A notorious underworld figure known as Ganemulla Sanjeewa released from charges by the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s court yesterday (12) had been arrested in 2019 in connection with a plot to assassinate Jaffna district lawmaker and TNA spokesman M.A. Sumanthiran, according to details now emerging.
Sanjeewa Samararatne alias Ganemulla Sanjeewa was released after the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD) told court that the attorney general had informed them that there was insufficient evidence to prosecute the underworld gangster and 10 others who were arrested in connection with the plot. 15 in all had been arrested in connection with the incident, and other related crimes including illegal arms smuggling.
The release of the would-be assassins/conspirators comes in the wake of Public Security Minister rear admiral retired Sarath Weerasekera arbitrarily withdrawing Sumanthiran’s special task force security in February 2021.
Weerasekera boasted he had issued the order to withdraw the MP’s security as a reprisal against Sumanthiran’s participation in the P2P March across the North and East by Muslims and Tamils to draw attention to the grievances of minorities and ongoing government repression. The March drew tens of thousands of people who defied multiple government efforts to block the protest.
The TNA Spokesman’s STF detail which was provided following the Government’s own security assessment that there was a threat to his life, was abruptly withdrawn as soon as the P2P march reached Jaffna.
Addressing Parliament soon afterwards, Sumanthiran said that there were three possible explanations for the decision to remove his STF detail. The first he said, was that the threats to his life were true, but the Government had withdrawn his security because they were annoyed at him for participating in the march. The second was that the allegations that his life was under threat were false, and the police had unnecessarily detained innocent people. “Third,” the TNA lawmaker said, “is the most sinister. That by withdrawing my security they have given a signal to those who would now act against my life. So if something should happen, the Government must then take responsibility for that.”
The outspoken Tamil MP was the target of two separate assassination plots, in 2017 and 2019. In 2019, the TID
The Attorney General has indicted four ex-LTTE cadres in the Colombo High Court with attempt to assassinate the TNA MP. The elaborate plot to harm the MP’s life in Chavacachcheri, Jaffna, was uncovered in December 2017. TID investigations into the conspiracy revealed that the team had been assigned with Sumanthiran’s assassination in 2016-2017 and had made attempts on his life at least on four occasions. The TID recovered two claymore bombs in the possession of the accused.
The Government of President Maithripala Sirisena immediately ordered additional security for MP Sumanthiran who regularly travels to his constituency of Jaffna.
Subsequently, in March 2019, the Colombo Crimes Division arrested 12 suspects connected to both the Underworld and the LTTE and produced them before the Chief Magistrate of Colombo, Lanka Jayaratne. The CCD told court that the 12 suspects had been arrested after their investigations had revealed plans to kill a Tamil politician on the instructions of LTTE operatives living overseas. While the CCD did not reveal the name of the politician at the time, it was widely believed that Sumanthiran was the target of the assassination plot. Three more suspects were subsequently arrested, most of them with connections to the underworld.
According to reporting in a Sinhalese language newspaper at the time, which revealed details of the suspects arrested by the CCD, the plot to assassinate Sumanthiran was to be executed shortly before the TNA MP left the island to attend the UNHRC sessions in Geneva. The underworld operatives were being used as mercenaries by LTTE operatives living overseas, the 2019 reports claimed. (By Janakie Mediwake)
GATAM / April 13, 2021
Who is telling the truth?
Unfortunately he will kill if he intents on killing.
If it is a lie, then he will not attempt killing now when it is easier than before after security was removed.
But the bigger question is can Summathiran trust the government army and police that did war crimes against Tamils to protect him! It is like foxes protecting the chicken coop!
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Sinhala_Man / April 13, 2021
How can Sumanthiran trust the government when a non-Tamilspeaking guy like me cannot.
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In a society like ours all decent Sri Lankans are in danger.
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Those who are inconsistent, like anonymous GATAM, may be safe.
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Panini Edirisinhe aka Sinhala_Man
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Dr. Gnana Sankaralingam / April 14, 2021
This is a bogus case filed by Yahapalana government instigated by Ranil W. Sumanthiran is lackey of Ranil who was used to split up TNA and sabotage Northern provincial council. Sumanthiran fell foul of Tamils overseas who knew about his tricks. In order to protect Sumanthiran this plot was hatched and naturally the case collapsed as it was fabricated. Ranil is working hand in hand with Rajapakse gang, and is using Sumanthiran to do the dirty job. Sumanthiran has been threatened of dire consequences by Rajapakse gang, and in order to please them will cheat Tamils with rosy stories. Now Sumanthiran is trying to create trouble to TNA by promoting Manivannan, who appears to have surrendered to Rajapakse gang.
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Humble / April 15, 2021
Sumanthiran is hated by both sinhala and tamil hardliners.
The sinhala hardliners feel he is pro-LTTE
Ironically the tamil hardliners feel he is a traitor
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SJ / April 15, 2021
H
Is hardliner your euphemism for fanatic?
There is also envy of the less competent within the TNA.
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N. Perera / April 16, 2021
This comment was removed by a moderator because it didn’t abide by our Comment policy.
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Plato / April 13, 2021
PSYCHOLOGICAL OPERATION against MP. Sumanthiran telling him to change gears or else Govt:will place the foot on the Brakes……
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Ajith / April 13, 2021
It proves that the murder attempt was true and the order must have come from the same command who ordered the murder of Lasantha. Not only the murder of Lasantha was commanded by the same command but also the Easter Bombing must have carried out by the same command. All the criminals who involved in abduction, murders, corruptions such as MIC deal, Ptsunami fund robbery, Bond Scam are now inside the ruling government.
When the whole country is now under the threat, and they have the power to kill any at any time and judiciary and rule of law are there to just to protect the command and followers where are going to get justice?
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Nathan / April 13, 2021
This is clear evidence of a sinister move to silence those fighting for the Rights of Tamils. Dear Sinhala brethren, don’t you all have a conscience.
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Sinhala_Man / April 13, 2021
Dear Nathan,
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See what I have said before reading your question? Isn’t that a clear enough statement?
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However, Nathan, I understand your anxiety; some of my Sinhalese brethren are inclined to say things that are quite different. People like me are doing our best to counter it. All this writing here is not much use.
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We have to discuss with them in Sinhalese; I do that. If you look at the Sinhala section you will see all the efforts “leelagemalli” is making. So, it’s not all gloom and doom. BTW, see what your fellow Tamil has said here:
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https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/power-its-corruptions/
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Very few responses. One from chiv.
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Nathan / April 14, 2021
Dear Sinhala_Man,
Prof. Sarvan’s writings are not for me, – too heavy. Usually, I pass; even when I read, I skip most.
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Prof. Sarvan’s interest is literary. He is unable to come down to his readers’ level.
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Sinhala_Man / April 15, 2021
Dear Nathan,
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I appreciate the problem so many have.
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I do little work, so I have the time to work out what he’s saying. The approach of each of us has to be different.
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Our both having been at STC, Gurutalawa is one reason why we relate to each other. Didn’t you once tell me that you had taught in the Mt Lavinia school, but loyalties prevented you from commenting on what goes on – in the OTHER schools? I appreciate your scruples.
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I tried to check that out but found it too difficult.
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The situation within the country – medium-term – appears to me to be scary. Right now, people around me are not all that apprehensive.
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SJ / April 13, 2021
This is malicious conduct unbecoming of an elected government
I am also reminded of a Tamil leader who negated Sumanthiran’s complaint in 2017 of threat to his life as “a ploy to station the army permanently” in the north, but would insist that his own life is under threat.
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a14455 / April 13, 2021
SJ
nonsense, why would he need protection when he is the leader of the terrorists.
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SJ / April 14, 2021
a14455
You are accusing him of something that he never was.
The rump of the LTTE hates him as do closet LTTEers.
A government has responsibility to provide protections to parliamentarians on an even basis.
You should know of murder suspects and convicts who enjoy protection.
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Tamil from the north / April 15, 2021
a14455 but the leaders of the LTTE are all working for Ali Baba and his 40 thieves, go to Colombo and you will see them.
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GATAM / April 14, 2021
SJ,
No one wants to kill it. If anyone wants, they would have killed by now.
If anyone is seen with the army or police protection they attract attacks.
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SJ / April 14, 2021
“No one wants to kill it.”
It?
What?
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Is this your explanation for withdrawing protection?
Then all parliamentarians should be rendered safe by similar withdrawal of protection.
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cugan / April 13, 2021
In fairness it should have been withdrawn on the starting point of P2P not when reached to Jaffna
Wiped out the terrorism so no more terror,if he can afford to have own body guards then good luck to him.he draws salary…..STF got big operation to fight against drugs and dealers
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nk / April 13, 2021
There are a few career Tamil politicians and former paramilitary leaders, who need security/STF protection to walk around freely in the north east and to meet Tamil people and collect their votes.
Douglas, Pillayan, Karuna, …Sumanthiran to name a few. Their political alliances maybe different but all essentially work for the Sri Lankan gov’t.
Meanwhile, ex-LTTE cadres continue to be victimized.
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Sinhala_Man / April 13, 2021
Dear nk,
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Although I have given your comment “a green thumbs-up”, security concerns relating to ex-LTTE cadres could be a real fear.
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I’m not in a position to say, from Bandarawela. However, I do agree that the Sinhalese exaggerate the issue. More to the point, we should have been doing much more, from May 2009, to assure all Tamils that you are full citizens of Sri Lanka, with all your rights assured.
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Douglas, Pillayan, Karuna – that becomes a special case because they helped us defeat the Tigers. However, I agree that they should not be allowed to still strut around as Ministers, etc.
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I’ve never met Sumanthiran, and he may have his faults. If so, I don’t know any that are grave. However, in the present context, he must be regarded as a National Treasure.
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Panini Edirisinhe
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SJ / April 14, 2021
“Meanwhile, ex-LTTE cadres continue to be victimized.”
By whom?
What did the NPC do even for a single ex-LTTE cadre?
Where does the money collected from the gullible diaspora for upholding the ‘Cause’ go?
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cugan / April 13, 2021
Even the police forces how many of them join and dedicate to serve the public but sadly serve as drivers for their higher ups wife’s/kids picks up and drop offs,after all that training and resources,they supposed to be in patrol.
Also Election Comm should warn the candidate clearly it is very high risk job and wirstter than front line soldier,you have to take your own risk,only protection is for PM,Prez only.we do loose lot of manpower and resources,
Like if you secure your own home ,necessary precautions.
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Buddhist1 / April 13, 2021
It was not Sumanthiran but it was CID which informed Sumanthiran of the danger to his life. Now the same Govt that presented the case has said there is no evidence. Who is playing games the Government or the Judiciary or the CID?
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Dr. Gnana Sankaralingam / April 14, 2021
This case was filed by Yahapalana government instigated by Ranil for whom Sumanthiran did dirty jobs such as sabotaging the Kalmunai Pradesya Sabha protest led by Buddhist priest which was becoming a headache for the government. In 2015 Sumanthiran came to UK with Mangala and asked Tamils not to raise war crimes issue in exchange for new constitution. Sumanthiran has been chased out by Tamils from UK, Canada, Australia and France.
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Manel Fonseka / April 13, 2021
This is just so shocking.
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davidthegood / April 15, 2021
Manel Fonseka, Havent you heard of the bottomless pit
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Lasantha Pethiyagoda / April 13, 2021
In mature societies with decent people in charge, opponents are given the fullest support. In some ways, that will ensure the popularity of the decent people. In stark contrast, in immature, tribal and corrupt societies, its a dog eat dog situation. Everyone has to cover their own back from both enemies and “friends”..
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SJ / April 14, 2021
LP
“In mature societies with decent people in charge, opponents are given the fullest support.”
True . It is whistleblowers like Assange, Snowden and Manning that get into trouble, for they really embarrass the establishment.
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Sugandh / April 13, 2021
Ganemulla Sanjeewa and the other 10 underworld gangsters must be quite skilled to have covered their tracks so well to have ensured there wouldn’t be enough evidence to prosecute them!
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Won’t be surprised if they end up on Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s payroll… Is their any better way to reward their skills?
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paragon / April 13, 2021
when this government has become unpopular in every front from social,cost of living,control of covid-18 financial problems THE ONLY WAY TO KEEP SINGALA MODAYAS HAPPY TO DO SOME THING LIKE TO PLAY TO THE GALLERY.They the government is putting all tamil leaders under pressure to make them DEAF AND BLIND in parliament to keep their mouth shout.-WHAT A FOOLISH MOVE IT WILL PROVE IN THE LONG RUN.
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a14455 / April 13, 2021
Good .. The guy did not appreciate what was given . let him protect himself.
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SJ / April 14, 2021
a14455
I wonder whether your problem is with legal norms or with ethical values.
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Simon / April 13, 2021
The Police informed the courts that the “AG” said “there isn’t enough evidence” to proceed against the 10 accused. Mr. Sumanthiram show little “Mercy” on “AG”. He (AG) would have “FEARED” for his life too, if the case was not “Withdrawn”. Many more such “Withdrawals” are waiting to happen.
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Thanga / April 15, 2021
Dr Gnana Sankaralingam suffers from multiple phobias. Now it is an anti-Sumanthiran phobia.
Sitting in comfort in London how does he know that attempt to kill Sumanthiran by exploding a landmine is “bogus.”
Sumanthiran’s enemies living in Diaspora are the remnants of LTTE activists and sympathisers. It is they who planned the assassination of Sumanthiran. There were 3 attempts to bump him off.
Cases filed during the previous regime are withdrawn by the Attorney General after the change of government. He is acting according to his current paymasters. A number of cases have been withdrawn, including the case against Pillaiyan, for “want” of evidence!
I sincerely hope that the Western countries are taking note of the lack of independence of the judicial system under Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s dispensation.
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Dr. Gnana Sankaralingam / April 15, 2021
Please write in your own name if you are attacking me. You are a cowered hiding behind a false name to criticize others. Secondly if you do not know the meaning of phobia, do not use it. I am giving a forthright view of Sumanthiran, who is working according to the wish of his masters to destroy TNA. Not all those who are against Sumanthiran are remnants of LTTE activists. For your information, SCOT which is independent of political affiliation, invited Sumanthiran in 2012 paying his passage and stay for the annual lecture, will not invite him as there is opposition within the members. This year they have invited Shanakyan for the ZOOM event on 25th April. Living abroad does not men that you will knot know what is happening in Sri Lanka. People rejected Sumanthiran in the 2020 election, and he has crept through with the help of the present government who want his services. Sumanthiran is playing a double game, which you are unable to comprehend.
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SJ / April 15, 2021
GS
The man has said nothing personal the way you do about people who cross your path. He observed that your display certain unfounded fears.
Sumanthiran won fair and square in 2020. What you said in that context is yet another of your falsehoods, which was dismissed long ago.
Sumanthiran is now the only MP who is able to present the Tamil side to other communities in ways that people will listen. Can you name another?
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The way that some go about hurling personal insults on all and sundry on these pages, Thanga is wise to keep confidential his personal identity.
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