Colombo Telegraph is now in a position to reveal that two senior UNP Parliamentarians openly campaigning for Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe – namely Rajitha Senaratne and John Amaratunga – have attempted to strike a secret deal with President Maithripala Sirisena to form a fresh national government, without Wickremesinghe.
The new national government is ‘Plan B’ of Sirisena’s operation as he has failed to secure a majority in Parliament to support Mahinda Rajapaksa’s Prime Ministerial bid. Sirisena’s ‘Plan B’ is to form a new national government with the SLFP, a section of the Joint Opposition and a UNP minus Ranil Wickremesinghe.
Senaratne and Amaratunga had met Sirisena yesterday to discuss the new arrangement. Dinesh Weerakkody, the son-in-law of Amaratunga and a close associate of Senaratne, had facilitated the discussion, Colombo Telegraph can reveal.
As a measure to break the current political deadlock, they had discussed the possibility of forming a new national government, with the SLFP, the UNP and the Joint Opposition sharing an equal quota (10) of Cabinet portfolios.
Sources familiar with the matter said Sirisena had even agreed to appoint any senior UNPer – except for party leader Ranil Wickremesinghe – as the Prime Minister of the new national government. Sirisena had informed the two UNP seniors that even Sajith Premadasa, the Deputy Leader of the UNP, was an “option” for the premiership.
Sirisena had also informed them that Cabinet positions could be given to about 10 UNPers and they had also discussed possible names who would offer support to such an arrangement. Interestingly, all the names that surfaced during this discussion are linked to large scale cases of corruption under the UNP-led government.
Colombo Telegraph, in June, revealed that sixteen close associates of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe as well as their families have been targeted in a special corruption investigation drive launched by Sirisena.
The plan was to move the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery and Corruption (Bribery Commission) to investigate Wickremesinghe’s aides, nine of whom are his closest loyalists. The Commission was empowered to investigate and even call for and examine bank details of persons about whom allegations are made.
These investigations and bank account details are likely to be used to blackmail these MPs into supporting the new national government, without Ranil Wickremesinghe.
After the discussion with Sirisena, Senaratne and Amaratunga had held a discussion with Wickremesinghe at Temple Trees on an alternative way of resolving the political crisis. During the discussion, both Senaratne and Amaratunga had stressed the need for an interim arrangement and had offered to facilitate a meeting between Sirisena and Wickremesinghe to discuss a “fresh arrangement”.
Colombo Telegraph learns that the ultimate objective of this mission is to edge Wickremesinghe out and get the UNP’s consent to form a national government with a different “UNP Prime Minister”, until the next election.
Another important outcome of this mission is to throw former President Mahinda Rajapaksa into a fresh crisis. Under this plan, Rajapaksa will be deprived of his Prime Ministerial post and will be forced to either accept a ministerial portfolio or to merely step aside paving way for a UNP Prime Minister, Colombo Telegraph learns.
Sirisena has decided to convene Parliament on November 14, buying more time to execute his ‘Plan B’. Initially, he promised the diplomatic community to convene Parliament on November 05 and then assured speaker that he would allow the House to meet on November 07.
Colombo Telegraph attempted to contact Rajitha Senaratne thrice to get his comment on the matter. However, he failed to respond to our calls. Dinesh Weerakkody’s mobile phone was switched off when we attempted to contact on Sunday night.
rbh / November 5, 2018
The president has to answer for all future arrangement “The way to get good ideas is to get lots of ideas and throw bad, to get the ideas it must be from the parliament, the people who gave votes to them.
A doctor needs the patients complain the finalize his diagnose and for treatment
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Mango-Nando / November 5, 2018
Conspiracy theory a la’ carte! Very little by way of truth. The Final outcome of this saga may be very different than anyone could have imagined. Certainly, this is going to bring out the worst in human kind. Lord have Mercy on this country and its people. I state this through some exclusive insight/foresight (whatever you want to call it) into the devastating fallout to emanate from this crisis.
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shankar / November 5, 2018
wait till you see sirisena’s plan Z in june 2019.The hairs in the back of your neck will start to rise.
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Pry / November 7, 2018
This photo is taken in 2016 November.
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"Nettle Grub" / November 5, 2018
It is extremely distressing to see that we are a “Nation” based on treachery, opportunism, dishonesty, inconsistency, double-dealing, knavery and triviality. I am too old to dare, but will not have any qualms about asking my children to remain abroad (even as second class citizens) rather than return – unless things change dramatically. This is a terrible truth to confess, but even boundless optimism will not see this happen. Unless good men of decency and merit replace the present leaping frogs of Diyawanna. Only a restoration of merit over mediocrity has any chance of success. The alternative to success can only be suicide of a once proud people. Quiet funeral and no flowers by request !
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Pry / November 7, 2018
This photo is taken in 2016 November.
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hancho pancha / November 5, 2018
6.2 million voters who voted for MS opposed MR in no uncertain terms. By arbitrarily appointing MR replacing RW sure is a breach of trust by MS.
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Suranga Gunasekera / November 5, 2018
The question at the moment is democracy and law in Sri Lanka. People have given a clear vote, asking to keep Rajapaksha out of the presidency.
I believe as per the constitution if he becomes the priminister, and claim that in the parliament even for 5 minutes, either the president will have to resign or might get killed.
This means before a no confidence vote he will become the president.
Then all he has to do is appoint a priminister of his choice and void the 19th amendment.
If this happens, firstly it is not what people voted for and secondly we will have protests all over Lanka.
We will definitely go from bad to worse.
This will make him to use military force to gain control.
There will be no turning back from this. Even if we find a way to come back, our forces will be devided and Sri Lanka will be open for taking by the LTTE.
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Manel Fonseka / November 5, 2018
Sadly, I am not so confident that we will have protests all over the country.
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Namo Matha / November 5, 2018
Mahinda who? Is he the Prime Minister or Crime Minister of SL. Power hungry, arrogant, greed for wealth, nepotism and bandyism, just to serve his own self interests, whilst physically terminating – destroying all opposition to his self-styled governance are just some of his most notorious traits. Already the free press has been muzzled to sing his praises. and slowly but surely will take a stranglehold on the basic human freedom enjoyed by the masses. This palpable feeling of fear and insecurity is already permeating down to grass root level, in stark contrast to the climate of heydays, enjoyed until very recently. Weeping mother Lanka.
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nalmen / November 5, 2018
too little too late
should have thought of it much earlier
sira has already committed himself
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LANKA Nitizen / November 5, 2018
What Sri Lanka and Sri Lankans desperately ,deservingly must be granted with urgency is to be able to uphold their dignity are ;The Westminster Constitution must be introduced, not a Hybrid that has powers not everyone can handle we were blessed so far ,no matter what we been through ,From JR,Premadasa ,D.B. Chandrika to Mahinda have so far proved to have conscience ,we have been not lucky but blessed , right now in the midst of this political turmoil I have nothing to say yet about The President ,it is too early and would be unfair to form a judgement against him and to do otherwise will be to do. in justice to the people, we need to wait for end results .
Secondly what we need is hybrid political parties not constitutions ,given .the mixed ethnicity the country is made up of.
What minor parties like The JHU ,and likes , all Tamil Parties and all Muslim parties must do is get fully absorbed into one of the major traditional political parties and form .an internal sub party unit so as to sustain the needs of the people they represent but go by name as the main party and crossovers must end ,it is the worse injustice that has been done under present dictorial constitution.
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Rufus Perera / November 5, 2018
As one of your readers, I have considered CT to be like
pure milk. Now you have landed a ton of cow dung into
it with this story.
This is nothing more than a figment of someone’s imagination.
There is no plan “A” and plan “B.”
For those who do not believe it, time will show this. CT do not
insult the intelligence of your readers with fairy tales like
this.
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LANKA Nitizen / November 5, 2018
@Eagle Eye ,I think now your eagle eyes need glasses, may be due to aging or some medical conditions your eagle eye which is by default far sighted is becoming short sighted .
First read the UK Westminster constitution in detail not scanning through ,then read the west Minister systems in other countries ,like Canada etc ,then read the Northern Ireland devolution system( only to be used as a means of creating something that suits our culture) if you have any conscience and true love for the Country you will realise why almost the entire cabinet ministers don’t want it back and why JVP the one and “only third force of the people today” request to abolish Executive Presidency and ban the crossing over of politicians in acted in the 19th amendment was removed by certain politicians (which is a clear violation of all citizens fundamental rights,,can be challenged am sure by law)
As for Jaffna the issue needs to be addressed and there can’t be a better solution than one similar to northern Ireland devolution ,which can be
acceptable by Sinhala ,Tamil and Muslim population and the republic Ireland and northern Ireland treaty on agricultural, etc can be considered to clear issues with north and east .
This will avoid the pressure for merging north and east and at the same time remove the fear from the hearts of The Sinhslese of separatism and give the Tamils the much wanted devolution and provide the rights for Tue Sinhalese ,Tamils and Muslins who are almost equally represented in Eastern province .
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Eagle Eye / November 5, 2018
LANKA Nitizen,
British and Demalu have something in common. British occupied Northern Ireland and do not want to leave. Demalu from Hindusthan occupied Yapanaya and do not want to leave. Both these parties should be kicked out.
Demalu in Sinhale are scattered in five pockets. Yapanaya, Tirikunamale, Madakalapuwa, Nuwara Eliya and Colomba. So how the hell you expect to devolve power to these pockets.
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LANKA Nitizen / November 5, 2018
It is very tiring and a waste of breath hearing over and over again the broken record of how Ranil was appointed as PM and how the same was done to appoint Mahinda ,only the people in remote areas who are dependent on TV news will bite the bate ,majority are on Social media from every walk in life,they will not buy the bait to be baited .
This is comparing oranges to apples .
The day The President appointed Ranil as PM he had total and complete executive powers to do whatever he wanted .
Today he definitely does not have it.
To deceit the people by quoting that the Sinhala text of the 19 amendment has not removed the total executive powers is a serious allegation against the entire Parliament and mostly against Ranil ,one of the two must happen ,if this is a political initiated lie to deceit the people ,either the ones doing it must stop or Ranil must come forward and prove to the people which one of by the story is true ,his mantra of I am the PM seated inside Temple Trees is not going to solve anything.
Meanwhile everything else that happened is now irrelevant, the people have been taken for a ride once again and this must end once and for all.
Replace the constitution ,dissolve Parliament and call for general elections ,period .
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Henry Fernando / November 5, 2018
Can we ever trust these politicians,our country is struggling to come out of the present debacle caused by power greedy dirty and dishonest politicians and again two traitors are planning to add fuel to the fire. they are only aiding and abetting the sinister plans of MR and MS. whose only strategy is to oust RW and capture power by hook or by crook to escape the impending danger glaring on their faces. This is not the time to execute one’s plans to oust RW , thereby you are only playing into the hands of MS and MR. Your endeavour should be to uphold the interests of the people at any cost and not to fish in trouble water. UNP may eventually decide on these issues frankly and openly and let RW vacate gracefully. If there is anyone in present parliament who is without blemish let him cast the first stone.
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Naman / November 5, 2018
Plan B seems to suit the needs till the next elections are due.
We could decide on either Premadasa or Dissanayake of UNP as PM.
Hope most sensible Sri Lankan’s will accept this as a solution to the current situation.
The entire Rajapaksa clan should be retired hurt from politics and then get down to DO really productive jobs and earn their money in a decent way.
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charles / November 5, 2018
MR already got the power now. No way he will let it go. Wait and see.
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K.Pillai / November 5, 2018
{“Sirisena Activates ‘Plan B’: Rajitha – John Meet Sirisena To Discuss Internal Coup In UNP And Form Fresh National Government Without Mahinda And Ranil “}
If Plan B (Rajitha/John meet MS) is an ‘internal UNP coup’, then Plan A (RW-sack + MR as PM) is indeed a ‘coup’. Why is our situation still called ‘crisis’? Should blood spilling take place?
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firdhous / November 5, 2018
Plane-C, that is to put all the Politicians in House Arrest or send them abroad and the Army will take over the government with a special congress of Intellectuals to provide political and Administrative Assistance.
Everyone with slight corruption charges will be investigated under a special, express court procedure and punished accordingly.
Then the power will be transferred to the elected parliamentarian in fare election.
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Anwar Cader / November 5, 2018
To comment I do not need 300 words. In simple English remove the President. A tractor of the Sinhalese world. The Tamils may be having the last laugh. Sinhalaya Modaya.
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Truthseeker / November 7, 2018
You are welcome to go back to the country that you and or your ancestors came from. Hope the people there are bright and brilliant so you do not have to put up with the ‘Moda” sinhalayas. You can take with you everyone that share your vision. And trust me . the ” Moda Sinhalayas” will not miss you when you and the likes of you are gone. Adios Mr Cader !
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LANKA Nitizen / November 6, 2018
Hello Eagle Eye, are you okay,? thought you had only vision issue, now I see you have a severe heart issue, it’s filled with so much hate, if you don’t end it the same fire will only harm you.
As long as this label demallayo and Thambiya remains in the hearts and tongues of some there will never be peace or blessings.
You say they are from India and invaded, where did your ancestors come from?
Anyways, does it really matter?
Are you going to live forever on this land?
I do. Not blame the Tamils and Muslims wanting to be in an enclave of only their people, this is what happens when people are driven with fear, time heals wounds only if they are not opened frequently and borne in.
Let Lanka heal, let the blood soaked land be washed and breathe new life.
Can you imagine how many Tamils must be cursing you right now?
Do you even realize what they been through? From forced into a battle they never asked for and the same battle ended at their cost?
Try to soften your heart and never become a person to receive the curse of broken hearts.
You sound someone whose heart is filled with so much of hate and blood thirsty, it’s disgusting to read your comments.
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Eagle Eye / November 6, 2018
LANKA Nitizen,
“You say they are from India and invaded, where did your ancestors come from?”
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This country was called ‘Sinhale’ until British ‘Awajathakayo’ changed it. Sinhala language is unique to this country whereas Tamil language is from Hindusthan brought to this country by invaders.
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“Anyways, does it really matter?”
Yes, it matters when Demalu who colonized Northern part of the country after destroying Sinhala Kingdoms in Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa say ‘No Sinhalese are allowed in the North’ while Demalu live all over the country. Who are racist? Demalu or Sinhalayo.
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Sinhalayo have no problem living with Demalu (Hindu and Muslim) who like to live as Sri Lankans but do not tolerate extremists who talk about carving out parts of the country exclusively for them.
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justice / November 6, 2018
Eagle Eye,
Please read about ancient Jaffna Kingdom here :-
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaffna_Kingdom
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George Cooray / November 6, 2018
These are not plan ABC..Z. These are fools doing foolish stuff in fools paradise. … MODAYAS.
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Dimo / November 7, 2018
Good Heavens ! This Guy Rajitha again.. A shameless loser, is he trying to perform another spineless act ? Please People, you have had enough please get rid of this SLIMY POLITICAL SINKHOLE once and for all….this time. .
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raju / November 7, 2018
This whole saga shows that both Siri aiyya and Mahinda malli are two brainless A grade idiots. Mahinda malli through his total greed opened his mouth to be filled with Siri aiya’s BS,jumped the gun and has now destroyed all chances of his his siblings and his own sons political future. They are doomed for good. Siri aiya is now laughing his gyts out doble crossing the malli for the second time. May be he might want to be both the Prez and PM
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raju / November 7, 2018
This whole saga shows that both Siri aiyya and Mahinda malli are two brainless A grade idiots. Mahinda malli through his total greed opened his mouth to be filled with Siri aiya’s BS,jumped the gun and has now destroyed all chances of his, his siblings and his own sons political future. They are doomed for good. Siri aiya is now laughing his guts out May be he might want to be both the Prez and PM
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