19 March, 2024

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RW Vs. GR: Who Will Outwit Whom?

By Kumar David

Prof. Kumar David

There is a conventional theory that you have heard many times:

Scenario 1: “This man’s reincarnations beat the Jataka tales; in encores he is more prolific than a cat. GR gave him the job since he can squeeze his (RW’s) oranges to forestall prosecution of Paksa embezzlement (too many to name), murders (Lasantha, Ekneligoda and more), abuses of presidential power (promotion of war criminals, pardoning murderers) and violation of human rights by the military (at war’s end and Easter Sunday cover up). The Deal is: I will make you PM, you cover up my and my family’s arses. Meantime RW “can command a majority in Parliament”, that is disgraced and discredited SLPP scum want him. Presumably he will defer elections and let the wretches keep robbing”.

There is an alternative scenario which also I find credible:

Scenario 2: “True it started like this but life moves on; there is no honour among thieves. Crafty-RW will, and is, gaming residue-GR and vice versa, but RW is on a stronger wicket. Why? Because the political landscape is bitterly hostile to any Rajapaksa, more than to anyone else. (And if RW loses the taxi fare from Temple Trees to Fifth Lane is only Rs.200 but when the curtain comes down on GR it’s the finale for the Paksas). The streets are on fire against GR but will let RW drag on for now. Aragalaya will say: “What the hell some piece of shit, RW, Sajith, Foney, XYZ, has to carry the bucket till the elections”. RW of course is playing a deeper game than meets the eye by befriending GothaGoGama. He knows that GR can’t match him, catch him, or ditch him for cleaning Galle Face etc. for purportedly public health reasons, but actually to curry favour with protestors”.

The GR bandwagon did hurl its first tarnish-RW canard: “It was not shoot-on-sight-Kamal who pushed GR to send the troops; it was RW”. But it is Kamal’s twitchy trigger-fingers which relish bumping-off widows with hungry children who steal loaves of bread. If those who “plunder public property are to be shot on sight” shouldn’t the Royal Clan be first in the firing line? The Rajas fit the criterion to a tee; bars of gold versus loaves of bread. The Royal loot will not be recovered as long as Kamal tenderly attends to his former boss’s needs and RW buries state investigative responsibilities as he did in Yahapalana days.

RW hopes to reunify the UNP, absorb the SJB and offer Sajith a peanut. True the SJB lower-orders see it as a sell-out, so plans are stymied for now. Eventually will class solidarity count? Will the SJB’s liberal-bourgeois leaders dump the boy from Kesekwatta. The rumour that the IMF insisted on RW’s appointment is dubious. Why would the IMF stick its neck out for a discredited has-been disdained by febrile protesters? What is true is that till the IMF works out a bailout package, Japan will dole out a $1.5 billion soft-loan and India chip-in more handouts into the begging bowl.

The response of aragalaya to these pranks must be firm and clear. The Gotha-Go demand must stay up-font despite RW-GR (note order) shenanigans. The Interim Administration (IA) should function though it is incapable of and has no mandate to implement even a short-term programme. It needs crisis-space to use the emergency funds and ease hardships of the people, especially the poorest. This is a no-brainer, but the overlaps involved may create confusion in younger, bolder aragalaya minds; so let’s lay out the tasks.

Tactical:Gota Go” is unconditional but timing negotiable within limits; max up to the election but the end date must be announced NOW. Why? Every day is perilous; he will manoeuvre to undercut aragalaya. So long as he is at the helm emergency, curfew and military-on-the-streets will be Lanka’s lifestyle.

Strategic: The election date must be announced now. Why six months, why not four? IA has no mandate for even a short-term economic programme, its only job is distribution and management of emergency aid. It has no right to initiate a short-term economic programme without a mandate. Neoliberal, laissez faire, state-directed, franchises to capitalists or concessions to the people, etc.? IA has no mandate this way or that. It must not be allowed to set an un-mandated course for the future. The fertiliser bungling, greenwash amateur who thought renewable electricity grows on trees, the chieftain who sent in the Armoured Corps to battle covid, he must not be permitted within a mile of decision making. Hence getting a new government with a mandate into office is imperative.

Basic: Constitutional amendments: The Executive Presidency must be abandoned; the BASL proposals go much of the way. I am mulling over whether this should be done by the current parliament or after securing a nearly all-party mandate at the election. (The electorate will have sight of a near-unanimous draft). Of course it can be pushed through this parliament; the pissing-in-its-pants SLPP will vote for anything GR decrees, so two-thirds is assured.

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Latest comments

  • 8
    1

    I agree with KD. The election should be held at the earliest, not because of recovery but to put an end to prevailing confusion, continuing political tragicomedy, deal making and Rajapaksas exploitation/ manipulation. More this parliament stays , the chances of recovery is delayed further. At least by having elections people will have new mandate. If so what ever constitutional dilemma in getting presidential powers abolished, can also be addressed by a simple answer YES / NO. If cost of conducting elections are considered waste until now, this one election may actually save money by arresting further bleeding. This may also help in ending Aragalaya and strikes in a democratic manner so that country can return to it’s normalcy. Hopefully the new govt then have the mandate to focus on recovery , and not on politicking.

    • 2
      1

      “The election should be held at the earliest, not because of recovery but to put an end to prevailing confusion, continuing political tragicomedy, deal making and Rajapaksas exploitation/ manipulation. “
      The question is whether the people have enough information or clear understanding of the need for the fundamental change in the political culture of this country rather than influenced by fundamentaism, racism, influence of external powers and money. Further, elections means political parties. Political parties means the same old leaders and same old policies (or no policies) and same old candidates. Is it possible to make a new constitution with fundamental changes after the election and after ending Aragalaya?

    • 2
      1

      chiv,
      .
      .Susil Premajayantha’s suggestio sounded so weird that I checked;
      .
      https://www.tisrilanka.org/petrol-crisis-the-fraud-and-the-fiasco/
      .
      That had been a year ago, this doesn’t seem so bad because it was only an explanation, not a proposal. It is important that we don’t exaggerate and invent. Ammunition against the SLPP we have in plenty. Let us not fritter away our credibility. We must have early elections!
      .
      The petrol queues in Bandarawela are so long that you have to see to believe!
      .
      Panini Edirisinhe

  • 2
    1

    Let’s hope and pray that he will not defer elections and also prevent the wretches robbing, not only the country’s coffers but also our peace of mind and the nation’s respect.
    We need a break, and need it vitally; the people feel choked not only with lack of food and energy to stand unendingly in the queues but we need peace of mind around us.

    Give the country a chance to get back on her feet. Help the people, the youth leaders and all concerned to shake up these idiotic, selfish, power hungry politicians to deliberate, to come to a consensus and vote on how to alleviate the pain, the humiliation and the hunger of the people. Let the awakened youth be the gate keepers to ensure that

  • 1
    1

    Let’s hope and pray that he will not “defer elections” and also prevent the “wretches robbing”, not only the country’s coffers but also our peace of mind and the nation’s respect.

    Let’s hope and pray that all political games to retain, regain or target for power will stop for the moment, prioritizing the crying need of the hour.

    We need a break, and need it vitally; the people feel choked not only with lack of food and energy to stand unendingly in the queues but we need breathing space for peace of mind around us. Our children will sit their first public exam, GCE OL soon.

    Give the country a chance to get back on her feet. Help the people, the youth leaders and all concerned to shake up these idiotic, selfish, power hungry politicians to deliberate, to come to a consensus and vote on how to alleviate the pain, the humiliation and the hunger of the people.

    Let the awakened youth be the gate keepers to ensure that Parliament take the correct measures to lead the country along that path. Let them be alert, super vigilant to sense the first step in the wrong direction.

  • 3
    1

    RW VS GR; Who Will Out Wit Whom?

    Tough Question Prof: This is in the realms of Heavy Current!
    But you have generously given a hint[ or Assumption like plain arses remain plane before and after bending]

    The Deal is: I will make you PM; YOU COVER UP MY AND MY FAMILYS ARSES……………
    My answer is Ranil will just not cover up but will play their arses like a Piano…………

  • 1
    1

    Ranil jump for PM , beware that no one moves the ground ( Aragala ) from beneath your feet

    Prime minister appointed with a hidden condition And parliment he is making convincing speeches. and in on his defence his Action expresses priorities and peples priority are less in debate and new appointees PM has waxed his inner circle whom to appoint and visibile to country.

  • 4
    2

    Usually a fox will will outwit a buffalo.

    • 1
      1

      or a bulldozer

  • 2
    2

    In Sinhale, it is impossible to get Justice for the Victims be it Tamils or Muslims. When Vice men and women have the power to rule the poor citizens suffer terribly. We need to stop the Parliament functioning immediately. Interim GoSL made of wise individuals to bring sanity to motherland

  • 3
    1

    “RW Vs. GR: Who Will Outwit Whom?”

    ranil of course.Ranil is a cunning fox as anton balasingham described him as.Ranil is now looking at gota’s political coffin and is going to ask gota whether he would like to lie in it to see whther it fits.When gota lies in it ranil say you look very hot in it and gives cool water with a sedative.Then ranil starts to nail the coffin.I forgot to say that the coffin belonged to ranil but he got out because it’s nails got loose and he was able to prise the lid.This time ranil will use double the nails.

  • 8
    2

    But have we not seen Ranil’s behaviour before, Dr David? That night in January 2015, he had a one to one meeting with Mahinda, following which the wicked Mayna stepped down and the family was protected during Yahapalanaya period. Similarly, he did a one-to-one with criminal Nandasena and has got back in office. I think Sajit did better by openly saying under what conditions he will take the job. Whatever the difficulty the country is in, Ranil has neither democatic authority nor demonstrated competence to hold the job. This is not a saviour of the nation — just a better educated crook who wants to be in power.

  • 4
    1

    These developments are galling to any of us who were fired by any sort of idealism.
    .
    As you imply, Kumar, the loot will be taken away by the Rajapaksas, and Lanka will remain poor for a long time to come.
    .
    The Maldives are also being roped in:
    .
    https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/politics/2043943-sri-lankan-pm-wickremesinghe-accepts-maldivian-speaker-nasheeds-offer-to-assist-in-securing-international-relief-official
    .
    How does one prevent the country getting cynical about all politicians?
    .
    Panini Edirisinhe of Bandarawela

    • 2
      1

      Sinhala

      Sinhala _Man ,

      I remember , some time back , when I said that our country has no
      future , you felt offended ! I insist , with a valid reason and with
      so much frustration that our country for a very long time to come ,
      will not walk right !

      • 1
        1

        Dear whywhy,
        .
        I’m still hoping against hope that things will come right. Yes, it will take a long long time, and I don’t think that I will be around.
        .
        Who could possibly have seen Ranil accepted as Prime Minster? You’re quite right to upbraid me for my earlier optimism. I’m glad that you don’t imply any hypocrisy on my part.
        .
        It is very necessary that we remain civilised. At the same time, one hears of moves to compensate SLPP members for losses sustained by them owing to arson. What happened was unfortunate, but such results have to be expected if a country is “governed” the way ours has been.
        .
        Panini Edirisinhe

        • 0
          1

          Sinhala_Man ,

          Dear S M , thank you for your reply . All I wanted to point out was
          that the time and money I spend on this forum is not wasted and
          always had a purpose . And the few exchanges I had with you
          were quite interesting , we always learned through agreeing and
          disagreeing . What is unfolding right at this moment in our
          country is disgusting . Thieves coming together to face the growing
          public outrage , using Temple trees as a launch pad to unleash
          violence against the very public and the Cleanest man on earth
          happily joining those forces to SAVE the nation , what a drama !
          One last simple question ! Rewind and go back 70 years ! Our
          economy 70 years back and you couldn’t do nothing to build it from
          there and you are going to now ? From the ashes ? We should
          believe it ? Noting but bottomless pit ! Thieves never prosper ! Sad
          but the truth is that !

  • 9
    1

    “Who Will Outwit Whom?”

    Ranil will outwit himself ……. that’s what happens …… always.

    Ranil is good at momentary trickery ……. a trick here a trick there ………that’s what floats his boat. He is not interested in the long term.

    Rajapakses will use and discard him …….. blaming him for everything.

    Then he’ll lick his wounds ……. mark time …… to get back in again ……. to stick it to his enemies of the day …..

    It’ll go on until Ranil kicks the bucket ……….. or we kick the bucket ………

    Just think of all the Lankans who are dead ……. how lucky they are!



    To hell with education, schools, religions, churches, temples ……….. Is there a single Lankan with principles? ……….Whose principles are not expendable?

    I have no principles: none whatsoever …….. then I’m not in politics/public-service ……… I mind my own business …………. I’ve paid the price to have no principles ……..

    • 9
      0

      Nimal, you are absolutely right. Lanka is not just economically bankrupt but, politically, morally, intellectually, constitutionally —— bankrupt. How pathetic can it be, when the country is in crisis , there is no politicians, party, Intellectuals who can come forward to accept the challenge. We have no options that, we have to go back to those re-cycled crooks and retards. See today’s list of ministers Nimal, Yapa, Susil (guy who decided to mix water with petrol to solve scarcity, he was also involved in oil hedging, though he denies), Douglas ( can only piss Indians more), Jeevan (Sumanthiran had few words to say about his party and him ), Tiran (this rogue was assuring public there was no such issues to worry until few weeks ago) Amaraweera, and last but not least Wijedasa,( a true AH). All these crooks were with MR for 50 years and what are we expecting from them, which they could not in their whole political career ???

  • 3
    2

    The objective of democratic elections is to yield good government.

    But our electorate do not have the maturity to choose good representatives.

    Does the electorate suddenly now understand policy when they are pitifully uneducated on the subject? Would the electorate be willing to give up their unproductive public subsidized public sector job to see the nation prosper? I think not. There is a moral hazard here which cannot be overcome.

    So if the electorate will not learn how on earth are we to expect a good outcome post elections?

    So if Ranil Wickramasinghe wants to continue being PM, even if he is unelected, that’s cool with me. At least he understands policy and geopolitics. At least he understands that the private sector is important for wealth creation. At least he has some semblance of honor and dignity to his manner, which other politicians lack.

    • 2
      1

      Riz Moh,
      “Would the electorate be willing to give up their unproductive public subsidized public sector job to see the nation prosper? I think not. There is a moral hazard here which cannot be overcome.”
      This is the part that no one talks about. Ranil’s plan probably includes selling off a lot of State assets and pruning the government service. There will be a LOT of unemployment before it gets better, and there will be plenty of Weerawansa types to oppose it. The Pohottuwa cannot object, nor can Sajith. Ranil can carry out his plan without getting more unpopular than he is already.

  • 2
    1

    Nimal, ‘These are my principles. If you don’t like them I have others’. (Groucho Marx)

  • 2
    1

    Prof Kum ends his dissertation by saying “SLPP will vote for anything GR decrees”. Is it that crystal clear? The “break-up” of the SLPP combine with others took place with the springing of the allegation that the combination “BR + PB” undermining the voice of the constituent allies of SLPP in the Cabinet aiming an economic mayhem to facilitate the ouster of GR to make BR the President. Consistent with that assertion, the cry now raised by some significant quarters of the SLPP is making BR the President. If so, is the final assertion of Prof Kum a possibility? No, because BR, once the alleged aim is realized, would want full authority. In my view if this chaos was created or allowed to happen then such persons ought to be charged for treason. I have noted that in the TV interview of some star participants of “Gota-go-gama” they were unequivocal in saying GR and MR must go but when presented with the possibility of BR becoming the President by the panel of interviewers the answer was a dead silence. Are we to understand that then the cry in Galle-Face is that Rajapakses must go but not BR? How Ironic?

  • 1
    1

    I don’t agree with the question itself . These are simply Two Monkeys running
    helter – skelter on a busy street in Pettah ! Just off the tree !

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