UNP MP Mangala Samaraweera has today said that in a Parliamentary democracy executive powers are vested in Parliament and the Cabinet of Ministers and the Prime Minister is, as the term implies the ‘first among equals’.
Mangala Samaraweera MP
Issuing a clarification statement to the media he said; “as the reporting of the press conference held by me on November 27, 2014 (yesterday) was unclear and somewhat misleading in some newspapers.”
Mangala Samaraweera said; “in the proposed constitutional reforms of the joint opposition, supremacy of Parliament will be restored and an all party cabinet led by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe will deal with the day to day affairs of government and the PM would be head of government like in all Parliamentary democracies. Although the executive powers of the President will be abolished within 100 days, certain duties and functions will be allocated to the President.”
“It is also the view of the leaders of the joint opposition, that it would be beneficial to the country if a government of National Unity could be formed even after the General Elections for a minimum of 2 years bringing to end the era of confrontational politics which has plagued our political culture since independence.” he further said.
Anpu / November 28, 2014
““It is also the view of the leaders of the joint opposition, that it would be beneficial to the country if a government of National Unity could be formed even after the General Elections for a minimum of 2 years bringing to end the era of confrontational politics which has plagued our political culture since independence.”
A very good idea.
What would be the size of the cabinet?
Would the new govt reduce the armed forces?
Would it reduce size of the armed forces in N&E to an acceptable level?
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paul / November 28, 2014
No chance mate. The common opposition are already fighting with each other. They are all in it to get what they can out of it. Abolishing the EP is the golden cure all that they dangle before the eyes of the masses. How many times must the voters get kicked in the balls before they realise that their leaders are dealers in half-truths and lies?
Solution? Why assume there is a solution?
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Kalupahana / November 29, 2014
It is increasingly clear that too many cooks spoil the soup!
It is well known that both the opposition and govt MPs collaborate when it comes to giving themselves perks and are EQUALLY CORRUPT and that it is the people who are suffering due to cross-party CORRUPTION in the Parliament of Corrupt Clowns and morons.
If Ranil Wickramsinghe, the UNP dictator and the Opposition has been a proper opposition and focused on corruption and policy issues the county would not have sunk so low.
It is the politicians in Parliament – opposition and govt that are corrupt and rotting Lanka, so Mangala’s claim that confrontation politics must end is a lot of bull shit. When there is a national government with all the currant corrupt thugs working together there will be more corruption rather than less corruption. This joint opposition is turning into a stinking nightmare!
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Don Stanley / November 29, 2014
The joint opposition has been totally uninspiring thus far after the initial buzz about Siripala. The Joint opposition seems set to LOOSE the election at this time.
1. As Hema has said here “what president would declare an election while having two more years to serve before expiration of his current term if he thought he would face a war crimes trial later?”. Maiti Siripala has shown that he is a FOOL. He has fallen for Jarapassa’s lies and is promising not to have war crimes trail against Jarapassa and his corrupt family, rather than pointing out the logical fallacy of Jarapassa’s greed and lies in calling an ILLEGAL Presidential elections 2 years early!
2. Instead of taking their case and talking to the VOTERS and the PUBLIC on policies and speaking to and EDUCATING VOTERS on the CORRUPTION Of Jarapassa, the so-called joint opposition is discussing symbols and busy trying to get CORRUPT politicians and Ministerial RATS on Jarapassa’s ship to cross over! Horse trading of corruption and disease ridden horses seems the name of the opposition game!
3. Rajitha Seniviratne who has become the mouth piece of the Joint opposition, is the worst, has a mouth like a sewer and is constantly talking about cross overs that do NOT materialize.
4. Meanwhile, precious time to speak to the VOTERS in lost in the horse trading circus that is taking place ELECTIONS ARE NOT WON OR LOST IN a CORRUPT PARLIAMENT. They are won and lost on the streets and by engaging with VOTERS..
5. Women are conspicuously absent from Joint Opposition except for CBK. This is a mistake as WOMEN VOTERS are over half the population.
The Joint opposition seems set to LOOSE the election at this time – since the choice seems to be between more and less corruption, and as the saying goes, the know devil is better than the unknown!.
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Dr,Rajasingham Narendrab / November 28, 2014
Anpu,
Maithripala Sirisena has said that he will implement the LLRC recommendation. No doubt a much delayed step forward. Would he also consider implementing the Mahinda appointed APRC proposals, which were dumped in the trash can by MR, after promising all and sundry that they will be the basis for political solution to the Tamil problem. I also hope Prof. Tissa Vitharana will crooks over with this report held prominently in his hands! He can be appointed minister for implementation of the LLRC and the APRC proposals.
Dr. Rajasingham Narendran
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Anpu / November 28, 2014
Dr RN,
“Prof. Tissa Vitharana ….He can be appointed minister for implementation of the LLRC and the APRC proposals”
I do not trust him.
“Minister of Science and Technology and Leader of the LSSP, Prof. Tissa Vitharana told the Sunday Observer that his party decided to support President Mahinda Rajapaksa running for a third term because he was sworn-in as Executive President on his second term only after the 18th Amendment was incorporated to the constitution and there were constitutional impediments. “
I did not bother reading the rest http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2014/11/23/pol05.asp
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Dr. Rajasingham Narendran / November 28, 2014
I mentioned the possibility of a ministerial position as a wise crack, as he is taking a very unwise stand for a very inexplicable reason. He probably needs the sinecure. He is a very decent person and his stance hence cannot be explained otherwise.
Dr.RN
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Real Peace / November 28, 2014
Dr RN should be appointed as Minister of Mahinda Chinthana in the joint opposition cabinet because until recently he has been a great fan of MaRa!!
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Burning Issue / November 28, 2014
Anpu,
I share your scepticism, but this is Sri Lanka and there will be a lot of upheaval to unfold between now and the election date. Do not be surprised to see more and more people crossover to the opposition. MR will bribe, threaten, intimidate and even exercise violent attacks in order to prevent people from leaving. But I think, too much damage has been done by his family members and henchmen.
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Native Vedda / November 28, 2014
Dr,Rajasingham Narendrab
“after promising all and sundry that they will be the basis for political solution to the Tamil problem.”
I am sorry it is not a Tamil problem, but a Sinhala/Buddhist problem imposed on all people of this island.
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Dr.Rajasingham Narendran / November 29, 2014
Native Vedda,
I usually say ‘so-called Tamil problem’. I think it is time now to say, ‘Problems of the Tamils’.
Thank you.
Dr.RN
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Rajash / November 28, 2014
Will the Tamils aslo be trated as equals. Nothing so far on the issue form the two camps
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Amarasiri / November 28, 2014
Mangala Samaraweera MP
Thank you all in the Common Opposition to come with a Candidate who can beat the Mara Dynasty.
Keep it up and inform the populace.Make MaRa aka Mara history and Retire.
The Mara Should lose to Mr. Matripala Sirisena by 60/40 or even 70/30.
With a common sense Pamphlet and more information, this may even go to 75/25.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_Sense_%28pamphlet%29
Mahinda collides with intelligence sections
As media had revealed a conflict had developed within intelligence section and the President has removed the head of police intelligence Chandra Vakista from that position say reports.
It is further revealed that Mr. Maithripala Sirisena would poll 59% of the votes while Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa would be able to get only 41% of the votes.
Already, senior officers in police as well as Army intelligence sections have been transferred. The main reason for such transfers is that they had not been able to foresee Mr. Maithripala Sirisena coming forward as the candidate of the common opposition.
http://www.lankatruth.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7878:mahinda-collides-with-intelligence-sections&catid=42:smartphones&Itemid=74
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Lasantha / December 1, 2014
Well said Amarasiri.
Great that Mangala explained these clarifications to the public.
We know that both Maithreepala Sirisena and Ranil are not Greedy for power.Also they both are humble and live simple lives. They do not wear 20 million rupee Diamond studded Rolex watches.
I am dreaming for the day of a “Government of National Unity”. This will lessen the mis-understanding, guilt and fear among political parties and will give more authority and responsibility to carry out their duties well. Also there will be co-ordination and harmony in the parliament and avoid buying opposition party members. Also there should be responsibility, Transparency and accountability.
Also I like if the common opposition parties could work on drawing up the new constitution now it self using all the best Brains available among past and current Judiciary, Law firms, university dons and other professionals.
Also the common opposition should bring forward answers to day to day life, communal, racial, social, gender equality,inter religious harmony, entrepreneurship, foreign trade, and International affairs which all of these are a failure at the moment. President Rajapakse did not address any of these issues except trumpeting on winning LTTE war.
Good show UNP and Mangala. Please keep educating and informing the Masses and the voters through media on day to day basis.
Also Mangala and UNP should use the best professional knowledge, best brains, best marketing skills, technology, electronics, media and all other strategies available to win next Presidential elections. Not the Rajapakse cutouts and pasting wall papers all over wasting millions without much results.
Remember it’s the correct strategy at lowest cost and great offensive skills that win matches. Same with Politics. Use every free and rented media available to convey message among all communities.
Remember this is going to be a do or die elections. So make sure you win. Unity is the key.
Good luck.
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Amarasiri / November 28, 2014
Mangala Samaraweera MP
You need to Expose this Illegal use od state resources for MaRa Campaign.
http://www.lankatruth.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7877:heres-the-truth&catid=42:smartphones&Itemid=74
Video: Here’s the truth…
Media, on several occasions, revealed that employees and vehicles of Road Development Authority were being deployed to paste posters of Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa’s election campaign. ‘Sirasa’ TV telecast a video yesterday (28th) confirming this.
The video shows an employee of RDA pasting a poster in Chilaw area and his views regarding the job he has been assigned to do. The video reveals real situation these employees are confronted with.
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Amarasiri / November 29, 2014
Expose, Expose and Expose, the MaRa of Medamulana , their Shills and Cronies.[Edited out]
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Patriot / December 1, 2014
Yes Expose, expose and expose every MR Medamulana and their Shills and Cronies to the world.
Rajapakses are playing a Psychological war against all opponents hitting them left and right and from top to bottom using all Government media while telling utter lies.
It is time for Mangala, madam CBK, Ranil, Patali, Gen.Sarath Fonseka, JVP AKD all all others to jointly go on offensive against MR to discredit his false propaganda.
Therefore expose all the MR and his crooks to the world.
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paul / December 1, 2014
Such a government should include Rajapaksa’s if it is to be a true government of national unity. If not,assuming MR will take, say 45% of national vote count, it would be a 55% unity government.
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Harry Hatton / November 28, 2014
This comment was removed by a moderator because it didn’t abide by our Comment policy.For more detail see our Comment policy https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/comments-policy-2/
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Gaje / November 28, 2014
How come Ranil? He would be the PM till democracy is restored! FINE! After that the people will choose the PM! It may be Ranil? But could be anyone!
Don’t think Maithripala should install a nikama! Don’t expect to piggy back the people!
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srilal / November 28, 2014
it is reported ,week end news paper “Ravaya” have been put on hold due to a controversial news head line , this is yet another dumb work carried out by the clowns .
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Abhaya / November 28, 2014
equal incompetent fags and nincompoops . imagine , mangala maitree chandrika ranil … oh the joy .
Cheers
Abhaya
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Jim softy / November 29, 2014
Versus the Criminals, drug lords, thugs, public thieves and humongous political donation collectors.
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Native Vedda / November 29, 2014
bla, bla blAbhaya
Do you want to replace mangala maitree chandrika ranil with Mervyn Silva, Abhaya, Malaka Silva, Duminda, Sajin Vass, Dyan, Sampath Vidanapathirana, ……. Nonis, Mohan Pieris, ……ela kolla, Nisantha De Silva, sach, Nuisance, Taraki, K A Sumanasekere, ………… mechanic, ….
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mechanic / November 28, 2014
We can imagine the ‘fist among equals’ from the democracy that prevail in the UNP right now.
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wathie / November 28, 2014
Think about this you suckers.
2. Article 31 of the Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka (hereinafter referred to as the ” Constitution “) is hereby amended as follows by the repeal of paragraph (4) of that Article and the substitution of the following paragraph therefor : –
“(4) Where a poll for the election of a President is taken, the term of office of the person elected as President at such election shall commence on the expiration of the term of office of the President in office:
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douglas / November 29, 2014
It looks, the trouble for the “Common Candidate” has emerged. If there is a “Common Front” formed after consideration of various issues involved, I cannot understand why every “Dick,Tom & Harry” started making statements as and when questions arise. If there is a “Common Front” of all the constituent parties; then there must be “ONE” spoke person” to handle and issue clarifications. Is this the ” beginning of an end”? We already know who some or very many of this “Common Front” are and what they are up to and are capable of. So it is for the “Common Candidate” to take control at the very beginning and establish a compromising joint mechanism to avoid these dangers of “one trying to walk above another” to show his/her might. I say this, because, already there is a “struggle” to tell us who “master minded” the exit of Minister of Health and “how” they tirelessly worked to get him as the common candidate. This type of “ego centric” attitude is the worst danger that could be fallen on an individual and an organization too.
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K.A Sumanasekera / November 29, 2014
Is our Fashion Designer trying to get the FM job again, after putting the foot in it?.
CC Sira’s bullshit promises are also unravelling too.
He says he will protect Mahinda Rajapaksa, his brothers , families and the brave Soldiers from Ms Pillai.
And will never allow them to be taken away to the Hague..
But President Sira wouldn’t be the President after the 18 April, the day we commence our employment in the New year…. Right
Because according to his employment contract maximum stay is 100 days.
Then the fashion Designer’s buddy Ranil will be the Exec PM with his UNP, TNA, Diaspora Cabinet ..
Never mind the Rajapaksa
Without the President tag, can CC Sira protect even our Armed forces from Ranil and his Velala and Diaspora mates in the Cabinet?..
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mechanic / November 29, 2014
How could a man who moan that he couldn’t get a cartoon on a cigarette packet and implement a national policy bill in parliament fight the GTF Suren Surendiran and Tamil Diaspora and help our war heroes? MY3 is puppet of the bandit queen. He has no backbone to stand up and fight.
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Rabok / November 29, 2014
Hi Mechanic ~~ Complete truth about this crying baby ~ we have to say ~ Anne Pau Ahinsakaya ~ who wants to be the king ~ Illan kewa under MR now same thing will happen to him under Ranil ~ there should be an end to this illan kemate
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Paul / November 29, 2014
Vaasi petthata hoiyya! (Hurrah for the winning side!)
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Rabok / November 29, 2014
It looks joint opposition having many agendas ~ latest being the formation of national gov. where RW is the executive PM and the parliament consist of all the parties in the country ~ First thing RW will be having a Parliament of over 300 Ministers ~ because as a usual practice he has to satisfy so many of his top supporters ~ this parliament will not be able to pass bills on any important issues because of it’s diverse mixture ~ then RW has to adopt JR techniques to find his way in the parliament and will be another dictator ~~ MS who will most probably be a Puppet President of the country will have a happy contended time enjoying all the perks ~ the guys who are planning to cross over with him will be cursing him for putting them into a situation worse than what they enjoyed under MR ~ Regarding other promises like implementing independent commission of bribery, independent police service and independent judiciary and independent civil service will never materialize simply because the set of smart roughs that will consist of RW parliament cannot rob freely for another generation if these Commissions come into effect ~ As for the security of this country against elements who are day dreaming to have a separate state will have a better chance to fulfill their dream ~ because RW will bent like a piece of clay under international pressure ~ Short history of his rule provide ample examples ~ Like his exposure of Rapid Response unit and allowing the annihilation of all its members by LTTE ~~~ when the then top Army officials were pleading him not to do so as they were in a very successful mission of eliminating the top rung of LTTE leadership ~~ completely demoralizing our forces by allowing LTTE to break peace accord at will and ordering Forces not to retaliate ~ I do think UNP have no write to take any credit on the victory over LTTE ~ because these guys were ridiculing them throughout the entire war against LTTE ~~ why RW did all these ??? because he could not judge correctly ~ and was willingly listen to Western peace brokers and NGOs ~~ Now say MS wins and goes into sanity after 100 days leaving a bunch of hungry crooks under RW ~~ a politician rejected by the voters more than 26 times ~~ eagerly waiting to rob and fill their bags for another period of time ~ Mr MS you will be going to the history as a traitor not as a hero ~ for bringing this disaster to the country ~ for the simple selfish reason of satisfying your ego ~ Voters be careful ~ beware of wolves in Sheep skin ~ I hope no one needs introduction of the biggest she wolf( CBK ( in this gang ~ you will get a better idea of her politics by reading Victor Ivans CHOURA RAGINA ~
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K.A Sumanasekera / November 29, 2014
Is Malaka and daddy Mervyn about to join Ranil and the Opposition?.
BASL heavy who represented Mamlaka was in his element, defending the good Kid Malaka and was abusive against the two British citizens who are the victims.
The BASL guy in fact called the victims Suddas in a derogatory manner implying that they get special treatment and favours.
The BASL heavy was really pissed off that the Magistrate put a ban on Malaka’s Night Life.
And guess what?..
BASL heavy is going to appeal the ban as a Humana Rights violation of baby Malaka?..
And he is going to the highest court with this appeal..
Wonder whether it is pro bono work from the BASL ?…
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Mallaiyuran / November 29, 2014
It was an unwanted talk that the Sinhala Intellectuals started about removal of executive president. We wrote about it continually in these comments. The uneducated (I mean Padichchum Padikkatha) fools like Prof. Jeyampathy, Prof.Kumar Prof.Laksiri started these mistakes. In time they will be pushed to the corner. The powerful EP is indispensable feature of the Sinhala Intellectuals’ politics. They are trying to fix it now. Lanka can go only on direction. They have very efficiently followed it from the day of freedom. Now the election campaign is turning to the proper direction. That is bashing the War crime investigation, bashing the LTTE rumps, the diaspora. Bashing the Tamil separatist the TNA… Soon it will heat up, not about the China loan, not about the nuclear submarines… they all are part of the indispensable EP.
DS removed Tamils votes, because on the democratic dimension, Tamils can be path block to the Sinhala Intellectuals installing the Dutugamunu. Sirimavo removed the Privy Council Impediment which Tamils has been using as threat time to time when the Sinhala intellectuals want to go the path of Dutugamunu. . JR dismissed the people elected opposition leader Amirthalingam and chased him to India, changed the constitution to make sure that never ever an Tamils idiot can come into his way and block his progress on the path of EP. King carried out genocide of Tamils, because when Tamils lost on Democratic dimension, they came armed. Now the path is free. The Snow Ball is to roll down. While it goes down, it will gather more. This Mangala, Maitri all are one time Captains and Knights of the regime. Mangala did all these tricks and more to bring King to the EP post. Only difference between that time and this time is, Atanagala Princess wanted her man that time, not the Hambantotta King, but Mangala that time did not listen to her. Now Mangala and Bandit Queen are in agreement and on the same side. When he show that his share was not delivered he left the old regime. Now he is building the new regime. The race is starting between the Maitriri’s rice Lorries and King’s army trucks.
The CC’s campaign setting the example of what is the proper direction of the election campaign should be. That is bashing Tamils, showing them as terrorist and making a hero out the person that they contesting against for all the crimes he committed.
Maitri, the traitor is telling that he will protect the war hero but he just want to bring him down, because of the minor mistakes he has done. Sinhala Buddhist has to decide whether they want a hero with minor mistakes or traitors who do not make mistakes on his deeds. I believe the Sinhala Buddhist will be capable of answering that they don’t want a Sinhala Intellectual traitors to protect their war hero. I don’t think that they are such kind of Modayas to thinks these traitors are out there to protect their hero sincerely. They would tell their hero will protect himself if he is left alone by these Sinhala Intellectual traitors Mangala and Maitriri.
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K.A Sumanasekera / November 29, 2014
Mangala is clear as mud …Isn’t he !!1
Sand Sira’s brother is using pigeon as his mascot..
And the Elephant becomes the champ on the 18th that is 100 days later the latest..
Elephant then call the shots with Ranil as the mahout .
But the pigeons is going to be still hanging around may be doing errands as in the good old days.
Intelligentsia of course are all cool with it and say everything is sweet.
But our Dalits will be busting their brains to understand all these sophisticated machinations of the Elite, and the Anglicans.
Looks like Vellalas have had enough…
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