19 March, 2024

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Presidential Election: The Truth About The ULF’s Stand

By Kumar David

Prof. Kumar David

The Island newspaper of 12 October carried a report titled “ULF reviewing its decision to back JVP; likely to support Sajith” by Shamindra Ferdinando. The Sunday Observer of 13 October followed up with “United Left Front poised to change course and back Sajith?” This report said: “Speaking to the Sunday Observer, UNF Parliamentarian and United Left Front member Dr Jayampathy Wickremaratne confirmed that there had been calls for the party to change its decision. “That request is being seriously considered and in accordance with Sama Samaja tradition, we will discuss the issue and make a decision internally” Dr Wickremaratne added”. 

Comrade JW is referring to Thunkorale; the Ruanwella-Yatiyantota NM heartland. When I delivered a one hour talk at the NM Commemoration seminar in Yatiyantota on 6 October 2019 and explained the Party position – (a) and (b) below – in much detail I did not encounter one word of dissent but rather much support from the 200 or so mostly Party members present. I am confident there will be no change in the ULF’s position and that Thunkorale comrades will endorse it.

Let me summarise the official Party position in a few words; (a) and (b) form an indivisible package.

a) We call upon voters to give their first preference to Anura Kumara Dissanayake because a strong showing by the People’s Power movement which is putting him forward will pave the way for building an alternative to the two-big-party corrupt and rotten political arrangement. If PP does well enough it will signal the launch of an important left and progressive alternative.

b) Nevertheless, being sensitive to immediate threats, we call upon voters to give their second preference to Sajith Premadasa because it is imperative to stop Gotabhaya Rajapaksa from becoming president. We see in Gota a militaristic threat to democracy with fascistic tendencies. 

The rationale for the formula “One to Anura, two to Sajith” is this: In Anura’s case only first preferences will be counted. Second preferences are counted only for the two leading candidates if neither gets 50%+ first preferences.  Hence to show a formidable vote for an alternative candidate (that is to ensure that Anura’s votes are counted and reported) it is essential that voters mark him as first preference.

If neither Sajith or Gota obtains 50%+ first preferences, which is likely, second preferences are counted. Hence it is as important to cast a second preference against Gota. If second preferences are counted every second preference vote is of the same value as a first preference vote; if counted they have the same worth. (If either Sajith or Gota secures 50%+ first preferences that’s the end of the matter). 

If Gota gets 47% first preferences, Sajith 44% and Anura 9% (ignore other candidates) and if a shade over one-third (3%+) of Anura’s voters give Sajith a second preference it pushes sajith to victory over Gota. Nothing is lost as far as Sajith is concerned by the “One to Anura, two to Sajith” formula but there is a huge political gain in that 9% of the electorate has an opportunity to indicate its desire for an alternative to the two rotten contraptions. It is the UNP that should be hammering home the “second preference for Sajith” campaign at Anura’s voters just in case second preferences are counted. 

A fear has been expressed that some sectarians may not cast a second preference for Sajith. Well if you tell such people to cast their first preference for Sajith, is there any chance under heaven or earth that they will do so? You may be able to persuade many of them to accept the “First to Anura, second to Sajith” formula if they see the good sense in the ULF’s (a) and (b) strategy. It seems to me that the people who should be trying hardest to sell this formula to disenchanted UNP voters (there are millions) is the UNP itself. People who are fed up with yahapalana may grudgingly accept the formula since it allows them to show their disgust with erstwhile leaders while still stopping Gota.

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Latest comments

  • 9
    10

    Good try. But it does not really work in Sri lanka. Sri lankans are not used to choose the second preference. Specially supporters of JVP will not give second preference to Sajith when they can remember R Premadasa period. It looks like GOTA has got it. He will get 50+%.

    • 6
      7

      Charles
      ” . ….when they can remember R Premadasa period. “
      They really do. This is precisely the reason why they are anti Rajapaksa. You know why all Tamils are ardent UNP supporters? It is because they still remember Jaffna library and 1983.

      Soma

      • 4
        2

        Tamils always had a SOFT CORNER for the UNP like the TNA. Finally, they get cornered and find it difficult to extricate themselves from the UNP’s tentacles.

        • 0
          1

          Casting a first preference for AKD creates a mathematical problem. Every UNP vote that goes to Anura is one less vote for Sajith. That makes it even less likely that he will get through in one round. Isn’t this strategy self-defeating?

          • 0
            0

            OC
            If the idea is to prevent anyone from getting there in the first count, the sums will be right, if the message gets across.

            • 0
              1

              SJ,
              Interesting idea.

          • 1
            1

            Yes, Old codger, it could be “self-defeating” but I intend doing just that, with a Preference Vote, SECOND or THIRD, for Sajith.
            .
            My justification: AKD represents real change, Sajith doesn’t. If Sajith falls into 3rd place in round one, it will be because AKD has made it into Round 2.
            .
            On the other hand, if Sajith has got into Round 2, my vote will count as much as it otherwise would have, and I would have signalled a desire for change which may force the UNP to be more honest.
            .
            However, there is the danger that owing to the divided vote, and many people messing up the Preferences, those who single-mindedly vote for Gota will prevail. An especial danger is that AKD will be much too far behind (after getting into Round 2) that there’s too much catching up to do. Mohamed Marzook, below is right. The JVP as a Party may not have the courage to encourage strategic voting. Marxist Prof. David (stated elsewhere) considers that a mistaken notion, and many JVP supporters may think so and cast Preferences – for Sajith obviously. If all this is understood Sajith may gain many (especially minority) votes, from those who don’t want to give anything except a half-hearted vote.
            .
            At least we’re spelling out the dangers in detail. We can’t allow ourselves to be blackmailed into timidity.
            .
            I know that I won’t mess up my personal vote. However, in encouraging others to vote as I do, am I indulging in brinkmanship? You could persuade me to change my approach, but that is more likely to happen owing to observing how it pans out in the coming month.

            • 2
              0

              Dear SM,
              In my opinion, AK would be the best qualified candidate, but he is paying for the sins of his predecessors, and has no chance. Also, in my opinion, Eran Wickremaratna or MA Sumanthiran would make even better Presidents. But who cares about my opinion or yours? The masses will continue to think with their asses.

            • 0
              0

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

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

  • 2
    5

    I have a clever idea. Why not ask JVPers to cast first preference to Sajith and second preference to Anura K.!

    Soma

    • 3
      0

      I did not know “Moda” in sinhala translates to Clever in English

    • 1
      0

      To All readers. I’m posting this rebuttal of Soma’s argument only for those who take her seriously. If you see through her comment, ignore this one by me!

      Dear Soma,
      .
      As I’ve told you before, at some length, what you prescribe above, Sajith FIRST and JVP either Second or Third, is fine for UNPers, if they believe that the UNP will get fewer votes than JVP’s AKD. Most UNPers believe that Sajith and Gota will top the list after the initial count of First Preferences and straightforward voting for Sajith and nobody else.
      .
      I’m hoping that AKD will beat either or both Sajith and Gota. However, that is not the general expectation. Whatever way one looks at it, whatever the surprises during the first month, the first three in the race will be AKD, Sajit and Gota. The only Preferences counted will be for those who are FIRST and SECOND. What you say has sense only if you expect AKD to be second at least.
      .
      Everything that you write appears designed to confuse. That is insulting to the readership, who will find this comment of mine extremely boring..

      • 0
        0

        And have I messed up the bolds?

  • 2
    4

    Prof .
    Have the civies dropped their demand for abolishion of EP?

    Soma

  • 1
    2

    But JVP wants from its supporters only vote for him.
    It want to gauge its support ..it can be done if only people for JVP alone.
    It is targeting next election ..
    Not this JVP knows it cannot this election and yet it want to see how it has done well.
    70% will vote for JVP

    • 4
      1

      JVP/NPP have a long term programme for the developments in all aspects. Contesting the Presidential election is not an end issue it is part of this long term strategies. The JVP has worked with other political groups on selected important issues, but the experience is that those groups do not keep to agreed arrangements and are not honest in their behaviour. Therefore the JVP rightly thinks that it should go on its own with the support of other really concerned groups, thus the NPP. As such the JVP or NPP cannot tell the people to cast their first, or second, or third, or any other preference to any other parties which will confuse the people as to the policies of the JVP/NPP.

      • 5
        2

        If only JVP accepts the 13th amendment, the release of Tamil political prisoners and the private lands and agrees to investigate the lost civilians during/after the war, Tamils may vote for JVP……. sorry, for Anura Kumara.

        • 2
          0

          All Sri Lankans from North to South, irrespective of whether they are Sinhalese, Tamil, Muslim, Burgher, Malay, Veddah, a settled foreigner etc should want the 13th amendment gone. The ordinary citizen doesn’t want any of these pathetic politicians in multiple layers of bureaucracy up and down the land. They are nothing but PARASITES to the nation. When children don’t have bathrooms at schools, when the elderly don’t have hospital beds and when parents don’t have jobs to feed their children, when the youth don’t have a proper education and when the country has debt, why the HELL do we want Provincial Councils and MORE politicians?
          The nation’s ills will be solved by demolishing this CORRUPT system which serves only the politicians and NOT the people. All of us went to school with other ethnicities and religions and have no problem. We are best friends with each other. Our common enemy is the politicians and India – who they lick the boots of. Whether the party is JVP, UNP, SLFP, SLPP, TNA, SLMC etc etc they are all having a laugh at our expense in their Provincial Councils and Parliament bars drinking away happily paid for by our large taxes.
          13th amendment should go. All 225 should be sent packing. An alternative new party full of new clean people and honest people, or independents should win if the people have a brain. If we still vote a moron into power, then we’ll remain an Indian like corrupt POOR nation forever. WAKE UP SRI LANKANS/CEYLONESE. EJECT ALL THESE CORRUPT IDIOTS AND PUT THEM BEHIND BARS OR PACK THEM OFF TO INDIA.

        • 1
          0

          Dear K.Anaga,
          .
          Let me tell you that there are guys like me who will tell the JVP things like that.
          .
          I have met the guy who contested the Municipal Elections in February 2018, and fared badly. We’re two miles out of town, so really a village. The guy is a weakling, I’d say – a Geography teacher. But decent, honest and very poor.
          .
          Racism is endemic in Sri Lanka. This map is back again on the web:
          .
          http://clguva.com/web/Maps/UP/Badulla/02_Badulla_Bandarawela_MC_Landscape.jpg
          .
          Do you see how the Haputhale Pradeshiya Sabha cuts into Municipal council? Why?
          .
          http://clguva.com/web/Maps/UP/Badulla/17_Badulla_Haputhale_PS_Landscape.pdf
          .
          Successive UNP and SLFP Parliamentarians wanted some Sinhalese votes in the Haputale Electorate of old. Else a “Demala” was going to be in Parliament. Please try to place these maps on a map showing roads, etc. Kahattewla is on the Bandarawela-Badulla Road. Eranawela is on the Bandarawela – Ettampitiya Road. I’m trying to get this changed. Younger people are shocked at this – including the boyish Mayor who is supposedly “Independent”. This causes a good deal of hardship getting to Government Offices etc.
          .
          Anga, I’m trying to initiate change here. Please do so from your side. Don’t ask for written assurances. We’ve got to be careful (and slow), but not timid.
          .

          • 0
            0

            I’m old; as gaffe-prone as Joe Biden.
            .
            In the penultimate paragraph of the above comment by me, made on the 17th, please correct this sentence.
            .
            Kahattewela is on the Bandarawela- Welimada Road. Eranawela is on the Bandarawela – Ettampitiya Road.
            .
            Let me tell you how ridiculous all this is. Eranawela, in Haputale, should belong to the Bandarawela Municipality and has in it the Bandarawela District Hospital, the SLCTB bus Depot, the Office of the Bandarawela Pradeshiya Sabha.
            .
            The heart of the Bandarawela Town, which has contained the Railway Station, the Post Office, The Bandarawela Hotel, and Cargills, for more than a hundred years, is in that area where Bandarawela East and Bandarawela West meet. Notice the shaded areas in both maps. They are multi-member. Why? Multi-ethnic, and if they returned a single Member they’ll be Tamil (in the Bandarawela City Centre, perhaps Muslim). As it is, they come first, with a Sinhalese second. No, I don’t think that terribly unfair, but Eranawela is.
            .
            I’m O.K. In an uncrowded suburb of the Municipality. However, I’ve been at these Municipal guys, and they’ve actually told me that if they take over Eranawela and Kahattewela, we could hand over part of Inikambedda to Haputale, since gross numbers are relevant (I’m not sure about that!)
            .
            This is not work for the Elections Commission; it is for the Delimitation Commission, Ministry of Home Affairs, Independence Square, Colombo 7. The Chairman, Dr Thavalingam, had passed my request on to a Mr Semage (a Sinhalese! from Ambalangoda) and he telephoned me about a year ago saying that they know about this anomaly and it will be done – someday! I hope it’s before I die!
            .
            Anaga, could you attempt the like from your side?

            .

            • 0
              0

              Now it’s italics that have to be cancelled.

            • 0
              0

              Help!

              • 0
                0

                Let me see. Trying again.

  • 4
    0

    KD,
    If Elpitiya, which was one of the power-house of JVP during insurgency days, has dropped to 5%, what is the meaning of voting for them unless voters have some other unbreakable bond such as family ties or being an eternal JVP ist to vote for them? Jayampathy is a Marxist like many others in the ULF, but he is not crazy about the JVP. As a matter if fact, during 1970 election campaign, NM used to warn leftist youths who were very anxious about real revolution to beware of what he called “DADI BIDI VIPLAVA KARAYO” (those who are rushing for a revolution). I other words, there is a huge difference between JVP Marxists & other Marxists.

    Besides, I strongly believe that the NPPM started the election campaign with a hugely misplaced hope that GoRa’s candidacy and the corruption charges against the Gvt along with the contest within the UNP put the JVP at same plain with UNP & SLPP. But, things didn’t turn out that way.b’cos it doesn’t work that way. As usual, the benefit of ruthless attacks at the incumbent always goes to second in line in the minds of the voters. MY 3 also made the same mistake.

    I doubt seriously whether ULF has much of a voter base; may be maximum of a few thousands. However, their support for Sajith would certainly be a confident boost. I also believe that it is time for the JVP to reconsider its potion. If nothing else, JVP must learn simplest war formula that says: In a battle, destroy your easiest common enemies first in order to make final combat against only one remaining enemy. After all, isn’t what the term “dialectic” mean? Voters believe that SLPP & SLFP also to be leftists! If JVP wants to rise up to the second choice, it must destroy Ra..kse family’s grip of SL politics first.

  • 1
    0

    I hear Chandrika is annoyed and fuming. She accused the clown , of destroying and selling out SLFP. She stated, 90% of organizing members will support Sajith and work in their respective electorates to canvass for Sajith. She also stated that she will see to that SLFP votes will not go to Gotha. This is turning out to be an interesting ball game with all players out there, at daggers drawn and waiting for the other to blink.What if, at the last moment parties switch alliance and leave the others in total disarray and confusion. Looks like all major players have studied MR,s tactics and now using the same against him. Initially MS screwed him at the eleventh hour. This time around, we have to wait and see.

  • 5
    4

    In using the term, ” fascistic tendencies” are you not, very seriously, understating the what has now become the Sri Lankan reality: the re-emergence of a PROVEN murderous regime against a simply corrupt bunch of self-aggrandizers? THAT is the current Sri Lankan political reality is it not?
    Talk about Hobson’s Choice or being between a rock and a hard place!

    • 0
      0

      Emil, talk of arrests for corruption in your part of the country.
      .
      http://www.hirunews.lk/sinhala/226399
      .
      Sacked Bishop Shantha Francis is making the news again. It is reported as though he is still an accredited Bishop of the Curch of England.
      .
      When he was sacked he made out that it was the LTTE that was responsible for getting him into trouble. The real reason was, of course that he had been drawing his dead mother-in-law’s pension for about five years. Colombo Telegaph reprted that story here:
      .
      https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/bishop-shantha-francis-and-the-diaspora/

      Here, it is to be seen that he speaks Sinhalese very well indeed.
      .
      When elections are close, expect lots of misleading stories – and some clear statements, like this from Professor Kumar David.

    • 1
      0

      Dutch man’s English is always cumbersome, as the above post shows!

  • 2
    0

    This must be an Old Samasamaja Party Crowd barracking for Dr Ranil’s UNP..

  • 2
    5

    All these talk of building a third force, an alternative or a left alternative are all crap. JVP has already become an appendage of UNP and a manipulative tool of master handlers (local & foreign) of UNP. We would have seen a consistent strategy from JVP if they were working towards a credible alternative in 2015 as they and their backers talk now. We know how JVP served UNP, CBK, Mangala, Malik agenda in 2015 for which they were rewarded with money as confirmed by Chathura Senaratna, a seat in the yahapalana executive council established above the cabinet (which bent and manipulated the law as confirmed by Dilrukshi and Gamlath), and parliamentary formal positions though they only represented a minuscule of the electorate while the real opposition representing the largest voter base was deprived of their voice (yahapalana democracy these buggers crow about). It is very clear the left of centre political forces and mass base are primarily with SLPP. That would have been the natural ally of JVP. In fact it was how JVP looked at the political landscape in 2005. However subsequent splits within JVP resulted in only an imperialist boot licking rump of “goni billas” remaining in the party hierarchy. JVP’s objective continue to be aimed at destroying centre left political formation and capture that space so the ultra right forces can continue to govern. That appeared to be what they tried even in 1971 to violently topple the then centre left govt.

  • 0
    1

    ARITHMATICS DON’T ADD UP
    not sure about the split of votes to ‘two leading candidates’. It could be 3 leading candidates. We have to wait and find out from voter surveys later on. That’s of course besides the point. Assuming the proportions are accurate 44% of Sajith’s votes won’t be over 50% by adding extra 3%. He needs extra +7% to overhaul Gotha.

    • 0
      0

      BA
      Where did you get the idea that GR will pass 50?

    • 2
      0

      Dear Bandu Abeynarayana,
      .
      SJ, (an outstanding Professor of Engineering) has already responded to you, but I think that your befuddlement is slightly different from what he has suggested.
      .
      If there has to be a counting of Preferences, the winner needn’t get 50% of total votes polled – it could be considerably fewer.
      .
      Since we have previous Sri Lankan Presidential Election figures to go by, may I suggest that you look at the only other election that has been conducted on similar lines since the year 2000?
      .

      https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/London_mayoral_elections
      .
      This is tedious work, just to prove a simple point. I totted up the figures for the year 2000, and found that the winner, Livingston, had less than 45% of total votes polled.
      .
      It may always have been the same. Why not you calculate and give us the winning percentage in each of the five elections – where the now notorious Boris Johnson won twice?
      .
      The bar graphs given there will also help you understand.
      .
      Here’s a Mahinda Deshapriya video of 4 minutes:
      .
      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mrz6RpzDaa4
      .
      Shouldn’t there be one in Tamil, by Prof. Jeevan Hoole?

    • 0
      0

      Inthe second count, just a simplemajrity is needed. no need to have 50%+

    • 3
      0

      If the mood of the people is anything to go by, they are SICK OF ALL POLITICIANS. So I am unsure as to how former politicians like Sajith or Gotha can get 50% plus unless our people are completely stupid. It’s quite possible an alternative will win outright, or in the second round.

      All Sri Lankans from North to South, irrespective of whether they are Sinhalese, Tamil, Muslim, Burgher, Malay, Veddah, a settled foreigner etc should want the 13th amendment gone. The ordinary citizen doesn’t want any of these pathetic politicians in multiple layers of bureaucracy up and down the land. They are nothing but PARASITES to the nation. When children don’t have bathrooms at schools, when the elderly don’t have hospital beds and when parents don’t have jobs to feed their children, when the youth don’t have a proper education and when the country has debt, why the HELL do we want Provincial Councils and MORE politicians?
      The nation’s ills will be solved by demolishing this CORRUPT system which serves only the politicians and NOT the people. All of us went to school with other ethnicities and religions and have no problem. We are best friends with each other. Our common enemy is the politicians and India – who they lick the boots of. Whether the party is JVP, UNP, SLFP, SLPP, TNA, SLMC etc etc they are all having a laugh at our expense in their Provincial Councils and Parliament bars drinking away happily paid for by our large taxes.
      13th amendment should go. All 225 should be sent packing. An alternative new party full of new clean people and honest people, or independents should win if the people have a brain. If we still vote a moron into power, then we’ll remain an Indian like corrupt POOR nation forever. WAKE UP SRI LANKANS/CEYLONESE. EJECT ALL THESE CORRUPT IDIOTS AND PUT THEM BEHIND BARS OR PACK THEM OFF TO INDIA.

    • 2
      0

      Correct. Also If the mood of the people is anything to go by, they are SICK OF ALL POLITICIANS. So I am unsure as to how former politicians like Sajith or Gotha can get 50% plus unless our people are completely stupid. It’s quite possible an alternative will win outright, or in the second round.
      All Sri Lankans from North to South, irrespective of whether they are Sinhalese, Tamil, Muslim, Burgher, Malay, Veddah, a settled foreigner etc should want the 13th amendment gone. The ordinary citizen doesn’t want any of these pathetic politicians in multiple layers of bureaucracy up and down the land. They are nothing but PARASITES to the nation. When children don’t have bathrooms at schools, when the elderly don’t have hospital beds and when parents don’t have jobs to feed their children, when the youth don’t have a proper education and when the country has debt, why the HELL do we want Provincial Councils and MORE politicians?
      The nation’s ills will be solved by demolishing this CORRUPT system which serves only the politicians and NOT the people. All of us went to school with other ethnicities and religions and have no problem. We are best friends with each other. Our common enemy is the politicians and India – who they lick the boots of. Whether the party is JVP, UNP, SLFP, SLPP, TNA, SLMC etc etc they are all having a laugh at our expense in their Provincial Councils and Parliament bars drinking away happily paid for by our large taxes.
      13th amendment should go. All 225 should be sent packing. An alternative new party full of new clean people and honest people, or independents should win if the people have a brain. If we still vote a moron into power, then we’ll remain an Indian like corrupt POOR nation forever. WAKE UP SRI LANKANS/CEYLONESE. EJECT ALL THESE CORRUPT IDIOTS AND PUT THEM BEHIND BARS OR PACK THEM OFF TO INDIA.

  • 1
    0

    Inthe second count, just a simplemajrity is needed. no need to have 50%+

  • 0
    1

    Unfortunately that left wing political trend that including JVP of anarchist, LSSP of Old Torstkist and other Old JVP outlets do not understand that stage of capitalist and imperialist world order of governance.
    Why is that they having misreading development of capitalist nature of unevenly and what kind of transition, it is from colonial economy of to an independent development of capitalism in our Island. The David Kumar is one of them ,who belongs to metaphysics school of thought. …not that read of uneven development of USA led Imperialism .
    These petty -bourgeois mentality lefts of that precisely by not that recognizing the petty-bourgeois elements as the PRINCIPLE ENEMY of Democracy in our PEOPLE is that UNP politician party of that our nation .
    Well in fact LSSP’s & JVP are key elements which on the question of Economic system of Sri Lanka has denied that there is transform character of Neoliberial by so-called Lefts of People movement led by JVP.
    They have to understand that , GR and MR led developing path of capitalist mode of Economic implies the determination of SLPP _SLFP joint achieved the transition to advances of capitalist Economy .New political-economic-social system is recognized as order of sustainability of Capitalist development.
    The crux of the question is these so-called “Left-wing extremist” but all who admitted this take the trouble to consider ,what elements actually constitute the various socio-economic structure which currently exist in Sri Lanka at the present time?
    The so-called Janataha Balaya of JVP misled fail to see this show by their blindness that they are slave of UNP politics of prejudices….since 2015 Jan 8th.

  • 0
    0

    Prof Kumar David is identifying his ilk with JVP. This is the “Running with the foxes and hunting with the trained hounds”. Kumar David wants to be a Squire, the horses, bugle blower and the lot.
    Come off this nonsense Kumar David. MR has created the unswayable bigots who identify SL with MR family.
    SLPP is the only party which supports the Budu Bala Sena Mission which is to move towards a BBS_Buddhist SL.
    Work towards stopping Gnanasara Thero from achieving what Buddharakeetha Thero could not in 1959.

  • 2
    0

    This “FORMULA” of “Calculations” to determine the winning candidate must be given up. Each and every voter , needs to “Change” the whole political set up, if the country is to “Survive” and for the people to have a better life. This “CRY” was evident from the public opinion that “225 MPs” must be “Sacked”. That is an indication of Public “Disgust” and “Frustration”. over the entire “System” and the “Peoples’ Representatives” , that which calls for a “CHANGE”. Every “Media” and their “journalists” and “Social Reformists” must FEEL that cry and campaign with “ONE VOICE” to bring about that “CHANGE. In simple terms, if a “CHANGE” is the “GOAL”, then, first and foremost, the PEOPLE must “CHANGE”. So, if that is the “COMMON GOAL” , then the question is “WHO” could and would make the change. Simply, it want be UNP or SLPP/SLFP. Then the next force to look towards will be this “PPM” (Peoples Power Movement) that had nominated AKD. . Why not all who want that change unite and campaign for “PPM’s” winning, instead of resorting to “Arithmetical Calculations”. thus creating CONFUSION the minds of the voters.

    • 2
      0

      I agree, Douglas, that once the voter has understood the system of voting (and it isn’t rocket science), the voter can stop making calculations. There is every sign that the system has been understood by all those who are making comments here.
      .
      Therefore, now stop calculating and vote Number One for AKD (no need to keep in mind parties like PPM, which are for ever changing).
      .
      Vote Number 3, for Sajith, just in case AKD doesn’t make it to the Second ROUND of counting. Number 3 is your safety net, to ensure that Gota will be defeated because he will not only keep the system going, but also ensure that many of us will get disappeared.
      .
      Let the Elections Commission, the counters of votes, bother about calculations made many hours after we have gone home, and hopefully slept soundly. Wake up on the 17th morning, and follow thereafter.
      .
      As for the 2nd Preference, give it to some other person whom you have taken a fancy to, so as to be able to tell him/her that you did vote for that person, although it is very unlikely that it will be carefully looked at.
      .
      There are THREE Preferences, and be assured that a THIRD Preference carries as much weight as a FIRST. Now let’s explain that clearly to all whom we meet, but let’s not mislead anybody since that will be unethical.

  • 1
    0

    MEERA !

    Out of the whole lot you seem to have the best brain ever.

    THE BEST CHOICE FOR THOSE OF YOUR LIKE, GR SEEMS THE RIGHT NUT TO BOLT THE NATION AND HOLD TIGHT.

    • 1
      0

      Thank you!
      THE BEST CHOICE is to reject all the 225+1. That includes GR. Look at the people (vermin) around him. NONE of them are offering a System Change and proper policies.
      Only Nagananda seemed to offer some hope. Him and Pallewatte too who has economic policies.
      WE COULD BE LIKE SINGAPORE. DO NOT VOTE FOR IDIOT POLITICIANS. This is about the future of the nation and our children, not about supporting stupid clans and parties who are just parasites.
      In my view support anyone Nagananda vouches for such as Ajantha, or Pallewatte. Second preference to Mahesh. Don’t give a single vote to the SLPP, UNP, JVP, SLFP, TNA, SLMC etc.

      • 1
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        I’ve had two chats with Dr Ajantha Perera. The first to establish contact, the second was when she rang from that land-line number that is listed in her website about 10.00 pm lased 20 minutes.
        .
        She’s going to be much more formidable an opponent for the 34 men in the ranks to counter.

  • 2
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    Sinhala_Man: Thanks. What I am telling the people is, we ALL need a change. If that is the “Accepted Goal”, then there is no use of talking of any type of “Vote Banks” of UNP, SLFP, SLPP or even JVP. Some “New Fronts” have appeared and their “Nominees” too have been named. If you look at these “New Fronts”, in summery, they speak of “Reforms” meaning a “Change”. Then, why on earth, those who speak of the same “Theme” get united and defeat the “Nominees” of the old wagons, whom we saw “FORCED” their way into the arena. What must be done, is to address these “Vote Banks” and get that “DEPOSIT” depleted , as much as possible to a CHOICE of “ONE”. I am sure, a very large “Deposit” of those “Vote Banks” are frustrated and disgusted of their political leaderships. Give them a “Lease” of life, and win that “Deposit” to be “Deposited” in a different bank this time and that could be a “UNITED” “Third Force”. Are these, “New Fronts” doing their job properly? NO. They go in different ways, mostly motivated by “Personal Egoism”. I have seen and experienced, even the “Fixed Deposit Holders” of these “Vote Banks” want to go for “ONE” other “Bank”; but unfortunately, they cannot find that “Safe” and “Suitable” bank, because of the “Dog Fight” that had erupted among the “Alternatives”. However, I continue to voice for that “ONE” alternative for a “CHANGE”. I have no “Second” or “Third” at the voting time.

  • 3
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    Dear Douglas,
    .
    Let’s continue to share bits of relevant information with one another. We must be willing to modify our voting patterns as events unfold. Yes, I agree, absolutely with you that “Personal Egoism” can creep into all of us with us not realising it.
    .
    It was always important that there should be only ONE Alternative Candidate who should be put before the electorate. I intend doing the little that I can to ensure this. Here’s news:
    .
    I received a call from Nagananda’s Office asking that I join in something akin to “a rally” at the Town Hall at 1.00 p.m. on Sunday the 20th. I’m going to be present. A non-entity like me can’t voice my opinion on such an occasion, but I’ve been told that we’d be given a printed form on which we could submit our views. That is good – these people must be given feed-back by us. I will keep you informed.
    .
    While I agree wholeheartedly with you that we shouldn’t be nervously looking over our shoulder to see what others are doing, I disagree on one point with you. Given the system and the sort of candidates that we have, I will keep an open mind regarding the options open to us relating to the use of Preferential Voting.
    .
    Your clear statements have emboldened me to trust my judgement, rather than any leader that we may put on a pedestal. Many thanks.

    • 1
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      We need a clear System Change. Look at Ceylon in 1948 under DS. Look at Singapore under Lee Kuan Yew. And look at the SYSTEM in both examples. That is what we need for security, rule of law, education, health care and development. A lean meritocracy, not a bloated corrupt Indian system like now.

      In my view:
      FIRST PREFERENCE – NAGANANDA (via Ajantha Perera)
      SECOND PREFERENCE – Pallewatte (who has excellent economic ideas and I wish he’d work with Naga)
      THIRD PREFERENCE – Mahesh (No votes must go to the corrupt buffoons who ruined this country like Sajith and GR)

      Need a genuinely patriotic system and governance. Abolish 13th amendment, Indo Lanka Accord and all wasteful bureaucracy. We need a LEAN Parliament, independent civil service (no jobs for the boys), proper capitalist policies like Singapore, and Ethnic Integration Policy like in Singapore to avoid any ethnic ghettos. English medium for ALL children in one school system. And an end to treating politicians as gods. They are SERVANTS of the people.

      • 1
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        Dear Stanley,
        .
        PART ONE

        .
        Full marks to you for good intentions and your diagnosis of the problems besetting us, but fail marks for your application of them to our current requirement to elect a President. In fact, your suggestions could hardly more disastrous.
        .
        Please try to read and understand what Kumar David has said. I have made many comments above trying to explain to people the mistaken conclusions that some readers have drawn as shown in their comments. Kumar is a Professor, I’m a humbler animal.
        .
        Since you set great store by the “English medium”, let me tell you that I’m an old and retired man whose sole occupation in life has been the teaching of English. I don’t think that my statement that more than 95% of students (with an even higher percentage of parents backing them) desire a knowledge of English will be challenged. Let us deal with the even more far-going English Medium separately; I have no objection to English as a Medium of Instruction, but I know that it is not a practical proposition for ALL students. Right now the State is implementing a “Bilingual Programme” and the methodology used is “Content Language Integrated Learning”. Please Google that.
        .
        Nagananda’s Office telephoned me last Thursday and asked if I could attend Dr Ajantha Perera’s first rally on Sunday, the 20th, and so I did. I carried a letter addressed to Nagananda in triplicate and handed over a copy each to Ajantha and Nagananda. I gave the order in which I was going to vote as 1. Anura Kumara Dissanayake, 2. Ajantha 3. Sajith – with reasons.

  • 2
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    PART TWO
    .
    Please
    don’t waste time asking advice from all and sundry. Understand from here what system is used to conduct this election. If anything is unclear, I’ll try to explain it. If you think me an evil man tell me so with reasons.
    .
    There were fewer than five hundred people at this rally. The Chief Organiser for Nagananda is Sunil. I met him when I visited Nagananda’s Office a month ago. We then found that we had been in the same dormitory for two years, 1963 and 1964, in a small school that had fewer than 400 children. English Medium? Yes. As heterogeneous a group of 24 boys in the dormitory as you could wish.
    .
    Three documents/leaflets were given to us. Nothing in English – rightly so!
    .
    One was this – identical.
    .
    http://naga2020.com/wp-content/uploads/Book-V5-0-PDF-Sinhala.pdf
    .
    You will find the English Version also on the website. For the past month I have been complaining that there has been nothing in Tamil. I can understand their problem: they just cant find people to translate. What we had was a Sinhala Only audience, but the sentiments expressed were universal.
    .
    I have just spoken @ 3.00 p.m. to Ajantha on the mobile number given here:
    .
    https://www.ajanthaperera.com/contact
    .
    She told me, truthfully, that she had not read my letter, but suggested that I ring her about 9.00 pm by which time she would be able to discuss its contents with me.
    And on the Internet, I found some Tamil after Googling, but I don’t understand the language:
    .
    http://athavannews.com/tag/ajantha-perera/
    .
    A ninety-year-old Jaffna Tamil man told me today that he had seen “Face the Nation” on T.V. 1. last night. Ajantha, he said, was the most impressive speaker of them all.

  • 0
    0

    I think that I’ll migrate all subsequent comments on the voting system to Prof. David’s more recent article – essentially on the same subject.
    .
    https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/the-mahesh-senanayake-candidacy/
    .
    This also may be of some importance, as I shall explain there:
    .
    http://www.sundaytimes.lk/191020/news/1-2-3-or-x-polls-chief-explains-voting-procedure-374161.html
    .
    All political parties advise candidates to indicate their vote with an X. They claim that it is safest since there can then be no cheating by counting staff. Obviously, then, you should not write “ONE” and cast your vote since 2 and 3 can later be inserted. Given that so much of the explanation has been in terms of Two Preferences the greater danger is leaving the 3rd Preference unentered. There is the possibility then that it could be inserted.
    .
    I don’t think that the risk of that happening unnoticed, but there’s always the possibility of clear and naked violence, followed by such outrageous cheating. Those things are done only by the biggest and best-organised parties. We just don’t want any cheating.

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