5 December, 2023

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Jaffna Counting Centre Drama: Sumanthiran Clarifies Position

Dramatic scenes unfolded outside the Jaffna Central College main counting center early Friday (7) night when ITAK candidate Shashikala Raviraj alleged that the preferential vote count was tampered with and accused TNA Spokesman M.A. Sumanthiran of tampering with the preferential vote count at the eleventh hour.

Shashikala Raviraj is the wife of slain TULF Parliamentarian S. Raviraj who was assassinated in 2006.

Sumanthiran

In an emotional Facebook posting Praveena Raviraj daughter of the candidate and slain MP claimed that they had been “unofficially” informed that her mother has polled the second highest number of preferential votes in the Jaffna District and would enter Parliament as a TNA MP. The final vote tally had reflected a different picture she claimed, with Sumanthiran who was also contesting in the Jaffna District “nowhere near 4th place” suddenly becoming the second highest preferential vote taker. The daughter of MP Raviraj also made a grave charge against the TNA spokesman, saying he had been witnessed along with a ITAK provincial council member sitting with elections officers in the final counting area.

The chronology of events surrounding this bizarre charge against the TNA spokesman began with rumours swirling on social media that Sumanthiran had lost his seat in Jaffna. Several key influencers in the Tamil community posted about unofficial results also showing that Shashikala Raviraj had won a seat in Parliament on the ITAK ticket.

Colombo Telegraph learns that Mrs Raviraj and her family even received congratulatory phone calls about her victory, a message that was repeatedly reinforced as the counting process continued. Long before the official elected MP list was released, Colombo was buzzing with rumours that Sumanthiran had lost the election as a result of the social media campaign.

However when the results were eventually published by the Jaffna election officials, Sumanthiran was No 2 on the ITAK Jaffna list, holding the same position he held on his party’s list at the last poll, although he received considerably fewer preferential votes. In fact Mrs Raviraj was placed fourth on the ITAK Jaffna list behind Dharmalingam Sidharthan the leader of PLOTE.

Crowds had gathered outside the Jaffna Central College as news was released that Mrs Raviraj eventually had not won a seat, angry protestors whipped into a frenzy by an overactive rumour mill tried to breach the counting centre doors. Police stepped in to stop the crowds from entering the counting centre which would have had its results declared invalid if a disturbance took place, Sumanthiran told reporters in Jaffna yesterday.

Explaining how the counting works after an election, the TNA Spokesman said that counting was done at different locations and brought to the electoral district’s primary counting centre – in this case Jaffna Central College.

Sumanthiran explained that when an agent brings his own polling division’s result to the main counting centre, the total preference order changes depending on which candidate has polled well in that particular division. “This is very normal and nothing is final until all the results are in” he added.

“Each counting booth has agents from all parties and results are finalised only after their verification and agreement,” the TNA Spokesman said.

He added that his agents had consistently told him that he had polled No 1 or No 2 in every polling division. “If you look at the result this fact can be verified. But I was open to any result. There were suggestions that I might lose as well and I was open to this possibility.

He specifically noted that Candidates and their representatives are fully entitled to enter Counting Stations to hear the results. Colombo Telegraph learns that it is common for candidates to enter the counting centres in order to ensure requests for recounts are heard and clarifications can be sought and that this is a regular occurrence all over the country while preference votes are being counted.

Subsequently videos were released on several news media including websites showing police assaulting crowds outside the main Counting Centre. Other views also appeared of weeping members of Mrs Raviraj’s family and the candidate herself accusing Sumanthiran of stealing the vote. Another video emerged of Sumanthiran being escorted to his vehicle as the crowds hurled insults, portraying him as seeking security from the Government.

Sources in Jaffna told Colombo Telegraph that the dramatic scenes at the counting center in Jaffna was linked to a vicious offensive to jeopardize Sumanthiran’s re-election campaign that has been ongoing for two months. The offensive followed an interview Sumanthiran did in Sinhala with TV personality Chamuditha Samarawickrema which quickly turned controversial for the Tamil politico in the North with colleagues in the TNA itself denouncing his statements after hardline Tamil groups and media aligned with those groups launched a massive campaign to discredit the TNA Spokesman within his constituency as one who undermined the Tamil liberation struggle. Sumanthiran’s moderate credentials, international stature and appeal to southern moderates have made the TNA Spokesman powerful enemies in the hardline circuit, observers of Tamil politics told Colombo Telegraph. Defeating Sumanthiran at the election became the primary objective of these groups who have consistently maintained that the TNA spokesman’s policy of appeasing the south is aimed at personal gain rather than taking care of his constituency. Interestingly some of these hardline Tamil groups continue to be linked to the ruling party SLPP. Sumanthiran who holds moderate views and has consistently eschewed violence and separatism poses a threat to the Sinhala extremist project owned and operated by the Rajapaksa Government which must portray every Tamil politician a pro-Tiger, a Jaffna-based political analyst told Colombo Telegraph.

Political observers also noted that it was a shame Mrs Raviraj and her family had been put through this very emotional ordeal. Praveena Raviraj followed up with a second Facebook post in which she alleged that the TNA Leader R. Sampanthan had refused to take their calls on Thursday night. “Sumanthiran was the lawyer for the Raviraj family in the murder case, looking after their interests. He was very much in support of Mrs Raviraj being given nominations to contest under ITAK. He has regularly called for greater female representation on the ITAK ticket – so why would he try to do such a thing to her?” one political activist questioned. The activist added that the Elections Commission should clarify the matter and assure all parties that there was no discrepancy or distortion in the results because the allegation was a grave one and could throw doubt on the integrity of the count and counting officials.

The following is Sumanthiran’s full statement on the issue at a press conference held in Jaffna on Friday:

The allegations are very strange.

Counting is done at different locations and brought to the electoral district’s primary counting centre. Each counting booth has agents from all parties. Results are finalised only after their verification and agreement.

When an agent brings his polling division’s result to the main counting centre the preference order changes depending on who polled well in that particular division.

This is very normal and nothing is final until all results are in.

My agents consistently told me that I am either first or second in every division. If you look at the result this fact can be verified. But I was open to any result. There were suggestions that I might lose as well and I was open to this possibility.

We were following the news on social media. At one point allegation that I was stealing the victory of fellow candidate Tharmalingam Siddharthan got floated. He was at the Jaffna Central College, the primary counting centre, with a crowd. The crowd was alleging that I had stolen his seat. Later, video showed him speaking to the Returning Officer for Jaffna, the Government Agent. I was at home during all of this.

I never went to the counting area. Not this time. Not previously when I contested. I was at home the whole day.

After 12 AM, on 07 August, when I received news that the results were about to be announced, I visited the announcement area. I went because last time, too, all the contestants went to the same place and the Returning Officer read the result out to us. The Returning Officer was seated at his desk. I sat away from him and did not speak to him. While I was inside fellow contestant Mrs. Sashikala Raviraj came in and spoke to the Returning Officer. She had spoken to him earlier as well. Contestants speaking to the Returning Officer is not unusual. I was waiting for the results to be announced. But the announcement was being delayed – for reasons unknown to me.

At this point a mob tried to enter the building forcefully and was blocked and chased away by the police on duty. This was necessary. All the ballot boxes was inside that building and any vandalization would have called the election in to question. Once the mob was cleared, I came back home.

Usually, defeated contestant accuses the contestant directly ahead of him/her. On this occasion, however, the person who finished fourth (Mrs. Raviraj) is placing allegations against me – who polled the second highest number of votes and 4000 votes ahead of the third placed Mr. Siddharthan. Between Siddharthan and Raviraj the gap is in the few hundreds. The entire story is bizarre.

In any case, the way our ballot counting is done there is absolutely no room for foul play.

I do not want to comment on the conduct of Mrs. Raviraj during this election campaign. She was our party’s female candidate. She was also a first time contestant. It is regrettable that she has lost.”

(By Chinthika de Silva)

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Latest comments

  • 11
    12

    Dear CT

    I fully sympathise with Mr Sumathirans position even though I am totally opposed to what his party stand for nor am I familiar with the current selection process.

    Whoever elected will have to speak for me too so what is the issue at stake here.

    I am a classmate of Late Hon Ravi Rajah too however the politics are different.

    Not knowing what has happened it appears something has gone badly wrong…not in the counting etc but in the way we do things as people, what are the norms, democracy and what is allowed and what is not.

    I recall when my Father won the Vaddukottai election in 1970 was the same..the opposition candidate failed to shake hands and respect the electorate but challenged the counting and when the recounting confirm the same still no handshake??, followed up by 2 other charges of dragged on few more yers in the court that my Father won the cases.

  • 8
    9

    Then the things that happend in my village even before he had to change party itself yet to be discussed.

    There is something we need to revisit as people here has nothing to do with anyone else in the world? this does not require political analysis but a different solution to a very different problem. This just the same as what has taken place in the CT too when even the article writer makes fun of killing someone and the commenters did not stop and question what was raised regards to killing of the other??

    The third or the Fourth candidates belongs to PLOTE an organisation with a Colombo register address accused of killing my Father??

    How can any of these people serve the Jaffna man in a democracy?? Where is this Diaspora educated pandits living world over who knows how to function as an MP doing normal things with people just to serve them daily 24/7 during the tenure??

  • 8
    9

    The important matter is not about the election issue but TNA need to deliver normal MP’s scope of work not devolutions. This has to be fully mapped on a daily basis. What are the tools that has been made available for this development work scope/progress report on the web. In fact is the scope is the same for all the elected but specially emphasis on the North and East.personally even more so on the North.

    How qualified are these elected from parties with names starting with Tamil something has to be the bench mark. I do not see this in the background check on the TNA website?? it reads all other historical blunders but not deliverables/except Hon Sumanthiran had done some work on the human rights front which is invitable scope arising from the blunders by the same.

    So what is different for a Tamil man from this elections?? other than the standard finger pointing about others choices??

  • 10
    5

    Looking at CT. bubble itself do not see any progressive suggestions how to work with the elected government to deliver changes but an ever so continuing argument that leads to more and more self destruction?

    I think Mr Sumathiran should leave the TNA and form a National party without Tamil language attached/should join others will serve the people better. I think he has something other do not but trapped in this “Tamil” think preventing him from serving the Tamils gracefully.

  • 28
    1

    Another interesting observation. Among people who lost in ITAK/TNA are Mr.Saravanapavan ,Mavai and few other big wigs. People including Suresh, Saravanapavan and few others had been working against Sumanthiran for some time. They were behind whipping up false news and recent controversy post interview, trying to create doubts in voters mind.. Unfortunately Mavai believed and joined them giving an official statement criticizing Mr.s without even asking for an explanation. They all knew their time was up and Mr. S was gaining popularity among public. This whole saga was planned well in advance and Mrs.Raviraj was being exploited, without she realizing their ploy. There are women including Ananthy too behind this group, under pretext of standing for her rights.. Mr.Saravanapan had used his news papers in past to sling mud , the protesting group was arranged in advance, the premature messages to Mrs. Raviraj were send by them, This trend is not new but will soon decimate the party like UNP/SLFP. Tamils have always been their own enemy , they do not need others to destroy the community.

    • 11
      6

      chiv

      If what you are saying is true, Media baron Saravanapavan has committed war crimes against the people of the North, TNA, FP, Sumanthiran, …………………… Is the media baron close to Gota?

      • 4
        19

        Native (Fake) Vedda,
        We are getting fed up with your dry jokes. Come out with something more exiting.

        “Is the media baron close to Gota?”

        • 9
          3

          Eagle Brain Dead Blind Eye

          “Come out with something more exiting.”

          such as….?

          • 7
            0

            Eagle,
            Exiting?
            Are you exiting? Is something exiting from some orifice of yours? I am concerned. Don’t forget to take your pills.

            • 0
              3

              old codger,
              No need to take the pill. Chances of me getting pregnant is zero.

              “take your pill”

          • 3
            5

            Native Veddha “is the media baron close to Gota”. He tried to get close, but Gota had brushed him off. Ask him what happened at the meeting of Tamil journalists.

            • 5
              0

              Without a question mark (or at least a comma after Native Veddha) your first sentence would mean that the media baron close to Gota is Native Veddha.
              *
              It may sound unfitting to question the language competence of one claiming an A in English.
              But one should be careful with punctuation.

        • 4
          0

          “Come out with something more exiting.”
          Why are you not getting any at home?

    • 17
      2

      chiv
      A true to fact accurate expose’.

      Mr. Sumanthiran has given an honest account of what happened. History will absolve him. Sasikala Raviraj too will not take much time to express regret for all what took place. Only an unfortunate malign destiny brought out an unpleasant situation.

      After a brief respite, he will get his reputation resuscitated. Robespierre, the French revolutionary, who to this day ts styled “Incorruptible”, and yet was murdered very correctly said “Virtue is always in a minority”.

    • 3
      21

      There is no smoke without fire. When a suspicious incident occurs for the first time, one is perfectly justified to give the benefit of the doubt to the culprit. But when that incident occurs for the second time where the same culprit is implicated, then one is perfectly justified to consider it as something fishy. In 2010 elections, Sumanthiran was trailing behind, but when the results was announced, he had been elected. In this elections too Sumanthiran was trailing behind and according to reports there was an inordinate delay in announcing the results. Sashikala who was second in the race for a long time had been pushed out. Why is that the same person Sumanthiran is involved in both instances. Why is that in no other counting station such thing happened where a loser suddenly thrust himself in front and got elected. In 2010 for reasons known to him the loser Premachandran did not file an election petition. This time I hope Sashikala files an election petition without fear. If Sashikala accepts national list MP post and does not press charges, then again it will be a defeat for justice.

      • 6
        3

        Gnana Sankaralingam, Irrespective of your theories, I welcome you back. Where were you all these days … … ? I was missing you.

      • 13
        1

        Sad that you have built your arguments on your own assumptions and concluded with what you had in mind..

        • 11
          1

          F
          Is it unusual for Dr GS?

          • 1
            10

            SJ the cry baby better you keep off.

            • 6
              0

              Oh, the old vocabulary is taboo, is it?
              Poor you.

            • 7
              0

              If you want anyone to keep off use your own privy, and do not defecate in public space.
              *
              BTW, how can one avoid the temptation to indulge in fun when opportunity is offered in abundance ?

        • 1
          12

          Ferryman, please comment in your own name without being a coward. I have analysed the matter with a forensic mind. With your low intelligence you cannot understand it. There is something fishy in this matter which needs to be investigated by independent panel. There is no other electoral district in Sri Lanka, where a candidate who was leading till the very last, suddenly lost out. There is no other electoral district in Sri Lanka where STF personnel were present during counting. Do not try to cover up this crime. Have you heard the Tamil proverb “Criminal of several days will one day get caught”. This has come true in this case.

          • 7
            0

            “With your low intelligence”
            Things are getting even closer to normal.
            When will he go back to his old glossary of endearing terms like ‘idiot’ ‘fool’ etc?
            BTW
            The proverb in Tamil refers to ‘thief’ and not ‘criminal’.
            It has come true, especially, in the case of ones who make up stories.
            Thanks for that revelation.

        • 1
          6

          I read this, quite correctly the caption says capitulation.

      • 2
        2

        Everything appears impossible until it is done an executed, once done it is easily smarted out!

      • 15
        0

        Dr. Gnana Sankaralingam

        “There is no smoke without fire.”

        There is smoke without fire, please consider theatrical smoke, or when
        stun grenade, also known as a flash grenade, flashbang, thunderflash or sound bomb are lobbed to disorient an enemy.

        “In 2010 elections, Sumanthiran was trailing behind, but when the results was announced, he had been elected.”

        How can this be true when in 2010 he was appointed as MP from national list. Are you letting yourself being disoriented by targeted fake news circulating all over the world? Pity you fall for these unsubstantiated information.

        If you think you are a representative sample of EDUCATED Tamil diaspora I really sympathise with rest of your people.

        • 2
          10

          Sorry Native Veddha, it should read as 2015 elections. My stand that at the first time Sumanthiran was elected in a contest, such allegation was made is correct. Please do not pass judgement because of a genuine error in the year of election. When the same person is involved in two incidents of dubious nature, you cannot call it fake news.

        • 5
          1

          Native,
          You are on thin ice. Dr GS is a highly intelligent medical Doctor. He says so himself. You should take him at his word and not question his infallibility. Do you fancy being burnt to a crisp by his enraged rejoinders?

  • 31
    2

    Nothing makes hardliners go more berserk than moderation. Sense and reasoned argument scare the hell out of them. Because their whole raison d’être will come crashing down if their problem gets fixed. Sumanthiran is a rare breed in the dog-eat-dog world of Jaffna politics. He has to be cautious. The few who came on the scene before him with similar thinking, capability and standing like Kadirgamar, Neelan Tiruchelvam and Kethees Loganathan were all killed in cold blood by the hardcore fanatics. As the writer correctly points out, the other side of the coin, the Sinhala-Buddhist far-right, feels equally threatened by moderates like Sumanthiran. Whereas extremists while clashing know in their hearts that they validate each other’s existence.

    • 7
      26

      Do not compare Neelan Thiruchelvam with Sumanthiran. Neelan is a brave and honest person. He has a higher educational credentials than Sumanthiran. Neelan was a bright student at Royal who gained entrance to engineering faculty, but switched to do law. The devolution proposal he made together with Chandrika and GL Peiris is so far the best. Neelan is a true moderate without compromising his self respect and principles. For your information, Chandrika first offered the post of foreign minister to Neelan, who politely refused and recommended Kadirgamar. If Neelan was a crook, he would have thrown his principles to the wind and accepted the post. What makes you think that Sinhala Buddhist far right feel threatened by the likes of Sumanthiran. They are in a cocky mood and do not care for any Tamil. Sumanthiran will dance to the tune of Sinhala Buddhist far right and take Tamils for a ride.

      • 17
        2

        Dr. Gnana Sankaralingam

        “Do not compare Neelan Thiruchelvam with Sumanthiran.”

        I agree they are two different people.
        However these are the people who are left to represent the Tamils in Sri Lanka if you take note of people like you running away from this island and making relatively comfortable and safe life, or one might say well settled.

        There have been many politically motivated cases in which Sumanthiran acted as attorney for the plaintiffs. If he was not good enough to represent them where are the other extraordinary brainy people when the people needed them, their brain, their time, their contribution, advice, guidance, commitments, …………..

        This is what my friend says “Oh God Save me from myself, as I can take care myself from my enemies”.

        “What makes you think that Sinhala Buddhist far right feel threatened by the likes of Sumanthiran.”

        Why should anyone feel threatened or intimidated by another irrespective of how powerful they are? Once upon a time there was a psychopath who was feared as the most powerful terrorist in the world, with his toy triservices, … assassins, …. what did he contribute to the safety and dignity of his people he claimed to have been the sole representative?

        You have qualifications void of wisdom.

        • 2
          16

          Native Veddha, I did not run away, but was forced to do so due to circumstances at that time. I was living in Colombo in our family house, not affected by 1983 riots despite being in Borella among Sinhalese. No one at my age of 44 would leave the country to start a new life from scratch without valid reasons. I knew that ultimately Prabaharan was going to ruin the Tamil people, and this has happened. Now I am telling the same that Sumanthiran is going to ruin Tamil people unless got rid of. Gota, another psychopath has come on the scene who will do the same, having got the mandate from his people. My wisdom is far sighted, which you cannot comprehend.

          • 12
            1

            Dr. Gnana Sankaralingam

            “Now I am telling the same that Sumanthiran is going to ruin Tamil people unless got rid of. “

            How, do you wish Sumanthiran the same fate as Neelan?
            Is there anything left for Sumanthiran to ruin? Please tell us what exactly is there to ruin?

            “My wisdom is far sighted, which you cannot comprehend.”

            Hence my question.

            • 14
              0

              Dr. Gnana Sankaralingam

              Seriously, what did you expect from Sumanthiran in the first place?
              What do you expect from him now?
              What did he promise that he didn’t deliver?
              Do you trust all fake news floating around in this electronic world?

              I have been receiving running commentary from my friends in the past one month, starting with Sumanthiran’s interview with the Sinhala media. My liberal friends told me there was a concerted effort made by certain section of Tamil floating media to discredit him. Those who campaigned against him did not know a single Sinhala word.

              Finally what you saw at Central college and after was pure theatre manufactured not by the Sasikala but by those who contested against her. Later she withdrew what she mumbled to media.

              What exactly is your problem with Sumanthiran?

          • 15
            0

            The wise never talk about their own wisdom; if at all it is others who notice.
            Also, the foolish call others fools.

          • 2
            0

            “I knew that ultimately Prabaharan was going to ruin the Tamil people, and this has happened. Now I am telling the same that Sumanthiran is going to ruin Tamil people unless got rid of. “
            *
            Just realized the significance of this profound statement.
            “Sumanthiran… unless got rid of”
            Will it be in the same way Prabaharan was? Except that it is to be done sooner than later?
            *
            This is not funny at all, even for all your howlers

      • 19
        1

        “Neelan was a bright student at Royal who gained entrance to engineering faculty, but switched to do law.”
        Was switching so easy? He would have had to withdraw his application and apply afresh to the Law Faculty.
        If Neelan was truly principled, he would have kept out completely, and not recommended anyone.
        *
        He was for long seen as a Chandrika loyalist by many Tamil nationalists and even denounced by several for abetting with diluting Chandrika’s package.
        He certainly was not the favourite of those sharing Dr GS’s political views as seen on these pages.
        *
        Neelan was merely A. Amiralinam’s answer to his dilemma when Vaddukkoddai seat fell vacant following the demise of Thirunavukarasu who was from the ACTC.
        SC Chandrahasan thought that it should be his as AA has stolen his dad’s estate, the KKS seat.
        Kumar Ponnambalam thought that the Vaddukkoddai seat was legitimately his because it was won by an ACTC candidate.
        Besides, AA resented both SCC and KP.
        *
        I would say that Sumanthiran was far more seriously considered by theTNA and came in at a time when the TNA was desperate for persons who could make sensible political statements.

        • 1
          15

          At that time you are asked to give three choices when applying. When I applied, I gave medicine as first choice, Law as second and Bio-science as third. Neelan though had adequate marks to enter engineering faculty may have applied for law. Law faculty takes only 25 students per year, and is filled mostly by arts students who are able to score high marks. Only maths students have a chance to compete with arts students for a place in law faculty, as good maths students could get two distinctions and two credits. With tough marking for bio stream, both in written and practical tests, the best result a bio student could get those days was four credits. Most bio students enter medicine with four ordinary passes.

          • 13
            0

            Dr.GS,

            Society needs lawyers who have mastered languages and logic, and can articulate a point of view well, debate, etc.

            Your expressed assumption in these forums that only students choosing engineering and medicine are ‘smart’ is false, and you need to give it a rest. Indeed, many engineers and doctors have poor language skills and turn out to be poor communicators.

            Although Neelan had better international connections than Sumanthiran, you need to consider that Sumanthiran’s family wasn’t well-to-do, in contrast to the Thiruchelvams. In his early years, the Sumanthiran family was in the Kaddaiveli Church, on the border between Karaveddy and Thunnalai villages. Their family then moved to the even less urban Kudathani region before he apparently moved to Colombo to study at Royal.

            • 7
              0

              Dear Agnos
              That was most relevant in the context of a personalized attack.

          • 10
            0

            “…may have applied for law”
            Now you are speculating.
            Was he offered Engineering?

        • 1
          12

          SJ, your knowledge about Jaffna politics of the past happens to be poor. In 1970 elections, FP and ACTC contested separately, ACTC winning four – Vaddukkoddai, Nallur, Killinochchi and Vavuniya, while FP winning the rest. After that FP and ACTC merged with CWC to form TUF. When they changed to TULF CWC left. There was a delimitation commission which created the new Mullaitivu electorate. For 1977 elections, when problem of seat allocation arose they decided that to share them according to 1970 results. However Mullaitivu was given to Sellathambu who contested Vavuniya at the 1970 election from FP. On this basis Amirthalingam could not go back to Vaddukoddai, and was given Kankesanthurai seat which was vacant due to the death of Chelvanayakam. Chandrahasan was unhappy that he could not get his fathers seat. On the same basis, Sivasithambaram could not go back to Udupiddy and was accommodated at Nallur won by Arulampalam for TC, who had defected to the government. Killinochchi and Vavuniya were allocated to incumbent MPs from ACTC, Anandasangaree and Sivasithamparam. (CONTD)

          • 1
            10

            (CONTD) When it came to Vaddukoddai, they offered it to Kumar Ponnambalam of ACTC as won by Thiagarajah for ACTC, who later defected to the government. But Kumar insisted on Jaffna as it was his father’s seat. TULF board quite rightly refused saying Jaffna was won by Martin for FP who later defected to the government. Since Kumar was not willing to contest Vaddukoddai, the seat was given to Thirunavukkarasu of ACTC. Both Chandrahasan and Kumar fell out of TULF. Both could have been accommodated Chandrahasan to Kankesanthurai, and Kumar to Jaffna and Amirthalingam to Vaddukoddai on a triangular mutual exchange between parties. But Amirthalingam was adamant that his catcher Yogeswaran be given Jaffna and Chandrahasan side lined as a possible threat to his leadership. How can you say Amirthalingam resented Kumar when TULF offered him a seat and it is the arrogance of Kumar that has to be blamed. How can anyone claim ancestral ownership of electorates. (CONTD)

            • 1
              12

              (CONTD) When Thirunavukkarasu died, the TULF nominated Kuttimani who was in prison and because it was rejected that Neelan was nominated. At this stage Amirthalingam could have given it to Chandrahasan as Neelan is not a person who would demanded it. Please get facts correctly before commenting. As for Sumanthiran, he has changed from the time he was brought into politics. He has his selfish agenda and is arrogant giving opinion without consulting others. If no action taken against him, he is going to ruin FP like what Ranil did to UNP. Why should present government give him STF protection, if he is of no use to them in denying the rights of Tamil. It is well known that he was more concerned about propping up last government than about suffering of Tamils. People are becoming bolder and are coming out with allegations against him, which the party had swept under. For transparency and benefit of Tamils an independent inquiry had to held against him.

              • 9
                0

                Why was Vaddukkoddai offered to a total outsider who was not even in politics? And who said Neelan asked for anything?
                Calling Neelan a substitute for Kuttimany does not justify his nomination.
                Neelan was brought in as part of AA’s scheme of things. The man needed to claw back to the position in the FP he lost after his humiliation in 1970.
                You talk as if everybody confided in you. Check with Kumar’s son about the father’s relations with AA.
                AA was more worried of SCC getting in as MP, as SCC was aggressive and would gather support by using his father’s name. You can ask SCC too, as he is still around.
                *
                Check with the law of the land before demanding inquiries.
                The election is a matter coming under the EC. There are election laws, rules and procedures for challenging an outcome. The last resort is a court of law.
                What is the issue before us? The election process or a personality?
                Which kangaroo court do you have in mind for your ‘independent inquiry’?
                *
                Think rationally for a change.

          • 10
            0

            What has this BS narrative to do with my “ignorance”.
            What have I said that was not factual?
            It was the humiliation of Mr AA by an ACTC candidate that contributed much to the crazy Vaddukkoddai resolution.
            You make imprecise statements and then declare your great wisdom and question the intelligence of others. Sorry to say, now worn out trick.

            • 10
              1

              FYI
              Amirthalingam swore that he will not return to contest Vaddukkoddai that humiliated him. That was why he opted for KKS, a choice that gave him ‘legitimacy’ as SJVC’s successor. With Thiagarajah crossing over, AA could have returned to his old haunt with some horse trading with the ACTC.
              BTW
              Was not KW Devanayagam also there (with the blessings of JR) and left when the TULF was formed? Any thoughts?
              *
              Besides,
              With all my alleged ignorance I can educate you, the self proclaimed wise one, a little on how the Tamil Eelam project was imposed on the Tamils.
              Have you heard of the Eelaventhan-Senthivel debate that led to a string of local debates that climaxed in the famous Tharmalingam-Sanmugathsan debate moderated by Orator, and exposed the bankruptcy of the TULF’s Tamil Eelam project? After that, FP members were prohibited from participating in public debates on the subject. That much for democratic dialogue, further advanced by the ‘Boys’ in the years to come.

              • 5
                0

                Dear SJ

                Thank you for sharing knowledge with our people as we were all deprived of facts for a long time then came the guns never allowed our people to educate themselves/analyse facts and act accordingly….is a shame.

                The Truth is worth it – specially when all we have been doing is staking out our own universe of “Alternative Facts” that has landed us all where we are…..is even worse for me personally when a fellow man could not even stop and think what is it mean for a family who lost their Father/Husband people who was served by this man before/during the elected terms can slander and justify a murder and not offering help to find the killers?? Feel at east to cause such a grave mental harm to someone else pain then how can the same be talking about the well-being of the Tamils as a whole??

                Thank you on behalf of my Family for such a detailed clarity as my Fathers life was all about Clarity-Precision-Focus & parties are only there for us to deliver social and economical justice to our people….a mindful life ended so violently…even after the bullets in him he was fending for the driver who was also hurt until the Hospital.

          • 9
            0

            It is all about jockeying for parliament seats isn’t it? Has anything changed? Have our people learnt any lessons between the 70’s and what we saw last week??

            • 9
              0

              Very true.
              When Ezaventhan Manikkavasagar said this on CT a few days before the polls many of the Tamil readers pounced on him.

  • 12
    4

    Ayathuray, read this and give your comment. It appears you too got carried away with the fake news created by the losers. Dont you think ITAK/TNA should be content getting 10 seats when they were expecting 20. The way things are next time it will be in single digit and , there will be no such party in future.

    • 16
      7

      The FP has deservedly been humiliated.
      TNA’s vote share shrank from 515,963 (4.62%) in 2015 (which itself was weaker than earlier performances) to 327,168 (2.82%). The number of FP MPS has shrunk more than that of its partners. TELO has fared better in this respect.
      What is bad is that no serious political alternative has emerged from this scene change.
      What puzzles me about the claim is that a horse that was hardly in 4th place suddenly shot forward to be in 2nd place.
      Punters betting on the horse that was earlier in 2nd place are angry that their horse has lost as a result. But the horse in 3rd place too has overtaken it. How did that happen?
      *
      The lesson is that every one of them (as Eelaventhan Manikkavasagar suggested not long ago here to the fury of many) is only interested in winning a seat and do not care otherwise.

      • 9
        0

        SJ,

        Your puzzle is based on the false assumption it was a horse race. What happens is that candidates have differing popularity across voting stations and divisions within the same district. So it is entirely legitimate for someone who is 4th to move up to 2nd during the counting process. The fault lies in those who congratulated or gave hope to Mrs. Raviraj before the process was over. Counting the chickens before they are hatched is a trait among some Tamils.

        There is an easy way to eliminate all doubt. Make a formal request for a recount in the presence of representatives of all the contestants; the total number of votes is much smaller than in places like Colombo, so it is easy to do.

        • 8
          0

          Agnos
          Thanks.
          An analogy is not an assumption, and many things that puzzle one are not really puzzles.
          The analogy was the outcome of my amusement with the way backers of candidates quarreled about the outcome of a race for a seat. It was not meant to be perfect.
          *
          As for the rest of your comment, I agree; and had in fact suggested somewhere on this page that calling for a recount is the most sensible approach.

  • 14
    1

    Thiagarajah Venugopal,
    I sympathise with all that you have said. I was in Old Park in 1970 when your father’s victory was announced. Amirthalingam responded by saying that he cannot accept the victory won by giving out bottles of arrack. At the same election, the first in which I voted, my choice Dr. Naganathan, perhaps one of our greatest MPs (I am thinking of his resistance to the Citizenship Act), lost. His son whom I later met at a funeral, said the same thing — bottles of arrack. The local talk was that he stayed mostly in Colombo and was inaccessible.

    My impression then was of Amirthalingam having been ungracious. I did not question the Federal Party for a long time, although I hold that the Tamil Congress, under which your father contested was rotten from the time it betrayed the Plantation Tamils. You must have been eight at that time and nineteen when your father was murdered. I doubt the Federal Party condemned it?

    Looking back one could see the same vehement attitude Amirthalingam displayed at your father’s 1970 victory, running through to later justifications for the murder of Alfred Duraiappah. I don’t think your father was called a traitor in 1970. My colleague Prof. Tharmaratnam commended your father as a fine MP.

    • 17
      2

      RH
      May I add that Mr Thiagarajah was not a Tamil Congress politician.
      He was brought in by the TC merely to win the seat, where Amirthalingam was said to have lost support owing to his arrogant utterances.
      The TC joined the TUF in 1972 and Mr T quit to join the government.
      Mr T was opposed to the sectarian politics of the FP all along.

      • 12
        3

        Dear SJ

        Thank you for the exact account.

        I respect RH may not know my Father very well as he had to get his statement from another Prof. I am very surprised that is the case as I know a lot about all the politicians/politics/happenings in my territory Jaffna.

        The way he said something about the Arak and my father spent time in Colombo is not my father and do not want to be dragged into a different version of whatever…..you see the journey…where we are today…the fact FP did not talk well about their opponents and did not work well with them to serve the Tamils is what that has been summed up. Why RH does not know my Father well is for RH to learn from his resources and not for me to teach. The fact of the matter is his constituents known him enough to elect him in 1970 and be served by him until 1977. It is an unprecedented history/courage along with People like Hon Alfred Thurippa and the likes the real Tamils..

        • 7
          2

          What RH set out to do is to capture my age, indicate arack/illegal win (over and above the cost case that got thrown out) involved as it was confirmed to him by his favourite politicians son in a funeral??, what his political belief is about Citizenship act, TC rotten to core, my father spent time in Colombo??

          I am really sorry for this state of affairs. If this is how we present point no wonder our people loose faith in politics.

          • 6
            1

            one other think he was not called a traitor in 1970 meaning something else…who anyone to call others a traitor, turncoats and define life according to their beliefs in a democracy. I do not belief in playing God nor Devils advocacy but respect others and discuss matters as equal…not talk down, point a gun at etc.

        • 6
          2

          With all due respect to RH as he can be a pundit of Tamil Politics if he does not know Mr T’ life and work in or out of politics. He did not spent time writing autobiography as he barely had time to do all other writings………even put his life on the line to tell his people not to go down this rotten path in 1981 even when he was promised to be killed…my Mother was begging him few days earlier to let go of this opportunity in the DDC elations?

    • 9
      3

      Thank you so much Mr Hoole and respect that loving sentiment towards my Father with all due respect always. Yes all you said is correct as I was born 1963. Hon Late Mr Ravi Rajah was my crossest hostel mate and my class mate at St Johns. All the Johnion’s came to my Fathers funeral too I still remember vividly with love.

      We need to get our people to understand democracy where we respect diversity is more important than the politics itself. They are just choices we all make for a life journey for a dignified life. That is what I learned from my loving Principle Late Hon Anantharajah who served his students as loving as my Father did at his college all his life.

  • 19
    1

    The process of conducting elections in Sri Lanka is foolproof. It is usually double checked before the results are announced.

    Even after the results are announced, there is an avenue for relief. A case could be filed in the Supreme Court requesting for recount and a final verdict obtained.

    But it is not necessary, the results are always accurate within permissible margin of error.

    Mrs Sasihala Raviraj had unfortunately felt pray to the scheming politicians. She is the wife of a highly respected politician and herself a teacher.

    She should have set an example by accepting defeat gracefully and congratulate the winners.

    Sumanthiran is being dragged into controversies unnecessarily.

    • 2
      18

      srikrish ,

      There is no way 71% voted in North. Even if somebody murder me I will stand on that. 35% is Rapist Army stuffed votes. I have seen no photo from North indicating that kind of heavy polling. For an hour, many booths would not have got even 60 votes; one per minute.

    • 1
      17

      Srikrish, your statement that the process of conducting elections in Sri Lanka is foolproof demonstrates your naivety. I had been an assistant returning officer in the 1977 elections in a provincial city, and I can tell you that from impersonating, stuffing ballot boxes during transport and irregularities in counting are all possible and have occurred in the past. In the Mahara by election, where late Vijaya Kumaranatunga was leading in the counting, when lights were suddenly switched off for couple of minutes and in the final count he lost, obviously votes had been stuffed during the deliberately made black out. In this case also there are questions to be answered such as the delay in counting Kilinochchi electorate votes, and bungled final result, first announcing the names of Sritharan, Sashikala and Sumanthiran and then changing it to Sritharan, Sumanthiran and Sidharthan, obviously leaving out Siddharthan would lead to problem and Sashikala as a widow will be an easy push over. Checking result even ten times before announcing will not eliminate any fraud that had occurred.

      • 5
        1

        Dr Gnana,

        We welcome you back to CT.

        I had been SPO in Colombo in the 1982 Presidential eletion, the Referendum.and the Jaffna DDC election and thereafter I was the Chief Counting officer and ARO in almost every election up to 2010 when I retired from the Government service.

        The election department conducted every election other than the 1981 DDC election in a free and fair manner and the actions of election commission were beyond reproach.

        What happens outside the control of the election commission is no doubt questionable.

        The losers always challenge the result and goes to courts challenging the results. There is always gossip and hearsay, but not verifiable facts.

        Never counting was challenged successfully in the courts of law.
        election petitions succeeded in some cases due to bribery and corrupt practices, not due to any commission or omission of election officials.
        .
        We Sri Lankans were famous for blaming everyone other than themselves for their defeat.., even in public examinations when we fail we come out with lame excuses.

        If you do not accept defeats honestly and gracefully you will find history repeats itself..

      • 12
        1

        The writer is back to live up to the reputation for inaccuracy; and is about as out of touch with reality as was one Mr R van Winkle who had a 20 year long nap.
        *
        There was impersonation for a long time, but seldom sufficient to alter any but marginal results. But gross abuse came with JRJ, and after 1977.
        If there was stuffing in 1977, the SLFP would have fared better than to secure a mere 8 seats.
        Mahara by-election was in 1983 with:
        Kamalawarana Jayakody (UNP) 24,944 (47.99%) & Vijaya Kumaranatunga (SLFP) 24,899 (47.90%).
        *
        There are other malpractices including bribery and stealing of polling cards, but polling itself has been clean and counting done without secrecy.
        But counting now is even better than in the USA, where once black votes were purposely discarded in large numbers to help Bush win the presidency.

      • 10
        0

        “…foolproof demonstrates your naivety”
        We are back in form, aren’t we?

  • 3
    2

    This comment was removed by a moderator because it didn’t abide by our Comment policy.

    For more detail see our Comment policy https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/comments-policy-2

  • 3
    19

    Sumanthiran’s explanation is rubbish. I was watching from Morning. Shashikala was on the top until it was announced. Remember this is one district. Polling will be uniform-symmetrical under normal circumstances. Sumanthiran story that main center kept out Manipai center’s count to add to the total only after telling Shashikala she had won is a story nobody can believe. Further, there is percentage when total count exceeds it, no lacking candidates can make up after that and win. This not atomic physics mats or calculus. If the remain total cannot cover the hole. It is then people start to congratulate the winning candidate irrelevant to remaining has be counted. Sumanthiran is teaching ABC math to everybody. It is said Mavai complained this atrocities to Sampanthar. He did not get involved. But he has issued media statement saying that the election was not fair. Mavai’s son (a Local Council member) said to in the protest group. He was beaten up and he was in hospital. Sumanthiran has not cleared his controversy, but has openly said Mavai has lost so he has to be ousted from Party with party secretary. This is clearly showing him allowing frauds to fulfil his long term dream.

    • 13
      0

      Mallaiuran,

      How and where did you watch from the morning were you in the counting center, you were listening to unsubstantiated rumors.

      There are always ups and down during counting, only the result issued by the Returning Officer is the confirmation of the results.

      The Returning officer, Chief Counting Officer and counting Officers were there, then counting agents from political parties and independent groups were there, then independent observers were there.

      All of them would have voted for different political parties and had sympathies .

      Then did you ever go through the Constitution of Sri Lanka, the 14th amendment to the constitution and the Parliament Elections Act No. 1 of 1981 with the amendments.

      Had you done so, you would have found out how meticulously the procedures are prescribed in minor details.

      In this situation is it humanly possible for Sumanthiran or anyone else to interfere in the proces.

      Evem here if anyone had any suspicion they could have asked for recounts. As a last resort the unsatisfied candidate could go to court.

      Even in the closely contested 2015 presidential election, Mahinda or any of his supporters went to court challenging the results.

  • 1
    18

    Last election too TNA was blamed switching MPs. This was the reason CV and others opposed Mohamed being appointed as returning officer for Jaffna. They had Mohamed replaced. Sumanthiran was responsible TNA’s new problem of Hindu Christian split. That is one of the way CV was ousted from TNA. It was explained Sumanthiran took two female covering candidates believing TNA will be receiving all its votes irrelevant of who the candidate is in that, but new face female candidates would be at bottom in preferential votes, so he can be above them for selection. Just few days ago Sumatran was blamed by TNA’s women wing embezzling large quantity of Diaspora Money. TNA dismissed them from the party without inquiry. The reason was they did not give notice to the party of the embezzlement. Those ladies went outside because of the reason TNA was protecting Sumanthiran, inside the party. Sumanthiran was asking mandate for accept minister post. It was against TNA’s policy. No action from TNA against Sumanthiran, though Sampanthar Aiya accepted that should not have been in campaign speeches. There was many other complains against Sumanthiran. TNA was husking without action. TNA is playing foul these days. Sumanthiran has said he would resign if he were not able to bring the Secret Solution in Yahapalanaya period. Time to party dismiss Sumanthiran before he does what Viyalendiran did for minister post.

    • 1
      11

      PS: I am just coming to know that Mavai replied for Sumanthiran’s demand to replace Mavai and Secretary : “ITAK does not elect President and Secretary in Press Conference”.

    • 1
      22

      Sivaji says if Sasikala takes action, his party will make five cases to go to Supreme court.
      Now there are Tamil women groups says they will support Sasikala if she is taking action.
      I hope diaspora groups to come forward & give moral support to Sasikala for start a legal action.

    • 1
      19

      Sritharan, who is the Sumantniran’s partner, wants the leadership of ITAK. He too asking it on open media conference. Sampanthar Aiya’s inability is being used to hi-jack TNA. Sumanthiran openly negotiating a minister position. This is scaring Angan. He too went to Sasikala’s house to discuss the problems. Sumanthiran was accused of in the planning of Tamil Churches bombing. Old King said he had personally told info of that to Sumanthiran. Right on the day of Bombing, Sumanthiran avoided bombed churches. Next day he went to Hezbollah’s house to discuss those mater, instead he passing those info to police. TNA criticized his visit but didn’t take action.

    • 8
      1

      Mallaiyuran. “Time to party dismiss Sumanthiran before he does what Viyalendiran did for minister post.”

      Malliyuran I respect your postings… but comparing Sumanthiran to Viyalendiran…?
      whatever allegations there any be against S .but compare him with V that’s going too far.

      Besides what has Sampanthan Aiya and TNA including S done to the NE?….except new shinny roads courtesy of Rajapakses there is no development at all in the NE

      Perhaps Sumanthiran should join Pohattuwa Sampanthan and the lot het sacked from TNA and bring new young blood to take the party forward.

      But its too late now. with 2/3 rd Majority; Sinhala Buddhism is going to bulldoze through NE.

  • 6
    5

    Very proud heritage and how did we all loose our children (all the children of SL including the armed forces) breaks my heart just as it does for all others too am sure.

    We need to respect people as they have spoken is all what matters with dignity without further traumatising them has gone missing in the account above. I personally think Mr S is a class act and we do not need to look for any leaders anywhere else….yet I do not accept the devolution space.

    We need an internet tool for publicly watching all the move an elected makes/document/film every day from now on serving their people please.

  • 5
    3

    The Author has presented the event so beautifully and easy to follow, logic, fairness a well balance unbiased reporting one should take note of including the Tamil Daily News papers too.

    Ot is the Tamil daily news papers have let us all down since 1948 specially the party political news papers which were treated like daily news papers in the North…..an amazing level of brainwashing that went with it where party politicians did not have to do a think…….hence we are all cloned unable to break out of the bubble…even after the bubble has burst.

  • 1
    23

    Entire North going to rise up and reject Sampanthar Aiya unless he start to move forward on this.

    • 10
      2

      Note that the above writer declared elsewhere “…our heads are empty.”

      • 1
        10

        Note above writer calls him Savams. He writes only to spend the Covid-19 Curfew. He only tries to ridicule others, but only hypocrite.

        Sadly that Modaya cannot read or doesn’t understand English; I said on that matter my head was enmity, because it was expected, because that was already expected. I did not say because I am a anti-Tamils my mouth and bottom continuously keep spraying by Cholera.

        If one think it is going to rain and its rain, then for average person, it ends there. But for chaffs they may keep shouting “see I told, now it has happened”.

        • 6
          1

          Thanks again for affirming the content of your statement.
          I promise that I shall henceforth not address people with empty heads.

          • 8
            1

            I make one exception now and only now:
            What have you got against those who often say “see I told, now it has happened”?
            It cannot be Chiv that you call chaff?

            • 1
              5

              “I make one exception now and only now “ Don’t mind, we tolerate you. The whole you is an exception, not this one time. We know you are an exception for the human species walk with two legs and wild donkeys walk with four legs.

          • 1
            6

            “I promise that I shall henceforth not address people with empty heads. “ To Whom are you writing this and why are you writing this? Didn’t you challenge with your empty head that you will ridicule my comments? And took back more than your cholera intestine digest? Kaluthai Punnukku Pulthi Marunthu. If you get wounded again, come back for my treatment, I will make you feel better.
            But, what are going to do without your barbaric psychoanalysis on commentators in the Covid-19 Curfew? Didn’t you say If you don’t reply here for me, it is going to grow too long.

            “It cannot be Chiv that you call chaff?” If he calls me chaff which part of your body paining? For what the heck you imbecile, instead of writing comments for writers’ subject, are getting into his and my business? Did he hire you as his manager? You are a coward when you cannot answer, then you cover up yourself with a Munthanai & write all satirical comments. A shameless deed for a person of your age!
            (An absolute idiot is behaving like the Old Woman in the kids’ story who left her happily lived village thinking the village people have been taking advantage of her rooster and her by waking up in the morning when crows.)

      • 1
        13

        Deva seems to be distributing abandonment of the election chocolates. Otherwise why would these people head are spinning to this level, so are not being able to understand plain English and taking it out of context?

  • 15
    1

    I doubt if Sumanthiran is a low level politicians….(there are quiet a few in the current crop who will be taking their seats in the parliament) to steal a seat from his own party member.

    Unlike Sinhala politicians, who make loads of money using their status as an MP and zillions of money with ministerial and even junior ministerial portfolio.

    Tamil Politicians , specially from the North, (those who are not aligned to the Rajapaksa’s) do not make that sort of money except perhaps their salary and allowance as an MP.

    I saw the FB posting of Ravi Raj’s daughter and they seem to be just ordinary family now thrown in to wilderness….an anchor that linking them to Ravi Raj’s is not there any more. Which is hard to take

    • 2
      19

      Rajash, please see the post of Mallaiyuran above where he has made two charges against Sumanthiran, which should clear your doubt.
      1. TNA’s women wing has blamed Sumanthiran for embezzling of funds given to him by Canadian Tamils and no inquiry was held.
      2. Sumanthiran knew about church bombing being personally told by the old King.

      • 8
        0

        Dr. Gnana Sankaralingam – there are so many conspiracy theories. I also recall after the Easter bombing there was a news item that the king telephoned S to check if he was OK….i.e King was concerned if S was caught up in the bomb….and apparently the call was made after the incident.

        so I am not sure….

        Sumanthiran being a non Hindu and living in Colombo has enemies in the Hindu North

        However I agree that there should be an inquiry if justified to clear the air.

        There is also an idea muted to propose Sassikala to TNA’s National list

        • 10
          0

          There is provision for recount.
          It makes more sense to take that route rather than hit out at all and sundry.

      • 15
        1

        Dr. Gnana Sankaralingam

        “TNA’s women wing has blamed Sumanthiran for embezzling of funds given to him by Canadian Tamils and no inquiry was held.”

        Well has she submitted any evidence to support her accusation? You have already decided Sumanthiran is guilty of whatever on behalf of the unnamed person. Let them make a complaint of grand theft at the local police station, then their internal audit committee and seek answers from Party’s external auditors.

        Until then as an EDUCATED person you should refrain from finger pointing. Why can’t both Sinhalese and Tamils stand those who still got some gray matter up in their head?

      • 4
        2

        Dear Dr GS,
        hope you are keeping well. Thanks you show up again here. I thought you would hav been caught by COVID … we were bi tworried by theway.
        :
        With Rajakshes s victory – the suppression will grow in that part of the world with the people being thrown from frying pan to the fire for sure. Now alone the daily needs and its prices are on a rise than before Nov 2019. People neverthless to have voted for them is a big puzzle to me.
        No oil price reduction concession was given to them, even if 6 months are gone since we in europe enjoy it round the clock. If oil prices are cheap, almost everything will become cheaper in the world. :: That is what we enjoy in Germany, with VAT has been reduced from 19 % to 15% for food items over the last few months. And lots of other daily essentials are cheaper than prior to COVID.

        I am in the view, that the tamil politicians were not vocal enough being against the Rajakshes, and that is why Pillayan and other biased men have harvested it better.
        :
        For some reasons, entire opposition parties were blocked over the past few months targetting Rajakshe victory by hook or crook.

      • 8
        1

        This person is desperate and clutching at straws like drawing on nonsense that has nothing to do with the complaint per se.

    • 5
      1

      R
      Do not give a clean bill of health for Tamil MPs because they do not make ‘loads of money’.
      They are not paragons of virtue.
      They get ‘little favours’ done for friends and family. Why do you think that people will not participate in any public protest (without a good media photo opportunity) spend money on elections. They meddle in the affairs of public bodies including universities.
      There are also little gifts from abroad.
      What matters is whether they are competent as MPs at two levels: serving the public at local level and articulating the views of their party on any issue effectively in an appropriate forum. Sampanthan, Sumanthiran, Gajendrakumar and CVV can do the latter well. (What they say may not be of much worth, as their parties have no plan or programme.)
      Is there anyone else among the elected lot? (I mean not just in English, but in any language of their choice.)
      Do not be surprised to see each having a dig at another in parliament for the entertainment of the Sinhalese MPs.

      • 1
        0

        SJ – generally agree with your comment. Anyone sitting in the corridors of power has access influence.

        I am sure Mahinda wont mind if S goes to him and seek help for a bright Tamil student from a poor back ground etc

        …and of course there are corporate gifts etc

        I am sure Angajan’s dad and relatives made lots of money on infrastructure projects.

        Angajan was the second largest spender on Face Book advertising – where did he get the money from?

        But Sinhala politicians shamelessly exploit the system …but I don’t want to a generic statement …

  • 13
    1

    I had been an ARO at a counting station located at Koddamunai Hindu College in Batticaloa at the general elections of 1994. There were two of us served as assistant returning officers in that station assisted by SPOO, JPOO and counting staff. Authorized agents of each contesting candidate only are allowed inside the counting room and they can only prevail a vigil over the counting process. If they do observe anything of concern or suspicious in the counting process they have to bring it to the notice of one of the AROs who in turn will take action to sort it out. Therefore the possibility of impersonating or stuffing of ballot boxes in a counting station as alleged by Dr.Gnana Sankaralingam cannot happen and chances are nil especially at a counting station.

    • 1
      9

      Rajeswaran, you are unable to understand English. I said malpractices happened in the past. Before identity cards were introduced and marking with indelible ink came into effect, impersonation had occurred. Stuffing of ballot boxes in the counting station occurred in the Mahara by-election. Stuffing of ballot boxes during transit occurred in Jaffna DDC elections. I do not make statements without facts.

      • 5
        0

        “Why is that in no other counting station such thing happened where a loser suddenly thrust himself in front and got elected. “
        This was your utterance.
        Rajeswaran’s response was to the suggestion that something improper happenned in the counting station.
        GS says “Rajeswaran, you are unable to understand English. I said malpractices happened in the past.”
        But he said more, as the earlier quotation indicates, to suggest that there was foul, play in the counting station.
        GS repeated the same sentiments in his response to SriKrish.
        Shame on GS to claim that ‘Rajeswaran is unable to understand English’ while R seems to have correctly understood what GS had said.
        *
        You need a good memory to be consistent with a lie.

      • 5
        0

        GS: “I do not make statements without facts.”
        I bet.
        “In this case also there are questions to be answered such as the delay in counting Kilinochchi electorate votes, and bungled final result, first announcing the names of Sritharan, Sashikala and Sumanthiran and then changing it to Sritharan, Sumanthiran and Sidharthan, obviously leaving out Siddharthan would lead to problem and Sashikala as a widow will be an easy push over.”
        This is packed with ‘facts’ I guess!

  • 8
    1

    Sasikala raviraj is an innocent lady who is new to dirty politics.to sling mud at SUMANTHIRAN was well planned and executed by none other than by MR.SABRABAVAN who misled her by informing her she was leading in the count.she was not aware of this political game.now after the results people who lost from out side TNA like SAKILILINGAM AND ANATHI trying to make use of her to further their interest against SUMANTHIRAN. unless she stop this she will be left on the middle of the road by THIS ANTI SUMANTHIRAN GUYS.NOW IT HAS BEEN CONFIRMED THAT MAVAI SENATIRAJAH IS GOING TO BE NOMINATED ON NATIONAL LIST SASIKALA WILL NOT GET ANY FURTHER THE CHANCE TO PROCEED WITH ANTI TNA STAND.

    • 4
      0

      Dear Paragon,
      Just as much as we are better off without those playing dirty, we are also better off without those who are gullible to dirty games of others. It is sheer incompetence and emotional mayhem on the part of the gullible candidate making reckless accusations instead of following the due complaint process.

    • 3
      0

      Ada Derana has reported that ITAK has nominated Thavarasa Kalaiarasan who contested the general election from Digamadulla polling division in Ampara District for the National List seat.

  • 12
    2

    Sumanthiran’s values are far above of those making reckless and libellous comments and accusations. Sumanthiran doesn’t come from a political background and isn’t a slave to the political scene to do anything as desperate and illegal as those irresponsible accusations and defamation.
    Sore losers. Sour grapes.
    Sumanthiran’s family would be the first ones to rejoice if he gets kicked out of politics.
    He has had an honourable career in-spite of the treacherous waters he has had to swim, all to work towards an equitable and just future for the Tamil minority.

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    Dear Mr Sumanthiran

    Thank you for standing up for the Tamil decency/honour/Their needs.

    Their needs of the day is for a leader in each and every party and each and every constituent and the elected MP who will democratise the process. Not allowing the incapable to masquerade as human rights PROTECTOR and abuse the same. We have had enough of that…….people of Jaffna need to be represented by a capable/qualified to rebuild Jaffna with a futuristic planning so the city can be given back to the people. Many future work GOSL will do also have to come through the elected MP and the Mayor etc as the Provincial Councils will be the think of the past. This has to be a respected face and politics acceptable to the entire Nation.

    It is a huge undertaking I support (irrespective of party politics and differences) respecting democracy. This is a journey of empowering our people to learn to respect others and that starts within us….not with some imaginary right wing/extreme/religious men down south. They never came to terrorise us the Jaffna people until FP/ITAK/TULF terrorising them in there own heartland. Fair do.

    We the people Jaffna have sent a strong message to demand the expectations as stated above. That in my mind is serving the people of Jaffna.

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      The CT space should be given to every citizen of Sri Lanka who goes to see their elected municipality councillors & Mayors/MP’s/Ministers/Government departments/Grama Severger’s/GA’s for their community and individual needs.

      So the elected know what is expected from them and the voters learn how to evaluate manifestos and party political discussions now and in the future. This will evolve over time due to the recording/mannerisms in which the dialogue takes place/written requests and written responses/emails to and from the elected and the voters asking what is there needs etc. Teach them how to use the GOSL websites/departments/IC’s to better effect. Teach them their rights under our constitution and the future constitution and they will begin to appreciate life better/their country better/patriotism will take over….just as what has happened in all other Asian countries including Malaysia and Singapore too. Network the children throughout the land with each communities via the MP’s network itself as they are all and will be working to a new agenda one for all and all for one….Sathu Sri Lanka. Let others be humbled by our behaviors speaks for the language/culture/religions/believes/up bringing etc. Then we could have served Tamilness sustanably in our Nation.

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      Why? Only because he can speak English!!! Now that his bed-fellow Ranil Wickramasinga, literally and perhaps figuratively too is not there in the parliament, he may find someone within the Rajapaksha clan like Douglas Devananda. This guy makes me puke, an opportunist traitor.

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        Dear Rampshang

        I see this in a bigger picture and making reference to the entire history of us under FP politico that had a particular tradmark that has undemocratically cloned us and stifled our integration/development as people within a National Development Plan. I say the following with accounting the entire voters in Jaffna district (as an example) who voted for FP/ITAK/PLOTE/TNA historically and voted for others whoever that may be democratically. I use my Father (not to attract slander) but to give you all an examples of events that is now been unfolding infront of our eyes since 1977 TULF debacles. My case goes beyond all the way to the forming of the FP and the 1970 when Tamil peoples democratic wish too that changed the FP political landscape so they have to keep inventing new things to keep their Tamil something alive not sure what? Even this Tamil wish that was killed off undemocratically but the FP themselves. We yet to analyse and deliver justice to those who stood up to take the hit to date on behalf of the Tamils and the Nation too??

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          I am a democrat and we always accepted the 1977 election results (be it undemocratic as this was never a free and fair election in any mans imagination) resulted in 1977/1983 riots and the incidents that led to the burning of the library in 1981 too).as a respect to those who wanted separate state then and waited our turn to do our part in 1981 DDC elections when the opportunity was granted by the GOSL.

          I observe the same event now repeating their party political culture that try to clone everything in their backyard thinking they somehow can mould everything to their path and cover up and move on?? GOSL does not have to care who got elected in Jaffna as they are now dealing with all those who went around killed SL people/and those who stood by and watch the “youth” kill their opponents the world does not care?? Unless the Global Tamil Forum and the UN have something to say to those Tamils who’s dreams are bulldozed for the past 70 years then I can understand your anger with Mr S but is not the case yet??

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            However what is the case now is the Jaffna Tamils have spoken and elected several versions of the same FP politics and the quarrels are within them does not look good for us either as the elected is not representing a particular segment but the entire residence of Jaffna?? Naturally there may be an expectation that you all respect the due process and respect the elected is what I am doing even though I am totally opposed to TNA politics runs in my blood.

            I know Hon Ravi Rajah and am sure his family will be just as wonderful as him regards to their values. She and her supporters have an avenue to challenge matters accordingly should they wish via courts without damaging anyone or anything in a peaceful way etc?? It will be unfair on Mr S who got a lot of stick for even giving an interview some did not like tells me you are not looking up to your elected for any leadership as they deal with matters day in day out…but we all want to impose our will/devils advocacy in all that goes around is an insult to human intelligence?? it is far from democratic values too.

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              I have lovingly shared how things were in 1970 and now? we are used to gun culture/thuggery for so long we forgot what it is like to be at the receiving end of the same??? Because others choose not to defend their life as their birth right does not mean it is right for you to silence the fellowman.

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                One other thing I will advise you all is this for your consideration only…when my Father lost the election in 1977 he did not write his biography nor did he sat home and had his vegetarian meals lovingly made by my Mother. He went to Madras University and submitted his next thesis title

                “Sri lanka and Asian Economic Cooperation – A conceptual and Institutional Framework for Accelerated Development”

                For all those who want to contribute specially living around the world you can support Jaffna and the GOSL in many ways to empower our the entire Nation as you have so much of wonderful capacity within you iOS the point. Stand by and support the work Mr S will do to serve the Jaffna people productively hopefully well away from wasting the GOSL time on unnecessary time wasting on National Question. Please consider supporting the will of the people.

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                  Please also note that the elected in 1970 has to face the unelected in many fronts whilst they were trying to serve their people…..bullets/bombs/stones/interruption to town hall meetings/development work meetings/intimidation of supporters who flock everyday to get their areas developed & needs met/court cases after cases draining and ridiculing/slander in their party news papers every day…one has to note this uncivilised behaviour is not just criminal but would be considered as some thing very serious/mental illness in other Nations we all live today.

                  What we should be doing is reading the election results accordingly and support the motions/feelings/trends will complement the current security framework we have for a sustainable planning and execution. Do not miss this boat please.

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    Everything appears impossible until it is done an executed, once done it is easily smarted out!

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      Like “Genocide.”

  • 5
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    Dear Folks
    can someone tell me where to find the list of elected MP’s names/electorate/parties in the system please…link etc.

    thank you

  • 5
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    I think the following presentation by PLOTE In the UK talks about serving people specially the schools and education in the respective electorate where the candidates are from etc. And talks about the need to respect the flag does not mean we are for the flag. Interesting questions and interesting answers should be shared with all the locals who vote for the respective candidates as to the active nature of the elected member too

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sFMMYjRsbY4

    Very liberating indeed.

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    Jaffna Counting Centre Drama: Sumanthiran Clarifies Position https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/jaffna-counting-centre-drama-sumanthiran-clarifies-position/ Mr. Sumanthiran is a slimy Bastard. He is nothing but a spin doctor. If people have voted for him, I have no alternative but to accept it. In Sri Lanka, not only the country but the “Democracy itself is corrupt.
    Why is that all the female politicians have to be widows of assassinated politician’s wives? Sumanthiran looked at Sasikala as another puppet who would just behind him and listen to his commands while he takes his orders from Ranil Wickramasinghe. I remember how he stabbed Kandiah Premachandran in the back. His clandestine trip to London with Mangala Samaraweera to talk global Tamil Forum to go against the international inquiry into “Genocide.” This man is nothing but a parasite. He is, in essence, a “Spin Doctor,” a good lawyer’s trait. I find it hard to believe people actually voted for this traitor. “Good Luck To Him And Them.” They Can Collectively Hang ThemSelves.”

    • 0
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      Dear All

      Is it possible we look at all the results positively and proactively as we have elected a good mix bag of people from various background specially in the North and East. We have National party representation, all the armed group representation, come from various backgrounds some fought and died and others were protected by the GOAL for major part of war .

      So GOSL has gracefully allowed the same as they did with JVP. I think we as. nation are better represented to make peace now than ever before???

      Why are we preparing battle grounds when all should be doing locally and internationally is to work for National Plan…One for All and All for One. Whatever people thought they needed to fight is there already……..half empty or half full is the question……all in the beholders eyes. The same scenario applies to all Mother Lankan families as we are not alone in this predicament. If we work positively we can make that paradigm shift we only talk about a “Land like no Other” to “People like No other”.

      Kindly get your children from around the world to do research work in their educational carrier and choose subjects related to development work of a Third World Country Sri Lanka for a sustainable bright future and contribute to GOSL departments for planning please.

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    I think what CT has done is to open this forum for all to share thoughts and is an amazing journey for us all. thank you CT.

    My Observation is I learned a lot from others.

    What has also transpired is we need fact checkers parked with each MP throughout the Nation, News papers should take responsibility doing investigative journalism to serve the Nation…so is the TV and the social media.

    We may also need some social media controls such International Manipulators can not get into our children space/mind/brains so easily…this is not to say free press is bad but to say a responsible free press is important and we should act accordignly. This is how Malaysia and Singapore operates safely too.

    It will be good we start taking about the speeches we all come from respectively and exchange what can be done productively together as patriots and pay tribute to all Mother Lankan Children who is no longer with us appropriately.

    • 0
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      sorry not “speeches” but “spaces” pls

  • 4
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    It appears that Mrs.Raviraj was the Arrow in the Bow of the detractors of Sumanthiran.
    A teacher at Bishops College [ or is it Ladies College?] when her husband was gunned down, she is very much a novice in the rough and tumble of Northern Politics.

    There was a general belief that Sumanthiran would comprehensively be defeated at the Polls, for a number of reasons.He is by no means a darling of even his colleagues in the party.
    Well the fact remains that he has won, defeating a popular candidate Mrs. Raviraj!
    There is a considerable Christian vote in Jaffna which the Anglican Bishop has within his cassock. Most probably these votes went to Sumanthiran.

    At the same time it must be mentioned that no election in Srilanka is fool-proof.
    Electoral Jill-Mart is a fine art in this land like no other.

    As the heat cools, the TNA WILL BE SPLIT IN TWO. IS THIS THE GAME PLAN OF THOSE DETRACTORS?

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      Dear Plato

      Few years back I was in Colombo showing our Nation to a good friend of mine from Vietnam. I was in a wet market by a fruit stall and the shop owners (A Sinhalese Husband and Wife) started talking to me and established my origins are from Jaffna etc.(they gave us a stool to sit and cut the fruits for my friend too…she was very touched by the Sri Lankan hospitality).

      He said something so amazing to me rather unexpectedly……..he said they were very sorry what happened to Late Hon Ravi Rajah as he was very much loved by all the people of SL for his openness and transparency in which he operated. Spoke the Languages well and got his message across wonderfully.

      I told him i do not share his politics but I know him well enough to know his charisma as I was his classmate and the hostel mate at St Johns.

      That make you so proud to learn something so wonderful about an elected up North get looked unto down South…was very touched.

      I think Mr S has the same appeal makes all the difference and we congratulate him on his election win.

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    Today, Mrs.Raviraj returned back “stating lets work together and leave our difference for the sake of community”. Where as MR. Manickkavasakar purpose of writing was to blame anyone and everyone starting from SJV and GG. He did not have any thing positive to say and worse , did not offer any alternatives, suggestions or .options , just like SJ, aka KNOW IT ALL who blames from the time of Ramanathan. Mallai, with all due respect I may not agree with all your opinions, yet I do appreciate it is your own. Where as purpose of SJ , is to nitpick others.

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      Dear Chiv

      We all can do with SJ and amazed how much he/she knows the subject matter that he comments etc. Just like you he does not agree with my thoughts either but a fair do lovingly “keeping an eye on what we say”…we all need a moderator/fact checker specially in a political discussion makes it more productive/healthier correct?

      He even corrected me to make me write small sentences to be effective so we do not loose content/context etc………….I suck at English writing. Difficult to change at my age specially English is my second language but I always try to remember what he said a long time ago.

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      Tanks for being very generous with nits of which I pick just a few.

  • 3
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    If Tamils of TNA politics/persuasion want a Leader please look no further……I even like the man even though I am from a very different political arena altogether.

    I will be delighted to be served by Mr S anytime as my MP. I watch him in interviews and in parliament too. Spoke well and made his case well and what a guy….the composer was beyond my belief. This is a different politics fit for purpose in the 21st century to the Ratha Pottu days I am used to etc.

    Jaffna needs this Gentleman for many reasons – future work/rebuilding Jaffna will have to be coordinated with the elected MP’s and Mayor alike with the respective GOSL departments working together cordialey. Communication is vital and the Acceptability is everything makes the projects a very smooth event.

    We also need someone who will educate the next generation how to talk politics too and he will make a good mentor too. We should have a Technocrat corses for our politicians too and hope GOSL will organise something for all our benefit soon.

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      I think Mr S takes after Hon SJV updated to modern times……I think he is a democratic man to fits in a democratic Nation. He has the charisma/looks of a leader too.

      Hon SJV spoke to all the people and think he was liked by many for his gentlemanly character even visited my Father at our home in Karainagar trying to persuade him to his way of thinking. He respected his country and her democratic nature very well and wanted federalism but through non violence means only. I have a great respect for anyone who respect a fellow man for his believes…is where democracy starts…and through his religion he has a culture of respect for others dignity too.

      I think Mr S went around the country and made his case to the people in the south too. Cool Nation indeed.

  • 0
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    Kilinochchi office had told they closed the office by 5:00 clock on that day, counting and passing results to Jaffna Central Office. But in Jaffna, even after next day 3:00 in the morning they could not add the result passed by Kilinochchi. . What I am coming to know is the returning officers brought UOJ Math PhDs and learned math first and added the numbers. Otherwise, without UOJ n PhDs, even children know math cannot go that wrong. Unless they take tuition from UOJ PhD’s the result of higher number Jaffna’s district’s 2 place cannot go to 4th place, when added with lower number Kilinochchi votes and vice versa. Amazingly Kilinochchi votes did not change anything in the fifth place or 3rd place or even the 1st place. It simply plugs out the 4th and placed in 2nd and put the 2nd in 4th. What Amazing UOJ modern punditry math generousness! A true classic choice for Guinness book entry!
    On the counting day, All media from morning reported Shashikala was standing in 2 places. I have been checking Jaffna result from Morning in many media. All were consistent and congruent on that.

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    When returning officers started to play game, late in the night, Mavai’s son was shouting to returning officers to be honest and democratic; that is not for his father’s 5th place, but for Shashikala’s 4th palace. When Sumanthiran’s Rapist Army Brigade came and went, Shashikala started to looked ghost stricken, her relatives started to cry fearing for standing there. If Sumanthiran says he won with Kilinochchi votes, Can EC re-conduct the poll only for Kilinochchi to let Sumanthiran prove his claim? Shashikala had complained even during election campaign that Sumanthiran and Sritharan have been bullying her to campaign only in Thenmaradchi & only for them. They were not willing to accept that she too was standing for election. But now Shashikala is saying now, that nobody ever forced her. But when she was talking to Sivaji at home, she said she will consider his offer to go to court & EC. There were TNA, non-TNA, nonpolitical women organization and Ananthi were offering help too. In none of those occasions Shashikala didn’t say” brothers and sisters, I have a feeling that I lost. I feel I didn’t do enough work. I feel people rejected me.” That may be reasonable because Sumanthiran is the only one had army guard in north and as woman she can fear for Sumanthiran and lie for her safety.

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