The Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRC) which comes directly under President Maithripala Sirisena has moved to seal transmission towers operated by TNL, the electronic media outfit owned by Shan Wickremesinghe.
The TRC’s sudden decision follows a programme on comments made by the President at a ceremony commemorating the late Ven Madoluwawe Sobitha Thero where the presented said that recent statements made by him indicated a certain confusion (vyaakoolathaavaya).
The commentary included reference to contradictions in various statements made by Sirisena with regard to the 100-days programme and also implied that he had a hand in the controversial deal to purchase a Russian ship which, TNL suggests was the reason for the Navy Commander’s tenure not being extended as well as the resignation of the then Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, Karunasena Hettiarachchi.
Meanwhile TNL has said that the TRC has sealed its transmission station in Polgahawela and that those who carried out this order were in the process of removing equipment from the premises. TNL expressed disgust at this move in a context where the station has made all relevant payments to the TRC.
Colombo Telegraph reliably learns that TRC personnel are on their way to TNL’s transmission station in Karagahatenne, possibly to seal that facility as well.
Incidentally, Shan Wickremesinghe is the brother of Prime Minister and and the leader of the United National Party, Sirisena’s main coalition partner in the ‘Unity Government’. He is by training a broadcast engineer and was the founder of Sri Lanka’s first television station, ITN.
However, Shan Wickremesinghe is not known to toe the line of his bother’s party.
Jim softy / June 6, 2018
Wimal Weerawansha was released from the Prison because Ranil wanted it. I think Wimal Weerawansha is with pohottuwa to demolish it. Wimal Weerawansha has talked supporting TNL. This is how theives, Looters and FRAUDSTERS gang up.
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Champa / June 6, 2018
Jim Softy
Just get lost you, JVP paid coolie.
Wimal didn’t say anything in support of TNL in particular. He questioned the government which came into power promising ‘media freedom’ as one of its priority. He was against blocking TNL and he said the immediate reason could be the criticism of President. On the other hand, Wimal was a journalist before. Wimal was the first to raise the TNL matter in the Parliament, although TNL vehemently attacked and mercilessly slandered Wimal in many occasions. That is the quality of Wimal. He has no personal grudges against media no matter how much they slander him unfairly. He is a fighter for justice. Next time learn to listen to the full speech before making a comment.
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If Wimal was released from the prison because Ranil wanted it, then it should be Ranil who imprisoned him. This is news to me. Your assertion is a contempt of Court.
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About Hotu Pohottuwa: Wimal stand by his principles. He is a nationalist. Hotu Pohottuwa has no principles. Nobody knows what its policies are. (no offence to MR.) There is a group maneuvered by Basil in Hotu Pohottuwa who went against a collective decision taken by MR and other Party Leaders. Wimal showed his displeasure for working against MR’s decision. So what? Wimal and others formed JO in 2015. Hotu Pohottuwa or Basil was nowhere to be seen at the time. The votes Hotu Pohottuwa claims as theirs are the same people’s force Wimal built on February 15, 2015. There is nothing to demolish. If and when Wimal leaves Hotu Pohottuwa, it will see to its natural death. Many attempts were taken to remove Wimal from the group. Wimal is there for Mahinda. Not for anybody else.
Next time make sure to post comments when you are sober.
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K. Anaga / June 12, 2018
Now thew want ‘freedom from media’
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Champa / June 6, 2018
The biggest harm done to Mahinda was blocking CT by Gotabhaya and shielded him from seeing the real picture. As a politician, he should know what people think about his government, his Ministers and his own actions. It was even customary to our Sinhalese kings to tour cities in disguise to see how citizens are fairing. Today websites like CT carry public opinion irrespective of party-colour, ethnicity or religion. CT does a great service by empowering citizens by increasing their influence on the government’s decision making and attitude. As seen people are cynical about the government as they don’t trust the top duo.
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Opinions and criticisms of the general public and the media are the route to accountability of politicians. They are answerable to public. Politics is about understanding other people’s thinking even though they disagree. People and the media have a right to get angry when politicians cunningly divert people’s attention to mundane issues and internal party politics in order to cover up government’s failure to address big issues.
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For an example; last year the Finance Minister repeatedly stated that new Tax Laws are applicable to everybody and that even the President, PM, Ministers and other politicians should also pay new taxes. However, the President recently exempted politicians (or promised to do so) saying that politics is not a career but a service, therefore, they don’t come under Mangala’s category. Every citizen has a right to question the President of his decision to evade taxes. What is the loss now? What action does the Finance Minister propose to recover the loss of politicians’ portion of income taxes to government revenue? If it is by imposing more taxes on the general public, then we have a right to demand the Finance Minister to annul the New Tax Act altogether.
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Jim softyj / June 6, 2018
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Jim softy / June 6, 2018
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Mallaiyuran / June 6, 2018
Who is the TRC Chiarman? Appe Media Minister Mangala tried to communicate with him on the phone one hour before the sealing. But he didn’t come on the phone.
Is that also Austin Fernando or is that another guy?
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Thanga / June 6, 2018
I feel sorry for him. I want to know who are his advisors? He is making one blunder after another. Sirimavo Bandaranaike studied upto 10 the standard only. But she proved one of the best Prime Minister. Sirisena with his SSC should have done better.
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watcher / June 6, 2018
Country is moving to anarchy like drifting ship with out a captain..
MR had a perfect opportunity to get country into a new era, and instead his kids, wife, basil went to clean the country and create a very undemocratic system.
Enter, MS with UNP crooks and now he suddenly realised he is with the state mafia all this time.
Removing tv station licence and sealing transmitters is a great crime with out due process and how any judge approve this need to have a serious investigation.
Now we all know country does not have judiciary that you can rely on. I can see all these separatist jumping here with all kind of BS since it has nothing to with minority except country is in a serious black hole with out law and order and AG dept. run by a weak corrupt man.
We have billion dollars of investment on the pipe line that german banks have approved, but how can we support a country that is run by political mafia from both side?
Extremely sad state state of affairs and how do we improve 70% of poor and underclass in this country when we are completely helpless with these criminals?
All I can remember is “Chopin Nocturne No 20” and sit and listen to this tragedy unfolding..
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JimSofty / June 6, 2018
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Percy / June 6, 2018
Somebody I know asked me why I don’t attack Yahapalana any more. I told him that it was not necessary as Yahapalana is on self destruct mode and nobody has to do anything. They will simply disintegrate before our eyes. One thing is clear in a year’s time you won’t be able to find anyone who will admit to voting for Yahapalana in 2015, and that includes Sirisena and the UNP. It is already on public record that Sirisena and the UNP are both denying any association with the much heralded 100 day Programme.!! What a bunch of humbugs and what a multitude of morons who voted them in!
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Sinhala_Man / June 7, 2018
Percy, I think that you should attack Yahapalanaya for the reasons given by Champa above.
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However, I wish you would do so using your real identity. How disgusting that other pseudonym of yours is: “Puk – e – nool”. Please avoid scatology.
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As for disowning Yahapalanaya: I think that we are right to do so, but you will not have me denying that I voted enthusiastically for change in January 2015. On Derana’s “Nava Parlimentuwa”, I listened to this guy talking sense:
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yWVSthgn5AA
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Satire has its uses, but is a two edged sword. I guess you know that Jonathan Swift was assaulted for writing his “Modest Proposal”.
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The next time you comment, please remember that there is at least one moron (hopefully many more) in this country, who is not a humbug.
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Percy / June 7, 2018
Sinhala man
I don’t give a damn whetheryou voted Yahapalana or not. My complaint is that many people knowingly or unknowingly connived with the LTTE rump to discredit the previous government.Your own admission and your enthusiasm in mitigating the efforts of those who successfully eradicated Tamil Terrorism is to be deplored. Once again you have got on your high horse and setting the rules for discourse eg please avoid this,don’t do that etc. What makes you think that you have that right.My reaction to the commentary in these pages (more often than not rabid communal rants from Tamils) is to show Tamils, and their sycophant supporters from the Sinhala community, that anybody can slander under the cloak of anonymity.
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Sinhala_Man / June 8, 2018
Percy, you keep changing the goal posts, don’t you?
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One way or another, Tamil terrorism has been eradicated. Now the need is for reconcilliation.
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Don’t you think that there is a need to bring up growing generations to see what we have in common, the Sinhalese and the Tamils? We are divided only by language, not by ethnicity. We are one people.
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Yes, we have to get rid of the present rulers. Those who eradicated terrorism were not a homogeneous group of people to whom we owe eternal gratitude. There were excesses in the course of the war, and those got worse. There is nobody whom we need to fight now. We keep inventing bogeys. Instead, we have to build constructively.
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WALTER / June 6, 2018
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Good Sense / June 6, 2018
The facts are that critical matters were broadcast and some parts of the broadcasting network is shut down. As to whether they are related is the question but I cannot rule that as merely co-incidental. A chap within the TRC tells me that there are faults of others and there are faults of this guy as well. But why wasn’t any action taken all this time? AS LONG AS YOU SING MY PRAISE YOU CAN RUN AMOK BUT IF YOU CROSS THE LINE DOWN GOES YOUR BOTTOM PART.
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Lasith / June 6, 2018
Yahapalanaya died the day Maduluwawe Sobitha himi passed away.
Maithreepala has since proved himself to be the hopper eating, party jumping, back stabbing, nitwit gamarala that he really is.
Wonder how he wants to push this country forward with such narrow minded actions.
Lasith
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EW Golding / June 6, 2018
This man in running wild like a madman.
The gods first make those whom they want to destroy mad!
Sealing TV stations like MS has done is illegal and fascistic.
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Lanka Moro / June 6, 2018
Jimmy booi has taken the place of lester the jester in CT comment forum
Ya hoo ,, hoi ,
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Jim softy / June 6, 2018
IT says, One THABLA USHA OF mithripala Sirisena’s OFfice got money via bond Scam. Even she was thinking “Mukkatada thama mata mudal dunne”. Rosie Senayaka ehad a got a NEw luxury benz and rest of the money will go to built the LAKE VIEW Tourist hotel in UDA thalawakela Estate that she bought or grabbed. Even Tamil drivers of politicians had got profits from the bond scam.
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Jim softy / June 6, 2018
CT is not letting readers read the names of Looters or thieves who got profits from the bond scam. I heard Ranil has imposed a information ban. SO, Gotabhaya Rajapakse was the best to implement freedom for media. White van or one good shot on the jaw. I heard it is Ranil who asked documents to be sealed and scolded Maithripala sirisena in filth. there arr people who evidenced it and things will come out slowly.
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Jim softy / June 6, 2018
There is another story has come out in the middle of bond scam revealtions. Ranil had said I don’t say I do not know about the Mr.KAdiragamar’s murder. both himself and Mahinda Rajapakse knew and it is PLOTE Tamils who did it to unseat CBK. I heard they living in Kiribathgoda and worked in the habour jetty. Ranil had gone to a BBQ with them.
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oldcodger / June 7, 2018
Jimmy,
You should write a Book of Revelations. You know, as in the Bible.
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Jim softy / June 6, 2018
IF you ask Sumanthiran he would say I did not steal even a Single Blade that is used to shave the the face. but he got Bond Scam profits.
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ralahami / June 6, 2018
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Jim softy / June 6, 2018
There are news reports which says that PTL transferred almost 1.2 billion rupees to the W.E. MENDIS distillary company account and distributed money to everybody. IT is 1190 million. There is so much evidence to say that Maithripala Sirisena was not a saint. Even his Son-in LAw got money. there was a talk about TWO Rs 300 million
(600 million) accounts. allocated to Advertising. Now it says advrtising money comes directly from the govt. Ranil is not a saint he had distributed all what he got among relatives including his wife.
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Jim softy / June 6, 2018
IT looks Ranil has stolen over 5000 pags from the Bond Scam report. The amazing story is when foreign media publishes names, Attorney General of the Country says there is no such name list. HE may be legally correct. but the names should be there. but, those who knows say there were Annexures.
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Shiromani Manage / June 6, 2018
I correctly said this is a tussel between two brothers Kumarasiri and Shan. Currently Kumarasiri is winning. Shan is a born loser. It is his uncle who stole ITN from him; Shan did nothing. Fight Shan Fight.
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Plato. / June 6, 2018
TNL pays the supreme price for exposing the Russian Ship deal. There could be some truth to this claim considering the panic reaction of the President.
In recent times,, whenever he opened his mouth, he has put his foot into it!
He was essentially a desperate choice for the Presidency in 2015, though he was by no means, of Presidential material.
Talking of Russia reminds me of that mad monk Rasputin who laid the foundation for the Russian Revolution with the rise of Lenin.
Austin Fernando, The Secretary to the President authored the book My Belly is White in the aftermath of the Ceasefire with the LTTE IN 2002. Perhaps Gota was influenced and made his VAN white!
AF would have collected enough material by now for his next book My Belly is full of Hoppers..
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K.Pillai / June 6, 2018
It transpired that the last Navy Commander Admiral Travis Jeremy Liyanduru Sinniah did not go along with the suggestion to buy the Russian frigate.
He did not get the usual extension of tenure afforded to other high ranking Armed Services personnel. The real reason was because his name was not sufficiently Sinhalese. Travis Sinniah is more proficient in Sinhalese than in Tamil.
This is the sort of mindset which took us to the quicksand we are struggling to extricate ourselves.
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Sinhala_Man / June 7, 2018
Dear K. Pillai,
I’m sorry that what I’m saying here may be a bit off-topic, but let me add:
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In our society, it may be rather unfairly, a child is expected to carry the father’s name (of which none of us can be 100% sure – mind, I’m 99.99999% sure!), and not his mother’s. Even some full Tamils have changed their names.
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I’ve got this faint prejudice against anything to do with the armed forces; but let us admire Travis Sinniah (I didn’t know the Liyanduru middle name) for having kept his father’s name. His wife, too, was Thiruni Ramanathan, with a “Sinhalese” mother, Lilani.
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Yet another guy, Roshan Rajadurai, of the Planter’s Association is “really Sinhalese”, although his brothers have changed the father’s “Veerakone” to a Sinhalese sounding name, the mother being Amearaskera. Nor has Indrajith Coomaraswamy tried to say his kids are Sinhalese on account of his wife having been Tara de Fonseka.
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We’ve got to change the way we teach History. Yesterday, I looked for Prof. K. Indrapala’s book at Vijitha Yapa’s but it’s not available.
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Naman / June 6, 2018
Criticisms must be acted on and NOT suppressed.
Your highness was selected to the post to do the right things and definitely not to suppress true criticisms.
Get your Backbone and Lead the country
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Buddhist / June 7, 2018
Its sad to note that we have a President who gives into every demand presented to him by trade unions and SLFP Mahinda supporters who pretend to be his supporters. SL has never seen such a weak President. In addition he is a back stabber, he stabbed Mahinda on the back and now he is stabbing Ranil who brought him into power. What a stupid person we have voted to be the President!
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K A Sumanasekera / June 7, 2018
Wonder how much equity Dr Ranil has in this TV Media Outfit?….
Not directly of course…
Is Aloysious an equity partner too?.
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Native Vedda / June 7, 2018
KASmaalam K A Sumanasekera.
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“Wonder how much equity Dr Ranil has in this TV Media Outfit?….”
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Being the benamy are you planning to buy off Ranil’s share for MR’s conglomerate ?
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K A Sumanasekera / June 7, 2018
Dear Native,
You got me thinking..
Wonder which Benami Dr Ranil uses to cover up his Family Fortune..
Are they held in Benami by Akila and Sagala?.
Has Sagala moved out?.
Do you know whether Mangala is moving in there, to do the Vice President Job to Dr Ranil?.
Is Mangi taking his House Boy with him, who nicked those Duty Free Scottish Plonk from Mangi’s Beach House?…
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Tamil Woman / June 9, 2018
Sinhala_Man
Don’t buy Indrapalan’s book. It has distorted history. He said correct history in his PhD thesis but changed history in the subsequent editions to suit Tamil eelam.
Tara De Fonseka went to Hindu Vidyalaya in Mt, so must be a Tamil?
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