M A Sumanthiran, Member of Parliament speaks on the stand of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) on the way the controversial Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) conducted the kangaroo style impeachment of Chief Justice Dr. Shirani Bandaranayake and family rule in Sri Lanka.
Sumanthiran
He reiterates that the TNA does not condone the murders and terrorism of the LTTE, and that this has been stated by him time and again. He asks whether there is a need to keep saying it over and over again, when the position has been already stated several times. On the other hand he says that those in power should realize their own role in creating problems for the standing of Sri Lanka in the eyes of the world today.
Sumanthiran makes some hard hitting arguments, emphasizing that the difficulties and embarrassment faced by Sri Lanka today, are largely due to the dishonesty, nepotism and bungling of the Rajapaksa regime. He urges Government MPs not to be blind followers of anyone – even the President.
He challenges MPs (especially Government MPs) to resist concentration of power in one family and tells the Government MPs that only grumbling about the rise of authoritarianism and looking over their shoulder is not enough. He says that it is the duty of Parliamentarians to protect democratic powers which should be exercised democratically, and not in a way that leads the country further into authoritarianism.
See full address:
Part – 1
Part – 2
Priyanjith / December 5, 2013
Mr Sumanthiran,Rajapakshe family will never allow sinhala politicians of your calibre to come up.Ranil will block any one who can make a threat to his leadership.Our politicians have become back boneless pimps and it is some consultation when you stand out and express your self on behalf of the nation.We( from south) admire you more and more.Keep up the good work and at the same time look after your self from the evil impunity developing in the country.
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Burning_Issue / December 5, 2013
Yeah he is hard hitting and brave but MR will kill him.
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Ben Hurling / December 5, 2013
Rajapssa will be freakin’ mad to try something so silly.
It will lead his own downfall.
MP Sumanthiran is fast attracting a fan base among the Sinhalese as well.
He is an excellent MP in opposition.
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Don Stanley / December 5, 2013
Way to go Mr. Sumanthiran!
The international community should heed your advice and focus on the ILLEGAL IMPEACHMENT OF THE FIRST WOMAN CHIEF JUSTICE Of LANKA and the post-war MILITARIZATION and DICTATORSHIP, rather than harping on “war crimes” as the silly fellow David Cameron did..
Focusing on minorities and war crimes which will play directly into the Rajapassa Sinhala racist gallery of Pathala Champika and his BBS chorus. Rajapassa will win elections by playing the Sinhala NATIONALIST card.. so rather best to focus on the current corruption of the Rajapassa family and the DESTRUCTION OF THE JUDICIARY and DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTIONS – that affect the SINHALAYA MODAYAS..
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John / December 5, 2013
MAS, Thanks for condemning Civilian killings of LTTE & accepting extremism in your side. A balanced speech.If TNA drops United for Unitary Lanka ,it would do a world of good for all Sri Lankans.
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Dude / December 6, 2013
How come New First, Kili Maharaja’s biased and unbalanced TV channel never broadcasts Mr. Sumanthiran’s speeches which are brilliant and educational, but rather gives huge amounts of air time to the uneducated moron and squealer – Sajith Premadasa.
I am no supporter of the UNP dictators Ranil Wickramasinhe, but Kili Maharaja’s TV channel which once used to be independent is now TRASH!
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Burning_Issue / December 5, 2013
David Cameron was silly or not we will come to know when March arrives! The bottom line is that, the Tamils want to know what had happened to their loved ones; DC has made it a reality. Those who commit crimes must take responsibility. The history must record correctly what exactly went on. I for one want to know exactly what did the LTTE do; did they fire on the civilians; did they stop the civilians crossing over to the army controlled areas; did the LTTE have an opportunity to surrender earlier and their intransigence resulted in many deaths. All must be exposed including the callousness and reckless disregard the GOSL showed towards it’s own citizens.
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Rod / December 6, 2013
To know what happened to the Tamils during the war ask the aaLTTE
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Ben Hurling / December 6, 2013
Burning_Issue,
Is your quest for truth just as strong for all 30 years of the war?
Or is it just last 7 days of Ealam War IV that bugs you at night?
Cheers!
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Naman / December 5, 2013
You are 100% right.
We need a real Sinhala Statesman to lead the country.
Professors like G L Peiris are no good only to be a supporter of Dictatorship
Eran W of UNP may be a good leader!
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Anpu / December 5, 2013
“Sinhala Statesman ” why not a Tamil or anyone else?
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Sowden Edward Asange / December 5, 2013
not just the Sinhalese,but also to Muslims, whose leaders are in bed with the regime…. He seems to be a king min the making….Jarapaksa’s r aware, n he may be.. involved in an “Accident” HE GO TO BE CAREFUL. i KNOW jARAPASSAS aren’t a smart lot, they may end up harming his life, but the World is now watching more than ever before…..May be history is also in the making, as a sitting commonwealth leader is dragged to the ICC.
May u go from Strength to strength.. is our prayer from the southerns who adore u a a STATEMENT, leader and a PEOPLE’S representative…
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Wyatt K / December 5, 2013
I wish someone would nominate him for the Nobel Peace Prize so that he can get more international attention. He deserves it. I think that would be one way to ensure that he remains the most powerful voice in Sri Lanka. I doubt anything will happen to him. A lot of people are getting behind him and more and more are getting on board with him from all over the country. He is a uniter. Sumanthiran is far ahead and beyond all those trying to shout him down in Parliament. He is the greatest politician in Sri Lanka today and a great human rights lawyers. Please get behind him and help him….
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Rattaran / December 5, 2013
I don’t think MR will want to get his hands dirty by going near a David Cameron shoe licker like this traitor.
He claims to represent Tamils. But he is not even elected!
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Native Vedda / December 5, 2013
Rattaran ……….”He claims to represent Tamils. But he is not even elected!” ……. Then change the constitutional arrangement which provides for the appointment of MPs based on bonus seat system. …….. If you are not happy with this arrangement could you kindly ask GL and others to leave the parliament and seek mandate from people.
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truth / December 7, 2013
What about the relative of MR? Unless this “anti Tamil feeling” goes away from the average sinhalese, the country will be cursed and has no hope becoming a descent place to live in!!!
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James Ingham / December 5, 2013
MP SUMANTHIRAM, WAY TO GO MAN. YOU HAVE SPOKEN ON BEHALF OF ALL SRI LANKANS WHO ARE AGAINST TERRORISM AND AUTHORITARISM.TAKE A BOW AND BE PROUD OF THE STAND YOU TOOK TODAY.
I EXPECTED THIS SPEECH FROM THE UNP BUT I GUESS THEY HAVE GOT THEIR BALLS CAUGHT IN A MANGLE AND CANNOT TAKE THIS STAND IN PARLIAMENT; MANGALA BEING THE ONLY EXCEPTION.
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Bandara / December 5, 2013
To the question raised by shouters there, that they chose their leader. Sumanthiran responds very good. There are a number of valid points in his speech, if these audience ever wanted to focus on them. He clearly says, just liberating the country from LTTE can NOT always be the excuse to back MR regime for whatever he has been continuing in the country today. That is the message that should go to the MAJORITY idiots in the parliament. He further says, that ministerial posts are just for the titles, while few ministerial posts are doing their job. All these are stupid strategies of MR pingona – these tactics would stay for a short period only.
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Ben Hurling / December 5, 2013
Does anybody know why the Speaker cannot punish useless clowns who disturb MPs when they make a serious speech?
All serious MPs such Mr. Sumanthiran are heckled by clowns who happen to be MPs as well.
These clowns are paid per sitting by taxpayers to shout in filthy language in the national chamber?
Somebody please explain!
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Maghribi / December 5, 2013
The SinHella (BBS/JHU/SR/BR) apologists brand of democracy (mob rule) in parliament is a commercial venture. RoI is within the term in office. This explains the rowdy behaviour and every means to drain the voice of reason.
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Silva / December 5, 2013
Priyanjith,
Stupid [Edited out] , where has Ranil blocked any one who has ability? You stupid gutter [Edited out] are just dribbling muck down the internet because somebody is paying you to [Edited out] .
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Wyatt K / December 5, 2013
The family should be replaced by M.A. Sumanthiran who cares for ALL Sri Lankans. And, more importantly, Sumanthiran is trying to heal the country and bring people together in unity under freedom, democracy and the rule of law. The present regime wants people divided and to hate each other because that is how they stay in power. I hope Sumanthiran becomes president soon in better days to come. Thank you CT for giving us great coverage on Sumanthiran. I would like to see more of this great man!
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Wyatt K / December 5, 2013
This is an exceptionally brave speech from Sumanthiran. It was one of many that this man has made. Sri Lanka has its own John F. Kennedy and it is M.A. Sumanthiran. Please get behind this great man. You owe it to your children to put this man in power….
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Native Vedda / December 5, 2013
Wyatt K …….. Are you related to Sumanthiran?
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Wyatt K / December 5, 2013
No, I wish I was because I would be very proud to be. I am, however, proud to be a supporter and I recognized early on that this type of person only comes along once or twice in a generation. You are looking at a leader that is beyond many even in the west.
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Bandara / December 5, 2013
I thought the same not once several times in the past too.
We appreiciate the current speech, but I would not want to hear
Wyatt´skind of comments. He is not honest to leave such comments as I feel now.
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Uthungan / December 5, 2013
Wyatt K, why do you liken John F.Kennedy to M.A.Sumanthiran.
Do you have radar vision of something coming dark over the horizon for the exceptionally exceptionally brave speech he has made?
Who are you anyway?
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Wyatt K / December 5, 2013
I do think Sumanthiran is a Sri Lankan version of Kennedy, but I do not expect anything dark coming on the horizon. If anything would happen to Sumanthiran, it would put the country back into chaos. I am just someone who admires him very much. I am from the United States and I am shocked to see a leader of this caliber so far away. This man rivals anything the west can offer for leadership. His speeches are amazing. What really attracted me about him is how he is the opposite of the leadership there. The war is over, but the present regime wants to keep hatred going because it helps them stay in power. Sumanthiran is trying to get into power by doing the opposite which is to unite all the diverse peoples of Sri Lanka. If this man became president tomorrow, Sri Lanka’s credibility in the world would rise exponentially overnight. At least if he became president one could count on the rule of law governing all people equally and you would not have to worry about freedom and democracy going on a downward slope. All people, from all religions and ethnicities can get behind him. Sri Lanka deserves a man like this who represents all that is great about Sri Lanka.
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Stewart Sloan / December 5, 2013
Let us hope he doesn’t end up like JFK….
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Saro / December 5, 2013
The French Charity (ACF) has published its long awaited report on the killing of 17 aid workers in 2006. The report points the finger at the Sri Lankan Security Forces. Did any MP from the South – Government or Opposition – speak about those murders or who carried out or even doing justice to the 17 victims or their loved ones?
On the contrary the AG’s Office, police and the whole government and institutions laid hurdles after hurdles to deny investigation or judicial process. Even the International Imminent Persons (IIGEP) resigned saying that the government blocks investigations.
What happened to ‘carrying book on Human Rights in one hand and gun in the other’ claim of the president and his blind followers? This shows the credibility of other government claims.
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srilal / December 5, 2013
Soro ,
“What happened to ‘carrying book on Human Rights in one hand and gun in the other’”
Don’t get mixed up , Human right charter book was mandatory when they were engaged in world’s biggest Humanitarian operation , are you clear now ?
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Agnos / December 5, 2013
Wyatt,
If you are an American, how did you get interested in SL politics?
I am afraid your obsessive promotion and flattery will not help.
Sumanthiran will need time to grow into his role as a future leader acceptable to all communities. It is good that he is speaking up for all communities. But right now, he is in parliament on the TNA’s national list, and getting relief and justice for the Tamils within Sri Lanka should be his first priority.
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Wyatt K / December 5, 2013
Actually, it was a Muslim friend of mine that I went to school with that got me into Sumanthiran. A lot of the Muslims liked Sumanthiran very early on before he got popular. When I started following him, I was very impressed.
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Wyatt K / December 5, 2013
Agnos, please get on aboard with us. We who support Sumanthiran come from a broad spectrum of diverse peoples who are all united by the things we have in commons which is the love of freedom, democracy and the rule of law as well as equality. Sumanthiran is everything that Sri Lanka could be and should be.
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Shantha / December 5, 2013
//I am afraid your obsessive promotion and flattery will not help. //
I agree. Wyatt’s comments are heavily exaggerated.
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Wyatt K / December 5, 2013
I don’t see them as exaggerated. I think any outsider would be equally impressed if they saw that Sri Lanka is on the verge of being a failed state and is in so much danger of losing its democracy when their are good and decent people like this who could be running it. I would take Sumanthiran here int he US without any problem. I am not ashamed to know and recognize a good thing when I see it. It is obvious and clear that you have an extraordinary man in Sumanthiran. This man is as good, if not better, than anything the west has to offer.
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Bandara / December 5, 2013
I ll bet you – Sumanthiran is more matured than Premadasa junior. I have listened to his speeches lately, some unpers think that Premadasa junior could help toppling current burtal outfit. But I believe Premadsa junior has yet to prove what kind of agenda he would have. He stays mum when the quesiton is raised, but I dont tihnk that we have got a candidate of Sumanthiran calibre in the opposition.
What matters is the strong arguments based on the fact and figures to a very clear manner. Wisdom can grow with the time, longer Suamanthiran remains in the active poltics.
Any good leaders BE them tamils, sinhalese, muslims or others… good honest politicians should be FEARLESSLY commendable that is what I feel…
Unfortuantley, i dont have a candidate to compare in among the muslim canddiates inthe country today. It is a sad thing. There are highly educated muslims in the country, but none of them seem to have guts to come up.. and fight for their community. Azwer buruwa(monkey, donkey) is a curse for them and the country as a whole.
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Bandara / December 5, 2013
The day when this Sumanthiran become srilanka´s OBAMA..
There will be peace and harmony.
Guys, please listen to him very carefully. This man is a genius.
I am sihalaya. But I respect Sumanthiaran that much. I know many like me would agree with me. We the sinhalyas have no talents to express the way this genius has been doing. Every word he expresses is connected to the FACTS AND FIGURE. Our meeharakas (wild bufferlose inlc. Azwer) can only shout at him… not even lernt to behave well.
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Tamil from the north / December 5, 2013
Bandara, I am a Tamil from the North. I know for a fact there are many good Sinhalese such as yourself who mean well for the country and all its people irrespective of their ethnic background. But unfortunately the thug monks and the Rajapukas are running the country. Not all Tamils are great either. There are many scoundrels amongst the Tamils. They will pretend to fight for the Tamils while they will send their children abroad to study and send other people’s children to fight for their cause. I really don’t care if Sinhalese or Muslims or Tamils run this country, as long as they are statesmen, I am ok. I have a lot of Sinhalese friends, they are simply wonderful people. I grew up in Jaffna and always yearned to learn the Sinhala language. But there were no Sinhalese around me. Unfortunately JR bugger and his racist policies chased many good Sri Lankans away such as my family. Now it is only getting worse. Until someone wipe these Rajapuka and his family, there will be no peace. LTTE gone is only 30% of the problem gone.
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Bandara / December 5, 2013
Yes, no matter us being belong to tamils, sinhalese, muslims, burgher or any other small minorities, so long a parliamentarian shows genuine efforts – I commend him. In the current speech, he has included all the valid point to make them open their eyes, but as we are well aware of – many in the parliaments are either far uneducated or ones with half hearted efforts. Glp, Rajiva W and few others have not done anythin sofar to distinquish that they are respecting law boundness, consitituion boundness etc. They are just caricatures placed by nation´s idiot (MR) just to go on with circus.
None of these atists would work in compliance with consittuation.
Opposition is paralised for not single reasons, but for many that someone from outside would not even make a picture of it. Perhaps, the greater failure lies on the folks. Majority folks are just satisfied by petty things like showcasing events. Alone that nigh car races and lambogini purchase – are almost comparable to the brasilian rulers that are in power today – letting their poor of poor suffering along, while they the topleadership of them allowing creating dreamy soccer stadiums in the middle of RAINY forests. Can you imagine ? All these road contstrutions and the like infrastructe developements projects are commendable, but to some extent only, so long he the idiots would not focus MORE on building the nation (school Education, health, higher education).
They boast about a growth of development project within the period of 2005-2013, but in the same time telling the world that they had a brutal war until 2009 to fight on collosal amount of govts´budgets.
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Muslim / December 6, 2013
Go evening clases dude, I can’t understand half the things you write.
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PeaceHeart / December 7, 2013
But we did not have a the same problem. So why not you go to classes ?
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Sowden Edward Asange / December 5, 2013
……….goes an old saying… The dogs bark, while the caravan moves on” He is moving on regardless of ASSwer ,Vermin and the ilk, Sooner than later, MR’s vision of SL being the miracle of Asia, would come into being, not be his effort, but by this Gentleman with ethics.. MR along with his siblings n stooges would, cherish from within a 4×6 after being dragged to Hague
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Bandara / December 5, 2013
xxxThe day when this Sumanthiran become srilanka´s OBAMA..
There will be peace and harmony.
Guys, please listen to him very carefully. This man is a genius.
I am sihalaya. But I respect Sumanthiaran that much. I know many like me would agree with me. We the sinhalyas have no talents to express the way this genius has been doing. Every word he expresses is connected to the FACTS AND FIGURE. Our meeharakas (wild bufferlose inlc. Azwer) can only shout at him… not even lernt to behave well.
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Muslim / December 6, 2013
Leave our Azwer aside and assign your Sinhala people as meeharakas.
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PeaceHeart / December 8, 2013
Then he should learn to behave well. Can you please teach him ?
Are u proud of your Azwer ? Love to read about his good side.
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Bandara / December 5, 2013
I am as a srilanken proud to have this kind of parliamentarian in the current parliament.
Well done, sumanthiran.. all the best for you and your whole hearted efforts whatever the acts you are going to take to help your community and the country.
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Kiri Yakka / December 5, 2013
Admirable. You are the first Tamil Politician to show faith in the Sinhalese and willing to lend a hand to dig them out of the Morass that they have descended into. I doing so, you are exposing TNA to vile attacks from the Family (and there is already enough of that).
I guess you are a Sri Lankan ? and do not like to see your brethren in a deep hole suffering in stink in the company of leaches.
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waran.vaithilingam / December 5, 2013
MP Sumanitiran , talking about from “Sinhalese Only language ” legislation to Not Implementing the 13th Amendments which then Tamil Democratic Elected Leader Mr.Amirthalingam rejected it, Now it is surfacing, But are we all conveniently forgetting The Norwegian Led ISGA (Interim Self Government Authority) was signed by Both the Sinhalese and Tamils, that was 2002 . 13th Amendment was many Times Challenged and SC rendered it as an Illegal Deal, Is not Illegal to Talk about a peace of legislation in the Parliament which thrown out SC. It does not work this way in Canada . !
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Kettikaran / December 5, 2013
While Sumanthiran is a fresh and welcome new voice for the Tamil people
he lacks the depth, class and debating skills of men like Sampanthan the late Sivasithamparam, Amirthalingam, Tiruchelvam et al. In this speech, he unnecessarily distances himself from the more activists in the Tamil struggle, who have themselves given much to the Tamil nation. Much of the 50 mintutes was wasted on trivia. Azwer’s constant
interruptions should have been dealt with in one stroke – with notice to the chair. In fairness to him, one must hope he will visit the Parliamentary library more, refer more to earlier addresses by the greats of the House – Sinhala, Tamil and other – while continuing to serve both the Tamil cause while contributing to reconciliation and national integration. Doubtless, given time the young lawyer will mature in time.
Kettikaran
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Burning_Issue / December 5, 2013
Kettikaran,
Please be real! What did those “Sampanthan the late Sivasithamparam, Amirthalingam, Tiruchelvam” achieve with their debating skills? By projecting the Tamil struggles only one cannot gain any mileage! You must be realistic and think that, in the absence of Good Governance, no one will see the fruits of democracy. If the centre is corrupt, no fringe society will benefit. It is absolutely correct for Sumanthiran to take a stand on the central issues in order to challenge the conscience of the government MPs. This essential because the UNP is in disarray!
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Bandara / December 5, 2013
I dont agree with you at all. Contents of his speeches have always gone to the masses acrros the country. Today ´s is better than yesterday´s. I have not noticed this in the speeches of Sampanthan.Actually, Sumanthiran is a young politician and nodoubt, I hve that his struggle towards peace will bring more to your community and the nation (sinhala, muslims and all)much, this you will see if not now tomorrow. I have got a bunch friendhs that support the views of Sumanthiran, almost after each of his parliamentary speeches.
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K.A Sumanasekera / December 5, 2013
This is a bottler….”We don’t condone Terrorism and Murders of the LTTE”,…..says the Deputy, when the Senior, Terror Sira of his own party sang Happy Birthday to the LTTE Leader in the same Chamber , and only a few bottoms away from where Sumane is standing….What Sumane ought to do is do an apology for the innocents in Aranthalawa,Kebilithigllalawa, Maha Bodi, Temple of the Tooth ,Fort Railway Station, Dehiwala and of course Kathankaddy……… And this is also Gold…”Srilanka has problems with her standing in the World…. and …it is embarrassing”… One would would have thought, you and your Diaspora would love that ..!!!
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Bandara / December 5, 2013
Come on man, just focus on the 3 big points Sumanthiran is trying to point out… that alone would tell you.. that the bugger´s promises are just FIRST CLASS deceitful tactics. Those who just nod their heads for their ministerial perks, but doing nothing – all these seem to be fine, but what about to the folks (muslim, tamils, sinhalaya and all lankens), they wold have to suffer so long the bugger would steer the nation.
This I see as a karma for all pawkarakama (evils) they have gone through so far – unfortunately, poor of the poor in this country have to bear all these, while as Sumanthiran clearly says… administration is just limited to Rajapakshe family… while all other ministers (bugger is said to have admitted to be the second largest cabinet)are just spectators.
That man sitting in the audience – I mean NATION´s caricarutre – as a the minister of Justice has not DONE ANYTHING to the nation. Whether the man has his male organs to prove that he is a man to have got elected to diliver service at least to his community is more than QUESTIONABLE. Even if he is excluded to that committee, he is trying to hide his tail and look down and continue his perks. The man is said open his mouth only for his daily intakes.. that is all about the MINISTER OF JUSTICE in the current parliament.
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Sowden Edward Asange / December 5, 2013
Rauff Hakeem, Paisa Must appa are lawyers too, so is Naa mal the hyporcrit who wears a satakaya not knowing why he is wearing one. sadly they are not on par with this gentleman… those three fit in the phrase……. ” Lawyers are professional Liars”
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Bandara / December 5, 2013
This kind of lawyers are a shame to the nation.
I think they have to add new reforms soon. To become a lawyer should come from their hearts – fighiting against injustice… lawyers of the day have become pions to MR regime.. I still have a faith in few lawyers that I guess could deliver well – that are unforutnatley not known to many.
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Muslim / December 6, 2013
Bandara I told you to leave our people out of your con game dude.
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PeaceHeart / December 7, 2013
why is that ? I think Bandara is right asking about the spinelessness of muslim ministers. Are muslims not srilankens ?
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Kamal / December 5, 2013
KAS ! he has done it many times over just as he said in this session if need be he can do it again and again but is it required that every time he takes the stand that he has to apologize for wrong doings of LTTE? , has the current SLG once apologized to all the anti democratic acts they did and still doing ?
Grow up man, just dont bark like that Azwer fellow who is worst than a pissu balek. Shameless fellow even after the hat is fitted he continue to bark, and the hordes of GOV ministers/deputy ministers and what not are sittign with their cloths still on.
Really man by supporting this regime we are going face a situation worst than Greece whats puzzling is why is it that people like u r so blind to it !
I must say not a single member from any other party will have the guts to 10% of what he said. The Rajapaksas has molded the members in such a way they are just mere puppets in a circus.
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Tamil from the north / December 6, 2013
first and foremost MA Sumanthiran was born in 1964 and might have been in his twenties when these LTTE buggers were running amok in the country killing women to children on the Sinhalese side and killing all the intellects among the Tamils. Also these buggers killed so many little boys who refused to join the LTTE. So, stop bull shitting people about he should say sorry for the killing of the innocents. These LTTE fellows committed atrocities all over the country not just Sinhalese. Remember, the 1957, 1958, 1977 & 1983 riots, did a single Sinhala leader ever say sorry for these? I believe CBK did once but not anyone else. Also remember, we Lankans have a very short memory. Have you forgotten in the early 80s, when Tamils travelled to Colombo on busses, they were pulled out of busses and murdered by the Sri lanka army? The LTTE fellows were acting out of revenge. That does not justify this. Anyway, my comment is for you to ponder.
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Scott / December 5, 2013
If the TNA stays on the path indicated by Chief Minister Wigneswaran and MP Sumanthiran, it will not only help the Tamil minority achieve their legitimate rights but also help the rest of the country return to democracy. It will be in the national interest for the national opposition parties to cultivate mature political relations with the TNA, including the prospect of inviting the TNA to nominate a Tamil as the common Sinhala-Tamil candidate for the presidency. Since the rise of the LTTE, the moderate Sinhala leadership has been lamenting the loss of a democratic partner in the Tamil community. Now they have an excellent democratic partner in the cultured leadership of the TNA.
In Sumanthiran we have, an intelligent, capable, honest leader who can think nationally. Whatever the Rajapaksas resort to, they are not going to last for ever. If the UNP and the JVP can find some Sumanthirans and Wigneswarans among them and all three parties have an honest exchange of ideas and plan to field a common candidate, there is a realistic chance that the country can be saved from precipitation into an impoverished banana republic. It is indispensable that the UNP and JVP be prepared to place the national interest above personal ambition, and if the circumstances prove appropriate, agree to a Tamil as the common candidate.
Critics who think they are realists will say the Rajapaksas cannot be defeated. That is not true. If the united opposition does a good job of appealing to the intelligence and good sense of the voter, and explain clearly and patiently what the country’s fate would be if the Rajapaksa rule continues, and above all, convince the voter that they are placing the country’s interest above any personal or partisan interest, they WILL respond because to do so would be in their own interest.
Sumanthiran will be a good common candidate. For his candidacy to be successful, the TNA must start thinking nationally, and start appealing to the moderate and intelligent opinion in the south. Sumanthiran has what it takes to become an extremely popular leader among the Sinhalese. He should stay on his present track, and seek ways of further enhancing his national stature.
One other thing that the common opposition can do is to try and persuade some of the government MP’s to cross over. While many of them may be grossly incapable of any thoughtfulness, we cannot rule out at least a handful who have the capability of raising themselves to the position of thinking of the national interest.
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Ex Athiest / December 5, 2013
AN HONEST AND STRAIGHT-TALKING POLITICIAN. WE SHOULD HAVE MORE LIKE HIM AMONG ALL COMMUNITIES.
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Bandara / December 5, 2013
Yes, you are dead right. That is our lack among the sinhalese.More of them sitting inthe second largest cabinet – do nothing for the beneficiance of the nation -This has now become to unbearable levels. But my question is why thefolks still back MR – though the folks is said tobe > 90% literate ?
Voters in a democratic country decide who to be elected who to be defeated. Perhpas, the valuablitiy of UNIVERSAL franchise is not adequately made clear to them.
Recently, I happened to listen to what Dayasiri had to so for his election as a chief minister lately. He said, he wanted to serve the people. Do you think IF YOU WOULD CHECK this in 6 months or so, he would have gone with all these promises, … even if he perhaps has guts to doso – he would be made silent by secret strategies of the govt… not the folks come above, but their brutal agendas. Mervin has reiterated lately ” if he would not shout at in the parliament, he will have no chances to be one of the bunch”. That is the reality.
They have all kind of criminals in the bunch. They have talented criminals, to bark, to steal, to assult, to rape arbitorily, to murder upon contract, to go violent as BBS has been sofar, to listen and raise question being embeddedn among the foreign journalists, to stop demonstrations by gun down, to abduct, to send disspeared, to get stolen their body parts, to kneel down before them… all kind of criminals have been mobilised by them to get the task done.
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Ajith / December 5, 2013
I hear a dog barking behind the seen when Sumanthiran was speaking. Do the parliament includes dogs?
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Bandara / December 5, 2013
Not only dogs – buruwas (donkeys), pigs and monkeys were there too, to make unsuual sounds – but none of them left strong arguments. Dogs tried to hide their tails and be somewhat quiet, finally having understood the message that sent by Sumanthiran.
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mike / December 5, 2013
Ajith, that was ASSwar the MAD dog!
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Sudu Banda / December 6, 2013
That Azwer is sometimes like a dog. Sometimes he is like a monkey. He changes his modes hour to hour, day to another. That we the nation noticed while the CHOGM is also going on. Shamelessly he had been embedded to question the journalists, claimming that he is a srilanken citizen. I wondered why the others failed to do so, I mean all members of their sides (UPFA side in the parliament), if had done so, the picture that IC has already drawn about the regime could further be made contrast.
That is nothing else, in MR regime, his henchmen are above the law.
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Sandy / December 5, 2013
‘..Honest people are relaxed and confident, bold as lions.
The fear of human opinion disables,
trusting in God protects you from that’.
(Proverbs.ch.28,29.Holy Bible)
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Fathima Fukushima / December 5, 2013
Just go to Tamil Nadu TNA racist if you have any dignity.
Stateless fool.
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Tamil from the north / December 6, 2013
Cant someone find this little shit fathima and give him a good beating?
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Avb / December 6, 2013
Fathima,
Lot of Siri Lankans must be proud of you, you represent the majority..
Keep going and post love. … You are natural, not like most of others including me, who try to change…
Anura
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Fathima Fukushima / December 5, 2013
[Edited out]
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Prem Sachi / December 5, 2013
There are few MP’s in all parties who are of the same view about Rajapakse’s and about LTTE. Unfortunately, they choose to keep quiet for reasons best known to them.
Then the vast majority of MP’s both Government, Opposition and even TNA are either either half baked or good for nothing. THey do not have a vision, nor do they care for the people they claim to represent. They make hay while the sun shines and the government MP’s go one step further to bum-suck the brothers and get their petty favours granted and also be proud of the collective gang that robs the country in every imaginable manner (of course with a percentage covered for the brothers and some Ministers). Sadly, this has been the state of play since the last UNP regime and the only difference is the threshold is getting pushed up and up every time a new leader comes in and a new set of scoundrels take charge of our lives.
Back to Sumanthiran: he is an eloquent politician doing what could be argued as the right thing under the current circumstances in the interest of the community and country he is representing in Parliament. However, it is also sad that majority of the Tamils in N&E are easily swayed (rather emotionally whipped up) by the pro LTTE elements outside the country.
It is the likes of Sritharan and so on who will be praised and followed by the Tamils of N&E, not the likes of SUmanthiran. they see Sumanthiran, CV Vigneswaran et al as colluding with the government.
One thing for sure Sumanthiran, you can never win as you are dealing with complete idiots on both sides.
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Davidson Panabokke / December 5, 2013
” …In each, the party previously in opposition gained decisive power on a platform that promised fundamental change. After each election, there were missed opportunities for initiatives that could have addressed many concerns of Tamil community members, while simultaneously respecting the concerns of all but the most radical Sinhalese nationalists. In each instance, however, Sri Lanka’s political leaders chose not to expend their political capital in this way but instead, to accede to demands of the radicals. … it will be useful to seek lessons from periods when Sri Lankan political leaders, like President Mahinda Rajapaksa, had such overwhelming political support that they were in a position, if they chose, to expend political capital by taking concrete steps toward communal reconciliation. …” – Prospects For Post Conflict Reconciliation And Development In Sri Lanka: Can Singapore Be Used As A Model? Prof John Richardson, Text of a presentation at Global Asia Institute Speaker Series (2010), National University of Singapore, Prof John Richardson, http://groundviews.org/2010/11/05/prospects-for-post-conflict-reconciliation-and-development-in-sri-lanka-can-singapore-be-used-as-a-model/
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Mohamed Marzook / December 5, 2013
SUMANTHIRAN CLEARLY SPEAKS ON ALL ISSUES AFFECTING ALL THE PEOPLE, THE SINHALESE, THE TAMILS AND THE MUSLIMS, AND FOR THE NATION AS WHOLE. IS HE NOT THE ONLY ‘PATRIOT’ IN THE TRUE SENSE OF THE WORD. WHY LOOK FOR ANY OTHER FOR A COMMON OPPOSITION CANDIDATE FOR THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION. SUMANTHIRAN IS YOUNG, INTELLIGENT, PATRIOTIC AND IS BEING LIKED BY ALL SECTIONS OF THE PEOPLE. WISH HIM WELL.
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Burt / December 6, 2013
Here is another idea. He could join MR. Most probably MR won’t have a problem in giving him the PM position, and the current PM is in hot water trying to clear a container of drugs.
Just a thought.
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Sudu Banda / December 6, 2013
This is possible only in a theoretical world. Else, so long majority folks are concerned how can one even guess this to be the reality in a country- where opposition leader is being charged for nothing but to revenge him.
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Prince Charles / December 5, 2013
You Sri Lankans love to talk, but that’s all you do, talk, talk, talk!!
There is only action that will get rid of your despot Prime Minister!
Now is the time to turn your talk into action!
Now is the time for the people’s voice to be heard!
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Avb / December 6, 2013
No Prince Charles, you wrong, we Sinhalese or mainly most of Asians except Mongolides do not do things.. We just talk like philosophers, No WEDA ONLY KATHA , I am one of them too.
Anura
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Lanka Muslim, UK / December 6, 2013
Talks provokes discussions and discussions lead to actions but it takes time depending on different circumstances, yet actions will be seen.
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Burt / December 6, 2013
If people want to get rid of the Exe Presidency they have to elect a Tamil. No sooner a Tamil is elected the rural Sinhalese as well as the Monks will want that position abolished and the country can go back to the parliamentary system.
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K.A Sumanasekera / December 6, 2013
Like the Monkey Dancers who entertain our Village folk, our inhabitants, the great majority of them see two Monkeys on the shoulders of these Opposition figures……Whether it is Ranil. or Sumanthiran It is the LTTE on one and the Diaspora , Monkey on the other., every time they stand up on stage or project themselves on the big screen…….This is the perception of the great majority of the inhabitant population….Unless it is changed there is no way in hell that this great majority is going to abandon the Rajapaksa Regime……. In addition,any aspiring leader must project positive aims and images to convince the voters that they can better what the inhabitants have at present both in Economic and Social terms and the peaceful environment in particular….Instead , what is offered??… Nothing but the same old allegations of Corruption,demand for Tamil enclaves , Chinese bashing, Ridiculing the real time jobs, Infrastructure and Investments that have been created delivering real time jobs and income streams, and the White Bogey Man to top them all,if the killers of Praba and his followers are not handed over to Ms Pillai…… Surely these Opposition figures who draw their inspiration from the White Masters must have heard about Polls and getting a Pulse of the Electorate…….
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Ranjith / December 6, 2013
Hats off to Mr.Sumanthiran for his brave & courageous speech, your name will go in the annals of Srilankan Parliamentary history as one of the memorable, and eloquent speeches of our time. Keep it up Mr.Sumanthiran.
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Hade Sheriff / December 6, 2013
It looks Govt has sabotaged his speech witch is very low in volume need to install amplified speakers.
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