By Members of the Sri Lankan Spring –
The Old Left movement comprising mainly of the Lanka Sama Samaja Party (LSSP) and Communist Party (CP) was initiated in the 1930s to fight colonial rule and associated exploitation of the working class. Today the key custodians of these parties which began with noble ideals have sacrificed the key principles upholding the ethos of Socialism.
Vasudeva Nanayakkara, Tissa Vitarana and DEW Gunasekera have betrayed the people and socialist principles in the most insulting manner, which have driven away the little support they enjoyed in the past. In fact these double tongued, so called men of calibre, act out the drama in any way that is beneficial to them. Even going as far as using certain platforms that are not politically related to justify the behavior of the current regime, thus ridding themselves of any chance of “guilt” of abdicating responsibility towards the people.
This trio of a fully educated lawyer, a partially qualified one and a scientist of repute should have some finesse and principles, when compared to most of the jokers in parliament. They are also comparatively wealthy belonging to old landed families in comparison to the “noveau riche or trying to get rich by any means” parliamentarians. So why bumsuck and sacrifice their principles by aiding and abetting bad governance? Is it for the benefits and perks they are receiving and the resultant comfortable style of living or for the political prominence they receive easily as they could not achieve this through their failed political parties that are out of sync with progressive thinking, serving the needs of a modern society?
These leaders were really nurtured for socialist leadership by countries such as Cuba and Russia who invested in training, education, trips for exposure for such leaders. These supporting countries and the international socialist movement too have been betrayed by them.
But the greatest disservice has been a dereliction of duty by the people and the mechanism for good governance. In the recent struggles, many which occurred under the current regime where were these saviours? They would not give a statement nor speak up for the rights of fisher folk nor for the Free Trade Zone workers nor for FUTA nor for undue process in the current fracas between the judiciary and parliament. In fact many statements are made to justify why such struggles should not happen or are not necessary and that the government is taking the right stance. Of course they have to remain in government. Occasionally a small phrase of support to the oppressed would be given in order to be on the fence saving themselves on both sides.
It would be assumed that this so called intelligentsia within parliament, coming from the intellectual left would have really stood up for the independence of the judiciary. But the last straw was DEW Gunasekera asking Chandrasiri Gajadeera to sign the blank paper of the impeachment motion and quietly slipping away without signing it himself. The subsequent withdrawal of signature does not count after the deed was done. The irony is that especially this trio of which two have a legal background did not stand up for the independence of the judiciary, let alone all the other lawyers in parliament.
What perhaps is the most tragic abdication of responsibility is the recent cold blooded killing in the Welikada Prison. The prison comes under the purview of Chandrasiri Gajadeera of the Communist party in his capacity as Minister of Rehabilitation and Prison Reforms. He holds one of the only two portfolios given to the communist party. What steps has Minister Gajadeera taken to bring justice in this situation? Of course there is speculation that orders to kill from a “list” of certain selected prisoners have been given by the ruthless and chilling Gotabaya Rajapaksa, contrary to all other interpretations given by the media.
What has happened with the comprehensive COPE report that was prepared by DEW Gunasekera after investigating 229 public enterprises? Amidst giving statements and interim reports on a number of issues such as Greek bonds, DEW acknowledges that to take COPE further the committee has no power. Well what is he doing about this?
Vasudeva jumping ship on issues is the “peice de resistance”. What is hs stand on the impeachment. Comrade Nanayakkara of the legal profession. Do you believe in Latimer House or Medamulana rules? This has never been answered clearly by Mr Nanayakkara. The reason for staying with the government is said to be part of a plan to rise as progressives against the imperialist. Yet by staying within a government that is supporting racing cars over hand tractors, city beautification vs protection of railway crossings, building malls instead of developing schools, supporting Sinhalisation in the North and East, supporting a sinking Airline called Mihin Lanka and many other white elephants of the Rajapaksa regime, it is unclear if he understands the meaning of progressive vs imperialist. Is this the Vasudeva who went to court to save the Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation?
It is high time people realize the duplicity of the Leftist comrades of the dead left and left them severely alone to go to their grave together with their lack of principles. They should be severely sidelined and not given undue prominence as nothing has of value has been delivered to the people for many years.
MAHARAGAMA JINAPRIYA / December 9, 2012
People have realised that all these rascals could be purchased.All have party labels and the vote base they have is a few thousands,same with Dinesh and his MEP.all have Ministries and perks,Tissa went on bended knees when he was left out.All these fellows including the UNP are hell bent for power.All know from where Premadasa came. He educated both children in UK owns acoconut land PLUS A HOUSE ON WIJERAMA MAWATHA COLOMBO 7
Heaven help Lanka
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Don Carolis / December 10, 2012
Great Stuff – members of the Lanka Spring lead on!
We need a true people’s voice and a NEW CIVIL SOCIETY leadership today and you Lanka Spring folk we hope have finally emerged to lead from the front! A word of caution: beware of the folk in the entrenched left NGOs and their corrosive effects..
Traditional civil society – DONOR FUNDED AND DEPENDENT COLOMBO NGOs who are on the bandwagon for the free ride to international conferences- are dead and moribund, but will seek to capture a new movement for social justice. They do not bother any more to work with and educate the people, they are on the international conference circuits, much like the Dead Leftists and the UNP under Ranil Wickramasinghe – the longest and most despised opposition leader in Sri Lanka history – who has showed his support for dictatorship against democracy in Lanka throughout the CJ impeachment Saga…
Let us not forget that the rot extends to the Colombo NGO ladies like Nimo who is in bed with Vasu, while doing IMADAR funded jaunts to Geneva to preach Human Rights and talk about RACISM! Maitree the other NGO feminist is in bed with Ranil! All part of the same cosy Colombo cocktail circle. Joke of the season no? Nimo got a peace prize for duplicity from the National Peace Council no less. Meanwhile the Center for Poverty Analysis headed by another unqualified NGO Lady has been silent on the DiviNeguam Bill while the CJ was impeached. These donor funded women’s groups have been deadly silent on the impeachment of Lanka’s first woman CJ – who though we know is not an angel is entitled to NATURAL JUSTICE AND DUE PROCESS and may yet prove to be the last defense against the Rajpassa push to extend his family empire into the judiciary – having already captured the executive and legislature.
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Bedrock Barney / December 10, 2012
This all goes back to the MEP coalition of 1956. The day we told ourselves it is okay to walk all the rights of monorities we have suffered.
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Veedhur / December 9, 2012
Dear members of the Sri Lanka Spring, please do not waste your precious time on these shameless people. They have no principles left and are in their old age looking for a comfortable and pampered life as ministers.
Their main defense seems to be that they are protecting Sri Lanka from international conspiracy – not realizing they are part of a regime which is doing more harm to the fabric of Sri Lanka than any international conspiracy could hope to do. Having in their younger days fought against capitalism, now they are part of Sri lanka’s worst period of crony capitalism.
But any way this is what they have always been – closet feudalists and now serving the Medamulana hamu.
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Ruwan / December 9, 2012
You didn’t say rest..Entitle for Digasiri health package go to USA for treatments and finally bury them on poor tax payer’s account.
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Laksiri Fernando / December 9, 2012
Well said and well done!
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Ben Hurling / December 9, 2012
Most Sri Lankans are Left leaning. These so called left leaders have never been able to provide the leadership left leaning electorate of Sri Lanka deserves. How can these shameless people keep so silent during the dispicable impeachment process against the CJ? Where is that other so called left wing leader Dinesh G? Busy washing dirty linen for people in power? Absolute shame.
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ravi dayasiri / December 10, 2012
If this was Iran they would/should be stoned to death for hypocracy!
Vasu and Dew particularly are diabolical in thier excuses! They have left their left thinking and have become basically Sinhala/Buddhist Nationalists! This was always the problem with the Sri Lankan left as we saw with the formation of the JVP which though it didnt go around killing minorities provided the ideological justification for such acts in the name of anti-imperialism.
Wimal the wild boar is the best example today of this phony leftism, which is similar to Natinal Socialism of the German Fascist kind.
I think it is high time that Vasu and Dew be branded with the same title of National Socialist Fascists, but then that would be a compliment to their selfish opportunism and betrayal of the people.
They are hands are indeed blood soaked!
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Safa / December 10, 2012
These comrades were trying to run with the hares and hunt with the hounds. However now they have given up both and enjoying their retirement from active politics by becoming the toilet cleaners for the Rajapakse Junta. All the shit and stink of the govt is being sanitized by this principled gang of comrades in arms. In return they enjoy the perks, crumbs and recognition as ministers in a corrupt and tyranical govt.
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Sunila Mendis / December 10, 2012
please do not waste your precious words on DEW,VASU,Dinesh and other so called left leaders.They are plate to mouth rascals who sing for their dinner without an iota of self respect.Young SRI LANKANS it is time to organise yourselves to an Asian Spring not only to topple a regime but also to bring in a systemic change as Dr.Sumanasiri Liyanage stated in an article appearing in the Island news paper.
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Oh Danny boy / December 10, 2012
SEND THE LOT FROM THE PARLIAMENT AND PALACES TO THEIR ORIGINAL MUD HUTS AND SAVE THIS PARADISE ISLAND GIVEN TO THE SRI LANKAN PEOPLE BY THEIR ANCESTORS. LET US ALL GET TOGETHER AND DESTROY THE SOUTHERN TERRORISTS.
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G. Pandithy / December 10, 2012
Maharagama Janapriya:
Premadasa was not a Marxist and never castigated the U.S. So him sending his children to the U.S.for studies is understandable. But look at these so called Marxists / leftists like Vasu, Batty, Nalin de Silva, who go on castigating the U.S. as Imperialist, Capitalist, and so on. Where did their children go for studies? To my knowledge not to Cuba, nor to Russia, nor to China, nor to North Korea, but to the Capitalist / Imperialist / Reactionary capital of the World – the United States of America. Where does the Marxist / Revolutionist /later turned Patriot Weerawansa send his family for holiday? It’s to that same god-forsaken country called the U.S. (Weerawansa is such a patriot that he has never been to our greatest cultural heritage “Sigiriya” but would have traveled to over two dozen other countries including many Capitalist / Imperialist Countries. That is his patriotism.
The other left / Marxist now turned patriot (who castigate the U.S. for any of our faults) Gunadasa Amarasekera’s wife also went to the U.S. for studies and some times his children too would have studied there.
Even the Prime Minister who was a leftist fire-brand of the SLFP sought medical treatment from the U.S. Even the President had his medical examination done there when he went to the U.S. on th pretext of visiting the P.M.
These are the hypocrites and humbugs who have come forward to the rescue of this corrupt government.
What is Premadasa having a house at Wijerama Mawatha and other land compared to the wealth acquired by the Rajapakse family, Ministers, and govt. M.P.s during the last 7-8 years?
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DW / December 11, 2012
Why you hate U.S so much. Your like a frog in the well…Pleas come out of your well and see the world, evaluate other democracies..etc, You can hate the U.S foreign policy (I am sure our foreign policy is no better for them) not the U.S domestic policy or freedoms enjoyed by their citizens… I wish our Government did 10% of what the U.S government is doing for her citizens…..Please look at the progressive movement in the U.S…visit http://www.democracynow.org…how their citizens enjoy the right to dissent….Grow up!
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Kumar David / December 10, 2012
Good statement, but I wish SL Spring could say something about the group so that others could know more about it. Or is it well known and I am just ingorant?
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Bedrock Barney / December 10, 2012
The Sri Lankan version of George Orwell’s “Animal Farm’ is good no?
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DW / December 11, 2012
Yes please do…put a name behind and identify yourself…or we will have to conclude that you are another NGO “Kakka”
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D.Nimal / December 10, 2012
Dr Tissa Vithana is founder father On of LSSP leader of late Dr N.M Perera sister’s son,who inherated party leadeship form heradity.
We will go back to LSSP party President address in 1937 18th December 2ND ANNUAL CONFERANCE OF THE LSSP BY DR Colvin R,De Silva 75 years ago.”United Front Tatics is to be found in fact taht the anti-imperialist movement is gathering force. capitalism in Ceylon,though HIGHILY DEVELOP,is really very peculiar in form.” and Dr Silva futher said….A bssis of action must be founded sufffciently board to draw them into a united front against IMPERALISM.Of course the WORKING CLASS WILL NATURALLY BE THE PRINCIPLE ELEMENT IN SUCH MOVEMENT,but NOT HAVE A PURELY WORKING CONTENT.Ceylon is peculair in that it has a compleatetely COWARDLY BOURGEOISIE that NEVER HAS AND NEVER WILL AT ANY STAGE PROVIDE NATIOANL LERDERSHIP AGAINST IMPERALISM.”
Then DR Silva futher guided to LSSP 75 years before..”The result has been the unique fact that the leadership in the anti-Imperialism movement has fallen entirely upon the varguard of WORKING CLASS ORGINZED AS THE LSSP.”
The history LSSP CP LSSP-R and many old-left orinted Parties and Leaders had been completely came UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF COWARDLY BOURGEOISIE CLASS AND PARTIES OF SLFP and UNP last 50 odd years.
Dr Tissa Vithana, Mr Vasudeva Nayakekera, DR DEW Gunasekara (he had ever-never been elecated by any parlimentry seat by people of Sri Lanka of he lived on So-called Soviet money orinted Communist Party of Moscow Wing.)
Old left has lost path and leaderhip of People asprtaion since last 75 years after enter into Coalitaion politics under cowardly ruling bourgeoisie class since 1964.
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Leela / December 10, 2012
Blame them last. The buffalo citizens of this island should be blamed first
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cardinal sin / December 10, 2012
Where is Ms.Barbara S in all this? Guess she has been sritctly warned?
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Lanka Muslim, UK / December 10, 2012
Just forget them. They want to be servants for perks and privileges to survive their last few years. Then gone. Let us all think positively towards building up a Peoples’ Movement, Sri Lanka Spring or any other, on the basis of equality, unity, justice, freedom and empowerment for all the people according to their aspirations in keeping with their community, religion and language.
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Roshan / December 10, 2012
Oh! Please leave them alone. Let DEW enjoy life as a Minister. If he resigns, who will open car doors for him and help him walk? He is not in the best of health. So let the poor guy be looked after. Let Vasu also enjoy his last years (may he live long, as an ordinary citizen). He is also getting weaker and I am not sure Nimalka is looking after him well. Let him groom his son who will join the SLFP soon after Vasu is no more. Tissa V is the most virile of the trio. Let him also enjoy his virility at public expense. He needs to go on more foreign trips with his consultant. Why should we be jealous of him? These guys are not a patch on the former leaders of the Left who may have made mistakes but were nevertheless honest. They contributed in no small way to social welfare measures we have. Their big mistake was to join the coalition. But when they realised in 1975 that they could not go any further, they spoke out and were kicked out. They did not find excuses to cling on, like the present trio do.
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Kiri Gamarala / December 10, 2012
Founders of LSSP and CP did not study in Socialist Countries but in imperialist UK. Late Philip G had three of his sons studying at Universities in socialist countries and to my knowledge only Dr. SAW’s son, Suren, studied in Russia. Suren was never in politics. The present trio with Carlo are the last remaining of the not so old guard and there will be no pall bearers when they go to rest in peace.
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D.Nimal / December 10, 2012
Sri lanaka (Ceylon) left movement was in peak leveal in 1964, united all major 21 trade unions under the 21 Demnads for working masses.Huge Rally was held in Galle face Green Preside by Dr N.M Perera as Chair person.
Under the LSSP leadership he promised t working achive such Trade union demands for improving living conditions of working class.After couples of weeks Dr Perera left all Deamnds and Join Colitaion Govet with Natioanl Cowardly Bourgeisie of Sirimavo R.D.Banadarake of SLFP.
This was peroid of declaing of OLD LFET PARTIES AND POLITICS CEYLON was the truning point of seek new politics of after the FAILURE of Democrtaic Revolutaion.
The ideology of Trostakism of LSSP and many brachecs Trostkist groupes play vital role of Left politics since 1935 in Ceylon came to end in 1964.
LSSP was unable relized Role of working Class leadership under the Democrtaic Era of bourgeosie revoluation.Failure of Refomism of LSSP-Trostkism Politics had been lead to Anarchism of terrorism of JVP,that in ONE REASON JVP came into being.
Failure of Left Refomist of politiacl vaccum had been relpace by JVP anarchist -Terrorsist-of leftwing infintial disorder of anti- Marxist political stream of Che Guvura Politial orginizationof JVP last 45 years.Untill no altanative Marxsist-Lenisit has been emerage last 45 yeras in Sri Lankan,nation run without real democratic movement almost 4 and half decades.
Communist party of Ceylon had secondary role of Left politicsof working class and they are more vested interest conceration on flying daily to Moscow by Aerloplot of Soviet USSR for medical treatment and Family of thier childern education USSR and Other Eastern Europen Countries than WORKING CLASS OF SRI LANKA.At last CPC forget exsitance of there was working class in the Island.
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Parakrama A / December 11, 2012
Three headed donkey ???
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