By Sarath De Alwis –
Sarath de Alwis
“Gotabaya can build a new urbanized technocratic civilization which is the 21st century equivalent of the magnificent civilizations that this island once built; civilizations that put us ahead of the rest of South Asia, until the Tamil invaders drove us downward and the Western invaders finished what they started” says Dr. Dayan Jayatilleka.
I will leave the brazenly chauvinist, historically erroneous part about Tamil invaders and Western conquistadors completing what they started for another day. Let me deal with Gota’s ability, capacity and propensity to build a 21st century technocratic state. Before we entrust the task of building the 21st century technocratic state, Gota should tell us who owns the house in Malwana, valued at Rupees Two hundred and eight million the source of which seems hidden in a hocus pocus riddle wrapped in a mumbo jumbo enigma.
Dayan is not the first to discover the miraculously magnificent leadership qualities of Gotabaya Rajapaksa. The Business Today Magazine – the voice of our business community said it on 20th November 2014. It was barely 24 hours before Maithripala Sirisena in the company of Chandrika Bandaranayake Kumaratunge announced his Presidential wager at the New Town Hall. Readers have to forgive me, linking the former President Chandrika with the event and subsequent change that held promise now turned chimera. I confess my unabashed admiration for her political spunk. Political spunk is something Ranil thinks he has but doesn’t, Sirisena briefly borrowed from Chandrika but failed to retain.
When the Presidential Election was called, the affluent and the amoral classes riding in fast lane in Miracle country, were in a deep stupor celebrating Gota’s urban renaissance.
“The city is clean and green, pedestrians have been given priority there is a lot of activity happening and this transformation is not only in Colombo, but also in other parts of the country”.
The adulation was brazen. The Rajapaksa rule was beyond challenge. Business today mirrored the aspirations of the parasitic entrepreneurial class that supported the super structure of the patrimonial state of the Rajapaksa family. It rivalled only Suharto’s Indonesia. More than the tyrant the business class was desperate for stability and continuity. Gota was their chosen prophet.
“Continuity, is vital for Sri Lanka. We are a stable country with peace, freedom and security, our economy is vibrant and is driving forward with energy. There is greater activity and movement in the Sri Lankan economy. A change at this point of time will hamper the continued progress of this country. Can anyone deny that they are not living a better life and are able to freely move about in this country? We have emerged from a 30 year-long conflict, stronger as a nation. What we were in 2005 is not who we are today. We are proud to be Sri Lankan……. Business today takes this moment to recognise His Excellency’s great contribution to this nation by eliminating terrorism, bringing stability and peace, economic development and instilling in all Sri Lankans that we are on par with the rest of the world and have the ability to compete globally.”
Under the benign rule of Mahinda and hawkeyed surveillance of Gota there was no shortage of flagrant, ass-kissing, self-serving bullshit. The Defense Secretary’s “forte in ensuring the security of this country was highly admired.
“Only a few years ago that we were introduced to his knowledge and expertise in urban planning and development. The transformation in Colombo alone is amazing. This has been well supported by the Mayor of Colombo, A J M Muzzamil.” Hurrah!
This message conveyed to the business community gathered at the Hilton on 20th November 2014 sums up the enduring resilience of the Rajapaksa juggernaut.
The Viyath Maga gathering at the Golden Rose in Boralesgamuwa has its genesis in a more prestigious location near the Dutch Hospital, a relic left by the Western intruders who came according to Dr. Dayan J to complete the job begun by Tamil invaders.
This is what was said at the Colombo Hilton on 20th November 2014. That is two years and four months and a mere five weeks before the watershed election of 8th January 2015.
The audience held the crème de la crème of the islands commerce, the best of the best in finance and the pick of the crop in politics and mark you, the choicest choice of the Buddhist clergy of urban Colombo.
The chief guest was not the President, the Prime Minister or the Minister of Finance. The Chief Guest was Gotabaya Rajapaksa the Secretary of Defense. The guest of honour was Mohan Pieris the Chief Justice who never was.
In addition to other Toms and Dicks of big business, the audience included Harry the tycoon, Sumal – the Gota prodigy and Prime Ministerial advisor and thought leader Dinesh Weerakkody. They were told:
“Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Secretary to the Ministry of Defense and Urban Development is a man of his word. During the height of the conflict we worked very closely with him and saw firsthand, his straightforward approach, attention to detail, his thinking and his love for the country. He was responsible for bringing all sections of the security community together so that we all worked as one. He is meticulous and always in touch with the happenings of the country. He has ensured that we remain free, and safe. Mr. Rajapaksa, will never allow the country to fall prey to disharmony and terrorism again. That is why we need continuity in this country.”
I have too many friends whose sons have turned out to be trapeze artists in political theory and social commentary. This is what Malinda Seneviratne wrote for Business Today, on the occasion.
“A few years ago, he was just another retired army officer, a little-known brother of a politician with a promising future, and a name referenced infrequently, if at all. Defense Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa, today, is not just the President’s brother, but the man who carries on his shoulders the aspirations of a nation yearning to be rid of a terrorist menace; a man who is on the verge of accomplishing what was thought to be impossible by many; a leader, a strategist, defender of the nation, a man who has done time in the trenches and who spends sleepless nights, so citizens can slumber in the comfort that someone is watching over them.”
Therein lies the rub. Who needs someone to watch over while slumbering in comfort? We need someone to watch over us slumbering, when we stop reasoning. In his essay ‘Intellectual rubbish’, Bertrand Russel famously said “As soon as we abandon our reason and are content to rely on authority, there is no end to our troubles.”
Gota has more support than we think and from most unlikely sources. The greatest peril to our democracy comes from our fractious, fretful population, in search of easy answers and quick fixes. Nobody knows it better than Gotabaya Rajapaksa.
Let us not forget. This project is about Gota regaining power. He was already de-facto president.
He has the majority of the Buddhist clergy supporting his return to power. He has a plutocracy that he nurtured assiduously, when in power. They are desperate to see him back on saddle.
His demagoguery is backed by an unemotional intellectual elite. They are adapt at usurping democracy by manipulative scapegoating – an art presently perfected by the joint opposition.
I offer my unreserved apologies to all members of the Viyath Maga movement. I mistakenly assumed that it was a new phenomenon, championing the Gota candidacy.
Now I know better. The Viyath Maga professionals are not the originators of the project. They are only followers manipulated by a cunning and ruthless plutocracy that is unhappy with these chaotic times.
We remember 21st November 2014 at the New Town Hall, because the gamble worked. Only a few of us believed it was possible. It was more hope than expectation of success. That is why we have forgotten what happened a day earlier in Colombo. It has been my unpleasant but necessary task to remind the reader of the glorifications and laudations the Rajapaksa family earned with unbelievable ease.
On an earlier occasion I said that the Rajapaksa family is etched in the Sinhala Buddhist psyche as being responsible for the defeat of the LTTE and restoring normalcy. That is only a part of the story. There are the presently dissatisfied oligarchic interests installed and entrenched by the Rajapaksa monolith. They constitute a solid, fortified base.
While most of us ordinary citizens desperately wanted a change, the business elite was pleading for continuity. Why? In addition to providing them with brick paved walk ways for them to lose their excess fat and take care of their fatty livers, Gota , promised authoritarian stability.
History tells us that periods of crisis are inevitable. That, perhaps is what prompted Hannah Ardent, the political philosopher who experienced fascism first hand, to remark that ‘even in the darkest times we have the right to expect some illumination.’
It is time we come to terms with the ground realities. Instead of dismantling the national security deep state, the new President has reneged on his promises. He has caved in to demands of the deep state players.
The national security state emerged from imperatives of war. In subsequent peace time, it took shape of an actualizing mechanism of the ruling elite to amass wealth and indulge in unbelievable economic profligacy.
So, as the Business show of the year 2014 demonstrated Gota was the de-facto ruler of Sri Lanka. The business community mouth piece wanted continuity.
It explains Dr. Dayan Jayatilleka’s belief, that Gotabaya can build a new urbanized technocratic civilization in Sri Lanka. At some stage of his protean political ideology Dayan was a Stalinist. Stalin was a practical tyrant. Stalin knew his democracy. “It is not the people who vote that count. It is the people who count the votes that count!”
Editor’s note: The caption in this article was edited – The earlier caption was “Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow – Whence, Where & Wither”
Champa / March 24, 2017
Wijedasa Rajapaksa says Wimal should prove his innocence before going on a hunger strike.
That applies to Gorabhaya too.
In Wimal’s case, he will prove his innocence when a case is filed against him. The allegation is not proved in the Courts as the FCID is still conducting their investigations. Even without a case Wimal is retained in the prison indefintely for 75 days.
Gotabhaya has two cases already against him, one is about MIG Deal and the other about AVant-Garde. Unlike Wimal’s, both these cases involve massive frauds.
I wish to repeat what Wijedasa says. Prove your innocence! The allegation involving MIG jet fighters said to have amounting to Rs. 1500 million.
Even Basil and Mahinda have cases under investigation. The “Viyath Maga” should advice them to prove their innocence first, as Wijedasa preaches.
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Atticus / March 24, 2017
Isn’t Gota innocent until he is proven guilty? Nobody has to prove their innocence. What are Yahapalanaya waiting for? Prove him guilty if you can.
Then again, Yahapalanaya are afraid of him and his popularity. They are are also thinking ahead of how they can benefit if he should rise to power.
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Champa / March 24, 2017
What I referred to was what Wijedasa said to Wimal.
Although charged with corruption to a tune of $75 MILLION with regard to Avant Garde, Gotabhaya was bailed out on the very first day.
Basil, who was charged for Rs. 208 million corruption involving Malwana House was bailed out.
Being ordinary citizens they were out on bail who were charged for massive frauds while being a senior Parliamentarian for 17 years Wimal is in prison without charges. Isn’t Wimal innocent until he is proven guilty and why shouldn’t he be granted bail?
If any of these Rajapaksas come back to power there will be a terror era worse than before. I now have every reason to believe what people say about their reign. If they can’t stand a simple comment criticizing them and try to suppress freedom of expression of a commenter even when they are not in power, those allegations for killings and abductions of journalists should also be true. What can I do? They, themselves give me reasons.
Now I know the reason why many people were happy when Sirisena came into power unseating MR and company. It was the FEAR that led many people to vote against MR.
People won’t be hesitant to bear hardships as long as democracy exists. People don’t care about expressways, ports, airports, beautiful cities. They don’t matter. What people want is freedom, peace and happiness.
My words against them are harsh. But they asked for it. Wimal, who brought Mahinda back, had to go to jail for me to realize the meaning of the words “cruelty and revenge”’ and the plight of SF and many others.
Once a upon time on this same Site and elsewhere, I defended MR & GR vehemently. But gone are the days. My bitterness is their own doing.
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gamini / March 26, 2017
The children’s parks built during the uneducated uncultured ones time in office remained all but empty until the day after they were removed and have remained full ever since?
The election result was not a vote for the wonderful leaders Maithri and Ranil but a vote for anyone but the uneducated uncultured filth?
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Champa / March 24, 2017
I bet anybody, if Gotabhaya contests for Presidency in 2020, he will get a rude shock worse than MR.
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nimal fernando / March 25, 2017
Where were all these Gota’s admirers when he was doing menial jobs in California? Why did they all fail to see his potential as a “professional” then?
Just curious, where exactly did the transformation takes place? Is this what they call Magical-Realism?
When in the 21st century Lankan “public intellectuals” want a serial-killer as their president it shows how far our 2500+ year civilization has progressed.
Like my crazy Italian buddy Feidricho said, “Life has not been devised by morality: it wants deception, it lives on deception–but wouldn’t you know it?”
It’s the “but wouldn’t you know it?” part that Gota’s job-applicants don’t get.
Funny thing this human-nature, eh?
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Champa / March 24, 2017
Atticus
What I referred to was what Wijedasa said to Wimal.
Although charged with corruption to a tune of $75 MILLION with regard to Avant Garde, Gotabhaya was bailed out on the very first day.
Basil, who was charged for Rs. 208 million corruption involving Malwana House was bailed out.
Being ordinary citizens they were out on bail who were charged for massive frauds while being a senior Parliamentarian for 17 years Wimal is in prison without charges. Isn’t Wimal innocent until he is proven guilty and why shouldn’t he be granted bail?
If any of these Rajapaksas come back to power there will be a terror era worse than before. I now have every reason to believe what people say about their reign. If they can’t stand a simple comment criticizing them and try to suppress freedom of expression of a commenter even when they are not in power, those allegations for killings and abductions of journalists should also be true. What can I do? They, themselves give me reasons.
Now I know the reason why many people were happy when Sirisena came into power unseating MR and Company. It was the FEAR that led many people to vote against MR.
People won’t be hesitant to bear hardships as long as democracy exists. People don’t care about expressways, ports, airports, beautiful cities. They don’t matter. What people want is freedom, peace and happiness.
My words against them are harsh. But they asked for it. Wimal, who brought Mahinda back, had to go to jail for me to realize the meaning of the words “cruelty and revenge”’ and the plight of SF and many others.
Once a upon time on this same Site and elsewhere, I defended MR & GR vehemently. But gone are the days. My bitterness is their own doing.
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Uthungan / March 25, 2017
Atticuse’s frustrated dreams from his attic will not materialise and will not be allowed to materialise by a vigilant people who know the peril that would involve were they to drop their guard.
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Dr. Dayan Jayatilleka / March 24, 2017
A fast comeback by a literate, if mistaken, critic. A good read as always, but unlike Sarath, I’d prefer Mahinda and Gota, or even just Gota, to CBK by a long chalk, any day of the week.
As for Stalin, I agree with the great historian Eric Hobsbawm that it was the Red Army and the USSR under his leadership, that did more to save the world– and democracy– from Nazi fascism, than anyone else. I also agree with Mao that Stalin’s merits outweighed his demerits which were not inconsiderable. Redrawn to a minor scale, I think the same of Mahinda and Gotbahaya Rajapaksa.
As I told candidate Maithripala Sirisena on Dec 8th 2014 and repeated publicly with him in the audience some months ago, on the 2nd anniversary of his victory, he alone might have been able to take Sri Lanka forward from where Mahinda left it, but Maithripala allied to Ranil and CBK could only take Sri Lanka backward and therefore I could not and would not support him.
I did support Gorbachev, but given that Gorbachev led to Yeltsin, I would always prefer one his predecessors, Yuri Andropov, to Gorbachev– and I most certainly prefer Putin to Yeltsin. Similarly, ‘d prefer GR to the neoliberal Yeltsinism of RW+CBK+Mangala.
Choices are always concrete. If not Gotabhaya, then who? Ranil? CBK? MS with Ranil and CBK? The choice is to the status quo and its likely evolution and the country’s decomposition–or to take a chance with Gota. I’d much rather do that.
Given what you know of Mervyn’s equation with the UNP, Esmond and most especially Nalini Wickremesinghe (Ranil’s parents) and his quite different equation with the SLFP-MEP of ‘ 56, ’60-’64 and ’70, and especially the Rajapaksas (from the Atlanta/Tropicana days to the Palestinian solidarity committee), who do you think he’d choose? I think he’d approve of my reasoned gamble.
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Native Vedda / March 24, 2017
Sarath De Alwis
Do you see signs of irrational mumbo jumbo typings in support of emerging/evolving/desired fascist state?
If you do, please let us know in good time so that we can warn the people.
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nimal fernando / March 25, 2017
It’s a little known fact that Dayan’s PhD thesis is on The Theory of Bullshit.. No kidding.
“philosopher Harry G. Frankfurt, is an essay that presents a theory of bullshit that defines the concept and analyzes the applications of bullshit in the contexts of communication. Frankfurt determines that the bullshit is speech intended to persuade (a.k.a. rhetoric), without regard for truth. The liar cares about the truth and attempts to hide it; the bullshitter doesn’t care if what they say is true or false, but rather only cares whether or not their listener is persuaded.[1]
Frankfurt originally published the essay “On Bullshit” in the Raritan Quarterly Review journal in 1986. Nineteen years later, the essay was published as the book On Bullshit (2005), which proved popular among lay readers; the book appeared for 27 weeks on The New York Times Best Seller list,[2] and was discussed on the Daily Show with Jon Stewart.[3] In the event, On Bullshit (2005) was the foundation for his analogous follow-up book On Truth (2006).”
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Native Vedda / March 25, 2017
nimal fernando
” The Theory of Bullshit.. No kidding.”
No kidding.
Thanks for the infor.
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Alfred / March 24, 2017
What’s he driveling ?
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Anpu / March 24, 2017
Dr DJ
Do you know anything about Buddha?
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Native Vedda / March 24, 2017
Anpu
“Dr DJ Do you know anything about Buddha?”
Why should he when he adores Fidel, Stalin, Mahinda (his son), Gota, Wimal Sangili Karuppan Weerawansa, …. may be Hitler, Mussolini (his daughter), Idi Amin, ….. all other tyrants past or present.
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Anpu / March 24, 2017
” until the Tamil invaders drove us downward and the Western invaders finished what they started” says Dr. Dayan Jayatilleka. “
DR DJ – your history knowledge is very poor.
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SLCitizen / March 24, 2017
Anpu,
“DR DJ – your history knowledge is very poor.”
You look like a great historian. I regret to say that your knowledge on history of Sri Lanka is based on books written by Prabhakaran.
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Native Vedda / March 24, 2017
SLCitizen
“You look like a great historian. I regret to say that your knowledge on history of Sri Lanka is based on books written by Prabhakaran.”
I believe Anpu has a copy of Mahawansa hence Mahanama has made him a great historian.
You too must read it.
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SLCitizen / March 25, 2017
Native Vedda
I have read Mahawansa. That is why I know Sri Lankan history better than you or Anpu. Sri Lankan historians are writing Mahawansa with latest events in Sri Lanka. I hope they will mention Prabakarans war against Sinhalese as another Tamil invasion.
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Uthungan / March 25, 2017
No wonder SL Citizen equates admirably with buddy Atticus.
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Anpu / March 25, 2017
SLCitizen,
“I have read Mahawansa. ” Mahahavansa is not exactly a history book.
“Sri Lankan historians are writing Mahawansa ” – who are these historians?
Are they going to mention war crimes, not following Buddhism, Tamil genocide, Sinhalese colonisation, Selva Banda pact, Dudley selva pact
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Native Vedda / March 25, 2017
SLCitizen
“Sri Lankan historians are writing Mahawansa with latest events in Sri Lanka.”
Will they say Gota was the reincarnation of Buddha? Or will they quote Demala Hatana as the prime source?
You sound like the stupid Johnny Boy.
“I hope they will mention Prabakarans war against Sinhalese as another Tamil invasion.”
Of course Sinhalese need to be fed with scary stories in order to keep their paranoia alive, otherwise they as people will collapse and die.
Traditionally it was left to the monks to fill in the missing parts of the so called history with juicy parts, such as the incest, bestiality and parricides.
Do those current story tellers have access to video footage of the war, war crimes including live rape scenes, murder, mutilation,torture, act of Necrophilia, exploring VP’s bump with hot iron rod, ……. what was going on at the Joseph camp in Vavunia ….?
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Nimal / March 24, 2017
Sarath,
Gota could build a big jail too for the people he doesn’t like!! This is the danger!!
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Spring Koha / March 24, 2017
Maybe, just maybe, the Srii Lankan voter will say “sod it” to the musical chairs that our politics has become, steel itself, and give Gota his moment to shine.
Many say that those who win wars never make good peace. But the Bauddha-Sinhala core have probably not heard that one, so these days they only have eyes for the Quiet Gardner (the one who put back the flowers in our blooming capital).
What is there to lose? Well, it looks like they may well get what they want. But, will they like what they get?
For Dr DJ, this could well be his last throw of the dice. His whole life has been a labour; forever looking for a spittoon to carry for the latest apple of his left-eyed vision. The Liyana Mahathaya has one more throw of the dice. Two sixes, anyone!!
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chiv / March 24, 2017
Silence please the greatest intellect from Lanka known as DJ has spoken
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old codger / March 24, 2017
” There is greater activity and movement in the Sri Lankan economy. A change at this point of time will hamper the continued progress of this country. Can anyone deny that they are not living a better life and are able to freely move about in this country? “What we were in 2005 is not who we are today.”
Change “Sri Lanka” above to Germany and 2005 to 1914, and it leaves one wondering why Malinda Seneviratna and Dr. DJ are not greater admirers of Adolf Hitler?
He built great highway too, even better than Stalin.
Said the turkey to the butcher:
It would make me feel a lot better
If you put a ribbon on that chopper…………….
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Dr. Dayan Jayatilleka / March 24, 2017
Oh by the way shouldn’t that be ” WHITHER’ and not ” WITHER’ in the article’s caption? Unless of course the implication is that if the country continues on its present path–goes THITHER– the Sri Lankan state will surely WITHER…?
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B S Perera / March 24, 2017
DJ started talking about MR and when he realised that alone would not do, he brought GR into it. Now after realising the futility of that exercise too he dragged MS into it. Whatever it is his main concern is the safety and future of MR. And Ms should know that his and country’s future would be safe if he does not fall into this trap.
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Native Vedda / March 24, 2017
B S Perera
“DJ started talking about MR and when he realised that alone would not do, he brought GR into it.”
Before he was the sole election campaigner for Sajith Premadasa.
Don’t forget Dayan a born looser who takes 64 positions all at the same time for the benefit of none.
He opposed Northern provincial council as an elected democratic body instead he advised MR to appoint unknown, unpopular, notorious individuals to run it for indefinite period.
His favorite choice of phrase for quite some time was Deep State, warning the people of dangers posed by deep state, which is missing for sometime, may be he is trying on his own to build a deep state ghetto.
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Eagle Eye / March 24, 2017
Mr. Alwis,
Please read the article “Post-war Economy, Rajapakse Regime and Unity Government” by Abdul Samad in CT March 24, 2017
Can you name a single politician in Sri Lanka who is not corrupt. The truth is even among these corrupt politicians there are some who have made a significant contribution to the country. Rajapakses belong to that category. If you do not have something inside your head to understand that reality, that is your problem.
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Gamini / March 24, 2017
People have diverse and varying views. That is to be expected. But there are certain facts that no one can dispute. Some of them are:
1) There was a ‘white van’ culture where many (mostly critics of the then Government) were abducted, killed, maimed, disappeared
2) There were other suspicious killings (Thajudeen) which were covered up with the conclusion it was an accident!
2) Certain media institutions were set on fire
3) Certain people who demonstrated seeking various demands were shot at and killed
4) Prisoners were killed inside the Prison
5) Rajapaksa relations/cronies were appointed to high positions (Sri Lankan Airways, Ambassadors (Jaliya/Udayanga) and there are allegations of corruption and misappropriation
6) 18th amendment was enacted in a hurry to allow the President more than 2 terms
7) The country was plunged into a debt crisis
8) The General who won the war was incarcerated
9) Millions were wasted trying to stage the Commonwealth Games in Hambantota
10) There is a property in Malwana that has no owner!!
MR/Basi/Gota have much to answer for the above. There were no investigations into any of the misdeeds. The former Government was decisively defeated by the voters.
Does anyone with an iota of good sense believe such individuals can do good for the country and bring about good governance?
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Native Vedda / March 24, 2017
Gamini
Thanks for the incomplete list of indisputable facts. Please add the following,
War crime and crime against humanity
Stolen from VP’s Central Bank gold and cash reserves.
A comprehensive list of Names and other details of persons who surrendered to the Army during and after the war had ended.
A comprehensive list of Names and other details of persons who were released by Army after the war had ended.
A comprehensive list of Names and other details of persons who are still being detained by Armed forces.
A detailed account of Arms purchases and other war related expenses during the period from 2005 to 2015.
There are too many facts to be included, however this list would suffice for the time being.
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Atticus / March 24, 2017
Gamini, how many of these, starting with the white van culture also applied to JR & Premadasa’s UNP? The Rajapakse family are not the originators of any of these crimes. They merely took them to a higher level (apart from the white van culture, where the UNP surpassed them with hundreds of bodies floating down the Kelani) How can you be so partial?.
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Eagle Eye / March 25, 2017
Dr. Clean also has blood in his hand due to his involvement in Batalanda illegal torture house where thousands of Sinhala youths were tortured and killed and 1983 Black July incident launched by UNP thugs. Yet, MY3 picked him to lead the Yahapalana government.
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soma / March 24, 2017
Sarath de Alwis was wasting his time referencing various sources where Rajapaksha was applauded. Readers are invited watch this video:
https://youtu.be/xIoqholH508
Surely no one can doubt the speaker’s credibility, Sarath the least.
My only desire is to see Sararath Alwis commenting on this.
Soma
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Native Vedda / March 24, 2017
somassssssssssssss
“Readers are invited watch this video: https://youtu.be/xIoqholH508“
Thanks for inviting us to watch video however where is the show?
The video has this message
“What Maithripala Sirisena s…” The YouTube account associated with this video has been terminated due to multiple third-party notifications of copyright infringement. Sorry about that.”
Thanks for your empty words and show.
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soma / March 25, 2017
NV
Yahapalana has taken action to withdraw the video from YouTube. Sorry.
If Sarath de Alwis happened to see the video he would have voted for Rajapaksha too.
Soma
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Native Vedda / March 25, 2017
somasss
“Yahapalana has taken action to withdraw the video from YouTube. Sorry.”
However, the clan and cronies actually banned Colombo Telegraph until Jan 2015, burned down TV studios, threatened press, …. but Ranil sent in his Royal buddy, the high ranking uniformed thug to deal with protesting workers(or Namal’s hired goons?) and the journalists covering the shallow sea drama.
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Douglas / March 24, 2017
Nimal: “Gota could build a big jail for the people he doesn’t like”. Why spent public money? He needs only a few “Whit Vans” (this time that could be of a different color) and some of the retired “War Heroes” who have already ganged up under the banner of “Viyath Maga” who could be deployed at any given time. That would be the foundation for that “Non Urbanized Technocratic Civilization of the 21sr Century”. Under that “Civilization of Gota”, even Dr. DJ would speak and behave with utmost care and live a life always in suspense.
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janaka / March 24, 2017
From LA gas station pump jockey and sometime 7/11 sweeper up to president?
Just too much of a fairy story even after his MIG and Welikada trials?
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Atticus / March 24, 2017
I am only commenting on this part of your post – ‘From LA gas station pump jockey and sometime 7/11 sweeper up to president?’
People like you never forget a man’s origins. Never mind if Chancellor Willy Brandt of Germany was a bastard or that Thatcher was the daughter of a vegetable seller or that UK’s PM John Major was the son of an unemployed circus artiste or that the father of Harold Wilson (UK Prime Minister) had a shop on the street selling medicines or that President Premadasa started off selling sweetmeats on the pavement. Instead of praising the tenacity and ability of such men, people like you define them by their origins.
They are a thousand times greater men than you will ever be.
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Native Vedda / March 24, 2017
Atticus
“Instead of praising the tenacity and ability of such men, people like you define them by their origins.”
Why on earth one should praise a family which is for generations inflicted by racism? A family notoriously known for war crimes and crime against humanity, hypocrisy, bogus claims and theft.
By the way according to my Elders Gota worked for an IT firm in the USA.
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Champa / March 24, 2017
Native Vedda
Quote: “A family notoriously known for war crimes and crime against humanity…”
I am totally against this part of your comment about Mahinda and Gotabhaya.
Eradicating terrorism was the main election promise of Mahinda. He fulfilled his promise with the help of Gotabhaya and Tri Forces, to the best satisfaction and appreciation of Sinhalese,Tamils and Muslims. Our Army had to pay a heavy price to bring peace to everybody, including you. This country is forever indebted to them for saving the country from terrorists.
They couldn’t help with the deaths of terrorists. Terrorists became terrorists, to die. Otherwise, for what else? If they wanted to live, they could have easily got themselves elected to the Parliament, like Karuna and Pilliyan. Prabhakaran’s lack of brain or destructive brain was not Mahinda’s or Gotabhaya’s fault. It was Prabhakaran who is responsible for each and every death of his cadre and the terrorists in civilian clothes, if any.
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lal / March 25, 2017
The Rajapakses did what was unthinkable to many; including the US, British goverments and their local collaborators the NGO jokers in Colombo. They defeatef the racist, murderous Tamil Terrorists. The Rajapakses have been subjected to accusations of sorts by the defeated Tamil Terrorist lobbyists but nothing is proven as yet. Sarath de Alwis has ridiculed Gothabaya but he has not named anybody who can lead Sri Lanka out of the present mess – rampant corruption, inaction in development, diminishing foreign currency reserves. There is none other than Gothabaya who can provide the required leadership.
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Champa / March 25, 2017
Lal
Native Vedda
Oh, no, no, no….. you are totally wrong! I never said or accepted that Gotabhaya was suitable to lead the country.
None of the Rajapaksas should be allowed to come back to power. People will make sure that, including myself. Who wants a terror era again worse than before?
I happened to watch a newscast on ‘Ada Derana’ yesterday and I myself was stunned by the cruel vehemence MR showed against Wimal. If he can talk about someone like Wimal like that, what he or Gotabhaya could do if they were given a chance to rule the country again is UNTHINKABLE. I am now even concerned for Wimal’s life not because of his fasting, but because of the underlying threat. Their ceaseless desire for power is disgusting and terrifying. The Rajapaksa dynasty should be over for the sake of our beloved country.
(Please read my reply to Atticus for further details).
I only praised their role in eradicating terrorism which was also Mahinda’s own election promise. That also I did in honour of our valiant Soldiers who sacrificed their precious lives, limbs and eyes for the sake of the country.
I have an urgent request to the President. Mr. President, could you please ensure Wimal’s safety?
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Native Vedda / March 25, 2017
Champa
Every so often I take the trouble to point out how the so called leader take the stupid people for non stop ride.
“I am totally against this part of your comment about Mahinda and Gotabhaya.”
I remember trying to educate you some months ago on the same issue I supposed failed or you haven’t had the ability to grasp what was behind their so called borrowed hollow victory and glory.
1. In early 2005 Hindians had already decided finish off the LTTE.
2. Chandrika was persuaded to accept Indian military aid and war plan.
3. Specialist training for Sri Lankan armed forces India was stepped up.
4. Rajapaksas paid a large sum to LTTE to rig the 2005 elections.
5. It is illegal to
rig elections
finance terrorist organisation
deal with unaccounted/untaxed income/cash under money
laundering laws.
6 Gota and Mahinda on the record said they would not have won the
war without Hindia’s help.
7. There were laws and Gota’s wish.
8. I assume you were unaware of large numbers of innocent people
were being killed by the state war criminals.
9. If nothing to hide Gota the national hangman and his goons
should have subjected themselves to be investigated by an
independent authority.
10. The cash and gold stolen by Gota and his goons from Vanni
should have been returned to the people.
11. Mahinda as a human rights campaigner went all the way to
Geneva in order to save JVP terrorists from Udugampola and
other war criminals.
Don’t you his hypocrisy?
Please go away for the time being and come back in couple of days.
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Atticus / March 24, 2017
The family is not praiseworthy. Gota’s tenacity and ability are. I too have heard about the IT firm.
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gamini / March 26, 2017
Did they have people abducted and killed like Gota?
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Ralli Ameen / March 27, 2017
At least the people you mentioned wee educated although coming from lower class families. President Premadasa was in politics for over 35 years so he must have gained lot of experience. What Gota had?
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sarath de alwis / March 24, 2017
Dr.D.J
Yes. It should be whither.
Eagle Eye
I can name more than one politician not corrupt. There can be squint eyed, one eyed and blind eagles as well.
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Eagle Eye / March 25, 2017
Please give me one name so that I can check whether the person is not corrupt.
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sarath de alwis / March 24, 2017
Dr.D.J.
I am working on your Singapore Brains, Cuban spirit theory.
Communists, Capitalists
play up to the masses
and both are sincere,.but
Business is slow !
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justice / March 24, 2017
Who the hell is Gotabaya other than a 7th Standard qualified Ex Second
Lieutenant who killed dozens of JVPers, left the army and went to USA to do a minor job and returned to become “defence czar” under his brother, the most corrupt president to date.
It is strange that Dayan J thinks of him as a “superman”.
Gota was part of the most corrupt regime ever.
Sarath De Alwis too, appeared “dazzled” by Gotabaya.
What happened to the Mig fighters procurement case is forgotten by our ‘political’ judiciary – and the politicians.
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justice / March 25, 2017
Gota was the enforcer of the PTA.
Some who were imprisoned under the PTA by him, are still in prison without trial.
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nalmen / March 24, 2017
the probblem with DJj is that he thinks politics can be divorced from economics and never talks about the disastrous effect that Gotas politics had on the economy.
when Premadasa, Dayans guru went to America and met Robert McNamara the latter told him good economics is good politics
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Non PhD / March 24, 2017
CT has chosen an apt picture. The coupl reminds me of how Laurel and Hardy used to play their routine, the tit for tat fight aganist an adversary.
Another observation from me is Dr.DJ seems to be faster than GR when it comes to books.
I am sure both are not in the same page. This proves DJ has an intellectual supremacy over GR.
MR relied on the astrological supremacy of Sumanadasa Abeygunawardne. It looks like GR is relying or going to rely on the political supremacy of the embodiment of Fidel Castro in SL called smart patriot Dr.DJ
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Native Vedda / March 24, 2017
Non PhD
” The coupl reminds me of how Laurel and Hardy used to play their routine,”
For a moment I thought they were playing Russian roulette.
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R. Varathan / March 24, 2017
A fine piece once again – reminiscent of the sublime contributions of dedicated local journalists of the previous mould. Sinhala Only, sadly, has killed for all time this country that produced such magnificent English language journos in the calibre of Frank Moraes, Tarzie Vittachi, Reggie Michael, Mervyn de Silva. Reggie Siriwardena and many others. Latterly, we even produced leading journos who dared into the blackmail business.
Opportunists, political and journalistic, have no compunction in selling the motherland regardless to make a living – all in the name of Sinhala Buddhism. That principled genre of journalists like Mervyn de S, who refused to sell their integrity for undue position and filthy lucre are no more. Or is it, after all, people must live and have jobs to maintain their families – hang ethics and principles.
R. Varathan
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Wij / March 24, 2017
“Continuity, is vital for Sri Lanka. We are a stable country with peace, freedom and security”
How Gota ensured stability of economy and security of Businessmen was by killing innocent school children, workers and a fisherman at Rathupaswala, Katunayaka and Chilaw. If Rajapaksha regime had continued for another one year, it could have faced with the next insurrection which could have brutal than all such riots happened earlier, considering the ruthlessness of the regime. If anybody wants Gota as the next President, should prepare for a bloody insurrection in future, which will be inevitable.
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Raj / March 24, 2017
Great write up,[Edited out]. As for the choice between a hugely corrupt regime whose ‘achievements’ have come at a massive cost & it’s long term benefits are yet to be confirmed, & a spineless, uneducated ‘moderate’ with no clue about world affairs as the country’s President, always at logger heads with the PM, who is also surrounded by corrupt cronies, is like choosing between bull shit & horse shit. At least articles like these make us ponder what little choices we have. Hopefully, those in power who may read these will also take notice.
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Lester / March 24, 2017
Stalin was a dictator but he turned the Soviet Union into a superpower. As I have said, with all of its mineral wealth, Sri Lanka can become very prosperous if it engages in a process of industrialization. Not only that, but given its proximity to the sea and warm climate, it should be possible to invest in solar and wind energy, thereby providing very cheap electricity to all of its citizens. These may seem like massive undertakings, but it is actually easier than fighting a guerilla war with terrorists embedded in deep jungles. You need the right leadership, and that is where Gothabaya comes in. You also need a highly literate population that does not breed like rabbits. There is only one group in Sri Lanka with explosive population growth (look in the East), I do not need to name them. Rajapakses will handle those people.
Anyway, if India with its crazy poverty can build a nuclear bomb, and China can use the labor of hundreds of millions of peasant farmers to become a world leader, anything is possible.
Being in the 21st century, we do not need to blindly follow Western models (political, human rights, or otherwise) to ensure prosperity for the majority of citizens. The present government is obsessed with some UN resolution, so it can get tariffs removed for garment exports. Clearly there is a lack of leadership, let’s get strong leaders like Gothabaya with better ideas.
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romani / March 25, 2017
“As I have said, with all of its mineral wealth, Sri Lanka can become very prosperous if it engages in a process of industrialization.”
A much repeated lie.
Please give us a list of this “mineral wealth”.
Iron/Aluminium/ copper/gold/oil/coal/sulphur/ lithium/?
The only real mineral we have is graphite, and that too not very much.
In any case, even countries with no resources are ahead of us. Think Singapore and Japan.
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Lester / March 25, 2017
romani,
According to the USGS report (2012), “In 2012, Sri Lanka exported minerals valued at $42.7 million, of which mineral sands accounted for 65%; silica and quartz, 20%; graphite, 10%; and mica, 3%. Exports of gemstones mainly went to China and Thailand. The export value of minerals to China increased to $15.14 million in 2012. The Government invited Chinese companies to invest in mining and processing mineral sands and graphite for export. Australia and Germany were also interested in developing Sri Lanka’s rare-earth minerals and mineral sands (Lanka Business Online, 2013).”
If Sri Lanka did not have minerals, it could not export $42.7 million worth of them. Mineral sands, for example, may contain zirconium, titanium, thorium, tungsten, rare earth elements, the industrial minerals diamond, sapphire, garnet, and precious metals or gemstones.
Due to pollution and inefficiencies from coal-fired power plants, many countries are now investing in solar & wind energy, which will be major competitors to coal by 2030. Sri Lanka has been using hydroelectricity since ancient times. While wind energy was used to power iron & steel furnaces.
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romani / March 26, 2017
Lester,
What a comedian you are! $ 42 million worth of mineral exports? Ha Ha! . From a total of $8765 million?
” Sri Lanka has been using hydroelectricity since ancient times.”
Really? Even before Edison / Westinghouse invented it? Ravana, I suppose?
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Lester / March 26, 2017
$42 million because the country was been engaged in a civil war for 30 years. Do you know the total quantity of minerals present on the island? You didn’t even know Sri Lanka has valuable minerals besides graphite. Japan did $34.8 billion worth of mineral exports in 2000, even though Japan has far fewer mineral resources than Sri Lanka.
I should have said hydropower as opposed to hydroelectricity. The idea is similar; you are just using the potential energy of water to turn a machine.
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Samma / March 25, 2017
Don’t try to reason with DJ. [Edited out] trying to bring back Rajapakses by using various arguments that are irrational to many CT readers. If something is repeated many,many times such as his mantra that Mahinda and Gota are the best polis to take leadership in 2020, he believes that Sinhala modayo will accept it. This is his strategy. Ie preaching to the gallery. Don’t waste your time trying to find logic or commonsense in his pronouncements. He is all over. The best thing that can happen to him is some country to give him another scholarship and send to another country for a while. I bet this patriot will not refuse if it comes from the U.S.
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A democrat / March 25, 2017
Sarath De Al asks: “Gota should tell us who owns the house in Malwana, valued at Rupees Two hundred and eight million the source of which seems hidden in a hocus pocus riddle wrapped in a mumbo jumbo enigma.”
This government (Sarath et al too supported to come to power) is not capable of finding out who the owner of a house is! What kind of government is this? How can they investigate more complex and complicated issue than this?
After more than two years in power this lame-duck government and its spineless leaders have no plan for the country! They have no money for the people but how do they find billions to spend for luxury cars for their MPs and Ministers? Isn’t that cheating? How can the public trust them? They cover rogues, thieves, and robbers and let the country go down the rabbit hole on a daily basis!
In this context your murdered friends, Lasantha or Thadujeen, or Eknaliboda have also become victims of Yahapalanaya! Don’t they?
There are thousands of example for the current anarchy, political lethargy, and outright political backwardness but Yahapalanists are like fascists, don’t see it; don’t feel it; are no aware of it ! Listen to any TV debate like Satana, Vadapitiya, Sangramaya, Balaya, Aluth Parlimentuva on Sri Lankan TV and you would be surprised how Yahapalana MPs and ministers are cornered and get beaten up by the JVP and the JO relentlessly.
A few friends of mine who visited Sri Lanka recently said unanimously that Gota is probably the only hope of the people now! And if he contests the Presidential election in 2019/20, it will be a piece of cake for him”.
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Agnos / March 25, 2017
Gotabhaya is not only a war criminal, but a pure criminal as well who has to answer for his murderous thuggery in the past.
Sri Lankans should marginalize, incarcerate and give the proper treatment to Putinists in their midst now, or face the consequences later.
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jim softy / March 25, 2017
Economy needs political stability. But, business backing should be managed.
So, the author has explained another variable in Sri lankan politics.
Dayan Jayathilake is just mouth piece for some one.
those who ate the pie or tasted the bee hive do not like to give it up. they don’t care whether the country stays a mess or not.
Is it Chinese money versus money from the Central bank loot ?
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old codger / March 25, 2017
Jimmy,
” Dayan Jayathilake is just mouth piece for some one. those who ate the pie or tasted the bee hive do not like to give it up. they don’t care whether the country stays a mess or not. “
You are even better than Dr. DJ. You change your opinions every few hours. He changes every few months. Did you buy cheap pills again?
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Non PhD / March 25, 2017
Lester,
China is in this succesful position because of USA. Den Xiaoping compromise China’s communist principles and became Alibaba capitalist. Henry Kissinger acted as a catalyst in Nixon -Deng marriage in 1978.
Some political analysts in the recent past have been saying western imperialism is being replaced by Easter Imperialism. During Obama regime China was showing its power in the South China sea and the Indian ocean, But after Trump became US President , things are different.
Now Chinese PM has changed his tune and saying whatever they do is not to show their military power but wants peace in Pacific and Indian oceans. Now the PM of China is saying that theyy have controlled the sea piracy. Chinese FM said recently that China and US must work together or coperate with each other for mutual benefit.
The latest news is , China is saying that ” major nations should bolster mutual trust “.
BRITAIN’ s East India Company was started as a business enterprise.
Gradually East India Company took over many countries under their wings by friendly agreements or by force.
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Emil van der Poorten / March 28, 2017
DAYAN JAYATILLEKE:
If ever there was an appropriate application of the term, “pomposity personified” you continue to qualify it.
As for Under the benign rule of Mahinda and hawkeyed surveillance of Gota there was no shortage of flagrant, ass-kissing, self-serving bullshit. The Defense Secretary’s “forte in ensuring the security of this country was highly admired.
As for another of Sarath de Alwis’ always intelligent and amusing takes on the Rajapaksa nightmare, more strength to the fingers he directs at his keyboard!
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