By Jehan Perera –
Jehan Perera
President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s statement that district committees can be considered as part of the solution to the vexed problem of power sharing between the ethnic communities has caused a considerable furor in the Tamil community. It came as both a shock and a disappointment as the president has also been speaking about fast tracking the national reconciliation process. The president said he is ready to reintroduce District Development Councils when former president Maithripala Sirisena proposed setting up of district councils under the provincial councils as a cost cutting measure. “Former President, I listened to your comments on District Development Councils and I am ready to do it,” the President is quoted as having said. Subsequently, the president’s media unit clarified that the President meant that the District Development Committees (DDCs) will be established within the Provincial Councils.
The president’s media unit further elaborated that the DDCs will provide a platform for coordination between the government, the provincial councils and the local governments for all executive decisions. It also said this will ensure the process is not duplicated and will reduce financial wastage. The concept of the district as the unit of devolution was tried before in 1981 by the president’s uncle, the late president J R Jayewardene during whose period the government established DDCs to be part of the solution to the ethnic conflict that was getting worse by the day. The Sri Lankan security forces had been ordered to control the growing Tamil militancy. The security forces were armed not only with guns but also with the Prevention of Terrorism Act which was abused then as it is abused today though to a much greater extent then, than it is now.
The memory of the brief period of the DDCs is an unhappy one to the Tamil community. The elections to the DDC were contested by the ruling party, the UNP, to which the president belongs. The government’s attempt to rig those elections and win them at any cost led to the catastrophic burning of the Jaffna Public Library in 1981. This seat of learning was one of the most sacrosanct institutions of Tamil civilization that symbolized the high quality of education in the north of the country that was the envy of other parts of the country. It is therefore not surprising that the president’s media unit was quick to deny the very negative inferences made with regard to the president’s speech.
Reinterpreting Words
The president’s media unit can be relied upon to accurately portray the president’s cryptic remark with regard to his willingness to resuscitate the district council system. However, the very idea of creating a complex platform for coordinating the central government, provincial councils and local government bodies for all executive decisions seems to be a difficult task. It runs the real risk of killing any possibility of decision making through a multiplicity of committees. Coordination within one level of the government is difficult enough. Coordinating between multiple levels will be even more difficult. There have been issues when two drivers sit at the wheel. Who does the Government Agent in a district report to as he also serves as the District Secretary? What is the protocol when a central deputy minister and provincial minister attend a formal meeting?
The questions noted above have been raised in the past and many remain unresolved and making further units of devolution will be confusion compounded. The irrelevance of the proposed district committees to the solution of the ethnic conflict can be seen by another problem. The provincial councils, which were formulated to be the solution to the ethnic conflict, and to represent the wishes of the people of each province, do nothing of the sort at the present time, as they are non-functional where people’s representation is concerned. For the past four years, the provincial councils have only been administrative bodies run by a presidentially appointed governor who can act, and does act arbitrarily, without consulting the people of the province. During this period, elections to the provincial councils have not been held. Far from being institutions of devolved power, the provincial councils now represent the centralized power of the state, both unfortunately and perniciously.
The ability of the government to neutralize the provincial councils by the undemocratic method of not permitting elections to be held for 4 years gives impetus to the Tamil community’s rejection of them. The provincial councils were brought into existence in 1987 as the main democratic part of the solution to the ethnic conflict. They were meant to provide the people of each province with the power to decide on locally relevant matters. But this right has been denied to them. This would be the main reason why the demand for federalism is once again coming to the fore. In a landmark judgement the Supreme Court in August 2017 with Chief Justice Priyasath Dep presiding ruled that “Advocating for a Federal form of Government within the existing State could not be considered as advocating Separatism.” The court dismissed a petition that ITAK (or Federal Party) had, as one of its “aims” and “objects” the establishment of a Separate State.
Positive Response
The TNA which is the largest Tamil party (with ITAK as its major component) has responded positively to the president’s announcement that he intends to seek a solution to the ethnic conflict by the 75th anniversary of Independence. They have said that they will seek a solution on the basis of federalism. Their spokesperson M A Sumanthiran has pointed out that there are more than 25 countries in the world which have federal system and they are very much united, and contain over 40 percent of the world’s population. The United States, India, Switzerland and Malaysia are examples of federal states. The key feature in a federal state is that the government will not be able to change the way a provincial council is governed. Certainly, the government will not be able to arbitrarily postpone elections to a provincial council for four years and then run it centrally through a governor of its own choice.
On the other hand, from the time that the Tamil polity has asked for federalism, beginning in the 1950s, the Sinhalese polity has rejected it as being injurious to the country’s national sovereignty and security. There is misapprehension that federalism might be the first step to secession. The examples of the former Soviet Union and Yugoslavia are given as examples of federal states that broke up on the lines of their federal units. The Sinhalese position is that a unitary form of government would protect the country from being divided in this manner. However, even unitary states have been divided if they did not manage their ethnic relations in a constructive manner as was the case in Sudan (which divided into South Sudan) and Serbia (Kosovo). The enlightened reasoning and decision of the Sri Lankan Supreme Court in 2017 needs to be explained to the political parties and to the general population.
The 18th century English poet Alexander Pope wrote “For Forms of Government let fools contest whatever is best administered is best.” Just across the seas from Sri Lanka the world has a good example of a diverse and huge country that has held together as one and is now getting stronger and stronger, both in terms of its economic might, but also its international stature. The Indian form of government is neither wholly federal nor wholly unitary, but can take on aspects of either as the situation demands. In times of peace it is federal, in times of stress it can become unitary. This was the solution that India and Sri Lanka agreed to in the Indo-Lanka Accord of 1987 and which was distorted in the 13th Amendment. Recently in parliament, former president Mahinda Rajapaksa went one step forward to say he was for discussions on 13th Amendment plus. India has been Sri Lanka’s best savior at the present time in terms of the economic crisis, giving Sri Lanka far more than other countries. With India’s political support to a political solution based on its own learning and experience, a viable solution can be found and Sri Lanka can forge ahead as a truly united nation to economic development.
srikrish / December 6, 2022
Rather than resurrecting the dead and buried “District Development Councils’ from pre 1983 era, it is advisable to reform present Government Agents(District Secretaries), Divisional Secretaries and GramaNiladaries system and bring them under the Provincial Councils.
It will make the Grass root organizations democratic and people friendly and enhances devolution through administrative measures.
If necessary, Government could introduce a parasail single institution to coordinate the central government agencies in the provinces thereby, eliminating duplication and streamlining democratizing governance.
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SJ / December 7, 2022
What is wrong with implementing 13A in its true spirit for a start and then address the national question in terms of 4 nationalities?
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Nathan / December 6, 2022
… .making further units of devolution will be confusion compounded.’
There was no need for the lengthy article, Jehan.
The above phrase would have summed it up with not much less effect or appeal.
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SJ / December 7, 2022
N
You know his game.
A chameleon is more consistent.
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Dr. Gnana Sankaralingam / December 9, 2022
Ranil Wickremasinghe always plays double game thinking that others are fools. There is pressure on him by US and India to settle Tamil demand for autonomy by devolving power to Tamil areas. Except handful of Sinhalese, the rest are not in favour of sharing power and territory with Tamils in a fair and effective manner. Ranil is against devoultion and had fairly and squarely sabotaged provincial council by bringing an act to conduct elections to provincial councils in new format. It is now 5 years since it was passed, but no effort has been made to present a bill on the new format. At present you cannot conduct elections to provincial councils unless a new bill is presented to annul the previous one and conduct elections on the old system. In order not to annoy US or India, he gets Sirisena to propose district councils and jumps on the suggestion. Any Tamil politician who says that they can talk with Ranil or any other Sinhala head of state and settle the matter is a liar.
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Dr. Gnana Sankaralingam / December 9, 2022
Every Sinhala government want to keep Tamils suppressed by discriminating them in education, employment and development of their areas, and if they prosper despite all these hardship, violence will be let loose on them to destroy their prosperity. Every province has three to five districts. If it is expensive to have one provincial council, then how will having three to five district councils be cheaper. Tamils want to live with dignity and safety in their lands of historic habitation without interference by Sinhalese. Since independence there has been no large capital project undertaken in northern province and few of them carried out in eastern province was solely to settle Sinhalese from outside to alter demographic pattern. As I have been saying in this column that only international intervention will bring about justice to Tamils. This was the case in East Timor, Bosnia and South Sudan, and it has to happen in Srilanka too. Do not push Tamils to take to weapons, as this time the result will be different. I hope that India will do another Parippu drop in Colombo to make Sinhala racists to eat humble Kavung, seal the issue.
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nimal fernando / December 6, 2022
“Unitary, Federal & Indian Models Of Power Sharing”
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Why do we need anyone’s any model? ……. We have our very own model that has worked brilliantly …….. so far
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Kill the Tamils, Kill the Muslims ……. imprison the noisy bothersome non-compliant Sinhalese …….. all the politicians and the entire parliament is ecstatic and ….. partying with Ranil and wishing him another 50 years.
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“Nawa gilunath baand choon!” (can you mark/score my Sinhala, Sinhala_Man?) We are heding in the right direction party-wise……… before the fall: party, party, party ……. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dWxwtILhfvE
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Where does it say, the Lankan government is of the people, by the people, for the people?
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In principle (damned bloody principles: EE where are you when we need you the most?) the Lankan government is and always was of the politicians, by the politicians, for the politicians ……….. geared for and fine-tuned for their own welfare/benifit.
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Jehan Perera, how can you make such an elementary error? ………. You have been hanging around with Native Vedda for far too long.
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Take a sabbatical from your now staid repetitive writing ……… hang out with your more attuned younger brother ol’ Chameera Perera to recharge your batteries and get a new lease of life ……….
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Native Vedda / December 6, 2022
nimal fernando
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“Kill the Tamils, Kill the Muslims ……. imprison the noisy bothersome non-compliant Sinhalese “
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The appropriate phrase used to be:
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“Kill the Veddah, Rob the Buddha, Blame the Sudda”.
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nimal fernando / December 7, 2022
“Blame the Sudda”
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Native,
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I could never figure that one ……… when we screw it up right royally …….. many of the most intelligent/educated/experienced people start blaming the IMF and exposing it’s vices and bad-practices ……. without blaming our crooks who put us in the arms of the IMF!
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The blooming IMF didn’t ask or trap us to come into their arms! …….. There are many countries that have stayed away from the clutches of the IMF.
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It’s like Old Codger going lovey dovey-ing with Ramona and when gets into trouble trying to put all the blame on me ……… who the hell asked him to stalk women! ……. He does it on his own and should be adult enough to take responsibly ……… when it hits the fan! :)))
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Native Vedda / December 7, 2022
nimal fernando
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“I could never figure that one ……… when we screw it up right royally …….. many of the most intelligent/educated/experienced people start blaming the IMF and exposing it’s vices and bad-practices “
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Sudda in this context meant 450 years of Colonial rule.
Even after 74 years of independence Sudda is blamed for everything that is wrong with this island.
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leelagemalli / December 6, 2022
NF and all,
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If federalism is successful in a territory of 7 million people like Switzerland, if it extends to small administrative units like “Bezirks”, how can it go wrong in our island?
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This is what I constantly asked the late Mr. Kadiragamar.
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In our hell people regularly misinterpret everything. They think it is separatism not federalism.
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Instead of psychology, many of them believe it to be psychiatry.
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PhD and MBBS degree is the same for some.
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Even MAFIA boss Mahinda uses it interchangeably “million” to “billion” or vv.
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All because Sri Lankan journalists are not good enough to EDUCATE its people properly.
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nimal fernando / December 7, 2022
“If federalism is successful in a territory of 7 million people like Switzerland, if it extends to small administrative units like “Bezirks”, how can it go wrong in our island?”
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LM,
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You have been constantly saying ……. how stupid our people are: even the highly educated/qualified ones.
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Look at the inhabitants of Switzerland and the inhabitants of Lanka: can they be compared? If you visit different societies around the world some are more evolved than others. ……… the stages of social-evolution is not the same all over the world.
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The crazy thing is, although Budda was one of the most evolved/advanced thinkers far ahead of his time ……. in order for average man/intellects to comprehend, the dumbed-downed way his thinking is spread around our people has created a very backward hazy toxic-mix that holds our people’s collective psyche in bondage. ………. that has taken us back or made us to remain in the same place …….. in the process of social-evolution ……. perhaps, taken us back a few centuries.
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nimal fernando / December 7, 2022
continued
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I don’t believe federalism is the solution …… it’s monkey see, monkey do: blindly following the white man. …… We already have too many deadbeat politicians: why create more? What we need is small government, not bigger. I’m for discarding everything and creating one small government with 100 MPs, 15 ministers and a prime minister. If a Tamil, a Muslim, a non-Buddhist can become the leader of the nation we would’ve arrived.
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That is the society we should aim for.
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“In the absence of God, man is CONDMNED to be free.” — Amber Heard, wearing Native Vedda’s Amude (Gotta hand it to him ….. very few can pull off that trick!)
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With freedom comes responsibility …….. one has to take responsibility for each and every one of his actions. ………. Lankan-Buddhism gives an outlet (an escape route) for Lankans to avoid responsibility ….. Mahinda, Gota, Sirisena, CBK, …… discards the teachings/philosophy and limits it to mindless worshipping …….. Ranil limits it to collecting Buddhist-books.
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And only I, who has committed every worldly sin imaginable ……. is left to defend Buddha’s honour ……. while Native is angling to take every opportunity to try and stick it to me!
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Such is the world ……… such is life.
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Mahila / December 7, 2022
LLM,
Heard past vociferous nationalist claiming Switzerland is far too small to be compared to Sri Lanka!! Furthermore, the climatic conditions are contrasting too!!
Nothing would be resolved, as we in the majority and enlightened population of this country DO NOT KNOW WHAT THE TAMILS ARE LACKING, THAT THE SINHALESE HAVE PURPORTEDLY, GOT IN ABUNDANCE UNDER THE PAST GOVERNMENT SINCE INDEPENDANCE!!!??
That position, unless changed, would not allow rectification!!!
WHAT COULD ONE RECTIFY, WHEN THEE IS NOTHING TO RECTIFY!!!
It’s a very sanctimonious position taken up by the Majority!!?? Good Ploy!!??
How could one play the Game or improve, when these Non-Game changing ploys are employed by the “Mee Harakas” – sanctifying king makers are around!!! That is good enough for Europe not Sri Lanka!!!
Explore some more ways of Playing Pandu‘, with the issue – according to majority, non- issue!! They aren’t any more facilities Sinhalese enjoy, than the Tamils enjoy already!!! My Foot
WHEN YOU ARE IN THE GREENER SIDE OF THE LAWN THE DIFFENCE IS DIFFUSED!!!
ONE CAN ONLY WAKE A GENUINE SLEEPER: NOT A FAKE BY ANY CHANCE
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Mahila / December 7, 2022
LLM,
Heard past vociferous nationalist claiming Switzerland is far too small to be compared to Sri Lanka!! Furthermore, the climatic conditions are contrasting too!!
Nothing would be resolved, as we in the majority and enlightened population of this country DO NOT KNOW WHAT THE TAMILS ARE LACKING, THAT THE SINHALESE HAVE PURPORTEDLY, GOT IN ABUNDANCE UNDER THE PAST GOVERNMENT SINCE INDEPENDANCE!!!??
That position, unless changed, would not allow rectification!!!
WHAT COULD ONE RECTIFY, WHEN THEE IS NOTHING TO RECTIFY!!!
It’s a very sanctimonious position taken up by the Majority!!?? Good Ploy!!??
How could one play the Game or improve, when these Non-Game changing ploys are employed by the “Mee Harakas” – sanctifying king makers are around!!! That is good enough for Europe not Sri Lanka!!!
Explore some more ways of Playing Pandu‘, with the issue – according to majority, non- issue!! They aren’t any more facilities Sinhalese enjoy, than the Tamils enjoy already!!! My Foot
WHEN YOU ARE IN THE GREENER SIDE OF THE LAWN THE DIFFENCE IS DIFFUSED!!!
ONE CAN ONLY WAKE A GENUINE SLEEPER: NOT A FAKE BY ANY CHANCE
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nimal fernando / December 7, 2022
Why federalism is ludicrous.
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I want to keep away from cliché-fied slogan-neering.
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This is just my view …….. anyone is invited to oppose it and argue their view/case …….. in words we all can understand.
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Let us go back a little ………. just imagine the euphoria that would have been around in 1948 just before Independence. ……… People’s focus was held solely on Independence and made to believe if we chased away the English everything will be hunky dory: all our problems will disappear.
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How did things pan out? Is honesty, now a rare commodity?
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I can’t speak for the Tamils: they have to speak for themselves. ……… but as a distant nonchalant observer ……… I see the Tamils in the same situation we were in 1948. They are led to believe get independence from the Sinhalese, everything will be hunky dory. Sinhalese or Tamil, Lankans are Lankans: think the same way.
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Are Tamil politicians any better than the Sinhala politicians?
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nimal fernando / December 7, 2022
continued
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There was only one Lankan – in his own way – who understood what I’m attempting to say: Velupillai Prabakaran. How many Tamil politician did he kill? How many Tamils did he kill? …… Be honest; who among my Tamil brethren/sisters condemn his killing of “conventional” Tamil politicians? Be brave, you don’t have to fear him: he can’t get you now. …… What you say will be out of true conviction; not fear.
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People do not respect goodness – Buddha is a classic example – they only respect fear. They have to fear you to respect you. ………… And no Lankan understood it better than VP.
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The great devout Buddhist Mahinda understand it as well …… that’s why he got his thugs to attack the peaceful Aragalaya. When the tables were turned and some elements of the Aragalaya returned the favour in kind ……. did you see the chest pumped-up fearless Mahinda run? Oh Boy! …….. he ran without even a spare Amude …… and had to borrow one form Native. The poor sod couldn’t even crap in the borrowed Amude …….. cause Native had already soiled it.
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I’m busy now ……. someday, someday …… I’m gonna sit down and write a book. ……… A book Rajpal will never claim he wrote: not in a million years!
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chiv / December 7, 2022
Nimal, I fully agree except for the piece on Native. All forms of violence / killings should be condemned, keeping in mind of primitive response of endangered human species “FRIGHT , FLIGHT if not FIGHT”.
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nimal fernando / December 8, 2022
chiv,
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Most days I write in haste …….. and miss the mark in what I’m trying to say.
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What I was trying to say is, that there are a lot of deadbeat Sinhalese politicians, Mahinda, Ranil, CBK, Gota, Basil, Nimal Siripala and a whole host of other worthless parasites just leading the Sinhalese on without providing any solutions to any of the problems.
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The crazy thing is, these idiots can’t give any solution even if they wanted to! …….. They wouldn’t have a frigging clue!
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And if someone bumped all or any one of them I won’t be sorry ……. and wont condemn it.
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Now ol’ Native will come out with his cliché-fied slogans ….. no death-penalty, no murder, hurrah to pacifism, and down with Fascists etc. …… but I’ll be sorry if someone bumps Native off! :)) ……. We need dreamers.
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In the same way, VP got rid of a lot of “conventional” Tamil politicians ………. who were leading the Tamils on for decades without providing solutions to any of their problems: they were just feathering their own nests and maintaining their “positions.”
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Although I’m surprise but not shocked that no Tamil (or Sinhalese) came forward to defend any of the “conventional” Tamil politicians that VP eliminated.
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One would’ve expected someone to defend at least Neelan Tiruchelvam, Dr. Ranjini Thiranagama …….. but many may not consider them “conventional politicians” …….. and rightly so ………
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Nathan / December 8, 2022
nimal,
You take events minus their context.
VP got rid of a few politicians. Agreed. Some, asked for it.
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nimal fernando / December 9, 2022
“You take events minus their context.”
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Nathan,
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Can you please elaborate?
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Nathan / December 9, 2022
nimal,
I’ll generalise, even though I am aware of specific instances.
There were enough and sufficient requests to individuals to refrain from reacting in a harmful manner when addressing the problems faced by the public.
(I can understand you not being in a position to be aware.)
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nimal fernando / December 9, 2022
Thanks. I get it, now.
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Nathan / December 9, 2022
nimal,
Not everyone is ‘big’ enough to offer thanks the way you did.
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This is a Forum.
Some of us are genuinely interested in bring about a better understanding between communities.
You stir that search in a style that is unique to you. I respect your ‘openness’. Thank you.
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chiv / December 9, 2022
Nimal, no worries, got your point.
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leelagemalli / December 7, 2022
Thank you NF
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Knowing that all the headache of our nation is lack of law and order at electoral levels but doing nothing to address it is beyond my comprehension.
Lawmakers become the “contractors” of every henchman. Politicians become idiots after getting elected. May be they cant do the job so long relevant authorities would do the job as minister Harin Fernando makes it very clear.
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Opponents of federalism,@ we must finally agree with any other form of “ISM”… as an alternative. Now discussed are “District Councils” which may be similar to the Swiss BEZIRK.
Beg to differ, NF, average in Europe are not intelligent, but they are obediaent to law and order. At the COVID crisis, people were like their own policists while our PUNNAKKU eaters dominated srilanka and india behaved like 4-legged animals.
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No matter what they are named afteror what they are called, it has to be a solution in the end.
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Rohan25 / December 6, 2022
Of course, they will never want to give a federal system and meaningful devolution with land and police powers, to the Tamils, as they will not be able to ethnically cleanse and plunder and steal Tamil people’s lands, settle outside Sinhalese under various guises like the Mahaveli scheme, using fake/dubious history and government departments like Archaeology, forestry and land development and the occupying Sinhalese armed forces and police to convert ancient Hindu temple to Buddhist, then allocate thousands of acres of surrounding Tamil people’s land for the Buddhist temple use and then settle Sinhalese to maintain this newly built ancient temple. The forestry department takes over poor Tamil farmer’s grazing and agricultural lands by rezoning them as forestry land and then after a short period we see outside Sinhalese being settled in these so-called rezoned forestry lands, that were until very recently the farm and grazing lands of the local Tamils. The occupying Sinhalese armed forces/police. are there to oversee and protect all these activities, by threatening and depressing the local Tamils if they protest. They also appropriate thousands of acres of private Tamil lands, stating for security purposes and for various business enterprises like farming, tourism and also to settle Sinhalese.
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Rohan25 / December 6, 2022
The war is over, so why is such a huge army needed and why is more than 90% of this army in the Tamil areas, especially in the north and in the Mullaitheevu district? The answer is to suppress, and destroy the Tamils and to assist in converting all these ancient Hindu Tamil areas to Sinhalese Buddhist. Why does such a small impoverished country that cannot feed itself and go around begging everywhere want such a huge armed force, that even many rich developed nations with far larger populations do not have? Why are this armed force and police almost 100% Sinhalese? The answer is to suppress the Tamils. This is the reason they want a unitary state, or want toothless powerless forms of devolution like village councils and district councils so that they can keep on plundering and stealing everything from the Tamils until they do not have anything and are ultimately destroyed. In the meantime, they are destroying themselves and the country too but do not care, about merit and human rights. The only overriding ideology is Sinhalese only and Buddhism.
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Jaffna Man / December 6, 2022
“Far from being institutions of devolved power, the provincial councils now represent the centralized power of the state, both unfortunately and perniciously.”
Indeed. That has to be changed to make Councils truly exercise devolved power
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SJ / December 7, 2022
JM
True.
What have the Tamil nationalist leaders been doing about it?
You will agree with me on the performance of the last NPC I guess.
They are all the same, I can assure you.
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SJ / December 6, 2022
” M A Sumanthiran has pointed out that there are more than 25 countries in the world which have federal system and they are very much united”:
MAS has forgotten that two well functioning federal governments were torn apart after the fall of socialism in Europe.
Is he not aware that the US has done what it can to promote secession in several countries with ‘not very friendly countries’ in Europe, South America and Africa?
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What is the basis of federation in most of the 25+ countries referred to? Certainly not resolving the national question.
There are other systems of devolution of power that have worked more effectively than federation.
Most importantly how will the TNA’a federal formula help the Muslim and Hill Country Tamil nationalities?
Already there are voices of dissent from Tamils in the East which the TNA is unlikely to overcome.
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SJ / December 7, 2022
The truth hurts I presume.
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Native Vedda / December 7, 2022
Aiyooooooooooooooooooo
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Here we go again.
Does he advocate dictatorship to maintain Federal structure, ideally Mao’s whatever?
People should stop asking silly, stupid, childish question and start playing a constructive role.
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SJ / December 8, 2022
How are you this morning, NV?
Did you have a good rest last night?
Be a good lad and stop looking for your non-existent doctor in the room, day and night.
Also, do not say that I did not warn you about fake doctors.
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chiv / December 8, 2022
Native, leading light of Latn American communist revival movement, (according to our local comrade) Peruvian President tried becoming the next Putin / Xi , extending his rule unconstitutionally by dissolving the Congress Apparently he was arrested and removed from power for conspiring against own constitution.
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Raj-UK / December 6, 2022
”setting up of district councils under the provincial councils as a cost cutting measure”
Is it a paradox? Surely, setting up DDC can’t be done without a new workforce, offices, etc, in which case, how is the cost savings achieved? We already have a bloated Parliament, Provincial Councils, Municipality Councils, ‘Grama Sevaka’ offices, etc, etc., all ‘serving’ the people, so is this another service to make life easier for the people? Correct me if I am wrong but isn’t it all adding to lethargy & bureaucracy, & now, more jobs for the boys when the govt. is unable to pay its existing workers?
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Lasantha Pethiyagoda / December 7, 2022
This writer still waffles along with his councils, committees, bodies, commissions and societies while the system of parasitic political maneuvering and exploitation has driven the country to starvation and famine, lack of basic life-saving medicines, long power cuts, galloping inflation and huge drop in life expectancy and intelligence quotient as the young generations have stunted growth and intellectual retardation. He ignores the elephant in the room, which is wrecking the entire society. When does he think this president will deliver justice to the people? Is he so daft that he still believes these rascals’ promises and assertions? He should instead address how these catastrophic conditions are affecting the daily lives of people. It is a matter of life and death.
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nimal fernando / December 7, 2022
Something I wrote awhile ago
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“It is the people who elect these tyrants, giving legitimacy to their tyrannical ways.”
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This is true and one can keep on repeating it ad nauseam, but what other choices have the people got? Look around who else can they vote for? This is us; this is our essence.
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We are a few/many centuries behind the social evolutionary process. Any “apparent” evolution/advancement we have had in recent times wasn’t due to the natural progression of the evolutionary-process but due to the conquest of more “evolved” conquerors.
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So, the apparent “advancement” is imposed on us and totally artificial. If one can disassociate oneself from the Lankan situation and step back and observe, one can see the struggle the primitive man goes through daily, to come to terms with the imposed artificial “advancement.”
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This is true of every Lankan, in spite of how “educated” one might sound. And I don’t exclude myself; the only difference is I can see it.
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A primitive jungle tribe will not produce “modern” leaders after a brief visitation from “advanced” aliens. It’s just not going to happen.
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nimal fernando / December 7, 2022
Continued
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When I read Lankans writing in English: mastered almost to perfection ……. Jehan, Dayan, Sinhala_Man, EE, Ramona (not her better half on the 153 bus,) myself …….. and almost all here ……. I see the disconnect between the picked-up language and the essence ……. missing of the essence of the people the language belongs to.
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I’ve seen from both sides ….. roamed among my people ……. roamed among the Whites …….. Whites Sinhala_Man aspire to be with his fine language and airs …… I’m a roamer ….. to roam and to see what you see without peeking through the prism of one’s unexamined insecurities is a God-given blessing. …….. Native, hold your head down and weep.
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Looked at clouds that way
But now they only block the sun
They rain and they snow on everyone
So many things I would have done
But clouds got in my way
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I’ve looked at clouds from both sides now
From up and down and still somehow
It’s cloud illusions I recall
I really don’t know clouds at all
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But now it’s just another show
And you leave ’em laughing when you go
And if you care, don’t let them know
Don’t give yourself away :))
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old codger / December 7, 2022
Nimal,
“A primitive jungle tribe will not produce “modern” leaders after a brief visitation from “advanced” aliens. It’s just not going to happen.”
Exactly. The aliens nowadays are a bit more politically correct. They don’t execute rebellious monks any more. Or is that the root of the problem?
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Native Vedda / December 7, 2022
nimal fernando
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“A primitive jungle tribe will not produce “modern” leaders after a brief visitation from “advanced” aliens. “
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I am sorry I have to disagree with you.
The primitive jungle tribe may not have crooks spinning lies as facts, 24 hour TV coverage, photo opportunities, …… however they have some sort of democratic practices which serve their immediate and day to day needs, and not their greed.
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nimal fernando / December 8, 2022
“however they have some sort of democratic practices which serve their immediate and day to day needs, and not their greed.”
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True, Native.
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That will work if they are in total isolation in the depths of the Amazon.
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How would they behave if they have to assimilate with “modern” society ……… while still hanging on to some remnants of their “primitive” culture?
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You’ll observe the struggle the primitive man goes through daily, to come to terms with the imposed artificial “advancement.”
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Exactly what we have!
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deepthi silva / December 7, 2022
This writer is painfully immature.
How can a man like Ranil, unelected , at the last parliamentary election his political party the UNP failed to win a single seat,talk or even think about a solution to any problem, ethnic, economic or even administrative?
He is there only because the feudal, uneducated and corrupt Rajapaksa family want him as president to protect a corrupt system , which includes both the Rajapaksa type as well as old UNP types( John ,Ravi, Guruge, ranil, all bogus rascals) .
Ranil is very much a part of a corrupt tradition of false respectability created by colonialism. His father and grand father were all money making businessmen who flourished on contacts with high officials and influence with the political establishment.
If this man Ranil has any honesty as a care taker president his only job as president is to hold an election so that the people of this country can speak. Instead of that, this rascal is talking of solving all the problems of humanity ! He says he reads books ! May be he might also find an answer for cancer ! After all, he is from royal college, sings songs at the big match, dances baila at weddings, wears coat and tie, and is connected to JR Jayawardena.
Such people in Sri Lanka can solve any problem, do miracles and even walk on water ! Or so says the Colombo idiots !
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Native Vedda / December 7, 2022
nimal fernando
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“How can a man like Ranil, unelected , at the last parliamentary election his political party the UNP failed to win a single seat,talk or even think about a solution to any problem, ethnic, economic or even administrative?”
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Brilliant question.
I am sorry I have no answer to your brilliant question.
Thanks it really made me think and think hard.
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Let me ask you to consider the following persons and what sort of right or qualifications that they have apart from people voted for the most racist candidates and racist party:
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Sarath Weerasekara – Minister of Public Security – Sri Lankan equivalent of Stasi
Wimal Weerawansa – Minister of Industries – ???????
Udaya Prabhath Gammanpila – Minister of Buddha Sasana and Religious Affairs
Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe – Minister of Higher Education and Cultural Affairs
Dinesh Chandra Rupasingha Gunawardena – Prime Minister of Sri Lanka
Patali Champika Ranawaka – Minister of Power and Energy
…..
…..
….
etc
You tell us how the above people were suitable for respective jobs.
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Native Vedda / December 7, 2022
nimal fernando
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I should have said deepthi desperate silva types at the top of my comment.
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nimal fernando / December 8, 2022
“I am sorry I have no answer to your brilliant question.”
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Native,
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I asked no such question …….. You’ve mistaken me for someone else ……. did you think I’m Nihal? ……. I often make that mistake myself. :))
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deepthi silva / December 7, 2022
Vedda you are thinking hard.. you may end up getting a Nobel prize for the fruits of your thinking ! !
Yes, without asking 23 million people if you just let hateful old men like Vedda or Codger to appoint people who suit their ulterior motives to power , the world will become paradise. ! !
Why dont you and your big ego clean yourself with lux soap, all the smelly oils can be removed then.
Show one place/family/person which/who has improved because of Vedda, Leela or Old codger ?
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old codger / December 7, 2022
Deepthi the ingrate,
“Show one place/family/person which/who has improved because of Vedda, Leela or Old codger ?”
Didn’t I teach you how to write English properly the other day? Like how not to say things like “foolish fool” etc. So, haven’t YOU improved because of me?
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leelagemalli / December 7, 2022
DS,
Finally, how did you change your direction, even though Mahinda Kahandagama and that teacher were left naked in Baira Lake, nothing has changed with the praise of RAJAPAKSHE pigs.
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If anyone has mistreated our nation, it is Mahinda Rajapaksa, his stupidity has made us eternal debtors. That’s why I keep saying that this mess-makers needs to be punished publicly.
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Look at the country today because BPs are not in power? Today you are completely faint so that you can’t see it clearly… Are there serpentine queues on fuel? Are gas cylinder killings still happening ?
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Power cuts for unbearable hours ?
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All this because loan payments are suspended for some time ?
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Or by leadership balanced it ? I HAVE no idea, but I see something is changing as Harin Fernando made it very clear. day before yday. …. … but for howlong so long barbarians are the majority ?
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tbc
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leelagemalli / December 7, 2022
DS, . … The other day I saw the crows who had just arrived at the BIA- these pigs were present to cheer their highly corrupted man….. coming in front of the said teacher and Mahinda Kahandagama. This is exactly what Prof. Kovoor confirmed 5 decades ago. The Sinhalese are eternal fools. Thanks for indians, we were liberated from british in 1948. There too,… they twisted it by bringing fairytales about few monks that might have fought against the colonists….. ha hha.. The only difference is that sinhalaya eat rice three times a day (exception – the Rajapaksas eat punnakku from day one). . It is the evolution of the country’s Sinhalese genes. We can also read your mind accurately from what you say, you just don’t see it in this life. I gave up dreaming of a better future for the youth. Better to help them in other means. .. like providing them chances for their future studies. … in MSc and PhD opportunities. – RW may have gone wrong many times in the past, but I don’t think he’s any worse than the Rajapakshe buffaloes – . And what other options do we have? It is still not clear whether the JVP babies will do it or not… .however, their stage presentations are accurate and tangible..
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leelagemalli / December 7, 2022
cont.
RW may have gone wrong many times in the past, but I don’t think he’s any worse than the Rajapakshe buffaloes
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. And what other options do we have? It is still not clear whether the JVP babies will do it or not…
.however, their stage presentations are accurate and tangible..
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..we know theory is not 100% practical.
Especially in a country where people are so stupid… Of course we focus on the majority.
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Yesterday a female victim was raped in a witchcraft room, while she was seeking invisible prayers to get her ex-husband back to her…… Such is the typical village mentality.
They will never see it again… why her husband left her…very lower knowledge about everything mislead them being caught by DIYA RAKUSA like politicians. Opportunists are teh majority in that country…. or that should be common to entire suffering developing world.
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There is no difference between the current COPE committee chairman, the bold-headed man and Buruwanse or Rohitha, or the lowly characters. But he wears a PROF TITLE … This was previously done by the OXFORD learned Professor GLP. Now he has been thrown into the trash…. at the same level as Wimal Buruwansa’s fate.
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SJ / December 7, 2022
ds
I think that Unilever owes you a fee for the Lux soap commercial.
Nobody thought of this aspect of that soap before.
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Native Vedda / December 7, 2022
nimal fernando
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I should have said deepthi desperate silva types at the top of my comment.
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Native Vedda / December 7, 2022
deepthi desperate silva
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“Show one place/family/person which/who has improved because of Vedda, Leela or Old codger ?”
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I am not sure you are asking the right person as I believe if Vedda, Leela or Old codger ever had political power to steal, corrupt, commit mass murder and human rights violations, enjoy life long impunity, practiced nepotism, …… blamed being racist, ….. religious fanaticism, …….
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Had I known if this question is going to be asked, I would have recorded everything I did in my life time, including when I had my bath, breakfast, lunch, dinner, … how long I slept in a day, … Sorry I cannot remember. Do you want me to record everything what I do in a day?
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The way things are this is what Kamala is going to demand from every citizen of this island. Weeping Weerasekere has already put in place the necessary human resources in every village and every street to check and record every individual’s everyday mundane activities.
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RBH59 / December 7, 2022
Unitary, Federal & Indian Models Of Power Sharing
Gandhi declared a boycott of foreign cloth shed wearing shirt and trousers and started wearing a simple dhoti and struggle for India for self-sufficient and not to depend on foreign aid. We need not need to see what others do, If we could change ourselves, the tendencies in the world would also change.
Our way adopted western attire and traveling to foreign countries for aid & funds.
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Kanapathy Varunan / December 7, 2022
I have a good Sinhalese friend who is not happy with a federal form of government for Srilamka. His contention is that it will bring in disunity. I simply asked him how many children he has. He said 4-3boysand a girl. The next question to him was are they all living with him? He said no- They are all married and living on their own separately. Why didn’t you keep them all together? How can I do that as they have their own life lead with their family? Have the siblings lost their love and affection for each other?
What madness! They are all getting along very well helping each other when the need arises. So is ‘Federal Living’ I told him. The so-called Joint Family system in India too is coming to an end and the families are living separately with no love lost between them. In fact, they have no fear of one family overrunning the other.
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Plato / December 7, 2022
A good many folks including our own well-meaning Jehan Perera has been carried away by President RWs latest gimmick- Resolution of the National Question by Feb;04th 2023, after 75 years of Freedom- Of the wild ass……….
Hurrah!
Believe me Jehan. This is what is known as flying Kites at Galle Face Green situated opposite the Presidential Secretariat.The site of a freedom struggle known as Aragalaya just a few weeks ago.
All are looking up at the Kite soaring high on the skies…………..
Next story doing the rounds would be that President RW could also carry Fire under water…….
Reader Deepthi Silva has underestimated RW BY SAYING HE CAN WALK ON WATER…….
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paragon / December 9, 2022
MY 3 BALLS SRISENA Is very cunning he really wants to create a rift between tamil parties and RANIL.That is the reason he got up from his sleep and taking about DISTRICT COUNCIL.MY 3 ALL INTENTION IS PUTTING RANIL IN TO TROUBLE BEFORE BUDGET 3RD READING VOTING TO MAKE TAMIL PARTIES TO VOTE AGAINST BUDGE VOTING IN PARLIAMENT.
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Good Sense / December 10, 2022
The mere mention of a district, as it appears to me, might give the impression that the existing provincial councils are scrapped an the old JR District Development Council is revived. The very purpose of various measures to “devolve authority” is to ensure that requisite resources are reached to the peripheral areas of the country along with people of the locality in having a greater say in their own affairs. Judging from the continued “dilapidated” state of affairs in various peripheral parts of the country, and the crying for attention, nothing tangible has taken place in any of the measures in devolving the authority. If you have provincial councils the provincial capital gets most of the attention and likewise, under district councils, the district capital gets most of the attention. Unfortunately, in any administration a good amount of effort is spent on “housekeeping” activities and the aim in creating the institution is forgotten. If the attempt is to create a third level of devolution such as the district under the second level of province then it is important to analyze the proposal dispassionately. But it should not stop there, and the village must benefit.
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