We, the undersigned, are deeply concerned by reports on the continuing pressure applied on the Election Commission to postpone the local government elections, scheduled for 9th March 2023. It has also become clear that this pressure originates from sections of the government, particularly from its executive branch.
We vehemently condemn attempts by certain powerful sections of the political and bureaucratic elite to undermine the people’s franchise, sovereignty, and representative democracy in the guise of the economic crisis. While noting the socio-economic challenges posed by the economic upheaval, we must rally together to counter initiatives to undermine democratic processes, people’s franchise, and popular sovereignty. We note that mismanagement of the political front by undermining the democratic process can only deepen political instability. It will in turn impact adversely the recovery from the present economic crisis.
We wish to remind the President, the government, and public servants of their constitutional obligation to extend the fullest support and cooperation to the Election Commission to fulfil its constitutional duty of conducting free and fair elections and concluding the local government election as scheduled. We therefore earnestly urge the President and the government, public service officials and others to refrain from any action or inaction that would subvert the democratic process. Upholding the people’s right to franchise is particularly crucial against the backdrop of an exceptional citizen mobilization where the Sri Lanka’s citizen demonstrated their awareness of their democratic rights and are robustly engaging in holding the political and bureaucratic elites accountable. In such a context it is crucial to take note of the demand for parliamentary elections and holding the long overdue provincial council elections.
We also wish to remind the country’s political leadership that playing with the people’s franchise and democratic rights for partisan gains has in the past caused huge political and social costs. The United Front government in 1975 manipulated the constitution and the judiciary to stay in power for two more years only to suffer an unprecedented electoral disaster in 1977. A few years later, the United National Party government of 1977 manipulated the constitution in 1982 to extend the life of the parliament for another full term through a referendum, instead of holding the constitutionally due parliamentary election. This blatant constitutional and institutional manipulation to legalize an unconstitutional and illegitimate political ambition soon plunged the entire country into a protracted violent conflict, causing unprecedented political instability and suffering to the people. Sri Lankan citizens are still struggling to recover from the social, economic and political aftershocks of that most arbitrary act of political manipulation carried out by a government leadership for narrow, selfish and partisan gains.
In fact, holding the local government elections and allowing the citizen’s protests will even function as a crucial pressure valve, enabling the people of Sri Lanka to peacefully release their anger and outrage caused by the mounting economic hardships.
Thus, considering Sri Lanka’s past experiences and recent developments, we, as citizens of Sri Lanka in whom sovereign powers are reposed, demand the following:
* We demand that the President and the government refrain from acting in a manner that subverts the legally mandated and constitutionally valid local government election scheduled by the Election Commission.
* We remind all members of the public service to fulfil their constitutional obligation of facilitating the local government election as scheduled, without allowing themselves to commit illegal acts under undue and unethical pressure.
* We urge the international community to encourage the government to guarantee that the Sri Lankan citizens exercise their right to franchise without any hindrance. Such steps should be sequenced with initiatives at strengthening the rule of law and fundamental freedoms of Sri Lankans.
* We appeal to the citizens of Sri Lanka to be vigilant of their democratic and sovereign right to franchise. Any efforts to undermine fundamental rights and the rule of law must be robustly and peacefully challenged by the citizens.
Signatories:
- A.M.Faaiz
- Aruna Shantha Nonis
- Austin Fernando
- Bernard Edirisinghe
- Bhavani Fonseka
- Brito Fernando
- C.Ranitha Gnanarajah, Attorney-At-Law
- Deekshya Illangasinghe
- Deepanjalie Abeywardana
- Divya Mascranghe
- Dr Maduranga Kalugampitiya
- Dr Rajan Rajasingham
- Dr Ramesh Ramaswamy
- Dr Sudesh Mantilleke
- Dr Vasanthi Thevanesam
- Dr. Devanesan Nesaih
- Dr. Farzana Haniffa
- Dr. Godwin Constantine
- Dr. Jayampathy Wickramaratne
- Dr. Kalana Senaratne
- Dr. Mario Gomez
- Dr. Nimal Chandrasena
- Dr. Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu
- Dr. Rajni Gamage
- Dr. Ram Manikkalingam
- Dr. Sonali Deraniyagala
- Dr. Vinya Ariyaratne
- Dr. Visakesa Chandrasekaram
- Evan Ekanayake
- Fr. Jeewantha Peiris
- Gamini Viyangoda
- Herman Kumara
- Ivan Dassanayake
- Jayanthi Kuru-Utumpala
- Jehan Perera
- Joe William
- Jude Fernando
- Kusum Wijetilleke
- Lionel Bopoge
- M.A Sumanthiran PC
- Manjula Gajanayake
- Minoli de Soysa
- Mirak Raheem
- Nandasiri Jasenthuliyana
- Nethmini Medawala
- Nuwan Bopage
- Palitha Pelpola
- Prabodha Rathnayaka
- Priyankara Costa
- Prof Amal Kumarage
- Prof Priyan Dias
- Prof. Arjuna Parakrama, University of Peradeniya
- Prof. Deepika Udagama
- Prof. Gamini Keerawella
- Prof. Jayadeva Uyangoda
- Prof. Neil DeVotta
- Prof. Nirmal Dewasiri
- Prof. Sasanka Perera
- Prof. Tudor Silva
- Prof. Vasuki Nesaih
- Radhika Coomaraswamy
- Rajan Hoole
- Ramona Miranda
- Renuka Senanayake
- Rohana Hettiarchchi
- Rosanna Flamer-Caldera
- Roshan Mendis
- Ruki Fernando
- Ruvini Perera
- Sarah Arumugam, Attorney-At-Law
- Sarala Emmanuel
- Savithri Thevanesam
- Shanakiyan Rasamanickam
- Shanthi Dias
- Shechem Sumanthiran
- Shreen Saroor
- Stanislaus Celestine
- Thangamuthu Jayasingam
- Timaandra Wijesuriya
- V.Thirukumaran
- V.S.S Thananchayan
- Vijula Arulananthan
Sinhala_Man / February 24, 2023
Thanks to all 82 who have signed this.
.
It is now upto us, the millions of ordinary citizens, to fight for elections.
.
I know that Sir Winston Churchill is hardly a favourite with us, but this 5-minute speech may still be able to inspire us:
.
https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-d&q=Churchill%27s+Speech+++#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:fba9ae9c,vid:CXIrnU7Y_RU
.
“We shall fight on the beaches” for our right to have elections.
.
Panini Edirisinhe of Bandarawela (NIC 483111444V)
/
Jaffna Man / February 24, 2023
Thanks Panini.
The more memorable line is: He has mobilised the English language and sent it into battle.
PS: I was not asked to sign this. Is that an indication of the organizers thinking that I would not sign? But the absence of my signature does not mean that I do not support it. I do.
/
srikrish / February 24, 2023
Yes! franchise is a priority, but not at the expense of all other human rights. But the electoral system that exists is equally important
There are different electoral systems- First past the post system to different types of proportional representations. There are one party elections in some totalitarian countries. Having franchise is necessary, but not sufficient. The necessary and suffient condition is to have a system that suit our qwn country.
Not all will suit a country like Sri Lanka
The same system that works in some countries may not work at all in some other countries.
A particular country should develop innovatively a system that suits the country that favors the sincere, honest, hardworking farsighted politicians with integrity who selflessly serve the people getting elected
The electoral system as it exists in Sri Lanka is heavily flawed. It favors the corrupt to repeatedly getting elected.
What Sri Lanka presently requires is systemic change at once so that all systems fall in line
/
SJ / February 24, 2023
“systemic change at once so that all systems fall in line”
So that is what “systemic change” is about!
Wonder why Dr AA chose to dump it.
Now that we seem to know what systemic change is, the next question is how we achieve it at once?
Food for thought shall I say at a time when normal food is too costly.
/
srikrish / February 25, 2023
Systemic Change?
Aragalaya was spearheaded by non politicians,but Aragalaya concentrated on ‘Gota Go home” slogan as if among the politicians Gotabaya is the only culprit and once he goes everything will get automatically resolved.
It is a historical fact that when a revolution fails, it always followed by dictatorial tendencies. Ex French revolution.
During the Aragalaya Struggle as time went by, a group of immature innocent idealistic youth emerged to the leadership position and once Gotabaya went and a cunning leader took over the first act he did was to remove the ladder that facilitated him to capture power.
The rest is history.
The next round should be led by non-party civil society with the idealistic youth in front who could skillfully tackled the repression and reached the goal!
/
SJ / February 26, 2023
You are still ducking the question.
You are beating about the bush like the earlier user of the phrase here.
If your definition is what the Aragalaya wanted to achieve. The Majority of Aragalaya Mark I happily settled for an end to petrol queues.
*
Thank you for trying, despite a ‘malle pol’ answer.
/
srikrish / February 26, 2023
SJ,
Shall I call you “poor SJ”?
Systemic Change is a social issue, not a simple mathematical problem where you will have a yes or no answer -one or two or many!. That is scientific method Whereas in social sciences one has to use research methodology, the real world is an unpredictable complex world, you would have so many variables –probabilities-permutations and combination..
/
chiv / February 26, 2023
SK , it’s your fault to expect more from mechanical thinking professor. Didn’t you address him as smart few days ago. Initially this guy was critical of Aragalaya (may be not intellectual enough) but once they got Rajapaksas out he srarted questioning what is system /systemic change??? If Mao , Marx , Trotsky have not mentioned then he should refer Capitalism.
/
SJ / February 27, 2023
Oh Gee, how desperate can you be?
Can you by any chance explain what the systemic change people are talking about?
I have always had my reservations about Aragalaya Mark I. So what?
You have a knack for wilful misunderstanding– your only noticeable language skill, besides curse words.
/
chiv / February 27, 2023
Many here seems to have figured out you. The ones who respect you as ex professor are now gradually recognizing your mechanical thinking abilities. ( the only ability) .Why don’t you provide , your social research methodology using mathematical tools on system/ systemic changes prescribed by Mao , Marx , ….. others unless they never or forgot to prescribe one. Your only noticeable skill is BS besides carrying Mao’s balls. You have a knack for preposterous claims on various subjects and when asked never provid with a single evidence. You are here for amusement why bother about curse words but stop calling people wife beaters, I doubt it s an amusement for them.
/
SJ / February 27, 2023
What you think that others think about me is entirely your problem.
I say this again:
“How one characterizes another is much a reflection of one’s own character”.
Your desperation expresses itself as verbal diarrhea.
/
SJ / February 27, 2023
Call me anything you like. You have plenty of pathetic company of name callers here.
You still have not stated what the systemic change you have in mind.
Kindly tell me what your research methodology has yielded for this ‘unpredictable complex world’.
I am not a mathematician of any substance. But I think that even sociologists now resort to the mathematical tools that you referred to (perhaps to sound convincing).
Even simple arithmetic is more truthful than jugglery with words that one barely understands.
/
chiv / February 27, 2023
Mechanical thinking professor, ” how one characterize another is much a reflection of one’s own character”. Shows your lack of knowledge in both Psychology and Sociology. Well trained professionals in these fields are qualified to diagnose character pathology in their patients. According to your mechanical thinking such professionals who characterize their patients (example narcissistic, histrionic, anti social . . . .) is , “much a reflection of their own character” ??? OMG, in that case, only an anti social can characterize another , of same kind. So when people in CT characterize Mara, Gotha, Pissu Sira, according to you they are simply reflecting on their own character.
/
Native Vedda / February 25, 2023
China’s Aging Man in Sri Lanka
“Food for thought shall I say at a time when normal food is too costly.”
–
Maybe however for once those who constantly complain about the state of the state should once in a while lift their bump open their mind and see what hard work and planning bring to them.
Watch this link, sit on it for months, then rack your brain (if at all possible) and type what you learnt.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IL3qBQZewdg
–
Colonial exploitation still continues,
Workers of the land need to unite,
Stop the rise of Agricultural capitalism,
Land belongs to ….
Long live Mao’s capitalism.
/
SJ / February 27, 2023
A little longer than usual!
How was last night?
Early to bed and early to rise may keep you free of nightmares.
Take care.
Remember what I always say to you.
/
old codger / February 25, 2023
SK,
“The electoral system as it exists in Sri Lanka is heavily flawed. It favors the corrupt to repeatedly getting elected.
What Sri Lanka presently requires is systemic change at once so that all systems fall in line”
You have not mentioned the elephant in the room. There is a powerful unelected group that can destroy elected governments. They brainwash our children into unthinking conformity. People who “insult” them are thrown into jail. You know who I am talking about. They must be cut to size first , or any “system change ” is useless.
/
srikrish / February 25, 2023
Yes! Old Codger,
I agree, the constitution that allowed unelected to be in the driving seat is equally faulty, The reason for calling systemic change instead of system Change. We had already identified two systems that need to be radically changed- one the electoral system and the other the constitutional system
Could you name at least some more?
/
SJ / February 27, 2023
“the constitution that allowed unelected”
Was he not elected by an elected assembly?
That happens even in other ‘democracies’.
/
leelagemalli / February 25, 2023
OC,
.
Sri Lanka needs another social media revolution to help turn the common mind into a wiser mindset. It can only be done through the media.
Media houses and true journalists to you… wake up and put your political involvement at your discretion and visit the site of the common man.
–
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2FpAoOmKVJU
–
Artists could do lot more if they have real good hearts.
/
SJ / February 24, 2023
JM
I think that they ask people regardless of their willingness to sign or not. Nothing is lost by asking as a refusal will not go on record.
There must be a better reason if it is avoidance.
*
Shall we put our heads together to analyse?
For a start, we may not be as important as we may like to imagine.
/
Sinhala_Man / February 28, 2023
Dear Jaffna Man,
*
PART ONE
.
I know that this comment, when it appears, will be way down the list of comments. As you say, there are hundreds (no, no, millions) who would have signed this if asked. As you see, your brother, Rajan Hoole, has been asked and signed, not to speak of many of your cousins.
.
This article has already got 127 comments, @ 19.01. You’ve got two excellent articles on display:
.
This article has got only two comments. Pathetic!
.
https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/lying-about-age-of-protestant-mission-schools-is-age-quality/
.
And there’s so much that I have to say there. Cheating! By the Bishop, too, in my view. Pretends disingenuity.
/
Sinhala_Man / February 28, 2023
PART TWO
.
nimal fernando’s cousin, the Manager of the Bandarawela school, also adopts the same technique to escape. I met, and talked to them both on the 12th of January. I didn’t say anything nasty to them. How to, when they are so charming? However, about ten days ago (will give details if asked) I had a nine minute telephone conversation with the Bishop, where towards the end I carefully enunciated the word, “humbug” to him, and then positively screamed it at him. Two “humbugs” in succession don’t cancel out each other, do they? {Double negatives probably do}. He didn’t hang up. May even have turned the other cheek, difficult to tell on the phone. I quietly asked him to think about it, then said, “Good Night” pleasantly.
.
Dushantha + Colombo has perfect manners: “Good Night” from him, too.
.
See what he says about LGE:
.
https://www.newsfirst.lk/2023/02/23/anglican-church-denying-citizens-opportunity-to-choose-their-own-elected-representatives-will-only-affirm-that-we-are-now-under-a-dictatorship/
.
But even after eight years of cheating, he cannot guarantee BoG elections.
.
Can’t anybody think of a better word than “humbug”?
.
Panini Edirisinhe of Bandarawela, now living below the poverty line. (NIC 483111444V)
.
/
nimal fernando / February 24, 2023
Ranil is a prime culprit to be imprisoned under the PTA …… his terrorizing of the population …….. and the systematic abuse of the people’s rights is worse that any terrorist we have had so for.
–
What’s the difference? Wijayweera and Prabakaran too were unelected ……….. by the people.
–
Sri Lanka has very few truth-seekers ……… but plenty of supporters.
–
You end up with what you support.
–
There is no substitute for truth …… some discover it early …….. many come very close but never really ……. their truth get hijacked by personalities
–
If you want to know why we are in this pickle ……. read ye own comments. ……. The answer is glaring at ye.
/
chiv / February 24, 2023
Nimal, just see this typical Lankan tragicomedy I call it SHAM. Ranil told parliament “LG polls had not been declared legally and therefor , there is no question of postponement. As usual he found a reason “there has not been a quorum when EC members decided on the date”. May be one of the EC member’s unexpected resignation was a ploy where Ranil’s office delayed accepting her resignation, so to come up with this excuse. He said there has been only two members present when the decision was made on the date and then inquired the views of members who were not present on that day”. He also found another loophole ” the letter requesting funds was signed by EC accountant and not EC Chairman”. Whereas EC Chairman also an attorney by profession, told news media, “the LG elections were called for legally as per the country’s constitution and election laws.”
/
chiv / February 24, 2023
He is not only making a fool out of him self but the EC, voting public, candidates who payed deposit ( now the EC is refusing to return ), political parties, our Constipation, Low and Odor and in general “one and all”.
/
nimal fernando / February 25, 2023
The election is the death of Ranil as the president …… He won’t sign his own death certificate.
–
At age 74 the greatest Lankan-Buddhist with the greatest collection of ancient Buddhist books ………. is playing “Sinhala-Buddhism” to the hilt!
–
Earlier, if “Sinhala-Buddhism” was played by the Rajapakses their chicanery was blasted out of the water by Ranil’s supporters …….. now when Ranil does the same chicanery, those same Ranil supporters embrace it without any shame.
–
It’s the best entertainment in town to read …… what people wrote then and what the very same people write now!
–
No need to analyse the metal-capacity of the 6.9 million ……….. there is no better way to understand/judge why Lanka is in this pickle than for people to read their own comments.
–
And the people here are perhaps the top 1% of the Lankans ……. in education. What chance has the 6.9 million?
–
I joined the forum just before the 2015 presidential election …….. in 8 years has things got better? …… Even I didn’t think they would bankrupt the blooming country! :)))
–
Who among you believe Ranil is going to save/develop the country? ……. Native, Yes? No? ….. Silence? :))
/
chiv / February 27, 2023
Nimal, can’t say any better than you. I joined soon after IT’S inception and I believe there was a time it was not accessible to Lankans because Mara govt blocked it along with few others, but was accessible outside of Lanka.
/
Buddhist1 / February 24, 2023
All the election commission members signed the gazette.
/
chiv / February 25, 2023
Buddhist 1, I agree. Ranil says only two were present and the rest agreed by signing. Anyway it’s, none of Ranil’s business. According to Constitution EC is an independent body responsible for conducting elections. Obviously all bodies in Sham Lanka are IN -dependent, just like the country.
/
SJ / February 24, 2023
I wonder how one, having identified something as a class of theatre, declare it to be a sham?
Should we not enjoy the show the way they do in even ‘better’ places?
/
Native Vedda / February 24, 2023
nimal fernando
–
“Uphold The People’s Right To Franchise”
–
Okay, good idea?
Why aren’t we discussing about People’s Responsibility to protect Franchise.
No one discusses his or her “responsibilities” towards Franchise because it can only be a theoretical mumbo jumbo.
Do you think so?
–
“Wijayweera and Prabakaran too were unelected ……….. by the people.”
–
Both were little Pol Pots, however what happened to the third one, people elected the third one with the blessing of Saffron Power, man …. ran away from his office, palace, country, ….
–
Are you prepared to become and act as our benevolent dictator (president for life), Old Codger and Sinhala Man joint Prime ministers, …………… ? Well what about annoying SJ? How about pro Chinese (Mao) affairs and anti Tamil/Hindian opposition spokesman?
/
old codger / February 24, 2023
Native,
How come nowadays we can’t find anyone who voted for Gota? Was he appointed by Sirisena?
No, I don’t want to be joint PM with Sinhala Man. I don’t want him sneering at me for not being important.
/
nimal fernando / February 24, 2023
“If you want to know why we are in this pickle ……. read ye own comment. ……. The answer is glaring at ye.” :)))
–
–
I’m starting to feel sorry for people, Native. I’ve nothing by pity. :))
/
Native Vedda / February 25, 2023
nimal fernando
–
“I’m starting to feel sorry for people, Native. I’ve nothing by pity. :))”
–
By any chance you belong to any of the American “Death Cult” such as Branch Davidians, Jim Jone’s “The People’s Temple”, Charles Manson’s Satanism, ……?
–
You seem to support (secret admirer of both) Thiruvengadam Velupillai Prabaharan, Rohana Wijeweera, and you refrain from blaming Rajapaksa clan.
/
nimal fernando / February 26, 2023
Native,
–
“You seem to support (secret admirer of both) Thiruvengadam Velupillai Prabaharan, Rohana Wijeweera”
–
I don’t know much about Wijeweera …….. but my admiration for VP is there openly written all over the forum: where is the secrecy?
–
“you refrain from blaming Rajapaksa clan.”
–
I blamed them when they were running the show ……. why blame them now when Ranil is running the show for them and doing their trademark-thing even better than them? :))
–
It’s like blaming Mao or Sirimavo or …….. a whole host of other favourite long-dead characters of yours.
–
Anything to say about …….. Ranil screwing the “Independent Commissions” ……. he himself was instrumental in bringing into legislation? :)))
–
No Lankan politician fools anyone …… they only provide the catalyst ….. and people fool themselves. …… Li work for some …… Be for some …… La, Ce, Pr, Gd …… take your pick.
–
I’m amused to death ……. hope it doesn’t kill me!
/
Native Vedda / February 26, 2023
nimal fernando
–
“why blame them now when Ranil is running the show for them and doing their trademark-thing even better than them?”
–
You are in a very good position to understand Friendshoring between Ranil and Rajapaksas.
–
Friendshoring: what is it and can it solve our supply problems?
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2022/aug/06/friendshoring-what-is-it-and-can-it-solve-our-supply-problems
–
Please do not take me seriously as I am dropping names like our missing Dyan.
Wait a few days you will see Dayan using “Friendshoring” in one of his future typing.
/
SJ / February 24, 2023
Not even a mosquito annoys me.
This space is mostly for my amusement, and a benefit of your not seeing the doctor yet is that you remain among the most amusing.
However, for your own sake see the doctor that you badly need to.
Seriously, I care for your health.
/
Native Vedda / February 25, 2023
China’s Aging Lonely Man
–
If you are looking for amusement there are several Bars and Restaurants around Negambo beach area, namely Rodeo Pub & Restaurant, Serendib Pub & Restaurant, Dickman Resort, …………………… Mt Beach, Negambo Beach,……
/
chiv / February 25, 2023
Native, when old grumpy men / women are here for amusement, why whine about name calling ?? My advise to those hypocrites, “go to Amusement Park, if none, smoke a joint or get drunk”, why hang here, for cheap thrills.
/
SJ / February 25, 2023
I remember your claiming that you were here for the same.
Perhaps the glass ball is playing tricks.
I thought that was a moment of sanity, to be unlike the one or two who are here only to constantly mutter and grumble curse words about the country and its people.
*
BTW
Why should one go far when it is all here at no cost and without even stepping out of home.
How are you anyway?
Do not take chances about medical advice.
Remember, I care for your health
/
Mallaiyuran / February 24, 2023
“While noting the socio-economic challenges posed by the economic upheaval, we must rally together to counter initiatives to undermine democratic processes, people’s franchise, and popular sovereignty.
Guys don’t go back to count the cows given in charity. God cannot like it. The “democratic processes, people’s franchise, and popular sovereignty” are given long ago to charity for the Sinhala Buddhists Politicians to earn money and deposits in foreign banks, on their names. Neither LC nor EP election can bring back anything lost other than the same old UNP-SLFP twins. The only useful thing left to do is support protestors to earn anew you lost “democratic processes, people’s franchise, and popular sovereignty”.
/
Simon / February 24, 2023
The President, Ranil W said in Parliament: “THERE IS NO ELECTION TO BE POSTPONED”. Even the PM, Dinesh Goonawardena- the son of “Boralugoda King” was having a “Hearty Laugh” when the President made that statement. What do you make out of that statement and the response of the PM?
This letter has not addressed the issues before the Judiciary. The motion filed by the EC states that it cannot hold the election because no funds needed have been made available. The motion states the names of the Public Officials who are obstructing by not providing the funds and services. The other petition seeking to postpone the election has been postponed to “May, a far off date of the scheduled date gazetted i.e. “9th March”.
Why is the President who is also the Minister of Finance not cited in any of the court motions as a person who obstructs the elections? The “Minister” has no “Immunity” enjoyed by the president.
Any idea why the “Judiciary” is not moving expeditiously on these matters referred to it?
Please watch the President’s speech in Parliament. It is available in Youtube.
/
old codger / February 24, 2023
Simon
“Any idea why the “Judiciary” is not moving expeditiously on these matters referred to it?”
There are things the Judiciary can do, and things it can’t do anything about. That’s more or less what the SC said yesterday. If the Finance Minister certifies to the SC that there’s no money, that’s it. But they will allow the public to make voluntary donations towards elections. But the very same public are refusing to pay taxes. Very confusing.
/
Simon / February 24, 2023
OC: Thanks. The Ministry cannot say there is no money to hold an election. The elections (Presidential, Parliamentary, Local Govt. & Referendums) are “Constitutional”. If anyone tries to prevent such elections (including obstructions) he/she could be made responsible and the punishments when convicted are specified. In this particular instance, the required funds are approved by the Parliament in the Budget for 2023. When the EC requests funds and all other services from the Govt. Institutions are duty-bound to provide all such facilities. Now that the EC has through a motion specified the parties who have failed in their duties, all such persons would be made “Responsible” for obstructing to hold of the election as per the Gazetted date, i.s. March 9th.
In the coming days, I am sure there will be cases coming before the Courts against such Public Servants. Let us wait and see.
/
old codger / February 25, 2023
Simon,
“When the EC requests funds and all other services from the Govt. Institutions are duty-bound to provide all such facilities”
Yes, in normal circumstances. But these are NOT normal circumstances, as the SC rightly pointed out. The country is BANKRUPT for the first time in its history. Just as, during a war, many normal civil rights are suspended, we CANNOT expect things to be normal during an economic struggle for survival.
The government would print money back in the day. But that causes the price of everything to go up. I don’t know about you, but I prefer affordable food and fuel to an expensive and ultimately useless LG election. We all know the government is unpopular . Is there any point in holding an election to prove it?
/
Simon / February 25, 2023
OC: You say: ” But these are NOT normal circumstances, as the SC rightly pointed out”.
Did the SC say it? Where in what statement is relevant to any of the petitions SC said that? I would have missed it.
Could you please refer to where it appeared quoting the relevant case and the Judges who pointed that out?
Thanks.
/
old codger / February 26, 2023
Simon,
It was Justice S.Thurairaja who said it, but I couldn’t find the DM article. I think it was with regard to the SJB petition.
/
Simon / February 26, 2023
OC: Yes it was when the SJB petition was taken up. The Lawyer who appeared for AG submitted an “Affidavit” from the Secretary to the Treasury stating that no funds are available at this moment.
When that was stated the Judge asked: “When do you think you can make such funds available for the election”? The Lawyer for AG said: “I am unable to say it without consulting the Secretary to the Treasury”. But the Lawyer representing the EC said: ” The elections would be held as scheduled”. It was at that point SJB agreed to set aside their petition.
So Judge Thurairajah just asked that “Question” but did not agree with what was said in the “Affidavit”. That’s what exactly happened in Courts. Don’t take these “Media” reports as reported. Those are far from the truth at times. You know the “Standards” of “Journalism” in S/L. Thanks for your response.
/
SJ / February 27, 2023
Simon
An affidavit is like a sworn statement. A judge rarely agrees or disagrees with one. There are situations where the judge may notice some inconsistency.
BTW
Had not the lawyer representing the EC told a lie under oath?
Was the SJB lawyer so dumb as to accept the EC’s lawyer’s word without even reference to the AG’s position that made elections most unlikely?
/
Buddhist1 / February 24, 2023
I will question the statements made by the Chair of the SC Judges who sat. His speech bordered me wonder – has the SC already written the decision for this case in someone’s kitchen?
/
SJ / February 25, 2023
OC
“But the very same public are refusing to pay taxes. “
That is inaccurate.
People pay most of their taxes as indirect taxes as duty, VAT etc. They cannot refuse that.
If it is income tax etc., it applies only to a minority. But in most cases it will cost more to collect the tax than the tax collected. That was why NM got rid of the PAYE for wage earners way back in the 1970s.
*
There is need to monitor income now as some earn sums far above the average wage.
/
MSarrij / February 24, 2023
Sri Lanka is ungovernable with the present lot of opportunistic politicians. It is sad.
Fortunately, the country is blessed with bright and fair-minded people to take over if given the opportunity is given. The answer is a new constitution with equal representation of both sexes and term limits and age limits to all elected office.
Let’s be practicable.
/
old codger / February 24, 2023
MS,
“age limits to all elected office”
Age has nothing to do with it. Look at Wasantha Mudalige and his gang of fence-jumping “monks”. All under 40, all “bright” enough to get into a campus, and not even elected.
/
Buddhist1 / February 24, 2023
Thank God, Ranil could not make children. Imagine if Ranil had children and how his Children, Grand Children, and Great Grand Children will feel when they read the history books written about Ranil. A person who cannot win his own seat let alone a single seat for the party he leads. He entered the Parliament through the back door “pinata seat” and became the PM by the appointment of a “Rogue President” who ran away from the country. Then a bunch of crooks, murderers, drug dealers, kappam karayos, chain snatchers and rapists voted him to be the President. He who became a “thovil clown” in the Parliament and who above all after becoming the President without the votes of the masses, blocked the LG election. I also wonder how his wife an educated decent woman could live with such an inefficient clown.
/
roger / February 24, 2023
If he had had children he would not have been what he is now – a sociopath
/
Native Vedda / February 24, 2023
roger
–
“If he had had children he would not have been what he is now – a sociopath”
–
This is a rude and impolite typing and not called for.
Hope you will withdraw it.
/
SJ / February 24, 2023
If you are serious, I do appreciate this sane intervention.
/
leelagemalli / February 26, 2023
Roger,
.
This means with 3 bastard sons, father MaRa could have brains ? If he had the brain the size of a mustard seed, could he waste statefunds deliberately ? Bankrupsy of SRILANKEN arilines came into being from a profit winning merger prior to 2005. Are people real memory losers how many billions they lost through ” mihin air”… are their any limit about the collosal losses made by bastard led MaRA administration ?
.
Or all those leaders that have no children, meaning cant forsee the problems of the pepole ?
/
Native Vedda / February 24, 2023
Buddhist1
–
“Thank God, Ranil could not make children.”
–
This is a rude and impolite typing and not called for.
Hope you will withdraw it.
–
/
Buddhist1 / February 24, 2023
May be rude, but the spirit of the message was not rude as a person who has children will think of the future. This is one reason why Gota did not attack the aragalaya. When Ranil acts in the Parliament telling lies – the election date was not published when a gazette was published. He further acted like a “Thovil Clown”. A person who has children will not act like this, and that too in Parliament. Elections are called by the EC commission and the President has no right to have any input.
/
SJ / February 24, 2023
B1
Understand your plight.
Accepting fault does not come easy.
/
old codger / February 25, 2023
B1,
“a person who has children will think of the future. “
I suppose SWRD, JR, and MR were thinking of the future when they did their thing?
Don’t get carried away . Ranil may be unpalatable, but don’t forget it was Gota ( who also had children) and his gang of idiots who bankrupted the country.
/
Native Vedda / February 25, 2023
China’s aging man in China’s Friendly Neighbour
–
“Accepting fault does not come easy.”
–
Look who is talking.
/
SJ / February 26, 2023
It hurts you, I know, though it was not a hat designed for you, seems to fit well.
How was the morning after?
Remember, I do care for your health.
/
SJ / February 26, 2023
B1
” a person who has children will think of the future”
Both K Kararaj and CN Annadurai were childless chief ministers of Tamilnadu, but were far more caring for the bublic than M Karunanidhi with may children and looted the state funds.
/
SJ / February 26, 2023
…caring for the public than M Karunanidhi…
/
Native Vedda / February 26, 2023
China’s aging man in Sri Lanka
–
“Both K Kararaj and CN Annadurai were childless chief ministers of Tamilnadu, but were far more caring for the bublic than M Karunanidhi with may children and looted the state funds.
–
So were MGR and Jeyalalitha, and V. N. Janaki Ramachandran too.
Now tell us the their asset details and their contribution to caring for the public.
There were about 23 Chief Ministers either elected or appointed between 1920 and 2023 in Tamilnadu.
–
Could we have a comparative analysis among these Chief Ministers.
–
Comment is free, but facts are sacred. – C P Scott.
/
SJ / February 27, 2023
MGR was accused of tax dodging not theft.
Jayalalitha could not have stolen a fraction of MK family’s loot. (Also whether she had a child or not is still debated.)
Janaki R was not there for long enough even touch the kitty.
(Comment is free, but facts are sacred. – C P Scott.)
BTW
My comment was in response to a sweeping statement, not a study of clean government in post KK & CNA Tamilnadu.
*
I notice that you always rush to protect MK? Any sordid connection?
*
Take care and see the doctor.
/
Native Vedda / February 27, 2023
China’s Man in Sri Lanka is confused
–
There isn’t any difference between Tax Dodging and Stealing from state. The net effect is the same.
–
Did Janaki settle MGR’s TAX liabilities, don’t forget MGR used to be a highly paid actor and a producer.
–
Please once you finished your typing please sit on it for at least a couple of days, fact check and then post it here.
/
SJ / February 27, 2023
So desperate to justify a shameless thief!
Any sordid connections with MK?
/
leelagemalli / February 26, 2023
Nv,
.
Remember, BUDDHIST 1 should be a sinhala budhist. This is very sensitive issue in civilized european cultures. Nobody questions as to why a married couple has no children. Many politicians in europe have no children. However they are not branded as ” PONNAYAS” as our primitive sinhalayas are used to do.
–
Unfortunately, these men and women behave even today like in the medieval era. They just forget about they are in 21st century.
.
The stupid majority thinks that parents without children are not true men and women. So primitive thinkers they are. Ridiculously enough, my friends who are MBBS holders (graduated in SL) but asked me not to visit them without children. Can you imagine ? THey make jokes….. that is srilanken insensitive culture….. I hate to see it continuing… truly saying..
I have no children for my own. But my sister is not happy with her children. because they went wrong. Some of my cousins also have no children. We have not blamed us for that. Either we didn’t want to, or our hormones did not work properly. All these are misinterpreted by sinhala buddhists, as if we might have done a big crime (akusal) in our last soul and that is the reason why we are not blessed with children.
/
Native Vedda / February 26, 2023
leelagemalli
–
Thanks.
I completely agree with you.
/
leelagemalli / February 26, 2023
NV, thanks as well.
Our people have no decencies at all as of today. No respect to anyone. look how a 33 year old male teacher was brutally killed by hitting him to death by 3 underage school going boys ?
All the levels of decencies were proved to me how even MBBS holders the manner that they joined to attack Dr Safi saga. Jayasumanaya’s degree knowledge should be subjected to scrutiny for him to have said, that making infertile thhrough such fantasy theories be a reality. …. my gosh… true we are marching backward.
–
Perhaps all the curse made to minorities boomeranged the very same nation today. Good riddence to bad rubbish, I would say. I mean having focused on many of our srilankens, even far poor african tribal states maintain respect and dignity more than our average srilankens do.
/
SJ / February 27, 2023
“BUDDHIST 1 should be a sinhala budhist”
His views here make me wonder if he is a Tamil non-Buddhist.
/
Good Sense / February 24, 2023
Very eminent persons have pointed out the need to conduct such political activity, especially elections, on time as anticipated by the public, the consequences of otherwise are a disaster either to the party responsible for it and/or to the country. As I have commented before “no money” excuse only exposes those who plead it for their irresponsibility to the highest degree. In governing a country, the basic activities to keep a nation must be identified and those responsible should have seen to it that money is available for the same. The dereliction of duty is as serious as the inability to prevent the 04/21 disaster for which the “Carltona” principle was applied making the President of the day to pay 100 Million Rupees as compensation. Isn’t the same principle now applicable for paralyzing the political body of Sri Lanka to a point reaching death? Some plead “don’t blame the Secretary it is I who said it”. The reality is that the same Secretary who should have identified what are the very essentials to run a country and have the money ready for it. On the other hand, the excuse No Money can be viewed as a “Baddegama” village trick.
/
Nathan / February 24, 2023
The list of signatories include:
Austin Fernando
Dr. Jayampathy Wickramaratne
Dr. Kalana Senaratne
Jehan Perera
Lionel Bopoge
Palitha Pelpola
Radhika Coomaraswamy
Shreen Saroor.
Am I alone in seeing some contradictions.
/
SJ / February 24, 2023
N
Are you looking for paragons of virtue to sign declarations?
Do you maintain some kind of black list?
/
Paramanathan K / February 24, 2023
President Ranil Wickremesinghe is totally responsible for jeopardizing the election. He is no doubt a cunning fox to manipulate matters in his favour as he is following the path of his uncle J R Jayawardene is another cunning but ruthless leader. J R Jayawardene when he was the president conducted that referendum to confuse the masses in his favour to vote for bright lamp and black pot that had psycho effects to influence and mislead illiterate people of the rural mass. Ranil Wickremesinghe also doing the same blunder thinking he is a genius. All his actions are to remain in power and safeguard the Rajapakses. That unofficial survey he conducted through the intelligence proved SLPP and UNP were unpopular.
/
Mahila / February 25, 2023
Extension of Term of Parliament:
1972 – Doctrinaire Sirimavo + Colvin R De Silva
1982 – Doctrinaire JRJ
2023 – Doctrinaire RW/RR
This funny business of “SELF-SERVICE”, started from the initiation of Republic on 22nd May 1972!!!???
NO EXCUSES NEEDED OR ACCEPTED!!??
/
SJ / February 27, 2023
M
Seiously, can you explain what doctrinaire means in this context?
Has either RW or RR extended the term of parliament– yet?
/
Plato / February 24, 2023
The only way that President. Ranil.W.would sit up and take note of this petition is if the signatories also included Prof: Maithri Wickremasinghe and Wijekala Maheswaran………
All depends on his mood. If okay, HE may even stand up and take note…………
/
roger / February 24, 2023
Ranil – the selected silly president has cut out a pathetic childish image of him self
/
Simon / February 24, 2023
roger. Did you see the Youtube publication of the President’s speech in Parliament?
I don’t mind him being a “Joker” for himself. But the fact is that his speech (the contents and facts presented) and the “Behavior” (the body language) in the Legislature are the most contemptible, in that, he h tarnished the entire country’s image in the eye of the Local and the International community. I would call his behavior on that day in Parliament an “INDECENT ASSAULT” on the country.
/
SJ / February 24, 2023
S
“he h tarnished the entire country’s image in the eye of the Local and the International community.”
Be serious. What is left to tarnish?
You seem to have a very short memory.
/
Sinhala_Man / February 25, 2023
I forced myself to watch all this, Simon:
.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EVcukMyi_qc
.
Fifty-eight minutes, that is.
.
What is paradoxically true is that there are far too many bits of information going round. Actually, this statement of mine is a classic bit of understatement. There is so much of rubbish that it has become important to hold on to what I know through direct experience.
.
That is why I clearly identify myself, and place my observations precisely in place and time. I’m not asking others to do the same. However, when I see contradictions I shall continue to point them out. Please use what intelligence you have to work out what we ought to do.
/
Sinhala_Man / February 25, 2023
I’m sorry,
.
I didn’t want to put all that into bold.
.
Panini Edirisinhe of Bandarawela (NIC 483111444V)
/
Sinhala_Man / February 25, 2023
This is AKD’s analysis of what happened in Parliament, the 58 minutes that I have linked you to above.
.
I make no apology for so strongly supporting this one man and his Party. I’m convinced that at this time I must devote what little energy I have to support them now, instead of dissipating my stamina on bogus balancing of the forces promising reforms.
.
Today is Saturday. In comments below this article:
.
https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/ranils-prospects-at-the-next-election/
.
I began relating, but couldn’t complete, the circumstances under which I met AKD for the first time on Tuesday, the 21st. I’ll try to give a full account of it, not because I think myself as extra special, but because that is the only way to ensure that I don’t write what is meaningless.
.
/
leelagemalli / February 25, 2023
Dear Sensitive Readers,
.
AKD or similar is really wrong in many of their predictions. If he does not know any language other than Sinhala, we cannot expect him to be a panacea for today’s crisis.
However, it is a sorry sight that Some have been caught by JVP misleading inforomation. These individuals called themselves as intelligent.
Truth is JVPs are not practical enough for me. Even Handunetti made every effort to take revenge on the UNP for the “fake bond scam”: THeir aim was to revenge RW:
In fact even today they have failed to answer my question “If the bond scam was done by Arjuna Mahendran (Singapore citizen), why is Singapore still silent on the serious issue????????????????????????????????????
–
Harsha da Silva or Harini A should take the leadership of this nation. Each of them seems to have a good vision for our future. They are educated people who have some knowledge about the world and economy.
Again the JVP mlechcha murderers are spreading hatred so that they can turn their backs on the nation. AKD compares CBK with Hema Premadasa. See … how he ticks…. my gosh … that alone is sufficient for me to see his knowledge about srilanken society.
/
Sinhala_Man / February 28, 2023
Dear “leelagemalli”,
.
I did not say that AKD doesn’t understand English; I’ve made the point that he doesn’t allow his English to get heard on the media.
.
When I met him on the 21st (a week ago), I told hm that his practice is sensible, because otherwise it would be “kaputa kaak, kaak”, He smiled in seeming agreement. Wanting to show that they are ‘English-speakers’ is a tiresome obsession with many Lankans. Communicating with them is painful. AKD is perfectly comfortable within his own skin.
.
Can other world leaders speak English? I just don’t know. Modi?
.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ckTq7p8zQDo
.
I’ve done more searching to satisfy you:
.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xyH679_cWM4
.
Yes, he is perfectly fluent. Also, if you move to 12’53” of these eighteen minutes you will find that he’s got quite innovative ideas of his own.
.
I started this comment wanting to prove your theses wrong. I seem to have ended up strengthening your argument. If you’re stubborn the way you are much of the time, you will learn little.
.
But I assert that AKD hasn’t got any language problem!
.
Panini Edirisinhe (NIC 483111444V) of Bandarawela
/
hanchopancha / February 28, 2023
LM. AKD could be a Daniel Ortega of Nicaragua in the making. Hospital Bug is almost incurable unlike a normal bug.
/
Sinhala_Man / February 28, 2023
Hanchopancha,
.
I don’t pretend to know the ins and outs of Nicaragua:
.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daniel_Ortega
.
That’s Ortega for you. He’s 3 years older than Ranil, still President. First been the leader in 1984 at age 39, but had lost a Presidential Election in 1990, and thereafter three more which he contested before winning again in 2006, at age 61 – and is still in power.
.
There’s too much of YouTube for us to digest now. Can you, HP, find anything that AKD has said that indicates that he wants “everlasting” power? I suggest that it is Ranil who resembles Ortega much more; Ranil has been around, as a favoured Minister ( President JRJ had been promoting him since before Ranil’s thirtieth birthday) and then UNP leader for 50 years.
.
Now think of AKD. There’s democracy within the NPP. See this, still open for comments:
.
https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/the-partnership-between-npp-jvp-must-be-emboldened/
.
Panini Edirisinhe
/
Sinhala_Man / February 28, 2023
2/?
.
There are two lots of people working harmoniously together in the NPP, as Professor Kumar David has noted.
.
Kumar has been an unwavering Marxist for some 68 years, opposed to the violence exhibited by the JVP up to around 1992. Stretch that up to when AKD took over if you want to. Weerawansa was a horrible demogogue who was sacked. I respect Kumar Gunertnam and the Frontline Socialists (the Peratugamis); I think that such is also the attitude of most NPPers.
.
Carefully examine those now at the very top of the NPP, numbering perhaps fifty. How many can you fault on any score?
.
“leelagemalli” I know through and through. He’s “championing” Harini Amarasuriya, and you’re denigrating her! LM now acknowledges my honesty, and I return that compliment. He was sensitive, and adored his mother. But he’s mixed up; this poem may help you understand him:
.
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/48999/daddy-56d22aafa45b2
.
The supreme leaders of the JVP in the past were horrible people, but with some idealists also being involved. The cadres were mostly sincere people, and always generous with good Buddhist values. There was an element of racism among the top three or four in the old JVP, but not in the lower rungs.
/
hanchopancha / February 28, 2023
“Kumar has been an unwavering Marxist for some 68 years, opposed to the violence exhibited by the JVP up to around 1992.” There is a famous saying “If one is not a Marxist by the age 18 he certainly is stupid. At the age 28 if he is still a Marxist, he is considered stupid again.” Sinhala_Man is a staunch blindfolded supporter of JVP which is strongly leaning to Marxist Lennist Principles. He is wearing a steel hat, terribly ignorant of basic rules of life like privacy of an individual and the universal right of a person’s freedom of expression etc . He does not think twice before he blackmails anyone. He is a fore taste of what to expect from JVP if it grabs the handle of power. Marxism and Lennism are great in theory. In real life they have been an abject failures because of the intrinsic greedy nature of human beings.
/
SJ / February 28, 2023
h
“If one is not a Marxist by the age 18 he certainly is stupid.”
Were you ever a Marxist?
/
leelagemalli / February 28, 2023
Thank you for the efforts. Why not let the readers and the public decide that? Why should you think you are here to speak for AKD?
–
උත්සාහයට ස්තුතියි. පාඨකයන්ට සහ මහජනතාවට එය තීරණය කිරීමට ඉඩ නොදෙන්නේ ඇයි? ඔබ AKD වෙනුවෙන් කතා කිරීමට මෙහි පැමිණ ඇතැයි ඔබ සිතිය යුත්තේ ඇයි?
/
Sinhala_Man / February 25, 2023
Anura Kumara Dissanayke: three videos seen by me today: The first: 33 minutes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AN67hlV-QRU
.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aE5s_waQIG4
Duration 6:57 25/02/2023
Protests in Colombo and abroad.
.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5KahjfLkEY4
.
Nine minutes; probably at a meeting today, 25th.
/
leelagemalli / February 26, 2023
The JVP parrot or PA/Sinhala man seems to have no life except asking to watch JVP videos. Today, parrots are being made so that the propaganda of the JVP can be carried forward. Allegations at any politicians are being made publicly by AKD led group today…. people stay as if Like a cow looking at a speeding train (හරියට වේගයෙන් යන කෝච්චියක් දිහා හරක් බලනවා වගේ.)
–
It is certain that this poor man does not even care about his health, which suffers from long-term sleep deprivation. Oh, he’s honest but his honesty sounds like a down syndrome patient to me (no offense to DS patients, but readers should be clear about the state of SM-psychology).
:
Surprisingly, these people still do not seem to question the JVP’s options other than taxing the people.
/
leelagemalli / February 26, 2023
cont.
Surprisingly, these people still do not seem to question the JVP’s options other than taxing the people.
Are we a gold mining nation? Are we oil rich nations? Are we a software developing hub? Are we a high-tech device manufacturing hub?
:
Once they become the ruling party of this nation, they do not question the place of the “Pinguttaraya community” or “Sinhala Buddhist monks”. As we know Sinhala Buddhist monks and trade unionists have been the catalyst of criminal politicians in this country since day one. Rather than drawing people to sustainable peace, they spread racism.
.
There are thousands of different questions that AKD and his men are circulating on TV forums today. I was dumb, the Sinhalese man or the like became blind believers back then. So how can we expect the “grass eating majority” (70%) to exercise their vote properly?
/
leelagemalli / February 26, 2023
Simon,
.
What kind of image u are talking about? Entire world knows today’s situation would nt have come if people at large had brains. Parliament is the mirror image of the society controlled by yellow pets. The general knowledge of yellow pets is no better to that of primary school going children. Jathaka stories are fictions but they take them as real stories. Joker monk Samantha Badda is walking on flower petals while sinhala buddist use them for buddha worship. Society is made upside by Rajapaksa game plans. 🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔
/
whywhy / February 24, 2023
Not only a president , even an M P should not be allowed to sit in the parliament
more than two terms , never mind how the system works in other countries but
Srilanka should not allow it , at least for another fifty years ! Familiarity Breeds
Contempt , and this is exactly what is going on in our parliament and elsewhere
in other important institutes ! For Ranil , it is like going washroom every morning !
RE rewind to see the clear picture , he treats the party(UNP) like his family
property , even after losing his seat in Colombo , he becomes so rude , not to let
anyone else gain the experience in the parliament ! I don’t want to waste time
repeating what followed next and up to now ! Is it not a Contempt and a
degradation of the system that we are witnessing today ? Is it difficult to imagine
what else is in store ? Puppets are dancing to the tunes of Modern Slavery !
/
leelagemalli / February 25, 2023
WW,
.
Where was the JVP when the Constitution was amended to accommodate the power-hungry tactics of Madamulana BP? I guess it was 18thh Amendment.
–
What did for example JVPrs do at the time, MEDAMULANA MEEHARAKA and HIS BANDIT WOMAN enjoyed in BOLONGNE in Italy at the expense of state funds ? These are truths of their wasteful but extravaganza on the cost of falling nature.
:
As one Catholic priest put it so clearly YESTERDAY, the Sri Lankan people were caught in a wave of blatant lies.
–
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jTSSopjQ1Mg
–
Media crooks and big criminals did the job well for Rajapaksa’s political survival. Majority of them are still not punished by Karma Vipaka or the existing laws of the country.
/
Sinhala_Man / February 28, 2023
Dear whywhy,
.
I agree with your observation in general.
.
Constitutions should be made such that they hold for “eternity as we understand it”. Therefore I would vote with you on this suggestion of yours.
.
There are exceptional people who can be trusted. Among the signatories above, No 50, Prof Amal Kumarage is one such. He was my pupil for a year (and he says that I taught him a few useful things) in Bandarawela MMV. Most of his schooling was elsewhere. And he has administrative ability, but he’s also one of the few who has ever resigned from the “prestigious” STC Board of Governors. He’s not related to me in any way; he’s a guy whom you could safely keep as “Supreme Ruler” for forty years, but he won’t want that, and we certainly shouldn’t have such things in Constitutions.
.
Why not google his name, dear honest, unknown, anonymous, “whywhy”?
/
Mahila / February 24, 2023
Reliably understand, that the National Election Commission (NEC) has taken decision that LG elections, POSTPONED AND WOULD TAKE PLACE IN MAY 2023!!???
How could anyone POSTPONE elections, if not been ‘DECLARED TO OCCURR’ – FIRST PLACE???? Be that as it may!!
Interestingly and importantly, purported communique (Not seen myself – 3rd party information) does not apologise or recognise the inconvenience caused to the Public, electorate or Political candidates, lured to make deposits???
Very funny situation, only occurs in SL – the thrice blessed land with 2600+ years of culture and civilisation!!?? Unique status in the world!!!
Election Commission (NEC), Minister of Local Government, PM, President, cabinet???
Has anyone owned up, culpability – collectively or severally!!??? “Mea culpa” prominently absent???
Even if it was NEC, the word “sorry for inconvenience”, BLATANTLY absent!!?? National trait???
Accountability first and foremost, all ills would vanish consequently by remediation!?
Emancipated and civilised nation, administrators and citizens!!?? Whither Sri Lanka???
/
Buddhist1 / February 24, 2023
The election date was gazetted and it need not need any input from the “Clown -Ranil”. EC has the sole right to declare the date of the election.
/
Buddhist1 / February 24, 2023
CLOWN OF A PRESIDENT
President today mentioned in Parliament that the letter from the Secretary to the EC did not state that “at the request of the Chair of the EC”. Well, even Ranil’s own Secretary when he sends circulars to various secretaries he does not state it’s at the President’s request: See below.
https://www.presidentsoffice.gov.lk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Circular-English.pdf
What a stupid “Thovil Clown” is this President?
/
ramona therese fernando / February 24, 2023
The only thing stopping these elections is the Lankan Police and Military Juggernaut of the UNP/Potthuwa, paid off handsomely by their stashed USD-billions.
/
SJ / February 24, 2023
rtf
The first bright idea that crossed your mind this morning when seated in a rather watery place?
/
old codger / February 25, 2023
SJ,
You must desist from cruelty to the m..t..ly challenged.
/
ramona therese fernando / February 26, 2023
Terrible to know that you, SJ and OC, would rather protect your pension- funds and/or offshore-accounts, via heavy taxation of the hardworking-suffering-Lankan-Masses.
/
ramona therese fernando / February 26, 2023
Selfish dogs.
/
SJ / February 26, 2023
rtf,
I cannot return your compliment by calling you a selfish dog— not because you are unselfish.
Please do me a favour and let me have my account number, as we probably use the same laundry.
/
ramona therese fernando / February 26, 2023
SJ,
Sitting in your untaxable Maha Gedhera, you are very comfortable indeed, aren’t you. Don’t you care about the common man sweating and laboring under the hot sun to keep your world together?
/
SJ / February 27, 2023
Are you taking lessons from a retired iskola mahaththaya hereabouts?
Being patronised by humbugs, I can assure you, is a far bigger burden than poverty itself to the ‘common man’.
/
old codger / February 26, 2023
Ramona,
Not in our usual nutty but harmless mood today, are we?
/
Native Vedda / February 26, 2023
ramona therese fernando
–
“Selfish dogs.”
–
Please do not insult dogs.
Dog is grateful to its master.
/
SJ / February 27, 2023
RTF has a new comrade in arms!
Bravo!
/
SJ / February 27, 2023
OC
Are you grateful at all to your master, if any?
Someone here will like to know.
I am my own master and admit that I have myself quite a few disfavours.
/
SJ / February 27, 2023
…admit that I have done myself quite a few disfavours.
/
old codger / February 27, 2023
SJ ,
I wish I had a Maha Gedera with sweaty gardeners and comely maids…
/
SJ / February 28, 2023
OC
If you had one, can I count you to have a not always charming old lady to be one of your house guests?
/
old codger / February 27, 2023
Native,
Dear Ramona is having a bad day…
Do not disturb.
/
Native Vedda / February 27, 2023
old codger
–
“Dear Ramona is having a bad day…
Do not disturb.”
–
Is there any good day for her?
Please let me know I will avoid those days.
/
SJ / February 28, 2023
What kind of day was it when she called people names and a pathetic creature rushed to endorse it.
OC, are you grateful at all to your master, if any?
/
Mallaiyuran / February 25, 2023
By the time I have finished the slow process of typing this and, and CT have approved it, readers might be having more confirmed news about the future of LC election. SC might have made a constructive decision on that. But still let us look at some issues, woven deep into this uncertain LC election
/
Mallaiyuran / February 25, 2023
The Colombo media dubbed a social media clip where Evil breathed fire on the opposition members who were arguing about LC election. He said, “I brought you to politics.” I do not have to expand a lot on the venom normally hidden under these types of statements. CT readers have a really high standard understanding of the mental conditions of the Heroes who create and deliver those to the world. They are at least one step below even to Adolf Hitler or Mussolini in their dictatorial nature. Evil, a man who never won an election he led, in his 40 years political career. There is a saying in Tamils that the husband beat up an infertile woman to bear a child for their generation. Whatever that poor woman could do or not, she cannot do exactly what the relatives are asking her to do here! Evil is fearing to face the after losing election. There is a chance that even the IMF would go ahead and ask him to resign as they cannot lend to a president who cannot establish his acceptance by the people, even after being on the job for 9 months. So, he cannot conduct this election; Period!
/
Mallaiyuran / February 25, 2023
There is a meeting going in Bengaluru, India of G20 Nations. As you all know, the important topic at that meeting is about finding a solution for the debt trapped countries’ relief. Countries like America, India and Japan have given special focus to Langkang. Even some unfaithful Langkang ministers have accepted that their friendly countries are working hard on this for them. But we have not read any news in the media, other than from our Emperor the Evil, with any certainty about what the current status of the IMF loan is. Also, the friendliest country of Langkang, China, so far repeatedly refused to come into any agreement that can help Langkang to obtain the loan. Countries are in this matter fearing that China may force Langkang to use the IMF loan to pay back its unproductive, bad debts. Readers need no explanation that paying back the bad debts of White Elephant Projects China forced on Langkang will make the IMF loan fruitless, making the IMF as only a guarantor for Royals’ commissions (Stolen Money), which China voluntarily paid. In that condition, when protestors chased Royals out of their seats, Evil shouldered to save them. Comedy is still on, that is, Royal have declared that they are ready and March 9th the election is also coming. Evil is saying that he cannot recognize EC as a lawful commission.
/
Mallaiyuran / February 25, 2023
Yesterday, when the opposition asked about the election, the idling, loose cannons of the Emperor were firing in all directions inside the parliament. Evil, the infertile woman in elections, displayed a volcanic explosive tendency for the oppositions’ election talk. Then there was another instance where Evil walked out of parliament, too. In the earlier efforts to kill the election, Commissioner Mrs. Charles was forced to resign. Later it was hushed and swept under the carpet. It is not sure why the Evil was that nervous about the usual disturbances in the parliament and staging other excess sagas on the election talks. Others like Gamini may have some more relevant explanation, yet nevertheless we too can watch it from outside and conclude something.
On the IMF loan, it is not the Langkang’ most important friend China is the problem. It is the Evil Emperor, who set up the IMF’s nervousness to come out with many strange conditions, Langkang cannot control itself. Faith on Evil’s conducts are zero, locally and internationally. It said so by Evil (, not me). He claims that his enemies did it to him. His Excellency claimed that the opposition did not help him hide his lifelong deeds so it would not have come to the light of international attention, and he would have been able to fool the entire world, without any blemish in his records.
/
Mallaiyuran / February 25, 2023
The Evil record on the registries of the lending countries is worse than the Rowdy King. China gave some explanations that are based on Saddampi’s Book of Law, that the IMF, who has not approved the loan to Lanka yet, is trying to get its repayment from stopping the payments on China loans. After all, China’s White Elephant loan is defaulted by Langkang, already. Evil is arguing that “We are doing according to the law, But not you (the election commission & Opposition).” But unwilling to test his lawfulness in a court. The 40 years president of the loser the UNP party, is dismissing Saliya Peris’ (a President Council) legal eminence in constitutional matters and labeling Saliya, who was the BASL president until now, as a political figure only and his consultations are untrustworthy. Does this UNP Modaya lawyer Evil, is including him also in a list he is creating, of a political organization, that is the BASL? BASL elected Saliya as their leader, but can this Sinhala Buddhists’’ UNP president who is rejected by people tell us how many political cases he won in Langkang courts? Why is he undertaking the job recommending a lawyer to opposition while he is claiming his job is only fixing the economy? He seems to be afraid that people walking in the road, in front or behind him, could be eminent lawyers.
/
Mallaiyuran / February 25, 2023
Saliya should explore if this can be sued under libel, outside of parliamentary process.
Evil is claiming that the EC is only a caretaker commission and the real one must be appointed by his own hand, under 21A to set up a date for election. Hello, hello; come on dear; dear what kind of president are you? You forgot it? A Runaway, already resigned from his duties, but delaying his resignation letter until he ran out of the land, appointed you as the PM: You were never confirmed as PM in the parliament. You used that lame PM position to become the lame EP. EC is a properly appointed commission, waiting to be reappointed under 21A. But you are still not, minimum, a PM. Come on man, do not be that thick tongued, highly doped person in talks.
/
Mallaiyuran / February 25, 2023
I will tell you a way, so you do not have to be panic driven or need not talk like a mad man because of the fear of losing an IMF loan. China will never believe you. You remember China charged you $250M fine on Pong Cing and took 5 villages land from you to take back Hangbangtota port? It never did anything like those to Old Rowdy. I will tell you an effortless way to get an IMF loan and rebuild the country. You just resign. Everything will be “A Okey” in Langkang from that day.
/
RBH59 / February 25, 2023
Uphold The People’s Right to Franchise
It Understanding only Franchise Taxes before upholding rights
The president did not come from the people he is from parliament he will take undemocratic decision the parliamentarian who voted for him must answer, An undemocratic government uses its weapon against its own people. Now it is happening the country is worse the experiences or education does not create a need for the best in life, we are stuck in an undemocratic. One man show
/
lankan100 / February 26, 2023
What will the election bring.. some new faces to Parliment to get priviledges. Why can’t you use the money to get coal from shipment that are waiting in the sea.
/
SJ / February 27, 2023
l-100
These elections will not do what you fear.
But the case for elections is based on democratic and constitutional principles.
What people readily forget is that nearly all defenders of democracy and the constitution had nothing to say in protest when certain PC elections were deferred indefinitely.
/