By Shyamon Jayasinghe –
“SF has already fought in civil politics to learn the qualitative differences in battlefield-leading and leading among civilian populations. I am sure he will adhere to those lessons of political life.”
History’s Lessons
History does not teach us two lessons; the second one isn’t a lesson; but a deadly, unrelenting, terminal blow.
Writers for the broad civil movement of yahapalanaya like us, were absolutely bewildered and stunned when our dear old President was seen playing a tragi-comedy in the style of Sancho Panza in Don Quixote, while evil forces who had set him up via proxies were laughing in the background.
The proxies succeeded in part by bringing into the periphery of power their masters or principals; they failed in letting the Unity Government implode from within. For that, we have already thanked the Prime Minister. It is now left to see if the evil forces of former authoritarian, corrupt, amoral and murderous leadership will wade their way through tricky waters right into the centre -once again. Our country cannot afford a repeat. The statistics of voting didn’t, to be sure, say that; but such an outcome cannot be ruled out given the reality of Lankan politics where rice and coconuts could sway populations more than polices for longterm welfare and prosperity.
Good Human Being
In Maitripala Sirisena, we have a good human being who could sing along with Amaradeva or carry over his shoulders the remains of that great legend of our times. The nation will not forget such symbolisms. Sirisena is not a flambyuoant type wearing a special Satakaya to look special like Gaddafi. He does not wear gold rings-even enchanted ones- around all his fingers. Have we seen even Pirith Nool around his wrist? Unlike Ranil, he never even visited the Kovil to placate that deity. On the other hand, he has to learn to be more sophisticated about political forces and not be unfittingly caught in political traps. How could he ever have trusted the SLFP or UPFA blokes who regathered around him for positions? Especially those who are seen in videos even today on social media running down and insulting Maitripala Sirisena during the 2015 Presidential election campaign? It is downright commonsense, surely?
Balaya Vindeema and Balopadaana
However, strangely, we seem to find President Sirisena morphing into something of his predecessor and we were scared of things to come. This is the taste of power-they say. The experience of power (balaya vindeema) seems to inevitably and imperceptibly slip leaders-whether in government or business- to a state of clinging to power (balaya upadaana or balopadaanaya). Mahinda Rajapaksa tasted absolute power for so long that he could live it up only by delusions of grandeur that he developed. I suppose, that may be the next stage after upadaana.
Three years into power, our friend Maitripala Sirisena developed upadaana. On the advise of his proxies he had a go at an extension that brought chills down our spine reminding us of the 18th Amendment. Then, he was persuaded to believe that he can lead an independent alternate force challenging his predecessor. For that, he had to differentiate himself from Ranil Wickremesinghe and the UNP. What happened after that is bad history.
Bring in Sarath Fonseka
That President Sirisena hasn’t fully comprehended the lesson of the recent past seems clear when one observes how he had turned down a request by PM to hand over the much talked -of Law & Order Portfolio to the former General who is now in the UNP. It seems obvious that the President’s proxies are still at work. Former regime men know that their fate is sealed with SF in that chair. Supporters of yahapalanaya and the UNP want just that. On the other hand, the President has refused just that.
Field Marshall Sarath Fonseka has proved himself as a tough and no-nonsense, incorruptible leader who demonstrated every resilience to win the war for our country. He and his men travelled every terrain and bog; under sun and rain; amidst raining bullet fire from enemies to get to that goal. For the portfolio of Law & Order, the country needs a man of that calibre. SF has already fought in civil politics to learn the qualitative differences in battlefield-leading and leading among civilian populations. I am sure he will adhere to those lessons of political life. Our instinct and intuition says, “Give it to him.”
That act of giving alone would go a long way to boost public confidence in the yahapalanaya government. That will also keep the JO jacks-in -the -boxes on alert-not to make mischief. The public cry for resolute action and they are fed up with pussyfooting
Ranil cannot hold this portfolio as he isn’t temperamentally suited for that. Besides, his skills are pertaining to the economy and policy planning at which he has been doing pretty well.
*The writer can be contacted at sjturaus@optusnet.com.au
Words / February 26, 2018
You are so terrified of a rajapakse return aren’t you??
Poor you.. quaking in your kangaroo hide boots..
And we know why you are so petrified.. it’s not because of your fear of the country going into a ” dark era”.. it’s because you know that if they return your Ranil boy will be lost forever and the UNP will be in the wilderness for another 20 years!!
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nimal fernando / February 26, 2018
Sri Lanka is a country of last hopes……………….been so for the past 70 years………..
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I too believe Sarth Fonseka is our last hope, now.
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Isharath / February 26, 2018
What if SF does not deliver as a minister of Law & Order as promised? Manipulative
Ranil can’t find another pawn in 2020. Being last hope is vulnerable.
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Keith Wije / February 27, 2018
I believe his vision delivered the victory from War.
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Native Vedda / February 27, 2018
Keith Wije
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The public racist never had any vision and he is also equally dangerous a person just as the former national hangman, both have matured fascistic tendencies.
The war was won by Hindians and VP for Dr Mahinda.
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Isharath / February 28, 2018
SF is another “puss bomba”.
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abey / February 27, 2018
So what? At least first let SF fail
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Native Vedda / February 27, 2018
abey
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“At least first let SF fail”
At what human and financial costs?
The six man search and destroy team which operated hunting down JVP members between 1987 and 1990 was in charge of many atrocities included the Field Marshall, former National Hangman, ……………
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Amarasiri / February 27, 2018
Shyamon Jayasinghe,
RE: You Don’t Want To Burn Your Fingers A Second Time – Bring Sarath Fonseka, Mr President
Unfortunately, based on what has been happening recently, there is a serious question as to the IQ’s of the President and Prime Minister.
Do they believe that stupidity is a virtue, or is it a joke on the people, they are pulling these days?
Yes, bringing Sarath Fonseka in will make the crooks and killers, pea in their pants, just like VP did.( That is why he tried ti kill him).
Sarath Fonsek should then run for President in 2020, and make Rajapaksa and Sirisena pee in their pants.
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Shammi Wickremasinghe / February 27, 2018
so whats fucking wrong with this artice, idiot?
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Justice & Fairplay / February 28, 2018
It is a shame that many who comment cannot escape from the trap of using foul language in order to express themselves.
Then there are those who have asked Shyamon J to shut up on the grounds of not knowing what is going on here simply because he isnt domiciled here. It is a terrific argument to say that someone domiciled in Sri Lanka has no right to write on what is going on elsewhere.
Through the expression of their sometime polar opposite opinions, both Shyamon J and Sarath de Alwis have added a lot of diversity to these columns. This website will not be the richer through their absence. Those who insult and vilify will only do so only at the risk of exposing how threadbare their own upbringing and education have been.
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Justice & fairplay / February 26, 2018
Well said SJ.
Ranil certainly isn’t the man for the new job. And the President by the day, looks like not the man for his, either!
Methinks the latter should stick to celebrating Amaradeva.
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Champa / February 27, 2018
Hey, Justice & foulplay, look above.
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hancho pancha / February 26, 2018
This is great advise Mr. President. Please do, do the obvious right thing.
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Janaka from Matara / February 26, 2018
RW or MS seem to have learnt nothing from the recent results. Ranil is sleep walking towards the same ignonimity once again at PC elections- dragging UNP along with him.
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abey / February 27, 2018
At least RW tried to appoint SF to Law & Order and that would have been a radical change that the public want. Prez stopped it. Sri Lanka will never change
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srinath.gunaratne / February 26, 2018
Let us burn some 60,000 youths in tire pyres?
[edited out]
Anything to protect the class!
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anonymous / February 27, 2018
The man who was in action burning 60000 youths, (including the Mathale hospital ground skeletons) abandoned ship and found refuge in USA with the Yanks. Where was he (the self proclaimed Patriot GR)during the real war against the terrorist ?
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Native Vedda / February 28, 2018
srinathan.gunaratnan
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“Let us burn some 60,000 youths in tire pyres?”
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And get advice from the former national hangman on how to bury skeletons.
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Eagle Eye / February 26, 2018
Before Sarath Fonseka take action against others he should take action against himself for his involvement in Lasantha murder as charged by the PM.
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Native Vedda / February 28, 2018
Eagle Eye
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“Before Sarath Fonseka take action against others he should take action against himself for his involvement in Lasantha murder as charged by the PM.”
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Actually he should take action against himself for the disappearance of estimated 130,000 innocent people between 1987 and 1990 and the killing of thousands of people in the North and East.
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Jagath Fernando / February 26, 2018
Fonseka will not be given the Law and Order Ministry since he will ensure that the MARA clan will be dressed up in prison jumpers within 6 months.
Also people responsible for Lasantha, Thajudeen, Ekneligida and Prisoners murdered will be put behind bars.
Even the bond scam beggars may not be spared.
Sirisena will not want this to happen and hence Fonseka will not be given this responsibility. Best is to keep it with Ranil so that everyone can be happy.
No politician is keen on punishing the murderers !! The two biggest culprits are Sirisena and Ranil.
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Thappu / February 27, 2018
Here is a good exercise to keep yourself occupied. ‘The two biggest culprits are Sirisena and Ranil’, apart from … … !
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anonymous / February 27, 2018
Very well said Jagath. It is not just the Jarapassa clan and the Bond scammers, Air Lanka gang, ‘The Diplomats’. Sirisena gamarala’s family has been looting the piggy bank lately. SLT will be back in safe hands from Sira’s brother as well. Dudley Sirisena and Wijedasa Rajapassa should be investigated and aquited as well.
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Kenneth / February 26, 2018
You just said the stupidest shittiest thing. FONNY? Really do you know got a journalist kidnapped and sodomized? You think you know this man? Really? You are an arse. You do not know anything about how he behaved, his thinking, his deranged mentality when he abused people; do you know his military conduct report? do you know how he sent a Naval rating to hospital with a broken jaw for not preparing his hot hoppers correctly in Jaffna? All hushed up? MR and GR were vindictive, but they had a real case against Fonny doing politics in uniform. You are oblivious to facts. Why was he not entitled to certain medals in the Army? Why did CBK refuse to give him the extension? You are a know-nothing in Melbourne.
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Hela / February 27, 2018
Fully agree with Kenneth. Shyamon has no f****** idea. He can say good bye to majarapalana junta forever by pitting a mentally deranged soldier with NO popular mandate against the most popular political leader in the country.
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Native Vedda / February 28, 2018
Kenneth
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” MR and GR were vindictive, but they had a real case against Fonny doing politics in uniform.”
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Weren’t they not aware of these facts when they promoted him to the post of Army chief?
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Kenneth / February 26, 2018
I cannot stress enough how dangerous and stupid you are being right now.
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Champa / February 26, 2018
NO. DON’T do that Mr. President. Don’t fall for their trap. JO/Hotu Pohottuwa is in need of slogans. Appointing Sarath Fonseka will be like offering a block of good size Maldivian Fish on a platter to the JO cat. Don’t do that.
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Champa / February 27, 2018
Mr. President, the general public don’t want to see a repetition of Ranil’s government in Yahapalanaya’s second innings. Political witch-hunt is a definite No No.
You said that you would take the lead. I am sure you will take a steady path. Ranil is a weak leader. He tried to hide his incompetence under extreme political witch-hunt. Please don’t approve Sarath Fonseka’s proposed appointment.
Mr. President, you were an active Senior Minister for decades. You should be able to feel the heartbeat of people in villages. They are sensitive, forgiving and compassionate. People of over 82% are concentrated in villages. They are not interested in political witch-hunt. Their priorities are different. Only a section of people in urbane areas are still after punishing wrongdoers. Other people are not interested.
Mr. President, you are hailing from a village. Show the country that you are different.
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Dr. Dayan Jayatilleka / February 26, 2018
These expats just don’t get it, do they? DS Senanayake’s great grandson Vasantha says the replacement of the PM “will take place the easy way or the hard way”.
Yahapalana supporters Dr. Kalana Senaratne and columnist Sarath de Alwis already have, as has Prof Razeen Sally.
In his lecture to the UNP’s Young Professionals, Prof Sally says:
“Some politicians, you know who I mean, in your party are not necessarily the right people to lead the country,” Prof. Sally told the Young Professionals’ Organization of the United National Party (UNP) delivering a lecture last week. Prof. Sally said that the hopes for reforms and the betterment of ordinary people simply has not materialized under the current government, and while the gilded, chattering classes in Colombo are unaffected and think there’s no chance of a Rajapaksa revival, the rural Sinhala Buddhists are now disappointed, and have revived their habits of the heart…
“Policies with effective communication; that requires talent and expertise, and the UNP is very bad at doing that,” he said, noting that Rajapaksa has his finger on the pulse of the people, while some in the UNP, like Sajith Premadasa, too does.” (Daily Mirror)
Meanwhile UNP parliamentarian Palitha Ranga Bandara is threatening a no-confidence motion against Ranil.
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Champa / February 26, 2018
I don’t support the UNP. But to me, the elephant is still surviving with all his 4 legs, the trunk and the tail attached to him, because of Ranil. The moment he is gone (I mean retired most probably in 2020) all UNP big guns will fight with each other and the result will be an elephant carcass, which is inevitable. I don’t mind at all as there is a party already there to fill the vacuum, dumbfounding everyone.
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Champa / February 27, 2018
Oh, the political party I mentioned in the last line is NOT Hotu Phottuwa.
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Swaminathan / February 27, 2018
More racist comments. Desperate to save Rajas.
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soma / February 26, 2018
Shymon is trying to teach politics to Sirisena. This is like ….. – I forget the metaphor.
Soma
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Native Vedda / February 27, 2018
somass-
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Are you looking for “Teaching grandma to suck eggs”? Or “Teach fish how to swim”.
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anonymous / February 26, 2018
You are damn right Shayman. It’s now or never.
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Anonymous / February 26, 2018
Sarath Fonseka won his election that the Rajapaksas changed/manipulated the results to snatch a win out of a defeat to Fonseka…
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soma / February 26, 2018
Shymon thinks that Sarath Fonseka can punish Rajapaksas and save the bond scammers at the same time. Sorry, it is either both or none. That’s the reality.
Soma
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soma / February 26, 2018
“Besides, his skills are pertaining to the economy and policy planning at which he has been doing pretty well.”
Bravo,!
Soma
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Sinahsle. P / February 26, 2018
One best article by our friend atheist..Shyhan..
Well done and keep writing .
Your writing on politics is more sound than religion.
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Jim softy / February 26, 2018
Shyamon Jayasinghe: what I heard Ranmil doe snot want to give it to anybody. Ranil is the UNP leader. why did Ranil appoint himself instead of appointing Sarath fonseka ?. both Aloesius and Ksun Palisena have been transfeered to the Prison Hospital. I heard, that Aejun Mahensdran did not care when he left the country and di dnot tell even Ranil. You are jumping from this side to that side. There are so many like that. How much you got. 30 Lackhs or 20 lackhs ?
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Kulesh / February 26, 2018
As a damage control measure it would be a wise decision to give this very important portfolio to SF who will do the job properly and without any bias. It may not be for the high profile cases which are also over due, but to bring back a normal lifestyle into the country. Everyday, there are cases of murders, molestation on women/children including foreign tourists, underworld activities, drug trafficking and gold smuggling to tell some of them. When our country will be free from all these ugly anti-social activities?
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Kalu Nangi / February 26, 2018
Yes, please give Law and Order to SF, if not this could be the end of UNP.
Ajith Perera is a versatile lawyer but unfortunately due to the adverse publicity some of the UNPers in the COPE committee got from mud throwing Sirasa (who could not understand the reasons for the footnotes), most people seems to be having negative views about him. The Bond Report interestingly, says that the footnotes in the COPE Report gave clarifications. Ajith Perera will have to get his name cleared otherwise he too will lose at the next General Elections.
If UNP is serious about winning the next General Elections, they will have to appoint someone to quickly respond to negative comments from the Anti UNP media.
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Jim softy / February 27, 2018
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K A Sumanasekera / February 27, 2018
“Incorruptible Ponny” This Jayasinghe dude can’t ‘t be serious.
The only Incorruptible UNP MP with a clean sheet Dr Wije told us how corrupt Ponny is .
Dr Wije disclosed how Ponny took nearly LKR 100 Million in to a Bank from Ponny’s Office soon after Dr Ranil gave him a Minister Gig.
The Incorruptible Ponny didn’t have a come back even to date’
But the SIL who was hiding that money after the 2010 Election got shafted.
Poor bugger ended up losing his Missus after the FIL Ponny got the Minister gig from Dr Ranil.
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Henry De Abrew / February 27, 2018
Dayan Jayatilleka is at it again against Ranil. He has got “Ranil Pissuwa.” Needs treatment at a hospital. Maybe even surgery. This writer is not talking of Ranil. He wants former General SF brought into the Law & Order portfolio. The nation wants just that. DJ’s pets in the Rajapakse family will be in the same cell where he had been pushed into. This will be done in six months
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Percy / February 27, 2018
This Shyman is mentally unstable. Hardly two weeks ago on this website, he insisted that Sirisena is incompetent and not capable of anything. Now he is appealing to Sirisena. When is he going to appeal to Mahinda ? Take this man with a double dose of salt!
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Justice & fairplay / February 28, 2018
I think this government is mostly failing to win public suppport because it has neglected to adequately and responsibly articulate the need for debt servicing of the loans taken by the PREVIOUS government.
In this regard (of educating the public ) their record has been pathetic.
Added to that they have been very careless with the bond issue and not stressed firmly enough the need for absolule financial probity among its ministers at all times.
The Premier and the President forgot the buck stops with them.
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Ryan Hudson / February 27, 2018
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Ruvan / February 27, 2018
Sarath Fonseka has several financial fraud cases pending against him. He begged Wijedasa Rajapaksa to absolve him from those cases but when WR did not agree SF went against him, started the campaign to oust him from the Cabinet.
SF has already said Ravi K has nothing to do with the Bond Scam. According to SF, RaviK comes from a rich family (My foot! Sri Lankans know how he got rich after Athulathmudali’s untimely death).
We all know that SF is another ‘Pin Amathiyek’. He could not get even 10,000 votes at the last general election and lost badly. Finally he dissolved his party, joined the UNP and got this ‘Pin Amathikama’.
Shyamon Jayasinghe is planning to take revenge as the last resort. SF as law and order minister will terrorize the country since RW and UNP are going through hell-holes these days. When everything fails and after a blood bath, he may run away from the country like Shyamon Jayasinghe to live in Australia; but poor Sri Lankans should have a peaceful life in their country!
You guys killed the economy; now don’t kill the peace!
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Hermann / February 27, 2018
Sarath Fonseka is a vindictive man. He has not been a gentlemanly soldier either. He ridiculed all his predecessors for not promoting him as the commander. UNP or SLFP administrations did not trust him, except MR through advice of Gotabhaya bestowed the commanders officer few days before his retirement. How SF has conducted himself since then is not a secret to anyone. With this foul mouth and anger in him he is not better than appointing Wimal Weerawansa as law and order minister in a future SLFP administration.
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Hela / February 27, 2018
Ranil cannot (or not qualified to) hold this portfolio not because of anything else, but because he is THE prime accused of the biggest fraud. He cannot investigate or punish himself or his buddies in crime.
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Native Vedda / February 28, 2018
Hela
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“Ranil cannot (or not qualified to) hold this portfolio not because of anything else, but because he is THE prime accused of the biggest fraud. “
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So is Dr Mahinda, Dr Gota, …….
What is new?
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Barnacles / February 27, 2018
DJ the analyst’s latest piece of evidence is DS Senanayake’s great grandson!! How damn stupid? He will next go back further into pedigree and find DS’s own Dad or grandad. This mans needs brain surgery. Rajitha please take him over and offer discount brain surgery
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Arnolis / February 27, 2018
Hurrah for Field Marshall Sarath Fonseka!
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