By Kumar David –
Prof. Kumar David
A few of my recent short-pieces in Colombo Telegraph have attracted comment. I have met both favourable and unfavourable reactions and this is the time to address some. Most comments were about my call to voters to cast their first-preference for the PP candidate Anura Kumara and second-preference fot the strongest anti-Gota candidate. I ask those who disagree to nevertheless give my second-preference tactic a patient hearing.
To keep it simple I will assume there are only three candidates Gotabaya (SLPP), the DNF candidate and Anura (who is also JVP leader). The questions I am asked frequently, often not in hostility but in curiosity are:
1. Even you Kumar do not expect PP to come first or second. So, won’t we be wasting a vote by giving PP first preference? Why not give the DNF (or Gota if that’s one’s view) first choice straight away?
2. What exactly is the point of giving the PP first preference and second preference to a main candidate?
3. What is the relationship between your presidential election tactic and your long-range thinking?
My response covers all three points in overlapping fashion. Yes, I do not expect PP to poll 30% or 40% though I would be delighted if it polled 20% and disappointed if less than a million (say 11%). The crux of my thinking is that Sri Lanka must begin forging an alternative to the corrupt and failed two-party system. I have still to meet a person who did not say the main parties are corrupt, opportunistic, lacking in vision and if they return, they will do no better than they have been doing all along for so long – ong okoma horu; ong okama kaalakanni.
Seriously, will a new SLPP or another UNP led government achieve anything significant? We have come to the end of the road with these two bunches; Gota is not a new broom, he is the militarisation of an old broom. Sri Lanka has to strike out anew with eyes focussed ahead. Look how fast ‘alt-movements’ have blossomed all over the world in the last decade. It will not be slower here. The answer to Q3 is: “Use the presidential election to launch a movement with long-term objectives”.
The answer to Q2 is that while we think and plan long-term our actions must at the same time dovetail with existing circumstances. As an example, say like me, you believe that the return of Gota will be perilous (return of white-vans, political assassinations, the military and ex-military lording it over the country etc) and a threat to the albeit limited democratic rights that have been recovered after 8 Jan 2015. That means we must ensure the defeat of Gota. Second preferences when counted (this election will surely go to second-preference counting) will add to the ‘less-worse-than Gota’ DNF candidate’s vote and hopefully clinch the deal.
Some anti-Gota people think this may be risky. No, it is not risky. A few sectarian PP voters will not mark an anti-Gota second-preference, but hard-sectarians will not vote for the DNF/UNP anyway. My tactic is aimed at others like DNF voters who want to show disgust with yahapalana before holding their noses and reluctantly voting for it. There is no risk. If Gota gets over 50% on first count this tactic obviously makes no difference to the outcome. [In fact, this is a tactic that pro-Gota voters too can adopt if they wish to show their disgust at the corrupt, racist and authoritarian SLPP-SLFP before reluctantly choosing Gota]. Whichever way you look at it, “one-for-PP; two-for-main candidate” brings together the wisest short- and long-term choices. This address both Q1 and Q2.
An entirely different matter is that I have met a few idiot sectarians on “our side”, the PP side, who have mumbled “give first-preference to PP and don’t give second-preference to anyone”. Short-sighted and selfish sectarianism is not unfamiliar in the left. These sectarians must be confronted and snuffed out. What the devil does PP lose if it gets someone’s first vote and he or she casts a second preference for anyone else? NOTHING! In fact, PP gains a lot becomes many DNF or SLPP voters may choose to do just this.
The next step is to patiently explain to voters unfamiliar with preference indication how it’s done. There is plenty of time; three months is quite enough to get the public familiar with the details.
Naman / September 25, 2019
The Voting Public needs to have the knowledge/information on what the Presidential Candidates are standing for.
It’s time for Gota Anura Sajith or any other to tell us what they will do when they come to power.
All of them should have declared their world wide wealth and any criminal cases pending against them.
The amount of money spent on the Election should be restricted
No bill boards.
Have TV debates amongst the candidates
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GATAM / September 25, 2019
This is a Sinhala Only election. All serious candidates are Sinhalas only. Why should Tamils take part in a Sinhala Only election? Shame!
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Patriot / September 25, 2019
Gatam.
The Tamils have voted for Sinhalese politicians for 72 years. Tamils occupied seats of power but never the Powerful Seats. Tamils have to immigrate to be recognized in the political arena. This country is truly racist. Even India with a multitude of races casts and religions have over the decades elected Eminent Persons without religious or racial biases. Abdul Khlam President Of High inerlect, nuclear physicist. Father of the Constitution Dr. Ambedkhar, ‘untouchable’. The Indian Constitution was never amended. Sri Lankan politicians amended the Constitution 19 times and awaiting the 20th. Italian Sonia Ghandhi who was nominated to be Prime Minister by the Congress Party but refused.
Politics in Sri Lanka dominated only by Sinhalese Buddhists.
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Modaya / September 26, 2019
You a racist tamil. Not a sri Lankan. If not left country, go to thamilnadu and live there.
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Burt / September 26, 2019
Your handle says it all. So should any one respond to your comment.
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Sinhala_Man / September 27, 2019
Dear GATAM,
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Whilst I understand your attitude, there’ll be Sinhalese who resent the Minorities for being the “King Makers”.
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I think that we must forget those petty resentments and focus on getting a decent guy elected, and please remember the importance of the THREE Preferences, arranging that the THIRD it is that goes to the UNP (or, if you are quite mad, to the Pohottuwa).
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I’ve been immersing myself in the activities of the Nagananda Group. I’m hoping that their candidates will be Dr Ajith Colonne. Please google for his Youtubes. Most of them are in Sinhalese, but there are a few in his excellent English.
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Vasudeva N. has let us all down badly, but he was speaking common sense when he said that only a “Sinhalese Goigama Buddhist” could be elected. to belong there gives a guy a huge advantage, but it will change, and I’m not writing off the chances of Sajith Premadasa being elected.
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When we were kids cheering on the macho cowboys against the “nasty” Red Indians, would any of us have expected Obama to be elected in 2008? I was quite serious when I wrote a few months back, on this forum, that if Imtiaz Bakeer Markar were contesting, I’d vote for him.
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Please participate intelligently in this election – and urge others also to do so.
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Amarasiri / September 25, 2019
Prof. Kumar David,
For what are the presidential candidates are standing for?
1. Mahinda Rajapaksa/Gotabaya Rajapaksa for continuing the Family dynasty and dictatorship for their own benefits, and low mean IQ 79 imbeciles still seem not to get it.
2. Ranil W wants to be the leader of UNP for ever, and seem determined to keep it that way, and wants to be Prime Minister.He will approve nominate Sajith P under these circumstance and agreeing to abolish the executive presidency.
3. It is best to block Gota becoming the President and abolish the executive Presidency.
So, the election platform should be to abolish the executive presidency, as the parliament will not impeach the rogue and mad presidents.
All anti Gota voters should elect Anura Kumara or Sajith P as the first or second preference.
Election theme. Say no to family dictatorship and abolish the executive presidency.
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Rajiv Tennekoon / September 25, 2019
Kumar David,
“These sectarians must be confronted and snuffed out”
You are sounding like a true politician. That is a very poor choice of words.
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Tamil / September 25, 2019
AKD IS the first preference to all. But will Sinhalese prefer him over family ruling of MR or traditional rulings of UNP and SLFP. I do not think. Sinhalese politics is not matured enough to do. I wish they do.
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upali wickramasinghe / September 25, 2019
Tanil. Hold on. The Sinhala politics was based on the Upasaka Mahattaya and Upasaka Hamine mentality.Since 2010 more than 2 Mn votes would have come on steam. It is they who feel let down by the power brokers in the country, the UNP and the SLFP. On the Satana programme of 24th four people who discussed the election very peacefully, very moderately and very logically should sway the vote.
I think the time has come to say cheerio to the traditional parties.They have failed us very badly.
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Anonymous / September 25, 2019
Why is no one willing to expose how Sajith is being used to split the UNP to allow a Gota victory!? Keep a close eye on all the politicians supporting Sajith and their links to Maithripala or the Rajapaksas… below 79% IQ idiots so easily fooled…
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Sinhala_Man / September 25, 2019
Dear Prof. Kumar,
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Less than two months to go for polling day, not anything like three months, but I agree with most of your reasoning, except that I intend placing the candidate from the “Nagananda Group” FIRST, and thereafter follow your guidelines. To benefit from such voting either Dr Ajith Colonne (likely candidate from the, or AKD must get in to Second Place after the FIRST Preferences are counted.
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It’s quite possible that you haven’t so much as heard of Colonne, and while I have already given some links to brilliant things being said by him, I don’t seriously expect you to see them at the bottom of the comments here:
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https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/military-option-emotional-or-rational/
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There now is too much to read, but we can be happy that there are people like the young woman who is contesting on a Green Platform. Certain important issues will get discussed owing to her candidacy, but you’re quite right, she cannot be given any endorsement.
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The position will have to be re-assessed after candidates have actually got nominated.
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Sinhala_Man / September 25, 2019
Now it is afternoon, so in a sense, the next day, after posting the above.
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I’ve been told now that the candidate from the Nagananda Group is to be General Mahesh Senanayake. To me, this is a huge disappointment. I know little of Gen . Senanayake, but a military man is NOT my idea of what the next President ought to be.
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The decision not to nominate Nagananda seems to be owing to his British citizenship not having been revoked, but I would actually have preferred Dr Colonne to him, because Nagananda seemed obsessed with his Constitution.
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I think that Tamil, above is questioning seriously. Let me as honestly say that the Rajapaksa vote will stay unmoved because few of those guys THINK. The UNP supporters are pretty much fed up with their party. I can’t generalise beyond that.
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I would certainly consider voting for AKD, but it is too early for a proper decision to be arrived at.
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One thing that we must definitely do is to cast Preferences. Let me not impulsively assert more for now.
.
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D. P. / September 27, 2019
Sinhala_Man,
Thanks for the complement!
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First of all, the first impression coming from your pseudo name is racism! Therefore, your recommendation itself makes me think twice!
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I don’t know the man that well but if he is so proud about Nilantha Jayawardena who along with MY 3, I think, is largely responsible for the security failure leading to Easter Bombing, then that itself is more than enough for me discount his qualifications for a highly responsible job. There is not a shred of evidence from the PSC inquiry to suggest that Nilantha followed the concept of “professional loyalty” in handling the Indian tip and offering proactive advises to the boss (MY 3) on a possible national disaster. On the contrary, all the evidences lead to the inevitable conclusion he failed to probe into rapidly mounting clues for underground Jihadi political movement and to connect the Indian tip with the already available clues.
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The worst is that Ajith Collonne didn’t even explain why Nilanatha failed. The man seems to be calm & collected but I have serious doubt whether he can be a good politician.
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Sinhala_Man / September 28, 2019
Dear D. P.
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I complimented you for your rationality. I certainly am no racist. I chose that handle ages ago, and I’ve stuck to it, except that I sometimes give out my real name – often to counter those who imagine that I’m a masquerading Tamil. To have called myself a “Human Being” would have been pretentious if in capitals, would have been humble humbug if in simple lettering.
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Why I didn’t call myself “Sri Lankan Man” is because to be that, in any meaningful sense I would have to at least know the Tamil language. If not, I’d be allowing the equation of Lankan with Sinhalese.
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That is an answer to your question. I’ve been warned that my responses are too “wide-ranging”, so I shall stop after expressing satisfaction that you find Colonne to be “calm and collected”. Can’t be a politician says you? Haven’t we all been saying that we need politicians of a different sort?
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Nilantha? That may be straying from the straight and narrow. Please research him and get on to the current Rajan Hoole article.
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D. P. / September 29, 2019
Sinhala_Man,
I appreciate your response. I don’t think that the language has anything to do with citizenship & therefore calling yourself Sr Lankan is perfectly OK as long as that is where the feeling is.
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About Nilantha, I did read Hoole’s essay & also added a reply to it. To my opinion, Hooles article contained some facts that are important “if” accurate but, but as I briefly explained just above, the conclusion didn’t agree with other known facts.
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In any case, there is no enough time left for a thorough review of an stranger. It is very difficult to access information when SL media do extremely poor job in digging the background even of the known politicians; media introduction has been extremely bias. Besides, due to GoRa’s candidacy, stakes in this election are too high to experiment with votes.
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The better strategy for all new comers may be to campaign for election reforms, particularly at the selection level, so that they, after proving true colors, can have an opportunity to become a main party candidates. The “head” of a true democracy is the selection process. New comers must earn a name among local voters first and work up the ladder; quality & the dedication will decide how fast the rise will be. That is how Obama surprised the whole world!
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Hamlet / September 25, 2019
Prof. Kumar David:-
Do you believe that the Average SL Voter understands the Preferential Voting System? They will choose the Easy Way Out, and Vote according to the Dictates of their First Choice!
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Laksiri Fernando / September 25, 2019
1. I have no problem with the second preference, because I would consider moving towards democracy and social-democracy requires the selection of the best option at an election and also pressure to reform all parties in the system. If I were to vote at the election, I would of course give the first preference to AKD because that is a signal for both main parties or candidates to reform and accountable. I don’t believe in a total revolution (Kumar’s PP or People’s Power) even in a future date. It has to be evolutionary and through reforms. On the other hand, if you believe strongly in such a PP, then it might be contradictory for one to give a second preference.
2. I am also not sure whether AKD advocates such an extreme this time (hopefully not!), having listen to his interviews (Derana 360) and speeches. Perhaps he doesn’t and that is a good thing given past two horrendous insurrections. He talks more about Jathika Jana Balavegaya (National People’s Drive), although the JVP website name it as National People’s Power (NPP). Kumar has conveniently dropped the ‘N’ to suit his views.
3. If I am not mistaken, AKD himself rejects casting a second preference. Perhaps he is doing it thinking that it might dilute his campaign. I don’t know whether, Kumar would consider AKD also as ‘Sectarian’? However, I don’t think it is good to push the JVP alliance (30 organizations) to People’s Power concept. I have noted several extreme groups within the alliance. It might lead to a third insurrection or a future administration might find an easy excuse to suppress it.
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D. P. / September 25, 2019
Laksiri,
Kumar David is living in a dream world! I’m serious b’cos, based on my experience in voter behavior in countries like SL, most voters don’t care about the quality of their candidates as long as they can place some hope of getting what they want. How else the fact that a substantial number of MP s are uneducated & corrupt can be explained?
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I don’t know whether you saw my reply to Neville Fernando’s most recent essay in 16 ways how voters make decisions. I divided total voters into four major categories: 1. The top class of the society; 2. voters with intellectual trends; 3. the average “mortals”; and, 4. minority. I believe that the voters in in 1 & 3 don’t care much about the quality of the candidates, of course for different reasons. The top class is happy with anybody as long as they get what they want; they are adaptable to winners. Businessmen like Dhammika Perera, for example, wouldn’t mind shooting down protesters!
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See below.
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D. P. / September 25, 2019
continued…
Voters in the group 3 also don’t care about the quality of their favorite candidate b’cos, unlike the group 1, they are blinded by the loyalty. They are quite content as long they can place some hope of getting their petty needs done. The best example is the voting % during 1977 election in which a proportional system would not have given such a large victory to UNP. Democratic gains under Yahapalanaya are not their concerns. Although some (mostly on education) moving up, they are still the dominant voting group. During the early days of the JVP, this group was the strongest base but without hopes of material gains, they have largely abandoned the JVP.
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Therefore, the largest voting block for the JVP is the smallest group 3. This makes it very likely that JVP can ever move even closer 1 million votes mark! Yes, they filled Galle Face but that crowd represents significant portion of their usual voters. As far as I’m concerned, this crowd was not any different from their May Day rallies that were usually larger than the rest.
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Do you actually believe JVP leaders would keep sacrificing their own life & the well being of their own children forever as they do now in order to make a rich class of taxpayers so that country’s financial needs can be met? If so, they must have secret to attain Nibbana. But, considering the fact that even those who left the secular life to become monks in order to attain Margha Pala now behaving worse the we mortals, JVP leaders staying in their course for ever could only be a miracle. If history is any guide, Corruption will be story all over again! History has repeated itself many times!
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Laksiri Fernando / September 26, 2019
Many thanks D. P.
Your voter behavior analysis seems interesting and useful. Frankly I have not seen what you have written as a reply to Neville Fernando. I’ll have a look. But you have given a glimpse.
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Regarding what you say about ‘self-sacrifice’ principles of the JVP, I (also) don’t think it is necessary. It is a barrier for their growth. The changing it abruptly might return some to corruption. But changing it is necessary for democracy in the country. When young people are recruited very early, and inculcated such a discipline and mindset, they are the people who become ‘true-believers’ and want to rebel in a violent manner.
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I understand that you have more pessimism (or sarcasm!) about the JVP. My approach however is more benevolent. I have had many students who were with the JVP throughout my teaching life. I have stories. I liked them although disagreed. For the JVP particularly, there can be a possibility of having members and activists who are normal in family life, but principled in the case when it comes to money management or corruption. Of course in Sri Lanka money corrupts almost all. But I would like to see a light at the end of the tunnel.
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Sinhala_Man / September 26, 2019
Dear D.P.,
.
Prof. Laksiri Fernando has been impressed with your four-category analysis. So am I.
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However, I would hold that very rarely it may be, and exceptional man does emerge, but he will succeed only if the historical conditions also are right. That seemed to me the theme of Tolstoy’s War and Peace when I ploughed through Constance Garnet’s translation 55 years ago.
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Dr Ajith Colonne is such a man. The question is whether he will gain nomination from the Nagananda Group. I don’t think that we should be absolutely fatalistic when drawing lessons from History. Before deciding to dismiss my view, please sample some of his talk (here in Sinhalese, but English is equally impressive):
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jgoGgEFw9S8
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I’m typing in a comment there. Will the moderators allow this in, I wonder.?
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ramona therese fernando / September 25, 2019
Prof. Kumar,
*
Let’s keep it simple, shall we (numbers will of course adjust according to the democratic need of the nation):
*
1st tier : Gota 20% – Sajith 20% – AKD 20%
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2nd tier : Gota 10% – Sajith 10% – AKD 10%
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3rd tier : X 3.33% – Y 3.33% – Z 3.33%
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If, for example, AKD-GOTA show the highest voting number, then an AKD- GOTA- x/y/z coalition will have to be formed (the highest possibility as masses favor country sovereignty). Best is AKD-AKD-x/y/z!….well, something like that.
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ramona therese fernando / September 25, 2019
AKD- GOTA- x/y/z coalition: tough autocratic love to unite and heal the nation…Oligarchy curtailed to work for the nation. Sovereignty ensured. Traditional occupations ensured. ……..if Gota does not comply, replaced with Vice (Mahinda? Sirisena?)
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GOTA-AKD-x/y/z : Capitalism with a few communist thumbscrews…..if AKD doesn’t comply, to be replaced with Vice (?)
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AKD-Sajith- x/y/z : Socialized Capitalism. Possibility of the India Merge (albeit limited)
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Sajith-ADK-x/y/z : Capitalized Socialism….traditional organic lifestyles forced out
for the Capitalistic venture. India merge to keep up the finances.
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GOTA-Sajith-x/y/z : anomaly to be thrown out.
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Modaya / September 26, 2019
ramona, you live in utopian country. no knowledge of country ground situation. I feel sorry for you.
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ramona therese fernando / September 26, 2019
Modaya, don’t you want to change it rather than having the same old, same old ground situation? Now is the time for radical change!
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Mabalo Milton / September 25, 2019
Nation under JVP “New” Name of that on going political anarchism and terrorism back by UNP leadership . By that current JVP ladership of ADK working towards new alliances of hard core terrorist an Island-wide !
Near future political Terrorism will resume that People’s Front by JVP…immediately during and after the Presidential Elections 2020!
This is a tragedy of Democracy of sovereignty of people Sri Lankan.
What about that an accountability of 1971 April insurrections and 1988/89 90 masses killing of citizens of Sri Lankan by JVP leadership.
How can that we trust JVP in ‘New Name’ ,but policies has not change by People’s Front ?
We lost large number of YOUTH LIVES last 50 years.by actions of JVP ?
We have lost TWO Generations of youth of Sri Lankan ! Elections are political face values of JVP .
It has happen 1982 Presidential Election by JVP of PND Wijewerrea or ‘Rohana’ or ‘Attnayke’ !
Same thing will happen 2020 by People Front of JVP ,who can give guarantee of that~ by $$$. We should no get into strategic trap by politics of JVP again ?
By and large this time that USA are behind People’s Front @@@ #
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ramona therese fernando / September 25, 2019
MM,
That was because every election involved the Lankan Oligarchs scrunching the democratic voices of the masses to 18 electoral votes.
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Bawa / September 26, 2019
Mahabola is it a genetic problem?
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Suranga / September 25, 2019
AKD, please do everything within your power and might, try better than your best to salvage this country from tyranny. Gather all the underprivileged people from all four corners of the country, and pour the reality to their slave mentality mindset. Country’s only hope is you at this point.
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K.A.Sumanasekera / September 25, 2019
I don’t think Dr Kumar has to lose sleep over Gota sending a White Van..
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Dr Ranil has just given the all clear to Keselwatta Kd to be the UNP Candidate..I am thrilled.
Srikanka now can at least boast about two Dalits getting the Presidentship..
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But what worries me are the 3 Conditions which Dr Ranil has imposed on Keselwatta –
These are 1. Keselwatta Kid commit Hara Kiri befiore 2025.2 Dr Ranil Bring in the Bew Constirution.3. North and the East get full Police and Land Powers.
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Dr Ranil will be the all powerful PM after the 19th A kicks in with the inauguration of Keselwatta Kid.
Although the Kid gets a transfer to the Presidential Palace from the outskirts of Medumulana, Dr Ranil will be calling the shots from Srikotha as well as Temple Trees. –
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That means Keselwatta Kid will die a natural death with the real expiry date being set for 2025…
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Will Keselwatta Kid be able to build those 1100 Dagobas at least in the North as his Legacy…
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Poor Mangal Samare has been left out to dry after Dr Rnil’s this Master Stroke..
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upali wickramasinghe / September 25, 2019
Anybody who can stop monstrosities called Dagaba is welcome. This is tax payers money, not his personal wealth.
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Native Vedda / September 26, 2019
KASmaalam
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“Poor Mangal Samare has been left out to dry after Dr Rnil’s this Master Stroke..”
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Dr Ranil in his early years as political novice understood the importance of Sun Tzu’s strategy ” Keep your friends close and your enemies closer”.
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He signed a cordial agreement with VP as if he was his Mango friend in 2002. By 2009 the Mango friend is gone after suffering series of chain reactions, the first one was the Karuna Amman’s departure from LTTE. If Gota and his clan love self glorification let them have it.
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You don’t seem to to get it.
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If Ranil extends his hands of friendship try and run miles away.
He will catch you by your b***s you don’t even know it.
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M.M.Kuruppu / September 25, 2019
Yes, many are not aware of the election law but the majority of voters are unlikely to follow the procedure recommended by KD. They prefer to mark the simple “X” in the ballot paper. Also the date of election is announced as 16th November and there is less than two months and not three to pass this message to the public.
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upali wickramasinghe / September 25, 2019
If everything fails, I will follow my usual – three snake heads.
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soma / September 25, 2019
What should happen is not what may happen, Professor.
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Soma
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Native Vedda / September 26, 2019
soman
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“What should happen is not what may happen, Professor.”
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Whatever happened,
happened for the good;
whatever is happening,
is happening for the good;
whatever will happen,
will also happen for the good only.
–
Excerpt from Gita
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Wimply Kid / September 26, 2019
N Vedda
Pride goes before a fall.
That is true and tested.
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soma / September 25, 2019
“Ranil Willing to Nominate Sajith as UNP Presidential Candidate if He would Agree in Writing to Abolish Executive Presidency, Usher in a Devolution Package and Consent to Wickremesinghe Being PM and Party Leader”
Sinhalese must vote to ensure the defeat of UNP candidate. They must be advised not to mark a preference.
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Soma
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lion / September 25, 2019
I have been voting for nearly 53 years for both these parties starting from LSSP . So now I thought of voting for JVP represented group for a change. For 70 years these 2 parties governed this country. The people those who governed in the two parties made their fortunes while the country became poor and poor. So why not give 5 years to JVP and see. Certainly my preferential vote is to UNP since I dont need a kleptocrat and a despot to govern this country.
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soma / September 25, 2019
Prof., If PP leaders go about asking their members to give second preference to UNP they won’t get even the first preference.
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Soma
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Real Revolutionist / September 25, 2019
Counting the 2nd preference in case nobody had exceeded 50% will be very cumbersome & it may pave the way for riggers to mark 2nd preference on unmarked ballot papers.
It’ll be more expensive than holding an election as well.
So the best thing to do is making no provision to mark 2nd choice on ballot papers & holding a country wide election again for those who come 1st & 2nd in the 1st phase of the election.
Commissioner of elections; it’s for your wise consideration.
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Noname / September 25, 2019
>> my call to voters to cast their first-preference for the PP candidate Anura Kumara
Do you care about what role Mr. Anura Kumara played in JVP when JVP murdered Mr. Premakeerthi de Alwis or what he has done about it since then?
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Lion / September 25, 2019
The best option would be to give a chance to a third force as we have tried the other two parties for 70 years. Pohottuwa jokers are too in this two parties so they have been tested already.Lets give the 3 force for 5 years ,2 option of Course must be given to UNP to avoid a despot and kleptomaniac ruling this country.
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Medalankara de Choppe / September 25, 2019
Why has Prof kumar written off Nagananda?
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Rationalist / September 26, 2019
Nagananda never Wrote Himself In!
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Dilkie / September 25, 2019
Reading carefully Kumar David’s analysis of voter preferences I’m in agreement to his suggestion. The voter is duty bound to give his or her second preference. A must. This is the only way to voices our political thoughts. “ Use the Presidential Election to launch a movement with long term objectives. We all need to mark our ‘disgust’ at the present political system. The only way is to give prominence to PP candidate (Anura K) with a second or third preference. A first will be the best, as we do not expect victory for him. We can surely plump him up. A third force is imperative.
If a candidate does not poll over 50% he will have to fall back on 2nd Preference Votes. Very moot too.
Let us vote for change from the present status quo.
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Amila / September 25, 2019
You think jvp Anura kumara is a genuine guy ? Your wrong mate…
They are also same like unp, upfa and pohottuwas. Only difference is they enter the scene bit late and that is also as individuals or small groups.
Here are some examples;
1 Nanda Gunathilake was jvp’s presidential candidate at 1994. Then he jumped to slfp. Finally jumped to unp and now with unp. ( individual ! )
2 Wimal Weerawansha, then main voice piece of jvp. He jumped to mahinda’s side with a another bunch of jvp members ( group ! ). One of the corrupted politicians.eg Multiple birth certificates and passports, owner of a luxury house !
3 jvp former mp Lal Kantha met with a fatal accident ( he was driving a cab guys not so called maruti cars they said in 2004 ! ). It was a drunk and drive case. Where is the dicipline they had ? Jvp is against private education but his child is studying at pvt college.
4 Anura’s son and Galappati’s son too studying at pvt universities so where is the so called jvp policies they had ?
In general they have jumped from one side to another side since 2004.
Supported cbk n then left
Supported mr n then left
Supported sf n then left
Supported ms n then left
Also most of the top ranking members have NOT done any job or business so far. So Zero experience in even running a small shop ! So they are like babies in politics.. This is why they totally failed as ministers n deputies in 2004 upfa/jvp gov.. !
So hope you get a better idea that jvp is also same as main two parties and worst group… !
If someone is voting for jvp means indirectly helping gota !
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Plato. / September 25, 2019
I wonder what the Srilankan Nostradamus Sumanadasa Abeygunawardena has to say about the Presidential poll?
Another Nostradamus[ There are quite a few in our mist!] predicts the following:
The JVP ,or the PP just to keep the Prof:happy, will not poll a double digit percentage;
Rather disappointing for me.
But the percentage Boycott will be a Double digit.This will be the index of the frustration of the voter towards our political culture.
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Douglas / September 25, 2019
What a “CIRCUS” is going on with this “Presidential Election”. The most “Hilarious” drama came from “Ytube Hero” Mr. Nagananda Kodithuwakku. Yesterday participating in TV prohrame titled “SATANA” by Sirasa Tv, he was mainly selling his “Constitution” drafted by whom still a “Mystery” He said: “Once I am elected President, the New Constitution would be declared “Adopted” by the PEOPLE. In saying that does he know what this election is all about? Is it to “Adopt” a “New Consitution” or Elect a President under the existing Constitution? Has the Election Commission decided this election to be both elect a President AND to “Adopt a New Constitution”? Will the Ballot Paper provide provision to mark “Approve” or “Reject” the New Constitution of Nagananda? He also said: “When I am elected President, I will sign the “New Constitution” as “Approved” and at that moment the present Constitution will be “Null and Void”. What is Nagananda trying to do? Is he pulling wool over the innocent voter and trying to establish a “New Constitution” and become “Dictator”? Do the PEOPLE have yet “SEEN” and “STUDIED” what it is ? NO. NOTHING of that sort. Ironically, none of the “Pandiths” (the “Journalists”) who questioned him posed these questions and sought any clarifications. He (Nagananda ) and all other so called “Civil Organization” nominees are engaged in a real “Dog Fight” to “MUD” the whole of the Presidential Election and CONFUSE the voter who presently look for a change. To me all these “UPSTARTS” in the Presidential Election , are performing a “Contract Job” and the country will LOSE that golden opportunity to make that CHANGE. HOPES of making that CHANGE are fading at an alarming rate, because of these “UPSTARTS” and their “Civil Society Organization” activities.
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Edward Upali / September 26, 2019
For a few months after January 2015, Kumar D (KD) was congratulating himself on the common candidate concept!, He thought of it first !. We already know how well the common candidate worked out!.
KD thinks that we in Sri Lanka ( like the previous US Amabassador very condescendingly thought) need to be taught how to vote. Sri Lankans have had some universal franchise since the 1940s or earlier.
KD served in the Electricity Board (CEB) as a Director in the 1970s and as an advisor at various times. Everybody of course knows how well the CEB has done subsequent to KD:.
Given his track record, should we take this guy (KD) seriously, on his advice on how to vote. we may end up with another terror group,(JVP – AKD) on our hands.
The best thing Sri Lankans can do is to go and vote.and not be swayed by the pseudo intellectuals like KD telling you how to exercise their vote. They are only trying to preserve their own skins and gravy kines. They are advcsuing you on the vote becaue of self interest.
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John / September 26, 2019
AKD is cunning like a typical Sri Lankan Muslim politician. On Hiru tv’s Salakuna program, he was slippery like an eel and didn’t give straight answers to the questions that presenters asked.
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Let’s be realistic that the West will never allow a socialist party of peasants to come to power, especially America and Britain.
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UNP has mishandled the Muslims carried out Easter day massacre. Muslims politicians , businessmen, lawyers, who facilitated the terrorism are still at large.
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With Gota, what you see what you get. Let’s not forget that Gota has a reputation for getting the job done.
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Mallaiyuran / September 26, 2019
In this essay Prof: Kumar has written a FAQA for the Laser Surgery for hair removal patients. Even for that this is not worth it seems. “ Gota is not a new broom, he is the militarisation of an old broom. “.
Really?
Come on Guys!
Let’s look at a different problem before we go much further. Marxism is the religion of the working class. They all are not really working in age old factories. (Modern workers may be in computer labs too.) So, in other words it is the lower income strata. Better known in Lankawe as the Biryani Arrack voters – the readers’ word for them is the “Sinhala Buddhists”. So, don’t be swayed into thinking that they all PhD holders and understand every damn about the Economy and politics by KD’s writing. Basically they have least understanding of the candidates and politics. (Pls keep in mind, there is no communist in the North East other than who some on the Southern parties’ payroll work only in election time. But Prof. Kumar, the only lonely owl, hoots all around the night without sleeping.) These Sinhala Buddhists are known to readers as Biryani & Arrack voters. There is reasonable number of Opposition Party Voters within Sinhala Buddhists (not swingers but vote only for incumbent opposition party- them just not happy with ruling party). So they happen to be voting for UNP too when it comes from opposition side. The rest is pure Lankawe socialist. SLFP (+Slap Party) has been counting on this Pancha Maha Pala Vegaya. In the common circle of Sinhala Mahajan, they see SLFP as the alternate for UNP and vice versa. JVP get only crumps, no dedicated voter base. Anura supposed to get 6% and all other sundries may get another 1-2% so PP an 8% is a meaningful estimate. Don’t count on fake polls published by fake guys. They too are quick to brag about them and defend their works-after all it is only made in Lankawe product).
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Mallaiyuran / September 26, 2019
Now let’s we look at what KD is trying to do, i.e. reproducing his achievement of 2015’s Yahapalanaya, which was with one Single Thief who can beat all the record of the Kleptocracy one family thieves. But reality here is Sinhala Mahajan is looking for a George Washington who can liberate the country from the invaded Wijeya and the seven hundred.
“Second-preference for the strongest anti-Gota candidate.” Neither Sinhala Mahajan nor the Sinhala Buddhist had ever used their first preference properly for 70 years. JR did know how to complicate them both, further. After KD’s FAQAs, the whole crowd is going to mark Old Brother Prince as their most un-preferable-that is the third candidate. UNP is far below Slap Party. A few JVPyers may vote as second preference to UNP, after KD’s campaign. Then they still have to go for the third to see if anyone hits above 50%. That time Old Brother Prince is going to be confirmed as winning candidate.
“ (KD’s)your presidential election tactic and your long-range thinking?
The crux of my thinking is that Sri Lanka must begin forging an alternative to the corrupt and failed two-party system. “ Is that something “Long Live Lankawe Marxism?” Man!!!! Do we need this?
“The answer to Q2 is that while we think and plan long-term our actions must at the same time dovetail with existing circumstances. “ Is that dovetailing current with future or pigtail pleating the 150 years behind civilization of Lankawe with 200 years old Marx’s economics & politics?
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Colombo Man / September 26, 2019
Sinhalese should seriously think of AKD or Naga
Gota’s performance after the war is questionable?
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Edward Upali / September 26, 2019
Kumar David(KD) and his exhortations on behalf of Anura K JVP are to ensure his self preservation under his preferred leader Ranil W, where KD is an adviser. Sri Lankans have been mislead by LTTE sympathizing Tamils posing as intellects in CT columns.
All Sri Lankans should turn out to vote. Decide wether we, we need more bondscams, pent houses, more Air Lanka bsnkrupticied, more framed corrupt trials under Dilrukshi Dias, and a 4 time failed PM who is never in charge.
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Wimply Kid / September 26, 2019
With Sagith being named the UNP presidential canidate the election is going to be pretty interesting.
LET THE GAMES BEGIN !!!!!!!
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