By Jehan Perera –
Jehan Perera
The dispute over the position of the Leader of the Opposition is not attracting much attention. It is taken for granted by most people that the Leader of the Opposition should be from the party in opposition that is largest, which is clearly the UPFA which has 95 members of parliament. During the recent political crisis, the UPFA and its allies were able to consistently show as many as 103 MPs on their side. Therefore, it is not surprising that following the withdrawal of the UPFA from the government alliance by President Maithripala Sirisena, the Speaker Karu Jayasuriya should have selected former president Mahinda Rajapaksa to be Leader of the Opposition. By way of contrast, the former Leader of the Opposition, R Sampanthan of the TNA, is currently able to muster the support of only 14 MPs.
The loss of the Leader of the Opposition position has dealt a major political blow to the TNA. The fact that the Speaker should have announced the change of Leader of Opposition without discussing the matter with the TNA or with Mr Sampanthan has been a matter of distress to them. They feel that they did everything they could do to ensure that the government was restored after it had been sacked by President Maithripala Sirisena. They went out of their way to support the Prime Minister and Speaker. But after the government was restored, they became a victim instead of being appreciated for the service that they had done. This has provided grounds for the political rivals of the TNA within the Tamil community, who espouse Tamil nationalism as their instrument of political mobilisation, to point this out to the Tamil community to the detriment of the TNA.
The Leader of the Opposition is a prestigious position that gave the TNA an official status both within and outside the country and made its leader one of the topmost in the pantheon of the country. This was not merely a symbolic honor to the TNA and to the Tamil community that voted for it. There was also a very practical reason why the Leader of the Opposition position is important to the TNA. As this position is high in the hierarchy of the state, the Leader of the Opposition is able to get more things done than can be done by an ordinary MP or even as leader of a political party. A request by the Leader of the Opposition would carry more weight and get more things done especially from the government bureaucracy and even the military. In addition, the Leader of the Opposition is provided with a fully equipped office with staff.
Denied Power
Over the past three years the TNA enjoyed this single source of state power that the Tamil community has seldom had the opportunity to enjoy. The significance of the Leader of the Opposition’s position is that it gives the TNA, which represents a minority community, a position within Sri Lanka’s hierarchy of political leaders. The position of the Tamil polity has almost always been one of dissenting from the mainstream and not wishing to join governments that did not prioritise obtaining for them their rights as a distinct nation entitled to be treated as an equal constituent part of the larger Sri Lankan polity. In the late 1960s the main Tamil party of that time, the Federal Party, joined the government of Prime Minister Dudley Senanayake for about two years, but then withdrew from it when the government was unable to deliver on its promises to them.
The crisis over the Leader of the Opposition’s position is yet another reason why the Sri Lankan constitution needs to be revised to accommodate the rights of the ethnic and religious minorities so that they may have a fair share of power. This is a pledge that was made at the general elections of 2015 and which needs to be kept. The intention of the government to resume the constitution-making process which had been at a standstill for a while as a result of the recent political crisis and prorogation of parliament is a commendable one. The Parliamentary Steering Committee appointed to draft the new constitution is scheduled to meet during the first parliamentary week in January. It will take up for discussion a report compiled by the experts committee appointed to advise the Steering Committee on preparing the draft Constitution. The Steering Committee consists of members of all the political parties in Parliament.
The TNA is reported to be preparing to appeal their case to the courts of law. The courts have shown themselves to be able to decide logically, unlike the political leadership which is carried away by their self-interest. There are two key arguments that the TNA can make. The first is that President Sirisena who heads the UPFA is part and parcel of the government and it is therefore illogical that a member of the UPFA should also be Leader of the Opposition. President Sirisena is part and parcel of the government on account of his holding three cabinet ministries, namely the ministries of Defence, Mahaweli Development and Environment. In addition, he has attached to himself the police department which was formerly under the Ministry of Law and Order and the government printer’s department which was formerly under the Ministry of Parliamentary Reforms.
Principled Party
It is noteworthy that the 19th Amendment which granted to President Sirisena the ministries of Defence, Mahaweli Development and Environment envisages that it will be specifically limited to him, and to no other president who follows. Section 51 states that “Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Constitution, the person holding office as President on the date of commencement of this Act, so long as he holds the Office of President may assign to himself the subjects and functions of Defence, Mahaweli Development and Environment and determine the Ministries to be in his charge for that purpose…” This provision will cease to function after President Sirisena ceases to hold office. Therefore, it can be argued that the 19th Amendment envisaged President Sirisena to be part of the government and not as an opposition figure. As President Sirisena heads the UPFA, and is part of the government, it is not logical that another member of the UPFA can be Leader of the Opposition.
A second argument that can be made is that former president Mahinda Rajapaksa cannot be Leader of the Opposition on account of his joining the SLPP, which is not a constituent party of the UPFA. Shortly after President Sirisena dissolved parliament on November 9, Mr Rajapaksa and several other MPs joined the SLPP. This was given wide prominence in the news media at that time. Therefore, there is a case to be made that they no longer belong to the UPFA. The question is whether they can be members of two political parties at the same time so long as no objection is made by the two parties they belong to. So far, no such objection has been made. Former president Rajapaksa and the rest of his party who took membership of the SLPP with much fanfare and publicity, now deny that they took such membership. It is both sad and disappointing that they deny the truth in a most unabashed manner. This disregard of the general public, and the truth, is not a reassuring portent of things to come.
In this situation, it is incumbent on the part of the government to do its best to support the TNA in its bid to retain the position of Leader of the Opposition. In the context of the political crisis, where the president himself was judged by the Supreme Court to have violated the constitution in dissolving parliament, the TNA under the leadership of R Sampanthan comes across as a party that stood for principle and did not bargain with either side, but did its duty by the constitution and the right thing that needed to be done. But today the TNA has been put into the politically difficult position of showing its own voters that it achieved something for them too. If it is unable to do this, the TNA’s political strength is likely to be eroded by Tamil nationalist parties who will, together with the ethnic nationalists of the other communities, once again take the country on the part of ethnic polarization that the TNA has tried to prevent.
JD / December 31, 2018
JEhan Perera: TNA is called LTTE proxy. Now it’s LEader is from Colombo and he doe snot represent Typical Tamils.. TNA has Three Dual citizens. How come ? Are Tamils being used by TNA ?
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soma / December 31, 2018
TNA was the political arm of LTTE and LTTE was the terrorist wing of TNA.
–
Soma
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K.Anaga / December 31, 2018
Soma!
Please do not insult the LTTE by saying that TNA was its political wing .Merely being a ‘leader of the opposition’ and supporting the government at every turn has not benefited the Tamils. It may have benefited Sampannthan to hold on to his position and Sumanthiran to get his PC with perhaps employment for his daughter in the Prime Minister’s Office? If TNA was capable, they should have stopped the Tamil mothers from fighting for their lands and their missing kith and Kin by doing the needful.
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Dr. Gnana Sankaralingam / December 31, 2018
Soma the outright racist, whether you like it or not TNA has been accepted by international community as representing Tamils, and that the cause that they are espousing is fair according to international standards. That is why they have forced the government to negotiate with them to arrive at a solution to share power and territory between Sinhalese and Tamils in a fair manner. MR flatly refused to abide by it and he was thrown out. The present government has dilly dallied for the past three years and is unlikely to settle it during their term in office. Except a handful of Sinhalese, the rest are not in favour of any sharing of power or territory with Tamils in a fair manner. Did you listen to the speech given by Nagananda Kodituwakku who portrays himself as a champion of justice,
being circulated via you tube where he castigates TNA and the demand of Tamils for autonomy. When such a person behaves in a racist manner, how can one hope that people like you will ever grant justice to Tamils. Tamils can get justice only with foreign intervention by controlling Sinhala racists.
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jayt / January 1, 2019
you don’t Belong Sri lanaka. your territory is Tamil Nadu
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Dr. Gnana Sankaralingam / January 1, 2019
There is geological evidence that Sri Lanka was once part of Tamil territory called Kumarikandam, part of which was submerged by sea upheaval which separated Sri Lanka from Tamil Nadu. Several urn burial sites (last one in Ibbankatuwa near Kurunegala last year) and several potsherds ( last one in Nanaatan near Mannar last month) have been discovered which proves that the inhabitants were the same on both sides. If proper archaeological survey is done it will be proved that the entire island belongs to Tamils. So stop your racist propaganda which will carry only among Sinhala audience.
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Rohan / January 2, 2019
Yes most of the Sinhalese do not belong here too and their DNA proves this. 70% from Tamil Nadu and 25% to Bengal/Odissha.. All Sinhalese should be deported back to Tamil Nadu and to Bengal/Odissha Sinhalese language is a hybrid mixture of Tamil , Pali and now Sanskrit. So what is native or unique about Sinhalese ? Out these three components only Tamil belongs to the region the rest to the North Indian plains. So all Sinhalese must get out.
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Native Vedda / January 2, 2019
jayt
–
“you don’t Belong Sri lanaka. your territory is Tamil Nadu”
–
So do you.
When are you leaving?
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soma / January 1, 2019
Dr. G.S.
I am the only Sinhalese in this forum who supports a separate Homeland for Tamils (all Tamil speaking people irrespective of their religion caste or the date of arrival scattered across the island)
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Soma
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Dr. Gnana Sankaralingam / January 1, 2019
I agree on that, but the choice to live anywhere should be granted.
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soma / January 2, 2019
Unable to understand.
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Soma
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Native Vedda / January 2, 2019
somass
–
“Unable to understand.”
–
Would gene-editing techniques help you?
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Gamini / January 1, 2019
Sri lanka is the land of the sinhala people. There will be no power sharing or deciding lanka. If you need power go back to tamil nadu. If sinhala people were as bad as you say how come tamils live anywhere in the country buy land have shops work what ever but. Can a sinhala person buy land or have a shop in jaffna.
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Dr. Gnana Sankaralingam / January 1, 2019
Sinhalese who claim that they are the sole owners and rulers of the entire island are racists, because geological, archaeological and genetic proof have emerged to the contrary. Veddhas were the original inhabitants who are genetically different from Sinhalese and the first immigrants who settled in the country spoke either Tamil or some form of Tamil. Sinhalese ethnic group emerged from Tamil ethnic group with input from other south Indians, Bengalis and Veddhas. There is ample land for Sinhala need but there is not enough land for Sinhala greed. It has been emphasised to the successive governments that Tamil demand for autonomy has to be addressed fairly. So without trying to be smart get down to business as otherwise face ignominy.
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Siva Sankaran Sharma / January 2, 2019
The so called input from other South Indians is negligible and these so called other South Indian ethnicities themselves , emerged from the ancient Tamils. this is why the Sinhalese DNA is 70% Indian Tamil and does not say Telugu or Malayalam , as these people also largely emerged from the Tamils. Further at the time of their migration to the island from what is now modern day Kerala , southern Andhra /Karnataka these areas were considered Tamil and part of ancient Tamilakam( land of the Tamils) which also included the island. Even as recent as 1820 more than 80% of Kerala, including the powerful Syrian Christian Church were still using Tamil or their local Tamil dialect written in the Tamil script called Malabar Tamil or Malayalama. It was this local Tamil dialect that was called Malayalam , until the British banned the use of the Tamil language in Kerala at the request of their Namboothiri and their half caste bastard Menon/Nair/Nambiar allies, many of who actively took part in the Eelam Tamil genocide. What the British did was they banned the use of Tamil or the local version that was called Malayalam/Malayalama or Malabar Tamil in Kerala and destroyed all traces of this and then declared the highly Sanskritised dialect of the Namboothiris that was written in the Tulu based Tilgari script , that was called Grantha Bhasha/Grantham or Manipiravalam, as the official language of Kerala and in a cunning move renamed this dialect as Malayalam , the very same used that was used for the local Tamil dialect. As a sop to the Dravidian masses , they also cunningly incorporated a lot of Tamil/Dravidian words from the local Tamil dialect in to this Grantha Bhasha of the Namboothiri’s now masquerading as modern Malayalam. This is why the simple dialect spoken by the masses in Kerala is almost Tamil and the present so called highly Sanskritised literary language used on TV, Newspapers , Radio is almost another language.
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Native Vedda / January 2, 2019
Gamini
–
“Sri lanka is the land of the sinhala people. “
–
True.
Where is Sri Lanka?
Is it in South India or an island situated closed to Bangladesh?
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sellam / December 31, 2018
I wouldn’t say that the TNA was the political arm of the LTTE. They used these people for political aim. Sambanthan and Sumanthiran were against the LTTE but had to yield to the LTTE through fear of life. Mavai Senathirajah was with the LTTE even when Amirthalingam was assassinated by the LTTE. He was aware that Amirthalingam was to be assassinated by the LTTE. He sat and watched TV downstairs while the LTTE boys went upstairs and shot Amirthalingam. Senathrajah could have saved Amirthalingam but he didn’t want to. He is a liar, a thief and a very corrupt. person. I hope the foolish Tamil people will throw the TNA out of Parliament at the next elections.
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soma / January 1, 2019
Sellam
“Sambanthan and Sumanthiran were against the LTTE but had to yield to the LTTE through fear of life”
That is excemplary leadership.
How many more innocent lives were destroyed as a result of this “yield” ?
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Soma
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Native Vedda / January 2, 2019
somass
–
“How many more innocent lives were destroyed as a result of this “yield” ?”
–
You tell us how many innocent lives were destroyed between 1971 and 2015? Or in fact from 1956?
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Ajith / January 1, 2019
Soma,
I am very proud of you for your recent invention that TNA was the political arm of LTTE. Do you know TNA was in politics during the period of Fake Mahinda as well? Do you know the former Chief Minister was and former judge Wigneswaran was a TNA member as well as his children are married to Mainda Party Vasudeva? Do you know one of Mahinda’s nephew married to Thirukumaran who was an LTTE member. Do you know that PLOTE , EPRLF,TELO (all are now TNA) were the para military groups working along with terrorist Sinhala Military in raping abducting and murdering number of Tamils for many years. Do you know Basil Rajapakse bought millions from those LTTE members at the end of war and made arrangements to send foreign lands like Gotapaya send Karuna Ammaan. You are great patriots. Do you know Mahinda paid 60Million rupees fora TNA member?
I don’t think you have ever heard
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Tamil from the north / December 31, 2018
@JD, idiot can you explain what a typical Tamil is? I can explain what a typical jackass is with one name………..JD. So help me with my question. When did the TNA ever be a LTTE proxy? Every Tamil is a LTTEr for you racist elements of the Sinhala population.
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soma / January 1, 2019
Every Sinhalese is a majoratarian , every Tamil is a separatist and every Muslim is a fundamentalist.
–
Soma
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Dr. Gnana Sankaralingam / January 1, 2019
Tamils are demanding justice. Archaeologically it has been proved that as Dravidians that they are the rightful heirs to the whole country. They are only demanding their share of the land and not the whole. They are also demanding that their sovereignty taken away by Portuguese and not returned by British, be given back. This is not separatism because Sri Lanka was made into a single entity without the consent of Tamils. Sinhala claim for the whole island is racism when evidence has emerged to prove otherwise. Still worse is the claim of Muslims to eastern province when it is in black and white that they went there as refugees 400 years ago. Be fair when you make allegations.
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Native Vedda / January 2, 2019
somass
–
“Every Sinhalese is a majoratarian , every Tamil is a separatist and every Muslim is a fundamentalist.”
–
Every clever dick is a mutant Sinhala/Buddhist fascist.
Every clever dick believes he won the war.
Every clever dick is paranoid.
Every clever dick believe those who supposed to have won the war could steal the coffer, kill anyone and everyone whom they brand traitors/terrorists .
….
…
Happy new year.
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Tamil from the north / January 2, 2019
@soma, the only soma is a class clown and a circus donkey.
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Native Vedda / January 4, 2019
somass
–
And you are the biggest …ars**le
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Tamil from the north / December 31, 2018
@JD, can you show me one example of a LTTEr working for the TNA currently? Then I will show you at least 5 LTTErs working for the Rajapaksas!!!!!!! two of these fellows also have the blood of 600 surrendered policemen in their hands.
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muthubanda / December 31, 2018
JP – Are you suggesting that the LoO post should be given to the TNA as a reward for good and principled behaviour? Having challenged MR’s appointment on constitutional grounds, support for a TNA LoO needs a bit more substance. Also even if MR is a member of both SLFA and SLPP, with both parties not requiring exclusivity, does the Constitution or Standing Orders allow dual membership? This sound a bit like dual nationality!
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soma / December 31, 2018
TNA was the political arm of LTTE and LTTE was the terrorist wing of TNA.
–
Soma
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Native Vedda / December 31, 2018
somass
–
What was the difference between DJVP and JVP while Rajapaksa being the front man who went all the way to Geneva to protect/defend the JVP/DJVP in the late 1980s?
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Tamil from the north / January 2, 2019
@soma, what an idiot! LTTE is dead, you may come out from being underneath your bed. You do not have to hide anymore.
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soma / December 31, 2018
Take a vote in the Parliament similar to the vote which showed Rajapaksa had no majority-the basis of court ruling.
Jehan P is conspiring to take away my fundamental rights as a citizen. I am thinking of hiring Sumathithran as my lawyer.
–
Soma
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hancho pancha / December 31, 2018
The mental chemistry of the Tamil Politicians is identical to their Sinhala counterparts. Only concerned of their supper.
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V. Ambalavanar / December 31, 2018
1. Firstly, in view of the ‘Quo Warranto Case’ and the related stay order, can the President hold Ministerial Portfolios without violating court order?
2. Is he now holding the Portfolio of ‘Law and Order’ in view of the allocation of Police Department as a department under the Ministry of Defence?
3. Even if the ‘Quo Warranto Case is withdrawn, my lay mind is unable to answer 2 above.
Visu
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V. Ambalavanar / December 31, 2018
1. Firstly, in view of the ‘Quo Warranto Case’ and the related stay order, can the President hold Ministerial Portfolios without violating court order?
2. Is he now holding the Portfolio of ‘Law and Order’ in view of the allocation of Police Department as a department under the Ministry of Defence?
3. Even if the ‘Quo Warranto Case’ is withdrawn, my lay mind is unable to answer 2 above.
ambalvisu
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nalmen / December 31, 2018
this is legal matter which can only be decided by the courts
lets leave it to them without the govt. taking sides
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Senevi / December 31, 2018
Jehan, you should seriously think of joining the TNA and demanding the opposition leader (to national unity) faction. That will be a good beginning for a Tamil Elam, as a forerunner to rule from Rome.
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Eagle Eye / December 31, 2018
This may be the only country where a minority community comprising 11% of the population dictating how the country should be ruled. According to them:
• Country should not have a Unitary Government.
• Powers devolved to the Provinces should not be taken back;
• Powers given to the Provinces should not be reduced;
• Powers given to the Provinces cannot be interfered by the Central Government;
• No new Constitution can change the powers given to the provinces.
• Merge North and East Provinces
The most absurd thing is a large majority of people in this community are descendants of slaves brought from Hindusthan by western colonial bastards to this country about 500 years ago and illegally settled in the area once the Sinhala Kingdoms flourished. Due to invasions from Hindusthan, this area went into ruins.
The behaviour of Demala politicians remind me the story about the camel who was allowed to put its head into the tent.
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Native Vedda / December 31, 2018
Eagle Blind Eye
–
You believe powers should not be devolved to the people, you are opposed to power to the people, instead you believe the corrupt/irrational few at the centre should hold absolute power and decide everything on behalf of the people, as if people are stupid not knowing what is right and what is wrong what they need and don’t need, ….
–
You want the Public Works minister (and his corrupt functionaries) to grant permission to build a public toilet at Mahiyangana Bus Station even though the people are willing to pay for it? Then apply for permission to use it every time a person get the urge to use. What petty fascist you are.
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“Merge North and East Provinces”
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Would you object to merging, Northern with North Western, Northern with North Central, …………. or Northern with Uva, ……….. possibly Sri Lanka with Tamil Nadu?
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Eagle Eye / January 1, 2019
NV,
According to the report on Devolution of Power, low caste Demala people in Yapanaya have told not to give land and police powers to NPC controlled by elite Wellala politicians because they know their lives will be worse off if Wellala politicians get land and police powers.
Only a handful of TNA politicians acting on behalf of ‘Koti Diaspora’ and ‘White Supremacists’ want devolution of power to weaken the Central Government. A large majority of people in the country do not want the kind of devolution demanded by TNA. They even would like to see Provincial Councils imposed on this country by that idiot Arajiv scrapped because they are not cost effective. So whose voice matters in a democratic system?
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Nativ Vedda / January 1, 2019
Eagle Blind Eye
–
“According to the report on Devolution of Power, low caste Demala people in Yapanaya have told not to give land and police powers to NPC controlled by elite Wellala politicians because they know their lives will be worse off if Wellala politicians get land and police powers.”
–
1. My Elders tell me that one could buy anything for a price except one’s mother and father.
–
2. So you want the mutant Sinhala/Buddhist noisy fascist minority to retain all powers including land and police and the powers to make life or death decisions, and misuse and abuse the powers to promote and protect their corrupt way of life as they have enjoyed it in the last 70 years, ……………………
–
3. I don’t want poor Crocodiles to shed tears.
–
4. As far as I am concerned I want none of you to control land and police. All what I want is please leave us alone and go back to your ancestral mother land in South India. When you go please take your Tamil brethren with you.
Please go.
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Bodin / January 1, 2019
The Tamil Terrorists are not people. They killed more Tamils than even the Sinhala army, and yet the Sampanthans said nothing and supported the LTTE
The TNA has not wanted to help the Muslim people to settle back in Jafffn, and the TNA supports ethnic cleansing of the North and East.
The power that the so called Native Vedda asks for “the people” is for tribe leaders who live in Colombo to continue to run their landholdings with cheap Tamil labour and continue the caste slavary for ever. They want the East and we should remember what they did to people who were in prayer at Kattankudy.
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Native Vedda / January 1, 2019
Bodin
–
“The Tamil Terrorists are not people. “
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Perhaps they are aliens from Mars like their Sinhala Terrorists and the members of armed forces.
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Cholan / January 1, 2019
@Bodin
@
Converted Hindu Tamil
Your Muslims are honest eh?
Even Sinhala Mudalalies lived and work during the peak of LTTE why?
They never collaborated with Sinhala army like Muslims and killed Tamils looted their properties.
Remember your people called for 6th prayers invited Followers of Isulam to attack Tamils at neighboring villages.?
Are you all thinking that Tamils should shut up and keep quiet
Muslims have no problem Saudi Arabia will accept all of you where you can pray 6 times and enjoy.
Cheers
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Native Vedda / January 1, 2019
Cholan
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“Even Sinhala Mudalalies lived and work during the peak of LTTE why?”
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Where, in Toronto, Milan, Webley, …..?
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“They never collaborated with Sinhala army like Muslims and killed Tamils looted their properties.”
–
Here we go again.
By any chance you are related to Shenali, Shenali Waduge, Udhaya Ganapathipilla, Wimal Sangili Karuppan Weerawansa, Dinesh, Eagle Blind Eye, Taraki, spittoon carrier sach, ……………….. Nalin De Silva, …. Sarath Weerasekera, Svendra Silva, …. Vendauwe Upali thera, VP, KASmaalam, ………………………?
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jayt / January 1, 2019
Western man woman come Back again. This time, They came Back with another group- named JEWS. So, This time their have double goal.
For Sri lanka there is peaceful solution to this double threat. Only solution is immediate application of nuke heads from neighboring countries.
The reason for this is clear. Western countries do not have democracy. They run By secret government of
Christian funder mentalists and Jewish fundamentalists. And they do not want any Sri Lankan to question them Publicly Because obviously, we will ask them to hand over Palestine Back to Palestinian, that’s they do not have to go anymore land grabbing wars like in Sri lanka.
And if we decide to go public, At least, there is some chance to avoid this conspiracy and if not, at last, Western public know what to expect if they do not take action.
Western have history of playing Hippocratic games with other countries. These all wars Belong to steeling land from Palestine.
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cholan / January 1, 2019
@Eagle Eye
Tamils were brought here by colonial B…. is this the way mention in your fake, comic book Mahawamsa ?
Idiot do you know Tamils are living here before historical time?
All you Sinhalese came from India from today Kerala and Andara Pradesh this is why you follow their food, dress, and customs.
Because of Indian Tamils who came here 200 years ago, this country sells tea today else you can export ganja & kassippu.
Before the arrival of Europeans Tamils had their own kingdom in N-E of this country.
All the ancient dams, buildings, statues were built and made by Greeks, think why Buddhist statues have got Greek nose
Cheers
Cheers
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Eagle Eye / December 31, 2018
“The crisis over the Leader of the Opposition’s position is yet another reason why the Sri Lankan constitution needs to be revised to accommodate the rights of the ethnic and religious minorities so that they may have a fair share of power.”
—————–
The current electoral system in Sri Lanka is favouring the minorities. For example, in 2015 General Election, the JVP received 548,944 votes (or 4.87%) and garnered 6 seats, whereas the Tamil National Alliance secured 515,963 votes (4.62%) and secured 16 seats in Parliament. These disgusting Tamil politicians with their 16 seats are playing havoc in Sri Lanka.
———————–
Sampanthan was a fake Leader of Opposition. He failed to play the role of a true Leader of Opposition. Talked only about non-existing Demala Problem. Never talked anything related to national problems and always stood with the Government. Good riddance!
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Dr. Dayan Jayatilleka / December 31, 2018
The TNA is gonna file this case against the Mahinda Rajapaksa (who has several times the number of seats that the TNA has) being the Leader of the Opposition…in 2019, ELECTION YEAR?
That’s real smart optics, I have to say. Way to go, TNA!
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Samson Gunawardhana / December 31, 2018
Not just TNA only, but we the lankens that stand for our rights would be ready to pass ours any time from now.
:
Ballige putha Rajaashes abused again collosal amuount of funds leaving the cancer patients dead without having proper medicine.
:
MR abused state funds for his air travels also for short distances like from Wjerama to Diyawannawa…. and the charges mounted upto 84 millions of lanken rps. How dare the bugger abuse that much of funds while the people are pushed on to all depths alone during the 52 day fake governing period.
.
To me if MR and the other men would have been brought prisons as the laws recommend it, my new year going to be dawn would have been the best… Until then we have to continue with outpouring of anger. That is our fate.
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Tamil from the north / December 31, 2018
Hey Dayan, can you explain the ex-LTTE members with so much innocent blood in their hands working for your master? I expect an answer from you! You spew a lot of hatred here and on TV, but you have never explained your position about the LTTE assassins working for the Rajapaksas. Don’t run away like a coward, which you do all the time, this time try and build some courage and answer this question. KP Pathmanathan, who procured weapons for the LTTE works for your master, which ultimately killed and maimed thousands of Sri Lankans. Explain if you have the guts…………………………otherwise you will remain a coward as always!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Dr. Gnana Sankaralingam / December 31, 2018
Dayan, MR is going round the country with racist propaganda. I am sure if he comes to power country will start burning again. There will be foreign intervention and this time there may be kavung drop and it will be the Sinhalese who will be the losers.
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jayt / January 1, 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
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rajash / January 1, 2019
Dr. Dayan Jayatilleka…”I have to say. Way to go, TNA!..”
you didn’t scream “way to go TNA” when they steadfastly opposed the fake PM and ensured democracy ; judiciary and parliamentary sovereignty prevailed in Sri Lanka .
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kali / January 1, 2019
Dayan:
Do me a favour . Election is the offing and MR is going to sweep the board and I have no doubt about that.. But Nations Sovereignty is about to be relinguished. Mike no mistake. It was under your Mentors leadership India by force opened a Consul Generals office in the North recognising the North as a seperate entity.
India is now demanding the following and a Memorandum was signed in 2017
1)Stake in Hambanthotta Airport to land Indian Military Planes if the need arises
2) Half of Colomo Port
3) 60% of Palaly Airport.
This is why RW was invited to Delhi to discuss terms and the source of MS appointing MR.
Dont forget if MR is elected India will not take NO for an answer and if it comes to it force will be used and there will be a shoot out. and many of your people will killed.
You better start preparing for a Federal State annexed by India just like Crimea.
By the way who is pushing Yoshithas ( Killer of Thajudin) Wheel Chair.
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K.Pillai / December 31, 2018
Jehan Perera is thinking far ahead in this ~ “The Government Must Not Deny The TNA”.
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MS is trying to get into SLPP (Chairman Prof Pieris). There is regular confirm/deny as to whether MR is in it or not. Whatever it is ‘horse trading’ may infect the Constitution Council (CC).
The CC may even demand removal of the Speaker. The next step may be………?
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MR has already started blaming TNA as a RW supporter. Back to square one.
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rajash / December 31, 2018
The TNA didn’t deny ” A legitimate Government”
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sinhalese buddhist / January 1, 2019
TNA should not have backed the corrupt Ranil W. and his henchmen Ravi K. etc. They should have stuck to principles against corruption, instead of aiming to get favors from RW and the corrupt gang.
I have no sympathy for the TNA because of its selling its soul to the corrupt, in order to appear to the Tamils as fighting for Eelam.
Isn’t the loss of 3 generations to war and deprivation enough?
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Mallaiyuran / January 1, 2019
How it was, during the Coup, New King took authority he didn’t have in his hand and appointed Old King as PM when Old King didn’t have the majority, the same way the Partner in the Coup, Karu took authority in his hand that he didn’t had and appointed Old King as Opposition Party Leader who had publicly rescinded his MP position in SLFP and joined Slap Party. When Old King joined Slap Party he thought he had beaten the Supreme Court so New King’s illegal declaration of election was the final. He thought he fooled all the SLFPyers too. He and his gang declared that they will never-ever again stand for election other than on Pohudu symbol. Those shameless idiots immediately swallowed their word and came under SLFP. That is how he again proved he is still only an obedient follower of Sumanadasa Abeygunawardena, whom he believed and declared election two years ahead and lost. He is just only a violent Modaya, not a deep thinking strategist. Most of the SLFP’s 21 MPs are saying he had gone to Slap Party and he is no longer an MP. How, an UNPyer Karu can appoint Old King as Opposition Leader, when the party members are not accepting it? SLFP has now 21 members. That is more than TNA’s 16. But if any SLFPyer want to be LoO, then New King has to resign from SLFP. He has to go back to time he stood in election – NO party affiliation.
Now the New King is keeping SLFP party office closed because the members are rebelling against him. Again, what a shameful comedians are these people.
This time TNA can go to court as Jehan PhD suggesting, but TNA will not win this time. “Sinhala Jury Only” verdict don’t go by the constitution. In the Nirmala Ruban case, Mokan Peiris said Tamils don’t have fundamental rights.
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Edward / January 1, 2019
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RANASINGHA PERERA / January 1, 2019
Basically there may be three question in relation to the opposition leader issue.
1.Poor constitution
2. Less knowledge about constitution.
3.Selfish and opportunistic way of handling the politics.
Answer is again we have to go to court.
This is the real political situation in the country. One way we can not expect more than that from these traditional narrow minded political leaders. We have not seen any positive development in democracy during the past decades. Instead due to the blind visions we made Singhala main language,JVP uprising and north east civil war.Can we satisfy with the per ca pita income, income distribution ,per ca-pita GDP, per ca pita debt? Needless to mention others.
My view is no one is perfect. It is useless to dig the wounds again and again. How much we argue about the past we can not change them. It does not mean constructive argument and criticism not needed or do not learn from the past. We need to know the reasons for today’s problems in order to solve them but not to make the thing worse.Not to revenge . Revenge is drinking poison expecting enemy to die.
Let us think we all as Sri Lankans. Keep aside religion,language and nationality. We all have red blood. We do not know where we came from and where we go after death. Let us everyone together be happy and make the world happy place for everyone.
There is no free lunch. We have to work hard. In politics we need capable persons.It is all of our duty to make a reliable parliament.
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Equal / January 1, 2019
This entire issue of opposition leader came to be because m3 actually didnt go to election from the slfp, he went under the common candidate thing. Then slfp people gave m3 leadership of that party. Problem is most people who voted for slfp voted against m3. Now slfp politicians are in a situation where they will not get votes comes the next election. So i think slfp should have never given the leadership to m3.
Also tna dont have a right. To be the opposition leader just like jvp. Because they openly support the government. If u support the government u cant be in opposition (my opinion only).
Unp, part of slfp, Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kadchi , tna, People’s Liberation Front,
Eelam People’s Democratic Party
Sri Lanka Muslim Congress . All support the government. So i think logically no party have the right to call them. Selfs opposition by default. But as any country need a functioning opposition that goes against the government part of the slfp that s against the government should be made official opposition.
I dont agree with government having the right to appoint the opposition. Ots us the. Citizens of this country that have the right. Person or the main party that got the second Biggest number of votes should be opposition.
This unity government formation should be banned. (number of ministers go up, we end up in a situation like we are in now otherwise)
People should not be allowed to jump ship. If they do that seat should be retained by the party and given to another member from that party.
Also our law need to change so all citizens of lanka have equal rights. There should be only one marriage law, one land law so on and so forth
Same with university entrance top marks regardless of area should be given university entrance.
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Sunil / January 1, 2019
The government is separate from the Parliament. The leader of the opposition is the leader of the party that has the highest number of MPs apart from the governing party. Why is this so difficult?
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Vasantha Siriwardhena / January 1, 2019
I think Dr Jehan Perera got this totally wrong. Title says “Government must not deny TNA”. Opposition Leader post is not something for the government to decide. There is a due process. As far as I see it there is no real reason to deny that to Mr Rajapaksha. There is no proof that he has left UPFA. There is precedence that President while being head of the government, another of his/her party member holding the position leader post. Any attempt to deny this post to Mr Rajapaksha could backfire putting the country in a worst position.
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kali / January 1, 2019
Jehan Perera
Dont despair . After the election in Sri Lanka the last one it will be the Congress headed by Gandhi who will be the opposition leader. MR will be a Chief Minister.
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Nimal Tissa Wijethunga / January 5, 2019
Rajash, Dr Gnana and other racists in the forum are living in their fantasy world of Elam or federal or whatever.
We will not give India anything in their terms and conditions. Let them dare enough to come and occupy Sri Lanka like Crimea as the have got first lesson during IPKF and will get the second lesson, if they come back.
You all must remember that we fought India’s war as well hilst annihilating LTTE.
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rajash / January 5, 2019
Nimal Tissa Wijethunga – you seems to have a short memory ….IPKF was defeated by LTTE when the Sri Lankan defence forces ran a mile lifting their sarong and were hiding in their barracks shitting
Nimal Tissa Wijethunga – ” We will not give India anything”….you wont have anything left to give India ….as China will grab everything to pay for their loan….swindled by Rajapakses
it seems you are still suffering form the New Year arrack hang over
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Native Vedda / January 5, 2019
rajash
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I congratulate you for braving to educate Nimal Tissass Wijethunga. I bet you are going to regret for being a teacher to this smart-ass of a student.
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rajash / January 5, 2019
TNA has been denied.
Speaker announced Mahinda is the opposition leader.
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