28 March, 2024

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Ranil Slaps John In The Face: Teaches Bitter Lesson To Senior UNP Politico For Bypassing PM’s Office

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe today made a bold move by ordering at the eleventh hour to cancel an event in which Tourism Development and Christian Affairs Minister John Amaratunga was supposed to announce the names of the new chairpersons of the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) and the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotions Bureau (SLTPB).

John Amaratunga

Amaratunga was set to appoint Ranjit de Silva as the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) and Kishu Gomes as the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotional Bureau (SLTPB).

Many ministry officials, employees and journalists were present at the SLITHM auditorium to attend the event when the Prime Minister’s order came. Amaratunga, a senior UNP Minister, appeared flummoxed and instructed his staff to cancel the event citing “unavoidable circumstances.”

It was later revealed that the Prime Minister was unhappy with the two appointments made by the Minister and the manner in which Amaratunga got their names approved by the President. All UNP ministers, when appointing heads for institutions coming under them, first got their nominations cleared by the Prime Minister and then sent them for the approval of the President’s five-member committee, headed by Udaya R. Seneviratne.

In Amaratunga’s case, the Minister had directly sent the names to the President’s office, without consulting the Prime Minister. Then he invited the media and ministry officials at the SLITHM auditorium to make the announcement amid fanfare. The Prime Minister was livid when he heard about Amaratunga’s “modus operandi” and struck back while Amaratunga was preparing to make the big announcement this morning.

The Prime Minister also ordered Amaratunga to send his new appointees to the Temple Trees “with immediate effect” to ascertain their suitability to hold the two key positions in the tourism sector.

When contacted by Colombo Telegraph this evening, a senior official at the Tourism Ministry said they were still not aware whether the Prime Minister had cleared the two appointees. “We were not informed of any new development. The announcement has been postponed indefinitely – which means their appointments still hang in the balance.”

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Latest comments

  • 25
    14

    RW flexing his muscles to prove what? How much was spent for this Tamasha?
    Couldn’t he have had this cancelled a day prior and saved everyone being inconvenienced?
    Stupid leadership!

    • 26
      1

      Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe ,

      “It was later revealed that the Prime Minister was unhappy with the two appointments made by the Minister and the manner in which Amaratunga got their names approved by the President. All UNP ministers, when appointing heads for institutions coming under them, first got their nominations cleared by the Prime Minister and then sent them for the approval of the President’s five-member committee, headed by Udaya R. Seneviratne.”

      Bravo!. Good you are putting some discipline.

      Sirisena has no discipline, will go behind peoples backs, and screw them.

      He did that to Mahinda, stabbed in the back and stabbed in the front.

      He did that to you, stabbed in the back. How sloshing around.

      When will the Parliament impeach Sirisena, and punish him for the illegal and constitutional coup. Until then he will behave like a rabid dog and bite all the people around him.

      Thank JR constitution for this drama in the land. The Late Dr. N M Perera warned us all.

      • 15
        0

        Hello Amarasiri,

        May I present a different perspective?
        Firstly, JR had advocated an elected ‘Executive President’ throughout. Voters knew (perhaps voters who understood the concept of separation of power) and he achieved it.
        It is true that Dr. N. M. Perera warned the people, however, the office of the ‘Executive President’ served Sri Lanka well for a period of time.

        The ‘Executive President’ cannot be prosecuted in a court of law for any actions (both ‘commissions’ or ‘omissions’ – private or official). As such, there is nothing that can be done to President Sirisena.

        President Sirisena’s actions were based on the legal advice (poor advice as it transpires) and the question of ‘constitutional coup’ does not arise.

        As the PM Ranil has every right to clear any appointees that Minister consider well before sending a list to the President.
        I hope Ranil’s actions will lead to disciplined Ministers, which Sri Lanka needs notwithstanding the exceptionally brilliant and talented pool of MPs to choose Ministers from.

        It is good that Colombo Telegraph published this article.

    • 1
      0

      Upul, your post suggests you’d have preferred to go through with the show?

      As far as the average thinker is concerned I should think it is good that at least now, RW has shed the blinkers and seen daylight.

  • 20
    0

    Ameratunga’s antics and dysfunctional-ism have been obvious for some time now. Including his late night visit to the ETU with a stiff upper lip. It is important that an energetic, dynamic,, knowledgeable and forward thinking MP be appointed as the Minister of tourism. Ranil’s choice and decision to appoint John and Ravi as ministers is deplorable. And must be challenged.

    • 0
      0

      Craig you said it, absolutely!

  • 16
    0

    What a joke. It appears the left hand does not know what the right hand is doing. I am aware that ‘protocol’ does not exist in SL politics but if this is the way the govt. is functioning, it is no surprise we are going in circles & not forward. Unnecessary red tape that is strangling the country, just to provide employment for cronies &survival of yobs in Parliament, all at the expense of the poor tax payer.

    At least good on Ranil for flexing his muscles, He should crack the whip on other yobs & crooks as well if he wants to prove his leadership qualities & as a Presidential hopeful.

  • 21
    0

    John Amaratungas daughter is married to one of the richest businessmen in the country. So he must be thinking that he could fish as he pleases. Some years ago he traveled along with MaRa overseas . He appears to be living it up. No disciplinary action since he has a Catholic vote base.;

  • 10
    3

    John amaratunga’s first job after January 2015 was destroying the walkaway build by Rajapakse govt. I heard it would coast Rs 82 million again to build. John amaratunga tried to pay one installment of IMF funds to advertise Sri lanka in America. He is the one who had double doze of voagra and was taken to the private hospital to take down his willie but was in the SARONG. HE had told the doctor “Putha don’t say this to any one”. Long ago, while a chick was in his car, he has driven the car into a paddy field. I can not name the doctor, but one well known doctor says John’s John is living because of Viagra.

    • 0
      1

      It’s good to be able to agree whole-heartedly with at least one comment by JD.

    • 1
      0

      This is so funny yet shameless. Yes the whole world knows of his Viagra episode.
      How come this dinosaur still holds a portfolio

    • 0
      0

      JD,
      ” John’s John is living because of Viagra.”

      Is that why they call him ‘Long John?’

      Is it true that he was controlling the steering wheel with his John? And this led to the car diving into the paddy field?

  • 16
    0

    John Ameratunge is a waste of space and tax payers’ money. I don’t know why RW keeps appointing him when there are younger more suitable MPs.

  • 0
    0

    Hello Amarasiri,

    May I present a different perspective?
    Firstly, JR had advocated an elected ‘Executive President’ throughout. Voters knew (perhaps voters who understood the concept of separation of power) and he achieved it.
    It is true that Dr. N. M. Perera warned the people, however, the office of the ‘Executive President’ served Sri Lanka well for a period of time.

    The ‘Executive President’ cannot be prosecuted in a court of law for any actions (both ‘commissions’ or ‘omissions’ – private or official). As such, there is nothing that can be done to President Sirisena.

    President Sirisena’s actions were based on the legal advice (poor advice as it transpires) and the question of ‘constitutional coup’ does not arise.

    As the PM Ranil has every right to clear any appointees that Minister consider well before sending a list to the President.
    I hope Ranil’s actions will lead to disciplined Ministers, which Sri Lanka needs notwithstanding the exceptionally brilliant and talented pool of MPs to choose Ministers from.

    It is good that Colombo Telegraph published this article.

  • 5
    0

    Who recommended John a Ministerial post ?

  • 7
    0

    can we have a retirement age for members of parliament please to infuse some fresh blood and talent.

  • 3
    4

    Why Clean Man is silent. where is his 40 years of Political experience. IS he just a Puppet or Scarecrow of th eInternational community, NGOs and puppet masteers. IT is not only Ranil all 225 are in the same camp. MEDIA IS ALSO INVOLVED. Remember how EIGHT media outlets of Mangala Samraweera dn MEDIA without media freedom screwed up one gang of THIEVES AND THEIR MAFIA members. So, then the NEXT ALIBABA and the 42 thives came and they now have 75 minisger posts and adheekshana ministers. So, Parliamentarians are earning every way possible. DUMB Voters look at and mourn. MEDIA MILK IT. PArliament is a Night club and is a RED light street. One of the eternal members of that club is JOHN the double dose Viagra minister.

  • 3
    0

    There is an underlying reason for RW’s current dislike for John Amaratunga. Previously, as a Catholic representative, JA was one of his closest allies and favourites. JA’s son-in-law Dinesh Weerakkody even wrote RW’s biography.

    But JA chose not to back RW during the October 26 revolution, and RW has always taken revenge against any UNPer who he suspects of not fully supporting him.

    In addition, there is a deeper psychological reason: penis envy after JA’s infamous Viagra incident.

    So he doesn’t like JA anymore..

  • 2
    0

    Bypassing one’s boss is bad enough. But through how many hurdles must the appointee pass to get his appointment. Minister chooses, meritoriously or otherwise. Must pass the PM office and PM personal barrier. Then comes the Presidential committee and the President’ own consent. It does not end there. It must also be cleared by the Parliamentary committee on highs posts, chaired by the premier again. With all that the institutions are running at a tangent. Are we to understand that these nominees, in the process of making hay while the Sun Shines are expected to share their spoils with those who clear their names to pinch national coffers?

  • 4
    0

    Prime Minister knows who to appoint-Mahendran, Ajit Dias, Charitha Ratwatte, Paski, Sagala’a brother ! come on, stop this nonsense of pretending you are something good

  • 0
    0

    Sunil

    1. “Firstly, JR had advocated an elected ‘Executive President’ throughout. Voters knew “‘

    Yes, 62 million voters elected the ‘Executive President’, Sirisena, but, but he went mad in office due to his greed He lied

    2 “The ‘Executive President’ cannot be prosecuted in a court of law for any actions (both ‘commissions’ or ‘omissions’ – private or official). As such, there is nothing that can be done to President Sirisena.”

    No, he can be impeached, if 2/3 of the parliament decides to do so

    3 ” As the PM Ranil has every right to clear any appointees that Minister consider well before sending a list to the President.”

    Yes He needs some discipline, and does not need any more madmen. He already has one madman, Sirisena Should the country play Russian Roulette with the executive presidency? UK had Prime Ministers during the war, and replaced Neville Chamberlain, the appeasement policy, with another PM We are stuck with Traitor Sirisena Dr N M Perera was right about the madman

  • 2
    0

    What’s the difference between RW & MR?

  • 0
    0

    The word “veteran” seems to be used quite liberally when trying to justify these appointments.While they may have years behind them the question is have they proven their mettle to hold these positions other than being favoured by that fossil of a minister.

    Those who have associated /worked with the appointees know better

  • 0
    0

    How can the PM only decide matters related to such appointments when the president is a member & the head of the cabinet?

    It’s team effort, not PM’s pooh-pooh should work.

    What the PM has done is wrong, instead he should have negotiated with the president regarding the matter.

    The senior politicians action should have been appreciated but could have easily been convinced through “yes but theory”
    .
    In case president opposed to PM’s appointees?

  • 1
    0

    John Amaratunga is a not suitable person to be tourism minister,First of all he does not understand how to improve the tourism industry, some one like John Amaratunga has no idea how to make use of things this country can offer to the tourism industry.He should resign as a minister of tourism.

  • 1
    0

    Politics in Sri Lanka are largely determined on whims and fancies. Political decisions overrule policy decisions from qualified officials who generally know what they’re doing. The Ranil case against John is no different. Appointments are made on loyalties rather than merit. An advisor to this tourism minister was a hotel manager before his later avatar. It is no wonder that Sri Lanka slips lower and lower in the world in both economic as well as social indices. The whole system is corrupt to the core.

  • 2
    0

    John the dirty immoral criminal should be kicked out. Kishu Gomes is part of the Globalist/Rothschild & Illuminati Agenda. No surprise if RW still approves his appointment.

  • 1
    0

    Jokers.

  • 3
    0

    Old fogies like John Amaratunga ought to be sent home on compulsory retirement. They are a damn menace to our country’s development.

  • 2
    0

    Yes this guy him self is utter waste. Agreed. What do people think about presidential Thatha who went to Philippines with a mob returned only to make another visit this time to Singapore. Following which , he will be going to Thailand soon. Even Trump could have come up with a better travel plan . .How far are these places from each other???????

  • 2
    0

    For a very long time the Authority and the bureau were staffed by appointments made during the Rajapakshe era. Nothing was done to replace them. This has been how the UNP governed this country in almost every institution. The result had been utter chaos and grid lock. These Rajapakshe stooges have no intention of getting things moving and continue the obstruct and harass those that try to get any beneficial work accomplished. During the coup ITN chased away the media minister himself when he arrived to deliver a statement regarding the prevailing situation at that time. Yet he continues to employ the same snakes and scoundrels. There is nothing great about behaving in this manner. Your stupidity and back boneless attitude will cost you the next election and you asked for it. One example Basil Rajapakshe’s bossom Pal Hettigoda the son of the old Siddhalepa Mudali sat on one of the tourism related institutions. These people minted money during the Rajapakshe era. Even the Mt. Lavinia bus stand mysteriously ended up in Hettigoda hands how or why no one knows to this day. This fellow sat on the board blocking anyone from getting anything done while the UNP happily carried being in La La Land. What a joke and embarrasment.

  • 0
    0

    Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe’s cancellation of an event in which Tourism Development and Christian Affairs Minister John Amaratunga was supposed to announce the names of the new chairpersons of the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) and the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotions Bureau (SLTPB), is not a ‘slap in the face’.
    A few weeks back John Amaratunge was censured for the “Kandyan Weddings for Chinese Tourists”.
    The Kandyan wedding tradition must not be used for commercial purposes.

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