s key trusted lieutenants are public servants who hold critical positions in the State – with control of the military, the ministry of defence, intelligence, key police departments, customs, ports, prison vocational training. This new structure outside of parliament allows them to exercise  power and control over the economy, security, media and all key aspects of life. 

Family

In addition, three of the President’s brothers are directly involved in running the country: 

* Mahinda Rajapaksa is Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Economy and Policy Development, Minister of Buddhasasana, Cultural and Religious Affairs,  Minister of Urban Development, Water Supply & Housing Facilities  and Minister of Community Empowerment and Estate Infrastructure Development . 

* Chamal Rajapaksa is state minister of defence, Minister of Mahaweli, Agriculture, Irrigation and Rural Development and Minister of Internal Trade, Food Security and Consumer Welfare.

* Basil Rajapaksa chairs the Economy Task Force. He too was investigated in five cases for alleged corruption under the last government. He is a dual US Sri Lankan citizen, and is not elected but acts as the President’s Special Envoy. 

Before the Task Forces were appointed, local news reports said the Rajapaksa brothers were reportedly in control of 145 state institutions – 88 alone in the hands of Mahinda Rajapaksa. This is despite Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s manifesto promise that, “All appointments as heads of State institutions, corporations and statutory boards, and appointments to Boards of Directors will be based on merit and leadership abilities”. 

Nepotism. patronage and militarisation are the characteristics of the new government in Sri Lanka with power consolidated following the elections. 

LIST OF PRESIDENTIAL TASK FORCES

1. Task Force for Poverty Eradication and Livelihood Development.

2. Presidential Task Force to direct, coordinate and monitor the delivery of continuous services for the sustenance of overall community life. 

3. 1 and 2 replaced by: Presidential Task Force for Economic Revival and Poverty Eradication.

4. Presidential Task Force to study and provide instructions on measures to be taken by all Armed Forces to prevent Coronavirus infection among members of the Tri-Forces .

5. Task Force on Sri Lanka’s Education Affairs.

6. The Presidential Task Force to build a Secure Country, Disciplined, Virtuous and Lawful Society

7. The Presidential Task Force for Archaeological Heritage Management in the Eastern Province

8. Multipurpose Development Task Force (not a Presidential Task Force but created by the President).

(By ITJP)

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Latest comments

  • 26
    2

    A comment is justified only when the story by itself does not serve its purpose.

    • 22
      11

      The first question the voters should raise when going to vote next

      1) What kind of mandate MaRa govt from 2005-2015 enjoyed ? Was that not 2/3 or more majority in the parliament ?
      .
      To that time not even then powerful leftist, dried pumpkin – Wasidewa uttered a single word in the parliement.
      :
      The bitch s son of Rajaakshe family (Basil, Gotabaya, Namal, Mara) took all silly decisions at their breakfast table ruining the economy into the pieces but thickening their own pockets.
      :
      2) Why very same people – after 5 years, remain as if their MEMORY losers ?
      .
      The fourth force of the country- media – is caught by Rajapakshe BIASED business for their own surivivals. So long ABUSIVE media owners are part and parcel of RASCALITY, how can PUBLIC perception reflect the real thoughts and minds of the majority of the people ?

      People today are caught by BLATANT lies, Self Adulation, Self congraduations so those who dive in day today life survival struggle, seem to have no idea about the on going politics of the country. People are made to believe Rajakshes won the war and we should all let them rape us. That is it. This is the stupid feelings go through the heads of STUPID masses in this country. We saw how those bayyas marched to the city from rural corners just for a free rice packet.

      • 16
        18

        Leela,
        If your attempt is to get a message through to CT readers, try and use more refined way to get it through. The use of foul and insulting language on people you abhor do not make your messages any better. Most of your messages are read by only the kallathonis who live and enjoy life overseas. No Tamil in Jaffna has access to them. They such destitute people that you guys have no time to think about but to blackmail them to support you.
        In fact this only shows what a low quality person you are. These offensive messages may tickle the fancy of the unethical, low intelligent followers of your tribe.
        What else can they do other than to read your postings that vent your frustration and anger for not getting what you dream of.
        Let’s get a point cleared, you may call the present regime dictatorial, but we the majority call it a regime that is hell bent on instilling discipline to curtail corruption, malpractices, above all underworld gangs. That is what people in SL wants now. They suffered enough in the past and wanted a change to the style of governance.
        Unless you are part of any such gang or corruptions in the previous regime you should congratulate the current regime for their sterling attempts to overcome them and mete suitable punishment to offenders.

        • 13
          14

          Patricia,
          .
          Not many would have guts to call a spade a spade, but we have got it. That is why we see the current govt is nothing but the regime number 02 of Rajaakshe rascals that looted the state to the core by 2015.
          :
          I have got a very good example to all that have no idea – about the manner Rajaakshes are upto.. it is very close to the tyranny of Mugabe/Zimbabewe. Just imagine the manner most abusive MaRa intreprets the lease of Hambantota harbor today ? To that point in time, very same MaRa though agreed with former UNP led govt that there had been no other choice but to go for that lease. Besides, it was an extension of a deal that had made by MR administration.
          :
          King looters destroyed it to the core and got defeated by 2015, and in the end so called gigantic investments brought nothing to the nation. Yet today, tax payers suffer that much while Rajapakshe rascals waste their funds on and on.
          .
          You the kind of hired men that would cough in favour of them – would not see the danger before the people, but even 10 year olds see it right, that LOOTERs have done nothing during last 8 months.

          • 6
            7

            Hello Leela.
            It is now clear your connection to the editorial team of the CT. My last comment has been severely edited to hide what I wrote about your pharmaceutical connections to SL Govt. Maybe it is to cover your deals with the previous regime. Thank god they are no longer in power and the patients are supplied with suitable medicines and treatment.

            You stated that you are brave and will not hesitate to call a spade a spade, but I cannot see this. You are hiding behind a pseudo sinhala name to make these unfounded caustic remarks with proof to fool your fellow readers. The is not being brave. Just the opposite

            All your allegations were raised by the previous regime with concocted reports with the help of the then police Dept. that is why despite having corrupt special investigation boards and coercing people to make false allegations these so called “looting” never saw a to the courts. Very powerful Ministers in Yahapalana were also involved. and They are now running scared for fear of being properly investigated. You may call this dictatorial, but stamping these is nefarious activities paramount to improve the countries reputation regardless of ethnicity, religion and political views. That is why the majority voted Ghata to sort out these crooked people with their handy work.

            • 6
              2

              Dear Patricia,
              .
              My pharmaceutical connections to SLGO ? We work for the industry but I dont think I had connections to lanken govt, but to the US and EUROPE … for your info. If you would want to know more about me.. try to get it from Mr SM or other goodies on this forum. No point of misleading the Readers okay ?

              By the way, if we need any kind ” pigs” for our experiments, we can contact you next….. that can help for new drug planning. Are u ready ?

              Leaving my kidding aside, no need to waste our times for your kind of nitwits – Hundred days of Yahapalanaya alone, achieved a lot for the benefit of the nation – these are just facts.. But media mafia handled by Rajaakshe rascals prevented the message being passed to the grass root level of people.

              See how they please the very same GRASS EATERS by telecasting blatant lies about the COVID contorl though the bugger s inability costed unestimated number of families their living. Today tourism industry is collapsed to all unrecoverable levels.

              I have heard from world experts the manner how Dr SENARATNE ( Ihave no idea about his corruption in the MARA govt) stood against thugs that abused the power in tobacco industry in the country – most of these men were close men to Rjaakshe rascals.

  • 20
    4

    Definitely

    • 1
      4

      Momentous 20,
      Definitely what my friend?

      • 3
        1

        The question to which – definitely – is the answer is the heading of the essay
        “Is Sri Lanka On Its Way To Becoming a Dictatorship?”

  • 23
    2

    No infographic is complete without the chief economic hitman and Treasury/CBSL meddler PB Jayasundara.

    • 11
      1

      WB,
      .
      Looters would never see it right, how can a man with some credibility ever appoint Jaysundara as the president’s secretary.
      :
      People should raise the question, as to why bail out men have the right to get appointed to the highest position in state sector today ? Is that at all exemplary ?

      What would the youth question on the kind of unacceptable acts to the eyes of civilized nations ?
      .
      Once upon a time, CONDOM supporter of MaRa himself named Jaysundara – economics parasite. And srilanka would be facing a threat to lanken economy if Jayasunda would continue, but the bitch s son today is dead silent on the issue.
      :
      Not just this man, all others in today lime light as supporters to MaRa and GoRa are the same criminal bunch with bail-out charges for various highc rimes. The list is as given below
      .
      Johnsten Fernando – on bail out

      Wimal Buruwanse – on bail out
      .
      Udaya Gonthadipila – on bail out

      Prasana Ranathunga – on bail out

      Pashora Diwulapitiya-Anuruddha – on bail out

      Rohitha Abegunawardhana – – on bail out

      and the list goes on

      • 3
        6

        Leela,
        Compare PB. Jayasundara’s appointment with Arjun Mahendran!!! They were bailed out because there were no credible evidence to support allegations. They were done by the Judiciary and unless you call them incompetent and corrupt just accept the verdict. Also an allegation of any sort does not make an individual guilty. In criminal law it needs to be proven beyond doubt. Otherwise millions of people may be have to classed ad criminals. Is this what you want.

        Once upon a time, CONDOM supporter of MaRa himself named Jaysundara – Can you substantiate this.

        So if you or any of your brainy law abiding friends have any fresh evidence take them to court. Surely Sumanthiran can take them up for you. Otherwise mind your business without being a Moron.

        • 8
          3

          Patricia, you sound to be doing the oldest… without any shame.
          :
          Why should I bother with getting them to the courts where not a single person with some sanity could keep the faith on. I dont trust srilanken courts. Nor would I respect many of the lawyers down there, if they are close to megalomaniac Rajaapskhe. Rajapaksheare are born to ruin the nation and this is known to the developed world but not ye tto China.

          Rajapakshe will interpret it to you or the like THANAKOLA eaters as if they have been doing it about the control of COVID as of now. To me, Nepal, Vietnam and many other poor nations in Africa and asia did a good job regarding containment of COVID in their soils. But our Bitch s sons were late to do the job, but thanks to TRIFORCES they could manage it to some extent.. the credit is being self adulated and self congradulated to the manner any tribal leaders would do it in AFRICA.
          .
          But anyone with some sanity mind would never overestimate the current duo, since nothing is achieved by them during the last 8 months. Not even the prices of DAILY needs are affordable today even if Bitch sons go on enjoying their luxury life style on the costs of the poor tax payers funds.

        • 5
          1

          Patricia@

          Let me explain you this, by the time, CBG appointment was made, nothing was seen as a black in AM’s CV/Profile. He was one of the top man in prestigeous banks in the world incl. HongKong bank. I am not going to clean anyone, I doublt AM deliberately made it… to me it was rather a system error, that could well be the case also under MAFIA BOSS and his Wandibattaya Ajith Cabral – and that is the reason why STUPID Sirisena made it very clear (shortly after the 52 day COUP ended) that the huge losses claimed by BOTOX BABY aka Mahinda Rjaapkshe was 100 times more than that of under MS-RW govt.

          It is upto the higher professionals in Banking sector to decide who to be blamed, but I yet believe, if AM would have been wrong, Singapore State as one of the recognized, law resepcting country would never allow AM or anyone else to be scot free today.
          Singapore is not SRILANKA – srilanka and its law and order is tamed by Rajapakshes for their political survivial. This is the case now and also during the GOOD governance period. Sirisena betrayed the good politics started in 2015 – that is clear to anyone with some sanity but nitwits of your nature would take many more years to grasp the little.

  • 40
    10

    He is waiting for 2/3 rd majority to kick the constitution out whether he gets or not he will somehow manipulate the election and will kick not just the constitution out but rest of the Rajapaksa clan out and the all the MPs out and make the election void.
    He will rig the votes or say that the people of the country the Sri Lanka Sinhala Buddhist, gave him a Sinhala Majority mandate during the Presidential Election. He will proclaim that the people of the country the Sri Lanka Sinhala Buddhist, are fed up with the parliamentary governance where the Tamils and thee minorities are a pain in the neck. and always asking for asking for devolution and federalism and equal rights. He will say the People of the Country the Sri Lanka Sinhala Buddhist are fed up that the parliamentary democracy it is impeding development. He will point to China and tell the People of the Country the Sri Lanka Sinhala Buddhist has given him the mandate for a China style Communist Capitalism and to safe guard the country from the dead LTTE and marginalised Muslims.

    • 11
      7

      Rajash,
      But Gota cannot abrogate the Indo-Sri Lanka Peace Accord unilaterally. He cannot have a China style communist regime, because after the withdrawal of Chinese troop from three points including the Galwan valley, India, USA, UK, Japan, the Philippines, Indonesia, France, Israel, Taiwan and a host of other countries are considering of liberating Tibet from the clutches of China which cannot be ruled out. Gota has to decide now itself whether he supports BRI and continue to be in the debt-trap diplomacy of China. If Gota kicks out the constitution, it means the 13th Amendment (which is a bi-product of the Indo-Sri Lanka Peace Accord) will be
      thrown out.. If that is so, do not forget Hambantota will be encircled by the Indian navy. I need not mention thereafter.

      • 9
        2

        AYATHURAY RAJASINGAM – you are thinking too geo political. Geopolitics is unable to do anything in Hong Kong. China is bulldozing through there.

        Its a pipe dream if you think India and geopolitics will come to the rescue of Sri Lanka democracy

      • 12
        2

        Before Israel shows compassion for the people of Tibet, maybe it should do the right thing and liberate the Palestinian people. After all they have occupied the territories of over 60 years, are stealing and annexing lands against international laws, and killing unarmed civilians for protesting their suffering. I am sure the world will appreciate it.

    • 23
      30

      Rajash,
      LTTE was killed in Sri Lanka but the ghosts of LTTE are still roaming around in the world. So the threat from LTTE has not disappeared completely.

      Muslims in Sri Lanka are not marginalized. Descendants of Muslim refugees from Hindusthan who were saved by Sinhala Buddhists from persecution by Portuguese are now acting as if they are above Sinhalayo who are the Native people in Sinhale. Past behavior and activities of Muslims show they are a threat to the lives of Sinhalayo. Giving evidences at the Presidential Commission on ‘Easter Terrorist Attack’, Ven. Galagodaatthe Gnanasara revealed that there is a Muslim woman who tell Muslim people not to stand when National Anthem is sung. See how far they have gone. These ungrateful bunch has forgotten the past.

      Whatever the form of Government, Sinhalayo need a strong leadership to safeguard them from these ‘Paradesis’.

      “Buddhist has given him the mandate for a China style Communist Capitalism and to safe guard the country from the dead LTTE and marginalised Muslims.”

      • 15
        4

        Eagle Eye ; -ghosts of LTTE are still roaming around in the world.
        come on Eagle Eye you are again blind. don’t look around the world …Prabhakaran’s ghost is sitting on Mahinda’s shoulder when ever he goes out on election campaigning

        Even the ghost of 2000 to 3000 Sinhala soldiers are helping Mahinda courtesy Karuna

    • 13
      5

      Rajash,
      .
      You are spot on.
      :
      The real face of MaRa and Rajaapkshes as a whole is not yet known to srilankens.
      :
      I think the youth of this country that are computer literate should think twice before going to vote for idiots.
      :
      Rajakashe Clan is filled with

      a) Rapists – HIru owners brother- Duminda silva is close confidiant of MaRa
      b) Soil and land thieves – Anudrudhdha -dhiwulapitiya
      c) Money launderers- Jonsten Fernando, Rajapakshes, Basil etc
      4) Murderers – Mahinda Rajapkashe, Gotabaya Rajapakshe and Namal Baby Rajapakhe
      5) Gold chain robbers – Rohitha Abeygunawardhana
      6) Forged Passport holders- Wimal Buruwanse not once 3 times or more
      7)Dried pumkins- Wasidhewa
      8) Tsunami fund embezzlers- none other than Mahinda Rajapakshe and his family
      9)COVID crisis makers- Basil Rajapakshe the most abusive man in that bunch
      10)House and property thieves- Basil Rajakshe; Wimal Buruwanse
      11) Land and foreign agend thieves- Basil Rajapkshe, Gotabaya Rajakashe
      12)CSN sender thieves- Namal Baby Rajakshe, Rothiha and Yoshitha bastards son of Mara
      13) Bank thieves – Mahinda Rajapakshe
      14) State funds thieves – Mahinda Rajakshe
      15) Sathosa THIEVES – Johonsten fernando
      16) State fund abusers for Memorial monuments – none other than Gotler et al.
      17) News paper editor murderers- Mara killed Lasantha througha plot- Gotler is allegedly part of the murder

      • 9
        1

        leelagemalli…the list goes on ….

    • 2
      5

      Rajash,
      You are correct. This constitution must be changed and 19 A thrown out. It was a scandalous amendment to restrict the nations basic franchise to vote on what and who they like. It was done vindictively through hatred.

      It is you and you kind who bring up racial intones to politics. You have systematically devided the nation on ethnicity. We call everyone Srilankans, but you call, Tamil, Muslims and Sinhala buddhist. This is the problem and shows your character.

      • 5
        1

        Patricia,
        wait and see, how all anti RAJAKSHE forces would corner them after 05th August.

        Hope not, MaRa would shed his last breath before that.. reports are there that the bugger cant move from A to B because his hernia ( formed as a result of his sins accumulated over the years) is growing rapidly over the last few weeks. That was the reason why the man did not turn up in a meeting held lately. His ROCKET baby had been sent to the place together with that KING robber Udayanga WEERATUNGA who is now on bail for that big MIG deal purchase. Patricia, you should be well aware of all these as one another close charactors to the rascality.

      • 4
        1

        patric
        yeah we are all Sri Lankans until the elections are over.
        we are all Sri Lankans for the voters of the North and East
        we are Sri Lanka Sinhala Buddhist for the voters in the South

        • 1
          0

          Patricia,
          .
          as one who has been practising the oldest would not see it right Rajash… no point of barking to a wrong tree.
          :
          These men are brainwashed to the very same manner North Koreans are upto. –

          If Rajakshes would say a blatant lie, these grass eaters would buy it on the spot, since their general knowledge is far behind that of some tribes in Africa.
          :
          Just imagine how they just believed the manner that NAGAYA CARRIED RELICS to the kelaniya temple which was then held one of the best places to be worshiped by REAL BUDDHISTS: But a man wearing a SAFFRON CLAD what is doing there today, is PLEASING THE BACKSIDEs of Rjaakshes and their politics. WHy ? it is to ruin this nation and live up their propencities over the dead body of the innocient and naive srilankens.
          :

  • 30
    4

    When a so called democracy is headed by leader who has deliberately hand picked military men, some suspected of being war criminals, to surround him in top positions, pardons convicted killers of children, and has threatened journalists and the media, you can be sure it is, or soon to be a dictatorship. If Sri Lankans are foolish enough to think there will be term limits and elections according to the Sri Lankan Constitution, think again. The Rajapaksas are going to be here for our lifetime and beyond. They will rule with an iron fist, and will not tolerate protests, dissents, activists, and a free press.

    Their supporters wait in eager anticipation, to this transformation. After all, they have justified and dismissed the white vans, Lasantha’s brutal assassination, missing journalists, corruption, the Museum case, the Avant Garde case, nepotism, and Tsunami funds, quite easily and want more of the same.

    Yes we are fast becoming a dictatorship.

    • 3
      6

      Ashan suspected war criminals is what it says. Just an allegation not proven. No need to go any further. In the same way you may want to call all sinhala buddhists criminals. Think right before you make this comments.

  • 24
    1

    Does anyone seriously think that a cabinet of 225 or whatever number has ever ruled this country?These MPs and ministers are just figureheads with no power, pulling wool over our eyes at taxpayer expense.
    _
    The cabaalistic and coterie ruling model extends back to DS Senanayake and even before. More recently, CBK’s era saw her rule the country with her friends Tara De Mel, Balapatabendi, and Mano Tittawela. Ranil W ruled with Malik Samarawickrama, Paskaralingam, and Charitha Ratwatta. Mahinda Rajapaksa ruled with Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Basil Rajapaksa, Chamal Rajapaksa and Namal Baby, with Cabraal, Lalith Weeratunga and PB Jayasundara thrown in with some limited power.
    _
    These cabaals were the ones that held the real power in the country. All the others styled as ‘MPs’ were merely clueless puppets running around with expensive Prados to keep up appearances to fool the masses. It will never change.

    • 0
      0

      .. It will never change…. Dr. Dayan Jayatilleke has this to say:
      During a media briefing in Colombo on 8th July. reports http://www.newsfirst.lk. under the heading “Power is centralized in the Government”
      Former Sri Lanka`s Ambassador to Russia expressed the following:
      “What is the game plan of the Government and would be the implications of the game plan succeeding. The game plan is one of hyper centralization of power, of concentration and indeed the monopoly of power. Because what happens if you remove or dismantle the 19th and 13th Amendments? What we have now is something which we never had before. Which is why I caution you that we are thinking of going back to the bad old days of Mahina Rajapakse we had but it is not and a much worse than that, in that we have a change in the structure of Governance already and that sturcture of governance will be turned in a system. Now what is that change. You have a Government in rule by the President and a number of Task forces which do not even include the Prime Minister and the Cabinet. That is the worst possible thing that can happen to the Country and to them as well.
      Just imagine if that 2/3rd majority in the hands of an establishment that is top-heavy, a, it is top heavy because you have a lot of military people appinted by the President to run everthing and b, you have an unprecedented number of family members, people belonging to one family. So, now tell me where is the space for anybody else”

      REPLY

  • 16
    18

    As a citizen, I love this situation. Whole country knows, the parliament is full of crooks and incompetent people. If you hold a referendum to abolish parliament and replace it with high powered Task Forces, 90% of people will vote for that. We don’t care what Yasmin Sooka says. She lost credibility long time ago. GR will continually manage the country this way irrespective of having 2/3 or not. Whatever things legally he can not, he will ask MR to do those his way. After 5 years, public will demand him to serve a second term. Fantasy writers can write as many article as they like but the Caravan will move on and public will be happy as there will be a prosperous country for their next generation. It is too late for the present generation.

    • 18
      6

      Atu,
      As a citizen, I have to be open about military dictatorship. For a military dictatorship, there is no race, religion or culture. We all know under Premadasa regime under military dictatorship in 1989/90 period it is the Sinhala military killed Sinhala civilians. Gotabaya was a military leader during the massacre of over 60000 Sinhala people. During 2005 to 2015 under Mahinda Rajapakse regime, Sinhala military massacred over 50000 Tamil Civilians followed by attack on Muslims. Gotabaya was the military leader (he was the defence secretary but he acted like a military leader) during this period. Now from 2020 we are already having military dictatorship and this leadership expects to follow the order including ordinary Sinhala people. If you are hungry you will have no right to ask the military leadership and if you ask you will only get gun shot. So, the whole nation had a good experience under dictatorship and I am sure the Sinhala, Tamil, Muslim brothers and sisters will understand the risk they face under dictatorship.

    • 1
      1

      Atu,
      .
      Are u total ignorant person who is totally down for pathological reasons?-

      What have GoRa -MaRa achieved for the last 8 months ? Nothing but their self adulation and self congrats .. that are now no more welcome by those voters that are called floating vote holders. This time, no doubt bitch s sons would be defeated since people are now some intelligent thanks to former govt and their policies on media freedom.
      :
      Today, Rajakashe abuse web spaces to the very same manner they did it by 2015.
      .
      People whole lot I got my info are so fed up of RAJAKASHE politics that brought nothing to the nation during the 8 months. Litmus test is failed.
      :
      Poverty of the country is now proved to be beyond 40% of the population. Most of them struggle for their 3 meals. Rajaakhe enjoy luxury styles with tax payer s funds. Just imagine, not even a single son of his family is doing a job. Kith and kin no matter how many, but MaRa is born to suck the blood of the nation.
      :Why people should respect the buggers anymore ?

  • 14
    7

    Rajash,
    I think Gota’s day are also coming to an end. Gota cannot abrogate the Indo-Sri Lanka Peace Accord unilaterally. He cannot have a China style communist regime, because after the withdrawal of Chinese troop from three points including the Galwan valley, India, USA, UK, Japan, the Philippines, Indonesia, France, Israel, Taiwan and a host of other countries are considering of liberating Tibet from the clutches of China which cannot be ruled out. Gota has to decide now itself whether he supports BRI and continue to be in the debt-trap diplomacy of China. If Gota kicks out the constitution, it means the 13th Amendment (which is a bi-product of the Indo-Sri Lanka Peace Accord) will be thrown out.. If that is so, do not forget Hambantota will be encircled by the Indian navy. Moreover, UNHCR is also taking adequate steps to corner Sri Lanka. I need not mention thereafter.

  • 21
    28

    From the point of view of Sinhalayo who are the Native people in Sri Lanka, having an authoritarian rule is far better than Democrazy with ‘Wal Booru’ freedom that allowed ‘Paradesi’ origin people to play hell and ruin the country after colonial parasites who oppressed Sinhalayo and exploited this country left.

    • 5
      2

      Eager-less one eye blind in both eyes pottai hypocritical petty-minded Klu Klux racist.
      =
      WELL- DONE.
      =
      On this topic alone more than 100 dislikes.
      =
      Are you not ashamed,
      =
      Please take a CYANIDE capsule which was graciously gifted to me by the late Velu Annai I can personally deliver them to you and also ensure that the world will be eradicated by the likes of sore losers like your bad rotten self.
      =
      Ask & it shall be done is my unqualified motto.

  • 16
    28

    Who the hell is this Jasmin Sooka to talk about domestic affairs of this country. EU that is providing funds for her has not given a mandate to put her nose into the affairs of Sri Lanka. People in this country will decide how this country is governed. Sinhalayo who are the Native people have learnt bitter lessons by giving too much freedom to ‘Paradesis’.and showing sympathy to them. In return what Sinhalayo got was ‘Stabbing in the Back’.

    “The Task Forces risk creating a parallel state and potentially give the President, his family and former military comrades unparalleled control over patronage networks and the use of public assets,” said the ITJP’s executive director Yasmin Sooka.

    • 12
      2

      Eagle Brain Dead Blind Eye

      “Who the hell is this Jasmin Sooka to talk about domestic affairs of this country. “

      If you don’t treat your family well, strangers and neighbours tend to grope your women folks. Sooner they start enjoying stranger’s company, …. and other things.

      ” EU that is providing funds for her has not given a mandate to put her nose into the affairs of Sri Lanka. “

      Unlike Sri lankan b***s carrying functionaries German/EU bureaucrats long enjoyed a reputation for sachlichkeit (objectivity) and Überparteilichkeit (Political neutrality). You can’t buy them, threaten them, made them to obey, …..

      How do you know she was not given mandate to put her nose into the affairs of Sri Lanka? Why are you finding it difficult to keep her out of this island? Are you scared? Is Gota scared of her? Why is Shavendra finding it difficult to keep her out of this island? How about Dinesh, Dayan, Kamal, ..Wimal, …. Jayasumana, …. HLD M, Nalin, ……. ?

      Aren’t you going to support Hindia in its war against China?

      Yasmin Sooka

    • 8
      4

      Eagle Brain Dead Blind Eye

      “Who the hell is this Jasmin Sooka to talk about domestic affairs of this country. “

      If you don’t treat your family well, strangers and neighbours tend to grope your women folks. Sooner they start enjoying stranger’s company, …. and other things.

      ” EU that is providing funds for her has not given a mandate to put her nose into the affairs of Sri Lanka. “

      Unlike Sri lankan b***s carrying functionaries German/EU bureaucrats long enjoyed a reputation for sachlichkeit (objectivity) and Überparteilichkeit (Political neutrality). You can’t buy them, threaten them, made them to obey, …..

      How do you know she was not given mandate to put her nose into the affairs of Sri Lanka? Why are you finding it difficult to keep her out of this island? Are you scared? Is Gota scared of her? Why is Shavendra finding it difficult to keep her out of this island? How about Dinesh, Dayan, Kamal, ..Wimal, …. Jayasumana, …. HLD M, Nalin, ……. ?

      Aren’t you going to support Hindia in its war against China?


      By the way
      Yasmin Sooka

      Biography
      Executive director of the Foundation for Human Rights in South Africa. She was a member of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in South Africa and also appointed by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to be one of the three international commissioners on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission for Sierra Leone
      https://international-review.icrc.org/authors/yasmin-sooka

      • 12
        3

        She has very impressive credentials, far better than anyone in the Rajapaksa family.

        It is predictable that the Rajapaksa’s and their supporters will try to demonize her, discredit her, and make her out to be a tool of “western nations”… they have a history of doing so.

        • 1
          7

          Ashan,
          We do not expect accolades for Rajapaksa from a bunch of racists like you. You are free to make comments of this nature. Similarly Eagle Eye too has the right to make his views known without being abusive like the Vedda above.. He is a disgrace to Tamils, with a brain the size of a Pea.
          So let us agree to disagree with comments on Jasmine Sooka. It has been noted that she made erroneous reports on very sensitive issues and got away with them due to her position at the UNHRC. She was a biased woman with Tamil blood in her. So what do you expect from such a person?

          • 2
            0

            patric

            “We do not expect accolades for Rajapaksa from a bunch of racists like you. “

            You are right, war criminals don’t deserve accolades, however racists bestow accolades on crooks, murderers, ….. For example saffron brigades felicitated Mahinda with” Visvakeerthi Sri Sinhaladeeswara”. Further Colombo university bestowed a LLD on Mahinda.

            Now you see how favours work, ” you scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours”.
            It is not about Mahinda, it is all about the quality of those felicitating a crooked war criminal.

            “It has been noted that she made erroneous reports on very sensitive issues and got away with them due to her position at the UNHRC. “

            Such as ….?

            “He is a disgrace to Tamils, with a brain the size of a Pea.”

            Who is disgrace to Tamil, you or Eagle Brain Dead Blind Eye? When are you going to type truth?


            “Similarly Eagle Eye too has the right to make his views known without being abusive like the Vedda above.. “

            The Kallathonie descendant Eagle Brain Dead Blind Eye deserves whatever he gets in this forum.

  • 12
    17

    You Guys missing big picture here. Gotabaya rajapaksha elected as a president with 1.4 million votes more than Sajith Premadasa. This was after peoples got fair view of both parties 2005 to 2015 SLPP Era & 2015 to 2019 UNP era. with all big shouts about militarization & dictatorship before election still people chose GR with huge margin. So isn’t this democracy? Also now its almost 08 months since gotabaya become president. Hence people got enough time to decide about his governing style. If still people give majority or 2/3 of the parliament to Gotabaya Rajapaksa isn’t that again democracy? So why are you always crying about democracy of sri lanka when democracy meaning state supreme power vested by peoples to their chosen party. Or you guys using democracy to hide behind your political agenda?

  • 13
    10

    Dear Sir

    The ‘subject’ listing of the task forces looks amazing.

    We need to have a Task Force

    (1) Investigate from 1970 onwards – JVP and FP&TULF(all the Tamil Militant armed groups comes under this banner) crimes that killed our armed forces and feel countrymen (standing up for the rights is one thing in a democracy but justifying killing a fellow man/armed forces of the Nation never be tolerated). Perhaps Hon President will ask TNA leader and Hon Judge to lead this task force for the Northern investigations.

    (1.1) The JVP investigations should be conducted by someone from perhaps our Hon Ex President Chandrika can spear heed this investigations.

    (1.2) An Investigation into how our children were stolen and taken away to Tamil Nadu for armed training/Indian involvement need to be investigated in greater detail for Hague submission.

    (3) Why the SL refugees end up in India were NEVER given Indian Citizenship in a timely basis for them to lead a Dignified life need to be put to the UN. Fully documented life of the refugees in India and Overseas need to go in the SL records.

    (4) All the SL ladies working overseas as Maids/Servants need to come back as we need to take care of them..

    • 18
      2

      Thiagarajah Venugopal

      “(1) Investigate from 1970 onwards – JVP and FP&TULF(all the Tamil Militant armed groups comes under this banner) crimes that killed our armed forces and feel countrymen (standing up for the rights is one thing in a democracy but justifying killing a fellow man/armed forces of the Nation never be tolerated).”

      Good idea Thiagarajah Venugopal.
      I wonder why no one ever thought about it.

      1.Have you ever seriously thought about the causes that threw up JVP, DJV, LTTE, .etc?
      2. Have you ever seriously thought about how the 1915, 1956, 1958, 1960, 1961, 1977, 1981, 1983, …..2013, 2018, 2019, ….happened and who is/were responsible for it?
      3. Have you ever seriously thought about why 1971, 1987-1991, 30 years of war happened?
      4. Have you ever seriously thought about why undemocratic 1948 Citizenship Act, 1956 Sinhala only Act, 1972 undemocratic constitution, 1978 PTA, …… passed?
      5. Have you ever seriously thought about how crooks, murderers, thugs, war criminals, ….. were being elected?
      6. Have you ever seriously thought about …… ?
      7. Have you ever seriously thought about finding out your previous Avatar on CT?
      8. Have you ever seriously thought about doing some fact check before asking stupid questions?

    • 10
      4

      (4) All the SL ladies working overseas as Maids/Servants need to come back as we need to take care of them……a details study of how we let them down need to be recorded such SL can be a proud Nation once again.
      Without this bench marking and recording the facts for our next generation we can not progress as a Nation.
      To do all this we need a Dictatorship then let it be please as we are not ready for democracy is a proven fact when FP/TULF can have their opponents killed and be elected. We do not need any elections for the next 10-20 year and please employ the best minds in the world to implement a sound Nation Building Study/Program/Implementation please. Let all the current elected at all levels to go and do days work with all the common people so they will learn what is being elected and the scope means etc.

      • 2
        2

        Dear Sit

        There should be a Presidential task force

        To run a work shop on the “job scope” for all the respective elected please specifically MP’s please, Campaign methadology where how to conduct political party meetings/election campaign meetings/town hall meetings……..after being elected they represent the entire constituents ts without the party politics etc please.

        Possible Technocrat Studies centre/training centre that all elected need to regularly attend during their term. If any Party/Politicians openly make hate speeches against not just exact/religion but also against opposition and their supporters then there should be a special force who deals with scenarios please. There should be a very regulated MP’s surgeries who need to be accountable to their electorates all the time and should have cameras recording all discussions to comply QA/QC etc.

        Candidates selection process in each party as to what are the credentials a person seeking public office should posses, criminal checks…etc please.

        The history in Jaffna (I can not speak for down South) since independence everything about democracy was violated by FP/TULF/TNA to date.

  • 13
    3

    Say “GOOD BYE” to Lanka. Just a few days ago I wrote about how great Mafia families survived and succeeded and Comrade Putin got unlimited powers until 2036,what was not said, it is actually for life unless Russians decide otherwise. It is going to be the same in Lanka. People who were sceptical of CT,s authenticity , may recollect an editorial months ago, exposing govt plans to go after the opposition prior to elections and now we see that happening .CID/TID /task force is after Rajitha, Champika, Ravi (got anticipatory bail today) Hirunika and many others.(Mangala got the wind up) They have nothing to sell other than such measures, creating false security risk, archaeological task force and hatred towards minorities. Most autocrats put the opposition in prison prior to staging their SHAM elections. In the mean time the naive keeps repeating GR is different from MR, BR is different from CR and rest think an autocrat is the best choice for mother Lanka. The Tamils of course as usual counting on India accord and other accords ,which are worth nothing. India is facing enough of its own problems right now, implementing such accord is not in their bucket list. Impact of pandemic will last for a year or two,which will keep most countries including Geneva busy. Hence say “GOOD BYE” to mother Lanka.

  • 17
    4

    The kallathoni war criminal of a disabled disqualified illegal president has already made it a military dictatorship.

    The final rites will be laid out out after after the election results in the 6th August 2920.

    Come what maybe these rajapuka s will be clinging onto this windfall till either another coup throws them out of office.

    It is bye and a bye to democracy in this rajapuka hellhole.

    • 10
      2

      They have made sure there will be no coup, as military thugs suspected of killing Sri Lankan civilians surround them, making sure no one can overthrow them, or attempt to kick them out of office. Then there is the succession of family members waiting in the wings to take over. Sri Lanka as we know it will be no more.

  • 14
    2

    Most Sinhala people love the idea of a military dictatorship. They are fed up of devolution, political solutions and other stuff which are useless for them.

    Some Muslim and Tamil people support that idea because of business interests. Most others don’t want to mess with the government so they keep quiet.

    So the militarization move is silently supported by most people. Sad reality.

    • 7
      2

      They should be careful what they wish for.

      • 13
        4

        Of course.
        /
        We had some hope a while ago, with that supposedly well-bred, Graetian awarded, (fake) Harvard+Cornell double graduate appeared to be starting a presidential campaign on the web.
        /
        The good thing about it was that becoming president would have kept him and his rubbish poetry and verse, mainly reader comments, out of the media.
        /
        Alas, he only had himself to support. So the jobless wonder fell by the wayside.
        Now we are left with similar charlatans, liars, (hopeful) Lotharios and thieves.
        /
        Sri Lanka deserves better.

    • 12
      6

      Gatam,
      Dont intrepret it like that. It is no right. THere are whole lot of sinhala commeners that have no idea about any the difference between dictatorship and democracy. They have only been busy with their daily survivals. NOt only in nothern soils of the country but across the country where sinhala dominated areas, people live under poverty levels. Just for their statistics, some idiots of Rajakashe govt then had doctored the douments. But as we see it right today – thanks to COVID crisis, all the buried information comes to surface these days. Over 40% of lanken population 8 or more millions of the current population of the country live under poverty levels.
      :
      Mind you, people that have no water to drink would have the knowledge and power to think of the politics being played in the country
      ?-
      What and who made some families untouchable wealthier if played closely to Rajaakshes and their kith and kin ? General public should raise the question, how some families became that wealthy ? Those who are busy with DRUG trafficking and money laundering acts, are yet today close to Rajaakshe rascals in order them to allow their businesses, to control the grass root level people, there are only BREAKING news about how they would control and fight Drug traffickers.

      • 3
        0

        Doesn’t matter. Election results do not reflect any of those. Most commentators here are not in SL so they are unable to change anything in SL.

        The sad reality is most SLs either don’t mind or don’t care about becoming a dictatorship. Some even love it. Do not forget that the military, civil defence force, the police, pro-government paramilitaries and politically affiliated people are Sri Lankans. They have their families and friends that make up a sizable section of SL. And of course a very powerful one.

        All depends on what are the benefits SLs get, who gets them (or don’t get) from a dictatorship. If they get selfish benefits for them, their group or their community, and if they have the power to decide who rules and who is defeated, hell has no say.

        This is the hard truth about any political system.

  • 4
    1

    Plato in his wisdom had said, either Kings must study philosophy or Philosophers must become Kings; else there is no end to human misery. To the menu served, 27 have volunteered as fore tasters and their experience is bitter. When such a medley of cooks is composed can the food be different?

  • 19
    1

    Sri Lankans are a pathetic lot. I mean the ordinary mono-lingual lower classes that make up the vast majority. They embrace evil with open arms, and when they suffer, attribute it to “karma” but not to the evil they embraced. Alas, a few people who communicate bilingually generally analyse things a bit differently and do not rush to embrace evil. But its a very small voice in the wilderness..no one really hears them..and so the so-called caravan will move on, with the poor lost souls dreaming of better times that will never come..

    • 1
      2

      Depends on what the second language is. If it is English, Korean, German or the like then yes, they know about the world. If the second language is Sinhala or Tamil then they are the same frogs in the well.

      • 1
        2

        GATAM

        “If the second language is Sinhala or Tamil then they are the same frogs in the well.”

        You are dead right.
        Those who claimed to belonged to either of these two tribes thinks, speaks, …. in either Sinhglish or Tanglish.
        I doubt they learned any proper language.

    • 3
      2

      Lasantha Pethiyagoda

      “They embrace evil with open arms, and when they suffer, attribute it to “karma” but not to the evil they embraced.”

      By any chance you have embraced Born Again Christianity, Jehovah Witness, Pentecostalism, Evangelism, ………… or ..

  • 2
    0

    There are glaring omissions in the list of those who should be included as cabal members, (prominent chaps who donned the uniform and wield considerable authority now) , so much so, one wonders as to whether these individuals orchestrated this publication. The behavior of leaders, especially in Asia and medieval Europe engaging the trusted to be around them is nothing new. Lee Kuan Yew too spoke of the EQ in selecting people. He appointed certain people out of his personal knowledge and the rest out of unique testing procedures. Yet the opposition of Singapore described the team around the leader as a cabal. The Presidential election of Nov 2019 nominated two main candidates who have very similar traits and people chose one of them. Had the other got elected he too would have had his own cabal. Papa Premadasa had his own army. The Sonna’s own army, a small one, is not so well known. But people of the likes of Yasmin Sooka would not take the trouble to say so about escapades of the Premadasa era. I have yet to see a report of Sooka on the murder of Richard De Zoysa. Bad is Bad. Personalities don’t matter.

    • 3
      2

      Good Sense

      “I have yet to see a report of Sooka on the murder of Richard De Zoysa. Bad is Bad. Personalities don’t matter.”

      Good point.
      I am yet to see reports of Sooka on the murders of Elara, ….. Dhatusena, ….. …… Premadasa, Dutta Gamani, Athulath S**t Bomb Mudali, Taraki, Kumar Ponnambalam, … Kotakethana murders (15 murders between 21/7/2008 and 28/9/2015), tens of thousands of others.

      • 3
        2

        Oh Yeah! Native! The list is endless. But you know what I mean. For the likes of Sooka they concentrate the escapades of one group not the rival group. That is why any quotation by Sooka is worthless to me. But the reality is that the modus operandi of both the rivals is the same and that is what I am trying to drive through the comments of this publication.BOTH THE PARTIES SIMPLY DO NOT VALUE LIFE but they had the guts to ask for out votes and one got elected. We choose to lampoon the elected forgetting who the other is. Cheers!

        • 5
          2

          Good Sense

          Forget Sooka, how long do you intent to dodge your responsibility as being part of human race?

          Have you ever thought of pressing the state, its operators, rulers, legal establishment, … the people … to set up a genuine impartial “TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION COMMISSION” to investigate the entire history of WAR CRIMES and CRIMES AGAINST HUMANITY being committed by all parties including state, armed groups, ….. mercenaries, …… between 5th April 1971 and 19 May 2009?

          “We choose to lampoon the elected forgetting who the other is.”

          State actors who are expected to adhere to all kind of treaties, conventions, ….. have more responsibility than the non state actors …..
          In case if you have become smart in recent years and forgotten what you learned at your very young age, let me remind you ” “two wrongs don’t make a right”.

          Are you trying to be too clever?

          • 1
            2

            I think native that you are trying to be clever and a half. It is you who are doding from the point that I am making. Cheers!

            • 2
              1

              Good Sense.

              “That is why any quotation by Sooka is worthless to me. “

              Isn’t it why it is your responsibility to make your life, thoughts, words and actions worthwhile by demanding the people to set up a genuine impartial “TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION COMMISSION” to investigate the entire history of WAR CRIMES and CRIMES AGAINST HUMANITY?

              By hiding behind two parties and ignoring Sooka will not serve the people right if it is indeed your concern.

              You can fool all the people some of the time and some of the people all the time, but you cannot fool all the people all the time.
              – Jacques Abbadie or indeed Abraham Lincoln

              • 0
                0

                Hi Native, You are trying to add value to Sooka. I don’t. If one wants to make a point by referring to another, the reference must have a track record of credibility and in this game unfortunately some have racketered the process of the noble act of revealing the sordid truth. For such, I don’t care a tinker’s cuss.

  • 9
    0

    Hubert Hoover said “Every Dictator has climbed to power on the ladder of Free Speech. Immediately after attaining power each Dictator has suppressed all Free Speech except his own”
    This is very true in the case of not only Gotabaya but also Mahinda Rajapakse. We have seen how Mahinda attacked media and those who spoke against him. At that time the executioner Mahinda used was Gotabaya. Mahinda also amended the Constitution so that he can sit on the throne for ever and ever.
    Now we have the same coin only the sides have flipped, Gotabaya is controlling free media, free speech, free electronic media and above all he wants the Constitution changed. The country has become a Police/Military state.
    When Yahapalana Govt wanted to bring a new Constitution it was Mahinda and his thieves who were in the Parliament who opposed to it. This resulted in the the 19th Amendment to the Constitution where every one of them voted in support except one. However, the same SLFP and Pohottuwa guys are today talking against the 19th Amendment. They want a new Constitution based on Dictatorship so that they can go on looting the country.
    Are we to accept politicians such as these who one day support 100% and the next day oppose the same Amendment they passed?

  • 1
    1

    After seeing that Old Royals’ government would not agree to settle the Tamils problem in any manner with Tamils, that time UNHRC HC appointed initiated the OISL. That OISL did a clean investigation and pointed 42 Criminals of Old Royal Government as war criminals. Tamil politicians did nothing to make a move that report to be presented to UNHRC. Interestingly, in 2015 election Sampanthar and Sumanthiran said that the IC investigation was over and Royal Government was going to face international action. But the American government which was leading in UNHRC on Tamils behalf changed its mind and gave up the original report had redrafted another one. The resolution 30/1 was passed based on this new report.
    By Ranil influence, Secretary Kerry asked in Resolution 30/1, Lankawe to investigate it again, abandoning second OISL report finding, too. So the progress made up to that was reversed. UNHRC HC, Prince Zeid who gave personal guarantee to present first report in Sep 2015, eventually left UNHRC disappointed with is leathery operation. Further IC & Ranil convinced Sampanthar Aiya and Sumanthiran that not to press Ranil to implement Resolution 30/1 so that Ranil will work on Secret Solution, in exchange. So from the very beginning, knowing Sinhala Governments methods of negotiations, many audiences observation, whether the Secret Solution comes to not, the Resolution would never be implemented.

  • 1
    1

    Have seen enough of UNHRC and Yahapalanaya government’s interest in implementing the resolution 30/1, before leaving, HC Zeid recommended Tamils and NGOs to rely on Universal Jurisdiction, which Ms. Sooka still continuing. Sumanthiran and Sampanthan Aiya neglected whole TNA and exclusively they two negotiated with Ranil for five year with no progress. Now TNA is claiming that they have achieved a lot in securing the Secret Solution. That is, they say have a constitution to implement. In that contradiction they are just willingly denying what was going on for the past five years.
    The first observable down fall of the resolution was the three American diplomats, Undersecretaries Blake, Biswas and Sate Secretary Kerry left without seeing any progress for their contributions. We know latter America too pulled out of UNHRC. The practical situation of the Resolution 30/1 is the suckling child lost its mother. In 2016 November New King announced he was going to negotiate with the new American President to abandon the Resolution. But America brought a new Resolution, 34/1 to extent the old one. Then Old King split from Yahapalanaya and formed Joint Comedy Club under the leadership of Communist Dinesh. Then New King too split from Yahapalanaya.

  • 1
    1

    Old King started the Slap Party on the name of GLP. In LG election time, he campaigned in south “Do you want one country or two countries? “meaning the proposed Secret Solution is secretly going to give Tamil Eelam to Sampanthar. After the election, disappointed Sampanthar censured Old King in parliament for this (though now Sampanthan Aiya wants to start negotiating with Old King. Anura, who is against Secret Solution, brought 20A in parliament to bypass Secret Solution.
    Ranil used TNA to his elections in 2015. He presented to Sinhalese that he was the one who protected the Sinhala Ranavirus in the January & September 2015 elections. Ranil made sure TNA publicly accepts that they want Secret Solution, but not punishing criminals. Further in those elections, New King Ranil & Chandrika campaigned in South that they will not go for any agreement with TNA and TNA’ statement of December 2014 about agreeing on 10 points (releasing land, removing rapist army, releasing false arrests, North East merged Federal solution…….) were utter lie. TNA too, in international stages or in North East or even at Colombo, didn’t contest New King- Chandrika- Ranil’s position.

  • 2
    1

    So in Sep 2015, UNHRC brought a completely watered down Resolution 30/1 only to facilitate Ranil to form the National Unity government with the name of TNA forgoing the investigation in lieu of Secret Solution. One strange clause in that resolution was Government would investigate, specifically LTTE committed crimes, not even Karuna or Deva groups, or other rebel groups. The last blow to the resolution is now the current Royal government, which got out of resolution 30/1. As Tamils did know that Appe Aanduwa would never implement the resolution, they wanted UNHRC to refer Lankawe to UN and countries to bring travel restriction and Economic sanctions. The efficiency of Sinhala Buddhist Appa Diplomacy is whether Resolution 30/1 is come in or going out, it knows to win election based on Resolution 30/1. That is why in Sep 2015 Yahapalanaya won the election and in Nov 2019, Royals won the election. But it was on this resolution Tamils have been putting hope and waiting past five years in the Sun and Rain thinking IC would give Tamils a solution for the mistake IC made in 1948. Inefficiency of TNA is Sampanthar is still negotiating with Old King and Ranil from 2010, with the help of America, India, Britain, Japan, UN, and UNHRC. Even now TNA has not put the IC investigation as the important one instead of impractical Secret Solution.

  • 1
    1

    Resolution 30/1 is there or not, but either situation is enough for Sinhala Buddhist Parties to come and for power. BUT SAD FACT is: even the OISL report that listed openly 42 war criminals was not helping TNA & diaspora Tamils to push forward for IC inquiry.
    It is in this circumstances the ITJP has to play its role to establish human right for deprived Tamils. UNHRC’s best bid this time is it would bring another resolution. So, as we have seen above, whether this Resolution 46/1 is coming or not, whether there is any clause to press Lankawe to care & honor Human Rights or International Humanitarian Laws, the Lankawe duo, UNP-SLFP, the racist political parties who conveniently change theirs and their parties’ ID time to time to adopt the political environment prevail locally & in Internationally, knows to use it for their advantage. If any country uses Universal Jurisdiction against Ranavirus, Lankawe knows to gives its Aappa Diplomacy presents to those country politicians and foil the efforts. So the international agencies have to try to get an International Investigation, not just punishing one or two criminals. That is how only what happened (Genocide) in Mullivaaikkaal can be made to be accepted by IC and then a permanent solution can be sought from there. No another resolution can contribute anything for Tamils’ plight.

  • 3
    0

    Sri Lankans had been making blunders after blunders since independence electing politicians on the basis of race and religion but never in our wildest imagination to sustain the wealth the British left with us to work progressively towards prosperity. We were responsible for disrupting the administrative mechanism and the quality education that we were proud of. Sri Lankan Tea was our pride even that our politicians didn’t spare which was in number one slot as the foreign exchange earner which had been replaced by the trade of housemaid trade that tarnished country’s name as we are known as ‘Housemaid country’. Where have all those cardboard heroes the patriots and nationalist gone. Now our country has reached the level to tolerate military administration which is going to be an eyesore but there is no option as we are bitterly faced with an unprecedented economic crisis that is going to jeopardize the country’s future. Therefore the military regime which we asked for and we got it and no use of shedding crocodile tears.

  • 3
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    A sad state of affairs. The masses can only vote for the parties presented to them, all of who are useless criminals. Now, even that poor choice is being removed.

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