Special Statement made by the Hon. Prime Minister of Sri Lanka – 16th December 2018
It is a pleasure to me to address you once again as the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka.
You all know that the basic law of our country is the Constitution. Now we have passed 87 years after we gained franchise. During this whole period the people of this country protected the Constitution. They protected fundamental rights. Whenever there was a threat to the constitution and to the fundamental rights, they came forward to protect them.
Same thing happened in the Presidential Election in 2016. You all joined hands to end an era in which the Constitution and the rights of the people were suppressed. It is with this intention that we adopted the 19th Amendment to the Constitution in order to protect the rights of the people more and more. I would like to emphasize that democracy will not be strengthened by acting against the constitution.
The Prime Minister of the Country should have the maximum confidence of the Parliament. Without a majority support a Prime Minister cannot bring forward the Country. Similarly, the Prime Minister and the Ministers should vacate their posts when a no confidence motion was passed in Parliament against them. In terms of the Constitution no one has the power to dissolve Parliament until four and half years have lapsed after a Parliament is formed. It can only be done on a resolution passed by two thirds majority in Parliament.
This Constitutional violation cannot be rectified by way of an election. It is also stated in the Judgement of the Supreme Court.
I would like to quote the following paragraph included in page 85 of the judgement delivered by the Supreme Court.
“It has been said by some of the added Respondent that refusing the Petitioner’s applications will enable a General Election to be held in pursuance of the Proclamation marked “P1” and, therefore, justified because it will give effect to the franchise of the people. That submission is not correct. Giving effect to the franchise of the people is not achieved by the court permitting a General Election held consequent to dissolution of Parliament which has been effected contrary to the provision of the Constitution. Such a General Election will be unlawfully held and its result will be open to question. A General election will be valid only if it is lawfully held. Thus, a General Election held consequent to dissolution of Parliament which has been done contrary to the provisions of the constitution will not be a true exercise of the franchise of the people.”
I said the same thing on 26th October at Temple Trees. I said that our fight was for the sake of democracy, justice, protection of the Constitution, adherence of the rule of the law and civilized and moral conduct of society. I also said that we would win this fight.
Even today I am telling the same thing. I will tell the same tomorrow too. I will abide my word. I will do what I say. I say only what I can do.
Most of the people of this country joined together to protect the constitution, democracy, and the rights of the people. Hundred thousand of people who adhere to their conscience came to the forefront of this fight as Sri Lankans, disregarding their race, religion and party politics. Sri Lankans living abroad too supported this move to the best of their ability. They joined this fight on behalf of their country and democracy without any personal gain.
I take this opportunity to salute them all.
Similarly, I would like to pay my homage to the Maha Sanga and the clergy of other religions who guided us in this endeavor.
The Hon. Speaker, Ministers and the members of the Parliament fully dedicated to uphold the supremacy of the Parliament and democracy. I offer my sincere gratitude to all them. Our judicial institutions including the supreme Court and the Court of Appeal exhibited their independence and the identity to the whole world. I would like to extend my gratitude to the Judiciary as well as to the lawyers who made their legal submissions. And also, I offer my gratitude to the members of the public service, armed services and the Police who upheld the rule of law and justice.
My gratitude should go to the journalists who fought for the impartiality of Media in the midst of the pressures of errant journalists and to all who toil day and night voluntary to tell the truth to the World through the Social Media.
In January 2015 and August 2015, we gained the mandate of the people to bring about good governance, to preserve the democracy and the Rule of the Law to eliminate frauds and corruptions, to empower Parliament after abolishing the executive presidency and to uphold the sovereignty of the people.
During the past three and half years we have done a lot to the Country.
It is due to progressive steps including the establishment of the independent Commissions that many institutions including the Judiciary could act independently.
The whole country is enjoying the harvest of the seeds we sawed during the past three and half years. We are happy about that. However, there are things we could not implement in this period. Some work got delayed. We could not finalize some work. But we haven’t lost our dedication determination. We are determined to rectify our shortcomings. We will take the steps to expedite the litigation regarding frauds and corruptions. We have created an environment in which different ethnic groups can live together in harmony and co existence. We will dedicate ourselves to maintain harmony among different ethnic groups.
Now, we should go forward.
Even by now, we have initiated the discussions with a number of political parties in respect to abolishing the executive Presidency. And also, we will have discussions with the Tamil National Alliance and Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna to bring about a political solution in which all citizens can live in harmony in a unitary state.
I didn’t take any steps to enter into any agreement with the LTTE in order to win the Presidential Election. In the past I dedicated the victory in the Presidential Election for the sake of my motherland. I haven’t yet changed that stand.
Our intention is to form a broad alliance to protect democracy. It is only through democratic environment in which the voice of the people is considered and the rights of the people are protected. We can bring about a dignified society where future generation can do without fear.
Our effort is to create a strong democratic environment that any external force cannot suppress. My heart-felt wish is to create a such a Sri Lanka. You all wish for such a country. It is the hope of all Sri Lankans.
Therefore, I appeal to all of you to forget all differences and join hands with this broad alliance, for the sake of our motherland, democracy rights of the people and to bring about a free country for the unborn generation.
Let us allow our heart-felt wish.
Thank you all.
Text supplied by PMMD
Nalin Perera / December 16, 2018
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Janaka from Matara / December 16, 2018
So happy for my country:
May the road rise up to meet you & guide you along the way,
May the breeze blow softly from behind taking the skin’s heat away,
May the rains fall timely upon your fields, to yield in plenty by May,
.and until I am back my beautiful island, May the Lord hold you safely in the soft hollow of his palm.
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Amarasiri / December 16, 2018
Hon. Prime Minister Ranil Wickranasinghe,
Thank you for standing firm for democracy and the supremacy of the parliament, that was the issue here. Thank you for your speech and statement where you have thanked all who have faught against the constitutional coup conspirators. The day of the Supreme Court Verdict is the day to celebrate. Let’s get back yo work, and for heaven’s sake please do nor appoint Penthouse Ravi as a Minister. You may appoint Ravi as a Doorman, Doratu Palau’s.
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Suren / December 16, 2018
See the difference between this and MR’s statement. This makes sense that was a nonsense after doing a foul act.
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Amarasiri / December 17, 2018
Suren,
Yes, Mahinda Rajapaksa’s statement was written by the Doke Gon L Penis
So, in Amarasiri’s comment, edited Mahinda Rajapaksda’s statement
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Amarasiri / December 17, 2018
Suren,
“See, in Amarasiri’s comment, edited Mahinda Rajapaksda’s statement”
Fake PM, MP for Kurunegala,
Your resignation speech is convoluted sleazy and further downgrades you. Therefore, Amarasiri edited and revised your resignation speech.
I was appointed as the PM by Sirisena, assuring everything is within the powers vested in him from the constitution and the amendments. However, the Supreme Court has unanimously declared that my appointment as the PM, was Fake and illegal. In addition, the Supreme Court unanimously ruled that the dissolution of the parliament was unconstitutional and Illegal.
I have taken oaths be PM, an illegal PM, and I resign, as I cannot get the support of 113 MPs in parliament, as we fell short of MPs to switch sides, as the price was too high, as high as Rs. 500 million per MP
I apologize to the Citizens of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, for the mayhem I caused as the Fake and Illegal PM, by believing the Idiot and Dork Sirisena.
I plan to get back to Medamulana, in retirement, provided I am not caught for all the illegal and criminal activities.
Please consider impeaching Sirisena, who stabbed me a second time. Let the constitution and the rule of law prevail.
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PARAGON / December 16, 2018
MR.PRIME MINISTER AFTER THIS JOINT VICTORY BY EVERY BODY WHO SUPPORTED YOU UNDER VERY HEAVY PRESSURE PLEASE DO NOT IGNORE THE TAMIL COMMUNITY AND TNA WHO WERE ALWAYS FIGHTING AGAINST SRI LANAKN CONSTITUTION FROM THE TIME OF COLVIN R DE SILVA This time fought with you to safe guard current constitution which does not fully endorse any meaning full rights to the minority tamil speaking people.IF YOU DO NOT TAKE ANY MEANING FULL ACTION TO SORT OUT THIS PROBLEM DURING NEXT TWO YEARS THERE WILL NOT BE ANY DIFFERENCE BETWEEN YOU MY3 AND MAHINDA.
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Rajash / December 16, 2018
very weak speech….there is no strong statement about corruption and murder committed by we know who
they all want to hold on to the dead LTTE tiger’s tail.
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Rajash / December 16, 2018
“Even by now, we have initiated the discussions with a number of political parties in respect to abolishing the executive Presidency. And also, we will have discussions with the Tamil National Alliance and Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna to bring about a political solution in which all citizens can live in harmony in a unitary state. “
initiated discussions…..will not move any further…..dream on….
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WalaGemba Raja / December 16, 2018
“You all know that the basic law of our country is the Constitution.” – RW
I thought the basic law of the country should be the RULE OF LAW; so that the constitution and its tenants therein will be preserved by everyone equally. The constitution is only a contract for any government with her people in offering the services where sovereignty in placed with the people and not the executive, legislatures, judiciary or any other establishment that can supersede the will of the people. How we go about governing as dictated by the constitution or the constitution alone does not make the constitution “the base of the law”. Rather, it is the “BASIC” common sense and moral decency that is a Sine qua non to uphold any form of law, and it is this basic premise that is followed in the Westminster system so that when the constitution or any written treaty or covenant falls short, it is our moral standing, ethical duty and public decency that trumps to uphold any basic law or tenant as its being carved in international law, contract and tort law. If we are to avoid anarchy, then a strict penal code needs to be implemented so that none is above the law. That is why the RULE OF LAW needs to be at the base of any form of law. We do not have this essential base element in place in this country. It is because our political and judicial dimwits don’t understand and adhere to these basic tenants is why we falter as a nation and has become an inalienable cesspit to the world and continue to do so. If any politician cannot understand what I have laid out here, I suggest you go home by leaving the country to our young blood who can and will understand the BASICS.
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Babi Aachchi / December 16, 2018
Talk is cheap.
No more Karunanayakes, Senaratnas, Wijedasa Rajapakses, Sagala Ratnayake’s etc. in government please.
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Analyst / December 16, 2018
Yes PM ! give us a Clue that we can trust you ? Please stop getting bullied by the President and his greedy men.
You have a chance , a final Chance to build this broken country and prove yourself as a truly , worthy Stateman!!
At the moment if we can trust you as you say you treat all citizens equally and give them all they deserve.
Island wide good , infrastructure, education , employment , industry enabling employment ect! ect! ect!
NOT ONLY BUILDING MEGAPOLIS ! Improvement on Rural Villages to give chance for those villagers too.
They too deserve a life , in Employment, good education , and most of all industries as needed.
I still remember the night after the 2015 January Election , there appeared to be a bloody coup was about to take place from the Temple trees from the then home of then President R and his unhappy men following the loss of the election!
Victorious RW said there appeared to be a coup to kill MS and topple the new winners.
But soon afterwards YOUR MOUTH WAS MUZZLED ! By whom?? Sir ?? By MS ? MR loser gang ??
Have a bit of back bone to beat the EVILS!!!
Be ready for those Power hungry lot to muzzle them before they muzzle you sir!!
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MNIN Perera (OTC) / December 16, 2018
Dear PM,
The fundamental premise of our constitution is that the People are Supreme.
The fount of power is thus the people.
Will you safeguard the peoples unalienable right to elect or reject a candidate by removing all those who the people have rejected but have been appointed via the national list?
Please prove that all this talk about defense of democracy is not political hogwash by cleaning up your National list appointees and upholding the peoples’ verdict delivered at the election.
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Analyst / December 16, 2018
Please prove yourself firstly of your Authority in our country For us to believe you.
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justice / December 16, 2018
This is all well and good.
Democracy should be enjoyed by all.
None should live under any military regime, as it is not democracy.
No one should lose their homes, lands, livelihoods due to compulsion.
Erection of monuments to one religion, use of one language only, compulsory usurping of businesses, farming and schooling by those not entitled by law is not democracy.
Harassment of citizens labelled as ex-terrorists, is not democracy.
Keeping persons in prison for decades without trial, is not democracy.
If the PM believes in all this, he will create the strong democratic environment for prosperity of the entire nation.
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kolla / December 16, 2018
The prime Minister must have the confidence of the parliament. Correct.But Ranil’s own 19 amendment says” who in the opinion of the president commands the confidence…”
The parliament must have the confidence of the people. Correct. After the last Provincial Government elections can Ranil claim to have the confidence of the people ?
Elections held unlawfully ? How can consulting the people at any time be unlawful ? Constitution making for the benefit of one person has made everyone mad !
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Eagle Eye / December 16, 2018
Civil Society organizations and NGOs staged a ‘Satyagrahaya’ at Viharamaha Devi Park to protect Democracy. They were saying that dissolution of Parliament and calling for a general election is an anti-democratic act of President. I am wondering why these guys who are so concerned about preserving democracy did not stage a ‘Satyagrahaya’ when Ranil kept on postponing elections. When our man is doing anti-democratic things that is fine. Behavior of ‘Para Suddas’ was same. [edited out]
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Ayathuray Rajasingam / December 16, 2018
Congratulations Ranil. It was a good speech. But you have some barriers when selecting the Ministers to the Cabinet. Please see that political crooks who crossed over have no place in the Cabinet. However, Maithiripala will somehow or other try to bring those political crooks into the Cabinet to create a bad image on you. I am sorry to state that these political crooks are opportunists and are country conscious, but self conscious. They are not worried about the country. That is why I always maintain that to limit the number of Ministers to 15 for the time being. Thereafter you can give consideration to to expand the number. These political crooks do not have a thorough knowledge of International Law and see that qualified Parliamentarians are given the correct portfolio. These political crooks do not have sufficient knowledge of the Colombo Plan, the European Union, Japan, ASEAN, etc. For instance how did Maithiripala became the Third richest politician in Sri Lanka. Likewise look at Karuna and Fowzie. They are only worried about having links with China to get Commissions and mortgage the country. It will be better if the TNA is accommodated and form a National Government which will compel others to shut their mouth. What is essential is developing the economy through which the grievances of the Tamils can be answered. Remember that it is due to the tireless effort of Sampanthan and Sumanthiran that democracy has been saved and now that they have comand among the Sinhalese. As for Tamil Parliamentarians they should throw all their emotional feelings and work with the Sinhalese who themselves will answer the grievances and will lay a foundation for the Unity of Sri Lanka. Tamil Parliamentarians should obey Sampanthan and Sumanthiran and try to win the hearts of the Sinhalese.
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Ayathuray Rajasingam / December 17, 2018
One error please. It should be read as in line 5 ‘and are not country conscious’. Sorry for the inconvenience caused by way of omission.
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Chitra / December 16, 2018
All’s good sir, now buckle down, put all the games aside, and work for the people.
Country before party and power. Is that too much to ask from you?
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Eagle Eye / December 16, 2018
“In January 2015 and August 2015, we gained the mandate of the people to bring about good governance, to preserve the democracy and the Rule of the Law to eliminate frauds and corruptions, to empower Parliament after abolishing the executive presidency and to uphold the sovereignty of the people.
During the past three and half years we have done a lot to the Country.”
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Is postponing elections using all kinds of shitty excuses preserving democracy?
Is masterminding to rob the Central Bank a contribution to eliminate frauds and corruption?
Is tolerating UNP MPs taking money from arrack producer to cover up Bond Scam a part of eliminating fraud and corruption?
Signing bilateral Trade Agreements without following the correct procedure Good Governance?
The correct version should be: During the past three and half years we have done a lot to ruin the Country.
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k.kulesh / December 16, 2018
PM has not spoken with any grimace or used any angry words after MS gave a provocative speech at the swearing-in ceremony. He has displayed his gentlemanly behavior and kept his cool. well-done, PM. However, be vigilant about unscrupulous elements who would creep into the cabinet, Central bank and corporations and Boards to spoil your name.
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Aku Esufali / December 16, 2018
Well done…
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Thappu / December 16, 2018
Winning the Premiership is not his victory. The country has put an end to the chaos caused by the men undermining the Constitution. That was a peoples’ victory.
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Ranil Wickremesinghe failed to protect democracy during his period as Prime Minister, prior to the havoc caused on October 26, 2018. He has not accepted his part in that chaos.
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Mere words do not bring about democracy. What is needed is action. What actions has he taken to bring to books the people who had ransacked our country, prior to 2015. He cannot shift the entire blame on to the President and hope that things would be forgotten.
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The Central Bank fiasco was under his watch. Has he investigated what went wrong. He has to give way to an independent inquiry on that subject. He cannot hide the role Ravi Karunanayake played in that debacle.
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If he makes RK the Finance minister there is proof of Ranil’s insincerity. Will Ranil avoid that. I doubt.
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Critical thinking / December 17, 2018
M&S tried to cheat public but God save the country ..
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Doratupala / December 17, 2018
Nothing on that little CB scam – for which he took “ personal responsibility” for the “perpetrator” ?
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Ajith / December 17, 2018
Dear Prime Minister,
We welcome the decision of the Judiciary. We welcome your speech. We welcome the democracy. I hope you will give us an updated progress on what you have said today every month. We also would like to clean our politicians and there should be a very strong legal barriers for misusing the power. Bribing culture of politicians should be completely stopped by legally. This country suffered for past seventy years by Buddhist Fundamentalism. We all love Buddhism but we should not allow Buddhism to be used as an excuse for creating violence against non buddhists and to misuse the power and justice. This is an opportunity and we hope that should bring peace and prosperity to this nation and people.
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JD / December 17, 2018
What ever it is, the very same thing happened in Nicaragua and Venezuela. Trying to react to that did not work. Nicaragua was successful but Venezula not that so. IF people were asked the answer is very different.
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JD / December 17, 2018
Ranil wicramasinghe, You know in your heart, how greedy you are for power. But, Prsidxent is still o the right Track. There are many countries that were destroyed becuse of the Opposition, govt underhand tactics. But, there are countries that were saved.
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JD / December 17, 2018
What ever it is UNP and it’s Cohorts should nt get the minister posts that they hadThere is no need of a PM, a Cabinet to run the country.
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Raj / December 17, 2018
You may make interesting statements now and later. However, people can not forget what the President Sirisena said lengthily at your appointment meeting. He gave a earful to all of you, specially those who robbed the Central Bank. You may try to discard President’s statement as stupid, but please remember the listeners and readers are not stupid. And they are the voters of Sri Lanka.
If you think you and your bunch are innocent of all wrong doings (revealed by the President), you must first bring Mahendran back from his hiding place in Singapore and present him to the courts. (You don’t have to worry because as you say the judiciary in SL is independent)!
Let’s start from there Sir; I’m sure you still have some time left, since people of Sri Lanka still respect honesty and integrity of political leaders.
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K A Sumanasekera / December 17, 2018
Dr Ranil does not believe in Elections .aka the Mahavamsa Universal Franchise…….
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Dr Ranil only believes in the 225 in Kotte, NGOs, and the Western Ambassadors Colombo to protect the Sovereignty of the inhabitant People of the nation..
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Dr Ranil also wants to get rid of the President , as the Presidency has thwarted Dr Ranil twice in Dr Ranil’s attempts to divide Nation, first with Mr Pirahaparan and the second time with Mr Sambandan as late as last month …
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May God Bless him with that extra 32 to continue his good work.
And extend the Power of the 225 for another 5 years ,soon after approving Dr Ranil’s New Constitution to Partition e the Nation.
And getting rid of the President with the expressed willingness and the cooperation of TNA and the JVP who have openly declared their affection to Dr Ranil to gut the President..
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Specially the latter, the JVP which once vowed to protect the Universal Franchise of the our Lankan Dalits in the Villages.ubans.. and make them live like Cubans..
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Jayavewa to Dr Ranil and his Elite, Anglican and Vellala Faction..
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I was sooo happy to see Mr Ravi Karunanayaka standing shoulder to shoulder with Dr Ranil Wickremasinghe when Dr Ranil was receiving the Oaths as the Prime Minister of my long suffering motherland for the Fifth Time..
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Special Blessings to Mr Karunanayaka to enrich our Nation with oodles of Dosh from Bond Investors in the West and their agents in Colombo..
Merry X Mas to All..
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Native Vedda / December 18, 2018
KASmaalam K A Sumanasekera
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“Dr Ranil does not believe in Elections .aka the Mahavamsa Universal Franchise…….”
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In fact your Mahavamsa Universal Franchise made more than 800, 000 adults disfranchised in 1948 of whom about 200,000 of the hard working men, woman and children were actually expelled, banished, exiled, transported, expatriated, extradited, repatriated; evicted, ousted, casted out, threw out, turned out, drived out, drum out; kicked out, booted out, chucked out, gave them the boot, sent packing, from their homeland.
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It was the Hindians who caught JR by his b***s and made it possible for the up- country Tamil speaking people to remain in this island forever.
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JD / December 17, 2018
Bond Scams both in 2015 and 2016, foreign exchanged control legislation to supprt Money laundereing Ministers, Ever Bankrupt Sri lankan air lines and many other SOEs. All behind. A thief became PM again. Every sentence is BS.
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