28 March, 2024

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Sampanthan Chosen As New Leader Of The Opposition

Ending a long debate on who will be the opposition leader, Speaker Karu Jayasuriya informed parliament today that the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) leader R. Sampanthan will lead the opposition in the house.

sampanthan-colombo telegraphWhile announcing his decision Jayasuriya noted that the SLFP and the UPFA which earlier clamoured for the position had not made any submissions on the issue.

A UPFA leader meanwhile said that there was an inside deal with the involvement of some powerful politicians in the Sirisena and the Rajapaksa factions in ensuring a safe passage for Sampanthan to become the opposition leader.

A letter which was sent to the President with the signatures of 57 UPFA MP’s requesting Kumara Welgama to be appointed as the opposition leader was disregarded by Sirisena.

TNA leader R. Sampanthan the Opposition Leader of the Eighth Parliament of Sri Lanka will become the first Tamil in 37 years to occupy the prestigious position.

A. Amirthalingam, became the opposition leader in 1977 when his TULF relegated the SLFP to the third place in parliament.

The TNA, which holds 16 seats in parliament, was demanding the post since the UNP and the SLFP came to an agreement to form a national government.

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  • 55
    2

    Sampanthan Chosen As New Leader Of The Opposition

    A well deserved post for the minority and well done MY3. Hats off to you. You are making histories.

    Govinda
    KSA

    • 47
      3

      Sir We Conguralate you on the post. We hope you will represent all Lankans. Which means we hope you will travel to the south as well to listen to the people’s grivence and voice it in parliament. Not just confine yourself to one section in the North and east as mr Amirthalingam did.

      • 22
        6

        KASmaalam K.A Sumanasekera

        Where are you?

        Aren’t you happy for the Vellala veteran?

        Are you disappointed, feeling dejected, depressed, deprived of sleep, downcast, downhearted, despondent, disconsolate, dispirited, crestfallen, cast down, disheartened, discouraged, demoralized, crushed, desolate, heartbroken, broken-hearted, heavy-hearted, low-spirited, in the doldrums, sad, unhappy, doleful, melancholy, miserable, woebegone, forlorn, long-faced, fed up, wretched, glum, gloomy, dismal; shamefaced, hangdog; blue, choked, down, ……….. ?

        Suffering from hang over?

        • 12
          0

          First, it was Jan 8, then Aug 17, now Sampanthan as Opposition Leader !

          NV have mercy on him !

        • 2
          10

          @Native Vedda

          I see you have described yourself and miserable life aptly (when you are not going thorugh the Gutter articles of the internet floor and cut and paste on this site.

          • 12
            2

            Nuwan

            I don’t cut and paste, actually I copy and paste.

            “I see you have described yourself and miserable life aptly”

            May be, however it is my life and not yours, does it bother you?

            One needs to make extraordinary effort to remain sane after reading your typing.

            Please re read my comments above.

            • 2
              2

              Ha Ha NV.

      • 10
        4

        It is true that Sampanthan has to listen to the people of North and South. However, Sampanthan has got only 16 Tamil Members in his side compared to 200 in the Government side which has got the power of making decisions. IF Sampanthan wants to engage with the South, the South has to recognise that the Devolution of power based on Federal system is an ideal system to bring the gap between Tamils and Sinhalese and make SriLanka a successful united peaceful Country. As long as this problem remain unresolved, Srilanka will never achieve its gall of good governance and peace.

        • 2
          1

          Absolutely correct.

      • 2
        0

        Kamal- Looks like good governance is at work. As you suggested Mr.
        Sampanthan should go around the country,listening to grievances of
        the people who are not in agreement with some of the govt.policies
        and he should not,indulge always in Tamil politics and people of all walks of life in the south should accept him, the way they accepted the PM and Prez.
        If the Tamils are again taken for a ride by the current govt., he should voluntarily vacate the post of Opposition leader and work
        for a solution of the Tamil problem. This appointment is not a
        great achievement for the Tamils as their aim is to get to an immediate settlement to move forward,after 60 years of struggle.

      • 1
        0

        Will the other members in the opposition other than the 14 MPs will support Mr.Sambanthan?

    • 34
      2

      Great news, Congratulations to Mr. Sampanthan & thanks to MS/RW govt.

      This is real democracy, people of SL already said ,twice in 08 months that we were not racists , extremists but moderates .

    • 17
      2

      Now JVP can work with them without being hesitated. Burwanse will stay shut up being cuddled with Gommanpila since these both thought as MR would do, Prez MY3 would not allow TNA to become the opposition leader. As it is the case for cancer cure – we need to marginalize the representatives such as Buruwanse and Gommanpila – fundementalist and extremists among sinahalayas. These are born to this land, to spread radicalism.

      Those were the days – by gones thoughts… actually, nationalist of the street community are being represented by Buruwanse – should be kicked awy to this date. If all accussations levelled to Buruwanse would work properly, we can breath in well in the days to come. Wait and see. This society needs the lead to civilizsation.

    • 19
      0

      This is not the first time a Tamil became the leader of the opposition and appointing Sampanthan as the opposition leader is NOT going to solve the several decade long Tamil/ethnic problem in Sri Lanka. The government and the opposition should formulate a permanent solution to the country’s national issue/Tamil problem.

      A Tamil becoming an opposition leader, Chief Justice, IGP or even a prime minister is not a solution to the country’s many decade long ethnic problem.

    • 19
      0

      I welcome Mr. Sampanathan very much as our opposition leader.

      It is a milestone achievement for the new country we are trying to build.

      I disagree with him from time to time. Still, I consider Mr. Sampanthan to be a man of common sense, knowledge and dignity. He has seen it all.

      He can serve well. All of us.

      Cheers!

      PS:

      TNA must recognize such honor and historic opportunity come with great responsibility. Mr. Sampanathan is the opposition leader of the whole country. He must now represent all of us. And take care of all of us. Not just northern & eastern provinces.

      I am relieved we will not be listening to Kumar Welgama’s empty, utterly useless, offensive rubbish in our parliament. What a narrow escape.

      • 13
        0

        Ben Hurling

        I am going to miss Dr Mervyn Silva’s oration in the parliament.

        Well all good things must come to an end.

        Let see what Dayan Silva has to say about the new opposition leader.

      • 7
        0

        I salute your comments as always has been

    • 9
      0

      What happened to sleeping Siripala and crook joker MARA..

    • 3
      0

      Govinda,
      we cant always stand proxy untruth. Right ?

      Rajapakshe painted it since the war is over that ELE chair is waiting for him. Why not the very same chair waits for him today – where he is not the leader of the nation/country ? Cow dung eating poor folks were deceived to a manner no other elected leader did. Even after the man was sent to Medamulana on the 9th,January, those cowdung eating folks surrouded him in Medmaula with tears in their eyes and every where thought, that the man is the only person made by mother lanka to give a lead to this nation. But consecutive 7 months with all kind of struggles- the minority govt led by RW fought and fought until the victory was gained. That is the perseverance of RW – a leader who was charactor assainated by Rjapakshe goons not just for couple of day, but permanently.. asif he has no backbone.. or he is not the leader, that Manushka Nanayakara from GALLE dared to call RW as a leader wihtout experience – EVEN A primary school teacher would have more experience he said once. Bruwanse on his defamatory critices, on and on put him down, but the peoples power elected him and his men replacing the most abusive men not all but to some level giving them a strong mandate actually. Today, if folks would agree, there will be no hurdles or anything aginast them having Amendments passed for the benefit of entire nation. We need to address issues going thorugh the manner civilized societies do them. Why to compare ours with those of cornered nation on this hemisphere ? Let Dayan Jayathikla or Malina Snearante to stay mum since the majority folks today have won it to work towards the progress of nation strenghterning the democracy in this country.

    • 5
      0

      Wee Thamihz Senior Journalist Siva Sankaran Sarma Menon

      We are eagerly awaiting for your comments here in CT about this nasty old Tiger loving Demela.

      Most of us love a comment from a self hating wee Thamihz.

      In fact you should approach Black and Decker for an outrageous comment that would aptly put the Wee Thamihz where they naturally belong to.

    • 5
      0

      As I remember, Madulawe Sobitha Sadu’s initial recommendation of good governance had a proposal to create Vice President position and allocate that to one of minorities. Appointing Sampanthan as opposition leader is closest and the best we could do under the current constitution. Very good decision…

    • 4
      3

      I think the TNA has been caught in a ‘ Neither fish nor fowl’ situation, Time will tell how it deals with it. I wish the TNA the wisdom to navigate, what may prove to be difficult waters. It has to redefine itself to succeed.

      Dr.Rajasingham Narendran

      • 2
        1

        why don’t you become a political advisor to the TNA. After all you have tremendous international political experience.

      • 2
        1

        The TNA has the maturity and wisdom to take correct decisions. If at any stage it feels necessary to quit any position bestowed on it, it will never hesitate to quit. Accepting the position may look a gamble but sometimes gambles have to be made!

        Sengodan. M

    • 3
      0

      CT

      Where is the smart ass patriot Dayan the self confessed war monger? We would like to hear the reason(?) as to why Sambandan is not really a opposition leader for he was not elected by Southern Sinhala/Buddhist smart patriot.

      If he is already in Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, please let him stay there.

      I wish him well.

  • 27
    3

    A VERY SENSIBLE MOVE

  • 43
    5

    Final nail in the coffin of Tamil Eelam.

    Now TNA is co-opted to work within, and uphold, the unitary constitution of Sri Lanka.

    A new political culture is indeed being created in Sri Lanka to the utter disappointment of extremists on both sides: the LTTE diaspora lunatic fringe and Sinhala racists like Gammanpila, Gandhasara, Weerawansa, Dayan Jayatillake and Gunadasa Amarasekera.

    • 3
      2

      I think we forget, the TNA has given up the claim on separation, they want two nations under one flag for Srilanka. A fair ask, the World acknowledges.

    • 5
      0

      Off The Wall

      “Sinhala racists like Gammanpila, Gandhasara, Weerawansa, Dayan Jayatillake and Gunadasa Amarasekera.”

      Don’t you love them?

      You missed other racists as well, the likes of Champika Ranawake, Keheliya Rambukwella, Gota, Basil, MR, …… and 4,732,664 others.

  • 37
    2

    Good move.

    Hundred times better than Welgama

    • 14
      2

      Yes, this is a great move.
      Now they can take part in the parliamentary debate even more pro active.
      World will watch on us. No chances to vague the tail, now like or not for all we need to get new amds passed for towards the reconciliation of the all folks.

      I think this gentleman is very old – if Sumanthiran or the like powerful voices was given the chance would have been better really.

      I as sinhalese, I want to see all being given equal rights regardless of the race religioun and any other factors. We need to move forward forgetting all the divisions we had along the war waging years.
      For a short period of like 80 years, to stay quarrel one another must notbe. BBS or other radical nationalists should be cornered by every means showing them the realities about the need of the hour.

    • 10
      0

      Walgama not Welgama.

      • 10
        0

        Walgama should be appointed to clean the overflowing toilet pits of Medamulana Walawwa.

        Alone to have proposed the name of him as the oppo leader is funny..

        MR should be a stupid man to have proposed Walgama.. absolutely should not come from a former president

      • 10
        0

        Walgama should be hung by his balls to teach hims lessions recalling the manner he once acted inthe parliament going against to Ms. Ramanayake. This country deserve tobe civlized one. Females should be respected equally giving them all equal chances to react equally, Then only we can get forward and bring this nation a prosperous one.

  • 17
    1

    Good move to remove the tarnished image of SriLanka globely. And this will be a considerable backlash to the separatists live in overseas.Again a big salute to MS&RW

    • 1
      0

      bitter truth

      “And this will be a considerable backlash to the separatists live in overseas.”

      May be, however Sinhala/Buddhist will not take kindly to Demelas/Minorities holding top job in the state or the government.

      There would be considerable backlash from them in the form of Weerawansa/Ganapathipillai/Dayan,…………………..

  • 4
    16

    so 16 MP party gets the post? what about the letter signed by 56 MPs requesting Kumara Welgama to be named as the Opposition leader? where is the bloody democracy?

    • 1
      0

      Don’t you see ? They are being served their own medicine !

      That’s the democracy they know !!

    • 0
      0

      ‘……………..where is the bloody democracy? ‘
      Hi Sam
      My reply in the comments below will answer your Q.

    • 4
      0

      Oh Sam! Read the news item properly. What letter are you talking about. There was no such letter handed over to the Parliament or the speaker. Where is the bloody intelligence.

  • 11
    1

    Speaker congratulations for upholding the best of parliamentary traditions.For both supporters and detractors he was appointed not because he was a Tamil but because his party is the largest party in the opposition. ie: If JVP had 17 seats it would have had held this appointment. The rationale of 57 SLFP/UPFA requesting the L of O only exposes their greediness. If they want this they cannot be in the national government and also hold cabinet positions.

    This is a fitting reply on the Sinhalese diaspora organisation living abroad and enjoying equality in those multicultural nations. May new L of O put his weight as a national politician to truly develop a multicultural Sri Lanka. He should send a clear message to Tamil diaspora if they cant become partners in development within the united Sri Lanka the best they can do is to’shut up’ without ruining the reconciliation effort. The same message is also to be given CVW the CM North- develop the region or resign if TNA wants to contest and win an election again.

    • 1
      0

      the road to democracy is shaping up. As leader of the Opposition he has now got to understand the sentiments of the Sinhalese and act responsibly. the whole nation will hold you responsible to uphold your responsibility as L of O.
      Congrats and best wishes..

  • 7
    3

    Congratulations to Mr. Sambanthan. I think this is an excellent platform to raise the profile of issues related to the NE amongst the Sinhalese people in the south. This is especially important once the OISL report is released. With this appointment, human rights and accountability issues and the OISL report have instantly become mainstream issues in Sinhalese politics. I also think this completely undercuts the Sinhalese “Nationalists” and forces them to remain loyal to President Sirisena’s agenda. If Mr. Rajapakse and other nationalists want to sit in the opposition, they will have to do so under the leadership of Mr. Sambanthan!

  • 0
    16

    Congratulations. Work until a Tamil become PM /President or a separate country is created.

  • 17
    0

    This is a great day for all Sri Lankans. True democracy at work. Hats off to you MY3/Ranil for your courageous move. Now the Racist elements will cry fowl as usual. Let the dogs bark, the caravan moves on.

    Ranil has unleashed the first salvo in parliament to Modawansa (2/2=0) “Don’t behave like monkeys, this parliament will never be the one like the previous one”. What a blow to all the MARA/MODAWANSA CLAN. Well done Ranil.

    Also please see to it that, these MURDERERS AND PLUNDERERS are brought before the judiciary for the sake of our future and our beloved country. Most importantly sending out a strong message to ALL ASPIRING MURDERERS AND PUBLIC PROPERTY PLUNDERERS.

    We are all with you in your courageous and bold moves in this regard and that is what the mandate given to you and MY3.

    May the blessings of the triple gem bestow on you both and help steer our country towards prosperity as ONE NATION AND ONE PEOPLE, shedding our political and religious affiliations.

  • 6
    0

    Mr. Sampanthan needs to prove himself to be accepted by the entire nation as the leader of opposition. If he continues to sing his usual song of tamilians of north & east, he will fail in this exercise in the parliament. Mr. Sampanthan should act as a opposition representation of all the communities in Sri Lanka.

  • 1
    7

    We did not vote for the UPFA to joint the UNP. We voted for the UPFA. Don’t call this democracy.

    • 11
      0

      Vanguard

      “We did not vote for the UPFA to joint the UNP. We voted for the UPFA. Don’t call this democracy.”

      Assuming that you voted for UPFA in the previously held elections, did you vote for a despot and his cronies hoping him to deliver a fully fledged democracy?

    • 4
      0

      I agree. Then UPFA joined the UNP in Govt making their claim for the Opposition obsolete. If the JVP had more seats than the TNA, then AKD would have been the OL. A PM in waiting. How very fine that would have been. Sampa’s appointment is the right thing to do.

      Now, please tell us, why do you want rapists, murderers, thugs and thieves to rule the Nation ?

      • 3
        0

        vishvajith

        “Now, please tell us, why do you want rapists, murderers, thugs and thieves to rule the Nation ?”

        I must warn you they are our smart patriots and no one ever dare call them names.

        Its our 2500 year tradition, highest form of civilization and culture.

  • 1
    6

    The overseas separatists will not stop their activities they will just call Mr S a stooge of the Government. A pity that parliament is divided on racial grounds as in 1977.

    • 4
      2

      taraki

      “A pity that parliament is divided on racial grounds as in 1977.”

      Therefore JVP members of the current parliament are also Tamils.

    • 5
      1

      In another word, you do not like a Tamil being the Opposition Leader!

      • 0
        0

        No Burning, I like Sinhalese to be in the TNA too!

        • 1
          0

          taraki

          “No Burning, I like Sinhalese to be in the TNA too!”

          Of course you are right.

          You should request/apply for membership, join TNA and open branch offices in down south starting from Hambantota, Kurunagala, ……… You should field Sinhala speaking TNA candidates through out the island.

          However you must insist on a piece of legislation that bans cross overs in the parliament.

          Then let see how many Sinhala speaking TNA MPs remain in the party.

          PS

          Podiappuhamy Piyasena was elected MP in 2010 contested as TNA candidate received 11,139 votes, then crossed over to UPFA, contested 2015 lost his seat with 4,901 votes.

  • 12
    0

    Is it the beginning of a bright Dawn for the Tamils of Srilanka. As per one comment above , the opposition leader has a duty to listen and act of all the oppressed in SL . I mean from North to South East to West and the Central parts of SL.
    He’s no doubt a well educated man wish him all the best.
    There’s no barriers with the age, when you’re talented you’re talented until your demise. Young UNEDUCATED stallions running amok in the Pariament is only a recipe for disaster for the COUNTRY. Hope the voters will take note,

    Good luck to you Sir.

  • 9
    1

    An excellent move indeed. What the past 40 years, with all the associated blood shed – on sides of the ethnic divide, have shown us is that there is no alternative to inclusive politics in Sri Lanka. The TNA must fully engage in national politics and that means working towards the betterment and rights of ALL people in Sri lanka. When the the ‘Whole’ improves all components of that ‘Whole’ will, by definition, improve. They have to actively promote the ‘Sri Lankan Tamil’ identity, an identity that is equally proud of both components of that identity – Sri lankan and Tamil, in that order. Still waters indeed run deep. MS is certainly making a mark in the political history of our country.
    Professor mahesan Nirmalan
    Manchester Medical School

  • 0
    2

    [Edited out]

  • 4
    0

    Hon. R Sampanthan,

    Now you have the opportunity form a party under the name “Sri Lanka Patriotic Party”.

  • 3
    0

    The Professional

    “Now you have the opportunity form a party under the name “Sri Lanka Patriotic Party”.”

    Can’t you live without dubious patriotism?

    Alternatively they rename it as Eelam Democratic Front.

    PS

    The entire island was also known as Eelam.

  • 5
    2

    At 82 he becomes the worlds oldest opposition leader.

  • 3
    0

    Now that the TNA leader has been made the Leader of the Opposition, TNA has to give up its narrow sectarian Tamil politics and play his role as a true Sri Lankan opposition leader in order to keep the Maithri-Ranil government in check. The Leader of the Opposition under a Westminster system of parliamentary democracy is in fact the Prime Minister in waiting. For protocol purposes, the Leader of the Opposition is given the fourth important position and prominence after the President, Prime Minister, and Speaker of Parliament.

    I hope, unlike Amirthalingam, Sampanthan will fulfil the duties demanded by the Opposition Leader’s position and earn the plaudits of all Sri Lankans.

    TNA Leader is rightly entitled to be made the Leader of the Opposition by virtue of the fact that TNA happens to be the party with the highest number of Parliamentary seats next to UNP and UPFA with the latter two parties forming the government.

    However, I see this appointment as a kind of trap to TNA laid by Maithri and Ranil. Now that TNA has been recognised as the official opposition in the Sri Lankan Parliament it cannot be seen or heard making a sectarian call for self-rule for the North East Tamils either under a federal system or under two nations-one country principle. Sampanthan will have to now reign in on people like Sritharan MP and Sivajilingam. As opposition leader, Sampanthan will now have a moral duty to defend Sri Lanka at the Geneva Human Rights Council as Ranil did as Sri Lanka’s Opposition Leader when Mahinda government was in power.

    With the appointment of Sampanthan as Sri Lanka’s Opposition Leader and the election of Selvam Adaikalanathan as the Chairman of Committees, and the previous appointment of a Tamil as the Chief Justice of Sri Lanka, Maihri and Ranil have now earned the respect of the so-called international community. US, EU, Japan and other countries will now drop the demand for international inquiry against Sri Lanka at the Geneva Human Rights Council sessions citing these healthy developments in Sri Lanka. Further, countries like Australia, UK, Switzerland etc. will now insist on the return of the Sri Lankan Tamil asylum seekers who have been given temporary asylum in those countries citing these very same healthy developments in Sri Lanka. These countries will now say that there may not be any more persecution of the Tamils in Sri Lanka now that the Opposition Leader, the Chairman of the Committees in Parliament (this the third most important Parliamentary position) and even the Chief Justice of Sri Lanka are all Tamils.

    • 2
      0

      “However, I see this appointment as a kind of trap to TNA laid by Maithri and Ranil.”

      Who knows? If it is a trap – the beauty of the trap is that so many are congratulating him.

      Time to post that one about the IQ of Sri Lankans.

      • 3
        0

        Vanguard

        “Who knows? If it is a trap – the beauty of the trap is that so many are congratulating him.”

        It is simple, keep your friends close, keep your enemies closer.

        “Time to post that one about the IQ of Sri Lankans.”

        I am sorry I assume you have the right IQ to understand the differences among countries.

    • 0
      0

      A Tamil, by sheer right being made Leader of the Opposition – and dropping charges of War Crimes and gross HR abuse – are two entirely
      different issues. If democracy is to survive in Sri Lanka the Rajapakses, Sarath Fonseka and other War criminals must submit to the charges against them. The fate of the large number of Tamils missing during May 2009 should be satisfactorily addressed, if we are to call ourselves living under the democratic culture. In the latter the State is under legal obligation for the life and limb of every citizen. The Rajapakse-Fonseka combination made a mockery of it and snuffed out the lives of multiple tens of thousands of Tamil civilians destroying their lands and livelihood in the process. Almost the entire Tamil Nation was forced into the open from their homes – save the million who escaped and became the Diaspora. The State – the army, Police and the judicial process and the political leadership – in May 2009 and since cannot jettison their responsibility under false and convenient pretences. The UN and the US must assist the Tamil civilians regain their rights as well their lands, houses and possessions much of it stolen by the army and their Sinhala friends.

      Sampanthan becoming the Opposition Leader is not a favour or concession by the Sinhalese to the Tamils. In fact, with the passage of time and a Parliament, which I predict will be unruly and chaotic, Sinhala-Tamil relations can further deteriorate. Unless the Ranil-Maithripala Govt go on a accelerated development programme in the North-East creating additional employment and economic wealth in that area. The behaviour of the Sinhala Buddhist extremist priests and the Weerawansa-Dinesh G-Gammanpilla types will play its own role if Sri Lanka is to proceed on peace or other terms. Characters like that disgrace to the cloth – Galaboda (?) Atthe cannot be expected to keep quite after their own hopes for political leadership were tickled by the Rajapakse Brothers.

      Backlash

    • 1
      1

      Naga

      “I hope, unlike Amirthalingam, Sampanthan will fulfil the duties demanded by the Opposition Leader’s position and earn the plaudits of all Sri Lankans.”

      Please read the following excerpts:

      Votes and majorities do not show the real qualities of Mr. Amirthalingam, although they point to his popularity among the Tamil people, and their trust in him as a democratic leader. The true measure of the man can be seen by how he, as Leader of the Opposition, strongly opposed the move by the UNP Government, to strip the SLFP leader and former Prime Minister Mrs. Sirimavo Bandaranaike of her civic rights. We in the SLFP, both within and out of Parliament, were truly impressed by his determined opposition to this crude attempt to throw out of the political arena the main opponent of the UNP government of the day.

      More striking in his opposition to politically disarm Mrs. Bandaranaike was that he was defending on a matter of principle, the rights of the former Prime Minister who had placed him and his colleagues of the Federal Party under house arrest for their participation in the civil disobedience campaign in 1961. When it came to matters of principle and democratic rights he was not the man to put past

      Editors Note: This article was contributed to Asian Tribune on 13 July 2006 by President Rajapaksa on the 17th Deth Aanniversary of Late Mr. A. Amirthalingham. We are reproducing this article for the sake of our readers to impress on them on the need for reconciliation and coexistence.

      – Asian Tribune –

      http://www.asiantribune.com/node/62663

      Naga

      Leaving aside your anti Northern Tamil rhetoric let me tell you that though he fought stupidly for his people, he had never been accused of racism or bigotry.

      Here is a relevant story about Amir which was related to me by a Sinhala speaking alumni of University of Moratuwa some years ago:

      There was a roof top protest by the Uni students. It went on for a while. Amir went and met them by climbing a wobbly ladder all the way up to the roof top. He spent hours on the roof top. Amirthalingam spoke to essentially Sinhala speaking students.

      What do you think he was doing up there with hyper active students? Did he join them to demand Tamil Eelam?

      You may not like them, however in all fairness you better learn to recognise what they had done or didn’t do.

      • 1
        1

        NV,

        This Naga guy has been wrong in many of his predictions before the elections– he supported Mahinda Rajapaksa and said the TNA would not win many seats in the N-E anymore. Having quietly accepted the results without saying he had been wrong, he still imagines himself as a master strategist and goes on to pontificate to the TNA and Sampanthan on what they should do. Then he opines that this is a trap by MS-Ranil.

        If anything, this is an even bigger strategic trap for MR; on one hand, MR would be shunned by those within the UPFA who were close to him but have now become part of the national government, and on the other, MR cannot gain anything by being part of the opposition under Sampanthan as Opp leader. So the only choice for him is to stay on as an insignificant MP. Bored with it, he will most likely retire from politics soon, which most people who support good governance in SL want.

      • 1
        0

        In fairness to Amirthalingam I must say that he was well qualified to be the Opposition Leader.

        I met him during that time in Parliament at the Opposition Leader’s Office to interview him for a radio program. I admired his knowledge about international and regional affairs when he smartly answered my questions which were not discussed with him before hand. He had excellent command of English and was one of the great Sri Lankan Parliamentary debaters. During those days I enjoyed listening to the great contributions Amirthalingam and Sivasithamparam made during Parliamentary debates which were relayed to us at at the SLBC News Room.

        It is also on record that it was Amirthalingam and Sivasithamparam who escorted Mrs Bandaranaike when she left the Parliamentary chambers after being stripped of her civil rights amidst the hooting and jeering of the UNP MPs.

        My only criticism here is that after being made the Opposition Leader he still considered that his duties were only to the Tamils. He could have done better by projecting himself as the Leader of the Opposition of the whole country. In my opinion he did fail in this regard.

        • 1
          1

          Naga

          Thanks for your clarification.

          Amir failed failed miserably not because he was unaware of politics nor international machination.

          He failed simply because he could not move the party from parochial politics to mainstream. The state and governments not only didn’t help him but vilified him as the only curse of the island. My Elders had noticed he understood the issues and deep rooted problem very well than others MPs, Tamil speaking or otherwise.

          Ask yourself a simple question;

          Did the state or the Sinhala/Buddhist establishment help the politicians from minority communities to come out of their parochial mindset?

          More attacks on minorities guaranteed comfortable victories in the subsequent elections.

          You should be batting and balling for the underdogs.

  • 4
    0

    Hon. Mr.Sampanthan sir,

    Wish you all the best sir. God bless you.

  • 3
    0

    This is a good move. Now this Tamil leader has to be a national opposition leader. It means that he should speak in matters of national interest not just of his community alone. can he do this? can he debate national issues rather than his confinement in EELAM Talks and can he win heart of Sinahalese as a national leader.

    • 1
      0

      DR NASS,

      If you caste your mind back to the passage of the infamous 18th Amendment, only TNA was vociferous in their opposition to it! The TNA spoke out against the Aluthgama attacks as well.

  • 0
    6

    How sad..

    I expected Velalla Sambandan to be the Deputy PM under Batalanada Ranil, after his MOU with the UNP which was signed in Singapore and sealed in London, in the presence of British Elephants, Tamil Tigers,and Solheim.

    And UNP Christian Faction scored 106 seats with the Vellala vote across the Nation .

    Sambandan could have added his 16 Vellala MPS and Ranil would have had a formidable 122 seat Government.

    Instead Ranil cowed and allowed Sira to form a Family Government between Batalanad Ranil and the cousin Whisky Madam and called it a National.Government to hoodwink the Elite and the Anglicans.

    What is Samabandan going to do in the Opposition driver’s seat.?.

    He wouldn’t bring any no confidence motions against Ranil, or Galleon..Right.
    k
    All he will be doing is, keep asking for a Federal Eelaam. until Batalanada completes his 2 year probation , which Bodhi Sira has imposed on him..

    Perhaps he may bring a private members bill to abolish the 6th Amendment which Batalanada Ranil’s late Uncle Dick, slapped on the previous Vellala Opposition Leader..

    Mahendran of course will open a Moet & Chandon on the weekend when, the Son in Law calls in to catch up with latest Money Market Developments and the Interest Rates.

  • 0
    6

    How sad..

    I expected Velalla Sambandan to be the Deputy PM under Batalanada Ranil, after his MOU with the UNP which was signed in Singapore and sealed in London, in the presence of British Elephants, Tamil Tigers,and Solheim.

    And UNP Christian Faction scored 106 seats with the Vellala vote across the Nation .

    Sambandan could have added his 16 Vellala MPS and Ranil would have had a formidable 122 seat Government.

    Instead Ranil cowed and allowed Sira to form a Family Government between Batalanad Ranil and the cousin Whisky Madam and called it a National.Government to hoodwink the Elite and the Anglicans.

    What is Samabandan going to do in the Opposition driver’s seat.?.

    He wouldn’t bring any no confidence motions against Ranil, or Galleon..Right.

    All he will be doing is, keep asking for a Federal Eelaam. until Batalanada completes his 2 year probation , which Bodhi Sira has imposed on him..

    Perhaps he may bring a private members bill to abolish the 6th Amendment which Batalanada Ranil’s late Uncle Dick, slapped on the previous Vellala Opposition Leader..

    Mahendran of course will open a Moet & Chandon on the weekend when, the Son in Law calls in to catch up with latest Money Market Developments and the Interest Rates.

    • 3
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      KASmaalam K.A Sumanasekera

      “Sambandan could have added his 16 Vellala MPS and Ranil would have had a formidable 122 seat Government.”

      That wouldn’t be a democratically elected government. Would it be? The reason is based on Dayan’s treatise on Democracy. The minority votes don’t count towards electing the president or forming a government.

      Therefore Tamil MP’s are just MP’s their 16 Voices mean nothing. On the other hand the old fox Sam would have demanded all the plum jobs, Defense, Finance, Buddha Sasana, Education, Development, Trade, Land, Police, Shipping, Aviation, Local Government, Provincial Councils, Law and Order, ………………. It would be too much to part with.

      Traditionally the opposition leader has nothing to offer, can’t change the course of the government, cannot stop human rights violations, ……….oppose the government for the sake of opposing it, people don’t take the opposition leader seriously, ………… so does the government, …

      UPFA can prevent this. Form a breakaway UPFA mark 2 sits them in the opposition.

      • 0
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        Dear Native,

        Now you are talking…

        Batalanda Ranil signed more MOUs than Betting slips at Shatin .

        Wonder what happened to them?.

        Sira may have been a domestic at Horogolla , But he ain’t a push over,

        Ranil thought he was King Dick, the way he acted in the first 100 days and promises he made prior.

        Sambandan can’t be that darf to sit in Opposition just enjoying the perks.

        He may have got a promise from the Minders, Managers and the Financiers of the Singapore Sling.

        You surely must have watched Sira’s 64 Anniversary address to the Dalits in Pollonnaruwa..

        It will be interesting to see what pans out in the next 2 years which is the shelf life of Batalanad Ranil and Cousin Whisky Madam’s Family Government.

        • 1
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          KASmaalam K.A Sumanasekera

          “Sira may have been a domestic at Horogolla , But he ain’t a push over,”

          First whats wrong being a domestic. If true you ought to celebrate the fact that he had job, didn’t send his wife to Medieval Middle East Kingdom to make few buck so that unemployed partner could enjoy a cushy life, on the contrary he worked hard and reached where he is now, ………..

          I never been to Horagolla Walauwa so I wouldn’t know whether Sira was a domestic or not.

          In your case I believe last ten years of your life was spent in virtual MAR(U)A Sira’s Hora Walauwa carrying his clanking b***s.

          Which occupation is better, being a honest hard working domestic or carrying Hora’s clanking b***s.

          I let you decide.

    • 1
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      Amanayo,

      Smarting eh? Time you learned to be civil and appreciate Good Governance’. Ofcourse it was never in your lexicon before.

  • 0
    2

    A ram is crowned and garlanded.

    I am not sure whether one should congratulate or express condolence. I want to stay away from both.

    Sampanthar will be impeached by UNP, soon, the same way Ranil and JR did it in 70s. Before that, there is an important job awaiting Sampanthar. That is, not showing opposition to the internal investigation and ratifying it for the Appe Anduwa, New Royal government.

    With the 176 MPs, Appe Anduwa will be bringing new, new 6As to the constitution. With the 176 MPs, 19A will be interpreted worse than 18A. When there is an opposition is existing in the parliament (Not TNA, it is JVP) the 19A has been bend to give more than 100 ministers, with name of national government. Soon all Sampanthar’s speeches will be deleted from the gazette with 176 MPs’ acquisition as racist speeches. He will be treated worse than Udaya Gammanpila. Ranil will make Sampanthar to sit down the same way he made the School Principal in the North to to sit down.

    Thanks for Sampanthar to take part in the clownish Sinhala Intellectual Dramas!

  • 2
    1

    Here is a GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY for the TNA to disband SECTARIAN POLITICS and enter the main stream on NATIONAL platform. Please remember you are now a NATIONAL ENTITY and no more the sole representative of North and East of the country. Mr. Sambandan, please represent ALL THE PEOPLE of the country and contribute to uplift our lives. To do that you need to be a NATIONAL LEADER and not a leader who leads a particular ethnic group. Now, please think BIG and discharge your responsibilities on a NATIONAL LEVEL, I repeat on a NATIONAL LEVEL. Congratulations and wish you success and more particular may the WISDOM dawn on you to serve ALL of us. Remember to make this opportunity a MEW BEGINNING on a NATIONAL LEVEL.

  • 2
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    KAS the idiot has spoken again. Sumane never runs out of stupidity. Tough luck a Tamil is an opposition leader, deal with it. Lot more things are going to change idiot.

  • 3
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    Congratulations…..

    Mr.Sampanthan is the man who deserves the post.

    Mr. Maithreepala Sirisena and Mr.Ranil Wickramasinghe have paved the way to true democracy which we never experinced.

    Buruwansa and Vasidewa must shut up now and specially Buruwansa must get ready to issue illegal passports now.

  • 2
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    Democracy has triumphed, in the best traditions of Westminster, which were handed down to us, by Lord Soulbury, and which were prostituted by SWRDBandaranaike for self glorification and power by duping the masses.

  • 2
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    When I first read of this appointment, I felt a big relief, a hope for a brighter future and the thought that true democracy is finally taking root in our country. It goes to show that we Sri Lankans are resilient people who can bounce back from adversity if the doors of opportunity are kept opened. Good leadership is what matters most, and aren’t we glad we have seen it in MY3/RW/Karu/ and now in Sambandhan as Opposition Leader. I remember Ranil’s first interviews long before elections where he was explaining his strategy to improve the country’s standing as he made his moves on a chess board. I am sure he must be pleased with his performance thus far. He has far reaching goals for our country, and if given half a chance, he may even turn out to be what Lee Kuan Yew was for Singapore, or Mahathir Mohamed was for Malaysia.

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