28 March, 2024

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President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s Full Speech To The UN General Assembly

Mr. President,
Secretary General,
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Ayubowan,

I am honoured to represent Sri Lanka at this august gathering today.

Let me first congratulate His Excellency Abdulla Shahid on being elected President of the 76th session of the General Assembly.

Mr. President, you have long been a friend of Sri Lanka. We look forward to working closely with you in the year ahead.

I also take this opportunity to convey our appreciation of His Excellency Volkan Bozkir’s stewardship of the previous session of the General Assembly, and to commend Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for his leadership in these difficult times.

Mr. President,

The COVID19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on humanity.

I sympathise deeply with all who have lost their loved ones during the pandemic.

I thank frontline healthcare and essential workers around the world for their dedication and commend the World Health Organisation for its crisis response.

I also greatly appreciate the rapid advances made by the scientific and medical communities in devising vaccines and treatment protocols to combat the virus.

At the same time, we must recognise that the challenges surrounding production, distribution, deployment and acceptance of vaccines must be overcome urgently if the spread of dangerous new virus strains is to be prevented.

Ensuring that everyone, everywhere, is vaccinated is the best way out of the pandemic.

Although still a developing nation, Sri Lanka has been very successful in its vaccination programme. We have already fully vaccinated nearly all those above the age of 30. Everyone over the age of 20 will be fully vaccinated by the end of October. We will start vaccinating children over 15 years of age in the near future.

The rapid progress of vaccinations was enabled by coordinated efforts between healthcare workers, Armed Forces and Police personnel, Government servants, and elected officials.

In collaboration with the WHO, Sri Lanka is establishing a Regional Knowledge Hub to facilitate exchange of lessons learnt from COVID19 and support countries to recover better.

Sri Lanka also benefitted greatly from financial and material support provided by bilateral and multilateral donors to manage the pandemic. I thank these nations and institutions for their generosity. The increased global cooperation visible during this ongoing crisis is greatly encouraging. However, there is still more to be done.

Mr. President,

The economic impact of the pandemic has been especially severe on developing countries.
This has placed the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals at considerable risk.

It is vital that more initiatives including development financing and debt relief be adopted through international mechanisms to support developing nations and help them emerge from this uncertain situation.

Sri Lanka too has suffered greatly due to the pandemic. In addition to the tragic loss of life, our economy has been deeply affected.

The lockdowns, together with general movement restrictions, reduced international travel, and slower global growth have affected nearly all sectors of our economy.

Tourism, one of Sri Lanka’s highest foreign exchange earners and a sector that supports nearly 14% of the population, has been devastated.

This industry, together with small and medium businesses in many other sectors, received Government support through interest moratoriums and other financial sector interventions.

Daily wage earners and low-income groups were also supported through grants of cash and dry rations during lockdowns, adding significantly to state expenditure.

In addition to their immediate impact, these economic repercussions of the pandemic have limited the fiscal space available to implement our development programmes.

Mr. President,

As devastating as the consequences of the pandemic have been to humanity, the world faces the even greater challenge of climate change in the decades to come.

As emphasised in the recent report by the Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change, the unprecedented effect of human activity on the health of the planet is deeply worrying.

Addressing the grave threats posed by climate change and the loss of biodiversity requires decisive and urgent multilateral action.

As a climate-vulnerable country, Sri Lanka is deeply aware of the dangers of climate change.

Sri Lanka’s philosophical heritage, deeply rooted in Lord Buddha’s teachings, also emphasises the vitality of preserving environmental integrity.

It is in these contexts that Sri Lanka is a Commonwealth Blue Charter Champion and leads the Action Group on Mangrove Restoration.

Through the adoption of the Colombo Declaration on Sustainable Nitrogen Management, which seeks to halve nitrogen waste by 2030, Sri Lanka has also contributed to global efforts to reduce environmental pollution.

Having participated virtually in the Pre-Summit held in April, I trust that the United Nations Food Summit later this month will result in actionable outcomes to promote healthier, more sustainable, and equitable food systems globally.

Such outcomes will be crucial to human health as well as to the health of our planet.

Sustainability is a cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s national policy framework. Because of its impact on soil fertility, biodiversity, waterways and health, my Government banned the use of chemical fertilisers, pesticides, and weedicides earlier this year. Production and adoption of organic fertiliser, as well as investments into organic agriculture, are being incentivised.

I appreciate the encouragement received from many global institutions and nations for our efforts to create a more sustainable agriculture in Sri Lanka.

The conservation of our environment is one of our key national priorities.

We aim to increase forest cover significantly in the coming decades. We are also working to clean and restore over 100 rivers countrywide, and to combat river and maritime pollution. We have also banned single use plastics to support ecological conservation.

Sri Lanka recognises the urgent need to reduce use of fossil fuels and support decarbonisation. Our energy policy seeks to increase the contribution of renewable sources such as solar, wind and hydropower to 70% of our national energy needs by 2030.

Mr. President,

Sri Lanka welcomes the support of the international community as it engages in the task of reviving its economy and carrying out its national development programme. We intend to make full use of geostrategic location and our robust institutions, strong social infrastructure, and skilled workforce, to attract investment and broaden trade relationships.

My Government is focusing on extensive legal, regulatory, administrative and educational reforms to facilitate this, and to deliver prosperity to all our people.

Sri Lanka has enjoyed universal adult franchise since pre-Independence.

The democratic tradition is an integral part of our way of life.

My election in 2019 and the Parliamentary election in 2020 saw Sri Lankan voters grant an emphatic mandate to my Government to build a prosperous and stable country, and uphold national security and sovereignty.

In 2019, Sri Lanka experienced the devastation wrought by extremist religious terrorists in the Easter Sunday attacks. Before that, until 2009, it had suffered from a separatist terrorist war for 30 years. Terrorism is a global challenge that requires international cooperation, especially on matters such as intelligence sharing, if it is to be overcome. Violence robbed Sri Lanka of thousands of lives and decades of prosperity in the past half century.

My Government is committed to ensuring that such violence never takes place in Sri Lanka again.

We are therefore acting to address the core issues behind it.

Fostering greater accountability, restorative justice, and meaningful reconciliation through domestic institutions is essential to achieve lasting peace.

So too is ensuring more equitable participation in the fruits of economic development.

It is my Government’s firm intention to build a prosperous, stable and secure future for all Sri Lankans, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or gender.

We are ready to engage with all domestic stakeholders, and to obtain the support of our international partners and the United Nations, in this process.

However, history has shown that lasting results can only be achieved through home-grown institutions reflecting the aspirations of the people.

Sri Lanka’s Parliament, Judiciary and its range of independent statutory bodies should have unrestricted scope to exercise their functions and responsibilities.

Mr. President, Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates,

If, in keeping with the theme of our General Debate today, we are to truly build resilience through hope, we must all strive towards the common good.

It is the role of the United Nations to facilitate this by treating all sovereign states, irrespective of size or strength, equitably, and with due respect for their institutions and their heritage.

I request the United Nations and the international community to ensure the protection of the Buddhist heritage of Afghanistan.

I call on the member states of this august Assembly to work together in a spirit of true cooperation, generosity, goodwill, and mutual respect to foster a better and more sustainable future for all humanity.

Thank you.

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Latest comments

  • 53
    1

    Gota

    Did you really mean or understand what you read out at the UN General Assembly?
    It reminds us of what the reporter Louis Heren used to say ‘Why is this lying bastard lying to me?'”

    Now tell us what Buddha’s teaching got to do with you and your so called Sinhala/Buddhist country?
    Those who present and listened to your read out knew that there isn’t a semblance of truth or reality in what you said and did since 1971.

    “Sri Lanka has enjoyed universal adult franchise since pre-Independence.”

    Have you come to tell the “August Gathering” that
    “alright fellows that’s enough, I am going to suspend parliament, make myself life president, appoint Ranaviruses to each and every state civilian job, will continue with emergency and curfew, arrest, ………….. my entire clan is going to enjoy everything, …….. people have had the chance to see what is in store for them, Lohan Ratwatte displayed very well…. “

    • 31
      1

      Native,
      Gota just read out what was typed out. Give him some credit for being able to read. He might claim that he never said all that when he comes back and is attacked by persons in yellow.
      Looks like Mahinda too is about to reverse the Kerawalapitiya deal with the US.

      • 23
        2

        “my Government banned the use of chemical fertilisers, pesticides, and weedicides earlier this year.”
        That reminds me of his aiya’s statement at the UN when he was President, that Sri Lanka was the first in the world to eradicate pornography! Se family, same ignorance.

      • 0
        0

        Old codger

        Did you see him reading? From what I saw in the video he was looking straight at the audience in front and I cannot remember an instance he looked below the microphone (to look at his speech).

        • 3
          0

          Blabla

          The right question is how long did it take him to practice how to read from a
          ‎Teleprompter or two.

        • 2
          0

          Blabla,
          Could it be that someone was feeding him the lines through a tiny Bluetooth earpiece? Nowadays, things are very advanced.

    • 19
      2

      Part 1

      Gota, former US citizen,
      We truly believe the trip to the US may be relieving you after being caught by long refuge in JANATHI PATHI MANDIRAYA (presidential secretariat, office), all these weeks.

      We thank Prof. GLP to have saved your bum this time too. And GLP to have been able to attend UN assembly I consider is advantageous tot he nation. A week ago, GLP was caught by the HOO SANGARAHAYA in Bolonge/Italy, however, no enough media coverage on the that trip of president’s brother who is believed to be root cause of srilanken mlechcha politics and ist consequences.
      If GLP remained as university teacher, he could have done lot more good work, however it is too late to show him the way. His and the like men in SRILANKA is totally, misled by the culture built on MITHYAAWA being kept on the top – that is why GOTABAYA or the like stupid men in leadership first followed „ mithyawa- myths based on KALIAMMA and invisible forces leaving own people fall dead not having proper and timely care against the viral disease COVID.
      However, if I were the writer of GOTA‘s speech, I would not harbour them to me but explain the ground realities as they really are in the country since you doublepakses grabed the power.
      tbd

      • 13
        2

        Part 2
        Alone the manner how you and your WIYATHMAGA led groups deliberately bamboozled the very same stupid majority for your comeback, was not overlooked to us. They as eternal memory losers (our majority of sinhalayas) would have been fallen any low tricks being applied on them also paving the way entire nation into depth. Yellow pets and their MEDIA spokesman, Ghanabalusara/“Galabodaya“ made it clear in his latest speech to HIRU SALAKUNA (another TV channel whose brother despite him being convicted high criminal in life impriosonment, but released by you lately) made it very clear about govt s stance on everything.
        https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-paJWSUHRQ-
        Tot he eyes of masses in and out oft he country, nothing seems to have ameliorated by your administration since you are in leadership, let alone what wonders you can make in the future is beyond questionable to entire nation incl your 6.9 mio voters enabled your dreams coming true.
        In fact, almost day today life has turned out to be unbearable, at least not being accessed to daily essentials for the people (SUGAR; MILK; RICE; GAS and MEDICINE ARE A STRUGGLE) and it has been the biggest failure people to fall on your tricks, is becoming crystal clear by hour.
        https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hniQMWDYUrs
        https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=St_0m6p22c8
        https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pHQYvUnzuNk


        contd.

        • 11
          2

          Part 3
          As some brave MPs in parliament risked by exposing all summerised versions of the disasterous situation before the nation today, you as the executive president whose power is enormous than your predecessor-SORYSENAs, with 20A plus 2/3 mandate in parliament, you have failed to win the hearts and minds of the people today, not being able to provide the nation with vaccines timely. All experts‘ report reveal lately over 95% of COVID death reported during last 8 weeks were over 60 year olds with no vaccines being provided to them as WHO and HEALTH EXPERTS in our country repeatedly recommended to do so. Opposition leaders and senior virologists kept on asking you and your stupid millitary men, that vaccines be given to all going by the guidelines provided by WHO, meaning first the elderly age group, health care personnel and the vulneral groups and then the others. However, first loads of jabs granted to lanka by WHO and India were totally ended in vain, not having a proper plan, leaving their second dose be a dream for them. As we known it not only medication, but psychology in the people is highly important, since placebo experiements in clinical trials prove it constantly, that the infected and everyone should be in positive in order to allow own immunity to react properly.

          to be contd

          • 11
            1

            NEW YORKER JOIN BOLONGE STYLE PROTESTS:
            :
            https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sLWD63yd8DA

            My salute is to them. If they are going to protest in Berlin, I will try to attend it.

            • 6
              0

              Dear leelagemalli,
              .
              This is a significant development.
              .
              At long last the Sinhala diaspora is waking up to its responsibilities. This will have an impact on the Sinhala-Buddhists who voted these crooks in. It’s very good that the speeches are in Sinhalese.
              .
              This demonstration will engage the attention of only a handful of white westerners; it is good that there are some placards in English which clearly show that it is not only the Tamils who now know that the Rajapaksas are incarnations of evil.
              .
              LM, please do all that you can in any demonstration held in Berlin. They will be more effective than all our writing here.
              .
              Here, in Bandarawela, there’s nobody defending the regime with conviction. Of course, we have to fear the actual Rajapaksa stooges who have been lining their pockets, and will still do so if possible.
              .
              For now, the SLPP has lost even the die-hard supporters. Will they be able to reclaim them?
              .
              How?
              .
              Panini Edirisinhe

              • 3
                0

                With all untruths becoming their HEADLINE news, there are lot more RAJAPAKSHES STOOGES have still been nodding their heads … showing that Rajaakshes would succeed it…. That young man from Galle. by name Kanishka Lanarol is doing a great job though a new politician to SJB.
                .
                No matter to which party they belong , youth should wake up from their long slumber.
                :
                Yes, I will go to BERLIN demos, scheduled to be upcoming weeks.

              • 1
                1

                This comment was removed by a moderator because it didn’t abide by our Comment policy.

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

              • 3
                0

                SM,
                “Will they be able to reclaim them?”
                I am sure the Rajapaksas will find some plausible “threat” to get the gullibles on their side. Maybe they’ll lose in 2024, but who can say anything about 2028?
                But, at our age, it’s all of academic interest only.

    • 22
      2

      Native,
      The philosophy of Rajapaksa family is Bribe, Cheat, Lie, Threat and Murder. So, nothing surprise in this speech. But he accepted to the entire world that he ordered the murder of those who surrendered or handed over Tamils after the end of war.

      • 4
        0

        Ajith,
        If people are different to them, would it repeat? Rajapakshe speak the very same language to the ears of over 6,9 mio voters. Our great humanist honorable Ranjan Ramanayaka made this very clear☹☹☹☹☹☹☹🐃🐃🐃🐃🐃🐃

    • 1
      0

      NV: “Now tell us what Buddha’s teaching got to do with you and your so-called Sinhala/Buddhist country”?

      Answer: Religion is the Panacea of all Hypocritic Rulers.

  • 22
    1

    Nimal Fernando

    Did you type Gota’s read out?
    If you did, you disappoint me.

    • 10
      1

      Native,

      No, I did not type his speech.

      “august Assembly” ………. doesn’t he know it’s September?

      I don’t have time to read all his crap ……. just glanced through

      “Sri Lanka’s Parliament, Judiciary and its range of independent statutory bodies should have unrestricted scope to exercise their functions and responsibilities.”

      One can never be certain …….. but if he understands what he read out ……. he at least knows these bodies should be independent! :))

      “ensure the protection of the Buddhist heritage of Afghanistan.”

      Forget Afghanistan, what about the Buddhist heritage of SL? Is serial-killing a Buddhist heritage?

      A suit and a tie don’t make a man …….. Gota should have the courage to be what he is without all this bullshit.

      For once in your cowardly life have the frigging courage to say ……. Yes, I killed all these people: they need to be dead.

    • 14
      1

      Burt,
      Brilliant!

      • 14
        1

        Regional knowledge hub ??? run by the armed forces, appointed by Sir Fail. Brilliant. Unfortunately The great fraudster Eliyantha White is not around to share his knowledge.

      • 14
        1

        Dear OC,
        .
        Eliantha white – former man for fake royal sai baba is said to have kicked the bucket.
        .
        https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Uo2bwiNzJg

        Muttihamy aka former minister of health, Apawithra Wanniarachchi was caught by Eliantha White – pirith kalaya throw-saga… remember … but MR survives yet today…… now i have a greater question to guard of Karmaya.

        • 4
          0

          Srilanken fall on the easy tricks of stupid men easily. That says everything about the SOCIETY.
          How does this happen – if MEDAMULANA dogs would go after them, gullible men line up to emulate them.
          These men became popular through MAHINDA rajaakshe‘ stupid beliefs
          – Eliantha White
          – Dhammika Paniya Maker
          – Galthanna dhewagathithuma
          – Keerthi Dissanayaka (VALAMPOORI MAN)
          – Deekiri Kumara
          – Royal Astrologer
          – Ghanakka
          – Gangamaniyo-the bitch
          – Piliyandhala Dewa Gathi thuma

    • 8
      0

      Burt

      Brilliant.

    • 5
      0

      Burt

      Brilliant.
      Please read all the comments under the video clip.

    • 1
      0

      Can any one translate this pls?
      Thank you

  • 13
    6

    A remarkably well-delivered and well-written speech with main focus on things we agree. The question is, will the world see behind the mask?

    I am intrigued by the quality of the President’s English. It is not from the Los Angeles Baila set but from the SL Army which is able to somehow get its officers to speak better English than the SLAS officials (based on my interactions with military and civilian officials).That may be the only area where we may be able to learn from the SL army without hurting ourselves. How is the SL Army able to inculcate the English language skills aming its officers that the SLAS with more intelligent personnel is unable to, despite offering many incentives?

    • 11
      1

      …..The question is, will the world see behind the mask?…..
      When there is a bad situation, one can only HOPE.
      It’s all a farce at UN. Some people cling for hope that this ‘Hypocrisy’ will deliver.
      The best example is this speech – is it “tongue in cheek” to fool whom?
      Hence my comment on : CT article : Power-politics-as-usual-or-rule-of-law as……”……It is just a drama to allow everyone to say something, pat each other on the back, and the UN staff enjoy monetary and other benefits………”
      It’s all a farce at UN. Some people clinging for hope that this ‘Hypocrisy’ will deliver.
      The best example is this speech – is it “tongue in cheek” to fool whom?
      What is the cost of this 76th GA meeting – is it beneficial to anyone but the UN employees and the “Eminent” attendees to have a jolly good time and preen themselves.

    • 9
      2

      JM,
      How do we know whether Gota knows what he read out ?.
      .
      Besides he speaks high today about his successes being made by vaccination marathon though it was started much later, leaving the elderly people fall dead. Not to forget how mlechcha men misled the nation by paniya???
      🐃🐃🐃🐃🐃☹☹☹☹☹☹

      • 3
        0

        Gota invites TAMIL DIASPHORA while the repeated requests being made by tamils living in the country are paid with total ignorance. THis is what I heard honrouable Sumanthiran adding to press yesterday. Gota does not know what he is uttering about.
        :
        This happens when self glorification make the kind of stupid men leaders.
        :
        Just becasue of a butcher, be clever at butchery, would he able able to govern a country ? Gota’s hitherto 2-years has proved it to the world today.

    • 7
      0

      Jaffna man,
      The secret is the General Sir John Kotelawala Defense University. The security forces at staff grade level are mainly recruited from elite schools and well trained at KDU as well as in foreign prestigious institutions whereas Sri Lanka Administrative Service SLAS personals are recruited through island wide examinations with many of them have had hardly any exposure to English and hastily trained at Sri Lanka Institute of Development Administration SLIDA.

      It should have been other ways round.. It is a pity.

      • 3
        0

        srikrish;
        .
        Much truth in those few words from you.

    • 12
      2

      Jeevan, the speech was most probably written by ex-Cheap Justice and still ultracheap Mohan Peiris and proof-read by Goo-Licker G L Peiris.

      One went to St Joseph’s (and got his final spit and polish at Royal), while the other went to St Thomas’, Mt Lavinia.

      Pity the two buggers have sold their souls for the mess of Rajapaksa pottage that is worth nothing.

      • 3
        0

        ES:
        The language you use is most appropriate. Though in terms of soul selling, Vasideva is tops the list.

      • 3
        0

        Dear Easton Scott,
        .
        That Mohan Peiris and GLP have forfeited all respect that anybody ever had for them is correct, but neither is a moron.
        .
        The substance of this speech is so empty that it has to belong to Gota and nobody else. As for the English, as I’ve said in my longer comment, many Lankans can perform adequately.
        .
        Average Lankans like us will pay the price and suffer. This speech – already forgotten by the world. The General Assembly can do little for us, the citizens of Lanka, because of the vetoes available in the Security Council.

      • 2
        0

        ES,
        IT IS HIGH TIME TO ADVERTISE AS TO WHY EVEN GLP or THE LIKE BECOME SO SERVILE? NEW DOCTORAL STUDENT CAN RESEARCH ON THE THESIS. .
        .
        IF GLP S PARENTS WOULD WAKE UP FROM THE GRAVES, THEIR EYES WILL NOT BELIEVE, HILARIOUS ☹☹☹☹☹☹☹☹☹☹☹☹☹☹☹☹☹☹☹☹☹☹☹☹☹🐃🐃🐃

    • 2
      1

      Trivan Annakkarage

      • 0
        0

        Moderators, the above was a mistake. Please remove.

    • 3
      1

      Jaffna Man,
      .
      English is one of the three languages used in Lanka. Unfortunately, it belongs only above a certain tier of society. Consequently, the high fluency of some Lankans in English. Will come back to that.
      .
      However, GambadaIngirisiIskoleMahaththaya, can do some nit-picking. Ideally, it should be done unobtrusively and privately.
      .
      One mistake has been highlighted in the comments below the video by Trivan Annakkarage. Wittingly? May be. At 1′ 5″, Gota mispronounces the cliche-tic adjective “august” causing Trivian to say that the UN has assembled in September, and not August.
      .
      I was confusedly looking for this speech, and it may be that my off-topic comment appeared before those on this page. It’s here, at the bottom of a response to RTF:
      .
      https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/a-childs-guide-to-the-behavioural-pattern-behind-menike-mage-hithe/
      .
      I’m glad that I didn’t there immediately start talking about militarisation. It would have been a manifestation of prejudice, and hurtful to a young Lankan who probably achieved a great deal through hard work. We ought not stereotype, although Sinhalayo dishonestly do it routinely to the minorities.
      .
      Professor Jeevan Hoole is always honest and truthful, but ought sometimes to hold back. However, this comment is both perceptive and justified.

      • 1
        8

        Sinhala_Man,
        “We ought not stereotype, although Sinhalayo dishonestly do it routinely to the minorities.”

        Arn’t you a Sinhalese?
        Among Sinhalayo there is a saying ‘uda balagena kela gahanna epa’. Think about that when you humiliate and ridicule Sinhalayo.

        • 4
          0

          EAGLE BP,

          who is doing that today I mean “””‘uda balagena kela gahanna epa”””- ?

          You guys, promoted alleged high criminals as current leaders. Consequences are before your eyes. Over 12 000 innocient srilanken fell dead…. because ballige putha GOTABAYA was that late to provide the nation with due vaccines. As the world is well aware of the facts, that full-vaccinated would have 8-time more chances not to die than those are not injected with the vaccines. With this being the fact, but ballige puthas… misled the easy targets yet today… but for how long ?

        • 1
          0

          Eagle Eye,
          .
          Why do you ask questions? You have been following my comments for years now, perhaps read my articles, all here on CT. There’s one glaring fault in them; I reveal far too clearly my identity and thoughts.
          .
          You say all sorts of things about “Sinhalayo”, a term used by you and your asinine (no, that should be leonine, shouldn’t it?) acolytes. You know that “Sinhalayo” are of unadulterated Aryan ancestry – assertions which the more sensible contributors here have told you are impossible to sustain.
          .
          The question is what sort of animal you are. Since you use language, a human, yes. So are we all. I’ve told you clearly that I know two languages, and have lived well nigh my entire life in central Lanka.
          .
          Who are you, moronic coward?
          .
          Panini Edirisinhe of Bandarawela (NIC 483111444V)

      • 3
        0

        He stumbled few times during the reading

    • 0
      0

      Professor Jeevan Hoole (aka Jaffna Man)
      .
      You have much more experience of international travel than most of us. To appreciate your praise of Gota’s English, which can certainly be understood, I’ve looked at a few “leaders” now at the United Nations.
      .
      There was no need to go in person to New York. This is an effective 25- minute statement by Imran Khan:
      .
      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qUryNMzrdw
      .
      As a speaker he certainly is in a class of his own, and worth listening to, but he had an agenda of his own, which clear at the end of his speech.
      .
      A young Indian girl (diplomat) exercised their right of response:
      .
      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kmp54f9acYI
      .
      Good, but she, too didn’t know that the second syllable of “august” had to be stressed.
      .
      And Pakistan in turn replied that:
      .
      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WPX2Gv48rDU
      .
      I was just trying to get an idea of the feel of what happens in the UN. It requires special skills; if a leader has them, as Gota does, that’s fine – but the substance was just not there, so his ego is the problem.
      .
      Panini Edirisinhe

    • 0
      1

      Continuing my musings on the languages of international diplomacy (in a fresh comment; a prime candidate for being moderated out):
      .
      We have made a mess of our country owing to issues of language, usually blaming our colonial heritage. Instead of this nationalistic posturing can’t we, as a small country, adopt pragmatism? We were fortunate to inherit as the last colonial language the tongue most widely used in the world.
      .
      Intriguing to hear the Prime Minister of Netherlands speaking fluent English:
      .
      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4OxS5yAC38
      .
      The Dutch were our penultimate masters, and what that fluency attests to is that the Netherlands recognises that they are now a small country; where possible use the lingua franca.
      .
      See the clumsiness of simultaneous translation; should make us grateful that most of our leaders have the ability to use English. Also ironic, he was speaking to an American whose mother spoke Tamil fluently. But then Modi doesn’t understand Tamil either, does he?
      .
      Fifteen minutes of Modi and Harris:
      .
      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kbX-l-f3GrU
      .
      And here’s Biden clumsily hosting Modi.
      .
      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0S8yxnH7DQ
      .
      There surely are enough problems of communication; we were in a position to obviate all that, but we are intent on continuing to stubbornly hold on to our “great heritage” – in the wrong way.

  • 4
    1

    The Devil can cite Scripture for his purpose……………

    Antonio in Merchant of Venice Act 1 Scene 3………….

  • 4
    1

    “WHO Asia Centre for COVID in Sri Lanka”. Director Gen Shavendra Silva, Deputy Pavithra Wanniarachchi, Research Head- Dammika Peniya, Patron Late Eliyantha White.

    • 6
      1

      SAM PANDITHA

      “Director Gen Shavendra Silva, Deputy Pavithra Wanniarachchi, Research Head- Dammika Peniya, Patron Late Eliyantha White.”

      CEO Kamala Gunaratne, shareholders clan, …..

  • 6
    1

    “Sri Lanka’s Parliament, Judiciary and its range of independent statutory bodies should have unrestricted scope to exercise their functions and responsibilities.”
    Oh, the President is actually aware of these things! Amazing! But does he actually put all this into practice?
    This is exactly what is meant by the idiom, ‘The Devil quoting from the Scriptures.”
    Perhaps the speechwriter had a grudge against the President and wanted to embarrass him by putting these insincere words into his mouth!

  • 6
    1

    “ Fostering greater accountability, restorative justice, and meaningful reconciliation through domestic institutions is essential to achieve lasting peace.”

    That essentially means no accountability for the acts of terror and war crimes committed by the state. Domestic institutions under multi-Paksa government simply will not deliver accountability or justice. The primary reason being any genuine accountability mechanism will implicate Gotabaya and his accomplices.

    • 7
      0

      Sugandh,

      where had you been ? We were worried of your health. Hope you are keeping well.
      :
      Multipakshe govt has ruined the country sofar…

      “””Although still a developing nation, Sri Lanka has been very successful in its vaccination programme. We have already fully vaccinated nearly all those above the age of 30. Everyone over the age of 20 will be fully vaccinated by the end of October. We will start vaccinating children over 15 years of age in the near future””””

      how can he fool UNations…. shamelessly uttering that SL has been very successful bl abla … ??????????????????????????????

      • 3
        0

        Dear Leelagemalli:
        Appreciated your reply. In good health and still keeping up reading CT.

        The madness, the corruption, and the incompetence of the multi-Paksa regime is proven time and again. How are we to get rid of these terrible blokes? How are we to get the hardcore fans of these terrible blokes to open their eyes and minds?

        • 2
          0

          Sugandh,

          Good to hear you are keeping well. I wish all true souls be blessed while going through COVID risks.
          :
          It reminds me of our grany#s repeats…. in a country where dogs have become the leaders, what can we the decent people expect them to do ?

          Just look at how NANDASENA behaves before the international community today ? He invites TAMIL DIASPORA for talks while tamil srilankens living in th ecountry and their requests are totally forgotten/ignored.
          :
          Not me Honourable Sumanthiran articulates it as no others.

    • 3
      14

      Sugandh,
      “That essentially means no accountability for the acts of terror and war crimes committed by the state.”
      —-
      War crimes and crimes against humanity were committed not by the State but by Liberation Terrorists of Tamil Eelam who massacred Native Sinhala men, women, children and even fetus of Sinhala pregnant women, chopped Samanera monks who were going in a pilgrimage into pieces, sprayed bullets at Buddhists worshipping under Sri Maha Bodhiya, tortured and executed 600 Policemen who surrendered, grabbed about 3000 Tamil children by force and recruited as child soldiers, kept about 300,000 Tamil civilians by force as a human shield just to name a few.

      • 2
        0

        Eagle ‘dumb’ Eye, who killed these 600 surrendered poor cops? Can you explain this easy question from the eternal stupidity that flows from your dull head?

  • 9
    1

    Jaffna Man.

    How is the SL Army able to inculcate the English Language skills…………….?

    Perhaps the Late George Master of the LTTE ?

  • 5
    1

    Dear OC and true souls.
    Leaving Ghanakka alone…..
    .
    Eliantha white – former man for fake royal sai baba is said to have kicked the bucket. Media made him being caught by “post turtle” status.
    .
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Uo2bwiNzJg

    Muttihamy aka former minister of health, Apawithra Wanniarachchi was caught by Eliantha White – pirith kalaya throw-saga… remember … but MR survives yet today…… now i have a greater question to guard of Karmaya.

  • 7
    1

    Mr Sumanthiran’s speech in parliament 20 hours ago
    Speaking in Parliament today during the adjournment debate on the UN process, M. A. Sumanthiran stated: “The problem with the government seems to be its double speak. I have here with me a tweet by His. Excellency on the 21st of July this year, where he says and I quote” we are committed to work with the UN to ensure accountability and Human development and achieve lasting peace and reconciliation” and then he says “we are dedicated to resolving the issues and ensure justice and reconciliation by implementing necessary institutional reforms”. –

    more at https://fb.watch/8c090ugjDo/

    • 7
      1

      Continued..
      We welcomed it immediately whenever there has been a progressive move by the Government we have publicly welcomed it. We retweeted the president’s tweet and we said we welcome and assure our support to the president’s commitment to work with the UN on accountability. And we said “awaiting further moves of the Government in this regard” because we know that you can await, and await and await and nothing comes about. Because it was in 2009, 26th of May that His Excellency Mahinda Rajapakse made a joint statement with the visiting Secretary General of the UN Ban Ki-moon in Kandy assuring him of certain inquiries that will be made. 12 years hence his brother His Excellency Gotabaya Rajapakse says the same thing, and then the foreign ministry says “No, we will not agree to any external mechanisms”. President says one thing, but your minister says “he rejects the oral update and we cannot agree to any agreement with the UN on this”. Now that’s a double speak.

  • 6
    1

    I am not familiar with the art of public speaking, therefore, it puzzles me why GR keeps addressing the President of the UN General Assembly in every few paragraphs (more than 4 times) of his speech. Maybe its the SL way of having the constant attention of the President or is it just sucking up to him?

    Anyway, as speeches go, its all well about tiny SL doing its best to combat the pandemic & the ”intention to build a prosperous, stable and secure future for all Sri Lankans, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or gender”, which, in my humble opinion, is very much ‘pie in the sky’. Reminds me of the words of an old song by the BeeGees, ‘words are all I have to take your heart away”. More seriously, I am interested in the strategy conveyed by the statement ”Sustainable Nitrogen Management, which seeks to halve nitrogen waste by 2030, Sri Lanka has also contributed to global efforts to reduce environmental pollution”. Diesel vehicles emit oxides of Nitrogen, so is there a plan to introduce an ‘Ultra Low Emission Zone’ as in London in Colombo too?

    • 6
      0

      “I am not familiar with the art of public speaking, “
      ========
      He was not speaking or delivering a speech…he was reading. ..so he was reading “Mr.President” and it was obvious that you were able to observe it.

      A natural speaker when he/she want to highlight a critical point to the attention of the audience draw the attention of who ever is presiding ….by addressing Mr/Madam .President or MR/Madam Speake so every one will sit up an pay attention.

      But Gota was just reading in a monotonous tone…

  • 5
    21

    Congratulations! The speech was excellent and well presented. You made Sri Lanka proud. Keep up the good work.

    • 11
      2

      Abhaya, you should have the same genetics, not have noticed that the bugger is lying all along.. either he does not know what he is reading out.. or … he should have been made also before an international gathering.

    • 11
      3

      abhaya

      “You made Sri Lanka proud. Keep up the good work.”

      Is that so?

      It reminds us of what the reporter Louis Heren used to say ‘Why is this lying bastard lying to me?’”

  • 8
    0

    Good Reading ……
    did he have two monitors ?..he seems to be switching his eyes from one to another for reading….

  • 1
    1

    The COVID19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on humanity
    ————
    Covid hoax has not hurt even a fly. It is the lockdowns and the vaccine that has ‘devastated’ humanity.
    But the freemasons and the tares will get devastated even worse very soon god willing.

  • 8
    0

    Nandasena is blatantly a tare (serpent seed)
    Can see that reptilian look in his eyes.

  • 2
    1

    The following excerpt in the President’s speech is deceitful :-
    .
    “In collaboration with the WHO, Sri Lanka is establishing a Regional Knowledge Hub to facilitate exchange of lessons learnt from COVID19 and support countries to recover better.”
    .
    I am totally against this proposal.
    As a country which introduced the world’s first hospital, world’s first nursing homes, world’s first 13X13 patient rooms, world’s first steam baths, world’s first toilets, world’s first surgical operations and ancient quarantine practices supported by herbal medicine, Sri Lanka should establish an international hub to share the knowledge of Sinhala Wedakama and Ayurveda to exchange lessons learnt from Covid-19.
    As revealed by the Western Province’s Ayurvedic Commissioner, Ms. Mala Perera, PM’s Office, the Ministry of Health, the Sri Lankan Army and persons of various other institutions use Ayurvedic medicines as protection against Covid-19, although they chose not to divulge it to the general public.
    It is reported that, as of September 11, 2021, over 40,000 patients are being treated at Ayurvedic Hospitals in Sri Lanka (with zero deaths – the emphasis is mine).
    Why should Sri Lanka collaborate with the WHO to promote western medicine when almost every Sinhalese in Sri Lanka including politicians, western doctors and the military use Indigenous medicine to fight against Covid-19?
    This proposal is a blatant treachery to our nation.

  • 7
    1

    Someone wrote that speech, which was duplicitous, and a false show in the international arena, and apart from some improvement in his speech (elocution classes perhaps), it would have impressed no one around him. The international community must be familiar with the racism, refusal to be held accountable for missing citizens, harassment of journalists, cronyism, corruption, nepotism, and of course the white vans that could make political activists vanish never to be seen again.

    Only his supporters will be impressed.

    • 7
      0

      Ashan,
      .
      Sir, Fail 100%!

      .
      Although it would have been possible for most people World-wide to have understood the words spoken by Gota, all aspects of his speech let Lanka down.
      .
      Elocution? I had never been to a lesson as a kid. When in my thirties, I decided to turn my attention that way. Didn’t do those lower exams, tackled Associate (Teacher) of Trinity College, London (ATCL) Speech and Drama, and passed in record time. I didn’t follow up with Licentiate or Fellowship.
      .
      See my comment above. Gota’s English is clear – what is lacking? Sincerity.
      .
      See my comment above, where I explained the mispronunciation of “august“.
      .
      The speech is being discussed only by Lankans; so banal, it’s definitely forgotten by the world, except conclusion drawn: “Speech by Failed State Warlord; (shrug) pity the poor subjects”.

  • 8
    1

    I may get on your nerves by this comment of mine. Nevertheless, I shall go ahead.
    .
    Is there any element of honesty in the President’s words. All glib. All a facade.
    .
    Jaffna Man came closest to my sentiments. – ‘The question is, will the world see behind the mask?’.
    .
    No fear, Jaffna Man. The world is more smart than what you and I give credit to.

  • 11
    0

    Gota in this speech says,

    ’It is the role of the United Nations to facilitate this by treating all sovereign states, irrespective of size or strength, equitably, and with due respect for their institutions and their heritage”

    Agreed!

    All sovereign states irrespective of size or strength are equal.

    fantastic!

    When you extend this thesis to the nationalities or minorities within the national states, they should be treated as equals.

    The Sinhalese nationality and the Tamil nationality has to be treated equally.

    Before preaching at international forums, Gota practice within your own country!

  • 5
    0

    srikrish, that was a very astute observation!
    Sri Lanka wants all countries, whether big or small, strong or weak, to be treated equally by the UN and world bodies. But this country is vehemently opposed to treating the different ethnic communities here equally!

    • 5
      1

      Captain Morgan

      “But this country is vehemently opposed to treating the different ethnic communities here equally!”

      Not only the different ethnic communities but also the majority community that voted for Asgiria blessed Fascist and his Sturmabteilung.

  • 3
    0

    I thought I was the only one who felt that it was a very well read out presentation devoid of life or spirit or truth.
    Let’s hope and pray that while practicing to read it out he has come to realise that he was speaking out what the people of Sri Lanka wants to see as truly happening in the country; what various sectors in the country have been shouting out at him from their roof tops; for him it must have been sheer hallucination- sounded condescending too.

  • 1
    0

    He failed to mention the proposed Military University, and militarization of the public service.
    He did not mention his archeological probe to find Buddhist artefacts.
    And, how military are in charge of Covid control, not medical personnel.
    And, how he forgives military killers.

  • 0
    2

    Usually, I don’t read Lankan leaders’ speeches made in international arenas. They are so pompous rubbish, while they stand on stages with their begging bowl in their Kings’ new cloth. Ranil’s speech at Oxford, though I came to know any of it only by news narration, but it makes me feel throw up. Customarily, GLP like senses, moronic coolies draft these comedies. I selected to read this time because some diasporas’ organizations have been jumping on the trampolines as they were invited by the King to negotiate. GTF Suren asked why he (King) couldn’t continue with TNA the negotiation (TNA was only dealing for the Secret Solution with Aanduwas. It rarely showed real interest in International Investigation. So, Suren’s question is not an answer from the question’s perspective)? But still, I got what I expected in the speech of the King at the UN GA. That is, there was no mention of anything negotiating with IC or Tamils. There King advertised that his military occupation of Tamils is the only way for their relief of more than 500 years of thier slavery.

  • 2
    2

    Before I go further into the invitation, I need to mention a special protest put up by the Sinhala Middle class on 9/22/21 against His Excellency’s military control, in front of the UN office, in New York. This is unique and impressive. It is impressive, because I took this in conjunction with the protest they organized in Italy, against his brother, the Old King. Once, there was a dilemma that the Royal family could ever be questioned by Sinhalese. After protests from Italy and New York, it is quite clear that Sinhalese would do that. It is an indication of a new way of thinking in the middle class, who believe that they have the right to demand justice from the UN, irrelevant of their government’s attitude towards the UN and its institutions. It is something we all have to understand, not just Sinhalese only, that a mandate given to the UN by its members is permanent and that cannot be taken back in a single government’s local general election. Lankawe failed in pulling out of the UNHRC, because they foolishly interpreted their obligations towards the UNHRC (UN) in a strict legal sense. They learned too late that withdrawing from the UNHRC would be only sidled.

  • 2
    2

    Withdrawal doesn’t allow them to disrespect their citizens’ sovereignty, which is an action against the UN’s charter of rights. People still will get UN protection, but not the government doesn’t. What would be the effect of it is that the government may lose recognition as the legitimate government of the citizens. The UN is a members’ body, but a country takes membership within the UN only for the benefits of its citizens, not for monarchies rights for the rulers of the country. So, an individual can enforce his/her sovereignty at the UN by any methods open to them, by-passing his/her government. Sinhalese protest in front of the UN was not to tell any messages that they could not tell Hitler at back home, but to tell some important information to the international envoys participating in the chamber, where the Sinhala government had access, but the individual Sinhalese don’t have access. In those circumstances, the IC envoys become the representatives of the Sinhala Individuals’ sovereignty protectors in the UN, but the government becomes sidelined on that. Those were exceptions of those Sinhalese who were standing in front of the UN and protesting, though they were well aware that they under a 6.9 M had voted for a political group, which wanted to model a government from Hitler’s example.

  • 1
    2

    The UN came into existence to ensure that no more the Hitlers’ examples are possible. So a Hitler government cannot be standing as an iron curtain between the UN and a member country’s citizen, but can be only a video camera & Television screen between them. Government has an obligation to reflect what is happening with its citizens’ life in their home country, in the UN floors and obtaining the UN services to them. It has to be 100% transparent, it cannot be another Hitler government manipulating its citizens under Secret Solution deals. This the starting of the Sinhalese understanding their sovereignty, their freedom & their fundamental rights. Tamil may not be able to depend on a Vadaly (on the Sinhalese protest against the King – that is a tender plant) to grow into a tree, but Sinhalese have no other way to correct their political fallout, other than this, that is to reach out for help. One thing the educated Sinhalese back at home have to do is ensure that this small movement is not stolen by the failed Lankawe’s communists, to resurrect them.

  • 0
    2

    To come back to the “invitation to Diaspora ” to be in negotiation, it is questionable in many angles. (I talk only about one to and it is also in a random manner, because many readers know about these games, many times better than me. So Blah Blah is not needed here). It is said the King had conveyed this invitation to the UN SG, but it was not heard in the UN from the King. SG didn’t talk about that. Ambassador Hanna Singer said something good about the government, but not anything about his invitation. My comments are on this unconfirmed news castes. King said to UN SG that he was ready to talk with the diaspora on the matter of investigation, but changed his words and told the UN that the separatists are done with his past military solution. From 1949 when the Federal Party was formed, the talk for the Federal State, that the Tamils’ right of internal self-determination became official. Once that was ridiculed by Appe Aanduwa, in 1976, the Vattukottai Convention decided that Tamils’ only choice is external self-determination, i.e. Tamil Eelam. Junius Richard retrospectively banned that 1976’s call in 1983, after he organized the Black July pogrom.

  • 0
    2

    LTTE’s negotiations were too based on self-determination. India was in complete neglect of Sinhala Buddhist politicians’ internal thinking so, India’s 13A ended in advantage for the Government, instead of solving the Tamils problem, Government postponed solution talks until its military extinguished Tamils’ ability to ask for any solution. Instead of being any solution for Tamils 13A, it even completely destroyed the protection Tamil Nādu had, by being far away from China. Now Indian Ambassador Gopal Bag Lay says that he did know all those even before he came to Lankawe. Further, 13A diminished the effect of the defense achieved through Indo – Lanka fact. In other words, Lankawe turned itself into a Chinese UAV, by which China can always spy on India and launch an attack on Indian soil on the spot when it feels so . China felt the need to install a branch (Lankawe) of the Chinese empire in the Indian Ocean only because of 13A and the Lanka Pact. After the war, Minister Chidambaram said that if Prabhakaran had listened to him, he would have become an uncrowned king of the North East. Now Sonia Grandma, Rahul, Chidambaram, Old King all are uncrowned. The Hitler King is calling the diaspora to save him.

  • 1
    2

    Thus is the Indian political pundits’ political foresightedness. Disappointed with Indian nursery diplomats’ goofing in 13A, LTTE took ahead the freedom fight until 2009. After 2009, Tamils were left out without any settlement. Norway’s facilitation didn’t bear any fruit because SLMM withdrew in the middle of the game. After May 19, 2009, Tamils overnight turned into a nonparty for anything, nor possessed any power to ask any solution from anybody. TNA was struggling to find an opening to start a negotiation with the Government for the Secret Solution. Government took advantage of the situation again, but it’s repeated over-success in the games it played allured it to commit mistakes in the international arena. Sinhala Buddhist Intellectual politicians contended that 13A, Federal State too are also separation from Lankawe. In 2014, Nimal Siri Pala De Silva was leading a commission to repeal 13A. I believe that it was in 2017, that the supreme court gave judgement on a case on Mavai that the Federal State is not coming under 6A, so the Manifesto TNA placed under leadership Justice CV for 2013 election was not illegal. Sinhala Intellectuals are not buying that verdict.

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