28 March, 2024

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President Sirisena Needs To Be Reached Sooner Rather Than Later 

By Jehan Perera

Jehan Perera

Even as the political crisis continues to drag on the cost to the country is immense. This past weekend I was in Deniyaya to meet with civil society activists for an activity that had been arranged prior to the political crisis. This was to create awareness in the rural areas about the mechanisms that the government set up during the past three years to enable people to protect their human rights. These are some of the fruits of the reconciliation process of the past three years since the Government of National Unity came into being. These include the mechanisms of the Right to Information Commission, the revamped Human Rights Commission and the Office of Missing Persons.

The small hotel owner where I stayed was most upset. His newly built hotel stands empty with just two rooms occupied by foreign tourists. He said he has lost 17 bookings by foreign tourists for the next two months that would have assured him an income whereby he could repay the interest on the loans he has taken. The bookings had been cancelled during the peak tourist season on account of the political crisis in the country. It was very unfortunate that just as Sri Lanka made to the Number 1 spot in the world for tourism according to the Lonely Planet guide, that political actions should have caused a crisis that has brought Sri Lanka’s economy to a virtual standstill. When I returned to Colombo, I met a group of small and medium businessmen. One of them is from Maharagama, which is seen as a stronghold of Sinhala nationalism. He bemoaned the political crisis and said it as dealing a severe blow to his business. When there is a crisis, people prefer to save their money and not spend it. He said he might as well put up his shutters, to quote his own words.

The president has come under pressure both from within the country and internationally to immediately end the suspension of parliamentary sittings that alone could determine which side enjoys the majority support in parliament. This would be the democratic and ethical course of action to follow. The irony is that democracy and ethics are now subject to negotiations. Conflict resolution theory states that the possibility of a negotiated settlement arises when there is a mutually hurting stalemate. At the moment it seems that this point has not yet been reached. President Maithripala Sirisena has announced that parliament will be reconvened on November 14, two days prior to the date he originally set.

Precipitated Crisis 

President Sirisena precipitated the crisis by sacking Prime Minister Ranil Wickemesinghe at a time he undoubtedly held majority support in parliament. But with the sacking of the prime minister and suspension of parliament in its eleventh day, this majority is in question. The general public is witness to the spectacle of little known MPs crossing over and being awarded with ministerial posts. It is generally believed that the prorogation is for the purpose of giving extra time before parliament meets again so that horse trading in MPs can take place. It is reported that the going price is Rs 500 million or more than USD 2 million as alleged by UNP MP Ranga Bandara who was one of those targeted for crossover.

The political crisis is being discussed everywhere, in the buses, in the trains, in offices and even in places of religious worship where people speak of the political doom that is to come. But parliament, the highest political assembly of the land, continues to remain closed until November 14. This may be legal, but it is not legitimate. The president’s side argues that when the president’s party pulled out of the government coalition the government itself was no more. This gave the president the right to appoint a new prime minister and cabinet. They also argue that as the president appoints the prime minister, he has the power to dismiss. There is a counter to both these arguments. The first is that even if the coalition dissolved, the government remained. There remained a prime minister and cabinet who could prove their majority in parliament. Second, that the constitution itself sets out three specific circumstances under which a prime minister can be removed, and this leaves no discretion to the president.

The court of public opinion is divided on these two positions. But even if the president was within his powers in removing Ranil Wickremesinghe as prime minister, his position became untenable when he appointed former president Mahinda Rajapaksa as prime minister, at his discretion, and without reference to parliament and to the majority opinion within parliament. Former Vice Chancellor of the University of Colombo, and Professor of Law, Emeritus, Savitri Gunasekere has written, “The president fails to fulfil his constitutional duties when he seeks to govern with those he appoints at his discretion as prime minister and cabinet ministers without going to parliament and identifying the lawful government and prime minister who will assume responsibilities of government.”

Personal Betrayal 

In these circumstances, it is understandable if the sense of betrayal amongst those who once supported the president’s election campaign is immense. In 2015, presidential candidate Sirisena presented himself as the candidate for good governance, human rights and basic decency in political life. He appeared to believe in those values and practice them. To his credit he accepted most of the reforms that are needed to make post war healing and inter-ethnic reconciliation in Sri Lanka a living possibility, albeit it slower than hoped for. He accepted the singing of the national anthem in both languages, which his predecessor refused to do and even seemed to make illegal. He renamed the day that the war ended a day of remembrance rather than a day of victory.

It should be noted that the president did not ask the MPs belonging to his party in parliament to obstruct the passage of the reconciliation mechanisms that the government passed into law, namely the Office of Missing Persons and the Office for Reparations. The president also promised the return of all land taken over from civilians during the war by the end of this year and under his presidency more than 80 percent of civilian land has in fact been returned. These are all significant achievements of the government over the past three years that would not have been possible without the president’s cooperation.

The qualities that made him accept such changes must still be alive in him, and not dead, even as the poet said, “Be noble, and the nobleness that lies in other men, sleeping but never dead will rise in majesty to meet thine own.” It must be the case that President Sirisena is hurting. He must be hurt to see those who once supported him now publicly demonstrating against him. The shutting down of parliament is within the president’s powers, but it is neither democratic nor moral to keep it shut for so long when so much is at stake. The date for the prorogation of parliament to be lifted is much too delayed. In the meantime, the shameless spectacle of money and cabinet positions being offered for the votes of MPs will continue. The higher self of the president needs to be reached sooner rather than later.

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Latest comments

  • 13
    2

    You do not need to go this deep ..

    But it is very much clear all drama goes with objective of securing the second term for MS and protecting MR family ..
    All dirty trick has been used to stage this coup .
    This is a mere coup.
    M&S must be punished..
    These people are enemies of Sri Lanka ..
    With the power the entrusted they destroy the future of Sri Lanka:
    Sorry for next generation

  • 7
    1

    does he have a higher self?

    • 9
      1

      The correct heading should be “President Sirisena needs to be impeached sooner rather than later”.

      • 0
        1

        Yes auto correct has screwed-up the caption.

        Auto correct is over active even on regular posts.

  • 3
    15

    The failure of the ‘national government’ is the background to the crisis, not merely the SLFP withdrawal on 26 October. One can blame this side or that side, depending on your facts or values, but it was primarily a failure to follow a common ground (or middle path) in constitutional reforms, economic policies, and foreign policy etc. impinging on national reconciliation as well. Even if we try to understand RW’s policies based on his background, ideology and history, my question is why the civil society organizations failed to bring some amicable solution to the two sides of the government. Is it because they thought everything would be hunky-dory? Or is it because they were taking one side?

    • 8
      2

      This elderly man knows nothing but rubbish. Hindsight everyone becomes clever.

      LF was one of the DONs from UNI colombo to agree to award DOCTORATEs to high criminal Rajakshes. Now as if his mouth piece is implanted into the other end, the very same man though stood against MR in 2015, return to be as MR supporter.

      Not long ago he stood against Rajaakshes.
      Then again Sirisena
      Now again Mr Ranil Wickramasinghe who restored the democracy and media freedom in the country after Rajaakshe authoritarian rule.
      We dont mind sacking RW going by lanken consittution, but to allow BITCHES son of Sirisena nature to do it that way, is beyond my bearing.

    • 4
      1

      Prof Laksiri, if the background of the crisis is the failure of the present “National government” then what will happen if the successors also fail. Already Mahinda has ruled out any form of self governance to Tamils and thus will fail in constitutional reforms. Japan and US agency are withholding funds and several others are set to follow which will certainly result in failure of economic policies. With opposition from US and west for Mahinda with India non committed, foreign policy will bring disaster with meddling in internal affairs and instigating uprising. To say that civil society organisations have failed to bring an amicable solution or are taking one side is a blatant lie. They have stood by what is right and have condemned the undemocratic way things are happening, and have asked both sides to respect parliamentary practice and rule of law, which MS/MR are not willing to listen. You are saying that the present government should have followed a middle path. If you analyse correctly, it is this middle path policy that has brought chaos. Instead of granting legitimate rights of Tamils with a fair share of land and power, they are dabbling to find a middle path to satisfy Sinhala racists. Instead of getting China out of Sri Lanka, they are trying to go on middle path to give something to India. In economic policy instead of total allegiance to US who is the biggest trading partner, they have tried a middle path of balancing Chinese influence with that of US. You should not talk of middle path when you became silent when I asked you to advocate federalism as a middle path between independence and unitary state and also refused to accept a middle path solution of a merger between North and re demarcated areas of East where Tamils have proof of existence of over 2000 years.

    • 4
      0

      “The failure of the ‘national government’ is the background to the crisis, not merely the SLFP withdrawal on 26 October.”
      The failure of the national government is not the background to this crisis. I don’t expected such an argument to justify the coup by a learned doctorate. The failure of Mahinda regime was the background for creating the unity government. The failure of unity governments means failure of the President Sirisena, Failure of the SLFP and failure of the UNP. There is nothing wrong if the SLFP withdraw from the government but on what basis Mahinda appointed as the Prime Minister before finding which party can show the majority in the parliament to run this government. Nobody other than President Sirisena anD Mahinda Rajapakse aware of appointment of Mahinda as PM. This is a coup well planned between Mahinda and Sirisena.
      You are trying to put the blame on Civil society as one sided. But most of the readers and commentators see you as onesided and you welcome such as political coup of Mahinda and Srisena. It is a well known fact that Mahinda was a Criminal and you are in support of a criminal.

    • 3
      0

      Laksiri ..
      Two too personalities too..
      M&S is form a viallge..
      Ranil is from Colombo ..
      Some cultural misunderstanding too..
      M&S cannot speak in English well..
      When Ranil shine in public forum or among diplomatic circle..
      Natural m&s feels down and jealous.He is a human being too..
      What would have been better is to work with Sajith…who is not that fluent as Ranil in English ..
      Who knows viallge culture .more ….
      Moreover; foxy MR has been waiting in dock for some miracle take place ..
      After all; trust sooth tellers..
      After all; China has been in waiting too.
      You can not be more philosophical on this than this simple logic.
      Civil society is waiting to some thing to happen.
      They do not have power as you think .

    • 3
      0

      Laksri,

      Can you please tell me who these CIVIL SOCIETIES are . Are you referring to the Budhist Clergy. I cant think of any Society in Sihnala Lanka whic is Civil which can bring any change andlasting peace punishing thos who are GUILT. The only Society I know is the Racist Society. 99.9%. God help us. I dont think we are going to get justice from within but things are moving so fast by default we will see justice. Ours is a 3000 year old culture and you cant destroy it MR or MS

  • 5
    2

    “The higher self of the president needs to be reached sooner rather than later.”
    It may be out of his own reach.
    *
    What B** S***!
    JP, be serious.

  • 4
    2

    @Jehan if you can at all do something constructive then get the required people together and just do what is mentioned below, right now that is the only thing This Nation needs and you know it deep down your heart it is true.

    People should now demand through the written petition addressed to The President -CC to Speaker and all members of parliament to create a caretaker government and introduce The Westminister Constitution by abolishing the Executive Presidency and consider a devolved governance similar to Northern Ireland for Jaffna as basics to begin with, and letting the parliament to fine-tune and make changes when required once a new government is ushered in through a fresh election

  • 3
    4

    In 2015, Chandrika brokered a marriage between UNP and SLFP. In this marriage UNP was the husband and SLFP the wife. A marriage to be successful, husband and wife should have equal status and respect the views of each other. But in this marriage things did not work out that way. Wife had to be a subordinate partner. Husband did not pay attention to the views or feeling of the wife. Husband was arrogant and expected the wife to accept whatever he decided. Having realized that the marriage is not going to work, wife decided to divorce the husband and marry her former lover. So, do not blame the wife for leaving the arrogant husband who ill-treated her. But in this forum, even people who talk about equal status for women keep on blaming the wife.

    • 0
      0

      Eagle Eye
      First of all do you know why the Chandrika brokered UNP & SLFP marriage could not be consummated?
      Who was the defaulting party?
      Are you able to address that honestly?
      You are incapable of that, because you are a victim of your own blinding prejudices as revealed in your comments in this forum.

  • 3
    2

    “The political crisis is being discussed everywhere, in the buses, in the trains, in offices and even in places of religious worship where people speak of the political doom that is to come.”
    Balls! I use public transport. Now people do not talk politics in buses and trains. I do not know the situation in Churches and Mosques but in temples people are very happy about the change.
    —————————————-
    “One of them is from Maharagama, which is seen as a stronghold of Sinhala nationalism. He bemoaned the political crisis and said it as dealing a severe blow to his business.”
    This is also a lie. I live close to Maharagama and talk to business people. Business people were cursing Ranil’s Government. Now they have a sigh of relief thinking that things will change.
    —————————————-
    Tourism might get affected because media in Western countries are exaggerating the situation.
    British Bastards Corporation (BBC) has reported:
    “Sri Lanka crisis: Fears of a ‘bloodbath’ in power struggle”

  • 2
    5

    Put an end to this crisis and an even greater crisis will emerge – country will be divided into thirds and the Sinhala third will be a third in very reduced circumstances indeed.

    • 0
      0

      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

    • 4
      0

      What a brilliant thought Ramona! Thanks!!

      That will give the Sinhala an opportunity to learn how to live in equitable harmony with others!

      This “majority” status has been a huge, unmanageable burden for them, that they had so rapidly reduced the once pearl of the Orient to such a pathetic, corrupt and bankrupt pariah nation.

      • 0
        0

        The opposite Kumar R. They are too mild and worried about individual karma that they forgot about collective strength. They are thoroughly bullied by the minorities.

        • 0
          0

          Ramona,
          .
          If you judge them timid, I am not going to argue – you know better.
          .
          One should be concerned about “individual karma” only if one harbours thoughts of acting unkind, unfair, untruthful or some such!
          .
          What karma-risky thoughts are they harbouring that can be overcome by collective strength?
          ..
          Further, as for being bullied by minorities, it might help to,recall the repeated thuggaery from 1956, up until the recent attacks on Muslims that Sirisena conceded were done by MR. Are they the type of “collective strength” that you have in mind?

          • 0
            0

            The Sinhalese thinking minds have no collective thought. It’s shilly-shalling to downright treachery by them, all based on the individual karma-look. So only the brute force comes up from the brutish. Finally, do we have a noble President on Sirisena. I hope he will prevail as the champion of the Motherland. May he be blessed.

            • 0
              0

              Dear Ramona,
              .
              It is you who is shilly-shallying, whatever that means!
              .
              Why do the Sinhala individually have concerns of karma, if their thoughts and intents individually are noble, or at least not sinful?
              .
              Again, just as much us on the timidity issue, I will not argue with you if you judge that Sinhalese do not have the capacity for collective thought – you know better, after all it is your back-yard!
              .
              If the Sinhalese cannot control the “brutish” in their midst, that for one proves the “timidity of the majority” assessment you volunteered. At the same time you hopefully now realize that the “brutish bullies” are not among the minority (after all it is the brutish who attacked minority civilians repeatedly from 1956 up until MR’s recent ones confirmed by Sirisena), but in fact the brutish segment is among you that you are too timid to control – no karma-lost in fighting that brutish evil, it is just your timidity and weakness that prevents you. There is indeed karma in that!!
              .
              I hope you learned something from the discourse about your own misgivings and inverted logic, and got clarified on the confusions, and managed to open some tightly shut eye!
              .
              You are welcome!

              • 0
                0

                Dear Kumar,

                All of the minorities have brutish population far more brutish in their countries of origin. It is a global phenomenon. Yet that so many Sinhalese themselves can’t see that the country is going to be turned into another Puerto Rico is unbelievable. Even the Tamils realize this impending doom and are uncomfortable with it. Walmarts at every junction replete with guns for sale – precious forests cut down and ecosystems destroyed to create the system. Ancient agriculture replaced with Monsanto Gmo crops and livestock in hell-holes. All for party city Cmb to carry on the baila,….leave alone the butterfly parties. All for some protesting Buddhist priests to set up temple in the West (their idea of higher karma). My God! What is our ancient land to become! I pray that Sirisena will have the courage to fight it to the very end.

                • 0
                  0

                  Dear Ramona,
                  (Part 1 of 2).
                  You take the “shilly-shallying” to an altogether new level – Puerto Rico, baila, Cmb, Monsanto, what have you! I guess anywhere/somehow to lose the footmarks of your original your concern, that you would now rather avoid! Hmm – seems like sheer desperation?
                  .
                  It is difficult to say whether you are too comfortable with your blinkers on and don’t want to face reality, or if that disability is another general trait in the backyard, following the timidity, and incapacity for collective thinking that you so clearly identified – perhaps even surprised yourself in that self realization.
                  .
                  If you look across the globe as you would like to do (but obstructed by the blinders) brutish minorities are the creation of ruthless majoritarian, monopolizing and subjugating dictatorships – most of South America, plenty in Africa, handful in Easter Europe and Middle East and several in Asia including Philippines.
                  .
                  Looking at our own, not so long ago the country was the “pearl of the Orient,” an envy of the Developing nations with boasting rights to the best of progressive indices comparable to the best in the World. And the monopolizing and subjugating intent with Swabhasha (yes – the bad Karma) brought everything to a standstill and worse, and the country, instead of exporting the best of doctors, engineers, accountants, teachers and other expertise to the most progressive nations around the world, ended up having to bundle up their wives, sisters, mothers and daughters to wash oil-rich Arab backs, and some comeback wrapped in plastics. Despite that the rogues had to run around with begging bowls, all thanks to Banda! Banda’s own daughter had to come back after 25 years to repeal the Swabhasha idiocy!

                • 0
                  0

                  Dear Ramona
                  .
                  (Part 2 of 2)
                  .
                  If you would only look to see without the binders on, perhaps you may be spared your desperation and all the exasperation. But the, traits are traits, whether they be timidity or inability towards collective thinking, and now newly uncovered collective binders to to the mix.
                  .
                  Sirisena? Courage? Really? Already forgot your assertion of timidity, did you?
                  .
                  Don’t go looking for excuses to blame, look in your own back yard first!
                  .
                  Good luck!

                  • 0
                    0

                    Kumar,

                    It was your UNP gov. that brought in the inflationary measures that drove our young people to suffer in the Labour-Camps of the Middle East. Ranil is going to take it to the greatest heights possible.

                    If we had followed e.g. Sirimavos nationalistic- socialistic policies throughout, we would have been a far cleaner and beautiful country. It was the tough for the first few years, but would have taken off if given time.

                    Btw, you’re too full of invective rather than good debate.

                    • 0
                      0

                      And Kumar,

                      The most ruthless majoritarian, monopolizing and subjugating dictatorships are found in the Middle East….and also India, though they sound d democratic for the rich Indians……the rest have to remain or slide into Dalit-hood.

                    • 0
                      0

                      Dear Ramona,
                      .
                      You yourself concede that Sinhala (a) harbour individual intentions that raises fear of karma, implying the sinful nature, (b) are incapable of collective thinking towards progress (c) are timid being bullied by the minorities, but quickly turn around and concede the brutish are in fact among the majority, (d) shilly-shalling to downright treachery.
                      .
                      And still express exasperation that it is all the fault of the minorities that the country is heading towards doom!
                      .
                      If you stick to examining your contentions logically instead of attempts at diversions, perhaps you would get some clarity.
                      .
                      Or, perhaps you single handedly confirm the other generalization that I used to think was unfair – the one based on the affinity to down oil-cakes!

                    • 0
                      0

                      Kumar! Quite the equivocation, bluff, and ad hominem from you!

                      For a): Yes, there are individualistic intentions by 30% Lankans- Sinhalas mostly, (as it is seen in the Ranil supporters, of the Sinhala rich and rich-aspiring). They are finding it hard to let go of the colonized mindset. You used the word sin. Yes, it is “sinful” to place neo-colonialism above one’s country, her struggling Masses, and her future hold on Buddhism. But Karma is understanding, and can balance out with correct mindset. “Sinful” nature can be forgiven if Ranil and his supporters care about country and her suffering people & their natural religion. We will pray for them.

                      c): Yes, too many are incapable of collective thought towards progress. For this reason the 0.01% brutish elements come out. If this 30% put their brain power into caring about the Masses instead of individually aspiring to neo-colonialism, that 0.01% brutish element will not emerge.

                      b) : The brutish amongst the Sinhala majority is miniscule (about 1:10) compared to the Brituish amongst the Middle Easterners and Indians (who have forced over 175,000,000 humans into untouchability).

                      d) : 3.6- million people voted for the UNP (others voted for the JVP and TNA)….Yes, there is shilly-shallying and downright treachery there! But there were 5,768,090 who voted for UPFA (the party of the Lankan soul and soil). We will pray that the UNP will remove its tentacles.

                      Oh boy,….I was speaking of the class minority of all races (the rich 1% and the rich-aspiring (about 29%). So don’t try to sneak in a buff.

                      Logic is pure and simple, and cannot hold equivocations, bluffs and ad hominem.

                    • 0
                      0

                      Dear Ramona,
                      .
                      I see you have difficulty chewing gum and walking at the same time and so let me keep it simple – limit to one issue, hoping that might help.
                      .
                      Here is your logic from your initial response “They are too mild and worried about individual karma that they forgot about collective strength” referring to the Sinhala overall, not 30% as you want to “shilliy-shally” now! You followed that with “They are thoroughly bullied by the minorities.”
                      .
                      Now you change that to “that 0.01% brutish element will not emerge”, promptly followed by “The brutish amongst the Sinhala majority is miniscule (about 1:10).” Obviously math wasn’t much of a strength for you even in elementary!
                      ..
                      Or perhaps kavung is distinctly much more potent than it is commonly credited for!

                    • 0
                      0

                      Yeah Kumar….rather obtuse aren’t you. Let me explain: 30% gives great disturbance to the other 70%. This 30% has wealth and privilege, and the Masses are at their mercy. Try to understand the physics of it. In mass matter, 0.1% disturbance is enough to upset the whole delicate balance. In this case it is 30%! (….he, he , ….guy thinks he’s insulting me with the kavung ….love the kavung….plenty of coconut oil that builds brain cells).

                    • 0
                      0

                      Dear Ramona,

                      Yup, 30 percent among the Sinhala gives great disturbance (bullying) to the meek and timid 70% who has neither guts nor the strength of collective thinking despite being that overwhelming majority – and the fault lies with the minority?! Anyhow, thanks for asserting the timidity and meekness.
                      As I said, your math is somewhat on the “lighter side,” to be charitable. There is a difference between “0.1%” disturbance now vs. “that 0.01% brutish element will not emerge”
                      No, no – you misunderstood. I wasn’t insulting you with the kavung reference, just calling a spade a spade. Or, perhaps I was insulting the kavung!!
                      Enjoy the kavung – helps keep the mind numb to idiocy I guess. Is it a wonder that modakamma gets associated with that!

                    • 0
                      0

                      Kumar R,

                      “In mass matter, 0.1% disturbance is enough to upset the whole delicate balance”

                      It is like, when you weigh yourself on a bathroom scale, if a fly come and sit on your head, it will upset the whole weight.

                      She may be very weak in elementary math but she knows her physics and biology too (even though her brain cells are still not fully developed even after consuming plenty of coconut oil).

                      It is hilarious but sad to see how people like ramona’s mindset is formed, very childish even though she looks quite old. They say just because someone is “grown-up” by chronological age doesn’t mean they are “grown-up” mentally. Age is no guarantee of maturity and her comments are very good examples.

                      Don’t waste your time on bigoted psychotics and absolute morons. Whatever you say (rational arguments) just goes over their heads.

                    • 0
                      0

                      Kumar R

                      It appears you are being enticed by ramona scatter brain grandma therese fernando.

                      Aren’t you going to take your platonic relation to the next level?

                    • 0
                      0

                      Hey Kumar,….haven’t you heard of butterfly flapping wings?

                    • 0
                      0

                      Dear, dear Ramona.

                      Sure, I heard your “malle pol” quite loud and clear!

                      Kavung in a bottle this time?!

  • 0
    0

    Chicken little stories are every where.

  • 0
    0

    It is the failure of the civil society.

    It was the civil society that was instrumental in the victory of 2015. The civil society had become inactive just after the historic victory.

    But what happened after the victory. Rather than consolidating the victory, the government was fearful of the defeated opponents.

    A work half done is criminal.

    It is always dangerous to allow the wounded animal to survive.

    You have to go for the kill.

    Some of them played double games and some others resorted to nepotism and corrupt practices.in a massive way surpassing the former government.

    The government could not settle down, always fearful of the comeback of the defeated opponents and could not take any decisive action.
    .
    The civil society was dormant and sleeping. On the contrary, the civil society should have been on the fore front and eternally vigilant.

    Now only the civil society has awaken and crumbling and moaning helplessly.

    The civil society should take up the leadership and lead a mass movement

  • 2
    0

    This crisis has illustrated and confirmed to the Tamils that they should not hope for any political resolution of the conflict. It was predictable if you go to 1948 when DS violated the constitution and deprived the voting rights of the Tamils. Chelvanayagam broke away from Tamil Congress to form the Federal Party. He anticipated all that were to follow. Then came SWRD and violated the constitution with the Sinhala Only Act. His wife following the tradition constituted a constitution assembly out side the Parliament violating the Constitution and crafted the 1972 constitution with the help of her Leftist colleagues. They also did away with the old Supreme Court and established a new one. Tamils pulled out of that “Constitutional Coup.” Then came JR extending his 2/3rd majority with a sleight of hand. Srisena violated the constitution the crude way.

    Violating constitutions is a past time of Sinhala Leaders. I can’t understand why they enact constitutions. Why do they want to bother with drafting constitution to a country that has no clue of what democracy is. Such constitutions has no relevance to our feudal society. What not we draft a constitution that takes into consideration our feudalism.
    It is time that Tamil Political leaders explore alternative approaches for a political solutions that does not involve violence. or any Sinhala Buddhist leaders.

  • 0
    0

    treason.

  • 0
    0

    Jehan Perera’s claim that 80 % of the land occupied by the armed forces have been released is not true/correct. The army still occupies LARGE chunks of private land including land used for cultivation. In Valikamam North the army occupied 6381.5 acres of land at the beginning of 2015. Out of this only 50 %, has been returned to the owners. Estimates for the amount of land occupied by the military vary wildly. The military last year said it had returned roughly 20,000 hectares of private and state land in the north. In a report released this month, Human Rights Watch said the government claimed the military was occupying about 48,000 hectares of private and state land in the north and east. (https://www.irinnews.org/news/2018/10/30/sri-lanka-old-land-issues-and-new-appointment-threaten-reconciliation). Additionally, there are about 40,000 refugees still living in makeshift camps in the North. Though the army has been ordered by the President to vacate private lands occupied by the army, the army has not fully complied with his order. The army wants funds from the Ministry of Resettlement to relocate. Is the army a government within a government?

  • 0
    2

    President made an important remark yesterday. He revealed that he first approached Karu J and then Sajith P to take the leading position in govt before all this hullabaloo started. Both don’t have back bone. JO would have given a limited support because the country requires an urgent and immediate course correction. Yahapalanistas are trying to block it without realising and understanding what is at stake. Many of them now know that 2015 was a mistake. Yet their judgement is clouded with a blinding hate towards one individual, MR. When the yahapalanistas come to their proper senses, it could be too late.

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    Re: Selling of National Assets, the Trinco rusting tanks were there since 1943, the UNP put it to use by leasing it LIOC, thus creating some income to the Govt coffers. Take the Colombo Hilton, the govts are not there to run Hotels & Hospitals etc etc. They become unprofitable by giving them to Govt cronies and not running profitably. In 1970s Mrs Thatcher (Iron Lady) of UK was of the opinion that Govts are not there to run businesses but to create an atmosphere for the Private industry to thrive. This sector is the one that creates REAL JOBS. Privatising National assets creates income for the Govt by taxing the profits etc, and create real jobs, also if sold to foreigners they donot take the asset to there country our people are emlpoyed to run the organisation. Our people needs education about Privatising, leasing not selling WHITE ELEPHANTS.

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    Mr.Perera,

    The following was the sppech by MS yesterday standing alongside with MR.

    Sirisena and Rajapaksa arrived at the rally amid loud cheers.
    Sirisena told the crowd that the change he initiated was more than a personnel shift.
    “I ousted a vision that is incompatible with our local culture and values, and that works according to foreign agendas,” Sirisena said.
    He was referring to Wickremesinghe’s free-market economic policies and public-private partnerships with companies from China and India to operate strategic centers such as ports and airports.

    *** As one writer recently put it the Dog ( MS) came back to lick its VOMIT ( MR). Instead of being neutral as an elected as a President he has now alligned himself with a CRIMINAL. So now we know the change of Regime which he pretended was to save the Nation was to save MR from War Crimes charges.. In his speech he referred to RW”s neoliberal polices and partnerships with foreign Countries such as China and India. Either he is ignorant of what MR”s and his policies were when they gave everything to China or he was trying to fol the crowd and the Nation. We know he referring to INDIA and RW was summoned to Delhi by Modi and tgat is why he was sacked as that was too much for even MS. The country now is in mortal danger as following this Coup Indian influence and encirclment of Sinhala Lanka is inevitable as Indias security is going to be at danger level.
    MS said with our local culture and values:

    What are tgos please. I bet he was referring to protecting War Criminal and killers of Lasantha & Thajudin

    NANTHIKADAL has now become HAMBANTOTTAKADAL.

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    MS was in bed with MR when MR gave everything to China and made billions which the Nation is paying back. It is lust which has brought MS & MR back together they are going to lick the wounds putting the Nation in mortal danger whose Sovereignty will be further erroded as INDIA is not going to stand back and watch when her security is threatened. PROXIMITY alone gives INDIA the legitimacy and that suits us fine. . MS has thrown down the gauntlet to INDIA catch me if you can

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