Contradicting their own position over the Speaker, nine UPFA MPs wrote to Speaker Karu Jayasuriya asking him to refrain from publishing the Hansard reports on the no-confidence motion on Parliamentarian Mahinda Rajapaksa and the parliamentary vote on the composition of the Committee of Selections.
In a letter to Speaker Karu Jayasuriya, a group of nine UPFA MPs led by Dinesh Gunawardena, requested to refrain from publishing Hansard records from November 14, 15, 16, 19, 21, 23 parliamentary sessions, which validate the no-confidence motion against Rajapaksa and the electronic vote on the committee which solidified the parliamentary majority of the Rajapaksa group.
They made the request on the grounds that the parliamentary sessions on the given dates were not carried out according to parliamentary traditions and standing orders. As a result, they added, the UPFA would not accept the legitimacy of the parliamentary sessions.
The letter, however, came soon after the UPFA declared that they would boycott the parliamentary sessions citing their refusal to accept Karu Jayasuriya as the legitimate Speaker of Parliament due to the latter’s “partial behaviour”. The request was made to the same Speaker whose legitimacy they refused to recognize.
“We will not accept Karu Jayasuriya as the Speaker if he does not accept Mahinda Rajapaksa as the Prime Minister of the country and the UPFA as the ruling party. We will boycott parliamentary sessions until the Speaker recognizes us as the ruling party in Parliament,” Dinesh Gunawardena, the self-appointed Leader of the House of the UPFA, said addressing a press conference in Parliament earlier today.
Addressing the same press conference, MP Nimal Siripala de Silva said it was “absurd” that the Parliament was meeting without a ruling party. “Only the opposition is represented in Parliament and the Speaker is acting like a member of the opposition. That’s why we decided to boycott parliamentary sessions.”
Responding to the UPFA’s allegations, a UNP Parliamentarian said the UPFA was the only “ruling party” in world history to boycott parliament. “Nowhere in the world has a ‘ruling party’ boycotted Parliament. Such methods of protest have always been used by opposition parties. But then again no other Prime Minister in the world has continued to hold office illegally, after losing two consecutive no-confidence motions in Parliament. “
roy / November 27, 2018
It is the President who is so dangerous to the country, now We know after the hopper feed by Mara and Sira , Sira played the game being in the opposition and became the President with UNP votes thus protecting the Mustachio Mara from then. Sira was protecting Medamulana mafia boss while milking to fill his pockets , If UNP had total power all these thugs would have been behind bars. Patholaya should be blamed for the state of the country. The wealth Mara ,patholaya and their golayas have amassed from the country is huge ,with that money Srilanka would have had a healthy economy.
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Don Stanley / November 28, 2018
CT Editors: Thanks, but why do you not also focus on the fact that the PCOI Report on the Bond Scam was sent to the Department of National Archives where it is now held with an embargo for the next 30 years!!
The FULL report of the Bondscam inquiry must also be released. Who is withholding information on bondscams to protect whom for the last year,? This is to protect Ranil Wickramasinghe, his royal college mafia and foreign Economic hit men – bond traders!
Seems that Sri Lanka is following the instructions of Ranil’s foreign handlers who put Lanka in the Debt trap to capital market bond traders and are crashing the rupee.
The US Deep state also “embargos” release of its activities?!!
Also, information re. Sri Lanka’s sovereign debt holders seems to be embargoed by Central Bank o Sri Lanka to protect those who are waging an economic war against Sri Lanka?! A RTI petition must be filed to reveal who the bond traders who Mahendran sold to?
CT you have got to do a better job of balanced reporting.
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Sinhala_Man / November 27, 2018
What sort of black comedy do these fellows like Dinesh Gunawardena and Sirisena think that they are playing. Don’t they realise that this country belongs to 22 million of us, and I am one of them.
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Each of these rascals in parliament has only an equal right to this country as I do; nothing more, nothing less.
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I think that the entire country is getting fed up with this charade. Let me state that I am very much a man of this Sri Lankan soil, living in a village, and people are now beginning to realise that we’ve been taken for a ride by these fellows in parliament. When the time is ripe we will refuse to tolerate some of the old-stagers from the UNP. But the country now demands a return to the status quo ante before Sirisena (who got elected with my vote, which was partly a rejection of what the Rajapaksas stood for) . . . . before Sirisena imagined that he could tell me what was good for me.
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I think that I must puff myself up a bit and proclaim that we the people demand that the clowns who finally got elected to be our servants meet in parliament and faithfully record what transpires in the Hansards.
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I greatly admire the courage that the old man, the Speaker, Karu Jayasuriya has displayed.
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Rajash / November 28, 2018
“I greatly admire the courage that the old man, the Speaker, Karu Jayasuriya has displayed.”
Sinhala Man unfortunately on man’s courage is not enough…all Sri Lankans now need to be courageous and take to the streets
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Kumar R. / November 28, 2018
Rajash,
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I am confused as well.
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Sinhala_man was urging the desperate Tamil’s to take to the street on their own aggressively if they feel the Govt is not acting civilly towards them.
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However, despite expressing repeated exasperations of his own about the SL governance, Sinhala_Man feels his (meaning that of the intellectuals among the majority) responsibility ends with mere lip-service condemning and expressing disgust!
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Who I wonder Sinhala_Man expects should take the lead responsibility of objective action needed (perhaps aggressive street protests as S_M’s suggested panacea for the Tamils) to begin reform of the rubbished governance – the Tamils? The “rascal” politicians? The gullible “non-intellect among the majority? The intellectual, yet moronic racists among the majority such as Dayan? I wish Sinhala_Man would candidly identify that!
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Is it a wonder the country is in such a mess?
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Sinhala_Man / November 28, 2018
Kumar R,
.
You are great at one thing: taking a few words out of context and launching ad hominem attacks. And that, after saying that there is no need for you to reveal your identity because you claim that when you attack, you stick to facts, and not to personalities.
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Yes, I think that I once asserted the right of Tamils to protest against injustice, and encouraged them to do so. That has to be seen in the context of a few racist political Sinhalese saying things like Tamils should not be allowed to mourn their dead relatives. I would assert that you have the right to mourn even your dead heroes. Wasn’t there an effort to stop you from celebrating something called “Ma….” Day (commemorating either all LTTE Dead or Prabhakaran. I do what I can, often carefully checking facts. I’ve not done that here – just don’t have the time, but what I’m saying should be clear. No doubt you will carerfully search the words here, seeking something you could use against me – whom you certainly cannot accuse of being either racist or mischievous.
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My identity is known (so ad hominems are possible), you are very careful to hide your identity.
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When taking risks (and I do) one has to evaluate whether hoped for outcomes are sufficiently realistic and tangible to warrant sticking out your neck.
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I don’t advocate that average Tamils who are living staid lives should act recklessly.
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You are a coward, aren’t you? Hiding behind anonymity and firing at me instead of confronting the leading racists on both sides of the divide.
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Kumar R. / November 30, 2018
Dear Sinhala_Man,
(Part 1 of 2)
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You have to revert for the umpteenth time to the same slime-ball of a defense based on anonymity only because you realize you have no objective explanation!
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You say you are being “punished” for your stands you express here, you realize it is risky, and also now concede it will be foolish to stick your neck out. At one foolish moment you decided to reveal your name without much foresight, perhaps hoping to gain some personal credit for your expressed moderate views, and now seemingly find yourself in the soup! I sympathize!!
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Also, let me correct your interpretation on the aggressive street protest you suggested. You lamented about the repeated election of rogue, bigoted and undemocratic leaders who you held responsible for the plight of minorities, particularly Tamil war victims. However, when I suggested, if you as a moderate, intellectual silent majority, could you take the initiative to elect democratic leadership who would provide justice to the minority you back peddled and urged that the Tamils should undertake aggressive protests, but that they are on their own to do that, implying of course you would choose to remain the silent majority on the issue of oppression of minorities. Quite disappointing, though perhaps not surprising!
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Kumar R. / November 30, 2018
Dear Sinhala_Man,
(Part 2 of 2)
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Now you are lamenting about the rapidly deteriorating prospects of the nation, and want someone else to fight the fight for you suggesting that the attack should be on the stupid extremists. You should by now realize that the country moved so backwards, not because of the stupid or the naïve, but because of the impotency of the silent Majority who let the extremists on both sided dictate terms. The extremists are either stupid, naïve or intentionally destructive. What exactly is the point of repeatedly admonishing the ill-informed, the stupid and the rascals? Who do you think needs to take the LEAD responsibility for initiating action to educate, reform, enlighten them so as to elect more democratic, fair, intellectual leadership who alone effect required democratic reforms going forward.
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Obviously you think that if the intellectual, informed, democracy-championing majority can do that by “puffing up” – whatever that means, that would work. I suggest your remedy is, on multiple counts, just a lot of hot air!
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Instead of holding breath puffing up, if you would only take a moment to reflect objectively to assess who among the population has that LEAD responsibility, you may be pleasantly surprised to realize who exactly is the coward! God bless!!
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Nic / November 28, 2018
Rajesh – Citizens must take control and charge – slipper the two clowns MR and MS out of office by taking to the streets – an Arab Spring of sorts. Teach these career politicians who think it is their birth right to be in power from one generation to the next. It applies to both sides of the political divide.
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NAK / November 28, 2018
Go get some instructions from the US embassy. They holding classes on how to “Arab spring” these days for asses like you.
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NAK / November 28, 2018
It is not his courage man! it is the Diplomatic push behind him!!
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Cholan / November 28, 2018
@ Sinhala Man
Fine give modayas free liquor they will come for demonstration.
But dont expect Tamil why should they.
By boycoting Presidential election Tamils helped murderpakse to become President
by voting for this Grama Sevaka Tamils made Silinona as President.
Enough is Enough
Tamil never ever vote for Sinhala Presidential candidate in future.
Let one Tamil contest and vote for him thus avoid giving 51% majority let them go for re run.
Tamil can show their power to modayas and lip service International community .
Cheers
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Amarasiri / November 27, 2018
Nine UPFA MPs
1 Speaker Put it to a vote of the Parliament Let the PMs decide
2 “Writes To Speaker Requesting To Halt Publication Of Hansard”
Again, put it to a vote. Do the MPs want it Published or not,
However, We the People want the Hansard published, because we want to know.
Are your balls dissolving, like that of Sirisena’s?
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douglas / November 27, 2018
This “Parliamentarian” of UPFA – Dinesh Gunawardena has surpassed in the “Ratings” of the rest of the “JOKERS” of that political outfit. He also has DISGRACED his own father – Boralugoda Sinhaya – Mr. Philliph Gunawardene and his uncle Rober Gunawardane.. I all this while rated Vasu, Wimal, Gammanpila, Bandula, making every attempt to climb up on that scale of the “JOKERS” in Parliament. Now, this Dinesh has topped the list. This Dinesh is next in line to be “Examined” by a Psychiatrist and the Speaker must send him (Dinesh) with that letter. By the way he (Dinesh) is also from the Royal College. What do the students (both past & present) of that college have to say about this Parliamentarian?
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Real Revolutionist / November 27, 2018
Probably it’s correct; speaker KJ, seems to have lost credibility by inquiringly looking @ RW & other UNP members during sessions.
There must be a development in preparing the Hansard in the future by incorporating visuals of proceedings in the house.
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NAK / November 28, 2018
Excatly!
And the editorial staff of the Hansard too must be held held responsible for allowing the lunatic speaker to doctor the contents.
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Samson Gunawardhana / November 28, 2018
WHY YOU GUYS CANT EVEN SENSE THE LEAST ? Going by videos, Ballige Putha led rascals and their brawl would become even much clear to the nation and the world.
There were moment, ballige putha himself had given the sign those Rascals to demolish everything on that day in parliament.
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Plato. / November 27, 2018
The loyalty of Dinesh Gunawardena towards MaRa is simply because Reid Avenue [Royal College] has been named after his wretched father Philip Gunawardena Mawatha.Nothing more nothing less!
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Chitra / November 27, 2018
This is becoming ridiculous by the day. While these scoundrels play their power games, the country is in limbo, the economy keeps getting a big hit, and the international community gets more convinced we are not a secure nation anymore, and cannot get our act together. What the hell is wrong with these people?
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JD / November 27, 2018
What Karu Jayasoorioya says when I went there they asked to become the president. But, I know I am tood old and frail. The american embassy is also the same thing that is why I am doing this (God Natha).
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ramona therese fernando / November 28, 2018
At last UPFA taking definitive and preemptive action!
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ramona therese fernando / November 28, 2018
At last UFPA is taking definitive and preemptive action!
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Thappu / November 28, 2018
ramona therese fernando, Ensconced in USA, you should be having access to highly qualified psychiatrists to ease you of your condition. Hurry, before it gets out of hand!
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JD / November 28, 2018
This comment was removed by a moderator because it didn’t abide by our Comment policy.For more detail see our Comment policy https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/comments-policy-2
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Amarasiri / November 28, 2018
Nine UPFA MPs,
RE: UPFA Refuses To Accept Karu As Speaker: Writes To Speaker Requesting To Halt Publication Of Hansard
Are you a Jokers?
You are like bad students who do not want the bad bad report card to be shown to the parents, and requesting te teachers not to send to the parents
Why not sing the sog, we are jokers, Api Vihilu Karayo.
Raj Kapoor Hit Song – Kehta Hai Joker Saara Zamana – Mera Naam Joker – Popular Bollywood Song
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=64sAYh1SSjc
Enjoy watching this wonderful song Kehta Hai Joker Saara Zamana from Mera Naam Joker, a super hit movie starring Raj Kapoor, Simi Garewal, Rishi Kapoor, and Padmini. This song is written by Neeraj, sung by Mukesh and music is done by Shankar Jaikishan. Have a great musical time watching such melodious songs,
This version , Lanka version, has been playing in Sri Lanka from October 26, 2018. Main joker,s, Sirisena and UPFA
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SKM / November 28, 2018
“We will not accept Karu Jayasuriya as the Speaker if he does not accept Mahinda Rajapaksa as the Prime Minister of the country and the UPFA as the ruling party.” says Dinesh Gunawardena (Bralugoda Poosa)
On what basis does speaker accept UPFA as the ruling party which does not have a majority. In that case he can even take JVP as the ruling party. In the same way, UNP too can have the same argument.
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Ibin Battuta / November 28, 2018
UPFA – Uneducated Parasites and F***ing A***holes
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K A Sumanasekera / November 28, 2018
One time adopted Uncle of Keselwatta Kid, who is now being touted as the next UNP Leader and probably the new caretaker PM,, is in big poo by his relentless defense of the deposed PM Dr Ranil.
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Uncle Karu’s Body Language yesterday while sitting in his Powerful Chair didn’t give me the impression that the Uncle is in Form and in Control…
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Dr Ranil’s young Marrickkar demanded the Speaker to hold an Inquiry against the Pivithuru Perumana Boss and punish him for denigrating the Parliament and the Speaker for telling the Public that the Speaker cooked the Hansard to protect Dr Ranil.
That is serious stuff I guess.
3 Years , 5 years or may be 10 for denigrating the Speaker & his all Powerful Parliament specially now ,
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Maricckar’s forceful delivery of his demand I thought would be the end of Pivithru Udaya who even defended an Aussie attack sponsored by the UNP mates.
And Pivithuru Uday will be wearing the Jumper this time..
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But Uncle Karu’s response blew me away.
Uncle who looked so meek and weak, said ” What to do son (although not in the same words )though) I am happy to wear the Jumper if they hand me one..
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May be Uncle Karu must have seen or read the statements which Digital Harin made to the Media demanding Dr Ranil move on peacefully and hand over the mantle to Keselwatta Kid.
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Another UNP MP who looked a decent old man told HIRU TV, they have been disgusted and distressed by the actions of Dr Ranil and his Butterflies. ..
And the Sinhala Buddhist Faction has moved away from Dr Ranil,
And they are desperate to take UNP back to the decent times when their ancestors like D S & Dudley and even JR. ruled the Roost.
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Will Uncle Karu perish with Dr Ranil?
Or Uncle join the old nephew and get a new lease of Life….
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Analyst / November 28, 2018
KA Sumanasekera
Your boring yarns are becoming a joke .
Why don’t you turn the rap to a different direction instead of boring us forever with your imaginatory tale of two cities or midsummer nights dreaM or even the tragic Macbeth.
Ah!! So pathetic .
Time to take a break bro KAS.
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NAK / November 28, 2018
If you are boring these days bore it deep cos might come in handy after the 7th.
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Native Vedda / November 28, 2018
Analyst
–
KASmaalam KA Sumanasekera is a secret admirer of LTTE and its leader VP. So you got to be bit careful when you criticise him.
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K A Sumanasekera / November 29, 2018
Dear Native,
Analyst seems to be a cool dude..
He has even read Macbeth and Mid Summer Nights..
No wonder they don’t barrack for our poor Dalits..
Do you know what is in there mate?…
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Native Vedda / November 29, 2018
KASmaalam KA Sumanasekera
–
Mahinda/Macbeth
Three astrologers tell the Madumulana aspiring king that he will be King of entire Sri Lanka. Encouraged by his wife, brothers and his b***s carriers, Mahinda kills his rivals, becomes the new king, and kills more people out of paranoia. Civil war erupts to overthrow Mahinda, resulting in more death.
–
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
A story of order and disorder, reality and appearance and love and marriage.
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Kugan / November 28, 2018
Look at these rowdies feel sorry for the wives and children….
It’s like go to courts if the verdict is not favour to you reject the judge how simple is that.
These cowards knows they don’t have chance come through the election.
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Mallaiyuran / November 28, 2018
The request was made to the same Speaker whose legitimacy they refused to recognize.
They probably are getting “Ranil” Syndrome. They don’t want to go to court.
Until they bring a NCM he(Karu) is going to be the Speaker.
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Uthungan / November 28, 2018
As the ruling party has refused to recognise the legitimacy of the Speaker and is boycotting Parliament,doesn’t the self appointed Leader of the House Dinesh Gunawardena realise the inherent abusurd contradiction in his request to the Speaker, to not publish the Hansard records about what took place between 14thNovember and the23rd of that same month?
No wonder SL has now become a laughing stock for the rest of the world.
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mike / November 28, 2018
“UPFA Refuses To Accept Karu As Speaker: Writes To Speaker Requesting To Halt Publication Of Hansard.”
Ammata Hoooooooooooo, Ammata Hoooooooooooo !
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Ajay / November 28, 2018
Dinesh Gunawardena and his underworld colleagues behaved like buffaloes on steroids in Parliament on the days in question. No wonder they don’t understand that the Speaker doesn’t determine who the ruling party is. Rather, he recognizes the majority in Parliament. It’s about time the voters kick them out of Parliament and restore order and human dignity to our politics and social life. Animals should do their jilmart in the jungles they come from.
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Analysts / November 28, 2018
These illegal occupants of the so called fake government are trying to control the speaker and the majority party.
When are they going to be taught a lesson and lose all the respect??
They’re behaving like the third grade delinquents .
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Concerned Sinhala Man / November 28, 2018
These UPFA men have proved that they would not respect any law and order prevailing in this country.
Chilli Powder Rajakashe led rascals but calling themselves Prime minister and the cabinet have no ethics and morals.
How these men ever face the people and ask them to respect the law and order is beyond coomphrehension to any healthy one.
My million dollar question, why the law and order in the country tolerate FAKE PM and Cabinet.
Is that a POT hole in lanken Law and order system ?
This way, how would every institution react not resepcting legally bound rules and regulations ?
If PEOPLE are supreme, then we need to DRIVE away FAKE PM and his Cabinet ?
Perhaps the language they understand is STONING and midivel punishments.
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thrishu / November 28, 2018
Better to use that mace as firewood or a fence post now. It has no power any more in a houseful of untamed wild animals. The speaker is no more than the master of a circus and cog of a wild-roundabout driven by corrupt MPs. Time that we dismantle the whole shindig and handover the running of the country to military. If I were the Commander of the Army, I would send all these MPs and corrupt officials to do some 3-years of square bashing until they learn discipline.
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Native Vedda / November 28, 2018
thrishu
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“If I were the Commander of the Army, I would send all these MPs and corrupt officials to do some 3-years of square bashing until they learn discipline.”
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You mean the Monty Python – Camp Square-Bashing
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eWuu4Vswi9Y
Good idea.
What do you suggest for Rjapaksa clan?
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Rajash / November 28, 2018
The maa veerar day was observed all over Jaffna openly…with photos of VP and LTTE flags flying.. ……fathers, mothers, brothers, sister, husbands, wives, children, friends all remembering their loved ones……
…not a whimper of complain from Sinhala politicians, not a single army or police unleashed to stop the large gathering all over Jaffana….
why ?…the Sinhala politicians are busy fighting each other ….
bashing the Tamils is put on the back burner temporarily…
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Native Vedda / November 28, 2018
Rajash
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There a number of arrests reported in the media.
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nalmen / November 28, 2018
any excuse not to attend parliament as they dont have a majority
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Champa / November 28, 2018
Not to publish the Hansard??????? I think this is an honourable joke!
I don’t understand why they are so furious with the Speaker.
May be the plan was to get the Speaker to Maithri’s side, but he seemed to have refused.
The coup masters clearly have not prepared for eventualities.
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NAK / November 28, 2018
Has Champa gone mad!!
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K A Sumanasekera / November 29, 2018
I don’t think NAK.
Could be Aloysious Syndrome…..
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Buddhist / November 28, 2018
Let the SL Ponna Pakshaya guys and SLFP guys of Maithree follow their own request…. ” bring a motion in the Parliament and get it approved”! Otherwise shut up!
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NAK / November 28, 2018
The real ponna pakshaya is the unp starting from its leader ponil ! then you have avaman GALA, sa GALA, ak HILA, babana suji and so on………..
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Eagle Eye / November 28, 2018
Is there a connection between the 19th Amendment and the plot to assassinate the President?
Before 19th Amendment was passed, if the President die, powers of President is vested with the Speaker and he has to hold an election to appoint a new President within three months.
According to the 19th Amendment, if the President die power is vested with the PM and not with the Speaker. Also, PM can act as the President until the end of the President’s term in office.
—————————
P.S. I have not read the Constitution and the 19th Amendment. What I wrote is based on what I heard in a TV discussion.
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NAK / November 28, 2018
“Is there a connection between the 19th Amendment and the plot to assassinate the President?”
YES!!
The 19th states that if the President is dead the PM (Ranil that is)becomes the president for the rest of the his period.
It is like the good old days when kings son kills his father and become the king.
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Native Vedda / November 28, 2018
NAK
–
Have you been suffering from p***s envy?
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Champa / November 28, 2018
Eagle Eye
The assassination plot was a teledrama to boost President’s image.
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Wera / November 28, 2018
Nimal Siripala de Silva said it was “absurd” that the Parliament was meeting without a ruling party. Who told the short fat idiot that he is part of the ruling party? The rullling party is the majority party. They were in parliament. Any old cabal of clowns can call themselves the rulling party but that does not make it so.
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Patriot / November 28, 2018
One admirable fact has come to surface in this current constitutional fiasco this nation is facing:
THERE ARE SOME THINGS MONEY CANNOT BUY!
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