28 March, 2024

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No Plans To Be Presidential Nominee – CBK

Former President Chandrika Kumaratunga dispelled rumours earlier today that she would be the common candidate fielded by the opposition alliance at an impending presidential election.

Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga

Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga

“Others are proposing that I contest but I have no such plans,” Kumaratunga told media personnel at the conclusion of a SAPRI event to unveil recommendations made by an interfaith dialogue forum on building harmony between religious communities earlier Tuesday (28).

Asked if she was likely to change her mind about this, the former President said according to the Buddhist philosophy nothing is permanent in life. “But this is not likely to change,” she said.

SAPRI the think tank chaired by the Former President is spearheading a campaign to promote peace between religious communities and alleviate tensions arising from recent acts of intolerance and violence against Muslims and Christians.

Speaking about why her organisation took the issue head on, President Kumaratunga said while only extremist discourse was reigning in the country, it was no longer possible to remain silent.

“The moderates were shocked about what was taking place, but they feared speaking out against it, because of the atmosphere of intimidation,`she explained to media personnel after the SAPRI event. “Someone said to me that as the only living ex-president and prime minister, I also had a responsibility to do something about this,`Kumaratunga added.

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  • 5
    0

    be careful of the dangerous hornet?

    • 8
      4

      She wants to be President again, SO BAD. But, too embarassed to admit it.

      Imagine getting it all back again. All privileges and perks. Plus 18th amendment to go. Courtsey by our current King.

      Remember how she abolished Executive Presidency during her tenure.

      I would not trust a single word uttered by this person.

      But, agree she seems like an angel to many. Against the backdrop of gigantic corrupt clan ruining Sri Lanka right now.

      PS: CBK has so many skeletons in her closet. Remaining from her time as President. King has access to all of that garbage. CBK can be dragged to court any given moment. If King wishes to do so. And CBK knows it.

      • 3
        5

        In spite all your observations and comments which we can agree to a certain extent, CBK is a jewel of person compare to MR and Rajapakse den of thieves.

        • 3
          1

          `CBK is a jewel of person`

          Ha ha! She is wearing itchy knickers because she has blood of the people in both hands and her family has stocked swindled cash for the next 3 generations.

          Every girl in the country would have loved to marry Vijaya but he was lured maybe by their family katadiya. Why no she saw her kussi amma mother rise over a murder she never investigated- Ossie Corea.

          • 0
            5

            As the Buddha said “ll things change”. And I am sure that CBK has learned some lessons and is older, wiser and better person now than she was as President first time around.
            In any case, CBK MUST change her mind and come forward to contest the uneducated, corrupt, criminal Mahinda Rajapaksa and his family and cronies regime of thieves to SAVE SRI LANKA
            CBK MUST SAVE SRI LANKA from this cursed Jarapassa regime.

          • 0
            3

            As the Buddha said “all things change”. And I am sure that CBK has learned some lessons and is older, wiser and better person now than she was as President first time around.
            In any case, CBK MUST change her mind and come forward to contest the uneducated, corrupt, criminal Mahinda Rajapaksa and his family and cronies regime of thieves to SAVE SRI LANKA
            CBK MUST SAVE SRI LANKA from this cursed Jarapassa regime.

          • 0
            0

            This funny creature -JAVI has personl grudges against CBK.

            If anyone attacks her, the very same ones should attack 1000 or more times to MR …
            So given the choice -sane ones would rather choose CBK rather than murderers.

  • 2
    9

    I’m sure if she contest she would get more votes this time than that of her first term. Why a lots Tamil people feel that they have been let down by this government and lost of singhalse people are fade up with this MR family ruling and people have no money to live on and prices are going high very day and people want change now: more over with support of UNP, SLFP sections of voters, with Tamil party votes and with all other groups she will get more votes this time: a lots seniors in MR government is not happy with him and yet stay with him for fear thier life and earnings once alternative person come all will turn back on him

    • 1
      3

      Yes if all the opposition back her as the common candidate, MR might regret the Amendment to allow for third round in Presidential contest

      • 3
        3

        She should and must intervene supporting Ranil to become the leader of the nation. He is the only person who has not been given a chance yet to run the nation. His external RELATIONS are far better than those of MR. Everyone would make blunders in politics. In our countries- even if you would sacrifice a lot, people would not see it as they really are.CBKs first term should be praised. Her term allowed JVPs to become democratised. Making political blunders are common to all since they are all human beings. Now to this day, credibility of OBAMA is also being criticised by the many there. Looking at the matter, lanken current leaders handles it today is highly abusive – whatever he handles – even Premadasa is far more lower in terms of colossal fund abuses.

        All right thinking ones should and must rally round and support CBK to strengthen RW’s hand in order to topple the current bunch.
        People should demand them the FIRST OF ALL – EP to be abolished and restore democracy to the manner other democracies enjoy it.

        RW has proved his incorrupted skills to the top in the few sessions he was given the chance.
        His qualities as a good natured uncorrupted person is no way comparable to that of MR. It is simply like sky and earth difference. Let alone, MR has behaved not adequately in every interview so far – always- not being able to focus on the question properly but proving his inability to entire world – that he should NOT be the leader for a state whose nation is said to be high literacy rate – almost comparable to those of developed world. MR IS NOT ACCEPTABLE AS A LEADER FOR US SRILANKENS (over 90% literate) BUT TO THE folks similar to Pakistan (over 60% illiterate), Sudan (over 70% illiterate), Morocco (over 50% illiterate), Libya (highly abusive filled with fanatics, lunatics and the like) but not to the lankens.

        • 3
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          Ranil the person who cannot run/lead his own party how ca be expected run and lead the country?

        • 1
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          “He should not be the leader for a state whose nation is said to be high literacy rate”
          Jewel of words.
          I fully agree with you.

        • 2
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          Sirimal ,

          i agree with you up to a certain point ,but RW has been very busy in digging his own graveyard from 2005 onwards!! when it comes to power , both MR and RW are identical twins.

          RW has extremely low probability of getting selected as the head of state , period !

          • 0
            1

            This is the reason why I think it is a must that CBK supports UNP right at critical juncture – if Sobitha thero,CBK, UNP and other small parties would collectively work, defeating MR regime will become a reality -sooner than it appeared tobe. Anti-MR fractions within SLFP will support a change. Just like the DN editor´S far abusive articles and the various other propaganda can loose the popularity of the ruling bunch within weeks. That was the case previous govts too. Those who are the constituents of UFTA will have to support if good arguments could meet the rural folks. I believe Muslim srilankens will support anti-MR than pro. Nothing has been done to them from the current Regime sofar. During recent months years, they suffered physically and mentally than anything times in the past All what they lack today is checks and balances. UNP must work hart to achieve people by providing them with facts and figures of the debts that the current idiots have made – taking high interest loans from materialistic obsessed chinese. Chinese would stay close so long their interests are being paid to them regularly. Not only to SL, but also other small nations, chinese have no difference.

  • 8
    2

    I doubt it you can win even if you came.

  • 9
    3

    Even if some one nominate CBK, only a bankrupt organizer would do that.

    • 4
      1

      Bankrupt? the whole country is bankrupt idiot. the Chinese own the country now.

    • 0
      3

      She is the best to challenge the rouges. As the joint opposition candidate, she would shatter the SLFP and have best cance to get support island wide support including old SLFP GUARDS. She would definitely come to the rescue of the land like Vihara Maha Devi.

  • 4
    10

    Well done Madam President for taking on the task. Also, I think you should run as the common candidate ! All the best !

  • 12
    4

    Even if you did, no one will vote for you.

  • 9
    1

    If she does not want to contest then the next best is fonseka.

    • 3
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      frying frying ;) order dhalfry for the fire!

  • 5
    1

    Oh Daughter dear Daughter…I have hard that one before !

  • 3
    4

    God bless you Madam. Live longer.

  • 7
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    Thank you Mrs. Kumaratunga. We are RELIEVED. No insult., Maturity comes with age.

    Thank you again.

    • 2
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      Those who attack her even today are either morons that know nothing about the tactics of the lanken politicians in general OR ones who simply dont like female leaders. Very same bunch attacked her mother for not good reasons.
      World still recalls the -MrsB as the first female leader to the world was a product of then Ceylon – today’s srilanka -alas – turned Rajapakshe country to this day – where no tourists can return safely, high crimes of unknown nature have become daily routines, JUSTICE limited to words, Impunity has become easy game – simply a criminal paradise to all abusers- but with CW countries awarding the CHAIR <—– LITTERARY CW APPROVED CRIME FRIENDLY STATE.

  • 3
    7

    Yes, that suggestion is timely.Act without delay.You can save the country from this unruly thugs

    • 5
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      Aspiring want the public to reconsider.
      Backchat: She is no different to Hitler when it comes to the experience of power- the chits she offers to her girly friends in the UK creates millions thanks to defence charities, local government etc.

  • 11
    5

    What this bloody woman CBK can do again??

    What she did as president ?? except massive corruption even to buy Prince Edward’s Palace ??

    Failed in both peace & war!

    This woman not worth a penny , just a discard in dustbin.

    • 0
      2

      Comment posters, Johnny and Jimmy Pussy are one and the same who support Corrupt MR. They both see CBK as corrupt but not MR. Both are blind.

  • 6
    9

    Chandrika Bandaranayake Kumaratunge is the best person to challenge and defeat the corrupt, criminal and RACIST Mahinda Rajapaksa regime. Civil society must start a petition to ask CBK to please come out of retirement to SAVE LANKA from the JARAPASSA brothers, sons and cronies military dictatorship.

    All opposition parties and civil society will rally together to support her and save lanka from the Jarapassas regime that is destroying ALL democratic institutions and using hate religious and racial hate speech and attacks on minorities to DIVIDE, DISTRACT and RULE Lanka.

  • 2
    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/

  • 7
    5

    CBK must be persuaded to run against Jarapassa as joint opposition candidate. She will win hands down!
    The UNP is dead in the water – destroyed by dictator Ranil and liar Sajith and their respective cronies.. and SF is not an option since he is from the military. Sri Lanka as a multicultural society does not need monks or military dictators to lead it!

    CBK is our ONLY HOPE at this time since Lanka’s Political culture is rotten to the core – destroyed by Jarapassa and Ranil WIckramasinghe. So lets start the PUBLIC campaign led by CIVIL SOCIETY and PROFESSIONALS to ask CBK to be the next President of Lanka and frog march Jarapassa brothers to the Hague and ensure that their ill gotten assets are sized and used to pay off the massive national debt that Sri Lanka carries today.

  • 3
    2

    CBK said …’some one said me as living PM and Ex-President, I also have some responsibility do some thing about this’as past leader in helm in state you were unable to fulfill, responsibility by people of Sri Lanka. People’s had been given enough twice for 11 years.
    What your did that during 11 years RULE?
    You were and your ruling party totally unable dismantle UNP’s anti- people policies of corny capitalist been introduce since 1977 by JRJ,R.Premadaa and Ranil.W.of UNP.
    As path and model of Capitalism was demand by new reform by our social classes to take of our political economy social and cultural NEW PATH? Did you give any guidance to new VISION OR MISSION,that UNDER YOUR LEADERSHIP? NO AT ALL!
    Your policies were no different from Past UNP corny capitalism.
    I mean you no-need move for Socialist one, but that is quite impossible such direction ,that ongoing objective condition in Sri Lanka society and its class forces are concern.
    You as leader who had educational background in Soboarn University in France, having your parents were two PM’s who rule ,that Sri lanka during very transition period democracy reform in de-colonization of our nation economy-political-social system since 1956!
    Did you learn any lessons from Past political-economy-social evaluation , even from your parents, OR YOUR OWN FOREIGN EDUCATION?
    I don’t thing so? Sorry to say that You are bankruptcy politically and lack of Policy minded-oriented mind-set in your own OUTLOOK.
    We are face challenging situation our nation and country, than ever before, is easy not easy task to backward, stagnation economy LIKE OURS , TURN INTO MODERNATE CAPITALIST PATH OF DEVELOPMENT AND REFORMS.
    CURRENT ECONOMY DEVELOPMENT & REFORMS NEED MORE AN OPENING AND FUTHER DEENENED bog down stage of growth.
    Our democratic system fail to search in the future problems. The Politics of Democratic as capacities of leaders politicans to manage the future thus depend win confidence of people and our political of democratic order. Our democratic system put much power in few hands.
    CBK has to learn that instead of misled people and their oppoturnities our land, that we urgently want peaceful transition democratic due to the lack of strong leadership in SRI LANKA, as nation we had paid EXCESSIVELY HIGH PRICE FOR DEVELOPMENT AND REFORM IN PATH OF CAPITALIM
    IT GROWTH.

  • 7
    2

    Though Madame Chandrika knows very well that she will win very easily, she is not contesting because she is a person of high moral principles. She is feeling guilty that she didn’t abolish the executive presidency during her rule as she had promised. Secondly, because she criticized the 18th amendment, she doesn’t want to take advantage of it and seek a third term. She is also too modest to state those reasons publicly.

    • 4
      3

      High moral principles? My goddam foot. Remember what she did to Rukantha and his wife. Remember what she did to Sotthi Upali.What sort of morality are these, you dumbass?

      • 2
        1

        Paisa Must Appah

        Gotcha!

        “Irony: The one form of humor that everyone thinks they understand, when actually no one really does. Truly, it is the cleverest joke ever played on mankind.”
        — Surviving The World, Lesson 618

        “‘The use of words expressing something other than their literal intention’! Now that! Is! Irony!”
        — Bender, Futurama

  • 3
    3

    Madam is giving dead ropes for old SLFP pals … Contesting or not, you madam has no chance one in a million to win due to your old record .. You were the only president in SL who could say “I did that.” other than faliures after failures for SL… Not a single success… Thanks for considering to contest … We all know you want to .. But, water is now too cold to dip into … and waiting for the right time remembering ‘old entry’ to poltics from Paris …

  • 4
    0

    I am sure that many in Sri Lanka will take this as a disappointment, as the common view is that CBK is the most likely candidate to create the necessary upset to get rid of the current scourge. However, in the context of the potential consequences and harm to her person (never under-estimate the power of those who direct the goons), this comes as no surprise. It is said that her family is dead against putting her in this line of fire so to speak.

    But all is not lost (hopefully)…. I am no strategist, but perhaps CBK can assist the campaign while being on the sidelines; she could provide updates and motivational speeches via video which can be played at campaign rallies, and help to lobby the grassroots and educate them on the gravity to the country of re-electing the current buffoons. The key is to field the right candidate – the million $ question is, who will that be? The people who want the current rulers evicted should put their heads together, shed all their baggage and work on this for the sake of the country rather than what they may stand to gain though the usual cronyism and plums of office.

    Long may she live, and hope that she can rise to the occasion to assist the cause for a much needed change in our grim situation.

  • 2
    1

    Discretion is the better part of valour. heh heh……

  • 3
    2

    Good that she decided against coming back. People had a great faith in her and elected to office with the highest mandate given at the Presidential Election.

    But, after having tasted the office of the President, and became corrupted to the core, she got blind and forgot everything including the promise given to the people to return to the parliamentary democracy, and the bill that introduced to get rid of the executive presidency just binned.

  • 4
    0

    ‘” Not likely” does not mean ‘ definitely not’. Buddhist philosophy can yet come to her aid. I was taught as a child not to say ‘ Never’, because circumstances can change to make the never, happen.

    Dr.Rajasingham Narendran

    • 3
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      No need to speculate. She won’t win even if she does and that is why she will not contest. She is far more politically savvy than that idiot Sarath Fonseka.

  • 5
    4

    I would say Mrs. Kumarathunga would have been the ideal candidate to topple this regime. Whether we like it or not Sri Lankans are pretty naive come selecting people to rule the country. Mrs Kumarathunga is known face where people in all over the island can relate to, after all we only vote for popular actors, rowdy’s and thugs.

    I am not saying she is the perfect choice but as a transition at least for 1 term to break this current corrupt regime. As I do not see any one else who can break the current trend. With government cunningly holding election in bits and pieces while in power presidential election will be a walk in the park even if they don’t get overwhelming vote, there is nothing to think that they will loose.

    Such is the political/economic knowledge of our masses. We cant blame them either the masses are fed with pro government propaganda in mass media (News/TV)garnished with tons of falls promises. Imaged as saviors of Buddhism, from Wahhabi-sum , Evangelic movements. Throw in some road project/highways in to the foray. Now a new dimension with TNA-LTTE while the majority community is drifting far away from teaching of Lord Buddha.

    30 + years of war has already done so much damage it shows when you look at crimes which is taking place.

    Just food for thought take a guess who is committing most crimes in this country ? I am not pointing fingers or being disrespectful but this is a fact !
    The younger Buddhist children must be wondering what is Buddhism with all these chaos going around future does not look bright unless we change it now collectively.

  • 7
    0

    She was no saint! Is this the best SL can do, recycling?

    Is there no common man who can lead a party like Aam Aadmi Party in India? Leave language, religion, caste etc. aside, and march forward for justice, equality, prosperity and above all liberty!

  • 4
    1

    IT IS YOU WHO CREATED THIS MONSTER AND IT IS YOU WHO NEED TO DESTROY IT…AND DEMOLISH THE PRESIDENCY SO THAT NO DICTATORS ARE CREATED….IT IS THE LEAST THAT YOU COULD DO AS A FOUNDER MEMBER OF THE SLFP.

  • 6
    10

    It is a commendable and a timely effort on the part of the former President Chandrika Kumaratunga to promote peace between religious communities. The SAPRI initiative should be supported by everyone who admire religious and ethnic amity irrespective of political differences. At this juncture of national crisis, she has an important role to play above politics as the only surviving past President.

    • 2
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      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/

    • 5
      1

      She has an important role to play above politics…

      Why has she got an important role to play now? Is that because she is a “former” president or because she was a “better” president than the incumbent? When the incumbent retires, will he also get an “important” role to play?

      Do you honestly believe that people who played their petty politics while in-office would act above politics after leaving office?

      The woman is a pathological liar. Do you agree? She has said many a times that by the time she left office 90% or so of the war effort was over. Do you believe that? What is this “important role” you have for pathological liars in sorting out the tensions in the society?

  • 5
    0

    But you should also remember that your father also did the dirty politics to get into the mainstream politics lashing the hatred towards minorities. Rajapakse clans are doing this now to stick to the power FOREVER.
    Please remember you will NEVER win through this strategy. Your father is a very good example…..
    I appreciate you that you didn’t/don’t take that course!!! My Salutes…….

  • 7
    2

    Very wise decision. Good for you and also good for the country. Hope you get lost in the Castle that you brought from Prince Andrew in the English countryside. The people of Lanka will thank you for your decision and even forgive you for plundering the country to buy your castle as long as you stay away from the country. My only hope is that your castle also has a dungeon so that you could hide any surplus funds pilfered during your heyday as Chor Ragini. .

  • 8
    2

    CBK is the architect of all our troubles. During her presidency she has done nothing for the country other than ripping off public property. She is the one who taught MR how to rob, cheat, exterminate, etc. This woman should rot in hell for the sins she has done.

  • 5
    4

    Main achievements of her excellency Madam president:-
    (1)Loss of Mullaitivu with over a thousand soldiers losing their lives
    (2)Loss of a large portion of the Eastern province to the LTTE
    (2)Loss of 26 military aircraft and half of Sri Lankan airlines fleet resulting in loss of $1 billion(wiping out one third of Sri lanka’s GDP income for the 2001 fiscal year in a single swipe)
    (3)First ever contraction in Sri Lanka’s economy for the entire history of our country
    (4)Passport for Prabhakaran Jr to go abroad for training
    (5)Severe degeneration of Sinhala Buddhist culture due to anti Sinhala Buddhist propaganda being relentlessly dished out through government media
    I could go on further but I don’t want to depress myself.So CBK please migrate and leave our country alone-seriously.

    • 3
      3

      These are just BS.

      False propaganda have ruined the life of SF, making him unpopular to this day – it was all because of gravity of the abusive politics run by the bunch in power.

      If CBK’S terms did not guid external affairs to get the LTTERs banned on any powerful soils – that offered them heavens, MR or any SUPERMEN could not have crushed LTTErs in that way. These are facts but you guys have no idea. Late Kadirgamar did a great service in getting them banned leading all his sessions risking his life. Berlin, London Paris (and all other european destinations), Toronto, Delhi, Washington, to Canbera, they got them banned so that no further mobilisations could be possible.

      Sooner or later, one thing will be clear to you all in lanken soils, that all these false propaganda will have no long life. If CBK’s terms brought that harm to the nation, in today’s dangerous situation, you and the ilk should may NOT find proper words to explain it.

      • 3
        0

        Sirimal all the points you raised maybe true and relavent theoretically in fantasy fairyland-but unfortunately extremely flawed and inaccurate in reality.
        (1)SF ruined himself,nobody needed to do anything to destroy that idiot.I mean when he opens his stupid mouth what does he talk about?!!!Utter garbage nonsense.Can he string together even a single sentence of logic.
        (2)I agree on you about Lakshman Kadirgamar.He was a very capable and patriotic gentleman.Yes the LTTE got banned in a number of countries due to his effort(at least in part).However this has no effect on the LTTEs fundraisning apparatus at all.They where able to raise even more and more money through 3rd party contacts and methods.So in reality it had very little effect on the final defeat of the LTTE.Even on the international political platform China’s support to Sri lanka was the main strength at that time.
        (3)The validity of your very last point is debatable.Maybe you are right.Only time will tell.

        • 0
          0

          “fantasy fairyland-but unfortunately extremely flawed and inaccurate in reality.”

          You are abusing yourself when you say the above for everybody to grasp.

          There is cannibal authority above not truth which is a time waster

          truth that does not come in sinhala voculabury but just blame the sudda.

          Yes I wanted her whole family to have been banished forever but creepy sinhala mahanama buddhist love hibernating.

    • 2
      0

      saman

      Refer to your points, (1), (2) again (2) she didn’t lose it, your much praised armed forces were caught napping.

      Her bum was not fitted with an engine for her to be everywhere nor is she the God Saman.

    • 0
      0

      Saman,

      So Sri Lanka and her Sinhala Buddhist heritage can only be protected by corrupt, self-serving members of gigantic Rajapassa clan?

      Is that your considered opinion?

      Wow!

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