26 April, 2024

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Ravinatha Gets The Boot As Gota Takes Full Control Of Foreign Ministry

Ravinatha Aryasinha who was appointed as Secretary to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs during the failed coup by former president Mathripala Sirisena in October 2018 has been unceremoniously sacked from his post by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

Ravinatha Aryasinha

He has been replaced by former Navy Commander, Admiral (Professor) Jayanath Colombage. The retired Admiral is a Pathfinder Foundation alumnus and considered a “China Specialist”. He is one of four senior military personnel who have been appointed to run government ministries.

Colombo Telegraph learns that as the President’s advisor on international relations, Admiral Colombage was already running the Ministry from the Presidential Secretariat, a situation that had made Aryasinha extremely uncomfortable. A decision was made a few months before the election that all diplomatic postings even at lower levels would have to be given the green light from the Secretariat before they could be confirmed. With the election over the President’s office was now asserting direct control of the Ministry, sources told Colombo Telegraph. The decision to appoint Colambage as Secretary to the Ministry of Foreign Relations would also ensure Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunewardena toes the presidential line the sources added.

There was no reasoning for the abrupt change of the guard especially since Minister Gunewardena held on to his pre-election ministerial portfolio.

However a few weeks ago the Colombo Telegraph used a series of articles to expose a number of irregular and fraudulent financial transactions carried out by Aryasinha along with Sri Lanka’s current High Commissioner to London Saroja Sirisena. The fraud involving manipulated plane tickets, an irregular and illegal authorisation for a medical procedure in the USA, transfer of money for the medical procedure to Saroja Sirisena in Vienna instead of the hospital in the US through the Sri Lanka embassy in Washington DC and a massive losses to the Sri Lankan government over the temporary accommodation for Sirisena during her nine month stay in Vienna as Ambassador amounted to at least USD 226,190 or LKR 41.875 million.

Despite clear evidence of financial fraud, neither the Ministry of Foreign Relations, the Ministry of Finance, the Auditor General nor the Criminal Investigation Department of the Police have opened an investigation into the actions of Aryasinha. Instead there has been a cover up of the fraud with Aryasinha using his powers as Secretary to issue a statement from the Ministry claiming that no irregularity had taken place.

As part of the attempts to cover up these transactions Aryasinha recently granted a transfer to M.K Pathmanaathan, the Director General of the Human Resources and Mission Management Division as Sri Lanka’s Deputy High Commissioner to Chennai. Even though such a high level appointment should have been made by the Minister in consultation with the President, since the deputy high commissioner in Chennai is an ambassador ranked and critically important position, Aryasinha ensured that this was done using a transfer board appointed by him which was meant to decide on junior level transfers of third and second secretaries. Curiously Pathmanaathan was the only applicant for the post. In an event of an inquiry into the fraudulent activities of Aryasinha, Pathmanaathan would be a key witness

But even more shockingly Colombo Telegraph can reliably report that several key documents pertaining to these transactions, including the medical bills of Saroja Sirisena amounting to millions in tax payer money are now missing from the files at the Human Resources and the Mission Management Division headed by Pathmanaathan. Curiously these records are not available at the Sri Lanka Embassy in Vienna either.

However Pathmanaathan’s Chennai posting has now been withheld on the instructions of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who has been advised on this and several other irregular manoeuvres by Aryasinha. Even though he has now been sacked by the President, Aryasinha who has more than one year left before he reaches retirement age is reportedly lobbying Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa to secure a plumb diplomatic posting to a western capital or to the land down under. Colombo Telegraph learns he was eager to secure a posting to New Delhi but this effort has been torpedoed by powerful persons in both capitals.

It remains to be seen if Admiral Colambage who is a military man with supposedly a clean record on corruption will brush these allegations of fraud against his predecessor under the carpet or take appropriate action and at least initiate an inquiry. Colombo Telegraph stands ready to provide all the information and documents in its possession (including copies of those that have now gone missing from the files at the Ministry) in addition to those already published, if there is a formal, credible investigation into these financial crimes.

However Colombo Telegraph learns from sources inside the Government that it was far more likely that Aryasinha will get a “sweetheart” deal to travel to cooler climes in order to massage his bruised ego following his sudden sacking. (By Chinthika de Silva)

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Latest comments

  • 35
    21

    Then it will definitely be like a mad soldier took the weapon.Gota has not the least knowledge about FOREIGN affairs. He would not be better to that of Trumps whose foreign affairs to the eyes of european counterparts is the worst. Apita Burudsarnayi !!! Gota may be good to hold the GAS PISTOL at Petrol sheds but no for any fine arragements, not at al – for sure instinct -related fields.
    .
    Gota or anyone would feel that srilanka as a hunger state would have the power to be that independent without respecting the interdependence as DJ has always been repeating, it will be next ” committing Harakiri”.
    :
    By 2015 entire world stood against SRILANKA under MR s autoritarian actions against EU and America. Only Uganda, Ruwanda, Swaziland and few other states were seen very supportive also not forgetting that BELARUS (the most isoland EAST european country, known to us in europe).

    • 6
      1

      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

    • 35
      44

      How much did Jacinda Arden or Modi know about Foreign Policy when they became the prime ministers?

      • 13
        33

        How can this many people dislike a simple question? – even if there is something wrong with the question ( syntax, grammar ). I was not saying anything.

    • 19
      4

      They strengthened the power of MEDAMULANA cirminal family.

      https://island.lk/lssp-unhappy-over-being-cold-shouldered-on-cabinet-portfolio/

      Their eaters of leftovers are feeling no good to have been treated that way. Anyways, I have no doubt, the days ahead, RAJAKSHES will be ULTRA bitter to this nation as nothing would and could help them. Rains of stones instead of fake adulations will be there sooner than laters. Chichi or bitchi to take his infant to the MINISTERIAL cereomonies are just for the JOKERS. what on earth this bastard son living on the TAX PAYERs funds have got to do in such ministerial ceremonies ?
      :
      Slaves, please wake up and fight further to free from RAJAPSKSHE slavary. These men would no doubt be found in drains to the very same manner GADAFI family members were destined in their nemesis.

  • 46
    13

    Closest to the head including the ministers will feel the heat very soon because it would be difficult to work with/under him. Not because he is honest, intelligent and straight forward but because he lacks all those.

  • 57
    6

    I guess the law and justice are merely for the ordinary folk who get caught stealing a few coconuts or overcharging for a kilo of lentils..

  • 15
    11

    Dear Readers All,
    .
    Why can’t we all be more honest and consistent?
    .
    Ravinatha, as I have stated in the article I’m linking you to here, was definitely taught certain things by me:
    .
    https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/rs-700000-personal-air-ticket-bonanza-courtesy-tax-payers-for-foreign-secretary-ravinathas-pet-saroja-sirisena/
    .
    In the last comment there I even gave him my email address. He has not contacted me, but there is absolutely no problem with that.
    .
    On the other hand, Dr Preethi Dharshan Wansinghe whom I have not taught claimed on many occasions that I was his teacher, until I decided that this nonsense must be stopped. Even after that he has had the affrontery to post comments, calling himself “DharshanaW” here:
    .
    https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/sjb-is-unp-in-other-vestments-viyath-yuthu-is-gotas-fifth-column/
    .
    I have asked him to publicly clarify matters there, but he won’t. Instead, he sends me pathetic emails, which I haven’t yet started telling you about. I’m pretty sure that my version will get aired, although Preethi claims that CT Editor, Uvindu (whom I don’t know personally) is one of his best friends.

    .
    Panini Edirisinhe.

    • 26
      10

      Dear Mr Panini Edirisinghe,

      No matter anyone would ask to clarify matters going by lawful manner, nothing seems to work with GOTA led govt.
      :
      So I dont think even if GOTA lived in the US for a long long period , 15 long years until he became that patriotic, he seems to have learnt nothing. Just imagine what brought his leadership during the last 9 months ?
      The newly held election ended up grabing more powers, now with all what they anticipated are given to them Do you think these men would be able to do the expected ? Never.

      I am very pessimistic about the future of SRILANKA. They dont care much about the LIES being spread through HIRU and Derana TV channels and those printed media being highly biased to Rajakashes.

      People today are made to believe that not first world countries but SRILANKA has managed COVID crisis to the top, can you magine ? It is similar to the SUDAN and Myanmar that have made their folks be well informed that they have managed it even if the number of PCR tests performed were much less to any other worlds where even if PCR tests did not bring that much. All these are because the etiology of the disease is not yet known to even experts in VIROLOGY and CONTAGIOUS MEDICINE.

    • 22
      3

      Sinhala_Man: I know, you have heard: “You can take a horse to the water, but you can’t make him drink”. You can be a “Teacher” in school subjects, but if one’s character is not moulded or helped to mould it, nothing worthwhile could be expected. This is what has gone wrong with most of the people holding high positions who hold a “Mountain” of “Academic Qualifications”. A good example is the recently appointed “Secretary” to the Ministry of Industries. The Minister is Wimal Weerawanse. This “Secretary” is the “Chief Prosecution” witness in the case filed against Mrs Weerawanse who was issued with a “Diplomatic Passport”, when he was the Controller of Immigration. He admitted in courts, the wrong information stated in the application was “overlooked” in issuing that “Passport” on a telephone call from this very same Minister. What more to talk of these “Academics” who were brought up by “Teachers” like you.

      • 15
        4

        Simon,

        Not just wimal buruwanse, but from the top to the bottom – over 95% them were seen in court premises during the last 4 years, more than they each went to their bathrooms. Meaning not a single person among them would bring anything, but they are known as high criminals. Those voters betrayed their votes should be BORN fools looking back.
        :
        Gotabaya – A set of crime allegations were there, and they were under investigations. Alone that brutal murder of SUNDAY leader new paper editor and the daugther filed a case against Gotabaya was not fully rejected.
        :
        Gotabaya – alone that case against to have misused the state funds – for building so called MONUMENTs of the their parents – today, divine forces would curse that place since the rob was taken from the tax payers funds. However, bitch s sons settled it after the case was taken – why was that… and why such a crimnal be given that kind of priviledges ?

        Mahindha Rajakshe is alleged to have looted unestimable wealth and put the sums in banks of MIDDLE EAST and Seashells. How come the bugger be free from all these.. and the mind set of the average so that he got voted ?

        • 2
          0

          More evidence is that Preethi used to say that Amal Kumarage, our soundest transportation man who has a PhD University of Calgary, was his great friend.
          .
          https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Amal_Kumarage
          .
          Amal knows nothing of Preethi. Most guys who have taught as long as me will be able to claim distinguished pupils; some of my interesting ones: I actually taught Science student Amal some Advanced English at Bandrawela M.M.V. before I myself entered the University.
          .
          Amal started off at STPS, Kollupitiya, then was at S. Thomas’ Gutrutalawa. His father had retired early from planting and had bought a farm at remote Bogahakumbura. Amal used to
          bicycle the six miles to school. For A. Levels he came to the Maha Vidyalaya at Bandarawela, because we had good teachers. The Principal wanted to boost the image of the school, and so, instead of the compulsory basic English (around 1975 this may have been) I was asked to teach more advanced skills to a group of about seven students.

      • 2
        0

        Dear Simon,
        .
        Since Dr Preethi Dharshana Wanasinghe
        has decided to maintain silence, let me tell you that the problem is that this man possibly has only a first degree and yet he may be doing some work in Colombo University.
        .
        https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/the-thomian-pharisees-are-unrepentant-why-this-matters-to-all-sri-lankans/comment-page-1/#comments

        OCR asked “Is he another of the Headmaster’s catchers? I have seen him commenting on your articles before, and the only thing he appears to be interested in is flaunting his list of ‘qualifications’. I work in academia and interact regularly with people far more qualified than him, from far more prestigious institutions. Never have I seen a positive correlation with the desire to flaunt one’s qualifications and the level of intellect/integrity in the individual.

    • 0
      6

      Mr PE,
      Yes, I claimed you to be one of my teachers, since although I was never a classroom student with you as the teacher. My comment was because I’ve learnt a lot of things by associating with you in many forums and other mutual social associations.
      Upon your indignation, I did apologize to Dr. WAW, (with cc to you) to whom I made that comment to.
      Do get your facts right since it was not many times but only once that I made that statement, which too was in good faith. Secondly, at least spell my name correct, when you refer to me in a public forum.
      I’ve no intention of heeding to any of your “asks”.

      However I’ve sent you an email politely asking you not to leak out any communiques we had in person ( one-on-one) in the private domain in any of your writings to the public domain, but alas you seem to be arrogant as ever.

      Dr. Dharshana W

      • 0
        6

        Mr PE,
        I’ve spoken with some of my schoolmates in Bandarawela, and all of whom I spoke with relate to your interaction with them as either been queer, strange or indignant but mostly absurd. I can name them if you want me to, but to no avail as they are not interested in logging into CT.
        As I was made aware, Rev Dr Balraj banned you from entering the premises of St Thomas’ College, Bandarawela, due to your absurd/ dull-witted behaviour.

        Whist not an insult, your thinking as a septuagenarian may need to be re-considered by others to be superannuated, and even derogatory, given the social dynamics of the present and the projected future.
        Thus, either you can ridicule yourself, or be graceful in your pondering of the yonder years as a senior citizen. Either way, I am open to an open dialogue with you.
        Be it in the public domain, or the personal domain (since you don’t seem to distinguish between the two even after my detailed explanation to you via email (personal domain)).

        Lastly, I need to mention the fact that I’ve lost total trust in you as one of my non-classroom teachers, but so have many of the others who were your “classroom” students.

        Cheers ,
        Dr. Dharshana W

        • 1
          0

          Yes, Preethi Dharshana, I’d like you to name names – especially those who said that I was “queer”. I wonder if you know what that means? LGBT is now tolerated (by me as by the rest of the world), but it doesn’t apply to me.
          .
          More important is a coherent answer to this question, please:
          .
          Since you knew I was so mad, and my “classroom” pupils also don’t respect me, why on earth have you been telling people that I was your teacher? A rational answer, please!
          .
          Only once! says you.
          .
          What about here?
          .
          https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/the-enliven-economic-revival/
          .
          Also, Eran Wickremeratne, told me that you had stated that I had been your teacher.
          .
          There’s much more, but that will do for now. It is unreasonable for me to expect you to answer so many questions at once. Besides, I’m tired after considering how much I had to focus on your great hero, Dhiloraj:
          .
          https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/the-church-of-ceylon-fails-to-elect-its-bishop-for-colombo/
          .
          I appreciate one thing: that you have responded without undue delay – and I have done the like, considering the power blackout yesterday.
          .
          I’d like to request answers to today’s simple question later today, when the sun is up.

  • 19
    4

    Some newspapers even Interviewed the Admiral may months back to inquire whether he intends to step into the shoes of the Secretary Foreign Affairs which was responded in a manner to indicate the negative. With so many military secretaries about the place, the general opinion expressed in certain quarters is that this is yet another act of militarization. I do not think for one moment that militia men are any better that others when it comes to honesty. The only use is that the militia men would promptly comply with the orders of the top even if it means to be a bull in a china shop.

  • 11
    5

    Nancy Sinatra daughter of Franka Sinatra a pop singer had a hit single ‘ these boots are made for booting ‘.
    #
    Sadly the Casanova radio announcer now may have to lick the spittles of the almighty Rajapuk’s and grovel on his knees begging for a posting to feed his concubines.?
    #
    It is a big blow to the masochistic pride that this bugger had built himself on being the darlings of a few alluring dolls in the foreign service.
    #
    His parents comprising the straight-shooting from the hip DIG a direct ASP recruit his dutch burgher mother if they are no longer aboding on this planet must be turning and twisting in their graves on hearing of this sad wicked news.?
    #
    This sordid course of action by the ungrateful Rajapuka clearly illustrates once again that they were born with a vitamin deficiency is always biting the hands of those who stood by them in their hour of need and gave them 150% undivided loyal action and support.
    #
    This bloke’s biased waste of time one-sided droppings when Mother Lanka was being given a right-royal hammering at the UN-Geneva can never be forgotten.

  • 24
    6

    Isn’t it a welcome move to have this Ariyasinghe removed from the Foreign Ministry? CT must appreciate it giving itself the credit for the exposure made against this high ranking official. The next question is “Who is this Prof. Colombage – the Retired Navy Commander? He is said to be a “Specialist” on “Foreign Affairs” relating to South Asia and the Far East. Fair enough, but the “WORLD” is not confined to that portion of the Globe. Hope he would see the “Bigger Picture”. Incidentally, was he at any time a “Paid Employee” of Avant Gard under “Senadhipathi” and also a “Front Line” operative of the “Path Finder” -the NGO that is spearheading the “MCC” together with the “Forward Economic Plan” submitted to the President? Wait to WATCH operations “BEHIND” the curtain.

    • 17
      3

      Simon; though Colombage is not from the Foreign Service he can do the job better. Diplomatic community in Colombo talks bad about Ravinatha. He doesn’t listen; just praises his own tail. They say Colombage can grasp an idea, will listen to them. They say Ravinatha is like a bull in the china shop, not a Diplomat. The other matter about MCC deal, mark my word, with or without Path Finder, or Colombage or any other NGO; MR and GR are going to sign, if USA is willing to grant it to SL. Already US Embassy officials are aware of it. MCC is not a new thing for MR, he tried hard to get it in 2005 using Mangala. While it was negotiating, our HR track record got worse, US refused to give it. This is the WHOLE TRUTH. MR knows if they can get MCC (it is a pot of gold for them), larger portion can be put in his family coffers, as the family who lives on country’s money has expanded now. I have no affiliations with Yahapaalanaya, but had they got MCC, many of the benefits would have gone to the betterment of poor people of this country.

      • 9
        1

        leela: Thank you. You are correct, except the last assertion “many of the benefit would have gone to the betterment of poor people of this country”. Perhaps, you would have meant, “Benefit” would go to “Rajapakse & Co.” In MCC the “Dangers” are many more than that. Thank you for your thoughts.

        • 9
          1

          Simon, what I meant, had Yahapalana people could sign the MCC deal while they were in power, at least many of the benefits would have gone to the betterment of poor people of this country. But now as you said “Benefit” would go to “Rajapakse & Co.” without any doubt. MCC dangers are a different matter to discuss. Now if Rajapakses sign it, most of the money will go to the family, and the dangers will still be there. In that sense this is double loss, country will not get benefits, but only the dangers.

      • 9
        1

        Dear Leela,

        you are spot on.
        :
        QUOTE
        I have no affiliations with Yahapaalanaya, but had they got MCC, many of the benefits would have gone to the betterment of poor people of this country.
        UNQUOTE

        totally agree with you. Now they will sign the MCC even if that CONDOM supporters of the Rajapkshes- Wimal Buruwanse and Wasidewa would bark a little and the huge sums will be part of the RAJAKASHE family: Those who voted bitch s sons would have to suffer again and again.

  • 18
    3

    Good job CT for consistently following up this case to a conclusion. Thiswas NOT a witch hunt; it was not unfair hounding; it was exposure of big misdemeanor.

    Gota’ scorecard on reads: 1-up and 1-down. We must give him credit for right decisions on COVID, though whether avoidable damage has been done to the economy is an open question (NZ, HK and S’pore damaged their economies less).

    The 1-down is Appointments. He is doing badly in Appointments – about 1/3 the Cabinet of 28 are known racists, crooks or incompetents. Too many bad eggs among the 40 State Ministers. Outright racist Sarath Weerasekare to oversee PCs and crook Nalaka Godahewa to oversee Urban Development! Wow, subject-wise you couldn’t make worse choices if you tried! Gota is failing on Appointments; it will have long-term consequences.

  • 16
    2

    According to the real Buddhism taught by Gauthama Buddha, (not Sinhala Buddhism preach by Kahakada Brigade; no disrespect to our virtuous, respectable Maha Sangha), this is Ditta Dhamma Vedaniya Kamma (brings result in this very life). He got the position by backstabbing his predecessor, plotting with MS, and poisoning MR’s mind by whole lot of lies, and leaking confidential material to his former media buddies. One media buddy is very sick now, we sympathize with him. No one can evade Law of the Nature. Dhammapada Verse 127, explains it well. “Not in the sky, nor in the middle of the ocean, nor in the cave of a mountain, nor anywhere else, is there a place, where one may escape from the consequences of an evil deed”. Even though from the beginning of his Foreign Service career, Ravinatha has been backstabbing many of his colleagues (according to many folks in the Foreign Ministry), this is fundamentally wrong, not because he deserves sympathy, but this whole process of treating and humiliating public officials like rotten fish by the politicians is wrong. We will see more of these incidents in the future, because of our voters with slave mentality blinded by racism.

  • 11
    14

    Ravinatha Aryasinha did not commit any financial irregularities.
    As I commented in previous articles pertaining to this matter, seeking approval to any payments is a process which starts with the subject clerk. A Ministry Secretary gives the approval based on reasonable recommendations made by officers who handle the subject.
    The smear campaign against Ravinatha was only to justify the appointment of a navy officer from the President’s inner “no-heart” circle, who has no experience in international affairs.
    A great son of Mother Lanka and a veteran diplomat with a compassionate heart is today replaced by a hardhearted navy officer who inhumanely blocked the repatriation of stranded Sri Lankans, mainly women, from Arab, Middle East and West Asia.
    Ravinatha’s last humanitarian effort to provide relief to stranded Sri Lankan expatriates, amidst the President’s repeated refusal to provide safe passage to them for 5 months, was commendable and memorable.
    It is customary to offer an ambassadorial post to the outgoing Foreign Secretary.
    I don’t see any reason to deprive Ravinatha from an ambassadorial post.
    All good things come to an end!
    Same goes with the Foreign Ministry!!
    All those who voted for Gotabhaya, including Ravinatha, should take the responsibility of making Sri Lanka an informal Stratocracy!!!

    • 12
      3

      Bravo Champa !
      :
      Who is the current secretary to Ministry of foreign affairs ?

      Rajakashes would not see it before making their blunders. That is their nature as we all learned from their previous tenures.

      What do you make of not having appointed a woman for the women affairs this time ?
      .
      At least Mahindar Rajapkshe ‘s wife could be appointed as a minister for women affairs …. since they have appointed even their dogs to the ministries this time, with the direct approval of the THANAKOLA eaters.

  • 8
    4

    Looks like Gota has started on a good mission. If he keeps this up then SL can bounce back on track to become another Singapore. I am wondering what will happen to Saroja whether she will face the music or worm way out . She is good at seducing men.
    Hope the Navy chap will not fall for her charms and do the right thing by taking her to task. Good luck SL.

    • 10
      3

      I think Gota ‘s methods would not bring anyone forward.
      :
      He is no better to that dictator in Belarus, against whom people in that part of the world are standing today.

      So I dont think the GOTA s style of governance would work with srilankens …. an another few years of refuse.

    • 6
      1

      Saroja or the like would not have any chances if Medamulana Musalaya s wife would not recommend them.
      .
      It is reversed to all lower level once again, as was the case towards the end of 2014. Entire world hated MEDAMULA animals, but the very same MODAYA people to have paved them to return power and ruin this is beyond all ethics and morals. It is better if a tsunami would have taken these criminals away all at once. People th emasses in the country are total ignorants. They are not politically literate even if they would have gone to schools thanks to free education.

  • 21
    1

    For me the most pathetic aspect of the whole stinking saga is the situation of Dinesh Gunawardena. He used to roar in the parliament against “Western Imperialists” and NGOs interfering into the affairs of the country and threatening its sovereignty. He used to swear, “when we come to power we’ll put an end to all this nonsense.” He’s now the foreign minster – but what has happened to him now? He can’t run even his ministry without interference. He has to take orders from his own secretary, the sea-captain put in charge by Gota to humour the Chinese pirates.

    • 11
      0

      Yup, true. The lion cub of Boralugoda has transmogrified into a mouse (hik-meeya)! His philosophy is not to fight for the people and the country but to collect his paycheck and perks while sitting pretty.

      Poor Ravinatha. His love Strabismus Saroja must be now waving goodbye to him from Blighty, after having used him to frolic in the gravy of Lanka’s toil for a while.

  • 26
    3

    Sri Lanka is a small insignificant country surviving on selling tea, underwear and cheap labour. The country is in debt and getting deeper into it.

    As such it is alright for us to have a few embassies like New Delhi, Beijing, Dubai, London, Tokyo, New York, Berlin, Singapore. But I understand we have nearly 75 embassies, wasting our money . These are opportunitie onlys for political catches to spend holidays at public expense.

    Our foreign policy has done nothing for us. It is embarrassing to observe our representatives going for international conferences and reading long prepared speeches, which are of no value to him or the listener, a mere kavikola karaya !

    Whatever we receive (like beggars) is because the Donor
    country is either generous or has their own interests and motives.But the Foreign office guys have huge egos and pretend they are doing a great job.

    The reality is very different.

  • 1
    2

    In one sentence, I do not want to respond to schizophrenics, anyone interested, pls do ring up the office of STC Bandarwela and inquire.
    Cheers!

  • 0
    2

    Really, Preethi, so this is how you fulfil the offer that you’ve made:
    .
    “I am open to an open dialogue with you. Be it in the public domain, or the personal domain.”
    .
    “I can name them if you want me to . . .” that’s what you’ve said above.
    .
    Yes, I very much want them named.

    Mind, these are the offers that you have made on this very page.
    .
    Now you want people to phone the STC office.
    .
    I wonder what they would say about a guy like you who’s not dared show yourself in the school these past 45 months. By the way, when you renewed (by mail) your offer to again be Secretary of the OBA, you adduced your Chess Ranking as a qualification, and also implied that you obtained the Best A. Level results or whatever, sitting from STC.
    .
    You never wanted to acknowledge your debt to Bandarawela M.V., did you?
    .
    I had left that school and entered Peradeniya University by the time you got to the Kinigama, Bandarawela school.

  • 0
    1

    BTW, other readers may like to know that the old (mostly wooden) building known as “Glendale” was where part of Royal College was housed during the Nazi War. Tissa Indika “Bull” Weeratunga and Kumar Gunatilleke were there.
    .
    Oh, and Preethi, when we talked for two minutes, at 5.51 pm yesterday, I was at the now somewhat smartened Buhary Restaurant in Bandarawela, but I wasn’t able to pick up your call at 6.20 pm because I was negotiating my way through a crowded street. My apologies.
    .
    However, the most pertinent question that I have to ask you is why was it that you decided to make this sudden claim that this man whom you hadn’t set eyes upon until less than five years ago, was your most beloved teacher, when he’s a notorious nincompoop?
    .
    You now rightly find him possessed of “absurd/ dull-witted behaviour.”
    .
    Also, you tell me: Whilst not an insult, your thinking as a septuagenarian may need to be re-considered by others to be superannuated, and even derogatory, given the social dynamics of the present and the projected future. Oh, my gosh, is that English?
    .
    What is it that made you claim such a sorry specimen of human-kind as your teacher?

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    1

    Thanks, Preethi, for both your sms messages.
    .
    I have had a long chat with my brother whom you term your “beloved teacher”. There’s no problem with that; my brother was on the Office Staff of STPS, Bandarawela, but he never in his life taught anybody. He became one of those “Deveni Mahathathayas” who totally changed the character of the school that Mr Keble founded, as I have described in many comments here:
    .
    https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/the-church-of-ceylon-fails-to-elect-its-bishop-for-colombo/
    .
    He said that you would be coming for the AGM of the OBA. I’d be very surprised if you do.

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    0

    There’s the proof that I’m tired and need some sleep. All that in bold. I’m sorry.
    .
    Panini Edirisinhe

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