Elections Commissions Chairman Mahinda Deshapriya today said he would resign from his post if the government fails to hold the Provincial Council election before November 10.
Mahinda Deshapriya
Addressing a press conference at his office in Colombo, Deshapriya said he would resign from his office as an act of protest. “I did not discuss this with my family nor have I discussed the matter with other two members of the commission. But, I have decided that I will not continue in office if the Provincial Councils are not held before November 10.”
“Mahinda Dehsapriya too is a citizen. My heart also hurts when elections are delayed unnecessarily,” Dehsapriya said, adding that he could not discharge his duties with a clear conscience when lawmakers continuously delay elections.
“When I talked about the delay with some political parties, they said they would hold elections according to their own agendas. I don’t want to hold elections to serve the agendas of political service. They can fulfil their agendas with another chairman heading the Commission,” a deeply frustrated Deshapriya said.
“It’s not very hard to replace me. There are two other members of the Commission. The moment I step down, one of them will become the Chairman of the Commission.”
He also criticized the conduct of political parties when it comes to holding Provincial Court elections. “They bash the Elections Commission at press conferences for delaying elections. But when the matter is taken up in Parliament, they don’t want to engage in the debates. They only want the Elections Commission to work according to their whims and fancies.”
The Elections Commission Chairman also added that he was not in a position to go to the Supreme Court against delaying elections, as there are no constitutional provisions to support his case. “I can’t go to the Supreme Court as the Elections Commission Chairman. But a citizen, as an aggrieved party, can do so,” Deshapriya explained.
Sinhala_Man / January 28, 2019
Great, Mahinda Deshapriya.
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This is the way to make decisions – out of pure personal conviction.
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Knowing what sort of persons the other two Commissioners are, they too are likely to quit.
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None of us relish the prospect of elections. It suits the agenda of only the PPP. But Democracy means neither selecting what we like, nor allowing others to ride roughshod over accepted norms.
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Babalathappu / January 28, 2019
Sinhala Man@
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Why is that only holding elections are chosen from lanken politicians to call that we maintain the democratic principles ?.
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Dont you think, if the president himself does not intend to FULFILL any of pledges set on the top of the manifesto, to be fullfilled let alone today is beyond all appalling levels ?:
Not just me, but those who strived to get rid of RAJAPKASHE BRUTAL POLITICS, worked diehard to elect incumbent President, keeping in mind, he would serve us with the justice, but him to U-turned as if his PSYCHOLOGY was totally disturbed, and to admire Rajakashes today, just because of an extension, is more or less like hurting the festated wounds. We the 6.2 millions are today made speechless. THe credibility of POLONARUWA man is fallen to minus. Common terms being used to attack him is reached beyond usual vulgar terms as never heard in this country before.
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But as if NOTHING would matters to him, he just seems enjoying his trips being boardedwith unpermissible MPs of rude nature (Dilan Perera, SB bp, or the like that are CLOSE to both Sirisena and Rajapakshe). Whose funds has he been wasting this way ?
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Don Stanley / January 28, 2019
Deshapriya will need to take great care that in the age of artificial intelligence (AI) and Cambridge Analytica , which was tasked to fix election outcomes in Sri Lanka too, that the Presidential elections are not played and weaponized by CIA and US peace Corps. in Sri Lanka.
Trumpland will pull out all stops to ensure that their puppet Bondscam Ranil and his butterfly mafia are re-elected so that the agenda of setting up US naval bases to fight China in Indian Ocean Cold war will go ahead. Bond Ranil is Trumplands “Cold War Mandarin” in Sri Lanka.
Check out the book “Cold War Mandarin” on US dictatorship in Vietnam during Cold War.
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nimal fernando / January 29, 2019
Ah! Lankans’ threats of resigning! ……. Sirisena too threatened to resign in half an hour …….. if Ranil is reappointed!
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Why Nov 10th? Resign now ……… as you say you know the pols are delaying for political agendas ……. so what more do you want?
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He knows which way the political-winds are blowing ………….. This is not about resigning on a matter of principle but securing his future-position “Lankan style” :))
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Lankans have two-week-memories ……. now Sirisena’s threat is forgotten ……. and focused on this clown’s “threat”
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Someday when I’ve a little free time ……I’m gonna sit down and write a book “Lankan Common Man” ………. and dedicate it to all the mothers who birthed them. ……….. and the pols who milk them.
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Dodo / January 29, 2019
Before elections are held there should be an amendment to election law :
1. Politicians over the age of 62 must be banned from contesting in order to enable the younger generation to take over. Due to gloabl advances in in health and medicine the current corrupt generation of politicians is living too long and depriving younger generation of leadership which is much needed to clean up the political Corruption Epidemic and the USAID brokered UNP–SLFP bi-partisan corruption racket to advance Trumpland’s interests in Sri Lanka, while pretending to do ‘reconciliation!’
2. Anyone and everyone who crosses the floor of the house and jumps parties will loose their seat should be the next amendment to the Constitution.
Deshapriya should first push for these amendments to election law.
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JD / January 29, 2019
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FedupBLACKMEDIA / January 29, 2019
It is just president and his silly men try to fob off since the day one.
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He knows very well, it is like building castles in the air, if he ever expects to get an extension.
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I have never seen people being this much of fedup of the reactions of a president, nor in any other like minded country.
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I wonder why those obsequeous men of Rajapakshe stills stay as if they showed their backlash against Prez Sirisena, with over 2/3 mandate, BP Sirisena can be sent home.
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Not just home, but where he really deserves – which is 6 feet under the earth.
Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.
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Upali / January 28, 2019
Mahindha yours is an admin. job not a political job. When ever the govt. says its your job to ensure free and fair elections. You never said anything when you were ordered to hold a general election which was illegal.
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Thappu / January 28, 2019
Upali, What did you understand of his reason for wanting to quit. He is an individual first. He is a citizen. His love for the country far exceeds his love for the position he holds. Doesn’t he have a right to make personal decisions. He has served more competently than anyone you can think of. Don’t lecture him on what his role is as Chairman of Elections Commissions. I am sure that he needs no input from you on that subject.
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It is people like you, with a bloated sense of their importance, who discourage able people from accepting roles in public service. Now, keep quiet.
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Real Revolutionist / January 28, 2019
Upali
EC is interested in holding elections, rather than considering its legality but his responsibility is to make elections unrigged & 100% fair because it updates people’s voice.
But (unfortunately) our EC seems to be inadequately empowered to deal with some contesting patterns of recognized political parties by forming alliance with other parties/individuals that puts the country into political disarray as it’s happened now.
MS & RW and UNP & SLFP are widely apart as far as political ideology is concerned but merely for the purpose of ousting MR they joined hands paving the way for current impasse.
Hadn’t SLFP members supported fake gg govt. of RW; 19th amendment wouldn’t have been made; for the SC to decide negatively on much demanded parliamentary elections.
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shankar / January 28, 2019
good on you mahinda.in the meantime steps must be taken to abolish the presidency.
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mike / January 28, 2019
shankar – I concur, but we should first get rid of our pea-brain president Gamarala Sillysena!
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Buramphisincho / January 28, 2019
Mike, I am just coming from the Synagogue.. I don think UNEDUCATED Sirisena would survive to enjoy one another travel next days.
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See alone keeping LAW AND ORDER under him but to have done nothing in terms of piunishing -royal bunch thieves – is beyond our pain. Now he cant attack RW for not having reacted adequately, even if keeping the ministry under him unconstitutiontally. And what is being evident today, not even the investigations on ASSASINATION plot is completed yet?. Where on earth INFORMANT is empowered to pillory the senior politicians the manner Sira has been upto ? SF may well be fallen sick these days, not being able to see it beyond. That was what BP Rajapakshe expected SIRA to do.
Latter is beyond all ethics and morals.
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Going back to 51-day-conspiracy, there the manner BP Rajaakeet al behaved so pompous manner as states funds would have been available them to abuse on broad day light is not fogettable to me.
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Amarasiri / January 28, 2019
Elections Commission Chairman Mahinda Deshapriya,
Thank you for your excellent public service, in this day and age, when the Sri Lankan politicians have turned out to be crooks, bent on deceiving the people.
Yes. In a Democracy, in a Republic, the peoples voice is Supreme. Unduly delaying this constitutional right is undemocratic.
So, new PC elections will be held after sometime, and the current set of PC legislators will be replaced with a new set, come corrupt, and some not so corrupt.At least, the people are given an opportunity.
In the meantime, the current parliament is NOT impeaching the illegal and unconstitutional action of Sirisena. Will they be ithered about PC elections?
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Samson Gunawardhana / January 28, 2019
Amarasiri,
has he the authority to come with the kind of statements ?
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He is not a politician right ?
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Why on earth this man, make efforts to abuse the situation just because he may be an another goon work for BP Rajakshe ?
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Sandra Aponso / January 28, 2019
Shopping for the Medamulana cartel.
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Robert Wanasundera / January 28, 2019
Yes shopping wholesale.
Deshapriya wanted to hold an illegal General Election in Jan 5 2019.
Resign and get out now.
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Chamuditha Senanayaka / January 28, 2019
Get the f..ck out now.
and.find a retirement job in Weeraketiya or polonnaruwa.
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Babalathappu / January 28, 2019
This BP E commissioner, was wrong at the time, pettitioners filed it again BP SIRISENA and his unconstitutional dissoltution of parliament. But he always behaves as if he is different to his predecessor who went missing after PE 2010.
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Champa / January 28, 2019
Hooray, Excellent.
Let’s use this opportunity to get rid of the Chairman of the Elections Company, before the next Presidential Election.
All the three election held under him were questionable as he was failed to explain the hours-long blackout occurred right before the final election results were announced. Not once, not twice but three times. Clearly, it is deliberate.
Once he is resigned, as per the practice before, elections should be held under a serving, impartial government official as the Elections Commissioner.
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soma / January 28, 2019
Fact of the matter is people are burning mid night oil thinking how to GET RID OF these stinking Provincial Councils altogether. Ask an average man on the street whether he is aware that his council has lapsed and elections must be held before such and such a date. You will be surprised. This is Democracy for the people against their own wish.
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Soma
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Native Vedda / January 29, 2019
somass
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“Fact of the matter is people are burning mid night oil thinking how to GET RID OF these stinking Provincial Councils altogether. “
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Clever man.
You know the councils were established by the Hindians.Hence you need to request permission from them before making any drastic stupid move.
Why didn’t you, your wise mates, smart ass patriots, ………. politicians, brave academics, …………….. take measures to prevent the Councils being established in the country.
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Buddhist / January 28, 2019
Remember during Mahinda Rajapakse’s time he vanished from the scene and when he reappeared he was supporting Mahinda. He is not an independent commissioner, its better he goes and a new commissioner is appointed. He is bias as he also makes political statements. He is also old!
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K.Pillai / January 28, 2019
Elections Commission Chairman Mahinda Deshapriya threatens ~ “Will Quit Office If PC Elections Are Not Held Before Nov 10”.
Do not worry he will not jump.
If at all, he will parachute.
Mahinda Deshapriya: Please note that the trampoline down there, will not let him bounce!
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Naman / January 28, 2019
The Provincial Council Elections can be held after the Presidential Election. Please get this organised FIRST and then we will have Parliamentary Election after it had completed 5years.
What is happening to the New Constitution which was promised in 2015.
We need it urgently as well as we need to have minimum standards to be Provincial Councillors/ MPs/Prime Minister/President
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Real Revolutionist / January 28, 2019
He’s going to give justice to democracy by demanding elections so he’s perfectly right.
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SJ / January 28, 2019
He could have resigned at the first sign of playing games with election dates.
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Ajith / January 29, 2019
I don’t know who hold the legal responsibility to call for elections as scheduled in the constitution. Is it President? or Is it the Government? or Is it The Election Commission? or Is it the Supreme Court? or Is it Mahanayake Thero’s?
We now know that Srilankan constitution is a yoke and Srilankan politicians are yokers? Srilankan independence is another yoke. A few high caste Sinhalese families took control of the island and they play around the game.
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JD / January 29, 2019
Ajith: I think it is the BRITISH HIGH COMMISSIONR who holds the responsiblity ask for Provincial elelction on behalf of the International community. They want always elelction to selelct Ranil or one like Ranil aftr that the democracy is not the vote, the pther factors.
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WalaGembaRaja / January 29, 2019
What starts off as being initial rumors come true in this cursed country. I hear the man has got an offer under the table to share a greater stake at a future general election that will enable him to share the loot and secure his retirement. The provincial council elections are not a good metric to predict future outcome or trends for much crucial elections. It behooves those strategist like BasilR, G L. Peiris, SB types of demagogues to fool the people. Most of you have pointed quite correctly that these provincial councils are a useless layer in our government bureaucracy that is unproductive and wasteful. Most if them are mismanaged and hardly render any help to uplift the living standards of the masses. They cannot solve hardship of villagers or with their socioeconomic issues; cannot improve farming and agriculture or manage subsidies. They under perform in alleviating poverty. They fail to address or improve infra structure and in many instance have sabotage development efforts by politicizing issues leading to further division and escalation of conflicts. PC’s are a prodigious extension of useless governments we must get rid off. If one would analyze the qualifications of these councilors, they have less skills than most toddy tappers or a coconut plucker in the village. What kind of a “Gumperaliya” can we expect from such a disdainful civil service?
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JD / January 29, 2019
I think in 2020, he is 65 years old. So, may be he is asking an extension.
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Sinhala_Man / January 29, 2019
Rubbish! JD. There’s no age limit for Members of the Elections Commission. His birthday is given here:
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http://www.fembosa.mv/participant/65
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He will be 65 only in June 2020.
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Prof. Jeevan Hoole is already over 65:
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ratnajeevan_Hoole
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As for those who have got it all mixed up about what the individual Commissioners feel, why not go back to this:
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https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/hoole-responds-to-colombo-telegraph-on-elections-commissions-request/
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I haven’t been able to ascertain Mr Nalin .J. Abeysekara’s age, but I know him to be in his late seventies. I have not met him, but his father was a very respected proctor in Badulla, Mr Stanley . Abeysekara, MBE. I know that Nalin was taught by my father.
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JD, you were right about Mahinda Deshapriya’s age, but it would help if you took the time to check before commenting.
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Sinhala_Man / January 30, 2019
Another important birthday would be that of Chief Justice Nalin Perera. He was said to be reaching his 65th birthday in February 2019, but never could I find the date.
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He is supposed to retire on his birthday. This is an important aspect of the service of judges. Their tenure should never depend on politicians. Sri Lanka and America seem to handle this consideration in very different ways. It’s nine Supreme Court Judges in the U.S., isn’t it?
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Well, there they have lifetime tenure. Some had been on the bench well into their nineties. Many have died in office, others have opted for retirement when their health deteriorated. But they just can’t be removed by the Executive of the Legislature. It’s all available on the web; I studied it some time ago, but can’t remember some of the details. Right now there is a liberal woman in her nineties whom the Democrats are guarding as most precious.
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In Sri Lanka all judges have to retire at 65. When does Sirisena get to appoint yet another CJ.? I said some time ago that Justice Nalin Perera may have been a student in the Gurutalawa school when, as a teenager, I was a teacher. Well, I met two class-mates of his recently. One gave me his nickname, which I will not reveal, obviously. The other was positive that his birthday was in May. It looks as though that is correct; it’s strange that there is no discussion of this very significant birthday.
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All agree on his absolute integrity. They also stress that he was not from an affluent background. A good man.
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Deshapremiya / January 29, 2019
Comrade WGR,
This is not a rumor. You forgot to mention SLFP strategist Rillasiri aka “Diskay Ammata Disk kadday”. I also think that this is a ploy to buy or bribe MD who is to retire soon. He is the obstacle for the opposition. Matter of fact, Minister Faizer Muthapha lambasted this good for nothing communal minded rascal when he was internally scuttling progress and accusing Mustapha of delaying tactics. It was the SLFP goons of Gonn Sirisena that was delaying eletions for their political survival. One of the reasons why the Gamarala is hell bent in keeping CBK out of the SLFP picture is to avoid her come back. If CBK succeeds in regaining SLFP power, she will staple Gamarala’s butt cheeks together and perhaps unite the SLFP party and ally with RW. She is a lady with balls although we shame her for being “Chaurra Rajinna” (Bandit Queen).
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Nathan / January 29, 2019
Come on Deshapriya ( how many deshapriyas are really there in SL) and what does it matter uncle if you resign? If you go we will find another one and no problem. We will find another Bumiputhra instead of you and there are several out there waiting on a queue. You tell maama and he can even bring his nephew from the US. Or we can have Weeramonkey, or Game-on-Pulle to fill the void. What does it matter weather Rama rules or Ravana rules and the end result is the same.
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General Rommel / January 29, 2019
For those like Don Stanley and others,
Sir, please do us a favour. You have every right to comment here but I challenge you the right to spread false information and propaganda that might serve your personal prejudices. I doubt most of you are tactical defense experts, analysts or military strategist to know this subject. I know you are not because we don’t have many left in the country. Thus, I humbly request you take my advise and word for it. Many nations don’t need to rely on permanent bases, spy satellite, drones, Stealth fighters, AI or physical naval bases to command the sea, land and air space. All we need is a penetrative, capable, reliable ground intelligence network so that military logistics and naval fleets are effective in delivering or intercepting in the supply of armaments, air defense and missile defense shields or supplies between multiple points. This is why you see Western nations and Japan escalating multi lateral military drills, operations, training exercises and engagements with Indo-Pacific nations including Sri Lanka. The aim of these operations is not to buy a favourite politician or political parties of any country but to build friendships and reliable alliances that benefit all state actors..
I request the CT to not censor the following Youtube clip. This is an annual gathering and panel discussion with the major admirals from key countries. They explain their mission and what they are addressing in the Indo-Pacific region. The tactical missions are not limited to containing China or to challenge Chinese aggression but to keep the Chinese in check with their militaristic expansion beyond the South China sea and international waters that has become a concern. It was regretted why China, Russia, Britain and Egypt (to discuss Suez Canal, Strait of Harmuze, Red Sea and role of Djibouti) did to participate.
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Native Vedda / January 29, 2019
This is military side. There is a industrial high technology side too
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Reporter / January 29, 2019
Mahinda Deshapriya is grandstanding to help the government postpone elections till November!
The Presidential Elections are due no later than November 2019.
Provincial Elections are long overdue in 6 provinces.
So why wait till Nov.to resign? I think it is to take our minds off the fact that elections are overdue and legitimize a delay till November by when the government will have no objections to PC elections. Sirisena is desperate to avoid elections now since if he loses as expected, he will have no chance in November’s presidential elections.
Deshapriya is no longer a neutral EC Chairman.
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MAMS / January 29, 2019
When all european/north american countries have electronic voting/counting machines in operation we in Srilanka still believe in archaic practice. Even India have EVM in operation very successfully. Release of results is very swift and error free. You could have taken both Commissioners to India, brought the technology to SL and introduced when last years LG elections were held. You still have over six months time to study & implement this efficient, less costly system that enables EC to release results within hours rather than days. Your ultimatum is not the need of the hour but providing a practical solution. Anyways you may have passed the retirement age already.Please pass-over the mantle to young ECs with a knack on technology and less dependant on manual counting.
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K.Pillai / January 29, 2019
On 23 March 2018, CT in “Mr. Elections Commissioner Play With A Straight Bat Please” alleged that [“Elections Commissioner Mahinda Deshapriya tells the world – “Most Sinhalese happy about recent riots” categorically dismissing the popular view on the pre-dominant attitude of the majority of Sinhalese towards the recent attacks on Muslim-owned properties and mosques”].
The affable Mahinda Deshapriya never explained this. He neither denied nor confirmed.
The timing of his threat to resign shows his political acumen.
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General Rommel / January 29, 2019
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Mano / January 29, 2019
His duty is to hold the elections on the days the Govt. in power decides.The Govts. in power declare the dates dictated by the circumstances. The circumstances are designed and executed by our International Rogues. From 1960 March General Elections to the Jan 2015 Presidential Election we are ruled by the Foreign Dictators. I doubt if this voice of Election Commissioner is his or of His Master’s (HMV).
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Raj / January 30, 2019
What a Yahapalana Government!
Yesterday Election Commission Chairperson Mr. Deshapriya had this much to say about Yahapalana Government that deliberately postpones elections:
As reported by media (not CT) he has said “Referring to last Friday’s debate (in Parliament) called by the UPFA on the inordinate delay in Provincial Council polls, a smiling Deshapriya ridiculed those lawmakers who repeatedly flogged the NEC at public forums but missed the debate they themselves asked for. Deshapriya pointed out how they couldn’t ensure quorum leading to parliament being put off till Feb. 05.”
Sri Lankans cannot say much against the so-called coup now since there seems to be no other way out!
I would like to pose this question to CT readers:
Majority of us did not approve the so-called coup, but should we…… in order to get at least the PC elections?
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Sinhala_Man / January 31, 2019
There are many things wrong with Sri Lanka, but little of that is rectifiable. This is one of the few things that we can insist on, and we must: hold all elections on time.
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We, unfortunately, don’t have by-elections; the system doesn’t allow them.
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The only two elections that matter are the General Elections to Parliament, and the Presidential Elections. It may be that certain changes could be made to the way that both are conducted. Too often, parliamentary elections have resulted in maddeningly large swings towards one or the other of the two main Sinhalese parties. Why not elect only half the MPs once in three years (or two years)? Any given MP would then serve for six years.
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As for the Presidential Elections, it would be worth the extra cost to clearly announce two dates for the elections; one for the first round, and another for the second round (should it be needed). That way individual voters would realise that could initially go to honest people. Right now “party nomination” matters far too much. In the period between elections, the two leading candidates would be forced to seek endorsement from each of the candidates who will be dropping out. Even the candidate getting the fewest votes would be asked for endorsement by the leaders. (I know that’s a bit exaggerated given that there often are Presidential candidates who get fewer than a thousand votes.)
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As for Provincial Council Elections, who wants those? But not so fast!
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Sinhala_Man / February 1, 2019
PART TWO
Since nobody is really keen about those Provincial Council Elections, get rid of them totally. There are far too many “unnecessary laws” that ought to be excised from the Law. The Muslim Marriage and Divorce Act is another.
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However, so long as these are part of the Constitution these elections, elections for Provincial Councils must be held – and held on the same predictable date. The important matter of principle is that elections must never be held when it suits the rogues who are in.
And they should be held concurrently in all Nine Provinces.
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Veronica Kalupahana / February 1, 2019
Sinhala_Man
Please stop the double game. You are a Tamil_Man
Your posting alone personify this
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