By Jagath Asoka –
Dr. Jagath Asoka
I once wrote about Pissudewa, Buruwansa, and Gommanpila, the latest incarnations of Sri Lankan Three Stooges; their hallmark is political farce, chauvinism, and Mahinda-nostalgia. Recently, as we say in the vernacular, Ape Pissudeva went bananas; in front of hapless school children, he displayed his arrogance and vituperative skills by using profanity. Bravo, my friend, you gave a pukka performance! You have concretized and given credence to my hypothesis. What an exemplary Marxist-Leninist? I don’t recommend a literal public beheading because Vasu has done it politically on national TV; however, I heard the following suggestion from another Sri Lankan: if Vasu has any decency, he should find a public toilet, immerse his swollen head filled with political fecal matter and flush it several times; by the way, if Vasu cannot do it himself, he should ask the former swine-faced, pseudo intellect, education minister, who appeared on TV and gave a lecture on the Sinhalese word “Paiyya,” to be a companion and participant in this ritual. After listening to my colleague, I watched Bandula’s comment. Folks, you got to watch this on YouTube; just search for the following: Bandula Explains Derogatory Word Used by Vasu in Parliament. Once upon a time, the name Vasudeva was synonymous with “integrity,” but now with the Sinhalese word “Pakaya.” What a pukka Shakespearian tragedy? A noble protagonist, who was somewhat flawed, ended up with an obscene conclusion. Vasu is throwing fuel into his own house on fire: He will not apologize, a true quality of a hallucinogenic revolutionary.
I think we have a candidate, not for President, but for Prime Minister: M. A. Sumanthiran.
The latest political fiasco is who is going to be our next Prime Minister. Pissudewa, Buruwansa, Gommanpila, swine-faced Bandula, and their ilk, in hallucinogenic ecstasy, keep regurgitating the same mantra: Prime Minister Mahinda. The majority of Sri Lankans are neither subversive nor incendiary. The majority of Sri Lankans are fairly intelligent and capable of critical reflection and reason; they were tired of corruption and knew that they had lost their freedom of expression. It is true that Ranil was appointed, not elected, due to peripheral issues. Ranil’s biggest faux Pas is to continue supporting Arjuna Mahendran, when the perception is that Mahendran’s son-in-law had inside information, participated in financial skullduggery, and swindled the hapless Sri Lankans. Speculation, trust, rumors, and ethics are the wheels of financial markets. I hope Arjuna Mahendran is not another Raj Rajaratnam. As I have written in my previous articles, Sri Lankans would not accuse Ranil of stealing, but the perception is that Ranil would protect his friends without justification. The conclusion of this debacle was that Mahendran was not directly involved, implying that he was involved, indirectly. Ranil had an opportunity to be a political giant, instead he dwarfed himself, politically. So, now, our quagmire is: Who is going to be our next Prime Minister?
Mahinda should not be our next Prime minster. You can tell a lot about a person’s character and integrity from the way that person behaves after losing power. Why would a person who was President and Prime Minister, crave to be the next Prime Minister, again? Only a pig would have a craving like that; surely, you do not want a pig as your Prime Minister. To paraphrase something that I have read somewhere—do not accuse me of cryptomnesia—pigs are intelligent, emotional, and sensitive; they like to be around people; pigs are not like dogs or cats; dogs obey, and cats ignore us; pigs even seem to have a good sense of humor when a pig says, “Boo and hoot at me because I have protected criminals, drug dealers, and rapists.” Do you want such a creature as your Prime Minister, again?
In one of my previous articles – A Tamil President In Sri Lanka -I asked whether the Sinhala-Buddhists in Sri Lanka would elect a well-educated, suave, Sinhala-speaking Tamil—someone similar to Mr. Lakshman Kadirgamar—as our President in Sri Lanka. I think we have a candidate, not for President, but for Prime Minister: M. A. Sumanthiran. To me the only major difference between a Sri Lankan Sinhalese and a Tamil is the language. All the other differences are inconsequential and peripheral. If you are a Sinhalese, when you get a chance, listen to Sumanthiran, who always articulates cogently. For example, juxtapose Sumanthiran and Pavithra Devi Wanniarachchi, a Sinhalese lawyer. Would you rather listen to Pavithra Devi or Mariyakade Magalin, who makes an honest living? My point is that even education and fluency in Sinhalese are not good enough to be our next Prime Minister; we need to go beyond Sinhala-Buddhist hegemony to find a person with integrity, decency, and fairness to be our next Prime Minister. Both Ranil and Mahinda have held the post of Prime Minister. Do you think either one of them has the decency to suggest that someone like Sumanthiran be our next Prime Minister? I do not think either one of them would endorse a Tamil, because neither Ranil nor Mahinda has either the wisdom or the spiritual development to be such a far-sighted, magnanimous virtuoso in politics.
JVP, the watchdog of our nation, is wagging its tail to a different tune. Without focusing on recent changes that took place since 08 January 2015, JVP is talking about stagnation in economy. This Parliament must be dissolved, and JVP must do everything in their power to dissolve it; there is no other alternative. I do not know why Sirisena wants to keep this parliament. Sirisena, for God’s sake, use your executive powers to do something for the people who elected you. Do not give nomination to crooks, drug dealers, rapists, and yahoos, even if they have degrees, because we all know how Namal got his degree; surely, he did not earn it.
Rajapaksas were defeated because Sri Lankans knew that they were stealing money and abusing power. Now, we are in a different situation. Mere accusations of financial skullduggery is not enough; people want concrete action and proof; to say that Rajapaksas have stolen 18 billion is just asinine. Find evidence and prosecute them now, because we have the support of the international community; they have the wherewithal to prosecute the perpetrators of these heinous crimes.
Since 1948, only one ethnic group has managed to keep the positions of Prime Minister and President. This approach is neither pragmatic nor wholesome. By electing members from other ethnic groups as Prime Minister or Speaker, we can truly say that we all are Sri Lankans with the same rights, privileges, and opportunities. If we want an undivided, stable Sri Lanka, we must share power, willingly; justice must be swift and blind, obviously.
K.A Sumanasekera / May 31, 2015
Good one…Will Abraham join SLFP or UNP ?…
Because even one of our Dalit leaders, Mano Ganeshan has no faith in the TNA which is the party of Vellalas and the Absentee Landlords ..
Mano now is forming a new Party to exclude the TNA according to the Colombo Media…
BTW,
Has this Dr acquired a Pig Phobia.to call names like …Swine faced Bandula,,, Pig Mahinda .
Has he had a look at himself in the Mirror?….
/
ken Robert / May 31, 2015
Athal sumane!
“Has this Dr acquired a Pig Phobia.to call names like …Swine faced Bandula,,, Pig Mahinda”
Have you got any alternative nick names?
Why don’t you propose any dalit alternatives for prime minister?
/
Thiru Cumaran / May 31, 2015
Mano was NEVER a part of the TNA, and never contested in alliance with the TNA. The only reason he has been trying to stick close to the TNA in recent times is because his dreams of becoming an MP by contesting in Colombo seems to be vanishing as the TNA continues to ponder fielding their own candidates in Colombo, as all the TNA faithful have been voting for Mano/his party, for lack of other Tamil candidates in Colombo. He’s now realized that the TNA will not support him in Colombo and so he is going to get others to join his sole-member party, the WPPF.
/
Leelagemalli / May 31, 2015
Had Meeharaka Rajapakse ever guessed at the danger before him, he could have stayed as a President whose term brought end to the LTTE brutalities. But his greediness made him blind – his folly made him believed his Royal astrolger- latter had not even completed school education. Having listened to the Sannasgala#s interview lately had with Royala Astrologer – I myself what an Kattadiya he should have been. But this kind low lives caricatured Meeharaka Rajapakshe as no other leaders faced that below. All the prove that Meehraka was not worth even to drive a bullock cart – but the kind of lanken democracy has allowed it. With 58 lacks of the vote eligible population has been that stupid, how can we ever think of a dream for the future. Only way out would be all these perpetrators to put behind bar going through today’s channels that paved the way through 19A.
/
MsMaralaothi / June 1, 2015
You are dead right my dear. Who would keep the faith in such personalities, if the leaders are wise. I myself know the kind of Saththara karaya are just ahinkuntaka typeto everyone s eye in general. I really wondered having watched lanken senders keep allowing those programs based on Astrology during the last 6 months. I am proud, hearing that MY3 current PRESIDENT at once said, that he would not keep that faith on those men. Thatshowed me how powerful he can be. We the ones moved to the west – while staying here, feel – the laughing figure of all times should be Mahinda Rajapakshe. Just imagine the ones he hand picked and appointed for any high responsible autorities. In the US – that Wahington office to run by his relatives with not the least qualification to do so – was a greater joke. Then again the man who was appointed as EA monitoring minister or someone was under qualification. These men were not appropriate to sweep the streets in the capital. My aged father should be very right – telling me every time, that the country is put in a place as no times before by MR and thugs – like the way lankens are used to say- Mahandana mutta and Horu kalliya. All these Horu being a side today, make every harthala to block MY3 – but nochance these buggers would ever get.. I love the way – MY3-Ranil and CBK in Background do it very smart though some feel snail walk.. However, what they have achieved sofar are thousand times valuable than all set within the last term of most abusive Mahinda. I wonder why those men with degrees seem to stay with DOGGY mahinda even today ?
Greetings from Switzerland
/
S.R.H. Hoole / May 31, 2015
Why would Colombo Telegraph allow caste aspersions to be cast? I thought this is a moderated site — which means the site assumes responsibility for everything that appears, whereas by the rules an unmoderated site must provide for deletions within a very small time window (I think 36 hours)when offending material is flagged. Does CT assume responsibility for these caste comments on individuals?
/
JULAMPITIYE AMARAYA / May 31, 2015
KAS KAS [LSD MAHINDPALAS]
So You strongly backing. the Dalit Malaccan Jarapassa for the Prime minister candidacy??????.
That Dalit Mallaccan is not suitable to Put to Guard a Public Toilet even.
But Before that, tell them get new Identity cards As 1111111111V and 222222222V are bogus.
And they have to answer to public, how they got those Identity cards and Why those used to Pilfer Public funds.
[ Booruwangsa and Wifer got Sick as they are now Shivering because they know that they Guilty].
By the way, There were No any Former First lady called to a police station for cheating Public money in our Mother land’s History.
Not even charged for a Traffic violation, You Moron.
EXPLAIN TO YOUR IDIOT LOOTERS You Fool!!!!!!.
Don’t you have any SHAME??????.
/
Native Vedda / May 31, 2015
K.A Sumanasekera
Jagath Asoka writes
“I heard the following suggestion from another Sri Lankan: if Vasu has any decency,he should find a public toilet, immerse his swollen head filled with political fecal matter and flush it several times;”
Only when he is sober.
/
Rohan / May 31, 2015
But, Ranil himself seems to protect Rajapakses for some unexplainable reasons. They have a wonderful opportunity to expose Mahinda (everything, mate, everything), Gota (money, power, deaths), Basil (money, power), Namal (money, power, degree, flight attendants), Yoshitha (death, degree), Nadesan (power, money, brokering), Rajapakse women and all their cronies. But, justice delayed is justice denied. Poor Sri Lankan public!!!
/
Burt / May 31, 2015
What you say is in the best interest of the country and Mr.Sumanthiran no doubt is a good candidate for PM but unfortunately TNA can never be one of parties with the highest seats in parliament. The normal process is the president asks the party with the highest amount of seats to form government and it is that party that decides on the PM.
So the only way Mr. S could be PM is if he crosses over to a larger party or TNA cuts a deal with the major parties. Either scenario will not be in the favor of Tamils so I cannot see that happening.
/
Amarasiri / May 31, 2015
Dr. Jagath Asoka
RE: Vasu, Ranil, & Sumanthiran
“I once wrote about Pissudewa, Buruwansa, and Gommanpila, the latest incarnations of Sri Lankan Three Stooges; their hallmark is political farce, chauvinism, and Mahinda-nostalgia.”
That was a good one. Those “Baiiyyas” are now disoriented, Baludeva is calling others Pakaya in Parliament now.
“Once upon a time, the name Vasudeva was synonymous with “integrity,” but now with the Sinhalese word “Pakaya.” What a pukka Shakespearian tragedy? A noble protagonist, who was somewhat flawed, ended up with an obscene conclusion. Vasu is throwing fuel into his own house on fire: He will not apologize, a true quality of a hallucinogenic revolutionary.”
Remember, Vasu-Pakaya is so confused and for consultation goes to Mahinda Rajapaksa and Wimal Modawansa. It confuses him more.
Raja Raja Chatu Raja, …Vasu Vasu Mattu Pakaya
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7A44AhTuXE
/
gowsa / May 31, 2015
Well said Dr.JA
But the sinhala buddist will not allow a tamil person to become a PM
/
Sinhala_Man / May 31, 2015
I agree absolutely, not only that there should be a possibility for a non-Sinhalese to be the leader of our country, but that Sumanthiran would be a fine choice. However, I don’t see how that can happen.
During the past four months, it is true that Maithri has emerged as, perhaps, the most respected Sri Lankan politician, but unfortunately, it is a parliamentary election that we are now facing. Nomination day is going to be crucial: “crooks, drug dealers, rapists, and yahoos” have to be eliminated at that point, but this desideratum cannot even be announced until the present parliament is dissolved. I live in rural Sri Lanka. The average person has received huge doses of politics for six months; I mean that they have been asked to think things out, rather than get brainwashed by goebbelsian propaganda. Technology has shortened people’s attention spans. It’s now got to the stage where the average person is sick of all members of parliament. All horse dealings (very necessary still), can then stop, and they must stop!
If fresh faces are nominated, there will be acceptance, but persuading individual voters to understand what each candidate stands for is going to be difficult. Our voter turn out is high, but people vote either as families or as peer groups. All that we write in English is of little use, and I must acknowledge that I wouldn’t know how to set about conveying anything through the media using either of the other languages. However, I do try to engage even strangers in Sinhala. That little, we can all do.
Once the new parliament is in place, it is inevitable that the leader of the largest bloc (and that is likeliest to be Ranil W. for whom nobody has any great enthusiasm) will be the Prime Minister. To get real, it would actually be dangerous to, at that point, smuggle in Sumanthiran. I’d personally be happy, but Rajapaksa is once more rousing communalism, so the mood may be even worse than in 1977 (have I got the year right?) when people began saying that a Tamil should not be given as important a position as “Leader of the Opposition”!
“Delivering on promises” (however unrealistic) has become the expectation of the public. After the elections, it must almost always be like that scene in Julius Caesar where Antony and Octavius try to work out what they can delete from “the will of Caesar”. I myself posted a comment asking that the petrol price reduction be not too drastic after the 9th of January. Whatever the outcome of the election, I fear that the rupee will be trading at around 200 to the U.S. Dollar by the end of this year.
Appointing Ranil W. as Prime Minister without a majority in Parliament was possible only because this was trumpeted as Concrete Promise Number Two (second only to ridding ourselves of the Executive Presidency) by Maithri as a means of attracting votes. There is logic, therefore, in Rajapaksa saying that for the SLFP to now attract votes he should be appointed Prime Ministerial candidate. Well, that depends on whose votes the party wants to attract. Let me proclaim it: mine is a floating vote, and I’d like to vote SLFP. I will be considering the track record of the candidate, but more than all else, I will try to work out who is in charge of the party. It has to be Maithri; if there is the slightest chance of any Rajapaksa (except Wijedasa!) gaining a toehold in the party, my vote goes elsewhere, to an honest candidate. I’m still trying, though, to work out the ramifications of the “system of election” possibly changing; what will the average voter who doesn’t usually think for five minutes do? I still surprise countless people by saying that, except in 2015, I always listed three preferences for President, never beginning with one of the two obvious favourites.
Look at most of the comments of even those who can communicate in “our International language”. Rub any Sri Lankan the wrong way, and he gets communal! It may be, that after about two years of peace, and without any seeming hurry or manipulation, Sumanthiran could be the Prime Minister. No comment has appeared yet; six hours from now, please compare my comment with the virulence of some of the others that have by then appeared! Sad prediction, but realistic!
/
Uthungan / May 31, 2015
Sinhala Man
“I agree absolutlely , not only there should be a possibility for non Sinhalese to be a leader of this country…….”
That will be the day when the sun rises from the West to set in the East perhaps!
/
Amarasiri / May 31, 2015
Sinhala_Man
“I agree absolutely, not only that there should be a possibility for a non-Sinhalese to be the leader of our country, but that Sumanthiran would be a fine choice. However, I don’t see how that can happen.”
It is unlikely to happen in this generation.
Wait until Mahinda Rajapaksa, Gotabaya Tajsap[akda, Wimal Weerawansa, and the Shills, White-washers, cronies and the 5.8 Million Modayas, Mootals and Fools who voted for MaRa. die of old age or the advantages of good governance and beneficial democracy for the masses.
So, need to wait another generation or two for any Para, irrespective of Para Status to be the Chief of the Para tribes.
/
Vibhushana / May 31, 2015
Well you are correct. USA president Barack Hussein Obama II did not become the president speaking Swahili. He could not have become the President peddling his paternal faith Islam either.
/
george jilmart / May 31, 2015
An excellent and well thought out article that deserves reading by every Sri Lankan citizen. The scumbags like Vasu and Baluwansa who are trying to bring back the biggest rogue and scoundrel as the next PM are only trying to protect their crooked interests. MR is a disgrace and he knows that the game is up if he cannot come back to power. He will have to spend the rest of his life in jail with his family and crooked mates when all the allegations are proved by an independent judiciary. Bandula the school teacher is very familiar with the kunuharapa that is used by thugs and vermin and I am not surprised that for him there is nothing wrong with the crass, low, loutish behavior of Vasu who is in the last stages of senile decadence. No question that Sumnathiran is the most suitable person to be the next PM, but the power hungry RW who is a born loser will not let this happen.
/
Bruz / May 31, 2015
Super article, honest and very sincere thinking. I wish it happens but we all know the stagnant political climate of our beloved nation. Welcome back Mr.Jagath Asoka, nice to read you and you are the best to read, as always !
/
Seelawathi / May 31, 2015
Bruz long time no see. Where had you been all the times ? Our common writer JA is back. I also love his pieces rather than those of DJ the dobby man.
/
Nathan / May 31, 2015
Dr. Jagath Asoka, You mean well. Your wishes will not carry in a set-up that is SL.
/
Rizwan / May 31, 2015
You say:
“… It is true that Ranil was appointed, not elected, due to peripheral issues.”
This is not true as Maithripala stated absolutely clearly at the very start of his campaign and also throughout his campaign for presidency that Ranil will be appointed as Prime Minister.
Thus it is clear that the people not only voted for Maithripala but for Ranil as well.
You say:
“…because neither Ranil nor Mahinda has either the wisdom or the spiritual development to be such a far-sighted, magnanimous virtuoso in politics”
I suggest you read the article written by Shyamon Jayasinghe here:
https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/ranil-does-a-gandhi/
I quote as follows:
“Wickremesinghe’s move would ensure the defeat of the regime whereas had he gone it alone with his party that task would have been compromised badly paving the way for a “third term of madness”. Only a man with a vison, and a sense of honesty would do a thing like this. Maitripala, while addressing via Sirasa TV rightfully praised the UNP Leader. Maitripala has been an honest guy among a pack of rogues.”
Mr. Jayasinghe’s views were echoed by many of CT’s writers.
Your article shows that you are forgetful of recent history. Let recent history show that we have a visionary PM. May he consolidate his position and lead us to a better future.
/
sirimal / May 31, 2015
Dear Jagath,
Great article indeed ? I would agree with you every word you added above. Nobody could articulate it better- salute you!!! These 4-men group
(Buruwanse,Gunawardhana,Wasideva,Gonwahanse-Gonmanpila) are worst than any deadly virus being found in africa. I would say.
/
sirimal / May 31, 2015
Typo – no question marked needed above
/
Afzal / May 31, 2015
MP Sumanthran is definitely an ideal candidate. The point is, is our voters matured enough to vote for non Singhala candidate for the Prime Minister post, forget about the voters I don’t think even in our parliament we have maturity to make such a bold decision.
Our guys are clamoring to bring back the corrupt MR back to the fore by any means possible. Just listen to people like Vasu, Nimal, wimal, UGP … the way they talk. Utter rubbish only they know how they could say shit like that.
Even JVP is only good at criticizing whoever is in power, no actions and not willing to take a task on to themselves and see it through.
/
MOHAMED MARZOOK / May 31, 2015
It may not be imaginable or practical given the political culture of Sri Lanka but still the ideal would be a JVP-TNA Alliance with Anura Kumara as President and Sumanthiran as Prime Minister. True January 08, 2015, opened the way for a new political culture and the exposure and punishment of the corrupt and fraudsters of the former regime but the mix in the present Govt. majority of them coming from the old political culture are seen dilly-dallying in carrying out what they promised at the elections, although a few promises have been fulfilled. They are in this predicament as they have to depend on several of the infamous persons of the former regime to run the present Govt. So the cycle will go on. If the people desire a real and effective change they need to take a very serious and drastic decision. The alternative to the people to put in place the change will be a Govt. of JVP-TNA Alliance. So I say because the JVP has now become a matured party with its varied experiences since their emergence and now are clear and firm in their policies to take the country forward towards true progress and its leadership led by Anura Kumara are seen committed towards this. The TNA to has come a long way shedding the LTTE aim of separatism and standing for the unity of the country. As with the JVP the TNA is also steadfast in its policies in the progress of the country as a truly democratic and progressive nation. Sumanthiran, emerging as new leader from the Tamil community guided by the well experienced Elder Politician Sampanthan, has now become acceptable to all the communities. So will not a JVP-TNA Govt. led by Anura Kumara and Sumanthiran will be the ideal choice for the country to progress? Will the people make it a reality?
/
Uthungan / May 31, 2015
Mohamed Mazrook
I think there is a lot of sense in your comment but the poser you have ended it with is the main sticking point.
What you have said is the ideal, but that is a very big big BUT ?
/
MOHAMED MARZOOK / May 31, 2015
An ideal cannot become a reality unless it is put into practice and tried. To put the ideal into practice and try it someone will have to take the risk. Now that the people are getting fed-up of the prevailing situations the JVP is the party that should take the risk first and seek the support of the TNA. Then the ideal could be put into practice and once the people begin to realize the true change taking place and the fruits if the change they would rally round. This can be the method. After all politicians take all sorts of risks for negative purposes; surely they can take this risk for a positive purpose.
/
Anpu / May 31, 2015
Excellent Jagath!
/
Burt / May 31, 2015
As the article refers to this individual I thought of putting this link for the benefit of those that have not heard this Maradana character.
“https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJHlHu4bPZU”
/
Thamilan / May 31, 2015
Jagath,
Very interesting article.
Before becoming the Prime Minister, the Tamils must join the SLFP, UNP etc and contest the parliamentary seats in the south and the Singhalese must contest in the North. This is how Sri Lanka was before 1956 and the communities lived peacefully all over the island.
/
Sengodan. M / May 31, 2015
A Tamil President in Sri Lanka? Either the author is day dreaming or thinking far, far ahead of times. There were strong objections for the candidature of Kadirgamar for premiership though for many he was more a Sinhala than a Tamil, purely because he carried a Tamil name!
For the time being, let us all be a little realistic and down to Earth.
Is it too much, far too much to expect that ALL parties exclude crooks,drug dealers, rapists and yahoos from nominations?
Let us make a humble beginning to strengthen yahapalanaya!
Sengodan. M
/
Mihad / May 31, 2015
Vaasu is a political puppet. After end of cold war between usa and ussr his brain stopped it’s active function. Now he is going shop for hora bastard. At the same time his filthy words are not an issue.
/
Saro / May 31, 2015
“To me the only major difference between a Sri Lankan Sinhalese and a Tamil is the language. All the other differences are inconsequential and peripheral”.
True, but, as you articulate elsewhere Buddhism as we know in Sri Lanka is also an essential part of the pre-requisite to be elected or appointed as PM . Those who claim following Lord Buddha will not approve any non- Sinhala-Buddhist to be appointed as PM. We saw this when ex-president CBK wanted to appoint Luxman Kadirkamar who was a Sinhalese in every respect but in name objections were raised and power hungry Mahinda Rajapakse was appointed for the post. We must remember why Soloman, WRD Bandaranayake converted himself to Buddhism before contesting general election in 1956.
“The majority of Sri Lankans are fairly intelligent and capable of critical reflection and reason;”
May be, because in the last election MS was elected. But if a non-Sinhalese was contesting against the corrupted and dishonest MR no chance of being elected.
Americans are still more racist oriented than Sri Lankans and British more conservative than liberal. Sri Lankan political leaders are more racist than American counterparts. Americans elected Barrack Obama and British defeated Sir Winston Churchill and elected a Labour PM just after the latter master minded the victory in World War II by defeating the evil Hitler who bombed and destroyed Britain and wanted to rule the whole world. Sri Lankans are not up to it yet. In 1000 years things might change, only then we could march forward.
Thank Dr Jagath Asoka for prompting us to broaden our outlook beyond Sinhala Buddhism.
/
Vibhushana / May 31, 2015
Its actually a good question. Where do Tamils go from here?
They know what ails their culture. Brahmanism and its caste centered traditions have blighted Tamils. Atheist Dravidism was the solution. Prabakarn answered the call. Although things have slipped back post Prabakran.
Its quite sad really, because non-violent antidote to Brahmin centered tradition have stared in their face all along. They are too stupid to see it. That is Theravadha Buddhism.
Ceylon responds to one question only. What have you done as a custodian of Buddhism?
A wise Tamil be able to combine former with the latter and come up with an elegant solution.
/
Dr.Rajasingham Narendran / May 31, 2015
Jagath Asoka,
I hope the ‘Pigs’ don’t fly!
I also admire your bold effort to crack our narrow mindedness with regard to the concept of citizenship. More efforts like your’s are needed to crack this nut. This may take a century, considering our attitudes now!
Sumanthiran, is a well rounded and well balanced Sri Lankan. He has also proved himself in parliament. Unfortunately, he is yet an appointed MP. His voter support base is to be yet tested. He has also no administrative experience. Would he turn out to be a run-of-mill politician, when the need arises to court voters? The best scenario would be for him to contest from Colombo and appeal to a multi- ethnic vote base. However, his lack of administrative experience would be a handicap. On the other hand, if MR had been president twice and wanted a third term, with his miserable governance and administration track record, Sumanthiran has the intelligence and ability to learn on the job!
I am suggesting an alternative to gauge commentator opinion. Why not Justice C.V, Wigneswaran? He is tri-lingual, a Saivaite and has served in several areas in Sri Lanka. His children are married to Sinhalese. Further, he was elected by a massive vote in the north. He has also served as CM for almost two years now. Does his track record as CM in the north, qualify him or dis qualify him for the post of PM? How is he perceived now by particularly the Sinhalese?
Dr.Rajasingham Narendran
/
kali / June 1, 2015
Dr.Narendran
I am not sure if are a Bacon eater but if you are I have no Lorry to Carry your worry.
The consequences are if the Pigs start flying Bacon will ( price) go up and you wont be able to afford a Sunday Fry Up which I enjoy very much.
/
Jango / June 1, 2015
Dr. Narendran – I too thought Wigneswaran would be a good man for a distinctive position in the political hierarchy, but since he became Governor, I have been disappointed with his performance with regard to stabilizing the reconciliation process.
I’m sure you must be aware of some of these instances!
/
paul / May 31, 2015
As we are constantly being told that the Sinhalese are mixed race South Indians from Kerala and Tamilnadu, it could be argued that we have had Tamil PMs and more for decades.
/
Bruz / May 31, 2015
@ Seelawathi: Thank you. I do not miss visiting CT or reading write ups and comments of mostly every 1, but articles from people like Dr. Jagath Asoka or V.Kanthaiya types wake me up, lighten my face and soul. These men think differently, write sensibly,with interesting and understandable stuff. Just love the difference but do not mean others are not writing sensibly.
Dr.Narendran’s suggestion of CM Wiggie as PM sounds good, even if it’s impossible now. Wiggie is definitely a better choice in many aspects even though the media always portrayed him as an uncooperative or even as a racist Tamil politician. He’s absolutely an unbiased gentleman of a kind available today to take up any responsible position.
I wish one day Lankans can elect a Tamil and a Muslim as PM and deputy PM/President, along with a Sinhala President to lead the country. And gradually elect an ideal President or a PM, without looking at his or her race and religion.
/
mel / June 1, 2015
Since Jagath Asoka cannot criticise anybody without likening that person to an animal, let’s what he can be likened to. JA [Edited out]
/
mel / June 1, 2015
Looks like all the above are having their snouts stuck in the same pig swill !!!
/
perera / June 1, 2015
It should be Gotaimbara,Pussadewa and Velusumana
/
Richard Kaz / June 1, 2015
At the end of the day there are two things that will prevent Sumanthiran or the likes of a Sumanthiran becoming PM of Sri Lanka. One, he is a Tamil, the second the system. In Sri Lanka, the system will not allow someone like Sumanthiran to become PM. Not only because he is a Tamil but he also does not believe in the system that will only allow those who believe in Sinhala hegemony or Sinhala majoritarianism. If a someone like Lakshman Kadirgamar who accepted Sinhala hegemony but could not become PM because of his ethnicity is rejected for a far less inferior candidate like MR, what chance does a Tamil who believes in devolution of power have a chance?
/
Dr.Goebells / June 1, 2015
JA (?)
Politics aside, calling BG ‘swine faced ‘ is quite despicable. Having said that, I actually think BG and you could pass off for a set of twins.
/
Vanguard / June 1, 2015
Is this a good suggestion?
A President who supports an unitary state and a PM who supports the following : TNA manifesto items.
“The contiguous preponderantly Tamil Speaking Northern and Eastern provinces are the historical habitation of the Tamil Speaking Peoples”
“Power sharing arrangements must be established in a unit of merged Northern and Eastern Provinces based on a federal structure, in a manner also acceptable to the Tamil speaking Muslim people.”
If the People of Sri Lanka agree.
/