Utterly embarrassed by the statement made by President Mithripala Sirisena at the Cabinet meeting last night, Cabinet Spokesman Rajitha Senaratne said the President did not refer to an “assassination plot” engineered by RAW, the state intelligence agency of India.
Sirisena
Senaratne, addressing the weekly press briefing at the Government Information Department this morning, said President had only noted that there were claims being made that RAW was linked to the allegation of the assassination plot.
However, Sirisena’ Advisor Shiral Lakthilaka, speaking to the Daily Mirror newspaper this morning, had contradicted Senaratne’s story. Lakthilaka said the President did not mention the name of “RAW” and only said an Indian intelligence agency was planning to assassinate him.
Sirisena’s remark, however, has sparked a fresh controversy concerning diplomatic relations between India and Sri Lanka.
Sirisena’s controversial statement was also followed by an intense argument with Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe when the subject of development of the Colombo Port came up for discussion. The Hindu newspaper said Sirisena vehemently objected to any Indian involvement in upgrading its east container terminal – a project that New Delhi has been keen to take up.
“However, Mr. Wickremesinghe is said to have countered by saying Colombo had already promised New Delhi on collaborating on the project, and it was important to rope in India at the terminal, given that about 80% of the cargo handled at the transhipment hub was meant for India. He reportedly sought a week’s time to sort out the issue, since he would be meeting Mr. Modi soon ,” the Hindu newspaper added.
Meanwhile issuing a statement a short while ago the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said: “the attention of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been drawn to media reports attributed to President Maithripala Sirisena alleging the involvement of an Indian Intelligence Service in a plot to assassinate him.
“The Ministry wishes to clarify that the media reports in this connection are baseless and false.
“The Ministry wishes to emphasize that relations between Sri Lanka and India including at the highest levels of government are strong, encompassing multiple spheres including intelligence sharing. It is disappointing therefore that matters of this nature have become the subject of distorted and erroneous media reports taking the President’s remarks out of context, which has given rise to further media and social media speculation and the spread of unfounded fear among the public.
“In continuation of the close and regular interaction between Sri Lanka and India at all levels including at the highest levels of government, President Sirisena had discussions this morning as well at a meeting with the High Commissioner of India in Colombo.”
Chandi / October 17, 2018
LTTE is created, trained, funded by India…..while Javans were fighting with LTTE RAW helped LTTE…India has never acknowledged their role in the 30 years of carnage in Lanka.
/
old codger / October 17, 2018
Chandi,
“LTTE is created, trained, funded by India”
Yes, and given weapons by Premadasa, don’t forget.
/
Buddhist / October 17, 2018
Chandi, Old Codger do not forget that Mahinda Rajapakse gave Millions to LTTE as well.
/
nimal fernando / October 17, 2018
“Mahinda Rajapakse gave Millions to LTTE as well.”
–
Here’s the impartial unvarnished truth ………. if people can face it …….
–
Premadasa’s support to the LTTE prevented Lanka ending up as a de facto partitioned-state like Cyprus
–
Rajapakses’ millions to the LTTE eventually wiped out the LTTE ………. if Ranil had won ……. he would have continued with the “Peace-Treaty”
–
–
And here’s the greater truth ……… the intended outcomes/intentions of the two respective leaders were not those ……….. but just how the cookie crumbled
–
One can’t help but sit back and shake their heads in amazement ………. and wonder how the country has withstood our own leaders down the decades ……..taken on all-comers ……. and still marches on
–
Lanka is a long-running miracle in progress ……….. although battered and bruised
–
–
If there is a true real (un-self-proclaimed) “hero” in all these ……… it’s none other than good ol’ Velupillai Prabakaran ………… all Lankans should celebrate his B’day ……. now that November is around the corner
/
oldcodger / October 17, 2018
Nimal F,
“Lanka is a long-running miracle in progress ……….. although battered and bruised”
As someone said once about India, Lanka is not a functioning democracy but a functioning anarchy.
/
Native Vedda / October 18, 2018
oldcodger
–
Where is your soulmate Champa …………………… the ….?
/
old codger / October 18, 2018
NV,
I believe Champa is away licking wounds sustained during our last entanglement over the Cardinal.
/
Sinhala_Man / October 17, 2018
Now that, “nimal fernando”, is what I call a sensational statement – the one you end with: that all Lankans celebrate Prabha’s birthday.
.
But I get what you mean. The reaction of some Sinhalese Nationalists is going to be interesting, considering the flack I often receive, without having ever dared to refer to Velu in such affectionate terms.
.
All of this is tragic indeed; I wish people would understand that none of this is approved by us, and that the seemingly flippant attitude displayed by us to all this conceals deep sorrow for our suffering countrymen of whatever genetic make up.
/
Mallaiyuran / October 18, 2018
Sinhala_Man,
Stop this nonsense of painting everything with your racial dye. He doesn’t mean to tell what the Sinhalese should be doing. He is just making a sarcastic joke about these utterly corrupted crooks. Your racism appears to be blinding your eyes so you want to ignore the comical nature of that writing.
Now he is writing a joke about the Cashew Eater. He might have written the same thing about leader Pirapaharan when he was losing the war. Cracking sarcastic jokes appears to be his nature. But you are whining of everything and anything appearing in CT.
/
Sinhala_Man / October 18, 2018
What the devil do you mean, Mallaiyuran? I was myself joining in the comic writing –
.
– but I see it all as ultimately tragic. The sufferings of all Lankans.
.
You, Mallai, I find impossible. Reminds me of Christopher Robins’ Eeyore:
.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=o6q28GEDwsA
.
That’s only one minute – brilliant!
.
/
max / October 18, 2018
Mr. Buddhist, For what? To eliminate Prabha and the gang completely? If so, its a very much “worth” give-away! Isn’t it?
/
Native Vedda / October 17, 2018
old codger
–
The seeds were planted by the public racist S W R D Banda and his pancha maha balavegya, then natured by his widow the weeping widow and the state, Hindia only watered it when necessary.
However don’t forget the Sri Lankan armed forces were the recruiting sergeant for LTTE and other groups.
/
Sinhala_Man / October 17, 2018
Dear NV,
.
I know that “natured” is typo for “nurtured”. Only one verb left for Junius Rex – “fertilised”?
.
Very seriously, though, we too glibly blame S.W.R.D. Banda for 1956, forgetting that if the impossible had happened, and Sir John had won those elections, he had promised the Sinhalese electorate just as much. It’s just that he had no credibility whatever. Banda did – and his culpability is increased owing to his being educated. But then, there was the Banda-Chelva pact which may have saved the day – but for Junius Rex.
.
OK, O.K, – you want us all to go back to Bharat, from whence we all came – and let me see what’s become of the Uva-inspired scheme to get compensation from all sorts of people.
.
You are going to be a very rich man, Native Vedda.
.
This sounds hilarious – but the reality is Aeschylean cum Shakespearean tragedy.
/
Native Vedda / October 18, 2018
Sinhala_Man
–
I apologise for the typo.
Even in the 1940s it was JR (hiding his Tamil Chetty ancestry) who first proposed making Sinhala the official language of this island. However weeping widows merry men who objected to Sinhala being the only official language didn’t amend it though they drafted the 1972 constitution to accommodate Tamil too be made official language until Hindians bent JR’s hands backwards and got it amended.
–
Actually I want to pack every Sinhala/Buddhist, Tamil/Saivite, Latin/Christian, Khalifa/Muslim, fascists, animals such as lion/tiger ……………… back to whence their ancestors came. The Sinhalaese, Tamils, Hindus, Buddhists, Christians, Muslims, Atheist, Agnostics, SCeptic, Doubters, Rationalists, Humanists, Democrats, Liberals, … are welcome including refugees from Syria, Burma, Maldives, …………… We will share everything we have.
/
Sinhala_Man / October 18, 2018
Dear Native Vedda,
.
You write so much that is spot on that there is no need to apologise/ admit the occasional typo, especially when it’s obvious. I merely used it to take off on my flight.
.
I fully support the banishment of all duplicitous creatures.
.
We will be ever blessed for having sheltered Nasheed of the Maldives, but beware of welcoming Yameen’s thugs:
.
https://raajje.mv/en/news/42700
.
There had been some misplaced criticism of Nasheed for visiting Saudi Arabia in the wake of the Khashoggi murder. I think that Nasheed went on a necessary trip to get Saudi pressure put on Yameen to concede defeat. Yameen’s family had been dispatched to the safety of KSA.
.
Those are easy distinctions for me to make. You are very necessary for us to know what’s happening here.
/
max / October 18, 2018
NV, your still singing SWRD song with the aim of diluting the Tamil chauvinist leaders infamous and unjust demands since 1831 noh?
/
Native Vedda / October 18, 2018
max
–
You too are a Tamil or a double Chauvinist.
Your ancestors came from South India, settled here on the coastal area, learned Sinhala to earn a livelihood, converted to Christianity and then Buddhism, and now you claimed to be a puritan Sinhala/Buddhist, and turned into the most hypocritical, zealous, opportunistic racist of all.
–
Don’t think every person in this island was taken for a ride by the opportunist and Tamil racist S W R D Banda. In case if you didn’t know his ancestors were Tamils from South India. The only difference was he was able to fool many in his days with Pancha Maha Bala Vegaya lies whereas your contemporaries the saffron clad thugs and the crooked politicians are finding it difficult to con the public with your Sinha Le, and other lies.
–
Times are changing, and changing fast.
Shove your fascism and perverted history in HLD M’s a**e or the new broom Channa Masala PhD’s head where you might see a large hole.
–
Then come back here to learn a thing or two about humanism, pluralism, unity in diversity, secularism, democracy, liberalism, why we need to oppose new brand of fascism, masquerading as Sinhala/Buddhism..
/
Thappu / October 18, 2018
old codger, Slight touch up. LTTE is created by SL. Trained and Funded by India.
/
Ajith / October 18, 2018
Yes, Mahinda also paid billions to LTTE to his election win 2005. Don’t forget this as well.
/
K A Sumanasekera / October 19, 2018
Old Codger,
I take my Hat Off to you Sir….
Keselwatta Kid would have been in Hugguies then, with the Nanny carrying him with the Dummy in his mouth.
Wonder where Dr Ranil was ?……
….
/
Native Vedda / October 19, 2018
KASmaalam K A Sumanasekera
I am guessing, Ranil was the Leader of the House and the Keselwatta kid was invited to read Economics at LSE where Dr NM Perera did his PhD in Economics and hundreds of leaders, presidents, prime ministers, also studied.
–
What qualification did the Keselwatta kid ultimately achieve?
–
Duttagamani was a permanent irritant in Premadasa’s neck. Please tell me how much Navin Nayakka is of a real pain in Kesselwatta kid’s neck?
/
K A Sumanasekera / October 19, 2018
Dear Native,
Colombo Elite will never accept Keselwatta Kid, even if Dr Ranil let the Kid to come to Colombo North and take charge of the “UMP” supporters in Kollonnawa, and Keselwatta …
–
Hirunickers will be the other obstacle..Unless the Yahapalana Magistrate in Colombo gives her the same treatment as he handed out to that Buddhist Priest..
Regardless Colombo Elite will back Hirunickers .
–
I don’t know much about Nayakka. All my Elders told me was that Keselwatta Preme not only bumped off Nayakka Senior, but Athulathmudalai Senior as well..
Does Athlthmudali got a Junior on Yahapalana Paryoll?..,
/
Native Vedda / October 21, 2018
KASmaalam K A Sumanasekera
–
“Colombo Elite will never accept Keselwatta Kid, even if Dr Ranil let the Kid to come to Colombo North and take charge of the “UMP” supporters in Kollonnawa, and Keselwatta …”
–
Forget the Colombo elite.
I have no idea who is and who is out.
–
The Dutta Gamani Nayaka and his fellow Radala buddy Lalith William Samarasekera Athulath s**t bomb mudali, could not stand a dalit ruling this island with huge popular support. From the day one from 21 July 1977 UMP won the the elections by landslide victory these two supposed to be upper caste, upper class, educated, …………. racists/castists plotted to undermine Premadasa.
–
The shameless Dutta Gamani Nayakka wouldn’t mind working with Tamil militants to remove RP from whatever office he was occupying. Dutta even tried to be the smart Sinhala/Buddhist patriot by burning down the Jaffna library. By the way, he was Basil’s Guru.
–
Then the question is who bumped off the Dali President from Kesselwate? Who was going to benefit from president’s death within UNP? Ask yourself a question who was the Sri Lankan RAW agent within the cabinet who had access to top decisions made in this island about war and peace?
–
Watch out for anyone who portray him/her self as being patriot, Sinhala/Buddhists, ………………………… they have lots of things to hide. Dutta Nayakka Gamani did.
–
Had he lived longer the clan would not have meritted even 10th in the corruption/war crime league/table/rank.
–
Being a twit yourself, I suppose you are a great fan of upper caste, upper class, racist, ….. corrupt arsonist . Do you know his son can write in English.
/
old codger / October 19, 2018
Sumane dear,
“Keselwatta Kid would have been in Hugguies then”
Don’t tell me you never heard of KK’s father? He was also Preme , you know.
Just an aside: Why isn’t KK called Premadasa Sajit?
/
Saro / October 19, 2018
and financed by Mahinda Rajapakse as well. All are guilty as charged.
/
meenachchi / October 17, 2018
Chandiya,
When your sacred set of yellow-robed thugs acknowledge their role in 30 years of carnage ,you can ask India about their role.
/
Amarasiri / October 17, 2018
Chandi,
“President did not mention the name of “RAW” and only said an Indian intelligence agency was planning to assassinate him.”
“Sirisena’s remark, however, has sparked a fresh controversy concerning diplomatic relations between India and Sri Lanka.”
What is the truth? Who benefits?
Why do the Indians want Sirisena out? Get Rajapaksa back? Enhance Ranil? Sirisena is in bed with the Chinese? Or it it all a False Flag Operation? By whom?
/
Fathima / October 17, 2018
Indians, US/EU want Ranil. China wants MR/MY3. A pawn is as important as the knight for an expert player
/
Native Vedda / October 18, 2018
Fathima
–
“Indians, US/EU want Ranil.”
–
What are you talking about?
Hindians got Chandrika to sack Ranil’s government in the early 2000. They didn’t like his idea of international safetynet.
If Hindians liked Ranil they wouldn’t have invited MR and given him a semi official welcome. Let’s wait and see what Hindian game plan is.
/
Fathima / October 18, 2018
NV,
In 2000, Indians did not know about MR, later they came to know who he is. India expected they would profit out of bringing down pro Chinese MR regime Still things did work on their favor as expected.
I guess the invitation is nothing but a warning to MY3/RW – Look how Dr. Swamy who invited MR Tweeted, “probably the next President is arriving in New Delhi”. Otherwise, do you think that India is so dumb to bring back MR who bribed LTTE to destroy LTTE?
India is a political threat to SL, it thinks, it can change a president of SL, if it wants
/
Native Vedda / October 19, 2018
Fathima
–
“In 2000, Indians did not know about MR, later they came to know who he is. “
–
If you are still living this island, the Hindians, the Americans, the Chinese, the Israelites, the Brits ………………………………. know whenever you scratch your bum.
–
“India expected they would profit out of bringing down pro Chinese MR regime “
Don’t be silly, Hindians knew MR and his clan were dying to profit from any deal. Even MR said he firt offer the harbour contract to Hindians, which rejected the offer. MR wanted the harbour to be built free of charge, as goodwill gesture, …………….. meaning goodwill to his clan than the country. It means awful lot of goodwill, and awful lot of commission (maybe 100%) to the clan.
–
Swamy is part of Hindian establishment. When he does something don’t just watch what was done on the record, read between the lines. Swami himself said he arranged underwater commando training for LTTE in late 1980s.
–
He will do anything perceived to be in the interest of Hindia.
The stupid Tamils/Sinhalese speaking people cannot see beyond their noses and you are one of them.
/
Fathima / October 20, 2018
NV.
“Even MR said he firt offer the harbour contract to Hindians, which rejected the offer” – He really hinted that Indians are losers to China, and this relationship went up to a point where MR allowed Chinese submarines be docked in SL, and that is what worried India more, perhaps Indian would not have expected a SL president doing this.
Even now, India is more curious on port projects given to Chinese, probably 99 Year lease haunts them
As I too mentioned, Swamy is just doing what India wants him to do.
And you know Native Vedda, you sound an obsolete piece – sorry. People argue for different reasons. You argue because you like to win and be right always – Just take it :-)
/
Native Vedda / October 21, 2018
Fathima
–
“You argue because you like to win and be right always – Just take it :-“
–
Maybe you are new to this forum.
Since the beginning I have been telling this forum that I am bit thick hence I never dreamed of winning an argument.
–
How could allowing Chinese submarines docking at Colombo harbour make India worried? With latest technology what submarines could do at colombo, Trinco, KKS, Hambantota … harbour could be done from mid sea thousands of miles away.
–
Even if India is worried it is India’s problem and not ours. You seem to assume India is worried and you seem to derive pleasure out of India’s imagined misery.
–
“He really hinted that Indians are losers to China,”
–
Yes, yes, yes a loser like MR knows how hurtful is it to be a real loser.
–
“And you know Native Vedda, you sound an obsolete piece”
–
Oh you mean I am an extremely pricy antique piece.
Not yet.
/
Anonymous / October 17, 2018
Former Minister Johnston Fernando acquitted and released of all charges over misappropriation of Sathosa funds! Namal Rajapaksas Car was returned to him what a joke! As expected the criminals are being released one by one. Now to wait and see how the hypocritical special courts will spin an escape plan for the Rajapaksas and set up our country for collapse and international intervention…
/
Babalathappu / October 17, 2018
CT,
please correct this. Rajitha made it very clear that President did not add anything like what the press has been reporting.
Rajitha and other ministers had been present in that discussion.
This is one another example – to prove that lanken media is reporting facts in favour of them.
May well be those new papers in SL are abused by Rajakasehs kalliYA:
You please dont collect your sources from LANKEN media, but to try to collect them from original sources.
These are serious allegations. Never forget that. Rajakashes can collect bonus points easily. That is what we dont want right AT THIS CRITICAL MOMENT OF LANKEN politics:
/
Steve / October 17, 2018
Another “Dicks Joy” ?
/
old codger / October 17, 2018
People who are advised by Shiral Lakthilaka cannot be expected to do better than this.
/
sach / October 17, 2018
The president did not make any public statement. Did he? One moron in the cabinet gave the information to an Indian journo. The ones who are responsible are the moron who published it and the moron who leaked the infor.
/
Analyst / October 17, 2018
This is what exactly happens when the headless Politicians uses Media Coolies
to sing Ave Maria,/ Buddhang Saranam Katchaami to bless their souls , The Media Coolies with peanut brains DISTORTS the whole issue , thus the Politicians tends to fall flat on their faces and eat cow dung.
Along the way makes enemies out of friends.
Well done Silli Sen and Media Coolies.
Now eat the humble pie/ Appa???
Very sorry sirs.
Denials followed by Accusations!!! . Happening too frequently to believe anything nowadays.
Media Coolies Urgently need proper training on journalism before uttering garbage on media.
We know jolly well who is behind all this ” CARNAGE “, they’re all desperate running around headless before falls into boiling water.
Aneh!! pow !!
/
shankar / October 17, 2018
what does it matter whether he mentioned RAW or a indian intelligence agency.It is a very serious allegation because modi would have to sanction a killing of another head of state.No wonder ranil is running to meet modi.The gloves are off now and sirisena will not give the eastern terminal to india.
/
Lapatiya / October 17, 2018
Ay.. Ayyooooo……Shanker. This conspiracy theory is created by pro Rajapaksha media such as “Ada da Rena” and “Kudu Nalika” Rajapaksha’s wants something for their supporters. 2015 Aug. Gen.election champagne was “Mahinda Agamathi Karamu” then “Mahinda samaga Nagitimu” , Mahinda Sulaga, Paada Yaathra, struggling for opposition leadership, endless protests using GMOA and other Pro Mahinda Trade unions, No confident motion against Govt Ministers and PM, then poisonous milk packet story, Rupee devaluation and now this conspiracy story.. All these are creations by JO alone with Rajapaksha Media. Namal Kumara’s conspiracy story only to assassinate President and Gota. Now JO using this story to their advantage saying there was a plot to kill Mahinda Rajapaksha and his family. So all these are fabrications. media keep repeating the same story again and again to create a public opinion. I just can’t imagine why India wants kill President as every one knows after another 49 weeks Maithreepala Sirisena will be in the histories dustbin. He will be in the history as biggest betrayer. “Garadi Marala Paw ganne kawda”
/
Lapatiya / October 17, 2018
What our Gomarala said must be correct. Now a days his foreign affairs adviser is ” International Conspiracy expert” Google Mudiyanselage Wimal Weerawansa. He has Western phobia and Gomarala has Indian phobia. Gomarala’s Legal adviser is “Parliament roundabout jungle expert” Sarath Nanda Silva. India may have their own reasons to go against Gomarala. They know very well now Sri Lanka is corruption free country under Gomarala’s administration. Now all Indians are asking PM Modi to follow Gomarala’s style to control crimes and corruptions. India has now no option but to go against Gomarala. Every Indians knows our President Gomarala’s bravery. From time to time he is using various weapons against crimes and corruptions. from “Madu Walige” to “Sword”. Indians are asking Modi to act like Sri Lankan President and protect “Indian Ranaviruwo” In India Police need not Modi’s approval to question forces members but in Sri lanka Police need to get the approval from President. That is why CDS, Ravindra Wijegunaratna is laughing at CID. Sri Lanka President publicly advises forces commanders not to corporate with Police in judiciary matters. India has some more reasons to go against Gomarala. India is afraid that Gomarala will come to power again with the help of Rajapaksha’s despite his own earlier declaration that he will not contest again. India feared that he will create another “Maha Parakramabahu Chapter” as both King Sirisena and King Parakramabahu are from “Pulathisipura” “Pissek Rajaunath ekai Rajata pissu hadunath ekai”
/
nalmen / October 17, 2018
those whom the gods want to destroy they first make mad
/
Martin / October 17, 2018
Poor Silly Sena probably wakes up every night in a cold sweat, after bad dreams of facing life threatening situations. Being always paranoia that someone is out to ‘get’ him. Oh how heavy must be the crown he wears? Other Presidents have had their moments too, and their flaws. MS is hardly soiling any of them pristine traditions. Yet to suggest so is to validate his belief that he’s persecuted. He doesn’t seem to trust, or get advise from his trusted advisors nor his own appointed officials who surround him all the time. The speed of progress is probably too much and he keeps tripping himself on ‘not being notified, informed, consulted on everything before he learns of them from outside sources. Feelings of insecurity are finally catching up with him. He probable thinks MR will never ‘forgive and forget’ what he did to him, turning tables on him, at his most pivotal moment. Whilst on the other hand, Ranil is going on his own merry way without caring too much about giving him the due respect and latitude he thinks he deserves. Feeling isolated is a very lonely and depressive spot to be in, and that is why we may be witnessing such foolish and arrogant behavior. Not much anyone can expect from a Gamarala and his Hamine, other than just plain simple mindedness.
/
Janaka from Matara / October 17, 2018
hapoi deyyane !
/
Plato. / October 17, 2018
We do not know the truth about what was mouthed by President Sirisena.
But one thing is clear; He has the habitual tendency to put his foot into his mouth at the drop of a hat!
/
sach / October 17, 2018
He has not made a public statement. Information of an important discussion had been leaked by a moronic minister to Indian media.
/
Fathima / October 17, 2018
It is also possible that China is behind all these episodes promoting its anti Indian propaganda across the region to dominate. China has more money than India to spend, (but Mahathir Mohamad said “No” to Chinese investments)
Whatever it is, I prefer China to India since China doesn’t export us three-wheelers, ‘thagarang’ buses that occupy our small lanes in its entirety, cheap 2 wheelers and cars, cheap, idiotic TV serials and movies with full of superstitions
Above all, India has impacted SL with its dumb culture we are struggling to come out.
/
Thappu / October 17, 2018
Fathima, Think again. The culture SL must try to come out of is NOT what you have stated, but the thinking that we are smart enough to set up India against China. India is trying to see that China does not swallow us alive, – of course in their own interest. Guess who else will benefit. We!
/
old codger / October 17, 2018
Fathima dear,
“China doesn’t export us three-wheelers, ‘thagarang’ buses that occupy our small lanes in its entirety, cheap 2 wheelers and cars, cheap, idiotic TV serials and movies with full of superstitions”
Well, I suppose people like you can afford Mercedes buses and Rolls-Royce cars. But beggars can’t be choosers. Nobody is forcing us to buy cheap vehicles. Also remember that the buses you talk about are made here by the biggest vehicle factory in the country, which is Lanka Ashok Leyland, not that other ridiculous assembler of Chinese cars. If you are interested, you could start a bus service with Benzes and see how long you would last.
I don’t watch idiotic serials either, but this is what the viewers seem to want. You could ask one of the umpteen channels to show the high-brow stuff you like.
/
Fathima / October 18, 2018
old codger,
If beggars can’t be choosers, why give them choices? Tomorrow they will learn the way out to become a rich.
Difference between a Buyer’s Market and a Sellers Market? India makes profit out of creating a Buyers Market compromising on quality against attractive prices that we cannot say the buyers mistake, it is a desire, not a need – That is what concerns me when I said “Cheap”. Just 3 decades back, whoever wanted and could afford a Merc did buy them. Even Japanese vehicles were sold heavily when Indian cars did not dominate the market, yet Japanese did not create a sellers market buy compromising on quality. Look at the impacts on our country today:
Increased imports, and India occupying the biggest share of SL imports, about 22 percent. India gets richer and we get poorer.
How many young talents we wasted and waste as tuk-tuk drivers? These youngsters have no way of learning respect, discipline or some other skills. Some get into criminal activities too and overall the society looks at them differently.
Just because some greedy Indian businessman wants to make money. Needless to say that Indians are a well-known opportunists in the world. They will take every second to their advantage and try to make profit out of it, never worry on respect, quality etc.
Personally, I would choose a bullock cart against an Indian car and not mind you overtaking me, if I can’t afford a Merc/Toyota. You sound easily offended by India bashing?
/
Fathima / October 18, 2018
there is a bug in your comment system..guess this would fix..
/
old codger / October 18, 2018
Fathima,
I am offended by this Sri Lankan attitude of “oh we are so superior”, not anything else.
“Just 3 decades back, whoever wanted and could afford a Merc did buy them. Even Japanese vehicles were sold heavily when Indian cars did not dominate the market, yet Japanese did not create a sellers market buy compromising on quality.”
Maybe you aren’t old enough to remember that once upon a time, Japanese cars were considered “inferior” to British ones by local “experts”. Indian vehicles are going through the same process now.
As to 3-wheelers, nobody is forcing them on us. Blame the idiots who allow them in. Those are the opportunists.
You should also think why we import only cheap Indian vehicles. There are plenty of more expensive Indian vehicles, like Fords, Nissans, Hyundais, Skodas, Fiats, VW and even Benzes, in addition to luxury buses. But nobody imports these, and the reason is obvious. We are not as superior as we think.
“They will take every second to their advantage and try to make profit out of it,”
Isn’t that what a businessman should be? I wouldn’t blame anyone for doing that, even your relatives.
/
Fathima / October 18, 2018
old codger,
How can you say someone trying to show superiority when he/she is merely being quality conscious? Sorry to say, it is also suggesting some sort of inferiority complex in you coming our this way. Even though your theory is “beggars have no choice”, I would say, even beggars have the right to pick what they need – it can be due to quality too.
Like Japanese cars, Indian cars could one day become better cars – agreed. Are you suggesting that our buying decisions be based on future quality of a product, say in 10 years, not worry about what I am going to buy?
“They will take every second to their advantage and try to make profit out of it” – Best definition for majority of Indians, not for the right thinking successful businessman
/
old codger / October 18, 2018
Fathima,
“I would say, even beggars have the right to pick what they need – it can be due to quality too.” The beggars sure aren’t buying anything other than Tatas and Leylands. Why not?
Beggars can only pick what they can afford. Get it now?
You are free to have irrational prejudices , but you must admit that the beggars make their purchases based on rational decisions.
/
sach / October 17, 2018
Why should SLn government be embarrassed by this? It is the Indian gov that should be.
1. Sirisena did not make any public statement alleging a RAW attempt to assasinate him. He said that in a closed door meeting with his cabinet ministers.
2. One moron in the cabinet (possibly manoganeshan or estate Tamil minister) gave that information to the Indian journalist.
3. If anybody needs to be embarrassed that is the Indian journalist who published such gossips as information.
The serious matter here is one cabinet minister is acting as the agent of Indian media. Should the cabinet ministers be allowed to divulge such important information to media? That too to foreign media? SL government should check who took this information out. But instead, the idiot started calling Indians rejecting he said such a thing. Denial of the news was upto that Indian journalist not Sirisena.
/
Summa / October 17, 2018
MR had his hidden ‘files’ to blackmail and keep his ministers as ‘servants’ and no action but loot whole-sale. MS goes around saying he knows who’s taking bribes, where food is wasted most, how he can save the economy, protesting against price formula and now RAW etc., but never any action. RW is happily looting the country with his Royal lickers. Is this what we’re ‘blessed’ as SriLankan citizen?
/
K.Pillai / October 17, 2018
RAW’s hand is suspected, albeit conveniently, in the subcontinent.
In the present case why does/should Rajitha and Shrilal step in and issue this ‘contradictory’ denials? Why cannot MS confirm as to whether it is a suspicion or a paranoia.
/
Analyst / October 17, 2018
Are the nuts becoming loose?? If the Nuts and bolts comes off the thread these are danger signs for certain deranged Politicians before the Presidential ” Nuptials” !!.
Do we have enough beds in Angoda ? Are there enough Anti Psychotic drugs available to these Political Nutters???
We can’t have them roaming our streets with sore heads.
/
Suren / October 18, 2018
Oh boys hold it. Sirisena gone mad, all his grey matter is not between his ears but down his butts. All these tentrums of his is now Ranil and the UNP are standing on his way to contest next presidential election. He lost all his bearings, and the respects from within and outside the country. As pledged to the people soon after the last election that he would be one term president, the country and whole world have respected him but now he is not a hero but a zero. Even MR has given him a cold shoulder. No one supports him. Ranil has the support of the for Indians, US, and the west and China too. MR has the support of India and China. Serisena has none. So he is in a foul mode, not only he isdamaging but the countries too. Now his situation is like story of the flower garland in then
/
Buddhist / October 18, 2018
Before sacking the Board Members of the Banks, President Sirisena should sack all his advisers who are giving “dirachcha lanu” to the President. This includes his Secretary and Shiral Lakthilake.
/
Good Sense / October 18, 2018
It is co-incidental to note that the firm that was required to bribe LKR 100 M was an Indian firm, which sought assistance from the PM Office regarding the bribe. They were directed to the CIABOC, which in turn acted resulting in the hotel car park raid. It is in this context that the premier is supporting the Indian deal while the President is opposing the same. It is also co-incidental that a man questioned regarding the alleged plot involving the DIG/TID was also an Indian national.
/
K A Sumanasekera / October 19, 2018
Mira Srinivasan… Man, She is a Beauty……Isn’t she ?…
–
Never seen that Minister of Yahplana Foul Mouth, Rajitha getting” done” like that on Prime Time National TV
–
Mira is so articulate , clear ,precise and has a good grasp of English TV Journalism..
Crooked, low life liars who parade as Politicians can not take them on , and walk away thinking “wow I fooled them again.”..
–
Wonder who the Four “Rainbow” Cabinet Dudes who spilled the Beans to Mira?…….
–
And who is that Secretary who didn’t show the simplest of basic English etiquette of saying Pardon, or Sorry, instead of shouting ” Ah ” Ah ” when he couldn’t understand what the Journos were asking…
/
Mano / October 19, 2018
SL has become a Hunting Ground for more than one Country. Do not forget what happened to LTTE and who did the most to decimate it. All who partook in that war are still there on the ground and their stakes are still a bone of contention for all. There seems to be lot of unsettled spoils of war among many nations other than India.
One can hire a killer easily for the job without RAW, CIA. MOSAD or CHINESE Secret Agencies openly doing the job. We have all the basic essentials for a row of political assassinations for local and International sponsors. I pray for the Victim/Victims.
The real after effects of the ElamWar has just begun.
/