By Rasika Jayakody –
Rasika Jayakody
Even though the top-tier of the United National Front (UNF) have pledged their full support to UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe, there is some noise among certain sections of the grassroots layer of the party to change the party leadership before the next Parliamentary elections.
I am no big fan of Ranil Wickremesinghe and am a firm believer that the current UNP leader is a man of many weaknesses. His greatest liability is a close circle of friends he has surrounded himself with, much to the detriment of the UNP and its supporters. Many talented grassroots level leaders of the party were sidelined or booted out to make way for Wickremesinghe’s favourites and that, in return, crippled the party’s electoral machinery in more ways than one. Even during the last three and a half years of the unity government, critical decisions relating to the country’s economy and future were often made in consultation with Wickremesinghe’s close friends who were divorced from reality and failed to understand even the fundamentals of electoral politics. Some of his choices for key positions in the government, including that of Arjuna Mahendran, sent the people’s fervent aspirations for good governance and transparency down a precipice.
This criticism of Wickremesinghe, however, does not lend any legitimacy to the lunatic conduct of President Maithripala Sirisena who summarily dismissed Wickremesinghe and appointed Mahinda Rajapaksa as Prime Minister through a spate of illegal and unconstitutional actions. Sirisena should be blamed squarely for the current morass the country finds itself in, and should be held accountable for all his misdeeds. Sirisena’s unconstitutional actions and his brazen demonstrations of executive power over the past four weeks, have done far greater damage to the country and its system of governance than Wickremesinghe’s kitchen cabinet can ever imagine.
Calls to change the UNP leadership find resonance with sentiments expressed by the Sirisena- Rajapaksa camp. Sirisena, addressing a UPFA rally near the Parliament complex earlier this month, said he attempted twice to replace Wickremesinghe with Karu Jayasuriya and Sajith Premadasa, who had flatly turned down the offers to assume premiership through the back-door. Even now, having caused irreparable damage to the Parliamentary democracy of Sri Lanka, Sirisena claims he is ready to appoint any UNP MP as the Prime Minister, with the exception of Ranil Wickremesinghe.
It is clear that Sirisena’s animosity towards Wickremesinghe is not rooted in matters of principle and integrity. Sirisena has explained in several public statements his resentment towards Wickremesinghe lies in lifestyle choices and the inability to cope with unbridgeable cultural differences. As much as you cannot take the Colombo out of Wickremesinghe, the petty villager of Polonnaruwa can’t be taken out of President Sirisena. It is Sirisena’s inevitable personality clash with Wickremesinghe that finds expression in the current political crisis leading the country into an inescapable chasm.
The solution to the current political crisis is not to pander to Sirisena’s inferiority complex by forcing a leadership change in the UNP at this point in time. All MPs should extend unwavering support to Wickremesinghe to reclaim his rightful place and Sirisena should be forced to work with the UNP leader until the next Presidential election. As I have explained in a previous article, only a Presidential election can resolve the current political crisis and Sirisena should seek a fresh mandate from the people for his course of action.
Any attempt to replace Wickremesinghe with another parliamentarian of the same party will lend legitimacy to Sirisena’s unconstitutional and arbitrary actions that led the country down a disastrous path. It will betray the spirit of the pro-democratic struggle sparked by the current turmoil. Wickremesinghe, albeit undeservedly, has become the face of the struggle and his reinstatement is a key component of the restoration of constitutional democracy in Sri Lanka. ‘Undeservedly’, however, remains the keyword.
Matters pertaining to the UNP’s leadership and the party’s internal democracy should be resolved after Wickremesinghe’s reinstatement, and Sirisena, a man who grossly and grotesquely violated the Constitution, should not have a say in those matters. A Presidential election will also be a solution to those calling for drastic internal reforms within the UNP whose leadership remains unchanged for nearly 25 years. If Wickremesinghe wins the Presidential election, he will not have to explain reasons for his existence in the party, and if he loses, he will not be there to explain it.
Nada / November 25, 2018
I am Tamil and not SLFP supporter. Nevertheless, I firm believer of democracy. Having seen Ranil activities for the past few decades I believe he( Ranil) is a weak dictator. As far I am concerned he should have resigned from UNP leadership many years ago but he kept and stayed in The leadership post without any good reason. He lost Every election he contested on his own. I can’t see much different between Ranil ans MR. Why TNA and many others sucking up for him in the name of democracy. As Tamil I do not want TNA to represent me in the parliament; they all are disgraceful and have brought nothing for Tamils. Let’s Dissolve the parliament and start all over again. That’s the best way to ensure the parliamentary democracy.
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SJ / November 25, 2018
“Let’s Dissolve the parliament and start all over again. That’s the best way to ensure the parliamentary democracy.”
I have lost count of the number of times parliament was dissolved, but mostly prematurely to suit those in power.
But there is no evidence that dissolving parliament and starting all over again will change anything for the better, unless the writer means dissolving the house and contents in a huge pool of acid.
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nada / November 25, 2018
you are correct, we have dissolved the parliament many a time but political climate has changed in the last few years due to social media an other factors. Just forget the past and hope for the best.
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Don Stanley / November 25, 2018
Bondscam Ranil is the main reason that this crisis has happened in the Lanka. He scammed the CBSL , put Lanka is a debt trap to bond markets and crashed the rupee, while protecting Mahinda Jarapassa and family of looters for the last 3 years, in order to Marginalize clown Sira and divide the SLFP. Except, Bondscam Ranil’s plot back-fired and Sira and Jarapassa got together and booted him out.
Ranil is also Washington’s puppet. He is selling off Lanka’s strategic resources and land, transport and energy sectors infrastructure, data platforms and marine resources to his Trampland backers in their Cold war against China in the Indian ocean. This is also why IMF turned a blind eye to the Bondscam at Central Bank.
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MH lakshman / November 25, 2018
This man likes govern us as vanisulas left ideology.he lost ideas lost making pub
Ic ventures were daily sucking public wealth.Ranil has vision to reform them as CBK done to SLT. Thanks MR SriLankan ended good deal with Emirates. This person called DS really want us trapped in missurable ideology. No individual in UNP have vision forward us then Ranil.SLFP presidents no give time To Ranil to deliver results as in 2002 and 2018.Sajith or any aspirant leader has no vision carry forward UNP. If Ranil exist no UNP and MR Ans MS bite it easily
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sach / November 25, 2018
I guess you have NO knowledge on parliamentary affairs. Any parliament is dissolved when it cannot work any longer. That is how SL did until greedy Ranil’s 19 came and that is how rest of the world does.
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Sarrij / November 25, 2018
N.
The main problem with RW is similar to “The Donald of U S A”, narcissistic personality and a know it all problem.
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Fathima / November 25, 2018
Exactly, impudent Ranil often shows know it all behavior and might not be a good team-player for a coalition govt, no doubt about it. Question is, why MS should resort to sacking him now, especially after Ranil has shown interest to contest in presidential elections?
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Janaka from Matara / November 25, 2018
Nada: I agree with you toa large extent. But what you say here does not stand counter to what the writer says in the article.
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Moshe Arens / November 25, 2018
Democracy is not just about holding free and fair elections but more importantly once held, respecting the wishes of the people. RW has been elected PM by people for a 5 year term and the sacking is undemocratic, plain and simple. Instead, there exists other democratic ways to get rid of RW, such as a no confidence motion in parliament. Once you justify an undemocratic act due to your own dislike of a person, i.e. RW, what’s’ next? Sack the constitutional council? Sack the supreme court? Where will it stop? SL has been long plagued by such presidential and politically impunity. We need to resist it this time. Having said that I do also feel that RW has run his course in politics and must leave the leadership of UNP to someone else, younger, one who has broader appeal. But not before the wrong is righted! It is democracy.
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NAK / November 26, 2018
Nada, My father too was called Nada. You are being truthful and sensible.
Hope most of the Tamils harbor same sentiments.
TNA was never about the betterment of the Tamils. They were all about getting a separate state for themselves to indulge in,the way Ranil and his band of royal rogues showed them how to.
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BJP / November 25, 2018
You must be kidding. RW is one of the obstacles that does not allow Sri Lankans to elect decent, educated and law abiding representatives in the Parliament. RW talks about democracy to hoodwink the international community and his blind supporters. Even, “Podi Haamuduruwo” of Gangaramaya, abandoned this fellow that you are praising about. Don’t explain the Leaves when we know the Tree very well.
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nimal fernando / November 25, 2018
“RW is one of the obstacles that does not allow Sri Lankans to elect decent, educated and law abiding representatives in the Parliament.”
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So, you mean to say that if there was no Ranil, Lankans would elect decent, educated and law abiding representatives in the Parliament?
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See, how nonsensical your logic is …….. think before you write this crap!
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Ranil’s personality is such he is easy to hate……. and most people go with the flow without thinking.
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Most of the recent elections under Ranil were the fairest without even a hint of thuggery ….. and press-freedom was the best in living memory ………. how the state-media has turned partisan again under Mahinda/Sirisena now shows Sirisena was not the reason for press-freedom.
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Like any human Ranil has his faults ………. but in fairness to him gotta give the man his due
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Fathima / November 25, 2018
I too agree with nimal fernando. As MS said, we would have seen a bloodbath in the parliament last 15th, if it had been a UNP prior to Ranil’s leadership.
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BJP / November 25, 2018
“Most of the recent elections under Ranil were the fairest without even a hint of thuggery ….. and press-freedom was the best in living memory ………. how the state-media has turned partisan again under Mahinda/Sirisena now shows Sirisena was not the reason for press-freedom.”
What elections are you talking about. Is that the reason for postponing Provincial Council Elections.
I never said the other buggers are good either. I said Ranil is “One of the Obstacles” That means among other obstacles. Do you understand English. Or you are also one of the blind supporter of Ranil.
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Lankan No 03 / November 25, 2018
Dear Tamil man.
I’m not Tamil and yet I see it differently.
I see it that we should look lesser Evil among all.
Mahinda vs Ranil .
Who is good .
Tell me .
Ranil did not punish Mahinda and his criminals ..
That is all this we see .
Politicians lost their respect .
In politics you need a strong leader who put law above personal Interest ..but in Sri Lanka we do not see it
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Fathima / November 25, 2018
Rasika Jayakody,
.
The situation is so complicated that you, yourself are confused to say “Presidential Election is the solutions to get out of current crisis” while ago, then changed your mind to say “Reinstatement Of Ranil” to restore democracy. Please note that current crisis is created by the impasse you discussed earlier, and that itself is about reinstatement Of Ranil and restoring democracy.
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Douglas / November 25, 2018
Rasika: I take it, that this presentation is somewhat a reply to my comment on your previous article. Granted, the STATUS QUO of the Parliament, before the “Dismissal” of RW and the “Appointment” of MR must be restored. But that DOES NOT mean this “Failed” PM, Ranil W must continue. He (RW) has proven in many ways that he is NO LEADER at all, leave along to be PM of a country. Then what must be done, in terns of the Constitution. The LEGAL WAY is: Pass a Resolution to DISSOLVE Parliament with a 2/3rd Majority that would FORCE the President to act accordingly. Then go for a General Parliamentary Election. Let who ever gets the MAJORITY form the Government. Nothing ELSE.
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Champa / November 25, 2018
Douglas
I said this many times before. Even if RW is removed, Parliament will go around a circle and come back to its starting point as, according to the 19A, in the absence of a majority, the first and the second political parties which received the highest number of seats should form a national government and the leader of the first party which has the highest number of seats will become the Prime Minister. It is not our doing. It is their (UPFA + UNP’s) doing. It can only be changed by another Amendment to the Constitution passed by 2/3 majority.
Whatever you say, it is highly unlikely a Resolution to dissolve the Parliament will get the 2/3 majority.
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AshyD / November 25, 2018
RasikaJayakody, what you have said is perfectly right. Ranil may have his faults and was loosing his grip on the UNP with many calling for his ouster but Aiyo Sirisena stepped in to resurrect him, by his actions on October 26, 2018.
It is not Aiyo Sirisena’s call to get the UNP to change their leadership, and his conduct unbecoming of a Head of State trying to woo two from the UNP to become PM of our country shows how low he could stoop. It just shows that he is, was and would never be leadership material though 6.2 million of us voted him to the exalted position of President, just to get rid of MR and his cohorts.
If Sri Lanka is to go forward all those who love democracy in our country should force the following from our politicians to try to wriggle out of the present crisis, which is entirely Aiyo Sirisena;s doing and follow the following.
1. Restore the status quo that existed on October 26th
2. The following day, Ranil resigns and with the concurrence of all 224 in parliament, Anura Kumara Dissanayake (Give the JVP a chance) is appointed caretaker Prime Minister, and asked to hand pick just 30 from the balance 223 and form the cabinet.
3. Once and for all correct the anomalies in the Constitution (Especially the present issue of MPs crossing over- They should lose their seats if they do want to cross over)
4. Hold Presidential and General elections on the same day (If Aiyo Sirisena thinks he has a chance let him contest, too)
If we could do the above we may be able to get over this impasse or where all this would end, even God would not know. We are NOT a country of Pariahs but we are all acting like that.
4
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Ayathuray Rajasingam / November 25, 2018
Maithiripala Sirisena has now become mad in ousting the legal Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe and appointing Mahinda Rajapakse as PM which is illegal. It has to accepted that Maithiripala Sirisena was trapped in the net spread by himself. What is the guarantee that Mahinda Rajapakse will nominate him again for the Presidency at the next election. I would say that Maithiripala Sirisena missed a golden opportunity to work with Ranil Wickremasinghe. One cannot maintain that Ranil is a failed PM. He was never given an opportunity a full term as PM to serve the country. As I knew him from the University days he is always calm but not emotional. He deals everything diplomatically. Maithiripala Sirisena may have some inferior complex. At the same time the TNA stalwarts Sambandan and Sumathiran knows how to get along with Ranil Wickremasinghe to save democracy and solve sensational issues diplomatically without harming others. Ranil Wickremasinghe, Sambandan and Sumanthiran know that negotiation is an art and involves technique. Even some Tamil MPs such as Sritharan and Viyalendran are not diplomatic, but emotional and so with some Sinhala MPs like Wimal Weerawansa and his companions. Even to dissolve the Parliament is meaningless when Ranil Wickremasinghe is still the lawful PM and still commands the majority in the house. Moreover Ranil Wickremasinghe is a person who can get around USA, UK, Japan, India and some Western democratic countries for the betterment of Sri Lanka. If Ranil Wickremasinghe is given a full opportunity to govern the country, it is certain that Sri Lanka will witness a booming economy and Sri Lanka’s currency will be strenghthened with passage of time.
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Gamini / November 25, 2018
I wish to commend the writer of this Article. I cannot fault with any aspect of it.
My understanding of what has occurred thus far:
1) MS dismisses RW and appoints MR as the PM – has he the powers to do that and is it democratic and constitutional? Perhaps this needs to be tested in a court of law? see 1) below.
2) A new Cabinet is sworn in, in dribs and drabs – very strange method in a true Democracy, but not illegal
3) MS prorogues Parliament – I believe he has the powers to do that whatever his motives may be – during this period of prorogation, there is strong evidence, attempts were made to obtain support of MP’s with monetary inducements as well as offer of Ministerial Portfolios
4) MS dissolves Parliament (when he realizes he does not have the numbers?) and calls for a snap Election and issues a gazette notification to that effect
5) Petitions against 4) above are filed in the SC (only recourse available to the Opponents)
6) SC hears the Petitions and a stay order of 4) above is issued by the SC (further hearings on Dec 4, 5 & 6th with a final decision on Dec 7th) – no comment as this is sub judice
7) Parliament meets again (on the back of the stay order of the SC per 6) above) and NCM’s are moved and passed declaring a) MS’s actions at 1) above are illegal 2) NCM on that appointment of MR as the PM
8) MS does not accept the NCM’s at 7) above and so has not appointed a new PM or new Cabinet – see my comments at 3) below
9) The Speaker has declared that currently there is neither a PM nor a Government in SL – consequent to 7) above
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JD / November 25, 2018
What I can not understand why Maithripala Sirisena trusted the same PM that fired by CBK becuse Ranil was behaving exactly the same way that Ranil treated MS. The first three years of the yahapalanaya Ranil was slowly pushing MS from his chair and Ranil was doing the PResident’s duties. CIABOC reports slowed Ranil’s anti president activities. I hear only the International community, particularly American Embassy wants any appointed as PM except Mahinda Rajapakse (GOd NAtha) , probably because Mr is considered to be pro-Chinese. BUt, MR had said earlier, Only the China is helping us financially, mostlly with Financial AIDS, and that is why MR seems to be prochinese. So, the International community particularly the USA seems to be very selfish about Sri lanka’s needs. further to that Ranil and Mangala was preparng Sri lankan businesses, Lands, ports etc., to be taken over by the American companies. That was very near completion when Ranil was removed and Ranil was waiting to Approve the Federalization part of the constitution part.
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Naman / November 25, 2018
It’s not the time to dissolve Parliament but time to establish the regime that was on 25th October 2018.
Let us develop a new way of electing good decent men and women to our Parliament which so far resembles Ali Baba and 224 thieves (Mostly).
We need to prevent the current uneducated uncivilised corrupt politicians contesting elections again.
They should not be salaried but given a good allowance to serve their constituents
The politicians should not oversee the appointment of Judges /Ambassadors etc
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nalmen / November 25, 2018
are you out of your mind
?
the president does not want him the rank and file dont want him and the unp,s allies dont want him
time he retired and took his wife on a long holiday
all this trouble was caused by this pakaya as vasu called him
he looked after the rajapaksas as they looked after him
he is a spent forcein sl,s politics unfortunately for the party there was no one to bell the cat
and send him home
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kolla / November 25, 2018
Reinstate Ranil ? How can a commoner even think of removing such a western oriented, all knowing ,old Royalist ?
Imagine if Esmund Wicks ever became a chairman of a Company , could anyone have ever removed him ?
First thing, he will redo the company articles so that he will never be removed and also stuff the board with his own guys and gals( more likely girls with Esmund !)
He will then create this opinion that he has a supreme knowledge about the company business, even if they are in to multiple fields.
He will then imply that he has a deep relationship with foreign buyers.
He will also let it be known that the Banks have a very intimate relationship with him and that his Chairmanship is fundamental for the company survival.
He will also rub in to other Board members that they can never read the books he claims to have read ( understood ?)
He will also act like he knows all the social graces and particularly how to relate to foreign buyers.
So Esmund will never be removed by the confused fools in the company, even if they hit rock bottom.
Similarly, all these peasants can see no day without Ranil.It is either Ranil or Mara or another old boy from Royal College for them ! We see only what we want to see.
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Champa / November 25, 2018
Since October 26, President has violated the Constitution several times while exhibiting ever changing verbal diarrhea to justify his actions.
It is important to halt his actions become bad precedents.
I saw him saying that if the Parliament follows Standing Orders and shows the majority, he will accept it and that if MR doesn’t have the majority he has to take a decision. Look at that. He doesn’t even care if MR is disgraced and discarded! Now MR has to turn to horse trading offering money and ministerial portfolios to get the majority as there is no other way!!
This is a President who appointed a PM without first removing the PM-in-office in accordance with the Constitution and thereby creating two PMs. Before telling the Parliament to follow SOs, he should have first followed the Constitution himself.
Besides, Parliamentary agenda is decided by the House, not by the President’s Office. This is ridiculous.
He has apparently thought that he can repeat another DM Jayaratne style removal. However, he has forgotten that his own 19A has blocked him doing so.
Last year, Kenyan Supreme Court has annulled the Presidential election results which was in favour of the sitting President at the time, and ordered the EC to hold a fresh election within 60 days stating that the election was not conducted in accordance with the Constitution. That is how powerful is the Supreme Court of any country, not to mention its independence and impartiality.
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Nimal Tissa Wijethunga / November 25, 2018
Why the author of the article want to see,
1. 09 separate provinces almost as Governments – Orrumiththanadu.
2. Another round of daylight robberies of banks.
3. ETCA, Singapore type trade agreements.
4. Destroying Buddhism
5. Detrimerntal policies on Majority community.
6. No action for Terrorist propaganda and propagation.
7. Landesi, Portuguese and wendesi mentality.
8. delaying holding elections.
9. Rather than going for Peoples mandate, meeting foreign embassies and go to courts to stop elections.
10. Telling UNO THAT 40, 000 CIVILIANS WERE killed during the last stages of annihilation of LTTE.
11. deliberate delay of anti-corruption bills to the parliament.
12. Many more totally detrimental to the country……………..
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Champa / November 25, 2018
NImal Tissa Wijetunga
I myself opposed Yahapalanaya government and Ranil for 4 years against the list mentioned in your comment.
It is Yahapalanaya i.e. Maithri, Ranil, SLFP (MS faction) and UNP who are responsible for the above.
When Ranil sold Magamapura Port, only 5 MPs voted against the Bill.
Same goes with all other Bills. Sometimes even JO evaded voting against Ranil’s certain Bills letting him pass them without even a word against them IN THE PARLIAMENT. Outside they were vociferous.
Maithri and his SLFP faction supported Ranil for 4 years. Almost all Ranil’s work were with the knowledge of the Cabinet or the President as THEY NEVER VOTED AGAINST RANIL for the last 4 years.
Now that elections are looming, Maithri and his faction changed their colours so that they could elected to Parliament again with the help of MR/JO.
If there is an election at this juncture, possibility of seeing the same faces are highly likely.
It is not only Ranil and UNP, Maithri and his SLFP faction should also go!
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K.Pillai / November 25, 2018
Rasika Jayakody suggests “Reinstatement Of Ranil”.
RW was pushed and finally shoved. Restoring his position is the least that should be done.
There are more. It is not rocket science to read desperation/vendetta are the main motivating factors in the recent ‘happenings’. Action must be taken to ensure this does occur again – never ever.
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Is this “A Key Component Of Restoring Democracy In Sri Lanka”?
Elections is the body of our version of democracy but the spirit of democracy is steadily eroding. There are far too many hot-spots. One example: In most democracies, horse-trading goes on behind the scenes. In SL, horse-trading is open. Some lawmakers change sides in a matter of days.
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To cut a story short: Our version of democracy has not delivered at all. A review is urgent.
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Estate Labourer / November 25, 2018
As punishment for Sirisena’s unlawful and unconstitutional actions, he must be forced to spend the rest of his presidential term with an extremely painful thorn in his side that will cause a festering wound. Life must be made miserable for him so that he can no longer enjoy his time in office as the President of Sri Lanka. Ranil is the bitter medicine he must be forced to swallow every day. That is the best way to get even with him for what he has done to the country and its people. That is even better than impeachment!
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soma / November 25, 2018
What is your share of responsibility in bringing Sirisena to power?
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Soma
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Gamini / November 25, 2018
contd ……. /
10) 122 MP’s who voted at 7) above have have filed a “quo warranto” petition in the Court of Appeal challenging on whose authority MR occupies the chair of the PM in Parliament after the NCM’s had been passed against him.
My thoughts on the above:
1) Since a motion has been passed in Parliament that MS’s actions at 1) above are illegal (item 7) above), the status quo pre that event on 26 October should be recognized and restored – The Speaker’s verdict is ‘Supreme’ in this regard and even the SC does not have the authority to hear a case against that verdict due to the separation of powers between the Legislature, Executive and the Judiciary. But considering the complexity and nuances of the current impasse, The Speaker appears to have permitted MS to make another appointment of a PM
2) Since a NCM against MR as PM has been passed (item 7) above), MR ceases to be PM and the new Cabinet (including permanent Secretaries to Ministries) ceases to function
3) The Speaker’s verdicts consequent to NCM’s in Parliament are ‘supreme’ and cannot be challenged unless a motion to that effect is brought in Parliament. Not even the President has the powers to challenge the Speaker’s verdict. Therefore it is unconstitutional and illegal for MS not to accept the results of the NCM’s (at 7) above) as conveyed to him officially by the Speaker. He has no powers to instruct the Speaker on how to conduct the affairs of Parliament. If he objects, the only recourse MS has is to have his MP’S bring a motion in the House challenging the decision.
contd …… /
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Gamini / November 25, 2018
contd…../
4) Given the above (i.e. MS’s appointment of MR as PM is illegal), one can argue that RW is still the PM and the previous Cabinet is still legitimate – but my opinion is that since there is some alleged ambiguity regarding these issues, they need to be tested in a court of law
5) MS has the duty to appoint a new PM (and cabinet), consequent to the NCM’s above and his personal biases should not cloud his decisions in this regard
6) MS appears to be the only unchallenged ‘Authority’ (except for the Speaker) at the present time, and he has the powers to make a decision in accordance with the Constitution, to resolve the current impasse. But it appears, he is not upto that task and is being blinded by his own ambitions, personal biases, preferences, intolerance and prejudices in making a decision in the best interest of the Country.
7) Perhaps the decisions of the Court on Dec 7th and the decision of the petition at 10) above may pave the way for a resolution of this impasse?
8) In the meantime, the country is in limbo due to an ill advised decision made by one man
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Sen Mal / November 25, 2018
This comment was removed by a moderator because it didn’t abide by our Comment policy.For more detail see our Comment policy https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/comments-policy-2
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soma / November 25, 2018
There is no serious challenge to Ranil within UNP. Average UNP parlimantarian / politician is a unpatriotic , swollen headed *******.
Average UNPer in the society is selfish ******* unconcerned with the suffering around.
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Soma
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Native Vedda / November 26, 2018
somass
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So are the SLP, SLPP, CP, LSSP, ……………… especially the clan which believes it is entitled to rob the country, kill the people, …………. commit war crimes, ………..and blame the Tamils, Muslims, Progressive Sinhalese, Diaspora, the West, Hindia, …………………. rest of the world but themselves.
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You must be either a stupid or a blatant racist or both and more to support the clan.
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soma / November 25, 2018
What if Ranil was in power in the year 2009?
What if RW-VP pact was implemented?
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Soma
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Native Vedda / November 26, 2018
somass
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“What if Ranil was in power in the year 2009?”
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What was and is your take on it?
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“What if RW-VP pact was implemented?”
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The war would have ended early and the country would have been saved from Rajapaksa robber barons, saved lot of money and lives, ………….. VP would have been either killed or driven out of the island by his own members of LTTE or by people, …
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You have a problem with selective amnesia and Lateral thinking.
Sun Tzu said “keep your friends close and your enemies closer”. That was what Solheim and Ranil did, which many consider as the beginning of the end of LTTE.
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Rajapaksa’s were incidental in everything about winning the war. Hindians kindly let him gloat and make money out of misery.
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By the way what are you waiting for, this is the best time to start another race riot to con the stupid people as MR’s magic is fading away. Divert and con the people with new riots. I will be right behind you.
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rbh / November 25, 2018
UNP leader is a man of many weaknesses. His greatest liability is a close circle of friends he has surrounded himself with, much to the detriment of the UNP and its supporters.
Presently he has the majority in parliament, even with weakness his courageous enough to resists, Disturbing from opposite group at parliament is to cover up the weakness.
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Nimal Tissa Wijethunga / November 25, 2018
Gamini,
When the interim stay order for the dissolution is issued by SC and judgment to be delivered on the 07th December 2018, reconvening of the parliament in the midst is totally illegal.
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NAK / November 26, 2018
You must be joking ,Rasika!
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Shantha Subasinghe / November 26, 2018
sirisena thinks sri lanka is his grandfather’s property
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