President Maithripala Sirisena’s move to block what would have been the routine course of action following the throat-cutting gesture by Brigadier Priyanka Fernando, Minister Counsellor (Defence) in the Sri Lanka mission in London, has served to bring together the hitherto divided Tamil diaspora groups.
Facebook meme after Sirisena’s intervention
Although initially the decision was to suspend Fernando and hold an inquiry, the President revoked it. This has raised the ire of Tamil diaspora groups who have not talked to each other since the war ended and have spent years in bitter infighting. Sirisena’s decision has prompted them to come together for the first time since May 2009. They have decided to write a letter to the Foreign Secretary of the UK.
The joint letter is drafted by the highly renowned law firm Birnberg Peirce and Partners in the UK, Colombo Telegraph reliably leans. Gareth Peirce is a highly respected human rights lawyer and the law firm is known to take on high profile human rights cases.
The President has used the issue to stamp his ‘patriotic credentials’ perhaps in view of the forthcoming local government elections and low approval ratings.
Not to be outdone several ministers from the United National Party (UNP) have come out in support of the errant officer whose throat-cutting gesture at a demonstration by a Tamil organization on Independence Day caused a diplomatic furor.
Although Fernando’s status is not clear as yet, State Minister of Defense Ruwan Wijewardene praised Fernando for making the said gesture, claiming that ‘it was the right signal to pro-LTTE diaspora.’
Wijewardena told the Daily Mirror that although the Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, had made a request to recall Fernando, “the President intervened and asked him to remain in the UK”.
The Minister of Plantation Industries Navin Dissanayake has written to two members of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Tamils Joan Ryan and Siobhain Ann McDonagh APPG for Tamils, condemning the two for supporting front organizations for the LTTE. Dissanayake claims that Fernando pointing to the lion emblem on the arm of his uniform was ‘to countenance the disgust he felt when he saw Tiger flags displayed before him.’
Mangala Samaraweera, Minister of Finance and Media, who has not expressed opinions on the matter has complained to the Criminal Investigation Department that a letter purported to have been written by him to ‘The British Tamil Forum’ is being circulated in social media. The latter which erroneously has Samaraweera as the Minister of Foreign Affairs, carries assurances by Samaraweera to one T.R. Balu to the effect that Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe had requested President Sirisena to recall the Army officer.
The incident, which led to the protestors demanding action from British authorities, has created roughly two schools of thought in Sri Lanka, some demanding Fernando’s removal while others consider him a national hero. The latter has found resonance among Sinhala nationalists. The sudden outpouring of patriotic fervor by ministers and the President is likely a pitch to this voter-segment.
Mallaiyuran / February 9, 2018
One of our few Hero Celebrities are Sepala Ekanayake, a Terrorist hijacked a passenger plane, Vijithamuni, beat up Rajiv, Old King the Dutugemunu robbed famously $18b, Field Marshal Ponny, who now cannot go to America for war crimes, New King the accused White Flag Murderer….So this goon deserve to be added in the list.
The same organization, which staged the Feb,4th protest is said to planning another one tomorrow. The wide expectation is if this guy is really a hero, he should show up and display same or equivalent gestures. Otherwise, they say, he is an opportunistic coward, who never thought that somebody would videograpah his action and bring a big name for him.
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Kumar R. / February 9, 2018
President’s action (revoking the suspension of this terrorist) is obviously with his eyes squarely on the upcoming elections.
Just as much as the Tamil diaspora huddle together seeing an opportunity to challenge the regime collectively, the Sinhalese will also huddle to face what is portrayed as a “common cause” (defend the Sinhala from Tamil challenges, however legitimate those may be) – no different than what Banda, JR, Premadasa, MR, GR (or perhaps even Praba) pursued. Sirisena is positioning himself to capitalize on that “block vote”.
This is what Dushy correctly pointed out elsewhere as harnessing the “insecurity of the ignorant!” never mind how detrimental it would be to the country going forward.
Even in the far away Western democracy, despite the several decades of progressive civilization, Trump was able to bankroll similarly destructive sentiments for his personal benefit, while destroying much of long held values within a matter of an year.
God save the country and the world from these so called leaders capitalizing on the “insecurity of the ignorant!
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Emil van der Poorten / February 9, 2018
Kumar. R:
Couldn’t agree with you more. Such sad times we live in!
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whywhy / February 9, 2018
The episode in London would have been different if MARA
was not in politics ! Nevertheless , My3 , before too late got
exposed to what extent he will go with his reconciliation
efforts . And the Alleluia from Ruwan and Navin of the UNP
activists indicates they all are living for ignorant votes and
won’t do anything to lose it ! Peace can not make any forward
move at this rate and only will end up as usual with blah blah
blah. In any case , there’s little hope that , soon after tomorrow’s
LG poll , this guy could be recalled and posted elsewhere ! Just
a faint hope ! These guys My3 and Ranil try to survive on
DOUBLE GAME , it’s a new game plan and they gave a new lease
of life to otherwise dead MARA . By bringing MARA back to the
ring , they found an escape route from burning and challenging
issues . Country will never benefit from Jugglers like these !
/
Justice & fairplay / February 10, 2018
President Sirisena has just proven he is a very small man holding a very big post.
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thrishu / February 9, 2018
Let them group, who cares. Losers are losers. Doga may bark, the caravan moves on. Sri Lanka was invaded many times by their ancestors but they were defeated every time, thrown back to the sea and beyond as present day diaspora that exist in the west with the satisfaction that whites lick their boots in exchange for some votes. Do these politicians care for them? Have they given them a part of their country as their homeland to accommodate their ghettoes? Absolutely not. So go on, group yourselves. Don’t think MS will care either.
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Aries / February 9, 2018
This has been a social experiment that has exposed the true nature of majority of Sri Lanka…
If a majority defends deplorable behavior we as a nation have bad things coming our way and sooner than we expect…
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Emil van der Poorten / February 9, 2018
thrishu:
It might be useful to check out the REAL history of Sri Lanka, including the origins of Parakrama Bahu of Polonnaruva.
Talking about “dogs barking……………………………………”
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sach / February 9, 2018
Check the REAL history bugger….why are you not doing it? why let the low standard tamil fake historians to run the show and gets humiliated every time?
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Native Vedda / February 10, 2018
sach
–
Excellent.
–
Why don’t you compile your version of history and publish it on CT so that we can all historically benefit from your story.
Just copy paste the typings of Darshanie Ratnawalli, Kamalika Pieris, HLD M, Champika, Bandu de Silva, Mahawamsa, …………….. and Prof Indrapala’s dated PhD thesis.
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Eagle Eye / February 9, 2018
Emil,
I suggest that you ‘Parangiya’ learn the REAL history of Sri Lanka, not the history written by colonial parasites and Christian historians.
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Ben Hurling / February 9, 2018
Eagle Eye,
Who are your ancestors? KALLA THONI from India? Did they arrive on Sri Lankan shores hiding in Banana Boat? You may not agree with Emil Van Der Poorten. That’s fine. Argue your case. But, learn to respect a fellow citizen, you stupid fool. Mr.Poorten is a respected commentator. A true Sri Lankan, who loves this country. That much ought to be obvious to even you. Despite your tiny, insecure, racist brain. Cheers!
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Native Vedda / February 9, 2018
Eagle Blind Eye
–
“I suggest that you ‘Parangiya’ learn the REAL history of Sri Lanka, not the history written by colonial parasites and Christian historians.”
–
Of we shouldn’t learn history written by colonial parasites and Christian however HLD M’s typed tirade include quotes from Parangy history. Further more are you preparing to relieve your bottled up 500 years of colonial anger in this forum.
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If so tell us what should my people do to relieve their 2500 years of colonial anger? By the way luckily my people didn’t build a library for you to destroy our history.
–
Perhaps you are interested in making Rambo film- based on Parangy Hatana -II , a feel good film.
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Justice & fairplay / February 10, 2018
Shockingly discourteous and absurdly illogical comment from a blind person best left to his own devices.
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Sinhala_Man / February 9, 2018
Dear thrishu,
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A most disappointing comment from you, but what My3 is doing is worse. He’s playing to the gallery.
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That Brigadier ought to be investigated, and severely punished. But please, Tamils, understand that it is politically impossible to actually punish.
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But he should be shamed. I’ms sure that War Crimes took place. Please accept my apologies for them. I can assure you that I didn’t commit any of them.
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My3 shouldn’t have interfered. That guy has to be sacked, at the very least. No wonder the World is disgusted with us Sinhalese!
–
This is a quick, impulsive response. I haven’t had the time to think out anything more hard hitting.
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I shall vote JVP – what else is there to do? Can you suggest, thrishu?
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Justice & fairplay / February 10, 2018
It is a protest vote and I shall join you my good sinhala man.
Proud we still have the likes of you to call sinhala.
/
Native Vedda / February 9, 2018
thrishu
–
“Let them group, who cares. Losers are losers.”
–
You are right, losers are losers.
Are you celebrating the fact that the majority people in this island are the losers, driven to poverty, hardship, ….. .
–
” Doga may bark, the caravan moves on.”
–
Of course caravan moves on. However check the caravan you might find loot. May be they will throw you some crumbs to keep your mouth shut.
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” Sri Lanka was invaded many times by their ancestors but they were defeated every time,”
–
The invaders were your ancestors and you should be proud about them.
Don’t forget in many of those instances the petty kings of this island brought mercenaries (Vellaikkara Padei) from your ancestral homeland, South India, to fight each other.
Its like olden days, the King Dr Mahinda (LLD + PhD X 3) agreed to abide by diktat of the Delhi Sulatanate, finally Hindians won the war for him.
–
If anything you should be thinking of going back to your ancestral homeland in South India, which is a vast land.
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Ben Hurling / February 9, 2018
Native,
Despite all your PUNDITRY, when will you offer your considered opinion on those who treated Sri Lanka’s national flag like a DOORMAT. Right opposite our Embassy. In front of a battle-hardened SLA Brigadier? I fully agree with Dushy R’s analysis of the situation. I think we should have offered those LTTE scumbags some tea and biscuits. After all, we are the nation that re-habilitated & pardoned 12 000 LTTE combatants in 2009. Why should we be insecure about a gang of screaming losers in London? The poor judgment displayed by the Brigadier is only HUMAN. Why don’t you cut the guy some slack too? Like you do for all others. Do you apply a different set of principles to him? Because he was a SLA officer busy kicking FAT PIG’s A** in the Wanni frontlines for a very long time? Effectively saving your a** too? Cheers!
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Native Vedda / February 9, 2018
Ben Hurling
–
” After all, we are the nation that re-habilitated & pardoned 12 000 LTTE combatants in 2009.”
–
The kith and kin are still awaiting to meet them even after 9 years have lapsed.
I think you should meet them and find out. You could say they have gone to UK, protesting in front of Sri Lankan High Commission. It is also a possibility. However truth may lie elsewhere.
–
“Why should we be insecure about a gang of screaming losers in London?”
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That is the route cause of all problems, insecurity, and paranoia, unsure of who they are, where the country is going to be in 20 years time, drive the majority of the people mad.
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An open, honest, confident optimistic, …………. free country thrives on. As I have pointed out earlier, this island thrives on Self Destruction, if there is no problem create one then try to solve it wasting time and resources at the same time forgetting the previous unnecessarily created unsolved problems.
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“The poor judgment displayed by the Brigadier is only HUMAN.”
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No he is a trained experienced killer, who should be told in no uncertain terms there are certain written and unwritten rule and obligation one ought to observe. His behaviours reminds me of local Chandiyas. Send him to a boot camp in the USA. Let him learn the hard way.
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“Why don’t you cut the guy some slack too?”
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Army as a state institution have had plenty of slack since 1971.
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“Because he was a SLA officer busy kicking FAT PIG’s A** in the Wanni frontlines for a very long time?”
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Would you like to have him as your neighbor, in law, …………. or live in tenant?
/
Native Vedda / February 9, 2018
Ben
–
Don’t forget the fat pig was very useful to many at times. Remmeber where the entire Sri Lankan armed forces were hiding. They were hiding behind VP’s fat bum.
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Check the background of the new filthy rich in this island you will find they have had benefited from war economy. Thanks to the fat pig, fat bum, ….. the psychopath, and people like you who vacillate between rationalism and parochial nationalism.
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Champa / February 9, 2018
Oh, please give us a break. Revoking the suspension is not a sudden move by the President to pitch a voter-segment. I totally disagree.
.
Since December 2016, President took several prompt action to the sheer consolation of the general public.
(1.) Blocking ICPPED at the last minute.
(2.) We lost Magampura Port, but I believe President could still do something there.
(3.) Non-extension of ACSA with USA which was signed in 2007 for 10 years.
(4). Disabling Ranil’s Federal Constitution Committee Report in the Parliament by not letting him taking a Vote.
(5) Appointment of Bond Commission and publishing its final report.
(6) Not allowing the sale of Trinco Oil Tanks to India.
(7) Repeated assurances to the military to not allow war crimes charges be brought on them.
(8.) Several praiseworthy welfare measures for the military and their families.
(9.) Revoking Mangala’s gazette extending opening hours of liquor shops and allowing women to purchase liquor and work in bars. As apparent now, Mangala’s sudden love of women was not for their rights but to give a boost to Mendis Distilleries owned by Aloysius!!!
(10.) Promotion of renewable energy such as solar power and giving a new boost to organic farming and irrigation tanks.
I can list lot more which are less significant. This is my request list too. When JO failed us miserably by willingly being a hostage of Basil in support of Ranil in the Parliament, how can I find fault with the President? I never supported them in 2015 to Bring Back Basil! (Only Wimal+NFF didn’t fail the masses. I lost faith in JO to save the country from Ranil. For that reason I support the Executive Presidency as I have more in my list.)
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Anonymous / February 9, 2018
All these psychopaths who defend this idiot of a diplomat don’t know that they are setting the stage for international intervention…
Maldives is on the verge of international intervention we will be next the way things are going…
Maybe at least after these psychopaths are removed from positions of power the Sinhalese, Tamils and Muslims can live together in peace!
It is sad to see the so called educated Sri Lankans defending such deplorable behavior too!?
That speaks volumes about the low quality/ non existence of any true intellectuals in our country…
Defending barbaric behavior is simply unacceptable.
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Mallaiyuran / February 9, 2018
I understand, Sumanthiran M.P, who has lockhead with diaspora Tamils has condemned New King’s withdrawal of suspension. UNP strong man Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu too criticized New King. Bu these may not amount to uniting, though Sumanthiran, M.P. may be concerned about LG election.
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Jim softy / February 9, 2018
Somewhere else, Dayan jayathilake, on behaf of Pohottuwa aka Poroppaya, tried to make a scean and lost big time. I heard, a shot of that was shown in Jaffna and no one cared about it.
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Burt / February 9, 2018
There is a thing against Tamils that they look too much at casts. There is a valid reason for it: see what has happened to Sri Lanka by sending “Kasippu Jonneys ” to parliament, giving diplomatic credentials to some one that should be pulling a rickshaw and icing on the cake a farmer to run a country.
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upali / February 9, 2018
I am sure that our colonial masters will teach us a lesson on diplomacy. They are methodical and won’t rush to judgement. Come next two weeks they will politely request the govt. to take him back. That’s a bet.
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Mallaiyuran / February 9, 2018
” Come next two weeks they will politely request the govt. to take him back.”
I hear now that is what on the plate now, no longer not just in the menu.
More News come out, more indication that this vulture (saga) hatched in Colombo, only took off to air in London.
Mangala has given a new Twist to this. He has given a complaint to CID that his name is being used on this saga. I think the Slap clearly understand this all episode is being acted for Yahapalanaya election. So it wants to kill UNP by coming into this drama by the back door, like an unscripted villain.
They wrote a letter and circulated on Mangala’s name, dated Feb, 2nd (two days before the incident) that read like Mangala was promising to some Tamils (unidentified) that this goon will be removed back Lankawe. It was signed as Mangala, who as the Foreign Affairs Minister. When a letter like this appear on Mangala’s name voters will think Mangala would have promised for sure, but diaspora will and IC will discount it as “He Bloody Liar”. Slap Party want to use Mangala’s image of World Greatest Liar. But, interestingly, no diaspora organization is asking to remove this goon from London. So it was completely unlikely anybody was expecting any reply from Mangala like that. Diaspora is even against UK foreign ministry’s initiation on that side. All what Diaspora want is this guy arrested and his 59th Division war crime investigated. Once again ITJP and JDS are backing this up with war crime evidences. So apparently the letter is an election stunt to rebuild sagging Slap Party side against all what Yahapalanaya gained by this drama.
If anything can be busted it is only after Feb,10.
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dan h / February 9, 2018
LTTE is terrorist organization ban in the UK I hope you know that.
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Anpu / February 9, 2018
We are forced with lion atrocities for 70 odd years.
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Amila W / February 9, 2018
What will you guys achieve by the Brigadier being sent back? Do you think he will apologize to you?
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Kumar R. / February 9, 2018
Amila,
Apologizing requires decency, courage and integrity. You are right one would be foolish to expect the Brigadier to apologize!
As for what any Sri Lankan would achieve by ousting the Brigadier – it is the satisfaction and comfort that we helped the country eliminate rogues and hooligans representing us and our country in a foreign land. Pretty good pay back that any Sri Lankan should be proud of – don’t you think?
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sach / February 9, 2018
why should we apologize to a bunch of terrorist supporters? Those despicable humans there waving the LTTE flag are the ones who funded terrorism in SL soil and killed people here? Why the flying F we need to apologize to that bunch? The brigadier acted right by standing for the country against the most despicable supporters of the Hitlers of south asia
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Native Vedda / February 9, 2018
sach
–
Brilliant
/
Native Vedda / February 9, 2018
Amila W
–
“What will you guys achieve by the Brigadier being sent back?”
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Perhaps, the satisfaction of wiping his smugness off his face, temporarily.
–
“Do you think he will apologize to you?”
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You are asking the wrong question.
Sri Lankans don’t make any mistakes therefore there is no need for an apology.
Hang on he will be promoted to the next or two ranks above his current position. The deputy Defense minister has already described him as a hero.
I won’t be surprised if there is a state sponsored home coming party, just fit for a hero, the man who not only concurred Tamils in this island but also on foreign soil.
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Burt / February 9, 2018
I don’t think anyone expects an apology because an apology without remorse and correction to ones action or behavior means nothing.
The protests are not about what an individual would gain but it a message that in a society of law and order there has to be consequences for actions. Like the president did you can over ride the will of one or many but sooner or later the country pays a price. Same way as My3 has protected the murders and fraudsters that looted the country during the last govt. This has given him , his family and cronies to continue the frauds without many eyes of him but the country is paying the price.
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Alima / February 9, 2018
The arrogant, and the guilty, hardly apologizes.
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Kumar R. / February 10, 2018
The arrogant, the guilty and the SPINELESS!
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Sinhala_Man / February 10, 2018
So, the spineless Kumar R doesn’t respond to my request relating to a comment he made elsewhere, but calls My3 names in responses to this article.
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Quite simply: How do you defend your comments expressing jubilation at successfully manipulating Prof. Sam Thiagalingam out of being Vice-Chancellor of Jaffna University?
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Mallaiyuran / February 9, 2018
His apology is nothing;apology has to come from Tilak Marapana.
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sach / February 9, 2018
LOL ..The LTTE rump overestimate themselves to an alarming and amusing levels
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Spring Koha / February 9, 2018
Amila
No, we don’t expect the part-Portuguese Brigadier to apologise. We would be more than happy to see him confined to barracks and not jeopardise what little headway is made in the reconciliation of the country. He has shown himself to be a walking time bomb.
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Native Vedda / February 9, 2018
Burt
–
What do you want to do with C.A. Chandraperuma who recycled his earlier stories (Gota’s B***s), Shamindra Ferdinando in competion with C.A. Chandraperuma, …………… and all other columnists, reporters, leaders writers, Editors, ………………… ?
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Excerpt from Island Editorial
8 February 2018
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“The British MPs’ right to demand action against Brig. Fernando cannot be questioned. But, if they are to prove that in so doing they are acting out of principle they ought to call for action against Adele Balasingham as well. After all, the British government is at the forefront of a campaign to have alleged war crimes during the Vanni war probed by a special tribunal.”
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The editorial demand action against Adele Balasingham while it conveniently ignores the need to investigate Karuna, KP, Pillaiyan, …… for their part in war crimes.
Why does Sri Lanka refuse to officially demand UK to either deport her to the island or persuade the Brits to charge her for possible war crimes.
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It seems the editors have used their ability to selectively remember issues and cases very well. However they are confident the readers are so stupid they can type anything selectively, print, publish, sell and get away with hypocrisy.
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How seriously did they insist on an inquiry into R Preamadasa’s commander dealing with LTTE, arming, funding, providing diplomatic cover, ……………… a question they may not want to answer Probably Shamindra and Chandraperuma secretly admired VP for fighting the Hindians.
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The investigation into Dr Mahinda – VP deal has come to a stand still.
As a politician Sirisena can afford to be a hypocrite, a crook, a racist, ….. however Editors are expected to be the beacon to the masses, in informing and educating them so that they can make informed choices.
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Burt / February 9, 2018
NV:
These people are not media men in the real sense. Now they have to brown their nose twice as much for their daily meal.
Seeing DJ’s post I thought you would have understood this by now.
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ramona therese fernando / February 9, 2018
All that needs to be done is for the guy to give a public apology to the group who were acting like mad dogs at the gate of the Sri Lankan embassy. He needs to put on a sorong and baniyan and say something like :
*
“Hey Ltte guys, I was just fooling around you know. Acting the part of Mussolini in my uniform tends to give me a buzz in supremacy every once in a while. Did you see the smirk on my face? I’m not really smirking, it’s natural- even my dear amah had a problem with it. Anyway, I did some really good work with your low-caste people up in Jaffna. When are you Vellelas going to care about you own people as much as I did? Here, let’s share some beetle leaf, chunam and arrack for good measure……….well, at least I didn’t give you the finger.
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Citizen / February 9, 2018
President Maithiripala Srisena assured good governance after assuming power. First he said that there shall be a small cabinet of 15 Ministers. Now it has almost doubled and good governance have become a question mark.
Now Priyanka Fernando has demonstrated his evil culture of slitting throat, contrary to the Buddhist teaching. Appointing a military officer with a blood-stained hand to the High Commission is unacceptable when there so many allegations of Human Rights violations against him. The President’s reluctance to punish him is also a blow to good governance assured by him.
Recently he opened the roadway in Jaffna to public which was closed by the Military, but was closed again by the Military. Where is good governance?
We have got to admit that the Sinhalese failed to realize the value of independence to our country. Had the Sinhalese and Tamils fought a bloody battle like India and USA, they would have realized the value of independence and such uncivilized gesture of slitting throat would not have occurred.
What has Priyanka Fernando or Maithripala Srisena and his supporters achieved by violating human rights of unarmed citizens or even surrendered terrorists. Why have they forgotten to bridge the gap between the Tamils and the Sinhalese. It appears that encouraging such uncivilized acts are for their personal gains. They have forgotten that there is something called Karma and their children will have to repay for all these uncivilized acts. It is very sad these people had forgotten the Buddhist teachings..
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Burt / February 9, 2018
I don’t know whether your in SL or not, but if you are. Use your vote intelligently. Fool you once shame on him but if he fools you twice then its shame on you.
DON’T VOTE SLFP.
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Jim softy / February 9, 2018
So what did Ranil gain from this. He had said “Lost the game again. Could not make anythhing out of it. I heard Ranil saying I asked them to do it. but they have screwed it. I misses thzat to. anyway, there is no serious damage. I lose some votes. that is all.”
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Mallaiyuran / February 9, 2018
Sometimes it is very difficult to unknot Lankawe’s international racketeering.
Udayanga supposed to be an important witness in MiG case. The Old Brother Prince has been sent to USA by New King to stop any unattended action on him by UNP acolytes during the election time. He is not in the election campaign, may return only after it, though he is advertised as the next presidential candidate from non-existing party called Slap (SLPP). It appears America was able to spot the where about of Udayanga because of his frequent negotiation with Old Brother Prince. So the INTERPOL was informed of his plan to fly USA. The game played by Yahapalanaya in searching of Udayanga looks like they wanted to have their own private negotiations, but not real arrest order. By this request INTERPOL will provide his commination addresses only, no arrest. America tipped expecting the guy get arrested and deported to Lankawe. Because of the American presence here, the overly alarmed Ukraine and Russia rushed to save Udayanga, either they may not know the motive of Yahapalanaya or they may not have checked the order issued to INTERPOL- that is do not arrest. Still, to avoid him taken to Ukraine or Russia, Yahapalanaya has to act. It wanted its guys go there and resolve the issue with INTERPOL, which is more under US than Russia or Ukraine or even Lankawe. So it spread a story in Colombo Media that Yahapalanaya Official are out to arrest and bring Udayanga. The INTERPOL which cannot act on behalf of Yahapalanaya beyond the orders received from Yahapalanaya, just checked Udayanga and let him go. Now Udayanga out even before Yahapalanaya official go there. Apparently this is little bit ahead of election voting day. But as rest of the twisting game will be played by Colombo Media, so this stunt too will not misfire but will benefit Yahapalanaya on Election Day.
Same on Embassy case too.
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Burt / February 9, 2018
“Johannesburg: The UK, the UN and the international community have an
obligation to step up their screening and vetting of Sri Lankan public
and security officals for alleged involvement in atrocities during and
after the civil war. This should include all military engagement and
training.
“We believe a number of military officers who were active in the final
phase of the Sri Lankan war are still posted as diplomats abroad,”
said the ITJP executive director, Yasmin Sooka, “It’s time the vetting
requirement of UN HRC Resolution 30/1 is enforced by the international
community, even if Sri Lanka itself flouts it, despite being a cosponsor
of the resolution. Surely this is the very least we owe
victims even if criminal accountability is a distant prospect”.
On 4 February, Brigadier Fernando Priyanka, the defence attache in the
Sri Lankan High Commission in London, was filmed thrice making
slitting throat gestures at Tamil protestors1. Given his war record in
command of frontline combat troops around Mullaitivu for the 59
Division, Brigadier Fernando’s threats of violence are particularly
disturburing. More so factoring in the ongoing surveillance of Tamil
events abroad and the continued use by the security forces of
photographs of these events during interrogations that involve very
brutal torture and sexual violence.”
/
Burt / February 9, 2018
Contd:
“What we see in Sri Lanka is a perpetual state of denial,” said
Bashana Abeywardena of Journalists for Democracy in Sri Lanka (JDS),
“Impunity is a conscious policy of the state and this latest decision
is just another manifestaton of the disregard for victims of the
conflict who are still waiting for criminal accountability”.
“The UK should never have accepted the credentials of a man like
Brigadier Fernando,” said Ms. Sooka. “A brief examination of his past
would have revealed he had frontline combat experience in the final
war and therefore should have been vetted, based on criteria used by
OHCHR for Sri Lankan peacekeepers. The ITJP and Journalists for
Demcoracy in Sri Lanka produced a brief on Brigadier Fernando’s war
record7 – research that the Foreign and Commonwealth Office should have
done before accepting his credentials”.
The Sri Lankan army commander says Brigadier Fernando was a commander
of a unit of the 59 Division, who “saved” Tamil civilians during the
recapture of Mullaitivu. The notion that civilians were ‘saved’ is a
travesty given the 2015 UN investigation detailed repeated attacks on
the Mullaitivu Hospital in August, October, December 2008 and January
2009. The UN said multi barrelled rocket launchers were fired at the
hospital from Sri Lankan army positions south of the town – from where
the 59 Division was advancing.
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Good Sense / February 9, 2018
Decision of MY3 to support the military is very clear. For his own survival and not for the love of truth. HE knows that no amount of bullet proof vests can prevent him from a sniper attack, to say the least. HE started the term by saying he too could be a martyr like Mahatma Gandhi, SWRD Bandaranaike etc because of the stand he takes. Oh! No! Why the hell must he electronically block adverse publicity? What is then the difference between MR & MS? All are for survival and making hay while the sun shines. (Guys in Telecom tell me about what his brother does, another Central Bank). To HIM that is paramount and the strategic damage in uniting the Diaspora is of no concern. Irrespective of the truth of the incident the Britishers must find fault of the Brig. for their internal political reasons and can result in the expulsion of the diplomat. The interesting question would be if Brig Fernanado is declared persona-non-grata then will HE declare the counterpart of the Brig in Colombo too persona-non-grata? Are we repeating the history in expelling the British High Commissioner during Premadasa times? In fact the Foreign Ministry did the right thing, strategically, by suspending the Brig. to die down the pressure and any finding can be published weeks later. What really happened? Pooh! That is of no concern to anyone.
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Gema / February 9, 2018
Even state minister of defense Ruwan Wijewardena has approved Brigadier’s behavior 100%. What do you say about it? This is just a storm in a tea-cup!
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Diogenes / February 9, 2018
Lion Brand Diplomatic relations going to dogs!
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shankar / February 9, 2018
This is now a police matter.he should be charged for assault and cannot claim diplomatic immunity if he was outside the High Commission compound as indeed claimed by some tamils here.
So president is quite correct in not doing anything at the moment especially when the elections are round the corner.After the elections he will probably take another look at it.How do we know that this brigadier did not deliberately do this to embarrass the govt and set a trap before elections.
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sach / February 9, 2018
assault? what do you guys call a real assault?
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shankar / February 10, 2018
sach
if you do something to create a fear of injury or death in another person that is a assault.If i tell you that i will kill you then i have assaulted you though physically i have not touched you.I personally don’t agree with it but the law is an ass they say.
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shankar / February 10, 2018
and sach for you information the law considers the threat to kill a serious assault with a 10 years of maximum imprisonment.this brigadier who obviously does not know the law because he has seen people being cut by their throat and getting promotions and diplomatic postings not knowing that in UK he may end up a long time in jail.If he had stood out even one inch outside the embassy then kota uda.
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dayal / February 9, 2018
so the big king is also playing politics in the most cheapest manner. he is also a political animal that all those voted for him for good governance, fair play and justice are bowing down in shame for voting for him. needless to say, all pol. leaders of the sinhalese have to depend on this quasi patriotism for their survival. anyway the maithri cat is out of the bag. now he is a good match for mahinda.
-dayal
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Park / February 9, 2018
I am not sure whose advice President follows! It appears to me he is governing the country based on media news and “nationalists views”. At least the President should have spoken to the Attorney General before he made the decision to reinstate. What he should have done was to recall the Brigadier back to Colombo, held an investigation then decided to reinstate. It would have shown the international community that the head of the country is a fair person. Now the whole world knows that he has acted in a bias manner. Who knows if the LTTE flag carrier (which is a wrong act) was a Sri Lankan born British Citizen. If he was a British Citizen then the Brigadier signaled the throat slitting to a British Citizen. This is a very serious matter. I am not sure even the President of SL realizes how seriously this action would be seen by the British Public and the Politicians.
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sach / February 9, 2018
tips for uneducated yahapalas.
1. The international community do NOT give a rat’s a$$ about this. Only a bunch of LTTE rump overseas, paid media ppl and the stupid yahapala gov. This is NOT even an incident. No action should have been taken in the first place
2. what is this Int community that we should impress all the time? There is nothing like that.
3. President even if he acted based on next elections, did the right thing by listening to the ppl
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Jim softy / February 9, 2018
This report is true. Tamils say now JAffna Tamils, Tamilnadu Tamils, Batti – Tamils, Dalits, Barbers all drink and dance at the same dancing fllow. Typical Colonila mentality.
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lasita / February 9, 2018
If Britain acts as a nurse log for terrorist fungi the nurselog will decay and get distructed.
will they allow ISIS to wag their flag or to wag Al Quida flag?.
Britain will get a taste of their own bitter medicine.
Those who sleep with dogs get up with fleas.
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Buddhi Perera / February 9, 2018
No one, other than the Brig. can say what he meant by the gesture. It is unreasonable to criticise him ignoring what the protesters and the MPs who backed them were doing.
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chiv / February 9, 2018
As long there is only two schools of thought process with no alternatives and no school of rational thinking, I do not see any future for Lanka. Since independence the Public seems to be happily ignorant ( pretending????),selfish,naive and in toxic co dependence. The world is advancing towards exploring Mars,cloning, 3 D replication, alternate for fossil and medical/technical advancement , Lankans are busy debating on Ravana, Vijaya, old kingdoms and mythology.In the mean time the politicians are having a field day all at the expense of public. This is nothing but a comedy show of poor quality, viewed since our independence and now turning out to be very boring ,Same show with different cast members.
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chiv / February 9, 2018
There you go .Election time, the chameleons are coming out. I guess the change in season will need a change in colour, This is called Lanka politics, With Brigadier issue in forefront the prices of essential goods, bread, milk and others have already faded from the memory of our public. Enjoy the show while you are at it. Lankawe style
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Kumar / February 9, 2018
Act like MR , like true Sri Lankan. Do not try to be a prostitute.
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DAN H / February 9, 2018
LTTE IS A BAN TERRORIST ORGANISATION IN UK , AMERICA , CANADA INDIA , SRILANKA SHOWING LTTE FLAG IS CLEAR VIOLATION OF THE BAN OF UK .UK POLICE SHOULD ARREST ALL THE PEOPLE AND SHOULD BE CHARGE .NOW A ANY TAMILS CAN VISIT SRI LANKA NO PROBLEM .PROTEST ONLY POKING TO OPEN NEW PROBLEMS ONLY.
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Native Vedda / February 9, 2018
DAN H
–
“UK POLICE SHOULD ARREST ALL THE PEOPLE AND SHOULD BE CHARGE.”
–
Under whose laws?
Instead Sri Lanka should send a team of hand picked members of STF to raid such protests arrest them all bring them here to interrogate, ……………… or kill them all and come back like heroes. The matter can be closed, even if the flags are not illegal in UK.
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“NOW A ANY TAMILS CAN VISIT SRI LANKA NO PROBLEM .PROTEST ONLY POKING TO OPEN NEW PROBLEMS ONLY.”
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As if you need the protesters to start problem.
–
Well you have very good ideas. Please visit us again.
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Dr. Dayan Jayatilleka / February 9, 2018
What’s more important is that a multi-party consensus has been created by the LTTE mob and the Foreign ministry treachery. Read Minister Navin Dissanayake’s devastating rely to the Labor MPs. This comes on the heels of deputy Minister Ruwan Wijewardene’s statement.
This is rare moment of national unity.
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Native Vedda / February 9, 2018
Dr. Dayan Jayatilleka
–
Is he still trying to hide his father’s loot with his devastating re(p)ly?
Ask him to return rest of the books his father’s thugs looted from Jaffna Library in 1981.
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Park / February 9, 2018
Dayan its not “a moment of national unity”, its “national stupidity”. I am not sure if this Minister knows anything about Diplomatic Protocol. An act within the embassy compound may be protected by diplomatic protocol. But, it does not prevent from the British Government declaring the person “persona non grata”, which means he has to leave the country. I think who ever advised the Foreign Ministry, the President and the Army made blunders. What should have been done was to recall him for an inquiry and after the inquiry he could have been reinstated or removed for good. When the country is ruled by the media bursts and TV debates this is what happens. Even the media today do not know how they should manage their own freedom of the press/media they have received. None of the media does Fact Checking. This means they are facilitating distribution by print, TV, electronic and other social networks wrong information to the public thereby not doing the correct service they are suppose to do.
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Taraki / February 9, 2018
It doesn’t matter what the Brigadier meant by his actions. He was not addressing ordinary Tamil civilians, he was addressing LTTE terrorist supporters (as seen by their flags). He would have to answer for his actions if they were protesting without flags.
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Native Vedda / February 9, 2018
Taraki
–
Well said.
What would be your justification for the Chandiya’s outrageous behaviour if the protesters didn’t have the horrible animal flag?
Please feel free to speculate.
–
For your Information neither Tiger nor Lion ever existed in this island.
Both are supposed to be man/woman eaters.
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Native Vedda / February 9, 2018
Ben Hurling
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“Despite all your PUNDITRY, when will you offer your considered opinion on those who treated Sri Lanka’s national flag like a DOORMAT.”
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As I have stated on many occasion I do not have any obligation to respect the Sri Lankan flag as it depicts an horrible animal which we never had in this island, armed with a sword which can only happen in myths, not a peaceful symbol, ……………… I think as a Sri Lankan nationalist/patriot you should rap it around you, tattoo it on your forehead in order to prove your patriotism and allegiance to the country’s crooks, murderers ………………….. who have patent it as their own.
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Let me worry about the people who are being looted and abandoned by the crooks, …… and the chattering middle classes. I don’t have time nor the inclination to worship mere symbols which were artificially created to legitimize rulers credentials.
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By the way can you confirm if smart ass patriots are not wiping their bum in the flag you so revere?
Right opposite our Embassy. In front of a battle-hardened SLA Brigadier? I fully agree with Dushy R’s analysis of the situation. I think we should have offered those LTTE scumbags some tea and biscuits. After all, we are the nation that re-habilitated & pardoned 12 000 LTTE combatants in 2009. Why should we be insecure about a gang of screaming losers in London? The poor judgment displayed by the Brigadier is only HUMAN. Why don’t you cut the guy some slack too? Like you do for all others. Do you apply a different set of principles to him? Because he was a SLA officer busy kicking FAT PIG’s A** in the Wanni frontlines for a very long time? Effectively saving your a** too? Cheers!
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justice / February 9, 2018
BH,
“………………………..pardoned 12,000 LTTE…………………………………………………..”
Did this include those taken away in buses at the end of the war only to ‘disappear’?
And, those stripped naked, hands tied behind & shot in the back of the head, as shown by videos taken by army men & included as part of a short film?
And, 200 odd still in jail without trial ?
/