“JUST A COUNTRY LAWYER”
By Colombo Telegraph –
“He did not complete his Advanced Level (“A levels”) education, instead leaving his job as a clerk at the library at Sri Jayawarendapura University in the Colombo suburbs in 1970 to run for his late father’s seat representing his native Hambantota in Parliament.” the US Embassy Colombo informed Washington.
The Colombo Telegraph found the related leaked cable from the WikiLeak database. The cable is classified as “CONFIDENTIAL” details biographic details on Sri Lanka’s fifth President Percy Mahendra Rajapakse. The cable was written on November 21, 2005 by the US Ambassador to Colombo Jeffrey J. Lunstead.
Under the subheading “JUST A COUNTRY LAWYER” Ambassador Lunstead wrote “ Percy Mahinda Rajapakse was born on November 18, 1945 in Verukatiya, Hambantota District, the third of SLFP founder-member D.A. Rajapakse’s eight children. (An older brother Chamal is also an SLFP MP, while two younger brothers, Godabhaya and Basil, had been living in the U.S. but returned to help with their brother’s campaign for the presidency.) He was educated at Richmond College in the southern district of Galle (where his father reportedly had to engage a Sinhala tutor to boost his son’s proficiency in his native tongue), as well as Nalanda College and Thurstan College in Colombo. He did not complete his Advanced Level (“A levels”) education, instead leaving his job as a clerk at the library at Sri Jayawarendapura University in the Colombo suburbs in 1970 to run for his late father’s seat representing his native Hambantota in Parliament. When he won at the age of 24, he became the youngest MP in Sri Lanka’s history to enter Parliament–a record that still stands. Taking advantage of a decision by the then-Justice Minister to allow MPs to enter law school–whether or not they had the necessary educational qualifications–Rajapakse graduated from Sri Lanka Law College in 1974.”
Below we give the relevant part of the confidential cable;
C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 04 COLOMBO 001981 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/20/2015 TAGS: PINR PGOV CE SUBJECT: SRI LANKA: BIOGRAPHIC INFORMATION ON PRESIDENT MAHINDA RAJAPAKSE REF: A. COLOMBO 1853 ¶B. COLOMBO 1975 Classified By: AMB. JEFFREY J. LUNSTEAD. REASON: 1.4 (B,D). ----------------- MEET THE NEW BOSS ------------------ ¶1. (SBU) Percy Mahendra (aka "Mahinda") Rajapakse was sworn in as Sri Lanka's fifth President on November 18, 2005--his 60th birthday. Like his predecessor and rival Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, Rajapakse has the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) in his blood, with his father, D.A. Rajapakse, joining Chandrika's father S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike to form the SLFP in 1951, and an uncle serving as a Cabinet Minister in the 1970 government of Sirimavo Bandaranaike, Chandrika's mother. With his sterling SLFP credentials and with a brother and cousin also involved in politics--and with three young sons possibly contemplating political careers as well--Rajapakse is widely considered to represent the only real challenge to the Bandaranaike family's dynastic grip on the party. The left-of-center economic policies endorsed in his campaign manifesto, as well as the quasi-nationalist sentiment in his anti-federalist stand on the peace process (Ref A), may reflect a conscious effort by Rajapakse to move the party away from the centrist positions espoused by Kumaratunga over her 11 years as president and back toward its original Sinhalese socialist roots. Rajapakse has a reputation for astutely outflanking domestic political rivals--his longevity within the corrosively internecine SLFP bears indirect testimony to this talent--but his experience on the international stage is limited. Although clearly indebted to the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) for his narrow victory at the November 17 presidential polls, Rajapakse will likely try to limit the former Marxists' influence in his administration. How successful he is in doing so will be one of the most important tests of his legendary political savvy. --------------------- SOUTHERN STRENGTH: ALL POLITICS IS LOCAL ---------------------- ¶2. (SBU) Hailing from a politically prominent family from the southeastern district of Hambantota, Rajapakse is the first Sri Lankan president not from Colombo or its environs. (Late President Ranasinghe Premadasa's family is from the south, but he himself grew up in and was elected from Colombo.) Rajapakse identifies strongly with his rural southern Buddhist base (which, incidentally, is the same base eyed by the JVP), even though his family's wealth, education and political prominence obviously distinguish him from the typical Sinhalese farmer. With southern Sinhalese voters, the admiration appears to be mutual; Rajapakse won handy majorities in the six southern districts of Kalutara, Galle, Ratnapura, Moneragala, Kurunegala, Hambantota and Matara. ----------------------- JUST A COUNTRY LAWYER ----------------------- ¶3. (U) Percy Mahinda Rajapakse was born on November 18, 1945 in Verukatiya, Hambantota District, the third of SLFP founder-member D.A. Rajapakse's eight children. (An older brother Chamal is also an SLFP MP, while two younger brothers, Godabhaya and Basil, had been living in the U.S. but returned to help with their brother's campaign for the presidency.) He was educated at Richmond College in the southern district of Galle (where his father reportedly had to engage a Sinhala tutor to boost his son's proficiency in his native tongue), as well as Nalanda College and Thurstan College in Colombo. He did not complete his Advanced Level ("A levels") education, instead leaving his job as a clerk at the library at Sri Jayawarendapura University in the Colombo suburbs in 1970 to run for his late father's seat representing his native Hambantota in Parliament. When he won at the age of 24, he became the youngest MP in Sri Lanka's history to enter Parliament--a record that still stands. Taking advantage of a decision by the then-Justice Minister to allow MPs to enter law school--whether or not they had the necessary educational qualifications--Rajapakse graduated from Sri Lanka Law College in 1974. LUNSTEAD
Mick / January 2, 2012
does not matter fuck the exams. at least solved the LTTE problem. that’s the main thing.
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TAMILSON / January 2, 2012
WE ARE HAPPY WHAT OUR PRESIDENT HAS DONE SO FAR. HE HAS DONE THINGS MORE THAN A FULLBRIGHT SCHOOLER COULD DO TO OUR COUNTRY. SO NEVER MIND HIS A/Ls HE IS OUR HERO SO FAR.
F’KING AMERICANS AND THEIR BONE LICKING IDIOTS HAS DONE NOTHING FOR THIS COUNTRY.
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chamith / January 2, 2012
it looks you didn’t even pass grade 8 !
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fernando / January 2, 2012
where are these SLBC morons who white washing these rajapakseterrorists
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banda / January 2, 2012
Many so called nationalistic Sri Lankans criticize the west for everything. But when they want to educate their children they all wanted them to study in the USA or UK. Bloody hypocrites. Rajapakses too not a exception.
It looks like for some stupid Sri Lankans education is immaterial. It explains why they feel the country is developed. They are bunch of frogs in the a well.
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Carmen Ranasinghe / January 2, 2012
All bloody idiots are going through the credentials of the great leader who gave the proper & appropriate political leadership to defeat the ruthless LTTE. Now all these ungrateful bunch have forgotten who has paved the way to them to go on the road fearlessly wihout having bombed off.We Sri Lankans are infamous for the ungratefulness.God bless our country men.White pigs are hjealous of our great leader since they can not make them dance according to their tune. So our Srilankan puppets also dance according to their wishes. It is so pathetic
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Jayantha / January 2, 2012
Carmen Ranasingha Looks like you forgot who is the real hero who forught the war is bihind the bar.You for got your grestfull king how ungretfull to the real hero.I think you and your king fall in to same sri lankan group your talking about.You must remember some thing.Your king or you do not have rights to distroy our country for ever just becuse of he won the war.( Of Course He fought the war from the air condition office).That his job like every body ells .thats his why we send him to that chair.Look up open your eyes see the world the way white pigs treting their people.HOw they protect right Human rights.Wake up don’t kiss ass for your personal benifits
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Pimpykaran is dead ha ha ha / January 2, 2012
His only qualification I like & admire is the fact that he is the only guy who was capable of leading the forces (as the president and the chief commanding officer) to eliminate the cowardly LTTE. What else do you need?
Jayawewa !!!!
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Gamini / January 2, 2012
But, His excellency did things which Sorbonne and Cambridge qualified leaders couldn’t do. He will be remembered forever by all patriotic Sri-Lankans.
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lester.james.pereis / January 2, 2012
Patriotism and sucking up to the president are two different things!
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Kan / January 2, 2012
Hats off to our president Mahinda Rajapakse. He is a real hero no matter what other envious crooks say.
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meranchi / January 2, 2012
go to hell his education but he is a good leader ….i
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hornawa / January 2, 2012
This is not true. Some one else wrote the exam for him and passed brilliantly. This is a family tradition. Wiki leaks is lying.
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Janaka / January 2, 2012
how you know it is from wikileaks?
anybody can write a beautiful story en say it is from wikileaks.
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rajen / January 2, 2012
mahinda witharai prebakeranta hisa namaou nathi ekema president. anith okkomatama prebakaren puke ariya. what is the use of phd if prebakeren can fuck behind.
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Krishan / January 2, 2012
Albert Einstein did not talk until he turned 3 years and fine scientists neither had a goof education nor qualification
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ado / January 2, 2012
sl do politics without eduction “money”
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naveenkumar / January 2, 2012
Evry one can say he is not studyed but. Mr mahinda rajapakse has studyed peoples. Mind how to. Make country free from terrorist he as given. Freedom to whole island he loves a country buddist culture people.of sri lanka what educated people have done to a island he as done what educated western people can’t do he as kept a culture alive he is a true son of a island be proud to get a president like mahinda rajapakse
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jay / January 2, 2012
with or without A/L ,he has done a great job.see apple,microsoft founders,no degree,ronald reagon was actor,no degree,go srilanka go
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Yashen Ramanayake / January 2, 2012
Everybody who comments negatively doing so because of pure jealousy.I feel sorry for them.But We as Sri lankans are very proud of him.After a long long time we have a President with a back bone.In politics the education is not an essential,If so what about our First premier D.S.Senanayake? He passed only 8th Grade! The world’s 1st woman premier Madam Sirimavo Bandaranayake also passed only Grade 8.
Also don’t forget all these reports have been written by pro LTTE American agents.
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God / January 2, 2012
hi everyone,
do you know that this wikileaks is run by US government now. It is sold to US government by Julian asange for his freedom. Now wikileaks say whatever it likes.At the beginning it achieve controversial publicity by exposing rubbish about USA. It is similar to 9/11 inside work.So, do not believe it anymore. It works western imperialist media.
The other thing is that even MR did not complete AL he his great leader of Sri Lanka.Westerners hate him since he do not bend before them.White man is forever enemy of Asian, Muslim or African people.They do anything to destroy them.Take them as aliens. Do not trust aliens.
As far as I know favoritism is at the top in western countries when they giving a job to someone. Simply,in western countries getting job is all about “who you know” , not ” what you know”. So, telling us about who is doing the job by their media is funny. Clean you backyard Mr wikileak . Check the qualifications of the people in your offices and departments in your countries.You will find 90% got no minimum qualifications.But they got jobs by favoritism. So, first clean you rubbish before point others.
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Jayantha / January 2, 2012
It is no wonder what is happening to our country when i see some of the comments we see here for supporting for our great king of Rajapaksa who use Jakson Anthoni Hiwala to comapire this king to our Lord budda and maha king dutu gamunu recent months.This people thinks This king Rajapaksa defeted the LTTE pussy cats (Of course real hero SF) he has rights to distroy our country.Some idots thinks education does not matter ?? is that right.Off course he is showing what is his education by way he handdale the matters.The way he handales the interlects
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Janaka / January 2, 2012
Go away, mr Fonseka betray our motherland when he decided to reveal state secrets to the public and other nations.
from that time he is become a traitor.
What ever the reasons some may have against an political person, or political party, what ever the information is.
a true loyalist never reveal state secrets to the public or other nations.
in the most country’s in the world including United States this is treason, and you wil have the death penalty for it.
But mr Fonseka only got jail sentence.
by revealing state secrets he hurt the motherland for his own political and matrialistic gains.
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Siva / January 2, 2012
That is the truth !
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Kumari / January 2, 2012
There are many great people in the world who skip school and didn’t have basic academic education. So Mahinda Rajapaksha may not have educational certificates, but have enough experience and courage to be the president of the country. He had the courage to take the political decision to defeat LTTE, which well educated J R Jayawardena didn’t have in 1987. If J R Jayawardena had the backbone to take the decision to defeat LTTE in 1987, thousands of Srilankans wouln’t go thoough so much agony of terrorism until May 2009. 1000s of lives will be saved. Sri Lankan economy wouldn’t be destroyed. Everyone have weaknesses, but I would appreciate the positive side of MR and respect him for saving our country from LTTE.
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Rohan / January 2, 2012
Well Kumari… The people whop did not have the school education had the courage to admit so. There are rumours that Mahintha was riding on a horse to go through the Law College examination. His son did the Exam with a mobile phone and a computer in an air-conditioned room and smashed Felix’s record with his marks (nudge nudge wink wink). You may have to find out the way the war was conducted by talking to any survivor of the final war! If Mahintha is man of courage, he would be able stand up for himself when Gotabhaya and Mervin try to rule the place. If he has the courage, he would be able to stand up for the Tamils now and say they deserve to be treated better, and would offer a political solution. All he has to do is to implement what he promised. I will bet my head – he would not be allowed by his hawkish brother to do anything towards the Tamils. If the rumours are to be believed, the LLRC report will be used only for PR purposes, but will be thrown in the bin with Tissa Vitharane’s All Party report.
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Lokka / January 2, 2012
Isnt is likely that Sarath Fonseka responsible for this story – plotting against the coutry with super powers? Just a thought. He could be kept in prison for another 3 years for treason! Kaatada aadambara?
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SHAN AZVI / January 2, 2012
WHAT QUALIFICATION “GEORGE BUSH” HAS?
WHAT QUALIFICATION ” PAMELA ANDERSON” HAS?
WHAT QUALIFICATION ” ARNOLD SCHWAZNIGER” HAS?
GEORGE BUSH EVEN ADMITTED ONCE THAT ” HE’S SMOKED MARAJUANA” IN THE PAST.
SO FAR, MORETHAN 200,000 INNOCENT CIVILIANS WERE KILLED IN “IRAQ & AFGHAN”, SO WHO’S RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS MURDER?.
WHY AMERICANS WORRY ABOUT OTHERS WHEN THEY ARE THE “WAR CRIMINALS” !!!.
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milly champ / January 2, 2012
Hello friend, see, George Bush admitted he smoked Marajuana, but our man never accept anything . he says “mathata thitha” , but drinking “thithata matha”
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milly champ / January 2, 2012
The five-member committee appointed to look into the controversy surrounding the 2011 GCE A/L results will submit it report to President Mahinda Rajapaksa within the next ten days, an official said yesterday.
Technology and Research Ministry Secretary Dhara Wijetilaka, who heads the committee, said they would only be looking into the circumstances that led to the release of the controversial results but had no mandate to propose amendments to the Education Act of 1968 as mentioned by Education Minister Bandula Gunawardana.
Y limited mandate? any relatives sat for the exams? now I suspect about all these exam drama.
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SHAN AZVI / January 2, 2012
AMERICANS CAN INVADE OTHER COUNTRIES FOR OIL.
AMERICANS KILL A INNOCENT CALLED ” JUSTICE” OTHERS KILLED A TERRORIST CALLED “WAR CRIME”.
AMERICANS MAKE MOST “PORN MOVIES” TO THE WORLD WHILE THEY TALK ABOUT THE “CHRISTIANITY FAITH”.
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Azvi US / January 2, 2012
So, you want to do the same? ;)
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SHAN AZVI / January 2, 2012
I THINK LIKE A HUMAN U RETARD.
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shanthini / January 2, 2012
Read the following story. this Jonney has 8 F in his O/L, but he made a record! ;) :) :)
For the first time in a decade the Building Material Corporation (BMC) earned a profit 25 times more than its highest recorded profit, Minister of Trade Johnston Fernando said.
“The BMC made a profit of 50 million compared to its profit of two million in 1999,” Minister Fernando said. According to him this is a huge achievement due to the boost in its sales revenue.
Meanwhile the BMC recorded a loss of Rs.20 million last year, Minister Fernando said. The BMC comes under the Trade Ministry and they imported and sold cement during the time of shortage in the market.
(news)
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Azvi US / January 2, 2012
But the people are making history in paying high prices for good!!are these official audited figures and for what period?
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SHAN AZVI / January 2, 2012
YOU DON’T HAVE TO HAVE A PROPER EDUCATION QUALIFICATION TO BE GENIUS……
LOOK AT “BILL GATES”. HE’S A GENIUS WITHOUT PROPER EDUCATION QUALIFICATION.
LOOK AT “NELSON MANDELA”. HE’S A GREAT LEADER WITHOUT PROPER EDUCATION QUALIFICATION.
LOOK AT ” GEORGE BUSH” HE BECAME A SECOND TERM PRESIDENT WITHOUT A PROPER EDUCATION QUALIFICATION ( I DON’T KNOW HOW HE DID, BUT HE DID HAHAHAHA).
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SHAN AZVI / January 2, 2012
MORETHAN 75% OF WEALTHY & SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS MEN IN SRI LANKA DOESN’T HAVE A PROPER UNIVERSITY DEGREE. DO WE ALL KNOW THAT?.
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Dr. Maverick / January 6, 2012
You are still calling this 75% bullshit w/o providing the readers from where did you get the statistics ;)
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shan azvi@gmail.com / January 6, 2012
TO MAVERICK: COULD YOU LET THE READERS KNOW FROM WHERE DID YOU OBTAIN OR BOUGHT YOUR THE DOCTOR CERTIFICATE FROM?. OR YOU ARE A JUST BULLSHITTING & WANTING PEOPLE TO CALL YOU DOCTOR MAN?
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SHAN AZVI / January 3, 2012
NO MORE BOMB SHELLS.
EVERY SRI LANKAN NOW ARE HAVING A PEACEFUL SLEEP AT NIGHT.
NO MORE BLOOD SHED.
NO MORE CHECK POINTS.
NO MORE TERRORIST THREAT.
NO MORE AK47.
NO MORE LTTE PLANES BOMBING AT NIGHT.
NO MORE WIDOWS.
NO MORE RACIAL WARS
NO MORE WASTING MONEY ON WARS.
THE ONLY ONE LEADER COULD STOP THE 30YRS OF BLOOD SHED IS “RAJAPAKSHA”. LET’S NOT FORGET THAT.
OF COURSE CORRUPTION IS EVERYWHERE IN THE WORLD NOT JUST SRI LANKA, BUT AT LEAST WE ARE OVER OF THIS BLOODY WAR AND HEADING TOWARDS A PEACEFUL LIFESTYLE. SO LET’S UNITE AS ONE & RE BUILD OUR NATION !!!.
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Ponil Wickramasinghe / January 3, 2012
most successful people in world has not gone university or colleges that’s what the world history says from great scientists, inventors even politicians, no exception for MR. It does not matter what are the education qualifications he is having, he is much better than qualified gay gang who wanted to betray the country .., I like country been led by intelligent non A/L sit guy than qualified gays.
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Nadee / January 3, 2012
That is not the point, cheating for exams are really not acceptable. Doesn’t matter who did that.
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Ponil Wickramasinghe / January 4, 2012
oh yeah ? where it says he has cheated exam,it was a provision provided by an act to all parlimentarians can get in to law college,let’s say he has cheated his final exam so what it matters now.
for some people even steve jobs,bill gates ,mark zuckerber can be seen as cheaters but does it matter now?
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Ponil Wickramasinghe / January 3, 2012
Life is the best university or college, MR learn from Life University.
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