As the country plunged into chaos following last week’s torrential rains which left scores dead, injured, missing and displaced, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe left to the US on a private tour.
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe
A source from his office told the Colombo Telegraph that Wickremesinghe in fact left the country for medical reasons. “He has been postponing this trip for a while, but was compelled to go to seek medical attention,” he said. But an angry member of the general public who had heard of Wickremesinghe’s departure to the US criticized the Prime Minister for his insensitiveness to the current situation. “His government has failed to address our growing problems, and even though they had a year’s time, they were still unprepared when the floods happened this year too,” he said.
According to him, both the President and Prime Minister are regularly overseas on official tours, and the little they are in the country, they decide to go on private tours. “It may be a medical issue, but if he had his priorities right, then he could have always postponed the trip by a few days, and sorted out the mess in Sri Lanka first. He was elected for a reason and his country and the people should be his priority,” he said angrily.
Disaster Management Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa is also reportedly in Mexico at an international event.
Meanwhile, the Disaster Management Centre said that as of today morning, the total number of deaths had increased to 164, while at least 104 people continued to be missing, and over 471,000 people in total had been affected by the floods and landslides.
isharath / May 29, 2017
GMOA says SAITM is not upto the SL standards. Why politicians never trust local doctors or facilities in SL then?
George Bush cut short his vacation because of hurricane Katrina in 2005, Obama did cut his scheduled Spain trip and rushed back to the U.S. for Dallas police shooting in 2016.
Why can’t our politicians do that? Or do they think it is a day-to-day business of Sri Lankans to struggle and suffer, be it from natural or man-made disaster?
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Antany Peter / May 30, 2017
Sri Lankan politicians only need people during the election to get votes. Surely, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe could have postponed the trips to other counties; however, should have done the trip to seek medical attention. Surely, he doesn’t know how to prioritize. This is showcasing his leadership capabilities.
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Perera / May 31, 2017
[Edited out] Please avoid typing all capitalized comments – CT
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Kugan / June 2, 2017
People will vote for names only as long as the name is familiar then he gets vote cricketers actors drug dealers gangsters murders fraudsters pedophiles always switch parties who ever in the govnt………..frequent visitors to prison take the law in their hands priority for their siblings only but they all blessed by big cleargies
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Perera / May 31, 2017
[Edited out] Please avoid typing all capitalized comments – CT
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Banda / June 1, 2017
We too have elected politicians like Americans. Now, don’t get them wrong. They too are concerned about their country, The fact that our lot spend more time fixing their life style (luxuries), travel and health actually is a good omen for they have to be fit and in the right mood to consolidate the western advice and sell the country assets to fix the economy that plunged into a deep chasm. Tough luck for you gullible voters.
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whywhy / May 30, 2017
You guys got it all wrong . The news is that” Prime Minister Ranil Wicramasingha
is winding up his trip to the MEETHOTUMULLA MOUNTAIN , a recent
archaeological discovery and returning back home . ” Ranil My3 duo are frequent
visitors to the Island nation .
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Perera / May 31, 2017
[Edited out] Please avoid typing all capitalized comments – CT
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Douglas / May 30, 2017
Native Vedda: Hmmm…. Glad to hear that you are very much acquainted with the South. Your worry is that I am “too soft”” on the bureaucracy and the State Institutions, because you suspect that I belong to that class. No, definitely NOT. Perhaps, being so acquainted with the South, you would definitely remember the “Nilwala Project” under which it was a massive undertaking that was to be implemented. The project reports, the environmental reports and all other required initiatives were made ready by the “Bureaucrats” and the loan of $ 200 million was made available. This project was mainly to manage the water of Nilwala and avoid the flood disasters that the people living in the areas of Matara, Hakmana,Hittatiya,Akuressa,Deniyaya,Bandattara etc are faced with annually. Do you know what happened to that project? Leave aside the “Project”, that $ 200 million too gone missing without a trace. This was revealed in Parliament and to date what action has been taken is anybody’s guess. The present President too spoke publicly about this “Missing” $ 200 million. Who “Pocketed” that LOOT ? That is the type of “Machinery” of bureaucracy and the State we have in place. This example I gave, because it is very relevant to the disaster in hand. Apart from that, just take your time to lay hands on some of the “Research & Study” reports that have been produced by various experts in relation to the environmental disasters that are taking place in the country. Why go far. Just imagine what a pathetic situation that prevails in the Met Department. That is a “MUSEUM” of meteorology to say the least. Do you expect the bureaucrats manning that Dept. to tie those wind balloons round their necks and climb up to forecast the weather conditions? Of course, there was one “Director” who challenged anyone in the world to give a “TRUE” forecast. He did that idiotic statement in one of a TV discussions some years back. As things are, I suspect that man is still “living” in there. So much to discuss on these matters; but space restrictions have to be honored. Hope you got my message that is painfully brief.
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Native Vedda / May 30, 2017
Douglas—————————–Please listen to Major General Mano Perera in this clip: Face the Nation TV1 29th May 2017 Part 1——-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ct3PuzukQBA ——- I am aware of “Nilwala Project” but not in detail. ———Man, there are hundred of thousands of state projects all being managed by corrupted politicians/and state functionaries, I am sorry I do not have external drive to save all the details relating to all the projects. However I am aware of Rs. 4,012 Million missing. You ought to target the unqualified, uninterested, irresponsible, self seeking, …………… bureaucracy which is recruited to serve this country. But they failed, failed miserably. Can you name one state department which functions efficiently, serve the people and fit for the purpose?
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Aussie / May 30, 2017
Most of these guys are of the opinion that Presidents and Prime Ministers are made out of Bricks,Cement,Sand and Iron etc.,and they would not be sick. He went for his regular medical check up. Before he does anything, he should look after his health and be healthy to be able to work for the country. Instead of finding faults with his trip or criticising it, we all should bless him for the medical check up results to. come fine. Our guys are very famous to criticise things without knowing the facts. Hope you guys’ brain will start working properly before long.
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srinath gunaratne / May 30, 2017
Yeah, For all the great things he has achieved personally and for the country!
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Perera / May 31, 2017
[Edited out] Please avoid typing all capitalized comments – CT
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Kugan / June 2, 2017
He would have hired lot of ships and took all the rest of patients of Sri Lanka with him to US,
It shows how trustworthy of our medical profession is
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Watcher / May 30, 2017
Any one with a iota of any intelligence will know Ranil is a fake and has no idea what nation building is.. Same happen with the MR who started well and then his family, specially his two sons who started to rob every one and basil the thief and at one stage 40% road kappan since guy who did the road construction told me since he is a family friend. Kids even hijack the cricket board revenue.
In 50’s and 60’s my father wants to help the poor in Trincomalee and surrounding areas and he never trusted colombo political clan and then try to influence, both UNP and SLFP local politicians to unite so that region will have a single voice. Guess what ?, UNP colombo blocked it.
I belive East and North will get more traction if they work with the south and get rid of race based politics since end of the day it is poor that is suffering.
Take a example of house construction in North for poor, and so many scenarios was created using subterfuge and not a single house was build so far..
Just after the war, MR and GR ask me to meet them re. what to do after the war for resettlement and my answer was to create them jobs get factories build there and encourage fishing industry with lease system with fishing boats and cool store with refrigerant lorries so that fish can be easily moved to colombo fish market.
What ever people think, I believe GR is very sincere about ltte rehabilitation and he also want them to be integrated to civil defence force and some for the defence forces.
With the new gov, we have new kind of impotency that we have not seen in this country before and this is very dangerous time and also there are subtle rumbling about a coup which will create more dangerous issue for our peoples future.
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K A Sumanasekera / May 30, 2017
Looks like the UNP is in chaos too….The other day I was at my usual Drinkinhg Hole in Marine Drive… And I heard a few well rounded Colombo Elite talking to each other about Dr Ranil… And I couldn’t believe when one guy said Dr Ranil has Rock Hudson’s disease…About time the minders in Srikotha issued an official communique to clear the air, especially in Elite , Anglican and Vellala households.
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FoolYourSelf / May 30, 2017
Doubt that any of the “elite” would hang out at any of the holes on Marine Drive.
But there are lots of pretentious wannabes who feed on gossip and discussions on politics and businesses. Maybe you overhead a bunch of those
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K A Sumanasekera / May 31, 2017
Mate… All those well rounded dudes who pound the pavement at Dawn and Dusk everyday with their noses up, looks to me like either UNP or TNA supporters… So they ought to be Elite…….Anyway Happy Hour at OZO is actually 180 Minutes… Buy one and Get one Free….No wonder the Elite flock there… But Vellalas wouldn’t pay for drinks even in Happy Hour…..Right…
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Suni / May 30, 2017
What is Hundson’s disease? I checked the wikipedia and got the answers.
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Native Vedda / May 30, 2017
KASmaalam K A Sumanasekera——————–“Dr Ranil has Rock Hudson’s disease…” ———- You mean HIV/AIDS, may be true however I must tell you that you got the name completely wrong. The elites were discussing about their good old chum and fellow worker Jim Softy who you know has been on the game for well over 60 years. Any how whats wrong with HLD Mahindapala? You think you are an eminent economist and analyst, he thinks he is a scholar Historian, Whats wrong with you people? You should arrange him the right venue to relax, note many of his body parts don’t function the way they should be…… .
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K A Sumanasekera / May 31, 2017
Dear Native… I manage my own little Portfolio which is well diversified…. And it pays enough to play Green Fees and buy a decent bottle of Single Malt….That has taught.. me a bit o Economics, Commerce, Finance, Share Trading….and how to avoid doing a Rajaretnam…..But I wouldn’t call myself an Economic Analyst….
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Native Vedda / June 1, 2017
KASmaalam K A Sumanasekera ———————The issue is not whether you are a whizz kid making money out of other’s stupidity and insider dealing or another brown sahib Gordon Gekko trying to impress his own image on the mirror, however the question remains that how did you come to own such a large portfolio and pay for initial outlay? I put it to you that you were part of the clan’s points men and a money laundering man, a benami, a b***s carrier, —– As a Sinhala/Buddhist fascist supporter you are safe as long as you remain on this island. None of the official dare touch you as none of them are honest. Stay in the loop you will be rewarded even by the government that include old and new crooks. ————-Why aren’t you demanding the saffron Sangha to set up a temperance movement?
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Banda / June 1, 2017
Good luck for his gullible voters.
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Idiot / May 30, 2017
We wish good health to PM and also to our economy seems to be collapsing under this regime. When Rome was burning Niro was fiddling the violine !
That’s the kind of leaders we have.
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srinath gunaratne / May 30, 2017
What a dumb leader you elected guys?
Totally unconnected with the pulse of the country!
UNP is bankrupt! This is what I told before!
Please do not try to bring Sajith now, Because he is dumb too!
Look at the faces of these leaders, that tells the whole story!
There is so much work to be done in SL, We need a strong men like Mahinda, Gota who can get things done. Otherwise how on earth are you going to control our country?
What a country we had two years ago and what a difference few idiots can bring!
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Sam Fernando / May 30, 2017
The very folks elected even thugs to power.
They rooted and looted as nothing could remain.
Today, one behind the other man made disasters are on the line.
Had the Engineers been clever under MR regime, they would have thought about balancing water flows. No proper drainage. The floods would stagnate all the dirts and germs turning the folks permament sick.
Garbage dumps were few weeks ago, and the floods are the todays reality.
Ballige putha et al could allow right thinking professionals to react in compliance with standards. Then the victimized could have been minimized.
For you guys, everyone is dumbs, but not a single word against Mafia King et al who looted everything.
Like or not, realities will have to come up in next months.
Then also you have to add your two cts worth either of your ends.
Good luck.
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Samson Gunawardhana / May 30, 2017
Even a fart leaves you are caused by are because of RW and MY3:
How pathetic you the like ilk have been. ?
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Perera / May 31, 2017
a very silly statement unintelligible to say the least
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Edwin Rodrigo / June 1, 2017
Samson Gunawardanan, Samson Gunawardanan, come on man. What kind of fart are you talking about? At least write something sensible about the nauseating subject that you love (because you an expert in all things even remotely connected to toilets) instead of gibberish.
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R Mohammed / May 30, 2017
President of MS and Primer of Ranil W??? has time to time leaves oversees tripe with large number of delegation cost of tax payers money .That is become accepted facts from members of Parliament ruing parties. They are not bother or interest of man-made or natural disasters been effects to the public .
Public ills are not that is non of their business of politics.
New Ruling caucuses think , that ! that is duty of the people.
The governances is ours duty. We will do our way ,problems will solve by if time permitted by ours wish and will.
These are principles of ours-UNP oriented- democracy has been advocated by MS, Ranil .W… and CBK line of thinking.
The Voters have no right asked any question from UNP-leadership ?
That is UNP democracy > any way question Flood is not our issues at all.
We will take ours personal health is more paramount than people of SL>>>>>>>
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Douglas / May 31, 2017
Native Vedda: Thank you responding. I am targeting all you mentioned. To correct that, this entire system needs to be overhauled and restructured to meet the needs of the country. The system together with the personnel that runs has been corrupted to the core by the political authority. What is needed is a complete CHANGE under a leadership of selfless team of Peoples’ Representatives who could fill that 225 seats in that august assembly situated at Diyawannawa premises. To bring about that CHANGE those deciding on the change has to be empowered and facilitated to “change” themselves. That is not easy; but is a MUST. I am happy it is taking place to some extent and hopefully that “awakening” I am speaking of would be sufficient to do that change at least by 2020. You wanted me to mention at least one establishment that one could speaks of meeting the expectations. Here it is, to my knowledge: The Election Commission headed by Mr. Sunanda Deshapriya. The other is the Auditor General’s Department; but here too changes have to be made to make it “Independent”. With those shortcomings too, this Department is presently doing an appreciable job and so far it had withstood the pressures. That is commendable; yet who knows what is in stock when the present holder is due to retire, I believe next year. So I request you to be a part of that team that stands for a CHANGE. Thank you.
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Native Vedda / May 31, 2017
Douglas —————– State institutions and its bureaucracy are supposed to serve the people and protect the state assets, bound by fiduciary duty. If they had seriously considered their fiduciary duty, they could have stopped the crooks stealing the state assets. In the past 50 or so years they colluded with political masters to steal and bankrupt the entire country. ————————————————-” The other is the Auditor General’s Department; but here too changes have to be made to make it “Independent”. Had the department performed its duties without fear or favour the crooks couldn’t have made money out of every single contract and supplies. It is not acceptable a practice if the man in charge didn’t rob the state. We look down on state functionaries if they refuse to steal or help the political masters steal.
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Douglas / May 31, 2017
Native Vadda: I think my agreement with all you said was made in writing and gave reasons for the situation in my comment viz. “The system together with the personnel that runs has been corrupted to the core by the political authority”. Today I watched another TV discussion on this “Flood Disaster” and it came to light how a “Radar” machine that was imported at a cost $ 400.00 was non functional from the time it was installed. A very responsible Cabinet Minister joined over the telephone and explained that machine was imported through a “World Organization”. I knew it was a blatant lie. This machine was imported through a company that has been closed down and their agent in Sri Lanka is engage in business with this Government. Here is the link to listen to it – col3negoriginal.lk. Cheers.
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Douglas / May 31, 2017
Native Vedda: Sorry. I did not give the name of the programe. It is “satana” of Sirasa.
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Native Vedda / June 1, 2017
Douglas ————-Thanks for your intense scrutiny of the game keepers. Keep up your good work without the fear or favour.
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buran appu / June 1, 2017
And kalaveddah, make sure you keep to those higher branches. Don’t come down trying to form new cabinets.
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Andre J / May 31, 2017
absolutely disgusting! Ranil has lost all respect with his defending of Mahendran and now leaving the country when the pure people are undergoing immense hardship. what an oblivious scoundrel we voted for!
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shankar / May 31, 2017
rajitha has said PM is leaving for medical examinations.Nothing else ,what kind of examination etc.[Edited out]
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shankar / May 31, 2017
If ranil has a illness which could be classified under the Official Secrets Act,then he should go even if we don’t know what it is.Though the illness is not a disaster for the country ,it is a disaster for him and he should be allowed to manage it,while siri manages the disaster here.If siri too has suddenly got a secretive personal disaster coming under the OSA ,then we could call back disaster management minister yapa from mexico from that important conference.
don’t worry folks,everything under control in disaster prone srilanka.Another disaster,a 25 year war between sinhalese and muslims has been averted with gnanasera in hiding.We will see how long he can wait inside a house like assange without his customary energetic loafing around.
damn kuveni and double damn that vijaya for double crossing her.
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Spring Koha / May 31, 2017
This is a double whammy: one, to the masses suffering from the current misfortunes not of their creation, and secondly, a slap in the face to our medical services (how ridiculous of these people to go foreign for their ‘health’, and their children’s education).
Very sad, because so much hope was invested in Ranil W (and so much was forgiven). The best service he can do the country now is to purchase a one-way ticket out. One can only hope.
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Caveat / June 1, 2017
Hope everything is well Sir. Hope it is not a contagious viral infection from blood or another deadly illness and simple check ups you are going to. US is your favored nation and you are their favored man. So I hope you get the best of medicine. Just be careful about the deadly viral disease that is passed on by blood.
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Edwin Rodrigo / June 1, 2017
Guys, I found the reason why Ranil is doing all these stupid things. The reason is that UNP is short of funds because Ranil did not allow any to come in to suppress anyone striving for the party leadership. Now he needs money. He has been paid by Mahinda a huge some to act like a clown so that people will reject him and vote for Mahinda. have you seen how thoughtful and sympathetic mahinda looks going around meeting the flood victims, kissing their children – you know doing all the usual antics he uses – while Ranil and Sirisena are no where to be seen? Mahinda is still the President in the minds of many Southerners as well as his own. They tell him how they suffer. Some cry. The scene looks so surreal. Ranil has a deal with Mahinda. Ranil will work against – you got it – Ranil. He is evry good at that. A born talent. That way, he will help Mahinda to come to power again as the President. Sirisena will be the sorry loser.
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Nimal / June 2, 2017
He should not have left the country.
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W.Milton / June 2, 2017
Is that Ranil W……..is suffering from a Cancer in stomach?
What is that medical Reports says of the Ranil W,,,,
Is that ,NOT give to the public?
Is that democracy nation must enlighten for the people is also major part of democracy is right of democracy. Indeed sick persons cannot run and rule of the people’s democracy?
All guys in one day has face to the reality in sooner or later in their life?
Ranil. W… has to face challenge of life beyond that and this crime against Humanity ?
Of the people of Sri Lankan.
No body can escape from the punishment of history !#3@
That is an apply for Ranil W…too as well. Times comes every body has to go for an ever?
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Thangamma Periyanayagam / June 3, 2017
He is most likely at the world famous Johns Hopkins Hospital where even to American political leaders go. Hope it is a simple event like a by-pass or stents and not an infectious disease like a dead Viral infection brought about by blood and unprotected anal sex etc.
. Hope he recovers fast. He is after all responsible for our positive image in the West and GSP+ and all the US help these days . US gets a base and all those human rights, war crimes issues will disappear. Ranil is critical to that. Thank you for your service. Eelam Tamil tiger slaves blocked you from winning in 2005. Now you have silenced the Tamil Diaspora and the crooked a-holes like Rudra for good.
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AmariW / June 4, 2017
Ranil is ok. He does not need surgery. A Stent was enough. Good luck Ranil and speedy recovery. I am glad you are not moved by all the Yakkos and Veddahs and Eelam Dalits spewing hate here. Go back home. No one can fault you and your noble family for the way you fly economy class with your own funds and you do not stay at expensive hotels. A lesson for the Prince Heir Apparents from Hambantota Medamulane who behaved like they were Arab Princes when their Appachchi was President and also a GREAT LESSONS to the PinGona Daham and his sister too. LOOK At Ranil and his brothers and family and close friends. Flying Economy class and using own funds and saving money by staying in cheap hotels and with friends. Namal Baba and Rohitha baba remember your arrogance ? and Yoshitha baba, you got yourself sent to Dartmouth? and got leave from real Navy duty.
Ranil, ignore the low caste fools here and Eelam fools. Class envy and jealousy is why they are being so low down Sinhalayas and Demalas.
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amal / June 6, 2017
He is a sick man both mentally and physically. Don’t worry he will not last long.
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Wilson Samarasinghe / June 7, 2017
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