Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe held a closed-door discussion with President Maithripala Sirisena this morning, on the investigations into corruption cases against the top members of the Rajapaksa administration, including the former President’s Chief of Staff Gamini Senarath.
The meeting took place after President Sirisena accusing Sagala Ratnayaka, Minister of Law and Order and the Chief of Staff of the Prime Minister of blocking the Police investigation into Gamini Senarath and some key members of the Rajapaksa family.
At the meeting held this morning at the President’s residence, Wickremesinghe had fully backed Ratnayaka saying the latter never stood in the way of the investigation.
He said there was no “secret meeting” meeting between Senarath and Ratnayaka at the latter’s residence in Deniyaya.
Wickremesinghe had told Sirisena that he personally checked with the state intelligence bodies and they repeatedly assured that there was no meeting between the two. Wickremesinghe had also told Sirisena that he would take measures to inform the UNP Working Committee of the current status of the anti-corruption investigations as many seem to be talking about the matter without knowing the reality on the ground.
It looked as if the Prime Minister, a personal friend of the Law and Order Minister, was trying to broker a “peace-pact” between the President and theLaw and Order Minister.
Sirisena, Colombo Telegraph learns, had played his cards close to the chest throughout the meeting.
Although Sirisena criticized the conduct of Ratanayaka at a meeting with three UNP seniors, namely Malik Samarawickrama, Mangala Samaraweera and Kabir, he gave a patient hearing to Wickremesinghe at the meeting held this morning.
Amarasiri / November 13, 2017
President Sirisena,
Gamini Senarath, Sagala Ratnayaka were all bribed , paid off by MaRa using the stolen billions.
“President” Sirisena appears to show some wisdom, and beginning to show signs of being “Presidential”.
Whatever is happening is for the better, if they can get the crooks.
Is the President drinking kola kanda, green broth, excercising , doing yoga and meditating?
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Champa / November 13, 2017
Ranil will never admit his mistakes. He only cares about his future and UNP’s future. Therefore, he is planning ahead for eventualities. Therefore, the President should use his brain and do his utmost to not to let those eventualities happen. I am saying this again and again, President should never let anyone to abolish Executive Presidency which is the end of Sinhalese nation and Buddhism. UNP Ministers openly say they support a Tamil PM, an ethnicity which represents less than 11%.
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When the mask is removed, the true double face emerges. There is no point of blaming others for telling the truth. People comment on what they see. The word and action should not be two but one. Those who chose to lead others should be true examples with the qualities they portrayed to the people. When the opposite happens, those who don’t have backbones, subdue, while those who have backbones protest on the betrayal. One has to have the courage to face the criticism and dissent. Slandering or slinging mud don’t take anyone anywhere but strengthen other man’s determination. Some people notice the change in your attitude but won’t notice their behaviour that made you change.
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The President should stand firm. Everybody makes mistakes but what is important is the willingness to correct those mistakes and be the leader people admire. Comparing to his first 1 1/2 years with the Geneva Report and many other blunders, the President is much better now standing by the country and backing tri forces or may be we are seeing his true qualities only now. I don’t mind much about small hiccups, but support Executive Presidency, no matter what, for the sake of my country.
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Sinhala_Man / November 14, 2017
Champa
I have immense respect for you because your thoughts are your own.
However, you are too much on the defensive on the ethnic issue.
*
To me it seems clear enough that there were War Crimes committed by both sides, but of different sorts. The Tigers with indiscriminate bombings in public places, ruthless eliminations of rival militants and “human shields”. They’ve paid the price and are gone.
*
Somebody has to investigate what our guys did, either as sadistic individuals, or as Gota policy.
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Champa / November 14, 2017
Sinhala Man
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Investigations on the war crimes are absolutely not necessary given the fact that defeating terrorism was the biggest issue at the time for all ethnicities.
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Many Tamils have forgotten that LTTE blocked Mavil Aru completely discontinuing water supply until our Army intervened. LTTE never cared about ordinary Tamils.
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Our Army never engaged in war crimes. Never targetted civilians. They only targetted terrorists. Tamils should remember that it was our Army who brought them peace and the Tamils were the mostly benefitted ethnicity from elimination of terrorists.
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Ordinary Tamils don’t demand war crime investigations. It is exiled LTTE cadre in Tamil diaspora mainly and the LTTE supporters in the diaspora in general who want to investigate war crimes.
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Sinhala_Man / November 19, 2017
Dear Champa,
Your first para makes sènse. Your second is factual and correct The third is an unsupported claim that I find difficult to accept. The Fourth is deliberate blinding of oneself.
*
You’re good, but biased.
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Ukno-hoo / November 15, 2017
If MAngala hand over ports or shipping to foreign companies, we do not have control over what is inside the warehosue. So, LTTE or ISIS can begin. What president is not talking getting rid of LTTe. It is about Mahinda Rajapakse instructing some big people to lie for some domestic matters. those should be prosecuted.
IF PResident needs declare EMERGENCY and cancel the 19th amendment. Then do what ever changes you want. Expel all the thieves in the parliament who support corruptions and corrupt leaders.
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Native Vedda / November 15, 2017
Ukno-hoo -Jimsofty the dimwit
–
You have chosen to change your name yet again, however you are still making the same grammatical and spelling mistakes as you did all those years.
Go back to your former pseudonym.
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old codger / November 15, 2017
Jimmy/unoh-hoo still the dimwit,
When D.M. Jayaratna brought down a container full of heroin, was the port under foreign control?
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Sinhala_Man / November 14, 2017
Champa
I have immense respect for you because your thoughts are your own.
However, you are too much on the defensive on the ethnic issue.
*
To me it seems clear enough that there were War Crimes committed by both sides, but of different sorts. The Tigers with indiscriminate bombings in public places, ruthless eliminations of rival militants and “human shields”. They’ve paid the price and are gone.
*
Somebody has to investigate what our guys did, either as sadistic individuals, or as Gota policy.
*
Your main worry appears to be, Champa, that we will lose our identity. It looks as though you’d like the Tamil identity within Sri Lanka subsumed by ours. These identities keep changing. Our young people are aping the West in the most superficial ways.
*
I don’t want to really suggest solutions, perhaps I can suggest nothing acceptable to all.
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Champa / November 14, 2017
Sinhala Man
.
I have many suggestions which I keep for myself for a reason. One day you will realize your assumption about me – I mean subsuming Tamil identity by Sinhalese – is wrong. Some of my ideas I don’t think any politician had even thought for the past 7 decades. All practical novel ideas. I have simple solutions for so many problems which appear to be complex to current politicians.
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UKno-hoo / November 15, 2017
I herd that PENTHOUSE RAVI saying that it is RANil who asked him to get his money and hide it because GALLEON Ravi also had spent money for elections.
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sarath / November 14, 2017
MY3 should get rid off RW. MY3 should use his exe. powers and get rid off from RW and his favourite Sagala immediately. This seeems to be the last chance of RW’s PM dream for the sake of MY3. RW has become the most unpopular politician at present. He is branded as a deal master.
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Asoka / November 14, 2017
He is not pure Buddhist also. Same as Barak Hussain Obama. Ranil never ever backing to Sinhala Buddhist. Even Ravi Karunanayake also not a pure Sinhalese. Truth will come and there is no secret in this world.
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Amarasiri / November 14, 2017
Asoka,
It has very little to do with Sinhala Buddhist, Sinhala Catholic etc.It is the personality, statesmanship, lack of guts, etc. DS Senanayaka, Sir John Kotalawela, JR Jayawardene were different.
Welcome to the Land of Native Veddah Aethho, illegally occupied by the Paradeshis, Paras, foreigners.
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Analyst / November 14, 2017
Could it be Russia is meddling in our politics in a big way??
The talk of the world is that they are meddling in foreign elections for their own benefit!!
Working against America , ??
We have had a man sucking to Russia and the likes for arms trade and killing of the Minorities!!
Causing friction in a small nation, results Arms buying,??
Who got rich in the past??
Th hate van crooks of course.
Russia will be happy to see the return of the PAST MAFIAS.
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Ben Hurling / November 14, 2017
Sir,
Let us not forget those others winning horses fully backed by our esteemed PM lately:
Ex Finance Minister Ravi K
Ex CB Govenor Arjuna M
Ex Law & Order Minister Tilak M
All disgraced & gone. What does that say about our esteemed PM’s judgement? How about the impending fate of Sagala R?
Mess with dreams of 6.2 million people, who voted you into power at your own peril Ranil W!.
Cheers!
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Sellam / November 13, 2017
Why do politicians interfere with the Law. Is it because the law is an Ass?
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douglas / November 13, 2017
Is is “Common Sense” and no “Rocket Science” to know that one need not have “secret” meetings in residences to interfere in any investigation. How many other “secret” and “open” ways are available to do that. One such example was the “Telephone” conversation this Minister supposed to have had with the IGP in regard to the case involving the “Nileme”. It all depend on the STRENGTHS of character of politicians and Officials. The question is: Do we have such people?
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Jagath Fernando / November 13, 2017
This is the truth about Hyatt.
The total cost of the project is going to be in excess of Rs 50 billion for a 500 room hotel. Govt is struggling to sell it and one more white elephant from previous regime.
One room is going to cost USD 400,000 which is Rs 60 million !! This is far in excess of what Shangri La is spending on a room. Guess what? Hyatt is owned by Insurance Corporation and EPF and who will suffer the loss at a time of selling it. The loss will be passed on to the Life Policy Holders and and EPF members. Bloody good and Well done !!!
It has taken two years already to come to this stage.
Credit to Yahapalanaya at last for acting on this.
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Ranga / November 13, 2017
Mr. President, this may be your last chance to save your face, presidency and the nation. SACK Ranil and every member of his “Royal Gay Club”. Appoint Mangala as the Prime Minister and Finace Minister. This will shake the UNP, SLFP, MR and Co., and the entire nation. Things are very dicey in the country and if you do NOT do something to clean-out the corruption then your days as President maybe numbered. Everyone knows that RW is protecting the Central Bank crooks as well as the Rajas. People have lost respect for you as well as confidence in you. If you are going to lead, then for God’s skae, LEAD. Or get out.
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UNohoo / November 14, 2017
Talk is about Ranil to step down and expose the whole story. It looks Ranil, wijedasa Raqjapakse and even thalatha Athukorala have given files to Mahinda Rajapakse. Mahinda Rajapakse and his cronies has 57 or miles all in mega corruptions. but, Mahinda Rada got all the files. Because of that, Mahinda you can not prosecute me, instead arrest me (because he needs publicity saying I did nothing yet arrested. It looks all Ranil tried go against or undermine MY3 and things went wrong. I heard even CBK is agitated. Because, probably the bank roberries began in 1970 or 1970s. It worsoned in 1994 (CBK and Ranil). IT says it is probably 6 – 8 trillion the loss (dollars of rupees ?)
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Rohan Gunaratne / November 13, 2017
Disce aut discede.
President please be tough even with your SLFP crooks and fraudsters.
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punchinilame / November 14, 2017
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shankar / November 14, 2017
I have been maintaining for some time the head of the octupus is ranil.No point in cutting the tentacles.Go for the head and the brain,then the octopus is finished.Arjuna mahendran and sagala are merely following ranil’s orders ably assisted by his cronies ravi and malik,the right hand and left hand..Get rid of ranil and the thing can be cleaned up.keep him and see it going on.President also will go down with ranil if he keeps him further in the government.last chance for the president to save himself and the country from the vicious and devious octopus.One of the tentacles is clamped around the president albeit in a bogusly friendly manner.Cut it off first and distance yourself from the octopus.Then kill the octopus by helping the others in the UNP to pierce its brain but carefully see that another octopus should not take over.Mangala will be a good choice.
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Good Sense / November 14, 2017
I must say that the reporting “It looks as if the Prime Minister, a personal friend of the Minister of Law and Order ….” is also another problem and describing things in a very civilized and a respectful manner when it is really not. Along with the Yahapalanya brand another club of special relationships best described as personal friendship has risen. Birds of a feather flock together.
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Park / November 14, 2017
Even if PM supports Sagala this is not the first time there has been finger pointing at him. Once there is suspicion then it’s time for President to take action and change Sagala. PM has all lost confidence of the voters as he continuously protects black legs in the party. PM also should resign from the leadership.
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Rajash / November 14, 2017
have the two of them got the guts to send the Mara family to the galores?
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Percy / November 15, 2017
Where is the galores? Is it the ring a rangaroo,soft and black like a pussy cat, hair all over and smelly too, Is that where your mother’s galore is, covered in thala thel?
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Native Vedda / November 15, 2017
Percy
–
You confused, Pussy Galore is a fictional character in the Ian Flemming’s spy thriller Gold Finger.
The other one you are referring to was the Grease Yakka, Gota’s boys.
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ramona therese fernando / November 14, 2017
Sirisena : mae….api Sinhala ekkenek pau aney.
Ranil (with British accent) : no, no nou,……your insinuation is quite preposterous. It is in the best interests of the Sinhalese. They must be forced to work hard for the TN-S’pore-Cmb conglomerate. The inflationary prices of the Cmb high-rises will set our monetary standard, pegging it to the S’pore dollar. Rajapaksa is putting a badha on these futuristic proceedings.
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Upali Wickramasinghe / November 14, 2017
Reamona, nice to see you commenting on something more tangible than the Lion -woman relationship.
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UNohoo / November 14, 2017
Talk is about Ranil to step down and expose the whole story. It looks Ranil, wijedasa Raqjapakse and even thalatha Athukorala have given files to Mahinda Rajapakse. Mahinda Rajapakse and his cronies has 57 or miles all in mega corruptions. but, Mahinda Rada got all the files. Because of that, Mahinda you can not prosecute me, instead arrest me (because he needs publicity saying I did nothing yet arrested. It looks all Ranil tried go against or undermine MY3 and things went wrong. I heard even CBK is agitated. Because, probably the bank roberries began in 1970 or 1970s. It worsoned in 1994 (CBK and Ranil). IT says it is probably 6 – 8 trillion the loss (dollars of rupees ?)
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UNo-hoo / November 14, 2017
President has to show he is the president and not just a minister. I think Rajapakses are not finished in taking revenge from Hopper eating and going away. People voted president and not selected by virtue of the position by the parliament.
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Omar / November 14, 2017
Ranil is a person who does not have even common sense and completely failed leader. He needs foreign education and some job experiance to understand the world.
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UKno-hoo / November 15, 2017
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Bobby Pereira / November 14, 2017
Sirisena proudly said before January 8th 2015 election that he was always calling Ranil, the then opposition leader ‘Sir’ and he would continue to do so even if he is elected the President. Whatever the failings CBK has, she did a great job by selecting Sirisena as the common candidate. He is the most cowardly, spineless, pon..y. in the country. His comments after meeting that old hatter and Cameroon in England proved it. As there are no suddas in country Sirisena would worship the next best thing, Ranil the Kalu Sudda.
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Vasantha Cooray / November 14, 2017
I did not know whether to laugh or cry at this story
obviously from Prime Minister’s own side.
First – NO rpt NO intelligence service that is working
loyally for Sirisena will ever tell Ranil’s people their
observations/findings on any matter. In the intelligence
game trust matters. So the claim they asked all the
intelligence agencies is bullshit and propaganda.
Second – Ranil is letting himself down again. During the
scandalous bond issu, Ranil did his utmost best in
Parliament (COPE) to cover up the issue. He wanted his
friend Arjuna Mahendran saved. He threatened,
intimidated and even tried to infuse fear for the MPs to
shut up. According to him there was no bond scam.
What happened? As Sirisena boldly declared, he set up a
Commission. it proved Ranil wrong. Sirisena said within
three months of the government coming to power, they
have caused economic destruction.
In the same way, he is now defending his bosom pal, his
loving Chief of Staff and Minister Sagala Ratnayake. His
cronies are more important to him than the country and
her people. The same fate will befall him.
Ranil only knows to manipulate. He does that cunningly.
Nevertheless he stands exposed. Either he must get rid of
his corrupt gay buddies or resign. He owes it to the nation
instead resorting to manipulating matters. Its a shame for
a Mr Clean turning Mr Ugly and Mr Dirty.
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Pot Shot / November 14, 2017
Please can someone call for a general election!!!!!!
This is utter rubbish. This Government is completely ineffective against the deviously calculating regime of the Rajapakses. There are wheels within wheels of the UNP and such a disappointment in the manner this Gov is handling its affairs. Its anything but “Yahapalanaya” Its time that a new leader steps -up from an independent party. #countrybeforeself #countrybeforeparty
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Sinhala_Man / November 14, 2017
Isn’t it correct to say that General Elections can no longer be called at a time propitious to the government. But I do get your point.
*
Maithri still is our best bet in the short-term, but he should firmly announce a new, younger candidate for President in 2020, and sack all corrupt Ministers. A cabinet of 15 honest guys, never mind from which parties.
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CK / November 14, 2017
President himself started all these wrong doings. First he forgot he elected as common candidate. He accepted the presidency of SLFP and brought corrupt MPs to parliament who were rejected by people. He had no choice he had to listen to them and protect many criminals from previous regime including Rajapaksha family. There are many allegations against himself and his family members too. If they are baseless he must give a proper explanations about them to the country blocking the messenger wouldn’t make these allegations disappear. Now he is in a crisis situation he cannot point fingers to PM or UNP MPs directly for their wrong doings, and keep complaining.
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nalmen / November 14, 2017
if any of his boys are in trouble ranil rushes to defend them
as minister og law and order for 2 years how many of rajapaksas cronies have been jailed
none so far. let him prove his genuineness by deeds not words
high time sira replaced him with sarath amunugama
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thumpane gamaya / November 14, 2017
President is wasting time with RW. What more proof than the Bond Scam, where poor employees savings were robbed through EPF. President must quickly request UNP MPs to nominate a suitable leader to be appointed as PM from within the UNP. Once the bond scam investigation report is released president will not have a choice but to sack RW. So better for President to be ready now itself with an alternate
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K.Anaga / November 14, 2017
President beware! Ranil seldom smile, but when he smiles he may cut your heart using his smile as anesthesia.
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Roy / November 14, 2017
Dear President please make decisions right now.
Or else you will in real trouble after the local government elections.
Please act wisely and take decisions without killing time
This is for you own good and the SLFP.
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Kasun / November 14, 2017
Mr Maithree your days are numbered. Just turn back and see who your top level officials are. Austin Fernando Secretary to Prez is a clean UNPer who was the Secy defence dring RW time and played all dirty games against the Army. Who is Secretary Defence? Kapila W son of a strong UNPer the former MP for Balapitiya. Harak Fonseka is manuring all the wheels within the Defence circles. With all that UNP is trying to make you powerless which will be the end of our country. Your survival depends on the immediate removal of Ranil from the post of PM . We want a true Sinhalese Buddhist to be the head of state and not a Boys Friendly man with Sudda blood running around his body.
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Percy / November 14, 2017
Ranil seems to be doing everything behind closed doors. Is he getting paranoid or is he up to his old habits again?
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Native Vedda / November 15, 2017
Percy
–
“Is he getting paranoid………………………”
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Naturally, is he not a Sinhala/Buddhist? Aren’t you trying to convert him into one?
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Gune / November 14, 2017
If I very simply put it -both MS and RW who were given a fantastic people’s mandate in 2015 to solve all the social and political ills of this country under “yahapalanaya” have just shat on it!!!!!!!!!!
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Mallaiyuran / November 14, 2017
“Mella Paaum thanni Kallaiyum urukki paayum” (The water flows silently and slowly is melting even the rocks on its ways). That is practical evident visible in all nature. The white flag murderer dictator is slowly taking off his costume to let see his real face.
He first subtly referred to Old King that he has Old’s files, so Old to shut up his mouth from talking his corruption in the Old regime. He was very good to Rajitha accepting his deficiency in health Ministry as the “Worst Ministry” in Lankawe. The family lootings accused to be continuing, in clouding of the night club hero, under blessing of Rajitha. His has placed Brothers, son, son-in law and Daughter on the strategical positions to move the pawns, the cannon fodders, not minding risks. He fired Dilrukshi blaming she was coming too close him and his buddies in the military. Kegalle Jayamanne case might have turned around and delivered the Lankawe secrets to UNHRC, UN SC, ICC and all over everywhere if it had been investigated. Ex. American Secretary repeated his offer in vain to military support if needed to take care of the Military shadow rulers in action in Parallel to this Yahapalanaya. He quickly jumped in and closed the pot before the Genie get out.
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Mallaiyuran / November 14, 2017
But the recent suspected of UNP leaked events has caused his wrath of these out breaks. The leak of Book Drama and use of the government editor to write is fake story under his daughter’s name is the start. Apparently he has wasted a substantial time in critical time where UNHRC, China Land sale, Secret Solution all over boiling high up. The Constitution is trying to challenge his EP comfort as Ranil cannot become a EP and EP electing is putting a hold in Tamils’ hand too. His trip to Russia to get the sword is breaking out suspicion if he is feeling let out in China deals by Malik, Ravi, and others not reaching him. Ravi confirmed that on Ship deal. But, nothing serious is to come out of this as West will eventually patch this up, when the election nears, by letting lose one more step in the Resolution 30/1. They know well that all these dramas are mainly for that.
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Uthungan / November 14, 2017
Anyone looking at the picture can correctly guess from the body language of the two what runs in each other’s mind about the other.
It is clear from their demeanour that the Yahapalana marriage of 8th January 2015 is on the rocks.
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Analyst / November 14, 2017
Big Brother Russia behind things in our Country???
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