By Sharmini Serasinghe –
Sharmini Serasinghe
Once again, we see yet another version of a ‘Comedy of Errors’ unfolding on the political stage of Sri Lanka.
Over the years, this stage has seen many a comic performance, enacted by comedians of all hues, but the current scene takes the cake. Its title ‘Good Governance’ aka ‘Yahapalana’ is a joke in itself, and seemed fanciful, right from the start.
In a country where daylight robbers, drug lords, rapists, child molester, murders et al call the shots, and are seemingly above the law, with many masquerading as politicians, how on earth can there be Good Governance?
Civil society, the clergy, the media and a handful of honest citizens are shouting themselves hoarse, calling to rid the stage of these political dregs. This is indeed long overdue, but given the quality of politicians we are left to choose from, and with ‘Messrs. Honest/Clean Citizen’ in society refusing to get their hands dirty in the stinking mire of politics, what are we left with?
We have a former President; a onetime hero but today perceived as a villain by many, who cooked his goose on 8th January 2015, and now, hell bent on burning it to cinders, with a comeback on to the political stage. Honestly, has this man no self-respect?
And from what appears on the surface, the incumbent is spinning around at a dizzying speed, undecided if he’s to grant nominations to his bête noire Mahinda Rajapaksa or not.
If this alleged villain Mahinda Rajapaksa, is guilty of all what he has been accused of; corruption, abuse of power, attacks on the media, human rights violations, plunder and waste of public wealth, election malpractices etc., then why bring him back to the political stage? Is it in the best interest of the country, and good governance?
Some will argue, let him return and let the voter decide. But at what cost to the rest of us, and the country as a whole?
There are many myopic nitwits out there, who are still awestruck by ‘nice roads, pavements, parks, buildings etc.’, and believe they were built with the private funds of the Rajapaksas. Fortunately these are but a tiny, insignificant minority, confined mainly to the cocktail circuit, comprising the local version of the Joneses in Colombo, who believe it’s beneath their dignity, to stand in a queue, rubbing shoulders with the common man, to cast their vote. So, they don’t vote!
And then there are those, still on reverse gear, waving the flag, “He won the war”! Hasn’t “He” been appreciated and thanked enough for that?
This saga of, to give or not to give nominations to Mahinda Rajapaksa, is now turning into a joke. It’s making many people dizzy and utterly confused, not knowing where they stand with this man Maithripla Sirisena, who they voted for.
As the first citizen of this country, it is high time he got his priorities right, and took a decision once and for all: country first, and not his party first. He cannot eat the cake and have it too.
We have had enough of a daily dose of speculative and conflicting news reports stating “reportedly Mahinda Rajapaksa has been granted/denied nominations………” President Sirisena has so far, failed to make his stand on this matter clear to the public, and is thus being regarded as “spineless”.
From what appears to be, President Sirisena has a master card, tucked up his pristine white sleeve, and couldn’t care less, about the names he’s being called, nor what he’s being accused of.
There is also the possibility that President Sirisena might be looking at the bigger picture; to bury Rajapaksa politically once and for all. This indeed would be a national service. But how he plans to do it, only time will tell!
After all, this is the meek and mild looking man, who shared a meal of hoppers with his arch rival, and pulled the rug under his feet the next day. He appears to be one of those players, who just when you think it’s all over, pulls a rabbit out of the hat. This is definitely a fox in sheep’s clothing!
All those alleged corrupt deals under the Rajapaksa government that were bandied around so freely, in the not too distant past, and then quickly tucked away perhaps for ‘future use’, seem to have been only a mere tool, to whet the wrath of the people.
After all, though the system may require the corrupt to be proven guilty before a court of law, once the seed of doubt and suspicion has been sown in the minds of the people, they become their own Judge and Jury. And by the time the wheels of Justice start rolling, the guilty will by then, be pushing daisies.
Hence, in all probability, what we are seeing now, is major political psyops at play.
To the detached, these are indeed interesting times!
Muniyandy / July 8, 2015
MR is definitely the most shameless and power hungry politician in the history of this Serendib/Ceylon/Sri Lanka. Why can’t he retire from politics gracefully? Does he consider his “services” indispensable for the progress of this country?
Everyone with an IQ above 80 points will teach him the lesson of a lifetime at the next elections!
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Kumar R. / July 8, 2015
MR’s frantic efforts to regain control are based solely on his desperate need to stop international investigations on family-loot and international crimes (specifically arms sales, genocide).
His fan-base down South is no less devoted and unquestioningly faithful to this mythical superhero than how a very a large segment of Tamils still continue to near-worship VP – there is nothing in the world that would diminish that, and any challenges to the semi-God will only further consolidate and fortify that misguided patriotism.
So, MR is counting on increasing intensity of challenges from MS/CB/Ranil/US/India and will use every ounce of that to fire-up the misguided locals – and that is the biggest challenge for the serious politicians to counter.
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NIRMALA N / July 9, 2015
Kumar R.
You are purposely twisting your innermost thinking.
What you say and what you believe is totally different.
MS/CB/Ranil/US/India are like Murukkus or papadams. They are brittle.
MR is my hero. Therefore he is yours as well. Remember the meeting I (you) had with him. What an exciting one. Can you expect that from MS/CB/Ranil/US/India.
Mahinda is like a rock.
Tamils supporting VP? I too was engaging with VP. He is a man of honour. Unfortunately, Bala earned a bad name for him.
MR has VP’s determined character. That is why I wholeheartedly support him. Though he is old he is cuddly.
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len / July 9, 2015
[MS/CB/Ranil/US/India are like Murukkus or papadams. They are brittle.]
MR is my hero! Say what now are you admitting your hero got crunched by brittle Murukku or papadam’s so what is he then soft yellow centred egg.
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Dinuk / July 9, 2015
Sharmini good one: But Meanwhile Ranil Wickramasinghe is cooking his own goose having appointed Arjuna Mahendran, one of the most corrupt, unqualified, but smooth talking governors of the Central bank.
Ranil is hiding behind legalese or what he calls “parliamentary Privelidges” (what the hell is this in the Diyawenna Parliament of corrupt clowns and morons?) to suppress the COPE report and Truth about Mahendran’s dealings. Mahendran and His son in Law’s firm must be INVESTIGATED.
Arjuna Mahendran is second only to Mahinda Jarapassa’s Nivard Cabraal on the CB corruption index! Insider trading and rent seeking, he is a stock broker with a basic degree in Economics and not qualified for the job of CB governor.. and following Cabraal’ corrupt policies of printing money and incurring more DEBT.
Sri Lanka has had 2 highly corrupt and unqualified Central bank Governors in a row, appointed by Ranil and Jarapassa and the rupee currency is worth nothing today.. in free fall against the dollar!
All the SENIOR politicians, SLFP and UNP alike are scum in the Miracle of Modayas!
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Off the Cuff / July 9, 2015
Dear Ms. Sharmini Serasinghe,
There is an aspect of the current political situation that has escaped your attention.
The Secretaries of the SLFP and the UPFA are both MR supporters.
What will happen if either of them nominate MR as a Candidate not withstanding objections from Maithree?
The answer to that question will provide the answers that you are seeking from Maithree.
After MS was sworn in as President, he was MORE powerful than JR, Chandrika and Pre 18A MR and was as powerful as post 18A MR.
Maithree’s intentions on Good Governance was put beyond any doubt when he proposed as the SITTING all powerful President, the reduction of those unimaginably powerful Presidential Powers that he wielded from the moment he was sworn in. He even wanted to reduce his elected term of office from 6 to 4 years though Parliament reduced it only to 5 years.
What the country had gained by electing MS is immense despite an inherited parliament stuffed with corrupt MR supporters.
Moving against corruption was left in Ranil’s hands and he made a hash of it by getting his hands dirty with the Arjuna Mahendran CB fiasco.
The mistake that MS made was not dissolving Parliament the moment the CB coverup came to light. That would have been the pinnacle of Good Governance.
Ignoring the current political situation and what MS has done for the country does not do justice to MS.
You wrote “………but given the quality of politicians we are left to choose from, and with ‘Messrs. Honest/Clean Citizen’ in society refusing to get their hands dirty in the stinking mire of politics, what are we left with?”
There is a dearth of women in politics. This male dominance of our legislature should be rectified. It is a duty of civic minded women who are unafraid to raise their voice against injustice to do so where it matters the most, inside the Legislature.
You are very outspoken and would be a welcome addition to parliament. Why don’t you come forward? You will complement MPs like Rosy. Please give it a thought.
Kind Regards,
OTC
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Rationalist / July 9, 2015
OTC, I agree with your comment to Sharmini:-
“You are very outspoken and would be a welcome addition to parliament. Why don’t you come forward? You will complement MPs like Rosy. Please give it a thought.”
We need people like her, who can think for themselves, not follow blindly the Common Herd!
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Native Vedda / July 9, 2015
Rationalist
“We need people like her, who can think for themselves, not follow blindly the Common Herd!”
KASmaalam K.A Sumanasekera thinks not. Have a word or two with him.
This island’s political structure is such that Sharmini will be suck into the corrupt system, sooner or later she will become one of them, home trained and gone native. This island has seen accidents, body floating in Kalyani river, …………
The mud slinging state and private media would not only not tolerate but enthusiastically publish stories, deny right to reply, … eventually she would be left high and dry.
Let her be outside the establishment and be the “Moral Conscience” of the nation.
Only a few of them are left in this island, don’t drag them into pig slurry and bury them alive.
I suspect you have a hidden agenda. Are you working for Gota/Basil/MR the axis of evils?
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Rationalist / July 9, 2015
So NV, where do we find Honest, Public Spirited Candidates for Election to the new Government?
No NV, I do not have a Hidden Agenda, but would love to have some Names of Candidates with the above qualities, if you could supply them!
Or do you prefer to wallow in the ‘Pig Slurry’ forever?
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Wise Owl / July 9, 2015
OTC,
Sharmini is exactly where she belongs, with pen in hand doing what she does best, that is mercilessly berating fake Buddhist monks, politicians to Presidents.
She will be a waste in politics, so let her be where she is.
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Native Vedda / July 9, 2015
Wise Owl
“Sharmini is exactly where she belongs, with pen in hand doing what she does best, that is mercilessly berating fake Buddhist monks, politicians to Presidents.”
Pseudo/revisionist historians, dishonest intellectuals, liars, Mahawamsis, public racists, …………….
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Off the Cuff / July 10, 2015
Dear Wise Owl,
There are 650,000 more females than males in Lanka but they are hopelessly under represented in politics. The legislature decides how Lanka is governed and that has been dominated by the male population.
That governance has not been female or Child friendly and as Sharmini says “daylight robbers, drug lords, rapists, child molester, murders et al call the shots” masquerading as politicians. Thus it is imperative to get them out of the legislature and who is better than a woman to talk to the women of Lanka in the language of a woman other than an articulate woman? Take Rosy S as an example. When she speaks in Sinhala she speaks pure Sinhala. When she speaks in English her command of the language is excellent. I believe Sharmini can be another Rosy.
The women have the power to clean the legislature because they are the majority. It is high time that they assert themselves.
Sharmini is an outspoken woman, who can make a difference in the Legislature but that decision is her’s and her’s alone.
Re “… with pen in hand doing what she does best, that is mercilessly berating fake Buddhist monks, politicians to Presidents”
I don’t agree with your assessment because writing on CT or similar websites does not carry her opinion to the Sri Lankan masses where that opinion will count. A normal person on the street will know her as a TV presenter and a news reader. She does not say what she writes here either on TV or Radio. Her opinions simply does not reach the ordinary Lankan.
If she wants to create public opinion she must go National either on National Newspapers or TV or Radio where the audience is large. That has not happened and I don’t foresee it happening anytime in the future.
But I see that she is talented and that talent is currently wasted. Walking the Talk is not easy but I think she can do it within the legislature than without.
Note- Although I recognize her talents I have been extremely critical of Sharmini when she wrote lopsided articles.
Kind Regards,
OTC
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backlash / July 9, 2015
One of the more serious charges against the Rajapakse Brothers in which the UN and the international community will brook no nonsense is that one in which the Rajapakses – men of low IQ they are – surreptitiously ran a multi-million dollar arms smuggling business. If 2-3 concerned countries like Nigeria, Sudan are to provide irrefutable details this will spell the death-knell to the Brothers – irrespective of what passport they hold.
VVIP US Secretary of State Kerry visiting here has tremendous seminal significance. The next few months will be both very revealing and interesting.
Backlash
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Shrikharan / July 9, 2015
Dear Backlash, responding for your comment and you mentioned “surreptitiously ran a multi-million dollar arms smuggling business.”
That is exactly the point they ab(used) the parliamentary immunity to conduct their illegal trade. The law is weak to screen criminals entering parliament to seek protection and cover for their dangerous trade. The parliament is not meant for that purpose.
If My3 knowing these charges against them allows nominations to such people to contest parliamentary elections, then he also has to take responsibility. His excuse giving nomination to prevent his party splitting does not hold water as he had already split the party about nine months ago when he left the Government ranks to contest against his boss MR. If he was faithful to protect his party he should thought about it then, nine months ago and waited with the party through thick and thin. There is no purpose shedding crocodile tears now and he is only making a fool of himself, and the majority though silent is fully knowledgeable. There is nothing more left to protect the party and giving in to pressures to allow nomination to MR will be worse and he will end up confirmed a spineless, coward and a wimp.
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Native Vedda / July 8, 2015
Muniyandy
“MR is definitely the most shameless and power hungry politician in the history of this Serendib/Ceylon/Sri Lanka.”
Only second to SWRD Bandaranaike.
Sharmini Serasinghe wites:
“We have a former President; a onetime hero but today perceived as a villain by many”
He was a villan then and villan now. Not many people noticed his villainy before simply because he beat up the Demelas very badly who deserved it and vanquished a “formidable enemy” the LTTE. He also chopped the aspirations of the minorities forever.
He will be a villain forever.
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Dr.Rajasingham Narendran / July 9, 2015
” President Sirisena said he had learned of a rock inscription from the time of King Nissanka Malla, which said that those who stole state assets would be reborn as dogs and crows.
I am asking how much this Nissanka Malla inscription is relevant to yesteryear and to today, President Sirisena said at a ceremony marking 125 years of the Department of Archaeology in Colombo.
I can suggest that this sentence be inscribed in a plaque and placed in all offices from that of the President, ministers to government officials, as the first servant of the people as we celebrate 125 years of the Department of Archaeology.” (Economynext)
What do these words mean in the context of what we are confronted with and discussing today?
Dr.Rajasingham Narendran
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kumaran / July 9, 2015
You people in the “free” media, who can print any view YOU think, totally disregard that My3 has not played his trump card. Neither have you given him support by paying more attention to the wrong-doings of RW and HIS cabal and also had very little to say to condemn the fragmenting of the Coalition by the leaders of those coalition partners because they ALL has their own selfish demands.
Shame on all of you.
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roy / July 9, 2015
Come on Muni, MaRa has all the right to contest. It is democracy ,it is upto the people to decide ,if MR wins Srilanka will become a fools paradise, If Ranil wins SL will become a peoples paradise.
Mara says [Edited out] while laughing at the fools.
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paddy / July 9, 2015
Just wondering if MS is now pulling the rug from under our feet!
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Just saying / July 9, 2015
Serasinghe, [Edited out]
One-sided and partisan, [Edited out] Look at political reality, woman. The call for Rajapakse and the resurgent support for him is deafening – that is by the average Sri Lankan – you must meet one someday.
Mithreepala has realized soon enough the arrogance and dismissive state of Ranil – a man who does not endear himself even to his closest associates. His callous plan was, as before, ‘I just cannot win this because people do not like me – so let this MS person pluck the fruits and I will then make the salad’. Well, it was destined to fail – and it has.
If MS does not take MR in – who will definitely contest one way or the other – the vote will be split and Ranil will have a grip that he does not deserve. In the absence of his savior, MS, Ranil’s inability to win or to sustain power has become very evident.
Who are you to say that MR has been thanked enough for winning the war – it was heroic and has changed all our lives infinitely. International news on a daily basis shows us where we could have been with sectarian and indiscriminate killing of a barbaric nature. He did what he had to do when others were cowling under tables and paying lip service to the diaspora. As for his goose being cooked by losing one election, Ranil’s bird should be a skeleton by now.
So as you keep on trying to be a journalist, remember that a balance view is what is appreciated and that you must sometimes read your own partisan gawking realize how blinkered it is.
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rew / July 9, 2015
Biggest comedian, all time, must definitely go to M.Sirisena
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Plato. / July 8, 2015
A fine Analysis Sharmini.I have always liked your style and presentation.
…..There is also the possibility that President Sirisena might be looking at the bigger picture;to bury Rajapakse politically once and for all…..
Frankly,if President Sirisena can do this,well then he would have taught Machiavelli a few things!
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srilal / July 9, 2015
It is reported ,that New symbol “Flower bud” posters have been pasted across Kurunegala rural areas , this is indeed a very good sign and news . by the way has any body noticed a new trend being formulated , that is challenging MR to contest in respective areas ! every body has started challenging MR now , it was Chatura Senaratna (Rajitha’s son) who courageously challenged Mahinda to contest with him at Beliattha and he vowed to defeat him at his own turf , then Sujeewa Senasingha , he challenged MR to contest with him in colombo , not only that , he said he would retire from active politics if he didn’t get more preferential votes than MR , he further elaborated , challenge is valid for any where in SL , now that is a serious challenge . Today Ranjan Ramanayake requested MR to contest in Gampaha district and prove his popularity .
we must unite and defeat this evil man from the face of political map of Sri lanka , spread the word ” No More Rajapakses”
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Jagath Fernando / July 8, 2015
Brilliant analysis.
MARA is history. Ranil has messed up as usual.
We need young leaders to emerge.
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EDWIN RODRIGO / July 8, 2015
Those who are promoting the resurgence of MR have dubbed the campaign as “Let us rise with Mahinda (Mahinda samaga Nagitimu)”, which means that he is down and out for the count but the count is not over.
Even if he is not guilty of all those serious crimes, is he the only one in our country who can lead us to a better future? There are no other sons or daughters of Lanaka who can do that?
An Army, which depends on one General and one only is doomed for defeat and destruction. Similarly a country, which thinks that only one person can do it is doomed for failure.
When Gamal Abdel Nasser was assassinated in Egypt everyone thought of it as a disaster and that Egyot would be finished. But Anwar Sadat rose to the occasion. He led a successful war against Israel, which at that time was thought to be invincible and restored the self respect of Arabs.
Here in SL we have Sirimavo rising up as the PM and doing so many good things that even her husband could not do.
Let MR be history. Do not try to flog a dead horse to life. Let MR have a relaxed life and gain the respect of the nation, if possible.
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Kettikaran / July 9, 2015
“When Gamal Abdel Nasser was assassinated in Egypt” ???? The much beloved popular Arab leader Nasser died of a heart-attack. Much happened and considerable time involved between Nasser’s death and the coming of Anwar Sadat.
Kettikaran
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moulana / July 9, 2015
Sinhalese education. Nasser was not murdered. He died in 1970 of a heart ailment. My uncle went for his funeral with Mrs . Bandaranaike. They flew a BOAC flight. I remember.
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PM / July 9, 2015
Nasser WAS NOT assassinated. He died in 1970 of natural causes. Get your facts right if you want to sound like an expert . Sadat was assassinate
D by Islamic Brotherhood jihadis who the Lankan Muslims love so much; they love them so much that they have FORCED Sinhala,TTamil nurses to wear long trousers at Puttalam Base Hospital. They already force female nurses not to touch patients. What’s next, hijab, full black veils? Burqa and eventually NO education for women?
Good personal opinion based on her own biases like everyone else’s here. They are short on fact and long on venom. Sirisena called MR a King barely an year ago. Called him the greatest leader. MR just doesn’t like Kandyans and NCP buddhists and thinks only pahatha-rata low IQ sons of the south should steal and grab power. He’s a vain glorious msn.
But Sharmini, when you go back to Colombo, you and [Edited out] should go to Polonnaruwa. Your righteous eyes will see Sirisena’s sob in lawa massive Restaurant. You will see the daughter’s hotel. Your righteous high moral I’m superior than you darker skinned fellas should ask, how the bloody hell does DRO who claims to be simple and honest send his THUG son for education in England. I DARE YOU. oh I love Mangy and RW. I am looking forward to gay marry soon in Colombo to an American embassy official in Colombo. I am therefore pro unp.
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Amu Shingalaya / July 9, 2015
“Here in SL we have Sirimavo rising up as the PM and doing so many good things that even her husband could not do. “
Like what? Finalized the deal with Shastri and repatriated hundreds of poor indentured estate labourers who for years toiled their sweat and blood for the country?
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InconvenientTruth / July 9, 2015
Facts facts facts my man, Nasser died of natural causes Sadat was assassinated!!
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Charles / July 8, 2015
It is the greatest betrayal. The dreams and aspirations of 6.2 million people have been shattered and it is unbelievable to witness the turn of events within this short period of 6 months. It appears everyone will get the nomination and it will be back to business as usual. I never even imagined MS will give into pressure. Why can’t they select a new set of untainted intellectuals. Sri Lanka once again is going to miss a golden opportunity for good governance and reconcilation. All the racial elements appear to be back. I am really worried and hope the news I am getting are not true.
The March 12 declaration, appeals of various Civil Society, notably the Ven and highly respected Sobitha Thero appear to have fallen on deaf years.
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Truth / July 8, 2015
MS & MR are playing a game of political chess. Wait and see who is going to checkmate the other.
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Peace Lover / July 8, 2015
Well said Ms Serasinghe on the current state of affairs its a tragedy that our land is cursed with such scenarios
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gerard / July 8, 2015
Couldn’t agree with you more, these indeed are turning out to be ‘interesting times!’
Reports have it that the days of ‘Helping Hambantota’ are now done, & it’s the time to be ‘Helping Kurunegala’ or so it seems. What a comedy of errors this sure is turning out to be. I kind of like the way you have substituted the proverbial wolf with a sly fox ;)
Is MR going to ‘bring in the clowns’ with him? Only time will tell I guess.
Whatever it is Maithri is preparing for a ‘high five’ it looks like ;)
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Bingo / July 10, 2015
Gerard,
I think it’s time ‘Helping Hambantota’ was renamed ‘Rajapaksas- Helping themselves through Hambantota’ :-)
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Amarasiri / July 8, 2015
Sharmini Serasinghe
RE: Sri Lanka – The Comedy Of Asia!
“Once again, we see yet another version of a ‘Comedy of Errors’ unfolding on the political stage of Sri Lanka.”
Did Anybody test Maitripala Sirisena’s IQ and Common sense?
He did Part 1, defeating Mahinda Rajapaksa and cronies quite well with the help pf 6,200,000 voters.
Now in Part 2, he is showing his colors either as a
a) spineless, wimpy, coward, liar and traitor to 6,200,000 voters or
b) He is a cumming Leader and Statesman, who has something up his sleeve to preempt the Crooks Mahinda Rajapaksa and his Cronies.
The fat lady has not sung yet…still waiting…
MaRa AaRa Chatu MaRa Amana Mara…
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Park / July 8, 2015
Maithripala who could not deliver the 100 day plan to the people has now once again cheated the whole nation by giving nomination to the same person Rajapakse whom Maithi called “Hora Hora Hora”. Can Matihri put his head on a pillow at night and say to himself that he has done justice by the people who voted him in?
President wenna Konda Pana thiyenna one, ehema nathnam Rajapakse ta Maithri Sadu kiyanna wenawa.
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Rajash / July 8, 2015
“Sri Lanka – The Comedy Of Asia!”
is this not an understatement
“Sri Lanka – The Comedy Of The World!”
Even the currrent crisis in Greece the Grexit is no where near the comedy show in Sri Lanka
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NIRMALAN / July 9, 2015
Rajash
What is wrong with you.
How can you make nonsensical comments about Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka is an iconic state known Eelam, paradise, Thambapanni/Taprobane and Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.
How can you compare Sri Lanka with Greece. Sri Lanka was never bankrupt and will not for ever.
Mahinda has extended the foundation put by the historical king Dutugemunu and Parakrama to make Sri Lanka a world class state.
I have told you several times not to make comments when you are tipsy. Look at the time it is tipsy time for you isn’t it?
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Rajash / July 9, 2015
NIRMALAN
“Sri Lanka is an iconic state known Eelam, paradise, Thambapanni/Taprobane and Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka”
you are efing tipsy to miss out Ceylon?
efing tpsy that you dont know who you are?
NIRMALAN or NIRMALA n or NIRMALAn or Raghavan or man or woman
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NIRMALA N / July 9, 2015
Rajash
What is happening to you. I thought you were tipsy but have gone topsy-turvy from there.
However I note your British taste for Sri Lanka. To keep you happy I am prepared to add Ceylon as well in the list.
Don’t pretend that you don’t know me. When you go tipsy you go topsy-turvy. Just to boost your memory,[Edited out]
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Acumen / July 8, 2015
Sharmini,
Excellent analysis.
MS strategy seems to be allowing MR to fly after clipping his wings. Scores of his gang mates including Chief Minister Prasanna Ranatunga are denied UPFA ticket to contest in the election.
In an exclusive report MR had communicated to the party seniors, including UPFA General Secretary Susil Premajayantha, that he would field his own team separately if the party denied nominations for Prasanna Ranatunga. Perhaps this is what MS is aiming at to avoid any blame on him for splitting SLFP.
We will know in matter of days whether MS strategy has worked to his advantage not to bear any blame for splitting the party.
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Ahfzll / July 8, 2015
Ms Serasinghe,
Your analysis might well be correct ! Let us hope so.
Me thinks, though, that President Sirisena stance in the matter, at this point of time – is of National importance and we the people cannot be treated as mere pawns when it involves thieves.
When the future of the Island is at stake – he cannot and should not allow nominations to people who consider that they are above the law. As the President of Sri Lanka – Maithripala Sirisena cannot and should NOT get involved in party politics!
Mahinda Rajapakse and his motley group cannot afford to be outside the corridors-of-power as their very future depends on who than can buy or intimidate to cover their gross abuse of power, corruption, racist tendencies, etc.etc.
As a result of this Mahinda Rajapakse and those guilty of heinous crimes have to by hook or by crook – get back into Parliament as a group to be able to flex muscle against the national Government as was seen in respect to the 19th and 20th amendment – both these amendments were diluted by this same motley group who are desperate to hide their sins by using fear and/or favour.
Under such circumstances The President is duty bound to nip any such tendency in the bud by not allowing nominations to any one from this bring back Rajapakse group.
Mahinda Rajapakse and his co-conspirators have the option of seeking nominations from outside the UPFA and the SLFP – This option, Mr. President is the ONLY option that they should be given.
As the President has said, Mahinda Rajapakse’s will resort to anything to get back into the corridors of power. The animal in him is trapped – so BEWARE of such an animal he is capable of more heinous deceit.
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Shrikharan / July 9, 2015
Ahfzll said in his comments I quote “Mahinda Rajapakse and his motley group cannot afford to be outside the corridors-of-power as their very future depends on who than can buy or intimidate to cover their gross abuse of power, corruption, racist tendencies, etc.etc.”
That is exactly the reason MR is so keen to hang on to power and he is so visibly desperate. All the fellow criminals who worked with him have to support him to save their own skin. We can see who his fellow travellers are and who are very desperate to have him in power to save their own fate from prosecution. That is the reason dangerous criminals get into politics. The law is not strong enough to weed off criminals from politics. It is really a shame at least two are Professors. In time they will feel regretful to have their names associated with MR.
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Pacs / July 8, 2015
Serendip/serandivu/srilanka is not a comedy but is a Tragedy. more Tragedies in waiting. going to get caught in the superpowers electronic war, sink in the Indian ocean, atomic accidents so on. Karma is accumulating and gathering.
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Lasith / July 8, 2015
Ladies and Gents
We seem to be forgetting another possibility: perhaps Mara has a very serious hold over MS.
I just hope one day people won’t be forced to start a ‘Sri Lankan spring’, we cannot go on living in denial everyday, politicians are making a mockery of all of us.
Whatever the case maybe there is no escape from Karma. We all will get what we deserve one way or another.
If our idiots want Mara, Mara they shall have, with all the evils that goes with having Mara. Thats Practical Karma for you right there!!!
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xlntgson / July 8, 2015
My3 won’t campaign for MR. Those who really wish to defeat MR would vote for the party that is vehemently opposed to him. My3 repeatedly says he is going to call for a national govt which is repudiated by MR camp if there is no strong third front JVP may fill the vacuum, so far it is in fourth! It won’t be a comedy if MR contested in another symbol other than betel leaf. The legal ramification of the privileges of an ex president may become a comedy, court circus!
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Rationalist / July 9, 2015
xlntgson:-
“Those who really wish to defeat MR would vote for the party that is vehemently opposed to him”
BUT AS SHARMINI SAYS:-
“There are many myopic nitwits out there,………….., who believe it’s beneath their dignity, to stand in a queue, rubbing shoulders with the common man, to cast their vote. So, they don’t vote!”
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xlntgson / July 9, 2015
@rationalist, the national electorate is not full of half-wits (may be 10% invalid votes) but thinking voters are also many that they don’t want to vote for a losing party or ‘also- contesting- party’, if Ranil haters want to defeat him they will vote sure for MR and vice versa. If corruption is the only issue we can expect a strong third front but that didn’t happen for the last several decades being the language, religion and caste is the criterion to vote. So all candidates are corrupt yet vote for their preferences and say they are less corrupt (!) Common man versus elite is also not conspicuous as leftists also divided on language. Sinhala leftists Wickramasinghe Tamil leftist Shanmuganathan et al. Almost a straight fight between UNP and UPFA is visible but howmany seats JVP will get is still unpredictable nevertheless they may prop formation of a govt in a hung House! Now I leave it to your guess which side they will choose?
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punchinilame / July 9, 2015
Mahinda will ultimately prove that he is the only Patriotic politician by contesting
as an Independent Candidate supported by all those who arrived in Buses provided by him
at Tangalle – but he has a problem? Submission of a DECLARATION OF ASSETS FORM openly,
instead of blanks papers in a sealed envelope – which the EC declared as “secret”!
This “secrecy” does not apply to Gen. elections, as EC wants these FORMS at the time
of nomination submission this time?
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Shrikharan / July 9, 2015
I quote “If this alleged villain Mahinda Rajapaksa, is guilty of all what he has been accused of; corruption, abuse of power, attacks on the media, human rights violations, plunder and waste of public wealth, election malpractices etc., then why bring him back to the political stage? ………Some will argue, let him return and let the voter decide.”
My response:
If MR is guilty of the crimes tabled, they are not decided by the voters, but by courts indeed. If My3 has accused him of all these charges then he is duty bound to charge him in courts. People do not decide on these serious charges as they simply do not have the knowledge and qualification to judge and come to a verdict. These are very serious charges and the only place to investigate is the courts. If not My3 is failing on his duties and we are to assume they are false allegations against an innocent man. That is also a serious charge this time against the incumbent President My3 and Ranil Wickremasinghe.
Soon after the Presidential elections were over Ranil Wickremasinghe had clearly announced to the people of this country of a coup attempt by the former President and that is a really serious charge if true. He announced to the people of Sri Lanka as the Prime Minister and he is duty bound to charge the former President for an act carried out against the citizens of this country. The Government should have arrested MR immediately as he has by then lost his immunity. Nothing of that sort happened certainly that is the first blunder committed by a Government.
We are not dealing with novices and nothing of that sort happened and we are to assume Ranil has lied to the people and tarnished the image of the President who actually left Temple trees even before the full results was announced. If that is so tables have turned and are very serious charges against the present Prime Minister who told lies to the people and criminally damaged a reputation of a President of this country and which by itself he would have to pay damages to MR which will amount billions of rupees and have a compulsory prison sentence.
Either way somebody has to go to jail for the serious crimes committed either it is MR who really had attempted a coup or Ranil Wickremasinghe for telling lies to the people and seriously damaging a reputation of an innocent person. So a court case is imperative and let the court decide which one of the two will have to serve a long term in jail either MR or Ranil Wickremasinghe.
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Wise Owl / July 9, 2015
Shrikharan,
“People do not decide on these serious charges as they simply do not have the knowledge and qualification to judge and come to a verdict”.
You seem to be living in a different era, if you think the young voting population today is not educated and intelligent enough to think for themselves.
And the “courts” you refer to, I believe is a court of law. In case you didn’t know, such “courts” are seriously lacking in credibility today.
So there you are !
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Shrikharan / July 9, 2015
Thank you wise owl.
Whether you are right or wrong can be decided on your popularity by the people and that is in essence what you said. Unfortunately Jayalalitha the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu had to wait so long for the appeal court to exonerate her. If there would have been people like you Jalayalalitha would have never had to be in jail even for a single day because the people were with her (whether she amassed public wealth or not)! The people certainly would have given the no guilty verdict. So you may be right.
So please, these privileges should not be limited to politicians only. Even a man accused of bank robbery should be given the option to be tried before the people instead of judicial courts after all he only robbed because he had no other means of finding a meal and educating his children.
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JULAMPITIYE AMARAYA / July 9, 2015
Sri Lankan Politics are the Comedy of The Universe,
A Political land like no other.
News From a Web site,;
“SLFP member and former Parliament opposition leader Nimal Siripala de Silva today confirmed that former President Rajapaksa will be contesting the elections from Kurunegala”.
There are No BAIYO s In kurunegala, Most of the Voters of Kurunegala are Educated, Not like JONSONS the Thieves.
If he gets Nomination to come to kurunegala,
Mahendran Percivel Jarapassa Wiil learn his Last lesson From Kurunegala Voters.
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Kettikaran / July 9, 2015
Well done Sharmini. The unconnected Sri Lankans – both from the middle class and other – must speak up – NOW. We may not have a chance to do this again for a long time. Of course, a Rajapakse come-back will spell disaster to the country and probably sell this country in parcels – but you are talking of the clueless Sri Lankan voter.
Maitripala S is no saint. The periods he was Minister his name was deeply involved in serious corruption – including involvement in large imports of sub-standard drugs. His innings at the Mahaweli Ministry was no better. How did a man, who arrived in the political landscape, in the proverbial “Bata slippers in a broken push bicycle” only a few years ago end up today as the biggest owner of rice mills and controlling the rice trade. Where did the billions for the several 4 star hotels come from? How did the ratharan putha from the back waters of Polonnaruwa get into the “5-star hotel night club habit”?
That bland explanation nothing “is on my/my family name” is not good enough for me. Only if we had the old incorruptible Income Tax Dept – all these rogues would have been flushed out.
Yet I agree, the choice before us is the best of the worst and so we reluctantly agree with the result of January 08. The country you and I knew and that system of governance died and was buried by the Rajapakses and their kudu gangs. They were not the only ones. A country – and more a Parliament – that voted for the 18th Amendment to which the majority of MPs “gave assent” are brainless oafs who are nothing but opportunistic plunderers. These scums of the earth – who, I am sorry to use the word, will sell even their own mothers to stay in political power for “a few dollars more” – so to say.
With the likes of you, I pray for my divided and deliberately impoverished country. To most of our politicians, I offer the words of the Bard “a plague o’ both your houses” That, to some extent, explains the feelings of most of the people to our garu amathi/manthri thumas.
Do write often – without fear or favour, as you do so splendidly. More strength to your elbow.
Kettikaran
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M Firous / July 9, 2015
We have lot to change in Sri Lankan political culture from every domain.
We yet to demand from political parties about their ability to tackle national questions.
Sri Lankan medias and not capable to expose the intellectual vacuum of each party over national questions.
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Rajash / July 9, 2015
In Sri Lankan political class the rule is
“you scratch my back I will scratch yours”
when i say political class I mean SLFP , UNP, TNA, LTTW,EPDP, EPRLF, JVP, JHU etc etc
what Sri Lanka is missing is the LTTE.
let me clarify.
why do all the super powers of the world have nuclear bomb?
as a defence and not as a deployment
LTTE in a ceasefire mode was and would have been a defence not only for Tamils but for the Sinhala, Msulim and all people against corrupt politicians and corrupt establishment
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NIRMALA N / July 9, 2015
Rajash
– LTTE is + Mahinda. He is my guru. Therefore he is your Guru too,
When Mahinda is elected he will give the defence for Tamils, Muslims and Sinhala and all people against corrupt politicians and corrupt establishment .
We are the same and our minds are saying the same.
God forbidden I + you = me are to gain a lot from Mahinda when he wins.
Mamma Miah!
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DR RIFAI.UK / July 9, 2015
well written article. You are right all thugs are out there and justice must be done. all thieves are still roaming in the town. that is not what people voted for.
MR and co want to come to power by hook or crook way.
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BBS Rep / July 9, 2015
Sharmini,
I hope for your sake and for the sake of the people of Sri Lanka that Sirisena does have an ace up his sleeve.
CBK is also on the quiet side these days. I wonder if she is ruminating on what her lot will be if MR comes back to power given MR’s unadulterated penchant for vengeance.
Why is Ranil bending over backwards to please MR by giving him all that security detail that even the president of the US will be envious of.
What a lot of energy so many people put in to get that Mafia Family out and Sirisena in. Now the robber barons, thugs, rapists and murderers are marching back in again so effortlessly to the beat of the Kandyan drums, dancing girls and thugs masquerading in saffron robes with the faithful chanting ‘Jayawewa’.
You are right; this is the comedy of Asia – a ‘tragi comedy’ to be precise.
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Lanka Watch / July 9, 2015
Sharmini – You are pouring water on ducks back and people are made scapegoats by politicians in power. Can you imagine that two secret
-aries of SLFP/UPFA made the president of the country to dance to
their tune. The troika(CBK Ranil and Mangala ) did not do their home work properly when they planned the coup to oust MR. They never had a plan B in the event when secretaries try to over rule the president of
a country on nominations. The president, knowing that we were heading for a dictatorial rule, should have held on to all his presidential powers until such time, many people friendly legislations like 19A are passed and made them into laws, if he sincerely felt that people of all
races and religions should be protected and people would not have objected except the politicians . He should have put corrupt people
behind bars and wrong doers punished and induced fresh blood into the parliament before his 1st term ended, and then he should have ended the powers he held and should have continued with his second term to
oversea whether the country has retuned to democracy and people are
happy and contented.He and the people knew that this is the only period, changes could be made for the good of the people . His recent great summersault of the century has put an end to good governance and paved the way for dictatorial rule, once again. He wanted to play a Ghandhi/Mandela role and failed miserably by not holding on to presidential powers until a steady and stable govt.is formed with knowledgeable & sincere people handling the govt. machinery. He should have known that it takes time to change from dictatorial rule to democracy and held on to his powers a little longer.
The president has not only put his own life in jeopardy and all those innocent people who came in full strength to help to establish a good govt. He also knows that what ever good things he did in the past six
months will be undone in no time. His action will go down in the history books as a ‘great betrayal of the century’
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Nalini / July 9, 2015
Sri Lanka in fact is another colony of the Indian Empire and India has been directly involved with politics since 1951 with SWRD Bandaranayake and later with the Indian terrorist arms. Though the Sinhalese are the majority what ever their religion is the minority Indians call the shots aided and abeted by the Indian Empire.
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Priyan fernando / July 9, 2015
Unfortunately the country will get the government it deserves!
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Harry Hatton / July 9, 2015
But Shamini why do you assume that only those who write to the CT know how a country should be run, who is honest and who is not etc ?
Why are we trying to deny MR a chance to go before the people ?
If the voter decides that they prefer MR over a fraud like RW who are we to over rule that . We can say absurd things like low IQ but maybe the people are not so easily fooled by chaps like RW & Mahendran.
Despite all this slander if MR obtains a good number of votes what does that say about the RW leadership of so called honesty and good governance platform ? You cannot fool all the people all the time.
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Patriot / July 9, 2015
Optimists think that Mr Sirisena has a master card, tucked up in his pristine white sleeve, to save the nation from the Rajapaksas. Some commentators think that Sirisena’s strategy seems to be allowing MR to fly after clipping his wings. This is wishful thinking.
Sirisena is a cunning,ambitious,timid, spineless person who is also uneducated being one of the 114 MPs who have not got through the GCE ALs. So there is no wonder that he is betraying all Sri Lankans at this moment. I feel sorry for Maduluwawe Sobhitha Thera who spearheaded the campaign to oust Rajapaksa and for Chandrika who introduced Sirisena to become the common candidate at a time the most suitable candidate would have been Sobhitha Thera or Karu Jayasuriya. Selfish Sirisena being a cunning person just grab that opportunity and became the president of this country not because he really thought that Rajapaksa is bad or he loved the country. That is why he is giving nominations to Rajapaksa because Sirisena himself is part and parcel of that corrupt rigime. He has the same mentality. He does not think for a moment that his old buddies are corrupt. His behaviour is quite natural and how can we expect him not betray the people who voted him on January 8th.
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K.A Sumanasekera / July 9, 2015
Although Ms Serasinghe and her Elite, Anglican Vellala and the new allies the Diaspora say ” We gotcha ” to Rajapaksa , they really haven’t …Have they ?..
Their leader Ranil wanted the Parliament dissolved with in 100 days.
And he e demanded Rajapaksa to be a man and try to win the PM ship.
When Rajapaksa wanted to take up the challenge all hell broke loose.among Ms Serasinghe’s side.
Why this bloody whinging and carrying on now?.
Is Rajapaksa that powerful ?.
I know 6 Million inhabitants voted for him.
Fair enough.
But they are all Baiyas. Aren’t they, in the eyes of the Elite..
In contrast Ms S’s camp is all Vellalas, both local and British in both Sinhala and Tamil denomination.
And they have Camerons , Harpers , Surendrans Solheim and even the Reverand on their side..
They have their own elected President as well.
With all this might behind them, Isn’t it a shame to moan and groan about a Baiya from the South, who has only the backing of the fellow Baiyas?.
Is it fair for them to call the President a meek whimp and a vacillater.
Sira may be the President, But he is also a baiya .. I mean he was..Right.
Although the UNP Christian Faction Leader wants to cut down all the good Sinhala Buddhists who he thinks are a threat to him , poor Sira can’t allow it.
Can he?..
I mean Sira being a good Buddhist also wants go to Nirwana , like the rest of the Baiyas.
That is when he completes the Presidency given to him by the Elite and their mates.
He can’t jeopardize that chance by agreeing every wish of the Elite camp although they put him in the President’s seat.
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Game Kolla / July 9, 2015
Hey Sumane,
You singing for your supper again?
By the way, how much do you charge for your services?
I too may need your services soon ;-)
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Ponkoh Sivakumaran / July 10, 2015
Sumane is right. Why not see what the Baiya can do? Sumane has gone to night school and polished his English. He could well become a Vellala soon. After all, all gamayas aspire to be Vellalas. So, go to night school regularly Sumane, leave Sinhala Only like all your boss’s children and make it to the Vellala ranks before it is too late.
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