Newly minted Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa continued to bat for the Gotabaya Rajapaksa Government yesterday by coming out strongly in support of Army Commander Shavendra Silva who was slapped with a travel ban by the United States on Friday for his involvement in war crimes during the final stage of the conflict in 2009.
Sajith Premadasa
In two tweets in sequence Premadasa claimed that the imposition of a travel ban on army commander Shavendra Silva and his immediate family was regrettable and unfortunate. “He is one of the heroic field commanders who spearheaded the national effort to eradicate terrorism” the new Opposition Leader said of the man accused of leading one of the army’s most brutal divisions in the final stage of the war. The 58 Division that Silva commanded has been accused of indiscriminate shelling of civilians in the No Fire Zone and extra-judicial killing of captives.
While it is unclear if Premadasa speaks for the UNP, he added that “all of us stand by him and his family at this hour of need. As a country we shall always stand with the war heroes that brought about an end to 30 years of terrorism.”
Neither of the tweets included a reference to the victims of Silva’s unit’s brutality over a decade ago – thousands of Tamils who voted in droves to elect Premadasa as President in November 2019. Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s performance in most of the North and East was abysmal, with the victor in the November election barely getting as many votes as his brother Mahinda did in 2005 and 2010. Since his election defeat Premadasa has been on an islandwide tour of the districts to thank his voters but is yet to step foot in the North and East where he won by the highest margins.
The travel ban against Sri Lanka’s highest ranking military officer – Lt. Gen. Silva is also acting Chief of Defence Staff – is the first time the world has taken action against a Government official for gross human rights abuses committed during the war.
But Colombo Telegraph learns that Premadasa’s support for Lt. Gen Silva dates back to August 2019 when President Maithripala Sirisena came under crushing pressure to avoid appointing the controversial military officer as commander of the army, replacing Lt. Gen. Mahesh Senanayake.
While the bulk of the UNP stood against the appointment at the time, making private interventions to President Sirisena, Premadasa made a special effort to convince the then head of state that the appointment was fine by him. At the time Premadasa was staking a claim for the presidential nomination and waging war against his party leader and Sirisena’s bete noir, Ranil Wickremesinghe. Premadasa advocated strongly for Silva’s appointment as army chief because his wife Jalani and Silva’s wife Sujeewa Nelson were close friends. Mrs. Silva was a regular customer at the Jaal Salon owned by Premadasa’s spouse and also a dear friend of the couple. At the time, Silva used his wife’s UNP credentials to convince Premadasa and others in the Government that he was not a Rajapaksa associate and backer.
Premadasa who took up the position of Opposition Leader by vowing that he would “not play the role of a traditional opposition but support the Government to implement its policies” has remained true to his word. Earlier this month he stood by mutely while the Constitutional Council rubber-stamped Gotabaya Rajapksa’s appointment of Justice Nawaz, a judge who has been charge sheeted by the Bribery Commission on corruption charges as President of the Court of Appeal. He has refused to stand up agianst the Government’s witch hunts against his own MPs and former ministerial colleagues or speak one word for law enforcement officials who have been persecuted by the new regime for simply doing their jobs to investigate heinous crimes against journalists and civilians between 2005-2015.
Political circles are abuzz with speculation that President Rajapaksa is in possession of compromising material that could embarrass Premadasa and his family, which has won subservience from the new opposition leader. Authoritative sources told Colombo Telegraph that Premadasa was regularly in touch with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and uses Gotabaya backer and publisher Tiran Alles as an intermediary to the new president. (By Chinthika De Silva)
Nagalingam Ethirveerasingam / February 16, 2020
Premadasa’s position on S. Silva’s ban puts TNA who supported and got 80% of the Tamil votes for him in a questional position with respect to the impending Parliament election. Now TNA has to refrain from supporting any Sinhala political parties if it wants Tamil votes. SP will not get any significant number of Tamil votes. Nor will Ranil’s faction.
When USA banned S. Silva and family from entering USA, entry to UK may also be denied. GR and SS can test it. Will EU follow suit? The question now is, will USA begin listing others who committed war crimes for whom there is irrefutable evidence?
The question also arises whether GR and MR, who had command responsibility and who now have immunity because of their Presidency and Premiership be ever be able to visit USA and UK? If GR and MR react irrationally SL may face economic and trade sanctions not just from USA but also from UK and EU.
It is time for SL to begin implementing UNHCR resolution on war crimes and crimes against humanity instead of its irrational Defence that there were no commission of such crimes.
/
Sam Fernando / February 16, 2020
If he would not take the side of Gotler, then people would say that SP is no pro sinhala. ‘That may be the reason him to stand by Gotler. I think he could be silent in this regard.
This particular Silva was bit snobish immediately after he left SRILANKA for USA. I really dont know this bugger and that Kamal Agunaratna are bit beyond normal. They behave like idiots.
/
Leelagemalli / February 16, 2020
This nation is filled with idiots. With or withhout saffron robes they feel so long they would stand against Tamils, it is right. They but just talk about a reconciliation that the nation could never be able to start with. So, Sajith too has to drum according to the situation. JVPrs too should do so, else, they would get marginalized in the society. That is srilanka, – they talk and talk but would never want to walk the talk:
/
Umbe. Watte / February 16, 2020
All a bunch of rogues including SP who is abrainless twit piggybacking on his father’s name. Certainly not leadership material but who is? No principles or values.
/
Silva / February 16, 2020
China is too busy defending the South China Sea and can’t help the Rajapaksas. Japan, Taiwan, Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia are about to claim their respective regions of the South China Sea. No 2/3 majority for Rajapaksas without Indian help…
/
hatharabirikatharina / February 16, 2020
China is not only interested in SRILANKA as Rajaakshes are made to believe. Their investments are spread every where as if a metastasized cancer cells are every where in a severly suffering cancer patient.
:
But those who own LINMAEDI mentality – not knowing the bits and the least of them, would feel, that CHINA would do anything as RajaaFUKses would expect them to.
That is not the case. This became very clear at the time, CHINA to be the only STATE to welcome 52-day FAKE govt of SIRISENA and BP Mahinda, entire world stood against CHINA to have welcome that CRIMINAL short lived govt.
There China made it very clear, that they would respect WORLD not SRILANKA.
Remember ?
Besides, today, by making false pledges BPs came to power, not even a single step being taken towards to progress within the last 3 months. Untruths would never allow them BPs to mislead the nation again.
:
BP Mahinda Rajfukse is SPEECHLESS today – Not being able to give some relief s with pay reductions to DAILY needs. That alone shows BPs would only become masters when it goes to STEAL the state::: else they are self glorifying idiots: Self aggrandizements have misled gawky people who are the majority of this country.
/
Pascal'sbrother / February 16, 2020
Please listen to the video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=56wkKuLeDeo
Yes moderator in the video has been telling merely the truth.
Just because we are sinhalese we should NOT feel above our minorities. I think it is high time, SB and Rajakshe BPs be HUNG by their balls.
/
Amarasiri / February 17, 2020
Pascal’s Brother,
Thanks for the video.
So, they , SB Andy all must be prostrating to monks per Buddha-Agama, as the monks supported them to maintain the hegemony of the monks and the tribe.
/
Simon De Silva / February 16, 2020
Sam,
Bitches sons ruin the nation so long people would not be made very clear that Rajakshes should be out of lanken politics.
–
Just, entire world would stand against Rajaakshes. I have no doubt Trade embargo will follow.
With all the debt traps – country will fall into fire next days.. that will be a reality.
GSP will be allowed just for one another year only
Ballie putha Rajakshes should be skinned for all the crimes he has deliberately perpetrated and made this country a number one debt trap one
/
immediacy19 / February 16, 2020
NE
A very rational and sensible comment reflecting Tamilian consensus. How insensitive the other side is to the political implications of irresponsible stances.
/
Abdul Kader / February 16, 2020
Nagalingam Ethirveerasingam,
–
Opposition doesn’t have to oppose everything
/
D. P. / February 16, 2020
Abdul Kabeer,
Correct. Besides, this column by a CT editor contains extremely inaccurate facts as well – a biased journalistic practice unworthy of a respected news site. For example, Sajith’s statement that he would give the fullest support to fulfill GoRa’s election promises – made as a challenge for GoRa’s foot dragging attitude towards his own huge election promises- is misinterpreted as a sign of support for GoRa. I strongly believe that CT must reprimand author of this column for misrepresenting facts.
–
It was MY 3 who appointed Shavedra Silva; not GoRa. As the PM & the head of the UNP, it was up to Ranil to express the UNP position regarding the appointment. All the top UNP leaders as well as other party leaders in the union supported Shavendra then. Therefore, putting pressure on Sajith to be extremely liberal even beyond the level of JVP, is very unfair. Therefore, I have to believe that, in attacking Sajith, CT has fallen under the influence of Ranil camp of UNP. I’m quite certain that CT knows perfectly well the fact that attacking Sajith means indirectly augmenting the position of GoRa. Isn’t this exactly what Ranil camp wants?
/
Rajash / February 16, 2020
all the Sinhala politicians are one club.
they only oppose each other for the press.
they are all jointly corrupt meaning each other knows each others corruption.
The Sinhalese moadaya voters cant sse through that
as long ass you peddle anti LTTE and anti Tamil message the Sinhalese moadaya are happy
/
Dr. Gnana Sankaralingam / February 16, 2020
“Entry to UK may also be banned”. Hope not, because Tamils in UK are waiting to hit him with slippers.
/
Cyrus / February 16, 2020
Dr GS,
hitting others with slippers is a part of Tamil Culture isn’t it. Your former leader VP and his mentor AB were experts in hitting others with slippers, but ultimately both murderers got hit hard with Bata slippers.
Its very funny diabolically funny that no one wants to call VP a war criminal. It’s only a sane person or persons who know what the psychopath did to others when he was alive who will call him a real war criminal.
The bastard would have done very well as a member of Hitler’s notorious SS and Gestapo.
His mentor AB would have done well as Heinrich Himmler’s secretary.
Its a pity that the UK gave you bloody wankers entry status when there are many good and able people who have been turned down. But then !!!! politicians are politicians no matter where they are.
Mr GS shut up and make the best use of the UK’s generosity. Brush your teeth, take a daily bath, wear clean clothes, don’t use toilet paper, use water in abundance, give up your bad tamil habits of hitting people with slippers, integrate yourself into british society and culture, thank God and the UK that arseholes like you were given entry and finally leave Sri lanka to solve its own problems.
/
Mallaiyuran / February 16, 2020
Cyrus,
“ Its a pity that the UK gave you bloody wankers entry status when there are many good and able people who have been turned down ”
Do you mean people like the deported Colonel Karuna or Cutthroat rascal Buffoon Brigadier? Who are good people you are recommending, after Britain has exited out of EU saying it doesn’t want the undesirable immigration policy of EU.
/
Dr. Gnana Sankaralingam / February 17, 2020
Stop being a coward and write in your own name. It is fools like you that they had admitted wrongly. For your information, I was invited by UK to help them run their health services and serve its people. It is toilet cleaner like you, who has jumped into this first world country from a smelly, dusty and sweaty third world country. It is British policy that war crimes had been committed by security forces on Tamils which should be investigated in a credible way. You should be ashamed about this indictment on Sri Lankan judiciary as a biased institution. It is also the UK policy that accountability, justice, human rights and reconciliation needs to be addressed. I have fully integrated into British culture, having held top position in numerous associations and been a member of black and minority board of General Medical Council overseeing racial discrimination. Sri Lanka will never allow Tamils to live in dignity and safety and very soon international community will intervene, like what they are doing in Sudan to establish justice to victims. It is arse holes like you who are like dogs with tails tucked between legs when living in western countries, who behave like supremacists in Sri Lanka.
/
punchinilame / February 16, 2020
Here is what Ajith commented on CT on 12-11-2019:
“This week The official spokesperson for the US Embassy in Colombo Nancy VanHorn, responding to a query raised by News 1st noted that the Embassy “cannot comment on individual visa or citizenship issues, under U.S. privacy laws”.
The response clearly shows that they are not able to say anything about US citizen. If Gota’s application was officially granted to get rid his US citizenship, it would have appeared in the official release of the list. We all know CIA is a very secretive institution and nobody knows who work for this organization. USA did not comment on whatever said by Gotabaya campaign group against USA. Why should they bother if Gota accepted their deal secretly. After Election he will come with the same agreement and will say that it is the same agreement or improved agreement and there is more benefit to Srilanka. Gammanpila and Weerawansa will then say” Yea, Yea” Gota is right. He will alone fight USA if USA violates its agreement. Even Mahanayaka thermos will say ” Yes Yes”.
Another five years is enough to rob the nation and run away to USA for Mahinda Family.”
Any CT commentator going to Courts for the fun of it?
/
Agnos / February 16, 2020
In the Presidential elections, it was a matter of pragmatism to support the candidacy of SP, despite knowing that the UNP would do nothing tangible on the issue of war crimes.
But in the General Elections, the TNA can form an alliance with other minority parties to win the maximum number of possible seats. They can then extend support on an issue-by-issue basis, while retaining enough independence to be able to criticize the UNP as needed.
/
Bala Balaraman / February 16, 2020
Mr Premadasa you are an utter dissapointment.you are not a national leader as expected but has shown your true coloures by wanting votes rather then principles.you are going the way like all communal politicians.Now,I feel it is best you are not appointed as UNP leader.
/
Sunil Abeyratne / February 16, 2020
Yes.
Ranil will certainly win the elections with two thirds majority.
/
paragon / February 16, 2020
we are awaiting to hear LOCAL MGR MANO GANEASN as to what he has to say about SAJITHAYS U TURN.MANO if you contest together with SAJITHAYAS GROUP this time you are sure to get lost in the next election in colombo district-wish you good luck.
/
Blabla / February 16, 2020
We are again back to square 1. The Golden advise by our great political leader S.J.V. Chelvanayagam “we cannot trust any Sinhala political party”. We have always been cheated by the Sinhala parties getting our support to win the election and after they winning tear away the promise they made to us. We can only trust ourselves to solve our problems. No turning back, we fight to win our battles with the strength we have and trusting ourselves. If we turn back to believing that we can win our right through supporting Sinhala parties we will be doomed and wasted our time”.
This was the golden advice by Thanthai Chelva way back to the seventies. All the politician of that time made that promise by cutting their arm and placing their own blood as pottu on their forehead”
So what has happened to this show? We again turned back forgetting what Thanthai Chelva told us and supported the Sinhala parties and we wasted our time and put us back by so many years. Tamil politicians went back and cheated Thanthai Chelva and everyone including them and the Tamils. Thanthai Chelva’s golden advise stood tall reverberating loudly. Thanthai Chelva’s must be turning in his grave. We really cheated him. At least now let the Tamil politicians come out and apologize and repent what they have done and make a solemn promise again not to support any Sinhala political parties and act acordingly..
/
Citizen Silva / February 16, 2020
Nagligam,
You foolish Tamil wait till US and EU acts on behalf of Tamils?
They don’t care two hoots about Tamils.
/
Mallaiyuran / February 16, 2020
Citizen Silva ,
” You foolish Tamil wait till US and EU acts on behalf of Tamils? “
No, He doesn’t, but waiting on you like the new ultra racist Balangoda Veda Buddhists come and do it for Tamils. (bloody rogues, are you all dying hard in CT to save Tamils?)
/
Mervin N / February 16, 2020
Absolutely correct, Tamil people especially from northeast shouldn’t support these Sinhalese political parties at any election. Sajith premadasa is full vengeance against tamils and also shows his racists face many times before. We have realise reality of Buddhist Sinhala mentality at least in most important time and rally together in one umbrella in this most important time.
/
Anonymous / February 16, 2020
Sajith is a Rajapaksas puppet manipulated by Dayan Jayatilleka and the below 79% IQ idiots can’t see through it… from Russia with love Sajith will make sure Rajapaksas get the 2/3 majority by throwing this Elections …
/
paragon / February 16, 2020
SAJITH HAS NO BRAIN .HE IS DANCING TO THE BAILA OF SRILAL JAYATHILAKA AND TISSA ATTANAYAKE.he will know his real power base after next election result-
/
ThanthaiChelva / February 16, 2020
Tamilians in the north and the east will not vote for the UNP at the parliamentary election. They vote for racist TNA. So UNP has nothing to lose. Tamilians elsewhere have no choice than the UNP.
/
Sivathamby Naguleshwaran / February 16, 2020
WHAT SAJITH DID WAS RIGHT!
We Tamils need a Southern Sinhalese who can command the confidence of the South, otherwise we cannot arrive at a workable solution in the long term.
Sajith is not a racist. We all know this for a fact and arguably the best person to cut a deal with, without ruffling too much feathers of the majority.
If we don’t have a comfortable counterpart in the south. Then we need to coexist with the tyrant GR. So SP is a better option. Let him first stabilize in the South and offset the deep seated negative impacts the UNP has inherited as a result of the selfish and absolute idiotic policies/conduct of RW.
Its just a choice of we succeeding by making our judgement based on the long term “political big picture” or bring about permanent misery as we have always done by seeing things from the petty angle by letting our course of action driven by the heart.
Remember its not essentially us, but the next generation that will really pay for our wrong call.
/
Mallaiyuran / February 16, 2020
So is that you logic that King and Vaalaiththodam Must go ahead on Tamil bashing competition to gain Southern vote while giving a promise to solution(just like what Yahapalanaya did in 2015 to Sampanthar) to Tamils to harvest their votes too? Do you believe that there is no responsibility for the Opposition Leader to Explain the Balangoda Veda Buddhists that what the barring to US means in international opinion on the war and what is War Crime accusation on Lanake at the UNHRC means too?
/
Rohan / February 17, 2020
How by pandering to the Sinhalese racist Corona Virus, that all southern politicians have been doing since independence , bringing this country into ruin?
/
desperateasnother / February 16, 2020
Lanken politics is highly controlled by SINHALA buddhist clergy and sinhala extremists. This public secret to ones with some knowledge about lanken on going politics. Myths and falsehoods could topple governments within few weeks if not days. Myths -based on a reptile to have carried a pitththala pahana made in Pilimathalawa, brought the rascals into power – as no times before. Anyways, the majority is proud of their so called HIGH literacy rates as if ants would see their own urine as a natural river in the country.
–
So that we know the reason Mr Premadasa to agree with them. Sinhala extremists should be made very clear that they should change their attitudes if we are to come out our problems. Economic development cant come alone on us if we are not stable enough to sacrifice enough.
–
No politicians would ever be able to succeed if you would be bound only to ANTI corruption slogans.
–
Best Example is JVP s today s FATE. Also last time, they earned nearly 5 lacks. But they are very popular among youth.
–
We the anti corruption supporters would want JVPrs to earn lot more seats in Parliament going by the manner they got on with ANTI corruption handlings and revelations. Here anyone with some brains would have to agree with.
:;
Knowing the ground reality of lanken society – where CULTURAL forces abve any other various forces – there is no other alternative than ” wala yana paththata massa gahamu – the POLITICAL ideaology in today s srilanka even after 70 years since independence.
–
ONLY Option – GOOD and wise leaders with brains should work with LOCAL MEDIA institutions without further delay and change the thinking patterns of the PUBLIC (in a paradigm shift manner). Media within the country do this CHANGE without further delay… that is certain to everyone but not to RAJAPAKSHES
/
lal / February 16, 2020
Spot on Nagalingam E. 80% of Tamils voted for Premadasa, probably knowing Premadasa backs Lt Gen Shavendra Silva. Thank you, Lt Gen Silva for your dedicated service to the nation by eradicating the racist, murderous LTTE.
/
Mallaiyuran / February 16, 2020
Your great leader Vaalaiththodam Jr promised period pads for women to attract Southern votes. He is policy-less man ready to dance nude pole dance if the Balangoda Veda Sinhala Buddhists vote for him. If needed, he will give a wash to Savage Indra too. Tamils cannot vote for this class.
(We are not against free pad for women, but not in election promise, school and health communities recommendation and though those administration. We, without conditions, accept school girls must go to school every day it opens. )
/
Native Vedda / February 16, 2020
lal loo
–
“Thank you, Lt Gen Silva for your dedicated service to the nation by eradicating the racist, murderous LTTE..”
–
Aren’t you disappointed with his failure to obliterate entire population of minorities? He couldn’t even stop crook Mhinda begging in the streets of New Delhi and his conversion to Hindutva in Kasi.
–
When IPKF invaded this island he got himself transferred to Presidential Security Army Unit hid behind Hema Premadasa. Did he smuggle arms, ammunitions, drugs, cash, ….. to LTTE?
Go find out.
–
All that bragging, boasting, gloating and …. shows that you desperately need attention and longing for appreciation.
Well done lal loo.
/
K.A. Sumanasekera / February 17, 2020
Dear Native,
–
Tell me, who killed that original LTTE Dude , Mahathaya ?..Was it Shavendra Silva?..-
–
Poor fella Mahathaya apparently had a hard time in the Dungeon in Mulivaikal .
Is it true Native?..
–
I heard it from the other LTTE Dude Karuna Amman.Bu I want to hear from you because you are my mate..
/
Native Vedda / February 18, 2020
KASmaalam K.A. Sumanasekera
–
!”Tell me, who killed that original LTTE Dude , Mahathaya ?..Was it Shavendra Silva?..-“
–
None of your Army Patriots had b***s to catch him and kill him. Wasn’t it why VP had to kill him for Sinhala/Buddhists?
–
“Poor fella Mahathaya apparently had a hard time in the Dungeon in Mulivaikal .
Is it true Native?..”
–
I believe so.
You see these little fascists like to see their comrades in arms suffer, humiliated, screwed from back and fronts and falsely accused of treachery, like Dr Gota DSc and his comrade Field Marshall Fonseka who had to spent six months in Welikada, an equivalent or worse than a dungeon.
–
” I heard it from the other LTTE Dude Karuna Amman.Bu I want to hear from you because you are my mate..”
–
Are you cross checking my facts?
–
Karuna too would have suffered the same fate as Mahathaya however he escaped thanks to Dr Ranil.
–
Why did Gota help Karuna with forged passport?
–
Gota should have continued with forged passport, forged visa, …………. as a business, a travel agency, had he continued by now he would have become a multi billionaire.
/
K.A. Sumanasekera / February 18, 2020
Dear Native,
–
Thanks mate, why can’t the rest of the Diaspora be civil like you, Native.
After all it is Politics .
–
I don’t know about you , but I do not get any direct benefit from any of them. Neither do I need them.
–
All I want to see is this 2500 year old nation is brought up to the 21 Century with corruption free living standards which our Dalits also can access.
–
Anyway thanks again for confirming that Velupulle killed Maheshwaran,
-.
Maheswaran was the only LTTE fighter with a clear conscience, who did not want to kill innocent Sinhala Buddhists Villagers just like Karuna boy whom I like very much..-
–
BTW, Prez Nandasena is the only man in Lankawe who never ever took any Kappams .
Even in US Dollars, let alone Ruppiahs from the ilk of Aloysious, and Ibrahims and a whole host of others , who provided generous hospitality to Yahapalana Hobnobs even to the one time best treasurer ever in all UNP Governments.
–
I must also mention the young UNP Turk the Colombo Boy Senasinghe .
And of course the SLFP Strong Boy Wijesekera. both of whom seem to be working over time to get into the next Parliament.
–
Anyway thanks again for your kindness to confirm that Prez Nandasena is not a CROOK.
–
Will the ex Vellala CM Vigneswaran tender an apology on behalf of his beloved National Leader ever, for killing Maheswaran ?.
Now that the ex CM Party will be in direct tussles with Maheshwaran supporters in Jaffna at the next Election before Easter?.
–
Native can you also tell me who gave the Co ordinates to Shavendra Silva’s 58th brigade to call Air Strikes on Barber Chelvams Bunker?..
/
Native Vedda / February 18, 2020
KASmaalam
“All I want to see is this 2500 year old nation is brought up to the 21 Century with corruption free living standards which our Dalits also can access.”
–
There were no nation existed in the period you just mentioned. On the contrary most were tribal serfdom, literally thousands of them, later developed into kingdom. The idea of nation was given to us by your colonial master.
The idea of a nation-state was absent prior to “Westphalian system”.
Only after signing the Treaty of Westphalia (1648) in Western Europe, countries began to recognise nations and nation state.
–
So you and your fellow racist majoritarianists should stop fooling themselves as if they invented sovereignty, nationhood, nation, nation – state, ……………. and all other modern crap.
–
You stupid people must realise you live off foreign ideas and destroy the island as much as possible.
–
“Anyway thanks again for your kindness to confirm that Prez Nandasena is not a CROOK.”
–
When is he going to repent the fact he was being part of the deadsquad between 1987 and 1991 and being the head of mass destruction between 2005 and 2015? So you have forgotten MIG deal, Rajapaksa Museum, ……….. and how did he manage to finance his son’s most expensive weddings and private trips to and from various countries?
–
“Maheswaran was the only LTTE fighter with a clear conscience, who did not want to kill innocent Sinhala Buddhists Villagers just like Karuna boy whom I like very much..-“
–
Who is Maheshwaran?
Did you ask Karuna about the massacre of 600 policemen in the East, mostly Muslims?
/
Native Vedda / February 18, 2020
KASmaalam K.A. Sumanasekera
–
“BTW, Prez Nandasena is the only man in Lankawe who never ever took any Kappams .”
–
However he had taken many lives.
Did you ask him about all the extrajudicial killings in his watch and the tens of thousands of innocent people who were forced to disappear during his command? What about his role within the deadsquad operating between 1987 and 1991?
/
Native Vedda / February 18, 2020
KASmaalam K.A. Sumanasekera
“Native can you also tell me who gave the Co ordinates to Shavendra Silva’s 58th brigade to call Air Strikes on Barber Chelvams Bunker?..”
–
Was it Hindian Intelligence, or VP himself, ….. …
/
vithura / February 16, 2020
Sajith could have taken a somewhat neutral position blaming the policies adopted by the current government on foreign affairs, thus skirting this whole issue than muddying himself with it. With elections around the corner and the long simmering discontent among Tamils on successive governments’ handling of war crimes allegations, Sajith has unadvisedly made a statement that is very likely to cost him Tamil votes he desperately needs
/
Leelawathie Jayasinghe / February 16, 2020
He is bit immared in that regard. RW would no thave done it so. That is clear to the brained but not to other. SP needs lot more time to become matured.
His struggle to be the leader in that giant party made them fools. But Ajitha Perera or the like new comers would nt see it right. They are just like YOUNG chaps that see nothing but day today events.
Ranga Bandara is a doing a great thing. He does not criticise the senior leader TODAY. Nor does her towards SP.
All in all, UNP s situation is not easy.
/
Jayantha Pathberiya / February 16, 2020
Tamil votes do not win elections. It is a fallacy. Last Presidential Election proved it.
Sajith knows it and that is the reason for him making this statement.
JP – USA
/
JD / February 16, 2020
ONE NON CAREER POLITICIAN PROVED IF HE HAS the RIGHT APPROACH, minority votes means nothing. Since 1505 Sinhala people lost. Their kindness, hospitality, courtesy all abused and neglected.
/
vithura / February 16, 2020
You may be right. However, in the context of parliamentary elections, where both major parties fight it out for the majority community’s votes by appearing to appease them at the expense of other communities, and considering the strength of SLPP amongst Sinhalese voters, the best Sajith could hope for is to get half of that voter base, unable to form a stable government with a majority and it is here Tamil/Muslim votes/MPs could make a difference, unless Sajith forms an alliance with SLPP.
/
Native Vedda / February 18, 2020
Jayantha Pathberiya
–
“Tamil votes do not win elections. It is a fallacy. “
–
However Tamil/Muslim votes widely helped lose elections, 2015.
/
Mallaiyuran / February 16, 2020
Election will not come any sooner. “Election coming” is a myth used to postpone fulfilling any election promise. Neutral position doesn’t win election. Either go racist competition or Vaalaiththodam must go against racism and bravely explain it to Balangoda Veda Buddhists and turn them around to civilization. If you are honest in your word, people take it without suspicions. Lincoln did it in USA. Anna and Periyar did in TN by beating all Hindu myth sex stories. That is why 3 lakh people gathered to Anna’s funeral. If you play games, people will kick on the back like they did to Vaalaiththodam.
/
Dr. Gnana Sankaralingam / February 16, 2020
TNA is in this sorry state because of Sumanthiran who is misleading Tamils for his personal agenda as well as the agendas of his masters (India/ USA/ West) who wanted the UNP regime supported at any cost. Sumanthiran cannot survive in a hostile environment and wanted Gota not elected. Have you ever seen Sumanthiran leading a anti-Government demonstration or filed a case against government for racist actions. He wants poor people to agitate and for him to ride to glory on their suffering. I hear that there was a no show in UK, when Sumanthiran failed to turn up for two meetings. There is increasing demand among Tamils that Sumanthiran should be expelled. Whatever party that comes to power will not grant the rights of Tamils in sharing power and territory in a fair and effective manner. It is a pity that the so called leaders of Tamils like Ponnambalam, Amirthalingam and Prabaharan have acted not in the interest of Tamils, but to safeguard themselves. Racism is a powerful weapon where only a handful will not succumb to it. Sajith is not an exception and is aiming for the Sinhala vote, and to bank on him will be another period of deception.
/
sach / February 16, 2020
Why did this ‘irrefutable evidence’ fail to get a mention in the 2015 UN report?
/
Native Vedda / February 16, 2020
sachooooooooooooooooooooooo
–
“Why did this ‘irrefutable evidence’ fail to get a mention in the 2015 UN report?”
–
Where have you been looking at, probably you have been looking at
C.A. Chandraperuma’s Gota’s B***s.
/
K.A. Sumanasekera / February 17, 2020
Nagalingam has given the UNP excellent advice on Political Strategy for the coming Election before Easter. All free of charge..
–
UNP must withdraw Opposition Leader Keselwatta Kid’s statements and declare complete solidarity for the TNA , Diaspora and Trump’s Sanctions on Shavendra and the Missus..
–
There are 40 seats at stake here..
Those 40 seats , which the TNA Deputy has promised Dr Rani, is the total sum of all Vellala inhabitants and the UNP Sinhala voters in the South.
With the clock already ticking for the nominations, there is no time to waste.
–
Will the UNP Dalit Faction Leader Keselwatta Kid come forward and withdraw his Statements himself ?.
–
Or will the UNP Supremo Dr Rani do it for him?, Or send Akila Boy to hold a Media Conference at Srikotha…
/
Native Vedda / February 17, 2020
KASmaalam K.A. Sumanasekera
–
“Will the UNP Dalit Faction Leader Keselwatta Kid come forward and withdraw his Statements himself ?.”
–
Alright, the country has not done well in the last 72 years in fact it’s been getting worse since 1948, the appropriate question is, will it develop/progress even if SLPP gets 225 seats given the centralised nature of the state and all state powers are being concentrated in the hands of three warped brothers and their obedient Golaya aye aye, sir Kamal Gunaratna.
–
Therefore forget mummy’s boy and focus on the state.
You are indeed a masochist.
/
Lester / February 17, 2020
” If GR and MR react irrationally SL may face economic and trade sanctions not just from USA but also from UK and EU.”
Tamils could not win the war, so now they want the USA and EU to put sanctions on Sri Lanka so that the whole country will suffer. This is the true Jaffna Tamil mindset. Do you know how sanctions work? Check Iran, Cuba, and Syria. They are not a joke; the cost of living goes up significantly, the value of the currency diminishes (resulting in inflation), and unemployment goes up. Anyway, there will be no sanctions on Sri Lanka. Because there were no war crimes. Rather than chase these fantasies, Tamils should join the political process.
/
Native Vedda / February 17, 2020
Nagalingam Ethirveerasingam
–
“When USA banned S. Silva and family from entering USA, entry to UK may also be denied. GR and SS can test it. Will EU follow suit?”
–
You got everything wrong.
Please read below an excerpt from
economynext.com Monday February 17, 2020
–
“UNF Parliamentarian S.M. Marikkar said that he will personally refrain from applying for an American visa until the United States lifts the ban on Army Commander Shavendra Silva and his family from entering that country.”
–
Now S M Marrikkar MP has vowed to punish the US by refraining from applying for an US visa.
–
Then the Assgiria “Ven. Dhammananda Thera” has asked the people that they should forget the ethnic, religious and party differences and show the world that they are together as a country.
This will definitely shake American state department decision making process.
–
Please wait, we haven’t heard any thundering earth shattering speeches from Weerawansa. He might come up with brilliant ideas as to how best to punish USA. Actually people looking forward to hearing from him.
/
Amarasiri / February 18, 2020
Sajith Premadasa,
You did well. You did not allow the corrupt Rajapaksa tribe, to have the majority of the Para-Sinhala Para-“Buddhist “ votes go to them. Remember, we all know that the mean IQ of the imbeciles is 79, and you need to counter the marketing by the Rajapaksa Tribe.
Do your best to split the imbecile Sinhala Buddhist vote. The imbecile Para-Tamils will understand sooner or later , even though their mean IQ is 79.
Tell the monks that they will have the free loom to preach bans, do their Monk activities inside the temples and the public spaces, let the imbeciles to prostrate to them, and hopefully, in their mind , achieve Nibbana, extinction, and you will make a Vihara in every province.
You need to be competitive, not s bystander like Ranil W.
Split the Sinhala- Buddhist vote, and print tickets to Nibbana and Extinction, with your picture , the 4 Noble Truths, and the Wheel.
Tell the imbeciles, that you are s better Sinhala Buddhist, and wear purity Nools, strings on your wrists at all times.
Saranai.
/
Tam Selva / February 16, 2020
From DS’s Gal Oya scheme to Gota’s 2020 army check points in NE and RW and MS’s fake feud and hide and seek last 5 years, which took minorities for a ride, Sinhalese are blindly united, even after killing 140,000 Tamils, for the cause of racist Sinhala Buddhists, bulldozing and trampling on minorities while feeding on Tamil/Muslim hard work.
What a shame. 140 000 Innocent children, elderly and sick were ruthlessly butchered in most cruel manner by this army, Tamils turned around and voted for this stupid, dumb rock. All these happened in a facebook era without a finger raised yet by IC. So this super dumb, O/L failed piece of rock, feel brave enough to say this. Same on you, son of Hema*
/
John / February 16, 2020
Did you pull this number 140000 out of your ass. Are you insane, brainwashed or blindly following LTTE propaganda?
/
Mervin N / February 16, 2020
Absolutely correct, Tamil people especially from northeast shouldn’t support these Sinhalese political parties at any election. Sajith premadasa is full vengeance against tamils and also shows his racists face many times before. We have realise reality of Buddhist Sinhala mentality at least in most important time and rally together in one umbrella in this most important time.
/
Gemini Cricket ♊ / February 16, 2020
John
If 140,000 is not correct, please tell us the correct number.
/
lal / February 16, 2020
Ask the LTTE and leaders of Tamil diaspora for the correct number. Most of the 1,400,000 terrorists and civilians were killed by LTTE terrorists.
/
Native Vedda / February 16, 2020
lal loo
–
“Most of the 1,400,000 terrorists and civilians were killed by LTTE terrorists.”
–
Were you counting everyone of them from behind VP’s bum?
/
GATAM / February 16, 2020
Wish the 140,000 number is true.
War again please!
/
Dr. Gnana Sankaralingam / February 16, 2020
John the idiot, the figure of 140,000 was got by logical sequence. In the census done in 2001, the population trapped in the area was about 500,000. After the war only 360,000 people crossed the line. This is clear as to what happened to the rest. Now the former president of Sudan has been taken to ICC for war crimes on people of Darfur. It will not be long when your criminal gang will get the same fate.
/
Jayantha Pathberiya / February 16, 2020
The other including you ran away to the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and elsewhere in Europe.
Wake up GS. Otherwise, how would you have managed to get to where you are?
/
paragon / February 16, 2020
YOU ARE SOME WHAT CORRECT some of them ran away to UK,CANADA,AUSTRALIA AND to elsewhere in europe.BUT PLEASE REMEMBER THAT 90% OF THESE GUYS LEFT THE COUNTRY THROUGH katunaayake air port on false or amended documents after giving bribe(SANTHOSAM)to so called singala veeryas at the airport including police,army,airforce,and officers at the counter to leave the country.so please do not cry.
/
Mallaiyuran / February 16, 2020
Listen John,
Leave the 140,000 aside. Come to the topic, please! Why don’t you explain to America whether Savage Indra is a War Criminal or not by going to the next UNHRC session? What is holding you? Is that King has not given you the promise of the Sinhala Cinema supporting actresses accompanying your entourage? What the heck from Thero De Silva to you are doing for the last 10 years in Geneva, taking all the beauties with you and camping in the best hotels of Geneva? Are scared if you pull out that story from your ass in Geneva, even the large & small intestines may also pop out? (Then ask GLP how to wash the hotel couches)
/
Native Vedda / February 16, 2020
Johnny
–
“Did you pull this number 140000 out of your ass.”
–
Actually he must have pulled it from your nose while your head is inside HLD M’s a**.
/
K.A. Sumanasekera / February 17, 2020
John. please ask whether Thamil Selvam counted LTTE Mahathaya in that Total….
/
Native Vedda / February 17, 2020
KASmaalam K.A. Sumanasekera
–
“John. please ask whether Thamil Selvam counted LTTE Mahathaya in that Total….”
–
Mahathaya performed a hara-kiri in front of your brethren VP because that was the least he could do to humiliate him, making the total number of LTTE members one less.
–
No, actually he thought enough is enough, rather than carrying out VP’s very stupid orders, he decided end his life.
–
Can you find out who actually transported Arms, Ammunitions, medicines, cash, … to Vanni on Premadasa’s order? Was it Shavendra Silva who was Premadasa’s runaround boy at the time?
/
Amarasiri / February 16, 2020
Author Colombo Telegraph,
“Premadasa advocated strongly for Silva’s appointment as army chief because his wife Jalani and Silva’s wife Sujeewa Nelson were close friends. Mrs. Silva was a regular customer at the Jaal Salon owned by Premadasa’s spouse and also a dear friend of the couple. At the time, Silva used his wife’s UNP credentials to convince Premadasa and others in the Government that he was not a Rajapaksa associate and backer.“
Thanks for the tit bits.
In addition to appeasing the respective wives, Sajith Premadasa is trying to split the Para-Sinhala Para-“Buddhist “ vote, where close to 70 percent voted for the Rajapaksa Mafia.
Certainly, defeating the Para-Tamil separatists is applauded at whatever cost by the Para-Sinhala, and since Silva played a part in that despite the excesses, documented and claimed by the Para-Tamils and the other observers, including eyewitness, this is still water under the bridge. Both Para-Tamils and Para-Sinhala, need to move on.
The US is playing games, try to position itself to gain access to Sri Lanka for hegemony, for its own self-interest. The imbecile Tamils and Sinhala , mean IQ 79, cannot comprehend it.
Tigers certainly committed many war crimes. They are gone, but punished by the victors.
During WW2, many war crimes were commuted by the Allies, in addition to the horrendous war crimes, committed by the Nazis. Example is Dresden, Germany, in addition to Hamburg, Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
/
Suranga / February 16, 2020
This is the other unscrupulous sly character. Not much of a difference from MR, RW or MS. When he was given the premiership by MS, he didn’t have guts to take it. He should have had courage to talk to RW, and accept it. It was not unconstitutional then. Had he taken it, many of the bad things could have been avoided. Then MS wouldn’t have gone bonkers, and wouldn’t have acted like a bull in the china shop after the rogue Prime Minister had to step down. Constitutional coup wouldn’t have happened. Easter attacks could have been avoided, 52 day rogue government wouldn’t have happened. What a lot of public funds have been wasted on all those stupid things. Then this man went to battle with RW asking for power. To gain cheap political gain, now he is batting for Gota. Have a spine to say that war crimes happened, admit it, and do the right thing and get it over with. Be a man without trying to hide behind GR. If not just keep the mouth shut without making any comment.
/
Words / February 16, 2020
Sajith is caught between the devil and the deep blue seas!
Needs to position himself as patriotic to get the southern vote, but risks loosing his support from the extremists who gave him a half decent vote tally at the presidential election!
/
Anonymous / February 16, 2020
UNP or any Coalition lead by Sajith Premadasa will only lose. They are throwing Sajith prematurely when Karu should be the front runner… still not too late to make Karu the leader of the coalition…
/
K.A. Sumanasekera / February 16, 2020
Where is the UNP Supremo Dr Rani Wickremasinghe?
–
Did Dr Rani at least get his Akila Boy at Srikotha to Tweet that it is not the UNP Party position.
And Dr Rani is totally committed to hand over the War Heroes to Ms Sooka and the Diaspora .
–
Or Is Dr Rani retired hurt, after tearing up Keslwatta Kid’s HEART..
–
What impressed me most was the Kid going on Twitter.,
–
Will Keselwatta Kid do a Trumpy on the UNP ,the same as Trump did on the Elite , Catholic Establishment in the Republican Party?..
/
Citizen Silva / February 16, 2020
If USA had to fight the LTTE there would have been 10 times more civilian casualties.
Sajith has done the right thing, good on him.
/
Native Vedda / February 17, 2020
Citizen Silva
–
“If USA had to fight the LTTE there would have been 10 times more civilian casualties.”
–
How do you know?
/
JD / February 16, 2020
What ever it is, when I consider things Ranil talk, even after 40 years of political experience, such as “if Sri Lanka does not have face masks import it from India” which means Sri Lankans are not capable of stitching a face mask, if Sajith were in that position as a Party Leader and Prime minister, Sajith would have beeb far more visionary.
Sajith is riding the popularity of new president mostly because of his talks, But THERE SHOULD NOT BE ANYMORE YAHAPALANAYAs. That was a disaster for every body except for a number of people.
/
C. B. Goonatilake / February 16, 2020
Quite apart from the personalities and whether one is guilty or not guilty of a crime, why “travelling to US” so important an issue? Why is travelling to any country such a big deal?
/
Siva Sankaran Sharma / February 16, 2020
Proves all Sinhalese are racist to the core when it comes to the Tamil people or Tamil speakers. Fight amongst themselves , but unite in discriminating , killing , marginalising and ethnically cleansing Tamils. They just talk about reconciliation but in reality do the opposite. There will be no reconciliation as the Sinhalese population have been brainwashed by these nasty Sinhalese politicians , Buddhist monks and now Sinhalese Catholic clergy like the Cardinal to be racists , with myths , lies and fake history. Sajith has shown his true racist colours and now TNA has been made to look a fool and has to tread carefully. To most Sinhalese killing and marginalising Tamils and stealing their lands. homes, farms, temples , churches and now mosques , using the armed forces , and government resources , is an act of bravery that has to applauded. The more you do it the
better . Tamils will only get justice if either India or the international community that has so far remained silent , after helping the Sinhalese to defeat the LTTE intervenes. The Sinhalese as usual have reneged on what they promised to India and the international community, just rights for the Tamils and a federal solution with land and police rights to the NE, if they help the Sri Lankan state to defeat the LTTE . Instead of this more racism and oppression of Tamils , open support for known war criminals , racists and mad extremist Buddhist monks , similar to the ones found in Myanmar, and India and the international community is still watching silently . This further encourages these Sinhalese racists/extremists . politicians and the general Sinhalese population
/
Thondamany / February 16, 2020
Also it proves all Tamils too are racist to the core when it comes to the Sinhala people or Sinhala speakers.,.
Fight among themselves, harras the low caste but unite in discriminating, killing, marginalising and ehtnically cleansing of Sinhalese with hand in glove with the West.
There will be no reconcillation as Tamils are wondering how to recoup their investments in a imaginary eelam. Do they care abut those Tamil youth and Children who were denied a future due to their investment in an unwinnerble war??
RETRIBUTION IS NOT FAR OFF FOR THESE DIASPORA FINANCIERS, MOST OF WHOM WHO WRITE IN TO THESE COLUMNS.
Wrath of God …………. Before accusing the Clergy like the Cardinal, point the finger at the rogue priest Emmanuel.
These tongue in cheek Tamil racist are a bane to the society.
/
Rohan / February 17, 2020
Yes for Sinhalese racist , any Tamil stating the truth about the Sinhalese and the real plight of the Tamils , is a racist. extremist and an LTTE supporter.
/
Manel / February 16, 2020
In Sri Lanka. war criminals can be heroes, because after all they got rid of the terrorists, and the people who were caught in the middle, thousands of them, were not our own, and they were tamils…..the end always justifies the means.
/
Wimpy Kid / February 16, 2020
So you want the LTTE live and kiking?(I mean bombing)
Moda Manel
/
Manel / February 17, 2020
It seems you have a huge problem reading, and comprehending comments. Your inability to respond with some intelligence, must be making you resort to insults. Get some education, that might help.
/
nalmen / February 16, 2020
another pambaya unp leader like ranil
/
kolla / February 16, 2020
This government is also appointing persons who are unsuitable or in a conflict of interest situation, which can lead to very compromising situations and embarrassment for the government.
I follow the appointments to various listed public companies closely.
Recently, the government appointed a new Board to the SLT including a chairman who came from the Tea industry. The CV of several of the newly appointed directors shows they are in other businesses in the same are of business as the SLT. I can only hope for the sake of the stakeholders of SLT, that they have removed themselves from those companies after taking up appointment at SLT.
But I do not think so. Soon after ( only a few days later)a certain person was made a director of SLT , I was shocked to find that he was also appointed a director of E-Channelling , a troubled company in the same area of business.
It is obvious that E-Channelling is using his new position at SLT for their advantage. Either these new director at SLT ( plus now E-Channelling)is dishonest or clueless about the concept of conflict of interest .
Over to you Mr. President.
/
Jayantha Pathberiya / February 16, 2020
There were absolutely no war crimes committed by Sri Lankan Army, Period!
They did their duty by bringing an end to a miserable war started by a sick and depraved bunch of ruthless killers led by a maniac.
There are majorities and minorities in any country. The majority always rules. When the minority decides to generate their own government the “Shit should hit the fan”. So it did with Prabha and his killers.
For over 10 years Sri Lanka had peace. Let’s move on. Let the new president whip this country into shape. Didn’t he get elected without the make-believe support of the minority votes?
So much for the rabble-rousing “Gutter Press”.
Jayantha Pathberiya, “A Proud Donald Trump Supporter” – We do things a little differently here. We shoot first and then ask questions. So we do not have a minority issue.
/
Native Vedda / February 17, 2020
Jayantha Pathberiya
–
“There were absolutely no war crimes committed by Sri Lankan Army, Period!”
–
According Gota and thinker Wimal Weerawansa 20,000 died the last leg of the war and buried under the ground.
–
I think those who died at the last leg of the war must have collectively committed suicide.
–
By the way why did Rohana Wijeweera’s s**t hit the fan twice?
/
Aruna Yahampath / February 16, 2020
No more talk necessary on this matter.
/
Declare that Jewish woman Alaina Teplitz persona-non-grata and expel her.
/
We have 3000 yrs of civilisation behind us, compared to 200 years behind those yankee looters and murderers.
/
Get our dogs to bugger them.
/
Lankan / February 16, 2020
A right toad in the well you are..
Keep kidding yourself about the great civilisation..Sorry Lanka isn’t that great…open your eyes and get out of that well!
/
Burt / February 16, 2020
Don’t take it serious. He is a politician he does not stand on principle but opportunity. He got a opportunity to pander to the Sinhala Bauda voter and he did it.
As far as the minorities are concerned this is not a guy they could trust. But the other side in not any better either. Only option is if TNA goes in alliance with him just don’t vote for them to teach a lesson, and vote for Vignasewarans party.
This would result MR becoming PM but he is a known commodity although bad.
/
Steve / February 16, 2020
Hope Sajith does not get out “hit wicket”.
/
Gemini Cricket ♊ / February 16, 2020
One thing is for sure, in this day and age, deception is the name of the game.
And the best person at playing that game is none other than our Gota.
It looks to me that Sajith is learning fast and playing catch up.
When we look at Sri Lanka, there are a few fundamental facts we need acknowledge
1. Sri Lankas location in the Indian Ocean is of importance to world powers much more than we realize and like to acknowledge.
China obviously wants a strong foot hold in Sri Lanka, while India is vehemently against that. Similarly US has its interests too and India is not particularly against that.
2 Foreign governments play a hidden hand in influencing their chosen candidates such that they will benefit.
3. For a long time US, India and UNP have been working together to make sure Chinas advantage in Sri Lanka is nullified.
4. Sri Lankan Politicians have no permanent friends or Ideology, they have only permanent interests.
5. Sri Lankan public use emotion and face value to decide on everything. Since most Sinhalese have the plight of not being versed in any other language, they are left to swallow whatever the Sinhala media feed them.
6. A persons perception of the world is a function of how advanced and learned one is, some people (most people) continue to remain like frogs in a well due to lack of perspective.
Now getting back to my original statement, those conniving parties will always try to mislead the public when it comes to critical events such as elections.
One must leave emotion aside, take a step back and think! It appears to me that US is trying to dissociate its self from Gota. Killing two birds with one stone at this juncture.
Mind you, I have no reservations against US-India-Sri Lanka cooperation. Similarly I have no hatred towards Gota either.
Just rationally reflecting and thinking in retrospect to ascertain our true bearings regardless of propaganda.
/
Purple Rain / February 16, 2020
It’s quite ironic when the US tells others to abide by ” international laws ” all the while doing the opposite themselves. USA must be using Shavendra’s case as a bargaining chip to gain a foothold on ACSA/SOFA.
/
Mallaiyuran / February 17, 2020
Man you should have told to Rohan Gunaratna to get out safely in time when he was employed by CIA. He set the fire all over everywhere with his lies. America helped you to wipe out LTTE, believing Rohan’s lies. Now for what are you crying & convulsing? Didn’t Old King take all helps from American satellite to destroy LTTE’s ships? Time to warn King to get his baba out of NASA. Otherwise it is going to be disastrous.
/
Lasantha Pethiyagoda / February 16, 2020
The US stance being grossly hypocritical notwithstanding, Sajith has burnt his bridges again by endorsing Silva’s (and by default all those who were complicit) alleged guilt as acceptable. He probably feels that he must appear ‘patriotic’ along the lines of Gota when he won the Prez. I do not believe his wife’s friendship with Silva’s wife had much to do here. Sajith too has apparently gone down low in order to compete at the level that Gota won. It does not bode well for SL’s future standing in the eyes of the world, as a fair and just society but of one that rewards racism and injustice.
/
sach / February 16, 2020
So standing up for the army commanders who did an yeomen service to this country in front of baseless ridiculous pro LTTE ngo vitriol is racist and unjust?
/
Upul / February 16, 2020
So much for all the crap about SP and his principles. Obviously, he has none!!
/
ROHAN JOHNPILLAI / February 16, 2020
sajith is now caught between the devil and the deep blue sea.?
=
he has no other choice but to choose the hardline stupid Sinhala Buddhist line to openly support and jog behind these racist klu Klux asses.?
=
this time around in the east along with the north the TNA will have their own suitors and the racial element will be kaput – a non-entity.?
=
on a personal basis, if SP’s shady concubine and the concubine of SS are mango friends, he sajith being the mastless husband has no other choice but to soak his privates in boiling Thala thel into the cauldron and set afire to them.
=
he will be a better sajini than a sajith.?
=
as for the arrogant mass murderer of a war criminal now being cast as a world-renowned leper, he has finally met his match and hopefully, a few other democratic nations will also endow on him the title of a VIP [ very irresistible pimp ]
=
SS – also means the german 2nd world wars the third reich which was a part of the imperialistic racist army who cast many a pandemonium especially on the hapless innocent members of the Jewish community in the warring areas of conflict.?
=
as this present kallathoni president one who does no whether he is a comer or a goner has set sail on a mastless dinghy with the members of his criminal family members, the undesirable in many a facet undesirable unsavory cohorts are lost at sea drifting aimlessly much to the pleasure of the Sinhala mainly Buddhist rotters, they are having nothing but an orgasm after orgasm.?
=
even the poisonous venom sprouting petty racist cardinal of the sad sorry that he had to be given the repulsive honor of leading the Lankan beleaguered Catholics?
/
Saro / February 16, 2020
No leader of Srilanka developed this country since 1048. They are interested only in winning elections. No leader has been racist but supported racist policies in order to get elected. Once elected looked after the interest of the family and friends.
If wants to continue with the membership of UN and UNHRC the country must investigate the the allegations made in the UNHRC resolutions. US is not going to change it’s stance just because of protests or writing letters.
/
Lankan / February 16, 2020
Colombo Telegraph,
Err..can you stay objective please and refrain from cheap journalism and political spin?
Your job is to report facts, not twist a story to push a political agenda or sensationalism..CT credibility is in question…
/
Thondamany / February 16, 2020
Its ironic people are playing politics with this situation.
It is ironic that a country responsible for most War crimes and who molly cuddle terrorists attempting to bully Sri Lanka into submission preventing travel to her Army Commander to that Country.
America thinks anyone visiting there is like visiting heaven.
The Army Commander himself does not want to visit the USA.
Whats the fuss and whats behind the propaganda? This is typical bullying.
Sajith premadasa was right.
/
Raj-UK / February 16, 2020
The race card is an election winner. Any Sinhala politician, particularly, with aspirations to the high office, is not going to commit political suicide by making waves or standing up to minorities, considering the current climate of Sinhala Buddhist extremism. In the mind set of Sinhala supremacists, even those who committed war crimes or turned a blind eye to vigilantism & atrocities during the war are considered heroes & such crimes are dismissed as ‘collateral damage’. MR & Sirisena have both stated in public that all such ‘heroes’ will be safeguarded & GR him self has stated that all security forces personnel currently in jail will be set free. In this scenario, it will be a very courageous person in politics who will acknowledge war crimes committed by SL forces & Premadasa jnr certainly doesn’t have the guts to speak out. Its better to have personal popularity at home even at the expense of international humiliation for the country. It’s a no brainer.
JR faced a dilemma when choosing a successor. He had to select Premadasa snr, unsuitable as he was, because there would have been an outcry at grass roots level that the party was for the elite & Premadasa was not selected because he was not one of them. Ranil faces the same dilemma today as Premadasa jnr is considered the ‘prince in waiting’ but in fact, he has not demonstrated so far that he is a man of integrity & capability that deserves the leadership of the party. The UNP is broken anyway, so maybe Ranil should take disciplinary action against Premadasa jnr & sack him for not toeing the party line (by the way, didn’t he say he was stepping down after losing the Presidential election?). If Premadasa jnr is the common man’s choice, he will do well with his own party (just like MR) or he & his gang can join the winning party of pohottuwa.
/
JD / February 16, 2020
The U.S. revoked the visa for the ICC prosecutor. That bodes poorly for international criminal justice.
If the U.S. doesn’t respect international law, why should other nations?
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2019/04/08/us-revoked-visa-icc-prosecutor-that-bodes-poorly-international-criminal-justice/
SAY NO TO YAHAPALANAYA AGAIN .
/
Stan / February 16, 2020
The most suitable emblem for Sajith Premadasa’s new party is not the heart symbol but a Donkey. I will also never vote for him again. I have much more to say but will refrain as it will be censored in terms of CT’s comments policy.
/
punchinilame / February 16, 2020
Here is what Ajith commented on CT on 12-11-2019:
“This week The official spokesperson for the US Embassy in Colombo Nancy VanHorn, responding to a query raised by News 1st noted that the Embassy “cannot comment on individual visa or citizenship issues, under U.S. privacy laws”.
The response clearly shows that they are not able to say anything about US citizen. If Gota’s application was officially granted to get rid his US citizenship, it would have appeared in the official release of the list. We all know CIA is a very secretive institution and nobody knows who work for this organization. USA did not comment on whatever said by Gotabaya campaign group against USA. Why should they bother if Gota accepted their deal secretly. After Election he will come with the same agreement and will say that it is the same agreement or improved agreement and there is more benefit to Srilanka. Gammanpila and Weerawansa will then say” Yea, Yea” Gota is right. He will alone fight USA if USA violates its agreement. Even Mahanayaka thermos will say ” Yes Yes”.
Another five years is enough to rob the nation and run away to USA for Mahinda Family.”
Any CT commentator going to Courts for the fun of it?
/
ajith / February 16, 2020
I am not worried about Tamils but about poor Sinhalese. Poor Sinhalese have to make a selection between opportunistic Sinhala leadership who never worried about the these poor people and their living standard. Poor Sinhalese people have no other option to vote for either Rajapakse family or Sajith Premadasa family or Ranil Family (JR family) or Bandaranayake family. They are very rich, they have investments and savings in western nations, they are very save unlike ordinary Sinhalese who are poor, uneducated, poverty and believe in Monks (not Buddha). These poor people living standard gone down since 1948. They remain poor. Over 100 000 ordinary Sinhalese and over 100000 ordinary Tamils were murdered in order to give the opportunistic to come to power and suck the blood of ordinary Sinhalese and Tamils. We have sold almost every part of this island to China, India and USA. The objective of Lord Buddha’s is died and replaced with violence, greediness, lies and bloodbath.
/
Good Sense / February 16, 2020
After the Presidential Election, Ranil Wickramasinghe, said that the UNP alienated the Sinhala Buddhists. If that is the analysis of the UNP, the reaction of Sajith Premadasa is obvious. Further, Even during the Presidential Election campaigning, while Sajith wanted give Sarath Fonseka the subject of Defense at a Ministerial level, he specifically said that he would continue to keep Shavendra Silva as the Army Chief, giving credence to the CT view that Sajith supported Shavendra’s appointment.. In the separatist war against Sri Lanka, ethnically speaking, (which I hate to do) there was hardly any Sinhala Buddhist who supported the Tiger’s cause. That is the prime dividing line. The vast majority of anti-Tigers who are Sinhala Buddhists do not accept that there were atrocities committed by the Army during the war while a vast majority of pro-Tigers maintain that there atrocities committed during the war. This clouds the view of a minority of people who were Non Sinhala Buddhists and anti-Tigers but maintain that there were atrocities committed by both sides. Unfortunately ethnic passions cover the truth. My contention is that if there was some credible information that the Secretary of State of USA is in possession about Shavendra Silva while imposing the ban (without including family) he must pass that information to Sri Lanka for its response. We too are interested to know how credible is that information. I place my bets on the possibility that either an Army or Ex-Army top brass from Sri Lanka, who has an axe to grind, would have given “materials”, including a sworn statement to the USA about Shavendra Silva. I, do not like a war criminal to be our Army Chief and at the same time do not wish to see unsubstantiated accusations levelled against the Army Chief. LETS BE FAIR.
/