By Jehan Perera –
Jehan Perera
The arrest and remand of former president Ranil Wickremesinghe was unexpected. It seems that the former president did not believe that he would suffer the fate of countless others when he went to the police to be questioned on a Friday. He ended the day in handcuffs and was taken away in the Black Maria used for the transport of criminals to jail. Due perhaps to the unexpected trauma he is presently in the intensive care unit of the government’s General Hospital. This episode has caused much controversy and heartburn. The former president is seen by many as the leader who steered the country out of economic collapse and potential political chaos on more than one occasion.
News reports indicate that the charges against the former president relate to misuse of public property amounting to Rs. 16.6 million, said to have been spent on accommodation, travel and other expenses for himself, his wife, and members of his security and official delegation numbering ten in all. The alleged wrongdoing centres on a private visit he made to the UK along with his accompanying group, of whom five were members of the security forces presumably tasked with his protection. They were returning via London from official visits to Cuba and the United States, and it was in London that his wife received an honorary professorship from a university.
The abuse of state resources by government members ranging from the highest to the lowest has been a phenomenon in Sri Lanka for most of its post-independence history. The problem has been growing over time. It has been escalating by leaps and bounds so that government leaders who were once believed to be asking for ten percent as commission were reputed to be demanding multiples of that amount. The strict application of the law relating to abuse of public property which is a non-bailable offense has made Ranil Wickremesinghe the first ever head of state to be put into remand prison pending further legal action.
Unanswered Questions
The issue of waste and abuse of state resources by government members came to the fore in 2022 when the national economy collapsed and the government was forced to declare international bankruptcy. The shortages and tripling of prices that took place at that time led to huge public protests that centred around corruption and wastage of public resources. The Aragalaya protests were not simply about fuel lines and food shortages; they were about the frustration of a population that had seen impunity reign for decades while their own living standards collapsed.
Since the NPP took over the reins of government a large number of former government members and public servants have been charged with corruption and abuse of state resources and imprisoned by appropriate courts of law. These actions are an indication of the government’s commitment to a corruption-free country it promised in its manifesto and for which the electorate gave their vote. With the arrest and detention of its former president, Sri Lanka joins a select group of countries with high levels of accountability for those in public life and which have jailed their former leaders. Examples would be France, where President Nicolas Sarkozy was convicted in 2021 of corruption and served his one-year custodial term under house arrest with an electronic tag rather than in jail. In Italy Silvio Berlusconi, who was Prime Minister for several terms, was convicted in 2013 of tax fraud. Due to age and health, he served his prison sentence through community service rather than prison.
The question is whether the charge on which former president Ranil Wickremesinghe has been remanded will be sustainable in a court of law. Higher administrators are often given private travel as part of their office. In this particular case, the former president stayed with his group for two days in London while in transit from the Americas on a visit that his office designated initially as private and then official. The question is whether the invitation to him from the university that awarded his wife an honorary professorship was official or private and whether a sitting president can travel without his security detail if on a private visit or needs to pay the bill himself.
International Practice
The practice of dealing with private and official matters differs from country to country. At one extreme, in the United States, former and current presidents are protected by the secret service for life, with all travel and security costs borne by the state, regardless of whether the trip is official or private. In other countries, the president or head of state is usually required to take state-funded security protection with them abroad on private visits. Personal accommodation, family expenses, and non-security delegation costs are usually expected to be privately funded. If state funds are used for these, they are usually subject to reimbursement or public scrutiny.
The NPP government has embarked on a worthy mission to transform the corrupt political culture in Sri Lanka and make it one that paves the way for economic and moral development. If there is lack of clarity of concepts of private and official travel and expenses in the Sri Lankan context, they need to be discussed so that the mistakes of the past will not be repeated. In particular, when it concerns the office of the president, an office which has been provided with a high level of immunity and powers, it should not be tasked with relatively small administrative issues which are debatable.
It is important that the anti-corruption and anti-wastage measures that the government has taken as a result of its manifesto promises and people’s mandate should continue and be sustainable. This requires building a consensus and public support without being eroded by actions that are debatable if best practices in international settings are considered. Next month, Sri Lanka will have to answer the allegations of war crimes at the UN Human Rights Commission in Geneva. There too a balance will need to be found so that the outcome is constructive. The challenge before Sri Lanka is to ensure that our quest for justice is not vengeful and accountability does not divide us but strengthens national development.
RBH59 / August 26, 2025
The money is being misused, and Ranil is Remanded the opposition and many others are against it. But what about the bond scam? Back then, the the then parliamentarians and asked for an investigation, with support from the Aragalaya movement. So why are they against it now? Are they worried it could cause trouble for them too? What Sirisena then and now he shows how he is triying to stop anyone from exposing the misuse, this is due to delay their pobe which is on line.like the churche bomb exposure of planners.
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nimal fernando / August 26, 2025
In life/living ….. we have very limited choices.
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There are no pristine …… there are no perfect: only people who believe they are. ………. Anyone who has dealt with DTG knows how deluded that can be. ……. Mental illness takes many forms. Comes in many shapes.
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We, Godless non-Christians are left to show him Christian compassion …….. that he himself can’t show others: even to mangled, wounded and starving Holocaust-ed little children.
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It’s futile to wait for pristine perfection: there’s no such thing. It’s just crazy!
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Support anything that directs the country in the right direction …….. even if the person/persons who are doing it are not pristine perfect themselves.
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Even they …….. if do the crime will do the time, pay the price ……. if the “system” comes good through their deeds/actions.
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As imperfect as any human endeavour is ……… there is a change taking place in the country.
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One cannot not notice it.
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chiv / August 26, 2025
While Ranil is preoccupied and obsessed with more power, according to his recent medical reports he has triple vessel heart disease ( all major blood supply to heart cut off ) complicated by respiratory infection, evidence of previous heart attacks, all worsened by his chronic uncontrolled Diabetes. (mostly due to neglect )
If true, all these indicate “a case of walking time bomb “.
This fellow should be going for urgent medical care instead of graduation ceremonies. Guess , now the public should get ready to ” footing his medical bills ” which comes with perks.
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Jit / August 27, 2025
…and he was going to address youth seminars in India in 3 days!! Looks like his ‘valves’ dont mind pumping blood as long as he continue his globe trotting 🤣
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whywhy / August 27, 2025
I’ve heard a saying that goes ” if you get into the train of Angeogram ,
the next stop is heart surgery .” After certain age , heart valves of most
people are clogged . Surgeries are easy at some age , difficult at some
other ages and risky for some highly vulnerable groups . In Ranil’s case ,
multiple blockage triggered by the worst moment initiated by his
enemies caused the onset . The worst part is , N P P leader , the president
is still going round trumpeting that his government will not stop its
actions against corruption as if he is the champion of Anti Corruption
moves . Clearly , Ranil’s case could have been handled without arrest or
remand if politics was not involved in it . We should understand that we
are neither French nor Italians to touch a former president of the country
just like that . We saw that in Colombo when the bail out was announced .
The bail was already expected , but what was the message the crowd
delivered to both the NPP and those who took Ranil to task ? That is our
politics . Ever ready people , at any given moment , into the street .
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SJ / August 27, 2025
“We should understand that we are neither French nor Italians to touch a former president of the country just like that “
???
There was a long inquiry and due legal process before former presidents were sentenced to prison.
Should we be different?
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whywhy / August 28, 2025
Yes , we should be different . When former presidents were
sentenced , there were no crowds outside the courts like here
in the paradise , in their support .
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SJ / August 28, 2025
I said “There was a long inquiry and due legal process before former presidents were sentenced to prison.” and asked if we should be different.
You said yes and flew at a tangent.
Tell us if we should not have a proper inquiry and due legal process.
If you say we need not, you are free to your opinion., which may not make a tuppence of difference to anyone.
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whywhy / August 29, 2025
How was Gota’s D R Rjapaksha museum funded by public
money handled ? How much was involved ? Where is he
now ? Just one case study . I’m not a fan of Ranil or Gota
but I believe that their conducts while on the hot seat should be
questioned in a more decent way if that needs to happen .
Was My3 arrested and remanded for his part in the Easter attack ?
How much was he ordered to pay in compensation ? Do we have a
property damage and J V P killings of innocent citzens cases
initiated by previous governments to punish the crime ? You might
come up with blames on the governments in power for the failure
but the truth is they were given a chance to mix up with reality .
Not because there is no law to deal with them .
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Jit / August 28, 2025
“…We should understand that we are neither French nor Italians to touch a former president of the country just like that . …”
Your handle is whywhy…so I wish to know why you say why a former president should not be investigated in a democracy?? Should they be allowed to do whatever they wish to, when in power??
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“….but what was the message the crowd delivered to …”
What ‘crowd’?? Those 500 odd street thugs who even hurt a constable??
Do you have any idea about the thoughts of the people silently watching the process??
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whywhy / August 29, 2025
Firstly , let us make one thing ckear . What is going on with
Ranil is a judicial process or politics ? If it is a matter of courts
then leave it to them and stay away from chestbeating on public
rllies and Youtube with prediction on the outcome . Were we
ever told by the N P P , catching and punishing leaders of other
parties will be a priority over economic and other social issues ?
Should I tell you who J V P is ? Can we forget that J V P and look
at their current action plans as if a just born baby ? All their dots
have suddenly vanished and a brand new breed now ? If you call
that 500 , street thugs , what about the amount of lawyers appeared
in courts ? Even Ashu Marasinhe got hurt , not only a police guy .
Politiclly thinking , N P P / J V P combo understnd how things stand
today . As far as the crowd is concerned , they got what they came for .
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Ajith / August 28, 2025
Whywhy?
If you want more about UNP or JRJ, the uncle of RW we should go back to 1956 or 1957 when JRJ march from Colombo to Kandy (Base of Buddhist Sinhala Daladha maligawa) against Tamils which was the landmark of one one of the origins of racism and Buddhist terrorism which continued until now.
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whywhy / August 28, 2025
Ajith ,
I never said anywhere J R J was the best ever leader we had
in our recent history . All I said was J R J created E P for him
and his party for a purpose and he achieved it in his life time .
The day another leader turns it upside down is the day another
man like J R J champions a new system . This is what A K D
promised . I am not talking here on Tamil or Muslim issues and
how Sinhala leaders reacted to their grievances . We are a country
where majority of all three main communities need to learn , not
to be racists and the country’s Sinhala Buddhists and their leaders
have a bigger role to play . Tamil and Muslim leaders said to the
British they Trust Sinhala leadership to the country . I think we
must start it from there .
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Ajith / August 29, 2025
I didn’t say that you said about JRJ, but we can’t talk about Sri Lanka without talking about UNP or SLFP and its leaders. Similarly we can’t talk about sri Lanka without talking about Tamils, Muslims and Sinhalese and Buddhism. I have never heard that Tamil and Muslim leaders said to the British they trust Trust Sinhala leadership. Further the constitution we have now is not the same as the British constitution. It is very simple to say that all communities need to learn, not to be racists after racism changed every other communities. More than racism Religious oppression played more role in destroying this countries economy and peace. The most important start point should be accepting the truth by all political parties, political leaders, religious leaders about the past and creating a system to devolve power and free from religion.
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whywhy / August 29, 2025
Come on Ajith , you replied negatively to my view on JRJ for
what he did to our politics and then went on drgging it to
another level to how JRJ reacted to Tamil issiue . Who said
no you are wrong ? It is a history well recorded by historians .
He was the man who said to his most respected Muslim
leaders like Hameed and Mohamed to quit his team if they
oppose his approach to Israel . Do you need proof for that ?
Similarly , I don’t want to dig into archives to prove to you
who and who said to the British before the Independence was
given that they trust Sinhala leadership . Pay attention to your
last three lines , it is a Hosanna played by all in politics and
never likely to happen . It is just a sorry.com , never achievable .
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SJ / August 29, 2025
Can we without talking about the LTTE and the JVP?
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Ajith / August 30, 2025
SJ
Yes you can only talk only about LTTE and the JVP. But We talk about about before LTTE, during LTTE and after LTTE. This country was not ruled by LTTE ever and JVP/NPP is the first time. You massacred Tamils in 1958 well before LTTE. Why? Easter Bombing happened in in 2019. Why? Do you deny the massacre of Tamils in 1958, or in 1983? What is your role in Sri Lankans Government? Can you tell the truth at least now?
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nimal fernando / August 27, 2025
The courts/prisons didn’t want his blood on their hands.
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Sajit, Namal, Rajapakses, ……… rushed in and said …….. “Let his blood be on us and our children.”
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History …… repeats again!
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Pontius Pilate Native, not rushing in, eh? ……… Washing your hands? :))
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What would Lanka be …….. if there were no Lankans?
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What can ever top this for entertainment? :))))
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whywhy / August 27, 2025
” What would Lanka be…………. if there were no Lankans ? ”
A Serendib , A Seylan , Even a Kashlessmir ! And a Monkeydise
another possibility based on Lal’s Monkey survey .
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nimal fernando / August 27, 2025
I have no clue …… how Lankan courts operate. But it looks like they have evidence from Ranil’s sectaries that he fiddled the claims …….. first it was a private then a public tour/claim. Believe that’s the case is based on.
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All the discarded refuse …… are now desperately trying to find some relevance/traction ……… riding Ranil’s donkey ……
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Where were these people to protect ‘Prajathntharawadaya/Democracy’ ……. when Ranil scuttled the election cause it would’ve been a referendum on his legitimacy? When he used the CID to harass detractors/opponents/journalists on a daily basis? Jail detractors under the PTA?
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Even that guy with a beard Sepal or some guy had to leave the country and was YouTubing from some foreign country ……. he changed his allegiance overnight …… now he is an ardent Ranil supporter ……
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Native is crying bitterer tears for Tiran Alles bribing Prabakaran to prevent Ranil’s victory. ……..But wont blame Ranil – together with Tiran – for appointing exemplary Deshabandu! :)))
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They come in many shapes/forms/colors ……. but I never take ……. any Lankan seriously ……. for me it’s one big hoot. The best entertainment in town.
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The inability of Lankan’s to face the truth ……. the methods they use to fool themselves to circumvent ……. is pure Classic. Pure slapstick. …… Bloody Benny Hill would’ve been envious!
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Native ….. there’s millions to be made in comedy with no effort …….. just be yourself! :))
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nimal fernando / August 27, 2025
might’ve got truncate,
part 2
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The inability of Lankan’s to face the truth ……. the methods they use to fool themselves to circumvent ……. is pure Classic. Pure slapstick. …… Bloody Benny Hill would’ve been envious!
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Native ….. there’s millions to be made in comedy with no effort …….. just be yourself! :))
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Does anyone know the real underlying theme of “Thousand Cranes?” ……… Find out, if ye want to know thy-selves ……..
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nimal fernando / August 28, 2025
Another Ranil stalwart …… that doesn’t like women much ……. he is an effeminate guy …….. unlike butch Native ……. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ESd5CEBdF4k
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davidthegood / August 28, 2025
RBH59,, nothing happened in the church bomb explosion when very clear evidence was exposed. In our nation very little of good happens.
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SJ / August 28, 2025
“nothing happened in the church bomb explosion”
Really?
That was a miracle then!
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SJ / August 28, 2025
Back then, the the then parliamentarians and asked for an investigation, with support from the Aragalaya movement.
When did anyone do that ‘with support from the Aragalaya movement’?
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Ajith / August 26, 2025
“The former president is seen by many as the leader who steered the country out of economic collapse and potential political chaos on more than one occasion.”
The concept of the former President is seen by many as the leader who steered the country out of economic collapse and political chaos on more than one occasion is utterly wrong without any evidence to prove it. This President was a minister from 1978 (if I am right) of UNP. This is the political party since independence. The executive presidency was introduced by this UNP and the misuse of power influenced by this executive presidency by both UNP and SLFP which are two power sharing political parties. The burning of Jaffna library and Black July 83 which took the country for a bankruptcy in 2022 was the accumulated result of the both partners of the Power of UNP and SLFP. You cannot blame one or other is better or worse for this result. It is funny to call that the former President who failed this country for 50 years saved the country’s economy within a year when the debt of the country is still on the increase and poverty remains high and the political problems unsolved.
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whywhy / August 27, 2025
As far as the Economy is concerned , Jayawewa J R J is the current
situation which the J V P through its violent past , did everything to
destroy and today doing everything to take it to another level . This
is like Monkeys barking ! Economic Developments in third world
countries are mixed with corruption and bribery historically . Anyone
thinks it can be weeded out overnight just like that ? Politically it got
to be a slow and honest process . Suppose Ranil didn’t pull it through !
The whole economic recovery process would have gone to dogs . There’s
a saying in our country , ” even if you take a knock on your head from
someone , let it be from a Gold wearing finger . ” Ranil got it from a beggar’s
finger ” and it was that feeling that landed him in I C U . And also
psychologically , it was seeing the crowd in Colombo in his defence , that
brought his nerves to calm down . This is how I see the situation and I don’t
care the red thumbs .
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whywhy / August 27, 2025
Ajith ,
The executive presidency achieved its intended goals on economy
and politics . U N P chmpioned its goal . If this is a curse for
anyone else , they all had the necessary majority to reverse it . N P P
is the most qualified ones with special training to do so especially
becuse they are not well versed in the system . Is there any sign that
there will be a change ? Why do then they drive J R J car ? Take a
Tuk Tuk and tread on ! I would recommend to them to first identify
themselves . They don’t have a licence to drive what they are sitting
on . Very simple .
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Jack / August 26, 2025
Ranil is accused of wrongdoing and produced in court of law. If he is not guilty he can defend it via his lawyers. No one will enjoy if Ranil is found guilty and went to prison including NPP. But upholding the law of the country is much bigger than this person going to jail.
What NPP has done is make the judiciary , public prosecution and police independent.
People who sympathize with Ranil should have advised him to not to abuse state money for private travel and not to travel excessively using public fund even it is official.
Also Ranil loyalist shout have advised him agaist Batalbda tirture camp eveb the youth who were killed witot justice are terrorist.
Also Ranil sympathizer shold have advissed him to not leash viaolance against”Aragalaya” youth.
Significany thing is all people who are gathering to protect Ranis are accused for crimes when thewere in power . Their intention is that if Raanil some how get escaped from this they also will find some relief by changing public sentiment.
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old codger / August 26, 2025
Jack,
Ranil has been bailed out. So, perhaps the judiciary is not as independent as you make out?
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whywhy / August 28, 2025
Judiciary is no exception . They are independent to be dependent .
No institution is independent in the paradise as NPP too expect
for unquestionable support from everyone for their mission . They
are so sure their targets will be handcuffed and will be sent to
prison . How do they and why on earth advertise it on every platform ,
rallies and inside parliament ? And police , C I D and courts all play to
that music in chorus ! There surely is a fine line of intimidating the
public who goes against them .
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Lasantha Pethiyagoda / August 26, 2025
This sleep-walking lame excuse for a human being and much less as an author is at it again. He is covering for his bread and butter, which comes from writing articles in support of grand criminals in power. He should now realize that Ranil or other folk due to be exposed and indicted for grand crimes will never again be able to save the skins of sycophants like our man in the photo. Justice should be available for all at the same level. No one should be treated differently based on their status or levels of political influence. Perera probably does not read these comments or is too thick to learn from them. He might need to return to slumber and wake up when more of his former paymasters are arraigned before the law.
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Naman / August 26, 2025
Did Gota R pay for his flight to Maldives Singapore etc in 2022?
Why is Mahinda R occupying the very expensive residence on Wijerama Mawatha? SL Justice system has to speed up to catch all thieves murderers looters arsonists kidnappers rapists torturers of SL citizens either belonging to minority or majority.Where is the compensation for affected Tamils
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Raj-UK / August 27, 2025
Did GR pay for his security detail when he fled the country? Did MR have state paid bodyguards around him on his jaunts abroad after leaving office? Do all these privileged people leave their state paid bodyguards behind when they go on non official visits abroad, in or out, of office? I have seen CBK accompanied by bodyguards when going about on her private visits in SL a few years ago. Being in SL, it maybe less costly but its the same principle, so has AKD abolished this privilege as promised?. If the Govt. prosecutors are going after misuse of public funds, there are more serious cases of even fraud to investigate & I am waiting to see the big fish being prosecuted but I am my holding my breath
With all his faults, I think RW has done much more than the most hyped up past Presidents & seems to me as pure political vindictiveness. If you are on a business trip & overspend or claim without supporting receipts, you are simply charged for the excess. Unless some ‘fiddling’ of the numbers is apparent, you are not going to be charged for fraud
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SJ / August 27, 2025
R-UK
There is protocol for all these matters.
If any action breaches limits set out by legislation it becomes a punishable offence.
It is not about how good or bad RW has been.
There is a charge against him, and let us see how it fans out in court.
Currently relevant issues are whether his arrest was really necessary, whether he was subject to unfair treatment, and whether the alleged offence is bailable and the like.
Let the law take its course, and let us hope that the trial is fair and proper.
People have opinions about RW, and many tend to mix those with how the litigation should proceed.
We need some maturity to keep sentiment out of matters of gravity.
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Human Touch / August 28, 2025
SJ
What you say is correct regarding the existence of a protocol for such matters. However, what falls completely outside that protocol is the fact that a random, lousy YouTuber gave a clear hint of what was to come the previous day.
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This strongly suggests that what happened to Ranil was pre-planned and deliberate on the part of the President’s side. That is not how justice is supposed to function. How could such an individual speak with absolute confidence about the outcome of a court hearing before the court had even heard the case?
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Naturally, most people see this as a clear case of political vendetta.
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Moreover, when the real culprits—like the Maras—haven’t even been charged, despite AKD’s repeated promises to bring them to justice and recover stolen wealth estimated between USD 4 billion to USD 18 billion (based on AKD’s own claims and files), the situation becomes even more concerning.
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After almost a year in power, if the best AKD can do is orchestrate a shabby political drama under the guise of a state visit, it paints a very grim picture of his promises and credibility.
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Let us see where all this ends. AKD has signed some secret deals with Modi including a 5 year defense pact, which was neither discussed in the parliament nor was it approved legally.
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SJ / August 28, 2025
HT
Thanks
I was looking at just one issue, namely the merit of the case. I commented on the political wisdom of the action taken. No more.
Much of the discussion has gone astray by drawing in matters that are not pertinent to the issue.
I do not wish to add to the chaos from which no clarity is likely to emerge.
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Human Touch / August 28, 2025
SJ
Just to clarify, I’m in full agreement with you on the principle.
My intention was only to share my personal concern that this particular case has been handled erratically, and to voice my dismay over the neglected issues, especially after the promises that were made.
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SJ / August 28, 2025
HT
All I can say is that, legitimacy apart, it was a foolish step that has not done much good to the government.
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Raj-UK / August 29, 2025
SJ
You have presented my thoughts better. Certainly, nobody should be above the law but I see this case as political vindictiveness or sensationalism.
RW is not charismatic & his public perception is poor with the bond scam & the Batalanda accusations. The bond scam in my opinion was a form of insider trading & many cronies benefitted but RW’s fault was he looked the other way. Compared to the hedge fund deals & poor financial prudency, mismanagement & extravagance by Cabraal & the Rajapakse regime, the country has suffered more than any loss from the ‘Bond’ scam. Remember the incident when Cabraal & the Rajapakjses had a knees up in a Caribbean island trying to bribe officials to get the commonwealth games? Why blame only RW for extravagance? Batalanda was not the only torture chamber during an insurgency & there have been so many cases of human rights abuses but the perpetrators are considered as war heroes. RW took the challenge when the country was teetering over the edge & managed to pull it back but whatever the pros & the cons of the IMF, the NPP are following the same path outlined by RW.
RW is not charismatic, a poor public speaker & probably arrogant & selfish. His governance maybe laissez faire but I think he is severely underrated compared to all those much hyped leaders. So, I think we should not be prejudiced
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Ajith / August 29, 2025
I didn’t say that you said about JRJ, but we can’t talk about Sri Lanka without talking about UNP or SLFP and its leaders. Similarly we can’t talk about sri Lanka without talking about Tamils, Muslims and Sinhalese and Buddhism. I have never heard that Tamil and Muslim leaders said to the British they trust Trust Sinhala leadership. Further the constitution we have now is not the same as the British constitution. It is very simple to say that all communities need to learn, not to be racists after racism changed every other communities. More than racism Religious oppression played more role in destroying this countries economy and peace. The most important start point should be accepting the truth by all political parties, political leaders, religious leaders about the past and creating a system to devolve power and free from religion.
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Ajith / August 29, 2025
“If the Govt. prosecutors are going after misuse of public funds, there are more serious cases of even fraud to investigate”
Yes, You are right there are more serious cases of even fraud to investigate and punish. We are still in Sri Lanka. We are still an election based democracy and we still use the same constitution that was created in 1978. We have seen thousands of misuse of power, misuse of judiciary, punishment of innocents, revenge taking, removal of civil rights, hundreds of promises and high levels of corruptions, bribes, political coups, Easter bombing etc. etc. We show the unity of the all past political parties and its leaders together when this government make a punishment of a leader who really misused the power. It may be a revenge against him but do we have the right to ask it now. It is nothing new for Sri Lankans who see a political party leader is punished by a political party from Sri Lanka from the first time. Even this President was elected by people. The question is punishing a high class high caste politician by a President who come from ordinary Sinhalese background. What is the democracy we are looking? Is it belongs to Superior families only?
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Douglas / August 27, 2025
On the very first day, Ranil W was produced in court, and the ‘Opposition’ politicians and their voter bank members flocked to the court premises, making an unprecedented showdown, uncalled for and unwarranted. This was followed by a ‘Media Briefing’ by the ‘Joint Opposition’. At that meeting, a ‘Prof.’ (Prof. G.L Peiris) Speaking on behalf of the accused, he referred to a ‘Press Report’ that appeared in an Indian newspaper, through which he denied his status. Another MP, who is struggling to replace a leader in an opposition political party, stated, “The decision to remand Ranil W was dictated by the headquarters of the JVP/NPP.” Then there was a unanimous call for their supporters to march to the courts on the next hearing date fixed for 26th August.
Do we approve or condone this type of behaviour from a responsible Opposition and its leaders? Are they to be trusted to make the Legal System in the country independent and equal to all, irrespective of the status of the accused brought before the courts? Is this what the people longed for by calling for a ‘System Change’? No…No. This behaviour is disgusting and ‘CRIMINAL’. The people have noted this behaviour, and they will be dealt with appropriately in the future.
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davidthegood / August 27, 2025
Douglas, who are the “they” you speak of who will be dealt with appropriately in the future. Try “Mulas” for disgusting criminal behavior and see whether you are still alive at the end of it.
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Mallaiyuran / August 27, 2025
In Vietnam, in 2019, former information minister Nguyen Bac Son was sentenced to life imprisonment for taking bribes, in total (just) $3M. Two, three days ago, the Norwegian Envoy said in the West high-powered officials are not changed for putting private expenses on the government. Jehan PhD just repeating that. But that is not his own experience in Norway. He was charged with abuse of power to financially benefit during his tenure. Jehan failed to understand that in Norway, which has a very high GDP per capita, it was decided that the involved executive’s behaviors were intolerable. In Vietnam, it is reasonably close to Langkang in lifestyle, the minister ended up being thrown for life. Which example Johan PhD wants to recommend to Langkang? America? I am not aware of travel expenses corruption cases in the US, though many people, including the current NYC Mayor, are changed on many kinds of corruption cases. Interestingly, when First Lady Hillary wanted to take home the presents given to her (personally) while she was at the White House, she was stopped because those were given to at the White House. Which are Jehan PhD’s, the silver line between private and public expenses for Langkang politicians? Is the Gothapayal’s dog flying on a charter flight a public expense, not private?
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Human Touch / August 28, 2025
Mallaiyuran
No one is asking to overlook crime against the country.
We have to understand that the crime of stealing 4 to 18 billion USD and maybe misusing a privilege are on the opposite ends of the spectrum.
A promise was made to not only prosecute major criminals who have siphoned funds from Sri Lanka but so far nothing has been done to them.
Besides that there have been numerous accusations against the Rajapaksa’s for imposing and telling bribes from contractors working in Sri Lanka.
AKD said he has evidence in files (400) in his car and he will act on them as soon as he comes to power.
It is almost a year. Where are the files and where are the actions based on his promises?
Besides RW himself has been accused of much more previous offences, based on JVP AKDs own direct accusations, what is happening to those?
We don’t have priorities it
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Paul / August 27, 2025
Does anybody think that Ranil’s arrest was just a trial run to gauge the strength of the opposition parties? The NPP(JVP) know that a one-party state is impossible given that SL has had a long history of elections and the masses would not put up with it. So the alternative is to have all opposition leaders behind bars, which has been made easier by their many crimes.
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SJ / August 27, 2025
P
That is a thought, but I have serious doubt.
Without delivering on economic promises and law and order, let alone the national question, the NPP/JVP will not have the mass backing to sustain a one-party state.
The JVP has a poor membership and the serious political left of the JVP has gone into the FLSP.
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old codger / August 28, 2025
SJ,
Actually delivering on the national question would be suicide for the NPP. I wouldn’t rule out the Opposition taking advantage either.
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Cicero / August 27, 2025
This guy is singing for his supper as usual. If the President takes over every time he gets an invitation from a bottom of the pile overseas university, when his country is in economic doldrums, we will be in eternal poverty. It was interesting to see how the politicians gathered at the courthouse in anticipation of their future. It is for the courts to decide whether going off on public funds for a dinner in London with an entourage of security guards and hangers-on falls within the public duties of a President. The money could have been better spent if he had gone to see a Harley Street specialist as to his heart condition discovered by the physicians at the National Hospital. There will be a lot of these dramas to come. Think of all the people liquidated by the dictates of the politicians in the past, the ethnic hatreds they stirred to keep themselves in power, the journalists they bumped off so that their escapades are not revealed and other misdeeds. The wheels of Karma are grinding.
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chiv / August 29, 2025
Enablers , deniers . . . .hypocrites .
. . Political cronies . . . . People who lost their own credibility because of their actions and deeds deserve NO RESPECT.
There is something called judiciary provided that public trust such thing will deal with all legalities .
Do people living in Australia comment on cases pending in courts. That will be considered disrespting courts.
Isn’t it true lawmakers in Pacific
( many in Europe , USA )
were either suspended , resigned or went to prison because of misusing public funds by just adding few thousands to travel , / hotel stay / laundry.
What is political disrespect?
Giving free PhD’s..
So countries like Japan , South Korea , Israel who put their past Presidents / PM in prison are politically disrespting DEMOCRAZY.
Haven’t we heard and seen enough.
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chiv / August 29, 2025
FYI. We readers have followed a few PhD’s here in CT for over a decade.
A bunch of HYPOCRITES .
One even wrote how perfect the system / election in the state he is residing.. And how results can be manipulated or bought , elections postponed in SHAM Lanka.
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Jit / August 29, 2025
“…What is political disrespect? Giving free PhD’s….”
Chiv, although it is ‘free’ for the politician to receive it or the don to confer it, it is NOT free to the taxpayer. Because these dodgy dons receive favours from the recipient politicians which could come as undue promotions, positions, placements or high profile jobs in the state sector. Which means the taxpayer ultimately pays a salary these low life dons do not deserve or entitled to! That is a cost to the taxpayer…and the society!!
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Laksiri Fernando / August 27, 2025
On the question of arrest and remand of RW, the government has acted politically disrespecting democracy, law, human rights and moral norms. (1) The issue of RW’s alleged misappropriation of public funds should have been investigated by the Bribery or Corruption Commission (CIABOC) and not the CID. (2) You Tuber Sadaththa’s prediction over RW’s arrest and remand shows that there had been a political conspiracy behind the arrest. (3) At the first Magistrate’s inquiry (22 August), the 3 hours taken after recess to arrive at a decision to remand RW shows that there had been political pressure on the Magistrate. (4) The legal basis of the charges levelled against RW seems nebulous. The focus of the ‘Offenses Against the Public Property Act (1982)’ is different. It is more ambiguous that two charges are based on the Code of Criminal Act! It appears that the JVP is going in a disastrous direction quite harmful to the country.
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nimal fernando / August 27, 2025
Dr Lak,
–
While you’re at it ……. give Ranil also a PhD ……. Native won’t mind, this time.
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Show Ranil the same concern he showed prisoners in Batalanda torture chambers.
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Put an apple in his mouth, a S-Lon in his bottom, a tyre around his belly and turn him on a barbecue like a roasting pig.
–
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He should be thankful he ended up in a prison in Lanka …… in NY ……. he would’ve been the homecoming queen on cellblock E …….. the twisted sadomasochist bastard might’ve even liked it ………
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Laksiri Fernando / August 28, 2025
Nimal,
Is this the way you express your disagreements with any commentor? Your language is so poor, abusive and appears uneducated.
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nimal fernando / August 28, 2025
Dr Lak,
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We come from two different eras, different worlds …….. the era you come from …….. to be educated …… means ……. to put on tie (or …. and a coat) …… and to talk/write ……. in English ……. or even Singlish …… like Ranil did with Mehidi Hassan.
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For you educated/refinement means …… mostly dress and language.
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The era/world I come from ……. language and dress means nothing …….. but deeds are all what matters.
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The era/world I come from …… to be educated means …….. not awarding …… honorary doctorates to crooks, swindlers and above all to murderers. ……… To be educated means not condoning swindling of public wealth …… not defending suited-up English/Singlish speaking sadistic torturers ……. the list goes on but I have other things to do.
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Dr Lank ……. you and I hold different views about what means to be educated: we are both free to do so ………. be thankful ……. in AKD’s era ……. we won’t be called daily to the CID …… to harass us to change our views ….. and you can walk straight ….. without a S-Lon up your …….. Ranil …….
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The last line ——> I want to make sure I come across as joyously uneducated ……..
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Laksiri Fernando / August 29, 2025
Nimal,
Sorry to say but you are utterly confused. What do you say about our different eras/worlds? I studied in Sinhala medium up to my first degree. Very rarely I wore tie and coat thereafter!! Anyway, these are not the matters we are discussing. I am very familiar with the JVP. I thought they have changed. But unfortunately, it appears that they have not. I have never supported Ranil’s politics. Even in this case I believe that he has misused public funds. He should pay back. But he should not be victimized under criminal law. This is primarily not a matter for the CID, but for the Bribery and Corruption Commission. It is possible somebody controlling the CID now even misleading the government and Anura Dissanayake.
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nimal fernando / August 29, 2025
Dr Lak,
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You are an elder ….. I don’t want to insult you or hurt your feelings. …….. All I’ll say is,
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Judge JVP ….. especially AKD …… by what they’re doing now: not their stupid past deeds. ……. As a man of worldly experience you should be well capable of it.
–
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” But he should not be victimized under criminal law. This is primarily not a matter for the CID”
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Leave aside the bigger matter of scuttled election. …….. Did you raise the same objections when Ranil was using the CID to daily harass critics/detractors/opponents/journalists? ……. Even opposing Buddhist and Catholic priests were called to the CID to scuttle the Easter Bombing investigation.
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If you didn’t object ……. then your slip is showing. ……. If you did, I apologize.
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But you have never said a word about why you gave the Rajapakses honorary doctorates …….. I don’t know about your situation ……. but what I’ve heard is …… academics suck-up to pols to get positions ……. especially positions they are not suitable for …… and can’t get by honest means …….
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Nothing personal ……. but we/I have to speak up for the country/people ……. this chance will never come again.
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Many will hoot and holler ….. but AKD is an exceptional human being ……. not just in Lanka …….
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chiv / August 30, 2025
Nimal, there is no need for sentiments.
Laksiri , PhD doesn’t need a helping hand in embarrassing him self.
Imagine a hard earned PhD standing on a stage with few scumbags
selling PhD’s . . . . . . buy one get one free, just like the road side guy selling counterfeits.
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nimal fernando / August 29, 2025
Dr Lak,
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You get offended for the language I used to tell it …… than for the methods/sadism Ranil used to do it!
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Shows the difference between the levels of education between the two of us.
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Sad but true! :))
–
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BTW …. I’m trying to wash away my education, whatever little that’s still left ……. culture and religion, too ………..
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LankaScot / August 29, 2025
Hello Nimal,
I think photographs can tell stories – https://srilankabrief.org/ncm-victory-and-the-yahapalanaya-dr-laksiri-fernando/
Best regards
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chiv / August 29, 2025
LS, good job. Now can you find just one article of Laksiri PhD on Rajapaksas mega corruption, misuse of public funds, political murders ……….
Laksiri, made one too many assumptions here , the most serious being questioning integrity of Judiciary by insinuating political pressure on Magistrate, YT political conspiracy, nebulous legal charges without realizing for the first time in history more than 30 judges, 300 police higher ups, most departmental heads . . . . . . are suspended and send home.
Yes AKD / NPP promised many things before elections and one of them is to make people accountable.
I really don’t know whether all promises made are realistic and can be fulfilled.
But that is to be decided at their end of term, by Millions elected them.
For now, allow them to do what they started.
Let me make my own assumption. Laksiri wrote that article not because he really cared, about the alleged scam, but to help then opposition Rajapaksas.
Laksiri hasn’t changed, but expects JVP / AKD to change.
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davidthegood / August 27, 2025
Laksiri Fernando, You say that it is the JVP going in a disastrous direction harmful to the country. Are you suggesting that this country was in a top condition and started a downhill progression when AKD was elected unexpectedly according to the people’s choice? Your No.4 legal basis of charges against RW seems nebulous you say. You are deceiving yourself but certainly not most of the other readers.
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Laksiri Fernando / August 28, 2025
Davidthegood, yes, on this matter it is the JVPs who have started going in a disastrous direction. Now, the opposition is also going in the same direction in opposition to the JVP and on the RW issue. Mass protests surrounding courts are not democratic. I have never said that the country was in ‘top condition’ before JVP. The country still has great opportunities to develop, if the measures are taken democratically. The present turmoil might affect tourism and FDI. Yes, I maintain that (No.4) legal basis of charges against RW seems nebulous. Please go through the text of the Public Property Act (!982). Most of the legal documents are ambiguous to my knowledge.
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LankaScot / August 29, 2025
Hello DTG,
It is not often that I agree with you, but look at how many thumbs-up you have, even one from me😎.
Best regards
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SJ / August 27, 2025
I took many others for questioning …
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SJ / August 27, 2025
Sorry
I meant to correct it to: “It took many others for questioning….”
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Jit / August 28, 2025
Oh Laksiri, some things really do stand the test of time, don’t they?? Your steadfast commitment to most pristine politicians has no limits! Such as conferring honorary doctorates, is nothing short of legendary! Remember Dr Percy Mahinda Rajapaksa? A great triumph of academic imagination that made this little nation shining right in the centre of the academic world!! And surely, you were the visionary behind the honorary doctorates to Gotabhaya and Mervyn Silva too? Naturally!! Who else could assemble such a glittering pantheon of national luminaries on such great national heroes??
And tell me professor, has no other Sri Lankan economic fugitive or war criminal in Australia yet earned your scholarly embrace? A pity, of course!! One would hope your distinguished services might be available with the same enthusiasm as they flourish back home. But alas, looks like even brilliance has its borders!! 😢
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Mallaiyuran / August 28, 2025
NPP can go wrong. That is not in voters’ hands. But the voters wanted it to go on the right path after suffocating for 75 years of relentless fire setting drought on the land. But, still, even if NPP decides to go wrong, it cannot be as bad as Mr. Clean, Evil was going on the right path in the past. The Hero pretended to be a strong man when was taken to court, but as soon as arrested, he completely collapsed, if any of the medical reports coming from the hospital is true. Shame on him for not quitting politics after this vein drama of pleading pity- In Hakeem Arabic Begger’s wound, while trying to collect supporters on the road to take on the NPP. He, to stick on to power, spent the $4.5B Indian loan, IMF’s $1.7B and additional borrowing to jack up the total loan to $110B, only to buy the voter’s candy! People are no longer babies to be sold for a few coins. This massive opposition campaign suggests that the NPP has to keep educating the people of what is going on in the country, to foil the crooks’ effort to come back. It is Evil who volunteered to diffuse the “Gota Go Home” protest (2022). Now what is the big fuss to take whatever comes out of it?
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Mallaiyuran / August 28, 2025
Old Rowdy brought henchmen to the Temple Tree House to attack the Protesters. It should have been the most heinous crime committed in any one of the country’s most sanctimonious places. What did Mr. Clean do to clean that filth when he became the head of the government? I ask a question, following Mr. Clean’s example, why should this government not send the Army to chase Evil out of the hospital (the people’s money need not be spent on a person’s “Sick Show” who not wanted to people beyond a limit) and his acolytes out of the roads?
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Ajith / August 28, 2025
Laksiri once again you proved that your democracy is buddhist Sinhala superiory. Well done.
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Laksiri Fernando / August 28, 2025
Ajith,
You say my ‘democracy is Buddhist Sinhala superiority.’ Prove it? By the way I am not a Buddhist. I remember there was a time that you were praising me. Don’t take positions on the basis of what you like or not like. Don’t attack people on the basis of claims or slogans.
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Ajith / August 29, 2025
LF,
What do you mean by democracy? Don’t you think that this government is elected by People? Don’t you think the past political leaders misused the democracy? Misused the Power?
Do you think this is the first time the governments has acted politically disrespecting democracy, law, human rights and moral norms? When you say that only this government disrespected the democracy you are saying all the previous governments acted respecting the democracy and their was no corruption, abiding the law, no violation of human rights etc. If this is right, you accept that Buddhist Sinhala superiority.
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SJ / August 29, 2025
Maunam kalaha naasthi.
(Silence is trouble-free)
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Douglas / August 27, 2025
With the granting of ‘Bail’ to the accused Ranil W, the contentious issue of providing relevant reasons under the Public Security Act 1982 has been resolved. On the first day of the hearing, the Judge requested the defense to provide reasons to grant bail. The defense gave the reasons: (1) Ranil W is suffering from a range of ailments that need continued medical attention, (2) His wife is suffering from cancer and needs constant attention by the accused, (3) the accused is scheduled to travel to India to give a keynote address at an International Conference.
All the above reasons were ‘Rejected’ as irrelevant to grant bail under the relevant Act.
On the second day of the hearing, the same reasons were given, but on a ‘Polished’ format, such as (1) a report by a panel of doctors who said the accused could ‘die’ at any given moment if not taken care of, and (2) the accused was in such critical state of being warded in the ICU. No mention of the ‘Keynote’ address and ‘cancer care’ need.
Those reasons that were not accepted earlier were now accepted as ‘Valid’ and granted bail. In short, those reasons have been ‘Reincarnated’.
There goes the ‘Precedent’ for anyone in the future to be guided if prosecuted under the ‘Public Property Act 1982’.
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old codger / August 28, 2025
“I suspect, other than the reasons given by the defense, the ‘environmental’ circumstances, too, would have prompted the decision to grant bail.”
As I wrote earlier, the judiciary isn’t quite as independent as the government claims.
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Douglas / August 27, 2025
II. I suspect, other than the reasons given by the defense, the ‘environmental’ circumstances, too, would have prompted the decision to grant bail.
(1) The ‘Public Protests’ staged near and around the court premises (2) The ‘Joint Opposition’ cry in holding a ‘Media Briefing’ and calling its supporters to a rally (3) The request by International Dignitaries (Eric Solieham and USA Ambassador, Julie Chang and the meeting by Joint Opposition with other Ambassadors.) (4) MP Dayasiri Jayasekera’s request to ‘Treat’ the ‘Elite” the ‘Prabu’ (Ranil, Percy, Namal, Yoshitha, Dacy,…..) defferently from the ‘Ordinaray’ the ‘Yakkos’ (Burampi, Singho, Banda, Karupaiah, Lebbe…..) (5) The presense of the ‘Wife’ of ‘Shiva’ ( as a woman participating in the protest rally claimed) blown a ‘ evil spell’ on decision making.
Thank you for providing us with the ‘Yakkos’, a much-needed resting period.
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old codger / August 28, 2025
Douglas,
I am happy that the government has realized its actions are self-defeating. Vengefulness should not trump common sense.
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SJ / August 27, 2025
LF
I am not sure if the CID has no role to play, I took many others for questioning on matters of corruption.
You Tuber Sadaththa’s prediction does not prove anything, but that information was probably leaked, but the prediction itself may have been speculation at the time. Sadaththa should be questioned on the matter by the CID to investigate a leak.
Time taken by a magistrate after recess is not something for us to speculate on. Things come in a queue and that is how things are. Pressure would have been if some case jumped the queue or was intentionally delayed. There are other more important matters like the discomfort caused by a power failure.
I am not sure about the merit of the case. What seems to you or me may not be how a court sees it.
*
I think that the arrest itself has hurt the government politically.
But that is another matter
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Laksiri Fernando / August 28, 2025
SJ,
I understand and respect your views on the points that I raised. I also believe that there has been a misappropriation of public funds by RW. There must have been many instances of this type under the past Presidents, PMs, and Ministers. They must have thought that those are their privileges. These can happen even under the present regime. Those should be exposed but the arrest and remand are not the only way to handle this type of cases under inquiry. These are matters of political culture. Anti-Corruption or Bribery Commission should handle the cases while broad based discussions should be held on these matters. What was AKD doing when RW’s London trip happened?
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davidthegood / August 30, 2025
Laksiri Fernando, RW as president travelling abroad was not questioned by AKD at that time. It takes some time to figure out what stealthy rogues are doing all the time like the Mullas are doing.
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Naman / August 28, 2025
“ Next month, Sri Lanka will have to answer the allegations of war crimes at the UN Human Rights Commission in Geneva. There too a balance will need to be found so that the outcome is constructive.”
So far SL governments had been bluffing/conning the UN and rest of the world without being truthful of what had happened during 2009 and before.
When will they accept that the huge harm caused to the minorities in their country.
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whywhy / August 30, 2025
Naman ,
Reply to your last line , the day India , China and the West leave Srilanka
high and dry .
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