28 March, 2024

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UNP Names Sajith Premadasa As Presidential Candidate

The United National Party has named Sajith Premadasa as their Presidential candidate a short while ago. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe proposed UNP deputy leader, Minister Sajith Premadasa’s name for presidential candidacy. The nomination was unanimously approved during the UNP Working Committee meeting held at Sirikotha this evening.

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  • 20
    8

    Soma Weerasinghe, I like to add to a few brilliant points you
    have made. Perhaps this did not receive your attention. One
    is how Ranil Wickremesinghe sells the country. He is the
    soul behind the SOFA agreement. He was seeking US help.
    Then he secretly backs India and even China.

    He loves pomp, pageantry, ceremonies as long as the public
    pay for them. This is why Sajith Premadasa told a public rally
    in Matugama that he has fattened himself with the public
    largesse.

    • 10
      6

      He may be better than Gotabaya, but still not a good choice.
      He does not have enough knowledge in lanken politics. He can thought continue building houses for the people. However, My choice is Mr Nagananda Kodithuwakku or any one emerging as alternative force

      • 11
        5

        Please, do clarify how he is better than Gota ? What Sajith does is, make cheap enough house schemes to offer to the low income families of Sri Lanka on LOAN BASIS. Do you realise how putting the very low income people under debt dos to the growth of this country. Apparently, good or bad Sajith seems to be the only one within the UNP camp to move about and get along with the people, so yes Sajith is their best option for any chance to end up second.

        Gota doesn’t have any political knowledge. Which is why I think he is best to rule the country. Politics is used only to get into & stay in power. Managing all activities of a country doesn’t require any knowledge of politics. That’s why we got a farmers boy deliberately trying and failing to do his job. For decades now, we’ve listened to politicians. Gota has a rigid knowledge and experience in managing, in taking the best use of limited resources and handling foreign forces. All this with the proper military discipline and we get the perfect ruler.

        ‘What you think, you become’ – Buddha
        Don’t think stupid, Buramphisincho !

        • 2
          4

          Bullshit

          • 0
            0

            “Bullshit” – that’s a great point you’re making. The capital ‘B’ makes it really appealing. Bravo! How long did it take to come up with brilliant stuff like this. Great work here, now go show this to your pre-grade teacher, I’m sure she’ll show her appreciation.

            You write your snide bullshit from a dark room cause that’s what the angry do nowadays. Get a life wattage punchi. I should have flamed you for that name alone but ‘Istopan’ doesn’t get me anywhere either.

  • 21
    11

    Oh, Oh,Oh !!! Gota was never a civil servant! O course he was crowned as one by his elder brother! He was a military man and in that he stepped into basic executive rank being a Colonel! As the secretary of defense he worked hard basically for glory of his elder brother and himself at a colossal expense to the country! Whatever they needed was served on a golden plate and as such it should have been their primary obligation do what hey were expected to do. They were a pretty prevailed lot and it is somewhat silly to talk about their heroism and what not! If not for Field Marshal Srath Fonseka the war would having going on without a successful termination!

    Of course Sajith P has no military war to fight on! That is a blessing. However he has to fight a big time economic war of delivering all the goodies to the masses education, health, jobs and a strategy for equitable distribution of incomes. He got be doing his strategic planning work right now and should also be developing a vision to be shared by the people and their ownership! If not SP will also be running around the mulberry bush over next five years and eventually this paradise will be lost to a dictator who will do everything to sustain himself and family!

    • 7
      3

      Siri – Sarath Fonseka was not a new recruit who joined Army when Rajapaksas came to power – he was there for many years and was fighting many LTTE wars under several Army Commanders but none was successful to annihilate LTTE – because Army never received proper political leadership and backing – when Rajapaksas came to power SF was promoted as Army Commander and was given all the support (morally and materially )
      he needs to annihilate LTTE – Rajapaksas never allowed actors of LTTE’s international backers to interfere with war – So it is not fair to say ” we won the war because of SF” it is a teamwork

      Rajaaspaksas fail mainly –

      – They could not handle the countries Foreign Policy ( mainly due to wrong people at wrong places – like appointing dumb assholes like Sajin Vaas as Coordinating Minister for Foreign affairs) – We had no proper people to counter the false propaganda spread by Tamil Diaspora with the able assistance of UNP (like Ranil saying our Armed forces had killed about 40000 innocent Tamils- which Drusman used in his report )
      – Mahinda turn a blind eye to all the misdeeds of his sons and his party members
      – He let his brothers to rule over all the affairs of the country and relevant Ministers became puppets of his siblings
      – Never was serious about corruption (you eat and let others also eat was his principal)
      – Over reliance of China

      The biggest question now we have is – What the heck Yahapalanaya had done to correct – nothing
      They also repeated the same mistakes

      • 1
        2

        why not mention international backers of Rajapksas=Jews? Jews are the main architecture of Sri lanka war and wanted to promote Rajapaksas as heroes. Ask Rajapaksasa to tell how they daily communicate with Jews.
        Will they ever mention about Jews from CIA who are operating 24 hours backing RW. Rajapksas, , Tamil and Indian now?

  • 20
    22

    According to the Sajith insiders, he will contest under the Swan. Ranil or Karu from the UNP under the Elephant to keep the TNA alliance, CWC under Arumugum Thonda and the rest of Tamil minority parties not willing to extend support directly to Sajith will go under the UNP alliance of Ranil&Karu under the UNP Elephant symbol. The SLFP will also come under SajithP I’m told although not confirmed lead by Kumar Welgama. The Vikulpa balavegaya of intellectual and Purwesi Balawega with other small minority parties and labor unions to come under SajithP. I have been in contact with the JVP and they too are willing to join this coalition including several left leaning parties. We must trounce the murders of the Raja DUSHTAYA’s and MINNIMARUWA’s trying to make a come back to make this country into another blood pond. The GOAT will be BBQ’d and charbroiled ALIVE!

    • 2
      0

      @ Deshapremiya: What stupid conclusions!
      If what you are suggesting happens, GOTA will sail through to the Presidency. All the breakaways you have identified will share the 51% the yahapalana govt secured in 2015 and none of these groups will get more than 20%

      • 1
        0

        @Nonresident
        Saho-MARAYA, stupidity is a trait in bakalaya’s like you. Yakko, this is a Sinhala Buddhist country and the gummay Sinhalaya’s of the grass root are us who know that if the Lord Buddha was alive, his testicles would not be spared by the Raja Paka’s Hitlerization of the country. Do ‘STUPID’ NonResident’s buy their tickets early and custom modify their baggages with false bottoms to hide contraband the next day when the UNP nominations were in with SajithP?

  • 8
    13

    What Great News this?….The Second Dalit of the UNP is on the Rise….

    But I have my doubts after reading that the ever Green UNP Leader , Dr Ranil himself proposed Keselwatta Kid .

    Dr Ranil’s new best mate Galleon Ravi not only ridiculed , but insulted the Kid in Public by asking him to bring his OL Certificate to Srikotha,
    In light of that disclosure what hope the Kid has to get the Colombo Elite to vote for him?.

    Also Tissa Attanayaka , who was sent to jail with hard labor by Dr Raiil was the first to jump on to Keselwatta Kid,s Presidential Caravan.
    Is Dr Ranil planning to get a Pardon from Attanayaka?.

    Dr Laksiri even agreed that Dr Ranil had only 3 Conditions for Keselwatta Kid.
    Now they say there are 10 conditions Keselwatta Kid has agreed to get the UNP Nomination.
    Wonder Attanayaka is in one of them?..

    • 13
      8

      Sumanasekera,
      Just ask Gota Raja should submit his SLA HR FILE. Along with his US citizenship renounciation certificate.
      Cheers!

  • 10
    0

    Like in the French presidential system they should have two rounds of voting to get rid of the ‘also rans’. 21 candidates in all I believe. What a bunch of jokers. Why can’t they give that money to charity.

    • 1
      1

      there are 2 rounds .If no one gets over 50% as sure it will be this time,then the first two only contest the second round.
      foolish voters last time rejected the siddhalepe vedemahattaya who would have given a cow to each and every household ,even apartment dwellers.Condition was anybody refusing to take the cow would be imprisoned.Somehow you have to keep the cow for 1 year,even in your flat.At least everyone would have got a cow.Now what did they get after 5 years.They and their children have to pay and pay the loans forever.

  • 24
    8

    Gotha told the media “there is no use in planning when you cannot execute “. Sure, Gotha is an able executioner , who has executed thousands of his own country men/women.

    • 1
      0

      Gota has no plan. Discipline, Discipline is the magic word. His monologue at Viyathmaga ignored debt servicing or ecconomic recovery. He will follow his brother’s footsteps and borrow borrow from China, who will give eagerly. He has not a clue to manage Ecconomy. His advisors Nalaka et al will run amok.

  • 18
    3

    Reading comments I realise what a divided Nation is my Sri Lanka.
    Can we ever rise ?
    Do we need external enemies?

    Unfortunately, even the UN too meddles in Sri Lanka’s Internal politics. UN too is biased.

    • 7
      1

      Every democratic country has two or three parties and hence division except in a dictatorship where it is the Rulers Vs common folk. Eg. Rajapaksa & family Vs all others. But there is a common aim to develop country but only diffeent roadmap by all parties. Here in SL it is different as all parties are for themselves only.

  • 15
    8

    Ranil needs to eff of asap. If he does not then he needs to be caught by his dry withering balls and thrown out lock stock and barrel. The wanker and his midnight friends needs to be told eff of or face the music.

  • 12
    2

    at last. Now we have a real exciting game.Let the games begin.From next year,a better era.

  • 16
    3

    Fight is on! Rajapaksha V anti Rajapaksha camp. No UNP, Phottuwa or JVP fight. People are more clever this time I think to choose which camp they are going to vote. Last time 6.2 m voted against the Rajapaksha camp. Any of those voters highly unlikely again vote for Rajapaksha. 0.6m JVP vote in that total. So “Swan” must look for at least another 1m. in order to get the cup. I think the new voters at least 200,000 Muslims and Tamils. The rest will come with the Tab distribution, employment opportunities, houses and all the other goodies. So it is not difficult to be the President of Sri Lanka for Sajith, if he keeps the party together, stop criticizing the current Govt, criticize the SLFP & Sirisena clan and appreciate the work done by Ranil & other ministers. Congratulations Sajith!

    • 0
      0

      hector

      JVP vote cannot be discounted like that from the anti rajapakse camp.It will not be there as you rightly pointed out in the first round,but will be in the second round.

    • 2
      0

      Your analysis is based on ancient numbers (2015). Try your analysis using the 2018 Pradeshiya Sabha poll numbers, Based on which, UNP wont get more than 40%

      • 0
        0

        Pradeshiya Sabha voting is not the same as Presidential. Quite a different ball Game.
        However, Ranil and his boys ruined the Ecconomy and growth rates have come down drastically. Disgusted voter will not go UNP way. Gota not the ideal candidate to garner UNP votes. Need to look at alternative candidates. A Naghananda or Pallewatte may be a good change. They can’t possibly make it any worse. AKD and his boys too could help out.

  • 11
    18

    Hooray another Sinhalese Buddhist nut, going to build 1000 viharas (rapist, pedophile den)…..jayawewa…..

    • 2
      1

      1000 white vans or 1000 vihara’s.what do you prefer muthuu?Mangalam say no money.

    • 4
      0

      j.muthu, so what is your preference mate? An LTTE sympathizer or an Islamic Jihardist as president perhaps? In case you didn’t know, democracy is the preference of the majority – like it or not.

      • 3
        0

        j.muthu has forgotten who killed Sajith’s father. Sajith has not forgotten.

        • 3
          1

          Bawa

          “j.muthu has forgotten who killed Sajith’s father. “

          I don’t believe the Tamil Speaking Sinhala Jamis Muthu Banda has the b***s to kill anyone. You should ask the supporters of Lalith Athulath Dirty Bomb Mudali as to how they assassinated Premadasa and why.

          “Sajith has not forgotten.”
          -.
          Not really he has conveniently forgotten a few things.

        • 0
          0

          bawa
          i think that sajth would have realised that the killing of his father was in retaliation to the killing of lalith athulathmudali one week earlier.Lalith had said if any one kills him preme will be killed within a week.so cooray decided to kill 2 birds with one stone,and lopped off lalith without the permission of preme,who was furious.

  • 1
    1

    Sajith,
    Congratulations to get the UNP nomination. I am sure you understand the challenge you face is real. The country is divided. The economy is suffering. Racism and Religious fundamentalism is at its peak. Your competitor has advantages and disadvantages. Similarly, you have advantages and disadvantages. Your competitors advantage includes they had used the war victory as their own victory and substantial Sinhala Buddhist majority fall into this propaganda and ignored their brutal dictatorship, corruption and complete destruction of law and order and justice system. Their disadvantages that minority communities are not going to support them. Your challenge is that how you are going to change the minds of Buddhist Sinhala majority who fall in the hands of Fundamentalist Buddhists while ensuring safety and rights of the minorities. Further, economy needs stability and what are you going to do to improve the economy. You need to come up with proposals, policies and how you are going to implement them.

  • 1
    1

    Except for the 2015 elections, since independence, every election has had the now robust language/religion-divide as the main issue.
    Basil Rajapaksa formed SLPP, slogan “No reconciliation with Tamils”, and in February 2018 Local Government elections led SLPP to a big slice.
    .
    SLPP Presidential candidate Gotabaya Rajapaksa can be easily outvoted.
    Sajith will be able to. How will he?

  • 2
    5

    <<>>>

    Of course we will build 1000 Viharas and 10000 churches. There is nothing you can do about it.

    • 1
      2

      Reggie,
      Will you build a few MOSQUES too?
      Cheers!

      • 1
        0

        Ben Hurling

        Recently the Buddha Sasana minister stated that 130 Vihares have been closed down due to lack of resources including monks, sanitation facilities, ………………. water, ….

        Why shouldn’t the Muslims be given the opportunity to take over these closed down Vihares and convert them into either business concerns or Mosques or Madarasas?

        Or in fact use as burial ground/crematorium for those dead monks in these redundant Vihares?

  • 1
    1

    DONT USE THE SWAN MAN……IF U DO SO IT WILL BE THE FIRST OF ALL MISTAKES TO COME

  • 1
    0

    Sajith, as mentioned by a reader you have only one chance and one chance only to do good.
    If you are going to allow morons in the railways, health sector and public transport to hold you and the country to ransom then you had better find a place to hide in one of the 1000 viharas you intend to build.
    You will be a laughing bull to all around and your master Ranil uncle will be laughing all the way to Kanatte crematorium.
    Think seriously and hard.

  • 1
    0

    Who cares ? None of us are going to vote for any of these guys are we ?

    We vote for the new guys – Pallewatte and Nagananda et al !

    Surely they can’t cause more harm and even if they do who cares ?

  • 4
    0

    As long as he does not become like his father. We do not want death squads, and journalists tortured and killed.

  • 1
    0

    The UNP’s hopes of winning this election are reliant on minority support and JVP support. TNA support is doubtful as the Keslwatte Kid does no and never will have a practical policy. The muslim leadership will support SP to secure Cabinet positions but the Muslims on the ground will vote for the local who relates to them. The Catholics who are scared after Eater Sunday incident will never vote for UNP. The SLFP may join the bandwagon if the King steps aside and hands over leadership to the next generation. RW has followed his uncle’s Napoleanic policies, ‘either me or the deluge’ in nominating SP.

  • 1
    0

    The choice is clear isn’t it ? Two tainted candidates with no unblemished records.
    So let’s just vote for the lesser of the two evils and hope for the best.

  • 1
    0

    Rajitha and Champike might have to settle for lesser dreams………………Fonseka might have to stay at home with his medals……………Galeon Ravi (mind you he is an important source of funds to UNP in the past)?

  • 0
    2

    Sanity will win. He has the block UNP plus minorities. Who decides the fate of the country it is the floating vote.

    Good luck choose a good leader like last 67 years.

    Brighter Future

    Let’s have an UNP parliament as well.

    • 8
      0

      “Let’s have an UNP parliament as well”, we do have a UNP government. Look how that turned out. Economic downfall, unbearable debt trap, Central Bank theft, selling local properties to foreign countries, importing low quality cheap Indian medicine, imprisoning monks for speaking against the government, beating differently abled retired military for protesting, disabling access to social media in times of crisis, etc. As you can see, we are reaping the benefits of having a UNP parliament. How much suffering do you need to see from the people of Sri Lanka to say no to this. First step of solving any problem is realizing there is one. I hope you rethink on some of the stuff that you are so firm on.

  • 1
    2

    All the best to Sajith. And let us thank Mangala, Harin, and the others who steadfastly and courageously promoted Sajith’s candidacy.

    Dear Sjaith, we don’t need more chaityas. (Anyway, 90% of the Buddhist monks are behind the Rajapakses. That’s a lost cause for the UNP.) What we need are clean toilets and water for our children at government schools, and some lunch for the children (even a bun and a glass of milk like in the old days would be welcome).

  • 3
    1

    After hearing that Sajith Premadasa is named as the Presidential candidate, members of the Unpatriotic National Party lit fire crackers and ate Kiribath. When Ranasinghe Premadasa became the President some Sinhalayo lit fire crackers and ate Kiribath. When President Premadasa was assassinated by LTTE Sinhalayo lit fire crackers and ate Kiribath. Sajith should keep this in mind when he says he will go for maximum (Uparima) devolution of power. Sinhalayo should demand a clarification from him what he means by ‘maximum devolution of power’ before they decide to vote for him.

    • 1
      2

      The very same people will fre crackers, eminent MR would be exploded into pieces to the very same manner, Premadasa faced it then. That says nothing. These are just uneducated masses, if anyone would say ” sadu sadu”; they would repeat it without questioning the least. That is the nature of sinhala buruwas of your nature. i AM BORN sinhalaya but became international after moving out of the country, Today, I dont respect or call me sinhalaya but an international citizen. So, Eagle, whatever you would add would have no validity, since you guys are no better to any tribes rotten and dead away in tribal leaders dominated africa. Just imagine, you guys cant yet to realize that we the sinhaalya are the worst in spreading racism and extremism in the country. Rajapksehs will have no masses around, if he would become neutral as RW has been. Rajakshes enters to any temple seeking popularity among grass eaters rather than getting close the educated people. He could do a real change in this country, had ballige putha a good brain beyond his family. To me, if the bugger woudl ahve been taken away by god tomorrow, , that is the day where we can stay having nektar celebrating it. The bugger, only creates new divisions in the country where almost everything is left torn by a 30-long year war.
      The kind of men should be kept away from any human association. Ballige putha Wimal weerawnase should be punished going by maximum jaIL SESSIOSN with rehab chances.

  • 1
    1

    This is true democracy when one person selected by many as compared to ONLY MR asked to select SLPP candidate and they talk democracy. If Sajith then everyone has freedom but GR means only RAJAPASHAYA way. Pathetic hangers on after use by date like GLP will just be ball boys for laundry work.

  • 4
    2

    Gota YOU better WIN for the sake of the country …Get a good team…Enact decent laws..restructure the country management systems so everyone including Sinhala Buddhist can live in the country rather than running away from the country …..have an economy where people want to stay in the country…

  • 3
    2

    I was at Katharagama 3 weeks ago and was deeply touched to see the amount of construction of basic facilities that Sajith has been quietly doing on behalf of the suffering people in that area.
    Sajith has been like a guardian angel keeping watch over the helpless and the less privileged over the years. That is not common with the rest of the so called politicians. Once they are in power they forget about the common man.
    Perhaps it is time to return the favour and go all out and vote for Sajith. We need a person who actually feels the pain of the suffering people who form the bulk of the population. They are the foundation of the country, the workers, if they are happy and contented, we could look forward to a progressive nation.
    On the other hand if the masses are miserable, then no matter how rich and prosperous the elite are, it will not make sense, we will not be progressive as a country.
    I think Sajith has the willingness and the drive to actually elevate the underprivileged. Sajith is a nation builder. I will vote Sajith. My family will vote Sajith. I will request all those who want progress to vote for Sajith instead of that beast Gota.
    Yes, Sajith will have a lot of international opposition since he is not a person who will sell what is remaining in our country to the Chinese, etc. This is something to think about.

    • 4
      1

      Where were you deeply touched buddy ? Because, putting those rural village, farming people under debt is not a heroic act. In fact it’s a sin in disguise. Those people have no means of paying Sajith’s house debts and still live a decent life. We’ll have Sajith to thank, when at some point our farmers won’t be able to pay the debts and their farming lands will be ceased by the government.

  • 11
    1

    As if this makes any difference! Economic damages done by this government to the country would take decades to resolve. Not to mention the in-numerous problems caused by, ‘get more loans to pay current loans’ system. As far as business logic concerns, MR/’s government made long term investments (highways, airports, harbors, lotus tour, port city, etc), which in time would pay out the debts and generate massive income to the country. That is a GOOD SYSTEM. Yes, MR took foreign loans, he used the money to generate more money. MS & RW government took 75% more on loans in 4 years than what MR took in 8. Funny thing being MS & RW have got nothing to show, for this money. I pray for Gota to win, if he doesn’t all hell would break loose. We already went through that with Premadasa Sr. Like father like son.

    • 0
      0

      Istopan
      “MR/’s government made long term investments (highways, airports, harbors, lotus tour, port city, etc)”
      Yeah right! Airports without aircraft, harbours without ships, etc. You get my drift…
      As a matter of fact Mara and co had taken so many loans through various means from china, that out central bank didn’t even have a proper track of our actual debt to china back in 2015.
      But why am I wasting my breadth with a Mara nut, no amout of reasoning or logic will convince you otherwise.
      Everything in this world is relative, that is a fundamental fact. So when I people shoule vote Sajith instead of Gota, what I actually mean is that relative to Gota, Sajith is better in most ways. Sajith has a better connection to the ordinary man. He not only builds houses for the poor, he also develops their surroundings. Surely you will not say that the poor have to pay for that as well.
      Besides talking about having to pay back housing loans, what option does a poor person have when it comes to housing. Sajith atleast makes it possible for them to have a roof over their heads, that is a fundamental human need. It gives a person a staring point. Those loans are very soft loans by the way.
      Now lets compare that to how people buy cars. First and foremost the government imposes a huge duty on small cars. Then we take a finance at another exorbitant rate. At the end of the day you end up paying like 5 times the actual amount. No one sees anything wrong with that.
      It is the public servise that Sajith is providing that you seem to question.
      I don’t blame you, once you are bitten by the Mara bug, you will see the world in an upsidedown way.

      • 3
        0

        Airports don’t get traffic as soon as the construction finishes mate. There are international flight routes and many other external variables to consider before getting flights to come to newly built airports. Same goes with harbors, you get my drift. With proper maintenance and decent enough advertising, these places would get the attraction and start generating massive income. No wonder you’re complaining, how can any of that happen when you start using airports as warehouses.
        Your desperate attempts to discredit me by calling me a “Mara nut”, whatever that means, shows how you’re throwing labels and trying to make this about insulting each others egos. Not gonna fall for that weak stuff mate.
        Central bank in-fact did have those documents clear out during the presidential rush in 2015. That’s how the Yahapalana came in front by throwing those stats. You can pick them docs even today and see how much the two governments spent on loans. You probably wouldn’t, cause your whole case is based on conspiracy and word of mouth.
        I never intended that Sajith was a criminal for building house schemes. You’ll have to see the big picture to see what he’s doing wrong. Putting people in debt without providing means to pay them is not the best approach. One must first develop the infrastructure to help those people sell any of their products or services to the right markets. Making high-ways would go a long way in helping the local milk industry. We won’t have to buy milk for 300+ billion rupees from abroad if we do this. Building high quality state of the art government managed warehouses for those people to store their products would help them out massively. Stuff like this will put that extra money into these peoples pockets to pay of house debts and manage other expenses.

  • 0
    0

    ‘Test of the pudding is in it’s eating’. We presume the Presidential hopeful will totally be an independent entity if and when he is elected as the next president of SL. His nomination by PM reminds us of the meaningful sinhalese wise crack “kissing the hand that cannot be severed”, by the way this is the apt quotation to describe PM’s decision. What could or would be his election manifesto, having been educated in UK which we accept as the cradle of democracy, people are hopeful of a five star democracy. Will he take meaningful action to bring all criminals and fraudsters before the law, which the Yahapalanya promised but conveniently swept same under the carpet. If you have the brace and promise the electorate that promise alone is enough to bring your victory and that is my candid opinion. You may leave aside other slogans religion, sinhala , economy, education, etc,etc. to other candidates.

  • 0
    0

    is the Ranil’s plot to enthrone Gota by splitting the Singhalese vote, while he remains PM?

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