By Kumar Davi –
The world has been spared a Third World War thanks to deterrence, that is the threat of mutual destruction. If only one nation possessed nuclear weapons all others would be enslaved. Likewise, should the threat of a military regime surface anywhere in the world only the presence of countervailing opposition to ensure that the venture will be beaten back can repel it. Morality and promises are poppycock; only power counts. Soft power is as pathetic and as toothless as Aung San Suu Kyi; the good lady will end her life in prison. From the first dynasties four millennia ago to the coups of yesteryear that’s history’s stern lesson.
Let us stop playing Russian Roulette with authoritarianism, military dictatorships or fascism, as the case may be, in nation after nation. The state in the third-world, having subjugated every agency of society has emerged as a supra-national entity. This is a new phenomenon; it belongs to recent decades. Neither class, nor wealth, nor race, nor faith are barriers to which it is subordinate. When the nation-state emerged in 17th and 18th Century Europe and later in America it was different, it was the handmaiden of commerce and a rising bourgeoisie. As absolute monarchies receded the nation-state arose not as a power in its own right, but rather the state and its instruments and institutions were subordinate to class, society and liberal norms – brief Bonapartist interludes like Napoleon aside. Now except in the metropolitan world* a profound change has occurred; it is now different in Africa, Latin America, the Middle East and parts of Asia (Cambodia and Central Asia). In the last two decades there have been about 40, at a guess, military seizures of power or annulments of elections by incumbent regimes which summoned the military to crush the people with an appalling lack of conscience and compassion. Hobbes’ Leviathan, Rousseau’s Social Contract and Marx’s version of the relationship of class and state to military power can do with updating.
The change is that the Nation-State is no longer what this term meant when nation was synonymous with country as it was with the French, British, American, Italian and Soviet nation-states though the constitutional arrangements varied. Then the nation was synonymous with country, the whole people but now the dramatic rise of narrow nationalisms has drastically altered this. The nation-state is now the nationalist-state is the narrow-nationalist-state which draws its legitimacy not from the whole but from a part of the citizenry. For example the Hindutva state, the Sinhala-Buddhist state, the Jewish state, the Burman-Buddhist state, Islamic ISIS, and the military dictatorships which draw their sustenance from a tribal (ethnic) group in West Africa or the Horn of Africa. The “Other” is not a foreign power but an “Internal-Other”. In these instances, respectively, it is the Muslims, the minorities, the Palestinians, the numerous ethnic peoples of Burma, the Shia and the other black or brown nearby peoples. The Other is an Internal-Other, the enemy is an enemy within.
To repeat, the critical factor is that fascist, militarist or dictatorial states now draw their strength and moral compass from narrow-nationalism, that is from the state’s manifestation as the enemy of the Internal-Other. The enemy is no longer the foreign foe but the Internal-Other. (Colvin once called our military “A toy army in war and a real army in peace”). Modi’s Hindutva derives its legitimacy as the sworn enemy of Muslims, the rightfulness of the Sinhala-Buddhist state is a beacon against the Internal-Other in the sixty years of SWRD, JR, Premadasa, Mahinda and Gotabaya presidencies. This symbiosis of brutal military regimes with narrow ethno-nationalisms is the fundamental paradigm shift in the modern third-world. Paradoxically for this very reason these regimes can slaughter with impunity – horrendous carnage in Africa, the Civil War in Sri Lanka, the brutality of the Burmese army and ISIL’s atrocities. Politicians cheering these one-dimensional nationalisms are populist tribunes blaring out the slogans of the crowd or relaying the broadcasts of army TV and radio. The phenomenon draws its strength from the datum that every member of the primary nationalist category, without exception of class or wealth, is united within it; brothers in the crusade against the ‘Other’. This is the foundation of every military dictatorship of recent times. It had its origins in the obscenity of Nazism whose Internal-Other was the “greedy, licentious, dirty and avaricious Jew”!
I would like to further develop these theoretical propositions about the frequency and brutality of the modern military regime as an incarnation of dictatorship that alienates an Internal-Other, but for reasons of space I must draw up my paper and get back home. The stark reality at home is that if there is a power-grab in Lanka, then restoring democracy will be a road through hell. Does anyone imagine that restoring democracy in Burma, in Sudan, in Venezuela and everywhere where a military regime as foisted itself will take less than decades of anarchy, economic ruin, blood, civil war and revolution? This is the point at which I am flabbergasted by the JVP and the Sajith-SJB. I am not declaring that a military venture is likely. No, indeed the odds are less than even; it is not possible to predict the odds. But only a fool will say that economic disaster, an insoluble debt imbroglio, president-made fertiliser scarcity, manmade power crises and food shortages are not breeding grounds for frantic regimes to seek desperate responses!
Is it asking too much of the JVP and the SBJ to concede that the danger is real even if the odds are less than even? Why not take simple measures to thwart it if the cost of such measures is insignificant? As with nuclear war the cost of deterrence is zilch compared to the charge that history will levy on a negligent world. What does it cost these two parties, the TNA, smaller entities, trade unions, civil society and Churches and Temples to convene, discuss, warn and issue proclamations to the effect that any extra-parliamentary adventure will be resisted, an attack on one will be deemed an attack on all, and postponement of elections will not be permitted?
JR and Mahinda in their day led People’s Marchs (paagamana); peaceful and orderly, clergy in the vanguard, expressing deep public anger and discontent. There is no shortage of issues today for grassroots mobilisation; ‘Hands off Democracy’, ‘Can we Farm without Fertiliser?’, ‘Give our Children Food’ are a few examples that will galvanise people. The objective at this point in time is by no means to bring down the government or to foreshorten its electoral term, rather it is as deterrence against authoritarian ambitions, to expose idiotic decisions and to deter unconstitutional excesses.
Deterrence! What does it cost the participants? Nothing! There is no commitment to programmatic unity or to future coalition government. No endorsement of each other’s ideology is implied. I have raised this several times in discussions and in my columns but received as response only inanities such as “We will consider when the time comes”, “There is no such danger now” and “Defensive preparations have to be done secretly”. Why oh why did god deprive some people of a brain!
To return to my theme that third-world dictatorship in recent times is the manifestation of a narrow-nationalist state in crisis, it is useful to appreciate that Sri Lanka may have progressed to a stage where that cock will not fight anymore. Has the usefulness of the call to war against the demala and the hambaya lost its resonance? The results of the 2019-2020 election cycle may give you pause in endorsing this thought, but what has lost its sheen is the promise of this victorious regime. “The stupid 69 lakhs” is mockery even on the lips of those who themselves were among the 69! Is the sheen of narrow Sinhala-Buddhist nationalism wearing thin? Has the theme song of depicting the minorities as the felons lost its resonance? If you listen to the tales of woe at every street corner the culprit is the government, this Minister or that, the President and the aanduwa. A take-over to “safeguard the nation from the Internal-Other” is no longer credible. The same is not true of the military machine. The tri-services were purged of Christian and Tamil vermin in the wake of the 1962 coup and is now a purified and sanitised Sinhala-Buddhist triple-gem! (For the full story see Jayantha Somasundaram; The Island of January 26, 27, 28 and 29, 2022 and the Colombo Telegraph of January 25).
So then, we have an interesting dichotomy where narrow racist extremism is saleable to the military but less so to the Sinhala people at large. The appointment of loyalists to high posts such as state ministerships, Ministrial secretary posts and corporate chairmanships, pardoning convicted killers and scuttling trials against alleged military-police murderers (Trinco student murders, Médecins Sans Frontièreskillers) would no doubt have cemented loyalty of the military to the regime. Therefore, we have a mixed equation; will a narrow-nationalist extremist power grab (or postponement of elections), citing the Internal-Other as the enemy within carry legitimacy only with the military? The one thing that the JVP-NPP, Sajith-SJB, trade unions and civil society can do is to make it clear that any such gorilla venture will be resisted by counter mobilisation of the people, mainly the Sinhalese people. This is the sole purpose of my column, not deep scholarship and profound analysis – others outrank me in these respects – but to kick the arses (editor permitting) of slumbering comrades who seem to have taken Robert Burns to heart. “My (comrades) are asleep by thy murmuring stream: Flow gently, sweet river, disturb not (their) dream”.
*[However, all is not well in the First World either. The US Congress was informed last week that the Trump White House drafted two Executive Orders, one to the military the other to Homeland Security ordering counting machines be sized when the presidential election-count was going badly. The orders were not signed or issued, but this was a common practice in Latin America in the 1960s].
Ratnam Nadarajah / February 6, 2022
Dear Prof. DAVID
Good to see you back on the scence after week or so break!
The aversion of a World War number 3 is somewhat wishfull thinking.As we know it was sheer hot air by both parties to divert the other burning issues facing every nation.The only nation who would promote or condone a war won’t be Russia. The west led by Uncle Sam would tempt it.
The CIA would be at the forefront.. That’s their bred and butter. SO THAT THE ARMAMENT ESTABLISHMENTS AND FACTORIES OF THE WEST CAN GO FULL STEAM. OF COURSE RUSSIA , CHINA AND NORTH KOREA WILL FOLLOW SUIT.
In theprocess third world nations would be rushing to buy arms at I flted prices .; to kill their own citizens
It’s a very sick world prof.
Putin in is not that stupid, he is arrogant and a tyrant on his own right but definitely not silly or bellucose
That said the scenario in the developing world is altogather different story. It stinks to the core
For starters the dictators and psychopaths of these banana republics are only making sure that they get enough loot to go he’ll with it.
It’s no good to anyone anywhere else
What’s the remedy for Sri-Lanka? A surgical intervention may cure partly but its more probablle the patient may be crippled Adding more strain to rimless economy
RN
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Rajash / February 6, 2022
LTTE was deterrence for 30 years but the they screwed it.!
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Nathan / February 6, 2022
Rajash, Just out of curiosity, who screwed, and, what?
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Native Vedda / February 6, 2022
Rajash
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“LTTE was deterrence for 30 years but the they screwed it.!”
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What did the LTTE deter?
Was it not true LTTE and his fascistic leader VP deterred progress, democracy, rationalism, rule of law, intellectualism, equality, human rights, peace, prosperity, respect for life, …… ?
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Now tell us whats wrong with the tail end of the LTTE b***s carriers?
Why are they opposing 13th Amendment all over Europe and Canada?
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Has any one of them read the amendment in his/her entire life time?
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Rajash / February 7, 2022
I am disappointed only Nathan and Native Vedda responded to my post..I thought it would provoke more reaction.
Even the Sri Lankan army is now honouring LTTE – one of the army truck during Impendence parade showcased LTTE fighters.
@Native Vedda – I am surprised by this new anti 13A protest.
..and did you see Douglas Devanada the Fisheries Minister – shouting and threatening the fisherman community at a meeting – then he ran away surrounded by security guards
Sri Lankan army is now all over NE, saffron robes are all over NE, Buddhist temples are springing up inside Hindu Kovil compound
Ambika Satkunam is openly targeted by Ministry of Foreign Affairs over a statement she made to the EU Human Rights
yes LTTE was deterrence for 30 years but the they screwed it.
@Nathan just out of curiosity, who screwed, and, what?
haven’t you seen the picture of Karuna in the arms of a prostitute procured by Gota
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Nathan / February 7, 2022
Now I understand that Karuna screwed the prostitute Gota procured for himself!
How did you decide that this article is the best place to insert it.
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Rajash / February 8, 2022
@Nathan -Rajash, Just out of curiosity, who screwed, and, what?
Gota’s Deterrence & Karuna’s penetration
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Native Vedda / February 7, 2022
Rajash
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I did see Douglas throwing tantrum.
In Sri Lanka we have a much celebrated culture of blaming the victim.
He is always in Jaffna. Has he moved his Ministry of Fisheries to Jaffna?
Today I watched another whatsapp clip. The Tamil Nadu news reader called Northern fisher-folks pirates, accused them of stealing Tamilnadu fisher folks’ nets.
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I am finding it difficult to identify the real culprits, behind this escalating problem. On one occasion a handful of Northern fisher folks demanded China to intervene, not sure if SJ was in the crowd. Who is the benefactor of this stupid conflict, we don’t know.
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Once Douglas announced he would lead a 1000 men fighters and go to the sea, as if he was commanding Chola’s Navy (kadatpadai).
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By the way did you attend the boycott 13th amendment protest?
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Native Vedda / February 6, 2022
Rajash
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“LTTE was deterrence for 30 years but the they screwed it.!”
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Thiha / February 6, 2022
The shear number of miss steps by Gotler on his merry journey to total economic devastation cannot be put down to simple stupidity. The Rajapkshes have a vast network of beneficiaries to support them. All crooked blood suckers they maybe but they exist to thwart mass mobilisation of any sort against the cruelty they impose on the population. They know the population will revolt and they are ready to deal with it. With the on going money washing operation they can concentrate on buying up more of the nations key private sector institutions including the now depreciating plantations to tighten their grip. With this grip they can brutally suppress any kind of mass protest. Eventually the nation will assume a hybrid version of communist Chyna and North Korea combined with a family dictatorship in firm control and where no more dissent is tolerated and met with a bullet thru the head. The current state of the opposition is pathetic. It is so by design. You cannot slay the Rajapakshe monstrosity with a catapult.
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Jambu / February 6, 2022
So here is the thing. Lord Ahamad lands in the island and distrbute some peanuts to a few NGOs to peddle a narrative. The Kadir Institute and Jehans et al have already gone to town with a story. These. peanuts will not solve Tamil problem. The British used Tamils to undermine Buddhism and its history. The reputational damage to Tamils is near genocidal. This is because the British are making the Tamils pay for their mistake. The British have enough resources to pay for the damage to Tamils and more. The Buddhist hisory is out and no one can hide it again. Everyone will know what happened. It will take time to British to come up with an excuse. The Tamils should move first and let everyone know how the Buddhist history was changed by the British. The world will become sympathnic and it will undo the reputational damgage to the Tamils.
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old codger / February 6, 2022
Jambu,
“The Tamils should move first and let everyone know how the Buddhist history was changed”
So here’s the other thing. Aren’t you indirectly admitting that the Tamils are better at marketing than your lot?
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Dr. Gnana Sankaralingam / February 6, 2022
“Tamils should move first and let everyone know how the Buddhist history was changed by the British”. Similarly Sinhalese should move first and let everyone know how the Dravidian Saivite history was changed by Sinhalese the Dravidian Bengali hybrid. Then the world would become sympathetic and will undo the reputational damage done to Tamils, the legitimate heirs to the heritage of Srilanka.
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Mallaiyuran / February 7, 2022
Jambu
I am still confused that who you are. Do you mean that the whole Aryan crowds in the world are only children of one woman slept with a lion. I can’t believe this. I don’t accept “Lucie Mother” theory from scientists, because I still think homosapien evolved, then degenerated and evolved and degenerated……. many times before the species we call as homosapien stabilized a separate species in the world. I assume there are many mothers and many fathers to homosapien. Then how can I accept the one single mother theory for all Aryan race? So instead of Aryans or Children of Lion, I tell you, call yourself as the special species of Wildlife Sanctuary SinhaLE, Langkang, which eat with hands and walk with two legs. Then nobody can match your ups & uniqueness in the world.
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a14455 / February 6, 2022
stuff and nonsense. when you dont like the results of democracy coming up new methods to interfere with the peoples will.
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Nathan / February 6, 2022
a14455,
Tell what Democracy is, before telling me that I don’t like its results.
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a14455 / February 7, 2022
let me ask you what it is ?
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GATAM / February 6, 2022
Democracy did nothing good for India, SL, Pakistan. In those countries democracy = racism.
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Dr. Gnana Sankaralingam / February 6, 2022
Out of the three, Pakistan is the worst racist. This week a Hindu businessman was shot dead and last week a Christian priest was shot dead, both by Islamic racists.In Srilanka Muslims are the worst racists and are contributors to a fair portion of racism.
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Native Vedda / February 6, 2022
Dr. Gnana Sankaralingam
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“Out of the three, Pakistan is the worst racist.”
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Thank you for letting us know this new discovery.
How did you come to this conclusion.
Did you do any comparative studies?
If not could you cite any studies that conclusively shaped you to form such understanding/opinion.
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“This week a Hindu businessman was shot dead and last week a Christian priest was shot dead, both by Islamic racists.”
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I wonder whether you noticed they also massacre Muslims in Pakistan, Afghanistan, middle east , …. They are like your Velupillai Prabaharan, they are also psychopaths, when it comes to killing they never discriminate.
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“In Srilanka Muslims are the worst racists and are contributors to a fair portion of racism.”
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Again could you cite evidence.
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By the way to what extend you consider yourself a racist or bigot?
Do you think you are aging into a grumpy old man?
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I take it that you are currently under lot of stress.
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PS
Grumpy old man – irritable male syndrome
Anger and bad temper in men caused by a sudden drop in testosterone levels, particularly when brought on by stress.
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chiv / February 7, 2022
Native, men who accept and embrace death ( with no fear, anxiety/grief —-etc) are like a good wine , mellow and mature with age , not leaving a bad taste. We have one more here who seems grumpy,resentful, nitpicking hypocrite, hating everything about self, including own language and people. Whenever I come across such grumpy old men,I just pray, not to turn as one.
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Eagle Eye / February 6, 2022
Dr. Gnana Sankaralingam,
How about Tamils who started anti-Sinhala campaign while the country was under British rule.
G.G.Ponnambalam started racist politics by delivering a racially charged speech at Nawalapitiya in 1939 ridiculing Mahawansha and denigrating the Sinhala-Buddhist culture, its history and the people.
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Native Vedda / February 7, 2022
Eagle Blind Eye
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“G.G.Ponnambalam started racist politics by delivering a racially charged speech at Nawalapitiya in 1939 ridiculing Mahawansha and denigrating the Sinhala-Buddhist culture, its history and the people.”
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Could you cite reference for his “racially charged speech”.
You also should ridicule Mahawansha.
Sinhala and Tamil speaking people should denigrate the Sinhala-Buddhist culture, which propagates racism, justifies violence, instigate genocide, mass killing, promotes kleptocracy, khakistocracy, Saffronocracy (Theocracy) ……..
So whats wrong with it.
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It’s their last resort’: Delhi high court decriminalises begging
https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2018/aug/21/its-their-last-resort-delhi-high-court-decriminalises-begging
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Following Delhi High Court judgement this island also should decriminalize begging in for Sri Lankans, maybe west should grand special visas for Lankies, to beg en mass in developed countries, middle east, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Ethiopia, …
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Do you know Faked Sinhala/Buddhism has driven this country from a rice producing country to begging bowl carrying nation. You should line up all your ministers, saffronistas, army, …..politicians on the runway of our international airport … holding begging bowl,
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MyView / February 6, 2022
…the threat of a military regime surface anywhere in the world, ONLY the presence of countervailing opposition to ensure that the venture will be beaten back can repel it….
But it has not worked in Myanmar – the Generals still go on. Military rule in Myanmar (also known as Burma) lasted from 1962 to 2011 and resumed in 2021 to date.
North Korea is “a dictatorship of people’s democracy” under the leadership of the Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK). The WPK is the ruling party of North Korea. It has been in power since its creation in 1948.
There should be more ways to skin a cat.
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davidthegood / February 6, 2022
So many suggestions about how this narrow SB nationalism will end. To make it peaceable to benefit all, it would have to become a broad nationalism. This process will depend on how a joint opposition gathers the citizen population with sacrificial truth of an end to exalt and magnify whole nation and not just one family. New leader needs an eternal vision and hard work against all odds. The will and purpose of the creator of this universe can be done, and eventually will be done in due time, eliminating the ignorant non repenting robbers and murderers. Restoration of nations includes all things including the fallen planetary system as well, since not only Lucifer craves worship but the sun moon and trees too learnt to crave worship given to them.
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Eagle Eye / February 6, 2022
davidthegood,
“So many suggestions about how this narrow SB nationalism will end.”
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The main issue in Sri Lanka is not narrow SB nationalism but Tamil racism and Muslim extremism.
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Simon / February 6, 2022
In summary, the article is to propose a “Detterrant” against the present Government. To do that the writer proposes to “Opposition” (mainly SJB & JVP/NPP) to muster the people to come out in large numbers and deter the Government.
My opinion on that proposal is simply “ARCHAIC”. Why? The present day people of Sri Lanka are such a “Self Centered”, “Unwiedly” and “Unworldly” set of inhabitants so unquie. The “Opposition” knows it, but yet tried it on two occasions. One by SJB of Sajith & Co. by organising a “March” to Colombo from the subarbs. What happened? The Government confronted it with “Health Guidelines” and it ended in a failure. Next the JVP/NPP organized a “March” from Colombo Technical College junction to Fort Railway station to protest against the “Sale” of Oil Tanks in Trincomalee. What happened and how many attended? It was attacked with “Rotten Eggs” and the numbers attended were minimal. Were there any “Public Crys” or “Opinion” expressed against the attackers or did the Government receive a loud and clear message to curtail their oppressive measures? If you honestly answer these questions, you will agree with me for my definition of these “Protes Rallys” to be “Archaic” and of “No Use”. So what is required now is a “Different Approach” and a “Different Strategy”. I continue…..
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Simon / February 6, 2022
continued… Now (1) compare the “Numbers” that lined up on a hot day standing for hours to visit the “Port City”. (2) The “Large Numbers” that attended an “Out-Door Musical Show” in Battaramulla. (3) The “Crowed” that arrived in Hatton to climb the “Sri-Pada” (Adams Peak) (3) The “Crowds” that “Buy” tickets to attend “FaceBook” parties in “Beaches” and “Hotels”. (4) Recently the Trade Unions of “Public Employees” demanded a salary increase of Rs. 10,000.00. What happened? The Government gave an “Allowance” of Rs. 5000.00 a month. Now, where are those “Trade Unions” and the “Public Employees”? Do they “CRY” any more and further? I mentioned a few of these events to prove my “Definition” (in my previous comment) of the “Present Day” inhabitants of this country.
In my opinion, both “SJB” and “JVP/NPP” have understood the “Trends” and the “Futility” of those “Mass Protests”. Now “SJB” goes from “Village to Village” to “Distribute” goodies from the “Handouts” (Monetary plus ) received recently from China. On the other hand “JVP/NPP” holds “District” plus “Village” level meetings and appoint “Organizing Committees” to educate the people. Now this “TREND”, AKD of JVP/NPP when asked: “Why are you not leading protests by the people”, he said: “If the people take the INITIATIVE first then we will “Lead”.
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Simon / February 6, 2022
I continue:
That is how JVP/NPP has learned from “1971” and “1989”. This time, they (JVP/NPP) are not going to “ANSWER” an another “BLOOD BATH” and they KNOW, the Government of “Gotabahaya’ and his “Military Apparatus” are waiting for it to happen. In my opinion, it is a “Good Understanding” and lessons learned from the history of “1971 & 1989”. That is how I explained those “PROTESTS” are “ARCHAIC”. Then WHAT must be done? I continue again. Please bear with me…
What must be done? (1) Keep the people “Informed” and “Educated” on the LATEST development of “FAILURES” of the Government. (2) Let the people KNOW how they are DEPRIVED of their basic necessities. (3) Keep “Reminding” of what they are losing and how they become miserable allowing them to form their own opinion and many more such steps to: “You know it and you decide”.
In this scenario, SJB has resorted to “Distribute” goodies. Recently Sarath Fonseka told his “Boss” Sajith, “Stop talking of your father. Those plans are no more on the ground”. Even, Dr. Harsha, Eran are showing a “Luke Worm” attitude towards Sajith. Another Ajit Perera is never heard of.
In contrast, JVP/NPP strategy seems to work. The people have “Decided” to “Hoot” at Ministers, MPs, and even the “President”.
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Sinhala_Man / February 7, 2022
Dear Simon,
.
This is Dr Harini Amarasuriya explaining their strategy at a meeting in Galle yesterday:
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lkO26hxYTWg
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They have a plan.
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Simon / February 7, 2022
Sinhala_Man: Thanks. I listened to it. Ms. HA is brilliant and hopes she will shine. Please note she is not a JVP member contrary to what most people try to interpret.
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Jit / February 7, 2022
Stupid Sajith distributing goodies is pathetic! Instead, he should be mobilizing people to revolt against these pirates!! But the deal with Rajapaksha gang is stupid Sajith keep doing what the government should be doing – distributing goodies to people! What a politically naive moron is he!!
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nimal fernando / February 7, 2022
What’ll save the country is not the wisdom of the ankan people …….. but time.
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Gota, Basil, Mahinda are over 70 ……..
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Aren’t ye glad …….. that no one has yet discovered the secret of immortality ……
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Native Vedda / February 7, 2022
nimal fernando
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“Gota, Basil, Mahinda are over 70 …….. – Aren’t ye glad …….. that no one has yet discovered the secret of immortality ……”
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I am sorry you forget the rest of the clan,
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Namal Rajapaksa, Yoshitha Rajapaksa, Rohitha Rajapaksa, Thejani Rajapaksa, Asanka Rajapaksa, Bimalka Rajapaksa, Manoj Rajapaksa, Shasheendra Rajapaksa, Shamindra Rajapaksa, Shashindra Rajapaksa, Shameendra Rajapaksa,, Himal Laleendra Hettiarachchi, Rangani Hettiarachchi, Chaminda Rajapaksa, Malaka Chandradasa, Madhawa Chandradasa, Madini Chandradasa, Malika Chandradasa, Eshana Ranawaka, Nipuna Ranawaka, Randula Ranawaka, …….
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Simon / February 7, 2022
Dear NV: How did you forget the most talked of and whose LOOT could feed our people with much-needed food…… NIRUPAMA RAJAPAKSE.? Cheers!
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Native Vedda / February 7, 2022
Simon
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“How did you forget the most talked of and whose LOOT could feed our people with much-needed food…… NIRUPAMA RAJAPAKSE.? “
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I am sorry I must have lost my patience, so left the names out with an indication of ….. It was not my intention to leave her name out of my incomplete information nor was my intention to insult her by omitting her name.
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If you want me to provide entire members of thieving clan I will be sitting in front of my computers days and weeks.
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Simon / February 8, 2022
NV: Don’t worry. It was all fun. If we go to identify the “ROGUES”, we can compile volumes and volumes. The easiest thing would be to name those who are not rogues because that list would be very minimal. Have a Nice Winter!
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Jit / February 7, 2022
You are dreaming Nimal! there is a whole coachload of younger Rajapaksha clan waiting in line…………
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nimal fernando / February 7, 2022
Jit,
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The Rajapakses are Mahinda ……… without Mahinda there wouldn’t be Rajapakses.
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Mahinda gone, Rajapakses gone.
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Would Gota be president without Mahinda?
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No other Rajapakse is capable of becoming president in his own right ………… But Lanka is Lanka: nothing can be ruled out! :))
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SJ / February 7, 2022
The author is blissfully ignorant of the role of imperialism (the US and former colonial powers) in the regime changes.
The past 20 years are not significantly worse any score of post-WWII years in the last century. Since the Cold War, the CIA has passed the baton to other agencies like NED.
Only Ratnam Nadarajah has bothered to touch on this aspect.
When one loses track of what happened to old imperialism since the end of direct colonial rule, one loses touch with Third World reality.
Parliamentary democracy is tyranny in the name of a majority. Racism rules even in the ‘democratic West’.
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Native Vedda / February 7, 2022
SJ
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Here we go again.
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chiv / February 8, 2022
Native, Looks like Dinuk is on leave and the old grumpy man is doing double shift. Do you think it’s a conspiracy to tarnish the image of our bankrupt country/ people ???? Because Johnston, says the power shortage and blackouts are conspiracy, energy Minister said the same with fuel shortage.
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chiv / February 8, 2022
Here is tailor made speech delivered by failure to losers. Sir, claimed in his “INdependence speech “on certain matters, both local and foreign forces organized against us”. (I guess he is blaming Chinese for pandemic ????.) He continued “sometimes it may seem that every thing that happens around you is conspiring against you ” (like scarcity of food, fuel, electricity , starvation, unemployment, $ crisis________.) . Forces against national leadership that values our indigenousness ???? (he means retardation, immorality, lying ) and protects the country’s sovereignty ??? are subtly misleading the people through various propaganda, I urge the people of this country to always act prudent. Looks like script writer is none other than our “BATS EYE”. Tailor made speech delivered by failures to losers.
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Mallaiyuran / February 7, 2022
” Parliamentary democracy is tyranny in the name of a majority. Racism rules even in the ‘democratic West’. “
Really Amazing inventions though! Who else could have thought about this until now?
Jobless hairdresser shaves the cat!
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chiv / February 10, 2022
Mallai, is that a surprise ?? parliamentary democracy is a tyranny and that’s why Dink Dongs never had one.
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Mallaiyuran / February 7, 2022
This guy has no moral right to comment under this heading. He wrote somewhere else that FP destroyed Tamils’ job opportunities by rising up against Sinhala Only oppression. Federal Party sued Siri Ma O’s government at Privy Council and won that case.
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Jayasiri Samarakoon / February 7, 2022
For what Prof. David proposes to be effective, Opposition parties must work together. But SJB and JVP/NPP both want to do so by themselves. Why does Prof. David, who first mooted the idea of a common candidate based on a single issue not talk about joint action? Why is he not putting pressure on the JVP/NPP to do that. He was on the national list of the JVP/NPP at the last election. The fact is that both SJB and JVP/NPP are not genuinely concerned about the masses. They want power for themselves, even at the cost of the people having to be under the Rajapakses for another five years- until 2029.
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Sinhala_Man / February 9, 2022
Dear Simon,
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I’m glad that you found the speech in Galle by Harini Amarasuriya inspiring. On the same occasion there had been this 58 minute speech by Vijitha Herath.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=APZd2ER7mnQ
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This is a 14 minute excerpt from the same speech.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5YzV4r061Ls
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I’ve also come across this report on the thinking of Kumar Guneratnam of the Frontline Socialist Party:
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https://island.lk/fsp-rules-out-any-truck-with-jvp/
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It may appear somewhat disappointing that he hasn’t unhesitatingly pledged support to the NPP (this report has him referring – even more disappointingly – to the JVP rather than the new NPP). Please study it carefully. I’m encouraged by the moderate tone that he has struck. Well, if he has misgivings over allowing the likes of Dhammika Perera and Dudley Sirisena to associate with the NPP, then, so have I!
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Panini Edirisinhe
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Simon / February 9, 2022
Sinhala_Man: Thank you. I have been following closely the RHETORIC of this “Peratu Gamini” camp. Of the many “Brains” within it Kumar Gunaratnam has spoken out, that too “Sparingly” indicating slight solidarity with NPP. Its Pubudu Jagoda hasn’t spoken a word so far of a ” Common Front with anyone. However, recently it has taken a different turn of attacking NPP’s policy of establishing a “Private Sector Participation” in the economic “Restructuring” plan. They have either by choice or omission forgotten one component of that “Economic Plan”, in that, NPP categorically states, the “State” would give the “Targets”, “Affords” all facilities and “Invite” the “Private Sector” to participate with confidence and safety. Is there anything wrong with that? The “FEAR” of “Peratu Gamini” is that “Private Sector” would ultimately “Encroach” into the main body Politics and NPP would suffer the same fate as all other political parties. There is enough time to clear that if they want to. If JVP can “Change”, through NPP, why not “Peratu Gamini” for the good of the country?
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Sinhala_Man / February 10, 2022
Dear Simon,
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Wonderful work, and perceptive comments from you. How can I give you a congratulatory pat on the back? Do I have to come to your Unawatuna kadamandiya in the Galle District to do so? Isn’t there a less arduous way of doing it?
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What is great is that you are speaking to people there in Sinhala, the same as I do up here in Bandarawela, where I was born. I wonder whether you know that all my ancestors, as far as I know, came from the Galle District? From the banks of the River Gin?
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What we need are some people from the Jaffna District also taking up the cry. It is best if those who campaign for the NPP (let’s be honest about it, that’s what we are now doing – you, leelagemalli and me.) I’m rather disappointed with Human Touch, but never mind, we must tolerate the aberrations of some otherwise decent guys!
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More strength to you arm!
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Panini Edirisinhe
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Simon / February 10, 2022
Dear Sinhala_Man: Thanks for compliments and I accept them with all humility. I have always maintained that JVP/NPP spokesmen MUST learn to speak in Tamil because that is the only way to DIRECTLY communicate with the majority in the North and East. However, I heard Vijitha Herath in his address to the members of the Galle District Committee of NPP speaking (few words) in Tamil. That is a good sign. I hope JVP/NPP will take this matter seriously and “Learn” to speak in Tamil. Look at that MP from TNA representing Trincomalee, who speaks so fluently in all three languages. So is Mr. Sumanthiran. Yesterday, Douglas Devananda met a delegation (outside the gates of his Ministry in Colombo) in conversation with the protestors in Sinhala. There are many like that. Shouldn’t the JVP/NPP feel ashamed and learn “FAST” to speak in Tamil? It is a MUST.
All the BEST to you, Sir.
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Simon / February 10, 2022
My last comment on the article is addressed to Prof. David Kumar. You wanted to “Organize” protests and show “DETERRENCE” to Government. Did you see the meeting held in Anuradhapura by the “Rajapakse & Co. Inc”? I have described the “Genealogical Behavioral Patterns” of the inhabitants of Sri Lanka in my comments. Just see how these “Sheep” could be “Congregated” to an enclosed “Stable” by the chasing “Dogs” of the “Rajapakse & Co. Inc.” – the “Farm Owner” . It is reported at least 4 persons (Slaves) herded to the “Salgado Stabe” have consumed the distilled brew supplied from the “Kurunegala Brewary” and said “Goodbye” at the hospital.
In another field – See what “Rajapakses & Co.” doing with EPF and ETF. Where are the “Thousands” and “Millions” of workers who OWN the Fund? Shouldn’t they be OUT there on the streets? Why are they WAITING to be driven by politicians? That is another class of “Brain Dead”.
Do you still want the “Opposition” (excluding SJB, SLFP & UNP) to organize “Protests” with these “Slaves”? Forget it at least for the present.
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