By Jehan Perera –
Jehan Perera
The signs of elections and the short term changes that they bring are upon us today. Posters of candidates are coming up with their party symbols, preference numbers and their vote-catching mottos. Despite the difficulties that people are undergoing at the individual level due to economic hardships that personally affect them, the reality of politics today is that the electorate does not have a viable alternative to the government. The opposition has still to recover from its weak performance during the last year of its governance in 2019 when it was internally divided between former President Maithripala Sirisena and former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. By way of contrast the present government gives an image of strength and competence that is reassuring to the general population.
In addition, at the macro level, the government has notched up two successes that are being constantly repeated by government members and echoed by the supportive media, and which the opposition cannot easily counter. The first is the fact that the members of the current government were the leaders who successfully ended the three decade long war, which few thought possible during the time of war. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, as Defense Secretary at that time, is today credited for the war victory. Although this happened more than 11 years ago, it still counts as a living memory due to constant repetition.
The second major macro issue on which the government has gained great credibility with people is in regard to how it dealt with the Covid pandemic. These days there is a feeling of normalcy in the country with regard to this crisis even though continued vigilance is necessary to prevent a second wave of infections. The ongoing crises in other parts of the world, including our immediate neigbourhood, highlights the very positive track record of Covid handling in Sri Lanka. The credit for this is given to the leadership of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. The unity of purpose within the government is attributed to his strong and decisive leadership which is contrasted to the dismal experience of the previous five years epitomized by the failure to pay heed to the Easter Sunday warnings.
Unsustainable Optimism
There is, however, a confluence of two factors that makes the present situation a potentially unsustainable one. One is the belief that the security forces were behind the success of both the campaigns against the LTTE insurrection and the Covid epidemic. With regard to the latter this has been due to their ability to swiftly contain outbreaks of the infection by sealing off areas, tracking down those exposed to it and sending them into quarantine and ensuring that they stay there till the infectious period was passed. Based on this understanding there appears to be an uncritical acceptance of the efficiency, discipline and strategic ability of the security forces who played the frontline role in these two great achievements.
The danger in Sri Lanka today arises out of the politically charged messages being given to the general public that the security forces are capable of doing what the politicians and public servants are unable to do or should do. The disappointment with the previous government, which came to power on the promise of clean and transparent government, which started doing many things that were good, but could not take them to their conclusion due to internal conflict and venality, is now cited as evidence for this. This failure has led to a loss of confidence in the system of representative democracy and to the strongly articulated position that the present democratically elected president and his appointees can be a substitute for parliament in this time of Covid due to the postponement of general elections.
There is experience worldwide that when the security forces are brought in, or step in, to bring order where there is chaos the experience has not generally been a positive one. So far the Sri Lankan security forces have never sought to be decision makers in politics. They have faithfully followed the leadership of the elected political leadership and been implementers of government policy even when they have had to suffer the consequences. This remains the case today even, as it is the democratically elected president who has appointed them to take charge of ministries and to be members of presidential task forces. This is different from other countries where the security forces seized power by overthrowing democratically elected governments for various reasons.
Collaborative Leadership
The danger is that once the military gets entrenched in government they tend to go the way of all flesh and it can become next to impossible to remove them. In Myanmar the military has insisted that 1/4 of the seats in parliament should be reserved for them, with the requirement that any change of the constitution requires a 3/4 majority. This makes the system impossible to change without the consent of the military who exercise a veto power over the elected civilian authority. An attempt to change the constitution in March to reduce the military representation in parliament failed to obtain a 3/4 majority in parliament. This is the plight to which Aung Sang Suu Kyi has been reduced. This is why it has been said for many centuries that “eternal vigilance is the price of liberty.”
There are troubling signs that the government is beginning to over-rely on the security forces for answers to issues of governance. This is seen by the appointment of two presidential task forces. The first is the Presidential Task Force to build a Secure Country, Disciplined, Virtuous and Lawful Society and is composed entirely of military, intelligence and police officials. It has been entrusted with the power to “conduct investigations and to issue directions as may be necessary in connection with the functions entrusted to it.” This includes issuing instructions to government officials to comply with its directives or be reported to the President. The second is the Presidential Task Force for Archaeological Heritage Management in the Eastern Province. Once again a group comprising high level security forces personnel for most part will be tasked with dealing with complex issues of history, identity and land use.
At the present time there are many people who might believe that these security forces personnel would do a better job than discredited politicians and public administrators. But the better solution to the infirmities of the public service would be to provide them with better opportunities for training and incentives for recruitment. There was a time when the civil service in Sri Lanka was regarded as second to none in terms of efficiency and commitment. The pride in the civil service got eroded by politics entering the picture and politicians interfering. This is why the 19th Amendment to the constitution, passed in 2015 by the parliament with virtual unanimity, needs to be further strengthened and not undone if there is constitutional reform in the future. The strengthening of civilian institutions including parliament is the need of the hour.
Buddhist1 / June 16, 2020
Only way, at least for a short time, the fear of the masses regarding security forces and their credibility could vanquished if they act with no bias to any party during the forthcoming general election. Lets wait and see what they do. Will the security forces illegally bend over backwards to establish 2/3 majority to Pohottuwa or work as a non partisan law implementing body.
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GATAM / June 16, 2020
Not only because civil governance has failed, but also because GR does not trust his extended family. He knows he is just a gap-filler until Namal turns 35 in 2021. Thereafter GR is just a used whatever. Dog eat dog crowd.
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Nathan / June 16, 2020
GATAM,
Don’t be amateurish. Don’t give false hopes to Namal. You are blind to the moves of GR. There is no chance in hell for Namal to become President. Not now, not later. If you know the type of headache MR is having, you wouldn’t talk like this!
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leelagemalli / June 16, 2020
Srilanka is one of the very few countries that let tri forces to do the job in terms of containment of COVID virus within the nations.
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Triforces carried loads but they were not treated well – that was the reason them to be caught by the infected to the manner, statistics showed.
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If democractically elected leaders are powerful enough to serve the nation in a democracratic manner, crisis mgts would not be relied only on tri-forces. In the backdrops of Tsunami disaster, then govt has set a council of which represenatives are called from country#s political parties. Why on earth, the incumbent govt did not allow the kind of cousil to do the job on behalf of saving the nation ?
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Besides, autonomously going by their agendas, what have they achieved as of now. The numbers of the infected and recovered are on a decline everywhere today not only in our island, but we could manage it to the top making the country a “MODEL STATE” if the leaders in power were able to control it to the manner Nepal (far poor country with per capita of 900 dollars) and Vietnam succeeded it.
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patric / June 16, 2020
Leela, I like this sentence of yours that.
“If democratically elected leaders are powerful enough to serve the nation in a democracratic manner, crisis mgts would not be relied only on tri-forces.”
You were spot on when you wrote that. Previous Govt(s) were all responsible for the carnage of the civil service and other areas of the economy and security so the need for a different approach. It looks like you want to see the ” same as before”, while castigating the southern politicians as useless. Don’t forget your own Tamil politicians were also responsible for that carnage.
Also the following statement(repeated so often that it has no value any more other than to a limited CT readers. You have picked a country at a time when the pandemic was rising and nation was cut off from most civilised countries. You can cherry pick countries as you like to support your biased postings, but isn’t it surprising to note even the American ambassador opined today how well the Covoid 19 is managed in SriLanka. Now who am I to believe? Someone like you hiding behind a false name or a an eminent Diplomat from US?
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leelagemalli / June 16, 2020
Patricia@
Dont you think that CBK administration did manage it to the top immediately after TSUNAMI hit those coastal areas of the island ? If Rajakshes were the leaders, how would it have been ended up ? Sure, much more funds would have been robbed out going beyond the all margins.
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leelagemalli / June 17, 2020
Patricia,
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See, how indian music make the people in that part of the world keep under one umbrella ?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-JBuu9_y1DU
I think the very same is being done by Rajakashe chinthanya in our motherland. See Gotler paid his real face ot the people today. But this would be cutting his neck by his own because those who worked under Kabral are the ones who ruined the CB.
Now it is painted as bond-scam during MS-RW, but Sirisena s experts made it very clear that the size of BOND losses since 2008 to 2015 were 100 times more than that of 2015-2016.
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leelagemalli / June 17, 2020
Patricia
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They in UK have been keeping trust on Dexamethason right at the momment. Perhaps that will help the masses until a vaccine will be introduced in the autumn (very likely).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wDX21Elhxa8
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SJ / June 17, 2020
Are you offended by one calling you Leela? Your pseudonym gives one opportunity. It reflects a certain gender attitude.
But, would not responding with calling Patric Patricia have more than a hint of male chauvinism?
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leelagemalli / June 18, 2020
SJ,
Thanks !.
may be little. and I am well aware of the difference. Btw, Patricias and Patrics have been my colleagues for such a long time.
The reason why I intentionally calling them as such.. is to treat them the same manner. I am good at ” insight into human nature”.
As one contributed ot this platform for the last 7years, the reasoning behind pseudo “leelagemalli”, was to stand against one leela who constantly behaved on CT being no different to today “Pasqual”. However, Leelagemalli was able to succeed controling that “Leela” with the time. To that time, I believe you were not often on this.
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patric / June 17, 2020
He would have done a far better job than what she did. You seem to appreciate her work now but don’t forget LTTE almost succeeded in eliminating her during her regime. Why was it? there were no hosannas then for her.
Why not fast forward and talk about the post LTTE era. You cherry pick Govts to suit your bashing agendas to discredit Govts at your will. But there is no consistency in applying your theories.
Your comment on Robbing, should go far deeper than throwing baseless innuendo. Any comments on the CB robbery by Yahapalana regime in which your parties failed to raised any concerns. Even Sumanthiran these called brainiest lawyer with all those commissions attempted to white wash those issues. Who was the main culprit who escaped to Singapore and evading arrest. A Tamil national. Latest is he has changed his name.
Tsunami was a minuscule affair compared to the war efforts against the LTTE terrorists. So get your facts write before you publish them. You must be part of the CT editorial because you seem to have prominence when posting remarks. Also you seem to work on this as your full time job. Congratulations
Also may I add, LTTE almost killed CBK while as president by exploding a bomb close to her. Is that how you treat your valued leader of the country?
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leelagemalli / June 17, 2020
Patricia@
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not cherrypicking as ones in pharma industry we are well aware of the numbers and how to interpret them focusing all facets. Nepal has managed it to their best though they are 4 times poorer in terms of the per capita, but did their best until few weeks ago. Venezeula with their 29millions of population also did it well though various other reasons met with each of these nations, even if srilanka s could well be comparable with those poor countires in africa going by all the weather patterns and other factors with the geographical locations.
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Germans as one of the grand nations in Europe have managed it to the best by being able to flatten the curve sofar while UK is on its way to recover even if their estimations based on recovered numbers are questionable. US epicentres such as NY is now doing well – though the numbers of the deaths were unique to black community than others.
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Now with Dexamethanzone being in the debate as one of the successful drugs, wait and see, if the first vaccine would be ready by the start of next autum in Europe – (as of October).
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patric / June 17, 2020
Leela,
It is not a case of a country being rich or poor when dealing with pandemics. SL took the matter seriously and used track and treat method quicker than most richer nations that wanted to try the Herd Immunity. Though I am sad few deaths occurred I am comfortable with the results so far. Look over the talk strait to see the carnage there.
Also consider the size and population of Nepal as compared to SriLanka, Nepal population is 28.6 million. Srilanka 22.5 million. Land mass Nepal over 147,500 +Km2. SriLanka 65610km2.
Can you now see how the population spread differ from each other? Any idiot with an ounce of grey matter should see this. Compare that to heavily populated western province that had the most Covi19 contracted people. That is the difference. Stop comparing Apples with Pears to get your wrong theories forward. By doing so you expose yourself as being the average IQ 67%.
Confirmed cases in Nepal 6591, Recovered 1158, and deaths 19 so far. Consider that with Srilanka stats. You see it on TV every day but managed to hold the death toll at 11 so far with recovery percentage climbing to 74%. Not HAPPY YET???
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leelagemalli / June 17, 2020
Patricia@
No, srilanken leaders never took it serious. We should better focus on the facts. Nepal s numbers went up during the last 2 weeks or so. But ours did not even perform enough tests because Rajakashes thought more tests – more patients would be exposed.
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I dont respect current leaders but I am indebted to srilanken forces for COVID sacrifices and also their great work done in CIVIL war… not for all soldiers but real good ones that treated all folks without bias.
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My travel to srilanka last was last February, from what we got to see was, nothing like proper controls held at BIA. Any tourists came from CHINA were protected – going by little brain activities of the Rajaakshe chinthanaya.
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If the leaders would have been intelligent, they could make a country be from COVID 19 as of end of Ferbruary.
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We are far poor nation compared ot many in the west, but our people seem to be swollen – not knowing the facts and figures.
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This was what one of the professors who just visited SRILANKA for his research projects left on his return to Germ,any and Japan. Srilankens in general overestimate their race. … specially sinhalayas. I know this very well since I get on with many nationatlities for the last 2 decades.
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Eagle Eye / June 16, 2020
leelagemalli,
Who said Rajapakshe Government relied only on tri-forces to contain COVID-19 pandemic. They relied on all the FORCES in the country. Eliminating Tamil terrorists is not the only responsibility of tri-forces. They are there to be mobilized to deal with any situation that require their services. Democratically elected President Gotabhaya Rajapakshe acted in a democratic manner and tackled COVID-19. If that is not to your liking, that is your bloody problem.
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“If democractically elected leaders are powerful enough to serve the nation in a democracratic manner, crisis mgts would not be relied only on tri-forces.”
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16 June 2020
Nepal 6581 cases 19 Deaths 1158 Recovered
Sri Lanka 1915 cases 11 Deaths 1371 Recovered
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You guys are highly disappointed that things did not go the way you wanted so that you guys can humiliate Rajapakshes and put the label ‘Sri Lanka is a Failed State’.
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leelagemalli / June 17, 2020
• Biased men in media interpret it as if all rich nations failed CONTAINTMENT of COVID 19 but starving srilankens managed it ?????. UK as one powerful nations in the world, has not yet been able to estimate the recovered numbers oft he COVID patients. Is it right to group them as being failed the containment oft he virus within them ?
• Our hungry nation is highly dependent on the funds being offered to us for our own survival. There are over 40% in the population – as seen in TV screens today, as the ones living under poverty line.
• Srilanka‘ s situation was different – we are an island nation – with one entry point to the country – more of tropical countries kept the numbers under control for various reasons while the europe, america, Canada and other northern countries failed. However what matters ist he manner how they maintain flattening oft he bell curve in each country.
• In the same time, Rajapakshe biased media would not utter a single word about many other like minded countries that controlled it in tribal africa. Just for misleading, they continue to self-congradulate… why ist hat ? when would Rajapakshes learn it ?
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patric / June 17, 2020
USA, UK and other prosperous EU countries suffered heavy casualties because they did not invest enough to face an epidemic of this nature. They lacked equipment, hospital beds, nurses and doctors and the worst thing was their advise to patients was to stay at home until they began breathing difficulties. This was contributory, unlike in Sl they were admitted to hospitals and treatment offered right away. These are the facts you conveniently omitted.
Being rich alone is not enough. Also specialists in those countries had differing strategies that kept changing regularly. Since you are residing in Uk you should have seen this clearly than someone who is suffering from poverty?
Again 40% poverty level quoted by you is wrong, but I agree there is a significant number living under poverty level, but none of them can be classed as starving to death. Can you provide accurate data on people living below qwerty level in UK and in EU?
Furthermore since independence SL was relying on exports to satisfy the west and they were strictly controlled by the west. Gradually the economy in SL took a battering not solely for that purpose but due to many other political mismanagements.
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leelagemalli / June 17, 2020
The richest country in europe – Switzerland and Germany they invested more than anyone else, but they claimed nevertheless human lossses. So please no point of talking you on this, because you guys woudl not see it… until srilanka is looted to the core by the bunch of thieves in power for the curse of the people.
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whywhy / June 18, 2020
leelagemalli ,
Rajapaksha Brothers are miracle performers ! All they do is the world
never had seen before ! Now just imagine , Wimalo went on Fast to
death i front of the UN office in the country and guess who stopped
it ? The almighty Mahinda Rajapaksha who invented Orange Juice !
Now , who defeated terrorism without a bullet being manufactured
locally ? Mahinda ! Who was looking the other way when Gnanasara
unleashed Buddhist extremism in the country ? Mahinda ! And now
this time around , within just nine months in power , who had the
guts to defeat the virus bomb Covid-19 while the whole world was
battling to contain it with little success ? Mahinda+ GR with local
vaccine (the army and police) ! The West is still to see on its roads
such vaccines ! Why are you jealous leelagemalli with the Brothers ?
Now look , there’s another area where the world archaeologist have
failed and we have an innovative introduction ! A task force to only
one province where country’s all important Archaeology exists !
They are a well known world record breakers dear ! More and more
miracles are just being produced in their labs ! The world is going to
be taken by surprise , I mean the world of frogs !
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Atu / June 16, 2020
Jehan
I quote two of your statements I totally agree “At the present time there are many people who might believe that these security forces personnel would do a better job than discredited politicians and public administrators……..The pride in the civil service got eroded by politics entering the picture and politicians interfering.” Life is all about taking risks. Good governance is also taking risks for the benefit of people. What options does GR have?. He cannot use current crop of politicians. He cannot use current crop of administrators. His last option is to use people who have proven leadership, security forces active and retired. It is a temporary measure like Sri Lanka used Kalu and Sanath as aggressive openers in 1996 cricket world cup. It could not be repeated in 1999. Leadership skills are transferable. These people are not aliens. They are nation loving humans, brothers, sisters, sons, daughters who served task oriented government organisations. They can deliver project outcomes if correct guidance is given. There is no need to fear.
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Atu / June 16, 2020
My fear is that if SLPP does not get 2/3 because it would require GR to transfer some leadership roles to current politicians who are not in same league like him. If majority understand this danger, they should vote in a block to give GR 2/3. MR knows his time in leadership is over and he is more than happy to let GR to govern the country two terms and enhance peoples’ confidence in Rajapaksha. Then anyone from this clan will win again easily. As long as country is economically successful, safe and peaceful, no one cares who is in Presidential or PM seat. This is the reality. This reality may mean end of western pro UNP politics and narrow minded, racially biased TNA/Tamil politics. However, Tamils still have a chance to follow a different path forgetting about fantasy Eelam and taking security forces to gallows, if they offer reasonable conditional support to GR in return to lift social status of minority Tamils in Sri Lanka. Otherwise security forces who won the war will enjoy rest of lives peacefully and Tamil minority will live rest of their lives suffering with unfulfilled improbable expectations.
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leelagemalli / June 17, 2020
Atu,
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What are the signs you to even think of them getting cut off number of seats, consideirng the frustrations among various walks of people ? I am afriad, I read only negative news keep either on screen or radio
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They incl incumbent president continue with their self-congradulations regarding the manner their tiny achievements in the containment of the virus within the country. As if SRILANKA i sth eonly country but what about
.(Country/deaths/recovered…. etc )
Bahamas
104 11 72 1 2,261 5,752 393,093
Sri Lanka
1,915 11 1,397 1 90,010 4,204 21,409,881
Zambia
1,405 11 1,142 1 45,248 2,465 18,358,109
Iceland
1,812 10 1,796 63,198 185,246 341,157
Jamaica
621 10 449 2 16,947 5,724 2,960,681
Libya
484 10 76 14,029 2,043 6,867,331
Mauritius
337 10 325 137,789 108,351 1,271,692
Benin
572 +40 9 237 2 46,622 3,851 12,107,579
Bermuda
144 9 128 2 9,246 148,444 62,286
Jordan
981 9 693 3 292,623 28,691 10,199,034
Malta
656 9 608 1 84,053 190,381 441,500
Montenegro
326 9 315 13,186 20,995 628,063
Maldives
2,094 8 1,670 9 35,533 65,787 540,120
Trinidad and Tobago
123 8 109
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rj1952 / June 16, 2020
The kallathoni of a president does to this day has any political experience nor has any knowledge of how to revive a dead bankrupt Kota Uda economy.
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Therefore he has to rely on his !00% war criminal military goons to help him to salvage from the mess he has landed himself and the beleaguered island into.?
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If on the 5th of August he does not secure the dreaming of a 2/3rd majority in my humble opinion he will prostitute by selling the country to China and bring in his goons to bully the no money no food to eat no job etc civilians to get themselves used to a Myanmar style military by force livelihood.
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The opposition instead of spending tons of monies on propaganda should all get-together and feed the starving masses with at least one meal a day and relieve them of their burdens.?
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The drawback of such a scenario is that due to a built-up LTTE Tamil phobia these many a time-proven Yakko masses will eat greedily get fat and vote for the rajapuk’s led SLPP.
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patric / June 16, 2020
rj,
Do you also call your Tamil diaspora brethren as Kallathonis. you and many others who make regular comments live abroad. So if you accept that I have no issue.
Also you hit it on the nail when you wrote “how to revive a dead bankrupt Kota Uda economy”. How correct you are to recognise the mess the country in. Is GR who was elected by a majority for the 1 time or the useless, and corrupt politicians who fleeced the nation with bribes and crooked deals? You Tamil MPs were in the Govt (sitting as opposition party) and agreed to everything what was discussed without considering the repercussions. Now we are in it. You may find difficult to accept changes but the people voted for a change. You are free to follow Yahapalana model and see how things will pan out.
“The drawback of such a scenario is that due to a built-up LTTE Tamil phobia these many a time-proven Yakko masses will eat greedily get fat and vote for the rajapuk’s led SLPP.” Who got fat??? look at Sambandan, see how trim he is. Good Day!!!!!
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leelagemalli / June 17, 2020
Patricia@
you are so cute and seem making similar role as is the case with Wimal weerawanshe towards his masters… nice… and oldest profession is on a rise in that part of the world – is what i read some where day before yesterday… that will give rascalty a kick for a moment at least.
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if I may refresh your demented head, by the time, previous govt came to power, the economy was bankrupted as nothing like recovery plan could help them holding the balloon under the water. That was the reason rascals went to an election 2 years ahead of the official end of MR presidential term – remember ? My grannies remind me this on and on, but when would you guys grasp it ?
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Their men themselves louded as no others, that then secretary to the ministry of fianance as – ARTHIKA GHATHAKAYA- and almost destroyed the economy as nothing could help. The very same minister being the condom supporter of the SLPP today, the bunch of thieves shamelessly move forward but for how long ?
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patric / June 17, 2020
Leela,
Once again you have come out with statements made by bankrupt politicians used to cover their economic faults. If you consider yourself as brainy (as opposed to calling me demented) come out with facts and figures to debate me. Your statement don’t hold any water or substance. Just political junk.
Unlike you, I do not hesitate to call all politicians as inept, devious, greedy, manipulative, lying corrupt individuals from top down. I place your lot TNA and other allied parties into this group. Give a reason why I should not call them so!!!!
What most of us in SL wanted is to get rid of these parliamentarians and replace them with honest, committed and capable people. I agree this is too much to hope for, but I along with majority are relieved and happy that Gota became the President.
Feel free to use the term ARTHIKA GHATHAKAYAS on defunct YAHAPALANAYA who was responsible for the carnage we are in. It is not a secret when individual Tamils like you (I use this not as a racist comment) get cornered, they become abuse and at times use foul language to vent their frustration and anger.
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leelagemalli / June 17, 2020
I only know that the country as it was taken over by GG rule, it was all in pieces. It was on edeges. THat was the reason MaRa to go for early elections. This is very common to all but not to you guys, whose staple food is RATATHANAKOLA.
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There are facts, and no points of arguing with dimwits on and on. This can be the last to you, since you keep repeating – but not focusing as to why many on this forum stand against Rajapakshes and their mlechcha politics.
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The fairy tales to the community – gawky masses who fell on thet Nagaya-Brought-relics stories and let their votes be grabed – in order them to return to power and ruin the nation – your challenges would be fine
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I am born SINHALAYA and living like an International Person – no matter any low lives would put me any catogories me might be a supporter to TD or or TNA. but going by Mr SINHALA MAN and few others may knowto guess who I am.
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I simply dont respect any kind of criminals – be them with or without wearing saffron robes. And i am not just follower of any political parties in SL – nor would I have any interest to support any either.
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whywhy / June 19, 2020
patric ,
Before inviting anyone for a debate over your views about current
politics in the country , let it be Mahinda Ranil, Sajith , Anura or
anyone else , you need to fully understand how the arrival of your
relief that is GR happened ! If you are so frustrated with all other
politicians , it is those same politicians that brought this GR down
from the US ! It is thanks to Ranil’s 19th amendment that Mahinda
is not sitting where GR is ! GR is doing the job of the PODIYAN in
many homes around Colombo 3-7 ! This is the Entry and Existence
of GR ! Expecting anything more or less , I leave it to one’s political
knowledge and experience of our country .
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rj1952 / June 17, 2020
Patric,
I accept that since 1956 sad sorry made a shit Sri Lanka by the blue-shirted SLFP, then the rajapuka’s and now by the biggest boru horu SLPP..
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Are you trying to infer that the jarawama rajapuk clan are honest straight forward honest imbeciles who are only in this game to fatten themselves with hora salli and committing many a murder which are never solved?
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Isn’t the present kallathoni of an illicit then an American citizen at the time of nomination wasn’t his sordid name connected in many hora illegal money transactions.?
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He escaped jail thanks to Ranil. W and no thanks to the 6.9 million Yakko modays who are now crying through their amude’s who elected him as the president by which as long as he is in power no punishment can be meted on him.
What a lucky escape, if not he would have had to feed himself to his pet sharks and they will also detest eating him up as he’s nothing but an obnoxious stinking mess.
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SJ / June 17, 2020
1952
I wonder who went on the abortive Match to Kandy to oppose the BC pact!
Could it be the same man who proposed Sinhala Only in the State Council?
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leelagemalli / June 17, 2020
As I got to know from my elders, Kallthonies were the boat people migrated to Srilanka. The very same manner GoRa moved to the US for refuge for a period of 15 long years.Once his brother won the election in 2005 only, he was reborn to be a PATRIOT. So I question today, …. the term we can use to praise the great work rendered by FM Fonseka or the like never left for greener pastures, but shed every last sweat for the war ?
Pseudo Patriotism could only please a bunch of rascals that became WEERAYAS and wealthy people through the loot under GoRa s brother MaRa mismagt from 2005- 2015.
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We bacame number one nation to be CHINESE DEBT TRAP thanks to Mahinda Rajaakshe and his highly abusive and stupid loans.
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Mahinda Rajakashe is identified with TRIBAL leaders in the AFRICA while his brother is compared to that of Idiamin and like minded roudy men as leaders.
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Mallaiyuran / June 16, 2020
In addition to CT and other media contributor Rajeewa, there is one more suspicious death reported of a young Tamil Police officer in Mathambe. He died inside the police-station. We remember the Tamil army soldier who was selected to take Gobi to Nedunkerny jungle & shoot, latter on the same day, accidently shot him inside Anuradhapura Rapist Army Camp. That was the very first time for many of us that there were some kind people who can be called as Tamils served in the Sinhala Buddhist Only Rapist Army. Navy office Siniah was not Tamil, but last name was some Sin Aiya. He was fired from his job on the first moth of being CDS as refused to recommend a pre-Made deal of Russian junk yard ship. Then America replaced it with a working one. Earlier, India gave free replacements for Chinese’s abandoned commission deals.
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Mallaiyuran / June 16, 2020
Two related press reports in Tamil Medias:
1. Attanayake (Old UNP) is questioning about Rajeewa’s (SLPP) death. The shot into the mouth to this journalist, he wonders, if a warning to close all other journalists’ mouths. The reason for suspicions, he says, all CTCV cameras’ recording are missing. Again this is a high security zone in Capital, Colombo. CT commentators had asked if one wants to commit suicide with a gun, why they would go to high security area from the safety of the secret place home. It sounds like a Modaya explanation from police rather than a Modaya deed by the dead.
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Mallaiyuran / June 16, 2020
2. American Ambassador asked why there is PTF only for part of the country; if it were not a partial action. She denies the media reports on one of their diplomat’s Covid-19 test controversies. She says the MCC still in the oven and could be taken out after the election. Our usual experience is that if it is not comes out before the election, probably it is not going to be burned off after election. The noticeable points, related MCC deal is Iranians returned back on the failed Uma Oya project. My Memory says Yahapalanaya had abandoned it after Norway and Austrian engineers inspected it. Chinese returned back to halted Pohatu Tower. They refused to complete & hand over on a dispute that they do not wanted put in a remaining $15M loan to the tower. They wanted to hold that amount, but still add to the loan number because they were delayed by Appe Aanduwa in completing the project so $15M is a penalty. It looks like now that Chinese will be holding most of the tower’s leasable spaces to them. Everything is secret, but still Tower saga seems to be going to end in another 99 years lease. 1½ years ago, on the opening day, New King accused Old Royals stealing $2M commission out of it.
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Kuviyam / June 16, 2020
GOTA came to power because of the rift between Sirisenea and Ranil that caused Easter Sunday terrorist Attack. People know about it. It was a waste of time to appoint in appointing a commission.; Some say Gota was behind in that attack as ISIS terrorist leader was financed by then Mahinda government. The real truth is not known. After the April crisis, we had another Constitutional crisis that created by Siriseena. The country overcame that. It was followed by COVID 19 crisis. It is like a herat attack for an economically weak state with many HR issues. Nad international reputation. Problems created by Buddhist clergy and ethnic issues. These issues weaken the economy of the country and goodwill among the different communities.
We had the election crisis, and what next? Can this small island afford to face it? There is no guarantee that SLPP will get a two-third majority to attain its objectives. More than that, the country is using its credibility among international countries. China is waiting like a hawk for the Sri Lankan economy to face more problems. It is a problematic situation for GOTA. He will not get help from the expatriate population.
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Simon / June 16, 2020
The much spoken Civil Service got “evaporated” since the advent of the “Political “Dictatorship” of “Mafia” of every successive Government for the last few decades. Finally, the Civil Service succumbed to the pressures and had no option but to adhere to the “Dictates” and got accustomed to making a “Living” of plenty and luxury. Even at the present day that call to “Fall in Line” has been very emphatically delivered when the President said: ” Do the work as told or leave”. This “Delivery” has been reinforced further by making it mandatory for the “Task Force” to report to “HIM” – The President, if any civil service members are not following the “Directives” given. In another “Reheat” of this announcement, the President has spoken to the Central Bank and all other “Commercial Bank” officials, the “NEED” to “Follow” instructions and any “Failures” would be looked into with serious “consequences”. Nothing more to expect from a “War Veteran” who has no other “Code Of Conduct” than “Follow” the “Orders” or bear the consequences”. In that endeavor, this President has to get the coverage and assistance of “Armed Forces” to carry on “regardless” of his “Agenda”. We had a “President” of “Commissions” and a PM of “Committees” and now a President of “Task Forces” and what remains to be seen is another PM of “WHAT”….?
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Andare 2.0 / June 16, 2020
Where is the civil governance of UK,USA and other countries ? They are all failing so badly. This is not the time to start an argument over military vs non military. It’s about effectively and quickly tackling covid.
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leelagemalli / June 16, 2020
Andare,
not US but also all the highly industrialiized european countries are hugely hit by the virus – do you think it was just because their health services and administrative actons were not good as that of srilanka ? Are u kidding Andare ? Not even a child would agree with you but numbers that self congradulate CRIMINALs IN power would because their aim is to mislead and ruin the nation further.
:
Man get it right, if water would have been poured to a glass going beyond the vólume of it, what would happen ? the excessive water overflows the glass.. likewise, if hospitals are overloaded with unprecedented numbers of patients, what would happen ? That was the case in Lombardi region in Italy. The likeminded regions in Spain and France apart from that all these countries were in their high winter periods at the time, COVID-19 broke out. Germany and several other country were able to keep the infected numbers within their limit because they have better health systems than in the US and UK. I know all these very well since I am exchanging my thoughts with ones work in health care sectors in each of them.
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a14455 / June 17, 2020
There is nothing to be called effective in Europe of the US. They have failed unequivocally.
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leelagemalli / June 17, 2020
So all srilankens that believe those countries failed, should return home to the hell, run by Rajakshes…. :: It is really so stupid you guys to make it the pereception.. it is almost like that Nagaya-Brought-Relics from the Kelaniya river-story misleading the easy targets.
That is easy to play tricks on the poor masses, but the curse will follow. I got to nkow from the the security guard at the Kelaniya Raja Maha viharaya – and according to him over few lacks of people rushed to the temple to worship – FAKE Relics-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b3BhK3pAxJ8 To me the kind of buddhgama monks should be beheaded to the very same manner, Saudis punish those criminals in that country.
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I am born buddhist but today, I dont respect SRILANKEN BUDDHGAMA monks for my own reasons. I rather help animals in that vicinity-since the PINGONAS are honest than the kind of CHIEF monks
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leelagemalli / June 17, 2020
Andare,
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Your brain cells should have some thing special – also your genetics would be of highly importance to britical medical council, since, you compare it with that of UK and USA where the numbers went up that high for various reasons.
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According to you, srilankens should have been the champions in controlling ´COVID … my foot… how many among the world community would buy this ?????
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Rata thanakola eaters would do, but would the international community agree with you ?
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patric / June 17, 2020
Darling Leela,
There you are!! Back to your insulting mode again without explaining why you disagree with Andare.
Without much Ado, “how much more facts you need than to compare 11 deaths so far from 22.5 million population in SL. against most developed and under developed nations???
I hope I am able to convince you that this is not a race to see who performs better than others. This is a pandemic everyone is trying hard to defeat the common enemy COVI 19. So quit trying to make this a political issue and support efforts by the Sri-Forces, Health professionals, police and most importantly the people up and down the country.
You should not have a say in this matter m to some one who live and in SL because you are now a foreigner living in comfort in Europe. Try and not control matters in SL by way of a remote Control.
Even at defeat you will not want to accept your mistakes gracefully. Instead genetics, brain cells and other obscenities at others is your weapon. Grow up man.
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leelagemalli / June 17, 2020
Patricia@
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Please try to stick to the facts – even if your obsequeousness to RAJA et al would not allow it. then only it woudl be worth wasting my valuble time for any responses. Nobody among the virologists (actually experts in COVID -19 research) and the world researchers in COVID control endeavours would not look at the numbers of the deaths, but the manner the bell curve the way it flattens. And also there are lot of speculations even if one single vaccine would be a match, if the same would be applcable to all countries – because the strains identified so far vary on its onset and genetically as well.
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I am not a foreigner living in Europe, my work is focused on Human beings covering all continents. So no worries or blames to me. Back and forth we are also back to motherland with last visit being last February. I have now made my mind up, i only help the poor (elderly and children) who are really in need in our motherland. My heart melts down whenever i see the poverty levels that is now revealed to the world thanks to COVID. Doctored documents may have allowed the buggers to cheat the world (IMF) but on the cost of the tax payers funds.
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Momentous20 / June 16, 2020
In Ceylon, civil governance was safe with quality Civil Servants totaling 145 in May 1963. On May 1st after the CCS was abolished several departmental cadres were amalgamated with the CCS to compose a CAS cadre of a little over 1000, ie 7 times more in numbers. The same quality was stupidly presupposed.
India abolished her ICS after independence and set up the IAS with an approved cadre at present of 6500. Sri Lanka has a cadre of 2405. For India’s cadre for a population 61 times Sri Lanka’s, what should be India’s cadre. The answer is 146,705.
With failure in governance, India today will be in smithereens.
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AYATHURAY RAJASINGAM / June 16, 2020
A gradual calculated & systematic move by Gota to march towards dictatorship is in process. His dangerous exercise of destroying the ancient influence of Tamils & Muslims on the pretext that the security forces are better than the politicians, are unacceptable. The failure of good governance was due to the stupidity of corrupted Maithripala Srisena whose knowledge is nil in all aspects. As a first step, Gota has begun to arrest his rivals and abduct some on various pretexts which is also not good governance. The death of Rajiv Jayaweera lent suspicion on Gota’s government because Rajiv Pragash Jayaweera exposes all corruptions & horrific white van culture. Moreover Army raided the residence of Danista Bastians a reporter for New York Times and confiscated her laptop and handed to CID which is a threatening signal. Gota may also threaten the Central Bank for release of funds which is likely to happen and discourage foreign investment for economic development. Moreover, these Security Officers do not have sufficient knowledge on economics, medicine, culture, religion, education, legal systems, etc, on which the writer has failed to concentrate. Security Officers will tend to interfere with civil service and finance and ends up in corruption which means the country will plunge to famine & poverty. There will be suspicion among the professionals who will never support the Security Forces.
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watcher / June 17, 2020
Heading, “Reliance On Security Forces Due To Failure Of Civil Governance” ?
It should be rewritten to “Reliance On Security Forces Due To absolute failure of civil service dismantled by JR and SLFP taking it to new high.
We do not have independent civil service any more and that’s the reason GR cannot trust or put any one in the civil service to do a proper job.
It does not means we have bad apples everywhere, before 60’s we had great civil service and also education and health service. GR will fix all these ills if genuine people give him a chance but it will not come from NGO hacks like Jehan since he has to sucking up to his paymasters overseas…
Some one should ask him what civil governance, without having independent civil service.
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chiv / June 17, 2020
According to the writer and the commentators , civil services in Lanka has failed, (which was once a template for other Asian counties) hence Rajapaksa family decided to keep more than 90 % of portfolios under them. The required qualification for such position is “winning a war and controlling an invisible virus”. In such case , many around the world may qualify for such position, in their respective countries.
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Good Sense / June 18, 2020
Alas! We do not have a forum to question the decision makers as to why there is a preponderance of militia men taking over civilian positions. If the answer is I am appointing the right man for the right job irrespective whether the man is military or civilian then the answer has to be accepted at its face value. If the answer is I appointed him because I know him personally of his capabilities the reaction has to be we will wait and see what comes next because the kingpin only knows militia men throughout his life. If the answer is I have faith in military people for their capability for delivering (I am sure he will not give that answer if he is tactful) then we have to look sharp. The author of this article says that “But the better solution to the infirmities of the public service would be to provide them with better opportunities for training and incentives for recruitment.”. The real issue unlike the good old civil service days is that the pay packet does not meet the ends of the day. Raising salaries is not the answer but strengthening the value of the rupee is.
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chiv / June 18, 2020
MS in an interview with BBC when confronted about security lapses leading to Easter , shot back “why should I take responsibility for the security failure “?????? . Ex commander in chief and minister of defence (if elected will be a partner in future government) claiming failure of security services in providing security , then how do writer and others expect them to provide civil services ???? . MS even tried shielding RW by stating he too is not responsible. Collective unaccountability.
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whywhy / June 18, 2020
chiv ,
chive , MS is a crook , cheat and you name it ! But Ranil is a shameless ,
spineless , arrogant , crook with little knowledge about how Western
Economy and Democracy function. As a whole , all of them are beggars
fighting for a piece of bread with Butter from another set of Beggars that
is the general public ! Leaders being beggars and the voters being even
bigger beggars , nothing changes until improvement comes from one of
them ! Live together or perish together ! Live together is harder but a must
and perish together needs only a gas lighter which was a box of matches
for the old Silva !
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Sandra Fernando / June 18, 2020
Mahinda Rajapaksa was PM during the period of reconstruction following the tsunami. He saw what government agencies and staff were capable of. He also saw what they were not capable of. The Rajapaksas were very proactive about reconstruction after the war: they spent the last two or more years of the war organising it. (I only have the press for my source of information, so if I have underestimated the length of time it took them to arrange projects, I apologise.) The only way to get the urgent things done was by going through the forces. They have the discipline and are paid to do as they told when they are told to do it. So they put up the Bayley bridges and demined and patched up cratered roads and cooked three meals a day for the people at Menik Farm. The Rajapaksas did more in the same amount of time as reconstruction after the tsunami by going through the forces. The forces don’t fall back on union action or go on strike at the point of national need. That they had to bypass govt agencies and fall back on the forces is an indictment of branches of the SLAS.
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