Sri Lanka is at a precipice and the Rajapaksa administration bears full responsibility for our country’s current plight.
After years of insisting that the Sri Lankan government carryout a credible internal investigation into the alleged human rights violations, especially in the final phase of the war, the international community seems poised to demand an international investigation. This is a situation which could have been easily avoided had the ruling regime heeded the calls of the UNP and many others who have been insisting that the rulers respect the rights of its citizens, irrespective of race religion or place of origin and address the serious allegations levelled against them in a manner that is acceptable to the people of this country. Instead we have witnessed further deterioration in the rule of law, accountability and credibility of the Sri Lankan State.
The UNP Leader
President Rajapaksa himself pledged to the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon in May 2009 that he will under take an internal investigation to look into the alleged incidents in the last phase of the war. This pledge has been repeated for the consumption of the international community. However the international community is now realising a blatant truth that the people of this country knew for a long time; the word of the Rajapaksa Administration means next to nothing.
The present administration has done itself no favours by eroding the legitimacy of the judiciary, weakening of democratic institutions, repealing the 17th Amendment to the constitution and increasingly hounding the media and dissent. By the illegal impeachment of Chief Justice Shirani Bandaranayake, the ruling regime has amply demonstrated to the people of Sri Lanka and to the international community that it is impossible for us to claim that there could be a credible internal investigation into the alleged crimes.
The increasing acts of violence against religious and ethnic minorities which are clearly orchestrated by groups with the backing of the ruling regime further casts doubts on the genuine commitment to reconciliation. The continuing abductions, torture, intimidation of the media, militarisation of every aspect of social and economic spaces, blatant corruption, nepotism and the glaring impunity with which the ruling elite flout the norms and laws of human rights have all contributed to bring Sri Lanka to where we are sadly placed. Once a respected country among a community of civilised nations today our government is facing increasing isolation in the democratic world. It has isolated itself to such a degree that it is compelled to seek company among ‘like minded’ authoritarian regimes.
It has been the position of the United National Party for years even at the cost of populist sentiment and irrespective of what the regime projects, human rights is not an alien concept for the people of this country. It is in our collective interest that our government protects our inalienable rights. The right to education, right to dignity, right to justice and a fair trial are all human rights just as the right to life and the right against torture and arbitrary arrest.
The people of the South witnessed horrific scenes at Weliweriya, when the ruling regime unleashed the army on innocent people whose only crime was to demand safe drinking water. The cold blooded killings at Weliweriya was a wake-up call that demonstrated how excesses by a regime that goes repeatedly unchecked could reach alarming proportions that cut across ethnicities and religions. To this day, the Rajapaksa regime has failed to hold a single person accountable for the Weliweriya massacre.
Recently mass graves have been unearthed in Matale and in Mannar. So far 154 skeletons have been exhumed in Matale while the gravesite in Mannar has revealed remains of over 50 individuals. How is it an act of treason to demand answers about which of our citizens are buried in those gravesites? Is it an unpatriotic act to ask the Government who killed them? Is it a conspiracy to demand that those responsible for the mass killings are brought to justice?
The time has come to change the discourse about human rights. This discourse changed instinctively in Weliweriya on August 2, 2013. But we do not need to see our countrymen being shot and killed before our eyes by forces entrusted to protect the citizenry again, in order to realise that human rights is about the rights of every citizen of Sri Lanka to live free and with dignity?
It is indeed ironic and tragically comical that recently a leading mouthpiece of the administration had asked for a further five years to fully implement the recommendations of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC). For a regime that had the eagerness to repeal the 17th amendment and introduce the draconian 18th amendment virtually over night, for a regime that impeached the Chief Justice through a process that lasted less than two weeks and for a regime that grants approval to any multi billion dollar deal over the counter it is nothing short of ridiculous to ask for five more years to implement recommendations that were made by a Sri Lankan commission tasked with looking into bringing about peace and reconciliation in our country. These absurdities once again demonstrate the insincerity of the ruling regime.
It is time to say we no longer believe the propaganda and narrow racist narratives of the government. Whether Tamils are buried in the Mannar mass grave or Sinhalese at the Matale site, these are all Sri Lanka’s people. Those skeletons were someone’s brother sister, son or daughter. Their families deserve to know the truth. As a nation we deserve to know the truth. The UNP stands ready to face any of its historic demons and learn from those mistakes, for we believe we will all have to confront our past in order to build our future.
Even at this very late hour the UNP calls on the ruling regime to address the serious allegations levelled against it. A mature state does not engage in blanket denial when allegations and aspersions are cast at it. It listens to those accusations, reflects introspectively, and attempts to set the record right as much for its own people, as for international consumption. The UNP calls on the Rajapaksa administration to stop seeing enemies and conspirators where there are none and learn, even at this late stage to listen to what our friends in the international community are telling us. This country stands, as never before, on a razor’s edge of devastating international action. It cannot afford to have this challenge led by a group of petulant schoolchildren who insist on pointing fingers of blame and everyone else without once looking inward. Sri Lanka now more than ever, needs mature, even-handed and truthful political leadership.
The people of this country need not pay for the actions of a few politicians.
As a responsible opposition, the UNP stands willing, to extend its fullest support to conduct a domestic investigation into the allegations about the final phase of the war. It is our belief that an investigation should span not only the months from January-May 2009, but go deeper and investigate the atrocities committed by the LTTE. If the findings of such an investigation reveal that guilt can be attributed, we call on the Government to prosecute any persons who may have been a member of the LTTE at a senior level and ensure they are held accountable for the crimes.
The UNP stands prepared to support the regime to restore the systems and institutions of democratic governance, if it will pledge to restore the 17th Amendment and prioritise a return to civilised values and the rule of law. This is not a moment for partisanship. It is a moment of national crisis. The UNP believes in a Sri Lanka that is unified, democratic and truly free. We have no interest in seeing our nation relegated to the lunatic fringe of the international community, disrespected and looked down upon because of our intractability and refusal to do what needs to be done. After 30 years of brutal conflict, reparation must be made. That is the nature of peace building. We did not need the international community to tell us that. It is something Sri Lanka should have realised for itself, as a nation that understands the brutality and brokenness of conflict and the need for all its citizens, in the North and the South of this island, to heal those wounds.
*Statement issued by United National Party – 2014.02.13
Ben Hurling / February 13, 2014
“Sri Lanka now more than ever, needs mature, even-handed and truthful political leadership.”
I have to agree with you Ranil. Thanks!
That is exactly why our country must break the stranglehold held by UNP & SLFP on governance of Sri Lanka.
These two highly corrupt political entities together have landed Sri Lanka in its current unenviable situation.
We need real change. A sea change. A mere change into a UNP governemnt will hardly be sufficient.
Cheers!
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Native Vedda / February 13, 2014
Ben Hurling
“We need real change. A sea change. A mere change into a UNP governemnt will hardly be sufficient.”
It needs complete overhaul of state, it means as Joseph Schumpeter would have loved it a creative destruction of the state.
Break the state and build it again.
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Ben Hurling / February 13, 2014
Native,
Was that what Neo-Cons lead by Bush tried in Iraq?
Oh..what a success!
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Native Vedda / February 13, 2014
Ben Hurling
No it would be a home made solution with Southern consensus.
By the way breaking and rebuilding the state does not involve using violence.
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S. Modaya / February 14, 2014
Sinhala Modayas do not think that the Miracle of Asia is on a precipice! They think that all is hunky-dory in Jrapassa’s Neverland..
Ranil Wickramasinghe who has never bothered to reach and EDUCATE the moda Sinhala voter is dreaming to think that changing the HR discourse will make a difference. The Sinhala Moday voters need to be first educated on the meaning and culture of democracy, and how to caste their votes for decent people rather than criminals and drug lords.
Today the Sinhala Moda electorate think that feudalism, nepotism, cronyism, military business, corruption and money politics is democracy! They are living in a patriotic stupor spun by Jarapass regime because the oppostion UNP led by Ranil is so corrupt and useless.
The education system has failed to impart civic education. The UNP and the SLFP because their leaders are so corrupt, power hungry and greedy have turned Lanka into a Banana Republic. Sinhala Modayas need to be educated that they need to vote for Honest, ethical, educated and intelligent people who care about the greater common good.
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Palmsquirrell / February 13, 2014
Iraq is a success for the Kurds and the Shia, as they are not anymore under the Sunni boot of Saddam and his thugs.
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Liberal One / February 14, 2014
and to the puppets installed by west who aided us/uk oil companies to re-enter Iraq. History has shown time and again that west uses divisions among host populations and install puppets to plunder resources.
In average 1000 Iraqi civilian have died each month after us/uk lied that saddam possess weapons that only western powers should posses and invaded Iraq. Yet the wannabe puppets think that Iraq is better off now.
If sri lanka is pulled back into chaos using alleged war crimes charges and when Sri Lankans start to die in 1000s per month, the us/uk and the puppets installed would certainly claim that Sri Lanka is better off for tamils now. That is why we should never listen to these fake humanitarians and wannabe puppets and protect the hard won peace and stability. When in doubt always remember that the international community didn’t give a hoot when we were been blown into pieces by the separatists.
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Palmsquirrell / February 14, 2014
Why would Sri Lanka pulled back into chaos, because any international intervention with teeth would just seek convictions for war crimes and provide a measure of safety for Tamils and Sri Lankans as a whole.
What is the rationale to claim 1000s of Lankans will die, unless the GOSL and its Sinhala thugs were the ones to start slaughtering people in revenge for war crimes, but in that case the guilt soley lies with Sinhala society.
This lie of “chaos” is put forth by the Nationalists to escape honest inquiry and justice for the victims.
The Iraqi civilians dying now is not at the hands of the US and UK, it is mostly by Sunni Jihadis who want to go back to the old days when Sunnis stepped on Kurds and Shia.
So if you think Saddam staying in power was a better idea, then you have no problem with those who say the British should have continued to rule Sri Lanka because look at the Chaos and lack of justice post independence.
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Liberal One / February 14, 2014
Sri Lanka can be pulled back in to chaos again because this is encouraging and signaling to the now defunct terrorists that Sri Lanka is a safe heaven for terrorism and that if Sri Lanka defends itself the international community will be they to punish it. That is why the west never allow any breathing space for their enemies and we expect the same courtesy. How did it go the last time we gave into the pressure of India and let Prabakaran go?
Finishing off the terrorists was part of justice for all victims because it was the terrorist pussies that hid behind women and children and used a human shield resulting in civilian causalities. If there are specific instances where army acted against innocent civilians those must be dealt with but the military operation against the terrorists itself was not a war crime but democracy and rule of law winning over the terrorists and their foreign backers.
Why do you think it is good for us/uk to invade a foreign country to throw out a dictator but it is bad for Sri Lanka to take out the worlds most ruthless terrorist within it’s own borders? Are you a one who funded the terrorists from abroad and now shedding crocodile tears about democracy in SL?
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Palmsquirrell / February 14, 2014
The State practiced and continues to practice terrorism but you only tag the LTTE as terrorists.
International community holding Sri Lanka accountable is not going to recreate LTTE because the time for armed conflict has gone and VP is dead. Why do you assume the internaional community will allow Tamils to wage armed conflict?
The international community for many years sided with Sri Lanka in ostracising and banning LTTE , yet they never applied the same measures to the Sri Lankan state. Now though they are turning to look critically at the GOSL but GOSL’s apologists don’t like it.
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Liberal One / February 14, 2014
Equating military operations of a legitimate government to terror tactics of terrorists is nothing but trying to excuse terror and violence.
LTTE and all other tamil terror groups are a creation of international community(India) and was sustained by the international community (citizen of western countries and NGOs).
History showed us that when terror hits us the human rights crusaders and crocodiles will not be here for us and only we will be left to solve our own problems and the times we listened to the international community only resulted in terrorists getting more stronger.
So tell me, how come it is ok for us/uk to invade foreign countries with regime changes in mind and with colossal civilian causalities but it is wrong for Sri Lanka to bring terrorists into justice with civilian causalities that were a result of terrorists hiding behind civilians?
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spark / February 15, 2014
Never not on the dead bodies of 40000 innocent tamil civilians. If this is prooved true and which the GOSL is avoiding proof,then the war is an actual total carnage with majority of the minority citizens killed purposefully. This is not a war of heroism but something cowards will do for the sake of a solution.
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Liberal One / February 15, 2014
It is this mentality that persisted in our country for 3 decades that motivated the terrorists to hide behind civilians and civilians to retreat with terrorists each time the army closed in on the animals. In a way you are responsible for the deaths of civilian causalities by encouraging terrorists to hide behind civilians.
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The Professional / February 15, 2014
There is a book titled “Destroy to create”. At what economic, social and environment cost is immaterial as long as the desired result or the effect is achieved. That is what keeps the markets vibrant.
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John / February 13, 2014
This joker cum loser Ranil is the biggest asset of this govt.
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Native Vedda / February 13, 2014
John
“This joker cum loser Ranil is the biggest asset of this govt.”
Please let me read one of his jokes.
Is he stand up comic?
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Leelagenangi / February 13, 2014
If he is seen to be joker to your and your ilk´s eyes, you should not have no words to describe the bunch in power ?????????
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Leelagenangi / February 13, 2014
If he is seen to be joker to your and your ilk´s eyes, you should have no words to describe the bunch in power ?????????
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gamini / February 14, 2014
John,
If RW is the biggest asset of the MR govt, then why are you hating cursing and detesting RW so much. Admit the Fact that RW is the biggest threat of better Governance and Honesty that stands out against MR’s Corrupt, Violent and Deceitful governance?
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Liberal One / February 14, 2014
When will Ranil defeat MR exactly?
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gamini / February 14, 2014
The day the Country has free and fair elections, with the 17th Amendment in force, under a caretaker government where the State resources can not be abused vulgarly as now.
However with the imminent break down in the economy notwithstanding the above, MR will be ousted. So brace till then.
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Liberal One / February 14, 2014
The first condition is out of the equation so that leaves us with the second. Are you sure even with a broken down economy Sri Lankans would vote for a former terror appeaser who now asks to investigate the military? the one who invited the mercenaries of channel 4 to siri kotha?
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gamini / February 15, 2014
What makes you so sure that the first equation is out. See what happened to the NCP elections.
These are Pundits who believe that two wrongs make a right. Isapriya’s video in captivity of the Forces and then her mutilated body, open the door of the atrocities committed by the Forces leading to the massacre of unarmed protestors at Rathupaswela, who hailed the very Forces before. It is to prevent further massacres in the future that the excesses of the Forces has to be dealt with making use of evidence from whatever source, including Channel 4. Otherwise with an indiscipline Forces the masses are at risk of being brutalized over and over. This has to stop. For that, the one’s who committed the Crimes and those who gave the Orders should be brought before the Law.
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mechanic / February 15, 2014
You and your ilk can wait forever to topple MR you stupid bugger.
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Sirimal / February 16, 2014
BEFORE LONG YOU WILL SEE TANGIBLE EFFECTS..
UN resolution against MR administration will be a reality.
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mechanic / February 14, 2014
“Thoppigala is a jungle.” Man says the same thing in different words now. Let’s see how his party fair at this election.
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gamini / February 14, 2014
Maniac,
Why, you thought Thoppigala is a densely populated and a highly developed area?
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Wera / February 14, 2014
There you go again talking from both your mouth and your behind at the same time. Are there any political parties other than the ones you bash who have any chance of coming to power? Or is this just another attempt to sling mud at the UNP in a backhanded fashion?
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Sirimal / February 14, 2014
Following is what Mandela has said:
“I stand before you not as a prophet but as a humble servant of you, the people. Your tireless and heroic sacrifices have made it possible for me to be here today.
I therefore place the remaining yeas of my life in your hands.”
(Address on his release from prison, Cape Town, 11 February 1990)
True, none of lanken can become a Mandela, but qualities of a man near to mandela would be RW than MR.
MR has proved his abilities – people would never reach their goals, even the gap become wider and wider ascending from the start of second term
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Amarasiri / February 18, 2014
Mr Ranil Wickramasinha,
“Sri Lankan People Need Not Pay For The Actions Of A Few Politicians: UNP”
Yes, yes.
This is the story of Sri Lanka since independence.
Still paying for it.
The newest family the current regime.
When WW2 was ending, Stalin wanted to get hold of the top 50,000 Nazis and kill them. The allied wanted the top 50 to be killed.
When LTTE waa defeated, the SL State killed, 10,000 LTTE “Terrorists”
Sri Lanka can spare. the top 50 of the current regime. Hand them over the West, and make it their problem. Thee are vacancies in Guantanamo, while they are waiting for War Crimes.
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Medalankara de Choppe / February 18, 2014
Mr.Ranil. This is nonesense. You make speeches to the public but does nothing to oppose the Govt’s moves in the Parliament. The Parliamentary motions are there for that purpose. You can be defeated with the existing majority but you have made the point. To refer to Shirani B episode is opurtunitysm.You could have fought it one year ago. You did the back biting job on SF and Shirani B.In fact I feel that you supported the Govt on both occassions.
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The Professional / February 13, 2014
And also for inaction of many including the UNP.
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gamini / February 14, 2014
It has become customary for the Professionals who helped MR, now to blame the UNP and RW claiming inaction when MR has kicked these Professionals out and continue on his own devastating the Country. They fail to see their action that helped MR and want to pass the buck to the Opposition. Even at present they heap blame on the Opposition but never do anything positive to overcome by helping the masses, who should be blamed for not opposing and to oust the Corrupt from power. It is really the responsibility of the masses and the Professionals inclusive to oust the Corrupt and Violent MR and not the sole responsibility of the UNP or RW alone.
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The Professional / February 15, 2014
Professionals are trained to identify and analyze problems by using their theoretical and scientific learning, find solutions, develop and test prototypes, recommend the most suitable, add to existing stock of knowledge and to train the future generation of professionals.
Politics is not recognized as a profession and therefore developing prototypes for political problems is out of question. As for solutions there is unwritten criteria that solutions have to be economically and financially feasible, socially acceptable, environmentally sustainable and “politically stable”. Unfortunately tools and techniques for evaluating solutions for assessing the last criteria is not taught in any of the courses conducted for qualifying for a profession. That part is taught by the society and those who study in isolation do not know how to evaluate. To bridge the gap sociologists are appointed to team up with professionals in macro level problem solving exercises.
Each discovery cause changes in lifestyles and solutions need to be monitored, reviewed and revised. Perestroika and glasnost would be of some importance under the present circumstances.
I owe you a drink for opening the dialogue.
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gamini / February 15, 2014
The Professional,
Your quote, ‘Professionals are trained to identify and analyze problems by using their theoretical and scientific learning, find solutions, develop and test prototypes, recommend the most suitable, add to existing stock of knowledge and to train the future generation of professionals.
Accordingly the successful in a society should be the Professionals as they are more knowledgeable. Therefore the Economists, the Accountants of a society undoubtedly should be the most successful Businessmen as they are more knowledgeable than the rest without such education. Yet if one looks at any society, the Richest and most successful Business Tycoons are mere individuals who probably have had no secondary education or any Professional Degree from any University to boast of. I can remember some of the best Blue Chip Companies in this country was in their peak at a time managed by individuals who have never been to any University or possessed any Degree. St. Anthonys’, Centreal Finance, John Keels, Haylese and so on. Like wise there are many large and medium scale successful Businesses in the hands of very ordinary, with possibly fourth or fifth standard education, where sometimes Professionals are employed by them now that they have grown big. At the same time there are many qualified Professionals without proper employment stagnant in life. I am reminded here of the famous Sinhalese fable how an Intelligent can not cross the plank bridge, while the very ordinary do so.
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gamini / February 15, 2014
To add to the above, there are many instances where Projects with feasibility reports prepared by Professionals have ended in total failure while ordinary businessman have succeeded. I forgot to add Nawaloka to the above list.
By the way you owe me two rounds of drinks, I am keeping count mind you.
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The Professional / February 16, 2014
Gamini,
I would like you to check the qualifications of top management of all blue chip companies you have mentioned. The owner businessmen may not have seen a university but rely on professionals to protect their investments.Professionals offer professional services and therefore are partners in service industry.
You can decide on next round of drinks.
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gamini / February 16, 2014
The Professional,
The success of St. Anthonys is mainly due to the efforts of G.Y. Gnanam.
Haleys & Co. when down and out was brought up by Jayasundara.
Central Finance was on a tight leash of Chandra Wijeynaike
The Professionals were warming the chairs at John Keels till Ken Balendra a planter with no Degree turned it around.
Nawaloka has always been steered by Dharmadasa Mudalali and Professionals had to follow his instructions.
Currently Dhammika Perera who was Joe Simm’s driver steers a number of Blue Chip Companies, as well as some Govt Business Undertakings and he has fired a few Professionals being unable to perform.
My argument is why, the Professionals with Technocratic knowledge are not the owners/leaders of Business ventures, but serve under these successful individuals without Professional Degrees?
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Liberal One / February 13, 2014
This man has time and again proved that he doesn’t know how to pick friends from enemies. Looks like he has already forgotten how Tamil nationalists along with LTTE boycotted the presidential election in 2005 in an apparent bid to ensure Mahinda win. Ofcourse this imbecile should be eternally thankful to tamil militants for killing Gamini Dissanayake or else this man would never have been the leader of UNP. Other than that Tamil nationalists are not his friend, the northern provincial council election proved that.
Does he think that we can’t see his hidden agenda when he needs to investigate the army and LTTEs past leaders only? He wants to set right thinking, responsible Sri Lankan citizen who were fully behind the military against the government by investigating the army and he wants to appease the tamil nationalists who are seeking revenge against KP, Karuna and pillayan. But then he does not want to investigate IPKF, TNA or tamil diaspora and NGOs who funded the LTTE to kill us. How convenient is that?
and the arrogant terrorist appeaser has the nerve to say that this would have been easily avoided had the ruling regime heeded to his calls. Like his calls to share power with terrorists? It is time that Ranil leave UNP and join sampanthan than destroy the UNP further. We don’t want a pussy leading UNP who can’t see the bullying of west for taking out the terrorists.
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Thondamanaru / February 13, 2014
No…no… you are completely wrong……..
This man knows how to pick his enemies as friends.
Its the Leeach mode.
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XXX / February 13, 2014
Weldone Mr wickramasinghe, opens the mouth just before the elections to parrot what terror sponsors of west are demanding. Now the people of western province will teach a good lesson to the UNP and Ranil can claim that performance under the leadership council of Karu is worst than his track record. Very cute plan.
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Piyadasa Yalagala / February 13, 2014
Ranil W is leader of UNP almost 20 odd years since 1994.
What is side and done’ ‘people of this country need not pay for action of few political leaders’; In fact that as whole is correct statement accept by after long years in helm of UNP leadership by Mr Ranil Wickaramsinghe.
How to correct action by people of land?
There is after all no longer any reasonable doubt whatsoever that man-made errors that politics of major parties accountability for are seriously damaging our democratic system; that is crucial to future survival of Sovereignty, Territorial Integrity, Independence and Democratic order of OUR NATION.
Really we had an operated democracy misrepresent interest of people of Island and self-enrichment of political parties at the expense of people, who are rely on flash representations and suffer harm or damage as result of wrong path of political leaders in last 30 odd years.
The misrepresentation of is merely political, economical and social negligent, it can still be crime against people and democracy that believe by people of our land. If such reckless policies of major political parties are result of harm and suffer those induced to rely on the flash policies is grave in democracy offence. Needless to say this is still more serious of norms of democracy is concern.
We want broad base consensus beyond reasonable doubt, that counter-reform democratic movement of to be established of a large network of thinking tank, foundations, institutes and party education as well as encourage independence activities and its organizations, that turn for to be reestablished democratic frame work.
As major political parties including UNP, that Prime task as leader of UNP, the today democracy challenge by that unfortunately led to an almost Racial division between Tamils and Sinhalese the those who need to accept the overwhelming democratic consensus.
Indeed which policy oriented contributions are extremely need healthy of share democracy and that such policies of UNP primarily interested of nation Sovereignty, Territorial Integrity,Independence and Democracy.
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Sirimal / February 14, 2014
Listen to him and what he has been saying, then you could change your attitidues, of course if you and the like minded people are in a mind to get them.
His is miles away from what MR has to say about anything. RW is not a man who would lick and caress the babies to deceive the vulnerable folks, but he will do the right thing in right time.
All others got their chance to perform, but the matured RW has not had it yet. People must give him a mandate to govern the nation.
As every healthy would feel it – if a leader is not corrupted, there he has the quality to serve his nation.
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Gunapala / February 13, 2014
Runil is genuine and he is not fit to be our leader at this juncture. I think the majority of UPFA and UNP and comentators wish personal gain. Ranil is hated by such people in the UNP and laughed at by such people in the UPFA. It’s easy for them. In fact, you all, irrespective whther a UPFA member or UNPer, contribute to our downfall. True, the worry of haters is their desperation for black money and power under UNP regime, and joy of UPFA members is Ranil’s incapability of grabbing power in fradulant way.
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Diogenes / February 13, 2014
Ranil is not a rogue. He is not a thief or a ` 10%commissioner`. Being a realist, he does not promise to make this land a paradise overnight. A gentleman. Therefore people do not like him. They, being sinhala buddhists need thugs, rapists, thieves,drug @ Ethanol dealers,plunderers as their leaders. to lead them to nibbaana!
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Leelagenangi / February 13, 2014
RW is a matured a leader with gentleness, being educated, being cultured, being structured,be bound to rule of law above anything else.
This is the reason him to be seen to the many- general thinkers, that he has no power. But within today´s context, no oppostion or dissidents have rights to raise the issues even if they have reached to the appalling levels.
As one who is alert to lanken political discussions being out of the country, I dont see any good arguments forwarding by anyone in the regime, when posing questions regarding unbearable amounts of funds that have been wasted, as no other times in the past. They nodde the head, either bringing arguments based on 89 insugergeny run by JVP/UNP or arguments based on UNP regimes. But not respecting that we are now in the solving mode of current day srilanken problems.
Arguments given by ruling politicians are ridiculous actually. Lately the very constructive arguments produced by JVP election nominees about the way the allocations have been abused in the southern provincial council, no ruling party candidates brought any constructive arguments than reminding the JVPers the way the manner they reacted in 89.
It has become – to repeat thousands times about the manner how HIS EXCELLENCY THE PRESIDENT has been performing ever since he has been reelected. No words based on the worries of Rev. Sobith thero, which the abolition of EP as promised.
None of these minions of MR seem to raise it either.
This is the reality in this country today, the forgone conclusion will be the result of UNHRC session in March. No praises will be heared about the nation afterwards. One can retrieves – NICE WORDING about the country when they start googling from MARCH. No people will have chances to plan their life as hoped long. All these are becaues of the Rajapakshe tyranny.
This has become a land – SIMILAR TO THAT OF FORMER SUHARTHO, current day Mugabe … even marchign to become very similar to that of North koreans in the days to come. But shamless to say, CW countries keep the bugger as CHAIRMAN of CW…. that is very exemplary to those who support the bugger further, but all others peoples an agony.
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Ben Dover / February 14, 2014
I feel that this is a useful statement to create a baseline on which to build a platform for stability.
This could be either by engaging with the government or opposing it and seeking a mandate from the people to govern the country.
If engaging:
The UNP needs to work with the government, even if this needs to be catalysed by international pressure, with a clear list of desired outcomes that accord with democratic principles, meritocracy and a defined timeline.
If opposing:
The UNP needs to work with ALL opposition parties, discard petty political considerations and get themselves elected at the next general/presidential hustings. They will need to garner the support of ex-president CBK, Ven Sobitha Thero, Justice Wigneswaran, the JVP and key intelligentsia of the country. THIS IS THE ONLY WAY THEY WILL DEFEAT THE INCUMBENT REGIME democratically. Of course the modus operandi has to be critically thought through and a manifesto declared, then disseminated through conventional means or other prior to being implemented in a resolute and practical manner. DO NOT IGNORE THE GRASS-ROOTS in this effort.
To this end:
(a) A part of this manifesto should be to work with all individuals and corporations found to be corrupt by due process and generate fair restitution to state coffers and due judicial process if crime has been committed. This should not be vengeful but restitutive; and
(b) Another part of this manifesto should of course be to make the executive presidency a non executive position or eliminate it entirely in favour of a parliamentary system of governance.
Does the UNP have the vision, courage, persuasive power and implementation skills to deliver on this for the future of our country? If not them, who would have this?
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PeaceMinded / February 14, 2014
Ben,
You are right saying – if NOT UNP who would have this.
I am also in the view that UNP has to work with other MR-regime-opponents if they honestly want to achieve the goal – which is defeating the bugger-MR and thugs bringing a new form of a rule.
There are masses within SLFP, JVP and non-party groups would surely give support through CBK, Ven. Sobitha Thero, JVP, UNP for a genuine change. But they have to make it clear – what their promises will be after being elected, putting the abolition of EP within 6 months, as the great Thero swears. So, right the moment, there are lot in and out of the country would support for a regime that would bring peace, harmony, corruption free (or almost none), work oriented, productivity, progress oriented environment where rule of law will be held as the foundation of the it.
RW and young figures in UNP,JVP and others do have views supporting to the mentioned qualities though they support under their party helms. CBK´s terms failed to bring much to the country as some think, while some believe, her performance was much better than that of the incumbent and all what she initiated, were harvested by MR regime.
The facts are they are – war is over and credits should be given to all those worked for it which are forces, current regime, previous regimes and international communtieis. Just grabing the credit as MR and his estranged brother GOTa did, you cant sow the seed of hatred in a nation that have now been marching for peace and recociliations among all srilankens.
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mechanic / February 14, 2014
Ben and peaceminded, All this lot plus Fony were together but a common manifesto at the last election. Keep dreaming till results were declared. Then have good booze and go to bed.
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R. Varathan / February 14, 2014
A reasonably good narrative of the ills of the people caused by an uncaring and irresponsible Govt given into familial rule. The Statement of the main Opposition Party would have been complete had it also referred to the plight of the Tamil Nation – at the rear end of the 3 decades of bloody struggle. Through
pressure from the global community, a popular election was finally and reluctantly held in
the Tamil North, where the local people gave an overwhelming majority
to the TNA. But the very flow of necessary and adequate funds and the political power to carry out the wishes of the people concerned continues to be deliberately denied by the Centre. An all powerful Governor, who neither understands, reads or speaks the local language
adamantly remains. He is nothing but a creature of the occupying military – an ex-army man who refuses to go even after the newly popularly elected administration has politely and peacefully asked him to leave. A large and unnecessary armed strength of Sinhala men continue their unwanted and intimidating presence. A strange democracy – this is.
R. Varathan
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Antany Peter / February 14, 2014
Sri Lanka got the independence from the British in 1948, but the people have been fighting since the independence. The Sri Lankan political leaders have been encouraging communalism to get votes, in order to keep their power. Sri Lankans were keen to get independence from the British; however, they didn’t examine whether they had enough knowledge and skills to run a country or not. The sad news is 65 years have gone, so many generations have passed, yet they don’t have a clue to run a country. Whoever has knowledge and wisdom never got an opportunity whatsoever, but has been killed or chased out of the country. In order to find a solution, the leaders have to understand the issues’ underlying causes, but Sri Lanka hasn’t got enough intellectuals in the leadership level to think differently to understand the underlying causes. It is safer and easier for the leaders to use religion and race to manipulate people to get votes to keep their power, because that is what they have learned from the previous leaders.
I really don’t think any of the Chinese or Sri Lankan leaders really understands what is about to unfold in the Indian Ocean. This is going to get ugly beyond your prediction. But the real losers are Sri Lankans and other Asians in the region. Remember, India felt threatened, and created the LTTE when President J R went behind the US. Ultimately, Sri Lankans paid for it with the THIRTY years of war and losing more than 100,000 people. Now President Mahinda Rajapaksa is going behind China and pushing India towards the West. India does not have a choice; it must go with the West. The West knows that Asia is getting bigger and powerful, and the West will do everything to break Asia. If the Chinese communist party really understands the West’s power and knowledge it would not go against India or Japan. Even if China, India and Japan joint together still they can’t defeat the West, because the West is so powerful. How in this earth the Chinese communist party is going to fight against the West, India and Japan?
The Chinese communist party’s action is similar to the Japan emperor’s action who decided to attack the pearl harbour without knowing the implications of his action. Eventually, the US dropped two atomic bombs and made them to surrender unconditionally. The Japan emperor made his people, Chinese, Koreans and other Asians to suffer. Likewise, the Chinese communist party will make others to suffer in Asia. The Chinese people who have been working hard to make the Chinese communist party rich will end up in nothing, because of the Chinese communist party’s actions. The Chinese communist regime and the Rajapaksa regime are playing a dangerous game in the Indian Ocean. They will betray their people and undermine Asia. The ultimate losers are Sri Lankans, and other Asians, but the winners are the Westerners.
The US will try to pass the third resolution against Sri Lankan government at the UNHRC meeting next month. India will support it, in order to stop the Chinese influence in Sri Lanka. However, it will open up a foothold for the West in the Indian Ocean. Strategically speaking, it is a dangerous move for the Asians. This world has so much to offer, but the Chinese communist party is limited in its thinking. There is no need to fight against India or Japan. Canada is the second largest country in the world. Australia is the sixth largest country in the world. These two countries have enormous resources. Instead of buying companies, employing Asians, and take control of these two countries’ resources, the Asians are consumed with hatred and want to destroy themselves and the region of Asia. China should focus on Australia and NZ, India should focus on Canada. In 50-100 years these three countries must be under Asians. Australia, Canada and New Zealand are occupying by the invaders. The West took-over others’ countries on genocide to have resources; therefore, leading other counties economy and controlling their resources is far better than killing millions of innocent people. The West can’t fight against China and India, because China and India have nuclear weapons. Any war against the mighty Asians would destroy the whole world. Time has come for the Asians to think beyond their region. A war is imminent, if the Asians don’t think beyond their region. Any war between the Asian countries will undermine the whole Asian region.
The serpent said to the woman, “You surely will not die; “For God knows that in the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” The Five Eyes says to the world, surely you will have freedom and prosperity, but the Five Eyes has robbed the whole world and killed more than two hundred million people. The Americans, Canadians, Australians, and Kiwis don’t even live in their own countries. Where did they come from? They all came from the United Kingdom. The British robbed the whole world and eliminated millions of people to invade others’ countries. And proclaimed the sun never sets on the British Empire. Who is the master of Lies; the serpent or the Five Eyes? The Five Eyes members are the greatest deceivers of all time. The Chinese and Sri Lankan leaders have no idea what is about to unfold in the Indian Ocean. The Chinese communist party is underestimating the deceivers who killed more than Adolf Hitler; yet they have the ability to occupy the moral high ground.
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sarath de alwis / February 14, 2014
” Instead we have witnessed further deterioration in the rule of law, accountability and credibility of the Sri Lankan State.”
True.
Ranil could have taken this principled stand when the 43rd CJ was impeached. What Ranil W is attempting in English has been voiced with great eloquence by Sobhitha Hamudurowo in Sinhala.
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mechanic / February 14, 2014
Ven Sobitha’s one point candidacy to abolish the presidency is a none starter. As far as Sinhalese are concerned, JRJ constitution is working very well in their favour right now. They all know without it the 33 year war by the terrorists wouldn’t have been defeated. Sobitha has shot himself in the foot when he publicly backed his support for ‘war crimes investigations’ by separatist backers.
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XXX / February 14, 2014
I wonder what true UNP fellows think of Ranil when he backs efforts to repeal the executive presidency, a creation of the most powerful UNP government to-date? What will Ranil back next? a closed socialist economy?
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mechanic / February 14, 2014
The man is happy being the perpetual leader of the opposition and the perks that he gets with the job.
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Native Vedda / February 14, 2014
mechanic
“The man is happy being the perpetual leader of the opposition and the perks that he gets with the job.”
As long as Ranil is forced to contest against Election Commissioner and Gota he will be forced to settle for permanent member of the opposition benches.
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XXX / February 15, 2014
Right! people are in agreement with Ranil, they vote overwhelmingly for him but the election commissioner and Gota change the results.
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Native Vedda / February 15, 2014
XXX
“Right! people are in agreement with Ranil, they vote overwhelmingly for him but the election commissioner and Gota change the results. “
I suspect these don’t happen in parallel universe where you live.
Please stay wherever you are, as Gota has enough cheer leaders.
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XXX / February 15, 2014
:D mate, I want to see it in your own writing, is Ranil winning every single election but it is Gota and Election commissioner that make Mahinda win?
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Native Vedda / February 16, 2014
XXX
I don’t give two hoots about the winner or loser of any elections as long as it is clean and transparent.
This is simple enough for you to grasp?
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XXX / February 16, 2014
Transparent? Do you mean you have to watch while they count the votes? Pls tell me straight without running away like a dog, is ranil winning the elections but Gota and election commissioner rigging the results?
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mechanic / February 16, 2014
continues jillmarts! hooooo.
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Sirimal / February 14, 2014
People of your kind are breeding while your dissidents are becoming less in a crime friendly society that is being built by Rajapaskes today. Anyway peace loving ones must not give up the hope.
More you guys behave crime friendly, worst it will be any efforts making towards achieving permanent peace and recociliation in torn minds of both parties.
Quoting from Mandela:
“During my lifetime I have dedicated myself to this struggle of the African people. I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it an ideal for which I am prepared to die.”
(Extract from I am Prepared to Die – Mandela’s statement from the dock at the opening of the defence case in the Rivonia Trial, Pretoria Supreme Court, 20 April 1964)”
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kris / February 14, 2014
This election will add to increase Ranil’s world record of losing election
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gamini / February 16, 2014
On the contrary the MR victories will add to the Corruption and the shameless abuse of govt. machinery and power therein. Their Impunity will further alienate the masses to make their claim of victory a hollow.
It is not Ranil Wickremasinghe who will be the loser in the end as these people think, but the entire country. The Country has seen enough of Corruption and Waste starting from the Chairman National carrier.
Kris, so continue to enjoy and dream on till you are woken rudely by the masses one of these days.
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mechanic / February 16, 2014
Like in the Arab spring countries! Neverrrr in Sri Lanka Gaminiyoooooo.
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Anton / February 14, 2014
Pls visit the page in CT
Keep Your ‘Kiribath’, Mr. Gammanpila
March 13, 2013 | Filed under: Colombo Telegraph,Opinion,Popular | Posted by: COLOMBO_TELEGRAPH
————————————————-
JHU’s call for public donations rake in Rs. 842,000 February 8, 2014, 6:35 pm
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Sunila mendis / February 14, 2014
Well said Hon Ranil Wickremasingha . Your masterpiece says it all. The hateful comments against you are the result of daily mudslinging which have warped the thinking of many. Ranil Wickremasingha is a mature politician who has a clear vision . He may be having difficulties in expressing himself in Sinhala to mobilise the masses. But he can give leadership to save SL in the eyes of the international community? he deserves the support of the people .Do not go by what destructive politics that SIRASA does on behalf of MR.
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mechanic / February 14, 2014
Here goes the voice of the Colombian black-white gang that rule the Srikotha but unaware of majority perception. Good luck to gal Ranil.
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K.A Sumanasekera / February 14, 2014
Ranil, Mangala and Kiriella have already lined up and bending over to Cameron,although he hasn’t got it up yet to ram Srilankan inhabitants.
The reason is that the UNP is publicly admitting that killing Prabakaran and his Terrorists to liberate the country for the benefit of the great majority of the inhabitant population is a bad deed..
And publicly announcing the West is entitled to punish the Srilankans , on behalf of the Diaspora , PM Rudra and Ms Pill
Are there anymore UNP stalwarts to line up?.
Would the Sinhala Buddhist seniors of the UNP with even a bit of patriotic feeling join the Ranil, Mangala Kiriella trifacta?.
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Liberal One / February 14, 2014
If Ranil had the balls to take a stand against the terrorists and protect the country and it’s citizens against the cold blooded terror of the tigers he would have made such a good peace time president. But been prepared to forgive LTTE for their crimes at one time and now wanting to investigate the army and remaining LTTE leaders who gave up arms, comes across as hypocrisy.
If Ranil really believed in democracy and rule of law he should have opted for military operations against LTTE, not try to share power with armed violent killers.
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Sapu all / February 14, 2014
I agree with RW with certain reservations. It doesn’t matter wether we like it or not. That is the geopolitical reality in today’s international arena. There are 22 million people in the country. We have to take care of them. Read the indisa response.
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Fathima Fukushima / February 14, 2014
UNP is a just a plaque for a party that live and died a few years ago.
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gamini / February 15, 2014
An epitaph for the monuments of Fathima Fukushima and her Husband.
FATHIMA’S
‘Here Lies Fathima Cold As Usual’ Birth Death
FATHIMA’s HUSBAND
‘Here Lies Fathima’s Husband Stiff At Last’ Birth Death
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T Wickramaratna / February 15, 2014
When will Sri Lankan voters realize the value of Ranil?
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Harry Hatton / February 15, 2014
So the debate about Ranil goes on. The issue is not whether he has certain virtues. Everybody we care to look at will have some good as well as bad aspects. It boils down to what you want to believe.
Is Ranil a suitable leader for the UNP in these times? That is the question. Can such an issue be debated and decided on a web site by obviously partisan writers? People who say he is honest, virtues etc are only talking about perceptions and not facts. The same goes for the blind followers of Mahinda Rajapakse, Sarath Fonseka and others.In all these comments we can observe various prejudices and biases- Royalist dont cheat, Thurstanites are rougish, wickramasinghes have good manners,fonseka is forthright the list goes on.. But where is the proof ?
It is very unlikely that people who receive millions of rupees as campaign funds account for all that. Besides, the concept of integrity is very complex and not confined to monetary matters. Sometimes conduct in other matters, are more important in setting public standards. We as a race need to grow out of our simple minded hero-worshiping of leaders who often violate all known principles of public leadership.
As we can see the UNP is in such a bad situation today that they are even looking for a common candidate again as they did in 2010 with Sarath Fonseka which turned out to be a disaster. And this is after 9 years of the so called evil of the Rajapakse regime.Any decent leader would have walked away after the dismal record of leadership of 25 years during which the UNP has reached the lowest ever.
.
In my view a leader who due to various deep rooted insecurities attempts to constantly make his followers feel small and invalid is not a good leader. The inspired attacks on his own party men in the newspapers like the Leader (when late Lasantha Wickramatunga was Editor) give an insight into this mentality. Even today newspapers owned by the Vijaya Group attempt in a subtle way to promote his image while representing the Rajapakse government as some wild west type hoodlums. The bottom line is only Ranil can lead the UNP since the rest are so invalidated.In this way of doing things only he (the leader) can think, only he is honest, only he is a legitimate (traditional) leader as he was born to a certain family etc seems a constant theme.
But the reality is that at every election Ranil and the UNP are rejected by the people. But as the theme is only Ranil is good I suppose what the balance 22 Million people say does not matter! While this endless ego trip of one man goes on, the whole country is suffering for want of an acceptable leader to offer an alternative government.
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crazyoldmansl / February 15, 2014
“Weliweriya” my bloody foot. Where has this fool fallen from? What about all the Tamils bombed, raped, tortured, killed, kidnapped, disappeared? Not a word about them!The role of the UNP in 1983 is well known as is its role in starting the war. Not a word about all that. So yes, let us have an inquiry and let us accept the bloody racist history of our post colonial nation building adventure and then let us decide whether we want to stop this sick and ugly nonsense and become civilized people. Both the Sinhalese and the Tamils are uncivilized brutes. They have to decide whether they want to be come civilized humans who contribute to the institutionalization of the doctrine of human rights or whether they want to continue as the fascists that they are.
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douglas / February 16, 2014
“Sri Lanka People Need Not Pay For The Actions Of A Few Politicians: UNP
Exactly. That is why the people of Sri Lanka rejected the UNP at so many elections. Yet the UNP is unable to comprehend this TRUTH and at least for the sake of the country and the nation make amends and understand what the people want from a responsible “Opposition” in Parliament. We saw how it became a “ONE MAN SHOW” before the Leadership Council. Even with that UNP has not been able to correct themselves and impress the people that it stands for a “democracy” at least within the party. It is still that “Leader” who runs the show and he is more or less seen in the eye of the public as a compatriot of the ruling class. Even the little you do in the Parliament it does not indicate responsibility and maturity on most of the arguments presented to correct the course of pubic issues. You all the time talk of “corruption”, “nepotism”, “mismanagement” of the Government and the other Institution; but can you show any instance of your taking these issues very factually to the public domain and instituted meaningful action to expose and educate the public. You say something inside the Parliament and there ends the matter. Is that what we expect from a responsible Opposition? No. That is why you are in this plight today.
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gamini / February 16, 2014
Douglas,
Are you not yet convinced that the MR regime is reeking with Corruption, Nepotism, Mismanagement, Waste, Abuse and carries on with an aura of Impunity? The Opposition has raised these issues time and time again and you blame the Opposition stating that they talk only in Parliament and the matter ends there as if the masses are not made aware. Well the masses are well aware like yourself, but some like you pretend to ignore for your own convenience, that is all. Then you take the upper hand and blame the Opposition and not a word of caution to those in Governance? It simply shows where your allegiances are because you are the beneficiaries. Let us see how long this gimmickry can go on?
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Liberal One / February 16, 2014
People are aware of the corruption of MR. The Problem is the opposition is almost reduced to irresponsible, naive, people like you who are not prepared to defend the country against western bullying or tamil diaspora hate campaign. This is not the UNP people used to vote for pre 1994. Be happy if you can bag over 20% of votes in south and over 30% in west. Ranil/mangala irresponsible duo doesn’t deserve atleast that much.
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JimSofty / February 16, 2014
Most of the GOVT ministers are former UNPers.
Those left in the UNP do not have a good past. They have their own baggage. That includes Mr. Ranil Wickramsinghe.
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gamini / February 16, 2014
This Bugger Jima, is a typical ‘Kanaya’ pandithaya in a mud pool where there are no ‘Loolas’. Wallowing to his hearts content in his ignorance.
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JimSofty / February 16, 2014
For me, this article, like the Holy bible. It preaches but I don’t see the actions to go with that.
Mr. Ranil Wickramasinghe talks about Horrific incident(s) of Weliweriya.
But, people accuse him of listening torturing noises of Batalanda without any hesitation and neglecting it.
So, tell me, Why Mr. Ranil Wickramasinghe did not do the right thing when he was the big guy ?
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Paul / February 17, 2014
Gamini, it was the UNP that made the terrorist conflict an international spectacle. It was they who brought Norwegians, NGOs and monitors. It was they who backed down and signed the Indo-Lanka Accord. It was they who then armed the LTTE! They were responsible for not suppressing the 1983 riots. They are responsible for the incomplete ‘enquiries’ into the jail massacres. And now they want to advise the public! Why didn’t your Ranil walk out of the UNP in disgust at that time? People would have at least some respect for him now.
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gamini / February 17, 2014
Paul,
Do not state falsehoods. Get your facts right. Norwegians came in under CBK.
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Paul / February 17, 2014
OK I made a mistake. I admit it. Now you counter the other points I raised.
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Native Vedda / February 18, 2014
Paul
Could I jog your memory a bit.
It was SLFP under SWRD Banda which brought the Sinhala only act which sparked the conflict.
It was under SWRD Banda when two successive riots took place. In 1958 it was then Indian Ambassador to Colombo V V Giri who warned him if he didn’t act India might chose to send in the Indian army to quell the riots.
It was under SWRD Banda that the previously agreed reasonable use of Tamil language provision was discarded under pressure from saffron clad thugs, and was eventually assassinated by one of them.
It was under Mrs Banda ethnically based standardisation was introduced, which further alienated the Tamil youth.
It was under Mrs Banda when an International Tamil Conference hosted in Jaffna was disrupted by police and 13 innocent people died in 1974.
It was under Mrs B nepotism was seriously considered as part of political process.
There are million and one took place under SLFP.
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Paul / February 16, 2014
Rip Van Ranil has woken up. Too little too late.
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douglas / February 16, 2014
Gamini: No that I am not aware. As you said all people are aware and left without any “SOLUTION”. That is where the Opposition has failed. If this “Heavy Handedness” and the level of “Mismanagement” existed for so many years in any other country; the situation would have been something else. You and I see this happening in so many cities and countries. How is that possible? The people are well informed and educated on the issues on a daily basis through the media and civil society organizations. But what is happening in Sri Lanka? It is the reverse. The Government uses its resources (the peoples’) in violation of all norms of decency and the Opposition keeps alarmingly silent. On the other hand the people do not have an iota of respect and reliance on the Opposition. Why? In my opinion they themselves are a corrupt lot who concur with the Government and reap the benefits “dolled” out lavishly to them. You saw how the Chief Whip of the Opposition accepting an invitation to go on a “pilgrimage” with the President at tax payers expense. I can record so many such “corrupt” and “participatory” plunders these Opposition Leaders have committed during the tenure of this Government. Do you think the people are not aware of such activities? That is the very reason the people have rejected them many a times over and over again and these leaders are unable to make a self assessment and take stock of the situation.
So you see that at a time when the Government machinery is not steered correctly, it is the Opposition who should come to the rescue of the people. Has this Opposition shown any capability in that respect? How can they do it when they themselves are corrupted and participants of blatant mismanagement who reap benefits behind the back door.
For your information, I am not a beneficiary at all on any of these moves by the Government. Yet I know this will not go that far. The “Bubble” will burst. The questions are “when” and “how”?
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K.A Sumanasekera / February 16, 2014
Doughie.
The ” Bubble” will keep going with Ms Pillai, Cameron and their Martyr brigades overseas, pumping ” Air” on a regular basis.
It is good in a way, because our inhabitants need at least another 6 years to complete the current infrastructure projects and the Tourist accommodation programs.
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gamini / February 17, 2014
Douglas,
The obvious solution is to pick the lesser of the evil that is RW who will steer the country economically without robbing, establish Law and Order better than MR and instill Discipline. In all these spheres RW has proved himself and if that is not satisfactory to come out of the abyss, the Choice is yours. Wait for a Solution to fall from the sky. Good Luck!
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JimSofty / February 16, 2014
Sri Lanka needs 18th amendment Sri Lanka does not need 13th amendment.
Only problem is Sri Lanka does not have a Brave, honest and patriotic leader leader who can direct the country along the right path.
One is a weakling and once and if he gets the reign he may be a worse dictator and, in order to stay in power, he would hand over the country every one who has special interests.
Other one is a street thug and he does not care any one – country or the people – except for his own affairs.
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JimSofty / February 16, 2014
Only objective of politicians are to stay in power to gain power and to promote them and their families.
At present, any one of them can not direct Sri Lanka and they don’t have a vision.
They have shown enough in order to understand who they are and what would they do.
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JimSofty / February 17, 2014
Mr. Ranil Wickramasinghe can be believed if he did only the right things when he was the prime minister.
Mr. Ranil wickramasinghe shows very much that he was once a Christian and he is from Colombo-7, English educated elite who do not know much about the majority mentality in Sri Lanka.
I think, Mahinda Rajapakse understands Sri Lankan majority sentiment and mentality.
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JimSofty / February 17, 2014
For some time, in Sri Lanka, political parties are changing and when a new party comes to power, those politicians start stealing and treating they themselves, their families, relatives and henchmen. This happens every time.
What Sri Lankan people has to do, keep one party in power and ask politicians to bring honesty and integrity in the govt for the people who voted for them.
Sri Lanka does not have to be accountable for every foreign country and to special interest groups and those sri lankans who support these special interest groups or countries.
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K.A Sumanasekera / February 18, 2014
Has Kiriella backed down?..
He was the first off the rank in the UNP to bend over to Cameron and Pillai, denigrating and betraying our great majority of the Sinhala Buddhist inhabitant population.
Has he got the shivers in recent days watching the anger of the South and the West at the “Geneva Conspirators ” lead by the good Tamil envoy Ms Pillai.
Did he realize himself that the great majority of the peace loving poor people will demolish his team?.
Or was he forced to back down?..
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