5 December, 2024

Blog

Who Is Afraid Of Gotabaya Rajapaksa? 

By Sarath De Alwis –

Sarath de Alwis

Only the mob and the elite can be attracted by the momentum of totalitarianism itself. The masses must be won by propaganda.~ Hannah Arendt

Tyrants rule through fraud and force. When fraud is exposed, the tyrant relies exclusively on force.     

At a press briefing on Thursday, Basil Rajapaksa has confidently claimed that there is no need to be afraid of Gotabaya. 

Instead, Gota would be a leader who would act as a ‘terminator’ who would eradicate fraud and corruption. 

Exuding the cherubic charm of a medieval potentate after a splendid feast, the supreme and super strategist of the Pohottu party  vouched that brother Gotabaya will not be an authoritarian despot. That is fair enough. Rajapaksa brothers have their own definitions of democracy, despotism, corruption etc. 

Give the devil his due. Basil has a sharp sense of humour and a sharper sense of the absurd. His reassurances of Gota’s inherent jollity and geniality, is an eerie reminder of the ‘doublespeak ‘that George Orwell referred to in his classic dystopian novel ‘1984.’ 

Basil Rajapaksa’s insistence of his brother Gotabaya’s inherent compassion and benevolence is vintage Orwellian doublethink. 

Orwell defined Doublethink as “… the power of holding two contradictory beliefs in one’s mind simultaneously and accepting both. To tell deliberate lies while genuinely believing in them”

Basil Rajapaksa himself is a master in the art of using the political language of deceit; the kind of language that is designed to make deceit truthful and murder respectable.

Gotabaya no doubt would be well equipped to eradicate any possibility of dissent and protest. Protest would be called sedition and dissent would be labeled as rebellion. It is all a matter of language. 

‘While Gotabaya will be a good democratic leader, he would be a stern eradicator of fraud and corruption.’ That was entertaining theatre.

For a mendicant builder of manorial homes on picturesque riverbanks at Malwana and the urban hillock in Matara town, the subtle sarcasm came with an eloquence that is  natural, only  to a tongue that is habitually attached to the cheek. 

“I can assure that Gotabaya will not be an authoritarian leader. Our party will not work for an authoritarian leader. Gotabaya was someone who exceled in management. I’m sure he will be a good democrat.” 

There was no need, he insisted, to be afraid of Gotabaya as president.  

The purpose of this essay is to explain why I am not reassured by Basil, and to elaborate on the rationale for my indelible fears of a Gotabaya presidency. This is also a sweeping summation of Gotabaya’s militarized managerial skills. 

We have seen and experienced his management prowess when he operated from behind the throne. This time round, we contemplate the prospect of his squatting on the seat of state as commander in chief, head of cabinet, appointing authority of the judiciary, ministry secretaries, provincial governors and our envoys. 

From what we know of Gotabaya Rajapaksa, we know that he epitomizes the political theology of Carl Schmitt the legal philosopher of the Nazi party. “The exception is more interesting than the rule. The rule proves nothing; the exception proves everything. In the exception the power of real-life breaks through the crust of a mechanism that has become torpid by repetition.”

The man has a monstrous ego. Make no mistake. He will end the cacophony of chaos in the streets. He will deliver stability by asphyxiating protest and smothering dissent. 

That possibility gives me the creepy crawly feeling of gooseflesh. I know how he will give us stability and safety. But first we must place the man in context.

There is no doubt that Gotabaya Rajapaksa is the only candidate that is compellingly credible within the Rajapaksa political monolith. 

He enjoys the unconditional support of Sinhala Buddhist zealots, ex-military fancy pants, and most significantly the oligarchs who occupied the front rows of the famous shindig at Shangri-La that launched his ‘Viyathmaga’ platform.  

Gotabaya Rajapaksa found an unlikely accomplice in the highest echelons of the incumbent Government. 

The current Prime Minister has a problem. His party or a good part thereof does not believe that him to be a viable candidate for a presidential run. His lackluster performance in the past four years has undermined his once sheeny image of competence and commitment.

Yet, Ranil is a tenacious politician with an overpowering sense of destiny. As late as the fourth week of July, Wickremesinghe with his wife travelled to South India to offer prayers at the Kollur Sri Mookambika temple. His tête-à-tête with the deities in the heavens was ample evidence of his determination to make a run in this year’s presidential election. 

That things have not worked out as planned is another story. The Prime Minister’s calculation seems to be that a Gota candidacy would be of such horrendous consequences, that opposing forces would coalesce even around the UNP’s autocratic boss to keep the quintessential despot out of power.  That calculation seems to have failed. 

Last week, we learnt how Gotabaya Rajapaksa had obtained a new Sri Lankan passport circumventing all procedural requirements. He did not appear in person. The application was lodged just after the cutoff time of the day. He collected a new passport that made no reference to his dual citizenship status. It was then blithely claimed that the document so obtained was adequate proof of his renunciation of US nationality.

The Colombo Telegraph later reported that Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe helped the former  Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa to obtain a new passport through the intervention of his Internal Affairs Minister Wajira Abeywardena.

Subsequent events seem to confirm the Colombo Telegraph revelation. 

Internal Affairs Minister Wajira Abeywardena in his characteristic display of jiggery-pokery with a straight cherubic face declared at a press briefing that the Department of Immigration and Emigration can indeed issue a passport within an hour. 

The episode reveals the perfidy of the political class in power and out of power. The episode also reveals the man Gotabaya is. Impunity is his forte. He above the law, and beyond the law. 

The passport issue was reported by a daily newspaper. A pro Gota broadsheet carried a reference to the issue of the passport accusing a senior government official of leaking the story. With Gota running for the presidency, media outlets are already queuing up for lessons in Pavlovian obedience. 

Wickremesinghe hoped that a Gotabaya candidacy will animate civil society behind his possible candidacy. That unfortunately was not how the dice fell. 

The civil society formations that made the 2015 change possible are largely intact, but in deep hibernation. 

They have discovered the truth about monkeys. The higher the monkey climbs up the tree.  the better you see the length of its tail and perhaps the shape and size of its posterior. 

Mahinda Rajapaksa during his decade weakened civil society through patronage politics. Gotabaya Rajapaksa with his secretariat for NGOs intimidated those who resisted state patronage in to coerced docility. 

In Viyathmaga, Gotabayahas built a network of political entrepreneurs. Under a Gotabaya presidency, they will monopolize economic social and political opportunities.

Their network will implement their plans and policies with military precision. They will aim at total control under the protective cover of national sovereignty. 

They will either buy off members of mass movements or suppress them altogether. Stifling civil society is a sine qua non for a Gotabaya presidency. 

Gotabaya Rajapaksa does not owe his candidacy to the family or to the party that Basil built and Mahinda leads. Gotabaya has earned his candidacy through sheer grit. 

The Gotabaya phenomenon is a result of a popular rejection of the established political elite. That is how democracy dies and dictators are made. Democracy dies and dictators are born by majority consent. 

If you regularly watch the electronic media, you will know how dark money and media manipulation creates issues and project political actors.

The Cambridge Political Science don David Runciman explains in his book ‘How Democracies Die” – “Information technology has transformed the conditions in which democracy operates. The media environment is a battleground fought over by forces elected governments neither control nor fully understand.”

Periodic elections alone do not guarantee democracy or its freedoms. Political parties and political leaders must prevent and discourage authoritarian inclinations within their ranks.

Mainstream political parties must in times of crisis such as the one we confront today, work to prevent megalomaniacs from gaining power. 

When necessary they must be farsighted enough to refuse to endorse or align with would be tyrants. They must be ready to make common cause with rivals for the long-term goal of securing our civil liberties. 

Blocking off or quarantining populist extremism, requires great political courage. Extremists often succeed when seasoned political players are ready to imperil democracy for fear of rivals or pure and simple opportunism. 

Sometimes, as it is the case today, mainstream political parties make the mistake of accommodating extremists in the hope that they could control them. That is a grievous miscalculation. 

The 19th Amendment to the Constitution, despite its major flaws and glaring imperfections, is progress. 

The Right to Information Act is a bulwark that protects our meagre access to transparency and accountability. 

Once Gotabaya gains a foothold, our democracy faces the real crisis. The autocratic leader will proceed to subvert democratic institutions. 

Institutions alone are not enough to rein in elected autocrats. Constitutions or constitutional provisions are safe only if we are ready to defend them. The people of Hong Kong out on the streets attest to that.  

Political parties and organized citizens must abide by and defend democratic norms. In the absence of vigorous norms, independent commissions do not serve as the ramparts that protect our democracy. 

The wishy-washy conduct of the Police Commission in weighing the consequences of doing what is right is a stark example of chicanery before the mob. 

Institutions are strong only to the extent of the courage and commitment of those who control and direct them. In other words, their capacity to withstand external pressures. Institutions are easily and readily weaponized by those who control them, against those who do not. 

The tyrant who takes the electoral route to power kills democracy slowly, gradually and legally.

A former chief justice of Sri Lanka has informed the US court hearing Ahimsa Wickrematunge’s civil suit on the murder of her father, that she has all the legal remedies available in our Democratic Republic.

A despot chuckles! He had them in his pocket. If he has his way, he will have them again. 

And then, when the final curtain falls, you may ask – ‘Who is Ahimsa?’ 

Latest comments

  • 17
    5

    Only idiots will vote for a 70 year old, almost dead like an individual. He has already gone through a bypass operation and heard he is suffering from many illenesses. He might due at anytime due to his age and illnesses !

    Also if he comes to power, sri lanka export market will collapse very badly and sri lanka will get economic sanctions as well because those countries will not want to work with a certified murderer !

    Also look how he stays away from legal cases ( certified coward as well ) , if he comes to power whole legal system will fail as well.

    If he becomes leader, it is like bringing an indian and making the king ( eg sri wickrama raajasinghe ).

    • 9
      3

      The SLPP might as well change the name to the Rajapaksas party. Where only a Rajapaksas will be President/ prime minister for ever…

    • 7
      1

      ‘One on One’ …….. No one is afraid of Gota.

      Even Ramona can knock him out with one punch.

      It’s the packs of murderous goons cowards send-out to do their dirty-deeds that people are afraid of!

      • 7
        2

        I’m afraid of this criminal family because they are sure to start a war with India, USA and Europe While turning our beautiful country into an authoritarian fascist dictatorship…

    • 6
      9

      Idiots are the 6.2 mn morons who voted for Yahapalana!!?

      • 9
        4

        @words
        You seems to be a die hard fan of rajapaksha family ?
        How many times your kingkong tried to grab power since he was kicked out of office ? He failed everytime right.
        So same will happen at presidential election too ?
        If by any means , lets say your coward gota wins, still parliment majority is against family president know ? so he will get a no confidence motion and will be kicked out from office ! So even if he wins, he loses the next day ! Now who is the idiot mate ?

        • 4
          4

          Lol.. triggered today, aren’t we?

          Calm down!!! Accept your future under King Gota! Will be loads better than driving to a village gym in a Volkswagen , chewing on gum, using your bosses free wi-fi to send gym selfies to fellow yahapalians !!??

          Why on earth didn’t you put them Rajapakses away in jail when you could???..oh.. sorry.. I forgot..not an iota of evidence for your fairy tale robberies!! No Golden horses and Lamborghinis either!!

          Never mind.. you could still dig up that poor guys body ONCE AGAIN as a last desperate attempt I guess!??

          Good luck! Its election time !!!

    • 3
      3

      Amila,
      Can a dictator lead a nation towards prosperity? Certainly; it happened in Singapore; it happened In China; and, it is now happening in Vietnam. Democracy, an independent justice, freedom of speech, etc are not necessary ingredients to achieve economic prosperity. As a matter of fact, they can stand as hindrances to rapid progress sometimes, if the public don’t know how to appreciate the value of them.

      That was exactly the case in several of post-Arabian Spring ME countries. The new appetite for a strongman in SL also can be cited as a similar example, I think.

      Under a totalitarian regime with a superficial fake democracy under GoRa, some certainly will have to be fearful. But they certainly are not the those who thrive in corruption, underworld or stock market swindling like Aloyseus and Dilith Jayaweera. Such a statement may sounds very strange, but considering the fact that such people had thriving businesses under the patronage of GoRa/MaRa regime, it is not difficult to understand who will have to be most fearful of GoRa. Basically, it will be perfectly OK to break laws as long as you are on GoRa’s side!

      Corruption doesn’t necessarily mean adding value to the economy; for, one can get a heads up easily in a thriving business by stifling the competition by way of bribes and/or thuggery as well. Killing will be OKed if it is to destroy the assumed enemies of the regime. As a matter of fact, corruption from top to the bottom that is holding Ra..kse power together. For them, investments on construction from rural concrete paved small roads to mega projects like harbors, airports etc., worked as legally approved bribing system to political activists at all levels. This explains the so much enthusiasm visible from PS level to parliament level and media/business conglomerate owners in order to bring GoRa to power.

    • 2
      0

      You must be a Tamilian.

      :))

  • 3
    3

    While respecting the right of the writer to express his views, one wonders whether he is occupying himself writing all this to while away the time. Needless to say that old habits die hard. In the military the subordinate has only one choice and the words “YES SIR!” must be said loud and clear in response to anything and everything the superior says and commands, even to lay bare ones back for misuse. So! Herr Gottler must have iron fists and the character certificate that his brother gives to him is ironic and any fool knows that. It is for the people to decide to whom they vote for and our voters are not that stupid. In fact Basil is doing a disservice to the brother in expecting the public to swallow a sugar coated pill and the reaction of the silent public to this kind of bland assurance insulting the intelligence would only chase away the sensible from the very thought of voting. Although the article is written well, I, for one would not waste much time and energy to do a lot of research to pen this kind of composition because this indirectly provides a radiance to Herr Gottler.

  • 2
    5

    gota will start a junta. mahinda can stop it.

  • 20
    4

    The unthinkable is about to happen. A COWARD who deserted the military for 15 years, a naturalized US citizen, who’s national allegiance to SL is almost likely compromised by CIA, is about to be nominated for Sri Lanka’s Presidency by a dubious political outfit. Densely populated with well-known criminals and killers in its ranks. Besides run by an uneducated, extended family, like a FIEFDOM. A blood-thirsty, psychopathic, cold-blooded, corrupt, killer with all too obvious anger-management issues could be out next President. Rather than rotting away in jail. Stupid Sri Lankan electorate is willing to look the other way. After all the Wannabe ‘President’, despite his well established criminal track record did beautify ugly, chaotic and unhygienic Colombo a bit.
    Yahapalana clowns had 5 years to put this LUNATIC behind bars. Instead, they are bending over.
    MY3 & RW, HAVE YOU NO SHAME? History will never forgive you!

    • 8
      1

      Ben Hurling

      ” Besides run by an uneducated, extended family, like a FIEFDOM.”

      Not true, GL Pieris is with them every step of the way. He is not only the chairman of SLPP but the official childminder to “yuvaraj” Namal Baby.
      FYI GL is a Rhodes Scholar, New College, Oxford awarded him PhD, a second PhD from the University of Colombo, and Visiting Fellow of many top Universities.

      With all these glittering academic achievements why has he chosen himself to be the official nanny to the to baby lawyer Namal?

      • 5
        2

        That has nothing to do with his education. He has warped genes.

    • 1
      0

      You seem to be a Tamilian.

      :))

      • 0
        1

        It is Tamil and not Tamilian.

  • 8
    13

    Who is scared of Gotabhaya??? The yahapalanaya losers, of course. All politicians steal, it is no secret. At least this man did something for the country. All the development, beautification and other things done by this man has been negated, through acrimony and jealousy of the yahapalanaya.

  • 3
    3

    Good essay. But peeling the mask of some people never works. Nobody ever saw the true face of the onion. Because, it has enough skins to hide its face, if the outer one is peeled. Further, one can point their finger towards the Sun as many times as they want. But the blind man never sees the Sun.

  • 3
    14

    Traitors and bogus human rights activists should be very afraid.
    /
    Why Gota?
    -he’s not a career politician (enough of career politicians who tell people what they want to hear)
    -right now, he’s the Alfa-male in Sri Lankan politics
    -after Muslims have started terrorism, Sri Lanka needs a strong man as president (many more attacks by Muslims have been predicted)
    -his experiences in the army and America
    -etc
    /
    And stop going on about his citizenship. He’s a born and bred Sri Lankan. Although he has spent some time in America, his loyalties definitely lie in Sri Lanka.
    /
    Sarath, who’s your choice of president? RW’s loyal muppet Karu?

  • 10
    1

    “Who Is Afraid Of Gotabaya Rajapaksa?”

    NO ONE!

    • 8
      2

      Hamlet

      “Who Is Afraid Of Gotabaya Rajapaksa?
      NO ONE!”

      However is Gota afraid of his own shadow?

  • 1
    9

    Aiyooo, why Sarath de Alwis is so frightened of Nadasena?.

    Just imagine what the Elite , Anglicans, Vellalas , and the new addition, Wahaibis with the NGO incorporated will do to Nandasena through their combined might, both local and overseas, when a woman on a Student Income can sue Nandasena in mighty Courts in places like California?..

    I heard a Dharamalingam from the Vellala Party TNA went , along with a new Whahabi Party bloke from the UNP and Dr Ranil’s one time House mate to visit Nandasena..
    Apparently that was just to check whether Nandasena’s Ticker is now up to speed..
    Absolutely there is nothing sinister there to worry about, according to our Colombo Media.

    I know Colombo Elite , Anglicans and the Vellalas are finding it a bit difficult to breath now a days because of the stench emanating from Rotting left overs of Pizza, Kentucky Fredd Chicken . Maccas, and even Bath packets of our Dalits dumped in the Streets..
    All because of a shit fight in the UNP controlled Colombo MC..

    What Dr Alwis should do is cheer them up with good news like that kick ass speech Dr Ranil made to them the other day, when he assured them that he will do everything to eliminate the Terminator .-
    And protect. preserve and carry forward all the Good Work he and his buddies have done in the past four and a half years.

    I know Dr Ranil has found it difficult to remove rubbish from the Colombo Streets.

    But I am sure Dr Ranil does not even know the meaning of the other Rubbish like Fraud and Corruption which this Dr Alwis is talking about.

    • 8
      3

      Apart from Sil Redda deal what else Rajapaksa brothers have done to Buddhism?
      You should advise them it’s time they renounced mundane life and took to Buddhism.
      Rishard Badurdeen could find the entire clan a fine location in deep forest where they could start their own forest monastery away from City Slickers.

      The former beauty queen should lead the clan and country to Nibbana.

      • 1
        3

        Dear Native,
        I know you are getting desperate, frustrated and depressed by the in fighting of your dear Brothers in the UNP.

        US Asst Secretary of Sate and their Ambassador Chick in Colombo went to see Mahinda Rajapaksa on the eve of the the SLPP Convention.
        Dharmalingam Sridahran also apparently went there with Kabir Hasheem and Sagala Boy from Srikotha.

        Surely they can’t be afraid of Nandasena .. Can they?.

        The latest is Dr Ranil’s Express HC has issued summons to arrest Dr Ranil’s best Buddy from Royal Dr Mahendran.
        Again on the eve of this Historical Sinhala Buddhism saving SLPP Convention.

        Dr Rajitha was waving his Rude Finger at the Yahapalanistas the other day and promised that he is going to form the next Yahapalana Government and run it for not 5 years , but 5 plus extra 10 years.

        Wonder whether your Wahabi mate Bathudeen is the PM designate in Dr Rajitha’s next Government, in case Dr Mahendran fronts up and tells the Express HC it was all done with Dr Ranil’s Express Approval..-

  • 5
    3

    What will happen to the poor sharks in Gota’s back garden if Gota is not a tyrant. The poor things need human meat. Gota simply got to come back so that he could keep the sharks alive.

  • 8
    2

    He will make his family rules in Sri Lanka for ever.. Sri Lankan will become monarch soon: Mahinda will be make a king soon.. Goata will pass on his power to his son. Mahinda wife will become second lady in Sri Lanka. One more time Mahinda family will loot all public money with or without immunity. All journalists will go out of the country except his cohorts and stooges.. Academic freedom will be wiped out,, Drug kings will mushroom once again… Military and army officials will be posted into diplomatic posts.. All his cohorts and friends will earn PHDs from national universities as they like.. Judges and lawyers will take their table over up and down. Because, they will not be able to do legal reasoning… Their heads and brains will be bought and sold by Mahinda families.. yet, Sri Lanka will be turned in to little China.. More parts of Sri Lanka will be sold to China.. wait and see more of this.

    • 3
      1

      Even if he is nominated what is the assurance he will win . Who will the Tamil and muslims vote for , Then the Indian Tamils ,communist , Welgama and Vasu factor and the JVP , Is the younger lot wanting 70/year old Cardiac sufferer to run a Presidential campaign and run the country if elected, without the support of the International community

  • 3
    9

    “Who Is Afraid Of Gotabaya Rajapaksa? “
    Those who are afraid that majority will vote for him in a free and fair election. They had four and a half years of time for most virulent anti Gota propaganda and they tried all possible tricks in the book to block him contesting – that is their notion of democracy. Their fortunes lie in poisoning the minority vote base – they might still succeed. Their most potent cheer leaders like Sarath Alwis, Vishvamitra and Thisaranee G spent every breath for this purpose.
    GOTABHAYA RAJAPAKSA IS OUR ALTERNATIVE TO A FEDERAL CONSTITUTION.

    Soma

    • 4
      2

      somass

      “GOTABHAYA RAJAPAKSA IS OUR ALTERNATIVE TO A FEDERAL CONSTITUTION.”

      Exactly no one can stop this island and people hitting the bottom.
      A religious nutty friend commended he felt like he was at the beginning of Kali Yuga. Another religious fanatic told me “The end is nigh”.

      According to another nutt the world is going to end in about 2500 years and hoping a bodhisattva (Maitreya) will rediscover dharma, if true we need someone to destroy it now for Maitreya to rediscover it later.

      It appears you are going to vote for the right destroyer.

      • 2
        1

        NV
        “According to another nutt the world is going to end in about 2500 years and hoping a bodhisattva (Maitreya) will rediscover dharma, if true we need someone to destroy it now for Maitreya to rediscover it later.”
        But you told us in 2015 that he was already born and asked us to vote for him. What happened?

        Soma

  • 3
    9

    It’s too late Sarath.

    Gota is the next president of SL. Most SL people love Gota. That’s all that matters in a democracy. How many people opposed Trump? But the majority loved Trump and that made him the president.

    2015 was an exception when Tamil Nadu and Arabic people could change the election outcome. Not anymore. Not anymore. Not anymore.

    Just accept it.

    People are getting ready to light crackers and fireworks today when Gota’s candidacy is formally announced. Can’t wait!

  • 15
    0

    Well spoken. Some recent features in CT gave the impression that Ranil was aiding Gota’s bid to become president. This article on the contrary points to Ranil’s cynical calculation in letting Gota run. While Gota would be an absolute disaster, one has not seen in Ranil respect for the rule of law that becomes a President, especially in the present mess. Without the rule of law we are doomed.

  • 3
    1

    The people gave a mandate to the current government and they failed.

    So what else could the poor people do?

  • 1
    2

    Most of the writing’s assumptions are, so far, that Old Brother Prince will be winning the EP election. Yes that is possible, but not final. If Old Brother Prince wins, too many have predicted where Lankawe will be going, very accurately. Those all are very, very accurate. He doesn’t have to rewrite all what others have already said.

    Yet, if his US citizenship is not cancelled before he files the election paper, after election, he would stand as de facto president, not president. His election would not be proper. There are two falls backs on that.

    1). IC may not be willing to accept his election result. He would have manipulated the constitutionality of the election laws. This would leave Lankawe not being able to sign any legal contracts with IC. Like Maduro’s case, West may freeze Lankawe Bank accounts not being able to be used by EP, but only by PM or FM. If Old Brother Prince dismisses Parliament and Bring Old King as PM, Lankawe would face an economic blockade. West didn’t like it even when Old King became as PM, during the October Coup. His war criminality is accepted by West.

    2).Second part is, locally Muslims and Tamils may try legal maneuvering to unseat him. If Ranil blocked Vaalaiththodam Jr, from suing the New EP, like Ranil blocked the TNA during the Coup, there will be many NGOs will put up with minorities to file the case. So at least there are some tethering problems will be present until Old Brother Prince consolidates the power and Take the Military in his Hand.

  • 0
    1

    The first one month (if not few) would see many problems because as soon New King is out, all ministries have to come under Ranil’s control. The whole cabinet will be under him. So it is hard to tell where the military will be in the first few Months, until Parliament election is completed. The general rules of the constitution are if the parliament is dismissed, the cabinet will freeze until the new cabinet is appointed. But as New King will be gone out of government completely, the Defense no longer can stay with him.
    Further any deals going to be done with SLFP and Slap Party would be questioned by SLFPyers. If CBK doesn’t want to claim the SLFP back, Nimal and others may want to reactivate it so that they can stand in election, not under the tyranny of Old King. So they would like to put new election deal with Old King instead of the current New King’s full surrender. SLFP is wound up organization until an efficient hand brings it back to alive, again. If that doesn’t happen, sooner or later SWRD’s stature will be removed from Galle Face( high probability after parliament election) by Old Royals.

    They are paths open to other possibilities too (UNP winning the EP) .
    If Vaalaiththodam is the EP candidate, then it is not Ranil’s time. As Ranil did know that he would not win any election, up to last LG election, he has been sabotaging the elections campaign of UNP. Vaalaiththodam Jr would launch a challenging campaign. Muslims have no fear about him. Muslims would put hard fight against Old Brother Prince for Vaalaiththodam Jr.

  • 0
    1

    If Vaalaiththodam Jr wins, many matters would fall out of sky, unfavorable to Old Royals. If Old Brother Prince had legally cancelled his US citizenship, he would face too many legal tangling in US and Lankawe. He is not a US citizen. He is not an MP even. Ranil is not on the full chair, to save Brother Prince, him with his full might (, as Ranil may have to plead to save his PM position & Party Leadership). But we are not the good commentators here to numerate the Prince’s legal tanglings. We leave it to others. This time Muslims and Tamil would like to question Old King’s his legal status of Parliament membership under Slap Party. (It is unlikely they raise this before election, right from Tomorrow.) If Old King loses that legal challenge, then 90% of the SLFP members, including Old King and Old Son Prince will be kicked out the parliament. But there is chance Ranil’s interference on that to save Old King’s positions. But if Ranil buy enough SLFP candidates out of this chaos and stampede in SLFP, he may postpone the election in Sep, 2020 or even may replace it with a referendum, (provided enough SLFPyers corporate). SLFP may corporate with Ranil for Unity Government because, if they accept the results and allow the parliament go dissolved by UNP, basically not many of them may get candidature in Slap Party & even those manage to get have no chance to come back.

  • 5
    0

    At the end of the day the VOTER will decide whether they are afraid of Gotha or not.

  • 8
    1

    Great analysis Sarath.

    Now watch your back, and hide from those white vans!

  • 6
    1

    The law and order and the law abiding citizens are in danger. May God save SL.

    • 1
      2

      Nathan when have we ever had low and odour in this country. Law and Order are about to be imposed. Hail Gota!

  • 1
    4

    WHO IS AFRAID OF GITHAPAYA.COLOMBO TELEGRAPH AND THOSE WHO WRITE FOR CT AND THE SO MANY READERS WHO MAKE COMMENTS ON LINE WILL HAVE TO BE WATCH FULL OF TERMINATOR.

  • 6
    1

    This election is for the UNP to lose and I think Ranil will do just that because of his greed for the position of Presidency.

    ” no need to be afraid of Gotabaya.”
    Yes arms dealers, drug dealers, fixers have no reason to be afraid of Rajapaksa or his goons with state protection.

    Everyone else that believes in the law and makes an honest earning should be worried.
    Just look how many families were ruined by the Rajapaksa’s.
    Children kidnapped for money and then murdered. CID investigation pointed the finger at the navy and all Gota’s goons. They would not have done if they did not have the protection of the state.
    Lasantha’s family.
    Thajudeen’s family.
    Fifteen aid workers.
    List could go on.
    Then again looking at Sri Lankan politics one could come to a conclusion that Sri Lankans are generally stupid. At least the ones that elect govts. (Sinhala Buddhist).

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      ‘Then again looking at Sri Lankan politics one could come to a conclusion that Sri Lankans are generally stupid. At least the ones that elect govts. (Sinhala Buddhist).’

      Burt, wasn’t it the Tamils, Muslims and Christians who ensured that this accursed Yahapalanaya came to power? Don’t blame the Sinhala Buddhists. The coming backlash is because of decades of conceding to the minorities.

      This is happening all over the world. In the US, Britain, France, the majority are sick to death of minorities demanding special privileges that the majority do not have. What privileges? Special ministries, special laws, special food, special schools…….

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        “Burt, wasn’t it the Tamils, Muslims and Christians who ensured that this accursed Yahapalanaya came to power? “
        You are right but you have to accept under the circumstances there was no other choice. Here too Yahapalanaya would have been successful if not for a Sinhala Buddhist monk “Sobitha Thero” even with the best of intentions selected a backbone less idiot that protected his past friends because going further would implicate him in the frauds and even the murders.
        “Don’t blame the Sinhala Buddhists.” Who else should we blame? These fool will not allow anyone other than a Buddhist even if he/she is a Sinhalese to be elected to the top office.
        “The coming backlash is because of decades of conceding to the minorities. “
        What have you conceded to the minorities? They are successful because they work hard in whatever they chose to do whether it be study or business.
        Why the F do we need a ministry for Budha Sasana? This is where it started now all religions want the same.

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    Unp and its allies have the majority in parliment. So even if 70 year old almost dead like guy wins, unp will bring an impeachment and he will be kicked put of office. So basically he will be the loser at the end of the day. All those who vote, support and funds his campaign will be in vain ! Mahinda knows this and he wants only to skip this presidential post using this 70year old murderer and give party leadership to his son. What a master plan by mahinda !

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    Why do Rajapakses need power? Because they cannot depend on Ranil, Sirisena or anyone else forever to keep them out of gallows/prison

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    GR has so many cases against him, not cleared himself from any of them. He lied in the court. He is not a citizen of any country now. He is a murderer and swindler. Cananyone trust Rajapakshe family? They are the serpents of Sri Lanka who are ruining the economy and social values. Unfortunately ordinary public seem to be under some spell to see the truth. Not only GR, but the entire Rajapakshe family should be wiped out from the face of the earth.

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    2

    The Colombo Telegraph later reported that Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe helped the former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa to obtain a new passport through the intervention of his Internal Affairs Minister Wajira Abeywardena.
    ..
    There are no enemies in politics. All of them are opportunists. They only care about their own future and the people who spent the money for their ridiculously expensive campaigns.
    ..
    Ranil is taking the Rajapaksha on a ride again. He is showing the carrot and Rajapaksha is running like a rabbit. Fabulous drama to watch.
    ..
    Behind this drama their getting ready for another coupe, just in case they will loose.
    ..
    The Police, 3 Forces, Judicial system and the Media is ready for the big match.
    ..
    All stars are backing themselves to win against our vote. Little that they know, alternative power of people are growing each day at a rapid pace.
    ..
    It’s a game of numbers and losing the match will be disastrous to both teams.
    ..
    Good people of Lanka it’s time to be a part of the alternative camp.

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    According to Dr Hedge, an Indian cardiologist anyone who has done heart surgery , may feel complication in coming years. Mahinda know that and yet, selected him so that his son could win with his uncle support,

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    I don’t think Gotabhaya contesting for Presidency will be a big problem as his non-supportive votes will outnumber his supportive votes.
    There is no way he could win the election even by vote rigging, as the percentage against him will be too large for them to distort.
    If there is any political party which is looking for someone to field against Gotabhaya, I am to ready give a name, who would challenge Gotabhaya and easily win the election. Any political party. Any. It doesn’t matter.
    Let’s go for it, guys.
    The next President is NOT a Rajapaksa.
    There is no way Sri Lanka going for a military rule and a Gotabhaya + Basil regime.

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    “Sirisena now agrees to support Gotabaya as presidential candidate “

    This backboneless coward does not have a choice. He is just got to bend over and pay for the Appa.
    LOL

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