By Manilal Dissanayake –
It is in times of great peril that citizens are expected to stand and be counted. Our democracy appears to be approaching a fork in the road, a dark and perilous fork in the road, where all citizens must stand and be counted.
It is no secret that, despite overwhelming, repressive control over the machinery of the State, citizens were willing to stand and (literally) be counted, when they went to the polls in January 2015. Outraged by the manifest corruption and human rights abuses of the then incumbent regime, the citizenry voted for a change of leadership.
Fast forward almost five years, the citizenry is once more being called upon to stand up for democracy, because another presidential election looms, and its choices are as stark and existential as the last.
But the past five years have raised awkward questions about the choices at this election. To most voters, it seems like they are being asked to take a chance again, after the last experiment has been failing, for the most part, these past five years.
The incumbent Government pledged to bring the corrupt to book – yet almost all of them still roam free. The 2015 promise was about corruption-free, transparent governance, but corruption persists to this day.
Some of these questions have reasonable answers.
There is no doubt that a few members of the Government may have played a part in stalling or delaying action on some corruption related cases. But it is also true that law enforcement has unearthed damning evidence about high profile officials in the former administration. These officials have commanded tremendous resources to defend themselves and the defence has managed to effectively delay the administration of justice through a plethora of objections, appeals and revisions in cases filed against them.
It was in 2015 that the former defence secretary now running for president, filed an unprecedented fundamental rights petition seeking to prevent his arrest in an ongoing criminal investigation – and had his plea upheld by the country’s highest court by way of interim relief. Since the interim relief was provided in 2015, four judges of the Supreme Court have recused themselves from hearing the case, including the justice who provided interim relief to the former Defence Secretary in the first place, before deciding she was not in a position to hear his case.
Recent revelations on the cusp of a major national election, have also revealed that the reasons for these justice delays have been the result of infiltration by the loyalists of the persons under criminal investigation at the highest levels of Government and the legal machinery of the state. The minister who held the portfolio of Justice for three years recently boasted that he had personally intervened to prevent the former defence secretary from being arrested, despite the recommendation of senior officials in the Attorney General’s Department. A former Solicitor General, who held office from 2015-2016 also went public with his support for the SLPP and Gotabaya Rajapaksa recently. The Senior DIG in charge of the Financial Crimes Investigation Division from 2015-2019 has found himself at the centre of a corruption scandal, involving his nearest kin and a financial scammer wanted for money laundering in Sri Lanka and the US. He recently used two television networks aligned to Gotabaya Rajapaksa to claim that for four years this Government had conducted a witch-hunt against the Rajapaksa family, confirming allegations that had been swirling for years that the SDIG had built intimate relationships with the members of the former regime, and especially the former Defence Secretary, many of whom were suspects in investigations run by the FCID.
Rooting out entrenched corruption within the political system is not a task that can be achieved overnight. The process begins by holding the corrupt accountable, and ensuring that breaking the law has its consequences.
There is a truth too rarely acknowledged, that the last five years have seen unprecedented independence granted to public functionaries (such as the police), that has enabled them to act fearlessly, in investigating crimes committed, even when they were committed by ‘powerful’ people. In 2018, the Bribery Commission arrested the President’s Chief of Staff in the act of soliciting a bribe, together with the Chairman of the Timber Corporation, also a presidential appointee. In spite of stiff political resistance, the CID persisted and arrested the Chief of Defence Staff, the highest ranking military officer in the country, on charges of aiding and abetting the ringleader of an abduction racket run by the Sri Lanka Navy. Cabinet Ministers are under investigation by the CID and the Attorney General’s Department, the Prime Minister has testified publicly before two presidential commissions and one parliamentary select committee, over corruption allegations and the Government’s failure to prevent the Easter Sunday bombings that claimed 258 lives. After much fire and brimstone, even the President of the Republic eventually went before the Parliamentary Select Committee to provide testimony.
All this was possible because a culture of transparency and government accountability has slowly – sometimes painfully slowly – but surely taken hold over the past five years.
Post-2015 Structural Reforms
The post-2015 reforms (albeit inadequate) are certainly not insignificant.
The 19th Amendment to the Constitution introduced the Right to Information (which coupled with the Right to Information Act) has proved to be an invaluable tool in ensuring transparency, and in the fight against corruption.
The 19th Amendment to the Constitution also introduced further safeguards against the abuse of executive power, whittling down presidential immunity, and reducing the hitherto almost unfettered powers of the President in appointing Ministers etc. It was these reforms that stood in the way of the attempted ‘coup’ in October 2018 and allowed the courts of law to hold that the presidential actions during that period were unconstitutional.
The 19th Amendment also reintroduced the Constitutional Council, ensuring that appointments to high public and judicial office were not made on the whims and fancies of the executive. Since 2015, and particularly since the attempted coup of 2018, the Constitutional Council has been a bulwark of resistance against irregular appointments to the highest courts of the land and independent commissions, and a true check and balance on presidential power.
The 19th Amendment also established numerous independent commissions, and strengthened the independence of others. The Bribery Commission and the Human Rights Commission are prime examples.
Sectoral oversight committees were established, and parliamentary oversight was strengthened. This enabled (sometimes opposition-led) committees to act as a check on government institutions. A further safeguard against corruption and abuse of power.
Additionally, institutions such as the Office of Missing Persons and the Reparations Authority were set up as humanitarian exercises, to provide answers to families of the missing as to the fate of their loved ones. Sri Lanka’s unenviable history has resulted in an unacceptable number of missingpersons, including over 5000 members of the police and armed forces, whose fate remains unknown.
State of the Economy
The opposition charges that the economy is in tatters, and that the incumbent government has mismanaged the economy. Undoubtedly, the incumbent government’s fiscal strategies may leave much to be desired. The UNP has long been considered to be the party to fix the economy, but that illusion appears to have collapsed over the past several years.
However, that is but a small part of a much larger story. The Rajapaksa Regime invested heavily in infrastructure. The reasons for this choice of spending is no secret. However, the choice of projects left much to be desired – virtually unused or unnecessary ports, airports, sports stadiums were among the white elephants. At what cost? Phenomenal costs, and foreign debt.
The post 2015 regime necessarily had to resort to further foreign borrowings to service the debts created. A perusal of the Central Bank Reports will show that post 2015 government revenue exceeded the government expenditure. Therefore the post 2015 foreign borrowings was for the purpose of repaying the pre-2015 (Rajapakse Regime) debts!
Amidst opposition the Government made prudent business decisions by entering into management agreements with regard to some of these white elephant projects, which ensured the servicing of some debts, while ensuring that ownership in the projects would remain with Sri Lanka.
The Government also succeeded in renegotiating certain other projects, the Port City for example. Desperate for Chinese investment, the Rajapaksa Regime had agreed to transfer 500 acres of land to China on a freehold basis (ie: outright transfer of ownership to China) in the Colombo Port City. The agreement would have provided the Chinese Government with sovereign land inside a highly strategic area within the precincts of the Colombo Harbour.
However, this clause in the Port City contract was renegotiated as a mere lease to China, with Sri Lanka retaining ultimate ownership and ensuring that the Sri Lanka Navy and Coastguard would continue to hold jurisdiction over all areas of the Port City.
Freedom itself: On the Chopping Block
The biggest threat to democracy however, has little to do with economy or corruption within the body politic.
The grave and existential danger facing the Republic, is the violence and brutality that has been the hallmark of Rajapaksa Governance over the 2005-2015 decade, and the impunity those perpetrating the violence have enjoyed, not only which the regime was in power, but even after, through the patronage networks created during the decade of darkness.
Politically Motivated Violence
These facts are undisputed: star rugby player Wasim Thajudeen, renowned journalist Lasantha Wickrematunge, the cartoonist Prageeth Ekneligoda, journalist Keith Noyahr, Sirasa Media Network were victimised for falling afoul of the Rajapaksa family. All of them were dealt with a particular way. They were dealt with violently. And in cases where it was deemed necessary – they were dealt with permanently.
Abductions became the order of the day. White vans became symbols of terror. Families were torn apart. The Rajapaksa regime has the singular honour of having introduced the verb “white vanning” to the English language.
Impunity
Where crimes were not motivated by political agendas, the Rajapaksa regime turned a blind eye to grave crimes committed by military personnel. Police investigations have unearthed a gory abduction for ransom racket perpetrated by a handful of Sri Lanka Navy personnel, who received patronage and protection from high ranking Naval officers. At the centre of the kidnapping racket, were five boys from wealthy Tamil families in Colombo. After extorting ransom from families over a period of time, the boys were never released. The police recently revealed to a Magistrate that evidence has led them to the conclusion that the five boys and six other young men and perhaps several more abducted persons who were illegally detained had been put to death.
Ethnic Discord as a Political Tool
When the Rajapaksa regime was not using military personnel to serve its political ends, it was busy sowing the seeds of hatred and division. The starkest illustration lies in the fact that the Defence Ministry under Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s tenure as Defence Secretary, actively funded and afforded patronage to hardline Sinhalese outfits like the Bodu Bala Sena and the Ravana Balaya, while also nurturing Thawheed Jamaa’th operatives using funds allocated to the Defence Ministry. Candidate Gotabaya’s own spokesman confirmed these facts on national television during a political debate.
To date, Gotabaya Rajapaksa continues to offer patronage to hardline monks spewing hatred and violence against minority communities. On October 7, as Rajapaksa left his Mirihana home to file his nomination papers, it was the leader of the Ravana Balaya, Iththakande Saddhatissa Thero who presided over Buddhist religious rites at the residence to invoke blessings on the SLPP candidate.
By offering patronage to Sinhalese extremist groups on the one hand while nurturing fundamentalist Islamist groups on the other, Gotabaya Rajapaksa executed a policy of running with the hare and hunting with the hound. The Bodu Bala Sena and Ravana Balaya doctrines gave rise to several anti-Muslim riots in the south, bloody and brutal pogroms that became fertile breeding grounds for groups like Thawheed Jama’ath and individuals like Zaharan Hashim to recruit followers and plot violence.
Easter Attacks: The Launch Pad?
By accident or by design, the monsters Gotabaya Rajapaksa nurtured during his tenure as Defence Secretary, propelled his presidential bid. The Easter Sunday attacks carried out by the NTJ increased the clamour for a “strong leader” to crackdown on terrorist outfits and make the country safer.
When political leaders across the political divide were pleading for unity and calm, the former Defence Secretary stoked the people’s fears, declaring that had he been in charge of security, the attacks would have never happened. Less than a week after 258 people had been killed in the Easter bombings, Rajapaksa declared his intent to run for president, pledging to make national security and cracking down on extremism his priority. While a nation was in deep mourning, emotional and angry, the former defence secretary used the restive climate to further his political ambitions.
In fact that Report of the Parliamentary Select Committee appointed to investigate into the Easter Attacks queries whether the attacks were part of a design to propel a particular candidate to the fore.
Since his presidential candidacy became official, things have only got worse.
Promise of Impunity
Launching his campaign in Anuradhapura, Rajapaksa proclaimed that he would ‘acquit and discharge’ military persons in custody. None of the military personnel in custody have been implicated in offences committed on the battle-field. They are accused of attacking and killing journalists, sports rivals or abducting political opponents and dissidents. Nearly all of the crimes these military men are accused of, reek of political motive. There is no rational explanation for why a Major in an intelligence unit would have an axe to grind against Lasantha Wickrematunge, Keith Noyahr or Prageeth Ekneligoda.
In 2017 the CID told the courts that evidence had come to light that Gotabaya Rajapaksa ran military death squads, to crackdown on political dissidents. These men were pawns, commandeered to commit crimes to achieve political objectives. The Rajapaksa regime put these soldiers in harm’s way and turned them into sacrificial lamb. Of course they must promise to discharge and exonerate them. To do otherwise could have devastating consequences for the former ruling family.
Candidate Gotabaya promises to acquit and free these military men, but he has no power to do so constitutionally. That is the sole domain of the judiciary. The same judiciary Rajapaksa hailed as independent when the courts threw out a writ application challenging the validity of his Sri Lankan citizenship. The same judiciary Gotabaya Rajapaksa hailed as independent and able to deal with the investigation of the Lasantha Wickrematunge murder in papers filed in a District Court in California.
The pledge that on the morning of 17th November, all the suspects implicated in the murder, abduction and torture of ordinary citizens who fell foul of a ruling regime, hints that Candidate Gotabaya is already threatening to exercise judicial power, or at the very least, intimidate the judiciary into complying with the wishes of the executive. The stage is already set for gross abuse of power and executive overreach.
An independent judiciary is a sine-qua-non of a democracy. The rule of law and due process guarantees equality to all citizens, enshrined in the constitution. The Gotabaya promise is to undermine the judiciary. His promise is to enforce the law as he pleases. His promise is to establish a system in which those close to him enjoy a special status – extending even to immunity for crimes.
The Writing is on the Wall
The conduct of Gota’s cohorts, even when not in power, is telling. Two civil society activists challenged the validity of his citizenship in a Court of law. His cohorts went on rampage issuing death threats on those activists. Such is the tolerance for dissent, or questioning of authority.
This is the kind of society the SLPP claims will usher in an era of development, prosperity and security. The pledge is hollow. The instability created by interference with the rule of law and the justice system will have ripple effects on investment promotion. A rotten human rights record will bring back a threat of economic sanctions and international isolation. Forcible evictions of the poorest in cities will widen gaps between the rich and the poor and create new fault lines and conflict, as marginalised and impoverished communities agitate. Markets will be manipulated. White elephant projects initiated. The public will be called upon to gasp in awe of the big roads and empty airports. None of this will be good for the economy. None of this will ensure stability. Development without rights and freedom – this is the Rajapaksa way.
Gota’s Economic (mis)management Record
The myth of Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s efficiency and management must also be challenged at the core.
Under his watch, Mihin Lanka was run to the ground.
The Rajapaksa Government decision to withdraw from the Emirates management agreement has left the national carrier in tatters, bankrupt and struggling to stay afloat.
Only months after assuming office as Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, Gotabaya Rajapaksa executed the controversial MiG-27 procurement for the Sri Lanka Air Force. Subsequent police investigations have found that monies from the Sri Lankan Government paid 28 million USD to a shell company in the British Virgin Islands, after claiming that the aircraft were being purchased in a Government to Government contract.
As Defence Secretary, Gotabaya Rajapaksa took away a lucrative business opportunity away from the Sri Lanka Navy, and handed it over to an associate running a shadowy private security firm. The Bribery Commission found the “contract” signed without Cabinet approval had resulted in losses of over Rs. 11 billion to the Sri Lankan state coffers and indicted Rajapaksa and others for the crime.
In 2013, as Secretary to the Ministry in Charge of the Urban Development Authority, Rajapaksa ordered the Land Reclamation and Development Board to fork out over Rs 80 million to build a monument for his late parents in Hambantota. He used the Sri Lanka Navy to construct the monument. The auditor general notes that from time to time, the LRDB doled out payments to the Navy for raw materials and construction work.
The ‘discipline and law and order’ candidate embezzled money from the Sri Lankan state, to finance a private tribute in his hometown. A multi-million rupee tribute. When investigators started sniffing around, Rajapaksa paid back half the money in 2016, after his brother’s fall from power. In 2018, the Attorney General indicted Gotabaya Rajapaksa and six others on charges of criminal misappropriation.
He makes history in the November 16 election as being the first candidate to stand for election to be President of Sri Lanka while on trial for corruption and embezzlement. These are not the acts of a disciplinarian or efficient CEO.
The Core Issue
All of these factors pale in comparison to the issue that is of essence at the election facing the country.
Citizens fought hard to win the freedoms and space to dissent in the 2015 election, going up against the juggernaut that was the Rajapaksa incumbency. Five years later the dominant discourse is about how it might be palatable to sacrifice those hard-won freedoms to the promise of economic prosperity and strong leadership. Decades down the line, citizens may realise they cut off their noses to spite their faces.
The failures of this Government have brought the citizenry to this desperate brink. Delivery on promises made in 2015 have left much to be desired. While there has been some progress on accountability, corruption persists. At a lesser degree, impunity continues. But frustration with the status quo should not drive citizens into the arms of a dictator. In the fight for systemic change, progress is incremental. Only if the space remains open to wage that battle for change, will change in the longer term be possible.
In some cases, democracies die slowly, in barely visible, gradual steps. But that is not the situation facing Sri Lanka today. The election of Gotabaya Rajapaksa as President of the Republic on November 16, will ensure that democracy will die abruptly, and to raucous, thunderous applause.
When we vote on November 16, let us remember that the price of democracy is eternal vigilance. Let us vote to defeat any prospect of a tyrannous Rajapakse Regime taking root in the soil of our nation.
Haramanis / October 30, 2019
There will be more and more of these bullshit articles until the election is over – all couched in apparently well meaning language but with a sting in their tail to paint the Rajapaksa’s as monsters
/
Dissapointed UNPer / October 30, 2019
The present Yahapālana/UNP government has already driven us into the arms of Gota and the SLPP. I was a UNPer for decades and my last and final vote for UNP ends with the Yahapalana government. I along with a few of my collogues retired from private sector at the age of 56. The end of service benefit (EPF, etc.) what we received from the company was invested in fixed deposit in local banks and finance institutions. The poor income what we were receiving as monthly interest is taxed (withholding tax) under the present UNP government. To make things even worse, the Central Bank has introduced interest caps on deposits to all the banks and finance institutions thereby reducing the interest rates on fixed deposits (double beating on poor man’s stomach). There are thousands like us who have invested in fixed deposit, we are poor lower middle class who have retired from private sector, and most of us are living only on this income. The financial policies of the present UNP/Yahapalana government (taxing the poor man to the maximum) has turned all of us towards the SLPP. Gota/SLPP has better economic/financial policies for lower middle class people like us. No more voting for UNP.
/
D. P. / October 30, 2019
Dissapointed….,
Sorry to hear your story, but it is even more disappointing to see your failure to understand what would have happened to savings of all of us if MaRa regime continued to this day and was forced to file bankrupt. Country was also facing the threat of UN economic sanctions. Had not for Yahapalanaya, the whole country, not just you retirees, would have been in financial mess similar to Greece was facing at the time. There were only two choices left for SL: Either face sanction & file bankrupt or let China take over! Since neither took place, the IF is is no longer valid for many.
–
It is ironic that the financial mess MaRa/GoRa regime created is now working for their own favor b’cos of voters like you who don’t think much beyond today.
–
The financial crisis the country is facing due to huge debt burden is much worse than your personal financial difficulties. However things are getting better; only the pace is much slower than we all anticipated. That is mainly b’cos putting too much hope on foreign investments when low wages are no longer the attraction. That is why Gvt is concentrating on development of knowledge & skills.
–
Finally, I would like to ask you to compare the whole picture of pre & post 2015 situations before thinking about voting for SLPP. Don’t make decision like jumping into toilet pit to avoid the bad smell (of your own stuff) in the toilet! Instead of making better, SLPP’s economic plans would put your savings in more danger. What if their tax cuts fail to generate expected income enough to pay down debts+interests?
/
Dissapointed UNPer / October 31, 2019
D. P.
Those who voted for UNP/Yahapalana in 2015 do not want them anymore. People like me who voted for UNP for the last 3 to 4 decades also do not want them anymore. Yahapalana/UNP has failed miserably, let us see this time what Gota can deliver.
/
Pity Sri Lanka / November 1, 2019
You need not wait to see what Gota can deliver.
Look at his past well explained by the writer.
The article is aimed at exactly to people like you who think you can bring the MaRa Regime again and hope for an election in 5 years.
There will be only rigged elections as in Zimbabwe.
/
D. P. / November 2, 2019
Disappointed …..,
I don’t believe that you ever voted for a UNP. You are campaigner for GoTa wearing a fake UNP badge. These are very cheap campaign tricks during elections.
/
Joseph Rajah / October 31, 2019
83% of our GNP goes to pay for the Gotha got as a loan and bribe. Did you study 5 th grade math and I am teacher in USA.
/
whywhy / October 30, 2019
Disappointed U N Per ,
Elections are held to let a GOVERNMENT TO BE FORMED with
individual votes but for the benefit of a whole NATION ! No one’s
money is safe when a country is in huge debt and its revenue
shrinks year- on- year ! You say , you had been a U N Per for
decades and you will be better off with someone who has no
power to do anything for you ? Has he ever said he will be the
finance minister ? People jump from party to party which is not
unusual but your case looks , from ‘frying pan into the fire.’
Tell me if you can , which country on this planet , makes life
easier for its people every five years after elections or after a new
government is formed ? Just some little change towards good is
possible with J V P because of what they have proved so far ! And
they do want to make a real change , and there’s enough signs
they are a dedicated lot . I accept your starting line with a huge yes !
IT IS THIS YAHAPALANAYA THAT HAS DRIVEN THE PEOPLE INTO
THE ARMS OF MARAGORABARANARA and into a new world of NARA !
/
Lion / October 30, 2019
Dissapointed UNPer,
For the first time in SL history EPF funds were invested in high risk artificially inflated stocks by MR’s team at CB and SEC. I believe yahapalanya govt. also continues with this practice.
/
K.Anaga / October 31, 2019
Disappointed!
You are right. The private sector employees who invest their savings and EPF monies in the banks are in for a shock. 15% interest is applicable only for Rs. 1,500,000/= The interest on the balance, which cannot be much, has been further reduced recently.. Thus, one cannot exist with periodical sickness which ‘engulfs’ a senior citizen. He/she will be compelled to spend quite a lot to keep himself ‘moving’. I would suggest that the 15% should be applied at least for a maximum of Rs5,000,000/= This will bring in an interest of approximately Rs. 62,000/= per month. Though this may hardly suffice with the todays Cost of living, will at least mitigate the sufferings. It is reported that Government Servants salary has been increased by 100% Good. But no concern has been extended to those who had given their best while working.
Almost all the Government Banks and private banks in their annual report shows a couple of billions in profits, but they do not seem to care for the Senor Citizens.
/
Dissapointed UNPer / October 31, 2019
K.Anaga,
To make matters worse, the banks and financial institutions have increased the age of senior citizen to 60. In some of the private sectors the retirement age is 55. I retired at 56. I am not entitled to the 15% interest even after retirement. The UNP government under the present finance minister has not only reduced the interest rates but also introduced a withholding tax for the earned interest. Most of us who were UNPers for a long time have decided this time to see what Gota can deliver to us.
/
K.A. Sumanasekera / November 1, 2019
I am sure any one who is Financial Savvy with a bit of Honesty and Integrity will deliver better than Keselwatta Kid.
–
Look at Keselwatta Kid’s list of promises ‘
UNP is supposed to be better Finance Managers, who are expected to manage the Economy prudently , with with Balanced Budgets and Paying Debts through increased Economic Growth.
–
Has Dr Ranil and his Cohorts satisfied these basic Financial Management requirements?.
–
I had a quick look at Kelwatta Kid’s Manifesto.
Nothing about Financial Management there which I could see.
–
It is all BS l rhetoric, besides that list of Free Bee , which I am not going to repeat.
Keselwatta Kids Opening Salvo is
Eliminate Terrorists
Eliminate . Drug Dealers,
Eliminate Corruption .
And the Kid is going to do an Honesty & Integrity test on all Ministers on the 17th.
–
Good Luck to UNP suckers.
Wonder whether PM Dr Ranil and the Ministers Ravi Karunanayaka, Sujeeva Senasighe, Malik Same, Kabir Hashim, Kiriella, Bathudeen , Rauf Hakeem had any input to help Finance Minster Mangala Samre to prepare this Manifesto. ,
/
Raj-UK / October 31, 2019
Dissapointed UNPer
I am also dissapointed with yahapalanaya/UNP & blame the current & previous regimes for the plight of all of us who are of, or coming to, retirement age.
Most mercantile employees in SL, upon reaching the mandatory retirement age are in same boat as you. Some of my friends still have children who have not yet completed their education & are in a very difficult situation. If it’s a matter of any consolation, I will also be in a similar situation. I have been living in UK for more than 2 decades & we have no EPF/ETF, are taxed at 20% or 40% if the annual income is more than about £40k. Until recently, retirement schemes were optional & many of my colleagues opted not to contribute to a pension as they were all private funds (unless employed by the govt.) & were subjected to the fluctuations of the stock market. My retirement fund was almost wiped off after the banking crisis a few years ago but some lost everything when businesses went bankrupt which took away the pension pot as well. The interest rate of Banks & building societies on saving accounts are not more than 1% or 2% at most & even then, the interest is taxed at 20% or more, depending on the total earnings. The only safety net we have is that a modest pension is available for everyone upon reaching 65 years & govt. assistance in housing etc. is available for those with assets less than £20k, However, retirement is not mandatory unless it can be proved by the employer that the age has a direct affect on the work, so we can at least work till we drop dead in theory. Usually, upon reaching the retirement age, retirees ‘are empty nesters’, & tho
/
Vanguard / October 31, 2019
There will be no more attacks on minorities either, because the Rajapakse Regime will be held responsible for it. So no more funding extremists.
Any terrorist attack under the RR will not benefit them, so they will not let it happen.
They are not so stupid as not to learn from 2015.
/
whywhy / October 31, 2019
Vanguard ,
Gota is not a politician , he knows it and so is everyone else in this
country ! So , what makes the Rajapakshas and other 3 wheelers
bet on Gota ? Two things :
1 . He claimed credit for ending the war while it was a shared
operation ! .
2. He used the Army to achieve many other things like City
beautification and turned a blind eye when Monks targeted
minorities especially Muslims , giving the Monks a free hand
for every one to see !
Now , the bunch thought , this will work in the next elections ! It
worked , not for an immediate win but another day that is today !
All they plan to do is , using Gota just as he was used before , to
create an atmosphere of fear in people’s minds to run the show
with heavy borrowings and white elephant developments ! True ,
no one else would like to run a country on false economy !
/
S. C. Pasqual / November 1, 2019
Vanguard…….
\
Who discovered America? – Christopher Columbus. Not a fleet of ships from Spain.
/
who built the Rome? – Two brothers Romulus and Remus. Not few carpenters and masons.
\
who built the Taj Mahal? – Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. Not few carpenters and masons or sculptures.
/
who lost in Waterloo? – Napoleon Bonaparte. Not the French Revolutionary Army.
\
My dear. Gota has already won the presidential election.
What mater now is in what margin.
/
whywhy / November 1, 2019
Pasqual ,
Who lost peace after war ? – MARA & Co . Not the Srilankan Army .
/
S. C. Pasqual / November 1, 2019
Of course.
\
Mahinda Rajapaksha government had a golden opportunity to solve the ethnic issue. Kruna/Pilleyan, Wimal/Gammanpila was in the same government. And they had the trust of Sambanthan/Sumanthiran.But they blow it away.
/
whywhy / November 2, 2019
Exactly . Thanks for your reply with great enthusiasm .
/
Tamil lover / October 31, 2019
When you speak up and point out an important point where the current Y-Govt had made a huge blunder, look at how some of the readers respond. None of these readers who speak against Gota’s victory is neither in Sri Lanka nor Sri Lankan citizens. That’s how they show their anger about Sri Lanka free from terrorism.
/
Julampitiye Amaraya / November 1, 2019
Dearest Mr Disapapointed,
As an Educated person , you should vote for an honest Applicant to the presidency.
Without hesitation I am saying that You have selected a wrongful Horse for the Betting.
Plese use your consciences to select a good person and a party from Thives, Murderers, Abductors, Commistion Agents of People’s Money.
I appeal to you And please Read this article at least 2—3 times.
/
Amarasiri / October 30, 2019
Haramanis,
Go with the evidence and data. There were more than 70 criminal activities, capital, financial and other, Gotabaya committed or was associated with others, many in the courts.
It is difficult for low IQ people to sort through these. Gota and the Rajapaksa Mafia are counting on the stupidity of the voters to get back to power.
If Gota wins, the mean IQ of the voters is close to 64, not the IQ measured many years ago at 79.
Just listen to what the real hero Sarath Fonseka has to say.
/
S. C. Pasqual / October 31, 2019
Aiyo… Haramanis.
\
Choice 1 – Gotabaya Rajapaksa :
/
A person with a proven track record.
• Military management background, Master’s degree, Postgraduate Diploma, Honorary degree, Information Technology Education.
• Decorated for gallantry and excellence in combat by three Presidents.
• Proven himself as a good manager in various positions such as Marketing Manager of IT firm – Informatics. Systems Administrator at Loyola Law School, California. Secretary to Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Defense.
• A person who can assess a situation and create a plan of action based on realities. And a person who has guts to go for it.
\
Choice 2 – Sajith Premadasa :
/
• A person who couldn’t pass his OLs.
• No proven vocational or professional training what so ever.
• Have not done an honest salary earning job in his whole life.
• Have spent his whole life thriving on public salary and perks and money stolen from state by his farther.
• A parasite without vision or plan.
\
Choice is clear.
/
Polgas Banda / October 31, 2019
S. C. Pasqual
Let us see the White Van Butcher from the Family Junta,
House and Family in America
Medical Treatment in Singapore
Deity Worship (temples) in India
Bank account in Swiss land
Shopping in Thailand
Contest election in Sri Lanka to fool the Masses who are stupid Asses.
Your choice is very clear…
/
S. C. Pasqual / November 1, 2019
My dear Polgas Banda.
\
Its a habit of “stupid people” that makes false allegations against honest and educated people.
/
“Those who can – do; those who can’t – complain”
/
Abhaya Premawardena / October 31, 2019
Absolutely. I only wish for the best for my country nothing else. We have not had a politician like this guy (because he is not a politician)
/
Richmond / October 31, 2019
Sarath Fonseka was stopped while he was making a speech at a Sajit’s rally. He got mad and left the podium.
Ranil confirms he is still the PM if Sajit wins the election. Some people say RanilW is doing an excellent job for Sajit’s campaign.
What he says indirectly is: I’m the PM if Sajit wins, I’m the Opposition Leader if Sajit fails to win. Either way he is a winner!
/
Ajith / October 30, 2019
Haramanis,
There is no doubt about that Rajapakse’s are monsters. They don’t worry about other than power, money. They will do anything to capture power illegally. There is enough evidence for that. You cannot deny the murder of Lasantha or Thajaudeen. You cannot deny the removal of Chief Justice. You cannot deny of Basils 15% commission. You cannot deny the October 2018 constitutional plot. You cannot deny the bribe paid to TNA MP Viyalenthiran. You cannot deny of Karuna’s alliance with Gota and abductions and murders. You cannot deny the 18th amendment to become lifelong president. This list never ends. They destroyed the SLFP movement for power. They destroyed countries and Sinhalese image as uncivilised. What else you need for them to called Monsters.
/
K.Anaga / October 31, 2019
The ‘yahapalanaya’ government has chased their supporters to others due to their inaction on the rogues on whom they promised to take action during their election campaign. The people who aid and abet the robbers are worse than the actual robbers themselves.
/
Vanguard / October 31, 2019
Those “Monsters” are the reason we could live in peace with honor.
/
Amarasiri / October 30, 2019
Manila’s Dissanayaka,
See what AKD has to say.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=uJm3KWbncEo
He says that the Rajapaksa Mafia was defeated in 2015, but it was Dirisena Ranil and the UNP that rejuvenated , the Mafia to-put
Gota to become President.
Asks people to vote for AKD and the people’s powr.
/
Sinhala_Man / October 30, 2019
Thanks, Amarasiri,
.
One can listen intelligently to AKD even when it is a public oration. The same can’t be said of Sajith.
.
Anyway, the substance: he rightly condemns the UNP, and asks people not to vote for them (well, giving them a Third Preference as a strategy to keep Gota out is my business), but that doesn’t by any means mean that he’s swinging towards Gota, as some mischief-makers had made out.
.
Gotler remains the guy whom we must at all cost keep out of power if anything like civilised life is to remain in Sri Lanka.
/
D. P. / October 31, 2019
S_Man,
I don’t believe that AKD is swinging towards GoRa. Rather I believe that he prefer GoRa’s victory over Sajith’s for JVP logic, either is the same. As matter fact, from JVP’s point of view, if GoRa/MaRa come to power and try to reverse all the democratic gains, it would be favorable for JVP b’cos, according to their calculations, it will provide fertile ground for them grow exponentially. KD also admits this much when he says to the effect that only JVP will have the courage to fight back against GoRa’s oppression!
–
For KD/AKD, the potential ability to take away votes from Sajith is a sign of success. That is b’cos, according to their strict Marxist view, Sajith is only another agent of “failing capitalism”( they can’t see how all the Marxist states have utterly failed while capitalism isstill kicking). However, as you also agree, defeating GoRa is the top priority.
/
Gemini Cricket ? / November 1, 2019
D. P
…or perhaps AKD sees Sajith as a bigger rival than Gota.
I guess we are saying the same thing in the end, in different ways.
/
D. P. / November 2, 2019
Gamini Cricket,
Yes; the better off the country will be the worse off the Marxists will be. This is the real dilemma for Marxist parties.
/
Buramphisincho / November 1, 2019
But Sinhala Man, the fight this time is between two main groups.
:
Normal dignified people against criminals.
:
There, anyone leaving their party affliations should join hand to stand against criminals. You should be well aware of this if you live in SL.
.
Assuming that BALLIGE PUTHA Rajaakshes would have been the leaders, what would be the consequence for us all in and out of the country ?
–
i THINK JVP, Alternative forces all should come together to stand against Gotabaya.
if they would miss this this time, then it would be too late for sure.
/
mike / October 30, 2019
Haraka-manis – No wonder you have got several ‘votes’ (thumbs down)!
/
Amarasiri / October 30, 2019
Manilal
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=7h3PyWcLpmk
Kumara Welshman says the same thing. The Rajapaksa Mafia broke into his house.
The Rajapaksa Mafia is trying to break into the country.
Will the populace with a common sense understand this?
/
Sinhala_Man / October 30, 2019
Dear Amarasiri,
.
I don’t know how many will listen to this. It does immense harm to the Rajapaksas, because what he says is absolutely true, and Welgama is not looking for personal reward.
/
Amarasiri / October 31, 2019
Dear Sinhala_Man,
“I don’t know how many will listen to this.”
1. Mean IQ is 79.
2. Many are literate
3. Many have common sense
4. Many have emotional intelligence
5. Many follow brainwashed religions
6. Many follow politicians.
8. Many still believe that the Sun goes around the earth.
So how many will understand this? How many were brainwashed by Gota -Rajapaksa Mafia?
A land like no other, where the mean IQ is 79. Still the SD is 15, and this is the hope.
/
Simon De Silva / October 31, 2019
It means, all is rotten to the levels that nothing can get them reverse right ?
.
While fly back home from Rome last night, I had been thinking as to why People are easily caught by Rajaapkshe Mantra ?:
.
Untruths got established in the lanken society (within the country) in the name of freedom given to the media right ?
That ended up let CRIMINALs become even more populists among the masses that make a real change in the country.
These masses have no whatsoever basic knowledge about srilanken politics but petty gains such a packet of rice or a glass of arak.
If asked those people, they would be ready to vote for him.
This was not the same matnra they preached in 2015, but they were defeated by 6.2 mio of voters.
Do you think that all that stood against them today would make U turn to vote for the same criminals again ?
If yes, people are really STUPID .. born stupid right ?
If they miss the chance this time ?
/
D. P. / October 30, 2019
Haramanis,
These are not B/S articles; these are real. Do you know, for example, why GoRa was given the nomination knowing full well his notorious character & the controversy surrounding the citizenship while clean character ChaRa was available? Only b’cos of his well established ruthlessness! According to MaRa’s calculations, if they can pull off the PE with a V, they might be able to increase the number in the Parliament as well. If so MaRa’s could somehow buy the PM post. MaRa needs GoRa’s ruthlessness in order to scare off trouble makers.
–
MaRa had a similar plan when he called for an early election in 2014. The reason he needs a ruthless president is his intuition that the difficult economic choices will create public unrest. This is why Ra..kse regime will be a monster. Only difference will be that it will be worse than last time! I’m sure that they would love to avoid such a situation by any mean possible but, unfortunately, there is no any other choice!
/
Amila / October 30, 2019
As far as we have seen in past, Rajapaksa’s are evil monsters..
Eg 1
What happened to the bodies of missing journalists ? ( by the way Idiamin ate his enemies ! )
Eg 2
Shirani bandaranayake was forcefully removed and even ate milkrice with bookipala
Even easter sunday bombing was done by Gota with the help of Americans.
So he is a evil monster not a normal human..
/
Vanguard / October 31, 2019
“Even easter sunday bombing was done by Gota with the help of Americans.”
Wow, I thought the Americans were our friends and the enemy of the Sinhala Buddhist.
/
upali / October 31, 2019
Haramanis,
‘Monsters’ you don’t have to say that. That’s why people kicked them out.
/
Simon De Silva / October 31, 2019
Whoever behind your AVARTAR, even a school going young man would see it right, that the rascal family through their vicious politics turned the mind set of the average upside down, only for their political gains.
:
Be it in Asia, Africa or Europe, if any civiilzed would see it right,
1) Murders are the high crimes ( Lasatha Wirkamathunga -the editor of SLnews paper, Ekanaligoa -catoonists, Thadjudeen young rugby player, over 23 unarmened prisoners, and youth in Rathupaswala – this list can not end easily…. we perfectly know how it was prior to 2015, in particular 2010 -2015 how they ruled this nation)
.
2) Why media institutions paint the infavour of those high culprits is beyond question.
Each and every lanken citizen should see it right, why these criminals, make every effort to return to power.
:
3) Monsters are born criminals, they have abused not just voting power of the people, but almost everything of the UNEDUCATED MASSES in this country.
Uneducated are just contacted for their political survival.
:
4).Thiswe have have to see one thing – it is to save the nation from being caught by a tyrannt.
That is it.
If people would not see it right, then this country would be branded as a state similar to LYBIA. basta
/
Vanguard / October 31, 2019
Notice how the highways the UNPers ride on and the safety from Terrorist attacks are never mentioned? Hyporisy in the Highest.
Let’s see if the predictions come true. Oh but he won’t win so why are people so worked up?
“A rotten human rights record will bring back a threat of economic sanctions and international isolation. Forcible evictions of the poorest in cities will widen gaps between the rich and the poor and create new fault lines and conflict, as marginalised and impoverished communities agitate. Markets will be manipulated. White elephant projects initiated. The public will be called upon to gasp in awe of the big roads and empty airports. None of this will be good for the economy. None of this will ensure stability. Development without rights and freedom”
Of course this won’t happen. America won’t let it.
/
NAK / November 1, 2019
In think an authoritarian is a blessing compared to the alternative which is a sure hell.
/
Ranil Wijeyesekera / October 30, 2019
We are bieng exploited by the west. They are neocolonist. We need GR and MR tobreak free. Certain operations w4ere done to free us from the WB, IMF and ADB. There is no such thin as a free lunch. Our Markets were manipulated to bring us to our knees. We were condemed for cevil rights to weaken us. We must unite to be free. People were killed or kidnapped due to clashes engineered by them. Money is taken to fight elections buy all parties.. This is because some countries give money for politics. Upto now there is no mechanism to control this. The west is interferoing in our delections. The6y giv e us money and then say it is coruption. In USA and other countries there is foriegn interference. Trump is delivering the goods.
/
Amila / October 30, 2019
Lol.. GR is the puppet of USA.. His wife and son are all american citizens. Now this bloody americans are trying to control Sri Lanka by using GR and his american family. This is how they infiltrate countries in future rather than direct wars. Easter sunday bombing was planned and executed probably with the help of this same source by GR.
Patriotic citizens should get together and defeat this American Puppet Gota.. !
/
Vanguard / October 31, 2019
No one has won against America. Both Sajith and Gota are saying they can, good luck.
/
NAK / November 1, 2019
wrong! where did the US win?
/
sanipanado / October 30, 2019
Are you aware of the number of work and study days lost because of the lack of and inability to afford hygienic wear . Every Thing is not a joke as you perceive . It is the way we interpret things . You got to be educated before you call others as Jokers .
Why not refer some research .
ps://menstrualhygieneday.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/EFFECTS-OF-PROVISION-OF-SANITARY-TOWELS-ON-PERFORMANCE-OF-ADOLESCENT-GIRL-A-Case-of-Matungu-Subcounty-Kakamega-County.pdf.
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5c6e87b8ed915d4a32cf063a/period.pdf
https://www.chevening.org/news/alumni-award-winner-on-a-mission-to-challenge-taboos-and-support-womens-health/
/
KS / October 30, 2019
See the photograph given here. That is the real face of the man, not what he displays at the pres briefing and walking among the people. People should not get deceived.
/
Wimpy Kid / October 30, 2019
The problem in Sri Lanka today is no one has any Authority
Why ? because no one has any credibility.
Why ? because all are crooks !!!
Authority is not a bad thing if it is used in a good way.
/
Lalith de silva / October 30, 2019
[Edited out] writing in capital letters are discouraged – For more detail see our Comment policy – CT
/
soma / October 30, 2019
Continuation…
.
Now what’s his plan, the end game?
For the capitalist class in Colombo this country is a mess for the majority are Sinhala Buddhists and the Priests are not followers of what they preach. Under the circumstances they are more concerned with the existential threat to their tribe at the cost of time and energy to be devoted to preaching Dhamma. Naturally.
What must be done: STRONGHOLD OF THE THE SINHALA BUDDHISTS MUST BE BROKEN.
This was evident in his Constitution reform process. This country must broken into federal blocks each with full political authority, with land and police powers to the hilt. Only devil knows where will that lead to.
.
It is against this backdrop the coming presidential election is a critical juncture. Choice for the the majority of the country, inhabitants for 2500 years, the Sinhala Buddhists is starkly clear:
SAVE THE COUNTRY FROM DISINTEGRATION.
–
Soma
/
Fahim Knight / October 30, 2019
Asia and Pacif Ocean beds are extremely rich in many minerals and Nations that are totally dependent on resources and who may have exausted the resources of poorer countries that may have permited legal comsumption as well as their own resources , May consider digging in deep into the seabeds as a last option to consume the minerals beneath the Ocean Beds.
Already some companies have started a mild level of mining of the seabeds, but right now its only considered as tests and investigations.
What is scary is what we the layman may not know , the natural disasters the mining may cause , from the extinction of corals , marine life and wonder how it would then effect the supply of oxygen the ocean provides us being the largest supplier and then ofcause the Tsunamis .
I will be deeply grateful if our expert Marine Biologist , Dr.Miss.A.Devos could enlighten us readers about it .
We need the US Millinium grant , no matter who comes to power, they will have to obtain it , we have obtained enough US grants in the past, grants are great incentives for a struggling economy to recover.
No point demonizing US or political opponents and deceiving the people.
I wont totally blame any politician , but will yes blame our dead duck Constitution with numerous loopholes , there may have been leakage of our treasury ( Sadly) but we keep forgetting that we had a 30 year war and it needed billions to fight it and double that amount to finish it , because we needed to spend on highly sophisticated weapons , equipments and then heavy on personnel.and logistics ,
So we were already broke to the core , we felt the burden only when the war ended , with it flows of money into the country stopped from all avenues.
/
Fahim Knight / October 30, 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
/
Fahim Knight / October 30, 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
/
Raj-UK / October 30, 2019
Great piece by Mr Manilal Dissanayake but it’s not going to convince die hard Rajapakse supporters who live in denial, unable to accept facts. Maybe some of them stand to gain personally with a Rajapakse regime but there is also a pathetic lot, in a misguided or misinformed sense of ‘patriotism’, or just blind faith, hero worshipping a criminal who blatantly robbed & plundered the country .
In a job interview, a candidate’s past record will be under scrutiny & only a proven, clear track record will secure the job. In the case of GR’s candidacy for SL’s highest office, the past record is dubious with overwhelming evidence to support mass scale corruption, abuse of power, gross mismanagement of state resources, nepotism & even murder. All I can conclude from the facts is, that under another Rajapakse regime, SL will be reduced to a pariah state with no foreign aid or investment, FOREX reserves dependent on remittances from abroad by migrant workers & money launders with their ill gotten wealth from criminal activities.because, with unfavourable market conditions, SL exports will be unable to compete with similar countries like Vietnam & Bangladesh.
SL will be dependent on Chinese funding at commercial rates & unable to service the debt, will be an unofficial Chinese colony with the puppet Rajapakse clan reigning over the foreseeable future. SL will be the next Hong Kong or Tibet & the Chinese know how to suppress any uprising as we have seen recently in Hong Kong. Not the rosy picture painted by GR & I hope I am wrong with my prediction.
/
GulSiri Lal Nanda / October 30, 2019
Gotabay Rajapakesa is most honest politician in present time .
He (GR) is far beyond that Sajith Premadasa of level of political norms that advocated by UNP candidature…2020 !
We are compelled to vote for him to that house put into order which is that destroy by Sajith and other UNP’s leaders.
/
Manel Fonseka / October 31, 2019
GulSiri Lal Nanda!
Such ignorance/wilful blindness like yours leaves me speechless.
I pity this poor country.
/
Siri / October 30, 2019
Yahapalana government cannot push anyone into an authoritarian regime! No it is not the case because we got the vote to decide who should come into power next time around.Therefore what is important is to use that vote sensibly to select the best among all the vultures! Given the choice between a murderer and some one not so very much smarter I would vote for the latter! It is an easier choice as we all know the history of governing done by the malicious murderers! How could one be forgetful of killings at Rathupaswela, Free Trade Zone, Kochikade (the fisher folk), Thajuidene, Ekneligioda, and so many others! Also how meliciously they got rid of the Chief Justice, appointment of their personal legal adviser to the position of CJ! Also have you forgotten the Mig Deal, Hedging deal, Greek Bonds, Avant Garde project, wasting millions of USD in trying to host Commonwealth games in Hanbantota etc! Murderers also robed the nation to the glory though the yahapalana gang could not effectively dealt with them legally! That was a sad part of story! No it is impossible for us to bring them back into power as next time around they will double their killing spree and thieving the nation to glorify family and the bandits! .
/
D.R. de Silva / October 30, 2019
In 2015 the people voted for a major change, which the yahapalanaya government has failed miserably to deliver. It is now too late to ask for a second chance on the pretext that this is the lesser evil, on the basis of hitherto unproven accusations. Yahapalanaya has failed; let us see what the other side can deliver.
Senior Citizen
/
Amila / October 30, 2019
Wrong. You are comparing 10 year rule by a family vs 4 year government (also slfp which didn’t do anything while in this gov and now sitting with Rajapaksa’s as well ). If you look carefully. This is a better government than Rajapaksa evils by all means.
/
Bawa / October 31, 2019
Amila is it better than the 17 year UNP dictatorship that saw tens of thousands killed?
/
Champa / October 30, 2019
You say the citizenry is called upon to stand up for democracy once again!!!!!
Haven’t they already learnt a lesson?
Those who voted yahapalanaya in 2015 do not want them again.
I am talking about Sinhalese. I have no idea about the mentality of Tamils and Muslims.
Democracy is only a system of government.
Yahapalana government has
betrayed the country and the security forces under the guise of democracy.
They sold ports and airports too.
They tried to make Sri Lanka an American base.
In brief, they have sold the country to foreigners under the guise of democracy.
Is this what you expect from a democratic government?
/
ajith / October 31, 2019
Srilankan never learns a lesson. Srilankans never had democracy but they had elections only. Democracy was completely wiped out and replaced by authoritarian dictatorship of one family between 2005 and 2015. In 2015, one family dictatorship was replaced partially but not democracy returned back. But October 2018 threat of dictatorship emerge and the family dictatorship has become serious threat to the nation. the previous regime sold part of this nation to China. Are we going to sell the whole and people as slaves to China?
/
Naman / October 30, 2019
It’s time for the Presidential Candidates tell the minorities on how they are going to prevent harassment & suppression by the majority race especially the Buddhist Monks and Thugs
The security forces need to stop ignoring when the minorities are being attacked physically or verbally.
The Sinhala people need to stop acting like The colonialists-Portugese/Dutch/English
/
Douglas / October 30, 2019
It has to be accepted that the “Yahapalanaya” blunders made the people frustrated and brought them to a state of “No Return”. That message was clearly sent to the “Yahapalanaya” on the Local Government elections results. of February 201. Everyone was surprised at that; but not me. The question in my mind was: How could Brand New Political Party, organized by the “MR & Co. Inc.” with the most number of “Crooks” and “Criminals” could secure such an “Awakening” reject both UNP & SLFP? The answer I got was nothing but the huge “Led Down” by the “Yahapalanaya” Since that election, the UNP and SLFP did not correct the course, instead, they have made it worse. This was well “Published” by opening of the COPE investigations to the Public. All that came to light were pertaining to this Government activities. For example, take the case of Peoples Bank, one of the prime Financial Institutions of the country. It was pathetic to witness the “Management” style in there with the Chairmanship of a PC and a “Legal Advisor” to the UNP. At one time, he (the Chairman) said “We want do it again”. At one time its GM with 25 years of experience in the Bank was asked by the COPE Chairman, Sunil Handunetti: “Are you such a fool”. There were many such Public Institutions that came under the scrutiny and all the “Unforgivable” ‘Blunders” committed by those in Management were available to the Public in “Sinhala”. What was the NET RESULT? The people forgot all the past “CRIMES” by the “MR’s Regime” and turned against the Yahapalanaya” That is why again with frustration and feel of “Led Down” (Cheated) the Voter Population has acquired a renewed syndrome of “PSYCHOSIS” and possibly decide: Come what may- We need a “AUTHORITARIAN” and NO MATTER he could even be a “MONSTER”. That is how the VOTER POPULATION of Sri Lanka “DECIDE” – a very unique “Commodity”.
/
K.Pillai / October 30, 2019
Thanks Manilal Dissanayake for the frankness in the article.
Yahapālana did not fail. United National Front for Good Governance (UNFGG) was swallowed by the ‘Culture’ of corruption/nepotism/impunity.
UNF decided ‘to join them instead of defeating them’.
PS: Does the Secretary of United National Front (UNF) Coalition Champika Ranawake of JHU remember what UNFGG is?
.
Gotabaya Rajapaksa is NOT an authoritarian.
He was an expat State Employee. Without the power afforded by his position, he is meek. This is how mafia bullies operate!
/
velu Rasiah / October 31, 2019
If Gota were to win, it is primarily because of my3(Aiyo Srisena). He has been a hardcore SLFPer and was with the MaRa-Gota culprits for more than 20 yrs. He blocked all the corruption, bribery, and nepotism cases against this thieves and finally decided to bring in MaRa as PM. Now he is telling that he will be neutral, but will finally appear on Gota’s meetings.
/
Affected Cultivator / October 31, 2019
Although Sri Lanka is known as an agricultural country with a fertile tropical land suitable for the cultivation of a variety of crops, very unfortunately the present UNP (Yahapalana) government, its ministers and MPs are clueless when it comes to agriculture and farming. The present government completely destroyed the agriculture and farming sector. They also imported not only black pepper but Coconuts, Rice, Spices, Cashew and everything else that can be grown in Sri Lanka. For example, they bring low quality cheap cashew from India and mix with our top quality cashew and then put it to the market. It is the same with everything else. They bring very low quality stuff from outside and mix with our products and then export or put it to the market. There is no proper price control for what the farmers produce. The wholesale market prices are not stable and due to the price fluctuation, the farmers are affected very badly. With very high labour charges, cost of fertilizer and many other factors like irrigation system, etc., finally the farmers are at a big loss when the prices go down. For example, if you take the coconut industry, there are times when the wholesale price of coconut had reached Rs.60 and other times it has come down to Rs.20. Why cannot the government have a price control, something like never exceed Rs40 and never go below Rs.30 (a controlled price fluctuation). This way, both the farmer and the consumer have some relief. Unlike the present UNP government, the previous Rajapakshe regime was farmer friendly. Therefore, most of the farming community have decided to vote for Gota this time.
/
Jayantha deAlwis / October 31, 2019
THIS IS THE VERY REASON THAT WE SHOULD NOT ANY OF THESE CROOKS AGAIN, NO MORE UNP OR SLPP. VOTE FOR JVP | MAHESH SENANAYAKE GROUP.
/
Sinhala_Man / October 31, 2019
Jayantha,
.
Preferences? Without those, what you advocate is highly irresponsible.
.
I agree with your stand, but I’m beginning to feel that few say what they really feel. Unethical!
/
chiv / October 31, 2019
Sanipanado, how much apathy ,cruel and crass Eagle Eye may be we should deny the basic necessities of a sick man.Though Eagle is living on welfare he still wants to collect free pads and condoms promised by Sajith for him self. Condoms are used as catheters and pads too for Eagle,s senile URINARY INCONTINENCE.(bed wetting). Eagle just a friendly advise, condom catheters carry high risk of infection if used long term.
/
chiv / October 31, 2019
sorry we should NOT deny
/
Eagle Eye / October 31, 2019
According to a news item in Derana TV, ‘Maha Benku Hora’ confirmed that he will be the PM if Sajith becomes the President. Some UNP MPs tell a different story. Sajith says he will not have any corrupt person in his Government. What Sajith has to say about this?
/
Wasanthi Kaushalya / October 31, 2019
Paraya A Sabri is a Rajapakse stooge because they gave him PC post. Before that he was a lawyer without briefs. Thouroghly inefficient lawyer who does not properly understand ABCD of law.
/
rbh / October 31, 2019
Continues failure saying the darkest state is to be found the activist is not the man who says the river is dirty. The activist is the man who cleans up the river. only in speeches clean up is noticed.
/
Citizen Silva / October 31, 2019
Yhapalanaya go home.
Gota , Mara stay home
Sira go back to Polonaruawa.
The country needs an alternative political party with the backing
of the people.
UNP/SLFP / SLPP have failed the nation.
First and Second preference vote to any party other than these humbugs is the way forward for the Country.
Flush this scum down the toilet.
/
Anoma Ginige / October 31, 2019
I hate Ali Sabri [edited out]
/
Buddhist / October 31, 2019
Reading the recent court decisions against Gotabaya, who has no power today, we clearly see how scared the Judiciary is. Just imagine for a minute how the Judiciary will act when Gotabaya has the power as President.
/
Wimpy Kid / November 1, 2019
My dear Biddhist,
Try explaining that to the Elpitiya dummies.
/
GulSiri Lal Nanda / October 31, 2019
Comment of Dr Manel Fonseka…
You said that ours nation seems to be ‘ I pity this POOR country ‘.
You may be Rich by way of living in Rich Nation . The way your speaking of facts feel me that you belongs to affluent classes of Rich.! @ by $$$.
You are also that belongs to 1% of global Rich. Its OK.
But your homeland of USA of “champion of democracy” that during days of occupy period how was that USA act on that what form of” Democracy”. Is this the a way that USA decorticate of own model of ‘Democracy ‘ ….
“>……What makers this all the more remarkable is that despite the inevitable repression as calls it—the push back of police brutality mass arrest, trumped-up charges,restrictive city ordinances, surveillance ,infiltration and raids movement continues to grow, occupying new fronts from inner-city neighborhoods and local courtrooms to the halls of congress . Simply continuing in the face of repression can be considered an achievement….”.
Further said that “with presences in hundreds of cities,mounting numbers of arrests and big plans for more actions up to the Presidential election and beyond the movement is also very much occupying the court system and challenging the political Nature of govt.repression …” I have concluded that say ….”The economic recession is linked to a recession of democracy”. Occupy by Noam Chomsky .
What I have to say that bunch of lumpen leadership including of UNP of Sajith & Ranil of are that hide facts political, economic and social recession of Sri lanka.
/
Aelajo / October 31, 2019
GulSiri Lal Nanda, your gibberish is understandable and to be pitied. There is no point in bringing up the deficiencies of other countries. Our own leaders including your favourite for the future and the majority of our people are to blame for the mess we are in after 70 years of independence. Please read up on the 5 part series of articles by Dr. Sachithanandam Sathananthan and you will learn who made a shit hole of this beautiful country.
/
Sinhala_Man / November 3, 2019
Dear Aelajo,
.
Yes, those five articles were really good.
.
When you say something like that, it is very necessary for you to provide a link, preferably to the last. From there, people can navigate to what was earlier.
.
https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/how-we-came-to-this-pass-v/
/