6 December, 2024

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Sri Lanka To Take Draconian Steps To Curb Dissent Through Anti-Terrorism Bill

By Sisira Gamanayake

Ever since Sri Lanka gained independence in 1948, the country has been governed by a well-entrenched political class known as ‘political elites‘. They have close connections to big business, families associated with the British colonial rulers and accumulated immense wealth, those who prospered through the plantation economy, and borrowing from international donors. The political class shared power among themselves through the two-party system which later became a multi-party system or coalitions of major and minor parties plus cross overs to include vociferous political groups that one may not describe as political elites. However, after a few years such minor party members and their leadership also became economically prosperous through the perks of office plus other dealings and wheelings. In Sri Lanka, most MPs get licenses to operate liquor shops which is considered as lucrative. Political families nurtured their extended family members and school or university friends either to take up political roles or roles in the government bureaucracy e.g. as chairmen of corporations or board members as well as executive positions in critical corporations such as ports, insurance or banks. Transfer of favours thus flowed both ways. They were also legitimised. In a political and governance system where politicisation became the hallmark, those who supported one alliance or another benefitted once the alliance came to power including the offer of plum diplomatic positions.  

Since the new President Ranil Wickramasinghe, an English educated former Royalist and conservative UNP leader became the Executive President last year, after about 40 years of parliamentary presence his government that includes Rajapaksa family members in the parliament has curbed popular protests by the use of police and security forces as well as the court system.

Thus, after the direct colonisation ended and indirect colonisation started with the transfer of power to English educated elites with substantial material wealth, Western culture capital including the power of Kaduwa (English language) in 1948, the ruling elites were able to hang on to power and direct the country’s economic, political and social spaces in a manner that serves the interests of a few rather than the many. The introduction of Executive Presidency in 1978 that was not subject to country’s laws as other citizens are became the hallmark of this tendency to concentrate power within the elite political class and their self-appointed leaders. However, the three rebellions launched by unhappy Swabhasa (Local language) educated youths from the South and the north highlight the dissatisfaction with this system as was the aragalaya (struggle) launched by disgruntled internationally exposed youthful activists last year seeking a total system change. Since the new President Ranil Wickramasinghe, an English educated former Royalist and conservative UNP leader became the Executive President last year, after about 40 years of parliamentary presence his government that includes Rajapaksa family members in the parliament has curbed popular protests by the use of police and security forces as well as the court system. Now his government is proposing an anti-terrorism bill to replace the existing Prevention of Terrorism act (PTA) hated by the Tamils, Muslims and Sinhalese equally. Opposition is emerging from national and international groups who foresee a danger in terms of human, political and civic rights of the citizens if the bill is passed. As the Podu Jana Peramnua controlled by Rajapaksa family has a majority in the parliament and potentially there are some breakaway MPS from other parties who may support the bill, there is every chance that this bill may go through the parliament. If it happens, it will be a darker day for Sri Lanka and Sri Lankans.

In the past, there have been pressure from international and national human rights bodies and advocates to repeal the PTA. Each time this was raised by international bodies, Government undertook to consider this but failed to do so in reality. At last it has shown its hand now in a totally unexpected way. Instead of bringing a diluted Prevention of Terrorism Act to replace the draconian one existing at present, government has come up with a draft bill that is even more draconian. We need to understand why?

Sri Lanka’s economy was collapsed last year due to its inability to pay off the premiums for loans taken from international agencies and in the bond market resulting in a foreign exchange crisis of unprecedented proportions. Even to pay for a shipload of fuel or food, the government could not find required foreign exchange. In this context, it had to seek the help of India and other countries for short term loans. India provided several billions worth of loans. Several other countries also provided modest loans. Late last year IMF came to the scene. The government has been in talks with the IMF for a couple of billion-dollar loan. By now, the first instalment of this loan has been provided to the government. Out of the IMF funds It paid part of the loan secured from India. The underlying reality is that as part of the deal with IMF, the government was required to introduce tax reforms, privatisation of government owned corporations and assets, take anti-corruption measures. In short, remove loss making government owned corporations and other entities and make the remaining ones profit making. No subsidies are to be provided to the suffering masses as before. Purely a dry, economic rationalist prescription. With the heavy hand of security forces and the police plus planned legislation to control social media, the government is in the process of implementing IMF prescriptions in the face of trade union plus other forms of opposition. Famous examples are the measures to privatise Telecom, Insurance corporation and the Ceylon electricity board. Simultaneously the government started a publicity campaign promoting the measures taken and the positive results which may or may not be true.  It is showing the public that the economy has been stabilised with the help of IMF. Further measures to privatise state owned corporations and boards are necessary. In the meantime, opposition to government has been building over the months especially through the work of National People’s Party (NPP) led by Anura Kumara Dissanayake, leader of JVP (Janata Vimukthi Peramuna). Given he has only 3 seats in the parliament his capacity for stifling any government move to introduce a draconian anti-terrorism bill is limited.  However, this time there can be a groundswell of opposition as a combined move in the parliament as the draft bill surpasses even the position of moderate parliamentarians.

The political system in place in Sri Lanka is one that denies the average citizen the capacity to contest elections and become a parliamentarian. To be successful one either has to be aligned with a major party or have substantial financial and other resources. Country has a proportional representation system. The entrenched mainstream party system, economically enriched political families and their corporate and media friends basically take the majority population to ransom by manipulating the popular opinion through elections to become the legitimate power for a 5 to 6-year term. Once in power, the ruling political class and its close technocratic associates make policies and project proposals with little public consultations. These policy steps require further borrowings from national international agencies. Majority of the population become disempowered in the face of this process. Conducted in their name. After the elections, elected or party nominated politicians become inaccessible to the average voter. In the past, elected MOS from an electorate was accessible. It is no longer the case. Buddhist religious establishment and its leadership also work collaboratively with the political class and its leadership. The police and security forces toe the line to preserve their privileges which are huge by today’s standards. One only has to look into the privileges offered to those sin senior and middle positions in the armed forces to understand the extent of such privilege.   Senior Police officers and middle level officers are also in the gravy train.  Police stations in the country still follow colonial era tactics and procedures as the courts are. Slow process of law takes some cases decades to resolve. Judiciary is struggling to be independent. Thus, a Fijian or PNG style government has emerged in Sri Lanka that is alienated from the very people that it is supposed to serve. As a result of price increases in essential items and utilities as well as new taxes, in the post IMF era, the people are going through many difficulties to meet ends. While trade unions and student organisations are leading a campaign of resistance, the heavy hand of the military and police on the streets with orders to curb popular resistance from the top, those who come to the streets are finding themselves in police stations and courts with mostly fabricated charges. It is not a healthy situation. There are indications that the parliamentary democratic process overshadowed by an executive Presidential system of governance is yet again taking the people on a ride as it happened many times after the independence in 1948.  There is every chance that the country may revert to emergency rule on some pretext in due course (since independence out of 75 years more than 40 had been ruled with emergency laws). Even the overdue Local Government elections have been postponed.

The international community has to open eyes and ears to what’s going on in this splendid country today and the plight of average citizens in terms of the denial of their political, civic and human rights for peaceful expression of dissent. And secure their livelihoods. It is one thing for the ruling class to remain in power and enjoy the fruits of their longstanding privileged lifestyle with imported vehicles, security guards, mansions with domestic staff, foreign travel, children settled in Western countries, and family business dealings. It is yet another thing to deny the majority a descent life without creating circumstances where living and providing a secure future for children becomes impossible. If the government goes in the direction it plans by introducing a draconian law like the Anti-Terrorism Bill, it will in fact lead to the emergence of terrorism or 4th rebellion against the system rather than prevent it. However, this may be the wish of the ruling class which has lost any credibility. 

Latest comments

  • 17
    4

    The people must unite as one, and take back their country. Most people have been conditioned to merely look after their own self-interest and not strive towards common goals, and wait for someone else to stick his neck out for them. That will not work, as then everyone waits for someone else to do things that benefit them. The only solution is for all people (especially the 98% poor people of the country) to unite as one and change the system in one fell swoop. Nothing else will work.

    • 17
      5

      How can we unite as one the goal and the aim is to make fully only Sinhala Buddhist country.

      • 10
        0

        “Buddhist religious establishment and its leadership also work collaboratively with the political class and its leadership……..privileges offered to those sin senior and middle positions in the armed forces to understand the extent of such privilege.
        Why doesn’t the author say more about the sacred cows of Sri Lankan society, the Maha Sangha and the armed forces? Is it because they aren’t “English educated “?

      • 7
        1

        C,
        That should be highest priority and that Unification and Bond would help break the impasse and make the Nation progress in all aspects!?
        That’s daydream itself of magnificent proportions!!
        Bhudham Saranang Gachchami!??
        One and only Salvation!!!

    • 4
      3

      Dear Lasantha,
      .
      I agree with this: “conditioned to merely look after their own self-interest.” They’re not even aware of the limitations that they have placed upon themselves.
      .
      And guys like me don’t even know, by now, what to do. What’s the point, one begins to feel. And the poorly thought out habits that they have acquired, seem to produce the results the corrupt rulers desire.
      .
      What’s the use? The moment a comment by me appears, they come up with their sore red thumbs. Why don’t they do it to you as well, Lasantha? I don’t think that it is because you are more distinguished. It may be that I attack some objectionable comments in too personal a way. And the average reader assumes that comments that have attracted more red than green are not even worth reading..
      .
      However that may be, I have emphatically pressed the green thumb for you!
      .
      Panini Edirisinhe (NIC 483111444V)

      • 5
        0

        Dear S-M: I picked up one word from your comment, i.e. “SELF- INTEREST”. It is very important to understand the hidden “Energy” this word and its “Perception” have. All “Leaders” (political/social/religious) have “USED” this concept of “Self-interest” to the maximum to establish their “Authority”; “Autonomy” and “Legacy” over the “Rest” of the followers to “Subjugate” their “FREEDOM” of “Thought”; “Actions” and “Life”.

        Take the history of our country. Don’t you see all our “Leaders” that I have categorized above have “ACTED” and even continue to “ACT” in “SEL-INTEREST” and “Scrounge” on the followers?

        The only exception, I have seen so far are some rarely living “MYSTICS”.

    • 9
      3

      “The only solution is for all people (especially the 98% poor people of the country) to unite as one and change the system in one fell swoop.”
      The people united several time but the country became poor and poor and people are divided more and more. Who is there in this country to say Buddhism is not superior to other and Sinhala is not superior to Tamil or Muslim?

    • 7
      0

      L P ,

      In the Psychology of Crowds , it is noted that The dissolution of
      Worn-Out Civilisations is the Work of The Crowd . To what extent
      our crowds worked to achieve such an uphill task ? Are we not
      already united with Ranil For Supplies At Any Price But
      Uninterrupted ? For a Change , take a walk to Pamunuwa in
      Maharagama and see for yourself the Sinhala – Hindu New year
      shopping rush ! Another couple of weeks , Muslims will flood
      Pettah and some other busy stations ! Not only Ranil , The IMF
      knows much better that we are from a Distant Civilisation that
      will not easily change !

    • 2
      1

      1
      No matter what anyone says or does, there should be a limit to everything. The way our hell works, now exceeds all standards. I am all about strict law and order, especially in a country of our nature. Do you guys ever believe, had we imposed proper laws, would Rajapakshes be ever able to continue be clowns before our eyes ? To me, if we had proper laws, Mahinda Rajapkashe should long be held in a jail long long ago.
      :
      This does not mean that I support strict laws, but I truly believe that our existing laws are in line with world standards but need urgent reforms. For me, many things in our motherland need to undergo tangible changes. Without proper law and order, people behave like “donkeys”. Isn’t that the reality of our country today?

      Will rich countries ever tolerate protests that cross their borders? Look at France and the US, do they allow protests like we do in Sri Lanka today?

      tbc

      • 2
        1

        2/ Everywhere in Europe there are laws preventing them from protesting violating day today life.
        The same is true in the United States and the rest of the developed world.
        Why don’t our diplomatic services study the norms of such countries and make appropriate reforms in our proposed laws?

        Where were the youths allowed to enter the “President’s House” and behave with monkey dances? Not in our hell?

        The way they mocked and mocked the Hon’ble Parliament in October 2018 is beyond all ethics and morals. What laws applied to them? Why on earth don’t our professionals take them seriously?
        .
        This country is now branded as a country without strong laws. I believe that we can expect justice only if law and order is functioning properly. Rumors are rife that existing laws are not enough to catch high-profile criminals, who are rising at record levels.

      • 3
        0

        “leelagemalli”, I agree absolutely that the Rajapaksas ought to have been stymied by Procrustean methods. The much admired peaceful Aragalaya got rid of them.
        .
        I’m not wasting words on this. All know that there was no excuse for subsequently turning on them, so as to set the Dictatorship going.
        .
        And, LM, (so strict about “law and order”) you know that the sabotaging of Local Government Elections will be regarded by later historians as the most shameful subversion of democracy. Not even you can believe that “no money” claim.
        .
        Ive listened to that snippet from the YouTube. I tolerate no superstition, and you know that.
        .
        Have you no shame to be writing what everybody sees to be disgusting?
        .
        Panini Edirisinhe (NIC 483111444V)

  • 18
    1

    Putting aside worthless verbosity ……… to get to the point ……… Ranil is a geriatric 74 year old fart ………. his blind madly selfish ambition to prolong his illegal tenure at the top ……. will enact any draconian laws without any consideration to the long term consequences of the self-cantered utterly selfish laws that have no other use than to fulfil one idiotic man’s personal ambitions.

    JR Jayawardena did the same ……. he didn’t think about the long term consequences of the constitution/laws he enacted for the short 12-year tenure of his rule – 12 years is nothing compared to how long we have been made to pay for his stupidity (Premadas, CBK, Mahinda, Sirisens, Gota, Ranil.)

    The carp he imposed ……… was used by his successors to trample, murder, rob, pillage ………. leading to bankruptcy and untold misery for the people.

    Ranil, the old fart ……. even if he doesn’t hold elections is going to kick the bucket soon ……. so then what?

    All his moronic draconian laws will be left in place for his successors to abuse ……. and ruin the country ……. if there is a country left to ruin.

    • 13
      2

      continued,

      JR had his supported edging him on without realizing the consequences ……… Ranil has his supporters edging him on now!

      Native Vedda should be marched on to the Galle Face Green and whipped to within one inch of his life …….. and Old Codger and his bevy of beauties forced to sit and watch. Ramona will have her day!

      Sinhala_Man post me a check ……… the tickets are on sale …….. Ticketmaster. ……. If your rickety jalopy Honda can’t make it …… pay-per-view

      • 2
        0

        Nimal,
        “and Old Codger and his bevy of beauties forced to sit and watch. Ramona will have her day!”
        I don’t know about Ramona, but Deepthi Silva seems to prefer being whipped.

      • 6
        1

        Unlike wannabe Uncle Tom Ranil and his uncouth Lankan cohorts ………. ol’ Adolf and the Nazis weren’t all that bad: they wallowed in culture ……. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yqff1F0Ijn0

        Native, you are the right man to impart some culture to your idol Ranil …………. and his OL-challenged 37 + 2 ministers.

        In the end ……. culture and fine arts ……. played a role in their recovery after their debacle ……. look where Germany is now.

        Will Ranil’s “Sinhala Buddhism” and his priceless library ……… restore us back to our glorious 2500 years bygone ……… cultural zenith?


        What is Lankans’ culture? ………. What the hell are we talking about? …….. What are we aiming for?

        • 3
          0

          Nimal
          “Will Ranil’s “Sinhala Buddhism” and his priceless library ……… restore us back to our glorious 2500 years bygone ……… cultural zenith?”
          I sincerely hope not, because that would entail me not being allowed shoes, or my female relatives blouses. Oh, sh.t, I’ve revealed too much to SM.

        • 6
          0

          nimal fernando

          “Native, you are the right man to impart some culture to your idol Ranil …………. and his OL-challenged 37 + 2 ministers.”

          Alright Ranil does not need any lectures from me on culture etc however he needs to be reminded of this country’s unique culture of setting fire to houses, business premises, libraries, ….. etc.

          We should regret if libraries are being set on fire, we should catch the arsonists name and shame them, … even if it takes thousands of years.
          However Jaffna library was set alight by active members of Ranils party. A full apology from UNP is still due, leave alone punishing the culprits. Then there was the library of Hartley College, Point Pedro which was set fire by the army.

          What do you think Ranil must do now given that his library was also came under arson attack?

          SJ is willing to defend Duta Gamani, Mathews, thugs from Kurunegala, Army from Point Pedro camp, …………..

      • 5
        0

        Well said Nimal

      • 2
        0

        nimal fernando

        “Ramona will have her day!”

        And what is in your mind?

        • 3
          0

          Native, You can be witty without words! ……… That’s a talent rarer than hen’s teeth. :))

          Hope you are not taking any of this seriously ……. as you said, it’s depressing times ……. we should indulge in some fun to pull us through.

          • 7
            0

            I agree
            Please note some of our national news paper editorials outwit you, Ranil, Weerawansa, ……… all the geniuses put together.
            Have you noticed the Sinhala and Tamil new year suddenly has become Sinhala Hindu new year.
            I wonder when and why the Tamil New Year converted to Hindu religion. Is the Hindutva active among the Tamils or among Buddhists?

            Please refer to the first line of Editorial of Sunday Observer:
            “The Sinhala and Hindu New Year, the main national festival for the majority of Sri Lankans, ……..”

            https://www.sundayobserver.lk/2023/04/09/turning-point

            • 5
              1

              Hindu New Year! When did this ancient Thamizh festival become Hindu New Year? Just because the Chingkallams do not want to acknowledge the truth that they are celebrating an ancient Dravidian Thamizh festival and now are trying to rewrite history. just like the way they are now concocting history and claiming ancient Thamizh Buddhist places of worship and Saiva temples in the north and east as Chingkalla Buddhist places of worship, and using the fake racist Archaeological department and the occupying racist Chingkalla armed forces and police to destroy all these ancient Thamizh Hindu and Buddhist historical places of worship, destroy the Thamizh people’s history, ancient historical monuments and their homeland, as they think they can do so and can get away with it.

              • 0
                1

                What is the earliest reference in “Dravidian” literature to this festival?

      • 7
        0

        nimal fernando: When JRJ introduced the “HIS” Constitution and introduced this new position of “President”, at the debate in Parliament, the then Leader of the LSSP – Dr. N.M.Perera asked: “What if a “Mad Man” is elected to be the President?”

        Haven’t we had many such “Mad” men (once a woman) get elected to be the President of the country? The worst scenario we are experiencing at this moment is a “MAD” man has been “CHOSEN” by the “Majority” vote of Parliamentarians. That too has been made possible by JRJ’s (HIS) “Constitution”.

        What FUN do we have in Sri Lanka?

        • 0
          1

          Simon
          Countries have functioned well despite mentally disturbed heads of state.
          The system has ways to survive them.

    • 5
      2

      “…. he didn’t think about the long term consequences … “.
      Was there ever a single political leader who ever did?
      However, until Rajapaksas arrived on the scene, the Sinhalese had a jolly good time.
      .
      Ranil took care of the Sinhalese. JR looked after the Sinhalese.
      JR blunt. Ranil smooth.
      Rajapaksas, on the other hand however, were a sharp contrast.
      Reason?
      The quality of stock. The lack of decency.

    • 5
      3

      Dear nimal,
      .
      The passion that you now successfully infuse your comments with is inspiring. Please keep going.
      .
      We’re on firm ground when we draw comfort from the mortality of Ranil, even though I may be fated to kick the bucket before him.
      .
      Panini

    • 6
      5

      As for your second, entertainment, comment; the rickety Honda is currently running quite well, for myself alone. There are rear shock absorbers, but they don’t work at all.
      .
      However, the self starter is now working – after many years. The cost of parts is unpredictable.
      .
      I actually owned one car, for 21 years, until I sold it about four years ago. It looked very much like this:
      .
      https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Isuzu_Hillman_Minx_rear.jpg
      .
      Exhibited at the BMICH many times, owing to the surprising fact that it was manufactured in Japan. The shutters had a light green tint, which determined the painting of it. I also once came second in a race here:
      .
      https://www.ft.lk/article/555970/Country-s-best-to-burn-rubber-at-Pannala-track-on-31-July
      .
      There used to be photographs of my actual car on the web, but it looks as though they have disappeared. Never mind. If CT allows this comment in, you will be provided plenty of jesting material.

      • 7
        0

        “Hillman_Minx”

        SM,

        Hard to imagine you raced; let alone came second! You come across as someone who’d be the cox in a boat race. Have you ever been one?

        I used to be a vintage car enthusiast but not anymore. We have one of these in SL https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes-Benz_190_SL …… There are few others who have them as well. Some have owned them from new. Ours was brought in from outside some years back. It’s the poor cousin of the 300SL Gullwing.

        I collect vintage HiFi: mostly tube amps.

        • 8
          0

          Nimal,
          It seems SM is a man of more parts than previously suspected. What next?

          • 3
            1

            OC,
            .
            I agree with you more OC.
            This is not unique to him, most people his age behave this way in our hell. That is called our ” culture”.

            https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PAnrDRy7PkA

            I know dozens in our close circles ( in srilanka) who behave like Sinhalese man. I’m tired of them today. Today I closed my door to all of them like I did with the Sinhalese man.

            Professor Ghansissara Thero emphasized this again in his regular preaching sessions.
            Our people lack even the basic things in today’s politics. They don’t even know what they lack. Human psychologists and experts believe that if we know where our failures lie, it is easier to correct ourselves and face life better.
            .
            At least this is what professionals should focus on today. That is why I emphasized that the nation should have been rebuilt after ending the war. However, RAJAPAKSHE ANIMALS touched it on the wrong end.

          • 5
            0

            OC,

            Who would’ve thought SM is a racer: a petrol head! …….. He would’ve sniffed too much petrol or fallen on his head for the change in personality. :))

          • 3
            0

            OC
            The suspense kills me.
            The feeling is rather like that of American readers waiting at the harbour to read the next installment of Charles Dickens.
            What will persuade him to reveal more at shorter intervals.

            • 2
              0

              SJ,
              Probably he realised that his “rickety old Honda” was counterproductive.
              “What will persuade him to reveal more at shorter intervals.”
              Anything is better than repetitive JVP youtube videos.

      • 6
        0

        No, nimal, I’ve never done any rowing, although I do still swim. One of the greatest pleasures I’ve had is snorkelling in the Maldives. I had two spells there; three years in all.
        .
        As for sports, I know about them all, but I’ve only mastered tennis. And that’s rather expensive. It was free again during my Peradeniya days, when I was in my mid-thirties, and I managed to get University colours.
        .
        We all now spend many hours on computers; we didn’t have them when I was a schoolboy. I used to spend lots of time listening to the the BBC’s sports coverage on Saturday nights. The (Oxbridge) Universities boat race among them. The sports commentators then had developed their skills in using the spoken word to describe what none of us could see. I’d agree that I was far too much of an Anglophile at that stage.

        • 2
          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
          .

        • 4
          0

          SM, I’m truly impressed. I love sports but my parents were against, hence ended up just a fan/ follower of many sports. While doing A/L , I picked up Martial arts completing almost two years of training. The good thing is , I’m still conscious about my physical health and keep running almost daily. I am proud to have completed two half marathons (21 km) and few 10 K. During Covid, switched to weight training, stretching / exercise, just enough to maintain tone, flexibility and health in general.

          • 3
            2

            Great!
            SM has a companion/competitor now.
            I look forward to the next installment.

        • 3
          0

          Dear nimal,
          .
          Although I don’t really know who you are, I’m grateful to you for treading a firm and principled line on the issue that matters most for us: having a government that is accountable to us.
          .
          I have a persona for you in my mind that ought to be most flattering for you. In my case, I try to be totally accurate in what I say, but although all that I have said on this page is accurate, I must confess that I allow your imagination to have full reign in providing “entertainment”. You do that supremely well!
          .
          If I now have the time (the computer was being used by others in the family), I shall now make a comment at the bottom of this page explaining some facts that oc, SJ, and you found surprising. All that I said was true!

  • 4
    1

    An article that lays out exactly what our damned country is about (not a swear word… we’re truly damned). Is there any hope? We want all the trappings of the Western world, but we do not have their evolved social system for it, especially the democratic one. We will therefore never succeed. Ranil’s 2048 plan of salvation is too obscure. We need results Soon/Now! The more they become draconian, the more the hardworking-suffering-masses will become assassin-wise. They’d better watch out. And there is only so much you can pay-off the armed forces…they will become too expensive to maintain.

  • 1
    1

    C,
    That should be highest priority and that Unification and Bond would help break the impasse and make the Nation progress in all aspects!?
    That’s daydream itself of magnificent proportions!!
    Bhudham Saranang Gachchami!??
    One and only Salvation!!!

    • 4
      0

      Mahila,
      Myths are the cancer of Sri Lankan spirituality. People are more mentally ill than physically. This shows us more every time we are forced to read sinhala_man’s hilarious comments.

      please watch the 1.49th minute of the following video. The monk explains it in a simple langauge about the danger before us.
      .
      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PAnrDRy7PkA

      More than anyone else, a handful of virtuous, learned monks constantly fight against the entanglement of the myth of human suffering. I hero worship that monk because he is on the right path.
      Young people today are trained to bow before any elder as a sign of respect. However, they behave like domestic dogs and other domestic pets in front of our eyes. Why on earth can’t these young people question who they are kneeling with? Today, this trend is being promoted in the suburbs of Colombo as well as in the south in a way never seen in the 70s and 80s.

      Imagine that people loved the man who destroyed the nation just because he had a moustache, a national costume, a blood soaked loin clothe around his neck, and his motive transcended the nature of Dracula and turned a nation into a perpetually bankrupt nation by sucking the blood of the people.

  • 3
    8

    ‘Native Vedda should be marched on to the Galle Face Green and whipped to within one inch of his life ……’
    .
    Poor Vedda, he tries so hard to match SJ’s knowledge and Nimal’s wit but he just can’t make it.

    • 9
      2

      Svenson

      “Poor Vedda”

      True, you are right in the most literal sense as I do not possess political ambition nor I belong to any crooked parties.

      “he tries so hard to match……”

      Sorry I don’t compete with others, simply SJ is too (old) lazy for that.

      • 0
        1

        “Sorry I don’t compete with others, simply SJ is too (old) lazy for that.”
        Seems that I am the only one he considers worth competing with.
        Wow! What a compliment, camouflaged thus far by a pile of snide remarks.

  • 6
    1

    Is this Karma turning its cycle? The Sinhalese did not care when the PTA was affecting the Tamils. They simply turned a blind eye. They still do when it comes to taking over Tamil lands and not asking for accountability for missing persons. Now a dictator is being made who is going to give equal treatment to all. The game has just begun. We will not see an end to this as the economic mess will continue to heap trouble and dissent will multiply.

    • 8
      1

      Cicero: All of us, including all those “Minority” party “Leaders” who rushed to sit with the present President Ranil W to discuss all those “Problems”, you have mentioned above could have been “SOLVED” as of “4th February 2023” -the “Memorable” date “PROMISED” and “FIXED”.

      Are you not sure? Could you please inquire from those “Participants” ( Sumanthiram, Sambandan, Mano Ganeshan, Rasamanikkam, and many such “Dignitaries”) whether that “Promise” has not been granted yet?

    • 6
      2

      Several things need to happen to get through the current problems to do with oppressive economic, security measures:
      1. Not attack each other over what happened in the past about Sinhalese vs Tamil or Muslim matters. Not attack one author against another over minor points. Focus on the main game. i.e. how to overcome the current political impass?
      2. Younger generation needs to take charge. They need to develop a political strategy for electoral success in coming years. Ground work needs to be laid now. Thgis requires a political party acceptable or register a new party. Dont contest all eletorates or even districts. Initially go for a few that has the potential. If you spread thin, your limited resources may be wasted over unwinnable electorates/districts.
Contesting elections is not easy task. You need networks on the ground in specific areas, active members who organise meetings,educate people, put up banners and posters, bring unconvinced to the fold. Media strategy is also necessary. Look for allies in existing parties with a progressive agenda. Involve professionals,media people, journalists, and so on. Develop an international arm with the diaspora.
      3. The trap that Ranil has placed is to compell those resisting his administration to come to he streets and fight with the police and security forces.

  • 6
    1

    Sri Lanka had seen similar situations before. When DB Wijetunge became the interim President he set in place election process that allowed Chandrika to become the President. She ruled the country two terms or so. Changing the President is not going to work. Country has a very expensive governance system including various corporations e.g. Sri Lanka airlines. Some rationalisation has to occuer but Ranil is not going to inrtroduce any reforms to the political and governance system other than follow IMF prescriptions to the letter(and even beyond). He is a dry economic rationalist. Argument for uinity is good in theory but not in practice. Political forces on the ground will determined the final outcome. No alternative to organising people,educating them, developing strategies, policies, and a long term political project to take power on behalof of the masses.

  • 1
    0

    Dear Peradeniya Critical Tradition,
    .
    Thank you very much for your well-thought out and valuable comments. Please forgive me for making these “entertainment comments” below yours. I hope that all readers will study what you have said.
    .
    However, oc, SJ, and nimal fernando, have been up-to all sorts of crazy conjectures about “Sinhala_Man” although I try to be always truthful. So, here goes:
    .
    1/?
    .
    When one doesn’t know something, it is always best to
    .
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TI_Pf1-pmG
    .
    I got to things like that, for the first time, by following links from here.
    .
    https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-d&q=Classic+Car+Club+of+Ceylon

    .
    Better submit now!

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