12 December, 2024

Blog

Let’s Dissect The ‘Mahinda-Resurgence’

By Malinda Seneviratne

Malinda Seneviratne

Malinda Seneviratne

It’s an inauspicious number. That’s ‘13’. The Maithripala-Ranil Regime (or Ranil-Maithripala Regime if you will) is in its 13th week. It’s the worst so far for Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and the United National Party (UNP).

First, a proposal for obtaining 400 billion rupees through Treasury Bills was defeated in Parliament. According to some constitutional experts the defeat of this kind of ordinance amounts to a no-confidence motion. Tradition, thankfully for Ranil and the UNP, is (conveniently) not the strongest suit of our Parliamentarians. Fortunately too, the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), headless (in Parliament), is so confused that it doesn’t know if it is in the Government or the Opposition. It was left for Dinesh Gunawardena to make the point. Tellingly, the SLFP, the party with the numbers in Parliament, didn’t pick it up. The ‘loss’ however will not go unnoticed.

Then we had the Supreme Court striking off key elements of the draft 19th Amendment or rather determining that they would require approval through referenda. UNP seniors such as Kabir Hasheem and Lakshman Kiriella had earlier engaged in ungainly chest-beating regarding the passages of the 19th. If Kiriella sounded ridiculous when he threatened to dissolve Parliament if the 19th was not passed he looks sillier now after the SC decision which his own leader has decided to accept and to incorporate into the draft.

Mahinda ElectionsRanil probably expected this. Being a politician (and not a statesman) he played for the maximum, that is to orchestrate an amendment that would give him nationally the kind of absolute power he enjoyed in the UNP. In the political column, however, it is recorded as a loss.

The third indicator that the things are not as rosy as they were in early January is Chandrika Kumaratunga being hooted as an SLFP balamandala meeting. The lady has been making some big claims about her role in President Sirisena’s victory and her current political status and worth which of course haven’t been confirmed by anyone that counts.   It is not difficult to organize a hoot. Indeed it can be read as a positive development because few if any would have dared to do anything of the kind to anyone important in the previous regime. But a hoot is a hoot. It is not applause.

As things stand the Government is way behind schedule when it comes to important reforms in the 100 Days Program. If they were over-ambitious that’s pardonable. Politicians are politicians, made of promises. They are not statespersons. The people know and don’t mind as long as things appear to be getting done. The 19th falls into this category, never mind the ominous statements coming from what could be called the ‘Mahinda Group’ (better named as ‘Need Mahinda Badly Group’).

As things stand, the position of the Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU) seems to have been affirmed by the Supreme Court and the UNP has decided to go along with it. Barring upsets from Mahinda loyalists it will pass. This brings us to the Mahinda Factor in the political equation.

P.K. Balachandran, writing for the New Indian Express, referring to the above ‘debacles’ concludes, ‘confused (President) Sirisena yielding ground to resurgent Rajapaksa’. Confused or not, President Sirisena has appeared disinterested in all this. ‘Sleeping’ would be a better description. Anura Kumara Dissanayake of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) has claimed that Maithripala is using Champika Ranawaka (JHU) to achieve his ends. On the face of it, they have a point; the SC ruling takes away from Maithripala much of what his predecessors enjoyed but leaves him with enough controls. One should note that Anura and the JVP are to Ranil what Champika is to Maithripala as a cute sub-plot in this drama.

One need not be surprised. Maithripala is President under the JRJ Constitution (sans the 19th Amendment). Well, JRJ+ Constitution one should say for the 18th Amendment still holds. And yet, he’s acting as though he is a second William Goppallawa (1972-77). When the man whose office has all the power acts powerless it is natural that everything and everyone under him run around like headless chicken. This is perhaps part of the reason for the ‘Rajapaksa Resurgence’ that Balachandran speaks of. True, the SC determination would make any SLFPer toying with the idea of backing Mahinda think again; MPs gravitate towards power, that’s a given. The Mahinda factor is important though, and its importance is growing.

First of all, the SLFP’s confusion alluded to above has rendered Parliament without a credible opposition. The Government is tripping at every turn (Central Bank bond issue, appointing friends and family to high posts, delays in reform etc). That’s bad for Ranil. For now Maithripala seems untouched. The SLFP doesn’t know how to make capital out of the situation. Opposition therefore has left Parliament. Naturally it is gravitating towards Mahinda.

Mahinda has always been best on the street, with the people. He reads pulse like few can or have. As President he had near dictatorial power complemented by unprecedented popularity. Today he’s rediscovered his pre-presidential persona, added a bit of humility (real or feigned it doesn’t matter, politically) and is thriving in his element.

As things stand neither Ranil or Maithripala (or their key advisors or backers) seem to have a clue about dealing with the Mahinda Factor. How this ‘inability’ marks the political process, is anyone’s guess. It will depend to a large extent on what Maithripala does (or does not do) and we can all ‘thank’ JR Jayewardene for this.

Latest comments

  • 19
    6

    Malinda is a MR crony which we all understand.
    1)Defeat of the motion to increase the TV limit by Rs.400b and certain amendments in 19A not allowed by SC w/o referendum are only temporary setbacks for Ranil or UNP.
    2)News article in an Indian newspaper recognising MR cannot be taken seriously as some Indian journalists also can be bought over.
    3)MR whilst putting an act to the public also spending money to organise meetings, people etc to show his popularity by spending lots of money thru other persons. If you recollect the large crowds attending his election campaign meetings, even in Jaffna, had voted for him, he would not have lost the election.

    So don’t get fooled by imaginations.

    • 8
      11

      You are a No.1 Kotiya, nobody should agree with you. If you have nothing to do, go and sell “thala”.

      • 2
        0

        This guys entire strategy to come across as unbiased is to pick the handle “Sirisena” and then go to bat for Mahinda? With people like for support no wonder Mahinda didn’t know know what hit him.

        Many took the opportunity to ride that egotistical maniac like a donkey but everyone saw how fast most of those big-time SLFPers turned against him as soon as he lost power. Small timers like Maninda and DJ even a dry nut is good enough and they see a bit more left in the old fool and they are ready to fan his ego until he agrees to take them on another ride.

    • 8
      3

      Malinda Seneviratne – Shill and White-washer of Medamulana Mahinda Rajapaksa.

      So, your shilling contract is still valid.

      ” It is not difficult to organize a hoot. Indeed it can be read as a positive development because few if any would have dared to do anything of the kind to anyone important in the previous regime. But a hoot is a hoot. It is not applause.”

      Mahinda Rajapaksa was hooted at Galle.

      The People need to be told about the Liar, The Crook, The Robber and Criminal.

      This is NOT a Dynasty. Period.

      Want the Russian Revolution or French Revolution and see what happened to Despots?

      How can we hoot at you , Malinda, the Mahinda Rajapaksa Shill?

      • 1
        3

        You Amarasiri have the impudence to talk about Dynasty,. If you care to understand the meaning of dynasty with your poor command of English, there have been two dynastic regimes in this country; Bandaranaike’s( not bandaranayake) and JR jayawrdena’s. The tragedy is that both dynasties coming from opposite camps have become bedfellows have joined together throttle the nation. They both have annihilated any semblance of democracy in their respective parties. Each of the two are the Dear leader as in North Korea. Ranil’s word is supreme in the party, and no body dares to question him.
        Chandrika , the only head of state in this country to be found guilty of corruption in the supreme court of Sri Lanka, who spends her summers in her villa in England still cant let g.She still thinks the SLFP is her property and the party members are subjects of her kingdom.
        You Amarasiri, a paid agent of CIA can repeat and rehash your foul language and abuse.
        Please go to a night school and learn some English before you write next time to do justice to your paymasters from the decadent West.

        • 4
          2

          Giguruwa the English master – but knows the least about the need of the hour. How come ? Either donkey genes or Rajapaskse genes should be in his genome to react this way let alone today.

        • 1
          1

          gigurawa

          “You Amarasiri have the impudence to talk about Dynasty,. If you care to understand the meaning of dynasty with your poor command of English, .”

          “Please go to a night school and learn some English before you write next time to do justice to your paymasters from the decadent West.”

          Address the Issue at hand. Dores Sri Lanka want a Dynasty Elected by the Modayas, Mootals and Fools, like gigurawa, the Mahinda RAjapaksa “Giraewa”, Parrot, like the Wimal Modawansa, who says, 2/2 =0.

          his is what Sri Lanka has to deal with. These Modayas, Mootals and Fools, and some of them were Ministers too!

          Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s Speech on Wimal Weerawansa

          https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1UMO0jqC7ww

          2/2 =0 says Wimal Buruwansa What is his IQ 60, 80?

          [Edited out]

    • 8
      3

      Malinda says

      “Mahinda has always been best on the street, with the people. He reads pulse like few can or have. As President he had near dictatorial power complemented by unprecedented popularity. Today he’s rediscovered his pre-presidential persona, added a bit of humility (real or feigned it doesn’t matter, politically) and is thriving in his element.”

      For sure still Malinda is still loyal to MR.

      MR is still trying to fool the people. He pretend that he had no role in, Weerawnase’s series of public rally’s in support for him and getting his goons to get MR back in prominence in SLFP.

      During press meetings he states he knows nothing about.
      The whole country knows he is behind using Weerawanse and a set of politicians as his cats paw. And he denies all these in public.

      He thinks he can fool Sri Lankan people still.

      • 8
        1

        Mahinda ‘s true colours are still not knowin to anyone.

        The man is not at all honest. He has always been best on the street, but that is not his reality. How come he went to Lanza at the time police was about to arrest him. Mahinda went to him and hugged the alleged drug trafficker aka so called SLFPer. Entire world looked down upon the issue as a state leader must not fall to that level. However, the link between thugs, drug traffickers, multimurders were even stronger with the DIRECT support of MR. But never ever the press would openly criticise it – GIVING the facts. The masked man just get on with anyone – showing the ugly face … those who got caught are similar to the crowd seen before Kim of North korea.
        Many would still remember the way North koreans were made mournful while one of their state leaders died. The very same was seen in Medamlulana or anywhere MR is presense.. why these men and women are this much slaved ? Is the question that many would raise

    • 11
      3

      dcn,

      You are right. See how everyone carries a similar photo of MR not that they printed but distributed by MR himself to promote MR. In spite of MR’s defeat this Joker Linda is trying to create issues as this is the 13th week and is unlucky for RW. What wishful thinking?

      Linda goes further to talk of the 19th and the [Edited out] was silent when MR enacted the 18th, arrogating full power for himself with a servile Justice system. Now the Bugger is talking of the SC verdicts. What an arse this [Edited out] is, will be seen very soon when MR is shut out from the SLFP without nominations. Lindo! Lindo! no more Lap tops. You are an Insult to Harvard.

      • 1
        2

        ‘Bugger… arse’ Let’s dissect the Ranil supporter’s impressive vocabulary.

        Bugger means to sodomize, to insert an object into someones anus.

        Arse is a slang word for anus.

        If CT allows such language what does it say about their standards?

      • 1
        4

        Dear Gamini, Samuel Jayaweera, Sumith.
        This is called free press. people , whether it is Malinda, or Laksiri fernando are free to write on this column.
        BUt all you and a number of others whose names appear again and again do is use to l target a few writers with the same words and sentences and same abusive filthy foul language .; same theme, same rhetoric.
        One word of advice. Next election will be fought on the record of this government. Ranil recently declared that the current government is run by the triavirate of Ranil, Maithreepala and Chandrika. Ranil mentioned his name first, so he must be the leader of the pack.
        As such, the achievements on one side and the corruption, nepotism. open threats to free press and naming and shand also that he is a friend of Rajaratnam, fraudster and LTTEbankraming them (Ranil). and the parlous state to which the economy has sunk in 100 days, violence and thuggery against political opponents, are the factors on which the electors would vote.The most heinous act of corruption occured under the watchful eyes of Ranil and Ravindran Kumaranayagam where the Central bank was robbed in day light to the tune of 40 billion due to insider dealings by no ther person than the son in law of the newly appointed Governor. Voters will also note that he is not a citizen of Sri Lanka and that he is a bosom friend of Rajaratnam who bankrolled the LTTE but a fraudster who is now languishing in jail in USA. people will also note that the finance minister ofthis country had a transact worth 3 billion rupees with this fraudster and that the finance minister is awaiting trial.
        In no other country, USA, UK of Norway your beloved Ranil supported ( or conspirators) would they appoint a man who is accused of financial fraud will be appointed the finance minister.
        So let us keep reminding the voters of the record of 100 days of Ranil and Co. Then thry can fathom how it will be in 1000days.

      • 4
        1

        What happened to those 50 000 or more Clocks and mugs protraying the bugger and namal baby on them ? Gamini we will see all these with our eyes soon. They the buggers cant react this way eternally. At the time SF was put in Jail, I myself raised the question – why- where is the justice in this country ? But today, thing have turned out to be fine for SF. Very same manner, we wept being unable to see these idiots are being not punished. But oneday soon, we will see it with our eyes. We have patience. I hate to see the man who looted everything – further bieng supported by some fractions today.

    • 4
      1

      Malinda [Edited out] Rajapakshes and his supporters from the day one onwards. So I dont wonder that he has been continuiing to stand by them even today. Anyway, these men would have to raise the question one day why the Rajapakshes looted the poor man s funds in that manner.

  • 9
    2

    Nothing to dissect, he is KAPUT !

    BTW, don’t expect a laptop from MS/RW

  • 4
    0

    Just a few days ago, I read this journalist’s view on Colombo Telegraph and commented that His argument was logical. And then I read this piece starting with inauspicious, Ranil, Maithree, Chandrika, blah, blah blah… I could not see the point he is trying to make.

    Mmmm well, readers move on, another article on CT not worth reading.

    • 4
      0

      Japwatch@, all is about bringing articles but wihtout zero substance. This MS has become joker to this day. Earlier I thought he is a good writer.

  • 6
    1

    Malinda

    Anyone who wants to vote for Mahinda again should get heir head examined. unfortunately the rural folk have no clue and hence he will get some votes.

    He ruined his county beyond imagination and a few corrupt individuals including the irstbfamily made loads of money and that is the bottom line. Some of theese names were mentioned by Ranil in parliament.

    Unfortunately Ranil is no politician and hence he will struggle to come to power on his own with oldies like Kiriella, Long John, Gamini Jayawickrema Perera and even Ravi K becoming a liability.

    The minority parties will align them selves with the winning party as usual.

    Hence there is a good chance that if SLFP can find a suitable candidate there is every chance that they could form the next govt with a few small parties.

    • 1
      2

      Ranil has ben in power for 90 days, Ge has been in charge of finane borderline and coastal security, infernal security, national , rconciliation, sports, aviation,Education and budget through his finance minister,
      Ravindran, He virally controls every department except women’affairs and children’s affairs.
      The UNP and its alliance shouted fromm roof tops brandishing files purported to be evidence of corrupt deals of former regime before the elections and promised that ‘crooks’ will be bought to justice within 100 days. Do farwe have not a single case filed in couts agist the leading ministers or Raiapake family.But questoning wven children under 10 in police sation goes on unbate,
      3 months ha now lapsed and we can now examine theRAanil’s and Maithree’s record:

      1. matures in 30 yer , so far has cot the country 34 billion ruppes and the beneficiary is no other than Mr Aloysius who surprise, surprise happened to be no other person than the son-in-law of Mr Mahendran who is domiciled in Singapore, a close fiend of rRajaratnan
      Rjaratnam we later come to know was the LTTE financier; Mr Rajaratam . is now serving a prison sentence convicted of money laundering. The cosy triangle is completed by Ravindran Karunanayam accepting three billion rupees in contravention of regulations for money transfer, given the sollosal amount sent to one person.

      So a millionaire LTTE fundraiser’s bosom friend was appointed the Governor of the Cental Bank. ndhis son was involved in rogue rding making 40 billion in weeks. Worst is yet to come. And to add insult to injury The Primeminister appoints three member committee of staunch party lasts who also happen to be layers with no knowledge on bond issues.The inquiry ir progressing at a snails ‘pace, for reasons best known to the Prime Minister..
      Then the appointees to state controlled
      high positions;maithree’s brtherappointed to telecom , with no experience or education int he subject.
      Ranils nephew appointed as coordidation officer to defence ministry along with Maithree’s son. Then Ravindran did want to be outdone He appointedbank as general managers and board members all his friends and his brother in law.
      Then the ad hoc transfer of public servants of suspect allegiance to UNP and in some case victimising them by remanding them police custody or having them assaulted in public

      • 6
        1

        You the ilk would continously add your illful thoughts in terms of CB issue. But the fact is that They the rulers are smart enough to call for an impartial investigation by sending the governor leave until it is complete. At the time former CJ was removed for their favour – no people like your kind uttered a single voice for not having justice in this country and former Prez did not even allow any kind of investigations for any issues since he thought he is the king of the nation, so he does not need to do any such. People were so unhappy as I noticed my short stay in the island towards the end of last year. U the guys are a real shame to allow the highly abusive men to raise their voices again. I have no doubt, people in this country will never ever allow Rajapakshes to return to politics. Nor will they get a place under the umbrella of SLFP.

        • 1
          6

          leela, jagath fernando and othe paid agents of diaspora, american imperialists, Mecca and the Vatican.
          The record is there to see. billions embezzled by a LTTE sympathiser Mahenran, the biggest fraud in banking in any asian country, Ravindran, Kumaranayagam the friend of Rajaratnam, the fraudster, and racketeer , LTTE fanacier now languishing in jail in United States, who who paid 3 bilion of illgotten money to Ravindran and Ranil Wgneshwarapille Wickramasinghe will be subjected to due judicial process.
          As for your singapore citizen Mahendran, he will be extradited to Sri lanka from his hide out in Singapore to face charges for the day light robbery of our central bank. Aloysius, the son in law has to remain here and not flee to States or Tamilnadu.

          • 5
            1

            You may call him instead Ravi Karunanayake your version -Ravindran, Kumaranayagam, but the issue is being investigated right now as you the dumbasses cant have patience for that but to others ? Anyway, next days will reveal the results of the investigations. But these failures are no means comparable to high crimes the Marauder Rajapakshes have deliberatedly made to this nation. I will not be happy even if they would have been hung by their balls but wish the same fate as it was the case with Sadam Husaine. For bugers ignorance, poor people in Rajarata suffered and even lost their lovely ones. Even today, the due medical support is not offered to them the poor.
            Why you bugger di dnot utter a single word at the time US citizen -Basil looted it to core ? Just being biased to attack Ranil and Ravi you have guts but not a single word against those idiots intentionally made all the crimes on and on. Once thing is becoming clear you guys would have to shut your cesspits in the days to come – we are perfectly clear that the future is not open to the idiots of the like.

            • 1
              1

              you LTTE fundraiser’/
              . you want us to wait for investigation by Ranils cohort of partisan UNP coolmbians.
              But your Ranil who is the darling of LTTE arbitraly arrests anybody whom he does not like , furthermore he orders children ynder 10 years to be summoned to police stations to question about their parents, activities. So many remanded and releaseased, yet not a single person charged. This is your agenda-LTTE and tamil diaspora agenda. Ranil is your paid maser, Ravindran Karunanayakam who visited LTTE camp to meet their leader/s with Jayaath Jayawardena are facts and not footnotes in history. These are etched in our memory.

              • 2
                0

                Giguruwa the hora uguduwa ?

                For you anyone who would go against Pro MR policies are branded as CIA , NGO or the like men. But why cant you see it yet by your own eyes ? Shame on you. JuST BECAUSE the god allow to have a cesspit, you dont need to add you thought this way, why not think before leap ? I can imagine about the thinking patterns of most vulnerable masses living across the country – but I am surprised when guys of your kind remain supporting the most virulent bunch ? Ape rata budusarnai solong your kind of are the majority.

              • 1
                0

                Now the forces in and out of the nation are rallying to round up Rajapakshes. You will have no chance inthe days to come. Gigaruwa – your efforts will see no ground. Good luck anyway. If I were you, I would see the sake of the nation – not on Rajapakshes that looted the nation’s funds as no other leadres did in the lanken history. Once Basil is back, you will see it clearly.

  • 4
    0

    Who is this superstitious guy?. A surgeon without a brain.

  • 5
    2

    Some of the comments here are unkind and Malinda is undeserving of them.

    One has to judge each article on its merits. I find the analysis here quite illuminating.

  • 6
    1

    Malinda Seniveratne ,

    What is the difference between BBS Gnanadara and you.
    BBS Gnanadara not even an MP, has given his ultimatum to MS to resign his presidency after the New Year. Does this ultimatum prescription is based on your cruel dissection ?

    Wimal , DJ , Dr Bandarage , Gnanadara , few others and you are all out to bring down MS so that MR will be back in power and leader of SLFP.

    The elders say the nature balances or ones BAD KARMA will come back.

    MR’ s desires and bad Karma came into play through Sumane when he called for early elections.

    Mother Lanka suffered under MR regime because of MR regime’s corruption, nepotism disregard for law and order and ABOVE ALL FOOLING THE VOTERS all these while.

    MR should retire from politics and go to Buddha Gaya for salvation.

  • 3
    7

    MR is the natural choice to lead the country. If not for MR our motherland would not be free as it is today. We are free of murderous, racist, LTTE terrorists thanks to MR. The appeasement policy of MY3, CBK and Ranil will get nowhere. One cannot please TNA and their terror agents. Nothing has been proved of all the accusations made against MR. Now, the economy and investments have come to a halt. It is only a matter of months until MR will return. People will demand his return. Malinda Seneviratne has predicted the invetable. We need this change soon.

    • 1
      0

      What torment we are suffering, eh?

  • 3
    1

    Interesting observations and difficult to argue against most points raised. Hopefully Malinda has come to his senses, as his recent posts have displayed a lot more objectivity than those he churned out in MR’s heyday.

  • 1
    0

    What is the situation on the ground. There is opposion to RW.His policies are sound. His voting block was by far the reason for the Victory.RW is a gentleman. People now vote for policy moore than the person. Moreso with a shared form of Government that MS has promised. Mr has the charisma. He has political acumen. He fights like a street fighter.
    A section believe that despite being corrupt he delivers. But the People want legistlature that a dictator will not rule again. The ammendmants are needed. Mr probably will not want to rule unless he has absolute power.The new party seems to be formed without MR leaving the SLFP.
    For public interest new alliances are forming. An Party that listens to the Maha Sanga is needed. JHU,The Field Marshel,KJ,Hon. Premadasa and public Interest Groups, Profesional and Academics can form a group under the UNF as in 2001. Certain SLFP Members as in 2001 can ensure RW will not be able to dominate. The people will be assured that indepedence is established.
    MS is struggling to hold the SLFP together. This in my belief makes him take some questionable decisions. The Votyers will then no that the right policies will be givenpriority and change must be gradual. This Block can ask for immidiate elections.

  • 1
    0

    With Maithri occupying the Presidential Slot, MR will have to contest at Electoral level.

    Will he contest from Beliatta or Colombo the capital city where he will be dealt a resounding defeat? Will he be able to muster the votes shorn of his executive powers and state funds?

    If he does contest and loses then he will face utter disgrace. So I reckon he will not contest. Checkmate.

  • 3
    0

    Unashamedly biased.

    Frankly I have no issue with Malinda attacking RW, JVP , JHU or MS but reporters must make constructive submissions for readers to read quality articles and then decide. But to have blind faith in MR’s ways and his sly attempt to lure readers to believe in the fallacy of what Malinda writes is tantamount to a gross violation of journalistic ethics.

    I have not seen one favourable comment on any article Malinda writes and the despise people have for Dayan, and Rajiva is same as they have for this journalist.

  • 0
    0

    Malinda, the resurgence will last as long as the money is there.Maithree had shown his capability by throwing a gaunlet at MR- clear you name then you can be considered for PM ship.

  • 0
    0

    Malinda who was a liberal at one time should be ashamed to be pathetically sympathetic towards the assumed revival of such a low down human like MR. Do people like Malinda have no interest but self interest?

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