19 March, 2024

Blog

Looters Don’t Read, And Readers Don’t Loot

By Ashan Nanayakkara

Ashan Nanayakkara

Mr. Shantha Jayawardene, Attoney-at-Law, friend of the writer had posted following remarks in his Facebook wall:

“If a criminal suspect (‘underworld’ or ‘top-world) goes to Supreme Court by way of a Fundamental Rights Application with notice to Attorney General and pleads that he might be killed whilst being under police custody and pending that case a news-website reports that he will be killed on a particular night, and then he actually gets killed that night whilst being under police custody, and then if you have to argue with lawyers whether extra-judicial killings are right or wrong, then its not a mere case of ‘sir’ or ‘madam’ failing, but a case of you living in a failed State.”

Are we in fact living in a failed State?

The writer leaves the aforesaid question for the reader to answer.

A born in late 1980s, at the height of the youth insurrection led by Janatha Vimukthi Perumuna (JVP), though not perceived first hand experiences, the writer has the sense of gruesome sentiments of loosing human lives and the feeling of them being martyred on the broad day light by State sponsored Army or vice versa. When the writer turned age of understanding, this country had experienced diabolical crimes by the name of war and most of which were against the humanity steered by the LTTE. Suicide bombs carried out by the terrorists at the Bank of Ceylon, at Galadari Hotel, at the Bandaranaike Airport, massacre of Aranthalawa Buddhist monks, bloodbath at Kattankudi mosque, were, some of the horrendous attacks in ingrained history. The assassination of Heads of States, such as, Rajiv Gandhi, Ranasinghe Premadasa were the highlights in the history of this nation to prove how much this country perceived the killings at the wrath of terrorism which was fantasized by Velupillai Prabakaran. Prabakaran is a cold-blooded murderer so as Hitler. The Sri Lankan Army too may have bloodshed on their hands during this war. That was the cost of war. Thus, killings or extra-judicial killings were not surprise to the damned citizen of this country till 2009.

Whereas, once the Prabakaran was sent to his rightful place, at the final battle at Nandikadal, a gang of goons that includes dynasty of Rajapaksas, high-ranking officers of the Government, some heads of military took control of this beautiful nation denying her prosperity.

Evaporating the hopes of peace and progress that could be followed by such an everlasting ending of war, as it happened in Poland, Austria, Germany, Japan etc. just like after World War II, the aforesaid group of leaches called fake Sinhalese chauvinist started to suck the life blood of this country marketing the war triumphant. Classic example is Rear Admiral Sarath Weerasekera. This loose cannon (the reason to use this word is, none of the decision taken by this gentleman, in this government, has been materialized thus far) lobbied against LTTE at Jeneva in some microscopic-ultra-small, 2 or 3 participants’ side sessions and hammered some jobless LTTE supporters and made sure to telecast those heroic works in Sri Lanka for millions of viewers.  Hence, quickly became more popular among Sinhalese xenophobes and that paved the way for his ultimate goal of entering into Parliament and enjoy state sponsored perks and benefits for life time.

Until 2009, for Sinhala speaking masses it was only the Prabakaran is the greatest enemy and the opportunist in the history; but now, it is that bogus Sinhalese supremacists.

The current head of state pledged to protect this nation in front of the mecca of the Buddhists – at scared Sri Maha Bodiya and Ruwanweli Seya. The each and single word the latter uttered was stark opposite what he did afterwards. One should not select such a hallowed place to vomit a plethora of lies if he cannot make them reality. This cardinal sin was committed within the citadel of King – ‘Dutugemunu’, made a boomerang on the President, and ever since, this country came most appalling cropper. Since the day of assuming duties, Sri Lankans saw deception, more deception and more and more deception by this hypocrite president. He who sworn to protect the Buddhism, who acclaimed the Sinhalese majority votes, back stabbed those who voted for him. It is pity that 69-Lakhs of people in this country sought solace from greedy set of capitalists who showcased religious colures but inside had only monetary interests.

The promises of bringing the culprits of Easter Attack to books, scrutinizing Islamist Extremism and the teaching of the Muslims in the closed-doors, punishing Dr. Shafi Sahabdeen who made Sinhalese mothers infertile, finding ‘wande-kotthu’ (Sri Lankan food prepared at fast food restaurants, to which, it was alleged that infertile-pills were added at Muslim restaurants) extraditing former Central Bank Governor – Arjuna Mahendran, upholding the national security, digitalizing the government sector, uplifting the welfare of the retired Army soldiers, crowning the expatriates who fetch foreign currency to Sri Lanka, re-gaining the previous-government sold properties, practicing zero nepotism were all failed and collapsed down before our inward eyes. Such a betrayal. Et tu Gotabaya! The holler of 69-Lakhs of people.

Commencing by appointing one time branded wrongdoer by the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka, P. B. Jayasundera as the Secretary to the President, he who came to end the corruption gave a clear indication that eradication of corruption is no more his ethos. (vide: “…the 8th respondent-petitioner tenders an unreserved apology to Court for having continued functioning after the judgment of this Court. At that stage the Court had made order thus: “Hence the 8th respondent is given time to file appropriate affidavit in which he may consider including the said expression of regret and a firm statement that he would not hold any office in any governmental institution either directly or indirectly or purport to exercise in any manner executive or administrative  functions. Further affidavit to be filed as early possible. Mention for a final order on the matter on 20.10.2008”(emphasis added). In the said affidavit dated 16.10.2008, the 8th respondent-petitioner had averred that he does not hold any office under the Republic of in any establishment in which the Government of Sri Lanka has an interest purporting to represent the Government of Sri Lanka and that he will not hold office in any Governmental institutions either directly or indirectly or purport to exercise in any manner executive and administrative functions…” – SC FR 209/07 decided on 13-010-2010)

Albeit, in fairness to, Lalith Weeratunga and Anusha Pelpita, allegations over giving away ‘Sil redi’ (white cloths which use to observe Sil by Buddhist laymen in full moon Poya days) were duly exonerated after invoking an Appeal at the Court of Appeal. Without any reservation, that Judgment was a wonderful piece of writing. The writer does not have scintilla of doubt on the finding of the Hon. Kumuduni Wickramasinghe and Hon. Devika Abyerathne (in CA 413-414/2017 decided on 19-11-2020); but the good faith of duo Lalith Weeratunga and Anusha Pelpita is best known to them and them alone.

Then comes the ‘Sugar Scam’. This financial embezzlement made a loss of about 15.9 Million Rupees of Tax revenue to Sri Lanka which is no second to Central Bank Bond scam. This atrocious government and its public servants who were handpicked by the head of state, had a carnival of pillaging and plundering best of mother Lanka. If one traces who is behind in any such swindling of money, after this government came, it is quite amusing to see that “Viyathmaga” (“Path shown by intellectuals”) member may be at the end of the loop. One such infamous man is, Mr. Nushad Perera. This man was immensely lucky to be appointed as the Chairman of Sri Lanka Standard Institute (SLSI) having found that he is the main culprit of Sugar Scam. That is the beauty of Rajapakse government; if someone found to be a reputed rogue that person will be rewarded with a more prestigious destination than he was before. The Sugar scam mentioned was devised by this nice looking gentleman – Nushad Perera whilst he was the Chairman of the Co-operative Wholesale Establishment (CWE) followed by an extraordinary Gazette published by Prime Minister under section 2 of the Special Commodity Levy Act No. 48 of 2007. Hence, It is not rocket science to find who ate the canary.

Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga (CBK) had her own inner-circle, to wit, Mano Thittwella, Tara de Mel, Anuruddha Ratwatte. We remember under ‘Yahapanaya’ time, it was, Ranil Wickremesinghe, Arjuna Mahendran, Malik Samarawickrama, Akila Viraj Kariywasam, Sagala Ratnayake were the persons who had that omnipotent power. Nothing in different, this government too have, one Media Head who owns one of the oldest Tea Agencies, the head of Army, a merchant who is alleged to have run a floating armoury of weapons, an international (Russian kind) dealer who alleged to have played role in MiG deal, one and only Minister with silk. These are the primus inter pares of this government and without their knowledge, a crow won’t fly over the garden of government! Having said so, It is not for sure that Economics pundit, Ajith Nivard Cabraal is within this clan. But, if he is in, as saying goes, that “birds of a feather flock together’.

Since, 2009, Sri Lanka has not advanced one step ahead except the bank accounts of few set of politicians and selected group of its public servants.

Except, Bond Scam which was instrumental in Ranil Wickremesnghe’s time, Rajapaksa list goes as far back as, Tsunami Rip-off, war time MiG deal, Nishshanka Senadipathi’s Avant Garde Case, utilizing public money to erect a Museum for their parents, etc. etc. How much they have robed from these innocent people is a mystery that would never be unveiled.

Vis-à-vis, the writer has no complete refutation of all Rajapaksas; there would have been some Rajapaksas down the history, who might have lived and learnt what is meant by justice and injustice, what is virtues and what is not.

Let the writer, sidetracks by narrating the following anecdote which had taught a lesson to late Mr. D. M. Rajapaksa. 

It is not unfair to call this tale as Rjapaksa v De Mel encounter. This incident lighted in 1916. At that time, the custom of the Richmond College Galle was to choose the captain of the cricket team from the votes of the students. At this point of time, the most qualified player of the cricket team was previous-year former captain – D. M. Rajapaksa. He is the paternal uncle of the present President and the Prime Minister. On the other side, R. A. De Mel was also eying to the captaincy of the cricket team. This De Mel family was one of the wealthiest families in the country. In R. A. De Mel’s life time, he twice became the Mayor of Colombo. In 1947 he was elected to the Parliament under United National Party from Colombo District. De Mel was also a prolific cricketer but these achievements could not beat the talents of D. M. Rajapaksa. Having been born with silver spoon in mouth, De Mel had the luxury of throw money for his campaign to become the captain of the cricket team of the college. Mel bribed abundance of snacks and drinks to fellow schools mates to collect more and more votes. Soon he became more popular among the student community. However, this was very much unsportsmanlike campaign. At the election, De Mel had a landslide victory over Rajapaksa where Rajapaksa was the most suitable for that post if it was based on merits.

The winner was pronounced by Fr. Small at the school assembly with couple of other astonishing announcements which were never expected by the students. Rev. Father addressed the students and declared the winner – it was no surprise, R. A. De. Mel. Then, making crowd awestruck, he said, “tomorrow onwards, Rajapaksea will not be a student of Richmond anymore, and he will be transferred to Wesley College Colombo.” It was a climactic moment. The most startling decision was, the Rev. Father ventured to say that, “in this year, Richmond College will not go for any cricket match!” Fr. Small had the first hand proofs how the pre-election campaign was taken place. He knew what corruptive means and methods were used by the Mel’s side to clinch the post of captaincy. Mel became the captain not because of he is the most suitable player but he had the money to burn. Hence, at that historical assembly, Fr. Small reprimanded his students by saying that “It is a painful step to take, but I believe that good will come out of evil. If we of Richmond College learn the lesson that there are matters more important than games, and with the object of making ourselves thoroughly efficient educationally, and above all if we learn to shun the person of party spirit and faction, these lessons will have been well worth learning at any price.” Most fascinating factor in this story is, Mel was a Christian and Rajapaksa was a Buddhist. In this background, Fr. Small had ample chances to show some soft corner to De Mel as he is from his own religion. But, Rev. Fr. Small did not ready to tolerate the injustice that succumbed by the Buddhist Rajapaksa. To do the justice to Rajapaksa, the principle sent Rajapaksa to Wesley College with immediate effect. By banning the cricket team to take part in any matches in that year, the Principle of Richmond college wanted to teach a lesson not only to one who was elected to that post by deceitful methods but also to punish the students who voted De Mel by giving away to corruption. This is an act with full of integrity and honour. Perhaps due which the later on, in D. M. Rajapaksa’s life he was engulfed with leftist ideas along with Dr. S. A. Wickramasinghe, Dr. N. M. Perera, Philip Gunawardena and Leslie Goonewardene in the anti-imperialist and progressive movement. The same man, was elected a member of the Second State Council for the Hambantota District, and renowned as (“Ruhune Singhaya (Lion of South)”.

Having said so, what a crime to build monuments for gentlemen in the said caliber by pickpocketing tax-payers’ money. This was the upbringing of the ancestors of Rajapaksas they had. Current wretched generation, has fallen down to stooge from such a legacy.

Coming back to the loot, pilfering of public money, according to Rajitha Senaratne, this government does not stop from aforesaid cases, it goes to get under cut commissions from Rapid Antigen test kits which are imported to trace Covid patients, underhand deals bringing other medical equipment to Sri Lanka during this catastrophical time for the same prices even after the prices dropped down in the world market. List goes on. One cannot forget how this government and the closet set of friends of the head of the state earned money by imposing quarantine laws to make it compulsory to aboard at hotels for 14-days for the exuberant prices they nominate. Those who flown back to motherland losing their jobs, future hopes, and with heavy heart after seen their loved ones died were ransacked by this government like gang of marauders at the hotels owned by some members of the inner-circle. As such, some those who run those hotels and those involved in importing medical equipment to Sri Lanka were branded as “Corana wen goda giyapu un” (the opportunist who became rich through Corona).

The unprecedented haste shown by the Government to pass the Port City Bill too has raised eyebrows in lot of segments of the society. This too, the current regime forward marched against the will of Mahasanga and Buddhist leaders. What made Rajapaksas to completely aloof the very group of Buddhist priests who camped the masses to vote for Rajapaksas? Perhaps, for the betterment of the country; or in terms of the words of some back benches of this government say, Port City is the last resort of this country to become a first world country. Let’s assume that what they say is correct. Yet, why so much interest. The government of the day or rather, the Secretary to the President went on to the extent to state in the Supreme Court, when the Port City Bill was debated, “even the chief justice of Sri Lanka can be a pony-tailed Chinese guy (konde bendapu cheenek)”. Sacrilege, where we wither to? Are we sacrificing the pride of a nation for a Chinese Kings’ ransom?

After all, do not forget that New York Times revealed a $7.6-million money transfer from a Chinese firm to former President Mahinda Rajapaksa to his 2015 presidential election, writer quips.

Latest revelation according to Duminda Nagamuwa, Frontline Socialist Party member, that this government had imported an Ambulance worth of 19-Million Rupees which should have bought in fact for about 80-Million or maximums 130-Million Rupees. Misappropriated money has come from the Covid-19 fund which was accrued to that level from the savings of hardworking innocent masses of this country. Duminda further states that this government has spent 64-Million of Rupees for Covid-19 awareness programs from the said fund. How come such a colossal amount of money can be spent for a bloody publicity!

More than the swindling of money, the writer has the first hand documents on how the Chairman of JEDB, one Retired Wing-Commander tried to make pullout of some Planters in some high-yielding Tea Estate eying on robbing the business of private sector, using Police of the area, whilst the said Planters possess 50-years of Lease Agreements. It is famous in the Kotagala-Hatton area, now, that Sri Lanka Army is trying to forcibly acquire Colombo Commercial Company Property from its rightful lessees disregarding a Commercial High Court order. Can one believe that these officers who have the audacity to enter into a private business place in sham pretext of opening a temporary corona-centre and afterwards remove the banner hung on the land on which depicts the ‘Writ of Execution Order given by the Courts” and burn it to permanently settle in that private business place? Thanks to sane and upright men in the judiciary, the said Army personnel were temporarily prevented from continuing the said extra-judicial land grabbing. The grapevine says that some of such lands they encroached for the purpose of sharing among local politicians to please them. Where does this country go, writer cannot fathom.

Right thinking men are vociferous over extra-judicial killings on this Buddhist land. No one knows how the regime of this day has embarked on systematic plan to robe private owned properties extra-judicially. This has become the norm of the day. Those who cannot afford to go to courts may give in. Poor will bite the dust. What a sad state of affairs! Will foreign investors (except Chinese) come to such a country where their private business places are insecure by the incumbent government?

Writer concludes recalling Eddy Grant’s song of ‘Gimme me hope…” which has some fantastic way of expressing how does a corrupt country could be ruled by the iron fist. The lyrics of this song sum up the present context of affairs in this country too. That is:

“…She’s got supporters in high up places

Who turn their heads to the city sun

Jo’anna give them the fancy money

Oh to tempt anyone who’d come

She even knows how to swing opinion

In every magazine and the journals

For every bad move that this Jo’anna makes

They got a good explanation…”

The reader could decide whether Sri Lanka is a failed state or not!

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Latest comments

  • 27
    41

    Politicians make many promises. Most are not kept, for one reason or another. Gotha’s main promise was not to protect Buddhism, but to ensure the safety of the people. So far, he has kept this promise. LTTE fascists are gone, but the ideology remains. Similarly, majority of Muslims are not terrorists, but the ideology of jihad has gotten a hold of some youth through the influence of social media and other venues. GOSL at the moment is looking into ways to counter this ideology – who funds it, how is it spread, etc. So that it does not lead to more attacks. Long-term, the best way to counter radical ideology is economic development.

    • 25
      0

      Dear Lester,
      …Politicians make many promises….are not kept…….
      Yes Leaders keep them and politicians do not, but deceive.
      …..Most (promises) are not kept, for one REASON or another. …..
      Any one “REASON” or even excuse, for the corruption and looting (past and present) which is the main theme of the article.
      Great effort to shift the stories of corruption and looting, to the security angle and so called “development.”
      Bringing in the tri-forces into prominence in all areas of government is militarization – not development. Unless it is “development” of a coterie of the sycophants and the near and dear.

      • 17
        28

        MyView,

        If the minorities renounce terrorism and separatism, there will be no need for militarization. Can you tell us which Tamil political party in SL has actively denounced the LTTE?

        • 16
          0

          Still no reply on …
          “Any one “REASON” or even excuse, for the corruption and looting (past and present) which is the main theme of the article.”
          Anything else is digressing from the main issue.

          • 14
            21

            MyView,

            Are you willing to admit the LTTE is a terrorist organization? Those Tamils who tried to say so were either killed or chased out of the country. Here is a list: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_people_assassinated_by_the_Liberation_Tigers_of_Tamil_Eelam. Sri Lankan Government is trying to help the Tamil community by preventing further militant outbreaks.

            • 14
              0

              Dear L,
              OK for sake of argument, provisionally. I accept that the LTTE is a terrorist organization.
              If I do so, does that change the facts of the corruption and looting mentioned by the author?

              • 13
                0

                Incidentally, appointing a Major as Secretary, Ministry of Health and a retired Brigadiar as Chairman, Ports Authority and a Major General as Director General of Customs, ……..”prevent further militant outbreaks.”……

              • 18
                15

                MyView,

                Most of the corruption is enabled by the Executive Presidency and lack of economic development, not by Rajapakse. Rajapakse does not make the laws, although they may receive various degrees of immunity here and there. Many Rajapakses have been taken to Courts; if the Courts failed to do their job, you cannot blame Rajapakse, as Rajapakse did not create the legal system. EP was created by JR, and for good reason. When a country is facing a civil war (or on the brink) there is justification for the leader to take extraordinary measures. Similar to PTA. The best solution to corruption is economic development. You will notice the poorest countries are the most corrupt.

                • 13
                  2

                  Lester,
                  “Most of the corruption is enabled by the Executive Presidency and lack of economic development, not by Rajapakse”
                  Of course, of course, the Rajapaksas are lily-white arahats. Go ahead and blame the thief’s mother…..

                • 10
                  0

                  Dear L,
                  Glad you have digressed from the militarisation to”prevent further militant outbreaks.”……

                  • 14
                    0

                    Dear L.
                    …Most of the corruption is enabled by the Executive Presidency….
                    So why did not the R’s with 2/3rd majority change it instead of further strengthening it by 20A.?
                    And what a great excuse – it is not the persons but the SYSTEM. The EP was there since 1977. Any system can generate good or bad, depending on the moral stature of the “persons” involved. Never has there been corruption to the extent of the 2009-2015 regime to which the R’s attracted even public servants like some flies to dirt. It is not the system but those prostituting and corrupting the system, that are at fault.
                    … Rajapakse did not create the legal system……
                    Yes they only made full use of the system with shady lawyers and judges on their side and with that good for nothing Ranil helping, got through the net. But they added further powers to EP by both 18A and 20A. So THEY are for it though YOU decry it.
                    ….Rajapakse does not make the laws…
                    They only passed 18A and 20A into law, to suit themselves and get more power.!!
                    Any man-made system, created in good faith, can be corrupted. See the cyber attacks on the most sophisticated “systems” created by man. As you close one loophole, the ungodly find a way.

                    • 1
                      7

                      MyView,

                      MarA and Gota are not corrupt, it is mostly their associates. By getting rid of LTTE, MarA/Gota have brought back billions in revenue to the economy. You can check the data yourself. Whatever is looted by MarA/Gota associates has already been repaid for 30 or more years by way of GDP growth. Next point: human rights and democracy are separate from economic growth. The best example being China. If you want an extreme example, Nazi Germany had 0% unemployment after Hitler took power. This was long before 1939.

                    • 1
                      0

                      M.V,
                      “So why did not the R’s with 2/3rd majority change it instead of further strengthening it by 20A.?”
                      That’s not the sort of question for which L will give you a straight answer.

                    • 0
                      0

                      ………..MarA and Gota are not corrupt, it is mostly their associates……….
                      Glad you accept corruption upto the associate level. Perhaps your idolatry and adulation of the R’s. does not admit of their corruption and looting, due the blinkers, but at least you have now accepted their complicity.
                      ………Whatever is looted by MarA/Gota associates has already been repaid……….
                      Again you have conceded the corruption and looting. But then who repaid this looted money – passed on to the taxpayer. Not the looters. If no looting of the State coffers, imagine the extra money that would have remained in the Treasury for relief of the taxpayers.
                      So you finally admit the militarisation and the corruption and looting. Thank you.

                • 11
                  0

                  Lester who is behind drug trafficking in srilanka? Why Mahinda was behind not allowing Nimal LANZA be arrested? Who pumped few hundreds of millions for Mahinda Rajapakshe political campaign? Why should Ranjan be jailed while high criminal s let be Scot free if Rajapakshe are law bound respectful leaders? When would Rajapakshe S show their real identities? ☹☹☹☹☹☹

                • 9
                  0

                  ….You will notice the poorest countries are the most corrupt….
                  Ah, blinded by “the wood for the trees.”
                  Because their so called LEADERS are corrupt and quite happy fill their bags. Singapore from a very poor country rose to the highest in just 25 years. It is not the system but the moral code the “leaders” adopt in governing.

        • 11
          26

          Lester,
          “Can you tell us which Tamil political party in SL has actively denounced the LTTE?”
          What an idiot you are. Never heard of Douglas Devananda’s PLOTE? Or Anandasasangari’s Federal Pa

          • 8
            26

            Anandasasangari’s TULF, or even the EPRLF? What would you know from your comfortable perch in the West anyway? Do your research, for heaven’s sake.

          • 18
            15

            Old Codger,

            As usual, demonstrating your knowledge of nothing.

            “PLOTE was founded in 1980 by an ex-surveyor Uma Maheswaran alias Mukundan, who became its general secretary. He was the chairman of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (Tamil Tigers or LTTE) from 1977–1980.”

            “In 2015 it was incorporated into the TNA.”

            PLOTE never renounced LTTE ideology, they cooperated with SLA as intelligence operatives so that LTTE won’t execute them.

            TULF and Federal Party were both founded by S. J. V. Chelvanayakam, who signed the Vaddukodai Resolution. Vaddukodai Resolution provided the basic ideology for LTTE.

            • 9
              1

              Lester,
              As usual copying irrelevant rubbish and pasting it. Not a word about Sangaree? Or
              In 1986, the LTTE started attacking the EPRLF cadres. While Devananda was in India the EPRLF members were captured, tortured and killed by the LTTE. From the stuff you spout, I don’t think you were even born at the time.
              Stop hair-splitting.

              • 10
                1

                OK, Devananda leads the EPDP, not PLOTE.
                Both were attacked by the LTTE.
                I am honest enough to admit a mistake. Are you?

            • 8
              0

              One can be stupid but to the level of LESTER ???????HE IS JUST MAKING RoUND THE aBOUTS, not answering a single question being raised by anyone. I thought EE was the most stupid man. But lester clearly broke all records of EE. So long the kind of thoghtbearers are the majority, can we keep any Hope’s for the future? 😎😎😎😎😎

          • 7
            0

            My dear OC.
            Lester would never see it right. He would nt answer any questions either. Who got 20A passed in parliament if not Rajapakshes? Were there extra judicial killings under Sorysena? No
            If bp Rajapakshes ever loved the nation, would they ever stand against independent commissions? Police was somewhat decent under Sorysena but today it had become Rajapakshe police.We all attacked polonnaruwa donkey but did he fall to the level of stupid murderers?☹☹☹☹☹ No, I now have thr feeling nobody else Rajapakshes themselves were behind easter bombing and also bond scam.thry are killing friendly uncultured uncivilized merciless buggers, that would do any high crime on broad day light. This lester should be a paid lackey that is hired by them or he shoud be an idiot to be blind and deaf as he is displaying here☹☹☹☹☹☹☹☹😎😎😎

            • 9
              0

              If Urujuwa and Makandure Madush should be gunned down in police custody why not any one of Rajapakshes or their henchmen caught by such killings during their repeated arrests?
              Lester over to you please answer 😎😎😎😎😎😎
              All these Rajapakshes were arrested not for simple crimes but high crimes incl murder charges, pissu pusa and other backlicker s incl baggage boy Ali sabry were defending them, remember???????☹☹☹☹☹

              • 6
                0

                Just imagine, MY DEAR SENSITIVE readers….. ! Today the main killer of WASIM THADJUDINE – none other than YOSHITHA and HIS MOTHER are not yet interogated on the HIGH crime.
                .
                if Yoshitha Rajaakshe or Namal Baby were gunned down while them being in prison cells ?
                :
                How would BUGGER community react today ?
                :
                Unfortunatly, the KARMIC RETRIBUTION delayed… but I believe in TRUTHS… that will succeed sooner than later.

            • 5
              1

              LM,
              I think he does it for free. Nobody would be stupid enough to pay for such rubbish.

          • 9
            0

            Extra judicial killings is synonymous to the term RAJAPAKSHE Or not? Can our list of the victims ever be ceased ? If anyone with some sanity would please look back, can u guys say Rajapakshes are no high criminals? To me not Urujuwa but Mahinda, Gotsvaya, Namal, Yoshitha should be caught by such punishments if people are intelligent or am I wrong ? 😎😎😎😎😎😎

          • 1
            0

            OC
            It is DD’s EPDP.
            I am not sure who will be angrier, DD or DS.
            *
            PLOTE cadres were manning government security posts and even fought alongside government forces at times.

    • 10
      0

      Politicians make promises, but not to the degree of CRIMINAL rajapakshes. Not a single pledge louded on podium fullfilled by them as of today. No price reductions in daily essentials and dollar depreciation is not handled as bp Mahinda prevaricated ” deela balannda api kohomadha economy eka koranne kiyala- just after our return, we will revitalize the ecoonmy”, But the truth is today s inflation is RAJAPAKSHE made one…. the ysimply dont care abou tthe pain of the people. How can they ? If they can, even Prabakaran should have been aware of the pains of the tamil people. Slain JVP leader should have been well aware of the pain of the people…… as we know none o them were not aware of it.. but fought for their greed. … or psycho problems…. that is the same with Weeraketiya cattle thieves, whose education is beyond questionable. If Gotabaya would be a better letter, he should have come from a good background. Is it the case ? No, he cant settle a simple issue yet… but has become the all time record breaker becoming NUMBER one of laughing stock not just to the gallery but also to the world. Entire world would rethink before coming to offer their support SRIALNKEN nation today, since these high criminals destroyed all the respect earned world wide by Bandaranayaka and Wickramasinghe.

  • 18
    19

    Are we in fact living in A Failed State asks young Ashan.
    A very interesting question to a very passionate essay.

    If Noam Chomsky reads this essay, Srilanka would be added to the list of States in his revised version of the book Failed States.

    I have often wandered why Catastrophes occur when Rajapakses are in Power.?
    First the Tsunami now the Corona?

    A blessing in disguise, exclusively for them and them alone!

    • 10
      0

      My dear plato ?☹☹☹☹☹tsunami came in the 2nd term of CBK and entire world donated that much thanks to her external politics. But not a s6 country from EU would support murderous Rajapakshes. If Ranil W the premier, uk would nt refrain provide the sufficient portions of jabs. But today GOSL is helpless. People are left to be alone 😉😉😉😉😉😉

  • 14
    20

    Ashan Nanayakkara,
    Political stability is a pre-requisite for a country to achieve prosperity. After Sinhalayo gained Independence, using freedom given by rotten democratic system imposed on Sinhalayo by British several groups played hell and ruined political stability of this country. Marxist politicians, JVP, separatist Tamil politicians, LTTE, Wahhabi Muslim extremists are among them. Worst damage was done by separatist Tamil politicians who encouraged terrorism that ruined political stability for three decades. The politicians of this country like JRJ, Premadasa, Chandrika, and Ranil miserably failed to give leadership to eradicate Tamil terrorists.
    But Rajapakshes risked their lives and gave leadership to Sri Lanka Armed Forces to eradicate Tamil terrorism, restored peace to all the citizens irrespective of race, ethnicity or religion and unified the country opening a new chapter for Sri Lanka to move towards prosperity. Unfortunately, the stability brought by Rajapakshes was again ruined by ‘Jadapalana’ Government allowing Muslim extremists to carry out terrorist attacks. This is the sad story of Sinhale.
    I suggest that you use your brain before using the keyboard.

    “Whereas, once the Prabakaran was sent to his rightful place, at the final battle at Nandikadal, a gang of goons that includes dynasty of Rajapaksas, high-ranking officers of the Government, some heads of military took control of this beautiful nation denying her prosperity.”

    • 8
      1

      Eagle,
      It is now 12 years since the war ended. 12 years after the end of WW2 , being nuked twice, and losing millions of its citizens, Japan was exporting its products.
      What the hell have Sinhalayo done in 12 years except making excuses??

  • 13
    16

    Dr. Bond who looted Central Bank not once but twice is a prolific reader.
    —-
    “Looters Don’t Read, And Readers Don’t Loot”

    • 8
      0

      Please get ur facts from the architect of bond scam Ajith cabral and Mafia boss😎😎😎😎😎

      • 5
        0

        Not me or anyone of us the sensitive commenters, but former President, Sorysena, made it very PUBLICLY clear, that BOND SCAM was established by Mafia BOSS /Mahindda Sakkili Rajapakshe along with his Wandibattaya – (Both are living like heroes today, not being caught by any kind of PUNISHMENTS similar to that of Urujuwa and Makandure Madhush.)

        Believe or not, MaRa s days are now numbered. The size of the KARMA..

        I see that the bugger would not survive long. — all the victimized families (SINHALA; TAMIL; MUSLIMS) can line up to celebrate it to the manner, Tripolis did it few years ago.
        .
        After that end, all others will follow – as a glass wall would collapse into tiny pieces.
        .
        NIMAL LANZA- is the other – He should long have been DESTROYED, if URUJUWA’s punishment is valid for all equally. 😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎

  • 8
    1

    The D.M. Rajapaksa Richmond College story, I’ve heard; and VishramikaGambadaIskoleMahattaya has actually met Rev. W.T. Small, who later lived in a little apartment in Richmond College. He had been the Principal when my pater was a student. My pater died in 1963, so it was before that.
    .
    However, the year that you recall was when my maternal great-grandfather retired from the school after working there for 49 years – that’s if the History of the school, written by Ananda Dias-Jayasinha is recognised. The Education Department had him working only for about 42 years, but my mother, who died before I met Dias-Jayasinha, said 49 years. However, historian Dias-Jayasinha said that the old man had been Headmaster of a feeder school before the present huge campus was established.

    .
    https://www.geni.com/people/Charles-Edward-Wikramanayake/6000000003352818525
    .
    More to the point, there are all sorts of not too savoury stories about how Rajapaksa replaced the old man’s youngest son as a legislator:
    .
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/V._S._de_S._Wikramanayake
    .
    Having been born in Uva. I just hear these stories. In certain moods, I let myself listen to these yarns, but aren’t we better off without them? Veracity of any version? We hold on to what suits us, I guess!

  • 15
    24

    Ashan, has written the article as he experienced after late 1980 (when he was born / post 83 riots). The fact of the matter is Lanka had similar cunning politicians from the time of independence who sow the seeds where the fruits of their labor was harvested by those mentioned in this article. To me Lanka is a dysfunctional failed state. People in denial just keeps pushing the bar as low as it can get.

  • 18
    23

    Whatever his many faults …… and brutal blood lust …. their His Excellency Velupillai Prabakaran was a honest principled man of his word ……. who, under the circumstances/odds, gave the best fight possible to liberate his people.

    He did not loot his people. ………For him, it wasn’t a get rich quick scheme.

    Our His Excellency Gota is another completely different kettle of fish ……… $$$$$$

  • 12
    0

    Mr Nanayakkara
    I welcome your passionate concern about this country’s situation and hope that you manage to contribute, even in a small way, to reverse the trend.

    And please dont ever fall prey to the racism, cynicism or indifference that even some readers here exhibit.

    At times I was not quite sure about what you were trying to say — re the case of Dr Shahabdeen, for example? Were you asking for him to be properly cleared of the terrible falsehoods that have ruined the lives of him and his family?

    Unfortunately, as far as I know, there hasnt even been media follow-up in his case. Perhaps you could do something about this?

  • 16
    23

    Rajapaksas are here to stay and no one can do anything about it. Country is now at the mercy of two families. (in a long list of dynasties we have had ) . Covid versus Rajapaksa Mafia, who is more virulent and morbid ???

  • 8
    22

    Ashan Nananayakkara,
    As you born in late 1980s, you may have not known or a feel about what happened in this country between 1948 and 1990. You may not be able to know the truth or history during that period because full of lies are spread to suit their needs including media but it is better to know that to understand the politics of this country that is happening now.

  • 7
    2

    Hello there “rent a thumb ” is back in action. After playing out Covid funds Lanka is pleading diaspora for donations and medical items.(funds sought from overseas Lankans). Instead of renting free thumb try donating $ one for your poor masters.

    • 6
      0

      Yes, Rent a thumb services are plentily available today. They are sitting with that Iraj WEERARATNE in Colombo. But all their efforts will end up in vain.

      Listen the audio below. Nandasini #S Miracles
      .
      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9nqVLjnEfw

      Let alone, they dont leave ELDERLY people be provided with the jabs. Those elderly people would die by anxities before being infected by COVID.

  • 6
    2

    Lester use commonsense when renting. To cover your traces give a few to Evil otherwise it’s so obvious.

    • 4
      1

      Chiv,
      “give a few to Evil “
      He’s already cottoned on.

  • 6
    2

    Leelagemalli, Lester seems to have given up the battle and sought “rent a thumb services”. The way you keep writing comments, it is difficult for him to keep up with you.

    • 6
      0

      Chiv,
      Lester, Eagle Eye are Pasqual all have much in common, and they have got same genetics.

  • 6
    2

    Lets see how much these Pseudos will donate to Rajapaksas call. Lester, Regie, N.Perera, Soman and the rest, here is a challenge. For every LKR you Pseudos donate for Covid Fund , I will match it. But need clear proof that you donated and not just renting a thumb (as Lester does).

  • 5
    1

    Who is worse Rajapaksas or Covid ???. Here are facts for readers to make up their mind. 1) Mafia exploited the first and the second wave and now eagerly waiting for third and the fourth to exploit more. 2) They made money out of vaccines, medicines ,protective gears and soon will be targeting oxygen supply, hospital beds and treatment.3) They used the first wave not just to shut down but get advantage over opposition during elections. Even relief packages carried portrait and request to vote.4) Used Covid to establish military personal in civic spaces. 5) used Covid to amend constitution, pardon murders, make deals, extra judicial killings and business as usual.(except for Covid
    management ) 6) During shut down got outsiders, foreigners in special flights who turned out super spreaders.7) used Covid to make money on sugar, oil and other essential items. 8) made money on hotel quarantine packages, ticket bookings, special flights.9) used Covid for anti Muslim agenda, cremation saga, blaming Muslims, imprisonment 10) potential (only) benefit may be the virus being disgusted with Mafia, leaving us early. Many leaders around the world are now blamed for mismanagement but not many like our Mafia for looting .

  • 3
    1

    Predictions are there is soon going to be a Covid Tsunami for which people may have to pay, hell of a lot for Rajapaksas mismanagement. From what I see right now around me , it’s impossible to imagine what it may be in Lanka, s case. Credit for building temporary beds but the real concern will be ICU and critical care. Few % of of the infected is enough to easily fill up all ICU beds in a very short time. Right now few states in India with comparable population but having much larger health care systems are facing a dire situation. I just can’t imagine how it will be in major cities and interiors of Lanka where such critical care is limited. Other than Chinese and Russian vaccine I do not see any possibility of getting additional vaccines. Once a patient is in ICU they will take up the bed for more than a week and in many 2 to 4 weeks. That is when the spill over begins where hospitals rumour of ICU beds, further complicated by lack of medical supplies and in some cases care.

    • 3
      1

      Correction hospitals runout of ICU beds further complicated by lack of care and medical supplies

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