19 March, 2024

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Ranil’s Rise As A Sham President Exposes The Biggest Hole In 1978 Constitution

By Asoka Seneviratne

Asoka Seneviratne

Today’s youth may not remember JR Jayewardene, but the generations prior remember him as the architect of the current constitution and the free market economy. On his day, he was called the wise owl. But 44 years later, looking back at the economic and social upheaval his so-called wise constitution eventually led our land, JRJ should rank as one of the worst leaders mother Lanka ever produced.

How else can one define his legacy? Look at the facts.

The basic premise of Democracy is by, of and for people. In this sense, by means the popular vote of the people. The President must command the vote of at least 50% of the voters, per JRJ.

So here we have a case of a repeatedly rejected leader of the once mammoth UNP party who could not muster even one single seat including his own in the last general election riding though a sham parliamentary vote to be President. This totally negates the first principle of a Democracy; by people.

If this does not exposes the sheer stupidity of JRJ’s constitution, what does? Is this not a historic blunder in constitution making?

JRJ also constantly bragged about the separation of powers between the executive, legislative and judicial branches. What hog-wash again! What separation of powers was he talking about when the Executive appoints ministers from within the legislative branch? Right there he compromised the so called separation of powers.

By this very stupid provision he highjacked the independence of the legislature in favor of the executive branch

In short, members of the legislative branch were bribed with public money, otherwise known as “ministerial posts”.

In JRJ justice system, local MP’s were able to decide the senior officers of the local police stations. So the police played to the tune of the members of the legislature. Courts function based on evidence of the police. Police can hide, alter or destroy evidence resulting in flawed court rulings.

Once again isn’t this not a blatant contradiction of his much avowed claim of separation of powers? Legislative branch had indirect control of judicial decisions.

So today, thanks to the enhanced version of JRJ constitution popularly called 20th amendment, Ranil Wickremesinghe calls the shots of the justice system by hand twisting the police to influence the most basic rights of the people enshrined in the constitution to free speech! Free speech is the basic hallmark of a democracy.

With the help of a few top police brass who loves their positions and perks and a few more who aspire to reach the top, Ranil has managed to turn the justice system to work to protect a most hated regime while punishing the youth for their peaceful screams demanding an uncorrupt leadership!

Once again, if JRJ constitution was smart, this scenario should not be possible!

Justice system with the help of the police is designed to enforce equal justice under the law! But here again it is a fat farce.

Hundreds of thousands of angry youth driven by hunger, lack of fuel , power and medicine chased away two most corrupt members of a rotten family! In doing so, a few ate from a fridge, slept on a bed and even walked away with a little souvenir from the presidential mansion.

Rogue President Ranil’s police was quick to throw the most flimsiest of the laws and indict the youth, but…..

The very same rogue Ranil who always advocated as the defender of Democracy so conveniently avoid his police indict those who caused the massive economic crimes by robbing our nation to total bancrupsy. Worse, Mr 10% more comically known as Kaputas, is pulling Ranil’s strings to his tune.

Ranil’s buddy, the mastermind of the Central Bank robbery continues to enjoy his stolen million happily in Singapore! Where the is the equal justice under the law, Mr.(rogue) President ?

A tiny and a beautiful land at the southern tip of the Indian ocean which once took pride in its relative prosperity in the region was robbed of its wealth, health and well-being. Is there a bigger crime any leadership can commit?

Drinking water from the fridge of a corrupt and madly incompetent President? Gimme a break!

When Ghandi sat with the once mighty imperial British rulers to discuss India’s possible independence, the British asked him “do you mean the British should just pack up and leave?”. To which Ghandi replied “yes! The truth is that even if the entire several million Brits want to come to India and rule us, they will not succeed if the Indians decide not to corporate!”

Much hated Ranil and his bunch of more hated goons in the parliament should take a cue from this. If this is not a good enough example, take a cue from the day much hated (but elected through constitutional scams) Gaddafi was pulled out of culvert and beaten to death. Gaddafi did not starve his people. On the contrary he managed to raise the living standards of his people.

But he was corrupt and robbed the nation. The young generations never forgave him! He was torn apart!

Ranil’s regime is doomed. When the premises of the country’s Supreme Court needs to be named a “high security zone”, that should send several red flags. It is like having to name a temple as a high security zone! Those are sacred places and should not have no need to be protected from the public.

Having said this, the only remaining hope of an angry populace is still the Supreme Court. People now kelt 100% on the wisdom of the SCOSL.

Yes rogue presidents and regimes always meet their day at the Waterloo. The arc of justice always turn to the right!

Great assumed Democrat Ranil should know! Or would he rather hang on to his lifelong dream to lead Lanka, by hook or crook, and to hell with Democracy?

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Latest comments

  • 22
    2

    It is easy to jump at the idea that JR is behind Ranil’s rise to the Presidency. But, 7 presidents later and 44 years after, it is a long leap.
    We amended the 1978 constitution, 20 times. Yet, we never made it right.
    .
    Every President ascended the presidency with a vow to abolish the presidency. Never was that pledge honoured. Is it JR’s fault?

    • 9
      2

      If your child, purposefully – mischievously, just to watch and enjoy a chaos, had thrown the piece of meat you had to cook, in the middle of a pack of hungry dogs, then what is the chance of you recovering that meat piece again and cooking it? Gone is gone, unless you risk to challenge the 225+1 dogs on the bed of the power!

    • 9
      0

      Nathan,
      “Never was that pledge honoured.”
      When one has the spoon, one uses it. When one doesn’t, it’s easy to say one doesn’t want it. Just like the PTA.
      There is no honest politician, just as there is no wise voter.

      • 5
        8

        “In JRJ justice system, local MP’s were able to decide the senior officers of the local police stations.”
        This is not to justify JR, but in that paragon of Democracy, the USA, the local police chief (Sheriff) is an elected official.

        • 4
          4

          “a temple as a high security zone! Those are sacred places and should not have no need to be protected from the public.”
          So, the author is saying sacred places must be protected from the public?

          • 9
            8

            Why do these Sri Lankans take so much pride in their English ! Do the British give them easy Visas ! Are they good at anything else? productivity, integrity-world class performances ? no -only so called gramtical English.

            I think even JR was pompous like this but when he spoke at conferences with leaders whose mother tongue was English( like Regan ) it was obvious that JR’s English was not his first language. A corrupted Sinhala mind trying to pose of aa an English gentleman ! That was JR and also I think this OC

            • 3
              4

              DS,
              “I think even JR was pompous like this”
              To people who know proper Sinhala, JR’s diction was not that of one whose first language was Sinhala.
              To those who know neither proper Sinhala nor English, JR’s English might sound “pompous”.
              BTW, who the devil was “Regan”? You sound so much like that intellectually challenged Punchi Point.

              • 4
                4

                OC you really go for very small things like regan and reagan ! Do you come on these comments to a third word web in a insignificant country ?

                Just watch JR giving one of our baby elephants to reagan -trying to show he is a worthy leader in a worthy country ( did it may way…) ! JR’s ego so bloated while talking all the time of Buddhism ! !

                JR’s english is so Indianish-May be like his constitution JR was bad in both his sinhalese as well as English which he pretended to know-just like OC ,who seems to take a pompous pride in his english !

                • 1
                  1

                  DS,
                  “small things like regan”
                  To my mind, attention to detail is an important part of what I do. The precision of the language you use is an indication of your mental processes. I wouldn’t presume to speak for you, of course.

        • 6
          3

          OC
          Watch what you say about the “paragon of Democracy”.
          There are sensitive toes that you may tread on.

          • 1
            0

            That much is obvious.

        • 3
          0

          Contrary to Us system (Popular vote of citizens) to ‘Boot Licker’ of local Politicians

      • 4
        0

        Holes are also found in the heart walls. But those who should be alert to shape it for a healthy existence, cardiologists and other responsible parties should take timely measures and should not be treated with indifference and indifference.

        Anti-JRJ has been in power since 1994. what did they do Do they always grate coconuts? As of today, they have put the blame on JRJ. is it right ? Why are other like-minded nations not confronted in the region?
        The complete ignorance of not only the mainstream Sinhalese but also the minorities has been equally complicit in allowing the wound to fester.
        Today I could not believe my eyes, but the truth, how Dr. Harsha Silva handled a parliamentary committee session on some critical analysis of the Investment Board. If our politicians worked like Harsha did today, should we still be lagging behind?
        https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0LTQ7UNp0c

        Our people follow their corrupted genes as usual, blame and blame each other. Time flies. Time is the most precious and valuable factor. Due to their carelessness, they are wasting public money by not delivering what they promised on the election platforms.

        • 6
          0

          LM,
          That video exposes the complete incompetence of high state officials. They simply cannot understand such a simple thing as cost-benefit analysis, but have been appointed chairmen/CFO’s of large organisations. These guys may wear ties and sharp suits, and probably even have Master’s degrees (paid for by us). They cannot understand, or are not prepared, for a simple question, which Harsha tried in both English and Sinhala. This is why the country is bankrupt.
          Public appointments should be ratified by a committee of private sector experts, half of whom should be foreigners.

          • 5
            5

            Dear OC, I have never worked with SLankens in my entire life. After I got to know some PG students, who came to read their PG courses from CMBO University, I approached them and extended my support. In the end they behaved like animals. Their learned bullying tactics were repeated by their own partners. Some stole books from libraries so their colleagues couldn’t find them for their theses. … they used kindergarten practices. Most o fthem were ” sinhala buddhists”.
            :
            To tell you, if I had such colleagues – I mean the chairman (who was questined by Harsha) he wouldn’t have had a chance to do his job even for a week.

            These are not new things for the Sri Lankans living there, but very new for me. I shudder in shame at not understanding how the man as “Chairman” could claim his successful carrier as he himself shared over the years.

            • 6
              2

              Dear LM,
              .
              I don’t have to travel to the “rich”, civilised or developed countries” of which you sing the praises, to know that some humans are crooked.
              .
              I got few thanks for reporting the “misplacing” library books in the huge Peradeniya library. Take a book on Shakespeare out of 823.332 and put it in 333.7922, and the book is “lost’ for years, because the guy who did the hiding is so irresponsible that he forgets he ever did it.
              .
              The comment by oc is excellent; you keep going back to the nasty experiences that you once had. They are irrelevant. You’re not qualified to be critical of many things that you comment on, but your affirmations on certain issues are valuable.
              .
              You’re my wonderful and values friend, but you write before you think. Write less!
              .
              BTW, please don’t insult animals; they hardly ever “bully others”. Carnivores just kill and eat, without hating their prey.
              .
              Panini Edirisinhe

    • 8
      2

      SHAM all the way. ( country, politics, system, religion, voters, constitution, democracy, judiciary, law and order, – – – – – – – – -)

      • 0
        0

        I propose a name change “Sham Lanka”.

    • 8
      2

      “Is it JR’s fault?”
      It is true that the failure to abolish the presidency of not only Ranil but also many including the people, people’s reprentatives, political and religious leaders. This country is ruled not by people but by Religion, particularly Buddhists. The1972, and 1978 constitution was made not to bring eqality, rule of law but to change the country for Buddhists only. Ranil also played key role in destroying the rule of law, and equality.

    • 5
      0

      “Every President ascended the presidency with a vow to abolish the presidency. Never was that pledge honoured. Is it JR’s fault?”

      nathan you are right.Everybody condems the presidency and finds fault with it but never wants to abolish it.Even now i don’t see sajit asking for its abolition.He just wants the presidency to fall into his lap and as he is young he can afford to just wait patiently for that to happen.Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely.

  • 6
    0

    The basic premise of Democracy is by, of and for people. Democracy Challenges President

    From Democracy to Demo“crazy ( demolition )

    Ranil is walking smart travelling Globally with no by of people, Democracy challenges Ranil
    You are not in need of any capability to make a desire but you are in need of many capabilities to make that desire. He travelling Globally to get fundsthat every on can do but unable recover the stolen money or notice the one who defrauded the counry.

  • 10
    6

    “JRJ should rank as one of the worst leaders mother Lanka ever produced.”
    Why “one of the worst” when “the worst” will do?

    • 5
      3

      SWRD should be rank number 1?

      • 0
        2

        From each according to his intellect.

  • 2
    1

    If only the leaders can avoid these two holes or areas of deception, majoring on Luciferian craving that “I will be like the Most High” Isa.14,14 ie. no power above me. The second deception is spelt out as “No one can serve two masters, both God and mammon, the money master Mat.6,24. Looking globally or down history, these two disasters tragically destroyed most leaders of institutions, cities and nations including our own.

  • 7
    2

    There is no need for Ranil W to dance to tune of Basil R or any other Rajapaksas. It is time for him to be himself and make himself a statesman who rescued SL not only from the ECONOMIC CRISES but also from the Political issues such as Ethnic ones/corruptions/lawlessness.
    Gaddafi and Saddam Hussain did lots of good for their own people unlike our SL rulers who wasted/stollen the National wealth. The West were keen to get hold of the Oil wealth from Iraq and Libya resulting in anarchy deaths and destructions. Instability in the rest of the world only HELPS the west to be superpowers.

    • 5
      5

      N
      One dances to any tune that will save one’s job.
      RW does to save his post, but he also has close to his chest cards to play.
      One waits for one’s turn.
      Remember, he got there not to make you or me or the people of this country happy.
      I will say that of every job seeker eyeing the post.

  • 16
    3

    JRJ was arrogant, probably racist, but in the list of Presidents (forget PMs), he is at the bottom because all those who succeeded him took abuse of power, mismanagement & corruption to the next level but it was all acceptable to us. The hard core fans were, & probably still are, in denial.

    In UK, Boris J was ousted even before halfway into his term because the public felt he cannot be trusted (mainly lying to Parliament about ‘Partygate’, a knees up during lockdown, & rising inflation from 3% to 8%) & his successor, Lis Truss, could be ousted by Christmas (within weeks of her appointment) because of her disastrous ‘mini budget’ which favoured the rich & her borrowing policy that caused depreciation of the £ immediately. She has already thrown the Minister of Finance (Exchequer) under the bus but unless she can bring down the inflation, now running at 13%, her days are numbered. It is the end of the road for those who leave political office in disgrace. There is no come back but in SL, its a different ball game. Any wonder why we are in this situation?

    • 9
      2

      R-UK
      Let us be real.
      JRJ was a man of means like SWRDB, DSS & Dudley, and there was no urge to steal.
      But craving for power made each do bad things.
      He allowed a lot of misdeed including theft of public funds on a massive scale.
      He was the worst among them for letting pals put their fingers in the state coffers.
      Theft struck root as a political norm under him

      • 7
        1

        SJ,
        Spot On!! Mahaweli Ganga was diverted at Victoria, with British Grant to the APPLE ORCHARDS OF AUSTRALIA!!?? Example!!

    • 12
      1

      Raj – You are right. This is why Brotain, US and other western democracies have high standards of living. The buck stops at the very top !

      What you say circles back to to our founding document otherwise known as our constitution.

      Of late R’s have been printing /talking our of the press numerous version of amendments. No sir, One don’t make or amend constitutions on the fly. They are sacred and need to be thoroughly thought out/discussed/debated .

      As a final thought also, why on earth JRJ had to have an expensive Prime Minister’s
      office with all those hundreds of staff, vehicles, mansions and security, when the head of the Executive branch is the President ?

      Stupidity ultimatum !

      • 6
        0

        Ashoka 1958,
        I believe it is not always democracy.
        :
        Law and order treats everyone equally. For example if you would nt pay a bill until you pay it off, it repeatedly passed to you. In the end you have to pay it off with the fine for the delay. This is common to everyone. no matter what level you are, it automatically gets fined. belongs to Rigid systems and high maintenance of law and order are its factors.

        I don’t think democracy has anything to do with it. To me, homo sapiens are just like other animals when there is no law and order. Just think, those tourists pass through our countries, and when they return, they behave relatively to connect with Europe.
        Sri Lanka’s drug mafia and all other sex and gambling problems are infected from Europe because we don’t have a proper system to filter them out, so our society is deteriorating while their societies are intact.
        :

    • 12
      0

      Raj-Uk,
      The United Kingdom operates without a written constitution. So you can’t even think with us in Sri Lanka. We watched Cameron leave. They won’t need “struggle” or such objections to convince them to leave..

    • 4
      0

      Not probably racist but definitely very racist as well as opportunistic. Did not want any rights given to the island’s Thamizh. Marched against the Bandaranaike Chelvanayagam pact. Two to three state-sponsored pogroms against the island’s Thamiz during his rule, the worst was the July 1983 pogrom, where he shamelessly came on national TV and did not utter a word of sympathy to the island’s Thamizh but only showed concern for the Chingkalla majority. The Buring of Asia’s oldest and one of its biggest libraries the Jaffna Library, which housed many rare ancient manuscripts, that proved the antiquity and ancient history of the island’s Thamizh. A deliberate move to erase the history of the island’s Thamizh.

      • 4
        0

        Large scale colonisation of Chingkallams in Thamizh Trincomalee district and the ethnic cleansing of Thamizh from Manal Aru in the 1990s and remaining the area Weli Oya ( a literal Chingkalla translation of Thamizh Manal Aru, however both Weli ( from Thamizh Veli) and Oya ( from Thamizh oyaval or odai are basically Thamizh words ) and settling outside Chingkallams in this area to deliberately create a wedge between the Thamizh north and east. The currently fake claim that ancient Saivite Thamizh Hindu site, Kurunthoor Malai is Chingkalla Buddhist, with some Chingkalla racists now trying to call this area with some stupid name called Kuruntha, is for the same reason. Nothing else. He was one of the main cause of the civil war to start, especially after the burning of the Jaffna library and the July 83 pogrom. All from the direct descendant of an 18Th-century immigrant, Thamizh Thambi Mudaliar from South India.

    • 6
      2

      Thanks, Raj-UK,
      .
      I was missing your comments recently; they contribute immeasurably to the discussions.
      .
      As you say, our rejected politicians come back again and again. The only solution is for us, who imagine that we vote with better reasoning, to educate the public. This is not always easy, but we must persist.
      .
      Recently, we’ve had too many people saying that we cannot tell the whole truth, and that election manifestos are there only to win elections. We can’t legislate on all such falsehoods, but each of us must resolve that we will tell the truth as we see it.
      .
      Panini Edirisinhe

    • 4
      0

      Raj-UK,
      Good morning.
      “She (Liz Truss – PM) has already thrown the Minister of Finance (Exchequer) under the bus but unless she can bring down the inflation, now running at 13%, her days are numbered. It is the end of the road for those who leave political office in disgrace. There is no come back but in SL, its a different ball game. Any wonder WHY WE ARE IN THIS SITUATION.”
      Land blessed by Prince Siddhartha – Gautama the Buddha thrice (3 times) –inhabitants have naiveté or ingenuousness, complemented by their Intelligence, unequalled attributes of Cunningness and extreme levels of “FORGETFULNESS”!!??
      To just quote a Rebel Sage (name doesn’t come to mind now), who ceased existence in 05/2009, that SINHALESE MEMORY IS ONLY GOOD FOR 2 WEEKS, which was used by him during entirety of 30 years’ War. So that forgetting syndrome or conveniently overlooking misgovernance, on premise “He is one of us” enabled, those tarnished incompetent – regain power!!??
      Simple Raj-UK, happens, before one WINKS!!?? No surprises there!!
      Contrary, British seems to have excellent memory, guided by Conventions and Traditions maintain pristine style and Glory of HoS/HoG!! Let alone the ‘POMP AND PAGEANTRY’, only British do well with none to equal??

    • 6
      0

      Raj-UK,
      “In UK, Boris J was ousted even before halfway into his term because the PUBLIC FELT HE CANNOT BE TRUSTED (MAINLY LYING TO PARLIAMENT about ‘Partygate’, a knees up during lockdown, & rising inflation from 3% to 8%)”
      In blessed Sri Lanka that kind of lying is 2nd nature to politicians and enables them to rise up to Cabinet Minister – others more dedicated to Sri Lanka and Sri Lankans are ignored for positions??!!
      Perhaps, the case of the candidate (from SL) declaring acquiring a Diploma in “Leadership Skills and Management”, from the UNIVERSITY OF ORARA, IN AUSTRALIA!!??
      Unfortunately, search for such University in Australian Commonwealth, has been negative!!??
      There is only a High School in Orara, NSW – Mid North Coast!!?? Astonishing indeed?? How come?
      Which means automatically and reasonably assume that claim by the ‘WORTHY’ as incorrect? Terminological inexactitude, to politely allude this sordid act, which in British parliament, believe “Person to lose the TRUST of electorate” and “SHUNTED OUT” of the position!, PRONTO!!??
      Alas, not in resplendent Sri Lanka?? Quite a quirk/twist?? He is glorified and retained as TEAM SPECIALIST “SPICE MAN” given his past records and cricketing credentials!!
      EAST/WEST HAVE VALUE DIFFERENCE!!?? HON SPEAKER DARE NOT!!?

  • 11
    6

    Leave aside the “Constitution” and the “Democracy”. Anyone who accepts and ascends to power to handle State Functions must have the SELF COURAGE to make an ASSESSMENT of his/her own MORAL CHARACTER very much based on “Shame” and “Fear”.

    In the above context did Ranil W make that assessment before accepting to be the “Prime Minister” and then next to be the “President”? NO. Not at all. A man (Ranil W) who speaks of decades of experience in politics has ultimately proved to be a SHAMELESS and FEARLESS individual who would resort to committing any “SIN”, shamefully and fearlessly to acquire self-glorification. Such an individual is “DANGEROUS” and “TREACHEROUS”. In the end, however, he is “GLORIFIED”, he is DESTINED to suffer of his own doings. That is a punishment by NATURE – the DHAMMA.

    • 10
      5

      Dear Simon,
      .
      Assuming Dallas is the next elected candidate, do you think he would have been able to please you and others who dream of a miracle world in the current context?

      To my knowledge the answer is absolutely no.
      About 134 Sri Lanka Podujana Peramunas still control the parliament protecting the side of the criminals.
      :
      Again my question is, if everything is fine and NPP/JVP is clean, why did they allow Gotabaya Rajapaksa to be illegally nominated as the next presidential candidate without doing the right thing at the time? why dont they stand publicly against former MACO (EC) ?
      I never expected NPP/JVP to be ignored like that. Many like me would question why ?
      All those 35 candidates were equally deaf and blind to those illegal nominations. Senior Advocate Mr. Nagananda Kodithuvakku repeatedly raised the issue. Of course, this should not be ignored by the NPP/JVP.
      :
      The truth is that even if Dulles is elected, he will have no other options but to rely on what the SLPP already has in Parliament. No one can be surprised as there has been a constitutional deadlock in Parliament for a long time. That is my opinion after studying the current situation in front of a parliament full of vile reptiles.

      • 4
        0

        Dullas is the correct first name. apologies of the typo.

      • 7
        3

        Dear LM: What’s happening to you? Dallas and the “Gang”? I know them very well and they are on the list of those who MUST be thrown out of Parliament.

        Re. GR’s nomination. Your “Hero” NK even failed to submit his nomination for the Presidential election. Yet he carried out a “FAKE” protest on the nomination day in front of the Election Commission office demanding that he be allowed to enter the premises. Then he wanted NPP and the rest of the candidates to protest over the nomination of GR citing his failure to submit the withdrawal of his US citizenship.No wonder all other candidates disregarded a man who claims to be a luminary in Law failing to submit his nomination papers legally. For your information, I was an eyewitness to this episode.

        Now NK has filed a court case in SC against “MACO”. Let us wait and see what happens. How many cases he has won so far? I saw how he APOLOGIZED in court in one of his cases. Your “HERO” is a “Bull In A China Shop”.

        • 8
          4

          Alas, another fabricated story.
          NK actually introduced us as our “Sinhala man” from CT. In those days, at the beginning of NK’s emergence, SM went on to promote him in CT. However, agree with you, Sr. Advocate NK failed to deliver his standards properly. NK may have good reasons for it, but it’s clear that he couldn’t get the basics right.
          .
          This is unrelated to the whole controversy of the illegal nomination of “Gotha” during that period.

          However, NK brought it up again and again. My question was neither AKD nor SP explained why they were blinded. today, as powerful pro- J.V.P supporters, you probably know about it.

          It is now clear to everyone that NK may be a true activist but is not fit for Sri Lankan politics.

          • 5
            3

            EK was introduced to us by Sinhala Man. If i may correct it.

            • 5
              4

              NK was introduced to us by sinhala man if i may correct it.

              • 6
                5

                There is truth in that statement, but isn’t it oversimplification. From the time that I first heard of him, he has over-estimated his capacity to get things done.
                .
                However I continue to trust him. He is an honest man.

          • 7
            1

            Dear LK; Isn’t there a provision to raise objections within SEVEN (07) days against any nomination? These are matters that would come up in NK’s case in SC. Just wait to see the “Drama”. Remember after filing this case NK held many “Media Briefings” and declared that “MACO” would go to jail for “07” years on the judgment in his case. After that, he has gone “Silent” on the matter. Perhaps, Hoole, another member of the EC who gave that “Affidavit” would have cautioned NK.

            I am glad you have understood that he (NK) “…is not fit for Sri Lankan politics”.

            • 6
              3

              Thanks, Simon,
              .
              Your conclusion is correct, but may be a bit too harsh. He can’t possibly be the leader of the country, but he could make a reasonable Minister. It’s we who do wrong by devoting so much of time to discussion him.
              .
              Let him be; we have more important subjects to discuss.
              .
              We must focus on the really bad crooks – and not waste time on subjects that get us nowhere.
              .
              However, I do get annoyed with the honest and sincere “leelagemalli” when he doesn’t keep quiet about the NPP. Yes, AKD missed a trick when he didn’t question Gota about his citizenship. Where is his response to my query about his own silence when Jeevan Hoole raised the matter? He makes multiple comments on every article, but he said nothing about that article. At that time comments were open for ten days.
              .
              Dear LM, I’d like to have your explanation – then we can move on.
              .
              Panini Edirisinhe

            • 3
              1

              Very Good morning Simon,
              Guess there, guess here.

              There may be some drawbacks based on EC inclusion and exclusion criteria. However, the Rajapaksas know it, but they can screw up the nation without renouncing their dual citizenship rights.
              That is why there is an opposition in democracy.

              Malechcha Rajapaksa also believed too much that this nation will eat punnaku forever, even though the whole people don’t know it. That is why Mahinda #’s last breath may have been a curse more than the criminals of Sri Lanka.

              The other two also remained silent, knowing that it was the only way to block him. What is the point of giving affidevit on the matter, after keeping silent all the time ? Those who hero-worship would utter anything to protect anyone, but the truth is they should have hindered this at the bud level.

              Sajith is yet to answer this, but AKD is making excuses like other election contestants, even that brave man “Naleen Hevage” is sidelined whenever the issue comes up in Sinhala talk rounds on TV. That’s why I don’t see anything “special” in JVP/NPP. They are the same.
              period.

          • 2
            2

            Dear leelagemalli.
            .
            You have written:
            .
            “Alas, another fabricated story.” Really? Who has fabricated what?
            .
            Poor LM; despite your heart of gold, you’ve been writing nonsense on this page. Scroll down to the bottom.
            .
            I’m getting anxious about you, the most well-meaning of contributors. Why not take a break?

      • 9
        3

        Continuing ……………..,
        .
        Yes, “leelagemalli”, I’d like to know why you didn’t at least join in the discussion, for which an opportunity was provided by the clearly identified Professor Jeevan Hoole. Couldn’t anonymous you even ask your question from far away Germany.
        .
        This is the problem with you. You are ultimately such a coward that you often demand of us what you don’t have the commitment to undertake. I’ll be 74 next month, but you have repeatedly asked me to uproot myself from my own land and work abroad to “earn money for Ranil and the Rajapaksas to squander.
        .
        I’m tired; I must get myself some sleep at 5.00 am. I shall add to the argument later today, but it will all add to my faulting you for not joining in the discussion there. So, please get ready with your response to that question.
        .
        I’m glad to note that you are less given this past week to singing the praises of Ranil Wickremasinghe.
        .
        Panini Edirisinhe of Bandarawela, currently in Maharagama (NIC 483111444V)

        • 5
          2

          Mr Panini Edirisinhe of Bandarawela, currently in Maharagama (NIC 483111444V), only FINGER PRINT and DNA ancestral diagram are missing ?

          We can talk about Matara, you will still talk about Jaffna or something completely different. That’s how you interpret things. That is clearly your interpretive nature.

          To answer your question, I actually referred this question to PhD HOOLE…that was a long time ago. He responded to me that he had already given his thoughts to NK.

          You keep complaining about not being able to afford the rising cost of living so you work for a few dollars for your benefit. Be sure to support your family at this critical juncture of the island nation.
          I have friends in KL/Malaysia (they are Malaysian) who were looking for English teachers for their schools. So at the time I thought it would help you… I never thought it would hurt you. I am sorry – Mr. Edirisinhe.

          • 6
            2

            Dear LM,
            .

            My question was: why you didn’t join in a public discussion which would have helped all readers.
            .
            https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/was-the-presidential-election-free-and-fair-when-colombo-returning-officer-called-sajith-premadasa-the-son-of-a-donkey-asks-prof-hoole/
            .

            We can’t be sure, but one or two readers here might learn from what we say – and make a difference to the future. Incidentally, about three weeks ago, Jeevan wrote to me saying that I shouldn’t “attack” such a good and sincere friend like you.
            .
            There are some things about my sufferings that I haven’t yet shared with you. Perhaps when we finally meet. I’m flattered that you should think me still capable of teaching in Malaysia. Why Malaysia? I may not have explained how that became the abode of my grand-children. Chance!
            .
            Panini Edirisinhe Passport: N7789311 (expires 2028)

            • 3
              2

              Thanks for your compliment, to be honest with you, though, I feel like you’re being so naive. You don’t even talk to anyone else to share their opinion. At this point I respect Manel or someone like that. She never collects things without proper study. She has been a role model for many on this platform. I also respect Mr. SJ.
              As I write this, I can hear how the undergraduate students of that Faculty of Arts in Pera are behaving. Most of them are no different from the picture cemented on my hard drive – 30 years ago. The first time Hilda faced bullying in the Obeysekera building….still branded on my hard drive.
              Don’t worry, I won’t take things seriously if it comes from you. Think twice if it comes from SJ and Manel.

              Why Malaysia?
              Because the people of Sri Lanka will not experience a culture shock there. The lifestyle of the people is very similar to the lifestyle of our Sri Lankans. I study and stay in Europe for my job, but I wish I was in the tropics – winter is almost upon us. Anyway, sorry if my stupid suggestion touched your ego-nerves.
              Your problem is that you’re in your early 70s, but you’re turning into a centenarian. My neighbors in their late 80s will never understand your thoughts. They will surely say, you need a doctor.

            • 3
              0

              These are just speculations.
              .
              https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9YXq4ZJjqI

              • 1
                0

                I have listened to only 20 seconds of this, dear LM.
                .
                On this subject you’re fine!
                .
                Panini Edirisinhe of Bandarawela

            • 2
              1

              Driving License no? (Expiry in applicable)
              Motor vehicle registration number, if applicable?
              Number on voters’ register? (Electorate and polling station essential)

              • 0
                1

                (Expiry inapplicable)

        • 4
          3

          Mr Edirisnhe,
          I will say it again and again. It would be like to a deaf person though. I am not partial to anyone. But I was neutral. It is my right. Please allow your five senses to unlock so that you can grasp.
          .
          Nimal Fernando, SJ and several others made it very clear to you that no commentator has the privilege to attack another because that person does not know what they are talking about. For me, there are good people in every party, many people need to come together to make the next one. But I see good people in Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna are rarer than other parties. Although they wear academic titles, many of them must have the same “criminal” strength as the Rajapaksas to ride in that bungalow.
          .
          If you attack me like this, I don’t think you can subdue me by revealing more things that I remember about our brothers who were killed by your Janata Vimukthi Peramuna. And we have also revealed who is behind university raggings, harassments.
          If someone in your family has had a limb amputated, you would have changed. I abhor any kind of brutal killing, no matter what party or movement you call it.
          But many of our friends were caught by the JVP and killed. These were my sandbox friends. If I go back to the 89 rebellion, my country will not be looked at with any sympathy.

          • 1
            3

            Poor deluded German citizen. I weep for you!

    • 8
      0

      If DHAMMA is so powerful – why is Mahinda Jarapaksa (the corrupt man who brought this nation to its lowest point – knowing that most of the loans from China were part of Mahinda’s regime?, all other govts were forced to take loans to fill up the loans again and again) of all the serious crimes he has indirectly committed? So far?
      I believe in the meditative level of Buddhism, but “Sinhala Buddhism” is far from my belief today, not realizing that everything we were taught in Dhamma schools is contradictory when looking at nothing is hurt to the existence of the Rajapaksa family. I dont believe in Karmic Retribution either today.
      When over 17000 innocent people including my father were taken away by Covid 19, not a single person of that barbaric family died.

      • 11
        1

        Dear LM: Buddha Dhamma is not for “BELIVERS”. It is for the people to “KNOW” and “EXPERIENCE”. Therefore, it is not an “ISM”. The trouble is you “BELIVE” in “BUDDHISM” – The “BUDDHAGAMA”.

        Please get awakened to the “REALITY” (in Buddha’s words, it is THTHA) and that is why he was called “THTHAGATHA”. In simple Sinhala, it is “YATHARTHAYA”; but don’t mix it with “TRUTH” (SATHTHAYA) Have a nice day!

        • 8
          0

          Mr. Simon,
          Are you sitting on your head to look like that? I have always stood against “Sinhalese Buddhism ” and am among the few who say that Buddhism is miles away from the real Buddha’s teachings: knowing it, I cannot bear you insulting me in this way.

          However, I agree with your views on Buddha and Dharma. Unfortunately, our motherland destroyed by the Rajapaksas and their henchmen is not working.
          .
          True, I was born into a Sinhala Buddhist family ( i did not choose by myself) like many followers of Sri Lankan Buddhism, however, I have never been a part of it for the past 30 years.

          Nor does one kneel before a Sinhala Buddhist monk (most of them are pinguttharayas to my eye) in Sri Lanka.

          I am used to greeting anyone with a “hello gesture” so I am by no means a typical greeter.

          And just so you know, I won’t be giving them free food for the last few years.
          My beloved mother who is now in heaven was busy offering pooja to the monks of the temple and in her days the monks of Buddhagama were relatively respectable. Just to tell you, today, instead, I chose today over “stray dogs” and “really needy adults.”

        • 8
          0

          Dear Simon,
          .
          I have no doubt that “your bazaar people” will remind you of the “reality” of our present society. The truth is that there are only two main groups in our society.

          One respects a cultured and respectable way of life (an indifferent but silent small minority), while the rest of the entire population behaves like utter idiots, even a significant portion of the native graduates. Every citizen has their contribution minor or major…that is unfortunately not the case in our country… we stay only talking…. even JVPrs are far from approaching rural bezirks with their future plans. There exists a big kalugal rock (a rock to the size of seegiriya) between JVPrs and the rural masses.

          I was convinced of all this when I went around the country shortly before the November 2019 elections. To be honest, I was afraid that “Jamal Khashoggi style will be torn to shreds”, but I risked it.

          I gathered my own sources of information by talking to different levels of society (tuk tuk driver, cab driver, engineers, chemists, medical doctors, university academic staff, etc.). All rose against me, snapping at my neck, highlighting how a man who had once proven his mettle as a “fearless defense secretary” could not be trusted as the future leader. Today they are standing in front of me biting their nails,….. I can’t even see…. Do you understand?

          • 6
            4

            Dear LM: Please relax and cool down. I meant no insult to you. If you felt hurt I am very sorry.

            Let me talk to you later. Cheer up, mate.

      • 1
        4

        “all other govts were forced to take loans to fill up the loans again and again”
        Has this been verified?
        Chinese loans = 10%
        Rest of the loans = 90%
        Did the debt to China amplify ten fold?
        The history of loans is well documented I guess.

    • 7
      7

      Dear “leelagemali”,
      .
      I’m going to ask you a simple question to which I want an unambiguous response:
      .
      Isn’t it unfair of you to keep berating the NPP/JVP for not challenging Gota on citizenship, given the overall situation?
      .
      https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/was-the-presidential-election-free-and-fair-when-colombo-returning-officer-called-sajith-premadasa-the-son-of-a-donkey-asks-prof-hoole/comment-page-2/#comments
      .
      Please note that in a comment made two weeks after the RESULT of the Presidential Election in 2019, I have asked precisely that question, why AKD didn’t ask what Gota’s citizenship status at that time was?
      .
      One possible reason doesn’t reflect well on AKD. He may have realised that Gota was going to prove less effective than Chamal Rajapakse, who would have been the SLPP nominee in the event of Gota being disqualified. That has subsequently been proved the case, and the NPP now has much greater support than 2/3 years ago.
      .
      When playing the election game the left has often felt that it is good to weaken the “capitalists” by some means. Forcing them to make policy mistakes or by ruining the economy. I don’t approve of such a strategy, even if effective.

      • 3
        5

        If this is what you have got to say@

        “One possible reason doesn’t reflect well on AKD. He may have realised that Gota was going to prove less effective than Chamal Rajapakse, who would have been the SLPP nominee in the event of Gota being disqualified. That has subsequently been proved the case, and the NPP now has much greater support than 2/3 years ago.”

        This proves us that AKD is no different.
        This proves to us that AKD is no different. People were caught by the big talks of Pinguttaran…. People were caught by the dreamers, but they could not even save the “gas cylinders for the kitchen” to bring prosperity.

    • 7
      4

      Dear LM,

      I’m sorry that we’re getting our lines crossed. The question that I asked was about why you didn’t say what you felt about Gota’s citizenship when Professor Jeevan Hoole wrote his article soon after Gota’s election.
      .
      My continuation of that comment has gone up above that.
      .
      Now this link (English – only 4 minutes) relates to something about what a government receiving a mandate is about. To see what I’m suggesting you will have to take account of the two countries being different, and the systems are different.
      .
      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LHz5xWMnoto&t=5s
      .
      You will have to do some thinking!
      .
      Panini Edirisinhe, now trying to get this (good) computer in Maharagama to co-operate with me.

      • 1
        4

        “Professor Jeevan Hoole wrote his article soon after Gota’s election.”
        But he was a very important party to the acceptance of GR’s nomination, wasn’t he?
        How come that some of our sharp minds missed that little detail?

        • 1
          1

          Dear SJ,
          .
          We were all confused.
          .
          We all know that there has been this clash of personalities between Jeevan and you for decades
          .
          You’re are a clever man, but on occasion you disgust me.
          .
          Yes, disgust is a strong word. Perhaps it is inadequate. Perhaps, we should say your comment here is nauseating.
          .
          How could Jeevan possibly do everything by himself? He’s not a divine being. And he suffers from a major handicap: he knows no Sinhalese. As it is, he displayed immense courage to expose this. In any other country and set up what he said would have been promptly investigated.
          .
          Thousands of us had our suspicions about his citizenship. We failed in our efforts to stop Gota being elected. I don’t want your explanations and snide comments, SJ.
          .
          I’m much more concerned about the way leelagemalli has allowed himself to be duped. He’s an absolutely sincere man.
          .
          Look at the latest Hoole article:
          .
          https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/hooray-for-unhrc-there-is-no-constitutional-objection-to-the-resolution-on-sri-lanka/

  • 12
    8

    You cant blame ranil for becoming the president legitimately as per our constitution.Whether he is endorsed by the people or not is not his fault. He has to forget about all that and just focus on the job at hand to clean this mess up which he had nothing to do with in the first place.The mess was created by the people, 6.9 mllion of them rednecks and racists who voted for gota and his racist policies.

    we have to only hope that the people and democracy that the author is bleating about in this article change for the better in the future.we all get the representatives we deserve in a democracy.

    Talking of democracy i feel sri lanka should have after independence gone on the path of cuba with a great and benign dictator like castro.Our people were too immature for democracy and politicians took advantage of their baser instincts of ethnic identity to get votes.This would not have happenned i feel if a guy like vasudeva nanayakkara had taken over the country with force just like fidel did.

    • 5
      0

      Shankar,
      .
      “his would not have happenned i feel if a guy like vasudeva nanayakkara had taken over the country with force just like fidel did”

      Why on earth did you bring those experts to Mahinda Rajapaksa’s parties? At that time, those elderly men did not agree with any fraudulent leader?
      I mean Vasideva, Prof Vitharana, Dev and others should stay long in their senior houses and they should pass the “relay baton” to the successor.
      People like Wimal Ponnawansla are not leaders today because of those small parties. Please stand against these so-called sentiments today.
      No one else is to be blamed for the media and if the public took the side of the problem, this problem would not have arisen…

      • 0
        9

        leelagemalli

        vasu has never been corrupt and there is no racist bone in his body.The bugger was a firebrand in his youth just like castro and i had a lot of trouble with him and his strikes,but i admired the man for his principles and qualities.

        The fact that he supported mahinda rajapakshe should not be held against him.

        • 8
          0

          Shankar: “Corruption” in your interpretation rest only related to the “Illegal acquisition of wealth”. In my mind “Corruption” stretches beyond that and it includes one’s “Character” and “Decision Making” and setting “Life Styles”. In that perspective “Vasu” is CORRUPT because I too know him from his schooling in Galle and lived in the adjoining village where he lived. In comparing to that “Life” and “Today’s” life, Vasu is CORRUPT and ROTTEN to the core in his “Principles” and “Qualities”.

        • 6
          0

          What do you understand being corrupted Mr Shankar ?

          How do you know when someone is corrupt? If someone constantly deals with very corrupt people, is he or she not corrupt?

          In the last 15 years it was difficult to see that Vasideva was based on “Vasi- petty advantages”. What good did Nakia do to this nation? They can’t even move without a stick, but hang on to the parliament and don’t leave a place for the young men.. Corrupt and selfish, right?

          • 1
            3

            leelagemalli

            “If someone constantly deals with very corrupt people, is he or she not corrupt?”

            not necessarily.if you sleep with dogs you may get up with fleas on you but you won’t become a dog will you?Thats what happened to vasu unfortunately.

            “What good did Nakia do to this nation? “

            nothing,but everything when you compare him to other politicians who have done so much damage to this country.He never got the opportunity to do anything for this country as the people always rejected him giving him only about 25000 votes whenever he contested the presidential elections.Same thing is happening to the JVP too even though they are not corrupt.The people prefer to give millions of votes to the corrupt and they get the representatives they deserve and get a load of shit on their heads.As for him being a “nakia” he is indeed a dried up pumpkin at 84 as ranil aptly described him when even at 84 he tries to land a few blows.

            • 2
              0

              shankar,
              .
              When Vasu found that he was getting rejected, he ought to have quit politics.
              .
              That’s what Mangala Samaraweera did.
              .
              It is tragic that COVID took Mangala away. RIP.

        • 8
          0

          shankar,

          How do you know that Vasu was never corrupt?
          .
          I don’t think that he was too bad on that score. I’ve met him & his mother; he can be charming.
          .
          We’re something like sixth cousins (on one line). His mother, a Wijesekera Dissanayake, mine a Wijeratne Dissanayake. Both from the village of Urala, near Wanduramba. There was much inter-marriage, we may be even closer. We genuinely never learn about our ancestors who were beggars! Seriously – but irrelevantly.
          .
          Marxists are not usually racist; but the point is he’s old, and has compromised to ensure his being in Parliament for so long.
          .
          It’s the youth who should lead us!
          .
          Panini Edirisinhe (NIC 483111444V)

        • 6
          0

          Shankar
          I dunno about Vasu never having been corrupt, but can you explain why, unlike the other leftists, he didnt come out against the Referendum?
          In fact I tried to enter a meeting he was holding in order to persuade him to take a stand against it, but was blocked by his girlfriend.
          What justification could he have had for opting out at that time?

          • 0
            2

            interesting point you made. I think that is why vasu failed while fidel succeeded.The macho cubans of spanish ancestry would never be dominated by women. Any woman who tried to do that without castro’s permission would have had to face his wrath.In this case i don’t know whether it was or wasn’t with vasu’s permission but i suspect he became subordinate due to his love for rice and curry.

            • 5
              1

              “His love for rice & curry!” What a cop-out, Shankar!
              Did his women dictate his political stands?

              Anyway, do you think his (Christian) girlfriend Nimalka was a better cook than his wife, Vasanthi?

              • 3
                0

                Manel, you sound like some people here who make unsavoury personal remarks.

                • 5
                  0

                  Yes, I do, dont I!

                  I was heading on down the path that Shankar took with his rice & curry gaffe & realised rather too late what I had written.
                  I’m acutely embarrassed.

                  But I must say that I was pretty put out at the time by the stand that both he & Nimalka were taking — or, rather, NOT taking.
                  Naturally, I told Nimalka why I wanted to speak to Vasu — & it was clear that she wasnt concerned about the referendum.

                  • 2
                    0

                    Manel,
                    .
                    Yes, I was stunned that you said that so coarsely.
                    .
                    I’m sure that you are acutely embarrassed. We, all of us, ought to accept that apology. Certainly, I do, although I was painfully stung at some of your ripostes to me.
                    .
                    Keep commenting, Manel. Your slips are very occasional, and most of you observations are both apposite and insightful.
                    .
                    Panini Edirisinhe

          • 3
            0

            “Manel
            Vasu was in the NSSP, led by VBK at the time and I can name quite a few in the NSSP at the time.
            What was the NSSP’s stand at the time? Did Vasu act in contravention? If he did what did the NSSP do?
            I do not think that it is fair to bring in his lady friend. Was she advised of your intention?
            Vasu was not even an MP at the time.

            • 3
              0

              SJ
              If Vasu was in the NSSP at the time, then the NSSP must have also refrained from taking a stand.

              I did a 120-paged report on the Referendum (first published in Sept 1983) & have recorded attacks by armed thugs on at least two meetings held by the LSSP in support of the Pot. One was in Dambulla where the thugs invaded the platform & announced that the opposition would not be allowed to function in that electorate; & that voters would have to show their ballot papers before putting them in the box. At Bulanewewa the thugs assaulted & robbed two of the LSSP organisers.
              I think it rather sad, to say the least, if Vasu was able to close his eyes to these happenings to his old party & blithely carry on regardless at such a time.

      • 5
        0

        Why on earth did THEY bring those experts to Mahinda Rajapaksa’s parties?🤔🤔🤔🤔

    • 2
      3

      S
      “6.9 mllion of them rednecks and racists who voted for gota and his racist policies”
      Who are the rednecks in this country?
      We have every right to dislike the way a majority of the people vote, but what right do we have to denounce them as racist?
      Many rational and secular thinking people could only vote in one of two ways after experiencing the performance of ‘Yahapalanaya’: Vote for another or do not vote.

      • 3
        1

        The 6.9 million attracted comment, largely because of GR’s claims based on the size of his vote.

      • 5
        0

        Mr SJ,
        .
        I doubt many people in Sri Lanka would be rational ye today.
        :
        I sometimes watch a weekly TV talk show on Sinhala channels and in English. Some responses including current MPs will be added.Even educated people are far from rational thinking.

        Religious and cultural thinking may have led them astray irreversibly. According to psychologists and sociologists, if people between the ages of 3-16 do not receive proper guidance, their future will not be normal.
        :
        The best example is the victim in his own grave former law professor G.L.P. His school friends confirm to me that he is super rich from his family background. What his family background and advanced degrees have brought him, he has proven wrong against rational thinking.

        Who has no qualms about supporting the murderous Mahinda Rajapaksa and his brutal politics?
        Another Macbeth propagandist…. His CT articles cannot fail to mention names of european philosopers…. he is one and only self-proclaimed political anayst Dayan Rajapaksa Jayathilaka.- DJ has lot more common with Wimal Weerawanse. WW is said to be a school drop out.

        • 3
          2

          Irrationality does not correlate perfectly with political loyalty

      • 3
        0

        SJ

        from your comments i discern that you were one of those 6.9 million.I correct myself by saying that all 6.9 million may not have been rednecks and racists and there may be some like you who would have got disgusted wth yahapalanaya which mahinda described as 2 buffaloes tied to the same cart and pulling in different directions.

        However those 6.9 million including you voted for a psychopath who has the habit of trying to get rid of any problem he has by eliminating the people that are creating the problems for him.A true atheist like prabhaharan.So now the wrath of god we see on them and us who suppoted them.Take the case of those 10 boys who were held for ransom at navy camp.As soon as karannagoda informed gota they were there they dissapeared.problem solved.If 1miliion out of the 6.9 million and hopefully you as one of them,got disgusted with this SLPP candidate though they love the SLPP which is their right to do so as you pointed out,and did not vote for him then he would have got 5.9 million votes instead of 6.9 million,but still be ahead of sajit who got 5.5 million.

        • 0
          2

          cont

          If out of those 1 million, 500000(hopefully you one of them) voted for sajit to keep out this monster even though they did not like UNP then sajit would have got 6 million votes and in a second runoff would have won with the JVP votes.
          Don’t you thinkwe would have then not had this calamity of bankruptcy on us because god would have been on our side.Remember nothing in life can be achieved without god’s help.When the roman emperor contantine went to battle he and his forces saw a cross of light in the sky and he won the battle.At that time the romans were feeding the christians to the lions.All that was stopped by constantine and he promoted christianity and see what it is now worldwide.

        • 0
          4

          I was one of the 15,992,096.
          It is secret ballot. respect people’s right to confidentiality.
          This is a free country and one has every right to draw stupid conclusions.
          Please yourself.
          *
          By the way what is wrong with a redneck?
          Is it working for a living, unlike parasites that live off others’ toil?

    • 8
      7

      I do blame Ranil, and I have scant respect for those who have been helping him become “The President” through a series of daring moves.
      .
      I don’t consider Ranil to be the “legitimate. President. I have expanded my comments on these lines, so I shan’t write to much more here.
      .
      Panini Edirisinhe

      • 1
        5

        “I have scant respect for those who have been helping him become “The President” “
        Even the one who confirmed the his forfeiture of US nationality before the EC?

  • 8
    3

    After losing his seat in parliament and manipulating to occupy the only seat that the UNP did get, Ranil in his wildest dreams would not have expected to become the President. He should take this fluke opportunity to We can be sure that he will never win an election again.

  • 8
    0

    Naki mynahs should be out of active politics long ago.
    In civilised countries these nen would spend their later day with their grand children/ but calling them budhists but to further hang on parliament?
    Unique to hells like that of ours. Our motherland is beautiful by nature/ no doubt. . But people at large are like poisonous reptiles. 🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔

  • 5
    1

    Polonnaruwa donkey and his men as yet protest today for no good reason/ there are also stupid people to support them.
    Entire scene is similar to wanathamulla garbage dumps./ what a country? 🤔🤔🤔

  • 1
    8

    simon

    the legal definition of corruption as per the encyclopedia brittanica is as follows

    “corruption, Improper and usually unlawful conduct intended to secure a benefit for oneself or another. Its forms include bribery, extortion, and the misuse of inside information. It exists where there is community indifference or a lack of enforcement policies. In societies with a culture of ritualized gift giving, the line between acceptable and unacceptable gifts is often hard to draw”

    so i am going by this and i still feel vasu has not been corrupt.You seem to go more than this definition in labelling him corupt.can you tell me some examples of it.

    • 2
      2

      Britannica does not give the legal definition.
      The term is explained under the heading ‘law’.
      Laws differ with country ( and in the US with state), so that there is no universal definition.
      As Ludwig W. will have it ‘the meaning of a word is as it is accepted by the community that uses the word.’
      Will you call Mr Velupillai Prabakaran corrupt?

    • 2
      0

      You cannot launder what is unethical by giving a Dictionary definition, shankar.
      .
      The issues are far too serious for you to be allowed to get away with that degree of frivolity.
      .
      However, since we’ve said so many negative things about Vasu, let me affirm that there were many intelligent and decent things that he did. But it’s time he retires!
      .
      Panini Edirisinhe of Bandarawela (NIC 483111444V)

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