National Peoples Movement (NPM) has named former Army Commander Mahesh Senanayake as their Presidential candidate a short while ago.
NPM Names Former Army Commander Mahesh Senanayake As Presidential Candidate
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justice / September 29, 2019
This was coming, I suppose, as events unfolded – an army man to rule the nation.
Gotabaya was a ‘semi’ army man.
M.Senanayake is a ‘complete’ army man.
p.s
The Field Marshal will be greatly disappointed. But, will he back his successor?
/
Sinhala_Man / September 29, 2019
PART ONE
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Dear “justice”,
.
That meeting in the Sugathadasa Stadium.
.
Nagananda’s meeting is on right now (4.30 p.m) in the auditorium of the Public Library (earlier the venue had been announced as “The New Town Hall”, Greenpath (sic), walking distance from the Library.
.
It appears that Nagananda will be their candidate, but they are co-operating with each other – and with President My3’s (estranged?) nephew Rohan Pallewatte, a video of which I saw a few hours ago (foregoing sleep last night). Well, no nomination has yet been made. Mahinda Deshapriya has been saying “no proxy candidate”. However, with these three, it is not yet clear who the strongest candidate is.
.
In the video going with this story you have Gamini Wijesinghe and Dr Ajith Colonne also on stage with Mahesh. Dr Colonne was the man I was hoping would contest – not even Nagananda.
.
I visited Nagananda’s Office about three weeks ago, and am in telephone contact with his people (which is how I got this news). Many of us are absolutely keen and committed, and each has a favourite candidate. I’m sure that by election day we will know whom to focus on. However, this, and the information about Preferential Voting are going to be difficult for me to convey to my fellow villagers.
/
siri Gamage / September 30, 2019
There is confusion about this at the moment. Is Naga also contesting or is he supporting NPM? What about Rohan Pallewatta from Abiman Lanka? I saw a video saying he is the candidate from Abiman Lanka. Are they talking to each other and planning to propose one candidate?
/
babanpunchi / September 30, 2019
Dr Gamage,
If a common candidate from ALTERNATIVE forces would be selected AND produced, NK would not contest for sure. NK is not greedy at becoming president, but more into change the system fully Besides, General Senanayaka himself makes it clear he is trying to get all the alternative forces under one umbrella and he is not yet the candidate for the upcoming election even if MEDIA has made him already a CANDIDATE.
You are right, that is becoming little confusing for all of us today.
They have all been discussing on the topics on and on, but we will have the chances more to clear this by 7th Oct with nominations for the election.
Siri, I believe (as one living in Europe permamently), as I get it, NK s intentions seem to be bit far from the common goals of “wikalpaya”. Wikalpaya does not seem to even consider NK s great idea about the suggestion on new constitution. JVPrs should also get together with WIKALPAYA PLUS NK, if we to defeat traditional giant parties.
/
Sinhala_Man / September 30, 2019
Dear Dr Siri Gamage,
.
This sure is confusing. I share with “babanpunchi” the highest respect for Nagananda as a man who seeks no personal glory, but I fear that this obsession with a new Constitution is driving people away. I met Nagananda briefly, but had no real discussion with him.
.
On the other hand, I’ve listened to him, and have been fortunate in some others being patient with what they may see as my naive questioning. What they keep saying is that they’ll never get two-thirds of M.P.s in any Parliament to bring in a Constitution which doesn’t allow Parliamentarians privileges. So, we must have this “Autochthonous Constitution”. But that doesn’t make sense unless the election can actually be won – which Nagananda seems to think possible.
.
This is unfortunate because conditions seem just right to get rid of these corrupt Parliamentarians – but for that we’ve got, by now to put the constitution on the back-burner. That, they apparently have done: handed it over to one capable man, V.K. Nanayakkara, currently in Australia, whom you may know.
/
Sinhala_Man / September 29, 2019
PART TWO
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As implied by my earlier comment, the only candidate whom I have actually met is Nagananda. The problem with his entire team is that they repose all their faith in this “Autochthonous Constitution”. From my village, I’ve been trying to tell them that this abstraction is not going to bring them votes.
.
Having bought some fruit at theBandarawela Fair, I asked the vendor (from Ethiliwewa, Wellawaya) whether he knew that he could “vote for three.” He didn’t. So, I told him that we were sick of the two main parties. Agreed. I asked him to think it out and vote One and Two for honest people. There was no point trying to talk “constitution” with such a man. I asked him to think it out. He probably will – but we are as ships which pass each other at night. We will not even recognise each other next week.
.
.
All these activists are honest, but there is an element of “play-acting” in all this. The “cleverest” citizens, unfortunately, don’t realise that. I wish you well!
.
Now I shall eat the small pawpaw I bought, and hope that the moderators will not strike out the information that the smallest fruit are often the tastiest. Not really relevant, which is why this is at the bottom of this comment of mine.
/
Native Vedda / September 29, 2019
Sinhala_Man
–
I simply love it.
–
How about other potential candidates,
Shiranthi Rajapaksa,
Shirani Bandaranayake,
Sujeewa Nelson Silva (wife of Shavendra Silva),
Brigadier Priyankara Fernando,
Thibbatuwawe Sri Siddhartha Sumangala Thero,
Sarath N de Silva,
Duminda Silva,
Sarath Weerasekara
Shenali Waduge,
….
….
…
Is it possible all of them to win all at the same time?
–
This country needs mother/father of all July 1983 or another Mullivaikkal 2009 in order to clarify presidential elections.
/
Native Vedda / September 29, 2019
Sinhala_Man
–
I am sorry I missed out a few potential candidates,.
–
Michael Wolfgang Laurence Morris, Baron Naseby,
Island Shamindra Ferdinando,
Channa Jayasumana,
Bandula Jayasekera
…
Capital Maharajah Group Rajamahendran
…..
/
Sinhala_Man / September 30, 2019
Dear Native,
.
I don’t know Channa Jayasumana, but all the others I can place. I’m pretty conscientious in wanting to study all options, but I won’t bother at all with the others whom you have named.
.
Let them all contest. This time they’ll have to count Preferences – but not because of the idiots whom you have named. They will each get about 2K votes at most.
.
Apart from the two tiring old parties, this time the JVP and ONE only of the alternatives will get enough votes to prevent anybody reaching 50% of valid votes. Gota will get few Preferences.
.
I find it difficult to put up with the cynicism that seems to come naturally to so many who have commented.
.
Have I told you that I visited your Damana home a week ago?
/
Native Vedda / September 30, 2019
Sinhala_Man
–
I am sorry being cynical, although for good reason.
–
Why does every son or daughter of notorious politicians believe he/she has the right to rule just because he/she happened to have been born to a politician?
–
Navin Nayaka (Dutta Gamani’s son), Namal Rajapaksa, …………. are waiting in the wings hoping to be elected to the top ineffective job as if it is their inheritance from their family.
–
Channa Masala Jayasumana is some sort of professor, in this island you do not need much effort to become one (Geneva Returned – delivered 8 minutes express perverted history lesson to the dignitaries of UN), recently acted as Sinhala/Buddhist guardian of female anatomy in Kurunagala, instigating unwanted racial tension, therefore he is entitled to rule this island. It is a pity none of the do gooder liberal challenged this madman.
–
It seems Shenali Waduge is the only person who knows American Foreign policy inside out and a great admirer and supporter of Ashin Wirathu. As a the most unhappy female in this island she too is entitled to be elected
–
Every individual I have listed above believes he/she deserved to be the ruler of this island.
/
Maco Polo / September 30, 2019
Hi Native, You might have missed few others too in your list.
1. Chapa Bandara – Who knows all the conspiracies of the western world excepts his own as an IN-dependent journalist
2. Dr. Nalin Silva – The mathematician who can not be understood by his ardent students
3. Gonadasa Amarasekara – The dentist
4. there few others too
Maco
/
Native Vedda / September 30, 2019
Maco Polo
–
Thanks for reminding me New Zealand milk powder fame Chapa Chapabandara. I am sorry I have forgotten him completely on the other hand I am happy I have forgotten him.
–
Please note there are a number of dot dot lines where you are allowed to fill in the blanks with your candidates.
–
I agree the list is endless.
/
K.A.Sumanasekera / September 30, 2019
Dera Native,-
–
What is going on there , Mate..
I thought everything is Hunky Dory now that Dr Ranil gave the OK to Keselwatta Kid.
And the Elite Anglican and Vellala marketing reps finally nailed Nandasena by going to the SC, although Nandasena had Buckley’s against the current Mighty Alliance of the Mahavamsa proletariat of the JVP Kumara and the UNP Bourgeoisie lead by Keselwatta Kid.
–
What is this Dude going to do there?.
–
I know General Mahesh was hand picked by Dr Ranil from a WareHouse job in a US Army Camp.
My Elders also tell me General Mahesh served morning tea to Mr Sampathar and his delegation , when they visited the famous Mullative Garrison to celebrate Yahapalanaya.
–
I read your mate Vellala Kid Abraham saying that he is not decided yet although he was seen holding hands with JVP Kumara in Jaffn on May Day.
–
What is the point General Mahesh is going to make by collecting the Vellala Vote ?.
Wouldn’t that discourage Keselwatta Kid implementing his undertakings to Dr Ranil in that 10 point MOU?..
–
Will Dr Ranil be happy to see General Mahesh playing the spoilsport?..
/
Babalathappu / September 30, 2019
You are simply great Native Vedda.
:
Wie geht es Dir, Alles Gute von Deutschland.
Btw, Chanda Balusumana is an ultra extremist who all along made every effort to make that Dr Safi a world expert in their infertality theories. Latter theory is no different to ASENIC God and the like phenomens.
I personally know BMJ criticised Jayasumana’s statements on his stammered inferitliy theory based on ” pressing fallopian tube”.
/
Native Vedda / September 30, 2019
Babalathappu
–
Vielen Dank
/
Emil van der Poorten / September 30, 2019
Native Veddah & Sinhala Man:
I expect the irony in the fact that what might otherwise have come across as levity is so close to the Sri Lankan reality MUST have crossed your minds.
Our situation is truly tragic when what should come across as totally absurd is what we are facing today.
This state of affairs makes Portuguese/Dutch/British imperialism look respectable!
/
Bawa / September 29, 2019
The FM is a ‘salvation’ army man. Just ask Ranil.
/
Babalathappu / September 29, 2019
Dear Readers,
THIS HEAD LINE MISLEADs.
Mahesh Senanayake himself mentioned it that he is just the temporary leader.
He is not yet the presidential candidate.
:
You; sINHALA man, I hold you as a genuine person, Please clarify this to the readership.
False interpretations could damage the good name of our GREAT senior Lawyer Nagananda Kodithuwakku.
/
Sinhala_Man / September 30, 2019
Shall try tomorrow. Need sleep now.
.
Thanks, Babalathappu. I didn’t listen all that carefully to Mahesh Senananayake. I have this aversion to military guys, but it was not that alone.
.
I carried my Notebook across to the Balasubramniam house just in front of mine. The audio output was not great. They confirmed that the Tamil girl announcing is from the Hill Country – from the accent.
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Babalathappu / September 30, 2019
Sinhala Man,
Thank you too.
I am bit upset that NK s great idea on bringing a new constitution being neglected by COMMON so called wikalpaya. As we know if Bhutanians succeeded such a new constitution, why not us the srilankens give this a try ?
I just posed the question to you, because i saw you once sitting with ” WIKALPAYA” on very day.
Sleep well. Let s see how all these will get its way in favour of all, by 7th Oct.
/
Anonymous / September 30, 2019
Hope we are not heading for a military government!?
No more CoupeLk drama please…
/
T Subash / September 29, 2019
At least this main is neither a murderer nor a croock
/
Democratic lover / September 29, 2019
We few freinds thought to vote for sajith while 99% of my friends are voting for gota. Even rajapaksas and slfp are good for business and economy they are utter dictators. That is why we all voted for unp in local government election & plan to vote for sajith in upcoming election . any how sajith going to lose this election. So all we planed to vote for sajith two days back now chañged our plan to vote this hero Mahesh Senanayaka.
/
Sinhala_Man / September 29, 2019
It is very important for us all to remember that we have THREE Preferences.
.
Strategic voting is of vital importance.
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Babalathappu / September 30, 2019
Please educate more, on this, people would not change their established nature easily.
If these people would waste their votes not knwoing the voting instructions properly. mudersous rajapakshes would be back to loot again. Danger should NOT be underestimated.
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Sinhala_Man / September 30, 2019
Dear Babalathappu,
.
I suggest you study the way this Election has gone five times now:
.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/London_mayoral_elections
.
It is the only one that is similar to our Presidential Election when the Preferences are included. It has been used five times to elect the Mayor of London in the 21st Century. Every time the Preferences have been counted. I made a calculation for the earliest, where there were many more significant candidates than in the four succeeding polls. The winner there had the support of fewer than 45% of the valid votes.
.
We cannot necessarily conclude that the electorate there was more intelligent. The turnout was much lower than it is in Sri Lanka. So, those who are politically ignorant stay away. You could go on to more detailed examination of each of the five elections from what I have given – but it is the over-view we need, isn’t it?
.
Our problem here is that it is the ignorant who most want to vote, and one of the slightly disturbing features yesterday was the overt statement that we wanted the educated to take over the country. That is being honest, but how will it be received? All of us are “educated”, I guess, but . . . -well what do other readers feel?
.
/
whywhy / September 29, 2019
There is a section of people of all communities that is looking up
to a disciplined man like Senanayake to run the country but this
nomination may not be to fulfil that desire ! Instead , this contestant
might carve out a reasonable amount of votes from Tri-forces and
their families ! And , Anura + Nagamuwa will bag leftist and some
neutral donations ! What is also on the way could be a Buddhist Monk
for the devotees ! All the rockets of these soldiers will miss to hit the
Elephant !
/
Sinhala_Man / September 30, 2019
Dear whywhy,
.
Let me use this probable slip by you to illustrate this general problem that we have. We all slip up on occasion.
.
By “Nagamuwa” you probably meant “Nagananda” – is that correct?
.
All that we can attempt is to minimise our own mistakes, and cast our own Preferences sensibly.
/
whywhy / September 30, 2019
Sinhala_Man ,
My dear S M , it was about Duminda Nagamuwa , the front line
socialist candidate . Was it not sensible to expect socialist
vote base and some of neutral ones to support them ? I have a
very decent confidence on my propensity . What I do in my
predictions mainly is , being very sensitive about mistakes
and avoid wrong ones at any cost . You see my dear S M , I don’t
get paid for what I do on this forum for quite many years ! So ,
why unnecessary stress ? Thanks anyway for your interest .
/
Sinhala_Man / September 30, 2019
Dear whywhy,
.
Many thanks for that explanation which became necessary only because of my own ignorance. I’m not a Marxist, or well-versed in all that comes under that head, but I do know that the FSP, led by Premakumar Guneratnam, has many dedicated members who are committed to long -term goals. They would not be seriously expecting to win this election.
.
I have some friends who are ardent members of the Social Equality Party. They will field a candidate. Now that is definitely not going to be a Party that will make serious inroads into the voter base of the main parties.
.
This is in sharp contrast to Nagananda’s striving to have a new Constitution, which he seems to think possible. He certainly has put a lot of effort into this, but that would make sense only if he could actually win the election. All of us adhere to certain decencies; however, if I sound hopelessly amateurish, don’t try to educate me – I’m too old.
.
However, given the importance that the result of this election will have on our lives, don’t you think that we should use the Preferences at our disposal?
/
whywhy / September 30, 2019
Sinhala_Man ,
So happy to be back with you my dear S M ! Let me first take
N K . Without doubt he’s a better alternative with his plans of
overhaul of the current outdated arrangements but sadly he
is far from the reality and he understands this himself . I
don’t underestimate your your ability to judge the events that
are unfolding in the country these days but I hope you agree
there are other views with different judgements based on
idealistic and realistic approaches . As for me , I will not ignore
the fact that there are over five million votes that Mahinda
Rajapaksha was awarded in 2015 . This was an antagonistic
vote base in my view and I don’t believe it will change position
just like that . Yes , why not , N K deserves some relief for his
endeavour .
/
Banda / September 29, 2019
What about Mahathun the bus conductor and Tharindu the tuk tuk driver and Sadun of the Lanka Balavegaya Sangamaya as presidential candidates. After all they also can run for the presidency can’t they ??????
/
Jagath Fernando / September 29, 2019
If he can get 5% of the votes he has done well.
That is about 600,000 votes.
SL voter mind set is still linked to a political party and without that support, it is difficult to contest. He would have the social media voters only.
/
Sinhala_Man / September 30, 2019
Dear Jagath Fernando,
.
That is a rational statement.
.
However, having said that you probably go to sleep. We’ve got to do more – after all, voting is simple enough.
.
Guys like me are exerting ourselves to the maximum possible extent.
/
LEELAGEMALLI / September 30, 2019
100/5 x 600 000 = 12 mio (total number of voters).
.
any candidate succeeded sofar could not do so, without minority votes and plantation tamils apart from the voters coming from youth.
–
I think, as I see it now, chances to win are becoming more to Sajith Premadasa than any other candidates. Traditional voter mentality would not be changed by any means easily without a real social revolution.
.
/
Sinhala_Man / September 30, 2019
PART ONE
.
Dear LEELAGEMALLI,
.
We’ve all been making inaccurate statements. I’ve also done so, and carelessly spoken of “votes cast” when I meant “valid votes”.
.
For a First Count only victory (which has been the case seven times since 1982) a candidate requires 50%+1 vote of “valid votes”. That is votes cast MINUS spoilt votes.
.
However, if there isn’t a “clear” First Count winner, only the votes of the First and the Second matter. The winner need not then get 50%+1 of valid votes. There one should leave it. However, most people need hypothetical examples. This time there could be four significant groups after the First Count: UNP, SLPP, JVP, and ONE Alternative Group – the supporters of the others being quietly told to transfer to the one deemed most promising. The winner merely has to get ahead of the other, with all Preferences of “other candidates” counted. His tally could be 40% of valid votes.
/
Sinhala_Man / September 30, 2019
PART TWO
.
Let us also remember that many are clumsily using a foreign language. See the confusion in spelling “cast” and “caste” (“kulaya” – that we wish didn’t exist). To me the difference between “few” and “a few” is important – they mean quite different things, according to the English I learnt. That British based English may by now have ceased to matter in other contexts. I’m being told by the spellcheck that “spoilt” is wrong, but the American “spoiled” is not being suggested today. “learnt” has not today got underlined.
.
I don’t think that you’ll resent what I’ve said here because your calculation is quite right. However, is “mio” now an accepted abbreviation of “million”?
/
LEELAGEMALLI / September 30, 2019
SM,
thanks and hope you are keeping well.
You are right about all the aforementioned mistakes. I too do them while commenting on yours and others back and forth. That has lot to do with our day today stress. Mostly, I am on my way to somewhere only, I have time to check CT posts. Me being on a train heading back home or waiting for a flight ( as a frequent traveller within Europe) I have no other choice. Yes, we are used to use that very often in Europe mio as an accepted abbreviation of million.
/
whywhy / October 1, 2019
Sinhala_Man ,
I heard a native English professor pointing out at a lecture
that only about three percent of native English speakers
speak good English , people like David Cameron , he said !
There are different dialects in different regions with strange
pronunciation that many British take time to understand .
All read good but not write good at all times ! And on top of
that there’s American and British English to worry about .
My experience is , it is the same with many or most languages .
If you take French , Parisian and Province they call it , have
slightly different dialect . I’m a fluent Sinhala and Tamil
speaker and I find too many types of Tamil in different parts of
Srilanka and in Tamil Nadu . Go to Jaffna , Nuwara Eliya , Galle
and Chennai ! Most Sinhalese don’t speak good Sinhala . Once
I read in a magazine that the late king of Saudi Arabia was not
a fluent Arabic speaker ! English spelling errors are common
everywhere and especially among non-natives ! That is quite
natural I suppose !
/
SKM / September 29, 2019
“Wikalpaya” idea was first brought up by Rohan Pallewatte and Nagananda Kodituwakku about 2-3 years back and it gathered momentum. NKs method would have been better as it was to come in to power simultaneously introducing a new constitution. Some individuals – Ariyaratnes, Colonnes, Gamini Wijesinghes ……………. recently came to the scene with an NPM and broke up that enthusiasm and ruined the whole thing. Their plan is to get elected as the president, get 10-15 MPs into the parliament and continue with the same old failed system. That way they will take another 71 years to put everything right. They opened the road for the same set of rogues to get elected.
/
Sinhala_Man / September 29, 2019
Dear SKM,
.
I can understand your disappointment, but I think you are being unfair by those who have stood down.
.
I feel that you don’t understand the dilemmas faced by those who are called upon to assume leadership.
/
Douglas / September 29, 2019
This “NPM” originated by Dr. Ariyaratne has completed it’s “MISSION” : “Nominate a Candidate to contest and “DIVIDE” the vote to “BRING BACK” the reactionary forces to Govern the country”. Well DONE!
/
Native Vedda / September 30, 2019
Douglas
–
“””“Nominate a Candidate to contest and “DIVIDE” the vote to “BRING BACK” the reactionary forces to Govern the country”. Well DONE!”””””
–
What is new?
As you very well know this island has been electing reactionaries since 1956 except in 1994, though soon to be cowed down by reactionaries within the party.
–
The business is as usual as it has always been, more of the same.
/
Roy Samathanam / September 29, 2019
Good choice
/
Topla / September 29, 2019
Methinks there is a tactic here — Mahesh to whip up nationalism / racism to consolidate that part of the vote base and at the last minute withdraw and offer his support to Gota. These guys are smart!
/
Lanka / September 29, 2019
Topla,
I don’t think this is correct. Mahesh S was identified as FM’s guy and MRs people was going after him after the Presidential elections and this was one reason why he had to flee the country.
/
Sinhala_Man / September 29, 2019
Racism is absolutely anathema to us who support the Alternatives.
.
The confusion in my own mind is real but there will be no kneejerk reaction from me.
/
Estate Labourer / September 29, 2019
Big Joke! But anyway it’s a good thing, as it provides us with some humorous relief in these stressful times.
/
Steve / September 29, 2019
How many votes could he get ? No political experience.
/
soma / September 30, 2019
What is ‘political experience’ Steve?
Ability to steal without getting caught?
–
Soma
/
Native Vedda / September 30, 2019
soman
–
“Ability to steal without getting caught?”
–
True, for example Dutta Gamani’s under study Basil did very well with his training from Mahaweli Days.
/
Bawa / September 29, 2019
Idiots will split the SB vote.
/
Ceylonese / September 29, 2019
Sajith Premadasa was born on 12 January 1967. Sajith attended S Thomas Preparatory School, Royal College, Colombo and Mill Hill School, London. Sajith won the A/L prize for politics and business studies and besides being appointed a prefect, a rare honour for any foreign student, also played in the first XI cricket team for four years, captaining the side in 1986. A graduate of the London School of Economics (LSE) and Political Science of the University of London, his degree covered the areas of economics, politics and international relations.
Following his B.Sc. at LSE, Sajith decided to pursue a Master’s degree in Public Management at the University of Maryland, near Washington DC. During his studies, Sajith also had the rare distinction of completing his internship at the US Senate, working in its Foreign Relations Committee under Senator Larry Pressler, a Republican from South Dakota. Sajith met many other influential senators, including John McCain and former presidential candidate John Kerry.
/
Sinhala_Man / September 29, 2019
Dear Ceylonese,
.
Plagiarized from the Wikipedia entry. Sajith may still be better than Gota. He may get my THIRD Preference.
.
Graduated from LSE? Please fine tune. Have you heard the word aegrogat. Sorry, if I’ve got the spelling wrong. Android doesn’t seem to know the word.
.
Now, don’t ask me for Android’s surname!
.
Since when has meeting people become a qualification?
/
Dr. Gnana Sankaralingam / September 29, 2019
It is “Aegrotat”. It is a certificate given to a student who had completed the course satisfactorily but was unable to sit for the exam due to illness. This is not eligible for job purposes. What is the illness Sajith had and who gave the medical certificate has to be investigated. When his father died in 1993, long after he had finished his course at LSE, that incident could not be the cause for his not being able to sit the exam. Looks like he had cold feet and had suffered mental disorder for fear of failing the exam. Many rich students from middle east get this certificate from UK universities.
/
Sinhala_Man / September 30, 2019
Thanks, Gnana.
.
You are sometimes most constructive.
.
This comment by “Khema / September 29, 2019” appearing below Grusha Andrew’s current article, https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/all-are-unp-candidates/ , gives it all.
.
Please don’t get back to doing what you at some other times do. That is – 1 – say that every Sinhalese is an unreasonable racist. 2 – Talk about your alma mater, Royal College, as the one place where all decent people ought to have studied.
.
I don’t know whether I ever told you that my six weeks of “Practice Teaching” was at Royal College in 1970, must have been not long after you left the school. I was born towards the end of 1948. You, I feel must be just a little older – born just before Independence.
.
However one looks at it, what a mess we’ve made of this.
/
Ajay / September 29, 2019
Okay, then … … That makes sense … … The economic theory taught at LSE does advocate the development strategy of genuflecting before racist monks and giving them free money and building 10, 000 Buddhist temples – using poor tax payers’ contributions … … I do believe you.
/
Agnos / September 29, 2019
Ceylonese,
Do you have proof for all these claims? Mr. Premadasa’s supporters should be careful about making assertions about his background that may not withstand scrutiny.
I am part of the DC area SL Tamil community and know well that he was only briefly at Maryland and went back to Sri Lanka after his father’s assassination, and stopped pursuing his graduate studies.
And there have been some allegations on CT itself that his degree from LSE didn’t follow the proper policies.
If he was in fact a Congressional intern, it would been for a very brief period during a summer. Also, the interns have very low level duties and are not given much attention by Senators and Congressmen. So when interns say they ‘met’ Senators and Congressmen, people should take it with a pinch of salt.
/
Agnos / September 29, 2019
Another thing to note is that Congressional internships are reserved mainly for people who have citizenship. For someone on a student visa to get an internship at a Senator’s office is a suspicious claim; there might have been exceptions given his father was the SL President, but it is a claim that needs more evidence.
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LEELAGEMALLI / September 29, 2019
All these are not true. Whenever he was questioned, he failed to produce any of his degree certificates. But I too think SP is thousand times better than serial killer former Defence Secretary Gotabaya.
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I got to know where he got accomadation in LONDON. Siddhalepa brothers had given him lodging.
By the way, he cant have completed a BSC but BCOM or a BA perhaps. However he just started his degree courses only.
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WB Samarakoon / September 30, 2019
don’t do exaggerations ,He is failed in GCE O/L in sri Lanka .some people said same about Chandrika also.but she studied in affiliated college of SORBON and did a diploma and prostitution . some said that she had PHD as well . all bouges . People realize every thing after became the president of the country. Don’t pray fools and let others also do the same.
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Douglas / September 29, 2019
Sinhala_Man: You met Nagananda. Did you clarify what this Presidential Election declared under the present Sri Lanka Constitution is? I mean: Is to elect a President OR Approve a “Constitution” he and some “Unknown” (to the People) have drafted; OR Both. Will he (Nagananda) if elected President is legally entitled to “Sign” his “Constitution” and make the present Constitution “Null and Void”. Will the Judiciary sanction such a move. Nagananda says: ” My Constitution” will be signed, immediately I am elected the President and the entire Supreme Court and the Appeal Court will be dissolved and new appointments will be made. He continues: “The Parliament will be of 80 seats”. How is that to be done? Are those “80” seats on an “Election” or “Nomination” basis? If “Nominated”, “WHO” nominates those “80” members? Next time you meet Nagananda, please clarify above and le me know. Thank you.
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Gratiaen / September 29, 2019
Very fair suggestion by Douglas.We too are eagerly waiting to know a clarification on such points.
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Sinhala_Man / September 29, 2019
Dear Douglas,
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I will sincerely tell you what I know.
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A more virtuous man than Nagananda you will not find.
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Even before I met him, I got to know by chance from a young fellow who was manning the hotline that Nagananda is a vegan, like Rajan Hoole. I had told the guy about Rajan’s eccentricity. He told me that Nagananda is for ever munching Gingernuts. Rajan confirmed no milk in them.
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Haven’t I told you already that I’d prefer Colonne as candidate. Please listen to them all on YouTube. I trust them.
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He wants not 80 but 60 MPs. If Nagananda does wrong, he’d like us to put him in jail.
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Some people are quite simply better than us.
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Please educate yourself. Nobody can do it for you.
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Ajay / September 29, 2019
Naga is nuttier than a squirrel turd … … That’s all I have to say … … Keep going on.
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Sinhala_Man / September 29, 2019
Dear Ajay,
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I haven’t said different, have I? But he may downplay his candidacy.
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If you go on making nasty remarks about a very good man, you will have only yourself to blame if you have unsatisfactory governance. By the time you find that out for yourself, I may be pushing up the daisies.
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It may not be too late to persuade Colonne to run. A few of his Youtubes are in English; worth listening to for their own merits.
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Bunjappu / September 29, 2019
Mr Douglas,
Senior Lawyer Mr NK is not a fool but a very sensitive person. He should have studied it long before if that is possible or not. So, I do believe, what he has added it right, immediately after getting elected, he can make the constituion null and void. And in the same time, a new SC will be set up so that chaos would NOT be the consequence.
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Besides, today, I go tot know he produced the genuine ceritificate on his reunciation of UK citizenship. He promised to place it before us, and he did it. He is not playing with lip services. Nor is he a liar. He is truly a genuine personality.
The fact that CT does not seem to give publicity to him but to NPM… they donot even bring that VIDEO on their platform. That angers me, that is why I did not join CT sessions for the last 2 months.
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Sunil / September 29, 2019
Man, from what we heard from various sources, the moment Sajith was named as candidate, fire works erupted throughout the rural areas of the country as if he already won it. The majority Sinhalese votes going to be diluted among various candidates but the one who gets the minorities votes going to be the winner, and that’s going to be Sajith. It’s absolutely known fact that no Tamils and Muslims would vote for Gota for they had enough of him, and all of them are waiting for the voting day to come to prove it. In addition to all fifteen candidates, Madam Chandrika too going to field her candidate to chip away Gota’s votes. All are in for interesting times, but it looks that Gota’s chances are very slim.
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Douglas / September 30, 2019
Sinhala_Man: In my comment addressed to you, did I contest Nagananda’s virtue? No, not at all. I just wanted to find out his PLAN OF ACTION (Implementation) in the event of his election as President. With your reply, I presume that too is a “DOUBT” to you, but I still believe it is an “IMPOSSIBILITY”. Next, you say: “If he does wrong he would like us to put him in jail”. Isn’t it better to clear his “INTENTIONS” and settle matters before we go to “Put him in Jail”. What’s the use of that once the DAMAGE is done? It is because of this policy : “Put him in jail” that has gone wrong all this while and in that pursuit , we have failed for the last 70 years. As you say let it be “60” seats. Did you find out or isn’t it worth finding out HOW that “60” would be made of – nominated /selected by him or elected ? I have listened to Mr. Colonne. Not much impressed. He says the next President would be an “UNKNOWN” and a “SUDDEN” appearance. That is a subject for “Astrologers”, but not for a man of Mr. Colonne’s type. Would you accept that type of “Analysis”? He down graded himself with that “Talk”. I say he is a good man, but not in President’s seat. My Friend: My “Education” is confined to what I “PERCEIVE” and “EXPERIENCE”. I am happy with it; but you would not agree. Doesn’t matter. Thanks
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Douglas / September 30, 2019
Dear Bunjappu. Thanks. I admit NK is a Senior Lawyer, not a fool and sensitive. Some times these very “Virtues” tend to destroy a person if she/her exceeds the “Limitations”. Perhaps, if you have listened to him (NK) you would have heard him, reciting from the Pali Stanzas of Buddha’s Teachings. In doing so and going at “excessive speed” of spelling out his “Virtues”, he has lost sight of one of the “First Fetters” that Buddha has taught for the down fall of a person, and that is : “SAKKAYA DITTHI’ , translated to English “PERSONALITY BELIEF”. In this STATE, he/she takes NO ACCOUNT of others ; but only HIMSELF. This is very DANGEROUS for HIMSELF and most importantly to any country or the people he/she intends to Govern. In short he (NK) has completely LOST his “BALANCE” approach to Governance. I am still of that opinion.
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Bunjappu / September 30, 2019
Thanks Douglas mahaththayo@Yes, I do have listened to him, adding few SANKRIT quotes as a well learnt- buddhist, but as many would do, I could nod my head as a cow would do, since I have not the least knowledge on SANKRIT or any other buddhist langagues.
I think even if he sounds to be a good buddhist, he should be away from the stuff to a gathering who knows nothing but to follow the other only. Majority of lankens as you know may be well aware of the facts, they dont care about the substance of the message, but follow – that may be similar to some afro nations such as camaronians or ganians. That is the colonial mentality that the colonial mastered created in ours and such nations.
In such circumstances even if his idea behind the “introduction of a new constitution” be a good one, people at large would not get it, they would behave the way a cow would react when a train moves ( cow can only stare but doing nothing). I think we the ones who live out of the country or lived long away from lanka, cant really touch the hearts of abusive majority in SL. I do have the same problem even within my circles today, not being about to even get on with them properly. Mentality changes depending on your geographical locations – is true, and provable fact according to Dawinism.
I would not put it that way, i dont think he is lost, bu tthe support he got regarding his propaganda is much less compared to WIKALAPYA all together.But i hope it will become better in the days to come, and i agree with NK and his unique proposal on the new constitution, also considering similar situations in Bhutan o rso.
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A Democrat / September 30, 2019
Mahes Senanayke has always shown exceptional qualities of leadership needed for this country. He has always put country first before self and was together with 14 others Sacked for his dedication and loyalty to the Army. He calls a spade a spade and has not bowed down to the politicians. He is not a racist but one seeking to unite the country. Very balanced in his thinking and a true Officer and a Gentleman just as the late Gen Denzil Kobbekaduwa was who could have been a very good presidential candidate. We should all put our faith in him to deliver us from all these evil politicians.
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D. P. / September 30, 2019
a Democrat,
I’m sure that Mahesh Senanayake has leadership qualities but the question is whether he can translate his military style leadership to political style. We saw how Gn SF went through a similar transitional crisis and failed. GoRa had the same problem as the Def Sec and so far all signs indicate that he has not changed. For example, why is he taking so much efforts to hide from queries from media?
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Mahesh seems to be much more comfortable in mingling with a social crowd. I also think that he was thinking of politics even before the retirement. But his behavior during the Easter Bombing crisis, particularly the way he engulfed himself in a controversy over a telephone conversation Risad Badhiudeen had with him over an arrestee, raised my eye brows.
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Since GoRa’s candidacy has been already declared by then, I immediately suspected whether he was planning to support him. Then, I heard his name being tossed up among the JVP led NPPM crowd. Looked like JVP refused to take a risk of recommending an untested character, may be b’cos they got burned twice, with Gn SF & MY3.
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continues..
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D. P. / September 30, 2019
Continued…
It is possible that mahesh was selected over Ajith C for his oratory skills & leadership experience.
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I do appreciate their efforts of challenging the existing party system. But, democracy cannot exist without parties and therefore, they must be able to stay in politics as an alternative party to win the public confidence. My personal opinion is that presidential election is a too big step for a new team. In order to win public confidence, any new team must start locally first and move upward. The other option for honest, talented and concerned over the current political ills is to get into politics at local level from major parties advocating reforms in the existing election system which acts as huge barrier for those who don’t fall in line with the existing power structure.
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In JVP, it is the ideological barrier; in SLPP, it is the family; and in in UNP it is an elite team. Therefore, I strongly believe that the time has reached to challenge this system & this election cycle must be used to shoot parting shots. Since Sajith became a huge victim of the existing bad system, I also believe that all the others whose motive is to change the existing system must flock around him under a reform banner so that “selection reforms” can become as a strong campaign massage as other major issues. If he fails, then the movement will have a stronger reason to alone to talk to the public.
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Bunjappu / September 30, 2019
But Democrat, in a place where all is rotten to the core, would never leave a chance any good candidate to get elected.
We can exchange a lot over many months, but people in this country for some reasons, would not or take long long decades to get away from their established mindset. If they would have been asked to spice COW DUNG in the sake of getting fortune, they would do so, without listening to their knowledge. There, they dont care about the universitiy education, academic titles or whatever the levels they achieved in the society. It is just, they are just followers than self-thinkers for a better life. That is why we are stagantaed as BERELAKE.
Kovur one of the good psychologists or analaysts came from india, made it clear, srilankens would be caught by MITHYAWA- superstition, whatever the truths being rained on them, a larger number of people in the society would permamenantly believe if PIRITH THREADS would have been set around the colombo, they could easily control DENGUE or any other health problems.
Even if SO CALLED Royal Astrolodger has not the least knowledge about his being and the world, he had been offered 5 director positions by former abusive President Rajakshes. Even if the birth day of SRILANKENS REPUBLIC is not yet clear, he goes on sayin gthat SRILANKA has its own astrology. People are made to be eternal fools. That is to maintain politics of their style. Basta
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Suranga Gunasekera / September 30, 2019
Very proud day yesterday was. At last the voice of the good, peace loving, patriotic Sri Lankans from all backgrounds held hands together.
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My sincere thanks to all of you who helped to plant the seed. It’s up to us to help it grow to cover the whole nation.
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Good luck to all of us.
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Simon De Silva / September 30, 2019
Yes but I am bit worried of NK s good idea being out of focus.
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Wikalpaya can though do some pressure on both 3 candidates, but they cant achieve much if their focus is not to pass a constitution. We fought over the years, since then, to bring a new constitution, bu teach and every successor leader failed for various reasons. Today the incumbent, abusing it to the core, seems to have the temerity to make public statements, that he saved the bums of Rajakshes at the time, he lost even parliamaentary seats. Remember the fake PMship the bugger created violating the constitution, and docotoring the documents, saying that ;MP Rajapakshe did not leave SLFP? Alone that would be sufficient in a world where law and order works to the rule, to be taken to custody, this ballige putha SIRISENA has betrayed us srilankens as no other did SOFAR.
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CondemnedLizaPriceless / September 30, 2019
Isnt this the shameless bugger who said his soldier adjusted the gin belt when the video footage had the irrefutable evidence of unleashing Sinhala thugs on innocent Muslims and the destruction of their property. This worthless bugger should be taken out in public and SHOT DEAD.
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WB Samarakoon / September 30, 2019
what is the professionalism that Mahesh sennayake is having he is an Army man with hash qualities .If NPM select Mahesh, the people must realize how professionalism that NPM has. Regimental thinking won,t serve the economy. If they come army men will be deployed every where like passed war period people have to obey there idiotic orders. why this idiotic NPM couldn’t understand this. NPM people are so foolish understand this . see how much illegal benefits and assets were accumulated by forces men during war and after MRs period.our country will be end up with military ruling very soon, if a good civilian couldn’t come forward to govern this country.
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Real Revolutionist / September 30, 2019
The whole SL population over 18 should contest this election to hold a new world record.
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Democrat / September 30, 2019
Many are apprehensive that an Army General can only ensure security and not economic prosperity. This is a fallacy. Gen Senanayke’s training at prestigous military institutions not only in military matters but in engineering, administrative and global matters will hold him in good stead to provide his team the leadership to serve the nation. This gives him an edge over the others with less experience.
See what we have reaped for ourselves by entrusting the country to our thieving nincompoop politicians – Robbery of our state coffers, Bribery and Corruption, Nepotism, Family bandyism, Lawlessness, Murder , Disappearances. Drug running, etc etc. They have no sense of Shame, Honesty or Integrity but only a bloated image of themselves . Apart from serving themselves in any way or form they have neglected the poor and less privileged..Our once proud Moral Fabric is in tatters. Is this not an opportunity to get rid of them and their hangers on.
Gen Senanayake will work with a team of dedicated people who are not self serving opportunists but with those whose aim is to uplift the country as is the aim of the NPM. His credentials are far better than that of SF or GR both authoritarian with biased views , uncontrollable tempers and egos to boost and lacking in any decorum in the use of decent language.
Gen Senanayke is not faultless but no way will he be a dictator and take the country to the depths we currently are in. His parental influence on his upbringing and the influence of his mentors in the Army has moulded him to be a man of strength
discipline and character with a strong love for his country.
Lets take the opportunity to help him bring change and unite our beloved country for the benefit of all its citizens..
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Plato. / September 30, 2019
I have read all the comments above; The idealism of Sinhala Man, the down to earth queries of Douglas and so on and so forth;
But- There is a big but; Between the cup and the lip there can be many a slip!
The Appeal court has just taken up for support a motion relating to the citizenship of Gota.
The real scenario is that most voters in this country have been conditioned to the normal UNP/ SLFP/SLPP TYPE OF ELECTORAL CONTEST.
It is very unlikely that the other candidates could make a dent apart from splitting the vote and have the main contestant to face a a count on preferences.In that sense it will be a break from the past; A most welcome trait.
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Distant Observer / September 30, 2019
Here is my prediction (NOT my preference)
1. IF things remain as the way they are;
UNP will get around 35%
SLPP will get around 35%
JVP/NPP will get around 5%
Others will get the balance 25%
The 2nd preference of the JVP/NPP will decide the winner.
2. IF the Vikalpa groups NPM/Nagananda/Pallewatte group pose ONE candidate
They will get around 35%
The second place could be either UNP OR SLPP
The 2nd preference of the JVP/NPP will decide the winner.
3. IF JVP/NPP group join the Vikalpa group with Gen. Mahesh Senanayake as the candidate
they will get more than 50%
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NoName / September 30, 2019
You have no idea what you are talking about. it is only yahapalanaya votes divided among UNP, SLFP, JVP, NPP and everywhere else. Mahinda vote base is totally unmoved.
I saw so many people supporting Mahesh but they all are yahapalanaya voters who have no strength to support UNP directly now.
BTW there are people like us who are coming from kapuwath kola families that will vote Gota this time only due to dislike towards Muslims. So the victory of gota is a certainty.
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Distant Observer / October 1, 2019
First he will have to contest.
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Sampath / September 30, 2019
I doubt the suitability of this military man to rule the country because he lied to the country about the recent bomb blast, where the bomb make muhideen is an army intelligence.
Further this man used the bomb blast to increase his publicity by making false allegations on Muslim minister Rishard tomorrow with other deep state bastards.
This man is not the right selection to rule the country similarly as Gota this man also should be rejected.
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Sampath / September 30, 2019
I doubt the suitability of this military man to rule the country because he lied to the country about the recent bomb blast, where the bomb maker muhideen is an army intelligence.
Further this man used the bomb blast to increase his publicity by making false allegations on Muslim minister Rishard together with other deep state bastards.
This man is not the right selection to rule the country similarly as Gota this man also should be rejected.
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Bawa / September 30, 2019
This man is trying to be another Gota. What next, will all the other Generals put their names forward too? What about the Admirals? This is a very bad trend.
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Champa / September 30, 2019
I wish you all the very best, former Army Commander.
In event JO didn’t nominate an alternate candidate, say, WW or anybody else, I will give my full support to you in order for Sinhalese votes not to be divided.
If that is the situation, I am willing to address one or two of your gatherings, if your group is agreeable.
I am against a military man taking over the country.
However, there is no way I will let Anura Kumara to receive the support of the 6.2 million who rejected Yahapalanaya and joined WW at his Nugegoda rally on February 18, 2015.
Mahinda and JO divided Sinhalese. Now they will have to pay for their mistake. What matters to us is the country. I will do anything to keep my country from being anarchic again.
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