The Ilankai Thamil Arasu Kadchi (ITAK) has today written to the Speaker clarifying its position regarding the post of the Leader of the Opposition.
“No member of parliament elected from the UPFA or UNP can be the Leader of the Opposition. This clearly is the legal position as well as one that accords with parliamentary tradition, both of our country and the Commonwealth. The resultant position is that it is the ITAK that is entitled to the post of the Leader of the Opposition, having 14 members of parliament.” the ITAK said in the letter.
We publish below the letter in full;
Rajavayothi Sampanthan – The Leader TNA
Hon Speaker,
Parliament,
Sri Jayawardenapura-Kotte.
Dear Sir,
Leader of the Opposition
We write in relation to the above matter to put on record our position with regard to the above.
At the conclusion of the General Election held in April 2010, the Commissioner General of Elections informed Parliament that contestants from four political parties were returned to Parliament and the current Parliament therefore is constituted by members of four registered political parties, namely, the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA), the United National Party (UNP), the Ilankai Thamil Arasu Kadchi (ITAK) and the Democratic National Alliance (DNA) and no other. The UPFA formed the government and the UNP as the largest party in the opposition, was given the post of Leader of the Opposition.
After the conclusion of the Presidential Election in January 2015 the Leader of the UNP has become the Prime Minister and a number of the members of parliament of the UNP are Cabinet Ministers constituting the government. The Leader of the UPFA is the President and a member of the Cabinet (in fact the head of the Cabinet) and a number of UPFA members of parliament (in excess of 26) are Ministers, some of them in the Cabinet. Therefore the Government today is composed of both the UPFA and the UNP, disentitling both of those parties from occupying the seat of the Leader of the Opposition. No member of parliament elected from the UPFA or UNP can be the Leader of the Opposition. This clearly is the legal position as well as one that accords with parliamentary tradition, both of our country and the Commonwealth. The resultant position is that it is the ITAK that is entitled to the post of the Leader of the Opposition, having 14 members of parliament. The DNA has 7 members, one of whom is also a Cabinet Minister now.
We consider it necessary to write this to you in view of the views expressed by you on Wednesday, the 8th of April 2015.
K Thurairajasingham – General Secretary
R Sampanthan MP – Leader, Parliamentary Group
Gayani / April 10, 2015
If we are practicing a democracy, TNA should be given the opposition leadership.
/
Snowden Edward Asange / April 10, 2015
Exactly my thoughts..IF we are to see whether democracy is prevailing in SL, TNA, whether it has ulterior motives or not MUST be given the Opposition Leadership, which they can claim as per the constitution… They should NOT be side lined just coz they are a Tamil party… the wider world out there is watching !
/
dcn / April 10, 2015
ITAK and Sampanthan are 100% correct in their approach. The Speaker should reconsider his earlier request to UPFA General Secretary. If they by pass this, it would be construed as a victimisation of Tamils.
/
Snowden Edward Asange / April 10, 2015
True ! On what basis did the speaker ask the UPFA to consider who to nominate? while its the TNA who holds the majority seats other than those in the govt… UPFA is already party to the current govt with some Ministerial Postings…
We had an almost 3 decade war due to suppression of certain sect of the community of which we do not want a repetition….
Chamal MUST look beyond his nose and think outside the box…
/
William Sacks / April 10, 2015
There is no doubt that Mr. Sampanthan should be the Opposition Leader as both UPFA and UNP are governing the country. Do not understand why the speaker has asked the secretary of UPFA to discuss with the MPs and decide. There the speaker himself has agreed that it should go to UPFA.
Many people will oppose my suggestion on ethnic grounds and, ethnicity of an MP does not come to the equation at all. In the end democracy should prevail and for that democratic institutions should be strengthened and democratic principles/norms should be followed.
/
burt / April 11, 2015
“Do not understand why the speaker has asked the secretary of UPFA to discuss with the MPs and decide. “
Because all Rajapaksa’s are racists bringing a bad name to the whole country.
/
Japwatch / April 10, 2015
Why do the Tamils think that the only problem that the Sri Lankans should think of is the “tamil problem”? Wait! First let the government solve the problems of the country as a whole. The parliament should be first put right. All matters with regard to selecting the opposition etc. should be resolved first. Follow the rules, even if you may not like it.
Then don’t forget that there is the rajapaksas who have multiplied like a cancer in the whole island. Reminds me of the Hindu mythological rakshasas. They fit the description perfectly. There was one huge woman among them whose nose was cut.. That is MR :)
This tribe has to be subdued.
And then we can talk about the ” tamil problem”. Why are we calling it tamil problem? Issues regarding the Sri Lankan tamil speaking population is better? Or rather multi-cultural, ethnical issues of the Sri lankan population. That should cover all races, religions etc of Sri Lankans.
Where is Dayan Jayatilleke? He is good at political terminology and branding.
/
Kettikaran / April 10, 2015
It is not the Tamil problem. It is a problem that affects all communities living here. It is more the National Question.
Kettikaran
/
Native Vedda / April 10, 2015
Japwatch
“Why do the Tamils think that the only problem that the Sri Lankans should think of is the “tamil problem”? “
You are right however Tamils should be thinking about the Sinhala/Buddhist problem imposed on rest of the people.
“Wait! First let the government solve the problems of the country as a whole.”
Precisely, let the government solve the “Sinhala/Buddhist problem” first, and then solve the country’s problem. But then how long do the people have to wait for the government to sort out the Sinhala/Buddhist problem and then to deal with the country? Another 2500 years?
Once the Sinhala/Buddhist problem is sorted out people know there won’t be any other problem to deal with. Therefore the present government focus on and begin to address the “Sinhala/Buddhists” problem. That is the only problem the country needs to deal with.
In other words you are part of the big problem and definitely not the solution.
/
Japwatch / April 11, 2015
Native Vedda,
You stole my thoughts and words.
There is only one problem in this country and that is definitely not the Tamil problem. It is so easy to call it by that name.
It won’t take that long for the Sinhalese to realize that it is in fact their problem and they are the problem. Time will tell. But I fear how they are going to face it when their own masses create an uprising. It feels that already it is happening. They are fighting against their own.
My coffee just spilled as I am laughing at the way some of these politicians with their journalist friends in Sri Lanka are using the few words to fool the SRI LANKANS – Tamil problem, war, LTTE, majority, minority( my favorite)…
/
Native Vedda / April 11, 2015
Japwatch
You missed very important political phrase from Dyanology “Smart Ass Patriotism”.
The country deserves the best, people deserve the best and the brightest and honest people to take charge of the governance and state affairs.
The crooks, the corrupted, and the brutes have been running the country for the past 67 years, always hiding behind smart ass patriotism.
/
Vibhushana / April 10, 2015
This is not rocket science. A Pakistani in England needs to win over people of England at some level to become the opposition leader. These are universal rules.
The political opposition of Ceylon cannot be Tamil Only! I can see how this will end up. The ITAK fools will begin to moan about “racism”.
If ITAK want to be in a leadership at national level in Ceylon, they need to win the trust of majority of people first.
/
jansee / April 10, 2015
Vibushana:
“If ITAK want to be in a leadership at national level in Ceylon, they need to win the trust of majority of people first.”
That will be like asking the donkeys to nod right instead of the left. And to teach the donkeys to do so will be like sending a mission to the sun. Vibushana, why not suggest something that is possible.
/
Siva Sankaran Sarma / April 10, 2015
Now now, I know We Thamizh like to bray incessantly but donkeys, really? :D
/
Burning Issue / April 10, 2015
Imposter Sarma,
:D here you go again! “We Thamizh” :D :D :D
What rights do you want the Tamils to have? Do you think that Tamils should have access to the Tamil language in the sate admin? Do you think that they should have a say in the affairs that affect them?
:D come on spell it out; what do you want the Tamils to do? Do you think that they should put up and shut up? :D What is your message to the Tamils?
/
Native Vedda / April 10, 2015
Wee Thamihz Senior Journalist D: Siva Sankaran Sarma Menon
Your Thamihzs should learn how to bray and respect democracy, perhaps from Gnanasara.
You are doing a good job, please keep it up.
Pack your bags and leave: BBS tells President
2015-04-10 18:03:09
The Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) said today President Maithripala Sirisena should pack his bags and leave so as to allow a leader with a backbone to administer the country which was fast heading towards anarchy. BBS General Secretary Ven. Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thera told a news conference that the people were confused about political situation which has become a mockery when considering the manner in which some of the politicians are behaving. “The country needs a leader with a backbone and leadership qualities. Mr. Sirisena is a good person. But he is unable to administer the affairs of this country and neither has he been capable of fulfilling the elections promises he made. So we kindly request him to leave,” the Thera said. He said even Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe was a better leader of the country because the decisions taken by President Sirisena had ended in confusion. The Thera said the country’s current political status was foretold by the BBS several months ago and that the people were disappointed with the so-called change that was definitely destroying governance in Sri Lanka. “This government has not given priority to Buddhism at ceremonies organised by the Government and we have noticed Buddhism and the Sinhala nation are under threat,” the Thera said. BBS Chief Executive Officer Dilantha Vithanage who was also present at the media briefing, accused the Government of hatching a conspiracy by elements behind scene. “The country is a mess. The Prime Minister says one thing while the President and the other leaders are saying something else. This is not what the public expected from the change. We request Mr. Sirisena to take responsibility for the allegations levelled at the government and allow someone else with a strong personality to be the leader,” he said. Speaking on the incident where former President Chandrika Kumaratunga was hooted and jeered at a SLFP meeting, Gnanasara Thera expressed his sorrow at the embarrassment caused but said that was the result of her of performing the 3rd episode of what he described as “Ege Wairaya”. (Piyumi Fonseka) – See more at:
http://www.dailymirror.lk
/
Snowden Edward Asange / April 10, 2015
LOL isnt it hilarious how this robed thug orders and Elected President to pack his bags? DID he say ANYTHING to ruffle the feathers of MR while he was President?NO coz he was fed by the younger brother of the ex pres..
He is jumping up n down like a monkey anticipating no action would take place in regard to his foul mouth that has deteriorated and crumbling the fabric of the society. He is full of hatred and is a paid agent of certain forces… He has to be taken to task or else MS may be at the receiving end like what happened to Mr Bandaranayake.. He along with Dilantha should be caged… for the country to prosper..
Now the Bribery Commission, the anti corruption and anti hate commission should start whipping these asses… its way past time and the 100 days is approaching….
/
Native Vedda / April 11, 2015
Snowden Edward Asange
“Now the Bribery Commission, the anti corruption and anti hate commission should start whipping these asses…”
Please come back to earth.
/
Vibhushana / April 10, 2015
Then give up politics without becoming an eyesore isn’t it?
/
Rajash / April 10, 2015
Vibushana”If ITAK want to be in a leadership at national level in Ceylon, they need to win the trust of majority of people first.”
The issue of Opposition leader has arisen because the minority of the majority people are less than the majority of the minortiy people
The rules then applied as per the constituion makes the minority the next majority hence the oppostion in parliament.
Sampanthan by supporting the common candidate has demonstrated that he has the interest of the country at heart.
Winning the heart of the racist majority is another issue
/
Snowden Edward Asange / April 10, 2015
BUT the Pakistani u r talking about has to be a BRITISHER for him to consider contesting… TNA are ALL citizens of SL so they HAVE A RIGHT to be the Opposition, just say it… that you do not want a Tamil as the Opposition leader… Is it a wonder why Laxman Kadrigarmar was Bumped off? coz he had the potential of being the NEXT PM….. much MORE qualified tehan the lame ass Dimu Jayatanne? the puppet PM who was involved in the Ethanol imports and drugs……
/
Vibhushana / April 11, 2015
Silly man!
I usually only engage with BSc and above. In this case I will make an exception to give the 8-grade pass my attention.
What is OK for a Ceylon national leader –
– An elected Tamil who is Ceylon nationalist
– An elected Moslem who is a Ceylon nationalis
What is not OK for a Ceylon national leader
– A Tamil peddling narrow Tamil nationalism
– A Moslem peddling narrow Islam nationalism
Kadiragamar was a national list, Deemu on the other hand was elected and had served people for longer.
/
Japwatch / April 11, 2015
A Pakistani in England against the english man – a Sri Lankan in Sri Lanka.
How do you compare the two? Pls give a valid d comparison.
Vibushana, we are talking about the parliamentary process. Follow the rules. Who, what, when and all that is secondary. Why do I feel that you are feeling insecure about something here? Not just you, but some others are also talking about LTTE. Correct me if I am wrong, but I thought that Sri Lanka has destroyed the terrorist menace and is free of war.
Oh I am confused :(
By the way, I prefer to call it a Pakistan national.
/
Ajith / April 10, 2015
I don’t understand why the President, Prime minister, the speaker could not understand the basic principle of rule of law. This highlights one thing that SLFP members who agreed for a national government are fully accepted the principle of National Government. The purpose of a national government is to bring back democracy and rule of law for good governance and resolve those national issues that lead to the jungle law and war. Most of the politicians, particularly those who benefitted financially by the freedom they enjoyed under the previous regime are afraid of their future and they are still working along with the former regime to bring back the same regime. If President Maithiri is truely committed to a better governance, taking immediate action to expose the horror of the previous regime, the coup they involved during this election, the corruption they made, unlawful activites such as white van abductions and murders etc. This group is very dirty group and they will go to any low level to destroy the nation.
/
Burning Issue / April 10, 2015
Ajith,
The idea is to entrap the TNA within the post-election national government! If they were to be the opposition then this is not possible. This is why TNA and Sampanthan are keen to get the post! TNA cannot be part of the national government until there is an agreement as to a solution.
/
R. Varathan / April 10, 2015
From the view point of the Tamil Nation in the Island, TNA should steer clear from this contest for the Leader of the Opposition in a
political landscape that, to say the least, is explosive and fraught with danger. Tamils remember what happened to them island-wide (1977) when the late Mr. Amirthalingam rightly became the LoO. Criminals and thugs from both the UNP and SLFP coalitions got together to inflict one more pogrom on the Tamils for weeks – for reasons unknown to this day.
Needless to say, in terms of sheer experience, learning, ability and the potential to contribute to the strengthening of Parliamentary rule – badly needed at this time – TNA has the best candidates to fill in the post of LoO but that, I submit, is for a country with a far healthier system of governance. Ours is, after all, I am sad to note is nothing but a Failed Society. It is patently clear it will decline further as the months pass by. My own reading is for at least the next 2-3 years Sri Lanka will pass through a turbulent political period where a total collapse of the economy and law-order is very likely.
Mr. Sampanthan’s fetish for the post of LoO must be weighed from the angle of ground reality. Not that the LTTE and VP were entirely wrong when they were forced to take extreme action. But see what happened to the Tamil Nation during and after 30 years of War.
R. Varathan
/
J.Muthu / April 10, 2015
Who cares Sinhala Buddhist mongrels not ready for 21st century….
/
paul / April 10, 2015
What would you think of someone who wrote –
‘Who cares Demala mongrels not ready for 21st century’?
Whatever you think, that is what the world thinks of you Muthu.
/
Native Vedda / April 10, 2015
J.Muthu
“Who cares Sinhala Buddhist mongrels not ready for 21st century….”
Are you ready for 21st century since the demise of your great leader VP?
Forget about Sinhala/Buddhists opposition, how about Tamil opposition to Sampandan being elected to the office of opposition leader? Are you as a nationalist ready for it?
How about Ben.
Is he for Sampandan or against him.
/
Peace Lover / April 10, 2015
Well if Sampanthan is not given the Leader of Oppsition post its nothing suprising as Chamal R is under pressure from the Racist elements not to give it to him,if I may point out the discrimination done recently to Tamils who served the Goverment very loyally
i) FM Lakshaman Kadirgamar who did more to the sinhalese than the sinhala leaders was not given the Prime Minister post even though he was the most correct person for it
ii)Police DIG S K Shankar who was in service from 1978-2013 was not made the IGP though he was a very loyal and senior officer ,but his juniors were promoted as IGP’s
iii) P Balasundaram Premachandra the Air vice marshal ad Cheif of staff who did a lot for the SLAF was to be made the SLAF cheif after Roshan Gunatileke but not given the due job because he was tamil and he retired in 2012,he was in the SLAF from the 1980’s and ironicaly his own home in Jaffna was bombed by the SLAF during the 1987 Operation Liberation yet he loyally stood for the SLAF
So i wont be surprised if Sampanthan is not given the post because he is a Tamil by Chamal R
/
D.Nimal / April 10, 2015
The crux of matter of Leadership of Opposition post -position in Parliament which that TNA may be eligible? Not in present context of democratic norms and values accepted by Western and national criteria .
The key issues is TNA not committed that national Capitalist Party, hence Tamil political class had been denied, Sovereignty and Terroitority Integrity of Democratic Republic of Sri lanka, that very inception since 1948.
Other factor is the Tamil Political class, Party and leadership throughout last several decades had been advocated mainly Separatism that alliance with Foreign Power. We were witness, TNA want to surrender People sovereignty to the foreign powers by methods Bullets or by the Ballots.
The history political democracy Island was totally betray by Tamil political class and their political outlets, after beginning of
de-colonization era of first half 20th century and beginning of 21st century.
This is one of the major reason of failure of OURS democracy ,is that Tamil Political class has NOT committed to values of Modern democracy by any means. TNA( TULF & FP) has to be accountability of such anti-democratic move by past incorrigible political crime against Tamil People.
Its objective and works on that TNA is clear for Separatism or Eealm Land – aim of political programed by mean to be installed puppet Tamil Regime State in Island by hook or crook. The major role of ongoing reconciliation of democracy is also part and parcel of TNA.
Indeed mainly ongoing state sovereignty center base in Colombo and state rule of govern by elected parliament become no man role by Tamil political as a opposition role Not undertaken by Tamil people vested interest and their groups.
They(TNA, TULF & FP) were really marginalized democracy role and Tamil people participation of democratic norms and responsibilities are surrender to the key agenda of Eealm.
Result of that it leads to Northern Tamil Terrorism. Well, Center of Indian state and Tamil Nadu factor also behind that has been encourage, Indian expanaism by RAW of regional domination in BIG Bourgeois of INC and BJP.
TNA political strategy will seek New opposition to be legitimized form of to be build Home land for Tamils North-East part of Island.! This ‘democracy’ will not works by evil intention of TNA,in fact regardless different opinion of majority, which still remain doubt and suspicion about the aim of TNA is not yet clear at all.
This is not legal issue, is life and death of survival of Sovereignty and Democracy of All Sri Lankans.
How can such party become Democartic’s Opposition force in Parliament- Sri lanka.?
TNA has to learn lessons of Democratic reconciliation by themselves.
/
Native Vedda / April 10, 2015
D.Nimal
“TNA has to learn lessons of Democratic reconciliation by themselves.”
I am not a person with intelligence as you are. I am confused as to what lessons of democratic reconciliation you have in mind. Could you spell it out so that they can learn from you.
Rest of the comment is too hard to understand though I have read it sevral times. Please bear with me.
/
Lanka watch / April 10, 2015
It is so happened that ITAK (TNA) has the largest no. of seats in the
opposition sans SLFP and UNP, who are in a coalition and formed the govt.ITAK has the constitutional right to become the opposition leader
in the house,like what happened during JR’s era where Mr. Amirthalingam
of TULF became the leader of the opposition. The speaker should have made the final decision, instead passing the buck to the Secretary of the SLFP, to delay the process until election . He too has not spoken about ITAK’s rightful claim as he may be under pressure from the brothers, not to side the Tamils.
Lets see whether good governance is at work, where the govt. promised
equal treatment of all citizens.
/
Senthil / April 10, 2015
If Obama can be US president, Sonia can be Indian PM, what is wrong with Srilankan people to oppose for making an original Srilankan tamil as an opposition leader (can be president if Srilankans are civilised enough). Actually Sambanthan will be more neutral person than any one else. I do not think it is a best policy to adopt Israel method of stealing others land -one day you will loose the whole country to some outsider. What is wrong with this people, while there are so much fertile land in upcountry , stealing dry land in north corner far away from there home area. I think Vickneswaran will be the best choice but we Tamils need him in the North. When Srilankan government is going to cut down the money wasting on huge redundant army. Government have to create jobs in a constructive and sustainable way, not employing 100 people if only 10 people are needed, great country , great people.
/
vishvajith / April 10, 2015
If we are a democratic nation then the leader of the opposition must be from the ITAK.
Anything else will confirm how Truly Racist we are.
Onwards towards a true democracy.
/
Estate Labourer / April 10, 2015
By referring this matter to the General Secretary of the UPFA, Chamal, the Speaker has shown that he does not know how to do his job.
/
Jim softy / April 10, 2015
If Tamils are a different nation, how can they become the opposition in Sri lanka where the majority is Sinhala people ?
In many places Tamils play double game.
/
Native Vedda / April 11, 2015
Jim softy
Have you ever heard of the idea about multiple nations in one country? They do exist and the nations within the country live together and thrive.
“In many places Tamils play double game.”
However in your case you have always played the racist card and you are proud about it.
/
Mallaiyuran / April 11, 2015
“If Tamils are a different nation”
Your idea is, in the usual Sinhala Intellectual ways, to have the cake and eat it too. With that excuse of Tamils are calming that they are a different nation, you want to take away their lands and life, all together. If you hear that are saying that they are a separate nations, you withdraw from their land like a human being who has years.
But, you are right. Parliament needs not to give the opposition party leadership to Sampanthar. It has to recognize the Tamils’s right to become the separate nation.
/
Japwatch / April 11, 2015
Have I missed something here? So the Tamils have their nation already? Pls enlighten me.
/
Jim softy / April 10, 2015
Is this the same TNA, one time LTTE proxies, another time went to UN against the Sri lankan govt, now they want opposition leadership ?
/
Native Vedda / April 11, 2015
Jim softy
TNA is on full time opposition to Sinhala/Buddhist state.
MR supported JVP between 1987 and 1991, went to Geneva made big fuss about human rights violations, came back and paid good money to VP and got elected. …………..
What is the difference between MR and TNA?
/
Heretic / April 11, 2015
Native Vedda,
“MR supported JVP between 1987 and 1991, went to Geneva made big fuss about human rights violations, came back and paid good money to VP and got elected.”
Why doesn’t the police investigate what Tiran Alles, VP and others did to get MR elected?
” ………….. What is the difference between MR and TNA?”
MR has more money and received almost 6000000 votes.
/
Mallaiyuran / April 11, 2015
Sad fact is Lanka is the one has the UN membership. Not TNA. Could you tell Lanka to get out of UN? The problem will be over. If the Lanka did not violate any membership regulations of UN what is there to complain? Why Lanka’s Sinhala Intellectuals has to retaliate to TNA by denying the constitutional right, the opposition party Leader ship for next winning party?
If TNA complain about Lanka in UN is that too hard to repeat JR’s 1983 Genocide time Speech ” If we starve Tamils only the Sinhalese will be happy” in the UN. Then UN may accept that explanation and ignore TNA.
/
Mallaiyuran / April 10, 2015
This letter was written in the name of ITAK. ITAK is asking the opposition leader post to TNA. The letter was not sent on the TNA’s name which has the right to ask for the post. Now UPFA is deciding to seat MEP leader Dinesh Gunawardana to opposition chair. But that crisscrossing is not acceptable to Sampanthar. So, he is eating his head by this letter.
If the opportunity was there Sampanthar would have replaced Lee Kuwan lee in the Tamil Eelam. If the opportunity was there he would have managed America not less than the way Obama turned it around. ( I do know if Tamils did not bring in the opportunity for their leaders or the Leaders lost the Tamils valuable time, but from the time of freedom, Tamil shave not benefited from the talented leaders they have been selecting) But now TNA is taking the path of TULF and ATC. Nobody has a right to weaken the TNA which was handcrafted with the blood and flesh of the 500,000 innocent Tamil lives.
TNA was the result of more than 500,000 Tamils life sacrifice. It was formed to take forward the third stage of Diplomatic struggle for Tamils’ right. It cannot be allowed to take the path of the TULF. Sampanthar should not go on the path of G.G and Ananathasangari. TNA should not have been side lined by Sampanthar on this letter.
Did he ever ask if a war criminal, who in his time he allowed the white flag murders to take palace can sit on the Chair of President. Is the Lankan constitution allows a war criminal to seat on that Chiar? Why Sampanthar failed to ask that question so far? But in contrast, he published a false election statement claiming that he had forged an agreement with that man and asked Tamils to support him. Didn’t he become the foolish part in the new government’s comedy?
Sampanthar do know there was only a presidential election. And he had mentioned only 4 parties merged our of 2010 election. Then he failed to explain how the losing party UNP came to power after the presidential election. He did not mention how many time he asked this question in the parliament after January 8th. He never asked why Nimal de Sripala was sitting in the opposition leader chair and Ranil on the Prime Minister Chair. He is asking for it only after the National government was announced.
If a losing party leader was able to sit on the Prime Minister’s chair why the next winning part has to be seated on the opposition party chair? Can Sampanthar point out how the constitution was followed when arbitrarily Ranil was seated on the Prime Minister‘s Chair. This is a Koomaally(comedy) Sinhala Intellectual’s parliament. How Sampanthar is raising a question of following the constitution on this time only? Did Sampanthar asked the current prime mister to follow the constitution to select and remove a CJs when he was dismissing two in two days? If not why did he asked the old Royals to follow the constitution to remove Shiranee? Didn’t he face a parliamentary action on that for witness in the court proceeding in behalf of Shiranee? Didn’t M.A.Sumanthiral paly a pivot role in the unconstitutional dismissal of two CJs in two days?
/
Lanka Watch / April 11, 2015
Mallaiyuran – The simple answer to your lengthy comment is that TNA
is an alliance of several Tamils parties but not registered as a political party in Sri Lanka and ITAK is a registered political party.
and all MPs were elected under ITAK banner.You may have read in the media that TNA is discussing at length to register it as a political party and no decision is made yet. Is this clear to you.
/
Mallaiyuran / April 11, 2015
Hopefully Sampanthar may not follow this explanation and starts to deny that “there is no TNA, it is all Dream. Only ITAK is the one real.” That is really hurting to hear, after giving 500,000 innocent lives and bodies and blood and flesh to have a party to take forward the Tamil cause in diplomatic initiations, now again it had ended up with ITAK’s satyagraha methods, as “Palaiya Kuruki Kathavai thiravadi.” (My old blind woman, I have returned to you sincerely, please open the door for me and let me in.)
Now time for to Mavai to come out and claim his opposition party Leadership. There is no TNA. The fake union’s leader Sampamthar has not right to opposition party leadership. ITAK leader, Mavai is the only one should have written this letter.
Some or how Sinhala Intellectual disease has infected to TNA(ITAK) too. For the first time(in the history of ITAK) they released a false election statement in support of the war criminal to become EP. Now they are covering one false explanation with another and another and another…. The false statement is one side. Why did they support a war criminal? Is their position is he is not the one oversaw the white flag murder procedure? If they are not denying. is that the constitution is supporting a war criminal to become EP. If the Constitution is not supporting and they supported a war criminal violating the constitution, then why they are crying now? Have they started, in addition to ling, treating one justice for them and another for the other one, in the Sinhala Intellectual norms?
/
Jim softy / April 10, 2015
Asking the opposition leader post is like Tamils asking 50% of the power in Sri lanka.
that should not happen.
/
Native Vedda / April 11, 2015
Jim softy
“Asking the opposition leader post is like Tamils asking 50% of the power in Sri lanka. that should not happen.”
Brilliant idea.
The best course of action is to disenfranchise the minorities as your Sinhala/Buddhists happily did in 1948.
By the way is it a new brand of Sinhala/Buddhist democracy?
/
Thanga / April 11, 2015
The TNA is an Alliance consisting of ITAK, EPLRF, TELO and PLOT. This Alliance has been recognized by the Election Commissioner. Since TNA has not been registered as a party, but only as an Alliance, the constituent parties of the Alliance contested on the ITAK platform in keeping with the rule the Alliance must contest the election on the platform of one of the 4 parties that constitute it. This apart, it is very intriguing Chamal Rajapaksa the Speaker passed the buck to the General Secretary of the UPFA thus dereliction or abdication of his power to make the choice. This is a bad precedent unheard in the annals of democratic governance. The conclusion in irresistible that the speaker is under pressure by his siblings to scuttle the election of R.Sampanthan as Leader of Opposition. Mahinda Rajapaksa continues to claim he was defeated by the vote bank of Thamils in the North/East/Central Province and, therefore, he will not accept his defeat. He further goes on to say that but for the votes of the Thamils he would have continued to be the president of Sri Lanka (Ceylon – Northeast) at least up to 2022. In other words he says excise North/East from the rest of Ceylon so that he could be president for life! He is welcomed to do so. But for president Sirisena and prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe this will be an acid test whether both of them will uphold in this case their much touted good governance and rule of law.
/
Lanka watch / April 11, 2015
all thought that the hon. speaker is a man of principles and from a different kettle of fish and he will ask Mr. Sambanthan to take the
position as leader of the opposition as per the constitutional law
but he abdicated his powers and passed the buck to secretary of the SLFP to decide where the secretary is in one of the parties in conflict
on this issue and the reason ,hon. speaker was asked to make a decision
is that a speaker of a parliament is always considered a neutral person
but to the astonishment of the people, he was reluctant to accept this request as he preferred to favour his siblings over democratic principles and this will go down in the history books. This will serve
as an eye opener for the govt. as 19A says that the Hon. speaker will
act for the President in his absence will full powers of the President.
/
Senthil / April 11, 2015
Mallaiyuran, First of all your comment is too long, readers will not read fully, should be short and sweet.
You are right, many Tamils should pressurise Sampanthan to register TNA and include only genuine people not who assisted army and MR to kill so many innocent Tamils, people like Ananthasankari and Dglus should never BE included in TNA. They assisted army by moving their heads to army and killed/tortured many innocent Tamils. Individual politicians should not claim ownership of any party. TNA is a means to provide service to voters, not to make money or popularity. Only crying baby get milk from mother, so voters should make noise when politicians make mistake.
/
K.A Sumanasekera / April 11, 2015
Is this real?..
Whisky Madam and cousin Ranil did an ace pick pocket job to form a Government which the great majority didn’t want.
All because UNP was under pressure from the West to topple Rajapaksa and give Sambandan his Homeland.
So what is Sambandan going to do as the Opposition Leader?.
Is it to oppose Hakeem and Bathudeen getting their Homeland in the East?..
/
Native Vedda / April 11, 2015
K.A Sumanasekera
How are you old chap?
We didn’t miss you however we are worried about state of your health both mental and physical well being.
Please let us know before you are being send away for another round of treatment. We wish you a speedy recovery.
/
Japwatch / April 11, 2015
If Mm. Chandrika is whisky, then rajapaksa should be some cheap home-brewed liquor? :)))). Atleast the Lady has some class.
No I don’ t think personal attacks and name calling is decent.
/
Peace Lover / April 11, 2015
if you call Chandrika as Whisky madam how do we call you K A Sumanasekera?
can we name you MR’s [Edited out]?
/
Naga / April 11, 2015
ITAK cannot claim the position of Opposition leader because it is also part of the government. Sampanthan and Co may say that they are not in the government because they have not accepted any cabinet portfolio.
But though it is true that none of the ITAK members have accepted any cabinet portfolio, Sampanthan & Co cannot deny the fact that they are in the Executive Council which is the government’s policy body. It is the policy made by this Executive Council that is implemented by the Cabinet of Ministers headed by Ranil. Sampanthan himself is a member of this government’s Executive Council and makes policy for Ranil-Sirisena government.
ITAK was part of the rainbow coalition that voted Sirisena to power. Sampanthan and Sumanthiran have reportedly entered into an unwritten agreement with Chandrika, Ranil and Sirisena. And it is said that that unwritten understanding was basis of TIAK’s electoral support for Sirisena at the last Presidential election.
Given these facts, how can now ITAK and Sampanthan claim the position of opposition leader for themselves? If any UPFA MP is disqualified to become Opposition Leader, the ITAK leader or any other ITAK MP is disqualified to become the Leader of the Opposition.
/
Mallaiyuran / April 11, 2015
Sampanthar is no longer a leader. He is just an office peon to Sumanthiran. Sumanthiran did not accept the paper-boy ministry given to him. Sampanthar’s only job is barging for a good ministry for Sumanthiran. Sumanthiran’s dream is, like Kathirgamar, PM job. It is going to end up as a real disaster for Tamils.
You remember British Prime Minister David Camaron’s Jaffna visit? Without fear he met the Tamils and others in that dangerous situation where the barbaric army was staying ready to do what it did to Rajiv in Colombo? That is the only one shed some light, so far, on the Tamils problems to come to the world arena. Last time, when, Lankan TNA Prime minister(in his dream), Sumanthiran visited to Canada I heard that he was wearing Burqa by fear of Tamil reporters asking him questions. That is how the Sumanthiran guiding the TNA.
I hear Secretary Kerry will visit Colombo. If he wants to be like PM, David Camaron he too should go to Jaffna and see the Tamils in the actual situation. He should visit to refugees camps and go see the 6 star hotel Ranil wants to continue to fund without releasing Tamils Lands. (I am happy to hear that his borrowing bill at the parliament to build this 6 Star Hotel is defeated) Then America also will come to know what is this Ranilpalanaya government is doing by taking over Tamils and making them refugees and building 6 star Hotels in their land.
Even JR let the Tamils have the opposition party leadership without problem. This liars promising something at UN meetings, to postpone the Genocide inquiry and denying the constitutional right to Tamils. TNA, instead of bring this to international arena, begging the other member of the war criminal family. Chamal too supported the entire Old King operations without resigning any time still hanging in the parliament as Speaker. His joke is, he is the one lead the parliament not one time, two times, but three times to dismisses the CJs.
/
radish.s / April 11, 2015
Ìtak has the highest number of members in the opposition.so ìts leader should be made its leader. But the Mahavamsa mindset will not allow that because Sampanthan is born as a Tamil.
/
Senthil / April 11, 2015
Mallaiyuran, One correction. Srilankan army person attacked RG and escaped. But they are not that stupid to touch David Cameron. If it happened, this time there will not be a country called Srilanka. Please do not underestimate British, they captured many of our countries those days while our kings were fighting with bow and arrow. Still we can not make weapons, only test their weapons on our own citizens, Sadam did and MR did – modias and big modias.
/
Native Vedda / April 11, 2015
Senthil
“One correction. Srilankan army person attacked RG and escaped.”
It was Wijemuni a Naval rating who intended kill Rajiv.
/
Plato. / April 11, 2015
I Thought Hon.R.Sampandan was a wise Politician.If he does become the Leader of the opposition the Sinhala-Tamil issue will once again occupy centre stage[LIKE WHAT HAPPENED IN THE POST 1977 ERA].The person who will benefit most is that scoundrel MaRa!
/
Thanga / April 12, 2015
Mallaiyuran the name sounds like Thamil, but he writes like Dr. Dayan Jayatilleka.
The insinuation that Sampanthar is no longer a leader and he is just an office peon to Sumanthiran is in bad taste. For his information Sumanthiran is well qualified to stake his claim to a Ministerial job, if and when the TNA decides to join the national government after the elections. He will certainly prove his worth if and when he becomes a Minister. This apart the TNA will not accept any portfolio till there is a reasonable solution to the National Question. It is Goebbelsian propaganda to claim that when Sumanthiran visited Canada he avoided Tamil reporters out of fear to face them. I have to disappoint Mallaiyuran who seems to have his own agenda; Sumanthiran did host a press conference that lasted for 1 1/2 hours. He also gave an interview to TVI and CMR on March 19, 2015. On 17th he flew to Ottawa to meet Canadian Foreign Ministry officials by prior appointment. It should be mentioned that he was on a private visit to Toronto. Mallayuran is speaking through his hat when he claims “This liars promising something at UN meetings, to postpone the Genocide inquiry and denying the constitutional right to Tamils.” This charge is completely false and very unbecoming of him. TNA wanted the ISIL report published in March and it was Sumanthiran who travelled to Geneva to hand over a letter to that effect. By slinging mud at Sumanthiran, Mallaiyuran is losing ground hopelessly!
/
Senthil / April 12, 2015
Rectifying Tamils political issues by Singhalese Government is very important at the moment. If it doesn’t happen now, in the near future India will take same stand Russia took on part of Ukraine on North Srilanka. US have no actual bond with North Tamils but India has many bonds like Hindu religion, language and many more. If any one hit India, North Tamils will shed tears not US or south Srilankans. One day India will realise this fact.
/
Mallaiyuran / April 12, 2015
“Mallaiyuran the name sounds like Thamil, but he writes like Dr. Dayan Jayatilleka.”
Thangamee Thangam! Not a mud slinging sentence. Not at all……..
Had you compared my action to Sumnathiran’s, it might not have hurt me. One or other time, everybody drops out their idealism and start to look after themselves on the public’s cost. But you called me Tamil Dhayan. That is the ugliest sentence appearing in the whole discussion.
But when you said “Mallaiyuran is losing ground hopelessly”. That is an absolute truth. Not just me, after the January election and TNA’s inaction to rectify the support is offered to the Sinhala Intellectuals’ government which cheated in the pacts, killed and raped Tamils, bomped and level Tamils living places educational institutions and prayer places, imprisoned them, tortured, disenfranchised, conducted communal programs, conducted genocide…. entire Tamil community who had put the hope on the TNA to take forward the Tamils’ plight is losing hope when Sumnathiran is working hard to get a minister post and join the Genocide government. He even wanted to deliver the key note speech at the “common candidate” election campaign inauguration ceremony. That much surrendering for a minister post even that Genocide president’s government come to power and start to show its colors. But The TNA had an responsibility to publicize how the New King conduct the 15 days end war when the old king was in Middle East.
Other than that, nothing is true what you said. Specially Sumanthiran’s visit was advertised in Tamils media that only the selected and letters sent reporters will be admitted to the meeting. Next time, when you are calling sumanthiran, advertise as “all media people has questions” will be admitted. That is something I had to have denied.
/