28 March, 2024

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MR’s Appointment As Opposition Leader: Karu Likely To Announce Position On Parliamentary Committee On Friday: UNP And TNA To Present Written Submissions

Speaker Karu Jayasuriya is expected to announce his decision on appointing a parliamentary committee to assess the suitability of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa and nearly 30 other MPs to continue as lawmakers.

Mahinda Rajapaksa

Rajapaksa and a group of MPs supporting him obtained membership with the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna, a day after President Maithripala Sirisena announced a General Election.

After Speaker Karu Jayasuriya recognised Rajapaksa as the Opposition Leader today, TNA MP M.A. Sumanthiram raised a legal point saying Rajapaksa was not suitable to continue as an MP as he was no longer a member of the party from he was elected in August 2015. Leader of the House Lakshman Kiriella also expressed similar views.

Both parties will present written submissions to the Speaker on the matter this week.

Rajapaksa’s new position, however, will remain unchanged until the committee reports back to the Speaker.

Prior to announcing Rajapaksa’s appointment as the Opposition Leader, Jayasuriya had spoken to the outgoing Leader of the Opposition, R. Sampanthan, saying “After all that you have done for us, removing you would seem like betrayal. You saved us but we are taking away from you what you have.”

“No,” replied Sampanthan, “This is a matter of law. I did the lawful thing. You too must do the lawful thing.”

Rajapaksa who had been privately intimated was also gracious, telling Sampanthan to take two weeks vacating the Leader of the Opposition’s Offices and living quarters. Sampanthan had replied that a day is sufficient and Rajapaksa may move in the day after the next.

Such moving out is easy for the abstemious Sampanthan. Said a person familiar with procedures that the Leader of the Opposition gets a fleet of 5 cars and unlimited fuel, but Sampanthan who eats every day the same breakfast of two slices of toast and a bull’s-eye, asked only for one car and used hardly any fuel. Entitled to 50 employees and special security, he had 7 persons working for him and the normal security detail of a Member of Parliament.

However, when the Speaker’s decision was announced in Parliament, Colombo Telegraph learns that M.A. Sumanthiran had made the observation that 49 members of Parliament (including Rajapaksa himself) who had contested on the SLFP ticket had in writing resigned their membership when switching to Rajapaksa’s camp during the failed parliamentary coup. Contends Sumanthiran that under the constitution (Section 99(13(a)) all 49 had vacated their seats a month after the cross-over. Further it was held that when the President who heads the SLFP holds three portfolios, it is not possible for Rajapaksa to claim to be in opposition even if he claims SLFP membership. Accordingly the contention is that the President too has to resign his portfolios.

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Latest comments

  • 12
    53

    According to the Interim Report of the New Constitution a Unitary Constitution is not suitable for Sri Lanka. The proposed Constitution goes beyond a Federal State; it will create a Confederation. The main features are:
    • Powers devolved to the Provinces cannot be taken back;
    • Powers given to the Provinces cannot be reduced;
    • Powers given to the Provinces cannot be interfered by the Central Government;
    • No new Constitution can change the powers given to the provinces.
    They also propose to merge North and East. This means controlling one third of the country will go to the hands of Demalu who are only about 11% of the total population. Out of this 11%, nearly 50% live in other Provinces.
    Ranil is prepared to break this country. U.N.P. MPs willingly or unwillingly support Ranil in order to enjoy the luxurious life they have now for another one and half years or even beyond. Don Juan Dharmapala reincarnated as a ‘Thuppahiya’ is going to do a similar thing he did in his past life.

    • 46
      7

      Kalutara District MP Kumara Welgama Wants Maithripala Sirisena to Resign Immediately Because the Supreme Court has Ruled That the President has Violated the Constitution.

      • 11
        4

        Sri Lanka did well without the obscene Parliament of corrupt clowns this past 6 weeks!
        Who needs this obscene horse trading circus of 225 uneducated, parasitic and corrupt clowns in the Diyawenna Oya?! Bottom line is that Bondscam Ranil still needs to be impeached for looting the Central Bank and horsetrading..
        Sira should refuse a cabinet post to Penthouse Ravi K.
        The horse-trading and position hopping has started once again in the Cesspit of Corruption Parliament which is a bi-partisan UNP=SLFP corruption racket headed by Bondscam Ranil and Mahinda Jarapassa, both who shamelessly refuse to stand down and hand over to younger generation.
        JVP has lost the plot in pushing for abolition of President, when what is needed is a law preventing corrupt politicians crossing the floor for the highest bidder! What we saw is really checks and balances between Executive Presidency, Parliament and Judiciary actually working to stymie some of Bondscam Ranil’s and Jaraassa’s corruption..

      • 17
        3

        Sajith,

        Sirisena won’t resign. He is a liar and a leach. You can pee on him, and he won’t drop. You need a burning cigarette butt, and burn his butt, as he is a butt- head. The parliament needs to impeach him, and a lawsuit need to be filed against Sirisena, for the criminal offense of acting contrary to the constitution, because he took a sworn oath to protect and defend the constitution.

    • 12
      1

      What a lame and racist comment. People like these should be evicted from the country.

    • 7
      1

      Getting scared for nothing is not normal beheviour. So
      You seems to be having a mental disorder. Pls consult a psychiatrist before it get worsen.

    • 13
      4

      Former Fake PM, MP for Kurunegala, Mahinda Rajapaksa,

      Congratulations, if you are appointed the leader of the opposition. Now you have to attend parliament and do some work, instead of being holed up at Medamulana.

      Would you support an impeachment motion against Sirisena? You know he is a traitor, who stabbed you twice, and is a madman and a Dork.

      • 7
        0

        Amarasiri

        “Would you support an impeachment motion against Sirisena? You know he is a traitor, who stabbed you twice,”

        If Rajapakse has any self respect he should wholeheartedly support a impeachment motion of Sirisena Really he should initiate it.

    • 11
      0

      Do you know that we have leased a portion of our country although small for 99 years to China, America has another portion India too share another part? SWRDB was able to ask Britain to quit Trincomalee. But can we do that today? Why? we are unable to pay the even interest so we sell the country. Who got the loan building unproductive Harbuor and Airport. commission earned by whom? Still, you believe any good will be delivered by these men, some have one foot in America or some western country, not in China or Russia. We have a huge loan which we will not able to pay for generations. All ills are owing to our inability to share power with our own brothers and sisters. Politicians use this to enrich themselves and stay in power. It is the opium of the masses. Think my friend. We can’t stop a crow flying over our heads but can stop it from building a nest on our head. Thank you

      • 11
        3

        This happens because Mahinda set the stage, and got loans that did not bring a return to pay for the loan payments.What returns are we getting for the Mattel’s Airport ?For the Hambanyots harbor?

        Now this Idiots and crook is the leader of the opposition. At lest now they have to show up for work and destroy some furniture and equipment.

        Will the liar and Dork Sirisena resign ? He said he would.

    • 16
      2

      Why is Mahinda Rajapaksa opposition leader when he should be in jail for treason for leading #CoupLk!?

      This is how they collude and cut deals to protect criminals…

      We want all those leading CoupeLk and those Involved arrest and charges with treason instead of being allowed back into parliament!

      This is disrespectful of the citizens of Sri Lanka!

    • 11
      1

      Eagle Eye,
      There is nothing wrong if the Interim Report of the New Constitution mentions that a Unitary Constitution is not suitable for Sri Lanka. What have Sri Lanka achieved having a Unitary Constitution other than blood shed, famine, misery resulting in sending housemaids to the Middle East and some get murdered. Federalism is not separation. It signals expansion of democracy where every citizen will be given equal opportunity. There is nothing wrong in devolving powers to the Provinces – it only binds all Provinces together. Only disadvantage is for the Politicians and especially Ministers cannot get fact commissions and plunder the wealth of the country. The literal meaning of Federalism is binding together. Has the Interim Report ever said that Federal Constitution in the USA, India, Switzerland, etc had been a great error. Federalism is not only beneficial to the Tamils but more beficial to the Sinhalese also. Federalism will make every Provinces prosper and will lay a foundation for a united Sri Lanka..

    • 3
      1

      My opinion Welgama should be ‘Leader of the Opposition’ and Anura Kumara Dissanayake ‘Chief Opposition Whip’.
      MR leading a COUP that VIOLATED the CONSTITUTION and risked plunging the entire country of 22 million into an economic wilderness must be stripped of all parliamentary privileges and FACE CRIMINAL CHARGES..

    • 3
      1

      Eagle Blind 1/3 of the land will go to the Demalu who have always held this land from ancient times . This land will also be the last refuge and bastion of all Demalu speaking people from Sinhalese persecution. They are the indigenous North East Demalu, the Indian origin Demalu and the Demalu Muslims . Here they can thrive and prosper without the interference of Sinhalese Buddhist Fascists like you. They make up 25% of the population and 1/3 of the land that has always been Demalu , going to all these Demalu people is fine and fair. 2/3 of the land will be in the hands of the 74% Demalu who now speak Sinhalese, identify themselves as Sinhalese Buddhist Fascists and believe in a Mahavamsa failry tale that they were spawned from a lion mating a woman is some jungle in North East India and Lord Budda flew to the island on a magic carpet 2500 years ago and pledged this land for the Sinhalese Buddhists. This is also fair 74% receiving 2/3 of the most fertile part of the island. Strange 2500 years ago there were no Sinhalese nor a Sinhalese language existing. The island was largely population by Dravidian Naga and Yakka who were speaking the local Demalu dialect called Elu and practising Saivaism . The indigenous Vedda also worshiped the Demalu god Lord Murugan who married the Demalu speaking Vedah lass Valliamma and Kathirkammam in the deep south was their bastion. Now this ancient Demalu Hindu place of worship has been converted to a Sinhalese Buddhist site by Sinhalese Buddhist Fascists like you.

    • 5
      1

      Eagle Eye
      Wake up. The world was one 10000 years back and now 210 countries. Same with USA Australia and India fragmented. They are surviving and doing well.Changing is the only thing that is not changing. Come what may Sri lanka will be three in 50 to 60 years time. Writing is on the wall for those who can read.

    • 2
      0

      Former Fake MP, Mahinda Rajapaksa,

      We had 50 odd days of entertainment from Sirisena It has come to an end

      Do you plan to take up the entertainment function from Sirisen, as the Opposition Leader. Would you use the services of Wimal Buruamsa, of 2/2 =0 fame.

      Entertainment is good for the people to drown theit sorrows without getting drunk.

  • 40
    7

    Going from a Fake Prime Minister to a Fake Opposition Leader !!!

    • 10
      36

      Steve,
      We are going to have a real Leader of Opposition. All this time we had a Leader of the Opposition who was hanging in elephant’s tail. Sampanthan did not oppose anything as the Leader of Opposition. He never talked about any national issues. Only thing he talked was non-existing ‘Demala Problem’. Getting rid of Sampanthan as Leader of Opposition and Mahinda Rajapakse taking his place is a blessing for the country.

      • 7
        1

        Eagle blind Eye bugger, why is that you are always terrified of the Tamils? Are they too superior to you?

      • 2
        1

        Eagle eye.

        Blessing for the country which way. Add to the number of journalists killed, wait for another Tsunami to try and steal donations, to build a monument for the mother with Hambanthota poor mans money who cannot find funds to bury their dead.

    • 14
      0

      Yes, MR must be regretting obtaining membership of Pohottuwa. He thought he was getting the General Election they were clamoring for when Parliament was dissolved. Didn’t realize that the Judiciary would declare the Proclamation of the President null and void. Not only did he have to give up the fake Premiership, now having quit the party from which he was elected, it looks like he is not even entitled to be a Member of Parliament!
      MR, now repent at leisure….

      • 1
        2

        Hello Kalu Nangi,
        Do you know this game of politiks. Basil Rajapaksa told yesterday at a public meeting that Pohottuwa has not given the membership to any SLFP MP. What he said was a good answer to all of you and the UNP pack about Pohottuwa membership. For example, if you apply for the membership of Kalu Albert’s NGO party, and that party has not given the membership to you, are you a member of that party or not. You can take this case to SC and see the results for yourself.

        • 4
          1

          Just shows that the MR pack will do anything to serve their interests, even deny the membership of a political party they created to hijack SLFPers to consolidate their political future and the membership of which MR so proudly announced as seen by the public on TV. Now his brother says MR was not granted membership. What a pack of b…. Liars. In everything they have done, they have taken the people for a ride. Shameless Liars…

          • 0
            0

            Kalu nangi,
            Stick to the facts; do not rely on hearsay on Websites and TV. Facts are much more different from what you hear on mass media today.
            It is just like your name. Kalu means black, but are you black. Some parts of your body may be black (like your hair and eyes), but it doesn’t mean you are black like the moonless night. The actual Sinhala meaning of ‘kalu’ is beautiful and you should stick to that meaning. In politics too, you should stick to the latent meaning of certain political statements. Then you wouldn’t fall into the trap of political liars.

            • 0
              0

              Kalu Aiya,
              Do you know what NEWS means? News is information that is published in newspapers and broadcast on radio and television about recent events in the country or world or in a particular area of activity. MR getting membership of Podujana Peramuna was main News of 11th November 2018 and it was broadcast and published in both private and public media. It was not denied by MR and he had more than enough time to deny if that was just hearsay and not true!
              Kalu Aiya don’t try to whitewash the situation now as facts are stubborn and stands out like the quills on the body of a Porcupine!

  • 2
    1

    [Edited out] This comment was removed by a moderator because it didn’t abide by our Comment policy.

    • 25
      4

      Mahinda (and Sirisena) should be in jail for the putsch ……. not the opposition leader.

      Mahinda’s opposition-leadership is a joke!

      The greatest leadership opposing the junta to save the country from the well planned Sirisena/Rajapakse dictatorship was given not by Mahinda or any of the other self-serving humbugs but the freedom/democracy loving civil society and the ordinary people.

      In the hour of the greatest need of the nation they acted as the true opposition. People should never forget that.

  • 15
    6

    Mahinda is playing games again.
    He has not relinquished his SLFP membership and at the same time Member of SLPP as well.
    A ploy to show he command 103 seats so he is entitled to be the leader of the oppostion

  • 54
    1

    I may not agree with his political views and beliefs but hats off to Mr Sampathan for his frugality in using taxpayer money by limiting the number of his official cars to one and staff to seven, apparently much less than his entitlement as the Opposition Leader. We need more people like him in the Sri Lankan Parliament, no matter what party, ethnic group or religion they belong to. It would be interesting to see how the newly nominated Opposition Leader Mr Rajapakse if confirmed in the position will use his entitlements.

    • 1
      0

      What a shame for not being the Presidente??

    • 8
      4

      Kamal – “I may not agree with his political views and beliefs,,,,,”

      Kamal …can you elaborate and tell us ….which part of his political views and beliefs…you don’t agree….

      he safeguarded democracy and took on the challenge of Mahinda’s thugs!

    • 17
      1

      MR as usual will utilize more resources than what he is entitled to. That’s in his DNA ……

      • 6
        3

        Sambanthan is a Decent politician. But, Sumanthiran, the new LEader of TNA is working for special interest groups. HE even will no thelp Tamils who are Hindus.

        • 0
          0

          JD
          But,Sumanthiran,the new Leader of TNA is working for special interest groups.
          Why, did he tell you that?
          Are you a Hindu?

    • 22
      1

      Yes. Hon. Sambanthan has shown a fine example to all other politicians! He is a disciplined and cultured senior politician. Thank you Sir.

    • 3
      1

      Hats off to Sampanthan!

      Rest assured that MR, if given the opposition leader post, will have a fleet of 10+ cars and a security detail of more than the PM. MR is a bloody crook and a thief who has no regard for the country or tax payer money. MR and his tribe only interested in looting country’s coffers for family benefit; nothing for the country or the average citizen. Sinhala Buddhist fools think MR saved the country but in reality it was SF who saved the country from LTTE. True, MR was the President and commander in chief but it was SF’s brilliance that worked. Sinhala Buddhist fools think otherwise.

      I sincerely hope MR will fail in this coup too like what happened to his fake PM coup.

    • 0
      0

      Kamal,
      There are two sides about this story. It is said that Sambandan did not use his complete fleet of vehicles or staff much; it signals on the other hand that he did not do his job properly. Why does Parliament approve a budget for the Office of the Opposition; because there is a lot of work to do. Example: President Sirisena, in his famous attack at RW’s inauguration ceremony blasted the UNP about the lost 50,000 housing project given to North by India. Due to a lunatic and cracy commission issue among UNP MPs and ministers, the entire grant/loan was sent back last month. Did Sambandan as the O/Leader question the UNP about it. After all it was given to the poor Tamils in the North. You will see how MR plans his Office to ridicule and discredit this UNP led minority government until it collapses.
      With all due respect to Mr. Sambandan who is a real gentleman parliamentarian, I would say he should not have been the Opposition leader first of all. For having this absurd parliament for the last few years, his party (TNA) should also be responsible along with the UNP and JVP.

  • 9
    16

    In accordance with our Constitution, as the Leader of the UPFA which holds the second highest number of seats in the Parliament, former President Mahinda Rajapaksa should be rightfully given the Leader of the Opposition post.
    TNA held this position so far, as there was a Unity Government comprised of UNP and UPFA which doesn’t exist anymore.
    The President has a right to hold Ministerial portfolios irrespective of party composition in the Parliament and irrespective of whether his party is in the government or not. For an example, by Constitution, he is the Minister of Defence and the Commander of the Chief.
    The Executive and the Legislature are two different bodies with two different types of powers. For an example; if an independent citizen becomes the next President, he can hold any number of Ministerial posts. There is no provision in the Constitution barring the President in doing so.

    • 16
      4

      Champa
      As an expert on our constitution can you please clarify the statement made by M.A. Sumanthran as given in this article.

      • 1
        4

        Steve
        You have ask him to clarify. I am not his mouthpiece.

        • 4
          2

          Champa,
          Thanks. We understand you have no clue when you comment about the constitution. There is a saying ” Little learning is dangerous”. So it is better you keep your “mouthpiece” shut too. If your king has any shame left in him he should gracefully retire.

          • 2
            2

            Steve
            If what an MP says in Parliament is Greek to you, it is your problem, not mine.
            I am not under obligation to clarify somebody else’s statement. You have to ask him.
            And, I write what I want, not what you want.
            Why should Mahinda retire? Because all his opponents are weaklings who are no match for his strength, fortitude and tenacity?

            • 3
              2

              Champa,
              No, Mahinda should retire because of the humiliation he is facing at the moment. Not fair on the man who helped win the war for the country.

              • 2
                3

                Steve

                “Not fair on the man who helped win the war for the country.”

                Do you really think MR helped to win the war for the country? Which war are you talking about?

    • 4
      3

      The problem is the poorly drafted 19th amendment; it needs to be redrafted. Otherwise there will be problems after problems like this. President should appoint a commission to look into all loopholes of this and other amendments that contradict the main Constitution. Then he can request Parliament to do the rest.

      • 2
        0

        There is nothing wrong with the 19th amendment. It’s meaning is crystal clear even to a child. MR and gang and the other JO members approved it and your legal luminary GL explained the restriction imposed on the President when it was first taken up in Parliament in his professorial language! Now when the judgment is against these ‘law breakers’ only do they moan about a defect in the 19th amendment. Even Kalu Albert will turn in his grave at such atrocious statements!

    • 3
      2

      Champa,
      Can you list the political parties that are included in the UPFA? Which political party Mahinda represent in the UPFA?

  • 20
    0

    ONE CAR AND 7 PERSONNES

    It shows his ability,/self-confidence and how wellness he can handle his affairs

  • 6
    12

    Only the secretary of the respective party can initiate action, not sumanthiran who is from a tamil party.

    • 2
      2

      Parliament appoints the opposition party leader. So OPL’s Parliament Membership and party membership are subject for review by other parliament members.

      News says Old King has returned to SLFP. The resignation he sent may be cancelled by New King. There were clips of Old King accepting membership in Slap Party. But the Younger Brother Prince has denied of Old King taking membership in Slap Party.

      Already media is reporting the most retreated political figure in Lankawe is Old King. With, he quitting Slap Party and withdrawing the resignation he submitted to SLFP to fulfill he ego to get opposition party leadership, has made him the lowest proud citizen of Lankawe in retreats. It is not sure what will happen if he loses OP leadership for some reasons. Will he go back to Slap Party? Old King Managing Slap Party from SLFP is another funniest thing in the world. Solomon West Ridgeway Way, with a short sight, created SLFP to pamper Buddhism and he got killed by Buddhist monks. Now SLFP is being tortured while it is alive and being killed little by little by two power hungry crooks. They will sell even their mothers to fulfil their ego. Old King Sold Colombo Pong Cing to China. New King sold Colombo Pong Cing and Hangbangtota too.

  • 1
    2

    Under 19A, incumbent president can hold only defense. That will be ended when he leave the office. Only ruling party will decide the cabinet posts after that. This is separating the Executive meddling in government.
    19A recognizing the National Unity government. There is no need for any written agreements. So if New King is holding any portfolio other than defense, he is participation in the new government. As he is the chairman on the SLFP, in a court case, the SC should be able to stop him denying that he holding any minister post in government gives ground to consent to national Unity Government.
    The other thing is when Old King resigned and cabinet left because of the injunction of Appeal Court, New King loses his cabinet positions other than the one in the 19A. So he should first resign all the cabinet post he is holding and release any state departments he brought under him. Otherwise he is violating the Court of Appeal’s order of “not to functions”. So if he resign and retake oath for the ministries he want to hold, with the consent of PM, then the PM can make a decision of whether to give a ministry under National Unity government or not.

    If partiality practiced in SLFP in removing the MPs leaving to UNP but not Old Royals team-other than GLP who all went to Slap Party, the SLFP MPs who went to UNP may take action against SLFP as the party and on New King as the Chairman, in the court.

    • 2
      0

      Mallaiyuran
      19th Amendment is half done.
      2/3 majority is not sufficient to remove executive powers from the President. In order to incorporate those Clauses, a Referendum should be held. As we all know, it didn’t happen.
      Only the dissolution of Parliament and removal of PM are the powers that are barred, only barred, by 2/3 majority as they didn’t need a Referendum. Every other powers of the Executive President remain unchanged. President doesn’t need PM’s consent to hold Ministerial posts. There is no such restriction in the Constitution.
      What are these terms; old king and new king? Be professional.
      If new king means the President, Court of Appeal interim order has nothing to do with him as it was personal to Mahinda and the now-defunct Cabinet.
      Now that Mahinda has resigned, 122 petitioners should withdraw their case as there is no reason to go further.

      • 0
        0

        Champawati,
        I couldn’t be a professional like you as you asked because I am not acquainted with that profession. Sorry on that situation. To go to the real subject:
        Don’t show your PhD as you are more than the SC. OTC had given the link of the consultation SC gave on the 19A. SC advised the parliament to seek referendum on specific matters, not for whole 19A. That was taken care. That was the situation in 18A and Divi neguma too. How come you are blindfolded on those?
        NCMs & the last CM were rejected by EP. That was a violation of the constitution. On that matter we still have to wait for the court. Beyond violation, EP played a dirty little game for having the Nov, 14th NCM re-passed in an advantages manner for him to accept it. Then he cheated on that. That was an ugly, nasty, rotten Sinhala Buddhist’s political technique. That kind of dirty game is nowhere available in any advanced democratic leaders’ behaviors. The beyond nastiness there is, he told to foreign media reporters that he played that game only to have protected him from court on the violations of the constitution he did, the clause 1 being not enforced by a court in the event UNP-JVP-TNA team go to court to enforce the NCM. As usual you are writing without reading the news. Please don’t bother me once more without reading news. Please please!

  • 7
    0

    Why did MS suddenly go to Ceyshells?

    Deposit black money

  • 2
    1

    There is only one and a half year more end this parliament period.MR.SAMPANTHAN AS LEADER OF OPPOSITION is not going to benefit any thing for him or for the tamil community during this period.AFTER TNA DID NOT COOPERATE WITH MAHINDA TO CONTINUE AS PRIME MINISTER,THE SLFP-SLPP combination is slinging mud at TNA as it is going to divide the country with the support of UNF.BY HANDING OVER THE POST OF LEADER OF OPPOSITION TO POWER HUNGRY MAHINDA the TENSION BETWEEN tamil and singala community will EASE to some extent.SUMANTHIRAN MUST NOT TRY TO OPPOSE THIS MOVE FOR THE FUTURE INTEREST OF TAMILS.

  • 4
    12

    MR should be the opposition leader.sampanthan doing that job is a joke.

  • 2
    3

    Remember pre-2014 MR was living in an ivory tower. The people’s verdict in 2015 did not wake him. He dreamt that SLFP will be offered to him on a platter so did not bother at all when Sampanthan was appointed Leader of Opposition.
    We do not know why he is prepared to come down. Compelling/urgent reasons?
    .
    The views expressed by Sumanthiran were NOT on behalf of TNA. The signs of things to come.
    SLPP will use TNA as the villain. The media will cooperate.
    Et Tu, Editor CT?

  • 3
    0

    The questions raised by unp and tna seems to be very accurate.
    Even today namal said that he is a member of the podu jana peramuna. Even they had those party membership cards shown in social media. Also we saw the event in which memberships were given. So these upfa mps have not taken any action before one month time. So they are no longer mps.
    Even the issue concerning sirisena is true. As long as he holds to any ministry, any member of upfa cannot ask for opposition leader post. Probably it is better to go to courts and get this cleared.

  • 2
    10

    Sumanthiran is the biggest curse in SL politics. He will be shown his place after Sajith takes the leadership of the UNP. Ranil does not have guts to stand up for him. It’s not a surprise RW is gutless when it comes for stabding up for policies. Sambathan is a respected leader, but he failed miserably in doing the job of the opposition leader. It’s good MR is the opposition leader again. This is his second time as the opposition leader. Congratulations and all the best. Keep these greens in check until the next elections.

  • 3
    2

    Pudding lawyer like late G G Ponnampalam in parliament , Mahinda and Sirisena cannot have the cake in hand and also eat the cake. It is pure violation of constitution. I wish speaker who stands for legality wail not appoint Mahinda as opposition leader. An opposition leader is the PM in waiting as per British system

  • 1
    2

    Champika indicated that Old Beauty Queen is remote controlling Old King to sit on PM Chair or Opposition Party Chair by saying the Old King’s remote control is in his kitchen. Did Champika reflect the classic view of the South Asian Countries donating women as bosses of the Kitchen? If so Champika may be referring what was talked when SLFP MPs went to ask Old King to resign.
    Like Old King illegally grabbed PM chair to save his family, he is grabbing the OPL chair also only to save his family?

  • 8
    6

    Please read this from a Sinhalese Website:
    After analyzing the entire drama I wrote to several English Websites that Mahinda would have the last laugh! His struggle is now 100% successful and he achieved the best results as follows:
    1. Now He is the Opposition Leader. (Did any of you expect anything like this a few weeks ago).
    2. He made the UNP a minority government.
    3. He tamed the President with respect and without loosing him.
    4. He has already started his next step to displace the minority UNP. And it will happen at a time when nobody would even imagine.
    5. He made Mr. Sambandan (and his TNA) the biggest looser of the game! It looks like he challenged the duo (RW+Samb) but gave the knock-out shot to Sambandan while seriously injuring RW. If both are not careful, he will give both a Tsunami-type blow at the next election.
    6. Mr. Sumanthiran’s myopic plan has sadly backfired; TNA is no longer the voice of the Tamils since they aligned with the UNP. As a result, Mr. Wigneshwaran will continue to attack them and split the Tamil vote in future elections.
    7. Let’s see how Pa-cha Ranawaka works with the TNA while hiding behind the lion’s skin.

    • 0
      1

      As soon as UPFA submitted its withdrawal (they did it with lot of gimmicks and on Duminda Dissanayake’s name) UPFA became the opposition party with 95 MPs. But whether it was with myopia eyes or bright eyes, they didn’t see that. Neither Old King nor New King had a vision to see this. (There seems to be not even one lawyer with them who can pass O/L with/her IQ)Now there are court cases on them both. But the opposition party leadership cannot be given to Old King, now. He may have to leave parliament, unless New Kig has destroyed the letter before Mahinda Deshapriya get it) .

      Somebody has put this very beautifully, down below. So let me repeat it.

      ” Mara is like the proverbial guy who lost his Amude in going after a silk Sarong

    • 2
      0

      Raj
      Sinhalese detest TNA for their part in Geneva Report, Federal Constitution and their request to abolish PTA.
      If that set aside, TNA represents the largest Tamil population in the country..
      R. Sampanthan is the LAST iconic Leader in Tamil politics.
      He was the Leader of the Opposition for 4 years, as, at the time, the two largest parties were in a unity government.
      Now that there is a change in the government having only one party, TNA has no option other than sacrificing their position to UPFA.
      (MR getting SLPP membership is now swept under the carpet. Apart from what we saw on TV, nobody has proof that he officially joined SLPP.)
      About (6) in the comment; Wigneswaran is an empty vessel.
      TNA still is the voice of Tamils.
      To their credit, they didn’t “join” UNP or UPFA. They remained in the Opposition.
      Despite being racists and separatists, TNA played a bigger role in protecting democratic norms and traditions in Parliament.
      Tamil people in North are also part and parcel of our population. People in South and North both face same economic problems. Therefore, they should not be sidelined even though TNA lost the Leader of the Opposition post.

  • 1
    2

    Hakeem has joined the people questioning the Parliament Membership of Old King.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jaCCKoYMNI4

  • 3
    1

    Harri shoack ne Ashok! We don’t need any more communal minded bigots like you to bark in here. What Mr. Sumanitharan or anyone opposed of MR haveraised is of concern. This Mahinda murderer does not deserve to maintain his MP place in this parliament if he does not represent the original party he was elected to represent his constituents. Raja hiwala needs to be evicted if proved he is from the Pohottuwa! What Sumanitharan raised was the illegality for this murderer to continue in parliament. This crook must be put behind bars until all the money is recovered from the helicopter rides and abuse as a fake PM.

  • 4
    1

    Most detractors of the Federal Party and the TNA like the grandson of G.G.Ponnambalam say that R.Sampanthan is this and that! Recent political events have demonstrated that he has risen to be an able leader !

  • 4
    0

    Raj.

    This is a parripu argument. Pl.check with your cook.!

    • 3
      4

      its a cooked up argument?
      cooked for the consumption of the Sinhala modayas
      but it will sure digest with them
      then they will shit it out

  • 0
    1

    This country never be in peace nor stable! Blame the Tamils…..now MR and MS work against RW ,particular community is very bad for the.country who done the most devastation who spoiled the most all in the name of language and religion,there will be big pardon bunch of them out soon ,take revenge of RW and rumour will be Tamil ellam on the way for Sampanthar

  • 3
    1

    Mara is like the proverbial guy who lost his Amude in going after a silk Sarong.

    • 0
      2

      But he got a brief and a nice short (the Opposition leadership). What did RW get; same old Premiership with reduced powers as a lame-duck PM of a minority government.

  • 1
    1

    GOvt is going to renovate the PArliament for Wheel chair access because, there are so many experienced politicians who will very soon need Wheel chairs to attend the parliament sessions when ever they want to attend the parliament. Mahinda Rajapakse and Karu Jayasooriya are two of them.

  • 2
    1

    JD/19Dec

    Please get your facts correct. Mr. Sampanthan is still the leader of TNA and Mr. Sumanthiran , a PC and
    a ardent Hindu, is one of his worthy deputy Leaders. It should be reminded that it is Mr. Sumanthiran’s
    speeches in the courts and other forums in the recent episode, that saved the country from destruction
    of Democracy in the Country. Even the great speaker Mr. Karu Jayasuriya praised the efforts of TNA to
    save democracy. His comments came from speaker’s chair.

    Some people have short memories or conveniently forget when the minorities do some good service
    to the Country.

    • 0
      0

      Lanka Watch,

      Not that it matters, but where did you get the idea that Sumanthiran is a Hindu? His family is Christian, but like many Christian families in the North, he has Hindu relatives. So he is fully comfortable with representing Hindus in the same way SJV did.

  • 0
    0

    Isn’t it unfair within the UPFA party that New King wants to take up ministries all that he wants in Ranil’s goverment, but bullying other MPs if they ask to take up one ministry for them? After all he is the only one complaining that he cannot work with Ranil. Isn’t that he should immediately resign from all the ministries he holding in Ranil’s cabinet and if he wants those are still under SLFP management then give those to somebody a SLFP MP?

  • 0
    0

    Select committee will examine and recommend whether MR is eligible to be the opposition leader. I am sure Sumanthiran will not go to SC to get a ruling. Oh poor Sirisena and MR it looks as if both have bad time. Is it seven and a Half period of Saturn ?

  • 0
    0

    sambandan writing submission after submissions is of no use.In his submissions ask him to state how with 15 MPs or so he can be the opposition leader while MR commands more than 50 at least.

  • 1
    0

    Ashok/ 18th Dec

    Said :Sumanthiran is the biggest ‘curse’ in SL politics…

    On the contrary, he is an asset to the country as he is thoroughly knowledgeable in constitutional matters
    and his recent speeches in the Houses of Parliament, Courts and other political venues saved Democracy being destroyed in full view of our own eyes in the recent political drama created by President. He is of course considered a pain to the President and some ministers who think that they could twist the con-stitution to suit their demands and Mr.Sumanthiran is there to pin point the errors in Bills which are un
    -constitutional .He ably assists his mentor Mr Sampanthan and his name will go down in the history books of Sri Lanka that he fearlessly fought against the mighty, risking his life, to protect democracy
    in our country, which is appreciated by world leaders, running democratic govts.

    If he was a Singhalese, Ashok would have called him a patriot Please Learn to respect those who serve our country in good faith, irrespective of their ethnicity, & without bias. Respect those who speak the
    truth.

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