19 March, 2024

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More Crossovers To Maithri Faction – SLFP-ers Disconcerted

The number of politicians who crossed over to the Maithripala faction backed by the common Opposition rose to a seven this morning as State Management Reforms Minister Navin Dissanayake resigned from his portfolio and from his position as the Nuwaraeliya district coordination committee Chairman and pledged support to the common opposition.

Navin DissanayakeIn a letter to the President notifying his resignation, MP Dissanayake had noted three reasons that led to his resignation to which includes the lack of scope to assist those who have voted and supported him, the need to join a movement that calls for the abolition of the Executive Presdiential system and the rampant corruption prevalent within the governance structure to which the top figures have turned a blind eye.

He joined the group of UPFA politicians who quit the coalition so far since former Minister and SLFP stalwart Maithripala Sirisena defected two weeks ago, along with former Ministers Rajitha Senaratne, Duminda Dissanayake, MKDS Gunewardena, MP Vasanatha Senanayake, UPFA MPs – Liberal party leader Rajiva Wijesinha, JHU leader Champika Ranawaka and Ven. Athuraliye Rathana, who were later joined by MPs Hunais Farook and P Rajadurai.

Meanwhile, recent speeches made by some of the SLFP members have indicated the continuation of the crossovers as evidenced by a very emotional statement made by Minister Janaka Bandara Tennakoon in Galewela.

“The SLFP is now a haven for ethanol and drug dealers. I am a clean SLFP-er. I voiced my greivances and of being sidelined to the President as well as his son Namal. But they all ignored my pleas. . .I repeatedly warned them of the unfortuante plight that has befallen this party today,” he had stated during a meeting today while crying for about five minutes.

Similar concerns have been expressed by few other SLFP members including Hirunika Premachandra who during a recent meeting had said that it is disconcerting to see the party breaking up.

“If this situation continues, all who would be left within the party would be drug dealers and thugs,” she had said.

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Latest comments

  • 38
    2

    I welcome any news that shows the strengthening of the opposition and the weakening of the Rajapaksha dictatorship. Nevertheless, on principle, we must make sure that politicians do not simply get away with behaving like rats jumping from a sinking ship every time a government changes.

    There must be a period of time in which these politicians are made to show their gratitude to the people and not simply be given a ministerial post immediately. Politics is a service to the people, not a means through which to get rich quick and it is up to the public to remind these fellows of that fact.

    This is our opportunity to change politics in this country and take our nation into the 21st century. If we do not act now our grandchildren will never forgive us.

    -T.Fernando

    • 14
      2

      I do recognize the issues raised by Mr. Tony Fernando. However, I feel Janaka Bandara Tennakoon might be relatively different. One is his background. These are the faithful members of the SLFP who had to bite the bullet until the opportunity became available. I previously noted him as a conscientious person when he took a stand against the BBS when Matale Mosque was attacked in 2012. As ‘Ceylon Today’ reported on 22 November, he had criticized President Rajapaksa in Parliament at the Committee Stage Debate of the Budget saying that “deterioration being experienced by the government due to the presence of drug dealers, ethanol and ganja dealers in Parliament.” He has categorically stated that President has not taken action even after some matters were reported to him.

      To address what Mr. Fernando has raised, first there can be a rough distinction made between those who defect now and campaign for the common candidate and those who might ‘jump the ship’ after 8 January. This is assuming that the President can be defeated. I still cannot be completely satisfied that the win is a given thing. It is still an initial struggle and the defectors should be very welcome. They do take a great risk at this stage more than those who are in the opposition now. Second, when it comes to ministries and even ticket to contest for future elections, there could be strict screening. Code of Ethics for all politicians is necessary. This could be develop by the joint opposition and that can be a part of the ‘Social Contract’ with the voters during the election campaign.

      • 10
        0

        more than this., there is a Rajapaksas backed Ethanol king in Matale and offered a dep ministership as he pays millions for Rajapaksas share from the illicit Ethanol business and that makes die hard SLFPers like J.B.T go nuts as he was not taken seriously by the regime.

        The same they do with Johnie(Nawinnas), Duninda aka Kudu Dumi(Premachandra) etc.,

        This govt is run buy narco mudalalis and Ethanol Kings.

        • 4
          0

          Well said Matilda.

          It is the narco mudalalis that run our Stock market, foreign currency reserves and the Black money market that kick our GDP to 6.5% growth rate level.

          There is no other way to show our GDP at 6.5% with no new production oriented factories and jobs been created.

          Even the infrastructure investments and developments have not brought any visible returns to our country or to our economy.

          This may be the reason why Rajapakses are keeping guys like Janaka Bandara silent and under control. Both Treasure secretary Punchi Banda Jayasundara and CB Governor Kabaral are mere goats giving bogus figures. That’s why Nimal Weerawanse called PBJ an Economic Assasin.

          Sri Lanka surely heading towards destruction unless some one rescues it quickly.

          • 5
            0

            Two of very serious complain from Sirisena as former
            health minister are,not allowing him to get enough
            pictorial warning space on the cigarette packs and
            introducing a national drug policy,both vital for a
            healthy society.Smoke warning is a very serious
            issue.Only a tip of the iceberg.Mangala Samaraweera
            left the govt because he was not free with his
            responsibilities.Far too many areas to pin point
            that Rajapaksas didn’t want to trust any one around
            them!WHY?Is it because they thought that the power
            is their family matter?Doing good things must be
            done only by one of them so that there’s no
            competition for the leadership from within?We had
            under JRJ,Gamini,Lalith,Premadasa,Ronnie,Tyrone
            and M H Mohamed and Hameed all working their way
            into great achievements on the given subject.All
            were able leaders.What’s happening today?A bankrupt
            govt bribing out vulnerable opposition MPs with
            offers of ministerial positions without power or
            even proper space to work.Why?Because the only thing
            they are good at is,manipulation!Every single
            minister,if they open their mouth honestly,will have
            to admit that they didn’t work for the money they
            were paid.There are SDIGs,DIGs,SSPs,SPs,ASPs and
            under them HQIs and OICs and all these officers are
            not enough to revolutionize the police service to
            provide a better service.WHY?Mainly because they
            believe they are answerable only to top of their
            own top!This country needs an overhaul!

      • 0
        0

        I do agree with DR Laksiri having noted his principal stand in protecting the minorities in his area despite the overwhelming support for the oppressors and may be his loyalty to the party and the lack of an alternative may have prevented him crossing over at that time. His decision on this yet to be seen. These type Gentleman will receive the public support from whatever party they contest even independently like in the old days of first past the post system. So he need not bother much of crossing over but his speeches and actions are forthright indicator to the discerning voter where his allegiance is and the voter should take it in the right spirit.

        Having said this agree with Tony Fernando “that on principle, we must make sure that politicians do not simply get away with behaving like rats jumping from a sinking ship every time a government changes.” The voters should identify such characters who betray the voters trust in them and their party and crossover for personal benefits. Such persons should be weeded out. Of course they can come to the voters and seek a fresh mandate of their new thinking and views as Dayasiri did at Kurunegala

        The framers of the new constitution must make provision for the situation.

        • 0
          0

          MH Mohamed is a great leader?
          are in this world ?????

          • 0
            0

            First Muslim mayor of Colombo.Minister of labour,
            minister of transport in a cabinet one third in
            size of today.Speaker of parliament and born in
            a political family and represented all communities.
            Not enough to be a leader?

  • 12
    0

    He has realized all this only one month before the elections! Having got elected with UNP votes ,then crossing over to MR bandwagon and enjoying all the perks all this time ! I didnt think Dissanayakes are against State corruption . This kind of turn court can only harm Maithripala’s cause

  • 7
    0

    The rats are indeed deserting the sinking ship. They get the whiff of defeat, and therefore scamper to what may be the winning side. All the pandang karayas and Rajapaksa golayas will find themselves slowly losing their devotion to them too. Suddenly the regime will find there are not many court jesters in their palaces.

    • 0
      0

      If the regime has pandered the public, and not the jesters, pandang karayas and Rajapaksa golayas, with equality, justice and freedom the regime need not have worried much of the developing situation or the situation may not have developed at all and would have had a cake walk. Sorry its now too late. You have to reap what you sow

  • 6
    3

    Navin leaving the government is of no surprise. Besides, he is still the 11th of Chandrika promised 20/30 Mps to Ranil. In fact, it was in the news a few months back that President Rajapakse had told him to go. But he is said to have pleaded that he will not go. Perhaps he wanted to enjoy whatever benefits till the last moment. If Navin can go and support My3 safely there cannot be so-called security problems for others to jump ship.

  • 7
    1

    We need a change ,a change could remove mafia family rules , a change to reconstruct unity among humanity , a change to bring those who looted our nation past 10 years to justice , we muslims with our singhalese blood wil vote this time to my3 !

  • 5
    0

    I am not sure how many readers of the Colombo Telegraph understand the deep disappointment and sadness of the members of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party and all those who understand and respect the ideology, political programs and policy positions that it has espoused.

    Many had deep misgivings as to the suitability of Mahinda Rajapaksa as a leader when the question of the misappropriation of tsunami aid came to light. However following the end of the war many of these misgivings were forgotten and drowned by the hope that the Sinhala Buddhist people at last had a king-like ruler blessed with a vigorous lineage whose dynasty it was hoped would rule with justice and wisdom.

    It did not take very long for these hopes to be dashed which happened as soon as the way the election commissioner was treated before all the world no sooner were presidential elections held and the by playing accomplice to this murder of democracy India our closest neighbor has set herself up for a dose of the same that she is just beginning to feel.
    The hoped for righteous, just and wise king has turned into something far less appealing and the hopes for a golden age of Sinhala Buddhist rule have been dashed. This fact has taken almost a decade to sink in and overcome hopes that the man may change and become the sage that all had hoped he would be.

    Now there is no room for doubt. The king has declared that should he lose the election he will once again “turn defeat into victory” just as he did with the help of India at his very first presidential election. The financial affairs and conduct of this monarch confirm the misgivings that arose when the tsunami fraud came to light and these misgivings now extend to the question of what happened to the massive amounts of gold that had been stolen from the Tamil people by the LTTE and the mysterious manner in which attempts were made to move illegal ivory from certain African nations into global black markets through Sri Lanka apparently in return for golden favors granted by these nations to the king. These are now matters of common knowledge amongst children and will form parts of folklore that embellish the history of Sri Lanka’s attempted 21st century royal dynasty.

    The SLFP is a party in mourning not only because of this ugly financial conduct but also because the concentration of power in one family has prevented other noble families within the party from using political power to improve the lives of the Sinhala Buddhist people who voted them to power. These people have been languishing in neglect for close to a decade and their sorrow and disappointment knows no bounds.

    It is this boundless sadness and disappointment that has led the General Secretary of the SLFP himself to come forward with the fullest support of his party to come forward as an alternative SLFP candidate and put right the wrongs that all the world can see. The SLFP has always been a magnanimous and dignified party and its leadership has never hesitated to correct its mistakes. IT is natural therefore that it has invited all right thinking persons from all political persuasions and parties to support it in its task of cleansing the islands polity of the sickness that has arisen and restore the liberal democratic traditions of tolerance, non violence and broad inclusiveness while standing firmly in defense of national sovereignty that it and the peoples right to advance their political aspirations through democratic means that this party has always espoused and advanced.

    This is not a triumphal or vindictive or vengeful movement. It is a movement based on contrition and the disappointment and sadness generated by dashed hopes and a deep sense of responsibility that what has been allowed to go wrong due to high but misplaced hopes must now be put right and the nations made whole and healthy once more.

    May the noble party of the people succeed in this task and let us all – regardless of our political persuasions and political affiliations – wholeheartedly support the SLFP in this righteous and profoundly Buddhist agenda. May we succeed and may we go on to build a nation where all beings may be happy and live in peace and may the tree of righteousness be planted on this island on the Uduvap Poya day this year.

  • 8
    5

    Very funny, we have to stand for ourselves. In that sense every Srlankan to be proud of LTTE is from srilanka, knowingly they stood for a just course and died by a bullet on their chest. They could have received big money and defected like these MPs. I am a tamil with only tamil blood, I do not think I am inferior or I do not want singhala blood to make me greater. We have a very strong culture and I am proud to be a tamil and more proud to say that Prabaharan is from my race.

    • 7
      1

      See, this is why there will never be any sort of reconciliation in this country. You expect the Sinhalese to go to war crimes tribunals and admit they did wrongs, while at the same time glorifying and martyring a man who ordered attacks on civilians as standard operating procedure (by contrast- and im not defending the scum at all here- the state forces fought first against the LTTE and then started butchering civilians). No. You can’t both have your cake and eat it. I have no idea how old you are, but that’s not how the world works. Wake up.

      As far as defections go, what else do you expect them to do? If they stay, they’re branded selfish, thieves, and scum. If they leave, they lack principles and loyalty. It’s been general knowledge for the past couple of years that senior SLFPers have been pissed at things- do you expect them to stay with Rajapakse and give him the idea they support his madness? Were you high when you decided to type this drivel in?

      • 6
        3

        This kind of talk is nonsense. Not a single Tamil including LTTE leader do not want ordinary Sinhalese to go to war crimes tribunals other than those who committed war crimes and crimes against humanity. The butchering civilians did not start by the LTTE. Take a moment to think when was a civilian was butchered and by whom and where you will find the answer. It is not the LTTE that started armed struggle in this island. It is not the LTTE who killed hundreds of Tamils in 1958. It is not the LTTE who butchered Tamils in 1977. It is not LTTE buthered civilians in 1983 when 13 soldiers was killed in LTTE attack. Tell the truth to the Sinhalese people it is our racist policies and our racist military headed by racist political leaders were responsible for the butchering of Tamils.

        • 3
          3

          I’m assuming you’re new here. I’m quite infamous on CT for doing the very thing you’ve very patronizingly telling me to do.

          Historical pogroms notwithstanding, this is not a pissing match to see who started what and when. My point was that in the context of the civil war (which, by the way, is the focus of the current war crimes tribunals issue, not things that happened in ’58), the reason why even liberal, non-racist Sinhalese (an absolute minority) will never agree to have the establishment come clean is because of the “let’s martyr Prabha and the LTTE” attitude of the people asking for the probe.

          “Not a single Tamil including LTTE leader do not want ordinary Sinhalese to go to war crimes tribunals other than those who committed war crimes and crimes against humanity”? When I said “Sinhalese”, I didn’t mean the entire ethnic group. It’s a figure of speech, for God’s sake. My point was that the people calling for such trials want the Sinhalese to give up their leaders in exchange for no compromise on the Tamil side.

  • 2
    0

    rogues jumping a sinking ship

    in politics there are no permanent friends or enemies and none to be trusted!

    • 0
      0

      ” In politics there are no permanent friends or enemies
      and none to be trusted.”

      All rogues?Something wrong somewhere!

  • 3
    1

    MR the utterly corrupt Lion is slowly but surely is being cornered. Be ready, the lion will soon turn back and bite and its bite will be quite fatal.

    • 1
      0

      BBS Rep

      I thought the lion descends from sinhabahu from sinhapura,orissa, not malays crossbreeding with keralites.

  • 0
    0

    The new leadership. Of the combined opposition should set a time limit to accept fresh cross overs. The last minute cross overs are none but scoundrels!

    Sengodan. M

  • 0
    1

    The SLFP was created by the Rajapakse family. They are intellectual giants and visionaries. SWRD just copied MR’s father. BR is a brilliant economist.

  • 0
    0

    Hey Hirunika!
    are you trying to jump the sinking ship? We would not like to accommodate a [Edited out]?

  • 0
    0

    Janaka Bandara Tennakoon will be a great leader and an example to the other politicians in sri lanka…god bless him

  • 0
    0

    Hey Hirunika!
    are you trying to jump the sinking ship? We would not like to accommodate a [Edited out]?

    • 0
      1

      Hey do not worry – when all the rotten brick are out of the sea it will start floating again – MR can sail again withou these unwanted cargo on board

  • 0
    0

    Tears are being shed way to late Sir. The match is over for MR

  • 1
    3

    The whole mistake is not on singhala polititians, they used rasist attitude of the singhala mass to win the election.Both UNP and SLFP had compitision on who kill more tamils. Even now who ever come to power will not solve tamil’s grivenses unless any outside big brothers come with a stick and resolve our grevinses.Thats why we are very much interested in war crime investigation. If MR no, no Gotha stop killing tamils once they have established the defeat of LTTE. They could have started to resettle affected civilians.If they did that none of the tamil would have been interested in war crime. Why gotha government did not save civilians when indian army killed innocent civilians(one of them is my old thatha). Is it not srilankan army’s duty to save civilians when a foreign army came into our country and kill your citizans-why they carry guns, is it only to kill unarmed civilians.

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