19 March, 2024

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The Road Ahead For RW & Aragalaya

By Ameer Ali

Dr. Ameer Ali

When aragalaya burst into the political scene, its spontaneity, non-violence and a-political stand caught everyone by surprise. It was a leaderless entity, inclusive in composition but determined in its objective to effect systemic change. It drew its strength from the nobility of its cause and uniqueness of its expression. Neither the government nor the opposition and not even the left parties had any clue as to how to handle this intruder who started stealing their show. There was indeed a close resemblance between what happened in Cairo in 2011 and what was happening in Colombo eleven years later in March 2022. In both instances, it was the combination of an oppressive political system with an economy in deep trouble and causing unbearable pain to the masses, which provoked the young and educated to come the street. Authorities in Colombo initially thought that aragalaya would lose its momentum and fizzle out once the New Year holidays were over, workers returned to their jobs and students to universities and colleges; but it didn’t. As it gathered momentum, infiltration from militant elements began, as happened in Iran and Egypt. But unlike in those countries, these infiltrators do not seem to have a strategy or plan either to take aragalaya to another level or introduce their own agenda. However, as “Gota-Go-Gama” and “No 225” campaigns became louder and more forceful, the then Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa panicked and decided to employ his own ruffians to counter the protestors, like what Mubarak did in Cairo. Mayhem followed and what followed thereafter is common knowledge.     

The man who watched all this gleefully from the sideline was Ranil Wickremesinghe (RW). Whether he had a premonition or not, fortune knocked on his door twice, offering him first with a premiership and then with the presidency. He was sympathetic to the youth initially and even asked the police not to intervene and disturb the peaceful atmosphere at Galle Face Green. But no sooner he became president he turned his ire on aragalaya, invoked the dreadful PTA and silently instructed the police to arrest its leaders and activists. According to one source, around 3,000 had been had been arrested so far. 

Does this mean that aragalaya has ended and that RW could take credit for restoring political stability after the mayhem? Does this also mean that with IMF’s conditional assistance and more funds from WB, which are actually funds allocated already for other projects but repurposed to meet the emergency, he would be able to achieve some measure of economic recovery before his term ends in 2024? Without being overly pessimistic, a realistic diagnosis of the emerging scenario would show that the road ahead, like his predecessor’s alternative path may collapse in a sinkhole.

To take the future of aragalaya first, its core demand for systemic change remains unmet and rejected or ignored by all major parties, except perhaps NPP and FSP. Even they, while agreeing on principle do not seem to have a policy framework or road map to show how to achieve it. If they have one it has not been made public yet. In fact, the call for systemic change is nothing new in Sri Lankan politics. Leftist groups of a bygone era promoted that idea, but it was couched in such a welter of ideological and theoretical arguments and counterarguments, hardly anyone except the leaders of organized labour and the intelligentsia understood them. Moreover, the economy at that time was resilient enough to warrant any new experiment; and, when an experiment was tried in the 1970s it ended in disaster. In contrast, today’s authoritarian and oppressive political environment in the face of a historic economic disaster and widening social cleavages, in combination with successive foreign policy debacles causing indignance in the international arena, convinced a new generation of educated young men and women that there is something fundamentally wrong with the architecture of the country’s socio-political structure and that it should be replaced. It was that conviction which prompted aragalaya to come out with the demand for systemic change. Its slogan, “No 225” sent a clear message to all ruling politicians that they are incapable of effecting that change. RW’s repeated attempts to forge a unity government even by suborning members of the different parties with positions in the cabinet and regional ministries is further indication of his determination to carry on with the old system under its old guards. 

If aragalaya represents a pothole on RW’s road, the post-IMF designed economic landscape could create a sinkhole. IMF’s staggered loan of $2.9 billion with a package of strict conditions relating to debt restructuring, budget deficit reduction through tough fiscal measures and tightened monetary policy, cutting the size of public service, restructuring or privatizing loss making SOEs, introducing more flexibility in foreign exchange market, ending corruption and so on would eventually result, at least in the short-run, in increased unemployment, fall in imports leading to a corresponding fall in exports, rising domestic prices, fall in real income of households and increasing the incidence of poverty. Although a limited amount of relief measures to help the poor and the deserving had been introduced in the 2022 budget, a lack of proper data to identify such groups and the perennial corruption in administering such handouts would certainly deprive many a poor from benefiting.  In addition to this, spillover effects from global economic downturn caused by supply shortages due to war in Europe, rising inflation and higher interest rates would add further to difficulties already caused by IMF agenda.  

Finally, with the latest hard-hitting report of UNHRC on Sri Lanka’s failure to improve its human rights record, RW’s fall back on draconian PTA to arrest aragalaya activists and protestors and his predilection towards authoritarianism may compel Western powers and their allies to tie future economic assistance including EU’s GSP+ with demonstrable progress in these areas. All this would make life unbearably painful for the majority. Thus, post-IMF reforms and post-UNHRC effects on the economy may provide a recipe for another wave of protests, which, according to the Governor of CBSL could turn bloody. That would be the sinkhole on RW’s road to stability and recovery. Although this would provide an impetus for aragalaya to reemerge one is not sure whether that reemergence would be a repetition of its original format.       

Even its critics must admit that aragalaya represents the local voice of an enlightened community of young men and women who are globally connected and committed to the welfare and progress of humanity at large. Their generation is having an impact on the politics and policies in many countries, both developed and developing. This is unavoidable given the bulging middle age cohort in world’s population pyramid. Sri Lanka is no exception to this phenomenon. RW’s attempt to arrest its leaders and end their protest would force them enter organized politics. Having lost confidence in the 225, aragalaya activists are showing an inclination to enter formal politics and strive for systemic change through a transgenerational parliament. The built-in instability in RW’s fissiparous and oversized cabinet and regional ministries, whose members are already grumbling about his austerity strictures, would mean that he may be compelled or encouraged to go for a general election before 2024. One prominent Buddhist prelate wants that to happen within the next six months or risk another showdown. It is encouraging to note that the Sangha is prepared to speak out openly to politicians and telling them without mincing words how they had collectively contributed to the parlous state of the country’s economy. Aragalaya’s “No 225” captured these sentiment quite aptly. 

Unfortunately, the progressive thinktanks including NPP theoreticians seem to be ill equipped without an alternative agenda. If there is one, it should be made public.Criticism of status quo is hardly enough unless backed by a comprehensive and workable substitute. Aragalaya’s systemic change should go beyond its sloganeering stage.   

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Latest comments

  • 10
    7

    Dear Dr Ameer Ali,
    .
    I bless your altruistic heart for trying so hard to save Lankans from the fate that stares them in the face.
    .
    What each of us can do is limited. We don’t know how to produce a ten-minute video that will be seen, listened to, and digested by the 15 million voters of this country.
    .
    In some senses you will be bowled over by the many comments, in English, by me, that you will see here:
    .
    https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/jayasri-priyalal-16-september-2022/
    .
    There now are ten comments there, by leelagemalli and me; not to be missed by any intelligent Lankan who also has a sense of Rabelaisian Humour.
    .
    Panini Edirisinhe of Bandarawela (NIC 483111444V)

    • 21
      5

      “One prominent Buddhist prelate wants that to happen within the next six months or risk another showdown. It is encouraging to note that the Sangha is prepared to speak out openly to politicians and telling them without mincing words how they had collectively contributed to the parlous state of the country’s economy”
      Dr. Ali, perhaps conveniently, fails to mention that this same vociferous prelate:
      1.Was just as vociferous in calling for Gota to be elected in 2019.
      2. Is refusing to pay his 250,000 plus electricity bill.
      By promoting self-serving and self-important hypocrites like Omalpe Sobhitha as opinion leaders, isn’t Dr. Ali undermining his own credibility?
      Omalpe Sobhitha ( once a leading light of the racist JHU), and others like Glyphosate Ratana, Elle Gunawansa, and motley other robed hypocrites, now are on the “system change” bandwagon , having largely contributed themselves, through their bigotry, to our present condition. They certainly have no right to anything but derision from us.
      It is also sad that Omalpe Sobhitha, who was prominent in anti- minority agitation in the 90’s, has conscripted even some Christian clergy to demand subsidised electricity. Do they expect us, the public, to pay for their extravagance?

      • 13
        5

        The fact that Omalpe Sobhitha purports to support the Aragalaya neatly demonstrates the basic directionless nature of the Aragalaya.
        What is this “system change” many want?
        Ideally, it would mean 1) economic restructuring, 2) fair treatment for minorities, 3) clearing out and punishing political crooks, 4)a secular government, 5) social justice etc.
        The IUSF/JVP would agree with 5,3, maybe 4
        The monks might agree to 3 and 5.
        Some of the original aragalites might favour 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5.
        The SJB would back 1, perhaps 5
        The Pottuwa would back 1, but secretly plot to restore the Paksas.
        Don’t forget that Ranil himself supported the Aragalaya. And also don’t forget that the guy with the spoon gets to serve.

        • 4
          0

          old codger, Wooden spoon or Silver spoon?

          • 7
            1

            N
            At the table, silver.
            In the kitchen, wooden.

          • 1
            0

            Nathan,
            Definitely a wooden spoon. Likely with a hole in it.

        • 2
          1

          Crucially, old codger, Ranil isn’t attending to 3.
          .
          He may say that he’s doing so, and point to his harassment of Wasantha Mudalige.
          .
          What has he done about the Rajapaksas. You have, yourself, said that they were the most corrupt in our Post-Independence history.
          .
          Ranil is actively helping to cover up their doings.

        • 2
          0

          Dear old codger,
          .
          There may be some other explanation for the sudden falling-off not only of comments during the last two days, but also only three articles are open for comments as at 7.00 am today.
          .
          I have a great fear. “old codger” was almost the most respected commenter. When he says this, will anybody want to explore what appears on CT? Would they have noticed that you have suddenly changed?
          .
          My disappointment with you grows. What did you mean by this?
          .
          “Telling the people the entire truth isn’t practical.”

          .
          You have said it in a comment here:
          .
          https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/government-needs-to-change-course-in-national-interest/
          .
          “Any politician worth their salt would know that promises are to get votes and running of the country is a different matter altogether.”
          .
          https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/interim-budget-2022-transformation-of-the-economic-direction-of-the-country/
          .
          Even commenting gets meaningless.
          .
          Panini Edirisinhe
          .

          • 5
            0

            SM,
            Would you tell me the name of ONE politician who always told the truth and still won elections?

            • 1
              2

              OC
              “Would you tell me the name of ONE lawyer who always told the truth and still won cases?”
              It is a hazard of being a professional.
              I think that the oldest profession may still have exceptions who are truthful and get paid by for the job.

      • 9
        11

        old codger,
        .
        Every human being has faults. You can criticise because you know who he is.
        .
        Electricity bills must be paid. One of my earliest “pupils” was Keheliya Rambukwella; only six years junior to me, and I’m not sure whether he was actually in a classroom where I was in the front. Anyway, how much was his bill? I think that not paying electricity bills was talked of as a “temporary strategy” to get rid of the Illegitimate Government. With salaries not having increased, the poorest cannot pay the new rates.
        .
        Of course, the rates had to go up. We shouldn’t put extra money in citizen hands by printing money. That much of Economics I know.
        .
        We all change. Just think of “leelagemalli”. I’m not condoning dishonesty/ hypocrisy, but there may be thing that we don’t know. You’re very clever, but how do I know that you’ve got a little honesty as well. Right now you’re my pet aversion, oc. What a change, from the time when I allowed you to guide me in many things.
        .
        Let your boss announce elections! (NIC 483111444V)

        • 8
          2

          1/
          Dear Sensitive Readers,
          Don’t fall for the Sinhala man’s tricks. Today he works forJVP to balance the situation. To be honest, I don’t support RW; And I have not supported any party till now. In today’s context, the biggest prisoner at the moment is RW. He risked it for the nation, no matter what anyone said or did about him, but is now being punished for it. Rajapaksa did the same for the “Bandumkara Magadiya” they created in 2008. Now again the same person is used as the “scapegoat”. The next lightning curse for the Rajapaksa family is sure to be “killing them”. If that would be the case, this country would be blessed a new era for sure. It will happen soon.

          tbc

          • 7
            1

            2/
            I should be free to keep my own thoughts. It is my basic right. “Sinhala Man” is making every effort to be our ombudsman in CT. I have no doubt that he doesn’t understand “Vijitha Herath” or “Sunil Handun” or any of the JVP strong speakers. If he understood them, there is no doubt that our non-Sri Lankan friends in Europe would also understand them.

            His problems, what he cannot digest is that I am still against the old JVP. Honestly, I’m still in shock. How many of the Sri Lankan population lost their beloved sons in that rebellion? Unable to understand their loss, I was like “Patachara” – I couldn’t gather all that I was looking for about them. I also suffered all the torture that Thajudeen’s mother suffered in those days. No one can tell me to forget it or erase it from my memory. And I don’t see any progress from them in the last 30 years.
            I didn’t even know where some of my mates were buried. Do you think I should be branded a “RW supporter”.? what have I done ?

            Because I am against the JVP that killed my good sand box friends.

            • 7
              0

              3/
              .First things first, so we must get out of the dollar crisis. We must do lot more work on promote the tourism industry. Youth should be given foreign jobs.
              We should ask our SRILANKEN workers in abroad to contribute by sending dollars to home country. That is why I have now suggested that “sinhala man” can also share his contribution, ofcourse nobody forced him to do so, what I meant is we are in a hard-up situation.
              .
              However, he took it from the wrong end and hit me again and again. The last 48 hours have not been comfortable for me as I asked myself what is going on with the head of “Sinhala_man” who does not even understand Sinhala.
              .
              Second, about rebuilding society so that every citizen is empowered to “vote” for the clear, correct candidate. Going to an election without building the society should not be done at all. Again just a waste of money.
              Every party has good candidates. Therefore, we should not be pro-party. Moderate youth voices everywhere. We just need to select them.
              .
              Many ignorant people and crazy Sinhala Buddhist monks should be educated about “voting power”. Their mistakes and misconceptions must be replaced with new thoughts and minds

              tbc

              • 6
                0

                4/
                This can be done if university experts and young people try for it. Scholars believe that if we reach people in simple and understandable language, our results will be effective. People must be taught to realize “the depth of our fall.” Now Greeks are recovering. It took over 8 years to become what they are today. They still have a long journey ahead of them.
                Our people need to stop feeding them fairy tales forever. People must be trained to respect “facts and figures” “the dangers of untruth and false public perception”: I have no doubt that if professionals and young people take the lead in rebuilding society, the result will be prosperous. The youth displayed their powers in recent ” Aragalaya”. So no need to underestimate them anymore.

                My wish is to get rid of the dollar crisis, people bless a new government but only after the constitutional deadlock is over. It will be in the first half of next year (2023). I do not support the rebels of the 89 and will never vote for them. Although they have been active in Sri Lankan politics for the 30 years, I do not see maturity in their politics.
                ..

                tbc

                • 8
                  0

                  5/ I added why not contribute to avoiding the dollar crisis if it can do something more than gossip. It’s like showing a “red rag” to the bull. SM has been harassing me for the past 48 hours. This goes on and on and he misinterprets anything as usual.
                  To be active in this country, we must all stand against any Rajapaksa. Many things need to be revealed to the public about the great loss DELIBERATELY made by Rajapaksa family to this nation. People have suffered over the years. Sri Lankan media with “media ethics” should be introduced as soon as possible. The protection afforded to Rajapaksa and his minions by TV channels should be broken. This is a big problem but not impossible.
                  .
                  Please don’t fall for SM’s misinterpretations, I am not against holding elections. I am saying that money is wasted on an election without rebuilding the terrible levels of society. It is like paving the way for a government not different from Gotabaya’s government.

                  tbc

                  • 9
                    1

                    6/I respect SM and my senior citizens as before. But naive SM and such will do anything without being able to judge anything. He cannot even understand the basic reality and capabilities of Janata Vimukthi Peramuna.

                    How they deal with the international community is a bigger puzzle to me as yet today. Not a single person on their team seems qualified to do the job.

                    We have NPP representing JVP, but till date there is no clear line between JVP and NPP. My brutal memories of the killing of countless youths during the 89 rebellion do not fade away easily. So would many who lost their own sons during that brutal period.
                    I love my country and our people, but we should not hold elections without preparing people for elections. Even graduates in this country do not respect norms. The best example is GLP. He is behaving like a leech so that he will not leave Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna anymore. He addresses that audience today as if he has lost face. … I really don’t know what happened to these people’s “shy” gene. period !

                  • 2
                    0

                    LM,
                    “I am not against holding elections.”
                    You are free to take that stand if you wish. You don’t have to apologise for it, You can also be a supporter of an unpopular party, and not apologise for it. Don’t let anyone bully you into conformity.

              • 0
                2

                What is the matter with you, “leelagemalli”?
                .
                I understand Sinhala perfectly well. It’s just that my reading of it is painfully slow. And I haven’t written it (except filling in the occasional form) for so long that I can’t now do it. Not in the short time I have left on Planet Earth.
                .
                Dr Ameer Ali cannot read Sinhalese, but he’s written sense here. Why don’t you try to teach him “The Truth”?
                .
                There is no “Dollar Crisis” affecting us. We have a “Rupee Crisis” – created by whom? Why doesn’t your pal “old codger” systematically teach us about it? How can he? He will reveal nothing of himself.
                .
                What’s the matter with your physiology? Still feeling shocks that you suffered 30 years ago? You’re just impossible, man!
                .
                Panini

              • 0
                2

                leelagemalli, you say, “Every party has good candidates.” Theoretically, yes. Find me a few in the SLPP. Pretty difficult task.
                .
                There’s no guarantee that we will correctly identify the good candidates; and besides people change.
                .
                Voting here is secret. So why should I tell you what choices I made in the past, or intend making in the future. However, since vagueness confuses, I shall answer those questions truthfully, and publicly, if you ask me here, or below any other article on this website.
                .
                This website has its drawbacks, but I’m used to it now (Yes, yes, you privileged German; you were here before me). the Internet has too much on it. How long will it last? I haven’t got the foggiest idea. I guess some sort of electrical energy has to be pumped into it. I don’t understand all that. Those who understand and control it are amongst the richest in the world. Count them, please.
                .
                https://www.businessinsider.in/thelife/personalities/news/top-100-richest-people-in-the-world-some-interesting-facts/articleshow/91069161.cms
                .
                Panini

            • 1
              3

              Dear leelagemalli,
              .
              That you are a decent, honest and kindly man is true.
              .
              However, the problem is that you have no desire to cleanse your mind of all your sad memories. I have repeatedly asked you to give me specific evidence that there’s anything bad about Vijitha Herath. Sometime ago, Kumar David, highlighted some shortcomings in Handuneththi’s thinking. Please pay heed to Kumar’s way of handling such issues. He respects Sunil’s integrity.
              .
              I don’t know where (tiny) Ananda Idamegama’s body was dumped. Nor does his brother, Bandula. I knew them both at Kandegedera M.V. in the middle of Sarnia Group. That was in 1970/71. I met him again in Pera in 1983; I’m not sure when he got disappeared. Perhaps I should ask Bandula, but I don’t really want to dwell on past miseries.
              .
              I don’t get put off by long hair and beards:
              .
              https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-lJy7eZxRM
              .
              Must listen more attentively later.
              .
              Panini

              • 3
                0

                Dear Mr SM,
                .
                Can Thadjudeen’s mother (who killed Rajapaksa Rugerite in Colombo) forget and forgive how her son was dismembered and put on the passenger seat to prove the accident? Our animal-like Sinhalese voted for them again, even though this accident resembled a “Jamal Khashoggi-style murder mystery”.

                What a shameless nation we must be?

                Can Mrs. Ekanaligoda ever forgive Rajapaksa?

                Can CBK ever forgive her husband Vijay’s killers?

                Can Avinsa, the daughter of Lasanta’s family (former sunday leader news paper editor), be forgiven?

                Can the 50,000 or more parents who lost their sons in the 1989 insurgency forget and forgive their killers?

                Can we forget and forgive the murderers of Rajapakshe men, that killed young Tamil boys (12 or more) who were ready for foreign university education but were kidnapped, killed and thrown into the sea for ransom?

                • 0
                  0

                  It may not be easy, but a person who has been hurt badly and yet forgives is to be greatly admired.
                  .
                  There still is much for you to learn, dear LM.

              • 2
                0

                The truth of SRILANKEN media.
                .
                https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHaREP9cTws

                https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b3BhK3pAxJ8

                May the staple food of SRILANKENs be cattle food.

                • 0
                  0

                  L.M,
                  Wouldn’t it have been more useful if this karanduwa had a cheque for 50 billion USD in it?

            • 4
              0

              LM,
              You should not take to heart irrational criticism by commenters. Repetitive criticism aimed at making others conform to particular ideas of virtue is only an indication of psychological problems. So, have a good laugh!
              With regard to the JVP, here is AKD at a forum:
              http://www.themorning.lk/akd-outlines-industrial-policy-of-the-npp-jvp/
              “Taking the Government’s decision to impose import restrictions on tiles, he said that in a context where Sri Lanka’s tile market is dominated by just three companies owned by two owners, import restrictions could create a tile monopoly in the country. He also noted that tile prices have already skyrocketed. “
              Here, it is clear that he doesn’t understand how this monopoly was created. These people didn’t build their factories. The biggest culprit used his earnings from gambling and stock market rigging to buy up almost all the factories, BEFORE the import restrictions. Being the prime Pohottuwa financier, he must have had advance information.

              • 0
                1

                Dear old codger,
                .
                Let’s keep this up!
                .
                My sincere thanks for this comment, and even more for the link you have provided to the article in The morning.lk newspaper. .
                .
                Comments will soon be over here; let’s continue this discussion below this Vishwamithra article:
                .
                https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/aragalaya-redefined-beyond-the-slogan/
                .
                We won’t be off topic if we did so there.
                .
                The link that you have given us is a good translation of a speech by AKD. It will, I’m sure, be helpful to Ameer also, because he’s looking for manifestos/ policy statements by the NPP.
                .
                Let me stop this comment here, and commence another below this. I’d like these comments to get prominently displayed because this is the discussion that we were looking for.
                .
                Giving us this has been constructive!
                .
                Panini Edirisinhe
                of Bandarawela

              • 2
                0

                This is the link again;
                .
                http://www.themorning.lk/akd-outlines-industrial-policy-of-the-npp-jvp/
                .
                Let us make it the basis for discussion with “leelagemalli” also joining in.
                .
                I feel that this is a good and faithful translation of this 98 minute YouTube.
                .
                And I’ve just found something else also just now:
                .
                http://archives.dailynews.lk/2008/12/02/bus33.asp
                .
                This tells you about the man who started Royal Ceramics, and then seems to have allowed Dammika Perera to take control of the business. Chandra de Alwis was married but had no children.
                .
                Chandra was my cousin; I met him at least twice towards the end of his life. And here’s more:
                .
                https://thuppahis.com/2020/09/22/epitaphs-in-memory-of-elmo-de-alwis-of-kalahe/
                .
                oc, I’m sure that you’d be able to dig up more. But this would do for now. Let’s continue the discussion here:
                .
                https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/aragalaya-redefined-beyond-the-slogan/
                .
                Panini Edirisinhe of Bandarawela

                • 1
                  0

                  Once more, a lapse on my part. Here’s AKD’s speech. YouTube in Sinhala; 98 minutes:
                  .
                  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0zA1S80XlGY&t=4695s
                  .
                  I hope that old codger will be constructive in what he says for the sake of 22 million Lankans.
                  .
                  Panini Edirisinhe of Bandarawela (NIC 483111444V)

                  • 2
                    0

                    Self proclaimed Iskolemahaththaya,
                    .
                    Why are not worried about Samupakara election winning in Panadura ?
                    .
                    What do your JVP gods interpret the Panadura win for POHOTTUWA ? I thought Rajapakshes led POHOTTUWA is fully rejected by people all over the country.
                    .
                    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjGFSguAokI

                    What does former MP Nalin Jayathissa say about the change…. ?

                    • 0
                      0

                      This is what you emailed to me, isn’t it, leelagemalli?
                      .
                      To start with, I’m a genuine (retired) Iskolemahaththaya. Not self-proclaimed. These are all insults!
                      .
                      I live in Bandarawela; why should I watch things like this? It is quite irrational for you to ask why a person doesn’t want to do something. It is similar to asking a guy to prove that there is no God. The onus is on the other guy to prove that God exists, or that Hitler’s re-incarnation exists.
                      .
                      The last question: please go ask Jayathisssa!
                      .
                      I’m getting tired of this. Why can’t I live my life the way I want to?
                      .
                      I’d like to have answers to all those questions, please. In another place, if comments are over here.

          • 0
            3

            Now, really, “leelagemalli”!
            .
            The last thing that you can accuse me of is “playing tricks”.
            .
            Tell me: how I can be more transparent than I am?
            .
            How can you understand anything about Lanka, when you’re not here? I know that your literacy in Sinhalese is greater than mine. But as a village school-master (retired) I’m much closer to the people than you can ever be.
            .
            If your hero Ranil Wickremasinghe is a prisoner, it was by choice that the guy became so. and I didn’t know that prisoners spend all their time attending funerals. First Elizabeth Regina’s; now:
            .
            https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/9/23/protesters-call-for-cancellation-of-state-funeral-for-japans-abe
            .
            Oh, no! Not another Aragalaya!
            .
            Panini Edirisinhe (NIC 483111444V)

            • 2
              0

              SM,
              .
              What does that have to do with transparency? Any subterfuge and all dangerous acts of a country are ignored by the public. Just think, even though Ghanasara is openly racist, that vicious sinahala-buddhist monk behaves like a pet dog in front of Arab degnitaries, as if he was born yesterday. Can you imagine what may have been going through to the hatred filled head of the racist ?
              His ulterior motive may be to grab dollars from OIL rich countries. Why the bugger could nt have thought it before setting fire to Digana and Aluthgama in recent years ?
              However, how does a testosterone-controlled stupid man, Ghanasara, react sto the fact that his entire brutal past has been erased? In a civilized country the vile false monk will have to be ostracized forever.

              Mr. Edirisinghe, you may be a gentle person but that is only one of the characteristics of a human being. If you don’t touch things deeply, what will your gentle nature bring me?

              • 0
                0

                I’m not interested in any of these things.

      • 11
        1

        OC
        Religious institutions also enjoy various tax concessions from Inland Revenue. A good part of the concessions are abused.

        • 8
          0

          SJ,
          The statistics are interesting. Kanchana W said, (I think), that out of around 60,000 temples, only 12,000 have bills over Rs.5000. Perhaps the solution is to impose punitive rates on bills over 5000. The CEB already does it to us.

          • 4
            1

            OC,
            Good morning.
            ‘WE’ are different as we don’t enjoy “FOREMOST PLACE” according to the country’s constitution, which fortunately or unfortunately the TEMPLES ABUSING THE SYSTEM enjoy and knowingly without any limit whatever??? Let’s see who has the temerity to ‘DISCONNECT’, especially Omalpe??? Dreamland??
            How could one expect layman to follow rules and be righteous, when clergy are unable to and inability differentiate “GOOD and BAD” act responsively and responsibly! Impunity at its best or worst!! Take a Pick??!!
            Don’t blame the religion!! But what a CLERGY??
            Cannot realise, reality or face it and act accordingly!!

          • 3
            0

            old codger

            “Perhaps the solution is to impose punitive rates on bills over 5000.”

            Alternatively like the good old days could the state not relocate the entire saffrons lot to the caves near the homes of Wimal, Dhinesh, Udhaya, Dyan, Champika, …………………………………….Champa, SJ… or actually to their homes?

            • 2
              0

              Native,
              It seems that Omalpe Sobhitha’s Supreme Court petition might result in 8 hour blackouts by October due to a coal shortage. How ironic that this same prima donna wants cheap electricity for himself.
              Now is the time for all patriots like Champika R to come forward and introduce the government to suppliers who will not only supply discounted coal to a bankrupt country, but on credit too!

            • 2
              0

              Native,
              “could the state not relocate the entire saffrons lot to the caves”
              I saw another plausible solution, ie, closing all places of worship for the duration, as during the epidemic. Of course the government must provide dry rations for Sobhitha and his buddies, but no electricity.

              • 3
                0

                OC,
                “Government must provide dry rations for Sobitha and his buddies, but no electricity.”
                Very good idea to solve this impasse, where the Masses (public at large) called upon to endure the ignominy of longer “BLACOUTS” for the PRIVILEGE of a ‘FOREMOST’ FEW, of waiting in a longer blackout?? MOST UNKIND AND UNFAIR to say the least!! However, pleas ensure Dry Rations include Dried Fish, Good ‘Thora’ SEER Fish of the seafaring variety, and sundried on the Beach and {not confined to the Tanks or ‘Fish Ponds’- “Vawuseer”) latter lacks valuable nutrients – very much invaluable for sedentary humans!!
                They deserve the best!! Don’t they???
                What a benevolent country Sri Lanka. The resplendent is even in the most adverse and difficult times?? Very much accommodative and compassionate!!!

                • 0
                  0

                  Mahila ,
                  I think the Saudi embassy might be able to he with the dry rations.

        • 8
          1

          Mr SJ,
          I read somewhere (under other article) that you are ready to help Mr. Sinhala_Man. I think it’s time you help him with that.

        • 3
          0

          Mr SJ
          .
          What is not abused in our motherland? .
          .

          • 0
            1

            What is not abused in many other countries?

      • 8
        1

        OC, most of the religious places have run up electricity bills because of 24/7 air conditioning and now not only refusing to pay but trying to exploit religious sentiments. Religious places refuse to pay and ministers/MP’s don’t pay ( Rambuk’s million LKR arrears) and if those struggling poor fail to pay, electricity board will promptly disconnect their supply. Lankans should not only demand those 225 but all the religious humbugs to get out.

        • 11
          1

          At last, some light at the end of the tunnel for victims of war crimes. According to UNHRC, 58 Lankan military personal are banned from entering European and other Western Countries. This decree has been to send to more than 100 countries who are currently members. Hope the next lot will be for Economic crimes.

          • 1
            1

            chiv,
            .
            I join you in applauding.
            .
            I realise that you probably dare not reveal more of yourself than you do now.
            .
            Basta!
            .
            Say more, and I will intrude upon privacy and the like.
            .
            I have no problem with your identity or rather fuzziness about identity.
            .
            Panini Edirisinhe

        • 9
          3

          LM,
          “Lankans should not only demand those 225 but all the religious humbugs to get out.”
          I haven’t seen any demands for that from the Aragalaya. Why is that?

          • 6
            2

            Sorry, Chiv not LM.

          • 10
            1

            I agree. In Lanka politicians preach religion, and monks do politics.

            • 4
              6

              Does it not happen in other parts of Asia, especially Southern Asia?

              • 3
                1

                Yes , but not the impact as we see in Lanka. Remember “one family one country, one law ” handed over to one “APE Man ” to implement. Religion in Lanka is, just another SHAM like every thing else in our country.

                • 1
                  3

                  Look close to home to know saffron brigades rule the roost.
                  Look a little to the east, where the democratic angel of mercy played along with militant clergy.
                  Do not protestant clergy still play a political role in N. Ireland (or Ulster as they like to call it)?
                  BTW
                  I responded to “In Lanka politicians preach religion, and monks do politics.”

                  • 3
                    0

                    Are you done looking here and there ? Look to your North, look to your east ?? When will you find time to look around you ??

            • 5
              0

              chiv

              “In Lanka politicians preach religion, and monks do politics.”

              Teachers cause confusion.
              By the way SJ is chairing a seminar at Tamil Sangam, Colombo 6, 3 PM on
              1st October 2022.

              Ask him why does he have a special affinity with Chinese?
              Maybe he fancies both Chinese men and women, who knows?
              Please don’t embarrass him …..

              • 4
                1

                OMG, Native / OC, did you’ll see the recent photos of “Ape Man” Ganasara attending Saudi National Day function at their embassy. SOB is seated right next to the official, enjoying a lavish meal, whereas Dinesh.G is sitting in a corner unattended. Hope the Ape is not being fed well to become next Khashoggi ??

                • 4
                  0

                  Chiv,
                  Yes, and whatever Saudi food is famous for, it isn’t for being vegetarian.

                  • 3
                    0

                    old codger

                    Since Mahinda (theoretically) banned consumption of beef what did Gnana dine at the Saudi Embassy? Theoretically Saffron could not refuse anything that laymen offer them.

                    Theoretically did the Saudis offer him anything else for his photo opportunity?
                    What do the Saudis want, theoretically of course?

                • 3
                  0

                  Chiv,
                  Good morning.
                  Food must be HALAL, which he despised sometime ago??!! Vagaries of Religious Politics?! When is he being issued visa and free air ticket on ‘SAUDI AIR’ to visit and realise the splendour of Mecca and Saudi Arabia??? Now the SL has missed the boat of experiencing “Vistas of ‘whatever’ and the Splendour for at least next 10 years, with this economic collapse, engineered by WW Weerayas and Nivard the “Cabaal”???!!!

              • 0
                3

                One’s remarks on any other person’s character, are a good measure of one’s own character.

                • 4
                  0

                  Retired it,s the looks not character. I do not look like one , do you ??? Do you really want to know his character?? FYI , Mental health professionals very often mention others character or personality defects. Only a stereotype may think one need to have defects to diagnose another.

              • 3
                0

                Native, ” Ask him ” ?? Sorry, retired / ex UC council member is busy looking East , West, South and North.

              • 3
                0

                Native, just curious, what may be the topic of that seminar ?? Is it going to be “look here , look there”.

            • 2
              0

              Chiv,
              Very true!! A case of Ballage Weda Booruwa Kere Nawa wage?? NO WONDER THEOUTCOME IS SCREWED!! Both religion and politics decimated!! No wonder11??

          • 0
            4

            Dear oc,
            .
            Let that be the task assigned to you.
            .
            I will bet any reasonable number of devalued rupees that you will cleverly dodge that challenge.
            .
            Coward!
            .
            Panini Edirisinhe

        • 4
          0

          OC, according to consumer board, one of the Vihara in Colombo, unpaid monthly electricity bills are above 550,000 LKR . After being warned with disconnection , bills drastically came down to 80,000 LKR. Whereas a Hotel in Colombo 7 with 35 rooms use only 7500 units monthly, peanuts compared to Vihara. What do you think about those recently appointed National council members Namal, Douglas, Pillayan, Pavithra, Johnston, Tiran, Wimal, Vasu, Goman, Rat Thero . . . . . Apparently C.V.V rejected the offer ( not sure ). Do you think the experts will revive Lanka out of deep COMA. Due to public anger and protest, Namal was forced to cancel a meeting with public officials addressing prevailing malnutrition among school going children, in his own constituency.

          • 0
            0

            “Apparently C.V.V rejected the offer (not sure ).”
            If he did, I wonder why his name is listed.
            Do you have any news that the man had second thoughts? (But he was craving cabinet position not log ago.)
            ***
            Members of Parliament nominated to the ‘National Council’ include the following members of minority nationalities:
            Hon. Douglas Devananda, Hon. Sivanesathurai Santhirakanthan, Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Hon. A. L. M. Athaullah, Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen, Hon. Palani Thigambaram, Hon. Mano Ganesan, Hon. Jeevan Thondaman, Hon. G. G. Ponnambalam, Hon. Ali Sabri Raheem, Hon. C.V. Wigneswaran.
            *
            Since the names of a few other parliamentarians are to be received, the announcement of such names has been scheduled for the near future.
            *
            (Source: https://www.parliament.lk/en/news-en/view/2763)

            • 3
              0

              All I heard was Dinesh pleading C.V.V not to quit.

              • 0
                0

                Heard anything since?
                Has he quit?

              • 0
                0

                Refer to our Finance Ministry statement. It says top ten CREDITORS to Silly Lanka are China 52% ( agents of debt trap), Japan 19.5%, India 12 %, France 2.9%, rest six are below 2% each. Didn’t we hear few telling China is not the biggest lender, U.S.A is in the tenth position with 0.9 %. (Source : Finance Ministry)

          • 2
            0

            Chiv,
            “Do you think the experts will revive Lanka out of deep COMA?”
            If such disparate characters could do the job, they would have done so long ago, don’t you think?
            I think the plan is to make them feel important while Ranil pushes his agenda. Typical RW tactics.

      • 10
        0

        OC,
        .
        Cloaked hypocrites like Omalpe Sobitha (once a leading light of the racist Hela Urumya) and Glyphosate Ratana, Elle wansa are now on a “system change” journey because their bigotry has so much influenced our present. situation. They deserve nothing but ridicule from us. These men are like parasites being found on buffaloes and cattle. This is not real buddhism that they eventually practise.

        Glyphosate Ratana and the protagonist of the “Dr Safi Saga” no longer have the right to keep his “V8 vehicles”. All these backers must return their V8 and other goods to the government, one by one the government sinks all their assets. These disguised people did nothing but destroy this nation. Now Omape Sobitha is leading the protests against the increase in electricity bills. They should be bound by what they have taken for granted for so long in their sangha life. I don’t think they will understand it in this life.

        It is unfortunate that Omalpe Sobhita, who was the leader of anti-minority agitations in the 90s, even contacted some Christian priests to demand subsidized electricity. This men in disguise have always done a big damage again and again to this nation.

        • 3
          4

          Dear leelagemalli,
          .
          When are you going to return to Lanka, for a short period at least, and live like one of us, facing all the difficulties that we face?
          .
          Many of my comments have got disappeared.
          .
          Glad to hear that you guys in Europe are giving Putin a bloody nose. Bullies like Putin have to be shown that there are people who will resist him. However, far too much blood has been shed. I’d like to see the end of all wars.
          .
          https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFTVxDtZWUo
          .
          The problems are so complex; here the solution is simpler.
          .
          Ranil must quit after arranging elections for us ASAP.
          .

          • 7
            0

            “live like one of us, facing all the difficulties that we face?”

            Look, all those years of learning English to perfection has come handy for you ……… when others are going hungry you are feasting on scones keeping them in the dark by misspelling them scorns.

            Deception is the key!

            Ranil is living it up in London; Queen’s Charles’ ……….. while the country is bankrupt. His true-believers are cockahoop: Native is over the moon …… OC is drowning in champagne.

            When did humanity ever cease to be selfish?

            Selfishness is an integral part of human survival ……… from dawn of time.

            Is the JVP/NNP going to be ……. not selfish?

            That’ll be the day!

            • 3
              1

              nimal, you’re a little more honest than oc.
              .
              I think that Ramona will appreciate that.
              .
              Me attaining perfection in the use of English? No, that is the preserve of Manel Fonseka.
              .
              GambadaIskoleMaththaya (Ingirisi)

              • 2
                0

                “that is the preserve of Manel Fonseka.”

                Does Manel make jam?

                • 0
                  0

                  Nimal,
                  “Does Manel make jam?”
                  If she does, she doesn’t use jam fruit, as plebs might. She would use Java plums or Indian blackberries, as they are known in royal circles.

                • 0
                  0

                  Please learn English; I could teach you – for payment!

            • 6
              0

              nimal fernando

              “Ranil is living it up in London;”

              Forget, Ranil, King his consort and queen.
              Did you see photos of Gnanasara feasting, laughing, smiling, posing a compassionate look, …. at the Saudi Embassy, circulating among whatsapp groupies?

              When I last checked Saudis were still Muslims.

              • 4
                0

                In the daytime Sinhala_Man is Gnanasara ………. in the night he writes here ……..

                He has 2 identity cards.

                Ye don’t know people.

                • 0
                  0

                  My only National Identity Card bears the number: 483111444V.
                  .
                  If pursuing the subject, please ask that woman plastered with make up; no not Ramona. Sashi Somebody.
                  .
                  Panini

            • 5
              0

              “Is the JVP/NNP going to be ……. not selfish?””.
              .
              They and the son of donkey (puthano) are the because they have the same sinhala buddhist genes .
              .
              Thank u for your wise words/ greetings from Mazipan city / central Europe for this day.
              .
              I heard that Medamulana Hora is now in his last moment of breath/ his selfish nature broke all records so far but his is as yet respected by our punnaku eating masses/ this reminded me the last days of “Mugabe the big brother of similar highly corrupted individuals on this esrth” .
              .🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🐕🤔

            • 3
              0

              Nimal,
              AFAIK, in Bandarawela, there are no scones, scawns, prawns, or prones. There may be bowls being bawled by childs playing. Something wrong there, I surmise.

            • 3
              0

              nimal fernando

              “Selfishness is an integral part of human survival ……… from dawn of time.”

              What is the difference between Selfishness and greediness?
              I can understand Selfishness, not greediness.

              By the way is Xi Jinping okay?
              Any Ganga of four coup against Xi?

              Are you going to wait until Xi or SJ confirms the palace coup?

          • 5
            1

            Dear NV, Mahila and all other true souls in this forum.
            .
            Please help sinhala_man at this crucial time in Sri Lanka. The hero_worshipping man may unfortunately be caught by a group of rebels.
            .
            As a citizen I request you to advise the Sinhala man. Once upon a time he was a neutral person. Today his behavior is not positive.

            I think it is the need of the hour.
            I really wish him the best. Unfortunately, He is now abused by a group of former rebells.
            .
            Not only me, but many on this forum are struck by his judgmental behavior. If the OC or I disagree with JVP at this point, our thoughts are forever unconfirmed.

            Calling an election without nation building at this juncture will be another financial loss for the “do or die” nation. Whose problem is this?

            I would like to go back home, but I don’t trust giving my hotel address to Sinhala_Man. You can guess why. No doubt he could hire someone to destroy me. This is what I’ve been feeling reading his comments for the past few weeks.

            • 0
              0

              Dear leelagemalli,
              .
              Can’t you understand that although Ranil may have got himself made President through a series of legal moves, it is the People alone who should be deciding the system of government?
              .
              I gave you a bit of R.H. Tawney’s Tadpoles. I’ve wasted half an hour trying to give you the most appropriate explanation. Please google yourself.
              .
              You seem to be so mesmerised by European Society. It is no better, no worse, than what we have here.
              .
              Think of the Nazis. Consider what’s happening in the Ukraine.
              .
              Occasionally you have a man like Mikhail Gorbachev, who had a nobler vision. I give thanks that such a man existed.
              .
              Can’t you be satisfied when I say that you are a decent guy? Don’t imagine that you can be condescending towards us who are stuck here.

              .
              Panini

              • 3
                0

                “a man like Mikhail Gorbachev, who had a nobler vision. I give thanks that such a man existed.”

                People he wanted to free ……. didn’t buy what he was selling: like always, they wanted something even better.

                Jesus Christ was nailed to a cross by the very same people he tried to save …….. when asked if he should be freed, they shouted “Let his blood be on us and our children.”

                That’s why I keep away from “saving others” business: the ol’ salvation business

                Christ, Gorbachev, ……. were ahead of their time.

                I’m a few steps ahead of them ………. thanks to not listening to “teachers”


                “Panini” …… is that your real name or a nickname? ……. I had a cousin named René ….. the parents thought it was oh! so French …….. imagine sitting next to Native in primary school with the name René ……. he’ll be always trying to take you to the toilet; the magnanimous and conscientious young kid he is ……..

                • 3
                  0

                  continued

                  Why can’t parents make it easy for kids and name them nimal or better still nihal? ……… With a name like Panini, whole of Lanka would know where you’ve been …… with a name like nimal or nihal one can walk out of Mustang Ranch incognito and still go on playing ‘Decent.’

      • 9
        2

        Dear OC,
        You and I have been made criminals or crooks or fools by our own Pandit Sinhala man. I really don’t know which psychiatrist can make him normal. Or maybe Kaliamma controlled witchcraft and sorcery, but I am not sure about that.
        Because I added somewhere that even today’s retired professionals would do more to find dollars if they used their brains instead of gossiping and hero worshiping. It has been misinterpreted from time to time by our “self-proclaimed” decent man, but doesn’t know what he says these days. I think he should be put in Mulleriya if things would turn out to be worse in upcoming days.
        :
        Our well-intentioned Manel and other good senior CT reviewers should add their opinions on whether I am right to accuse anyone of being rude.

        I’m not bashing anyone else on this forum other than to Rajapakshes.

        because I’ve been a good observer for the last 15 years, even though I physically live outside my homeland.
        That was enough for him to brand me ” impolite ” just because I don’t talk much about Beethoven. My good colleagues love beethoven music, but that is not my favourite. I love eastern and western wide variety of melodies that my ears find much finer and subtler.
        I don’t realize what insults I might have made to Sinhala_Man as of today, even if he has called me ” idiot”, ” fool” or whatever. . I think not only the youth of our country but even people over 70 years old have gone crazy. Best example is being set by Bandarawella’s Sinhala man, who dreams to be called SINHALA MAN, but his sinhala is far poor so that he would not understand his newly made buddies ” Vijitha Herath” and ” Sunil Handun”. we wish, May sinhala_man be back to ” sanity mode”: Sinhala man… may your day be blessed with prayers… than curses. !

    • 4
      0

      Here’s a little song I wrote
      You might want to sing it note for note
      Don’t worry, be happy
      In every life we have some trouble
      But when you worry you make it double
      Don’t worry, be happy
      Don’t worry, be happy now

      Ain’t got no place to lay your head
      Somebody came and took your bed
      Don’t worry, be happy
      The landlord say your rent is late
      He may have to litigate
      Don’t worry, be happy

      The country has survived 74 years of independence and Ranil

      Give him another 25 years for his 25-year-plan to work ….. it’ll be as good as new

      what a little bankruptcy …….. here and there ……..

      Good Ol’ Donald went bankrupt 6 times …… and he is the most popular president of all time

      So will Ranil!

    • 9
      2

      1/
      A significant number of Sri Lankans in our society seem to be educated but they do not seem to know any of the basics. This is unfortunately more common among our older generations than today. It may be one of the main reasons why our society has deteriorated to such a terrible level.
      Many educated seniors are like deaf and blind. For them, it is not clear what his or her role should be. They don’t know what their contribution should be. Indifference, indifference and indifference rule such a mood.
      During the Covid crisis, people in Europe were behaving like self-righteous promoters.That was positive for the people. I wondered how people in Sri Lanka could be so undisciplined.
      In today’s society some so-called educated commenters who are called “retired teachers” are behaving like “voluntary character assassins”. Not knowing what to write with his or her pen. Some European countries have laws against it, however, Sri Lanka today is a hell like place made by Rajapakse, and they and their henchmen are allowed everything, along with the media, to suit them and their affairs with the prevailing law and order. Further to this, it seems clear to me that the days when the monsters will be thrown down the drain like the angry Gaddafians did are fast approaching. They certainly deserve it. Their gesture of wearing “Pirithnool” and the effect of “Sadhu Sadu” is bound to their culture, but hate grows fast.

      tbc

      • 9
        2

        2/
        No matter where you live today, you will see that it is always right to set an example for the elder before the younger. The youngest is also more or less modeled in Europe, these are the disadvantages of our people, that are used to put the blame always on the others.
        :
        I thought that my time in Sri Lanka before the 90s was much better than today. I didn’t hear any broadcasts where “Sinhalese Buddhist monks” behaved like violent teenagers. And I had never seen Sinhala Buddhist monks become murderers. Nor was I forced to witness public assaults by youths.
        :
        Although I visit often, I have never lived in my home country for so long. Every time from the first step I set my feet on my motherland, all I know and my eyes are clear is that people attack others instead of self-learning to correct them. Or people are used to blaming others.
        Currently, there is an article written by a doctor who was on the Sinhalese side of CT about how spoiled the youth are. The writer himself is a Sinhala nationalist/chaunist and a racist. And former SLMC president. At that time, the Covid crisis was at its peak and he was the one who boasted about the “Rajapaksa miracle”.

        tbc

        • 7
          0

          3/

          He former doctor now says the youth of the country kicked out the old Mahinda Rajapaksa calling him a “maina” and is sorry about it, however he doesn’t seem to know why the Malecha man (srilanka s most powerful criminal ever produced by srilanka) was kicked out. In a civilized world, Mahinda Rajapakshes would not have been protected by the society, but ours has been doing it as yet. They dont question, why he should be protected even if he was the whistleblower to the most recent man made riots, occured island wide on the 09th May 2022.

          Ironically,. …..I am going to say that these people and all are responsible for the man-made hell in this country today. Not only Sri Lanka but also regional countries are competing with today’s IT revolutionary world but as the “highly literate leading country” in the region, it is questionable how we the srilankens are fallen this much. Their behaviours are similar to that illiterate dominated Pakistan. SRILANKEN school literacy is said to be 93% while that is in Pakistan not over 60%.

          tbc

          • 8
            1

            4/

            If adults, teachers, children and women are being physically and mentally attacked in the country today, why did the government waste so much money on free education? I asked some of my friends in London, Berlin, Zurich, Amsterdam and elsewhere in Europe to keep their “pepper spray” ready in their handbag or trouser pocket whenever they visit their home country in the near future. Today, the increase in crime in that country is uncountable. 90% inflation of food and other items is a common thing in that country today.

            From the BIA counter, then to the taxi, then to my hotel is a drama every time I come to Sri Lanka. I was a quiet “stander” for the first few days. My head cinema works against them, however I cannot express my immediate feelings, people are not ready for any criticism.

            tbc

            • 7
              2

              5/
              However, that gradually changes with my own search for information gathering during the second week of my stay. I talk to tuk tuk driver, cab driver, supermarket cashiers and university academic staff and all other so called professionals or people who claim to be educated but behave like animals to collect my own information.
              I use my own strategies to stay quiet in front of them and see what they have to say. I participate in “charity” and join the less fortunate by giving them a “free meal” now that I am out of Sinhala Buddhism
              . And in those days I knelt down like a donkey, or like a well-trained house dog, and worshiped heroes in front of my parents , but today, my parents are no longer there. I broke my full contact with my own siblings, that would not realize my nature either. However, I am sued to say hello to them and if anyone among them would turn sick, I am ready to offer them my help as due, because beloved mother asked me to do so.
              On my return to europe, if i would look back my nails, I can self witness how mcuh nervous I had been while stay back home. Can you imagine ?
              I am speechless….. because WHAT i AM COMPELLED to see is miles away from my dreams about my country -I am constantly asking myself who to blame.

              tbc

              • 7
                1

                6/
                I lost my mobile phones not once but several times in Sri Lanka but reporting to the police has changed. In my eyes, the Sri Lanka Police are no different than the fishmongers in Negombo. The shocking nature of the police on traffic control annoyed me last time, but my nephew notice the body langauge and whispered to him, “Give me some money” in a rude langague, my mobile was not with me to take a picture as the evidence…. besides, we are not trained to takke the picture of anything in euroep, without consent, though it is possible in my home country.
                I though on this day, if I were the leader, I would have killed those polizists on the spot, by setting an example to the others.
                Police officers everywhere who set an example for others are common in europe. They are like gentleman. I salute them always. When entering LONDON, some of them were singing sinhala songs to please me, while others exchanged good kind of words. On my way back from london, german police respected me asking ” how had my business trip been”. we are treated with some levels more repsectfulness for some reasons.
                But my mother land, their polices also after 3 decades remain as before. Perhaps much worst today than then.
                Before srilanken police, I can only become speechless due to sadness. I had no choice but to bite my nails in front of them. This was also my best experience last year. I have no doubt, our Sinhala man will hire someone to put me in danger next time, because his off eyes cant see what i am going to say, because according to him I am dangerous, I have changed… I will never change against my people. But I have changed against lies and outright lies.

                • 6
                  0

                  LM,
                  “I have no doubt, our Sinhala man will hire someone to put me in danger next time, because his off eyes cant see what i am going to say, because according to him I am dangerous”
                  That won’t happen, if only because if he does that, he wouldn’t have any money to pay his electricity bill.

        • 1
          7

          Were Somarama and his boss, Buddharakhitha, after your time here?
          .
          Before you return to Lanka for your next flying visit, make sure that you reserve a chalet at Angoda to retreat to every night.

          • 3
            0

            “Before you return to Lanka for your next flying visit, make sure that you reserve a chalet at Angoda to retreat to every night.”
            Is one desperate for company?

  • 17
    2

    Sri Lanka’s politics so far lacks in leadership not only within Aragalaya but also within any political parties. People have no options other than to accept whatever it comes within the same system.

    • 13
      2

      “Unfortunately, the progressive thinktanks including NPP theoreticians seem to be ill equipped without an alternative agenda.”
      Is not the Author a think tank himself full of what to do and what not to do?
      Has he decided to restrict himself to simple soothsaying?

      • 15
        4

        “…fortune knocked on his [RW’s] door twice, offering him first with a premiership and then with the presidency. He was sympathetic to the youth initially and even asked the police not to intervene and disturb the peaceful atmosphere at Galle Face Green. But no sooner he became president he turned his ire on aragalaya, invoked the dreadful PTA and silently instructed the police to arrest its leaders and activists. “
        *
        There are missing links in this history lesson: fortune knocked on other doors to which it perhaps did not have the password and was refused entry before it knocked on RW’s.
        Between his desire to protect the peaceful atmosphere at Galle Face Green and his becoming president, his own home was set ablaze.
        Does the author think that RW was bidding for power sharing with Aragalaya?
        *
        Does he suggest that things would have been different if the retired soldier or the choice of the largest un-registered political establishment took charge, things would in essence have been any different?
        *
        The police and the armed forces showed unusual restraint, perhaps on advice from above, and waited for the Aragalaya to make a serious slip.
        Those who celebrated the occupation of official residences and the office of the head of state could not see the folly of it. They cheered.

        • 10
          4

          SJ,
          “There are missing links in this history lesson: fortune knocked on other doors to which it perhaps did not have the password and was refused entry before it knocked on RW’s.”
          What was that old chestnut? “There is none so blind as he who will not see”?

        • 6
          0

          Yes Ranil knows what he is doing, his strengths and weakness and also the strengths and weaknesses of those opposed to him and moreover, he moves in terms of a well defined strategy with awareness of all the road blocks.

          But unfortunately JVP/FSP/ Aragalaya are clueless and treats Ranil just like Gota and expects Ranil to behave like GOTA and go home under pressure..

          Unless and until they learn their lessons and understand their enemy and form a United Front with likeminded allies, there is no hope for a systemic change and sending Ranil home along with neo- liberalism and make it irreversible and also they should have a clear cut road map as to how to govern.

          • 3
            3

            True.
            Ranil knows what he is doing.
            People who should be happy are angry as the wrong person is doing their job.
            I am anxious for I have an inkling of an idea of what could be the outcome.

      • 5
        1

        Dear Mr SJ,
        .
        My kind request to you as a senior citizen, a learned scholar, please speak to our Sinhala_man (Mr Edirisinghe) to his conscience. He has great respect for you and Mr. Kumar. Manel Fonseka is also respected. He is a hero worshiper by nature. That is not overlooked. A seeker of identity by his nature, he has connected with it like no one else. He forgets for what purpose he is commenting.
        .
        He doesn’t seem to be paying attention to the CT articles and its like whenever he engages in his kind of comments. However, I think you will be able to open his eyes. Even an aquarium needs to be cleaned regularly so that it can be viewed by visitors. Similarly, if a forum goes from bad to worse, many of us will not post.

        Thank you.
        LM

        • 3
          0

          Each finds his own path.
          There is no greater teacher than one’s self.

        • 0
          0

          LM,
          “He doesn’t seem to be paying attention to the CT articles and its like whenever he engages in his kind of comments”
          When you’re 70 plus, you suffer from loose screws, and what makes it worse, your screwdriver doesn’t work…🙂🙂

          • 1
            2

            OC
            Ten years of experience tells me that it is best to leave them screws the way they are.
            Tamper with any, and you screw yourself up.

            • 0
              0

              Look, who is talking ???

  • 3
    3

    The Road Ahead For RW & Aragalaya

    Ranil is not appreciating the people who returned the money that was available in presidential and not rewarding but looking of petty damages this is the proof that his mind is set. No one in the parliament have done this kind. Ranil has end up being governed by inferiors. It is said win a debate with a better argument, not by force. Thais what is doing siding with his new supporters Restriction of free thought and free speech is the most dangerous of all subversions, now UNHRC notifying Sri lanka what’s humane, hate less and non-prejudicial.

    • 4
      0

      RBH59,
      If one considers that money found on the bed, cupboard or elsewhere being returned a a favour done by the founder, than your assumption of a reward is correct!
      However, if the find is illegitimate, which is in this case (after all – trespassing into President’s House) it isn’t a favour, to be thanked! Is ot??
      Their assumption that the money was ‘abandoned’ on PP Bed was an assumption and incorrect too at this time?!!
      NO THANKS??!!

  • 10
    2

    “The man who watched all this gleefully from the sideline was Ranil Wickremesinghe”.
    Ranil has always had everything on a platter. (Was he ever employed?)
    .
    “core demand for systemic change remains unmet and ignored by all major parties”.
    – an unwise dismissal of an ever-pressing historical eventuality.
    .
    RW is doing a patch-up job. His cabinet is a sand castle! (That makes me question his ability to be the Head of State.)

    • 3
      0

      What can you build if it is only sand that you have?

  • 13
    5

    The bottom line is, Sri Lankans have been played for fools. The way back for the Rajapaksa’s is through their spineless puppet Ranil. Right now he is the useful idiot, who will play king, and then move aside when the Rajapaksa rascals make their re-entry into our politics, and eventually back in the leadership, to continue their reign of corruption, incompetence, and racist policies. Sri Lankans never learn lessons, they will welcome them, and vote for them again. Any justifications they make for their failures will be swallowed hook, line, and sinker, by the voters.
    You can bet on that.

    • 7
      2

      A
      People have their own criteria to make electoral choices.
      You and I may disagree.
      But without examining why many vote in a certain way let us not sit in judgment and make pronouncements on their intelligence.
      Have options been offered in a way that appeals to them?
      Perhaps they do not trust some people.
      Have we examined why?

    • 7
      0

      Ashan, I guess that is what means “power sharing” in Silly Lanka. ( multi party system ????). We have heard individuals crossing party lines / principles. Have you heard party it self crossing principles. UNP now is representing SLPP, previous SLFP is now SLPP, current SLFP may soon become SJB or some thing else. SJB is previous UNP, The comedians (Vasu, Wimal, Goman) go with any who offer Minister position. The rest represent all or none of those major parties.

    • 3
      0

      For sure! Plans are already being worked out and tested

  • 3
    1

    Good remedy may be do the blood transfusion to super 69 (sinha le) gives human blood at least ,look at the flag it self given to sword to the lion….
    What a 70 odd mayhem, look.at the weeping plight ,elected prez has to flee,
    Malaysia wants to sort of help us so gives 10 000 collies, like wise so many ME countries in form of helping

    Japan, Korea….now Isreal..demands are high but before step in they on our soil have classes, to teach their languages to serve

    Still blame the Tamils and muslims, but still super Lankans citizens, unfortunately we.have to suffer with these any women sellers,
    30 yrs of war against whom, we still separate, the scares cant erase,
    I wouldn’t blame the majority of the kind hearted but dirty system

    The spoiler is the perks and privileges, too many legislators, far too many forces, then the monks from kid to old ,too many vihara, too many Gautams statues all over every corners ,junctions, top of the mountains under the trees, any where you.turn all of..
    But it’s far less in the North.and the east ,but make it full of swing of

    How dare asking to pay for the electricity, forget the hospitals, schools…
    My opinion brought two saplings, one is bread winner (tea) ,the orther one is

  • 8
    1

    Can someone explain to me why I see sinhala politicians encouraging ceylon tamil diaspora investment in sinhala land and NOT sinhala diaspora investment. Is it to ensure that there is property and rich tamils in sinhala land to facilitate another round of looting arson rape etc against ceylon tamils???

  • 3
    1

    Aragala is live and well. It might not be in the same form it took in the beginning , we might not see protests of that scale or marches but it has done is a grater service, educated the population that they deserve better.
    I also hope the majority voter also understands the consequence of voting for a packet of rice, pint of alcohol or even a promise of a job and the value of sending respectable people with honor to parliament.

    Surprisingly Aragalaya has woken the deaf and blind monks. High time.
    https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=PM+visits+Mihintale&view=detail&mid=0E3BF8C6FED742A7C7D30E3BF8C6FED742A7C7D3&FORM=VIRE

    • 0
      2

      Bert,
      “Surprisingly Aragalaya has woken the deaf and blind monks. High time.”
      I highly doubt that. Even the Aragalaya failed to recognize that hypocrites like the Mihintale monk told the people to vote for Gota. He probably has a Pajero in his garage. One of his predecessors was charged for molesting a child.

  • 7
    3

    TNA should regret now that they supported Ranil W to regain his premiership in October 2018. Sampanthan should have done A DEAL with Mahinda R to get the Tamils ISSUES sorted out. Had that happen, we would NOT seen the senseless killing and maiming of SL + foreign citizens in the Easter Bombings. JVP-NPP should join forces with Aragalaya Movement and bring about the SYSTEM CHANGE with the BRAND NEW constitution. It’s time for us to consider all the citizens of the ISLE as SRILANKAN and no more ETHNONATIONALISM.

    • 2
      5

      What a naively cynical thought!

    • 1
      0

      A great observation, Naman.
      .
      Panini Edirisinhe is willing to let you lead the way.
      .
      However, should you be unwilling to put on the mantle of leadership, let’s follow the Aragalaya, the Anthare, JVP-NPP, and the FSP in bringing about the System Change, with the approval of the people. That is never going to be 100% of the people; we ought to aim at 67%, on an issue by issue basis.
      .
      Educating that number of people is not going to be easy, but it is the only way forward, and we must work at it. Not “start working”; many of us are doing it already, each in his /her own way. See:
      .
      https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/is-unelected-president-ranil-a-vicious-hypocrite/

    • 2
      0

      Naman

      “Sampanthan should have done A DEAL with Mahinda R to get the Tamils ISSUES sorted out. “

      Mahinda makes deals only for the benefit of his clan.
      Please stop kidding yourself.

      “JVP-NPP should join forces with Aragalaya Movement and bring about the SYSTEM CHANGE with the BRAND NEW constitution.”

      Are you being serious?
      JVP-NPP loves to maintain the STATUS-QUO, a centralised corrupt bureaucracy, all powers are vested/concentrated in the hands of a few murderous/corrupt politicians, protected by largely murderous and corrupt members of armed forces and police, a large part of the population is Mass Hypnotised, Competitive Racism work very well for candidates, relied on Saffron support,….. .

      The public face AKD may be different but the old guards are still old guards, a racist bunch, who oppose any form of devolution of powers, opposes only the Hindian Businesses not Chinese ones or others, …………

      “It’s time for us to consider all the citizens of the ISLE as SRILANKAN and no more ETHNONATIONALISM.”

      Could you inform the real racists that they are indeed racist.
      Every person has the right to defend his religion, language, habitat, dignity, safety, security, livelihood ….. and life if threatened, which as far as I understand means self preservation.

      There is no such thing as Sri Lankan.
      Please stop being deluded.

  • 3
    1

    Ranil may be a seasoned driver with over 50 years of experience. However, the vehicle he is now driving has been owned by Mahinda for over 30 years with 134 of his cronies, who could topple him at any time if their boss’s demands are not met. People are watching patiently without any hope that when this drama will end.

  • 1
    0

    Clearly the Americans are happy with the RW regime (and it should be called a regime). FM Ali Sabry got to meet Joe Biden and the Mrs Biden, these sorts of privileges are only given to regimes that are seen as ‘pro-US’ or as a minimum sympathetic to US Hegemonic interests.

  • 4
    1

    The archaeological rather than digging the grounds ,should drill in the sea whether we can find our own oil.

    Hon MP Admiral Wijesekera said in purliment there is no evidence of Ravana nor he worshipped Lord shiva in Trnicomalee.

    In Kurunthamali Mullativu district Army building the Vihara despite the court orders. This is the top of the mountain
    What a need of the hour, Gota done the same for Muslim in covid ignored the WHO recomandations

    • 4
      1

      Cugan Aragalaya or not, the anti-Thamizh agenda and destroying their language, culture, history and stealing their lands all in the name of Chingkalla Buddhism have to go on. The country can go bankrupt the people may starve. A large amount of land can be given to China, India the USA or any other foreigner but nothing should be given to the Thamizh. The latter is native to the island and has a history of more than 2300 years, continuously living in the north and east of the island and ruling these lands until European colonisation. This has been the policy since the independence the so-called Archaeological department spearheads this anti-Thamizh agenda, with the help of the occupying Chingkalla armed forces and police. Strange the court has ordered the demolition of the illegal Vihara built-in Kuroonthoor Malai, nothing is done by the police but when people protest against this illegal building and the illegal confiscation of over 800 acres of private Thamizh agricultural lands by the so-called Archaeological Department to hand over to this illegally built;l Vihara the Chingkalla police are in force to harass and arrest the protestors. When was the so-called Archaeological department in charge of confiscating privately owned Thamizh lands and donating them to illegally built Vihara on the site of an ancient Hindu temple that the court has ordered to be demolished?

      • 4
        1

        Now the same thing is happening in the ancient prehistoric Ramayana famed Thirukooneswaram temple. This rubbish has to stop. Shamelessly begging from India and Thamizh Nadu for aid food and medicines and going the London and pleading the largely Thamizh diaspora to invest and provide money to the island but indulge in vicious anti-Thamizh anti-Hindu activities back at home. There should be an inquiry with regards to this so-called Archaeological department and its racist anti-Thamizh agenda and activity to deliberately destroy the island’s Thamizh and their history and religious places. Many predating Chingkalla Buddhism. Looks many powerful ex-ministers and members of this current government are supporting this agenda.

    • 4
      1

      Cugan, under the guise of archaeology and using fake history they are trying to take over Tamil lands, destroy our history, historical and religious sites/symbols, to bring outside Sinhalese into the Tamil homeland and colonize. Wherever in the world does an Archaeological department has the right to confiscate hundreds of acres of privately owned rich agricultural land belonging to a specific ethnic group and had it over to an illegally built Buddhist Vihara that the court has ordered to be demolished and has never existed for the past thousand years, stating it is historical Vihara lands Very funny when there is no history of any Vihara existing there for at least two millennia. A non-existent Sinhalese Vihara was owning hundreds of acres of historical rich agricultural private Tamil lands. In a Tamil, area, where there is no history of Sinhalese inhabiting prior to independence. This is the first time I have heard of such a joke. Only in Sri Lanka. To justify taking over rich agricultural Tamil lands and handing them over to thousands of outside Sinhalese. Why not? They have got away with so much so even this.

      • 4
        1

        No one cares the UN, the west or India. Will give more time for Sri Lankan to reconcile.If there were any ancient Buddhists in these areas, they would have been Tamil, whose descendants have reconverted back to their original Hindu faith. Definitely not Sinhalese.
        Now the same story and lies are happening at the Ramayana famed Thirukooneswaran, one of the five ancient prehistoric Ishwarams, that had existed long before even the arrival of the mythical prince Vijaya. Again under the guise of Archaeology and using fake history, trying to destroy ancient Hindu temples and the history of the island’s Tamils and convert them to Sinhalese Buddhist. They have successfully turned ancient prehistoric Tamil Hindu Kathirkammam into Sinhalese Buddhist Kattaragamma. Now emboldened and trying this trick everywhere. The Black Sinhale ex-minister Admiral from Amparai again has started his racist howling and barking as he wants to please his Runaway Veeran master, who has again returned.

  • 1
    0

    Close down/limit entry to places of worship until power situation is better. Most if not all places of worship depend on devotees to exist. No religion compels temple worship.

    • 0
      0

      Justice,
      Great suggestion!
      I suggest admit 10 at a time, carrying candles.

  • 3
    0

    Some Buddhist temples have Vishnu Shrines in their premises. In these, even Buddhist devotees pray, make vows and donate cash and even gold for divine help in personal problems, not allowed in Buddhist temples. These are a good source of income for Vihara managements.

    • 0
      0

      J
      There is much history to such shrines.
      Many of the queens of Buddhist rulers were Hindu of some sort. So a devale was built adjoining the Vihara so that the Queen could accompany the King.
      Besides many South Indian immigrants converted to Buddhism, but their commitment to their traditions lived on.
      Look at the pantheon of gods that adorn the frame of a bus just above the glass screen. All important Hindu gods but Shiva can be found there.
      If that is what they believe in, that is what they believe in.
      There is nothing to criticize, but note that they are perhaps more Hindu than any Hindu.

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