By Jehan Perera –
Jehan Perera
The role of the international community in Sri Lanka’s affairs has once again taken the centre stage due to the ongoing investigation into a Swiss embassy local staff member’s complaint that she was abducted and subjected to interrogation. The arrest of this complainant on the grounds that she gave false evidence and caused disaffection towards the government is an unfortunate escalation. The government has stated that the account of her abduction does not tally with the facts of the investigation. But whether she was interrogated and harassed during this abduction episode, which is the main issue in her complaint, still remains nebulous. This incident followed soon after information emerged about asylum being granted in Switzerland to a top police investigator into criminal cases involving government members. Relations with Switzerland, an influential Western country, have become a matter of controversy not even a month into the election of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and formation of a new government.
By way of contrast, the past five years saw the former government headed by former President Maithripala Sirisena make strenuous efforts to reach an accommodation with the international community on matters that had previously been contentious. But this was politically costly to that government, which was manifest at the presidential elections. These matters revolved around the three decade long war and its aftermath. On the one hand, military personnel and strategic analysts from the international community came to Sri Lanka to learn about the Sri Lankan model of defeating terrorism. On the other hand, there was a concerted campaign by international human rights organisations, the Tamil Diaspora and also foreign governments to demand an accounting for past human rights violations and war crimes that they alleged had taken place in the course of the Sri Lankan war.
During the past five years of the Sirisena-Wickremesinghe government it was the latter perspective that had the upper hand. At a graduation ceremony for military personnel recently, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa stated in a graphic manner that “The change of government of January 2015 was almost as if a hostile foreign force had invaded and taken over Sri Lanka.” In his speech he pointed out that this had two major consequences. The first was that the intelligence services were rendered completely inoperative, which finally led to the former government’s inability to prevent the disastrous Easter Sunday bombings. “Members of the intelligence services were persecuted, harassed and jailed by the previous government on false charges. It was not just the intelligence services that had to face this situation. The entire high command of the armed forces during the war against the LTTE was brought before the police with a great deal of media publicity to answer all kinds of allegations,” he said.
Election Promise
One of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s pledges in his election campaign was to withdraw from the previous government’s co-sponsorship of the controversial UN Human Rights Council Resolution 30/1 of October 2015 titled “Promoting reconciliation, accountability and human rights in Sri Lanka”. He said “We will always work with the United Nations, but I can’t recognize what they have signed.” He further said, “We have already rejected that, as a party we have rejected that agreement and in public we have rejected that.” According to the UNHRC resolution, the previous government had promised to fulfil over thirty commitments which included establishing a judicial mechanism comprising international judges, prosecutors and investigators to ensure accountability for serious human rights violations and war crimes.
Many who supported the UNHRC resolution from the perspective of human rights defenders described the proposed judicial mechanism as a “hybrid court” which became a lightning rod for those who opposed it. Due to the highlighting of the “hybrid court” the entire UNHRC resolution became, and remains, synonymous in the public mind with seeking punishment for the victors in the war. In his recent speech to the graduating military personnel of the Defence Services Command and Staff College, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa sought to assuage these concerns. He said that the government would “rectify the injustices of the past five years” and that “initiatives will be taken at the international level to restore to our armed forces the respect and dignity they deserve.”
It is worth noting in this context that both President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, whose government co-sponsored the UNHRC resolution, backed down from the position that there would be international judges sitting in judgment over Sri Lankan military personnel and defence authorities in deference to the strong popular opposition to it. The depiction of the UNHRC resolution as being primarily about prosecution of the soldiers is unfortunate as most of the resolution is about the return of land, restoration of normalcy and includes truth seeking, reparations and institutional reform which could obtain the support of the general population. But this larger message was neglected by the former government, which did not champion what it has signed.
Strengthen Case
Speaking after formally assuming duties, Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena indicated the government’s foreign policy priorities when he said that they were focused on “revisiting” agreements signed under the previous Government. The Minister said that the President’s election manifesto made it clear that any foreign agreements that had a negative impact on Sri Lanka’s national security, sovereignty and integrity would be reviewed. He said that many controversial foreign agreements would also be reviewed, including the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) Resolution 30/1, promoting reconciliation, accountability and human rights in Sri Lanka, which was co-sponsored by Sri Lanka.
Accountability and the punishment of those who have committed grave violations of human rights are an integral part of the UN mandated system of transitional justice. This is also the position of human rights organisations. The question is how best this can be obtained. Where countries have judicial systems that have not completely collapsed, there is strong resistance to bringing in foreign judges to be in decisionmaking positions. Colombia, which is the most recent success story in transitional justice, has chosen the path of having national judges only with foreign expertise in an advisory role. Hybrid courts are not necessarily the answer. The hybrid court system established in Cambodia in 2003 has delivered only three convictions after 14 years of effort and the cost has exceeded USD 200 million.
If Sri Lanka is to strengthen its case for renegotiating the UNHRC resolution and changing the provision that calls for international judges, prosecutors and investigators in a hybrid mechanism, it is important that the government should be able to show that the Sri Lankan legal system is independent of political interference. The 19th Amendment to the constitution, which the government seems to want to get rid of, could be its source of strength. This law was intended to strengthen the independence of key state institutions such as the judiciary, police, public service, human rights commission and elections commission. As the Swiss embassy case has attracted a great deal of international attention, it is going to be a litmus test of how the world sees the independence of the Sri Lankan legal system. This will include the way in which the police investigates with or without bias and the way in which the Attorney General’s Department presents their case to the judiciary who will be the ultimate decision makers about the truth of the matter.
jayantha pathberiya / December 17, 2019
Trying to temper down the mess created by Ranil and his “Yes” Men giving into UNHRC.
Are You Jehan?
I expected you to open you trap now that there is a new president in office, especially a strong one who is very national minded?
/
Amarasiri / December 17, 2019
Jehan Perera,
The Rajapaksa Mafia and Gotabaya got away with murder. Sirisena violated the constitution and got away without being impeached.
This is the land occupied by the Paras, who claim to be “civilized “.
Pakistan has a longer civilization, and it shows, despite the ramblings by the Devil Followers.
News:
A three-member special court panel announced that Mr. Musharraf “has been found guilty of Article 6 for violation of the Constitution of Pakistan,” namely, high treason and subverting the Constitution. Two judges decided in favor of the guilty verdict while one disagreed.
Mr. Musharraf, 74, was accused of subverting the country’s Constitution in 2007 when he imposed a state of emergency in the country in an attempt to thwart a political opposition movement and also fired much of the judiciary. The movement had greatly weakened Mr. Musharraf, and he resigned in 2008 under a threat of impeachment.
/
Dr. Gnana Sankaralingam / December 17, 2019
To investigate the case, first you must find out why such allegation was made by a lady employee of Swiss embassy. Government and its sycophantic supporters could not stomach the news that a police officer has left the country with files relating to inquiry about crimes committed by Rajapakse brothers and other security officers. They have to take action on some people as revenge. They had no power to harm any Swiss national working there as they have diplomatic immunity and their action to grant a visa is perfectly within their privilege. So they pounced on this lady who was a mere clerk in visa section, knowing well that she was a Sri Lankan national working under local terms. She has no clout in deciding to grant visa to any applicant. But of course she would have had the knowledge that an application was made by the police officer and was granted visa. Government was angry that she did not disclose this to them in time so that they could have arrested the police officer on false charges which the racist courts would have approved without batting an eyelid, and thus preventing him from leaving. There was no necessity for the lady to tell lies about abduction and molesting, when she could have simply kept quiet on the visa issue. Here the agents of government have moved in to harass her, so that in future no Sri Lankan national will neither aid in granting of visa to people whom they want to arrest on false charges nor keep off from disclosing to the government about such moves. This shows that this abduction episode has occurred and those responsible are those in higher echelons of power. Gossip is going around that KG organised it with approval of GR. If you give them the works such as packing chillie powder up their rectum or tied upside down and beaten with rods , which they have done to others, truth will come out.
/
Ms Maralathoni / December 18, 2019
Wait and see, I live in Europe for the last 3 decades. I have been noticing that Swiss would do any wrong things especially to the developing folks. I have no doubt, their credibility will clear this by revealing how brutal the Rajapakshes have been. And the trade embargo or any kind of punishments should be there to teach a lession the nation. No more tourists flow would be there, in the coming days, for sure. I have no doubt, Rajapkseh will have to face it and the suipporters should see it right, that wihtout democracy we cant live, as we cant be wihthout proper water.
We the ones who are called as oldest democracies in Asia, should have the rights to live democratically even if SOME families like Rajakshes feel, that they should rule this nature. We failed in GOOD GOVERNANCE; BUT next time, our efforts would work to round up Rajakashes, so was the lanken forces rounded up the LTTERs. Just matter of next 5 years, even if they would further make the country under abusive CHINA, they will hav to bottled necked by the time, chinese expect the loan payments back to them. Chinese have destroyed Uganda and Pakistan, now we the sirlankens are caught by them….. as a smaller nation to lose everything. Good leaders could save us, no th elike rascal of Rajakshes nature.
/
Ruwan / December 17, 2019
Jehan you fail to indicate how the investigation should have been handled if you don’t agree with the procedure adopted by the CID. The 30-hour interrogation took place due to the Swiss Embassy employee making a false complain initially! It did not tally with the CID’s investigation findings! Subsequently she changed her statement but failed to substantiate her second statement as the CCTV and the apartment security personnel statements she visited did not tally again! Its a shame that some employees of the Swiss Embassy stoop to such a low level to bring dis repute to the new president! The Swiss Ambassador should investigate whether any other employees of the Embassy were involved in the process that brought disrepute to the Government as well as the Embassy.
/
M.M.kuruppu / December 17, 2019
Good analysis though it is unclear how according to JP the Swiss embassy case would have been differently handled. Everyone is biased to some degree. For example it was US president Donald Trump who labelled UNHRC as a cesspit of politics. If and when the governments err it is the duty of the people to raise their voice. The government’s responsibility is to protect the media freedom. Many have indicated that the flaws of the 19th Amendment should be removed. UNF has already extended support for this move.
/
Matilda Ellepola / December 17, 2019
Its extremely unlikely that the visa officer did stage this or the Swiss embassy had a hand in the planning. As a Tamil this lady knowingly about Gota and his military junta will take this kind of a extreme step in the middle of the city with so many electronic eyes around.
After the IP Silva got the refuge in Swiss., only govt or its agents wanted to know the inside dealing at the embassy and who is in line next for the flight to Swiss etc.,
/
Nimal Aruna / December 17, 2019
Is she a Tamil? That is news!
/
She looks Tamil, but is supposed to be a Perera before she was born-again as Garnier Barrista bla.. bla..
/
She is such a liar how can she believed on her name even Hopefully she is enjoying treatment at Welikada.
/
Dr. Gnana Sankaralingam / December 17, 2019
Swiss government has warned Sri Lanka that any legal procedure against their employee has to be according to international standards. Lawyers had not been permitted when interrogation of the lady by CID was done, and also Lawyers for her have been intimidated by agents of the government. Already the kangaroo courts of this banana republic with jungle courts have come under flak by international media and governments in cases involving foreigners who had been subjected to murder and assault by Sinhala people. Lawyers must be allowed to defend her without fear, visit her in prison to question her, bringing out any torture of their client. There is no way that government could cover up by harassing her. This will be a test case for Sri Lanka judicial system which in institutionally racist.
/
SJ / December 17, 2019
DrGS
Did the Swiss Ambassador whisper something in your ear?
/
Dr. Gnana Sankaralingam / December 19, 2019
No one need to tell me. My medico-legal background is aware of the modus operandi of the state terrorists, especially white van abductors. This is cowboy job done by a newcomer, which has gone terribly wrong. First mistake done was to release her alive rather than bumping her off. They were cocky that due to the threats made to her, she will remain silent. Secondly when Swiss ambassador informed government of this incident, they should have handled it tactfully without telling the press. They were cocky that abusive onslaught on Swiss government will make them wilt.
/
Eusense / December 18, 2019
Sankara lingam,
What kind of a doctor are you?
/
Dr. Gnana Sankaralingam / December 19, 2019
Sharp mind due to medico-legal training with ability to identify culprits by logical reasoning and prudent conclusions. News has leaked out the lady employee was lured by a friend living in Palmyrah Avenue to come to her house to discus about getting a visa for her to visit Switzerland. This lady had been used by government to trap her when she arrived, where she was abducted in a white vehicle and taken for questioning about how visa was granted to the police officer. She was threatened, molested and abused to get the details and then dropped off. CCTV images in the area have been erased to cover up the crime. Now government says that there are other employees of Swiss embassy also involved in this and want to question them. This is nothing but state terrorism being unleashed on people because the government cannot stomach the fact that the police officer who had investigated high profile crimes has left the country with case files, and very soon those criminals who are in high positions will be exposed.
/
Amarasiri / December 17, 2019
Jehan Perera,
Re: Swiss Employee Abduction Affair.
What is the TRUTH?
Case 1
The. Rajapaksa Waffen SS is truing to cover up.
Case 2:
The Kurunegala Dr. Shafi trump up charges. They, the new CID wants to invent new charges.
Case 3:
Attacking a journalist office.
Case 4: Going after
Champa Ranawaka and his driver .
Case 5.,.,,,
/
Nimal Aruna / December 17, 2019
This comment was removed by a moderator because it didn’t abide by our Comment policy.
For more detail see our Comment policy https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/comments-policy-2
/
Shantha / December 17, 2019
I see a pattern here…..blame the victim, and lie. This is how they will get away with everything. Sri Lanka is in for some tough times.
But don’t worry, the roads will be clean.
/
Amarasiri / December 17, 2019
JEHAN Perera,
What is the TRUTH? Can you find out? Can we believe known liars?
How many lies does it take to cover one TRUTH?
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said today it was evident that the incident in which a local employee of the Switzerland Embassy in Colombo was allegedly abducted and threatened had not happened.
Speaking to newspaper editors and electronic media heads at the Presidential Secretariat, the President said he discussed the matter with the Swiss Ambassador this morning.
“The investigations had revealed that no incident like this had happened. The investigation had been done using accounts of witnesses and technical evidence such as CCTV footage and Uber records,” he said.
The President said they did not know as to why the employee made such an allegation and had been unable to find it out as she was not co-operating .
/
Dionysus / December 17, 2019
Alleged abducted Swiss Embassy employee has been abducted again.
After being detained for many days, interrogated for hours on end, forced to present before psychiatrists, now she has been remanded.
Is the intention to force her to withdraw her initial statement?
What was a straightforward case for the CID has become a merry-go-round. Embassy staff are usually selected for above-average education and experience. Their salaries and benefits are higher than those of resident populations. It is usually the case that after a certain number of years’ employment, the individual has the opportunity to apply for citizenship in the country the embassy represents.
So why would this woman endanger all such benefits by staging her own abduction?
Instead of this theatrical drama – that has foreign Sri Lanka embassy staff and their principals abroad amused, to say the least – the CID should go after the rogue police or military personnel who miscalculated and staged this illegal action. They can start by looking among their own ranks.
/
Amarasiri / December 17, 2019
Dionysus,
“After being detained for many days, interrogated for hours on end, forced to present before psychiatrists, now she has been remanded.”
This is called truing by the Rajapaksa Waffen SS.
The Swiss embassy employee is being trued, and tried. That is the Truth. After being trued and tried, she will fit into the Waffen SS story.
It is like Changes to spoke tension will pull on the rim and affect its true. This process is called “truing”. Truing is occasionally needed to keep the rim running straight as it spins between the brake pads. Spoke tension is adjusted by tightening or loosening a threaded nut, called the nipple, at the end of the spoke.
/
Mallaiyuran / December 17, 2019
Dionysus,
I don’t think there is any case at this time, though true we all are using the word “case”.
Police secretly threatened and harassed her to get info about De Silva and others. She, knowing about police, only took it to embassy. Embassy did not file any case. But, asked explanation of the incident. Up to this it was like a thug standing on the road and brothers an employee, & employer called the police station to check the particular place. Every matter until that is only unofficial- casual nature –friendly -communication. When Appe Aanduwa escalated it by fear of everything leaking, Swiss tried to get her out. This blew the fear of Appe Aanduwa out of proportion, so they arrested her and filed a complaint that she has spread bad name to Lankawe. That is how now this is on International Media. In Tamil they say “the one who has a wound on the back doesn’t bend and walk under the barbed wire fence. This is what the dilemma Aanduwa is going through. So they are even trying to arrest the defense lawyers by this fear. So Swiss is asking Lankawe to keep the inquiry at international level. Lankawe will not corporate on that but will come back with convolutions of National Security, Country’s Sovereignty, International Community-INGOs conspiration of human right bullying on poor nations………. She is didn’t make any complain anywhere. She is not under oath anywhere. She cannot be sued for defaming anyone.
Aanduwa cannot have handled the matter anything different from this. But had Don Stephen handled the Indian Pakistani citizenship law differently, Royals need not be afraid of UN Electric Chair and arrest Sriyalatha.
/
Ayathuray Rajasingam / December 17, 2019
Switzerland is a neutral country & Sri Lanka is a non-aligned country. The arrest of an employee of the Swiss Embassy on the grouns of making false statements and tarnishing its image raises many suspicions. It is on the order of the Court that she was inquired for more than 3 days despite her poor state of health. But there is something called Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs according to which better protection of personal rights and compliance with National law and international standards should have been ensured. The 30 hour interrogation to which the employee was subjected, despite her poor health coupled with the public statements by Sri Lanka officials, account before the completion of the investigation. Sri Lankan authorities failed to meet their obligations under the relevant law. It appears that the rule of law in Sri Lanka is at stake. This incident has drawn international attention. As this incident becomes an integral part of the UN mandatory system of transitional justice, the presence of foreign judges is essential to deliver justice. Moreover, when Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena indicated the government’s foreign policy priorities were focused on “revisiting” agreements signed, what will be his answer to India regarding the Indo-Sri Lanka Peace Accord. Will Sri Lanka resort to clumsy handling of this incident & plunge Sri Lanka in deep troubles.
/
Varathan / December 17, 2019
“Switzerland is a neutral country”
/
Raj / December 17, 2019
How differently?
Your topic says one thing but the body says nothing much about it. I would like to know how differently the Swiss case could have been handled!
Do you mean you would call Swiss judges? Or the woman in question could have been flown in an air ambulance to Switzerland for treatment and questioning.
Swiss ambassador Mr. Mock met President GR yesterday and they must have discussed the matter in detail. Mr. Mock seemed to be apologetic about the entire saga; otherwise the president GR would not have said that he had not found any problem with the way the Swiss embassy acted and reacted toward the issue.
Anyways, this case and the case of Nisantha Silva Kandappa are both a black mark on the Swiss passport. Sri Lankans never expected this kind of drama from the Swiss. I am still puzzled as to why the Swiss allowed themselves to be run over by this garbage truck driven by Nisantha Silva Kandappa keeping this woman on his lap. What’s the advantage? What would they, as a peaceful country, get out of it?
American, Canadian, French, German, Australian, Indian and many other countries keep a close eye on a section of the diaspora operatives who expect a revival of their terrorist movement (LTTE). If the Swiss fail to follow the suit, the consequences could be disastrous to themselves.
/
Dr. Gnana Sankaralingam / December 17, 2019
“How differently ?” – The answer is simple. Arrest KG and GR the true culprits.
/
Nadeeka Abeyrathne / December 17, 2019
The new mustached Sec of Def., was to declare this is a cooked up story even before the victim was grilled by the CID., so what kind of the fair play and justice you expect. These guys mindset is we did defeat the LTTE and its leader in Nandikadal., this embassy lady is nothing for us.
Aba Saranai Sri Lanka !
There will be a big fall out in EU diplomacy and Nandasena have started the end of his regime and a sitting at the Hague.
/
Dr. Gnana Sankaralingam / December 19, 2019
There is nothing for him to cook up, as he has cocked up the botched episode. This is called preemptive strike, where the culprit comes out with things to cover up his act.
/
Unreal / December 17, 2019
The less said about judicial independence in Sri Lanka the better.
/
Piumi / December 17, 2019
exactly. there was no Lasantha killing,No Thajudeen muder , Ekneligoda is hiding disgracing the present President. No cases against the Rajapaksha King et,al. We are a country where our justice system is very transparent and fair.
/
JD / December 17, 2019
My opinion is Switzerland behaved like Swaziland (no disrespect to Swaziland. Why, when it comes to how the International country treats Sinhale, NGOs have humongous Inferiority complex. Why Sri Lanka can not be ourselves?. Another point is, every time, when some HankyPanky something like this International community does, always, UNPers are part of that or they are the people who implement it. [edited out]
/
JD / December 17, 2019
Govt took immediate action, so one more Human right violation bt International community was stopped. Now, she goes to Jail. What a way to accuse for human rights. It looks, the Embassy is very much a LTTE sleeper cell.
/
Adrian / December 17, 2019
‘It looks, the Embassy is very much a LTTE sleeper cell.’
JD what have you been smoking? Stop it immediately.
/
Dr. Gnana Sankaralingam / December 17, 2019
“It looks like the embassy is very much a LTTE sleeper cell”. This is very interesting. I advice all LTTE supporters, when you visit Sri Lanka do not waste money on expensive hotels. Go and sleep in Swiss embassy premises.
/
Mallaiyuran / December 17, 2019
Softy,
When your Royal patriots Aanduwa came back, Suthu Kottiya, Sinhala Kottiya, Demulu Kottiya, Muslim ISIS, Champika’s + Rajitha’s JVP, ……….. all are back. (GOD IN RUWANWELISAYA!)
/
kebab / December 17, 2019
This comment was removed by a moderator because it didn’t abide by our Comment policy.
For more detail see our Comment policy https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/comments-policy-2
/
rbh / December 17, 2019
The best way to open up other internal matters is to make up a gate way to magnify the past happening in the country and to bring in attention for involving scenario of the world.
/
chiv / December 17, 2019
Here we Go . Now that the Lady is put in prison and the Swiss Government has officially cautioned Sorry Lanka “The Khashoggi Saga” has been successfully initiated by our government. Other countries need to take lessons from Lanka in “How to turn an internal issue into international diplomatic crisis”. Good Luck.
/
chiv / December 17, 2019
Even before the first statement made by the alleged victim , she was found guilty by our Government. (GR, ministers and media confirmed it) . And almost a week before the completion of the inquiry , I read in our local media that our government is planning to put her in prison. Our Low and Odor is in full steam.
/
BukiPaala / December 17, 2019
I don’t know the truth here, but when the accused is the one investigating it’s really hard to tell who is right or who is wrong
/
chiv / December 17, 2019
Even before the first statement made by the alleged victim , she was found guilty by our Government. (GR, ministers and media confirmed it) . And almost a week before the completion of the inquiry , I read in our local media that our government is planning to put her in prison. Our Low and Odor is in full steam. May be Lankans failed to notice above fact, but the Swiss Government did take that into consideration in their official statement released today.
/
soma / December 17, 2019
Dr. Jehan
Enticed by the title I rushed to read the article.. The write-up doesn’t give any idea of how diffently it could have been handled which was the main expectation of the reader.
Grateful if you can write a small follow-up.
–
Soma
/
chiv / December 17, 2019
Interesting today Champika has alleged , his driver,s wife and child were kidnapped yesterday, but police says they willingly got into their official car , to identify his where about. Our country is a true miracle where people vanish in thin air just to return and tell their stories. Have anyone sighted Aliens other than Human ???????
/
Uthungan / December 17, 2019
The allegation by the injured motor cycle rider was that CR was the person driving the vehicle when the crashed occurred in which he sustained injuries. This was supported by the friend of his who was with him on the pillion. CCTV images got mysteriously erased.
No police prosecution no compensation for damage caused to bike or serious injuries to the rider.
These are the facts of the case.
What is wrong if the entire episode is investigated to unravel the mystery.?
Would CR have escaped if he was an ordinary citizen and not a minister?
/
Rationalist / December 17, 2019
For once a somewhat balanced article in CT. Good,[edited out]
/
D. P. / December 17, 2019
The issue of lawlessness has much more fearful repercussion at local as well. That is b’cos it create the danger of local police starting harass powerless civilian – a practice that was reduced to bear minimum during the last four years. The ongoing case against Partalee Champika and his ex driver may be the starting point. Police has already taken the first step by taking the driver’s wife, mother and the two years old daughter by force at 12.45 AM from their home and brought to Colombo before dawn. Pretty soon, there will be stories of police harassing innocent family members indiscriminately. It is unfortunate that SL voters forgot GoRa’s true colors in a very short four years!
/
Kalu Nangi / December 17, 2019
The way the present Government handled the Swiss Embassy case is deplorable. The Swiss Embassy employee has said that she was molested threatened and interrogated about Nishantha Silva. If her complaint is a lie, why is this government so anxious to seek the extradition of IP Nishantha Silva? It looks like the abductors were government goons, probably sent by the Defense Secretary, to locate the whereabouts in Switzerland of Nishantha Silva. Since they were not successful, now they are trying the legitimate way. The present CID, the Police and the AG are now puppets dancing according to the tune of the Master of the Nation, whom 6.5 million brainwashed fools elected. No European Government is going to be taken in by the drama played by the Sri Lankans.
The Rajapakshas are now doing a “Shirani Bandaranayake” on this poor Swiss employee, who is a victim and not a criminal. They will do the utmost through social media, public forums, news clips to brainwash the masses as they did during the run up to the Presidential election. Only time will tell how the Gods above will punish the real criminals of this episode.
/
Sach / December 17, 2019
By whisking away to Switzerland ?………there is no single CCTV recording that confirms embassy statement
/
Dr. Gnana Sankaralingam / December 17, 2019
CCTV images and telephone messages can be erased to cover up the truth. So no fair minded person will believe in what government says.
/
Mallaiyuran / December 18, 2019
Sach,
You are looking for the evidence for the statement you made to police and Newspapers, in the CCTVs you selected. You didn’t find the proof. All CCTV recordings and scenes can be replaced with same date time stamps by manipulating the cameras. But I am looking for Sriyalatha statement before I can guess or reject the statement’s truthfulness. The woman has witnessed 6 days to CID. The police has not issued a statement to Media that she confessed the crime they framed or back tracking from her original statement.
What you guys saying is more than good enough to Modaya mass. But remember, you said it was Zero Casualty in Mullivaikkal and the Modas believed. But OISL said 42 of the Chitanta government employees are War Criminals. You are bravely lying even after the babies in the world have come to know that you lying. The result need not to the way wish, here after.
/
K.A. Sumanasekera / December 17, 2019
Our 7 Million Inhabitants who had a hard time in the last 4 years will decide whether they want Switzerland, UN , Dr Jehan and their UNP with Dr Rajitha, Bathudeen, Mangala ,Samaraweera , Rajanjan Ramanayaka, Kselwatta Kid and rest of the the Lot to run their Country and their Lives again after the Sinhala New Year.
/
Native Vedda / December 17, 2019
KASmaalam K.A. Sumanasekera
–
“Our 7 Million Inhabitants who had a hard time in the last 4 years”
–
What about the rest, 14 million inhabitants. Do you think the rest of the 14 million had good time too?
Isn’t it apparent that the clan had very good time, almost five years, during which three sons got married in one family in the same year (2019), Ranil and Hopper Sirisena refused to charge the clan for any wrong doings, Mangala did his best to ward off international investigation for war crimes, as Finance Minister he didn’t bother about the $18 billions, ……
/
Kusal / December 17, 2019
This woman Swiss Embassy staffer Francis and those hatched this drama only emboldened the Rajapakses’ regime; now the question is how long this ordeal going to last and for how long this stupid woman going to be in prison. Rogue Rajitha’s cooked-up white van story also fell through miserably, now both the rowdies imprisoned, then Pathali’s hit and run motor accident is getting wide publicity and sympathy towards the victim and his innocent family is growing. All these incidents will automatically boost Pohottuwa’s popularity for the upcoming Gen. Election.
/
rohan anthony johnpillai / December 17, 2019
Bravo, bravo, and bravo will be the ranting and raving of the most mainly disgusting Sinhala Buddhists who are a born disgrace to the human race. They should be made to endure a worse fate of a fete by being eradicated from our clean innocent paradise tenderly called mother EARTH.
On being ordered to appear before the dreaded killing field better known as the CID from the 9th of December which she faithfully did.
Yesterday she was given another VIP ride to the magnanimous mental asylum, then she had to undergo a mental evaluation along with a further medical examination and a matching finale was produced to the court where she was given the unbridled honor of being a state guest at the obnoxious remand prison.
She will be there till the 30th of this month.
Being a Christian she will be in tears sad to the core singing carols with her fellow inmates.
I am positive that her modesty will be affected under duress will be raped by the other women loving women guards and the dyke manly looking without a dick fellow prisoners.
When she is finally bailed or released from the jail, she for sure be a broken and will be of no use to any man or woman.
She and her next kith and kin should be granted asylum and undergo rigorous medical psychiatrist treatment.
On completion of the cooked up in frustration / foolish shitting /sitting on their brains parasites this tortured lady ad family should be amply compensated for all, she had to sadly undergo.
What a life for the innocents in baiya war criminal of an American citizen Rajapaksa.
I always thank the great gods of every faith in 1987 whisking my then threesome of a young family to bliss and safety.
Cheers, R. J.
/
sach / December 17, 2019
This man suggests that Sinhalese should be eradicated which is a genocide. But his comment which correctly portrays Tamils’ genocidal intent can be published in the site. But when I pointed at unwholesome acts of Islam’s founder, mine is not published saying it is against standards. European level justice!
/
Hela / December 17, 2019
The problem with Jehan’s version is that no abduction seems to have occurred as alleged by the Swiss embassy. However Swiss embassy made it an international news item on day one. The embassy didn’t even share the name of the employee. Why? It reminds us of the bogus 40,000 death figure at the last stages of the war. Former minister Rajitha seems to know lot more details of the abduction. The case is locally run by people affiliated to UNP and JVP. It is also allegedly related to CID sleuth Nishantha hurriedly leaving to Switzerland with files removed from CID containing some sensitive information. Not sure where Jehan fits in here but the emerging picture raises lot of suspicions given the past behaviour of local and foreign anti national forces (given upcoming UNHRC sessions).
/
Dr. Gnana Sankaralingam / December 17, 2019
Swiss government must be alerted that there is a likelihood of Nishantha Silva being abducted or if it fails, killed by hired assassins of Sri Lanka government in Russian or Israeli style. Swiss police must keep on watch all new appointees to SL embassy in Switzerland as well as Sinhala racists living in the country who are likely to abet. Why no one is educating the government that once a person is granted asylum, he cannot be sent back to the country from where he fled for fear of his life. From the way government is behaving, it is obvious that they are guilty. On the mere fact that he had been subjected to false charges for taking files on investigation of crimes committed by Rajapakse family and the gang of security force persons, he qualifies for asylum.
/
Niro / December 17, 2019
Basically what this means is that any form of criticism against this regime can be interpreted as “causing disaffection towards the government” or “bringing the government into disrepute” and any one of us can find ourselves in jail for expressing an opinion or rightfully making a complaint.
One thing I know for certain. There is something called karma. We can all run around in circles with our own interpretations of what is the truth and what isn’t, but the real truth is out there and the law of karma will apply according to the actions of all concerned.
Karma has no menu. One cannot choose. One will be served what one deserves. There is no escape. It may take time but rest assured, it will come.
/
sach / December 17, 2019
If someone lies in a court case to deliberately deceive others, he or she can be punished according to the law
/
Champa / December 17, 2019
I totally denounce the court order to remand Garnier Banister Francis for committing an unsubstantiated “crime of exciting disaffection against the government.” (WTF does that mean, I don’t understand.)
CID didn’t prove anything to support their claim other than assumptions.
How could an unassuming woman who is a mother of three daughters be capable of fabricating a story of abduction, if it hasn’t really happened to her? Who is going to take such a risk and what does she gain out of it?
Some people have alleged that she fabricated a story to migrate to Switzerland, which is hilarious.
I watched AdaDerana reportage of Garnier’s arrest with a huge lump in my throat.
This could have happened to anybody.
The way the government converted a victim, a criminal is masterful.
Anybody can see that, interrogating for 4 days for how many hours, may be 38-40 hours, sending her to a mental hospital for a check-up for 3 hours and then remanded her for two weeks, all the while making her hunted and harassed by a fleet of cameramen against her will; are all intentional psychological, emotional and physical torture to the “victim” who didn’t follow the “instructions of the abductors.”
In simple words, the President, the government and the CID all are out to destroy this lady!!!!
Considering the unprecedented extent the government went in this case, it is now pretty obvious that an incident of abduction has actually happened.
I hail the Swiss Embassy for providing protection to Garnier’s family and being with them in this hour of sadness and distress.
It is clear that the President and the government are using Garnier’s case to send a strong message to the citizenry to make them quiet and silent.
Sadly, my country is under a heartless military ruler right now.
/
Sandy / December 17, 2019
Thank you Champa for speaking up here and thank you ,all those decent folk at the Swiss embassy standing by this family.. a mother with three little ones. Our hearts ache for them.
We are praying for you.
/
Dr. Gnana Sankaralingam / December 17, 2019
“Exciting disaffection against the government ” means, telling the government that they are a bunch of liars, swindlers and murderers.
/
K.Anaga / December 18, 2019
How about the disaffection caused by Sinhala Only, Buddhism the foremost place, ConstructingViharas In Hindu Temples, and not releasing the private lands to the rightful owners and many more.
/
Eagle Eye / December 17, 2019
Champa,
“In simple words, the President, the government and the CID all are out to destroy this lady!!!!”
—
In simple words, Garnier Banister Francis has been used by enemies of the present Government to tarnish the image of the President and Sri Lanka. Should not show any sympathy for this kind of traitors.
/
Champa / December 17, 2019
Eagle Eye
Prove your allegation!
Government’s abduction plan seems to have misfired.
This military President or the government has no regard for women. Their first prey was a mother of three children who was leading a decent life.
There is absolutely no necessity to remand her over an unsubstantiated allegation of plotting against the country and the President.
Since 2015, I urged all Sinhalese Buddhists to be united for the sake of the country to chase the slave government, not to replace it with this type of abduction, harassment, distress and intimidation to women and children.
/
Kamal Agunaratna / December 18, 2019
Eagle Evil – AKA …
–
I wish you a … for all the high crimes you deliberatly promoted. You should have it – and you deserve it. you are a pain for our sinhala race having spread ultra sinhala extremism. Alone to see your picture makes me feel vomitting. I hate the kind of seniors, even if they pass their later day life, but to be rotten in hatreds as you are, as no other, against our tamil and muslim brethren.
We are all human being,s but justice should be served to each equally is my expectation. I do see it cynical today, because the bunch of thugs, that deserve to be put in JAILs for the rest of their life are made come back by stupid sinahalyas that never thought twice as usually do so.
/
Richmond Peiris / December 17, 2019
Champa!
“… heartless military ruler…”
Interestingly worded phrase, repeatedly memorized by certain section of SL and Western political circles.
Who brought in this ‘ruler’ with a landslide victory? It is people like you who had no idea of what a country and its nation would expect from a president and/or pm. Didn’t the same people give you a chance when you shouted ‘Yahapalanaya, Yahapalanay, Yahapalanaya’ day in and day out in 2015. When you utterly failed, the people were compelled to rely on another person who they think would be a proven doer. Given the terrible performance of Yahapalanaya for over 4 years is it wrong to do that? Can you blame them?
It’s true that Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s background is military; so is the background of many Prime ministers and presidents who ruled Britain, France, Russia, and the US, specially after the 2nd world war.
Do you remember, the people of Sri Lanka gave a number of chances to Pirabaharan and his criminal gang (LTTE); they took it for granted and thought the majority Sinhalese were a weak bunch of mere onlookers; and continued their criminal project while inviting a tough guy (like Mahinda Rajapaksa) to come forward. They considered peace-loving RanilW a weak man and forced the Tamils to boycott the 2005 presidential election so that they could show their muscles to the matching macho. They got him, and within less than 3 years ended up in a mass grave called Nandikadal.
This time too, you invited another guy and now you call him a ‘heartless military ruler’. Then, on heaven’s sake why did you invite him?
/
Champa / December 17, 2019
Richmond Peiris
Check CT’s archives since 2018 to see my views on the heartless military ruler.
I vehemently opposed Gotabhaya Rajapaksa being nominated as the Presidential candidate!!!!!!
I repeatedly said that he was too tough to be the President of Sri Lanka.
He first started hunting JO MPs. Udaya Gammanpila’s second in command was forced to resign over a complaint made by Ali Sabry who was instrumental in bypassing election laws and securing nominations to the military President eventhough he was not in possession of the official CLN stamped by the State Department at the time of the nomination day or even on the election day. He cut his teeth on politics with forged documents submitted by his lawyer involving fake/incomplete renunciation of the US citizenship.
/
Champa / December 17, 2019
The reportage I mentioned in my comment was NOT the CURRENT VIDEO published on Ada Derana web page.
It is actually the reportage of Daily Mirror published on December 16 at 04:53 pm under the caption “Swiss Embassy local staffer arrested” with their own video.
http://www.dailymirror.lk/breaking_news/Swiss-Embassy-local-staffer-arrested/108-179662
Followed by Ada Derana news;
https://varunamultimedia.xyz/videos/btv/vmtube/news-specials/26698_-17-12-19/play.html?1
And Hiru news;
https://varunamultimedia.xyz/videos/btv/vmtube/news-specials/26698_-17-12-19/play.html?1
/
Simon De Silva / December 18, 2019
Champa, #
you have come to sense, how come ? What food you have been taking for the moment ? Or any pills you keep swallowing to change your attitudes and serve the nation as we do. We dreamt of a world without the domination of rascals. Now it was not avoidable. But media of Derana NATURE do anything or live up on excreta just for one single reason, they just want to expand their commercial targets by getting all the state adverts.
Just imagine that SIDU story, which spreads only superstitious stories to keep the very same GULLIBLE MIND SET further vulnerable to the style that Prof Monk lately performed in Kelaniya VIHARAYA. So nothing yet is out there to stand against Kelaniya Chief monk, that to have supported FB freak who has misled so called buddhist worshipers – calling that DHATHU was brought to him by a NAGAYA… remember…. there had been few street lads, that further supported adding they lively watched it. I think the kind of monk to have promoted this story should be beheafded on the spot, if the message to be outreached to the masses. ‘
How dare the bugger MONK to have that audacity to promote that FB freak, just becausae the monk himself stood by Mahinda Rajapakshe election campaign.
These men, wearing this SIVURU DOING the other way around, I fully stoped giving alms to these men, rather I do distribut rice packets to the beggars in Kelaniya or other temples not forgetting my further work to the homes for aged/children. Let MONKs be dead on the roads, without having for their own.
It is better to give some food to those PINGONAs on the roads, that nod the head twice or more, each time, we feed them with BREAD from the kiosk.
I think our people should wake up.
/