By Helasingha Bandara –
It appears that there are three leading candidates in this election race, although one is less formidable than the other two unless and until a sudden change of mind of the rest of the candidates causes a voter surge in his direction.
The public wonder how bloody the hands of those so-called leading candidates are before deciding. In my view, Sajith has inherited bloodier hands. Ranasingha Premadasa was instrumental in killing over 60 thousand of Sri Lanka’s young, a whole generation of the crème de la crème of the Sri Lankan youth, most of whom fell victim to petty grudges of the fellow villagers and to the insecurity of Premadasa psyche. The value of those lives is immeasurable. The misery caused to their parents, families and friends is unparalleled in Sri Lanka’s recent history. Premadasa wanted to live on for another millennium by annihilating any potential threat to his power base. How long could he live after the massacres? Both Sajith Premadasa’s parents have been accused of murder. We the general public fear that it is very possible that he can have inherited the murderous gene.
Besides, Sajith has never manifested any leadership traits in an open and honest manner during his political career. Instead he has continued to engage in hide and seek games just like his father. More importantly, he has been the deputy leader of the major constituent party of the ruling government that failed the country and its people like never before. Can people trust such a person to suddenly lift the country and its people from the dire status that it has been brought into?
Gotabaya’s role during the two JVP insurrections was not known. He has been accused of extra judicial killings although nothing has been proved yet by the ruling government. Proven or not, there is ample evidence for the ordinary citizen to believe that he has blood on his hands. Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s personal traits have caused concern among the public that there is the potential in him to become a dictator. In my view his chances were mostly curtailed by his brother Mahinda during his presidency. Changing from a simpleton to a megalomaniac, Mahinda wished to be a king. People will fear a Gotabaya presidency under the shadow of Mahinda who was rejected at the previous election for the very reasons that I have pointed out.
Anura Kumara Dissanayake, despite being a member of the JVP has no publicly known blemishes in his political career. He has not been accused of any murder, mayhem or large scale corruption. Although I believe he has many areas for improvement in his political career for him to be suitable for the Sri Lankan presidency, he is my choice of the three.
I called the election a farce because of the rest. Their nominations mean that various sections of society are clamouring for change, for an alternative to the currently recognised parties. They have ruled the country for over 70 years but have not taken the country on any recognisable development path.
If the 32 or so candidates had a common goal of finding an alternative, the way forward could have been to select one among them. However, this is not a bad beginning. There are 33 people from various professional fields, from diverse cultural backgrounds, and with a range of experience and skills, who believe in the same ideal and are willing to come forward. Perhaps this election came about unexpectedly leaving no time for those aspirants to formulate a powerful strategy. It is possible for them to form an alliance similar to that of the senate of ancient Rome. One leader but a senate with powers to overrule that leader when the necessity arises. It just needs one person to take the initiative to form this alternative for the future, even though it is already too late for this election. Is it not a reasonable hope on our part?
Mohd / November 4, 2019
Helasingha Bandara,
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“(AKD) ..he is my choice of the three” – QUESTION:
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You and your admirer, AKD both say, Gota has the potential in him to become a dictator, SP is a lesser evil in comparison. At the same time, you both know that AKD can’t win this election, but it is JVP’s strategic move to contest this time, which might also become a main reason, if the lesser evil is defeated. Don’t you think you guys are also putting your party before the country & the people in that sense?
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Sinhala_Man / November 4, 2019
No, Mohd,
The people who miscalculated were the Alternatives. Almost all of them were good people, but obsessed with their personal plans. Example: Nagananda’s Autochthonous Constitution. Not bad in itself, but he should have known when to compromise. Of course, in his case, it was Election Commission tules that spoilt things.
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Fathima / November 4, 2019
True, if Sajith loses, and Gota becomes a dictator one day, people will curse you also along with Ranil, MY3 & others. It is true if Sajith is not capable of winning it is purely due to him & his party’s weaknesses, but you had 2 choices, 1. Stopping a dictator 2. Strengthening your party. It appears you don’t want to be standing among the other three-wheeler parties.
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Sinhala_Man / November 4, 2019
Dear Helasingha.
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“Sajith has never manifested any leadership traits in an open and honest manner during his political career.” That is correct. However, the talk of genes is rubbish. I hope you don’t mind my bluntness at 2.16 a.m. I need to sleep!
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By the same token, you could say that AKD will also be prone to murder. No, I don’t think so. He would be the best choice. My choice, yes.
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Some of the other candidates are indeed good, but we have so many running mainly because of ego. Sad. I’ve had the opportunity of interacting more with some of them.
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The “other Marxist Parties” are “just running – out of habit. Nice, harmless guys – they will get very few votes. What I don’t like about them is that they, too, keep the “masses” ignorant of the Preference System.
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Gota – hardly fit to be classified as civilised homo sapien.
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Helasingha, is it London that you live in? Is Sajid Khan your mayor? That is the only other election in the world conducted using a system similar to ours. Why not write something from insights there since the election has been decided five times using Preferences? And do a Sinhala version, please.
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Very little has been sent out in Tamil by the “Alternatives”. We can always try. Those translated versions ought to be published in the most-read newspapers.
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The least we must aim at is getting the Preferences counted. If that happens in 2019, the entire country will be attuned to the system in 2024.
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soma / November 5, 2019
“Gota – hardly fit to be classified as civilised homo sapien”
Sinhala man, I can’t help concluding that if 10% of our population carry the level of hatred you carry in your breast then our country cannot be classified as a civilised a society. I want to teach you one fundamental thing about democracy. It is not 51‰ but acknowledgement by the other 49% that the 51% should be entitled to the decision making task and that 51% be always mindful of the the 49% in carrying out that task.
Now to Gotabhaya. You never wanted to hide your judgement that Gotabhaya MAY be preferred by the majority of the people and therefore this majority must be denied the opportunity of selecting him by eliminating him from contesting.
Now what is your judgement of those majority, in your own opinion, who are going to vote for him. They too cannot be classified as homo sapiens? Or a bunch of imbeciles, even after four and a half years of educating them about his corruption and white vans, who have not taken anything into their heads. No you cannot think of an electorate in that angle.
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Take some time for yourself, sit down and ponder over the question why such large numbers still prefer him despite our best efforts to educate them for four and a half years. YES, DESPITE OUR BEST EFFORTS TO EDUCATE THEM FOR FOUR AND A HALF YESRS!. Aren’t they people like me. What if officials of election department and the police behave on the assumption that one party is not entitled to be treated as homo sapiens. Yes there are lot of questions . Hope you will have enough time after the elections.
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Soma
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Sinhala_Man / November 5, 2019
You are correct. I don’t want Gota.
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What is wrong with my urging others to share my views? I’m not advocating doing anything unfair in that particular cause. I’m not inventing stories about him.
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It is you, Soma, who object to what I’m legitimately doing.
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Native Vedda / November 9, 2019
soman
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We know you are a bigoted moron like your fellow fascist Dayan but you do not need to prove it time and again.
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“It is not 51‰ but acknowledgement by the other 49% that the 51% should be entitled to the decision making task and that 51% be always mindful of the the 49% in carrying out that task.”
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It is not just 51%, theoretically even 50% + one vote make them entitled to the state’s entire power. However it is morally repugnant practice and your pointless argument carry no weight. On the other hand it would be seen as tyranny of the tiny noisy minority.
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Hela / November 4, 2019
“It is possible for them to form an alliance similar to that of the senate of ancient Rome. One leader but a senate with powers to overrule that leader when the necessity arises.”
The powers to overrule to the point of killing Caesar………..
The stuff that are being spewed from UNP stage of hanging Rajapksas at various places, donning prison jumpers etc, I can imagine what they are thinking in terms of methodology of overruling…..
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Gamini / November 4, 2019
Whether one likes it or not, either SP or NGR will be the President elect on 17 November, notwithstanding their past deeds, family history and records. That is the reality.
Who the ultimate winner is will partly depend on who will be more convincing, credible, dependable, believable, honourable and trustworthy to the majority of voters. Their records are plain to see and they are like chalk and cheese.
The writer’s ‘spins’ above on each candidate are questionable. But that is his prerogative.
The choices are:
1) SP – if you wish for a change of guard and a ‘young’, energetic, efficient seasoned Politician with no ‘baggage’, and with a clear vision (whether one agrees or not) and runs on the board. If you wish for ‘Social Democracy’, freedom (of speech), rule of law and basic human rights.
2) NGR – if you wish for a frail and unhealthy ‘old’ (70 years) alleged criminal who has no clear vision or experience in active Politics with a lot of ‘baggage’. If you wish for a fascist, autocratic, authoritarian and dictatorial family rule where freedom (of speech), rule of law and basic human rights are at stake – his past deeds are plain to see (while being an influential member of MR’s (mis) rule).
3) Any other candidate if you do not wish to give the 1st preference to either SP of NGR. But if you wish your vote to count and not go waste, please select a 2nd / 3rd preference with atleast one of them for either SP or NGR.
Voters, please use your franchise wisely, judiciously and aptly.
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Sinhala_Man / November 4, 2019
Gamini, I agree with the strategy, but it comes too late.
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A Democrat / November 5, 2019
Gamini,
Whilst I have given you a tick of approval for your continuous contributions of positive comments and opposition to the candidature of NGR. I tend to disagree with your comment on age. It should not be a barrier.
Prime Minister Mahathir of Malaysia (92) has proved beyond doubt that age does not matter if you are genuinely committed to reform. He proved a mockery of what the President and Prime Minister of Sri Lanka could not do despite their younger years.
NGR has unfortunately made himself a sick man by evading the law by his frequent trips to Singapore etc, permitted by a fearful and recusing judiciary. He has also demonstrated that his style is partisan and authoritarian and lacking true leadership. that the whole country needs.
In fairness to most seventy year olds I think there is much valuable experience, wisdom and maturity still prevalent in their manner of thinking. If they are not politically biased and rational thinkers they would no doubt act and voice the same sensible opinions as you.
As emphasised by you the need to use your franchise” wisely, judiciously and aptly ” is the need of the hour.
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Sinhala_Man / November 5, 2019
Dear A Democrat,
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Age does make a huge difference. Mahathir of Malaysia (92) is the exception that proves the rule. Yes, he’s been wonderful. One swallow does not the summer make. Kumara Welgama has been repeatedly warning us about Gota. I’m not sure whether this is where he focuses specifically on age:
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKGg2wry0xM
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We need more women participating, but how do we achieve it? In Sri Lanka, they tend to belong to certain families. Fixing a quota is not too rigid a condition.
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I, too, have been urging people to use their Preferential votes wisely. Can you believe it that most then say that with 35 candidates they are not sure who is honest. Surely just one day devoted to the task should be sufficient. Then they raise profound philosophical questions like “Can we infallibly intuit even our own motivations”.
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The fault lies with individual voters, but when that involves the majority of them, then we’ve got to think of something the matter with our collective Sri Lankan psyche. I will not try to provide a simple answer.
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One should not rule out, by means of the constitution, persons without specific qualifications or above a certain age, from holding office. This was one of the mistakes that Nagananda made when drawing up his Constitution.
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soma / November 5, 2019
All my friends and relatives are voting for NGR.
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Soma
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nalmen / November 4, 2019
in ranasighe premadasas time the govt had to retaliate because of the sheer brutality of the jvp in their mass killings
cutting off peoples heads and hanging them on trees
ranjan realised that only way to stop he bastards was to meet force with force
and eye for a nd eye tooth for a tooth policy that put and end to the jvps mass killings
just like the case of the ltte it was war and in war there is collateral damage
people who lived during those times havent forgotten they will never vote for the jyp
who are nothing but wolves in sheeps clothing
this is quite different from the slfp killing journalists after the war was over
there is no comparison
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Estate Labourer / November 4, 2019
I am not an astrologer but nevertheless, I would like to make an astrological prediction. If Gotabaya loses this election he will immediately need to go to Singapore to get urgent treatment for a heart condition. If instead, he is elected as president his heart problem will magically disappear forever!
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vikas / November 5, 2019
where were u in the period 1996-2005? were u making predictions even then?
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EA / November 4, 2019
‘Both Sajith Premadasa’s parents have been accused of murder. We the general public fear that it is very possible that he can have inherited the murderous gene.’
What sort of moronic comment is this?
Firstly, being accused of murder is not the same as being convicted of murder
Secondly, who is the writer to appoint himself spokesperson of ‘we the general public’?
Thirdly, there is no such thing as a ‘murderous gene’
Why does CT print such garbage?
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Helasingha / November 4, 2019
Dear Singhala Man;
Premadasa has already said that he would not apply law when it comes to terrorism but annihilate them. That was what exactly his father did. How can you rule out the possibility of some gene that could cause a murderous mentality. One of the commentators here has implied that Premadasa senior was not proven guilty of murder. Nor was Hitler in that sense. Another commentator has white washed Premadasa just forgetting he was in the ruling government for the past four years. Can SP evade responsibility saying he had no say in the government. If he was an honourable man he could have parted company with a lot who would not agree with his progressive policies. Did he?
Helasingha
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Douglas / November 4, 2019
As regards these “Three” contenders, the PEOPLE must only be “REMINDED” and very “EMPHATICALLY” told in my only village style : “Oya Gotayai Sajithayai Dennama Handa Athe Thiyagena, Untai , Unge Paulwlatai, Wate Inna Nadetai, Bedagaththa Misak, Umbala Apita Beduwe Nehe Ne” (Both Gota & Sajith served themselves, their families and cohorts when they had the “Spoon” in their hands i.e. while in power) Think of the only man who did not do that, but carried a struggle in the Legislature against the “Crimes” both “Gota” & “Sajith” did while holding power. Give that one and the only remaining man “AKD” of NPP a CHANCE and try him and his “TEAM”.
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Rajiv Tennekoon / November 5, 2019
Douglas,
AKD is responsible for the misrule of the Yahapalanaya Government as well. There is no way he can absolve himself.
That said, the people of the country do not have much of a choice.
If SP gets elected, Mangala is positioning himself to be the ever powerful PM. Mangala did so much damage to the country as the Foreign Minister, just imagine what he would do if he became the all powerful PM? In 5 years, we all in the South will need a visa to travel to the North and East.
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Sinhala_Man / November 5, 2019
No, Rajiv.
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Correct me on this, if you can. Did AKD get himself made a Minister? Did he avail himself of all the benefits available?
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I can’t remember whether he imported a duty-free can and then sold it at a profit. If so where did the profit go? To the Party?
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Their record on legislation has been good for the past ten years or so. I know that I’m being a bit vague. Better that, then irresponsible racing of fears like needing “a visa to travel to the North and East.”
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Sinhala_Man / November 5, 2019
Sorry typos: “than”, ” raising” are two I’ve already spotted.
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There’s this wonderful software that is already available, and will no doubt improve:
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https://www.grammarly.com/
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I’ve got the free version installed. That has the effect of over-riding the normal spell-checker. The monthly charge for the Premium Version is more than U.S. $ Eleven. So, even in a rich country, only writing professionals would use it.
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“Good things no cheap, . . .”
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kali / November 5, 2019
Presidency & The Farce Of A 35
*** Presidency & The Farce Of A 35
*** There are 3 candidates with the potential to win but 22 million losers. I will deal with each of them separately
First:
I looked to Sajith as a Beacon of Hope but following his pronouncement about saving a War CRIMINAL with his life he has turned out to be a hoaxer. I expect him to spell out to UN at the next session with regards to his commitment to Accountability, & Reconciliation and he has made clear these are empty words.
Second:
Gotha in no Particular order:
Gotha if you read this I throw down a challenge to you and ask you how you are going to keep your promises.
1) Commitment to UN Charter on Human Rights. But you have already stated that you will not honor it. It is for UN to deal with just like Shavendra.
2) I have always stated that Sri Lankas Sovereignty is limited to Indias Security and India has demonstrated it by forcing China to forfeit the Lease. I challenge you to pursue a policy in defiance of Indias stated position not to allow any other foreign power which is hostile to her not to gain a foothold.
3) Security: With your draconian policies there will be more martyrs and with investment drying up ( through fear) you and your country men will be Scavenging for food.
Third:
JVP
Like Sarath once famously ( about Gotha ) said I will leave that for another time.
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Douglas / November 6, 2019
Rajiv: Your statement: “AKD is responsible for the misrule of “Yahapalanaya”” Can you please expand a little bit on that “TRUTH” you have unearthed? In my opinion, there are some who got “KICKED OUT” of JVP who coined this term ” Rathu Ali Petiya” and those without an examination of the events, go on repeating the same. Let me tell you an even when the “19th Amendments” came. JVP made an amendment ;- That any MP who switch party and defect to any other, must be vacated his seat”. Who opposed it and got it out of the “19 th Amendment? He was “Hon. Dinesh Gunawardane. You saw after that how an MP came on “Auction Block” and got sold for “Millions”. Next when a “No Confidence” motion was brought against Ranil W, who “Absented” from voting? MR- that “Maha Rajano” and JVP all six members voted in favour. So who really joined the “Yahapalanaya” on that issue? In my opinion, whatever the Government in power, if and when a step is taken for the “Common Good” it must be supported irrespective of party politics. In the same manner, it must be the other way too. Any attempt by the Government to move against “Common Good” it must be defeated. That is is how I see and perceive politics. I think JVP led by AKD has and is doing that and I appreciate it.
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Lester / November 9, 2019
“Proven or not, there is ample evidence for the ordinary citizen to believe that he has blood on his hands.”
Yes, he has blood on his hands… almost the ENTIRE leadership of the LTTE. Together with Mahinda, eradication of these terrorist pests was the greatest achievement of any Lankan statesman since Independence. GR is 70, he will rule for 10 years at best. Some buggers are comparing him to Hitler who became dictator at 45. Hitler was never elected, his popularity was largely due to the humiliation felt by Germany after WW1 – arising from the Versailles Treaty – combined with difficult economic conditions.
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