28 March, 2024

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Sri Lanka After The Presidential Election

By Mangala Samaraweera

Mangala Samaraweera -Minister of External Affairs

Mangala Samaraweera -Minister of External Affairs

I am profoundly grateful and touched by the warm welcome and generous introduction accorded me this evening. It is such a pleasure for me to be back once again in this beautiful and important city as Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister after nearly 8 years on the Opposition benches in Parliament.

Before I start speaking on ‘Sri Lanka after the Presidential Election’, let me congratulate you Ambassador Burns on your appointment as the President of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace soon after you relinquished a very distinguished career at the forefront of United States diplomacy. I wish you many successful years of service providing leadership to this oldest international affairs think-tank in the United States. It is indeed an honour for me to have your gracious presence here today.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The story that I have to tell you today is a happy one. A story that shows, that although Sri Lanka and this great country are situated far away from each other, and our nations are unequal in size, there is much that binds the people of our two nations. Their commitment to democracy, freedom, liberty, good governance and the rule of law and their dedication to uphold, protect and preserve the pluralistic nature of society. These are the values which the people of Sri Lanka chose to reaffirm at the Presidential election held just over 33 days ago when they used the power of the ballot to elect Mr. Maithripala Sirisena as their President.

Despite an election campaign which was greatly flawed and one-sided, the rainbow coalition of the opposition scored a decisive victory on the 8th of January on a platform promising far reaching democratic reforms. Asia’s oldest democracy reasserted its belief in and commitment to democracy by dislodging an emerging dictatorship in typical South Asian style – laid back and non-violent. Instead of the stones, pellets and bullets of the Arab Spring, Sri Lanka’s ‘Rainbow Revolution’ succeeded through the power of the ballot.

Over 81.52% of registered voters exercised their franchise on 8th January, silently, peacefully and decisively resulting in a swift transfer of power the very next day. The firm resolve of the Army Commander, Inspector General of Police, and the Attorney General must also be commended in the face of moves to declare a state of emergency and disrupt the counting in the early hours of 9th January.

The people of Sri Lanka, through this singular act, conveyed several powerful messages:

  • reaffirming their faith in the best traditions of democracy, they showed how formidable a power elections can prove to be;
  • they also indicated to the world their vision for their country by choosing to vote for a leader who promised them good governance, the rule of law, strong democratic institutions, reconciliation, sustainable economic development, peace, and most importantly, the creation of a new political culture devoid of divisive politics and the preservation of the multi-ethnic, multi-cultural nature of society;
  • they also sought through this election to set standards for their leaders to abide by. Calling for an end to impunity and corruption, people demanded that their elected leaders and public officials are made accountable for their actions and inactions.

Of course, to most who did not expect this change from Sri Lanka, and those who were sceptical about Sri Lanka’s long cherished democratic culture, the election results on 9th January came as a shock or what one would call a jaw dropping moment.

The whole world broke out in applause for Sri Lanka during the wee hours of the morning of the 9th of January. After a long time, Sri Lanka is once again the centre of the world’s attention for the right reasons. Although this change brings with it great responsibility that the new Government must live up to, President Maithripala Sirisena, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and the Government are deeply conscious of this fact.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

This is a unique moment in our country’s history and its Parliament. Why do I say this? It is not because of the large voter turnout. It is not even because all communities played an equally important role in electing this leader or the peaceful transition of power that took place. I say this because it is important to not lose sight of the fact that the people gave their mandate to President Sirisena to create a new political culture. As a result, we today have a very special Parliament. For the first time in our nation’s history, the two main political parties, the United National Party (UNP) and the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) have reached consensus to move forward in unison for a common cause – that is to work towards achieving important national objectives in keeping with the aspirations of the people of our nation.

MangalaFollowing the election, President Sirisena was appointed as Chairperson of the party that was earlier headed by the former President, the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP). Although this phenomenon may have seemed strange to observers of Sri Lankan affairs, this act made it possible for the President and the Government to secure the support of the Sri Lanka Freedom party which has a majority in Parliament. Working together with so many different partners is a new experience for us which requires the Government to chart its path carefully and mindfully, through consensus building. It is nevertheless, a necessary path to tread to implement the important 100 Day Work Programme or Reform Agenda of the Government which has been endorsed by the people, enact key legislation required for this purpose and take important steps required to heal the wounds of our nation.

The support that the Government receives from the Leader of Opposition as well as parties that have not joined the Government such as the Tamil National Alliance and the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) are vital for the success of the Government’s reform agenda and valued by the Government.

Based on this collective approach to governance, Ladies and Gentlemen, for the first time in our nation’s history, the Government succeeded, at its 67th Independence Day Celebrations on 4th of February to officially recognise past tragedies and the need for healing and unity. Addressing the nation on this solemn occasion which the leader of the Tamil National Alliance attended for the first time in 50 years, President Sirisena spoke of the need for meditative reflection on past errors while desisting from heaping blame on each other. He made a commitment to work towards reconciliation and unite the minds of the people of all ethnic and religious communities.

The Government’s ‘Declaration of Peace’ at the official Independence Day Ceremony included:

  • paying respects to all the citizens of Sri Lanka, of all ethnicities and religions who lost their lives due to the tragic conflict that afflicted the country for over three decades and to all the victims of violence since Independence, and
  • a commitment to ensure that never again will the country be allowed to be traumatised by the shedding of blood of her citizens.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The Government made up of a collection of political parties that I like to call the ‘rainbow coalition’ and the parties that support the Government including the Tamil National Alliance recognise fully the importance of this moment. We are conscious that this opportunity must not be squandered and must instead be fully seized for the sake of the present and future generations of our country and to reach our nation’s fullest potential. Therefore, the Government, since its very first day in office, commenced work on implementing the 100 Day Programme on which it campaigned and was elected to office.

  • The most important issue for the Sri Lankan polity, and the longest pending, is reconciliation. While meaningful reconciliation would take time, as it involves a process of healing, it is nevertheless an essential factor for the country’s progress. Recognising this, the Government, within days of assuming office, appointed two very senior former civil servants as Governors in the former conflict affected Provinces of the North and the East with a view to initiating measures to strengthen civilian administration. These posts were previously held by military personnel.
  • Along with this step commenced a series of additional measures to address the particular requirements and grievances of the people in these areas including seeking tangible solutions to the complicated issue of land ownership.
  • The Government has already commenced discussions on introducing a policy of progressively reducing High Security Zones in the Northern Province and releasing land to the public.
  • Steps are being taken to remove any remaining restrictions on visiting places of worship in the Northern Province and reconstructing all damaged places of religious worship.
  • Restrictions placed on persons visiting the North were lifted with immediate effect.
  • Involvement of the military in civilian activities has ceased.
  • Resettlement related issues of the internally displaced are being addressed in consultation with the relevant entities. All Sri Lankan refugees living overseas have been invited to return on a voluntary basis. The Government has already begun exploring possibilities of extending assistance to such returnees.
  • Carrying out its pledge to ensure media freedom, all restrictions on media personnel including the practice of referring visas for clearance to the Ministry of Defence were immediately discontinued.
  • All foreign media personnel who wish to visit Sri Lanka are now welcome to do so and travel to and report from any part of the country, freely, without fear of intimidation.
  • All news websites that were blocked were unblocked within a matter of days.
  • An open invitation was extended to all media personnel living in exile to return to the country.
  • Demonstrating its commitment to engage actively with civil society and the human rights community including human rights activists, the NGO Secretariat was shifted away from the purview of the Ministry of Defence and placed under the Ministry of Policy planning and Economic Affairs. Together with the Deputy Minister under whose purview this Secretariat now rests, I hope to engage with these groups on a regular basis to the extent possible and also have the relevant NGOs involved in the reconciliation process.
  • The Department of Immigration and Emigration which was also under the purview of the Ministry of Defence was shifted out and placed under the Ministry of Public Order.
  • Independence has been restored to Government institutions. Ministers are once again given their due place in policy making while public officials are respected and the environment required for them to carry out their rightful functions has been restored.
  • Work is already underway to repeal the controversial 18th amendment to the Constitution which removed independent appointments to Commissions and lifted term limits of the Executive President. The Government will re-introduce provisions of the 17th amendment which will cause the establishment of the Constitutional Council that will provide for the establishment of independent Judicial Service, National Police, Public Service, Elections, Bribery and Corruption, and National Human Rights Commissions.
  • Necessary amendments to the Constitution to cause the transfer of executive powers exercised by the President to the Prime Minister, the Cabinet of Ministers and to Parliament are in the process of being drafted. The current President who, upon taking oaths affirmed to the nation that he will not contest another Presidential election has suggested that not only must the powers of the Executive Presidency be curtailed but the term limit too must be reduced.

Having discontinued the practice of drawing undue importance to the post of President, he has shunned the use of terms such as ‘His Excellency’ to refer to him. Consistently emphasising the merits of abandoning ostentation, President Sirisena, instead, ensures that all of us adopt a pragmatic approach to governance, focusing all our energy on building a compassionate and moral society where the rule of law and good governance practices are upheld and attention is paid to serving the public.

  • Delivering on the assurance that the passage of the Assistance and Protection to Victims and Witnesses Bill will be expedited, action is to be taken on this matter in Parliament this month.
  • Introduction of an ethical Code of Conduct for all representatives of the people, the enactment of the Right to Information Act, and the National Audit Act are also currently being worked on for implementation within 100 days.
  • A National Executive Council inclusive of representatives of parties represented in Parliament has been set up and meets regularly for consultations on the implementation of the 100 Day Programme and issues of national importance. Parties that are not a part of the Government such as the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) and the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) are also represented in this National Executive Council.
  • On 20th January, the Prime Minister gave an assurance in Parliament that the 13th amendment to the Constitution will be implemented. This will be done while ensuring the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the State.
  • Compliance with applicable legal provisions pertaining to the arrest and detention of persons will be enforced and the possibilities of working with international partners, particularly the ICRC in providing access to detainees and in the establishment of a comprehensive database will be explored.
  • A vote on account to provide certain relief measures to the public was presented to Parliament as pledged on 29th January and adopted by a majority of 163 votes on 7th February.

These details that I listed out are just a few of the Government’s achievements and what it intends to do. They are important indicators that the Government headed by President Sirisena and Prime Minister Wickremesinghe are committed to delivering on their promises to the people.

I am sure you are all eager to find out about issues of accountability in relation to the conflict that plagued Sri Lanka for several decades. What President Sirisena pledged under item 93 of the 100 Day Programme in this respect is to ensure justice with regard to such matters through national independent judicial mechanisms. Although the Government has only just completed 30 days in office, this matter has already received due consideration and has undergone detailed discussion signifying the importance accorded to this issue that is a vital component of the healing process of our nation. As you know, the Commission on Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation too, in addressing issues of accountability, identified a series of incidents which warrant further investigation and if the material so warrants, the institution of prosecutions.

Accordingly, steps will be taken in the coming weeks to begin the process of setting up necessary mechanisms to investigate into incidents, and where sufficient evidence is available, conduct criminal prosecution in such cases. We will engage with the international community in this process including the United Nations and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Additionally, discussions will commence during the end of this month with officials from South Africa to institute a truth-seeking mechanism suitable for our circumstances, which will function in parallel to the accountability mechanism. Unlike the South African version, it will not be for the purpose of amnesty but to facilitate the healing and reconciliation process of the victims.

The Government will also explore ways and means to harness the potential of the Sri Lankan diaspora to contribute to local reconciliation and development efforts.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is evident from our country’s history dating back to thousands of years that the people of Sri Lanka have always been outward looking, has welcomed the continual absorption of influences from the outside world, and has maintained contact with lands beyond its shores. This is evident in the multi-layered make-up of our population, its manners, its traditions, culture, architecture, food and attire. It is also evident from recorded history that Sri Lanka has held a significant position in the maritime history of the pre-colonial and ancient world and that the Kings of our sea-faring nation had sent emissaries to the courts of their contemporaries including Augustus Caesar’s Rome. Relations between the great Emperor Ashoka of India and his contemporary in Sri Lanka led to the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka which had a civilizational impact on our country. There are many written accounts by foreigners of their visits to Sri Lanka including by a pilot in Alexander’s fleet and Chinese Pilgrim Scholar Fa Hsien.

After gaining Independence in 1948, Sri Lanka carried forth its engagement with the world and took pride in the pursuit of a foreign policy based on “friendship towards all and enmity towards none”. Considering the country’s geographic location mid-way between east and west, its historic role of engagement with the world, and an educated and highly literate population, it was natural for Sri Lanka to pursue this policy.

Sri Lanka takes modest pride in the fact that it was in Colombo, in April 1954 that the Prime Ministers of India, Myanmar, Indonesia, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, then Ceylon met and decided to convene the Bandung Conference or the Asia-Africa Conference in 1955. Sri Lanka was also among the first 25 countries that witnessed the birth of the Non-Aligned Movement and was host to the organisation’s Summit in 1976. Having joined the United Nations in 1955, Sri Lanka has contributed consistently to the United Nations system in numerous capacities, taking a lead in norm setting processes including the Law of the Sea Conference, disarmament and human rights and continues to this day to contribute to peacekeeping operations.

It was therefore uncharacteristic for Sri Lanka to have shifted away from this traditional foreign policy for some years in what is best described as an aberration. Sri Lanka now seeks to renew its engagement with the world community. Just before my departure to London on Saturday evening, I signed a letter inviting the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to visit Sri Lanka.

I look forward to inviting the Secretary of State when I meet him tomorrow, to visit Sri Lanka as well. I will also invite the UN Secretary General Mr. Ban Ki-moon to visit Sri Lanka when I meet him on Friday. Shooting at the moon, we would also like to see the President of the United States of America visiting Sri Lanka. If it were to happen, it would be the first visit by an American President since Sri Lanka achieved independence in 1948.

Having stressed the importance of discontinuing the previous Government’s adversarial policies in international relations throughout his election campaign, President Sirisena did not forget to give due recognition to Sri Lanka’s relations with the world community even in his brief remarks following his oath taking ceremony on the evening of 9th January. In his address to the nation soon thereafter on 11 January and in his remarks on Independence Day on 4th February, the President stressed that it is essential to maintain cordial and fruitful international relations. The aim of the Government, he said is to build the widest friendships internationally that recognises and respects our individuality as a nation. It remains our policy to extend friendship to all nations.

The Government of President Sirisena and Prime Minister Wickremesinghe, therefore, pursue a policy of renewed engagement with the international community. We look at the world as an opportunity and not as a threat. We will embrace the world so as to get the best the world can offer for the betterment of the Sri Lankan people. Ours will be a pragmatic foreign policy not based on ideology but on the needs of our people.

In implementing its 100 Day Programme as promised, and efforts to renew its engagement with the world, the Government requires the support, partnership and understanding of the international community. It is our fervent hope in this regard that the United States will be a pivot in our effort to revive Sri Lanka’s relations with the western hemisphere and as expressed by the Assistant Secretary of State during her visit to Sri Lanka recently, that “Sri Lanka can count on the United States to be a partner and a friend in the way forward, whether it is on rebuilding the economy, preventing corruption and advancing good governance, ensuring human rights and democratic participation for all citizens.”

I would like to quote in this context from a recent article written by the moderator of this event Mr. Fredric Grare that was published in the Carnegie portal this month. In this post-election analysis he suggests and I quote:

“To help control corruption and promote reconciliation, it may be time to consider relieving some of the pressures on Sri Lanka applied by the United States and Europe. Gradually unfreezing development aid and giving Sri Lanka enhanced trade benefits under the GSP+ trade agreements if Sri Lanka works toward achieving genuine reconciliation and fighting corruption.”

unquote

Mr. Grare, thank you for those words. Our plea today is exactly this. This audience is aware of how, in 1948, America helped restart the European economy with the Marshall Plan, a recovery plan that in time restored Europe’s economic wellbeing. It is our hope that America will partner us through a similar endeavour to help us realise the kind of economic development required to meet the aspirations of our people.

Since time immemorial, Sri Lanka’s natural assets and geographical location in the Indian Ocean made Sri Lanka a transit and destination point for sea-faring nations. Our present-day interactions with the international community, including the United States must factor in Sri Lanka’s location as a hub in the Indian Ocean. In this context, what we wish for is to pursue our relations with the United States to be as comprehensive as possible encompassing a multitude of areas of cooperation. There are several areas of common interest for both countries including the promotion of international peace and security, ensuring maritime security, and combating terrorism and religious extremism. Our two countries are bound by our commitment to pursue and protect democracy and human freedom. Throughout its history, the people of Sri Lanka, just like in the United States,   have struggled to retain their sense of independence.

In this context, historically, the governments and people of the United States have always been held in high regard by the people of Sri Lanka. The American people and their governments harboured no colonial designs against the people of Sri Lanka. And they did not stand in the way of our own drive for independence. More recently, they stood by Sri Lanka in its fight against terrorism. While America remains Sri Lanka’s largest customer, we wish to further promote trade and investment both ways to make our economic and trade relationship more comprehensive and balanced, benefiting the people of both countries.

My first official visit to the United States and meeting with Secretary of State Kerry tomorrow will be a first step in our efforts to renew and re-engage with the United States for the mutual benefit of the people of both countries. In fact, I would like to assume that the people of the oldest modern democracy in the world, the United States, and arguably the oldest modern democracy in Asia, Sri Lanka, expect no less.

I would like to leave with you some thoughts on how the world at large including all of you as individuals could help Sri Lanka at this unique moment of its history.

First, I invite all of you to visit us. Join this exciting moment of our history and carry our story out to the world.

Second, help Sri Lanka through increasing trade and investment. Encourage your entrepreneurs to capitalise on the new investment opportunities that have opened up in Sri Lanka. Job creation is key in alleviating the economic situation of the country. Increased trade and investment opportunities are important factors that will assist the reconciliation process and ensure its success that is vital for Sri Lanka’s sustainable growth, peace and development.

Third, I urge the international community including the human rights community to be patient. This is a time of fragile transition. The Government of Sri Lanka is committed to the success of this journey of strengthening democracy, good governance and the rule of law while ensuring the promotion and protection of human rights of all her citizens.

But remember, this is also a sensitive process involving the participation of a multitude of political parties that are essential to ensure the success of this journey. There are still some extremist elements within and outside the country who, for obvious reasons, want this journey derailed. Therefore, I urge you to allow us time and space while supporting us in this journey of national reconciliation and healing, institution building and regaining the true Sri Lankan identity.

Finally, tell our story to those who might be able to derive something meaningful from it; to those who would gain inspiration from it, especially those who may be in what might seem like irreversible states of despair – with either authoritarianism or civil strife, conditions which we believed not so long ago that we would have been destined to have perennially repeated in our country. Tell our story to those who may have lost faith in democracy and the power of the ballot. They must not lose heart.

Thank you.

*Sri Lanka after the Presidential Election: Address by Mangala Samaraweera, Minister of Foreign Affairs at the Carnegie Endowment of International Peace February 11th 2015

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Latest comments

  • 0
    0

    This comment was removed by a moderator because it didn’t abide by our Comment policy.For more detail see our Comment policy https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/comments-policy-2/

    • 2
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      Unfortunate to hear most versatile YAHAPALANA MODEL RECONCILIATION happening in North. This may be the beginning of Fifth and final Ealam war. Creation of Separate state looks inevitable through the YAHAPALANA MODEL. 6.2 million of people were mandated this process. Many moderate people expected this to happen but not this soon. This is not a sudden developement, it is gradual process.

  • 14
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    TNA Leader R.Sampanthans presence at this years Independence Celebrations is after a period of 43 years where the leader of a mainstream Tamil political party has graced the occasion. It was a most welcome gesture.Of-course there are sections within his own party who are critical,and also the Tamil Diaspora who went to the extent of burning his Effigy.Perhaps,the TNA leader with his experience knew that to engage the Govt:to resolve the problems facing the Tamil community in the aftermath of the War consensual politics is the way out. This is a bold decision on his part,though at the risk of his own political fortunes.

  • 15
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    It does not matter whether it is pre prepared or off the cuff,, it is a great speach. Good Luck sir remedy the wounded deplomatic ties.

  • 7
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    Comparing to what GL as being a useless professor who was just being dictated by MaRa regime to recite what was given, this is a good piece of speech. Keep it up and keep away your 20 year secretary!!!!

  • 11
    3

    Yes it is an excellent speech.
    Just the right balance.

  • 8
    4

    Excellent presentation which gives the right message to the world. It is important to promote among people to think as “Sri Lankans”

  • 3
    3

    A speech that makes many many promises and representations about the situation on the ground that are already diverging with reality – it is going to be difficult for Sri lanka to play the old game of saying one thing and doing another. They need to deliver on their promises.

  • 5
    8

    Speech is good.
    But the international investigation should go on and the UNHRC should produce the report as planned.

  • 1
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    Mangala’s speech is very welcome when taken in the context of reforming the Sri Lankan state and improving ties between the US and the Sri Lanka. This needs to happen regardless of whether or not the NE becomes independent. So I think US policy is going to be twofold: They will continue to encourage democratic reforms and support initiatives by the GOSL to improve governance. At the same time, they will pursue their agenda at the UN to deliver truth, justice and security to the NE. Mangala has to understand that the US sponsored resolution back in 2012 represents a solemn promise to the Tamil people. To paraphrase Martin Luther King, the resolution is a check, a promissory note written to the Tamil people by the United States promising justice. The check is not going to bounce and be returned for “insufficient funds”.

    • 3
      3

      Mangala Samaraweera -Minister of External Affairs,

      “It is such a pleasure for me to be back once again in this beautiful and important city as Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister after nearly 8 years on the Opposition benches in Parliament.”

      Thank you, Sir. You have your work cur out for after all yjet damage done by the MaRa Shill G. L Peiris.

      Please keep hacking at it.

      P.S. Please make sure you get those coup leaders punished,. They had it up to 90%, bit could not compete it.

      Video: Gen Fonseka talks of the failed coup

      There was a plan to carry out an Army coup on 8th January while results of the presidential election were being released reveals former Commander of the Army Gen. Sarath Fonseka.

      Earlier, Minister of Foreign Affairs Mangala Samaraweera made a complaint to CID regarding such a conspiracy attempt. However, the preliminary investigation report that was to be made available within a week has not been released yet.

      Former President Chandrika Bandaranayke Kumaratunga, the JVP Leader Anura Dissanayaka and several reports through the media had revealed details of such a coup.

  • 5
    1

    Excellent speech. How to say no, for the ask of space and time.

    Onwards and Upwards Mother Lanka. You are truly a blessed country.

  • 0
    2

    Phoo!

    Dhayan did better than this 2009. He turned around the 150,000 murders in to Zero casualty! He would not give a damn about this propaganda, But when he is out, this might be a big deal to other Sinhala Intellectuals.

    America and the West knows this is only up the next election(April 2015). Accepting this new offer of inviting America to fight new perceived terrorism is on the mood of America.

    Sampanthar’s days were counted. He will not have anyway to come in Trincomalee, if the TNA is not assigning its national member to him.

    • 0
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      Mallaiyuran You are a sick man.

  • 2
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    Here’s a man in place of the weasel GLP.
    I’m smitten by his vigorous thrust.

  • 2
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    Well, it is of course a very good speech by Mangala. But in the midst of the simplistic cut and dried American-corporate styled solution for Sri Lanka, one wonders if the Soul of Sri Lanka will be compromised. America that disregarded ancient heritage of their more indigenous people, and corporate-ized their whole continent will not have a clue or appreciation of the Soul of the Lankan Masses.

    It’s wonderful that Mangala reaffirms that we are a sea-faring nation, and we also have a heritage from all the visitors and settlers on our shores. And yet, with Sri Lanka being of environmentally-sound and ecologically-correct forest and mountainous climes, there endured the ancient, enduring, and self-sustainable civilization in these forests and mountains that also advanced in symbiotic tandem with the more “progressive” coastal belt; the Heritage of the Masses.

    Therefore, we are truly worried that America will not settle for Sinhala Heritage, but will influence our people to indulge in the free-economy of the coast to buy and sell and produce at no avail, and also be at the beset of the more unsustainable Northern Heritage that is screaming out to sustain their automaton-psyche in tandem with Tamil Nadu.

  • 2
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    A very good speech to put SL back in the world Arena. Let the twisters , the stirrers and envious Goats to mind their own business and let SL be recognised. SL is not a pariah state ruled by self serving uneducated thugs anymore. We should be proud for the moment and let the Acharu government to full fill the promises.
    Enough of white vans ,nepotism ,thuggery and crimes. Let all Srilankans live harmoniously. That’s what the majority of Srilankans craving for.

  • 2
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    This would have gone down even better if Mangala promised legalizing same sex marriage as well during their 100 day reign.

    Because it is the main issue bothering these Carngies blokes at the moment in the big ass Capitals, who drive the agendas of the small poor nations.

    In fact Mangala would have got a few extra browney points too for being the first among the whole Asia minor.

  • 1
    2

    An excellent speech.
    I await the completion/success of the 100 day program.

  • 2
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    Wonderful speech Shame on you GLP, DJ &others.

    Formerly reps like GLP spoke to please MARA to get financial & other benefits.

    This speech would have really impressed the Int. National community.

  • 1
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    Yes! It is a good speech!!!! A good speech that can throw dust in the eyes of the observers and listeners to make them believe the unbelievable that Sri Lanka is in the path of reformation. This speech is in no way unconvincing than that of Dayan Jeyatilake when he convinced the United Nations with his speech of “Humanitarian War” and “Zero Civilian casualties” during the last stages of the Tamil civilian massacre. I hope American public will see the truth as it is penetrating all the layers of sophistication and flowery eloquence. The Sinhala ruling elite and the intellgentia totally understood the consequences of leaving a less than subtle and ‘into your face’ Mahinda & Co in power when the UN Investigatory Report on War Crimes and Crimes against Humanity is to be tabled in March. It would have exposed the Sinhala Nation’s true colours to the World’s Humanity. This naked exposure would have been very deterimental to the very intention of the ruling elite of Sri Lanka to make Sri Lanka the “Sinhala Buddhist Nation”. All along the so-called anarchy and mayhem in SriLanka is well under the control of the political elite and the policy makers of SriLanka and the recent election manifestation is them pulling the horserope before the horse is bolted. They know if they didn’t play this game well Tamil Question will be measured accurately by the world’s Humanity to its rude awakening. This is ‘artful dodgery’ at its best. The so called ‘Revolution by Ballots’ is not stunning or a jaw dropping moment. I am horrifyingly mystified by the inability of the Tamil intelligentia to assess this risk and articulate it to the world community instead of participating in its own destruction by giving a picture that all is well.
    For the first time in the Tamil History the Tamil Nation has thrown its arms in desperation and cried for ‘HELP’ from the international community by passing a recent resolution with the claim of ‘Genocide’ in the Northern Provincial Council. I interpret this as the last gasp from a Nation that is left to face a slow agonising death. In simple terms it is akin to “Battered Woman’s Syndrome’ where the woman is unable to and has no avenues to express her fear for her life in the hands of her husband who can take control over her at any moment at his will and commit a gruesome murder. It is my sincere hope that world’s humanity will hear this feeble voice from a powerless people and act with urgency and responsibility even if it is not in the interest of Tamil Nation but for the well being of humanity in total. As promised the report of the UN independent international investigation should be presented in March without delay and Sinhala Nation should be made to reconcile with itself of the horrifying facts of rape, disappearance and mass murder. Mangala Samaraweera should remember when on boasting about the rainbow revolution, Tamil participation and the inspirational story of power of the ballot, it is also that power of the ballot that enabled to pass the resolution in March 2014 at the UN and SriLanka should bow down to the will of the world’s nations in similar spirit. He also should not forget the fact that it is the faith in the outcome of this report that made Tamils to go to the voting stations risking their lives. Will the Sinhala Nation ever understand what the Tamil Nation had gone through post independence and stand-up to its own conscience before claiming moralship infront of other nations?
    daya thevi

  • 0
    1

    To Mangala the FM

    You have proved yourself as the fitting Foreign Minister for modern Sri Lanka. Great!!

  • 0
    1

    Excellent speech from a very good orator- I always admire him for speeches made even in Srilankan Parliament.

  • 1
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    Kerry is said to be have promised to Mangala that the UN resolution is not going forward.

    The Old King’s hard investment on American PR firms is paying off. He pumped Chinese Yuan to sideline Susan Rice and Bring Kerry for that seat. Kerry was most need candidate for Chinese and Old King. Chinese Yuan investments in Lanka – the harbor, the airport, the highways constructions – did not work for him, but the investment in America’s PR firms is working for the new King.This even reduced a seat in the senate to the disadvantage to Democrats.

    Mangala paid the bribe money to LTTE and thorned the old King. (at least that is what Mangala claimed and Sinhala Intellectuals contented). Now he claims he has formed Rainbow club with TNA to defeat the Old King. That means, TNA will not escape the fate LTTE faced in the hand of Mangala.

    Sampanthar’s future is over. There is extremely slim chances that he can pull off Trincomalee this April(or may, whatever it is). That is death bell to TNA’s unity. Now it appears TNA trying to save itself before election storm blow it into pieces. I doubt if it can be done. TNA committed itself into Ananthasangari’s TULF’s path. The party which one time passed the 1976 Vaddukkodai Convention with the support of Tamils, which one time had SJV, GG, Thondaman as its presidents, will be wiped out of Tamils soil by the end of Ananthasangari. For all these, Blake forced Ananathasangari to support the old King’s government for American Peace Prize. He did what ever Blake asked and got the price. But the TULF is over. Kerry is going to be there only for two years. Lanka is really conscious about it and acting swiftly. When Mangala return this time, he will get down from the plane and kiss the Land the way Old King kissed it in 2009.

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    An excellent Speech.

    I think that more time should be given to implement the 100 day Program. 100 days is too short a period to implement this very complicated and sometimes sensitive Program.

    My best wishes to this Government and I hope you will honour your promises

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