The Daily Mirror website in a surprising twist decided to break the censorship of all other Sri Lankan mainstream media houses, when they carried a story titled “Daham Sirisena Justifies His Trip To UN” regarding the first son junket Daham Sirisena‘s trip to the United Nations which is currently being funded by tax payers money.
Daham Sirisena – Pasikudah | File photo
Not a single mainstream media house reported Daham Sirisena’s visit to the UN up until this point as of yesterday, as hundreds of Sirisena supporters began to criticize Colombo Telegraph website for breaking and following up the news regarding his visit propped up by a sense of pure nepotism that went wild on social media.
An avid reader of Colombo Telegraph sent in an email citing “friend of mine who works for the Daily Mirror said she had been reading the Daily Mirror website regularly, but never knew that Daham Sirisena was in the US attending the current UN conference. How can she know anything of this sort as Daily Mirror never carried anything regarding the Daham saga has created thus far” concluded the Colombo Telegraph reader.
“The main stream media failed to raise this particular nepotism issue, as it focused on mainly raising issues that blamed the the former Rajapksa regime instead” said our reader.
Writing to Colombo Telegraph media researcher Nalaka Gunawardene said; “The Daham@UN episode has shown up our mainstream media as well. None of them had the courage to comment on this matter, or at least report the widespread social media condemnation of it. For some, the first time they ever mentioned it was when they carried Daham’s ‘explanation’ on Facebook.”
“Is it because our media has been suppressed for too long that, even now, they cover the President, his family and other political leaders with too much deference? Why do most of our media treat the head of state as a feudal lord — when the incumbent has said he does not wish to be treated as such?” he questioned.
“Is it that parrots who have been caged for a decade do not want to fly away when released, so they just hover around repeating what the former master/captor taught?” he further asked.
Related posts;
President And Son Photoshopped Out Maithripala’s Facebook Page
Daham Sirisena Represents Sri Lanka At UN Youth-Led High Level Event
President’s International Media Point Man Speechless On Nepotism Charge
Maithri’s Daughter Chathu Kicks “Own-Goal” With Daddy’s Powers
MTV Newsfirst Removes President’s Daughter Chathu’s “Boasting Video” From Facebook
Daham Sirisena At Racecourse With 40 PSD On Saturday Night?
Minister Maithripala Sirisena’s Son Brandished A Gun At UNP Kris Balathazaar
President Silent On Daughter’s High-handedness
Sirisena Brother, Pallewatta Gamaralalage Kumarasinghe Sirisena Appointed As SLT Chairman
Pictures: ‘Non-Nepotic’ President Sirisena Takes Son To UN General Assembly
Indian PM Narendra Modi Meets Daham Sirisena At UN
Switzerland President Meets Daham Sirisena
Daham Sirisena Responds To Nepotism Charge
backlash / September 30, 2015
Is it too much to ask President My3 this expensive, unnecessary and
irritating business of Policemen – and sometimes STF and army personnel – forced to accompany children of top politicians must stop
– at least in the true spirit of yahapalanaya. Here comes to my mind a comment from an Indian high Court judge when a citizen group came before him. He said the State’s personnel and resources should be refused not only to children but MPs and other non-Ministerial persons. He asked why do they need protection from “the people” as they claim they were elected by the people on their popularity with the people.
We should start the clean-up job somewhere because, as reader’s recall, in his heyday Kudu Mervin’s debaucherous son also was enjoying the protection of the State. That is only one instance that comes to mind.
Backlash
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samuel / September 30, 2015
This means freedom of media is overflowing inthe country today… :)
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Analyst / September 30, 2015
He does look like a thug and bit simple . Does not look intelligent enough.
The Parents are trying hard to reform this character that’s why they packed him off to UK in the pretence of higher studies to avoid any further embarrassment for the President’s reputation.
Will Daham reform and be an intelligent son to the father.? Signs are Nought.
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Analyst / September 30, 2015
If the son has the characteristics of a thug does it mean the father too had been a thug or still a thug??
Please clarify.
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Native Vedda / September 30, 2015
CT says:
“Sri Lankan Media Breaks Silence On Sirisena Brat”
Brat, certainly he is.
Media’s primary responsibility is to inform, educate and entertain.
Certainly CT has entertained us.
Thanks for the entertainment, even better when its provided free of charge.
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JULAMPITIYE AMRAYA / September 30, 2015
there was an another president of former soviet fedaration who brought his 11 year old son to the UN summit just like Mr Sirisena,
with BBC world service there was an news item on 29th regarding that.
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Srinath gunaratne / October 1, 2015
Yeah, It is your gon palana president!
King of nepotism, brother chairman daughter, son…
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JULAMPITIYE AMRAYA / October 1, 2015
What about Your White van Mati Moola Mahendran Jaarapassa and clans, who took 400 odd Mati moollu, Some close advising Pimps, runkads with him to Last time UN summit, on poor Sri Lankan tax payer’s money.
You forgot Those Jarapass a shit eating pigs?????/,
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samuel / October 1, 2015
Srinath – one another asylum seeker – who abused european laws telling untruths about the civl war and got settled in the UK, now sees it this way.
But at the time, Maharaja abused it to core, this man and the ilk kept their both ends as if sealed off forever. Now being unable to continue their abusive businesses, come this way to attacked MY3 and Ranil.
Whoever whatever being spread, today we have a more freedom to express our views, we should be grateful to CURRENT leaders for that.
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BBS Rep / September 30, 2015
CT, the answer is in the above article. The caged parrot syndrome well explains the media self-censorship that is still being practiced in Sri Lanka.
I wonder if the other newspapers will have the temirity to come out of their cages as well.
I wonder when the mainstream media will ask the ‘Yahapalanaya’ architect why he elected defeated candidates to positions of power, worse still when he well knew of their criminal pasts. When are we going to stop this practice of being governed by utterly corrupt criminals.
Media has a important role to play in a democracy and I hope they will emerge out of their self-imposed shell and do what they are supposed to do.
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Navin / September 30, 2015
Let us admit that we were duped by LIAR Sirisena. After that it will become so very easy to take remedial action. I am ashamed that I was singing his praises in these columns for eight months from January.[Edited out]
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Analyst / October 1, 2015
@Navin. Please go and get lost , we are trying to reform these characters and this cursed country , and you ,you rubbing salt,??
We know where your allegiance are so stop your crocodile tears.
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punchinilame / September 30, 2015
I think the move to carry poitical-rascals is to overcome certain opposition moves and
MS-RW-CBK combine is aware of the need to push forward according to ground-situation.
These culprits too are taking cover by supporting the Government, however there is a
chance some of them will get involved in Investigations that are moving very slowly.
There is a public cry against this kind of Governance, and a remedy is to persue a
Public Interest Case. Who is going to bell the cat?
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Analyst / September 30, 2015
Freedom of speech is a mechanism used to expose ill doings in a democratic state by which the perpetrators get exposed resulting the law of the land to punish the perpetrators.
The media has a strict moral conduct to publish the truth only and not the fabricated lies resulting in expensive law suits .
The vigilant editors has a very important role to play as he or she is responsible in publishing the true story in their news paper.
Any shoddy fake stories will result the media outlet with a very heavy lawsuit payments to the victims and eventual closing down of the media outlet.
The journalists and the reporters are required by law to produce only the true stories.
Freedom of speech is a good thing for a thriving democracy.
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Kumari / September 30, 2015
Sri lankan medias including DAILYMIRROR are still in Mahinda white van phobia.
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Adrian / September 30, 2015
The spineless, in amature, ignorant sri lankan news papers and their Web sites couldn’t careless. What do they know about proper reporting. Really, such pin heads.
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Spring Koha / September 30, 2015
Deja Vu! all over again. Happy memories of that nice Mr Kehelmalla Rambukpotha vehemently denying that ‘nothing’ happened between Sajin Vass and Chris Nonis. Kehemalla must have thought he was having a nightmare when he those many texts come through that night.
Anyway, fellow Sri Lankan’s the Daham Sirisena affair is now yesterdays news. Except that in Medamulana, Kelaniya, Kandy and Colombo, and elsewhere, young men used to entitlement are wondering what all the fuss is about, shaking their heads, and exclaiming ‘machang, what is the use of having a big shot parent if you cannot do what you bloody well want, ah?’.
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Paddy / September 30, 2015
Come on CT. Time to move on. At least now we were able to talk about this without fear or favor.
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Jango / September 30, 2015
Well done, CT. Keep up the good work and set an example to the mainstream media CEOs, Editors, et al, about being objective in their reporting and not pandering to the powers that be. This would also be a good way to check on how ‘just’ the Yahapalanaya administration is.
We have had enough of previous administrations wreaking havoc on publications and other media outlets that don’t curry favour with those who object to their misdeeds being exposed.
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Amarasiri / September 30, 2015
Daham Sirisena,
“None of them had the courage to comment on this matter, or at least report the widespread social media condemnation of it. For some, the first time they ever mentioned it was when they carried Daham’s ‘explanation’ on Facebook.”
RE: Daham Sirisena Responds To Nepotism Charge.
You certainly Daham needs a good adviser, a mentor and a good consultant to protect you from yourself. This is part of growing up.
You should have kept your mouth shut. You should have 10 ears and 1 mouth.
Have you heard about the crow, the fox and the cheese? One stupid crow, one wise crow and the foxes are always cunning. One stupid crow has found a piece of cheese and retired to a branch to eat it. A fox, wanting it for himself, flatters the crow, calling it beautiful and wondering whether its voice is as sweet to match. When it lets out a caw, the cheese falls and is devoured by the fox.
One smart crow, on the other hand, has found a piece of cheese and retired to a branch to eat it. A fox, wanting it for himself, flatters the crow, calling it beautiful and wondering whether its voice is as sweet to match. The smart crow, puts the cheese on the branch, holds with its legs, lets out a caw. The cheese stays on the branch, does not fall, and the cunning the fox is amazed.
Daham, try to be a smart crow, not a stupid one. By the way, get a few good ties, some well tailored suits, and get some good mentors. Nobody is perfect, but correct your mistakes and move on.
.
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RipvanW / September 30, 2015
Maybe they waited till someone provided credible evidence of the rot – And the baba with his note did exactly that.
He demonstrated for all to see how low we have sunk – a not uneducated young man produces such baby talk rubbish and believes that the people of this country will take him to their hearts.
One hopes that persons of such shallowness are never allowed to go near any position of power or influence if the people of this country are to have any hope for their future well being.
Of course he is only one more in a long line.
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EW Golding / September 30, 2015
1. It was foolish of the President to take his son to the US with no formal standing and to create such media publicity – mostly outside SL.
2. I think it is not a very big mistake and I hope father and son will refrain from such slips in future.
3. The domestic media blackout the above article refers to (prior to the DM story), if true, is wrong.
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Off The Wall / September 30, 2015
Journalists working for the mainstream media in Sri Lanka pay tribute and give awards to each other, and demand better pay and their rights such as access to information and free speech, and protest vehemently when one of them is abducted or killed. But they don’t do their basic duty of reporting the news accurately and objectively. They are pathetic.
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Amarasiri / September 30, 2015
RE: Sri Lankan Media Breaks Silence On Sirisena Brat
“Not a single mainstream media house reported Daham Sirisena’s visit to the UN up until this point as of yesterday, as hundreds of Sirisena supporters began to criticize Colombo Telegraph website for breaking and following up the news regarding his visit propped up by a sense of pure nepotism that went wild on social media.”
Did any of them report that 47% of the Sri Lankans, 34% of the Europeans and 25% of the Americans believe that the Sun goes around the Earth?
Why not? Because it mattered very Little to them.
Similarly here Daham , mattered very little to them
1 In 4 Americans Thinks The Sun Goes Around The Earth, Survey Says
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Angelo / September 30, 2015
Colombo Telegraph (CT) has done a great job by publishing the TRUTH of dirty politics. Keep up the good work CT.
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NAK / September 30, 2015
“Is it because our media has been suppressed for too long that, even now, they cover the President, his family and other political leaders with too much deference? Why do most of our media treat the head of state as a feudal lord — when the incumbent has said he does not wish to be treated as such?” he questioned.
Media freedom is a myth created by themselves.They all are dependent on governmet advertising and other printing contracts they refrain from criticising the govrnment for financial gain but keep on talking about meadia freedom.
what hypocricy!
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Rohan / September 30, 2015
In Australia, Opposition Labor Party is accusing Julie Bishop, the Foriegn Minister, of not taking her job as chief diplomat seriously enough, after her boyfriend was photographed sitting next to her in the official Australian section at the UN General Assembly in New York this month.
The United Nations Protocol and Liaison service says a member nation’s delegation “shall consist of no more than representatives and five alternate representatives and as many advisers”. The Chief of Protocol requests a list of names for any “personal guests” of the head of the delegation.
Further, the document says: “During the general debate, seating in the VIP section of the General Assembly Hall and the blue seats in the rear and balcony seating in the Hall are reserved for the use of delegations addressing the General Assembly at that time.”
A source familiar with UN gatherings told the media the minister’s decision to include her partner and non-diplomatic staff at the official Australian section was highly unusual as it is traditionally an area for government and staffers only.
So, Mr. President, please tell us whether Daham Sirisena was a member of the delegation, and who made this decision.
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baludeen / September 30, 2015
this sirisena brat looks more idiotic than his [Edited out] father
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Pot Shot / September 30, 2015
There was a time I only read the DM and Sunday Times. But as of 4 years ago the paper has been on the fence devided in its opinion. Even their on-line readers are not allowed to comment freely and they are very selective in how they post comments. I am made to believe that the editorial staff are all of the old school type and are struggling to make the cut.. This is something completely against today’s trends in media ethics and the freedom of expression. Very sadly the paper has become very much like all other papers in SL manipulating public perception. Either they should decide to be a part of a new era the world is seeing or just quit being in this business.
I am not always agreeable to the articles I see on CT. However CT will post anything Critically said about them. It shows that CT has come of age but sadly the Sri Lankan media is still stuck in a massive rut and lagging way behind.
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old codger / September 30, 2015
“There was a time I only read the DM and Sunday Times. But as of 4 years ago the paper has been on the fence devided in its opinion. Even their on-line readers are not allowed to comment freely and they are very selective in how they post comments.”
Exactly my own experience. I have tried to comment on the DM website a dozen times but never got published. Several times, it was about Champika Ranawaka, who appears to be one of DM’s untouchable sacred cows.
About the divided opinions of the DM, I believe the editorials until recently were written by different people on rotation, and were sometimes quite contradictory.
Nowadays, their bias seems to be towards environmentalists of the loony kind, as shown by the claim that there is Arsenic in the Kelani river.
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The Rogue Ayer / October 1, 2015
Pot Shot,
“However CT will post anything Critically said about them. It shows that CT has come of age but sadly the Sri Lankan media is still stuck in a massive rut and lagging way behind.”
How can you know what has been edited out or not posted at all? I have friends who say that parts of innocent comments are edited out or never posted at all.
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sam / September 30, 2015
Dear President
We voted for you in your promise not to involve your family and promised to end unwanted family interference in official duties.
Now you are making a mockery of our vote and your promise.
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MirakRajBanda / September 30, 2015
Let Daham go to New York or Thoothukkudi (nice beach)on his own expenses and refrain himself from enjoying the privileges for happen to be a son of a president. It’s fine…. but if he tries to play foul, spend extravaganza from tax payers money like last brutal regime then the emergency exit is not far away…..
Good job CT, please expose any nepotism budding in Sirisena camp too!!!!!!!!
Thanx.
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Analyst / September 30, 2015
THREE CHEERS TO COLMBO TELEGRAPH. Without your thread where would we be.
We have freedom of expression and we have CT we have no fear of white vans . So we are ready to expose every liars , crooked thieves and murderers , and the lawless lawyers , unqualified lawyers, doctors, and professionals.
This we reap through the freedom of speech and expose with the help of CT.
The democracy at its early stage. Every lawful citizen is equal in this land, every citizen should be able to walk without fear intimidation and being murdered.
The wealth should be devided across the board.
Watch out for GREEDY DOCTORS AND THE PROFESSIONALS , WHO THRIVES ON POOR MAN’s cents and Rupees.
The main line media are , may be still suppressed by few owners who supports certain crooks of the country??
That is why the media is lacking in exposure if ills, and may be they have inefficient JOURNALISTS. Who cannot differentiate between the Apple to Adam.
Again I commend CT for its bravery .
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thondamanny / September 30, 2015
1. It was foolish of the President to take his son to the US with no formal standing and to create such media publicity – mostly outside SL- E.W.Golding…….
sad iorny is that 6.2 m people are yet to know he is a fool.
Julie Bishop’s act excusable because she need her partner for her Biological needs and that probably sharpens her thinking.
She is indeed a good & a rare Politician.
Our vote was first thrashed when loosers were appointed to the Parliament through the national List. It further eroded when some were appointed to ministerial posts and also taken to the UN Assembly.
With Daham’s appearance it vote has got mixed up with the excreta.
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Ponkoh Sivakumaran / September 30, 2015
With time, Maithri is assured to outdo Rajapakse. He has made an early start. Greed is a good thing mentality still holds. What are these poor fellow’s qualifications to be at the UN? Hopefully, CT will tell us what they are.
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TinPotJihadi / September 30, 2015
Time to move on chaps. He must eat humble pie. Aiyo Sirisena! CT reported once that this boy brandished a gun at the Royal-Thomian. So thuggishness is in his genes.
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Bala / September 30, 2015
Is he (Daham) the son who beat up a policeman’s son in front of the latter’s girl friend? Or is it his younger brother?
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Village Green Guy / September 30, 2015
I truly believed that the Sirisena-Wickremasinghe duo would bring in honesty and yahapalanaya to Sri Lanka.
But they have proved within less than a year that they are disgusting political opportunists.
1. They changed the constitution to limit the Cabinet to 30, but violated 19A by exceeding that limit by 18.
2. SIrisena rewarded his cronies by appointing defeated candidates to parliament via the National List thereby violating another election promise.
3.ys brother to head a major corporation and taking his son on the UN and world tour.
4. Wickremasinghe refused to remove his pal from the governorship of the Central Bank despite the biggest financial scandal in its history.
They have already turned Lake House into an echo-chamber of the government. I very much doubt that Sirisena will keep his promise to be a single-term president. He professes to follow Buddhist principles but does not prtactice them.
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Krishantha / September 30, 2015
This is the new media freedom in Sri Lanka. You should be proud colombotelegraph as you support this idiotic government. As you are very quite of all the corruption in this Yahapalanaya
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Ram / September 30, 2015
Press freedom had been restored they said, soon after the election. Yet our ‘journalists’ failed to report M3 Sirisena’s son’s presence at the UN. It could not be political bias, could it ?
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Srinath gunaratne / October 1, 2015
Next time, tell the xxxing idiot who invite you in UN to buy you a ticket, Sri lankan tax payer does not have itching money to pay for you UN invitations!
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JULAMPITIYE AMARAYA / October 1, 2015
Why not admire, what C T Is exposing.
When Jarapassaa F king taking 400 odd mati moolu and Drunkard pimps to Last time UN session, where were you HIDING?????.
Wher were your so called patriot madia?????
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Leelawathie / October 1, 2015
You are dead right my dearAmare.
All those went as if they were dead at the time, Rajpakashes entourages covered all IRC men, just because the bugger thought needed to please in that way. That is how Wimal Buurwanse became that close to Japakshe, else, as I read, Buruwanses blood was not fully transfused during the last 10 years.
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Hinnibanda / October 1, 2015
It is sad to see, VERY same Srinath et al kept dead silence at the time,
Dolakka karayas, musicians, every IRC man were part of MR entourages ? Remember ?
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Sama / October 2, 2015
Yes this is very true, former speaker Nimal S silva confessed this yesterday. only yesterday.
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HER BEE PEE / October 1, 2015
[Edited out] Please avoid typing all capitalized comments – CT
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