The head of Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s legal team President’s Counsel Ali Sabry is at the centre -of controversy, after he featured in a video clip that has gone viral, agreeing that Muslims would get “a massive thrashing” if they failed to vote for the former Defence Secretary.
The clip is doing the rounds in messaging groups, Facebook and Twitter.
Mohamed Ali Sabry with Gotabaya Rajapaksa | File photo
Addressing the crowd, the clip shows Ali Sabry PC saying that Gotabaya Rajapaksa had already won the election with Sinhala votes. Muslims must be a part of that victory, the senior lawyer told the small gathering. He then poses a rhetorical question to the crowd: “If we don’t support him, what will happen?”
Someone in the crowd replies “ambanaikku kidaikkum”. Loosely translated ambanaikku is derived from the Sinhala word ambane, meaning “a lot” or “massive” and “kidaikkum” meaning “will get”. In Sinhala, the phrase would be “Ambanakata hambuwei”.
As the crowd laughs nervously, the President’s Counsel aligned with Gotabaya guffaws and agrees: “Exactly! Ambanaikku kidaikkum that is exactly what will happen! We need to understand this, this is the reality”.
Following the storm of controversy, the President’s Counsel attempted to clarify things, claiming that the full clip which he claims shows him working with the local community and trying to win back confidence. “UNP realising they are losing Muslim votes have totally misquoted a comment from the crowd and attributing it to me” he said adding “desperate measures call for desperate measures.”
However several translators proficient in Tamil have insisted that the interpretation provided above is the correct one, and the implication that voting against Gotabaya Rajapaksa could result in violence being unleashed against the Muslims was also abundantly clear.
Multiple sources regularly in touch with Ali Sabry PC told Colombo Telegraph that this was a sentiment the head of Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s legal team repeatedly expresses in private communications with people, particularly Muslims who remain unconvinced about Rajapaksa’s candidacy. Ali Sabry PC has repeatedly told confidants that the only way Muslims can buy insurance about their safety is to ensure Rajapaksa does not feel he owed his victory purely to the Sinhalese people.
Ali Sabry has been at the forefront of discussions with Muslim community leaders, insisting to them that at least half of the Muslim community must vote for Gotabaya Rajapaksa to ensure they were stakeholders in his victory and minimise the chance of reprisals and pogroms under his watch, Colombo Telegraph learns. Some community leaders are convinced this may be the only strategy available to keep their people safe from harm post election, highly placed sources told Colombo Telegraph.
Real Revolutionist / October 29, 2019
The difference between UNF/UNP Muslims & Gota/SLPP/SLFP Muslims is that UNF Muslims highlight a set of artificial differences & Gota Muslims identify themselves as human beings like fellow Sinhala & Tamil people.
What’s more important for the benefit of the country?
Ali Sabre is perfectly right in inviting Muslim community to be part & parcel with the main community & minimize differences.
Develop oneness in the Sri Lankan community.
Generally important differences are maintained indoors.
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Tony / October 29, 2019
The Rajapaksas are in it not because they love the Country. They are trying to save themselves from the impending Law suits.Tony
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nimal fernando / October 29, 2019
There were some Jews who supported good ol’ Adolf ! ……..they even thought he is a saviour!!
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Aolf was grateful to them to the end ……… they were the last to be gassed.
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I suppose to some …….. a lingering death is better than a quick death.
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Real Revolutionist / October 29, 2019
nimal fernando
Who do you equal to Adolf?
You’re an overthinker., it’s a mania.
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nimal fernando / October 30, 2019
“You’re an overthinker.”
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Thank ye most kindly ……… never thought someone would ever get it! :))
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Few more “overthinkers”
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a82iY3MSKNk
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OFKHDXbTzt4
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And here are the “underthinkers”
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“No principles, dignity or respect.”
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Who said …… man has any of that?
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Irrespective of how they obtain it ……….. what most people – including most of the clergy whose job/duty is to uphold these values – respect is money and power: a classic example is the Rajapakses.
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Why focus all attention on this bozo Sarby …….. just look at the people in this very forum who support a serial-killer!
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That’s the world.
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Case rested.
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Which one are ye? :))
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jayt / October 30, 2019
by the way, Hitler was created by Jews in order to put down Germany and get control of it help of British and American
Hitler never had intention of invading UK. It was invented by UK Jews and then -Russian immigrant Jews in the US
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Estate Labourer / October 30, 2019
jayt: Why don’t you rewrite the story about the rise of Hitler and also the history of World War II? But make sure you brush-up your English before you do that.
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Roman Leslie / October 31, 2019
Jayt there’s some truth to the story. Creation of Israel did not happen without Hitler and who wanted to create Israel also carving a part of Palestine? I wonder
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Tamil from the north / October 30, 2019
Real Revolutionist you are not a Revolutionist, but a clown. Adolf = Goat Rajapaksa
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Ahmad Nadvi / October 29, 2019
Dear Real Revolutionist
“Ali Sabre is perfectly right in inviting Muslim community to be part & parcel with the main community & minimize differences.”
So your theory is that voting for Sajith or Anura is not the sign of being part and parcel with the main community & minimizing difference. Are your real or fake “Revolutionist?
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Real Revolutionist / October 29, 2019
Ahmad Nadvi
You’re right if you say the best are with AKD.
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Plato. / October 29, 2019
Ambanaikku Kiddaikum for the Muslims only if Gota wins.
Ali Sabry is leading the Muslims to that inevitable eventuality.
Bernard Shaw famously remarked that there is no collective security to a flock of sheep to the Butcher.
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Vindani / October 29, 2019
Ali Sabri is a big time womaniser, female clients beware
(commentor’s own experience)
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Estate Labourer / October 29, 2019
Not only will he collect his legal fees from female clients, but he will ‘do’ them also. What a man, he will render service even beyond the call of duty!
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K.A. Sumanasekera / October 29, 2019
I thought Ali Sabry only does business in the High Court and the Supreme Court..
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Goviya / October 30, 2019
K.A.S.: Yes, but that is only during normal working hours.
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S. C. Pasqual / October 29, 2019
My dear Vindani..
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So what…….????
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You foolish UNP/JVP coalition have already started going in to people’s bedrooms…..????
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Hussein / October 29, 2019
As a Muslim, I request all my Muslim brothers and sisters to vote for Sajith. When Gotabaya was the Defence Secretary, were Muslims safe? Aluthgama anti-Muslim riots occurred under his watch. He is supported by anti-Muslim forces such as BBS, Athuraliye Rathana Thero, etc. The only way we can ensure our security is by voting for Sajith, the candidate who has the best chance of beating Gota.
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S. C. Pasqual / October 29, 2019
My dear Huhuuussein,
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Of course you were SAFE under Ranil/MY3 and Sajith.
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Only Christians and Buddhists were UNSAFE
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K. M. / October 29, 2019
Why so much support for the this recent American citizen. A man who gave up his country until it suited his agenda, whose family are Americans. So is this american at heart to be given our country to rule?
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George / October 30, 2019
I am a Christian. Were Christians safe when Gotler was the defence secretary.
An Indian nun was arrested from the Mother Theresa Care home in Moratuwa
Gotler sent hooligans to shoot unarmed protestors who were taking sanctuary at Rathupaswela Church.
Anthony Fernando, a Catholic fisherman, was shot dead in Chilaw.
Roshen Chanaka, a Catholic worker, was shot dead.
Lasantha Wickremetunge, a Christian was shot dead.
Gotler is supported by extremely anti-Christian forces such as Prof Nalin de Silva and Wimal Weerawansa.
We Christians must not be fooled by the crocodile tears shed by Gotler and his hooligans. Keheliya Rambukwella has said that Saharan was funded by them. Satan must be defeated in the name of our religion.
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lankaman / October 29, 2019
Absolutely agree with this. Muslims very well know Gota’s anti-Muslim bigotry, and whether he wins or looses, he will unleash his racist thugs on Muslims. Therefore it is better to face Gota’s attacks with Gota as a loser than Gota as the president
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Ratmasinghe / October 29, 2019
Don’t forget Grease Yaka…the strange phenomenon on many eastern villages and towns under Gota.
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soma / October 29, 2019
A word of advice to my Muslim brothers and sisters:
At this juncture of your history , after what your Wahabi brothers did to us, you need the goodwill of ALL the Sinhalese to move forward. Do not swallow the poisonous UNP propaganda that Rajapaksas are anti minority and risk antagonizing majority of the majority.
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Soma
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punchinilame / October 29, 2019
The question of the known devil and unknown devil arises. So Voters
be they Muslims, tamils or Sinhalese have to decide as to who is the
devil incarnate among the 35 candidates: for the future peace.
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Roman Leslie / October 31, 2019
After what your wahabi brothers did to us????? Soma, oh soma, who this US is??? Will it be the christians who died in the east who never got a condolence from the Cardinal??? Speak for yourself and not US
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Sinhala_Man / November 1, 2019
Dear soma,
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I don’t know how you get along with those guys, but they are anti-every living being. they are so nasty that I’ve made myself anti-Rajapaksa.
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However, I must say this. MaRa had once been shown my name, with its unusual spelling, and he had said, “eya ape ekkenek” – translating into English: “he is one of our clan.”
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No thank you.
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Ahmad Nadvi / October 29, 2019
Dear Hussein!
Why would Muslims simply forget as to what had happened in the “Yahapalana”. Why cannot we vote for AKD and be a part of shaping and forming new a political culture in our motherland?
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Muhandiram / October 29, 2019
What a Shameless SELFISH guy this Ali Sabry is. Is he seriously concerned about the Muslim community? What did he do when Gnanasara and his goons were running amok in Aluthgama, Beruwela etc in 2014 during the Rajapakse regime attacking Muslims in their homes and creating panic? Did he say one word in sympathy for the besieged Muslims?
Did he show any concern for the Muslims when they were attacked in Kandy area last year? Did he say one word in support of the terrified Muslims?
What did he do in support of Dr. Shafi who was being Framed, Victimised and Vilified by Interested Parties who also used the opportunity to tarnish the Image of the Muslims? When the Judiciary was being used to Persecute him did Ali Sabry use his legal expertise to save him from the vultures?
Dr, Shafi and his Family are still suffering in silence but this legal brain has Totally FORGOTTEN him!
I say Ali Sabry, you are free to support any Devil you want, but please leave us Muslims Alone.
Finally, this Ali Sabry is announcing to the world that this Gota will take REVENGE on those who DON’T vote for him and the ONLY way to be safe is to vote for him. Does the country Really Need a person like that to be the President?
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Real Revolutionist / October 29, 2019
Muhandiram
Who ran amok @ Aluthgama & Digana?
Clearly it was Muslims.
Sad story was that action had an unwanted reaction.
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Sajith / October 30, 2019
RR, What planet you came from? Stop hallucinating and face reality like a man. When the whole world knows exactly what happened in all of those incidents, and you still try to blame the victims as the aggressors. The only reason how you can do that is because the government, judiciary and the police were all on the same side, majority rule and heavy political influence to act with impunity. No one was arrested, and killers still at large. If it was Muslims who created these civil disturbances, a number of them would have been tried in a Court of Law and jailed. Dont try to muddy the waters. Ni wonder you are one of them, a supporter of the basket of deplorables.
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Roman Leslie / October 31, 2019
Wonder what REAL are you??? Fake facts and fake news. Muslims ran amok and set their own houses in fire . Go have a life Revolution will happen when your REALNESS comes clean
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Dubai Nasoor / October 29, 2019
What proof is there that the crowd gathered is muslim? Why is the speech in Tamil not Sinhalese?
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Rohan / October 29, 2019
Because 99.99% of the Muslims speak Tamil as their mother tongue. Many western province Muslims may speak Sinhalese but Tamil is their mother tongue and he was speaking to them in their Muslim Tamil vernacular to identify himself with them. He cannot do that in Sinhalese. Next time ask him to speak to you in Sinhalese. When I was a student in STC. The so called Sri Lankan Muslims students ( even the ones studying in the English medium used to speak to each other in their Muslim Tamil vernacular)
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Wera / October 29, 2019
Idiot Sumane with his head firmly planted up his you know what notwithstanding this guttless lawyer is only saying one side of the plight the Muslims. If Gotler wins the Muslims are screwed weather they vote for the douche bag or not. I think non Wahabi Muslims know which way the wind is blowing. Their sense of loyalty must also be appreciated.
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Ranjit Warnakula / October 29, 2019
Ali Sabri this time is doing what Faizer Mustapha Jr did with the Yahapalana clique in 2015. They strategically join (‘support’) the side that is likely to win, in order to exercise control.
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This is the old Middle Eastern technique of the Jews and Muslims, ‘to sit on the horn of the bull and to devour its ear’. They took hold of Britain and the West through this method and led them to wars to increase their debt.
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Look at America today. The same.
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Our politicians are yet to learn this old technique aand its effects on the country.
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Sherin Thabrew / October 29, 2019
This is truth – while at Law College Ali Sabri had an affair with Sinhala girl; put her life in utter misery; then went and married Muslim Stone and String daughter.
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S. C. Pasqual / October 29, 2019
My dear Sherin Thabrew…..
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So what…….????
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You foolish UNP/JVP coalition have already started going in to people’s bedrooms…..????
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mike / October 29, 2019
Sherin Thabrew – This is nothing. Namal Rajafucksha, GCE (OL) failed synthetic “lowyer” and Mongol son of Medamulana Meeharaka Percy Mahendra Rajafucksha, had several flying/non-flying angels at his disposal during his fathers reign of terror. If uncle Gotler becomes president by hook or by crook, Namal Baby might get the portfolio of Women’s Affairs!
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Greta De Mel / October 29, 2019
Ali Sabri wants to get into parliament through National List. What an opportunist!
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mike / October 31, 2019
Greta De Mel – “Ali Sabri wants to get into parliament through National List.” You can rest assured he will not get the portfolio of Women’s Affairs. That is reserved for Gotler’s nephew Namal Rajafucksha! Ali Saab may try being Chairman of a local airline to satisfy his biological needs.
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Roman Leslie / October 31, 2019
No he wants to be the AG or the CJ
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rbh / October 29, 2019
Rtd. Lt. Reginald Shamal Perera
We know the UNPers are the master of ethnic riots.
Exactly when parties become masters see who is causing problem and blame innocents
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Nandani Liyanage / October 29, 2019
Dirty buggar Ali Sabri goes shopping for Gota without clothes. Crush him.
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K.A. Sumanasekera / October 29, 2019
Nandani,
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I don’t think they are buggers . Not Ali Sabry for sure..
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It is not the right etiquette for a nice UNP Lady who is supporting Keselwatta Kid to be the next UNP President .
And you must not use this sort of vernacular language to address your fellow UNP suckers….
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Amila / October 29, 2019
Everyone should get together and defeat this gotlar alone with these puppets like ali sabry.. If all get together defeating mentally ill gota is not a big deal.. That will seal the future of rajapaksa’s family party as well
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Ajay / October 29, 2019
Ali Sabry’s utterances are in effect threats of violence against fellow Muslims. He’s doing this for the crumbs Gota has promised to toss him if he wins. Using the threat of violence to force people to vote against their wish is a grave violation of democracy. The Election Commission should take stern legal action against this bombastic miscreant without any delay. Anyway all this thuggery and rowdyism is only until November 17 when the Field Marshal will be taking over Defence and Law & Order.
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Saman / October 29, 2019
You are betraying Muslim people.
Shame….Shame….Shame…
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Estate Labourer / October 29, 2019
Gotabaya is warning the Muslims, “If you don’t vote for me, I will teach you a lesson.” Instead of stating it directly, he is conveying the message through a proxy. Typical of the man who gets bad things done by other people while taking precautions not to expose himself. He will never take the blame on himself, as it is always somebody else who did the dirty deed. And keep in mind, the man who refuses to talk about the past is now speaking of the future. This is the future he is promising!
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K.A. Sumanasekera / October 29, 2019
Ali Sabry should have spoken in Vellala Thamil and asked his Muslim brethren to rally around SLMC Hakeem, Bathudeen, Mujibur Rahuman, Kabir Hashim and Haleem.
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And instructed them to vote for Keselwatta Kid to give Dr Ranil the mandate to finish his MOU with TNA Sampathar , Abrham and the Diaspora.-
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Wonder whether Hakeem and Bathudeen are still mounting the Stage with Kabir Hashim , and his UNP mates to ask the the Muslim brothers in the East and the West to vote for Keselwatta Kid..
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Jehan / October 29, 2019
Sabry is a hypocrite. Do not waste time with these baits. Next shark bait is Sabry.
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nalmen / October 29, 2019
he is like the pied piper of hamelin
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Sajid / October 29, 2019
Ali Sabri and his basket of deplorables. Singing the praises of Gotlier for his dinner. He and Faiszer Jr. hoping to ride on the back of beast for their own perks and gains. Not the least in the best interest of country nor their community. They can keep their canvassing to their own kith and kin, while the rest of the Muslim community n SL will never forget being at the receiving end of this racist mad-man. The pain and anguish that was unleashed on them for simply being Muslim born and living in SL. Now, everything forgotten. Selective amnesia.
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Rohan / October 29, 2019
Just like Ali Sabri . Varatharajah Perumal is going around the NE threatening Tamils , that is they do not vote for Gotanaya , another Mullivaikal awaits them. Strange both speeches/threats one targeting the Muslims and the other the NE Tamils are in the Tamil language. Now some idiot will demand why weren’t these threats made in the Sinhalese language
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jehan / October 29, 2019
vote for sajith, we are not scared of gota hora. Allah will defeat the hypocrite sabry and gota like Allah defeated the pherro of Egypt.
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Bensen Berner / October 29, 2019
The Muslims voting for Gotabhaya must have a short memory. They will learn their bitterest lesson if they do so. Bensen
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Shrikharan / October 29, 2019
What Ali Sabry is telling is Gotapaya is a dangerous man if he knew Muslims did not vote for him and if he wins the election he will take revenge and inflict harm. So do not get into his bad books, so place your vote for and save yourself.
So Sabri is a real coward, he wants Thuggery to rule.
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soma / October 29, 2019
A word of advice to my Muslim brothers and sisters:
At this juncture of your history , after what your Wahabi brothers did to us, you need the goodwill of ALL the Sinhalese to move forward. Do not swallow the poisonous UNP propaganda that Rajapaksas are anti minority and risk antagonizing majority of the majority.
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Soma
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Native Vedda / October 29, 2019
somaas
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“after what your Wahabi brothers did to us, you need the goodwill of ALL the Sinhalese to move forward.”
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You the children of public racist Anagarika Homeless Dharmapala father of Sinhala/Buddhist fascism (contemporary of K. B. Hedgewar and M. S. Golwalkar) really have selective amnesia.
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Sinhalese and Buddhist will move forward as long as the noisy minority Sinhala/Buddhist fascist keep their lies to themselves. Bear with us soon you will have your Sinhala/Buddhist fascist ghetto..
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Ahmad Nadvi / October 29, 2019
Dear soma!
Is it your extended version of what Ali Sabry said in his colloquial Tamil?
Yes yes, we know Gota is not (only) anti minority (but also), a curse to entire Sri Lanka, including yourself.
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soma / October 30, 2019
Mr Ahmed’s
Do not swallow the poisonous UNP propaganda targeting your vote base that Rajapaksas are anti minority and risk antagonizing majority of the majority. DO NOT RISK ANTAGONIZING THE MAJORITY OF MAJORITY.
Al Sabri sensed this and wanted to show the Sinhalese that we are not en bloc supporting one side.
(How Rajapaksa supporters referred to you guys after 2015 elections is unpredictable as per CT editorial policy. )
If I were a Muslim leader conscious of the welfare of the community I would advise my people to vote freely between major parties, JVP and Muslim Congress.
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Soma
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Roman Leslie / October 31, 2019
Amos, so you are threatening now for Gota
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Thondamany / October 29, 2019
Vindani @ Sherin Thabrew, Ali Sabry does not push buttons to observe or get in.
The majority here are readers here. Gota bashing is only adding to his score.
Foolish people. Just take a cue from a statement and creates a mountain from a molehill.
These are Colombians
The devil may be black but not as dark as one imagine.
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yasmin / October 29, 2019
Ali Sabry- do not worry-the dog barks and the caravan moves on.
We all muslims, sinhalese, tamils and christians will have a country to live only with Rajapakse’s.
So, we must learn to live in harmony without provoking any communities.
One country, one flag, one law for every citizen.
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Roman Leslie / October 31, 2019
What country, half is sold to the Chinese other half goes to the US . Dean of a country for you.
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whywhy / October 29, 2019
It looks a very funny delivery on one hand and a serious intimidation on the
other . It can be used in favour of A K D , as it clearly translates against both
S L P P and the U N P ! ” If you don’t vote for Gota ” can easily be translated
to a U N P win and still there won;t be any protection from the winner ! And
if Gota loses , Gota will take care of you ! Both ways you Muslims stand to
lose , is the message for the well read ! And also , this is letting the cat out of
the bag by a man who believes in using his knowledge and profession to
protect men from serious crime allegations rather than working to uphold
law and order .
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John / October 29, 2019
In order to asure Sinhala-Buddhists that Muslims are not with Muslim extremism facilitators like Hakim, Badudeen, Asad, Hisobolla,etc , they have to vote Sinhala-Buddhist patriots. Otherwise Muslim are going to outcast themselves. And this election is an excellent opportunity to Muslims to say sorry for igniting riots in Aluthgama, Ginthota, Ampara, Digana, etc.
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Where there is Muslim terrorism, there is thrashing!!!
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Inside Hultodrof / October 29, 2019
Ali Sabri is no good lawyer, only foul mouth. His legal knowledge, principles very shallow – he is purposefullly very friendly with judges; squeezes into judges chambers on day before judgments to win cases.
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Udeshika / October 29, 2019
I’m also a Hultsdorf insider – there are many Sinhala lawyers who are much more knowledgable than Ali Sabri. Ali Sabri was given PC post by Mara because he was the lawyer for Gota.
Generally lawyers do not like him here.
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