Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said at a media conference held today at Temple Trees that he will continue as Prime Minister in accordance with constitutional provisions.
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe
This was the first time that Wickremesinghe addressed the media following the electoral debacle suffered by the party he leads, the United National Party (UNP), at the hands of the recently formed Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP).
Wickremesinghe did not allude to rumors about defections from and to the UNP, although it was reported that President Sirisena had asked Nimal Siripala Silva to show majority support in Parliament for the purpose of taking over from Wickremesinghe.
Wickremesinghe said that he is waiting for the President to return from Polonnaruwa to meet him regarding the current impasse where Parliamentary composition does not reflect the will of the people, going by results of the local government elections.
Colombo Telegraph learns that there are feverish discussions behind closed doors as both the UNP and SLFP struggle to put together numbers that would make it possible to form a stable government.
Wickremesinghe, obviously referring to the apparent dismay and dissent within the party following the electoral defeat, also stated that the UNP would be restructured to build a new leadership group. This is however not the first time that he has promised to put in place such mechanisms in moments of political uncertainty.
Mudson Amerasinghe / February 16, 2018
PM dont resign at any cost. Sirasa and sillysena playing a big game here.
Stay where you are Mr Clean rest assured you have the UNP support.
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Amarasiri / February 16, 2018
Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe,
Mama Seka Kalemi, Mama Dena Gathimi.
I suspected, I came to know.
Stay put. Fight back. Not all of this is your undoing. A good part is from Sirisena and his BAD governance, and you have to share this with him.
Nobody wants MaRa MaRa ChaTu MarR.
Admit your shortcomings, reform, get new blood and move on.
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nimal fernando / February 16, 2018
Ranil should step aside and let Sirisena’s SLFP and Mahinda’s JO/Bud jointly run the economy. In 2 years people will be begging for Ranil to come back.
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Sirisens knows didle about economics and Mahinda is no better ………. according to the Auditor General the country is drowning in debt.
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Does anyone beside me think that Nimal Siripala Silva is the best PM we never had?
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Oh boy! I just love Lanka.
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Kalu Nangi / February 16, 2018
Very interesting comment! Probably this is why MR is asking Ranil to continue. He wants Ranil to clean the mess he left behind! He won’t touch Premiership or takeover till the UNP finishes the cleaning process!
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Amarasiri / February 16, 2018
PM to remain in his post, video
https://youtu.be/0mM8X0QiCEs
Yes Mahinda Rajapaksa did call him.
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maalumiris / February 16, 2018
Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe has no shortcomings
He is a gentleman par excellence as so many here like to say
Not a crooked bone in his body
Always ready to help a friend
Everything going wrong is everyone else’s fault. Not His
He is blameless and pure
and anyway, he is a Royalist
So There !
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Eagle Eye / February 16, 2018
Mudson,
UNP and JVP guys blame the voters for bringing the corrupt politicians back to power at the last election. In the same token one can say those who voted to UNP wants to keep the politicians who are involved in robbing the Central Bank in power. JVP that claims to be clean was not chosen by voters. Why?
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Muruththattaya Ananda / February 16, 2018
Eagle eye. Ok lets say bond scam happened. What about the dozens of mega frauds, murders, greek bond, hedging, nilwala etc committed by mara and company. MS is also tainted with corruption allegations together with killi
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Kalu Nangi / February 16, 2018
Sirasa has succeeded in its campaign to brainwash the public by repeating over and over again that “UNP robbed the Central Bank”….!
Central Bank was robbed over the years by its own officers working hand in glove with the notorious Aloysious cronies, aided by the former Central Bank clown Cabraal.
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Burt / February 17, 2018
Sri Lankans in general want authority without accountability. LG elections they voted on emotions and not reason. Simple fact that MR sent Gota out of the country and kept Mr.10% away from the media should have spoken volumes.
This is LG elections not general so do your job for what you were elected. Stand by what you believe and if My3 is blocking your moves and bringing corrupt SLFP politicians to save his skin take the fight public so people remember when they go to vote the next time.
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Champa / February 16, 2018
Even with JO’s help President can’t form a SLFP government. According to 19-A, they have to prove that they have the majority in the Parliament as ONE PARTY which contested at the August 2015 election. Caretaker government is rubbish.
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Eventhough SLFP takes MPP from other parties and show the majority in the Parliament, it doesn’t apply as (i) those MPP are not SLFPers (ii) the actual number what SLFP won at the last general election is already registered. There is no way to change the number of MPP belonging to SLFP until the next election. That means Ranil’s position as the PM is unchallenged. There is no way to appoint a PM from SLFP without UNP’s consent.
..
I think this bogus political game to hoodwink voters should be stopped. Voters are not idiots and they will show that at the next election. JO is the biggest losers. Heroes became zeroes and the zero became a hero within 24 hours.
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Stop your stupid game, politicos!!!!! People are suffering. Sinhalese New Year is at the doorstep. Are you going to reduce food ;prices or not? How about rice? Are there enough rice in stock? How about farmers? Have they given the fertilizer? I heard that there is a massive drinking water shortage in 5 provinces. When are you going to address that issue? Will government servants get their festival allowance in time? Will there be a value pack of food items from CWC for this Sinhalese New Year too? How about people’s day-to-day food items such as onions, potatoes, lentils, sprats, milk powder, coconut (OMG), dry fish etc. I heard that vegetable prices in Dambulla have come down drastically. If there is an excess what are you going to do?
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As JO is a part of Yahapalanaya now, they are also answerable.
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Champa / February 17, 2018
OMG. I am sick of these politicians and their monkey dance. No doubt the voters will teach them a life time lesson at the next available opportunity.
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Ben Hurling / February 16, 2018
Sir,
QUIT taking orders from Indian, Chinese, US & UK ambassadors in Colombo. Both President & PM should listen to WE THE PEOPLE:
1. Current unity GOSL arrangement continues. The best option.
2. Re-shuffle the Cabinet in a very serious way.
3. Haul in the big fish behind crimes and theft to Welikada. In 6 months max.
We propose:
1. Sirisena as President
2. RW as PM
3. FM Sarath Fonseka as Law & Order Minister
Believe me, Rajapassa Clan, Cronies and Henchmen will wet their pants already today. Upon hearing this news. This is the only way to make sure King Kong will not bounce back in 2020. Ignore, people’s advise given above at your own peril!
Cheers!
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Perriamama / February 17, 2018
Oh dear oh dear….Lasantha must be turning in his grave hearing you propose Fonseka.
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Ben Hurling / February 17, 2018
Perriamama,
Oh dear oh dear….Lasantha can finally rest knowing his barbaric killers will rot in jail. Does that upset you.
Cheers!
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Native Vedda / February 17, 2018
Ben Hurling
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Buddha the awakened one must be turning in his Nibbana (Nirvana) seeing crooks are hiding or attempting to hide in chapter II of the constitution.
PS
CHAPTER II
BUDDHISM
9. The Republic of Sri Lanka shall give to Buddhism the foremost place and accordingly it shall be the duty of the State to protect and foster the Buddha Sasana, while assuring to all religions the rights granted by Articles 10 and 14(l)(e)
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Ben Hurling / February 17, 2018
Native,
There is no doubt fake Buddhists are using Buddhism. However, I have nothing against, nor should you about GOSL protecting Buddhism. Buddhism and its’ heritage must be protected from those other powerful crusading, intolerant religions. Not least from fake Buddhists as well. Cheers!
PS:
Please note France even protects its’ Champagne. There is no doubt then SL has an obligation to make sure Buddhism will survive the onslaught of Islam and Christianity all over the world. Otherwise Buddhism will become extinct. Just like in Afghanistan.
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sach / February 17, 2018
There should be a HAHA reaction here
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Real Revolutionist / February 16, 2018
Mudson Amarasinghe
PM should have resigned at the very beginning of the signs of defeat @ LG election to display his modesty; that is very vital to have upheld his dignity/credibility that he apparently lost with the surfacing of bond scam issue.
Now it’s too late. He lost a good opportunity due to his over loyalty to the party & party stalwarts.
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Chamuditha Senanayaka / February 16, 2018
Real revolution.
This is just a local govt election there is no need for the PM to resign.
I think you have to put your searchlight towards medamulana and polonnaruwa
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Real Revolutionist / February 17, 2018
Chamuditha Senanayake
It’s not mandatory for the PM or the government to resign but the ability of incorporating good ethics to our politics is vital.
That’s what’s good governance is.
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Anonymous / February 16, 2018
Serous moves to destabilize the Coalition Government is underway hope Sarath Fonseka is ready!
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Real Revolutionist / February 17, 2018
Anonymous
SF; the man who’s refused by the people?
You’re kidding?
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Kalu Nangi / February 17, 2018
President is seeking legal advice from AG to remove Ranil, media says. This is the same AG who gave a ‘D rope’ to the President and got him to go before the Supreme Court for an additional year. If the AG could not understand the jargon in the 19th Amendment, how on earth is he going to interpret the rest of it ?
19th Amendment is very clear about the continuity of the Premier. Art. 46 (2) states that “the PM shall continue to hold office throughout the period the Cabinet of Ministers continue to function under the Constitution”. If the President thinks that by changing the Cabinet, he can get rid of the PM, he would be sadly mistaken, since according to Art. 43 (3), even though the “President may change the assignment of subjects, functions and composition of the Cabinet of Ministers, such changes will not affect the Cabinet of Ministers”! So the PM will carry on till the next election. The only way possible to get rid of the PM, would be by dissolving Parliament. Sillysena will not do that, since he knows he would then be opening the doors to the wolves, (PJ / JO). So shut your gab, and carry on Mr. President!
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An Observer / February 16, 2018
The Hon. President of Sri Lanka does not whether he is coming or going.
Can we IMPEACH the President?
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Real Revolutionist / February 16, 2018
An Observer
Unfortunately you won’t be able to do it because of the man in neutral uniform; the speaker.
President has already given him green light (to make him the next PM) so probably he won’t accept impeachment vote.
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Mallaiyuran / February 16, 2018
Elder Old Son Prince has been propped up by Old King to be the decedent to carry on the dynasty (North Korean Style). News is suggesting Old Son Prince was in meetings with New King and was taking up distresses inflicted by New King to his family and thus brining family matters during the political negotiations. News says New King replied “It is not me; the other one is the one did it”. New King did not have a guard around him to order to remove out the members who were disturbing the meeting. A penny worthless New King was supportive (if not submissive) to Old Son Prince, inexperienced but a dangerous, juvenile behavioral person to that an extent, but earlier had arguments with Ranil, the Prime Minister, more or less at his level or next to him.
While Old Son Prince is dancing his ballet like that, Old King was pinching the baby and rocking the cradle (That is what the metaphor used by a Tamil Media to describe his action). He called Ranil and expressed his opinion that Ranil needs not to resign. But he denied that to media saying Rajitha who informed about it media as a liar. Apparently the victory is inducing in this blind dope in them.
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Mallaiyuran / February 16, 2018
For more than a year, News kept suggesting Old King was on the process of mete out Elder Old Brother Prince’s authority. The election of Local Government was won when Elder Old Brother Prince was in USA. That is a proof that he is not the war hero who can influence the Chauvinist Sinhalese. Ponny was kicked out of SLFP. When he went out and formed a party not even one single candidate won the election. That is a proof that he is not the war hero who can influence the Chauvinist Sinhalese. Old King was not removed from of SLFP. He is well and strong there. But while he in SLFP he just sponsored a party and had it won the election. That is a proof that he is the war hero, who can influence the Chauvinist Sinhalese.
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Burt / February 17, 2018
This is a better choice under the circumstance. If the President is IMPEACHED then the second-in-command will take over that office. Which should be RW. This will give Ranil the opportunity to install a younger person with ability as PM and shuffle the cabinet.
Wijadasa Rajapaksa did the worst damage to this govt and I hope if there is a shuffle they will not make the same mistake.
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Colonel Gadafpee / February 16, 2018
Just because a Gutter media Mogul and some uneducated Parliamentarians want you to resign with the blessings of the President.
As per the law according to lawyers for democracy that cant be done.
Hope at least now you will go after the Jarapaksas and Hopper sellers.
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NAK / February 16, 2018
Ranil got the constitution changed precisely for a situation like this. Not that he has hind sight but he had experienced the situation before.
He was appointed unconstitutionally the first time around in 2015 and now he will be removed unconstitutionally if needed.
Sirisena has no regard for the constitution and the UNP has equal share of the blame for that because it was the UNP that got him to do those things.
That is why there is a thing called dhitta dhamma vedhaneey Karma.
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Buddhi Perera / February 16, 2018
If MS is trying to betray 62 lakhs of people who brought him into power, he is the one who should resign. If he wants to remove the PM, it should not be an excuse to join with a murderous and corrupted lot. This would be an insulting betrayal by a coward.
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soma / February 16, 2018
B.P
62 lakhs or 1,487,960?
Soma
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Jim softy / February 16, 2018
Buddhi Perera: So are you saying this is all INGO work ? MY3 is just a puppet.
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Percy / February 17, 2018
Nothing new.He betrayed Mahinda in 2015. The man is evil and unreliable. The UNP deserves him.
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Dr. DharshanaW / February 16, 2018
What Ranil does and intends to do will be so arrogant and undemocratic, that we as a nation would stand as an example of “how not to to things” in a so-called democratic republic. So far RW’s actions of total monopoly, and undemocratic ways was limited to within the central committee and his party the UNP, but now he has exposed himself to the entire world.
As I know RW, from working as a member of the UNP “Think Tank” during the time that the party was losing elections all and sundry, RW was an utterly selfish egoistic “idiot” with no sense or touch of the ground realities. He, self assumes himself to be an economic maestro, but alas, he knows next to nothing of national level economics and that has been his “Achilles heel” in losing thirty elections as party leader over almost three decades.
And the best part is that the current UNP senior leadership still wants to continue with him as their leader.
Either the UNP senior members are full of corruption and RW is holding them against these or they are a bunch of low IQ idiots who does not understand left from right.
Either way, the UNP will not get out this dungeon that they themselves have dug into, and it is the segment of the UNP block voters who stands to suffer the worst of these consequences.
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Eagle Eye / February 16, 2018
Ulapane Sumangala Thero of Front Against Corruption who appeared in Sirasa ‘Satana’ Program on 16 February 2018 made a startling revelation about the building rented by the Ministry of Agriculture. He said the decision to rent that building was not taken by the Minister of Agriculture Duminda Disanayake but by the Prime Minister without the knowledge of the Minister of Agriculture. PM had submitted a Cabinet paper to take this building from a close friend of PM on rent. Government had paid 210 million Rupees as rent and the building remained unoccupied for 18 months. During this period the Government had paid 1.1million Rupees as Electricity Bill. Sumangala Thero said he is in possession of the Cabinet Paper submitted by PM. Isn’t this amounting to misuse of public funds? Whose money PM is using for this. Tax payers’ money. Can he do this kind of an irresponsible thing and pretend as Mr. Clean?
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Hamilton Ranasinghe / February 16, 2018
For ulapane thattaya thats not his scope to investigate. He should be in the temple not at sirasa studios.
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Eagle Eye / February 17, 2018
Hamilton and Kalu Nangi,
When ulapane thattaya talks corruption of Rajapakse regime he is a good guy but when he talks about Ranil’s corruption he is a bad guy. It is not Sirasa thrash. This is what ulapane thattaya told appearing in Sirasa ‘Satana’ program. Probably part of the money paid as rent to that building could have ended at UNP kitty.
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Kalu Nangi / February 16, 2018
You want us to gobble Sirasa trash?
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thrishu / February 17, 2018
Mr Clean? The description sounds like that of a pig with its snout in the trough, while the going is good. Were n’t people asking why Sri Lanka has been going backwards since the 4th February 1948, and now classed as even below Nepal or Burma in economic devlopment and welfare for the people? Well the answer is here, people like Ranil, Mahinda, Ravi, Kabir. Mahendran, Aloy, Malik, footnotes brigade etc etc. Do I need to say anymore?
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Eagle Eye / February 16, 2018
I heard several people appearing in TV discussions blaming voters for voting to bring back corrupt politicians of the previous Government to power at the last election. According to them this happened because the Government failed to fulfill their election promise of taking action against those involved with corruption. They have misjudged the pulse of the people. The voters voted to Pohottuwa because there was neither ‘Yaha’ nor ‘Palanaya’ in this Government. People do not care about ‘Yaha’. They need ‘Palanaya’.
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Nihal / February 16, 2018
Wonder of Asia, Me Rate Minissu Thanikara kelinne pissu,
Next full moon, will go to temple and pray to born some other country thousands mile away in next birth.
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Eagle Eye / February 16, 2018
President is right when he said UNP that was responsible for the economy ruined it. All the indicators show economy is not doing well after the present Government came to power. Blaming the former regime is not what people expected. With the instability prevailing at present no investor will dare to take the risk. Best thing to bring stability and investor confidence is Army to take over the country and hand over the country to a limited period to a set of non-politicians who are capable of getting the economy out of the present crisis. Some might not like the idea of Army getting involved. Unless the Army do that, politicians will never agree to an interim arrangement. They are crazy about holding on to power. Do not care what happens to the country.
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Kalu Nangi / February 16, 2018
If we allow the President to govern this country on his own, we will drown or be swept away by an enormous financial Tsunami! He knows next to nothing about economics and finance. He is good at preaching….and turning a blind eye to the corruption within his own house. A glaring example of his stupidity is the request he had made to Nimal Siripala Silva to show a parliamentary majority to be appointed PM! He would be the laughing stock of the international community if he removes Ranil and appoints Nimal Siripala in his place.
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Raj / February 16, 2018
Fully agree with Amarasiri. People don’t want MR back if there is a choice & Sirisena is totally out of his depth & lost in the political wilderness. Ranil should take this final opportunity to prove his integrity & leadership by kicking out undesirables, starting with Ravi K. People make mistakes in judgement, so come clean & let the law takes it course, you have pledged your allegiance to the country & not to your crony friends. Get rid of the thugs & smooth talking lotus eaters, get new blood & keep them on a tight leash to prevent them getting sucked in to the cesspit that is corruption. You have nothing to lose. You can go down in history as an ineffective leader or as a reformist who at least tired to ‘drain the swamp’ as Trump would say.
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Rajiv / February 17, 2018
Raj,
If Ranil is to prove his “integrity and leadership” he needs to kick himself out.
Ranil has no integrity or leadership. Let’s talk about leadership. He has not won an election in years. That in itself should be enough to kick himself out.
Integrity-What integrity? It’s obvious that Ranil was the mastermind of the Bond scam. That in itself should be enough to impeach him. How dare he brings his crony attorney general to question him?
If Aloysius and Palisena are kept in jail a few months without bail, they may start singing like parrots.
The man has no self respect either. Add to that a murderer. Not much different from Rajapaksha except Rajapaksha eliminated terrorism and the country was developing.
That’s what the average village voter is concerned about-feeding their families, educating their children and living in peace
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Mallaiyuran / February 17, 2018
“Ranil should take this final opportunity to prove his integrity & leadership by kicking out undesirables, starting with Ravi K. People make mistakes in judgement, so come clean & let the law takes it course, you have pledged your allegiance to the country & not to your crony friends. Get rid of the thugs & smooth talking lotus eaters, get new blood & keep them on a tight leash to prevent them getting sucked in to the cesspit that is corruption. You have nothing to lose.
Some of these are unrightful demands, non-due claims and unsatisfiable vain desires. Ranil has promise by which owes to Sinhala Mahajan that “No Leader, No Commander, No Soldier will be prosecuted”. Ranil will never ever touch a fly that claims it lives in the Compound of Old Royal Palace. All what you have is absolute ignorant dreams like that Ranil appointing Ponny as law and order Minister. If he has had that feeling, he might have long ago directed Deal Dasa to prosecute Avant Garde criminal. Tilak might not be in cabinet. (Tilak is three or four times more rotten than Younger Old Brother Prince-but has a professional degree) The CID team that went to Dubai to pick up Udayanga might have been dump in Indian Ocean while flying back to home.
“Kiddaathaayin Veddena Mara” (Worth to forget those, which cannot be gained). Find something else have achieved.
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Edward / February 16, 2018
You have sat too long here for any good you have been doing. Depart, I say, and let us have done with you. In the name of God, go! Lord Oliver Cormwell
But can we find a better Rogue?
All are from the same bunch.
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shankar / February 16, 2018
Ranil Wickremasinghe’s proposed new leadership group will consist of 1.ranil wickremesinghe2.Ranil wickremesinghe3.ranil Wickremesinghe.4.ranil…….5.ranil………6.guess who
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Kamalawathie Sameer / February 17, 2018
shankar – 6. Ranil Rajafucksha !
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Percy / February 24, 2018
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Douglas / February 16, 2018
A REMINDER to PM, Mr. Ranil Wickramasinghe: – When the campaign began for the Local Govt. Polls, YOU summoned all the UNP MPs to Temple Trees, your official residence and said: “Don’t ever, even think of visiting Temple Trees, if you fail to secure a winning for the party. Do you remember that? Leave the Constitution aside. Why don’t you leave Temple Trees and set an example to your UNP, MPs? That is how the “LEADERS” act; but I know you will NEVER behave and act like that. So hold on to your position and be assured of MR’s support for you. MR too wants you to be there, because he wants to teach an unforgettable lesson to MY3. You had “Black Coffee” nights and was grateful; but MY3 had “Hopper Nights” and “Stabbed” in the back. MR will neither forget nor forgive and that is his nature and character. Worth holding on.
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K.Pillai / February 16, 2018
What the present impasse shows is that coalition of equal partners has checks and balances. We must try and improve on this.
Note that the scramble is to hold the rein. The language/religion-divide is not there!
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Good Sense / February 16, 2018
Facts are sacred but comment is free. When I read the caption of this article, I am reminded of that saying. This election result, which is the verdict of the people, was not expected and I surmise that it is a surprise to MR himself. All what I ask from both MY3 and RW is not to fight like kiddies but respect the wishes of the public and mend your ways. Neither should resign and deliver your promises.
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Jim softy / February 16, 2018
Evedry thing is preplanned. They paly the same game for 70 years. NEws paper articles appear to suit that. If not, It is Ranil who legislated extra ministers outside th 19th amendment. IT says 30, but there are over 85 miniters which is over the legilslated number. People elected President can not remove the President appointed PM.
PM is just a the eternakl party leader elected only in an elecorate. People vote. they become honourable Voters become wet Dogs. That is Sri lankan democracy and the yahapalanaya. all includign the bond scam was pre planned.
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Mallaiyuran / February 16, 2018
New King actions are fruitless, ignoramus deeds so far. It sounds like he had dream for some time to fire Ranil. Ranil, just after PCoI flashes, had asked UNP backbenchers not to denounce Precedent, not out of decency, but with foxy cunning. Ranil seems to have played his card perfectly once more. Now New King is struck. This indicates Yahapalanaya will be continuing and that continuation going to be with more disaster dysfunction than it has been – EP-PM petty squabbles will the show of the day in the menu.
We saw the “Radhika Constitutional Council” members at work. We show Police Commission at work. Now the new question is, after the LG election, are we seeing the election commission at work too? Election commission has postponed the date of LCs’ starting date (15/03/2018).There is nothing in the whole world can explain why election commission needs one more month to set up the councils? The most senior Job, the EP, take over didn’t needed to wait the result be enounced the election commissioner on Jan, 8th 2015. First, the election results were not coming out on Feb 10th. Explanation came. Then the result was not published on net. Explanation came. LC should have started yesterday, the date fixed for it. Only lame duck explanation came. This is serious when the question of “who is this Slap Party” is still remaining open. How much is part of the election in commission planning and implementing these dramas? For whom election commission is waiting to start the LGs?
The election system is on the constant manipulation. Last LG election was conducted by the new amendment, which is a combination of PR and FPTP systems. In future this will be employed in the elections of all other government levels. What attempted to achieve was to destroy any party’s ability to win a clear majority in the election. So no party can become a ruler.
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Mallaiyuran / February 16, 2018
All parties in future will have to foster deals with the oppositions. That means the dysfunctional germs of Yahapalanaya of the central government is forcefully injected into other level governments with retrain hold. The LGs created under the system is going to function without oppositions. Winners are wooing with lucrative deal the opponents (San JVP). Here after there is no one will be in Lankawe to question the murders, looting, rapes and other atrocities committed in the daylight by the elected politicians of Lankawe.
Don Stephen achieved his ethnic cleansing only by a simple Act. But SWRD’s and Sirimavo’s Sinhala only needed 1972 constitution to support it, eventually. There upon PR system and others were passed to stop Tamils becoming even opposition’s leaders. In other words Sinhala Chauvinist, by then had tasted the convenience and the niceties of rewriting the constitution for not just to benefit majority race, but for benefit of single individuals, who are on power.
When the 19A came, every idiot believed that it was a democratic Act and will restore the democracy. Now it is clear in another dictator, Ranil’s plot.
With 18A, a shameless rogue tried to become a permanent dictator of the country taking advantage of majority community’s ugly racism. Though it was flawless planning, but at the last minute the God destroyed it and saved the Sinhalese from becoming another Cuban community.
18A was a manipulation to seat Old King on presidency beyond his fair time limit. It is exactly in the same way 19A is seating Ranil on Premiership beyond the people’s representation. It is only fair if a Prime Minster comes to power and leaves it with simple majority. But Ranil has modified the constitution so that he can only be removed by 2/3. What is urgent for the country now is not “that President or this Prime Minister”, but restoration of the Westminster style Soulbury Constitution. Rest can be attended one by one.
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Pandi Kutti / February 17, 2018
Chingkallams are racist and chauvinistic and vote for racist chauvinistic rogues war criminals and idiots , who promise them to discriminate and eliminate the Tamils in the island. As long as Tamils are discriminated and eliminated, they do not care if these politicians plunder loot and ruin the country. This is a small issue for the Chingkallams . They are not patriotic but only consumed with hatred jealousy and envy for the island’s Tamil speaking people and will do anything to destroy them. Even if they starve and remain unemployed . Tamils must be ruined and destroyed . Very different to neighbouring Bharatha Kandam and the attitude of its leaders and most of its people. No wonder Bharatam is developing and the island is fast going down the drain. The ruination of this island is Chingkalla Buddhist Fascism and its Mahavamsa mentality.
https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/pm-modi-says-tamil-is-a-beautiful-language-regrets-knowing-only-vanakkam-1170936-2018-02-16
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Jim softy / February 16, 2018
Shameless and Naked robber gang leader. He is courafgeous to face a photo. Only the Psychopaths, Alibabas, Mafia leaders can do what he does. Maithripala Sirisena’s govt has so far been very dishonest. They did not release the PCOLI report yet to the public. but, it is supoosed to have been presented to the parliament. Even JVP is silent.
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Trevor Srinivasan / February 16, 2018
There is no need for Mr Clean to resign. If there is an iota of shame Sillysena has to resign because he used the state machinery for elections and uttered diabolical lies about the bond scam.
Resign now SLFP bastas
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Jim softy / February 16, 2018
Trevor Sirinivasan: first learn Engllish.
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Kamalawathie Sameer / February 17, 2018
Jim-Boar – Were you talking to yourself?
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Percy / February 17, 2018
Who is Mr Clean. The guy who cleaned out the Central Bank or the guy who cleans the toilet? Bond scam lies? Any of your relations involved?
.
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Jim softy / February 16, 2018
It is very clear what is going on. MY3 is no different. There should be a Clean party for the next presidential election.there should not be a PM anymore.
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Shan / February 16, 2018
Does this call for change of government at the centre merely because of this local election results mean mocking at the popular verdict of parliament election held in 2015? Does it suggest that it would repeat in one or two years in case an election is held for any other body?
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roger / February 16, 2018
RW get rid of your arrogance and come down from the ivory tower. Try to understand the common man. Donot say that you will provide WIFI to farmers who are facing fertilizer issues. learn some economics. people told you from the start not to appoint Mahendran the thief. you supported him and backed him when the writing on the wall was clear. you got the feed back atleast now stepdown
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Real Revolutionist / February 16, 2018
Even though there’s constitutional protection; the marginal victory (only 106 seats), the losing credibility arising from failures & bond scam & the humiliating defeat @ LG election, you’ve been placed @ negative position.
It’s frustrating to mention that they compel you to leave office.
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Siri / February 16, 2018
Damn idiot crazy Sirisena, how could he ask Ranil to resign when his SLFP got 7% votes whereas UNP got 34%. If he is honourable man, it’s he should resign first. All these commotions are only due to his madness, and his power greediness. After all his big talk of one term president, he tasted the power and wants to go on, for this the biggest obstacle is Ranil, and he wants to destroy him. If he supported, they would have easily got the 10% required for them to get to the top. This local government election results are not relevant to the national government. In the US, during President Obama’s period, in the midterm elections the Republican Party captured both the house and senate, none resigned. Let the government go on as it is, and prove themselves to the people or go to the drains, in the remaining two years.
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upset lanka / February 16, 2018
I just listened to Ranil Wickramsinghe in TV. Very clearly he said that he is not responsible to get Arjun Mahendran to appear in courts. This man (I don’t feel like calling him prime minister any more after listening to him today even though I voted his useless party in last election) said as Arjun Mahendran is no more the Central Bank governor it is a matter between an individual and courts. What an indecent, corrupted fellow is this? Can we call him our prime minister anymore? He made Arjun Mahendran the governor and facilitated the central bank robbery and now says he is not responsible for what Mahendran did. What a devious, manipulative, cunning man. This man should be kicked out of parliament and Sri Lankan politics.
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Janaka from Matara / February 16, 2018
Whoever who put the header to this forgot that the constitution IS the ultimate refuge. At the moment, it is not only RW who should seek its protection, but the whole country.
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sbarrkum / February 16, 2018
RW should continue to be PM..
The country will continue to be dysfunctional and bumble along.
And then in 2020 a landslide (75%) enabling a further tinkering of the constitution.
Thats my prediction if RW continues (I hope)
Patience is the name of the game.
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Extra Cover / February 17, 2018
Well said Ben Hurling. I agree with all what you have written.
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vanangamudi / February 17, 2018
Karma is at work. In the 1950s you wanted to dethrone the Tamils from responsible positions they were serving the country so well. You tried to thrust Sinhala Only down their throats and tried to destroy Tamil doctors, lawyers, judges and other professionals – only because they were able and efficient. You down-grade English all over the country. See the state of the country now!!!! Part of it is sold to the Chinese – with more to come. India insists and has got Consular Offices in Hambantota and Jaffna because they know what the future of this country is going to be. Why did not the Sinhala Nationalists – led by the Nayakas – take to the streets when parts of the country was sold? The country has hit the bottom. Soon there will be food riots, communal riots, political riots and many more. We will have to appeal to India and China to come and restore order.
For God’s sake, let the Mahanayakas and the Army get together and
get the Sinhalese and Tamils to run the country on a programme to be worked by patriotic senior judges, lawyers and civil society leaders across the racial/religious divide.
Vanangamudi
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thrishu / February 18, 2018
Actually it is better if we handover the country to China. A nation brought up along feudal lines through 26 centuries of known history, they would not notice the difference. Look at Tibet, despite all the resistance and discrediting China, the main population centres are highly developed, much more advanced than Sri Lanka and even better than in Singapore. There is a super efficient railway through mounatains, which westerners could not even think of as impassable. Yes give Sri Lanka to China and they will turn round this country in no time, and ensure that all bribe takers, corrupt politcians and law enforcers from beat cops to supreme court judges that are corrupt say good bye to their lives at dawn. That is what they deserve.
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