By Rajeewa Jayaweera –
Rajeewa Jayaweera
Sri Lanka, having been a country with two Prime Ministers at the same time for several weeks has now turned into a country with two Leaders of Opposition (LoO)!
The Speaker, in his infinite wisdom, announced the name of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa as the new LoO after the end of the imbroglio with two Prime Ministers which gripped the nation for 52 days. The LoO till October 26, R Sampanthan, leader of the Tamil National Alliance has disagreed with the Speaker‘s decision on the grounds, he had not been removed from office before the appointment of Rajapaksa to the position. He has therefore refused to vacate the office premises. Did not the Speaker, now being hailed as the savior of democracy for the role he played during the recent political crisis ascertain for himself if a sitting LoO needs to be removed from office in writing or the announcement of a new LoO acts automatically as the termination of the incumbent’s tenure of office? It does not speak well for the wisdom of a person with decades of experience in the private sector, politically appointed ex-diplomat, former Mayor, parliamentarian and former cabinet minister. He is also the current ex-officio Chairman of the Constitutional Council.
The position of LoO stems from the Westminster parliamentary system. He or she is chosen by a vote of the largest non-government party. The holder of the post is sometimes called the alternative Prime Minister, as the holder may become Prime Minister if their party (or coalition) wins the support of the majority of Members of Parliament.
The Opposition’s primary role is to question the government of the day and hold them accountable to the public. Though not practiced in Sri Lanka, the position holder also heads the shadow cabinet that monitors government ministries and ministers.
To perform such a function, the LoO must have an impeccable attendance record and participation in parliamentary debates on critical national issues besides other qualities.
www.Manthri.lk, a popular website contains real-time data of attendance and participation in parliamentary debates of 224 Parliamentarians (225th being the Speaker). It provides details of Overall Ranking, Party Ranking, Participation in Parliamentary debates and Topics Participated in, of each parliamentarian. According to this website, Mahinda Rajapaksa’s ranking in attendance is no 178 (out of 225), no 55 within the Joint Opposition, has participated 13 times in parliament and taken part in debates related to five topics.
It must be highlighted, Rajapaksa did not vote in the No-Confidence motion brought against Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe by the Joint Opposition in April 2018.
It is a disgraceful track record.
For purposes of comparison, the parliamentarian with the best track record is Anura Kumara Dissanayake of the JVP with a number one ranking in attendance in both overall and his party rankings, participated on 619 times in parliament in 14 topics.
In terms of attendance and participation from the Joint Opposition, the parliamentarian with the best record is Dinesh Gunawardena of MEP. His overall ranking is no 9, party ranking no 1, has participated in parliament on 498 times and in 15 topics.
There is an urgent need for a strong opposition led by a younger and abler parliamentarian to keep the UNP government in check and thwart their deceitful and duplicitous efforts in bending the rules to suit their political needs. An already visible example is the efforts to overcome the constitutionally mandated limit of 30 Ministers deceitfully.
That function can be undertaken only by a person who attends parliament regularly and takes part in debates sensibly on a wide range of subjects.
MR certainly does not fit the bill.
Ajith / December 29, 2018
Not only MR does not fit for Opposition leader but also for any ministerial portfolia in the government. It is true that he had the support of the hardcore extremist Buddhist Sinhala rascists but also involved in number of crimes committed against humanity including murders, bribes, corruption. He is adisgrace to humanity and Buddhism.
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Eagle Eye / December 29, 2018
Ajith,
Sinhala Buddhists are not surprised to hear this kind of comments from members of the ‘Koti Diaspora’ and former Demala terrorists.
We are also aware that some organizations and persons are getting paid, often in $$$s to do the mud-slinging campaign against Mahinda Rajapakse who has become a thorn in the eyes of White Supremacist and project Ranil as the ‘Saviour of Democracy and Human Rights’ because he is licking the a*s of those White Supremacist.
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Ajith / December 29, 2018
Eagle Eye,
If you are a genuine Buddhist Sinhala you will find the truth about my comments. You coudn’t deny about MRs involvement in bribes, murders and corruption. Putting the blame on Tamils is a common characteristic of Buddhist Sinhala Fundamentalists. You should remember a large sunk of true Budhhist Sinhala democratically evicted MR , not Kot Diaspora.
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Sinhala_Man / January 1, 2019
Why are we arguing so much about this?
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If parliamentary democracy is to have credibility, representation in the House has to reflect the thinking in the country as a whole. I personally feel that the “SLPP guys” get support because they spout racism. We may not agree with their views, but we have to understand them, and let them be heard.
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As a result of the recent fiasco enacted by Rajapaksa and Sirisena, neither of them has the support that they did , before this attempted coup.
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Now, on the first day of a New Year, let us look to the future.
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Mainda Rajapaksa certainly gave the necessary political leadership that was necessary to end the War. I’m essentially a pacifist, but I appreciate the huge difference that the absence of terrorism has made to us.
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I am very glad that the mature, decent and sane R. Sambanthan functioned as Leader of the Opposition during a crucial period of our history.
The legalities are there; part of the parrying that goes on in politics. However, I’m sure that even Sambanthan is preparing to hand over to someone else pretty soon; if not we will have a “Southern Insurgency”.
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Anura Kumara Dissanayake has performed admirably, but, ultimately, he can’t be Leader of the Opposition because the JVP doesn’t have sufficient support outside Parliament. AKD will be seen, much later in history, as a man who didn’t grab all that was possible because the JVP has had sufficient principle not to espouse racism. May they be rewarded some other way. I may vote for them, myself!
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Tamil from the north / December 30, 2018
Hey Eagle blind Eye bugger, who gives a damn about your religion based on a philosophy? Idiot what does religion got to do with politics? Do you also think this country belongs to racist elements of the Sinhala majority? It is a day dream you racists among the majority has been having for 75 years now. Time to quit and grow up. If you do not like to live with others peacefully, pack your bags and bugger off to Orissa.
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Champa / December 29, 2018
Ajith
I totally deny your accusations against Mahinda Rajapaksa. Name any crime committed by him personally.
You must remember that the so called “hardcore extremist Buddhist Sinhala racists” represent 70.2% of the population and they are the decisive factor in any election.
Contrary to you assertion, “crimes committed against humanity including murders, bribes, corruption” have nothing to do with Buddhism. Do you absolve Tamils and Muslims from crimes?
If you look at official statistics, you would see Tamils, Muslims, Hindus, and Christians are the creators of terrorism, racism and crimes against humanity in the world.
LTTE, which was regarded as the world’s most ruthless terrorist organization was led by a Tamil called Prabhakaran.
All other terrorist organizations in the world, numbering 193, which carry crimes against humanity are led by Muslims, Hindus, Christians, Jews and other.
There is no history in the world of any terrorist organization being led by a Sinhalese Buddhist or even anyone taking part.
If Sri Lanka was a Muslim country, not a single Hindu will survive. If Sri Lanka was Hindu dominant, not a single Muslim will survive.
The reason for Tamils and Muslims live in harmony among Sinhalese without any fear is that majority in Sri Lanka are Buddhists.
Talking about Mahinda Rajapaksa, he is an honour to Sinhalese Buddhists and Sri Lanka who eradicated the world’s most ruthless terrorist organization and brought peace to the entire world.
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K.Anaga / December 29, 2018
Champa!
“If Sri lanaka was Hindu dominant, not a single Muslim will survive”.
You seem to be living a world of your own. In a Hindu dominated India there are more Muslims than in Pakistan. They have their occasional hick ups but much better than what is prevailing in Srilanka and Mynamar with the Buddhists. Unfortunately only in Srilanka and Mynamar Buddhists want to dominate and kill . In Sri lanaka Buddhist want to capture Hindu Gods too and imprison them in their Pansalas. But Buddhists in countries like Vietnam, Japan. Taiwan , Thailand other places they live in harmony. You are suffering from an inferiority complex. get rid of it.
In Tamil Nadu, Muslims and Tamils ( Hidus and Christians) get along very well. So is the case in Karnataka, Andhra and Kerala where Hindus dominate. Look before you leap Champa.
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Champa / December 30, 2018
K.Anaga
I stand by what I said.
Fights between Hindus and Muslims in India are not “occasional hiccups.”
Why do India and Pakistan fight over Kashmir? Because 60% of the population in Kashmir who are Muslims don’t want to be ruled by Hindus.
There is no similarity between Buddhists in Sri Lanka and Myanmar. Only one Buddhist out of 14 million Buddhists is accused for clashing with Muslims.
No temple has “captured” Hindu Gods.
Many Buddhists follow ancient folk religion too, which is based on Sinhalese traditions, cultural practices and superstition. Therefore, some temples have allowed Buddhists to practice folk religion in their temple premises.
Besides, Gods are a part of Buddhism.
Before Hindu Devala were built in Sri Lanka with the invasion of South Indian Cholas in 1018 AD, there was folklore religion involving Gods who are believed to be Guardian Gods of Sri Lanka and Buddhism.
The four Guardian Gods are Upulvan, Saman, Kataragama and Vibheeshana. They are NOT Hindu Gods.
Both Hindu God Vishnu and God Upulvan are blue colour. So some people have mixed up the two Gods.
God Upulvan believed to be the Guardian Deity of Sri Lanka.
Lord Kataragama was the Sinhalese King Mahasen of Ruhuna who built Kiri Vehera.
God Saman is the Guardian Deity of Sri Paada.
God Vibheeshana is a God of Yakkha Tribe. (However, some people like me believe the fourth Guardian Deity is Goddess Pattini, whose cult was started to practice by King Gajaba. One of Pattini’s seven forms is worshipped by Hindus as Kannagi.)
God Natha is believed to be the next Buddha.
God Dedimunda is not a Hindu God.
If Hindus claim that we have taken their Gods, it is a complete misinterpretation.
Main Hindu Gods like Shiva, Krishna and Brahma are NOT worshipped by Buddhists.
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Native Vedda / December 30, 2018
Champa …………..
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You need to relax.
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“God Vibheeshana is a God of Yakkha Tribe.”
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Who is he?
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“Before Hindu Devala were built in Sri Lanka with the invasion of South Indian Cholas in 1018 AD, there was folklore religion involving Gods who are believed to be Guardian Gods of Sri Lanka and Buddhism.”
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What was the religion being practiced in this island, say 2500 years ago?
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Champa / December 30, 2018
Hindian Vedda
According to legend, God Vibheeshana was one of Rawana’s brothers who betrayed him and revealed Rama the secret of his immorality. If not for Vibheeshana’s betrayal, Rama would never be able to defeat Rawana.
Prior to 2500 years ago, there were Yakkha, Naga, Deva and Raksha tribes who believed to have supernatural powers. Later, until Arhat Mihindu Thero’s arrival, people have believed in demons and devas. In other words, believing in malevolent and benevolent spirits which is called folklore religion.
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Native Vedda / December 30, 2018
Champa …………….
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“Later, until Arhat Mihindu Thero’s arrival, people have believed in demons and devas. In other words, believing in malevolent and benevolent spirits which is called folklore religion.”
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Stupid people like you still continue to trust the malevolent being the benevolent, hardly know the difference. Evil men like Mahinda, your pimp Wimal, Gota …….. have now become your guardian deities.
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Champa / December 30, 2018
Oi Moda Vedda
Do you believe the existence of fungus, bacteria and virus?
Have you seen then from your own eyes? Or do you believe because Scientists tell you that they exist?
Can you see them without a light microscope? But you still believe that virus are in the atmosphere?
Can you explain how a virus, which cannot be seen spread diseases?
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Uthungan / January 5, 2019
Champa
Can you explain how the air that you breath which cannot be seen keeps you alive?
Can you explain how the invisible electricity which you use to type your lap top transmits your comment to CT ?
Is there anything in the Mahavamsa about it?
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Native Vedda / January 5, 2019
Uthungan
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“Is there anything in the Mahavamsa about it?”
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This the final insult to Sinhala/Buddhists.
Champika’s ancestors discovered Zero and perfected Genetic Engineering (beast + beauty = birth of Champika’s ancestors) , their language is much much older than Hebrew, …………. Mahawamsa a book of knowledge, similar to an atom containing the entire space. …….
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Uthungan / January 5, 2019
Champa
1) What was Arahat Mahinda Thero’ faith before he became a follower of Buddha?
2) What was Prince Sidhartha’s faith before he was called Buddha by others?
3) Did Sidhartha tell his disciples to call him Buddha?
4) Why is the Mahavamsa bible unique to only the Sinhaa Buddhists in SL 5) How is it that Buddhists in China, Japan, Vietnam, Cambodia,Nepal and
in India do not consider it as something to do with Buddhism at all?
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Mallaiyuran / December 30, 2018
“No God” idea, Buddha preached, is from Dravidic Brahmanism of Indus Valley civilization. Buddha only revived which was being abolished by Aryan invasion. The Modern Advaita Dvaita and Vishishtadvaita all evolution of what Buddha revived which had already originated in Indus Valley. Indus Valley clay plates showing the Siva (Buddha) meditating pause). Latter Hindus went with Siva lingam when the stone carving was learned. Buddhist adopted Greek soldiers’ posture to Buddha’s statue.
Then the God idea was given to Ceylon Buddhists when Hindus adopted the “god” idea from Aryans. Pancha Iswarams are older than Kathirkamam. Lord Muruga is only TN god. So they established in South when their Kings were ruling there. 6th century Mahavamsa is recognizing the Kathirkamam is a Lord Muruga temple and Dutugamunu made his offering to Muruga, because he was a Tamil Hindu. He became a Buddhist only after seeing how Ellarla was running his country very gracefully, without fights for 45 years.
It is not the Gods & Goddess of Sinhalese are Tamil. Their Language is Tamil based. Grammar is Tamil Grammar. Words originate from Tamil. The food Sinhalese eat were time to time polished by Chera, Chola& Pandya civilizations. Sinhalese never hunted like the jungle boy Vijaya or ate wheat roti like Asoka. They always ate rice, curry, appam, vacuum, kiri bath (Pongal Pukkai) … all are Tamil foods. Sinhalese wear Chera girls’ Kurukku Kattu (Redda hatte). This is because, if you look at TN, they went to Sari, idly, Dosa……. But Cheras was left behind with Appa, Kurukku Kattu. Now Sinhalese also have picked up TN. 90% of the ladies go to TN style Sari wearing. Dalada Maligawa is Krishnan Temple. All Hindu gods are still within that campus. Perahera is only Indira Vizha. It was originally in the North. Then it moved to Anuradhapura. Then it moved to Kandy. The current one Rajasinghan initiated. There is no Sinhala DNA. It is only TN Tamil DNA.
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Champa / December 30, 2018
Mallaiyuran
Hooooooo, now you see the worthiness of “Mahawamsa.” Let’s start.
(1.) Lord Buddha never said “no God.”
According to legends, God Upulvan was entrusted by Lord Buddha to protect Buddha Sasana in Sri Lanka. According to Buddhist history, Gods have come to listen to Buddha’s preachings. You may not be aware as you are not a Buddhist, we have prayers transferring merits (Anumodanaa) to Deities, other supernatural spirits and deceased relatives. There is a Sutta called “Atanaatiya” in Pirith to give protection from malevolent spirits (ghost-busting) who believed to be present to listen to Pirith, in addition to Gods.
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(2.) What you say about Kathirkamam, and Tamil names is not true.
Eg: Arhat Sanghamitta Theri brought the South branch of the Sacred Bo Tree in a yacht which reached Dambakola Patuna (Jaffna Port) on a Unduvap Full Moon PoyaDay. “Undu” is a common grain used in Sri Lanka and it didn’t come from India. “Vap” means sowing season. “Unduvap” means the “sowing season of grain Undu.”
Moreover, King Devanampiyatissa received the Sacred Bo Sapling and kept in a place near the port. Later it was planted in Anuradhapura. When the Sacred Bo Tree produced its first fruits, and saplings, one sapling had been sent to Jaffna to be planted at the exact location where the Bo Sapling kept for the first time and another sapling to Chandanagama and another to “Kajaragama” which is Kataragama.
“Kajaragama” was mentioned in Mahawamsa as early as King Devanampiyatissa’s time (307–267 BC.)
It was one of the Chola Generals worked for the Chola Ruler of Polonnaruwa (1018-1055 AC) who vandalized “Kajaragama,” named it as “Kathirkamam” and converted Kataragama Devale as Murugan Devale.
King Dutugemunu (161–137 BC) is from Anuradhapura Era. The name change of “Kajaragama” to “Kathirkamam” happened very much later during Polonnaruwa Era.
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Champa / December 30, 2018
Mallaiyuran
Dalada Maligawa in Kandy NEVER WAS a Krishna Temple.
You are lying. You don’t know our history.
Dalada Maligawa in Kandy is NOT the FIRST Temple which has a long history shifting from Anuradhapura to Kandy Kingdom.
See the list.
1. First it had been placed on the throne of King Kithsirimevan (555–573 AC) and then he built a temple in Anuradhapura and started the first Perahera in Spring.
2. Abhayagiri Vihara in Anuradhapura.
3. When Cholas invaded Anuradhapura, it was transferred to Polonnaruwa by King Vijayabahu I.
4. Then to a Shrine called “Atadaageya in Polonnaruwa” a similar shaped Temple like Maligawa in Kandy.
5. During various uprisings, it was placed in Ruhuna and other places.
6. Then brought back to Polonnaruwa by King Parakramabahu the Great.
7. Then to a Temple in Sabaragamuwa by King Vijayabahu II.
7. Then to a Temple called “Hetadaageya” by King Nissankamalla.
8. Then in various places in Ruhuna and Kotmale when Kalinga Magha invaded Polonnaruwa.
9. Then to a Shrine in Dambadeniya built by King Parakramabahu II.
10. Then to a Shrine in Yapahuwa built by King Buvanaikabahu I.
11. Then AryaChakravarti stolen Sacred Tooth Relics and gifted it to the Pandyan King in South India.
12. King Parakramabaju III went to Pandya, brought Sacred Tooth Relics back and placed it in the old shrine in Polonnaruwa.
13. Then King Buvanaikabahu II transferred it from Polonnaruwa to Kurunegala.
14. During King Buvanaikabahu IV and King Wickremabahu III, it was placed in Gampola.
15. During King Buvanaikabahu V and King Weerabahu, it was placed in Jayawardanapura Kotte.
16. Then during King Mayadunne, it was placed in Seetawaka.
17. Then to a Temple in Kurunegala and then to Ratnapura.
18. Then finally, King Wimaladharmasooriya I, built a new 3-storey Dalada Maligawa in Kandy.
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Mallaiyuran / December 31, 2018
Champawati,
“now you see the worthiness of “Mahawamsa.”
Sorry lady, whether I am right or you are right but I don’t want to keep replying to you. When I do that, you push me to take your kind logic to match your level. Now you are turning the table, saying I am seeking refuge in Mahavamsa. That is really sad! Anyway, just for talk, let it be that I think the Mahavamsa is correct. Now your Buddhist History is saying “Gods have come to listen to Buddha’s preaching”. Before I go further, I have to assume that you know the meaning of the English word “GOD”. You are saying the gods were standing and listing to Buddha Preaching and you believe it. But I said Vijay’s grandma slept with Lion and had two children. You are skeptical about mine and down playing it as the Mahavamsa. You want to uphold your Buddhist History. Let me ask you a question. If one can give orders to gods make them obey, why can he get the woman become pregnant to a lion? What is your high point in that denial? Is that the god is dump, so he can be easily ordered and made to obey, but the lion is not a fool like that, but would eat up the woman, not to miss it supper?
Champawati, you are not god, I am not Buddha, so listen to this without hesitation. This is not preaching. Devanampiya Theesan is Tamil Hindu. His father is Muthu Sivan. Need any explanation on him?
Champawati, you are not a Hindu, you won’t know about this. Buddha was never-ever a Buddhist. Never in his life- Period! He was born as a Hindu, Lived as a Hindu and died as a Hindu. There was no Buddhist sector in Hinduism, until 150 years after the death of Buddha.
The tiger tooth (not Vije’s) in Dalada Maligawa was kept by Hindu Kings to bring them luck.
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Champa / December 31, 2018
Mallaiyuran
1) Ha ha…if no “Mahawamsa,” no “Kathirgamam” and no Chola/Chera/Pandya.
2) Lord Buddha never was a Hindu.
In 563 BC, at the time when Siddhartha was born, there WAS NO Hinduism in India.
The religion at the time was VEDA. And later Upanishad (part of Veda.)
Lord Buddha is a Sramana, not a Brahmana.
If there is any similarity to Buddhism, it is Jainism, not Hinduism.
Both Buddhism and Jainism believe in Karma, reincarnation/rebirth, and enlightening as a marga (way) to end the chakra (cycle) of suffering which is called Moksha/Nirvana. Only difference is, while Jainism follows “Self-mortification,” (even Siddhartha tried it once, which is in Sinhala “Dushkara Kriya”) Buddhism believes in “Middle Way” (denial of both extreme self-mortification and extreme self-gratification.)
My logic is based on facts. Therefore, you are compelled to accept.
I know the history of ancient India, Buddhism and Hinduism to be enough to counter your misinterpretations about Lord Buddha.
The word “Hindu” was derived from Indus (Sindhu) River.
Greeks have called ancient Indians “Hindus” to refer to people who live beyond Indus River.
Then later, Brahmins added the “ism” part to identify the culture and beliefs of Hindus as “Hinduism” which derived from “Upanishad.”
Hinduism received recognition only during Gupta Dynasty (The Golden Age of India) and later in Mogul Dynasty.
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3) Go to Archives and read my comments to an article about Wigneswaran’s claim of King Devamanampiya-Tissa as Theesan. “Tissa” was common in our monarchs. There were 21 Sinhalese Kings/sub-Kings who had Tissa as last name.
How come all of them not “Theesans?”
There was no reference to a Theesan in Mahawamsa. If so, Arhat Mahinda should have called King Devanampiya-Tissa,
“Theesan, Theesan, vangaa, Nanpaa. Are there any other MamparalaMalam, other than this MamparaMalam?”
Get a life, Machang!
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Champa / December 31, 2018
Mallaiyuran (continued)
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4) About King Mutasiva.
Devanampiya-Tissa was King Mutasiva’s son.
King Mutasiva was Lanka’s first true Sinhalese ruler, King Pandukabhaya’s son.
If Mutasiva to be Tamil, his father King Pandukabhaya should be a Tamil, right? Is he? I mean, is he a Theesan, too?
And King Mutasiva had two other sons in addition to King Devanampiya-Tissa who also ruled Lanka, named Uttiya and Mahasiva.
How come King Mutasiva’s other two sons are not Tamils? Is it, because you don’t know Mutasiva’s true lineage?
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5) About the lion story.
Vijaya Hora’s father was Simhabahu, the King of Simhapura (Vanga Kingdom) which is believed to be located in Bengal, people of which were called Indo-Aryans.
According to the legend, Sinhabahu’s father was a Lion and mother was a Vanga princess called Suppadevi.
In other words, the Lion was Vijaya Hora’s grandfather.
Sinhabahu later killed his father, Lion, and became the King of Simhapura which had located in the Vanga-Kalinga region.
Vanga Kingdom, which had been a low lying seaborne empire is believed to be Bengal. Even the present day Bangladesh is submerged in water.
This story of Simhapura had been mentioned in Lankan texts which has nothing to do with Sinhalese.
Moreover, Vijaya Hora and his Indian bride didn’t have any children.
Even Vijaya Hora and Kuweni’s children (who believed to have been protected by Vedda tribe) are not part of Sinhalese as at the time, Lanka already had various ancient tribes, dynasties and their descendants.
After Vijaya, his Chief Minister Upatissa became the King of Lanka.
After King Upatissa, Vijaya’s nephew, King Panduvasadeva became the King of Lanka.Then his sons, Abhya and Tissa and then his grandson, Pandukabhaya.
— If we have any connections with India based on Vijaya’s arrival, it is with Bengal people, not with Indians or Tamils.
— If we have any connections with India based on Buddhism, it is with Nepalese people as Lord Buddha was born in present day Nepal, not in India.
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Mallaiyuran / December 31, 2018
Champawati,
Good and quick slipping; Lion bearing children to God learning from Buddha to Veda religion to Sramana religion.
The word “Hindu” was derived from Indus (Sindhu) River.
Greeks have called ancient Indians “Hindus” to refer to people who live beyond Indus River.
Just don’t bluff Champawati. That have nothing to do with the birth of Hindu religion.
The only extant Vedic materials are the texts known as the Vedas, which were composed and handed down orally over a period of about 10 centuries, from about the 15th to the 5th century BCE. The Vedic corpus is composed in an archaic Sanskrit. The most important texts are also the oldest ones. – Encyclopedia Britannica.
Even the Sanskrit did not exist on or before 15th century BCE. Only Dravidian Tamil existed.
One of the earliest recorded uses of the word śramaṇa, in the sense of a mendicant, is in verse 4.3.22 of the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad composed by about the 8th century BCE.[14]:48[16] The concept of renunciation and monk-like lifestyle is found in Vedic literature, with terms such as yatis, rishis, and śramaṇas.[17][18] The Vedic literature from pre-1000 BCE era, mentions Muni (monks, mendicants, holy man)……… mentions mendicants as those with long-haired) and mala clothes ( dirty, soil-colored, yellow, orange, saffron) engaged in the affairs of mananat (mind, meditation). – Wikipedia
To be precious, none of these are included in the English word Religion (Including Buddhism). Veda is simply meant Knowledge and it is still used in Eastern European Languages in that way. So stop finding your kind of Buddhism in 534 BCE, India. Hinduism(Vythiga -Religions) covers all those perceived as religions and practiced all over India, which originally or eventually accepted Veda as their “Bible”. So it covers, though Buddhist don’t use Rig Veda Slogans to prayer, even the Ceylon Buddhism because Rig Veda, Dravidic philosophy, which propagate Karma (a Tamil word – கருமம்-Work- act),. Rebirth, meditation, which all are coming all the way from Indus Valley religion-philosophy.
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Tamil from the north / December 30, 2018
Hey Chimpa, your hero is only fit to be a street sweeper. You can marry him and that will make a wonderful combination………….a whore and a garbage man!
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Sensible / December 30, 2018
Where did Tsunami aid go? I cannot think of any crime that is so low. To rob from those who have undergone a disaster is unbelievable.
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Ajith / December 30, 2018
Champa,
As a head of the nation between 2006 to 2015, he should take the responsibility for all what happened during the period. for example, he should have investigated fully the murder of Lasantha and those responsible for that crime shoud have under the justice. Did he do that? No. It is true that he did not took the gun and went directly to murder Lasantha. That is not the way you look at murders and crimes. He himself one point said that he knows who murdered Lasantha.
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Emil van der Poorten / December 31, 2018
Champa:
Are you REALLY serious about this absolute rubbish about Rajapaksa having “brought peace to the entire world?” They really should keep people like you in the institutions reserved for those with serious mental disabilities and not cut them loose on the sane world.
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Champa / December 31, 2018
Emil van der Poorten
You and I both are alive today without being under 6 feet by an LTTE bomb is thanks to Mahinda Rajapaksa who eradicated LTTE and brought peace to the entire world. Have you forgotten Rajiv Gandhi? If LTTE was in tact until today, they would have killed other world leaders too. Do you need any other example?
Selective amnesia is common in Sri Lanka. I am not surprised.
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Sinhala_Man / January 1, 2019
True, Champa.
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We’ve got to be grateful to those who eliminated Prabhakaran. I don’t want to analyse further about how much each “hero” is to be praised.
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Mainda Rajapaksa certainly gave the necessary political leadership that was necessary to end the War. I’m essentially a pacifist, but I appreciate the huge difference that the absence of terrorism has made to us. Thanks to all, and to you, Champa. You also have done a lot to expose humbugs.
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Now, on the first day of a New Year, let us look to the future.
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I am very glad that the mature, decent and sane R. Sambanthan functioned as Leader of the Opposition during a crucial period of our history. However, if parliamentary democracy is to have credibility, representation in the House has to reflect the thinking in the country as a whole. I personally feel that the “SLPP guys” get support because they spout racism. We may not agree with their views, but we have to understand them, and let them be heard.
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the legalities are there; part of the parrying that goes on in politics. However, I’m sure that even Sambanthan is preparing to hand over to someone else pretty soon; if not we will have a “Southern Insurgency”.
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Anura Kumara Dissanayake has performed admirably, but, ultimately, he can’t be Leader of the Opposition because the JVP doesn’t have sufficient support outside Parliament.
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Samuel Jayaweera / December 29, 2018
Rajapakshe is fit only for rabblerousing.
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Also loot the state for his family.
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Also betray the nation to Chinese and get caught by Debt trap.
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And fool the nation too.
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Thanakola eaters would never trust others but Rajapakshes.
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They dont care about the bugger to have abused state funds for his luxuries during the 52 day crisis, there the grass eaters would feel, it does not matter ballige putha was instrumental getting rid of LTTE terror. Some even would be ready Ballige putha and his family to rape even their lovely ones.
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Thanakola effect is stimulated by the BUDDHIST monks being worshiped by Rajakshes for the big picture.
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jslsl / December 29, 2018
Yaaaaawwwwwwwwwnnnnnnnnnnnn! Oh please.
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JD / December 29, 2018
JAyaweera. JVP is not doing anything food. AKD will lose this time.Vijitha HErarh Won’t be different (GOD Suniyan). The reason they always take the wrong decision.They say, Ranil did not say much. that is why we got caught (Goddess Kali and GOD Munneswara).JVP says we talked to Maithri too but we believed Ranil because only he helped us when we want. JVP even goes to Gods now (GOD Suniyan).
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wannihami / December 29, 2018
MR will attend the Parliament when needed, and he is needed now, as for attendance ranking Anura Kumara is the No 1 and hahaha, can that guy be the LoO? He just yells nonsense.
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Naman / December 29, 2018
MR is very good in reading from a well written paper but hasn’t got the ability to speak impromptu. He needs Prof G L Peiris by his side. Making him LoO of the Parliament will force him to attend it regularly. He should have his shadow Cabinet ministers as well.
Can he declare his policies for the next 5 years and on how he will suppress religious and racial intolerances
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Eagle Eye / December 29, 2018
Naman,
This is a country where there is religious and racial tolerance exist. If not, Demalu and Muslims would not have survived. Out of the 11% Demalu, about 52% live in Sinhala dominant areas without any problem. Muslims are scattered all over the country thanks to kindheartedness of Sinhala Buddhist King Senerath. In UK, shouting ‘Paki Go Home’ is a common thing but in this country such things do not happen. The problem is whenever there is a small incident it is blown out of proportion by few guys who want to tarnish the image of Sinhala Buddhists. Demala and Muslim politicians are the main obstacle to religious and racial harmony.
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hancho pancha / December 29, 2018
If not for the Demelu and Muslim shops where you expect the Sinhalas to buy their commodities and the essentials at a premium prices and service???? The Sinhala shopkeeper is rude and crude.
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Jayasingha / December 29, 2018
Had Sambanthan as leader of opposition declared his policies for the next 5yrs and acted as the alternative govt and how he will suppress religious and racial intolerances?
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Rajash / December 29, 2018
Loo – sums up Sri Lankan politics….shit down the toilet
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Douglas / December 29, 2018
Rajeewa: Be very DIRECT in telling something to a person. Why you can’t say: Mahinda, you are NOT FIT even to sit in Parliament. Why? You very well know what he DID to the National Carrier – Sri Lankan Airline. You know how two – The Chairman, his Brother-in-Law and his Nephew – the son of Chamal Rajapakse entered into that outfit. If you really make a correct assessment of the colossal waste, loss and the “Continuing Loss” to the country and the Nation, I would say, that surpassed the “Bond Scam” of Ranil W. Do I need to say what and what spell of “EVIL” his sons, siblings and near relatives brought to this country? Then, you might ask me: “But just see the “Public Honor” he and his cohorts have garnished”. Of course, “YES?” Why? The answer: The PEOPLE (including the Buddhist Monks) have all been made to be “SLAVES” and “SELF CENTERED” and made to live a life of SUBJUGATION . There was a very interesting “DIALOGUE” on this subject at a TV programme, titled “Aluth Parlimenthuwa” and it became very interesting because one of the participants happens to be a “Buddhist Monk” who openly “ADORNS” this “MR & Co. Inc”. However, there seems to be a “Silver Lining” (according to the views expressed) in this “Dark Cloud” we have been so far compelled to view in the sky. Yet, it is a HOPE so far. We NEED a “ALUTH PARLIMENTHUWAK” – No doubt about it.
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MAMS / December 29, 2018
MR was recommended to be deprived of civic rights together with five others by a presidential commission appointed by MS. He has not paid millions to ITN, CTB and more recently for using helicopter rides when appointed as prime minister in moonlight. Who is fooling whom?
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Vanangamudi / December 29, 2018
“…takes part in (Parliamentary) debates sensibly in a wide range of subjects..” Are you crazy? Who has ever heard of MR speaking impromptu, either in Sinhala or English, to any audience of some learning for a reasonable period ever in his nearly 50 years of political life? We are told he is a Lawyer. Isn’t the job of lawyers to speak, speak and speak – here, there and everywhere to convince people in subjects of general interest. What is MR’s record in the House on matters of importance? Sampanthan is incomparable when it comes to this. Go to the Hansard and read him in English or Tamil. The man is a veritable encyclopedia. The tough Stephen Sachur began his interview with Sampanthan in (Sachur’s) aggressive style calling him Mr. Sampanthan. After a few minutes of speaking, he began calling him “Sir”
and from then on behaved like a student before a respected teacher. That is class.
I, of course, realise oratorical skills alone do not qualify one to be LoO in our Parliament in context where the numbers game matters. In this case, I am afraid
the affable Karu J jumped the gun. Perhaps to strike a balance to please the Sirisena/MR clique whom the Speaker clearly offended by his ruling that won the day for Ranil and his men. Anything is possible in good old Lanker. We had two
PM’s and now 2 LoO’s. Karu is savvy enough not to encourage a situation we might end with 2 Speakers.
Vanangamudi
In fairness, MR is matchless in PR. He smiles at everyone – including the humble and the hoi polloi, ayubowan style, shakes hands and makes everyone feel at home
and comfy. Even if Ranil takes tution from MR, he (Ranil) will get nowhere.
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Thanga / December 29, 2018
The manner in which Karu Jayasuriya announced the appointment of Mahinda Rajapaksa as Leader of the Opposition is similar to the appointment of Mahinda Rajapaksa. In both instances, the incumbents were not informed of their dismissal before the new appointments. Karu Jayasuriya who was vociferous in condemning the appointment of Mahinda Rajapaksa committed the same mistake committed by Sirisena. This led to Sampanthan claiming the decision smacked of communalism. We don’t have one Sinhalese leader who is above communalism/racism that includes Ranil Wickremesinghe. Only the degree varies.
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Thiru / December 29, 2018
people are offering all kinds of solutions to Sri Lanka’s political problems. They are going round and round analyzing various aspects of democracy without attacking the main problem of the Sri Lankan state and its rulers. They put forward sophisticated pet theories of their own.
It is not democracy, it is more basic than that: We can even have a monarchy, which would be far better than the majoritarianism prevailing today:
It is the rule of law, rule of law and rule of law. Only and only if rule of law is firmly established Sri Lanka can have true progress, harmony and prosperity. Until then let’s muddle through in ignorance, lack of will, poverty and lack of justice.
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UKCitizen / December 29, 2018
Overthrowing a democratically elected Government is an act of SEDITION and TREASON!
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Where are the arrests?
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Charges?
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The only reason this failed was because there wasn’t enough money to buy off enough MP’s.
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Selling out your country for money is also TREASON.
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Don’t think these people haven’t learned from their mistakes – they will certainly try again imho.
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NAK / December 29, 2018
Don’t have anything better to do Rajeewa than writing hosannas to AKD?
Even the children of this country knows who AKD is and he is bound to be thrown in to the political wilderness after the next General elections and doing his best to help his boss RW in delaying his fate.
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Steve / December 29, 2018
The Parliament needs a very strong Leader of the Opposition to ensure checks and balances . His hands should also be Clean. MR with his poor track record will not be able to point fingers at the Government and will not be effective. However, since it is not very far to the next General Elections who ever occupies that position will not matter very much.
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K.Pillai / December 29, 2018
MR had got used to saying “This is it”. Leader of Opposition has to listen. MR himself knows that he does not posses this attribute and evaded the job. Now he has to prove that he could be the Leader of Opposition. A big ask!
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chiv / December 29, 2018
Rajeewa, is there any position MR is fit for ??????? Just curious.
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K.Pillai / December 29, 2018
chiv~ “……is there any position MR is fit for ?…..”
Of course there is. As Leader of SLPP.
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Champa / December 29, 2018
I beg to differ. Your facts/observations, all but one, are correct while your conclusions are wrong. MR DID vote AGAINST RW in the NCM!
Starting from attendance and taking part in debates, Anura tops the list as he was the Chief Opposition Whip. Officially more time slots were allocated to his 6-MPs than JO which had 54, then 69 MPs.
Similarly, Dinesh tops the JO list as he was the Leader of the JO Parliamentary Group.
Given the time constraint, Mahinda has given more time for other orators in the JO to take part in debates. If he attended Parliament, all time slots would have been given to him.
R.Sampanthan used L/O to press RW+MS to keep their personal pledges towards Tamils. Being a separatist provincial party, looking after Tamil political interests was TNA’s priority. However, admirably, Sampanthan DIDN’T add fuel to the fire during the recent political crisis.
The Speaker was correct IN ANNOUNCING Mahinda Rajapaksa as the Leader of the Opposition.
There is no rule whatsoever to appoint or remove a L/O.
According to Parliamentary traditions, any MP who is the leader of the largest party or alliance, which is not a part of the government, automatically gets the title.
The Speaker had NO CHOICE other than recognizing MR as the L/O.
In view of the present scenario, UPFA which is not a party to government sits in the Opposition.
As the Leader of the UPFA Group in Parliament, Mahinda Rajapaksa automatically became the L/O.
For 4 years, JO played the role of bona-fide Opposition. Therefore, “keeping UNP government in check and balance” IS NOTHING NEW to them.
Anura can, in fact, learn how to play the part of BONA FIDE Opposition from seasoned and experienced core MPs in the UPFA.
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Champa / December 30, 2018
About TNA, I am glad they didn’t support the President despite his request. Otherwise he would have held Mahinda too, under obligation to TNA.
As per the statistics published by military with regard to the lands released in the North, 90% of private lands have already been released.
Altogether, Army has released 23,773 acres of private lands out of 26,342.
After 31st the land release matter is over and that chapter is closed.
Ranil and Maithri’s personal pledge to TNA and Tamil Diaspora is fulfilled and the duo will be sent to political dustbin at the next election. I still want to know how many camps were removed.
TNA only has their dream of federal which will never be successful. No matter how much Ranil or Maithri tried, the majority of UNP and UPFA MPs will take a personal decision to not to vote in favour of the treacherous federal constitution. If they did, people will pelt stones at them. Therefore, no 2/3.
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Native Vedda / December 30, 2018
Champa
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“As per the statistics published by military with regard to the lands released in the North, 90% of private lands have already been released.”
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According to Army, by 2015 it had released 91% of all land it was occupying. Since then it has duty fully been releasing lands almost every month.
If you add them all by now Army would have released 109% of the land it was holding. I believe there is something wrong with their arithmetics.
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Rajeewa Jayaweera / January 1, 2019
Champa
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Anura Kumara and Dinesh G made more contributions in addition to being Chief Opposition Whip and Leader of JO firstly because they have been present in Parliament.
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MR having attended Parliament on 13 occasions, Speaker could not have allocated time even if wanted as MR was simply no present. Does that make sense?
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MR did not even sign the Petition, let alone voting.
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Mallaiyuran / December 29, 2018
We raised a suspicion here that Karu, like Ranil, was a partner in the coup. New King says lies he consulted eminent lawyers to fire Ranil and appoint Old King as PM, but Karu does not bother to say even that. Karu, after October 26, without having an all-party meeting, but with a private telephone conversation with New King, allocated the PM seat to Old King. But after NCMs, he didn’t reverse that seating. But the legal Appeal Court did it. As it is nowhere said that majority party leader can only become PM, it is nowhere said who becomes LoO.
The truth is Ranil, Karu, Old King and New King wanted Old King in PM seat to save Royals from lawsuits. Main part is about their families. As many illegal efforts have failed, with a last hope of saving the families, they structured him on the Opposition Party Leadership Chair. Police won’t be able to arrest him now. He had not asked for it until Karu declared that himself. Like New King prorogued Parliament to make Donkey Trading to go success, Karu postponed his verdict without date. This is only to give time to SLFP and Slap Party to falsify the documents and to find ways to counter the remains left with media on his taking up of oath in Slap Party.
This has nothing to do with what Old King wants to do or what he can speak of.
All what he did earlier was taking contracts with China for bribe. He bought arms & white elephants because he can get commission. He not only pays bribes to donkeys, but he even paid to Pirapaharan to win election. But the dirty rascal lives by Tamils bashing. How in the world a notorious figure like that can survive? Only with the approval of Sinhala Buddhism!
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Silva / December 29, 2018
He is only good for thugry, looting and murder. He and his goon are the curse for the country.
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Native Vedda / December 30, 2018
Champa
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“As per the statistics published by military with regard to the lands released in the North, 90% of private lands have already been released.”
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According to Army, by 2015 it had released 91% of all land it was occupying. Since then it has duty fully been releasing lands almost every month.
If you add them all by now Army would have released 109% of the land it was holding. I believe there is something wrong with their arithmetics.
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