M. A. Sumanthiran, Member of Parliament (TNA) speaks in Parliament, highlighting the need for the government to take honest steps to protect journalists and ensure media freedom.
Sumanthiran says that the manner in which the government fails to take steps to investigate and arrest those causing violent physical attacks on media institutions, clearly points to the conclusion that it is carried out by agents of the government. He cites as an example, the way in which the “Uthayan” newspaper has been attacked. Uthayan is the only regional Tamil newspaper in Jaffna. He accuses the government of sending ‘military goons’ to attack the Uthayan newspaper.The fact that such physical attacks are accompanied or followed up by vilification/slander campaigns by state controlled media such as the Daily News is even more unacceptable, adds Sumanthiran. He blasts certain statements made by Major General Hathurusinghe against ‘Uthayan” as most inappropriate, and draws to the attention of the House that this is an individual who has been named by the Leader of the Opposition (not once but several times) for running private militias in Jaffna.
Sumanthiran strongly condemns what he describes as ‘hate speech by the government .. backed up by actual physical attacks’ and says the government MPs have no shame, and all they can do is shout and make a noise. He throws a challenge to the Media Minister to properly reply to his charge that the government is acting improperly in relation to media freedom and abusing state media day after day.
He urges the government to take genuine steps to vindicate acts of violence against media and makes the point that this failure has resulted in Sri Lanka being noted internationally as a place in which safety of journalists are in danger.
The Colombo Telegraph which is run from outside Sri Lanka is able to publish the full speech, which has not been published to date by the media physically based in Sri Lanka.
Suren Raghavan / June 7, 2013
History repeats and relays
fist it was Thiruchelvam asking DS to answer
then it was SJV (Thanthai) Chelva asking Dudley and Banda
then it was Amithalingam asking JRJ and R Premadasa
then Sampanthan asking CBK and Ma.Rajapakse
now Sumanthiran asking empty seats?
last 60+ yeras the Tamils have asked questions of justice and faireplay
all they have recived is more shouting , more threats , physical attacks,and humiliation. I fear my beloved friend Suma also will shout another few years
But the SL State will not change its ethnic hegomony against Tamils and other minorities
So plz those who know, tell me what is the best answer?
/
Wyatt K / June 7, 2013
The best answer for Sri Lanka is to make this man Sumanthiran president. I don’t care what his religion or ethnicity is, this man is a great man. He speaks of the rule of law and fairness. It is too bad he is in Sri Lanka and not in the United States….
/
kp / June 7, 2013
hear, hear! :D
/
Tsunami Hora / June 8, 2013
Did you hear that Aswer said Sajin Vaas is a reincarnation of the Buddha?
And this Aswer must be a unique Muslim who believes in reincarnation. Yako kade yanawa kiyala mehamath kade yamak?
/
Senguttuvan / June 9, 2013
It is for nothing he has earned himself the title Gandha-kata. He has to live by it. Meaning no offence to other decent Translators, this was one of the greatest mistakes made by the late President Rajapakse that went out to disgrace parliament. I was in the gallery once, when rural visiting school children accompanied by their teachers, were embarrassed by this man’s poor behaviour and speech.
Senguttuvan
/
Ajith / June 7, 2013
I don’t think any one can beat our President Mahinda Percy Rajapakase. He is not only a good speaker but also an actor as well. Look at this para:
“My policy is never to postpone for tomorrow what could be done today. The Buddhist teaching on punctuality is equally applicable to statecraft and public policy. Therefore we will have to take firm and responsible decisions in building a disciplined society. In this respect my policy will be to consolidate the rule of law to the maximum. The law of the country should be just. Everybody including the President of the country should obey and respect that just law.”
We can talk lot about Lasantha murder, Uthayan attack, Sivaram murder and our President is firm on rule of law, rule of jungle, rule of animals. Look at those people who are surrounded by him: Low obeying his brother, his son, his cousins, karuna amman, Douglas Devananda, Merwyn Silva, Wijewansa, Champika, BBS, Sihala urumaya.
/
Alwis / June 7, 2013
This uneducated moron utters these words looking at the teleprompter, written and given to him by some bootlicker employed by him, but he does not know the meaning of what he utters! These Rajapaksha mutts are a laughing stock and a disgrace to the country! Educated and civilized people would laugh from their both ends looking at these hilarious jokes they are presenting!
/
Ajith / June 8, 2013
Unfortunately there are a large number of educated fools who are happy to act as uncivilised people in our country. People like Professor G.L. Peries, Professor Vithanage, Dr Merwyn Silva are there to put “Yes” for everything this man utters and what he does to violate the rule of law.
/
Ama / June 8, 2013
Suren, Sumanthiran’s statement about media situation in Sri Lanka has nothing to do with the state discriminating against Tamils. These are two different issues. The state authorities have discriminated all ethnic and religious minorities for the last 65 years. (Tamils, Christians and now Muslims)In April 2013, 38 evangelical churches were attacked by mobs lead by Buddhist priests. (Attacked meaning- property damaged, pastors being assaulted, -hospitalized etc) – The media, even the private;- forget the state, who have no backbone and have not shown any form of responsibility in the past have not highlighted these attacks at all. We must have faith in our children and hope that they would change our country. THERE WILL BE A THIRD WAVE AND THINGS WILL CHANGE IN SRI LANKA. My best answer – Live in hope, bring up your children to love the country you are living in and treat everyone with respect irrespective of their background, status, religion and political ideology.
/
shantha / June 8, 2013
Writing on media freedom there is no neutrality of Media. See daily mirror and tamil mirror. tamil mirror has this link,
tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=36382
not in daily mirror. Sumanthiran waste his time supporting media including dailymirror.
/
JimSofty / June 8, 2013
Why don’t you talk about how Tamils played fair ?
/
Yoganathan Mudali / June 9, 2013
No, first it was GG Ponna asked not only in Colombo but at Whitehall, UK also.
What we are seeing here is that even reasonable prudent men are also going to engage in violence.
/
Wyatt K / June 7, 2013
M.A. Sumanthiran is the Number One Politician and statesman in Sri Lanka!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
/
Omar / June 7, 2013
I agree, Mr. Sumanthiran is a brave politician, talks to the point and talks sense.
Thank you CT.
/
Yehiya / June 8, 2013
They may kill this man.
/
Simhi / June 8, 2013
A Freudian slip!
/
Wyatt K / June 7, 2013
Hey Colombo Telegraph: thanks for bringing this great voice to the world. I wish you would give us more of Sumanthiran….
/
M / June 7, 2013
Yes he is indeed very brave………. but should also “fight” for his innocent clients till the end in courts, even if it doesn`t bring him fame ! For charity begins at home ! ( In a wider sense)
/
Native Vedda / June 8, 2013
Omar & M
Is Sumanthiran brave or naive?
Who is providing him with the necessary divine protection?
/
Omar / June 8, 2013
NatiVe,
‘Who is providing him with the necessary divine protection?’
He is committed. Its his will.
The man has a policy unlike the SLMC or SLFP.
Why did you ask if he was naive? do yousee him naive?
Didnt you notice the way how he brushed off the hooligans
who tried to clogged him? He said everything he got to say.
About the ‘protection’ you mentioned, I really fear of his
safety. He must take extra precautions.
Mr. Sumanthiran is a LEADER. We all in general and the
Tamils in purtcular must be proud of him indeed, otherwise the house is full of comedy fellows.
/
Native Vedda / June 8, 2013
Omar says:
“I really fear of his safety. He must take extra precautions.”
Is Sumanthiran naive?
/
Rooster / June 8, 2013
Forget what he says, what do you wanna say Vedda?
Looks like you ran out of comments?
You too sometimes talks cock.
Look at our Leela for a change, struggling desperately trying to say something but he too doesnt know how to attack. Isnt he amusing all of us with his same old two cent pro RanGoja jargon.
Ohhh you poor Leelawathiyo Potter……..
Go and rest now man, your times over.
/
Native Vedda / June 8, 2013
Rooster
“You too sometimes talks cock.”
I am sure I talk cock all the time and am sorry if I have talked sense in the past. I must have inadvertently made sensible comments, which I didn’t mean to make and I regret.
“Go and rest now man, your times over.”
Thanks
I have just been lazying in a hammock.
/
Senguttuvan / June 9, 2013
NV,
Rooster says you are talking cock. Are you chickening out?
Senguttuvan
/
Native Vedda / June 9, 2013
Senguttuvan
“Are you chickening out?”
You know what I meant.
/
Rooster / June 9, 2013
Native Vedda,
‘Go and rest now man, your times over’
This was to our ‘Comedian of the Year’ Leelawathee. Wasn’t meant for you!
Iam sorry and you cant rest, we need your comments.
By the way I was teasing you to get your comments out.
But failed sadly.
Rooster.
/
Jaindi / June 7, 2013
This is a sad state of affair. I have a lot of sympathy for the Tamil MP. He is trying very hard to bring up a good point. but with illiterate MPS in the parliament, he wont succeed. It will be a hard struggle. But hats off to the MP for not giving up his struggle. let us live in hope that one day things will change
/
Leela / June 7, 2013
I didn’t get it; is he saying Veluppillai Pirapakaran is a misunderstood prophet?
/
Anura / June 7, 2013
Leela,
These speeches are too complicated for you. Don’t strain your little brain!!!!
If you can, try to help at least one of those ministers or Sajin Vas (?) like guys who shouted to make a logical and intelligent speech with facts as response…
Anura
/
Rohan / June 7, 2013
Well, certain people have problem with understanding… All men were created unequal!
/
The Last Dinosaur / June 7, 2013
leela.. where are you hiding.. the entire Angoda Mental Hospital is searching for you……
/
Sama / June 7, 2013
I dont think even Angoda would be suitable for Leela. Her situation seems to be worsening. People make mistakes, that is the nature, but Leela will take another century to train herself to see things unbiasedly.
/
Alwis / June 7, 2013
She is at the United Motors Garage re-boring her hole!
/
Sama / June 8, 2013
This is utterly disgusting.. :(
Please CT – check this kind of vulgar comments before being allowed..
/
Sama / June 8, 2013
This is utterly disgusting – CT please check them out before being allowed to pass.. to maintain the decency it should be..
/
Sama / June 7, 2013
how many more years, you would like to stay hypnotised by YOUR BELOVED LEADER^s Boru Begal ?
Just give us any evidence as to why the SLGO failed to solve any of the media related issues sofar as the honourable minister pointed out. Do you dare to deny any of them ? He clearly shows that the govt should be behind all these – do you have any counter arguments ? Please add reference too, if you will at all respond to all these questions.
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Sama / June 7, 2013
I believe you and your ilk would never see it with open eyes, by the time, you people would grasp, MR and the bunch will have finished looting the country and nation. Tell us what the generals or army officials have to do with media events in the nothern areas as the honorualbe minister pointed out. Today it is becoming clear, that the rulers have clear policies when it is for extneral affairs, Justice, Buddhist affairs, Media affairs, Education, Higher Education and very many other areas … but none of them have been concerned by responsible authorities.
/
Chandra / June 8, 2013
aney Leela (Herold) please listen to the speech again and tell us which part does he refer to Velupillai as a prophet?
Trust you are not hard of hearing
/
Sama / June 8, 2013
POOR leela is being hated by almost every right thinking ones on this platform.
But she is far from understanding that.. :(
/
JULAMPITIYE AMARAYA / June 8, 2013
OH Nooooooo??????.
You will not get it,
because you are moron, bellowing for somebody and geting paid.
so you are a backboneless pimp.
He is saying that, Jarapassa is a reincanetion of future Buddaha and Jarapassa Clan Are all Saints.
/
Wickramasiri / June 7, 2013
I am fully supportive of Sumanthiran, M.P. The behaviour of government MPs, particularly, Aszwer is reprehensible. When we elect people to parliament we expect them to respect their position and act with discipline. We expect them to know right from wrong, good from bad, justice from injustice. We know that the standard of parliamentarians has deteriorated over the years but this period under Mahinda Rajapaksa’s presidency must be the worst. Not only are they indisciplined, they are also lacking in human qualities. Sri lanka is in serious trouble.
/
Mohamed Razmi / June 7, 2013
Azawar will be recorded in history as the symbol of SL Muslims’ double standard! Shame …..!
/
mike / June 7, 2013
You mean Asswar the Monk and Pusari??
/
Anver Sheriff / June 7, 2013
Azwer’s behaviour was appalling. He is a disgrace. Mr. Sumanthiran’s every question was worthwhile. I dont think any of this regime member could answer him.
Great speech.
My vote for Mr. Sumanthiran!
/
Sama / June 7, 2013
His behaviour is a deal between president and him.
Minister of justice, Hakeem is also the same. Even if the general public would cry for not having security for their lives, the man as a minister of justice would not wake up from his long sleep. So what talks about his voice for the muslim community ?
When seeing all these, tamil folks should be proud of honourable Sumanthiran. He would do whatever he can to protect his community – being exemplary.
/
Abu umar / June 8, 2013
exactly.
/
Sama / June 7, 2013
Me too. I wish him all the best. Atleast one of them seem to have all talents to go against the ruling bunch of thieves. All he has raised here are facts and they have no good responses to calm down him.
More among the right thinking srilankens, be them sinhala,tamils or muslims will impartially support these sorta of great politicians.
Actually, he seems to have all good arguments whenever he produces them to the parliament. I wish our sinhalayalas could learn lessions from this kind of good politicians. Even Minister of justice should learn to raise the issues related to muslims in the same manner. His inability having no spine to do so, has created a paralysis for the voice of the muslims.
To stand against current ruling bunch, muslims, sinhala, tamils and all should get mobilised.
/
Thrishantha / June 7, 2013
Behavior of the deputy ministry for Buddha Sasana is pathetic. This ministry should be given to somebody who has at least some basic moral conduct. Or, there is nobody of such nature in the Government? It should also be noted that UNP when they were in power took the same oppressive approach on free media. Perhaps that is why they are silent. Their champion, JRJ started this culture of attacks on journalists, and Rajapaksas merrily nurture that culture now backed by military officers. How shameful! But it is consoling to see this one man opposition still having some pulses.
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Sama / June 7, 2013
See, his arguments based on as to why the govt has failed to settle any single issues related to media today – is genuine. That is what we also raise today. Why the govt stay as if they are deaf when crime investigations are carried out whtiout any legal basis. Why british murder, Baratha murder, waragoda MP kiling etc are not handled by the courts by giving them acceptable verdict. Let alone why they let Duminda Silva – the evident murder to stay scot free- with the patornage of Rajapaskes… why do they let general public to build up opinions that the juistice is dependent today than no others times in the past.
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Fathima / June 7, 2013
Is it wrong to say that parliamentarian Azwer is a liability and burden to our motherland Sri Lanka?
Isn’t it shame to let him stay and shout the way he is from Parlment to Mosque??
Isn’t it inappropriate to recommend to his family members to take care of him at home with his grand children?
/
Safa / June 7, 2013
The inability of the Police is mainly due to the Defence Secretary who suppresses any investigation. Also most attacks are carried out by para-military or secret units within the military itself. Therefore no investigation is allowed by the Secretary of Defence.
What is the use of talking about media ethics when thuggery and murder are part of government tactics. Do they expect people to cow down and remain silent?
/
Sama / June 7, 2013
My question is many accuse him of being involved in all these unprecedented events, but why lawyers collective, opposition and professional bodies and professionals stay without rise.. How many more crime incidents to emerge, people to pulse this situation ?
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Rohan / June 7, 2013
Oh my God…. Does HONOURABLE Aswer have any shame? Buddha Sasana Minsiter is a reincarnation of Buddha? WOW!!
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mike / June 8, 2013
Asswar’s brain is embedded elsewhere (you know where??) and what is more he was a strong supporter of the Balu Bala Sena. Who knows he may come to parliament with shaven head and yellow robes??
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JULAMPITIYE AMARAYA / June 8, 2013
Azwer is sitting on his brain .
so no need to worry.
but we feel sorry for the voters, who send that idiots to parliment.
/
justice / June 7, 2013
Sumanthiran has laid bare in parliament what all lankans know – that there is no media freedom in the country and truth speaking media are suppressed in most brutal ways.
It appears that the military officers in the north are now pseudo-journalists.
They are trying to cover up their Terror Regime in the north laid bare by independent media.
17 journalists were killed and dozens fled abroad to escape persecution and death.
The viciferous minister of Budda Sasana should at least arrange buddhist rituals in memory of those journalists executed by state agents.
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JP / June 7, 2013
Sumanthiran, thank you. You are courageous and every time you speak you make a positive contribution towards a counter-culture that surpasses all barriers. You are showing the way and influencing many others to stand for the truth. Keep it up.
JP
/
Pandukabaya / June 7, 2013
Its an honour to have people like Mr.Sumanthiran as politicians in any party.
Its an honour to have an MP like Sumanthiran in our already deteriorating parliament.
What an orator. I loved the way he said ‘Sit Down’.
Its so sad to have such idiots like Aswer, Sajin Vas (Almost all regime MP’s) etc.
Though the dog may bark the caravan moves on!
Well Done Mr. Sumanthiran. You are one of those rare parliamentarian that we used to have, in the calibre of Dudley, Colvin, NM, JR, Lalith, Amir, Neelan, Hamid, Nissanka etc.
/
Sama / June 7, 2013
Yes, Pandu, long time did not hear from you… hope not white vans were searching for you…. thanks god, you are there…
Indeed, I also enjoyed his speech. Respect !
Our so called big mouths like Buruwansa seems to be crying only for supper.
Sumanthiran seems to have all exemplary qualities to lead any community. His arguments are facts. No doubt about that.
Can you imagine, if we had a voice similar to his – to lead the opposition today ?
/
Pandukabaya / June 8, 2013
Hello Sama.
After heard Mr. Sumanthiran’s speech I was compelled to write a few lines. Can we make him THE common opposition candidate? He got all the qualities required. But the problem is some of our Sinhalayas.
Nice to hear from ya mate!
/
Sama / June 8, 2013
Yeah Pandu,
credit where credit’s due I am sinhala but for me everyone of us are srilankens
/
Native Vedda / June 8, 2013
Sama
” for me everyone of us are srilankens”
Could you define what you mean by Sri Lankan.
/
Anura / June 8, 2013
I most liked the comment “You guys should be ashamed instead of shouting at the back”.
Anura
/
kp / June 7, 2013
Azwer has become a joke- so sad he can’t see himself for what he is. Didnt open his mouth to let out even a squeak when the BBS was waxing hellfire on his community, yet now he has the nerve to yell obscenities at another minority politician. Who even elects these people?
/
Coconut Donkey / June 7, 2013
‘Honorable Minister of Buddhist Affairs, why don’t you conduct yourself in a better fashion… you have no spine.. you have no information..’ hahahahahah that just about explains everything one needs to know about the state of affairs in the country!
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J. Usman / June 7, 2013
Even worse that Mr. Sumanthiran didnt even bother to notice that Mental fellow GON BOORUWA Azwar.
Azwar must be whipped with a ‘Harak P’.
Classic example of the majority of the every race,
Mr. Sumanthiran = Tamils
Dy Budda Sasana = Sinhala/Buddhists
Azwar = Muslims
Dear Muslims, Do you need an Azwar? No wonder BBS, Gota and Champika screwing you. Get rid of all your reps and have one Hon. Sumanthiran.
Dear Buddhists, No one will destroy Buddhism but your own kind.
Dear Tamils , You all should be proud to have Hon. Sumanthiran.
Hats off for you Sir. You did bravely call a Spade a Spade.
/
mike / June 7, 2013
What the Sinhalese/Tamils/Muslims etc. need is to have Hon. Sumanthiran as the President of Sri Lanka.
/
Native Vedda / June 8, 2013
J. Usman
You have omitted Veddahs.
/
Yehiya / June 7, 2013
This parliament is another waste of fund & time of nation.
/
Wyatt K / June 7, 2013
Someday, Sumanthiran will get a Nobel Peace Prize if someone from Sri Lanka nominates him. The types who try to shout him down will get nothing. Watching his speeches, it is easy to figure out why Sumanthiran attracts support among such diverse peoples….
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Native Vedda / June 8, 2013
Wyatt K
“Someday, Sumanthiran will get a Nobel Peace Prize if someone from Sri Lanka nominates him.”
Are you planning to pull the rug under him?
/
mike / June 7, 2013
Excellent, Excellent speech Hon. Sumanthiran. I hope somebody shuts ASSwer’s mouth and ask him to get back to his first job at Maliban Biscoothu Factory!!!
/
Amal / June 7, 2013
Dear Sumanthiran, You are a great and intelligent politician. Sinhalese fools must be ashamed of them and their representatives in the parliament because no one could even decently listen to his speech and facts presented. Why the bloody hell anyway these bastards have been sent to parliament by the Sinhala assholes because they do not know how to conduct parliamentary proceedings properly and meaningfully? These lunatics must be sent to a mental hospital for treatment and rehab. I am 1000% sure had Sinhalese voted in Tamil politicians as their representatives in the parliament it would greatly benefit them!
/
Native Vedda / June 8, 2013
Amal
“These lunatics must be sent to a mental hospital for treatment and rehab.”
No these people should be sent back to where their ancestors came from, Bihar or Tamilnadu.
“I am 1000% sure had Sinhalese voted in Tamil politicians as their representatives in the parliament it would greatly benefit them!”
You must be joking.
Do you see any qualitative difference between Tamil and Sinhalese politicians?
/
J.muthu / June 7, 2013
I just had good laugh, Muslim dump called Buddha sasana minister reincarnation of some thing…what a rascal this muslim scum calling. he cant even defend his people, typical soney…Buddha sasana criminals bleeding country.
/
Leela / June 7, 2013
Does Hon Sumanthiran know that Times has published as Reuters reported; “the White House yesterday admitted that it had authorised security agencies to examine the telephone records of millions of citizens, saying it was necessary to defend the US against terrorism.” Report also says as a White house official said, such information is “a critical tool in protecting the nation from terrorist threats.” He also said, “It allows counter-terrorism personnel to discover whether known or suspected terrorists have been in contact with other persons who might be engaged in terrorist activities, particularly people located inside the US.”
The 2001 US Patriot Act allows the FBI to ask the court for an order empowering it to obtain “any tangible thing”, including business records, in pursuit of intelligence. The Obama administration official said that “all three branches of the government are involved in reviewing and authorising intelligence collection”. There is no limit to the breadth and extent of intelligence-gathering methods that Obama administration is pursuing.
Rajapaksa Administration should take a cue from the Obama Administration, the epitome of democracy and do the needful to protect the sovereignty of Sri Lanka from pending terrorists. Sumanthiran cannot but praise him then.
Leela
/
Chandra / June 8, 2013
Leela,
So what exactly are you saying?
Uthayan newspaper owners and workers are a security threat to the Nation for reporting facts? I’m sure they will be more than happy to give telephone records willingly instead of being physically threaten day by day.
Which part of Rajapakse “democracy” do you want?
/
Anura / June 8, 2013
Leela,
Comments you quoted from other sources sounds true. But you have added your conclusion or your perception which is very misleading.
“There is no limit to the breadth and extent of intelligence-gathering methods that Obama administration is pursuing.”
(No Limits?) The unlimited powers are given to authorities only in countries like Sri Lanka and Uganda. I believe any manual or extended work, analysis done on gathered data by any security personal will be audited. It won’t be easy to use those data to harass Obama’s political or personal opponents in US. If a citizen believes his privacy is breached without valid reason related national security, authorities have to answer with facts.
But there will be some misuses and human errors, but I can’t say these new processes or laws are totally irrelevant for national security.
Anura
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Lasith / June 8, 2013
Leela the mental patient,
The entire Angoda Hospital is looking for you and please relieve them from their labour!
You imbecile quote:
“..“the White House yesterday admitted that it had authorised security agencies to examine the telephone records of millions of citizens, saying it was necessary to defend the US against terrorism.”..”
Fine! At least US government does the duty of protecting its citizens even if it infringe on the rights of people!
But what the fucking service or protection does your Machabago&Co deliver to the people of this country even thorough the illegal acquiring of information on its citizens? One example, the Mara joker waylaid the Bank A/cs of former CJ and was that information used to protect the citizens of the country or to uplift the living conditions of them? No! They use every thing to safeguard and perpetuate their illegal rogue familial rule!
It is only a fugitive mental patient like this bloody leela bitch who will advocate spying on one’s own self by a rogue and war criminal regime, who does not possess anything of civility, decency, shame or honour!
/
Sama / June 8, 2013
Leelawathie,
Please dont beat around the bush, just ask your conscience, that we the lankens today have got – rule of law in the country ? To see this becoming clear to any 8 year old kid but not to the folks in your ilk is pathetic.
The great message that the honourable Sumanthiran passes is nothing else than – “we dont have a rule of law under the MR administration in the country today “.
If you are on medicine – not being able to grasph the message, is understandable, but NONE of us would get it if you try further to add any of your kind of evasive comments. Shame on you being a senior person of your AGE – My grannies were hundred times better focusing on what right and what wrong to the same age – I wonder why you fail to do so.
/
JimSofty / June 8, 2013
US is using DRONE attacks to kill It’s own citizens (probably ones living overseas or have plans to do that inside USA) who are against the State policies.
/
punchinilame / June 8, 2013
Commenting with the Memories of those who have laid down their life
to this particular Regime is a most disgraceful act that any Government
could have earned in this world………..
19 Journalists Killed in Sri Lanka/ Source: Tamil H.R. ( Paris)
“Shoba, O’liveechchu
May 18 or 19, in Mullivaikkal, Sri Lanka
Puniyamoorthy Sathiyamoorthy, freelance
February 12, 2009, in Mullaitheevu district, Sri Lanka
Lasantha Wickramatunga, The Sunday Leader
January 8, 2009, in an area outside Colombo, Sri Lanka
Rashmi Mohamed, Sirasa TV
October 6, 2008, in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka
Paranirupasingham Devakumar, News 1st
May 28, 2008, in Jaffna, Sri Lanka
Suresh Linbiyo, Voice of Tigers
November 27, 2007, in Kilinochchi, Sri Lanka
T. Tharmalingam, Voice of Tigers
November 27, 2007, in Kilinochchi, Sri Lanka
Isaivizhi Chempiyan, Voice of Tigers
November 27, 2007, in Kilinochchi, Sri Lanka
Selvarajah Rajeewarnam, Uthayan
April 29, 2007, in Jaffna, Sri Lanka
Subash Chandraboas, Nilam
April 16, 2007, in an area near Vavuniya, Sri Lanka
Subramaniyam Sugitharajah, Sudar Oli
January 24, 2006, in Trincomalee, Sri Lanka
Relangi Selvarajah, Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corp.
August 12, 2005, in Colombo, Sri Lanka
Dharmeratnam Sivaram, TamilNet and Daily Mirror
April 29, 2005, in Colombo, Sri Lanka
Lanka Jayasundara, Wijeya Publications
December 11, 2004, in Colombo, Sri Lanka
Bala Nadarajah Iyer, Thinamurasu and Thinakaran
August 16, 2004, in Colombo, Sri Lanka
Aiyathurai Nadesan, Virakesari
May 31, 2004, in Batticaloa, Sri Lanka
Mylvaganam Nimalarajan, BBC, Virakesari, Ravaya
October 19, 2000, in Jaffna, Sri Lanka
Anura Priyantha, Independent Television Network
December 18, 1999, in Colombo, Sri Lanka
Indika Pathinivasan, Maharaja Television Network
December 18, 1999, in Colombo, Sri Lanka
6 Journalists Killed in Sri Lanka/Motive Unconfirmed
Sahadevan Nilakshan, Chaalaram
August 1, 2007, in Jaffna, Sri Lanka
Sinnathamby Sivamaharajah, Namathu Eelanadu
August 20, 2006, in Jaffna, Sri Lanka
Sampath Lakmal, Sathdina
July 1, 2006, in Colombo, Sri Lanka
Vasthian Anthony Mariyadas, Freelancer
December 31, 1999, in Vavuniya, Sri Lanka
Atputharajah Nadarajah, Thinamurusu
November 2, 1999, in Colombo, Sri Lanka
Rohana Kumara, Satana
September 7, 1999, in Colombo, Sri Lanka”
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Yehiya / June 8, 2013
Even no patient to listen the good speeches. Azwar show his foolishness to world.
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Native Vedda / June 8, 2013
Yehiya
“Azwar show his foolishness to world.”
All Lankies suffer from stupidity and Azwar is the norm and he is not the exception.
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Burt / June 8, 2013
Leela don’t sit for too long while reading or responding to CT, you could be putting too much pressure on your brain sitting on it.
CT you will be doing a great favor to politicians and the country if you can translate the responses and send it to parliamentarians. Everyone knows that they are idiots. It’s not necessary advertising.
If Karuna can become deputy leader I dont see a reason why SF cannot speak to TNA and form an alliance. Give offer deputy leader position for Sumanthiran and assure if in govt both party canditates will be given equal opportunity based on merit and not race.
It could work.
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Sama / June 8, 2013
Is that mean her brain should be somewhere else than that of any other homo sapiens ? :)
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KOKUVILAN / June 8, 2013
THERE IS NO POINT IN ENGLISH READERS TO MAKE ALL THESE USEFULL GOD COMMENTS UNLESS THE SINGLA TRANSLATION IS ALSO PUBLISHED(IF PERMITTED TO REACH THEM) AND FOR THEM TO KNOW WHAT IS REALLY HAPPENIG AROUND THEM.REALLY A SAD SITUTAION.
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Lalith / June 8, 2013
I am a Sinhalese and call for this Sumanthiran politician to be named as the common candidate for president of Sri Lanka. He seems to talk with a straight, and sticks to facts that cannot be disputed. He seems to care for the people he represents and the whole country at large by raising issues and articulating how it impacts all of us. May I say he seems to love Sri Lanka more than many sitting across him in parliament in the government ranks. He cares to come prepared to talk in parliament and raise genuine issues that affect the livelihood and freedom of all the people of this land. Let us unite to bring some decency back into governance, and it starts with those we chose to elect to represent us as leaders. “Sumanthiran for President”.
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Wyatt K / June 8, 2013
I second your sentiment. I wonder what the best path would be for him to take to become president. I think he has a lot of appeal to a wide range of people. What I like is that he focuses in on the rule of law and fairness. I hope the people put him on that path because I think this man will restore greatness to Sri Lanka.
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mike / June 8, 2013
I concur, but I have a very strong feeling that Hon. Sumanthiren’s life may be in danger with people like Hitlerpaksha and his brother Nande Master (GOATA)??
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Sama / June 8, 2013
I am in the same view, but do you think if him to get elected through the votes of the masses, our people in general are that grown in considering a person like him as a the president. What I mean is our people mind sets need changing to good if the best candidate to allow governing the nation to progress. Ours though a folk with high social values such as high literacy rates, high life expectancies, but in elections they seem to have no brains to use universal franchise properly. This you can see clearly in the parliamentarians today under the lead of MR. I read some where a couple of month ago, that Ranjan Ramanayake saying that all kind of robbers were next to him in the parliament – who elected them to the parliament if not the general public ? So long our people are fed by facts – help chanding their stupid mind sets, you would not be able to see a great change in the prevailing system in the country. This can take many more years, until our people as voters would be better aware of what they are doing.
Today the leader of the country- he himself is a failure. But who elected him ( if the last election was at all a fair one) – our people are the ones to be blamed to send all kind of robbers to the parliment.
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Wickramasiri / June 8, 2013
I think you said a mouthful. Sumanthiran loves Sri Lanka and it’s people more than the Government MPs, more than Mahinda Rajapaksa, Gotabhaya, Basil,Chamal, Vasudeva,DEW,Vas Gunawardene. Rajitha Senaratne, GL Peiris, Amunugama. Nimal Siripala, Maithripala Sirisena, Thondaman, Hakeem,Rishard Bathiuddin, Malini Fonseka, and the others.
Sumanthiran is a true patriot. Others are mere pretenders.
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Sama / June 8, 2013
Afterall he sounds to be very intelligent. See, the man with 43 years exp in lanken politics – Mahinda Rajapakshe would not see burning issues in the country today – but this young politician has focused on the issue – giving all the facts as they are. His speech makes it further clear that there is no RULE OF LAW AND ORDER IN THIS COUNTRY TODAY.
I think Mahinda Rajapakshe is exceptionally talented at targeting rural folks – that is actually not a talent – rather abuse.
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Native Vedda / June 8, 2013
Lalith
“I am a Sinhalese and call for this Sumanthiran politician to be named as the common candidate for president of Sri Lanka.”
Aren’t you worried he could destroy what is left of this island?
Why cannot you agree on a Veddah Elder as the common candidate?
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K.A Sumanasekera / June 8, 2013
What is the big deal about his IC thinking that our motherland is a place which is dangerous for journos, when Mr Sumanathiran’s Diaspora heavies lead by the Reverend and the Eelaam PM have convinced their host International leaders that we do Genocide , Ethnic cleansing and even Widow rape.
One US resident who is a frequent commentator here , has said in another column that Mr Sumanathiran is Prez material.
He has to listen to better people and access better resourcess than quoting our loser Opposition Leader and the Uthayan paper is he wants to satisfy the wishes of his eager supporters.
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Wyatt K / June 8, 2013
I am the American commenter you refer to. And, I still say that a man of this caliber is rare and only comes along once or twice in a generation. A lot of people in Sri Lanka are smart enough to see it.
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Native Vedda / June 8, 2013
K.A Sumanasekera
“we do Genocide , Ethnic cleansing and even Widow rape.”
Yes Kallathonies did and continue do exactly what you have described as Genocide and Ethnic Cleansing, however the International Community does give a toss about my people.
The IC is with you and not with my people, who have been suffering under descendants of Kallathonies for the past 2,500 years.
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Point of View / June 8, 2013
Can someone enlighten me of what Sajin Vass’s background is ? How did he end up in the parliament ?
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mike / June 8, 2013
Of course, by ass-licking Hitlerpaksha!! He has no educational qualifications whatsoever, just like our Namal putha.
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Native Vedda / June 8, 2013
mike
My elders pointed out to me that educational qualifications have nothing to do with wisdom.
One needs wisdom not educational qualifications.
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justice / June 9, 2013
Point of View,
Click his name on Wikipedia.
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Sama / June 9, 2013
He is not the only one who has been elected to the parliament though not qualified. Today, the majority of them got selected are through MR and his henchmen. This is unfortunately not uncommon in diplomatic missions too. The fate of external affairs to have deteriorated to the appalling levels of to date are the consequences of MR vision.
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Anura / June 9, 2013
Sajin Vass has two passenger jets which he has leased to Mihin :-)
Story I read says that Mihin Lanka leased its jets through Sajin, instead of going durectly to lease those. So he is even richer than Kudu Duminda, Duminda stayed Sajin’s mansion in Singspore all the time he was in Singapore for treatments …
Anura
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Anura / June 9, 2013
MR met him in 2004/05? in his trip to UAE. Sajin who lived there (as an agent selling SL house maids) had done great job coordinating MR visit. Probably as a good pimp too. This is the start of very thick friendship and trust between MR and the Pimp
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Senguttuvan / June 9, 2013
Anura,
My info was Sajin was a Wharf Clerk working for Trico, Dubai.
He has befriended MR during a visit there and as the old saying
goes “birds of a feather flock together”
Senguttuvan
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Easwaran / June 8, 2013
Press freedom must be defended by all politicians with same energy and insistences as Mr. Sumenthiran. Thus publicity is the very soul of Justice. Thank you Colombo Telegraph. Truth never dies but would hurt those who deny or cover up. Peace is more than just absence of war. True peace is Justice, True peace is freedom, and true peace dictates the recognition of human rights. All these are anathema to Rajapaske regime. Tamils have endured for the past 65 years, how much more? Tamils position is clear, It is the non understanding clouded by Mahavamsa mind-set, is the main cause to this continued ethnic strife. It seems that the Rajapske clan and its armed forces think they are immortals. Ignorance is a bliss for them.
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