By Vipula Wanigasekera –
Dr. Vipula Wanigasekera
Sri Lanka’s political landscape stands at a critical juncture. As the country prepares for the parliamentary elections on November 14, 2024, there is an urgent need for reforms that address the systemic flaws in governance, enhance democratic functioning, and ensure that the future of Sri Lanka is in the hands of a transparent, accountable, and democratic system.
Contrary to the belief of many that no Government should have excessive powers, one of the most pressing reasons why the NPP needs a two-thirds majority is to amend the Constitution to abolish the Executive Presidency. The system, which has been in place since 1978, concentrates vast powers in the hands of the President, often leading to authoritarian governance and undermining parliamentary democracy.
A two-thirds majority would allow the NPP to introduce reforms that strip the President of executive powers and return authority to the Parliament. This would ensure that power is shared more equally across branches of government, improving checks and balances.
Appointments and removals in state and semi-state organizations have often been driven by political patronage rather than merit or capability. This has led to inefficiency, corruption, and poor service delivery. A two-thirds majority would enable the NPP to introduce a transparent and scientifically based process for appointments, grounded in professional qualifications, experience, and the needs of the organization.
Additionally, the removal process should also be based on clear, justifiable criteria, ensuring that only those unfit for office are removed, and not based on political vendettas. A merit-based approach would enhance the effectiveness and professionalism of Sri Lanka’s state machinery.
The issue of prisoner pardons has long been a source of controversy in Sri Lanka. Pardons have often been seen granted on political grounds or as a result of personal whims, without proper justification or adherence to legal principles.
Procedures for issuing pardons should be based on objective, legal recommendations rather than personal discretion. This could include establishing an independent body to review pardon requests, ensuring that these decisions are made with the utmost regard for justice and fairness.
The Presidential pension scheme, which provides substantial benefits to former Presidents, is another issue that demands attention. At present, the pension scheme is funded by taxpayers, many of whom struggle with economic hardship. The NPP should review these pension arrangements and consider redirecting funds to more pressing social welfare needs which the NPP leader is already promising. Similarly, pensions for Members of Parliament (MPs) and allowances, which are often disproportionately high, should be re-examined in the interest of fairness, reducing the financial burden on the public.
The independence of the judiciary is a cornerstone of any democracy. A two-thirds majority would give the NPP the power to introduce constitutional reforms that further guarantee the independence of the judiciary. NPP members who will be given the mandate on their clean records can at least be trusted for this purpose.
Sri Lanka’s Provincial Councils, established under the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, have been a point of contention for decades. Some argue that they contribute to inefficiency and the wasteful use of public funds, while others believe they are essential for regional empowerment and devolution of power.
The NPP, with a two-thirds majority, should initiate a review of the Provincial Councils and their financial viability. They should assess whether the costs of running these councils outweigh their benefits and consider reforms or alternatives to streamline governance while preserving regional autonomy where necessary.
The current electoral system, which is a mix of proportional representation and preferential voting, has its advantages but also exacerbates political fragmentation and corruption. Major changes to the electoral process, such as revising the parliamentary seat allocations and possibly adopting a more mixed-member proportional representation (MMP) system, could result in more stable and accountable governance.
Furthermore, a two-thirds majority would allow the NPP to create structures that ensure accountability across all state functions, including national security and public order. Independent oversight bodies could be introduced to monitor the use of state resources and ensure that public funds are used efficiently.
*Writer is former Diplomat, Head of Tourism Authority, currently a senior lecturer for ECU, Business Diversifier, Meditation coach and Reiki Healer
Nathan / November 6, 2024
… Sri Lanka’s political landscape stands at a critical juncture.
Tell me a time when our landscape was off critical junctures.
We have a history of causing a precipice with every political move we have made.
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… the NPP needs a two-thirds majority is to amend the Constitution to abolish the Executive Presidency.
Vipula, Your intentions are good, no doubt. But, have you thought thought about the pitfalls that await, should we offer a two-thirds majority, just for that purpose.
Abolishing the Executive Presidency could wait until NPP earns its trustworthiness.
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vipula / November 6, 2024
Agree Nathan. This is the Risk people need to take. Either way Country has nothing lose when there are apparently no clean personalities in the opposition
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old codger / November 6, 2024
Nathan,
You are right, “Tell me a time when our landscape was off critical junctures.”
The NPP itself doesn’t need a 2/3 majority. to abolish the EP. It is likely that the SJB will lead the opposition, and it has already promised to support the move.
But if the NPP doesn’t get a majority, it will be suicidal to abolish the EP, because without it, the Executive PM would be from the SJB.
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old codger / November 6, 2024
“two-thirds majority would enable the NPP to introduce a transparent and scientifically based process for appointments, grounded in professional qualifications, experience, and the needs of the organization.”
So far the appointments have been good even without a 2/3 majority, non-political people with skills have been appointed to important positions, and some like Nandalal Weerasingha have been retained from the last government.
But one or two bad eggs have been appointed, like the clueless idiot appointed as CPC chairman.
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old codger / November 6, 2024
The NPP itself says it doesn’t want a 2/3 majority. Who wants to argue with that?
https://www.dailymirror.lk/recomended-news/We-are-not-seeking-2%2F3rds-in-Parliament–only-a-simple-majority-Chathuranga-Abeysinghe/277-295331
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leelagemalli / November 6, 2024
Hello Rational thinkers,
The whole world knows that a good and powerful opposition can strengthen a democratic government. However, writer’s cry is no different from the hallucinatory professor in Kiwiland. And the point is, the current people have already been proven to have misled the nation by lying BLANTLY on many issues. Uganda funds and any rival politicians should be corrupted etc are among them.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4QO48XjA-Mg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Cq7nFYGcC8&t=103s
However, I cannot stand the kind of writers who insist that the NPP should be given a 2/3 mandate. Either they should get their little heads checked or see it right at the elevanth hour.
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Gotabhaya and Maratha were each given 2/3 of the mandate and the whole country was destroyed beyond repair.
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Society is destroyed. Rotten media turned society upside down.
If the 89-92 rebel led current government got 2/3 power, they will allow licenced murdereres to do the job as is the case in El Salvador.
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LankaScot / November 6, 2024
Hello Leelagemalli,
Looks like Trump has won US Election. I have no idea how this will affect Sri Lanka, but it’s not good for the Middle East and possibly the World. With Trump and Elon Musk having close ties to Putin who knows what will happen.
Many Middle Eastern Americans bought Trumps story that he was anti War.
I hereby declare that George Orwell’s Newspeak be renamed Trumpspeak and Elon Musk’s “X” be renamed Big Brother. Authoritarianism has just had a huge boost, the Putins, Netanyahus, Orbans and other of this ilk will be celebrating.
Best regards
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leelagemalli / November 6, 2024
Hello LS, sorry to hear that known pimp in the US supposedly won the election.
Transatlantic relations would soon be caught in the storm again. Germany will have to worry about their bilateral relations with the US again.
Look, nearly a million innocent people died from COVID-19 in the US, and to me it came into being because Trump failed to do the due.
I can’t understand the same stupid people voting him back. They should be real beasts in human disguise.
SO, we criticise our srilanken people being stupid, but srilankens are not alone.
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It proves to the world that even in the supposedly most powerful countries, a high proportion of people are eternally racist. Most US citizens I know are Bible parrots as our DTG. I have paternal cousins living in the US for ages. Two of them are university professors.
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Their only objection to Mrs. Harris was her skin color and race. As with Sinhalese supremacy in Sri Lanka, US white supremacy is beyond manageable limits. It is not easily grasped by outsiders.
I think our MAD Ramona would be happier, but not many in europe.
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If JVPs (ex-murderers) are given 2/3 mandate, living in Sri Lanka will be like El Salvador.
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Sinhala_Man / November 6, 2024
I agree with everything, except the last sentence. So what did I do? for once during the past two years, I gave LM a like.
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After all, I approved of what was said in the preceding sentences.
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Panini Edirisinhe of Bandarawela, now in Maharagama
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Dr. Gnana Sankaralingam / November 6, 2024
Reasons put forward by the author for two-thirds majority is not tenable. Remember what happened when two-thirds majority was given in 1970 and 1977, where democracy was tampered with. As for abolishing the post of President, if NPP submits the proposal, there will be widespread support across party divide which will go beyond two-thirds. Except for few like Sajith Premadasa and Namal Rajapakse who are dreaming to be president one day, rest will agree to it. Secondly to appoint persons to public positions solely on merit, and to remove any one who is not performing, you only need a simple majority. No sane MP will oppose it, as they cannot go back to the people who want efficiency and honesty. Even if NPP ends up as minority government, they will get support for reforms undertaken by them. They should bravely go forward without giving lame excuses.
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old codger / November 7, 2024
Dr. GS
Sajith has already pledged to abolish the EP:
https://www.dailymirror.lk/breaking-news/Sajith-pledges-to-abolish-Executive-Presidency/108-289779
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Mani / November 7, 2024
I also recall that when AKD was a MP in parliament several years ago, he expressed the view that a 2/3 majority was a cause of corruption.
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vipula / November 6, 2024
Yes there are a couple appointments like that. Lets give them the benefit of doubt.
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whywhy / November 8, 2024
Vipula ,
” Abolishing the executive presidency could wait until NPP earns its
trustworthiness . ” It is a beautiful line from Nathan . The new president
has won . That should be the first step for them . The second , The old
govt was sent home and the doors opened for a new government . Fair
enough . Now it is practical and reasonable to get the control over the
legislature for a smooth delivery of commitments made to the public in
elections . Mr Vipula , I hope you do have experience in physical exercise
for your health . If yes then there is what is called ‘ warm up ‘ before starting
your speed . Why not apply that here with a simple majority and get the
support from the opposition which they are all willing to provide whenever
necessary ? Nobody , I mean No any party should once again be given a clear
two third for any reason . To Be Tough is Dangerous to a country like ours
which the NPP claim , had bad rule for 76 years . All rulers , including the new
ones have experience speaking the language of Blood . So , two third can wait
another five years .
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Ajith / November 6, 2024
“Abolishing the Executive Presidency could wait until NPP earns its trustworthiness.”
The threat faced by the Country now by International and Regional Powers along with Ranil and Rajapaksa group are very high now against the Change towards NPP particularly during this parliament election. People support is a necessity to the NPP towards building trustworthiness. So, the people to have give their support to strengthen to defeat the threats. For example, the USA threat to Tourism by announcing to withdraw is an attempt to reduce inflow of dollars. So, the People should give more than a simple majority to the NPP and people should elect candidates who can support NPP in particular changes to the system.
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vipula / November 6, 2024
That is my point too
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Jit / November 7, 2024
Pitfalls are already happening Nathan! Two things AKD did recently are really black stains on his government. Stupidity is slowly and sadly creeping in to this government too. One was the appointment of Hans Wijesuriya as the ‘digital maestro’ of his government. It looks everybody except the NPP knows of his connections with the previous Rajapaksha regime. It is also well known fact that his present company Axiata has tentacles of shady deals throughout SE Asia. It really baffles me why AKD did not do his homework and jumped to hand over the entire state digitization to such a notorious character.
The other most ridiculous thing AKD did was how quickly he jumped to congratulate Donald Trump becoming the President of the USA again! I haven’t seen reports that any world leader has congratulate this convicted felon within the 24 hours of his ‘win’!! AKD known for clean governance becoming the world’s first President to congratulate a top-class crook is beyond me!!! He could have waited a few more days at least to do it as a formal state/diplomatic procedure. If AKD continues with this kind of ludicrous behaviour, there is no doubt that NPP will become the biggest joke and the political disappointment of this century!
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MSarrij / November 10, 2024
The present constitution needs to be changed but the most important change should be to introduce term limits and age limits to elected office to get rid of the culture of impunity which has allowed a few families to dominate, to abuse the system and amass family wealth and continuing corruption. Fortunately the country is blessed with very bright young people as shown by their performance in foreign countries and this a way to help their motherland as well.
Good luck.
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deepthi silva / November 6, 2024
Does anybody know the level of Malaysian money involvement in Sri Lankan politics ?
It is well known that Dialog was a major funder of the Rajapkse family for decades .Dialog as a result received many lucrative contracts from the government particularly the army. One time Gotabaya’s son got a high paying job in Malaysia for doing nothing.
It will be useful to find out how much the Dialog supported the NPP this time ( while also supporting the other parties-they have no policy) .
It is well known that Billion rupee company EXPO Lanka CEO funded the governing party
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old codger / November 6, 2024
DS,
“It is well known that Dialog was a major funder of the Rajapkse family for decades”
Well known to whom? So where is your evidence for this?
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leelagemalli / November 6, 2024
Senile woman does not seem to know what her pen writes.
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leelagemalli / November 6, 2024
OC,
u repeat about the moustache of punidit DS.
:
This reminded me of austian
Conchita Wurst ( do you know who he/she is ?).
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Why did not the GENDER OP work for DS’ s sexual integrity ? If worked, she would have improved her QoL for sure.
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leelagemalli / November 6, 2024
austrian Conchita
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leelagemalli / November 6, 2024
OC,
.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ze6cJtpJlQ0
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Like it or not, Udaya Seneviratne’s recommendations should be implemented.
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Anura Wickramasinghe Rajapaksa (AWR) will have to wear a diaper in the coming days.
How does AWR face civil servants?
Can the joker face the challenges?
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Gon Bayya has to stop his jokes on eating KADJU (cashew nuts) and using organic vegetables.
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vipula / November 6, 2024
Yes Deepthi. I wouldnt be surprised even if you are right. Systems in Sri Lanka are already corrupt. As per spiritual saying, one has to make a ladder from shit to come out of shit ( Ven Aranadhamma). Time will tell us all these. My stance before Presidential election was ‘ let them also rob’ if every politician has been looting since independence. In that scenario , NPP has done well in the last month. Time will tell us
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Dayan / November 6, 2024
Author, despite his credentials, offers a mix of valid insights alongside arguments that some may find questionable or even laughable. Here’s a closer look at some of these assertions and their implications.
Firstly, the author claims that the NPP requires a 2/3 majority to initiate the process of abolishing the executive presidency. However, if the NPP is genuinely committed to this reform, it’s unlikely they would need a supermajority from the outset. The opposition would likely support an initiative of this kind, especially given its political appeal; there would be little reason for them to oppose it while out of power.
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vipula / November 6, 2024
Only if the opposition supports. It has not happened in the past
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old codger / November 7, 2024
Dayan,
“However, if the NPP is genuinely committed to this reform, it’s unlikely they would need a supermajority from the outset. The opposition would likely support an initiative of this kind, “
Exactly . The NPP seems have woken up to hard reality regarding economics and probably will find some excuse to renege on this promise too.
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Dayan / November 6, 2024
Further, some other issues raised by the author, such as executive powers over appointments, independent commissions, and presidential pardons, seem less relevant if the executive presidency itself is on the path to abolition. In such a scenario, executive power would naturally be curtailed, making additional elaboration unnecessary.
The author also brings up reforms related to the 13th Amendment (13A) and the electoral system, tying them to minority rights and public acceptance. These, however, are not merely matters of securing a two-thirds majority in Parliament; they would require a referendum to earn the people’s endorsement.
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Dayan / November 6, 2024
Lastly, the argument that these structural changes necessitate a 2/3 majority overlooks a crucial point. The NPP has yet to clearly define how or when these changes might occur. To suggest they would be able to strategize only once they secure such a majority seems, at best, unrealistic. It begs the question: does the author genuinely believe the NPP’s plans will only materialize once they have absolute legislative power?
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deepthi silva / November 6, 2024
OC while you wait for someone to buy you a drink at a Gay bar, a lot of things are happening around you !
You don’t know that Hans Wijesuriya provided money and technical support for the Rajapakse campaigns ?
May be Hans bought you a beer !
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old codger / November 6, 2024
DS,
“You don’t know that Hans Wijesuriya provided money and technical support for the Rajapakse campaigns ?”
No I don’t. Where is your evidence? It doesn’t become true just because you say so.
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leelagemalli / November 6, 2024
OC,
I think DS loves you.
She is persecuting you as never before.
No doubt she is dreaming of you round the clock.
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Champa / November 6, 2024
This article is about Sri Lanka’s election. I expected an article on the US election. Where are the writers who always write about international politics? I miss Kumar David.
I bet the US Election results even surprised Donald Trump!
Kamala’s victory was stolen.
Donald Trump had absolutely no hope that he would win. From staged assassination attempts to working at McDonald’s to driving a garbage truck, things he did to garner support for his election campaign showed that he lost hope of victory a long time ago. Then, how did he win? It seems that a highly sophisticated vote rigging was at play that even surprised Donald Trump! It didn’t happen today. It has been happening in the background without anyone’s knowledge. I don’t accept the US election results. You shouldn’t either.
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Champa / November 6, 2024
Oh I just want to add one more line. Ì don’t think the interference was external. It could be internal. Trump didn’t win. He stole Kamala’s victory. Even his body language says it
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leelagemalli / November 6, 2024
Champa,
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How did you stay calm all these weeks?
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Are you happy that the JVP-led hell has been destroyed as of today?
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Not even tiny issues being able to fulfil today with sky rocketting rice prices. Passport issue is said to have resolved, however it can take another few months to get rid of the blood suckers.
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By the way, What do you think about giving them a 2/3 mandate to license broad daylight killings? I am against it, however, it will lead to a natural selection of Darwinm for sure. I really want comment-forces be eleminiated from srilanka becuase they were the ones who twisted the mindset of the easy prey in our country.
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Champa / November 6, 2024
I need to say another. Because, this is a lesson for others also.
It was very wise for Kamala Harris not to make a statement last night. I think Trump’s side expected a statement from her so that they can turn it into her conceding defeat. She should not make any statement until all the results are out.
Obviously, there was vote rigging. Otherwise, how could the results be out so early? The USA is a huge country. Even little Canada is not able to announce election results this fast. Something is not right here. I suspect one man. We will see. The truth will come out.
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Sinhala_Man / November 6, 2024
Champa,
.
I gave a LIKE to you first comment because of your first five sentences.
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However, I didn’t like the rest of it, or the second comment. Trump has won; no question about it. Kamala did stumble on occasion; for instance about the wall with Mexico.
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Now let’s focus on what we must do here. I agree with Vipula; let us vote overwhelmingly for the NPP.
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Panini Edirisinhe of Bandarawela, now in Maharagama
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Buddhist1 / November 6, 2024
There are three main reasons why the NPP should not get a two-thirds majority:
1. “Absolute power corrupts absolutely”.
2. NPP has never ruled the country. Although NPP has highly qualified individuals on its team, they are mostly academics who lack practical experience and exposure.
3. People like Lalkantha and Tilvin have a terrible history and are militants, and Anura can never overrule them. To this extent, there is a significant danger if NPP has two-thirds.
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leelagemalli / November 6, 2024
B1
“3. People like Lalkanta, Tilvin have a terrible history and they are fighters and Anurat can never subdue them. To this extent, there is significant danger if two out of three NPPs are present”
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Even if mothers are tortured in broad daylight, Sri Lankans usually do not give a damn.
I believe it’s in their blood. I thought lankens are the most kind people, but the truth is they the worst of worst in this planet.
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Even if Such is their nature if loudspeakers chanting Pirith contribute to sound exposure in every nook and cranny of the country, people would never use their kind-brain.
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I am sorry for our people. But trend is that srilanken will shortly be an El salvador.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZtuK-ALP7o
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vipula / November 6, 2024
dear Buddhist, My argument revolves around the need to change the system and constitution. 2/3 Majority is needed for some of the clauses. Yes power corrupts. Having a strong opposition doesnt make any difference. They can just scream from the other side of the parliament. Government does what it wants. NPP has so far shown some genuineness specially in the denial of lavish living etc. When the spot light is on, it is difficult for malpractices to go through. There is no point in giving someone half power and expect transformation in the country.
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Buddhist1 / November 8, 2024
Hi Vipula,
I have nothing against NPP; in fact, I am happy that Anura and Harini are at the top and will remain the same even after the general election. However, I am not talking about an opposition similar to Rajapakse or Ranil or Maithri or Chandrika’s times. With Sajith, the politics he practices is very different. A strong opposition of Sajith will be a supporting hand to Anura as the SJB team is a very decent different team. They would counter Anura’s pressure from the JVP radicals in his team. SJB will support most of Anura’s policies as the NPP’s and SJB’s policies are mostly similar to each other.
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Naman / November 6, 2024
The future of SL does depend on how much the Sinhala Buddhists are willing to allow the Tamil Speaking SL Citizens [TSC] to live in the country as EQUALs and to be able to protect their language, culture, livelihoods and their traditional lands. Hopefully, the NPP will get closer to the 2/3rd majority. They could along other parliamentarians from the minority +/- SJB could pass Laws that benefit the country. When ever we saw the light at the end of the Tunnel, our past rulers[RW +MS] made sure that it was a mirage.
Lots of SL citizens who were VICTIMISED over the 7.5 decades are awaiting for the JUSTICE.
Let’s hope the year 2025 is the year SL becoming a peaceful & harmonious place.
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Sinhala_Man / November 6, 2024
We must give the NPP the biggest possible victory.
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I agree that most of the time it could be suicidal, but the leaders of the NPP are modest enough to be trusted.
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Having said that there are a few things about the nominations that I’m uneasy about. They’re so obvious that I shall point them out only after the results are out. All this is pretty straightforward.
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Panini Edirisinhe of Bandarawela, now in Maharagama
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Svenson / November 7, 2024
13A – No Government is going to give a 12% minority control over two thirds of the coastline.
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Nathan / November 7, 2024
Svenson,
Get rid of the idea of control. Managing doesn’t imply control.
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Buddhist1 / November 8, 2024
Svenson, narrow-minded racist ideology!
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Naman / November 7, 2024
S_M
what are your thoughts om implementation of the 13 th Amendment that was incorporated more than 3 decades ago but never fully implemented. Is it revelant at the present time? AKD is on the right tract but will the Sinhala buddhists lay or clergy try to DERAIL him in his venture to create EQUAL STATUS to Tamils. When the NEW parliament is inaugurated Tamils hope the AKD will express his regrets on how the majority has treated them over the last 76 years and repent!
He should get along with who ever at the helm of the Indian government in order get our out of the economic difficulties.
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Naman / November 7, 2024
I agree with LM that religious places should NOT contribute to the NOISE POLLUTION.
Loud speakers should be used so that only the congregated people could hear.
Call for prayers from the Mosques should cease as well. They can use their own personal ALARMS to remind them of their prayer timimings. We aren’t living in the ANCIENT times. The new Government should take the AIR POLLUTION in cities seriously. Electric cars and three wheelers use will be good.
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Sinhala_Man / November 7, 2024
Dear Naman,
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I personally don’t want the 13th Amendment. Mainly because it involves unnecessary expense.
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However, I will NOT oppose it, because I know that for Tamils it represents something that you have won for yourselves.
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Of course I agree that we ought not to have pollution of any form, including noise pollution. But again, I will not declare war on Buddhist temples or on mosques. However, it would be good if the government legislates on these things in such a way that they apply with equal force to all communities.
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As for electric cars, Naman, how do we produce electricity to charge them? There will be no pollution on the roads, but there may be more pollution at the places where the electricity is produced. Green energy? Solar, if we can manage it, nobody would object to. Wind? Ornithologists are complaining about how they will affect the nesting habits of many species.
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Nobody seems seriously to say that all that we can must be done to prevent population expansion. Persuade women to have no more than two children. Population will actually come down, given that for various reasons some women will have fewer (or none). Don’t make anything compulsory, including language learning!
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Nathan / November 7, 2024
… Persuade women to have no more than two children.
Where on earth do women produce children on their own?!
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Lester / November 8, 2024
Sinhala_Man,
“I personally don’t want the 13th Amendment.”
The same people supporting the 13th Amendment also support the UN resolutions against Sri Lanka that call for an “investigation” into “genocide.”
“Nobody seems seriously to say that all that we can must be done to prevent population expansion.”
I have mentioned this for many years. If it does not happen, there will probably be another civil war, this time between the majority community and the minority Muslims.
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Naman / November 7, 2024
The NPP Government should not repeal the PTA until the SYSTEM CHANGE has happened; Racists aren’t raising their heads again; stollen money recovered; people behind murders kidnappings tortures face the Justice.
Hopefully the estate workers life is improved during the next few years.
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shankar / November 7, 2024
NPP should not and will not get a outright majority.They should do what they have always done stay aloof from alliances with other parties as that will tarnish their reputation which is good at the moment.Sajit and ranil can come to a agreement that sajit will be the PM and ranil the Foreign M.
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vipula / November 7, 2024
Hi shakar. The mandate NPP got was for the eiination of ccorruption. Besides RW got SP defeated and the once powerful UNP. What more do you expect from RW other than his greed for power
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shankar / November 8, 2024
vipua
rw will make a good foreign minister.he cant do much damage there.he is a weak man who lets others do things and get away scot free but on the world stage he is well liked and looks very smart and suave.by having AKD as president the primeminister and cabinet anyway will have their wings clipped and will have to tread very carefully.As for corruption just because they are in government does not mean that AKD will not be able to prosecute them unless they have 2/3 majority to impeach him.
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Naman / November 7, 2024
It is a very surprising that a democratic country that is a world superpower is selecting a convicted criminal to lead the country for next FOUR years. Trump was very lucky to compete against Biden or K.Harris.
Americans were not ready for a female from the minority ethnicity.
The following article written well before the Election explains why KH was not the suitable candidate to compete against Donald Trump.
Some other Democratic candidate would have performed much better than KH.
https://www.theprincetontory.com/kamala-harriss-on-and-off-progressivism/
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Sinhala_Man / November 9, 2024
Could somebody please advise me? Time 11.39. I had virtually completed a 190 word comment here when it started erasing from behind on my HDD. I was trying to add the bold and italic features. And then I lost the place where I was on Colombo Telegraph.
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I shall try to reconstruct the comment. This used to happen off and on; therefore unconnected to the hacking of my email accounts, and the possible introduction of viruses in July 2024.
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Panini Edirisinhe of Bandarawela, now in Maharagama
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Sinhala_Man / November 9, 2024
Continuing:
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This was on simultaneously on Ruapvahini and YouTube when I started typing my comment.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JX9zVHu6ETc
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My wife was on Rupavahini and I was on the Internet (I’m trying to get her more into the Internet and CT.). It was a lighthearted exercise.
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There were the Colombo women trying to say that more of their (majority!) sub-species should be put into Parliament. Samanmalee Gunasinghe (wife of Bimal Fernando – hush that is not publicised!) was representing the NPP. A Mrs Konhahage was representing the Ranil’s Party; Hirunika Premachandra, the SJB; Priyanka Jayasekera, the Pohottuwa.
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Mrs Kongahage happened to say that all supported Gota because he won the War. Wrong. I was always against the War, but didn’t have the guts to shout it out from the roof-tops, lest racists would say I was pro-Eelam. No, I didn’t like Prabhkaran and his struggle, but I understood why Tamils felt that they had to support Eelam, of which I was not a die-hard opponent. My wife admitted that they were sometimes afraid of my principled stands, which were known to all close associates.
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Therefore issues are not at all simple. I’m going back on Sunday (the 10th) to vote in Bandarawela, in the school where my Birth Certificate says that I was born. If I were to vote for this lass,
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6k2bC9NSPrA&t=381s
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Sinhala_Man / November 11, 2024
I am back in Bandarawela. I viewed a number of speeches in Maharagama, and saved the links on a Word Document but forgot to send it up here!
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I find here other recent interviews in Tamil:
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https://www.npp.lk/video-gallery.php?p=2
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I was particularly impressed with a number of speeches here,
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https://www.npp.lk/video-gallery.php?p=41
in Badulla, on 21/01/2024. Finding time to listen to them is a problem, even for unemployed me!
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