28 March, 2024

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More Charming Obfuscation From Shyamon

By Rajiva Wijesinha

Prof. Rajiva Wijesinha

The delightful Shyamon Jayasinghe strikes again with another piece full of half truths and obfuscations, in responding to my assessment of the prejudice latent in his last article.

His first point, that saying one party is no good does not imply an assertion that an alternative is good, is belied by the dichotomy his own article sets forth, and by the comments on his ‘brilliant’ piece. I should however note that, while his previous political article in the Telegraph, attacking Maithripala Sirisena, made clear his solid support for the UNP, he is also excessively adulatory about Ranil. Indeed he claimed then of Ranil’s alleged involvement in the bond scam that it arose from ‘JO-led and orchestrated scurrilous rumours’. And even his current grudging agreement over my criticism puts it down to ‘a weakness of supporting old Royal classmates’.

This should make clear the rationale for what also seems to have upset him, my reference to his intellectual pretensions (not ‘an intellectual pretence’ which is quite something else, though I do not understand how one can ‘bear’ this).

But his linguistic lapses are forgivable. What is unacceptable is the way he distorts his three main arguments. He claims with regard to communal feelings that it was all due to the SLFP, ignoring that it was the UNP that called for an election to implement its new policy of Sinhala only – as opposed to parity for Tamil which Kotelawala had announced. That is why Tamils deserted the UNP en masse and the left did so well in that election in previous UNP strongholds. Jayasinghe does acknowledge what JR and the UNP did in 1983 but seems to minimize their responsibility by claiming that this was because it was infected by the SWRD trend (24 years after SWRD died) and still calls it the ‘grand old Pary of National Unity’. Apologist or not???

He claims he had given ample evidence that it was SWRD and his party that dethroned English, but in fact there is nothing in his article except blanket assertions, and he continues to ignore the fact that it was JR who started the ball rolling to make Sinhala (or Tamil) compulsory mediums of instruction and Eddie Nugawela who pushed this in secondary schools in the early 50s. He does not comment on what I said about Ranil trying to scuttle English medium, but simply claims that his hero ‘is a political leader who has always kept national unity foremost in mind’. Has he not read Ranil’s apology for the violence of July 1983, which he belittled claiming the minorities suffered less then than the Sinhalese had done through Bandaranaike’s policies of nationalization?

And it is stupid to claim it is a hard job to change things, since the way in which we reintroduced English medium, against Ranil’s opposition, shows it can be done where there is a will. But since this was under an SLFP led government, Jayasinghe has to ignore it.

His third argument relates to the SLFP’s socialist excesses, but why he thinks I fail to meet the point is not clear. I believe, like my uncle Lakshman Wickremesinghe, though quite unlike his brother Esmond, that there was need for socialism but I also criticized the mismanagement and cronyism to which it gave rise. And my point was that Jayasinghe did not examine why Jayewardene allowed many negative elements of the previous regime to continue – including failing to denationalize schools. And Ranil certainly believed in that monopoly, for when I called him to ask about reintroducing English medium back then, he said it was illegal and that he had sent the papers regarding International Schools to the Attorney General to have them prosecuted.

Jayasinghe seems to have missed the point when he evokes God to ask what Jayewardene’s renaming of the country had to do with crony capitalism. The point was that, instead of looking at Jayewardene’s failure to actually introduce a free economy, Jayasinghe himself only criticized the renaming of the country. And I am sorry he excuses cronyism on the grounds that it happens everywhere and is a problem only when it reaches a dysfunctional level. Clearly people will differ as to what is dysfunctional, even my sister for instance claiming that the bond scam has been blown up out of all proportion – though I trust the figures cited in the Commission report will now make it clear that what happened was the worst robbery this country has to face, and to claim that ‘Ranil has a weakness of supporting old Royal classmates’ is horrendously simplistic, to the point of wickedness.

Finally, Jayasinghe has got everything wrong about my resignation. When I was appointed State Minister, it was in terms of what the Constitution envisaged, which was someone not in the Cabinet entrusted with a task, reporting direct to the President. But when I refused to obey Chandrika Kumaratunga when she rang up to order me to dismiss Shanika Himburuwegama, she said we would see who was put above me.

Kabir Hashim was appointed, and I rang him to ask what this meant, but he assured me that I would have to do everything, and he was in any case busy because of the election. I took him at his word, and worked at my usual pace, which prompted the comment by Malinda Seneviratne that I was the only Minister who seemed to be working (the others being concerned with the forthcoming election). Malinda confirmed this recently on television, and as noted Karunasena Kodituwakku wanted me to continue and Tara de Mel got me back to resuscitate English medium when she took over the Ministry again in 2004. But if Jayasinghe believes I am wrong to assert that I was doing a good job, whereas Ranil thought no one else could handle English medium, he is welcome to his views.

In 2015 I resigned when Kabir Hashim, contrary to his commitment, made the UGC Chair resign, having lied to her that this was on the instructions of the President. Incidentally, he had asked the UGC Chairman when he was State Minister of Higher Education (so much for Jayasinghe’s assessment of what State Ministers should be, simply enjoying ‘thathvaya’) to resign, but Ranjith Mendis ignored him, secure in the knowledge that Chandrika Kumaratunga would not have support Hashim.

I did not complain to the Prime Minister, I resigned, but Maithripala Sirisena told me he would not accept my resignation, and asked Hashim to resolve the problem. Hashim agreed that I should be Minister and said he would speak to Ranil, but it seems did not do so. It was Ranil who called me up, prompted he told me by Nirj Deva, but told me he would have to consult Chandrika, who turned out to be in England. It was because he could not contact her, he claimed, that he told me to read a book the title of which Jayasinghe has got completely wrong.

But it should be noted that I did not then cross the floor of the house, that happened only when Ranil lied about the situation, and the story of the Central Ban Bond scandal broke. I think I must be thankful to Chandrika for her vendetta against Shanika Himburuwegama, because otherwise I might have continued associated with a bunch of thieves who have put anything done by previous governments in the shade, given the barefaced effrontery with which they perpetrated this theft.

Related posts:

Is There Any Point In Getting The SLFP Together Again?

A Pitiful Apologist For The UNP

Saying One Party Is No Good Does Not Imply An Assertion That An Alternative Is Good – Reply To Rajiva Wijesinha

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Latest comments

  • 10
    3

    Dear professor, your sermon and credibility has already out lived its shelf life.From now on you will just be a reference matter, but we know you will try your best to make up things to spin. The public has turned weary and tired. Either you come up with a new trick up your sleeve or please do not waste our time, I am sure there are few naive people left out there for you to entertain but if you continue the same old act as this, you may very well run out of cheer leaders, I guess its time to focus on horse trading and jumping fences which you are still good at and in turn may help in providing three regular meals .GET a life prof!

  • 5
    5

    Utter lousy Rubbish!

    I respect Shyamon Jayasinghe, not missing the freedom in the CT, but bringing the thorny subject to CT for a free and frank discussion. Other than Shyamon Jayasinghe, none of the Old Royals acolytes brought any topics to discuss the the recent, frequently occuring, pogrom in the parliament.

    Writers should take example from him to identify the chaff from seed. That is what need to fix the Colombo media, which in turn needed to make out back the British Ceylon from Sinhala Buddhist Lanakwe.

    What to select discuss, fearlessly, is told well in a Kural.

    கான முயலெய்த அம்பினில் யானை
    பிழைத்தவேல் ஏந்தல் இனிது.

    Better to bear the spear that missed the tusker
    than the arrow that got the rabbit.

    (Sharp shooting is taking off a rushing rabbit like lighting, in the obstacles filled wilderness. But standing, in an open space where no shadow to hide, in front an elephant that had entered into a village and throwing a spear on it is a different action)

  • 9
    5

    I feel sorry for you, Rajiva, and so will not respond again except to say that you have given a pathetic riposte to my article.
    Considering the rowdies in the Rajapakse outfit you will be in be in more comfy territory with your cousin, Ranil Wickremasinghe. Your personal decency takes you there.
    Gulp your pride, my good friend

    • 5
      3

      oh dear oh dear… look what CaFFe said of the situation in parliament.

      Tense situation in House, set up by Govt: CaFFe” (Daily Mirror 11/01/2018)

      Of course, one old enough like me remembers Ranil’s antics when CBK presented the “package” in 2000.

      He and his MP’s hurled filth at an twice elected executive lady president and burnt the “package” in the august body of parliament. That showed the people the respect Ranil had for parliamentary traditions! (this of course having agreed to support the package the day before).

      Come come, let us not pretend to be so innocent, Shyamon!

    • 0
      0

      This comment was removed by a moderator because it didn’t abide by our Comment policy.For more detail see our Comment policy https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/comments-policy-2/

    • 2
      0

      What a pathetically snobbish piece by this man, given to such high self esteem.

      • 0
        0

        Justice & fairplay

        I am worried about his old students.

  • 0
    3

    Ranil was suppose to be a nephew of Iranganie Serasinghe.
    Shaymon appears to be a nephew of Ranils ????????????

  • 1
    0

    It is so delightful to see two highly upper class crusts – Shyamon and Rajiva fighting head-on in the public, Let’s watch and enjoy.

  • 2
    2

    Shyamon Doe snot like to accept that he was wrong. What ever it is none of the SLFP or UNP are sutiable political parties for sri lanka. Those both are very corrupt. their constitutions are made to protect the old boys club. Pohottuwa is just another breakaway group from SLFP because the party is struggling with the needs of two families to own it. I don’t think Maithripala is as clean as we want him to be. Sri lanka has too many politicians. So, If Prof Rajiawa wijesinghe wants to serve Sri lanka he can be outside and does the same and no need of praising Maithripala Sirisena. There was a BASL president who also did the same in CT and he joined BOI and there after he had to quit,I suppose. None of those people are there to serve the country but to serve themselves. Because, politics in Sri lanka is such a lucrative but a cheap not respectable job even though they demand it. I see how the PM in my country when I am naturalized is mingling with public without a security detail behind him and how he talks. I feel very sad for Sri lanka. Sri lankan politics is a paradise for thieves, incompetents and their families.

    • 7
      0

      Yes both UNP and SLFP are corrupt. But the Joint Opposition lead by Mahinda Rajapakse & are not only very corrupt but also danger to civilization, humanity, law and order and justice. There are few educated thugs like Rajiva, Dayan, GL Peries are more dangerous to democracy. What was the excuse these brutal power hungry men was that they are doing all these to save Buddhism. Religion should be out of politics to save this country.

      • 4
        0

        Ajith you are absolutely right; religion should be out of politics. As for saving this country, it is too far gone.

  • 5
    1

    Prof. Wijesingha,
    Do you have any morals? If you did, you will dare NOT indulge in politics in this “SHIT HOLE” as stated by Trump! You’re a bloody disgrace to St. Thomas College, Oxford and your faith. You are two face swine who is pursue materialistic things, ministerial posts and perks like the rest of the avarice pigs, butt lickers and fecal eaters. Now go read “…art of the possible” than farting and $hitting utter rubbish from your mouth. Save the ink and help write a poem that is more in line of your profession on how we can emerge from such a “hole” without boasting and exaggerating about you or your “competence”. Those in government like Minister Hashim proposed that you are not fit for your post because you were incapable of learning in your position. That raised an eye brow not only with Mr. Hashim but also with the PM because they expected better from an Oxford alum. Prof. Wijesingha, you FAILED in your duties. That is why the PM recommended that you must read that book.

    • 1
      0

      Condemend LIZAPriceless…: I think what had happened would be Rajiva wijesinghe tried to Outsmart Bond Scam Ranil who thinks he is also a professor. Politicians world is no ten commandments. It is just dog eats dog and cheat every one in order to make the way for you. Most educateds do not have that learning attitude because they think they are educated and fail in politics, on the other hand poorly – educated politicians always manoeuvre and tries their best to stay in the game. I follow what you say. Politicians use the cheating game every second.

  • 1
    0

    Amidst what CONDEMEND LIZAPRICESSLESS says there are educated and decent politicians in the world., Lawyers who came from the LAw college established by the British and now they think they all are experts because they are good at the cheating game. Itis unfortunate you do not see honest, reasonably – transparent politicians with integrity and conscience or a certain value system

  • 1
    0

    Rajiv – I notice that Dayan is unusually quiet no obfuscation from him….. Are you guys taking turn?

  • 2
    2

    Rajiva has done a fare justice to situation prevailed then and is prevailing now. Only those morons can not pass a judgment over any when they are sanctimonious. “Though we can replace an engine to a vehicle, a brain can not be replaced to a man. So is the case with Jayasinghe!!

  • 4
    0

    Guys, grow up. Leave us alone.

  • 3
    0

    A relatively unimportant Professor with no A publications in peer review journals is blowing hotair because for some reason his Haamu Colombo 7 status was challenged by an Australian.

    The Aussie defends RW regardless of Batalanda and Bond report and blames Sirisena and Rajapakses. As people say “okkoma horu; okkoma loku horu” is lost on these souls.

    Reality is that Rajiv has an ego because he has been destined to be mediocre in a shithole nation. Shyamon left the shithole nation and feels big and wants to tell the world he is all-that and successful in the land founded by criminals.

    I have never seen people so pathetically defending RW and his lies and his pathetic leadership like Shyamon. No need to talk about MR’s ego because we know that was as large as his penile-apetite for women as the joke went. Where does RW stand? no personality; thinks he is clever. Go watch the “Poda Mahinda Poda Mahinda” video on YouTube to see what I am talking about. They feel tough now that Fonseka is in their cabinet. Otherwise these were all effeminate men from Colombo like Sam’;s son who never cleaned a bathroom, never made their beds, never swept a floor or never cooked or did a real job in their lives. So all of you go fly kites.

  • 0
    0

    Professor is an earned title. When one first becomes faculty, if he or she has the terminal degree in his or her field(in this case the PhD), he or she is given the title “Assistant Professor”.

    If you have research obligations then you are judged by that PLUS your teaching evaluations. So at the end of 5 years, to earn tenure, he/she must score Excellent in either research or teaching and good or satisfactory in the other category.Also required are at LEAST 2 external evaluations.

    To accept his/her research it must be in PEER REVIEWED academic journals, or publications or books published. This is where the CPA man Sara also lacks credentials. After one is passed(if one is passed) one becomes Associate Professor with tenure. Most people end at that terminal rank.

    After another 5 to 10 years, If one were to become a full professor, other criteria like contributions to education, policy, administration, national or international recognition, more publications and teaching and what we call service to the University is counted. Once again a vote has to be taken to either go up to be full professor with supporting letters from external evaluators and the Head of the Department as well.

    Why does this politician who cannot get 50,000 votes calling himself Professor? Was he tenured and voted to earn the Professor rank? If not, he can call himself Doctor because he has a PhD which is not the same as a JD; a JD cannot call himself Doctor the way a certain guy in Colombo who writes often to CT does.

    Professor with no A publications in peer review journals is blowing hotair because for some reason his Haamu Colombo 7 status was challenged by an emigrant Australian desperately trying to talk big from down under. We don’t need your “he said-she said” crap here.

    What are his credentials to be an expert?

  • 1
    0

    What an unsavoury dog-eat-dog spat that no one gives a brass monkey for.

    Rajiva would be better advised to concentrate on rebuilding his integrity with good works rather than resorting to ‘explaining’ busted efforts with smarter politicians.

  • 0
    0

    Harsha praises Gota ,……??? Since of late there has been a lot of discreet groups in Social medias especially Wattsup ,stating the government plans to reinstate Gotabaya Rajapaksha as Chairman of UDA , to take control of entire Western Province for the implementations of rules with regard to garbage to construction and Town planning. Good move if true

  • 0
    0

    This comment was removed by a moderator because it didn’t abide by our Comment policy.For more detail see our Comment policy https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/comments-policy-2/

  • 0
    0

    This comment was removed by a moderator because it didn’t abide by our Comment policy.For more detail see our Comment policy https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/comments-policy-2/

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