Deposed President Gotabaya Rajapaksa will make a decision on whether he will return to Sri Lanka after Wednesday’s vote in parliament that will decide which member of parliament will complete the remaining two years of his term.
Colombo Telegraph learns that the former President is placing all his bets on the man he picked to be his prime minister during the most beleaguered season of his presidency, Ranil Wickremesinghe.
Rajapaksa is caught between a rock and a hard place, sources close to Gotabaya Rajapaksa told Colombo Telegraph, after Singapore determined that he cannot stay more than a fortnight in the island as a visitor. Singapore is home to a large Tamil population and the Government of the country fears unrest and protests could erupt if the country were to host the unpopular Sri Lankan leader for too long. After his transit in the Maldives created a huge scandal and protests erupted against President Solih’s government in Male over the decision to grant him sanctuary in the archipelago, the Maldivian Government is unlikely to give Gotabaya Rajapaksa safe passage and security a second time.
Having given up his US citizenship, Gotabaya Rajapaksa travels on a Sri Lankan diplomatic passport, which provides visa free entry only to a handful of countries, including Singapore and The Maldives. Sources told Colombo Telegraph that Rajapaksa’s best hope now is to ensure Wickremesinghe is elected President on Wednesday, since he could then return to Sri Lanka in safety. Wickremesinghe had assured the deposed President that he would be given the highest levels of security, despite the fact that he is no longer entitled to such privileges having resigned from office on July 15th.
Colombo Telegraph learns that phone lines are buzzing between Singapore and Colombo as Rajapaksa engages in frantic negotiations with the SLPP caucus to secure the votes Wickremesinghe needs on Wednesday to be elected to complete Gotabaya’s five-year term. Leading negotiations on his behalf is media and advertising tycoon and Derana CEO Dilith Jayaweera who has thrown the entire weight of his popular channel behind Wickremesinghe’s bid for the presidency. Joining Jayaweera’s efforts is drug kingpin and Negombo District Parliamentarian Nimal Lanza and Bond Scam perpetrator Arjun Aloysius. Also backing Wickremesinghe because they know he holds the key to Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s return to the island, and will pave the way for the deposed leader to finish his term by proxy, Avant Garde chairman Nissanka Senadhipathi. Senadhipathi is throwing both money and muscle into Wickremesinghe’s campaign, Colombo Telegraph learns. At Avant Garde Security, Senadhipathi commands some 5000 plus ex-security forces personnel, mostly lower ranking troops from the army, navy and air force. One such employee – Arabi Wasantha – performed yeoman service for the Rajapaksa Government when he set a bus alight during the Mirihana protest on March 31st, driving a vicious crackdown against peaceful protesters agitating in front of Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s private residence.
Political observers opine that the SLPP has lost all legitimacy to govern and must have no role in deciding which of the candidates in the fray will function as interim president for two more years. Verite Research Chief Dr Nishan De Mel recalled that in 2015 and 2019, governments that had majorities in Parliament stood down and allowed the newly elected administrations to govern, even in minority. In 2015, the UPFA government stepped aside, allowing President Maithripala Sirisena to appoint his cabinet, while the UNP-majority government resigned in November 2019, paving the way for Gotabaya Rajapaksa to appoint his own cabinet of ministers.
Greatest threat to #SriLanka stability, at this time, is SLPP asserting its parliament majority to become a proxy for the rejected leaders of the country.
After 2015&19 elections, parliament majority of the defeated presidential candidate, stood down. SLPP shld do the same now.
— Nishan de Mel (@NCdeMel) July 10, 2022
Observers are warning that if the SLPP helps to elect the proxies of a de-legitimized and deposed President to complete his term, the country will continue to be in turmoil with the populace pressing for Gotabaya’s successor’s removal. Wickremesinghe has already proven that he would not be afraid to crackdown on these popular uprising, through actions that will ensure a bloodbath on Sri Lanka’s streets if the Aragalaya movement refuses to recognize his legitimacy to govern, the observers warned. “It is beyond ironic for the SLPP who came to power in 2019 promising to prosecute the perpetrators of the Central Bank bond scam to be contemplating making its chief protagonist President of the Republic,” said one political analyst who spoke to Colombo Telegraph. “What a strange twist that after the people rejected him repeatedly, it is the Rajapaksas who have made his presidential dreams come true.”
Wickremesinghe has long-cherished hopes of the executive presidency and has set the tone for what Sri Lankans can come to expect under his interim presidency.
Twice in five days, Wickremesinghe has declared a state of emergency – the first such declaration came before he was lawfully sworn in as acting president and was only holding office under the terms of Article 37 (1) of the constitution, which makes provision for overseas stints by an incumbent. He also imposed lightning curfews, stranding tens of thousands of citizens during the middle of day, and deliberately and determinedly vilified and demonized protesters as fascists and Hitler-led mobs. Last week, after protestors moved out of the key government buildings they had occupied from July 9th, Wickremesinghe opened the doors to the media, inviting them to witness the “damage” caused and ensuring the images were broadcast across the island to discredit the protest movement. He then sent the CID into the buildings to gather fingerprints and other forensic evidence to charge occupying mobs with damage to public property. But Wickremesinghe has gone even further, getting his police department to issue dire threats against people posting on social media. On Monday Sri Lankan police said special police cybercrime units were identifying social media posts that were threatening MPs about voting in Wednesday’s election in Parliament. Many Sri Lankans are warning their constituent MPs to refrain from casting their votes for the unpopular acting president who shamelessly served as Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s premier when he was on the cusp of being unseated in May 2022.
Parliament votes on the President who will complete two years of Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s term on Wednesday with emotions running high in the country and under a state of emergency, in which security forces become a law unto themselves and can use virtually any means necessary to quell “a disturbance of the peace”.
For Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Wednesday’s election may well determine where he will spend his years in political exile.
Ashan / July 19, 2022
What kind of leader would appoint his political opponent to be caretaker of the government?
What kind of games are they playing? This is not a good sign at all. They are insulting the intelligence of the people, by pretending to be out of the picture, only to appear again. These are strong warnings that these good for nothing politicians, are NOT interested in helping this country get out of the rut THEY put us in, they are more interested in playing king and elbowing each other to get to the throne. In other democracies, the failed leader would resign in shame, and be completely out of the picture, making way for some someone else to get the country out of the ditch, but not in Sri Lanka – the same players, the same miserable failures, are circling around like sharks and the people will be the losers again.
The country is sick and tired of the same jokers, but it seems they don’t care, or just cannot get the message.
/
Dr. Gnana Sankaralingam / July 19, 2022
Tamils must understand that only way that they could get justice is to create political chaos and economic collapse which will lead to foreign intervention. If political and economic problems of Sinhalese is settled, Tamils will be forgotten. Unfortunately none of the Tamil politicians have political acumen to foresee this, and are hoodwinking Tamils for their selfish agendas. Tamil MPs must vote to elect Ranil who is unwanted by Sinhala elite and JVPers, so that aragalaya will continue and prevent any recovery. If army acts tough there will be blood shed or if army refuses to cooperate it will lead to anarchy, which makes Indian military intervention inevitable.
/
Good Sense / July 20, 2022
Dr. GS seem not aware of what my then friends in the North as well as the East (now all are deceased) told me the role of the IPKF played in areas where they were active. Leave alone for being summarily shot for alleged curfew violations, it was compulsory for women to do attired so that they can be easily raped in a corner. Whatever be one’s ethnicity we must protect our women and children and that is one of our prime duties. The surest way to shirk that sacred duty is to hope for a foreign army to intervene. India will never intervene unless their interests are seriously threatened. Justice for an ethnic group through an economic collapse and political chaos? Isn’t that the surest invitation for some mad man to commence ethnic cleansing? Oh! No! we have seen enough of pogroms and that is the last thing that I would wish.
/
N. Perera / July 22, 2022
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
/
Sinhala_Man / July 20, 2022
Dear Ashan,
.
I agree. I would be most unhappy if we end up, ten hours from when I’m writing this (02:50 Lankan time), with Ranil Wickremasinghe as President.
.
My most carefully considered views I have already submitted here:
.
https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/ranil-rajapaksa-rearguard-must-meet-its-political-nandikadal-today/
.
The result is going to be complicated by the fact that with three candidates in the fray, each of the 225 MPs will be able to cast Two Preference Votes.
.
Ouch! It suddenly strikes me that it is possible that the MPs may be told that they could actually cast THREE Preference votes. This is a devilishly difficult problem for me to solve. I wish the authorities on this subject, Professors Kumar David & Jeevan Hoole, would help us out with that knotty question.
.
However, I think that this much is true: the MPs will vote only once, on the 10th. The practice in countries like France, is for there to be at least two rounds of voting. For us, even at “normal” Presidential Elections, there is only one round of voting.
.
The first such election was held in 1982 (October, I think) – I’m sure that I gave the exact date somewhere on CT some time during the past five days. If you could please give us the exact date, and how many such elections have been held, it would be helpful.
/
Mahila / July 20, 2022
Good morning.
Very good question indeed??
Then you need to ask the 6.9 million voters, exuded brilliance and wisdom on 17th November 2019 , as to the nature of the ‘social contract’ they had entered into in electing the last president?
They are the solely responsible and none other would be any wiser!!!
Notably the 6.9 million have recently maintained “stoic silence”!!??
More than that there are none identifiable as part of that 6.9 million group anymore???
At least not in public, may be privately ensconced in Scotch imbibing Parlours and Lounges in ‘hushed tones and whispers’!!! CASINOS INCLUDED!
Is that due to their guilt in electing an unelectable or peeved at the outcome??
Unless, you believe that the ‘past incumbent’ would be better source to elicit that information!!!
His ‘locomotion’, these days are surprisingly far flung, frequent and at times after the event or occurrence, you would be hard put to initiate communication, even it is a mutual desire!!!!
Not implying he kept or validated any and all aspects of the ‘Social contract’ of November 2019 envisaged or entered into!?
/
davidthegood / July 19, 2022
Power craving is an addiction apart from robbery leading to murder. Prevention better than cure. Lies will be told to citizens that Gotha becoming priest etc. He is after his pension for destroying nation. Also aragalaya with suffering families due to shortages will repeat the chasing of Gotha on Ranil too. Why are these leaders so blind to reality as we do not need a blood bath anymore in this nation. Abolish this executive Presidency and announce elections for citizens as soon as this constitutional workout is possible. Aim is not to exalt leaders, but to give citizens their basic requirements.
/
Champa / July 19, 2022
davidthegood
You don’t know what you are talking about. If the Executive Presidency is abolished, there won’t be any elections. Because Parliament can vote itself to continue for another 10 – 20 years without any election. Therefore, sensible voters should never support the abolition of the Executive Presidency. People’s power can only be demonstrated through elections where all citizens can participate, not by a handful of paid protest leaders.
/
Ajith / July 19, 2022
Champa,
Did you pay for the protestors? You tried to damage the image of protestors by fake propaganda like millions of money was transferred to protestors bank account or burnt the house of Ranil but in real it is the work people like you. You are an expert of Lies and propaganda.
/
Mahila / July 20, 2022
Thoughtless comment and devoid of wisdom
/
davidthegood / July 20, 2022
Champa, There were elections long before this executive presidency was brought in and the country was ruined by evil dictators who used fake fundamentalism. We need peace not dictators exercising evil powers, printing money to buy up parliament for their family kingdom, while robbing dollars too in the country. Eliminate evil EP and hold elections.
/
Mahila / July 21, 2022
(Part II)
After, 1975 when the government term was due to end and after spending lot of funds on the NAM conference 1976, with lack of funds to meet imports of essentials, the citizens, disenchanted Voted UNP??!! Similar Scenario (mismanagement) now
22nd July 1977, Sri Lankans, Gave JRJ and the UNP, not 2/3rd Majority but 5/6th majority with a mandate to change the 1st Republican constitution to be more people friendly, less autocratic and ensure means to good sustenance, as most suffering malnutrition and to make SL self-sufficient in RICE (imported) – the SL STAPLE cereal. Left parties, wiped out and SLFP reduced to 8 MPs!
Apologies for this long winding story!
It is important to explain relevance and timeline!
The LAST GG WAS WILLIAM GOPALLAWA 1962 TO 1972, then became by choice, the FIRST AND ONLY NON-EXECUTIVE PRESIDENT OF DSRSL AND HEAD OF STATE, UNTIL 4TH FEBRUARY 1978, when JRJ became EXECUTIVE President under 2nd republican constitution of DSRSL!
We as independent Ceylon with Dominion status, had major incidence of ‘revolt’ and upheavels,
1. in 1953 ‘Hartal for Rice’ – entire cabinet including the PM was located – in a ship ‘anchored off Colombo Port’ for safety,
/
Mahila / July 21, 2022
(Part III)
2. 1956 ‘Sinhala only’ programme riots in Colombo quelled by the emergency regulations
3. 1958 ‘Sri’ campaign and resultant island wide riots quelled and controlled by the then GG under Emergency ’58?! More information read the book by Tarzie Wittachchi- same name, to be more authentic
4. 1962 attempted Coup D’état smothered “in the nick of time”, (^ hours) and the suspects tried at Trial-at-Bar and convicted of planning and attempting to commit treason
5. the 1971 insurrection, purportedly with tacit support of North Korea (NK), supposedly NK ship with arms was arrested by Ceylonese security forces off Trincomalee port in east!
All 5 above major events were when we were Ceylon and Dominion with QE II was the HoS and no Executive President in SL, even conceptualised???!!!
Must mention, the HoC and HoG who was the PM were Sri Lankans and astute leaders and committed and not “money machines” like now
The story that one cannot govern w/o 20th amendment is a fairy tale to fool the masses and have absolute power to swindle the wealth of the republic and make SL and citizens poor and self en-enrich the individuals!!??
None other!!
/
Mahila / July 21, 2022
(Part IV)
Similarly that without the Executive Presidency, one cannot manage terrorism and rebellion is another myth??
What did Gota do Cabraal’s US dollar pegging and economic disaster with the power he had?? He was sleeping at the helm and w/o timely intervention??!! Very Bad governance!!
What happened in 2019 Easter Sunday disaster, with the Executive President and he could not stop the disaster with all the powers of the executive and CiC??
He however put a spoke in matters for the ‘good of the people’ but not save lives,
They were sleeping on the job or interested otherwise and let it happen??!!
Ineptness and nothing to do with the Executive power?? Non-Executive President that power of th executive lies with or is vested in the PM and who is HOC and HoG. They are not rebels and/or Traitors and terrorists??
All are craving for ABSOLUTE POWER so they could loot the country w/o anyone else being wiser or knowing the robbing!!! Rogues, liars and looters!! They are the biggest terrorists!!!!
/
Mahila / July 21, 2022
(Part I)
Champa,
May I explain this conundrum to you a little better???
Dominion status – British Dominion in 1948 with a Dominion (Soulbury) constitution, Head of Government (HoG) and Head of Cabinet was PM (DSS – “Kale John”) Sri Lankan Senanayake – Father of Nation, swearing allegiance to British Crown (Crown), Queen Elizabeth II of England as Head of State (HoS), exercising her rights, duties and responsibilities thru’ Governor-General (GG) – Local appointed on the recommendation of the PM as HoC and HoG to represent the HoS ceremoniously!!
22/03/1970 – SLFP/LSSP/CP coalition won general election with 2/3 majority, embarked change ‘status quo’, to nurture the socialist flavour & new vision of electorate?! Thus, 2/3rd majority transformed SL to a republic with the 1st Republic of SL proclaimed 22nd May 1972; National Day!!?
Since then, 1970-77 government acted autocratically, people starved, unemployed, rebellion of April 1971 started, but the efficiency of governance ensured it was quelled in due time – not by Executive president but under the Dominion ‘Soulbury’ constitution, QE II as HoS?!!
Enactment of 1st Republican constitution, 2/3rd vote enabled incumbent government extend parliament term from 5 to 7 years, which was not by a social contract and public election vote!!??
/
Ajith / July 19, 2022
I don’t know whether Gota consulted his brother Mahinda before appointing Ranil as PM and then acting President and now SLPP to support Ranil instead of any one from SLPP. So far we haven’t heard anything from Mahinda or his son Namal. Even though Mahinda is a good friend of Ranil when it comes to power they are enemies. Once Ranil become President what is the gurantee from Ranil will not go against them. Ranil openly blamed Rajapaksas for the current crisis. Ranil may protect them from their crimes but will he hand over the power to Mahinda family again. Ranil dream is to give some one from his family like Ruwan Wijewardena but Mahinda’s dream is Namal. We cannot predict anything even now what is going to happen tomorrow. Within 24 yours there may be number of unexpected, unpredicted things can happen. Even there may be a bomb blast in Colombo or riot in Colombo or anything can happen. Our politics is capable of creating such events for power.
/
Mallaiyuran / July 19, 2022
“Ranil may protect them from their crimes but will he hand over the power to Mahinda family again. “
Ajith, please read the essay again. Your question is answered in detail. Let me summarize some points. As per your assumption, if Playboy Minister or Ruwan has to come to power, then the issue of who is going to be the next president within Evil Emperor, or some others of the same caliber is unimportant but preserving the legacy political system of Lankawe as is extremely important. That is why the protestors have to be defeated is important to all elite political families. That is why practically there is no competition between Evil and the Slap Party. If the protesters are defeated, then it is a common victory for Evil Ranil’s UNP and Rowdy Mahinda’s Slap Party. This is an emergency for all corrupted political teams. They all want Evil Ranil declare emergency and run a wild and terror Tharbar like JR’s and/or Valaithodam Sr’s at this precarious time which is questioning their authority. For common people like CT writers and commentators, this is not the time to insist that they are the SLFP faction or UNP faction. All have to work for the protestors’ victory. Protesters are not any faction oriented. They are politically neutral.
/
SJ / July 19, 2022
Still waters run deep.
/
Nathan / July 20, 2022
…. I don’t know whether Gota consulted his brother Mahinda before appointing Ranil as PM.
You have a long way to go, Ajith.
/
Mahila / July 21, 2022
Ajith,
Good morning
“Ranil may protect them from their crimes but will he hand over the power to Mahinda family again.”
Why are you interested in looking at handing over power to the R Bros., Inc., or Family, when they have done so much damage to the country> Even if you are, do you think the majority of 2 million citizens of the country and/or approximately 12 million registered electors would agree to even their contesting the elections??
The tempo at the moment is anti Rajapakse and it may take years before any one of them contests and gets elected!!!
At this moment even the thought is very TOXIC!!?? If not explosive!!?? Agree, issue is very sensitive
Whatever, the outcome of the issue?? Please keep safe and out of trouble!
May the great saviour and all powerful God Almighty, help you in your endeavours?!
/
Ajith / July 21, 2022
Mahila,
“The tempo at the moment is anti Rajapakse and it may take years before any one of them contests and gets elected!!!”
Even in 2015, tempo is anti Rajapaksa but didn’t they come back in 2019. In 2022 April Did we think Ranil become our Prime minister, then president even after the “bond scam”. When it comes to elections, Do you think Anurakumara or Kumar Gunaratnam can come to power? Even after 60000 Sinhalese buried under the soil, they are coming and coming again and again. How?
/
Champa / July 19, 2022
The US’s agenda on Sri Lanka never changes. They only change their players. First Maithri. Then Ranil. Then Gotabhaya. Then Ranil again. Then Anura. Who is next?
The “most immediate” reason to remove Gotabhaya was his phone call with Mr. Putin. Oh, Mr. Putin. I have to refocus on Russia for the sake of my ancestors.
The reason for Sri Lanka’s current political vulnerability is the 19th Amendment drafted by the US Embassy in Colombo. Before that, Sri Lanka was a democratic country which held all its elections on time and the people’s mandate was respected by all parties. The reason for the 19A and the abolishment of the Executive Presidency was to suppress the mandate of the Sinhalese Buddhists through Parliament by way of bribes and intimidation. After the 19A, MPs started selling their votes for money. Even after the 19A was abolished, its remnants still influence MPs. Even the 20A retained the same Clause that had been incorporated in the 19A that empowered Parliament to elect an Interim-President without holding a Presidential Election to rob the voting rights of the Sinhalese Buddhists.
“Sri Lanka’s democracy was attacked by the United States and it needs to be repaired.”
/
Fakeculturebug / July 19, 2022
If the executive presidency cannot be abolished Dulles is the best bet.
Although private sector and stock markets may not like Reid avenue uni does not appreciate 5th lane.
There will be no continuing protests and Dulles has a genuinely educated background family wise……..for a change.
Other agendas may be on hold ?
/
Dr. Gnana Sankaralingam / July 19, 2022
Dulles will be another Sirisena, corrupt, incompetent and not presentable to international community. Very soon he will become power hungry and fight with Sajith, who wants to contest presidential election in 2024.
/
Mahila / July 20, 2022
Gnana,
The Carnival will end latest December 2023, in preparation for the ‘Mother of all Battles’ in November 2024!! May be earlier?
That with no signs of “1 meal a day” syndrome waning in the meantime??!!
/
Ajith / July 19, 2022
Champa,
Your brain is full of poisned with Buddhist Sinhala Fundamentalism which does not know anything other than drinking blood of non-Buddhists. You also think that Sinhalese are brainless like you. Unlikely you it is the Sinhala people now chased away Mahinda and Family wko killed more Sinhalese than Tamils and robbed Sinhalese.
/
Champa / July 20, 2022
Ajith
It is the elements of anti-Sinhalese and anti-Buddhist behind the insurrection. Faces of Sinhalese protest leaders who are well paid by foreign countries, NGOs, INGOs and non-Buddhist local agencies are used to hoodwink Sinhalese.
/
chiv / July 19, 2022
Chimpa, is it irony or karma.?? 1) Mara split many parties and looks like his own SLPP may split deciding next President 2) Gotha who forced many out of country is now dependent on Ranil to enter Lanka. 3) If SLPP party members go against Party decision to vote for Ranil, Rajapaksas end up losing their only possession. That will be curtains for the Mafia family politics 4) Rajapaksas who turned millions of their citizens into Refugees are today looking desperately for refuge.
/
Mahila / July 20, 2022
CHIV,
“POETIC JUSTCE”!
I wouldn’t call it Karma?!!
That part is yet to come!!?
/
chiv / July 20, 2022
Chimpa, so sorry for not adding this in my previous comment. Remember Kumar . Gunaratnam ?? once kidnapped by Gotha’s white van and fortunate to be still alive, orchestrated chasing Gotha out of country.
/
Mahila / July 21, 2022
Champa the clown,
US AGENDA?? THAT IS THE BEST FICTION I HAVE HEARD IN RECENT TIMES MOSTLY CONCOCTED BY SENIL MaRa
“Even the 20A retained the SAME CLAUSE that had been INCORPORATED IN THE 19A that EMPOWERED PARLIAMENT TO ELECT AN INTERIM-PRESIDENT without holding a Presidential Election to rob the voting rights of the Sinhalese Buddhists.”
What a crazy baseless statement/utterance?!
1. 19th amendment to 2nd republican constitution was commenced in 2014/15 (7+ years ago)
2. 20th amendment to 2nd republican constitution was commenced in 2019/20 (2+ years ago)
3. The provision in the constitution for electing the successor to a Executive President in office, terminating office prior to end of term was passed in 1981??!! (30+ years ago)
4. The first time used in May 1990 after May Day bomb blast- President RP! (32+ years ago)
Could you or ANYONE BE MORE SILLY AND BRAINLESS THAN THESE SENSELESS UTTERANCES TO INFLAME RACISM? Inflame the Sinhalese Buddhists to Bloodletting against the minorities and kill each other and destroy this country forever!!!
The standard style of MaRa the humanitarian revolutionary who is POWER HUNGRY by killing/racism
You can see from the dates it does not add up at all??!!
/
Mahila / July 21, 2022
(Part II)
Or have you just been INDOCTRINATED BY MARA CLAN TO DO A VILE JOB FOR THEM TO START SOMETHING TO DESTROY DEMOCRACY IN SRI LANKA by an unwanted riot by racist elements, which they failed miserably on the 9th May 2022??!!
So you seem to have a contract and a deal to ignite an implosion in SL between, Sinhalese Buddhists and the minorities???!!!
Otherwise why this nonsense??
US or US embassy has nothing to do with this madness, but concocted by imbeciles, who are uneducated nincompoops and rascals belonging to a animal husbandry (Mee Harak rearing) agricultural family from deep south, who are deprived of power by the citizens and want to regain power by “Hook or by Crook”, having a deal/contract with you??!!
Plainly said, It is defamed R Bros., Inc. of Mulkirigala/Weeraketiya, Medamulana Walauwe Rascals, trying to destroying the country to satiate their POWER HUNGER?!
Why should anybody yearn for Traitors, when you have TRAITORS OF THIS NATURE, claiming they won the 30 year war??!! LOOTERS, ROBBERS, KILLERS, HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATORS, MURDERES, PRETENDERS AND BAFFOONS!
Their main business is “fooling the Sinha Buddhists”, of this country to GRAB THEIR VOTES and come to POWER!!!
/
deepthi silva / July 19, 2022
While Ranil supporters on this forum like Old Codger are Rajapaksa haters !
Obviously confused and out of their depth, dont know what their idol ranil is up to !
Are they fit to be commenting on these matters !
/
Mahila / July 20, 2022
Deepthi,
As much as ‘Rajapukka’ supporters are free to comment on the feats of their adorable ‘sycophants’, other admirers could do so and it is left to the intelligent and emancipated to separate the Grain from the husk and make good the desired outcome!!
I agree that it is difficult for those, when one swallows “Lock, stock and barrel”, whatever the politicians spill out to the ‘surfs’, as ‘gospel truth’ like what happened to the 6.9 million voters!!!
/
VanguardII / July 20, 2022
I agree with you about the haters, who needs fuel when we can run the country on hate?
The CPA did a nice study on hate speech on so-called social media. It should be called anti-social media. “Liking Hate” it was called.
/
old codger / July 21, 2022
DS,
Rail has won. You may slink away while you can, before he sends some poofs to get you. Boo!
/
hanchopancha / July 19, 2022
Ranil Wickremesinghe is the insurance policy of the Rajapakshe coterie. He was sponsored and lavishly maintained as the Leader of the Opposition to sabotage any efforts by the opposition parties to coalesce and being effective and morphing it to a toothless dog. His appointment as PM by Gota was carefully planned strategy to ensure that Ranil will erect a Great Wall of China to protect the Rajapakshe family from ever being prosecuted for murdering worthy individuals and plundering the country. The Chinese loans were used to strength the Chinese Economy by employing only Chinese Nationals. Chinese prisoners were exploited to provide both as cheap labour and saving on operational expenses to maintain Chinese Prisons. The Srilankans for many generations to come are forced into carrying the Can feeding the White Elephants which can never be profitable ventures.
/
Chandrametha / July 19, 2022
GR is no longer Head of State, as his diplomatic passport reads. His diplomatic passport must be cancelled with immediate effect. He can obtain a nondiplomatic passport from the Sri Lankan embassy of the country currently he is in. The unconfirmed reports are he is planing to return in August (provided RW wins) with full pension and other benefits to burden the already stretched state finances. Million Dollar question is whether a deposed president is eligible for pension and other benefits!
/
Champa / July 20, 2022
Chandrametha
For your information, according to Sri Lanka’s constitution, all former Presidents are entitled to a diplomatic passport, security, immunity from prosecution, official residence, official staff, official vehicles, pension and all protocol and other courtesies.
Whoever becomes the Interim President and irrespective of your personal hatred and intolerance, Gotabaya is fully entitled to all the rights mentioned above.
/
Easton Scott / July 21, 2022
The even bigger question is, whether he was a dual citizen when elected President. Recent evidence would suggest that he held American citizenship on nomination day, and on election day, so he can be deemed to be illegally elected, and therefore an illegitimate President.
Instead of a pension, people funded residence, vehicles and perks for life, my elders are of the view that he should face immediate prosecution and incarceration after due legal process.
Will BASL please take this up?
I’m sure that the judiciary has grown a set of balls, now that Gota was ignominiously ejected from his throne, so let’s make it happen.
/
Nathan / July 19, 2022
URGENT:
Is someone who has not even served a half-term in office as President entitled to the security RW assures him?
/
Dr. Gnana Sankaralingam / July 19, 2022
There is no rule as to who should receive state security and as to what level of security is to be provided. It all depends on those in power and the usefulness of the individual to the government. If Sumanthiran could be given full STF security on a false complaint of LTTE trying to kill him, as his services to the rulers were necessary to take Tamils for a ride, then there is no debate of Gota receiving high level security.
/
VanguardII / July 20, 2022
URGENT: Is any citizen of the country deserving of threats of violence and property damage? What kind of Sri Lanka do you want, is this what we wave our flag about, or is it only the cricket matches. You people have no religion.
/
davidthegood / July 21, 2022
If old president served 2 years, then ran out of the country and emailed his resignation, according to the national ER and Financial regulations, he is certainly not entitled to a state pension for destroying the state as well as insufficient service.
/
ReginaldShamalPerera / July 19, 2022
Most of the Aragalaya fights are orchestrated by Muslims. If you see some videos, you’d see Muslims in skull caps and fancy hats leading the protests.
This is a deliberate measure because they know when the Army decides to launch a massive strike it is the Sinhalese and Tamils who will loose their lives. And that will enhance their percentages.
/
Champa / July 20, 2022
RSP
Exactly. That is why I repeatedly requested Gotabaya not to resign. Ranil knew it. That is why he didn’t give in to the demands of paid insurrectionists even after his private residence was burnt down.
The much publicized insurrection in Sri Lanka DOES NOT reflect the true sentiments of the Sinhalese Buddhists who are the majority population in Sri Lanka. It is the non-Sinhalese, non-Buddhist elements who are behind the insurrection. By nature, we, the Sinhalese Buddhists, are tolerant of failures, mistakes and oversights committed by the country’s leadership. We fight a fight, but never hold onto grudges, hatred and enmity.
/
Mahila / July 20, 2022
RSP,
Is it because you could not find a Dr Safi, Gynaecologist, in Kurunegala hospital performing illegal abortions on SB women these day to make them baron and you have no cause to propel the R Bros., Inc., in their political career to new heights after the exit of Gota??
Or,
“Athana Methana, Hithana Naluwa” is busy politicking electing the new P,resident and has no time to do a “death fast” to advance that cause???!
Or,
Has your investigations proved that those who feigned that they could not bear children turned out to be a lie as they weren’t barren, but healthy and fertile to bear children and are of no help??!!
You need new cause and the ‘fights’ in the locations of the Aragalaya is good focus! Create Chaos!?
Muslims are dispensable??!! For that matter any minority in fact – Tamil, Burgher, Malay et all?!
The conundrum of the SB myth, they never did any wrong?? All SB’s are saints!!
“SKULL CAPS IDENTITY” IS THE FINITE PROOF? No wonder SL CID investigations are similar outcome!!!
You are a full-fledged JOKER; COMMENDED!!
/
chiv / July 20, 2022
Oh Regie, give us a break. Try some thing different. I was in Lanka for 2 weeks and saw many Theros among protesters, you mean Muslims are disguising in Saffron now a days. What about those Christian brothers and sisters in forefront ?? You should know better. Your army is not going to launch anything other than fire crackers.
/
chiv / July 20, 2022
Ranil says Gotha intentionally distorted facts/figures and mislead public to hide the current crisis 1) What was Ranil doing for 2 years 2) he knew in detail being a PM just 2 years ago, why not warn early (I remember Sajith doing on few occasions) 3) If Gotha cheated public how did Ranil decide to become his acting President ?? 4) Ranil did publicity stunt and scuttle campaigning abusing his current position by promising lowering price of bread, fuel 5) Offered security to SLPP thugs so that they can vote for him 6) told press he needs just 1 to 2 years to fix the problem, and not more than 10 years as experts predict, 7) promised food fuel and $ are on it’s way. (may be foreigners had sudden change of heart ???) 8) vowed to save our long standing “constipation”.
/
Manel Fonseka / July 20, 2022
What
SHocking!
Shameless!
DIsgusting!
Outrageous,
Arrant!
Nonsense, RSP!
–
If you are typical of the majority of our security forces, I totally give up on this country. Anti-racism should be a sine qua non for all govt employment.
And I hope & pray,
non-believer tho I am,
that you have no offspring to impart yr heinous views to.
–
Dont you even embarrass yrself when you openly express such views?
Not even when you lie down at night & quietly look back over yr day & take stock of yr behaviour?-
How can you fall asleep with such hatred inside you?
/
Ashan / July 20, 2022
And then the racist appears, trying to find any opportunity, to spread unfounded lies, and hate. Maybe it is bad upbringing.
/
VanguardII / July 21, 2022
The people of this country are too smart to fall for orchestrations. By they way they need to improve their PR and show that this is Sinhala only struggle don’t you think?
/
N. Perera / July 21, 2022
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
/
Captain Morgan / July 19, 2022
Ranil Wickremasinghe’s political philosophy is “You scratch my back and I will scratch your back.” He will dine with the devil and cut deals even with Satan to achieve his ambitions and secure his place in Sri Lanka’s political firmament. He is westernized and educated but that is nothing more than a thin veneer. His true character, which he tries to conceal is not very different from that of the worst type of backbenchers in the parliament.
/
Mahila / July 20, 2022
Yes, Without an iota of doubt!!
Even if the duration was only 0.5 days after being sworn in as EP of SL. He becomes an Ex- President/CiC and HoS/HoG
/
VanguardII / July 20, 2022
“What a strange twist that after the people rejected him repeatedly, it is the Rajapaksas who have made his presidential dreams come true.”
Sri Lanka is used to strange twists. It is up to the people to make sure there is no violence, however violence is a shameful tool used and supported by more than 90 percent of the population. You legitimized it.
No one has the right to threaten anyone else as far as the last copy of the constitution I saw, and it is a waste of time to try to read out the law to protesters who can threaten government officials. There is a civilized way to deal with people. Hate politics is not the way, the Galle Face Protestors have said so themselves ‘peaceful protest’ , building ransacking hooligans are ‘not our movement’.
When that civilized way of dealing with people including government officials, MPs and former presidents becomes a reality, you will be sure I will be acknowledging it here.
The first proof of civilized nation we can be proud of is to allow Gotabaya Rajapakse to return and to face whatever legal process there may be (I am sure the opposition will come up with one, even if there is no basis) and move freely within his country that he served. Protests may be held, however violent protests are ‘not us’.
/
davidthegood / July 20, 2022
The new thing announced for end times restoration of earth, planets and universe is that unbelievers, murderers and liars will sadly end up in the lake of fire eternally with the devil and his fallen angels. Rev.21,8
/
Svenson / July 20, 2022
Captain, you are describing the attributes of ALL the world’s politicians. RW is no exception, but he is the best we have.
/
Gus / July 20, 2022
Even one of the very rare sinhala professionals that I am compelled to associate with told me three months ago that sri lanka was DOOMED! Now it seems that it is WELL AND TRULY DOOMED!.
/
Gus / July 20, 2022
Ceylon tamils should set up the equivalent of the Simon Wiesenthal (re Nazi war criminals) centre to hunt sinhala armed forces criminals and same politicians
/
Gus / July 20, 2022
Them sinhalas are merely Leemings
/
Gus / July 20, 2022
Re: this article’s “Singapore is home to a large Tamil population and the Government of the country fears unrest and protests could erupt if the country were to host the unpopular Sri Lankan leader for too long” The Ceylon tamil population in Singapore have influential “professional” power that these Ceylonese tamils dont have to manifest overtly. This is not the power of sinhala toilet cleaners. Singapore government does not like any negative publicity and there are already protests in front of the Singapore embassy in Malaysia. Gota RATPAKSE is an international embarrassment – Singapore WILL NOT WANT this RATPAKSE there for lond.
/
Ajith / July 20, 2022
Today Ranil Wickremasinghe raised a question to the people, Do we need a parliament or Do we need
a democratic election to govern this country? Do we need a political party? Do we need a constitution? Do we need a people’s mandate? Do we need a judiciary? Do we need a secret ballot to encourage bribe?
Why Sri Lanka is outstanding leader in making history? Are you proud of your achievement? Bribe and Hunger? When did Lord Buddha told you that you should only speak lies always?
/
Pon Lanka / July 21, 2022
Money power has shown victory for Ranil and Mahinda folks once again. Many of the Parliamentarians who voted for Ranil could have been bought by them. Politics is a dirty game. Politicians do not bother about their voters or the next election. Their attitude is to make hay when the sun shines, and the Ranil – Mahinda combo knows very well how to cheat the Sri Lankan over and over again.
/
davidthegood / July 21, 2022
If old president served 2 years, then ran out of the country and emailed his resignation, according to the national ER and Financial regulations, he is certainly not entitled to a state pension for destroying the state as well as insufficient service.
/