8 December, 2024

Blog

Preparing Or Posturing For Elections? 

By Jehan Perera

Jehan Perera

The discussions that President Ranil Wickremesinghe has commenced with the Tamil parties in the north and east are being seen as a possible precursor to elections in those two provinces. The talks are scheduled over three days. The president has an interest in holding some form of elections as the government’s moral legitimacy has been undermined by its refusal to conduct the local government elections on schedule. The president would be conscious that the manner of his election, by parliament and not by the people, creates an issue of moral legitimacy that needs to be addressed. The grounds for the repeated postponement of local government elections, that the money is either unavailable or better spent elsewhere, is clearly unacceptable from a democratic or rule of law perspective.  Opposition leader Sajith Premadasa’s offer to pass a constitutional amendment to have early presidential elections reflects this sentiment.

There is speculation that provincial elections will take place prior to presidential elections which are expected to take place by the end of the year and this is the reason for the president to engage in discussions with the Tamil parties. One of the matters taken up for discussion has been the construction of several Buddhist temples in areas in which there are few if any Buddhists currently living which is causing much heartburn to Tamils and Muslims living there. Ancient Buddhist ruins are being re-discovered in different parts of the north and east by the Archaeology Department. At the same time there has been destruction of existing Hindu shrines, both ancient and more recent, by unidentified groups which has led to a suspicion that there is a government hand on account of the large presence of security forces in those areas.

President Wickremesinghe has moved swiftly to address the problems by discussing these matters with officials from the Archaeology Department. Upon inquiry, they have admitted that their archaeological work in the north and east is being funded by Buddhist monks and not by the government, as the government has no money at the present time. The Director General of Archeological Department told the President that the priority has been given to the north and east, because it was neglected for 30 years and mostly they do not get government money, but from different funding agencies. The official said sometimes the Archeological Department is given funds by monks. The president had expressed the view that archaeological sites belonged to the country and it would be the state that looked after them.

Inclusive Approach 

The Buddhist heritage of Sri Lanka is a deeply held sentiment within the country’s ethnic and religious majority, and is often reflected in the state itself. The constitution itself gives the foremost place to Buddhism, although it gives other religions the right to proselytize and to practice. The official logo of the Archaeology Department is an image of the Stupa, which is the most visible component of the country’s Buddhist heritage. The special place of Buddhism in Sri Lanka has been exploited for political purposes by politicians who claim that either the religion or race or both together are at risk, and that if they are voted into power they will protect them and the country. Many of them seem to survive by articulating conspiracy theories to consolidate their nationalistic viewpoints. Only a handful of national level politicians have been willing to counter this parochial nationalism. The current president is one of them.

During the period of the Aragalaya, the venality of the political leaders in power at that time became exposed with the country’s economic collapse. It led to youthful protestors, many from the universities, to voice out that they would not be tricked anymore by such claims and that regardless of race or religion everyone was an equal citizen. It is ironic that after ascending to the pinnacle of the presidency as a result of the Aragalaya that drove out his predecessor, that the president should have moved to silence the youthful voice that called for equality, greater justice and accountability for economic crimes. It would have been better if he had taken the challenge of harnessing their energy and idealism to the great task of building a Sri Lankan nation that is united to develop the country and its economy without robbing it at every possible turn.

The straightforward manner in which the president addressed the officials of the Archaeology Department is indicative of a value system in which the state is the neutral arbiter of its ethnic and religious plurality. His willingness to speak openly and clearly and to seek to guide the state institutions along an inclusive path would be much appreciated by the ethnic and religious minorities. This rational quality of the president was also seen a few months ago when he advocated the implementation of the 13th Amendment to the constitution as mandated by the constitution. Unfortunately, these good intentions have remained in the realm of words only and not yet been translated into implementation on the ground.

Bleak Prospects 

The main feature of the 13th Amendment is the establishment of a system of devolved power to elected provincial councils that would empower the people of each province to elect their leaders who would govern them in specified subject areas. However, provincial council elections have not been held for over four years and they are non-functional as institutions of devolved power. Instead they are ruled by governors appointed by the president which has made a mockery of the devolution of power. The provincial councils have become administrative bodies run by a presidentially appointed governor who can act, and do act arbitrarily, without consulting the people of the province. It is necessary to revise the provincial council law that gives more powers to the Governors beyond the elected representatives.

Unfortunately, the origins of the provincial council system in the Indo-Lanka Peace Accord in 1987, has caused it to be viewed with a measure of skepticism by the Sinhalese majority as an Indian imposition that would weaken the Sri Lankan state. The Indo-Lanka Peace Accord was controversial when it was signed and continues to be downplayed in the public life of the country. According to it, India agreed to disarm the LTTE and Sri Lanka agreed to establish provincial councils on the Indian model. Neither happened in full measure. Today the non-implementation of the provincial council system has turned them into white elephants as the system has not been implemented as it should be.

The problem with holding provincial council elections starting with the Northern and Eastern provinces is that it can fan Sinhalese apprehensions which will be exploited by parochial nationalist groups who are currently displaced from the centre of power. They will have no qualms claiming that the president is favouring the Tamils, paving the way for the domination of the north and east by India, or some other scare mongering claim. If provincial council elections are to be held, they need to be held in the entire country and for all the provinces at one time. In such a situation the government will face the same dilemma it faced in deciding to postpone the local government elections. The prospects for elections in the near future continue to be bleak.

Latest comments

  • 7
    0

    Part I
    The author spells out many issues. No government can say that it has no money for elections. It is as bad as a head of a family saying I don’t have money to feed you. Why have a government if there is no money to run the essential activities of government such as holding elections, paying state workers etc.? Sajith’s desire for a constitutional amendment reflecting the sentiment on the fact that the current President was elected by the Parliament and not by the people? I don’t think so. Then why on earth did he at first wanted to contest the Presidential election held amongst the Parliamentarians? No! that crank is so impatient and wants to be the President hook or by crook. His attitude in discussions telling a medical doctor “It is my way? Who the hell are you to voice an opinion against what I hold? I am the leader of the Opposition.” The day he becomes the President, God forbid! people must step into the drain when he moves about in the Street. A sensible President must have discussions with all divided parties and prevent simmering discords. That itself is not preparations for elections.

    • 7
      4

      Dear Good Sense,
      .
      Many thanks
      for the comment running into Five Parts that I see displayed as I type this response at 21:46 Lankan time. That is 9.46 pm.
      .
      Why do we have ambiguities and “inexplicable typos” creeping everywhere?
      .
      My problem with your Part I is “why bother about Sajith Premadasa here?” We want the Local government Elections held. No digression, please.
      .
      As for author, Jehan Perera, why didn’t he stop after the first paragraph that he wrote? We want LGE.
      .
      I’m puzzled! Are Provincial Council Elections also overdue in the same way? It may be that I’m ignorant!
      .
      Panini Edirisinhe of Bandarawela (NIC 483111444V)

      • 5
        0

        (Part I)
        Panini,
        “I’m puzzled! Are Provincial Council Elections also overdue in the same way? It may be that I’m ignorant!”
        The short answer is YES! Indeed!!
        By as much as ½ a Decade in NP and varying from ½ a Decade to nearly A DEACDE in respect of others NCP.WP.NWP, SP,EP,CP, UVA and SABARAGMUWA!!!
        Well most of them contest for the enjoyment of Perks conjoined to the system, which, going back in history was solution advocated by C Parthasarathi to overcome the problem of Devolution or Decentralisation of Powers to the minorities, specially to the North and East of SL to ensure resolution of the then 40 year confusion after independence of the Minorities/majorities in SL!!
        During the negotiations, the wily old FOX hijacked it saying it is a good idea for all SL to enjoy!!
        May I correct the view of that elder Statesman as everybody claims, but a BRIBE for the elected honourable MP’s and dissident Ministers and PM to ‘KOW TOW’ and vote in parliament and accept the process of Provincial councils!!!??? That’s the way of thinking and Startegising Governance and Policy by the ‘WILY OLD FOX’, then and followed by RP, CBK, MaRa, Gota
        (TBC)

      • 3
        0

        (Part II)
        And NOW RW!!! At what cost to the state who cares!!???
        KAUTILIYA IS IN THE SHADE IN COMPARISON!!!???
        HE IHAS BEEN REPLACED by ‘WILY FOX’ IN HISTORY BOOKS WITH ADULATION BY LANKANS!!??
        The resolution of the much called for decentralisation or devolution (replacing the District development Council – DDC – headed by Government Minister and constituting MPs elected at GE), even though half-hearted could have been done and executed at much lesser cost to the exchequer!!!??
        What we would have as much as reduced cost of 2/9th cost, we as citizens of SL has to cop out NOW – if NP and EP – minority provinces were the only Provincial Councils instead 9 Provinces!?
        Cost of each PC member to state/or provincial Council:
        Luxury Vehicle – Rs I Million
        Residential Premises – Rs 5 Million (5 year Term @ 1 million/year)
        Staff to assist PC member (each)- Rs 6 Million (5 staff incl. driver + 4 for 5 years )
        Ancillary office and equipment – Rs 20 Million (4 Million/year – phone/office/printing)
        Cost of Facilities (each PC member)- Rs 32 Million (per member per year – excl. allowances)
        7 councils with average of 25 members each would attract 175 PC members
        (TBC)

      • 3
        0

        (Part III)
        And the cost would be reduced – staggering 25X7X32 Million – SL Rs 5600 million Rupees for 5 year term whilst ensuring the desired devolution under the Indo-SL Accord 1987 and resolve minority issues and ensure progress, notwithstanding the reduction in cost!!??
        Please note above calculations are EXCLUDING the cost of PC members allowances and PC Ministers (7X5 – 35) and 7 Chief Ministers and another 7 Governors – equal to allowances drawn by A CABINET MINISTER!!? Another estimated 35 billion Rupees saving if not more!!!??
        What a waste?? OR BRIBING OF OUR POLITICIANS AND UPKEEP in society and for what purpose!?
        DUMBFOUNDED??? Ask the politicians of all hues and shades of colour – would protest in Patriotic Unison and go away to become ‘Satyagrahi’ against the abolition of 7 PC’s and comfortably come out of it “Eating lemon Puff and sipping KIST (if still available) Orange Juice”!!!
        Bribing of politicians to enact legislation and Governance started well before MaRa’s illegitimate and unsuccessful attempt in October 2018 with ½ Billion Rupees per Member of Parliament (MP)
        What disgraceful deceit!!??
        Aragalaya, absolutely right, we need “SYSTEM CHANGE”!!?? This is one “SYSTEM CHANGE” are talking about!!??
        NEEDS EARLY IMPLEMENTATION WITH EP ABOLITION!!?

      • 3
        0

        Panini,
        Above all think of 1,120 Million rupees in each of those 7 councils, equally divided amongst them for EDUCATION AND HEALTH – 2 DEVOLVED SUBJECTS OF PC;S!!!??

        • 5
          3

          Dear Mahila,
          .
          I have just seen
          your detailed three part explanation, plus the Post Script. I greatly appreciate your having said all that.
          .
          I will have to let this sink in, come back and think his all out. I may be too old to understand certain things. There are so many strands to all this. However, I know that the Provincial Councils are wanted by the people of the North and East. But that statement also seems a bit abstract. Let’s say Tamil speakers whose religious backgrounds are Hinduism and Islam.
          .
          This is not meant to be a satisfactory response. But we have to recognise what a crucial role language plays. You and I can address each other because we know English, but the vast majority do not.
          .
          Last night I listened to a long “Address to the Nation” by AKD on YouTube. It was entirely in Sinhalese. Content excellent. I’ll provide the link later. Got to search.

  • 2
    3

    Part II
    His Axcellency (HA) has made a policy decision not to take external funding for activities of the Government such as Archeological affairs. Today a good many state hospitals accept donations from external parties for linen, repairing minor implements such as trolleys etc. Is that also now forbidden? What about schools? Quite a lot of external donations keep the state schools running. Volunteers repair even desks and chairs even paint the walls. Some benefactors even engage private contractors to do major developments. HA cannot be suffering from amnesia to forget that he posed for a photograph with the donors from the United States of America who provided a state-of-the-art tennis court to his old Alma Mater sporting the motto “Disce aut discede”. Now is all that unacceptable? The man has no money to conduct local government elections but how the hell will he have the money even to repair the desks and chairs of schools leave alone expensive tennis courts. There were instances of even minor irrigation works being conducted by the citizens and the relevant government agency only had to give permission to do it. Is that all wrong? Axcellency! Think well before you decide.

    • 6
      6

      Dear Good Sense,
      .
      In your Part II:

      .
      Why don’t you call the villain, “Ranil Wickremasinghe”? That’s his name. Don’t use his title, which you have miss-spelt. “Excellency”, man. Not “Axcellency”!
      .
      I agree that public money should not be spent on tennis courts for Royal College, Colombo 7. Why mess around with Latin phrases and mottos?
      .
      No need to think! Just release money for the Local Government Elections (LGE, hereafter for comments on this article).
      .
      Panini Edirisinhe

      • 3
        0

        Dear RATIONAL thinkers,

        Budget allocations for holding elections, health, national saftey, education and others are on the agenda, however, in a country where everything is in chaos by mid-2022, we cannot expect it to function as normal even today. This is the mere truth, like or not.
        Is there anything more important than saving the lives of poor people?

        89-92 even if the barbarians asked for votes? THose who set fire to public properties, killing anyone that they thought wanted to take revenge , how can they have hearts ?

        Visiting YOUTUBER NORMADS that expose the utter truth is becoming clear to the world today that bad press about Sri Lanka is isolated the country.

        https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQ7OhzIh1Dw

        But it is a tourist paradise today and there is no security or problem in any corner of the country but even though gangs like dogs get angry and destroy physical and mental property of the nation’s biggest criminals (Rajapak family and their slaves).

        TBC -> 2

        • 2
          0

          cont.
          2
          There is prima facie evidence that even the essential health sector is not funded being unable to have sums for medicines for terminally ill people.

          https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FhdxW9C3Lno

          In such a situation, asking release of funds for conduct “LOCAL ELECTIONS” ??????

          Is it not like harasing single mother by a mischievous child, knowing that mother struggle to survive the family?

          I have no doubt, some idiots that cry for asking holding elecitons have no idea about anything. They are just catchers of some politicians and vicious circles. THis country is filled with more culprits than significant portions of hearted people (this is the truth).

          This is the same guy who can’t help but “use his usual bold” that annoys CT posters, maybe he doesn’t know how to set it up properly. Nor does he get assitance from others.
          A few days ago, all continuous comments collected by CT comments became “bold” because this alien doesn’t know how to reframe it. No matter decent commenter are disturbed, that this guy should be enjoying with his “bold texted comments”: …. that says everything about his nature.

          We can only wish him sooner recovery. God bless my motherland !

      • 3
        1

        Yes Panini! I know it should be Excellency but I have purposely misspelled, even in one of my previous comments as Axcellency to just to introduce some sarcasm. Some even use Èxcellency (Note the carat on top of the letter E introducing a French element into it.).It is pronounces as Oxcellency to reflect utter stupidity in decision making. My point is that a lot of government activity which was performed in the past using government funds only are now carried out with the aid of benefactors and other donors and I have given examples. The high and mighty says that he has no money to conduct local government elections, but he expects all state activity to be done only using state funds which is an absurdity. I would have much appreciated if he sought some donations and private funding to conduct the local government elections instead of being an Èxcellency to decide that government activity must be performed using government funding only.

        • 5
          0

          Dear Good Sense,
          .
          Brilliant!

          .
          All that you have said probably makes sense. I must examine carefully, but one has to contend with lots of nonsense also frm Dan. Please give me time to digest all this.
          .
          As you probably know, I’ve been a teacher of English all my life, and so I fancy myself to be a guy who knows the language that Charles III and our illegitimate President Ranil conversed in when they met in London Town. I hope that all readers saw the video of it that proves that the “cordial conversation” lasted only 13 seconds.
          .
          I’m trying to put responding comments into all these places where there are lacunae. I’m not sure when this article first appeared, and I’m not wasting time checking that out.
          .
          It is now clear to me that you are more of a scholar of English than the VishramikaGambadaIngirisiIskoleMahattaya who is typing this out. Definitely more than Ranil and Silva. My own Peradeniya Degree is one I’m proud of – topped the batch – but now that means little.
          .
          I hope that in my hurry I haven’t processed typos galore.
          .
          Panini Edirisinhe (NIC 483111444V) of Bandarawela

        • 5
          0

          Another point related to this May 18th comment that has explained “Axcellency/ Excellency” to me.:
          .
          You have said this:
          .
          My point is that a lot of government activity which was performed in the past using government funds only are now carried out with the aid of benefactors and other donors and I have given examples.”
          .
          Here’s something that, to me, seems an example:
          .
          https://www.dailymirror.lk/expose/Indian-eggs-imported-to-crush-Monopoly-hits-a-snag/333-259391
          .
          We can live without eggs for some time. But how will babies manage without milk? There are no queues for milk, I know. But that is because of the price. Today at the CWE I found that a 400 gram packet of full cream milk powder (can’t remember the brand, but imported, it was) is more than Rs 1,200/=
          .
          When talking about the import of ridiculous items, AKD once mentioned the import of kankun from Thailand. The importer may have called it “water spinach”

          .
          Panini

  • 2
    2

    Part III
    National unity is paramount, and no state agency should conduct so that there is ill feeling among the communities. That even applies to individuals who provide half of a total picture. The oldies will recall that the flag of this country from 1875 to 1948 was the Union Jack in the first quadrant in dark blue background and in the rest was a crest in which a Buddhist stupa or dagoba with an Elephant. (Incidentally then permission of the Governor was required to construct a place of religious worship other than a Buddhist place of worship.) It is this crest that old departments such as Archeology and Railways have as their logo. To imply that the Department of Archeology pro-Buddhist and biased against other religions is hilarious when many foremost heads of that Department who distinguished themselves in that specialty were non-Buddhists. The PhD thesis from Harvard, USA, of one of them is regarded as a standard text in Archeology. A product of “Esto-Perpetua” and a scholar of Cambridge University, UK, his advice was sought after for nearly two decades even after he retired. We must be fair to persons of such stature.

    • 6
      3

      Good Sense,
      .
      Why have this Part III at all? This is mind boggling!
      .
      Please name the Head of the Department of Archaeology who had a PhD from Harvard. Again what are Latin mottos doing? Say S. Thomas’. Or St Thomas’, Mt Lavinia. Perhaps the school was then at Mutwal.
      .
      Give us the name, man?
      .
      But why have this comment at all?
      .
      Panini Edirisinhe

      • 3
        1

        No. The great man studied in St. Thomas College in Mount Lavinia and not in Mutwal days. Name – Dr. Shiran Upendra Deraniyagala and retired as the head of Department in 2001. His father Dr. Paulus Edward Peiris Deraniyagala too headed the Department of Archeology. There are quite a lot of learned men in that Department, even non-Buddhist who would perform their duty with dedication. Religious bias? NO WAY. I said all this because of the author’s implication of a Buddhist slant dragging even the crest. I had no option but to educate the public with regard to the history of the crest.

        • 4
          0

          Dear Good Sense,
          .
          1 of 2
          .
          All your comments
          and observations are spot on. Hereafter, I will have as clear a picture of YOU as of old codger, nimal fernando, and Ramona Therese Fernando, none of whom I have corresponded with. You’ve said just enough, but also, crucially, your sarcasm fascinates readers. Yours is a useful technique, but misunderstanding is possible.
          .
          Please continue. I’m a humble (half starved) villager who will follow after, explicating what you seem to mean to people of average intelligence like Mahila, sri krish, and myself. I often give Wikipedia entries for the benefit of fellow dullards.
          .
          https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siran_Upendra_Deraniyagala
          .
          I’ve heard of him, and wanted to meet him, but he died. He may have seen me as a baby, because my (relatively humble) parents knew his parents. May even have been “connected/distantly related”.
          .
          P.E.P. Deraniyagala had a lovely house opposite the impressive Anglican Church in Bandarawela. Arjun inherited it, but told me he was glad he sold it in time because the area has now become a slum. Well, relatively speaking!
          .
          Panini Edirisinhe (NIC 483111444V) of Bandarawela
          .

          .

          • 4
            0

            2 of 2,
            .
            Siran’s elder brothers
            were definitely taught by my father at STPS Bandarawela which had classes only upto “Standard Five”. From there to Mt Lavinia, I think. They may all have by-passed the Gurutalawa school, but how can we be sure with with all being dead?
            .
            Gurutalawa was a good school then. The usurper’s uncle (whom I have met) studied there:
            .
            https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lakshman_Wickremasinghe
            .
            Note that Bishop Lakshman had no PhD; mercifully, the nephew, Ranil no longer advertises his Honorary PhD.
            .
            No Wikipedia entry for Arjun; please see these appreciations:
            .
            https://www.sundaytimes.lk/210411/plus/appreciations-6-439391.html
            .
            Arjun’s is the fifth and last. The second, Ranjan Sriskantha, was also a pupil of my father. Younger than me, Ranjan used to say that my father’s corpse was the first dead body he had seen in February 1963.
            .
            I met Arjun in adult life at Classic Car Exhibitions. His “Pipe” car was worth a fortune. See it here:
            .
            https://www.sundaytimes.lk/121230/plus/on-a-ride-with-those-beauties-of-the-past-26247.html
            .
            Arjun’s Pipe is the fourth of six cars pictured there. Arjun’s name is there – read the entire article!
            .

            And I met the middle brother, Ranil, too. Sorry, but he seemed alcoholic. He’s referred to here:
            .
            https://www.sundaytimes.lk/110710/Plus/plus_18.html

      • 4
        0

        Really, Good Sense, who are you?
        .
        Never mind, it doesn’t matter in the dangerous context that we are operating.
        .
        **************
        So, this is what you meant:
        .
        https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Flag_of_Ceylon_(1875%E2%80%931948).svg
        .
        A flag has four quadrants (I have only just learnt that!) and it may be that Good Sense has muddled that somewhat – in which case please correct.
        .
        Serendipity!
        .
        https://www.britannica.com/place/Sri-Lanka/History
        .
        Scrolling down fast, I thought this very long article extremely lucid and accurate. Much more readable than Wikipedia. I fear that the next time I try to read it, I may have to pay!
        .
        I’m Panini Edirisinhe (NIC 483111444V) of Bandarawela.

  • 5
    2

    Part IV
    Allegations of destruction of ancient shrines by religious groups differing in religions to that of ancient shrines is common especially in the Indian sub-continent. We should not emulate the unhealthy practices of our neighboring countries in destroying a place of religious worship to build the another of different religion. One group alleges that others desecrate and vice versa. Military presence itself is not proof that it is one sided. It is a volatile situation and must deal with care. Once artefacts are found, even in a private property the Archeological laws apply. One problem with lack of funds to complete an archeological investigation is that the owner / occupier of the land cannot make use of it until the investigations are complete and it can be a major irritant. It is also alleged that while there is relative peace within the vicinity of sites in question, non-locals are brought in create a commotion. Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown and Ranil Sriyan Wickramasinghe must deal with it to maintain peace and preserve the artefacts depicting any religion and it belongs to us, all Sri Lankans and not to a particular religion per se.

    • 3
      0

      This is quite prophetic on your part, Good Sense!
      .
      See all the havoc that this Jerome Fernando is wreaking on us, the innocent. Wasn’t your earlier comment written before the Prophet Jerome got talked everywhere?

  • 4
    2

    Part V
    The author talks of the full implementation of the 13th Amendment. How will this problem of Archeology be solved with the full implementation of the 13th Amendment? Some maintain that they were cheated in a half-baked implementation of those provisions. I regret to note that none of the provincial councils have ever fully utilized what was given to them. The reality is that none of the provincial councils have money of their own and if they generate such money through taxation then councilors will earn the wrath of the people to the extent that they might cry “scrap the provincial councils”. Other than a measly sum earned through some obscure taxes currently they operate on grants given by the Central government through a Finance Commission. Now when there is no money to hold local government elections how can we talk about financing provincial elections to elect provincial councilors?

  • 3
    0

    So local elections are water under the bridge.
    While they talked only about that, the IMF deal was pushed through without protest.
    Now the Leader of the Opposition is pushing for Presidential Elections. I wonder what else will pass unnoticed while we waste time debating it.

    • 2
      0

      Planting precalcualted but fake news and let people engage arguing on is a fine strategy in today’s politics. This is common to any places.
      EVen most stupid sirisena did that being close to a ” Namal Kumara” who was reported to be an informant to CID, at the time, the country was going through messy politics being unable to continue his govt, with rabblerousing then ” joint-opposition”: remember ? Even today, we are unaware of the the truths behind the appointment of ” Namal Kumara”.
      .
      ALone that issue to have transfered a big sum of bribes (nearly 250 millions of US dollars) to an account may be a trick to tie violent people be busy with that, like some fierce dogs can ONLY be tamed if you would offer them ” meat bones”:

  • 4
    0

    “While they talked only about that, the IMF deal was pushed through without protest.”

    Like Pavlov’s dog every time people hear IMF, are they supposed to bark?

    • 0
      0

      Not to bark, but to salivate!

      • 0
        0

        Nice one, but unfair.
        Do you accuse him of salivating at the thought of IMF rescue?

    • 0
      0

      How are you this morning?
      *
      I do care about your health.
      Think of the things that keep you yelping thoughtlessly.

  • 3
    0

    Dear Sensitive Readers,
    .
    Does holding elections generally help Sri Lankans much? Do people in Sri Lanka use their brains? If yes, when recently? What goes through their heads? Nothing because they are like animals. School literacy rates are high, but political literacy are zero or minus.

    Is it right to risk an election at a time when everything is cracked in this country knowing that a man with Gota’s character has got a high mandate?
    In general, people used their emotions and not their brains?
    That is the nature of our people.
    Democratic elections are only to elect them, but after that, no promises or anything is honored as promised on the platform (exception: the good governance government has fulfilled more promises than any other government).

    tbc

  • 3
    0

    2
    If Medamulana’s wife (Gold buiscuit queen aka Shiranti) becomes the next candidate in the next election, can she win easily?

    If the stolen money is distributed to the poor in Deepa, she will no doubt become the next president in the same way. Gota’s presidency was born.
    At the same time, they should go around “licking Bodhis” and “kissing poor people’s babies in public” wearing “a traditional saree, but never a mini skirt as she likes” :::::: These are branded in Mahinda’s cruel mind.He knows people are stupidier than appeared to be.

    If AKD is to be the next leader, he should take tuition from Mahinda Paraya.

    A.K.D or the like are far from the realites but amusing his public rally crowds as VASIDEWA did it in late 70ties.
    AKD should start attacking minorities too.

    • 3
      0

      cont.
      .
      That is the other prerequisite that a winning candidate should bring with.

      Like fierce dogs would do, they should roll down on the floor infront of BUDDHIST monks and tooth relic is the other. And also AKD should also be tolerant JANGI wearing elephants in srilanken buddhist parades. And his PIRITH NOOLE should be thicker than his underwears… all these tricks he could better learn from MEDAMULANA animals.
      .
      :
      All these should be very cleaer to AKD, if he REALLY REALLY wants to win the elections, just enjoying ABOUT his rally crowds and stage speeches would only be KILLING valuble times.
      Reply

  • 4
    4

    Dear Readers, but Mahila in particular,
    .
    1 of 3

    .
    This is the link to AKD”s 95-minute interview, less than 24 hours ago, with a man named Udayashan Idamegedera.
    .
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pqxLB-F-Lvw
    .
    I know nothing about the interviewer, except what I have gathered by listening to the entire programme. Owing to diverse reasons I know that it is unlikely that you will be able to sit through all of it, but I’m trying to be fair by trying to get it displayed.
    .
    I have made three comments. One is PRIMARY, two others that can be reached by looking at what responses have been made to a guy named “Kumarasiri Fernando”, whom I know nothing of. I hope that you know that YouTube allows users to arrange thee comments according to “Top Comments” (that’s default) OR “Newest First”. But among “Top Comments”, my PRIMARY (that’s a word introduced by me) comments are listed as the very best. It takes a good deal of patience.
    .
    When getting YouTube comments approved, relevance doesn’t matter; it is the self-interest of YouTube.

    .

    • 0
      0

      This comment was removed by a moderator because it didn’t abide by our Comment policy. The key to maintaining the website as an inviting space is to focus on intelligent discussion of topics.

      For more detail see our Comment policy https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/comments-policy-2

    • 4
      9

      For those not in a position to listen to AKD for 95 minutes:
      .
      To start with it looked as though AKD was answering certain questions because he was being asked, but clearly he has arranged to have this interview as a message to the Nation.
      .
      He says that we have been patient for long enough; we cannot allow a Parliament in which we have no faith to continue tormenting thee people. People are now starving, medicines are not available, and in some instances sub-standard medications have resulted in people being blinded. Therefore, it is necessary for the entire country to rise against these injustices.
      .
      All communities must join in this extra-parliamentary uprising, because Ranil and his supporters in Parliament will keep preventing the holding of meaningful elections.
      .
      It was yesterday that I listened to it all, and I hope that this is a balanced summary. The truth of what he says is clear but working out strategy and timing are what devolves on AKD as the leader.
      .
      Panini Edirisinhe of Bandarawela (NIC

      • 2
        1

        Here’s just seven and a half minutes of that speech, chosen, no doubt because those minutes contain the essence of his speech.
        .
        It’s a difficult job for him, and no doubt it is difficult times for us.
        .
        https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/preparing-or-posturing-for-elections/
        .
        Unwavering support is what I give AKD in return. From readers, I can only suggest that you must think carefully before voting. We need more young Tamils and Muslims to join to take AKD’s message to the people in Lanka, and fewer like Dan Silva distorting.
        .
        Without the least provocation, see what he writes here:
        .
        https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/jehan-perera-17-may-2023/
        .
        in the Sinhala section.
        .
        Panini Edirisinhe

  • 10
    14

    Whether ranil discusses with Tamil parties or god himself, and even if he gives one million rupees to each Sri Lankan voter , he will lose.

    He thought he can win in 2020. Result ?Not a single seat. Before that he avoided every presidential election. Why ? He knows the truth but refuses to admit it.

    This man does not understand how despised he is in this country.

    Ranil pretending he is some kind of a president and running the affairs of this country , when the country hates him so much, is the biggest nonsense in the 21 Century.

    • 5
      1

      Dear “deepthi silva”,
      .
      Many thanks for the comments that you make. So many, eloquently saying the things that are necessary. For months it’s been like that.
      .
      However, more than a year ago there was anther commenter complaining about what you were saying. That definitely was so, but I can’t now recall what the gravamen was; at that time it seemed to matter, and the complaining commenter is one I respect very much.
      .
      Perhaps that was all some misunderstanding. Now I feel that you make excellent comments effectively. Your command of English is also impressive, Please make more comments. They’re doing a lot of good!
      .
      Panini Edirisinhe.

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