By Dayan Jayatilleka –
Dr. Dayan Jayatilleka
Going by a recent report on a ‘behind the news’ segment on TV, President Sirisena has told the UPFA leaders that he is under tremendous pressure from the West and India. What Prime Minister Modi wants cannot be done but nor can we refrain from doing so, he is supposed to have said. He explained his advocacy of a national government which included the UNP by saying that it was an unavoidable answer to western pressure because Ranil Wickremesinghe and the UNP were the only ones who could talk to the West, interface with it and keep it at bay.
If this story has veracity—and it has yet to be denied—this Presidential disclosure tells us many things.
Democratic “regime change” and the Western applause notwithstanding, the new President is under pressure.
This in and of itself reveals that contrary to the perception of even those in the pro-Mahinda camp and perhaps Mahinda himself, “regime change” was NOT the aim and objective, but only a means. The primary target was not Mahinda; or rather Mahinda was targeted because he stood in the way of the attainment of the real objectives of the West. If Mahinda were the target and regime change the aim, then there should be no serious pressure on President Sirisena, now that Mahinda is no longer the President.
According to the President, the source of the pressure is the West and India.
At least one aim and objective is that which was articulated by Prime Minister Modi who recommended “moving beyond the 13th amendment” and explicitly flagged federalism.
One receives confirmation from the reports of discussions between the government and visiting US Asst Secretary of Human Rights and Labour Tom Malinowski that the pressure from the West is on accountability.
In a recent interview with the Delhi News Agency (DNA) former President Kumaratunga spoke of “an internal investigation with the assistance and presence of the international community”, while the British PM says that he urged Sri Lanka’s President to fully support the UN investigation.
Prime Minister Wickremesinghe writing in the Japan Times disclosed a third objective, namely “re-setting the strategic position of Sri Lanka in the world”. One notices that State Minister for Defence Ruwan Wijewardene, writing in a daily newspaper, draws attention to, commends and almost upholds as a model, Sir John Kotelawela’s embarrassing attempt at confrontation with China’s Premier Zhou En Lai, an Asian icon, at the Bandung Conference 1955. That’s a suitable note to accompany his boss and uncle Ranil’s attempt at “resetting of Sri Lanka’s strategic position in the world”. 60 years ago, that conduct earned Sir John the local sobriquet of “Bandung Booruwa”. It also fed into the silent revolution of the following year 1956. (Now, 60 years later will Ranil Wickremesinghe earn the same response from the voter at the upcoming parliamentary election?)
According to The Hindu, “Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe has said Sri Lanka is neither pro-India nor pro-China.” (‘Sri Lanka neither pro-India nor pro-China: Ranil’, K. Santhush, The Hindu, April 19, 2015). In this the PM is wrong because Sri Lanka is and should be both pro-India and pro-China, though perhaps in reverse order (for eminently Kautilyan reasons). However, it could have been a political Freudian slip on Mr. Wickremesinghe’s part, because he, his Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera and his neoliberal clique at the apex of the UNP are certainly “neither pro-India nor pro-China”; they are simply pro-West.
These three objectives – (i) de facto federalism, (ii) intrusive accountability and (iii) realignment with the West—constitute the agenda. MR was the obstacle and regime change was the prerequisite to achieving these aims and implementing this agenda.
Now the time has come to pay the piper and President Sirisena discloses that he is under pressure to deliver.
The character of the ethnic reforms envisaged by the Tamil Diaspora and the agency through which they expect it is made transparently clear in an open letter to Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga from Rev Fr. SJ Emmanuel, President of the Global Tamil Forum.
He names, perhaps accurately, the prime mover, or should I say the prime local proxy of the regime change strategy as ex-President Kumaratunga.
He names her as the leader of a forthcoming ethnic reform and reconciliation through a radical re-designing of our political order.
He also indicates the sheer magnitude of the change they envisage—nothing less than “the very foundations of the structure of our government”.
The role of CBK in the Diaspora agenda is clear:
“Your wisdom in becoming the architect of the new coalition to effect a regime change is well accepted and appreciated.
In my recent article “For genuine Reconciliation all religions must collaborate” (The Island 08.04.2015), I had mentioned in passing your choice to lead the initiative of the new regime for reconciliation. Today I wish to give my comments about your role for a new and challenging leadership…
…A second bold initiative you made was by your proposals or political package of 3rd.Aug.1995 for constitutional changes.
…your role assumes a unique opportunity, to reflect on the very foundations of our structure of government …Now is the time, a second chance for all the people to rethink and organize their system of governance…
You are uniquely called at this hour of the nation to mobilize all the progressive forces from the different sectors of our population, not merely the politicians, but also the civic and religious leaders, philanthropists and professionals, to make a collaborative effort for Reconciliation and peace…” (‘An Open Appeal to Mrs. Chandrika Kumaratunga’, S.J Emmanuel, The Island April 17th 2015)
The question is: who on earth elected Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, the Queen of Has-Beens who is jeered at her own party’s conclaves, to play this role? What mandate does this faded political pin-up of two decades ago, have? Where, when and from whom does it derive?
If President Sirisena finds the pressure quite so difficult to withstand in peacetime, one can well imagine Sri Lanka’s fate if he had faced the combined western pressure, from Hillary Clinton, David Miliband and Bernard Kouchner – together with a call for a “humanitarian pause and reopening negotiations” that President Obama delivered from the White House lawn– that Mahinda Rajapaksa did in 2009! General Fonseka would have found himself in the same situation as Denzil Kobbekaduwa and Vijaya Wimalaratne in 1987, with the added factor that the US would have promised to use whatever means necessary to neutralize the Sri Lankan troops in case they rebelled against a ceasefire. Those who know the inside story of Kargil, know who interdicted the column of heavy tanks of the recalcitrant Pakistani general (deceased by drone), who sought to defy the ceasefire that the US had pushed through.
Luckily for this country and its armed forces, in April-May 2009 it was Mahinda Rajapaksa who was facing the international pressure and making the final political decision. History will record that was Mahinda’s and sovereign Sri Lanka’s finest hour.
Agnos / April 19, 2015
With the SC decision on 19th amendment, MR has no chance of returning to power for at least 6 years. So no matter what you keep saying about MR, you have been politically orphaned for good. Deservedly so. Enjoy whatever handouts your master gave you already. Your pal Rajiva Wijesinha was never elected as an MP. If you are dreaming of becoming one, dream on, orphan.
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Leelagemalli / April 19, 2015
Not a single hour is there where DJ would not go against Ranil, CBK or the current men in action. MY3 is not under pressure, but this chamelion want him to be seen as being under pressure. DJ why not you do a better job than on the mode of scare mongering ? Dont you have better things to do -if it is the case, try to help th epoor of poor in the country, that will surely be welcome by everyone.
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Ram / April 19, 2015
” Going by a recent report on a ‘behind the news’ segment on TV “
Are you implying that the report was untrue, or that there was no such report ?
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Thiru / April 19, 2015
President is Under Pressure,
Dayan is under stress for his hero’s misfortune,
and the Sri Lankan politicians are running like headless chicken not knowing what to do!
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Samuel Jayaweera / April 20, 2015
[Edited out]
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Supun Jayawardhane / April 20, 2015
[Edited out]
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gigurawa / April 20, 2015
Leelagemalli
Why don’t you leelagemalli remove your mask and come out with your true identity as a Sinhal tiger( sinhala kotiya) paid a few dollars by Ravindran from his ill-gotten money- paid to him by R.Rajaratnam , Lttefinancier who is serving his time in jail, fraud.
You cant write a sentence in English, hence you would not have understood a word of DJ’s article.
Sinhala Kotiya and Ravindran’s lackey.
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Samuel Jayaweera / April 20, 2015
You the English Prof seems to have much in common with Madamulana people. Else, I really dont know why you became so nervous Leelagemalli or anybody adding comments against MR and his administration. We perfectly know that DJ s articles in general are not unbiased. From the day 8th Jan, he has been on scare mongering mode – all because DJ is a malicious person not at all a good analyst, Please go back to his archives and check it correctly how inconsistent his views have been. Poor guys of your kind would get deceived easily but over 6.2 mio are proved to be anti-Rajapakshe moves. Latter you should respect LET alone today.
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Thiru / April 19, 2015
“These three objectives – (i) de facto federalism, (ii) intrusive accountability and (iii) realignment with the West—constitute the agenda. MR was the obstacle and regime change was the prerequisite to achieving these aims and implementing this agenda. “
Ye indeed, that’s the way to go for a stable internal politcal and geopolitical order after the genocidal war against Tamils;
1. Federalism will ensure internal stability,
2. Accountability will ensure justice for the mass murders of Tamils (and massacres SinhaleseJVP suspects). Without such accountability, impunity of the armed forces and future ruthless regimes will continue. This is inimical to proper democracy in the island.
3. With India aligned to the West now, a coalition of India-West will control the Indian Ocean with the island forming an important piece in the jig saw.
Therefore, in any new world order this is the way to go: Anything else will be to the detriment of people of the island, whether they be Sinhalese, Tamils, or Muslims.
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Native Vedda / April 19, 2015
Thiru
“With India aligned to the West now, a coalition of India-West will control the Indian Ocean with the island forming an important piece in the jig saw.”
Remember Indian Ocean is not Hindia’s ocean.
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Patriot / April 19, 2015
It’s important to remember that almost all of the terrible scenes in the Channel 4 video occurred after Mr.Miliband and Mr.Kouchner visited the island in April 2009. How many civilians died after April 2009? Just as importantly, what did the GOSL achieve for the Sinhala people because of what it did after April 2009? The GOSL declared unilateral victory, but no other country has accepted the Sinhalese claim of sovereignty over the NE. The immediate response from the UN was that the GOSL should address violations of international humanitarian laws. The US response was to begin a process at the UN that would lead to an international investigation and will inevitably lead to a peacekeeping mission. The GOSL would have done well to listen to Mr.Miliband, Mr.Kouchner and President Obama. It would not have changed the endgame: the GOSL would have still been found guilty of genocide, but all of the Tamil lives that were lost after April 2009 would have been spared. I know that’s not important to Dayan – but it should be.
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punchinilame / April 19, 2015
“I know that’s not important to Dayan – but it should be.” One is reminded of
Premadasa who earned the name as “Harare Haramanis” being DJs mentor?
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Crazyoldmansl / April 19, 2015
Sounds like the man is shaking in his boots. Maybe the white vans are coming for him. Maybe he will get run down by his own driver in his own car. Maybe his mason will murder him. He knows the game. He plays it. He should enjoy it. The master of the deep state.
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Silva / April 19, 2015
President Under Pressure??
Looks like Dayan J is under pressure from his pay master to keep writing some communal bull crap to sustain those 58 lakh donkeys who voted for Rajapakshe.
The best joke is, these Rajapakshe [Edited out] continues to keeps barking but the caravan (Ranil-Maithree) continues to move forward, least bothered about these barking [Edited out].
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Jango / April 19, 2015
Dayan – Your take on CBK, “Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, the Queen of Has-Beens who is jeered at her own party’s conclaves, to play this role? What mandate does this faded political pin-up of two decades ago, have? Where, when and from whom does it derive?”, speaks volumes for your frustration!
You know very well who organized the jeering and yet you cunningly transform the event to suit your view – par for the course in your tireless efforts to resuscitate the “king of the has-beens’!
And you have yet to answer a previous question I put to you, following a totally evasive and irrelevant response from you, so here it is again – just so we know where you’re at. You can check it in the comments section here – https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/how-ranil-bashing-can-fall-on-its-face/comment-page-1/#comments
“A predictable ‘abstruse’ response from the master of obfuscation! So what else is new???!!! C’mon Dayan, you can do better than that, surely? Or is it that you can’t come to terms with (in an open forum) what you are supporting -ie:”… blatant nepotism, near-total impunity, white vans, disappearances of critics, mass-scale corruption, bogus mega-projects, etc., etc.? Pray tell us ignorant readers what your “re-balancing” and “course correction” means. And also how you or MR intend to re-settle our “strategic position in the world”. Better still, answer the question of your support for a corrupt and nepotistic administration whose idea of “good governance” is ripping off the country and its citizens, the absence of Human Rights and no (what is understood as) ‘rule of law’.
Just answer the questions and don’t drift into irrelevance, if you would, please.”
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dcn / April 19, 2015
DJ IS GOOD AT TWISTING, ADDING AND MISREPORT SOME NEWS. THE PURPOTED NEWS WAS FROM A TV CHANNEL WHICH MAY BE ONE OF THOSE SUPPORTING ‘MR’ AND EAGERLY AWAITING HIS RETURN. FURTHER, THERE ARE SOME IN THE UPFA WHO WOULD LIKE TO PROJECT A DIM PICTURE OF THE GOVERNANCE OF PRESIDENT MAITGREE, BECAUSE THEY ARE ‘MR’ CRONIES. THEREFORE, THE ACCURACY OF THIS NEWS IS IN DOUBT.
IT IS ALSO APPROPRIATE TO QUOTE THE ARTICLE PRESENTED BY SHYAMON JAYASINGHE A FEW DAYS AGO WHO HAD DISPUTED DJ’s QUOTATIONS FROM A JAPANESE PAPER. WE, AS READERS ,EXPECTED DAYAN JAYATILEKA, THE SO CALLED POLITICAL PUNDIT, SCIENTIST, ANALYST TO RESPOND SPONTANEOUSLY PROVING HIS CLAIM OR ACCEPT HIS FAULT OF VULGAR JOURNALISM AND KEEP AWAY FROM ‘CT’ ATLEAST FOR A WHILE WITHOUT DISTURBING THE READERS.
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neil lankage / April 19, 2015
I have already posted a comment under Mr. Shyamon Jayasinghe’s article proving that he was in error.
I think you as a reader should do some fact-checking yourself, rather than relying on pundits on what to think.
Here’s the link to the Japan Times article. Please check the third paragraph from the bottom:
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/opinion/2015/04/08/commentary/world-commentary/winning-sri-lankas-peace/#.VTJYDvnF-RN
I still hope that Mr. Jayasinghe would withdraw his remark and offer an apology. I believe that it would add to his credibility in the future.
BTW, I hope that you would refrain from using “ALL CAPS.”
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Thamilan / April 19, 2015
Dr.Dayan,
I am a keen reader of your lengthy articles in the media.
Your articles are always critical of what happened in the past and what is happening today. Why don’t you, for a change write about your solution to the problems that exist in Sri Lanka today!
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Jango / April 19, 2015
Thamilan – from all indications it appears that DJ’s “solution to the problems that exist in Sri Lanka today” is the return of his idol, MR.
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Ajith / April 19, 2015
Ignore him!
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Thiru / April 19, 2015
I challenge the self proclaimed political scientist, lacking any seminal work in political science for his word to be taken seriously in the global context, is there a better way to go for peace and stability in the region?
Don’t forget the Western allies are still in control of the global order, except in the backyards of China and Russia.
The so-called political scientist seems not to know this Geo-political reality today.
Mahavamsa mind set may be putting blinkers on his thinking.
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Nadi Karunaratne / April 19, 2015
Forget the west. Most people in SL want media freedom, the rule of law and an independent judiciary, and end to plundering by the political class and no more white vans nor the stoking of communal tensions for political advantage. Also an end to family rule and a repairing of relations with our neighbours, the EU, US and UK. We don’t want stupid airports without planes neither ports without ships. Why wouldn’t Dayan want the same things……yes obviously, it’s all about Dayan isn’t it and to hell with the common man.
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Yahapalana Supporter / April 19, 2015
Well said Nadi
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dcn / April 19, 2015
Nadi Karunaratne
You have said in simple language what the people want but unfortunately we are burdened with these so called stupid pundits/scientists/political analysts who do not want to understand.
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Peace / April 19, 2015
Nadi,
You hit the nail on the head.Along with MR’S local misrule the lack of international exposure and experience showed him the way to defeat.
The common man (the voter/Average village person) in SriLanka has more common sense than our self proclaimed political scientist.Never take the intelligence of common man for granted.
Now Dayan wants to portray these lack of skills/statesmanship/vison as patriotism.Go figure it out.
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Jim softy / April 19, 2015
Sri lanka does not have press freedom is crap. If some sue the journalists there are so many cases that can be sued. Only thing is from whom and how to get compensation.
Journlists lie, write unsubstantiated reports, they favour their favourite politician.
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Parakrama Abeygunawardane / April 19, 2015
Yes we know that you are a highly educated person and. respect for that,but at the same time I request [Edited out]
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Taraki / April 19, 2015
The day will come when all of you will say “Okay so Dayan was right but what can we do about it now? Too late, too late….
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Native Vedda / April 19, 2015
Taraki
“The day will come when all of you will say “Okay so Dayan was right but what can we do about it now? Too late, too late…”
You must be so confident by looking at Dayan’s Crystal Balls to come out with such a ridiculous speculation however be prepared yourself to be humble and accept star gazing is not a science but as Mahinda’s personal astrologer, Sumanadasa Abeygunawardena said “Even Nostradamus got things wrong”
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Taraki / April 20, 2015
At least DJ has the balls to say what he thinks despite all the personal abuse that is directed at him. Typical Sri Lankan attitude to bring up irrelevant private matters and shoot the messenger.
Mangala has ‘invited’ John Kerry to visit in May and Maithri must prepare for the screws to be tightened.
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Native Vedda / April 20, 2015
Taraki
“At least DJ has the balls”
How do you know? Are you the official B***s carrier to Dayan?
“Mangala has ‘invited’ John Kerry to visit in May and Maithri must prepare for the screws to be tightened. “
USA was a partner in the war against LTTE. Probably Mangala wants to thank the Americans albeit late in the day.
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Taraki / April 20, 2015
Native
‘Probably Mangala wants to thank the Americans albeit late in the day.’
How do you know? Are you the official [Edited out] carrier to Mangala? (not that he would protest)
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Native Vedda / April 21, 2015
Taraki
“How do you know?”
Just guessing. If you have a sound mind you too can realistically speculate. Since you don’t, you are clueless.
“Are you the official [Edited out] carrier to Mangala?”
I am happy to confirm I am not. However you seem to be a well qualified candidate with experience I suggest you apply. I wish you well in your endeavour.
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Taraki / April 21, 2015
Well neither am I then. Perhaps you would consider writing sense instead of challenging Ella Kolla for the Edited out Award.
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Native Vedda / April 22, 2015
Taraki
I have no intention of challenging anyone however I have been trying to read Ella’s interlinear inscription as Paranavitana did many moons ago.
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Taraki / April 22, 2015
Good luck with that. Ella Kolla looks forward to understanding his own thoughts.
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Naga / April 19, 2015
There is no denying that “Project Sirisena” was aimed at returning Sri Lanka to the fold of the West and India. CIA which had been behind many past attempts to unseat governments that did not cooperate with US was at it and the man who should have known better Gotabaya Rajapakse himself has confirmed this. In this instance RAW has reportedly joined hands with CIA and succeeded in unseating Mahinda Rajapakse.
Dayan you are little off the mark when you say that ” now the time has come (for Sirisena)to pay the piper”. It started as soon as Sirisena was elected as the President. First they got their agent Ranil appointed as the Prime Minister,and Ranil is now carrying out the agenda of the West and India. Moves to stop all projects where China is involved are clearly dictated to by US and India. Sirisena cannot now say that he is under pressure. He should have known what the price he has to pay when he agreed to contest the Presidential election against Mahinda. He cannot be complaining now.
Dayan, as for India,I do not agree with your argument that it wants to give the Tamils a federal system. Though Modi spoke of cooperative federalism when he addressed the Sri Lankan Parliament during his recent visit, the Indian establishment that decides New Delhi’s policy on Sri Lankan Tamils would have none of it. India may only ask for some additions to the Provincial Councils system to make that system more workable but not anything like the “State government system” in India. Instead, India may like to have control over the Trincomalee harbour and would like to ensure that Sri Lanka is not used by China against its defence and security interests.
Dayan, you mentioned about Father Emmanuel and his open letter to
Chandrika. Father Emmanuel is just one faction of LTTE operating from abroad and trying to control the fate of Tamils living in Sri Lanka.
Do you know that another LTTE faction called LTTE’s International Secretariat led by Vinayagam based in Switzerland had recently invited a TNA delegation to Switzerland and met last Sunday with Mavai Senathirajah (representing ITAK) , Suresh Premachandran (EPRLF) , and Kovindan Karunakaran (also known as Jana from Batticaloa representing TELO) to demand that TNA should take instructions from them. Former Lake House journalist Thurairetnam now based in Switzerland in his website “Thinnakathir” is giving full details of this meeting and the LTTE Vinayagam faction’s demands(for the full report go to – http://www.thinakkathir.com/?p=61613).
To his credit Mavai Senathirajah has reportedly rejected Vinayagam faction’s demands. Vinayagam’s faction has asked the TNA delegation that TNA shoud function in the way they functioned under Pirapaharan and should take instructions from a committee appointed by them on all matters relating to Tamils including the selection of candidates for the proposed Parliamentary election in Sri Lanka. They have reportedly told Mavai and other members of the delegation that they are the real LTTE and since they are the ones who created TNA, TNA should now function under their direction as it did when Pirapaharan was alive. Mavai and others were also told that TNA should field the list of candidates prepared by their faction at the proposed Sri Lankan Parliamentary Election and TNA should consult them on all matters. Mavai and others were also told that in all negotiations and talks with the Sri Lankan government and other countries only delegates appointed by them should represent the Tamils. Vinayagam’s faction reportedly asked the TNA delegates to sign a memorandum of understanding containing these demands but Mavai had turned down this request.
Journalist Thurairetnam knows what is going on among the Diaspora Tamils and I believe his story on Vinayagam’s faction move to control TNA as authentic. He along with Sivaram and few other Tamil activists from Batticaloa worked behind the scenes with the blessings of LTTE to create TNA. In addition to his article in Thinnakathir, Thurairetnam has published a recorded interview with Jana who was one of the TNA delegates that met with Vinayagam’s LTTE faction.
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dcn / April 19, 2015
DJ speaks so much about our international politics and pretends to know it all. Why is he not talking about the reveleations of Mr.Sung of Keang Nam, a Korean construction co. He has stated that using his great friendship with our ex president, MR, he managed to get our candidate for UN Secretary General’s post, Mr.Dhanapala to withdrew which helped Mr.Moon, present UN Secretary General to win in 2006.
It is a shame , what a construction contractor could influence in Srilankan politicsand our foreign policy.
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Lanka Watch / April 21, 2015
DCN – You said it right as money speaks in our country and the citizen
comes second. What pressure,is DJ talking about that the govt.is facing
from India and the West. Are they trying to buy the country ?. It was
China that almost gulped the tiny land during the last regime and even
planned to own a piece of prime land in the port city. Is Dayan’s article written as a cover up story for above narrow miss. There is no
veracity in his statement but done just to please the former regime as they too need supporters.
The first important decision made by the current president is to remain
neutral and non aligned with India and China and in fact, with all countries that includes Europe & Americas and already, business is as usual with India, China and the West and what is DJ is crying about ?
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Anil / April 19, 2015
Is Dayan Jayatilleke unemployed? He seems to have so much time on his hands to keep on writing articles on an almost daily basis. He was all out to have Ranil removed as UNP leader. Now he is determined to get MR back. May I remind him how he was stripped naked at Lalith Athulathmudali’s funeral and chased outside the cemetary because though he was supporting Pres Premadasa and attacking Lalith he had turned up at the funeral. I never read his articles now but I relish the comments made by readers. He is born with the hide of a rhino that he does not seem to mind and keeps on writing for more. May be he is a Sado Masochist.
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Silva / April 20, 2015
Yes, he is a [Edited out]
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Hadi Sheriff / April 20, 2015
Dayan is [Edited out]
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Upali Herath / April 19, 2015
You have been rejected many times in the past DJ.
Why are you trying to do the same again & again which is absolutely pointless .
No one will pick you up for anything politically ,,
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Rajitha Seneviratne / April 20, 2015
rejected by you and a few terrorist/separatist supporters. are you suggesting only those who support separatism should be allowed to express themselves?
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Sanchay / April 20, 2015
you are absolutely right Rajitha in saying DJ is “rejected by a few terrorist/separatist supporters´”. Also MR has rejected him after sucking him out in Geneve. However MR was doing business with terrorists and their suporters…. Karuna, KP, Daya Master and also with LTTE (2005)
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peace / April 19, 2015
DJ is still waiting for diplomatic post in foreign countries.
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TinPotJihadi / April 19, 2015
UNP will sweep the polls. SLFP is split between MR and CBK. CBK cannot ever hope to win but she has effectively damaged the SLFP to become a rudderless party without any charismatic leaders left in it. UNP under RW will win and establish a new liberal order. His mentality is now different from the time he peeped into Batalanda torture chambers to get his rocks off with a wine glass in his hand.. it is different because his wife is a lot smarter than he is; while it is a marriage of appearance and convenience,she is his intellectual advisor and has taught him a lot about liberal values. I look forward to a Sri Lanka where we can without fear speak out against ruling politicians and people will become more civilized and tolerant the way the Buddha really taught us. I also am looking forward to Sri LAnka allowing gay marriage soon. People do not have to be in fake marriages then. Also make stricter rape laws and sexual abuse laws and apprehend wife beaters and rapists without fear. I am excited about the new UNP with the Assembly of God man and Harsha advising Ranil.. I am ok with Ranil having his nephew as Def minister of State. I am ok with Maithripala being head of government. I am ok with federalism. I am ok with statehood too.
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Jazz / April 19, 2015
D.J., you have raised a vald point. I believe that Maithripala Sirisena is under presure for those same reasons you have stated. But, I must state that I have never seen a more incompetent person to lead a country as our present President. He has not demonstrated any leadership skills whatsoever. I mean, my impression is that this guy could not even identify U.S. or China on a World map. This country just does not seem to be moving forward, and is in a state of perpetual stagnation. There is hardly any development projects taking place, the cost of living has not reduced and corruption is at it’s best if you go by the Central Bank Bond fiasco.Our economic growth forecast has been downgraded by several percentage points for 2015. We have completely messed up our foreign policy. At least, under the previous regime, we had somebody to count on. Today, we have antagonised even those few countries who would have stood by us.
If we are truly following a non-aligned policy, then why do we permit Indian & U.S warships to visit our ports while not offering the same facilities to Chinese warships? Especially,since China was a strong ally and friend of Sri lanka during the Eelam war. Is this the way we show gratitude to a nation who stood by us when our territorial integrity was under serious threat? What are these jokers that we call politicans thinking?
If Maithripala Sirisena is reading CT (which I doubt very much considering his command of the English language) i have only one message for him. ‘Success in politics is not really about politics. It’s more about getting work done’
Unfortunately, he has completely lost the plot and is more pre-occupied with keeping Mahinda Rajapakse out. I would remind him that the only way to keep Mahinda out is to ‘get work done’ and get this country moving forward in terms of socio-economic development.
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sena / April 20, 2015
“Going by a recent report on a ‘behind the news’ segment on TV, President Sirisena has told the UPFA leaders that he is under tremendous pressure from the west and Asia.”
It is good at least that President had before too long realised that he had overestimated his capabilities.otherwise,if he was a man with the right personality to lead the country he would not have felt presure now he is talking about .( the person who wears the crown is the person is forced to bear preson on behalf of countrymen and women).I am happy if he had realised at least now why mahinda could not give PM position to him.Not only, seniority but there are other more vital factors ,having the right skills and education to discharge to onerous duties of the position and status of other contenders.
While I do not fully agree with Ranil of his policies because is over allegiance to west perhaps due to his background(never had opportunity to mingle with lad and lasses of commonesr (his home,school,and university all confined within colombo 7 ,he had the backbone to say that any fisherman entering our sovereign boarders will be shot (although he did not mean it).He is a right person to represent our country,only thing is he should listen not only to elite but the all sons of land but should not allow to be minipulated by the yanky guys and their british guys who love diasapora tamils as trump is in their hand to decide who will be the prime minister in UK and in canada,also
President of a country should be a person with a backbone to withstand any challenge and a face nya difficult situation.although, it is said that people can be made to become leaders ,that can happen only in a exceptional situation.usually,leadesr are born and not made, especially ,when that person’s role is the represent the country.
Now that he has realised that he can not withstand the pressure(from his conduct it is crystal clear to any man of inteligence,except who has an axe to grind with mahinda and immatured fellows who were born after 1985 or so) ,he should stop destoying the SLFP and allow Mahidna to come forward as SLFP candidate.Mahinda is the right man to safeguard the unitaty state of our country and a true son of land. let Ranil and mahinda compete for Prime Minister position and let people elect whom they want,it is not a matter for Maithree.
But your excellency ,just because Ranil paved the way for you to become president,which i am sure even in your wildest dreams would not have dreamt,i appreciate that you have to be grateful to Ranil eternally.But pl do not betray our country and yours also, by mean manipulations to destroy SLFP and thereby, pave the way for Ranil to become PM,by unfair means.
by all means if majority wants Ranil to be prime minister that is perfectly okay.I know Ranil is a gent but my only problem is that under the present political environment (tamil Diasapora and hidden agendas of the west), Mahinda rajapaksa is the correct man to safeguard our mother land .now Mahinda having learnt from his past mistakes will not allow same mistakes to happen,i am sure.
Now Your excellency, i beg you Sir, on behalf of true countrymen,to not to split SLFP but allow mahinada to come forward as UPFA PM candidate.then let people decide whether,they want Ranil or Mahinda or for that matter Sampanthan as pm of Sri Lanka.
otherwise ,sir you might be president of Sri lanka for Six years but if LTTE raises the head and break our motherland which our forefathers safeguarded for centuries having laid down their lives:then Sir History will not be very kind to you and you might not have a happy peace of mind in the twiligt yeatrs of life.
wish you excellency and all countrymen health and happiness with the blessings of Nobel triple gem.
Dear Dayan wish you protection and happiness with the blessings of god almighty. you are our guiding light,I am also a guy from pera but otherside of mahaweli.
the following (from your above article) is a fitting tribute to our saviour Mahinda Rajapaksa, our former president
Luckily for this country and its armed forces, in April-May 2009 it was Mahinda Rajapaksa who was facing the international pressure and making the final political decision. History will record that was Mahinda’s and sovereign Sri Lanka’s finest hour.West and India.
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sach / April 20, 2015
If ranil is simply an american agent, how the hell is he suitable to lead us? Isnt that the biggest reason not to have him?
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Native Vedda / April 20, 2015
sach
“If ranil is simply an american agent, how the hell is he suitable to lead us?”
Gota and Basil are US citizens.
Fonseka is a green card holder.
Former High Commissioner to UK is a British citizen.
Palitha Hohona is an Australian.
Tamara is a European citizen.
Dayan once worked for the Eelamites EPRLF and was doing clandestine work in India.
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sach / April 20, 2015
agent and a citizen are two different things pin head.
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lynx / April 20, 2015
All the personal abuse directed at Dayan J seem to be posted by bloggers working for the LTTE. The language and the content (like repeating unsubstantiated allegations)bear the hallmark of the LTTE. A critical look at the posts above show that there is a group of full time bloggers who do nothing but work to discredit anyone who warns the Sri Lankans of the separatists’ plots.
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Jazz / April 20, 2015
Lynx,
You are absolutely spot on. I refer to them as Eelam termites.
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Native Vedda / April 20, 2015
Jazz
“You are absolutely spot on. I refer to them as Eelam termites.”
Dayan was a great supporter of Eelamistas EPRLF and was a minister in EPRLF/Hindia run North East Council.
Surely Dayan is different from others is it appropriate for us to refer him as EPRLF Termite Hindian Eelamista?
Prema and Mahinda paid loads of cash to VP. Both should be refered to as Eelam Termites of the Sinhala/Buddhists.
Are you a secret admirer of VP as a section of the Sinhala/Buddhist caste believe him to be a national hero? Visit their website.
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Jazz / April 20, 2015
Native vedda,
There you go again. You just cannot make a comment without mentioning India ( Hindia). LOL.
Btw, why did you vedda types decide to move out of India and settle down in this island? There must have been a very good reason right?
Life is too short Native vedda. Don’t sacrifice your life being unhappy and frustrated. You can do something about it my friend.Instead of cursing the darkness, you can be an agent for positive change by lighting a candle.
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purohitha / April 20, 2015
DJ you should teach some genaral knowlage to your king because he’s thinking Bukingham palace is in America.Dont froget ask wimal also to your lectures .we don’t need your opinions and advices. Hope you was not same class mates bah bah bah
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Vanguard / April 20, 2015
Dear Dr. Jayan
I think you have hit the nail on the head. Furthermore I don’t see why you need to write at all since you are stating the obvious.
I have asked where MR’s supporters are on this Forum, apparently they do not read English, which is why I am grateful for your interview in the Sinhala press.
You are stating the obvious: Sri Lanka, thrice invaded, and once part of the ‘non aligned movement'(I think our alignment is out at the moment) , is constantly being told to investigate war crimes, is obviously under a lot of pressure, only Ranil W could have saved us, however, maybe it is past that point now.
Why not simply give in to the more powerful forces that are at play? Resistance is futile. Our only hope it to keep the peace and prevent violence, and an excuse for foreign intervention.
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MNZ / April 20, 2015
Dayan, oh Dayan!
What a descent. From a high flying international diplomat to a pathetic grovelling non-entity!
Get over it Dayan De Silva. The Supreme Court ruling on the 19th Amendment put the final nail on MR’s coffin, unless he wants to try and come into parliament as an ordinary MP, that is from Hero to Zero not unlike your own history.
Dayan having joined the 3 stooges (Wimal, Dinesh and Vasu on this “Bring Back MR” project) has been reduced to such a comical figure that it pains one to watch his pathetic theatrics on stage. I saw him on TV a few weeks signing off a silly speech clasping and shaking his raised hands while hoarsely calling out Mahinda’s name. That scene was so sickening it made me want to vomit!
Dayan appears to be heading to the nuthouse with the drivel he keeps on spouting with such regularity, this despite the total and continuous rejection of his readers.
By the way Dayan, why do you deny your father’s name? Considering your behaviour in recent times please don’t let us speculate needlessly about the reason for this!!
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cassandra / April 20, 2015
Keep up the good work Dr. DJ. You are an intellectual beacon to many, effortlessly outshining all your opponents. In no other phase of your journey have you been so admired and admirable.
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george jilmart / April 20, 2015
DJ, [Edited out], [Edited out], your articles are losing all balance and reasoning and it is obvious to the reader that as a [Edited out]. RW will not tolerate you anywhere [Edited out] as he knows how quickly you will discard your principles [Edited out]. Stop making a fool of yourself and carry on dreaming but please stop writing these stupid articles.
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Mallaiyuran / April 20, 2015
Pressure is not something new for Sinhala Intellectual. The first Thief of the Nation DS was pressured by British government to recognize the Tamils status if he wanted the freedom in his way. He got the freedom with false promises and disenfranchised the Tamils. Until now, that is the story. Blake took the lesson and declared in the congress how the Lankave fooled him after taking all the help to defeat the LTTE. This was what did EU got when promised the the fishing practiced will be changed and asked to allow fish export. Now the EU seeing Lankave acted(pretended) like it is changing but it even has not stopped the massive Chinese vessels plundering the shores and the ocean. All what they did was Ranil declared that he will shoot the Tamil fishermen on the sight of them.
Lankave has gien eoguh promises to get help from west and India to capture the power. What Dhayan tells here is the New Kings is taking too long to break “Master Lock” after all these time trained by the Master artists, him and the Old king. Don’t lose heart Dhyan. He will become another Archuna and save your fame as Dronacharya
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Hadi Sheriff / April 20, 2015
Who believe or trust this [Edited out] trying to market them to re-emerge to politics.
As if these moda singhalayas can confront the west by passing them or ignoring LOL.
This bugger Dayan pretends not know truth & reality it was Sonia Gandhi want LTTE eliminated once in for all, gave full back up covertly blocked international moves Mahinda was just obliging to RAW assisted by CIA.
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samanlatha / April 20, 2015
Interesting to find [Edited out]
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