“ A Court in Pakistan allows investigation into bribery allegations levelled against President Sardari”
“Swarnavahini says TV station is not sold to a Rajapakse”
“Rajapakse Brothers looking to acquire coconut estates in Kurunegala”
Sri Lanka has fallen into 97th place among the most corrupt nations in the world.
Back in 2004, we occupied 67th place among the most corrupt nations globally. So, now we can imagine to what depths we have fallen in a matter of 5 years: down by 30 places on the scale.
Although economists warned that the Rajapakse Brothers have cornered 70% of the country’s economy, the ordinary man in the street never understood the seriousness of this charge. Same way, they never took serious note of the allegation that the Rajapakse brothers had shares in the American Stock market. The ordinary man also never completely understood it when there were stories that the Rajapakses had an Aston Martin car. Most probably, the public must have thought that Aston Martin is also another motor vehicle like Toyota.
Also, when it was pointed out that most of the country’s wealth is being siphoned off by the Rajapakse brothers, still the people never understood its seriousness.
All this because the common man did not have a good understanding about the 70% of the economy and about the American stock market.
The other reason is that the people were only concentrating about the war. They thought if the war is successfully executed, then there is no need to worry about other matters. They may have thought that if the war is won, even if the Rajapakses gulp down the whole country’s wealth, it does not matter much to them. So, the Rajapakses too merrily carried on knowing very well that the public are only looking at the war situation.
But, now, things are different. People feel the unbearable cost of living and they are slowly realising that war is not the only reason for this, and that there is massive corruption in the country.
From one hand, because of Nimal Siripala’s corrupt activities, people get medicines with broken pieces of glasses.
On another hand, about 60% of the country’s transportation expenses, goes to the government by way of taxes.
On the other hand, no one is able to find out what really happens to the massive loans taken by the government.
In such a sorry situation, when someone says that Swarnavahini Television station is being bought by a Rajapakse Brother, then people start opening their eyes and take note. That is why Swarnahavini itself had to announce that they are not selliing their TV station.
The reality is now different. If anyone says that Rajapakses have robbed this or that, then people start believing it. That is how the public opinion is moulded. First the middle class educated people start probing into these allegations to establish their veracity. Thereafter, this information is filtered down to the working classes. When this happens, the common man starts to believe there is corruption going on in the government.
This is what is happening to Rajapakses now. Some people might remember Wimal Weerawansa’s charge during Ranil’s short-lived government that Ranil was going to sell Sigiriya to some foreigners. People even started believing that canard at that time. This is what has happened to Rajapakse’s now.
Corruption is like a Boomerang.
It is possible to indulge in corruption for some time. But when it comes into public domain, such ill-gotten wealth itself starts to come back as a Boomerang to hit the perpetrator.
That’s what has happened to Pakistan’s President, Sardari, now. He was involved in so much corruption and amassed ill-gotten money when his wife was the Prime Minister. Now, the judicial system which he himself helped to establish, has allowed legal steps to be taken against his misdemeanours. There is a mass agitation demanding his resignation from the office of President. That is how natural justice works.
That is the current situation in Pakistan which has a standing of 137 among the most corrupted nations in the world. And who is to say that Sri Lanka which is in the 97th place, will not face such a situation as time goes on.
For that to happen what his required is a free media and an independent judicial system.
We hope and pray that we will be blessed with such a free media and a judicial system.
Power corrupts absolutely, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.
Sunday 27 December 2009
Tuesday 22 December 2009
" A TOMORROW FOR THE YOUTH"
These days one is able to see a considerable number of Sri Lankan artistes and sportsmen appearing in many advertisements over the TV and Radio.
The sole aim of these advertisements, organised and paid for by the voluntary organization called “Tharunyata Hetak” ( A tomorrow for the youth) is to urge the viewers and listeners to vote for Mahinda Rajapakse.
Any artist or sportsman in Sri Lanka has every right to make such an appeal and one should respect their decision.
But, the real story behind these advertisements is something else.
These advertising clips have been scripted, filmed, edited and produced by “Tharunyata Hetak” which is a voluntary organization.
This voluntary organisation has to foot the bills for the transport, accommodation, food and drinks etc. of the artistes who appear for these advertisements. Further this same organization is spending an amount of Rs. 8 million per day for the purpose of telecasting and broadcasting these advertisements. To date, the total sum spent by this organization for these advertising clips has exceeded Rs. 100 million.
Now, let us see what this organization is and from where it gets so much money.
The Chairman of this organization is Namal Rajapakse who is a son of the President Mahinda Rajapakse. His other son, Yositha, is a member of the Board of Directors of this organization.
The objective of this organization according to their official website is: “ To band together the youth of Sri Lanka in the name of peace, for their advancement“
They have openly said that with the above objective in mind, they solicit and receive funds from various public and private business organizations in the country and overseas.
A Director of this organization, when interviewed by a newspaper recently, has said that they prepare various project reports which are submitted to both public and private business organizations and those who accept those project reports donate various sums of money to the organization. Further, such donations are solicited through their website too.
But what is really happening, is something else.
Millions of rupees collected through donations purported to be used on “development of youth activities” is brazenly being spent on Mahinda Rajapakse’s election campaign.
Needless to say, production of advertisements for Mahinda Rajapakse’s election campaign does not fall withiin the objectives of this voluntary organization.
There is no way one can condone the use of such funds collected through donations from various business organizations here and abroad for the express purpose of the future development of local youth, being spent on the future welfare of their own family.
On the other hand, it is a shame that the so called artistes and sportsmen of this country take part in such activities without at least checking and finding out the real aim of this organization.
Some of these artistes now take part in press conferences to say that they did not charge anything for appearing in these advertisements. What one can deduce from these announcements is that the other majority of artists did in fact got paid for appearing in the advertisements.
It is a pity that those artistes who claim they did not charge for their appearances, fail to realise that that there are millions of rupees spent per day on producing and broadcasting these advertisements.
What a pity! Whither the youth of this country.
The ‘Tharunyata Hetak’ (“Tomorrow for youth”) of President’s son has become a ‘Thaththata Hetak – Horakamata potak’ (“A Tomorrow for my father and an avenue for me to loot”).
Reproduced below is a news item from Lanka E News of 22 December 2009, without comments !
Ayesha’s predicament with a Tharunyata Hetak leader
Lanka E News
2009-12-22 12.05 PM
A popular model faced quite a predicament during the party that was held at the Fingara Hotel following a dinner held for the artistes who participated in the Tharunyata Hetak advertisements organized by Namal Rajapaksa.The model, Ayesha, had been engaged in various amorous activities inside vehicle bearing number WP HE 9972 with a leader of the Tharunyata Hetak Organization when villagers in the area had started to attack the vehicle in protest.Ayesha had then been compelled to run out in her under garments. Finally, several Thuarnyata Hetak members had arrived in the scene in the vehicle bearing number 64-6764 and helped the two escape from the angry villagers.
The sole aim of these advertisements, organised and paid for by the voluntary organization called “Tharunyata Hetak” ( A tomorrow for the youth) is to urge the viewers and listeners to vote for Mahinda Rajapakse.
Any artist or sportsman in Sri Lanka has every right to make such an appeal and one should respect their decision.
But, the real story behind these advertisements is something else.
These advertising clips have been scripted, filmed, edited and produced by “Tharunyata Hetak” which is a voluntary organization.
This voluntary organisation has to foot the bills for the transport, accommodation, food and drinks etc. of the artistes who appear for these advertisements. Further this same organization is spending an amount of Rs. 8 million per day for the purpose of telecasting and broadcasting these advertisements. To date, the total sum spent by this organization for these advertising clips has exceeded Rs. 100 million.
Now, let us see what this organization is and from where it gets so much money.
The Chairman of this organization is Namal Rajapakse who is a son of the President Mahinda Rajapakse. His other son, Yositha, is a member of the Board of Directors of this organization.
The objective of this organization according to their official website is: “ To band together the youth of Sri Lanka in the name of peace, for their advancement“
They have openly said that with the above objective in mind, they solicit and receive funds from various public and private business organizations in the country and overseas.
A Director of this organization, when interviewed by a newspaper recently, has said that they prepare various project reports which are submitted to both public and private business organizations and those who accept those project reports donate various sums of money to the organization. Further, such donations are solicited through their website too.
But what is really happening, is something else.
Millions of rupees collected through donations purported to be used on “development of youth activities” is brazenly being spent on Mahinda Rajapakse’s election campaign.
Needless to say, production of advertisements for Mahinda Rajapakse’s election campaign does not fall withiin the objectives of this voluntary organization.
There is no way one can condone the use of such funds collected through donations from various business organizations here and abroad for the express purpose of the future development of local youth, being spent on the future welfare of their own family.
On the other hand, it is a shame that the so called artistes and sportsmen of this country take part in such activities without at least checking and finding out the real aim of this organization.
Some of these artistes now take part in press conferences to say that they did not charge anything for appearing in these advertisements. What one can deduce from these announcements is that the other majority of artists did in fact got paid for appearing in the advertisements.
It is a pity that those artistes who claim they did not charge for their appearances, fail to realise that that there are millions of rupees spent per day on producing and broadcasting these advertisements.
What a pity! Whither the youth of this country.
The ‘Tharunyata Hetak’ (“Tomorrow for youth”) of President’s son has become a ‘Thaththata Hetak – Horakamata potak’ (“A Tomorrow for my father and an avenue for me to loot”).
Reproduced below is a news item from Lanka E News of 22 December 2009, without comments !
Ayesha’s predicament with a Tharunyata Hetak leader
Lanka E News
2009-12-22 12.05 PM
A popular model faced quite a predicament during the party that was held at the Fingara Hotel following a dinner held for the artistes who participated in the Tharunyata Hetak advertisements organized by Namal Rajapaksa.The model, Ayesha, had been engaged in various amorous activities inside vehicle bearing number WP HE 9972 with a leader of the Tharunyata Hetak Organization when villagers in the area had started to attack the vehicle in protest.Ayesha had then been compelled to run out in her under garments. Finally, several Thuarnyata Hetak members had arrived in the scene in the vehicle bearing number 64-6764 and helped the two escape from the angry villagers.
Monday 21 December 2009
The "LAST SUPPER"
WE have all heard of the “Last Supper” hosted by Jesus Christ.
However, during these election times, we get to hear of more popular “suppers” hosted by the chief occupant of the “King’s House” or the “Temple Trees”.
These “suppers” are a good example to show that today, the total expenses of the government’s election campaign are borne by the poor public. Upon announcement of the Presidential Elections, the President started this practice of inviting various sections of people to the Temple Trees and treating them as part of his re-election campaign. He has invited public officials, policemen, journalists, members of reconciliation boards, teachers and so on numbering more than 10,000 to his abode and after chairing what is called conferences and discussions, provided them with meals.
Each participant is provided with a packet of food, short-eats, a bottle of water, tea or soft drink costing around Rs. 800.- per head. In addition, for some other functions, foreign liqour such as whisky and beer is also provided. It is calculated that the total cost of this “Presidential Dan
Sela” * amounts to about Rs. 2 million per month. Further, for the purpose of holding these political seminars and meetings, an additional building has been constructed inside Temple Trees premises, by the Sri Lanka Ports Commission spending lakhs of rupees.
It is compulsory for the public servants to participate in these gatherings. Therefore, in order to safeguard their jobs, they creep into the Temple Trees, regardless of their political affiliations.
It is no secret that most of them are not happy when they return from these gatherings as they know these are political gatherings. The President, while holding these meetings and giving them a treat with a smiling face, is indirectly bribing them to vote for him.
The President, who speaks like a saint adhering to election rules, does in fact break all those rules by his actions. These gatherings are actually used to bribe the participants to get their votes directly and indirectly. The Elections Commissioner has advised the President’s secretary in writing that it is a violation of election rules for the President to invite and treat public servants after declaration of the presidential elections. The Commissione has further stated that it is illegal to spend public money to give treats to public servants during these election times.
Even prior to issue of these instructions by the Commissioner, there had been several complaints of the President inviting public officers for parties in his official residence and spending public funds for this purpose and on all such occasions, the Commissioner had remiinded the President’sl secretary of the election rules and the necessity to adhere to same. But, it is obvious that the President had conveniently ignored all those warnings.
The ordinary man in the country is now in a very bad shape as far as his living standard is concerned. Sri Lanka’s economy has gone down to such low levels hitherto unheard of. The country is about to lose the GSP+ facility as well. Even after 6 months from the conclusion of the war, the country is in the same adverse situation as far as its economy is concerned. Whilst the ordinary man is is in a hand to mouth existence, the President is merrily carrying on spending public money for his own high living and that of his family members while at the same time asking for votes for his re-election bid.
It is understood that a large hall capable of seating 5000 persons and costing millions of rupees is being constructed inside the Port facilities in Colombo. In addition to food expenses for those who are invited to the Temple Trees, there is also the additional expenditure for providing transportation to them in buses.
They have still not paid for the buses “hired” to bring in supporters for the recently held SLFP convention. Further there is an unpaid bill for Rs. 176 million for the use of National Television for advertising purposes of the President during the previous Presidential Election.
The President is openly using institutions which are required to be be indepenndent under the statutes, for his own election campaign. This is the very reason why the President has disregarded the implementation of the 17th Amendment to the Constitution which is aimed at making the government institutions independent entities.
The Election Commission has powers to stop misuse of movable and immovable property of government and semi-government organisations for election purposes. However, since the 17th amendment which establishes the Election Commission is still not in force, the Commissioner of Elections is presently vested with those powers under the Constitution.
From the day of proclamation of the presidential elections and until the conclusion of voting, it is prohibited for any candidate to use government property – movable or otherwise – and use helicopters etc. belonging to the government, for electioneering. Further the free use of government offices, buildings, holiday bungalows etc. belonging to the government is not allowed for election campaigning purposes by any candidate. Also, it is not allowed to transfer, promote, appoint any officers or staff including calling applications for new vacancies and holding of interviews, to government departments or semi government institutiions during election times. Further, the deployment of public servants for mobile services, exhibitions, opening ceremonies etc. of the government is not allowed during election times. However, in spite of all these rules and regulations, it is apparent that starting from the president himself down to his associates and minor staff, are openly flouting these rules in misusing government propertly for election propaganda.
However, not only the invitees but also the general public are very much averse to these treats at the Temple Trees. Also, it is quite apparent that all those who take part in these get-togethers are not necessarily supporters of the President’s political party. A fine example of this is the party given by the President to the local artistes the other day in Temple Trees which was attended by almost 2000 invitees. At this party given by the President, the artistes enjoyed expensive liquor and good food and went away but when they were invited by the convenor, to attend a meeting to support the president’s election campaign a few days later on another venue, only about 50 artistes participated.
Also, the policemen who were invited for a get-together were not completely happy with what had been provided to them. Further, around 1700 mediamen and journalists had been invited for another get-together a few days back. For the first time, mediation council officers had been invited for a get-together and it would not surprise anyone if judicial offers too were invited for such a get-together (“Dan Sela” ) in the Temple Trees.
At the moment, the President is inviting public officials in separate groups to the Temple Trees for get-togethers and indirectly canvassing them for votes at the expense of the general pubic. This can actually be termed as indirect bribing of government servants.
There are currently 62 types of various taxes in this country which the government is using to extract funds from the general public. It is from this money tken from the poor people of the country that the President and his extended family, members of parliament, ministers in the Jumbo Cabinet and all those who do long jumps from the opposition to the government side; are living luxurious lives.
The other day, the president’sl secretary had informed the Elections Commissioner that although the President was giving parties at his official residence, those are not paid for with public money. If that is the case, then the President must be an exemplary human being who brings funds from his home to feed the poor members of the public.
Some may say that even that is not a difficult thing to do, when one considers the amounts of money gained by the President and his family through so many shady deals of which the public is well aware.
What a noble deed it would be if the President continues to give free food and drinks to the general public even during the periods when there is no election.
But what really happens is that the people who enjoy free food and drinks given by the President during election times, have to starve until the next election comes around.
Note:*
(“Dan Sela” in Sinhalase, means an outlet providing free refreshments and food to weary pilgrims during mainly, Buddhist religious festivals)
However, during these election times, we get to hear of more popular “suppers” hosted by the chief occupant of the “King’s House” or the “Temple Trees”.
These “suppers” are a good example to show that today, the total expenses of the government’s election campaign are borne by the poor public. Upon announcement of the Presidential Elections, the President started this practice of inviting various sections of people to the Temple Trees and treating them as part of his re-election campaign. He has invited public officials, policemen, journalists, members of reconciliation boards, teachers and so on numbering more than 10,000 to his abode and after chairing what is called conferences and discussions, provided them with meals.
Each participant is provided with a packet of food, short-eats, a bottle of water, tea or soft drink costing around Rs. 800.- per head. In addition, for some other functions, foreign liqour such as whisky and beer is also provided. It is calculated that the total cost of this “Presidential Dan
Sela” * amounts to about Rs. 2 million per month. Further, for the purpose of holding these political seminars and meetings, an additional building has been constructed inside Temple Trees premises, by the Sri Lanka Ports Commission spending lakhs of rupees.
It is compulsory for the public servants to participate in these gatherings. Therefore, in order to safeguard their jobs, they creep into the Temple Trees, regardless of their political affiliations.
It is no secret that most of them are not happy when they return from these gatherings as they know these are political gatherings. The President, while holding these meetings and giving them a treat with a smiling face, is indirectly bribing them to vote for him.
The President, who speaks like a saint adhering to election rules, does in fact break all those rules by his actions. These gatherings are actually used to bribe the participants to get their votes directly and indirectly. The Elections Commissioner has advised the President’s secretary in writing that it is a violation of election rules for the President to invite and treat public servants after declaration of the presidential elections. The Commissione has further stated that it is illegal to spend public money to give treats to public servants during these election times.
Even prior to issue of these instructions by the Commissioner, there had been several complaints of the President inviting public officers for parties in his official residence and spending public funds for this purpose and on all such occasions, the Commissioner had remiinded the President’sl secretary of the election rules and the necessity to adhere to same. But, it is obvious that the President had conveniently ignored all those warnings.
The ordinary man in the country is now in a very bad shape as far as his living standard is concerned. Sri Lanka’s economy has gone down to such low levels hitherto unheard of. The country is about to lose the GSP+ facility as well. Even after 6 months from the conclusion of the war, the country is in the same adverse situation as far as its economy is concerned. Whilst the ordinary man is is in a hand to mouth existence, the President is merrily carrying on spending public money for his own high living and that of his family members while at the same time asking for votes for his re-election bid.
It is understood that a large hall capable of seating 5000 persons and costing millions of rupees is being constructed inside the Port facilities in Colombo. In addition to food expenses for those who are invited to the Temple Trees, there is also the additional expenditure for providing transportation to them in buses.
They have still not paid for the buses “hired” to bring in supporters for the recently held SLFP convention. Further there is an unpaid bill for Rs. 176 million for the use of National Television for advertising purposes of the President during the previous Presidential Election.
The President is openly using institutions which are required to be be indepenndent under the statutes, for his own election campaign. This is the very reason why the President has disregarded the implementation of the 17th Amendment to the Constitution which is aimed at making the government institutions independent entities.
The Election Commission has powers to stop misuse of movable and immovable property of government and semi-government organisations for election purposes. However, since the 17th amendment which establishes the Election Commission is still not in force, the Commissioner of Elections is presently vested with those powers under the Constitution.
From the day of proclamation of the presidential elections and until the conclusion of voting, it is prohibited for any candidate to use government property – movable or otherwise – and use helicopters etc. belonging to the government, for electioneering. Further the free use of government offices, buildings, holiday bungalows etc. belonging to the government is not allowed for election campaigning purposes by any candidate. Also, it is not allowed to transfer, promote, appoint any officers or staff including calling applications for new vacancies and holding of interviews, to government departments or semi government institutiions during election times. Further, the deployment of public servants for mobile services, exhibitions, opening ceremonies etc. of the government is not allowed during election times. However, in spite of all these rules and regulations, it is apparent that starting from the president himself down to his associates and minor staff, are openly flouting these rules in misusing government propertly for election propaganda.
However, not only the invitees but also the general public are very much averse to these treats at the Temple Trees. Also, it is quite apparent that all those who take part in these get-togethers are not necessarily supporters of the President’s political party. A fine example of this is the party given by the President to the local artistes the other day in Temple Trees which was attended by almost 2000 invitees. At this party given by the President, the artistes enjoyed expensive liquor and good food and went away but when they were invited by the convenor, to attend a meeting to support the president’s election campaign a few days later on another venue, only about 50 artistes participated.
Also, the policemen who were invited for a get-together were not completely happy with what had been provided to them. Further, around 1700 mediamen and journalists had been invited for another get-together a few days back. For the first time, mediation council officers had been invited for a get-together and it would not surprise anyone if judicial offers too were invited for such a get-together (“Dan Sela” ) in the Temple Trees.
At the moment, the President is inviting public officials in separate groups to the Temple Trees for get-togethers and indirectly canvassing them for votes at the expense of the general pubic. This can actually be termed as indirect bribing of government servants.
There are currently 62 types of various taxes in this country which the government is using to extract funds from the general public. It is from this money tken from the poor people of the country that the President and his extended family, members of parliament, ministers in the Jumbo Cabinet and all those who do long jumps from the opposition to the government side; are living luxurious lives.
The other day, the president’sl secretary had informed the Elections Commissioner that although the President was giving parties at his official residence, those are not paid for with public money. If that is the case, then the President must be an exemplary human being who brings funds from his home to feed the poor members of the public.
Some may say that even that is not a difficult thing to do, when one considers the amounts of money gained by the President and his family through so many shady deals of which the public is well aware.
What a noble deed it would be if the President continues to give free food and drinks to the general public even during the periods when there is no election.
But what really happens is that the people who enjoy free food and drinks given by the President during election times, have to starve until the next election comes around.
Note:*
(“Dan Sela” in Sinhalase, means an outlet providing free refreshments and food to weary pilgrims during mainly, Buddhist religious festivals)
Friday 18 December 2009
OF RACE HORSES AND “SB”
”SB jumps to the other side”: On the same day there was a nice photograph in most newspapers of the President embracing and kissing SB.
In Sri Lanka, there are no politicians, what we have are Race Horses. Not the kind of horses who tire themselves by drawing carriages: but trained race horses capable of making millions of rupees and they are specially bred for this purpose.
And they take part in races with the sole aim of coming first – or at least the second. It was those days that we had horses who wanted to do some good work for their area and they were least worried about their places in the race. What they wanted was to earn a good name in their community and to do some service for their constituency.
But, nowadays, what we have are only race horses whose only ambition is to somehow win their races and make some quick millions. Apart from that they don’t care two hoots about the people, just like the real race horses are not bothered about the spectators.
When they want to somehow win the race, they do not hesitate to jump from their track to the next track. A good racing horse like SB who has enough experience in changing the track, is now determined to come second in the race – that is to become the Prime Minister.
But what SB should keep in mind is that he has to run this race in competition with stronger and better racing horses such as Gotabhaya, Basil, DM, Sirisena etc. So, the only power that SB has got in this race is Mahinda and his winning the first place in this race. But the question is even if Mahinda wins, what will happen to SB’s ambition of coming in the second place.
We have a good precedent of such a race during JR’s government. At that time, JR had 3 very powerful racing horses in Premadasa, Lalith and Gamini. JR allowed these 3 horses to run and Premadasa managed to come in the second place. So, everyone expected Premadasa to choose a 2nd in command to him from either Lalith or Gamini. But what really happened is, Premadasa started to eliminate Lalith and Gamini as he perceived them to be challengers to his position. The end result : all three died unexpectedly and with that, the Grand Old Party, UNP, also almost died a natural death.
What is going to befall SLFP now is the same fate. After the big race, however much Mahinda tries to keep his front running horses under control he will not suceed in his effforts mainly due to their intransigence. When that happens, the SLFP will also meet with the same end as the UNP.
But the question is, knowing this very well, why did Mahinda decide to take in SB.
Clearly, what Mahinda wanted was not to take in SB but to take revenge from Ranil. In other words, to avenge what Sarath Fonseka did to him. For the moment, Mahinda must be feeling satisfied that he took his revenge, but the real drama starts when SB starts running around in circles demanding his share of the pie. When that happens, Mahinda will be forced to take the same steps that Premadasa took, for his survival.
But, they should all realize that before running the race for the Premiership, they should first complete the race for the Presidency. There is a difference this time: in addition to the usual political race horses one finds in every election, this time there is a “dark horse” too. So, race horses like SB should take this dark horse seriously and race with him prior to starting the race for the Premiership.
As to who is going go win that race, only experienced punters can predict.
”SB jumps to the other side”: On the same day there was a nice photograph in most newspapers of the President embracing and kissing SB.
In Sri Lanka, there are no politicians, what we have are Race Horses. Not the kind of horses who tire themselves by drawing carriages: but trained race horses capable of making millions of rupees and they are specially bred for this purpose.
And they take part in races with the sole aim of coming first – or at least the second. It was those days that we had horses who wanted to do some good work for their area and they were least worried about their places in the race. What they wanted was to earn a good name in their community and to do some service for their constituency.
But, nowadays, what we have are only race horses whose only ambition is to somehow win their races and make some quick millions. Apart from that they don’t care two hoots about the people, just like the real race horses are not bothered about the spectators.
When they want to somehow win the race, they do not hesitate to jump from their track to the next track. A good racing horse like SB who has enough experience in changing the track, is now determined to come second in the race – that is to become the Prime Minister.
But what SB should keep in mind is that he has to run this race in competition with stronger and better racing horses such as Gotabhaya, Basil, DM, Sirisena etc. So, the only power that SB has got in this race is Mahinda and his winning the first place in this race. But the question is even if Mahinda wins, what will happen to SB’s ambition of coming in the second place.
We have a good precedent of such a race during JR’s government. At that time, JR had 3 very powerful racing horses in Premadasa, Lalith and Gamini. JR allowed these 3 horses to run and Premadasa managed to come in the second place. So, everyone expected Premadasa to choose a 2nd in command to him from either Lalith or Gamini. But what really happened is, Premadasa started to eliminate Lalith and Gamini as he perceived them to be challengers to his position. The end result : all three died unexpectedly and with that, the Grand Old Party, UNP, also almost died a natural death.
What is going to befall SLFP now is the same fate. After the big race, however much Mahinda tries to keep his front running horses under control he will not suceed in his effforts mainly due to their intransigence. When that happens, the SLFP will also meet with the same end as the UNP.
But the question is, knowing this very well, why did Mahinda decide to take in SB.
Clearly, what Mahinda wanted was not to take in SB but to take revenge from Ranil. In other words, to avenge what Sarath Fonseka did to him. For the moment, Mahinda must be feeling satisfied that he took his revenge, but the real drama starts when SB starts running around in circles demanding his share of the pie. When that happens, Mahinda will be forced to take the same steps that Premadasa took, for his survival.
But, they should all realize that before running the race for the Premiership, they should first complete the race for the Presidency. There is a difference this time: in addition to the usual political race horses one finds in every election, this time there is a “dark horse” too. So, race horses like SB should take this dark horse seriously and race with him prior to starting the race for the Premiership.
As to who is going go win that race, only experienced punters can predict.
Sunday 6 December 2009
“INTERNATIONAL CONSPIRACY”
The Government says that General Sarath Fonseka is trapped by a foreign conspiracy.
Those “Sangha Fatwa” monks who bless the government; people like S.L. Goonasekera who left the Hela Urumaya saying it is a “Karumaya”; that Dentist who introduced X-rated novels to Sri Lanka- Gunadasa Amerasekera; the other “jumping jack” dentist Rajitha Senaratne; the proud owner of a mobile phone worth lakhs of rupees and now the landlord of a multi-storey Palace coming up in a suburb, “Gel” Wimal Vihuluwansa (this guy is the sole patent holder of this theory of international conspiracy and it is doubtful whether his own birth has been due to an “international conspiray”), and thousands of others who are enjoying multifarious benefits from the UPFA Government : all these people are now coming before the government controlled media and proclaiming that General Sarath Fonseka has become the victim of an International Conspiracy.
In addition to above, the “Brothers Company “ of Chamal, Gotabhaya, Basil and Mahinda too are repeating the same charge.
On top of that, another breed of people who love tasting the bones dropped from the dining tables of the VIPs in the government in addition to polishing their shoes, and who who have become “journalists” thanks to an identity card issued by the Government Information Department ; also repeat the same conspiray theory.
For God’s sake, what is this so-called Conspiracy?
According to these theorists: Mahinda Rajapakse has now liberated the country from the terrorists. The foreigners wanted to hand over this country on a deed to the terrorists. But they did not succeed in their efforts. That’s why these foreigners are now trying to remove Mahinda Rajapakse and hand over the country to LTTE sympathisers.
But the intelligent right thinking people of this country have realised that this argument is a very stupid one, to say the least. That’s because the person who is contesting Mahinda Rajapakse at the Presidential Elections is himself a hero who vanquished the LTTE terrorists completely.
Now the government is trying to label General Sarath Fonseka too as a LTTE sympathiser. And after doing that, to depict him to the country as a partner in this “international conspiracy”.
Let’s for a moment accept this theory of the government and assume that what is happening is an international conspiracy to remove Mahinda Rajapakse. But who is the main protagonist of this movement : nobody else, but Mahinda Rajapakse himself !
There are two more years to go for Mahinda’s presidency. Then why did he call for a Presidential Election before the expiry of his term. If he did not call for a presidential election, then this so called “international conspiracy” would have come a complete cropper.
So, in other words, all those who put forward hair-splitting theories of an international conspiracy are in fact indirectly accusing the President himself of allowing such a situation to develop.
When the President, who appears to be saluting the public as depicted in massive cutouts erected all over the country, himself is repeating this theory of international conspiracy, isnt he indirectly admitting that he has been a part of that conspiracy.
They say that when the time comes to destroy oneself, one’s brain ceases to function normally. Wonder if this is what is happening to them now.
Anyway, we will know either way come January 27th.
The Government says that General Sarath Fonseka is trapped by a foreign conspiracy.
Those “Sangha Fatwa” monks who bless the government; people like S.L. Goonasekera who left the Hela Urumaya saying it is a “Karumaya”; that Dentist who introduced X-rated novels to Sri Lanka- Gunadasa Amerasekera; the other “jumping jack” dentist Rajitha Senaratne; the proud owner of a mobile phone worth lakhs of rupees and now the landlord of a multi-storey Palace coming up in a suburb, “Gel” Wimal Vihuluwansa (this guy is the sole patent holder of this theory of international conspiracy and it is doubtful whether his own birth has been due to an “international conspiray”), and thousands of others who are enjoying multifarious benefits from the UPFA Government : all these people are now coming before the government controlled media and proclaiming that General Sarath Fonseka has become the victim of an International Conspiracy.
In addition to above, the “Brothers Company “ of Chamal, Gotabhaya, Basil and Mahinda too are repeating the same charge.
On top of that, another breed of people who love tasting the bones dropped from the dining tables of the VIPs in the government in addition to polishing their shoes, and who who have become “journalists” thanks to an identity card issued by the Government Information Department ; also repeat the same conspiray theory.
For God’s sake, what is this so-called Conspiracy?
According to these theorists: Mahinda Rajapakse has now liberated the country from the terrorists. The foreigners wanted to hand over this country on a deed to the terrorists. But they did not succeed in their efforts. That’s why these foreigners are now trying to remove Mahinda Rajapakse and hand over the country to LTTE sympathisers.
But the intelligent right thinking people of this country have realised that this argument is a very stupid one, to say the least. That’s because the person who is contesting Mahinda Rajapakse at the Presidential Elections is himself a hero who vanquished the LTTE terrorists completely.
Now the government is trying to label General Sarath Fonseka too as a LTTE sympathiser. And after doing that, to depict him to the country as a partner in this “international conspiracy”.
Let’s for a moment accept this theory of the government and assume that what is happening is an international conspiracy to remove Mahinda Rajapakse. But who is the main protagonist of this movement : nobody else, but Mahinda Rajapakse himself !
There are two more years to go for Mahinda’s presidency. Then why did he call for a Presidential Election before the expiry of his term. If he did not call for a presidential election, then this so called “international conspiracy” would have come a complete cropper.
So, in other words, all those who put forward hair-splitting theories of an international conspiracy are in fact indirectly accusing the President himself of allowing such a situation to develop.
When the President, who appears to be saluting the public as depicted in massive cutouts erected all over the country, himself is repeating this theory of international conspiracy, isnt he indirectly admitting that he has been a part of that conspiracy.
They say that when the time comes to destroy oneself, one’s brain ceases to function normally. Wonder if this is what is happening to them now.
Anyway, we will know either way come January 27th.
Saturday 3 October 2009
STAR WORSHIP
The latest craze of the so called Class One "patriots" seem to be worshipping "stars" of another kind - young movie actresses.
One such nubile actress is enjoying all the spotlight currently down South to the exclusion of all those who had toiled for the governing party for quite some time. The special attention given to this actress by the highest in the land defies all logic. It is in fact a shame that some of the constituent partners of the UPFA whose daily mantra is to usher in a society based on the Dhamma are turning a convenient blind eye to these antics. And the deafening silence maintained by other hangers on who shout from the top of their voices about the virtues of our unspoilt culture is also rather puzzling. All these people appear to be mesmerized by the beauty (?) of the actress.
This episode more or less reflects a local version of the very popular soap opera "Bold and the Beautiful" which some of our viewers are definitely familiar with. Remember, Brook - Ridge and Ridge's father !
We have heard of numerous instances of South Indian movie actresses who are being virtually worshipped by their admirers even going to the extent of building temples in their names and offering poojas to their statues. Those, of course, one can ignore on the basis that such admirers are illiterate villagers who are mesmerised with their performances in the movies.
But, in a country reputed to be over 90% literate in Asia and where movie actors and actresses are not held in so much awe, this latest craze pioneered by none other than the highest in the land and part of his family is to say the least rather hilarious. One particular Minister from the South who ridiculed the UNP when it fielded an actor (Ranjan Ramanayake) and a former beauty queen (Rosy Senanayake) saying those are cheap shots and the actor was a parachutist from another city (beats me, because Sri Lanka is one country!) is now shamelessly keeping his mouth shut about this former beauty queen /actress who herself is a parachutist to the South. It is unfortunate we have to live among such shameless double-tongued people.
Those who matter will do their best to ensure victory for the young movie actress as it is one of the "pet" projects of the "Tharunyata Hetak" movement. So the question which naturally comes to mind is "Is this the Tomorrow projected for the Youth of Tomorrow". And would the first temple dedicated to a movie actress spring up in down South.
One such nubile actress is enjoying all the spotlight currently down South to the exclusion of all those who had toiled for the governing party for quite some time. The special attention given to this actress by the highest in the land defies all logic. It is in fact a shame that some of the constituent partners of the UPFA whose daily mantra is to usher in a society based on the Dhamma are turning a convenient blind eye to these antics. And the deafening silence maintained by other hangers on who shout from the top of their voices about the virtues of our unspoilt culture is also rather puzzling. All these people appear to be mesmerized by the beauty (?) of the actress.
This episode more or less reflects a local version of the very popular soap opera "Bold and the Beautiful" which some of our viewers are definitely familiar with. Remember, Brook - Ridge and Ridge's father !
We have heard of numerous instances of South Indian movie actresses who are being virtually worshipped by their admirers even going to the extent of building temples in their names and offering poojas to their statues. Those, of course, one can ignore on the basis that such admirers are illiterate villagers who are mesmerised with their performances in the movies.
But, in a country reputed to be over 90% literate in Asia and where movie actors and actresses are not held in so much awe, this latest craze pioneered by none other than the highest in the land and part of his family is to say the least rather hilarious. One particular Minister from the South who ridiculed the UNP when it fielded an actor (Ranjan Ramanayake) and a former beauty queen (Rosy Senanayake) saying those are cheap shots and the actor was a parachutist from another city (beats me, because Sri Lanka is one country!) is now shamelessly keeping his mouth shut about this former beauty queen /actress who herself is a parachutist to the South. It is unfortunate we have to live among such shameless double-tongued people.
Those who matter will do their best to ensure victory for the young movie actress as it is one of the "pet" projects of the "Tharunyata Hetak" movement. So the question which naturally comes to mind is "Is this the Tomorrow projected for the Youth of Tomorrow". And would the first temple dedicated to a movie actress spring up in down South.
Friday 24 July 2009
THY KINGDOM COME
WHEN all over the world, the trend is to abolish Monarchies and switch on to Westminster style or Republican governments, one is amused to see attempts made in Sri Lanka to anoint a King!
With the successful end to the war - thanks to the war heroes who sacrificed their lives and limbs - all of a sudden a hue and cry is being made throughout the country hailing a "King". As everybody recalls, at the last presidential elections, the voting was to elect a President and not a King, since Sri Lanka had become a Republic more than a decade ago.
To the best of our knowledge, to become a King one should have a royal lineage and it is well known in the country that the last King of Kandy had been banished by the British and since then there had been no trace of a royal lineage in the country. Although one insane so-called "Doctor" had been yapping that he descends from the ancestral lineage of Dutu Gemunu (which in itself is an insult to that great King as the current progeny is a mad thug)
Maybe this talk of a "King" is to perpetuate the current rule and hand over the country to a Royal Brother or a Crown Prince.
It is pathetic that even some so-called educated people including some monks exhort the need for a King in a democratic republic.
They say that in the "Kingdom" of Blind, one eyed jack is the King.
With the successful end to the war - thanks to the war heroes who sacrificed their lives and limbs - all of a sudden a hue and cry is being made throughout the country hailing a "King". As everybody recalls, at the last presidential elections, the voting was to elect a President and not a King, since Sri Lanka had become a Republic more than a decade ago.
To the best of our knowledge, to become a King one should have a royal lineage and it is well known in the country that the last King of Kandy had been banished by the British and since then there had been no trace of a royal lineage in the country. Although one insane so-called "Doctor" had been yapping that he descends from the ancestral lineage of Dutu Gemunu (which in itself is an insult to that great King as the current progeny is a mad thug)
Maybe this talk of a "King" is to perpetuate the current rule and hand over the country to a Royal Brother or a Crown Prince.
It is pathetic that even some so-called educated people including some monks exhort the need for a King in a democratic republic.
They say that in the "Kingdom" of Blind, one eyed jack is the King.
OF PATRIOTS AND TRAITORS
NOWADAYS in Sri Lanka, there are only two groups of people.
One group is called "Patriots" and the other "Traitors"
Therefore, it would do some good to distinguish these two groups of people.
In the Eighties during the JVP insurrection in the south of Sri Lanka, the Armed forces, Police and other defence units belonged to the group of "traitors". At that time, Wimal Weerawansa and the other leaders of the JVP demanded that the army and police resign from their posts with the threat that if they do not, their family members would be killed. They also demanded that the Special Task Force be disbanded.
Even duringt that time, our war heroes were fighting with the Tigers but for people like Weerawansa, at that time they were seen as traitors. It is a well known fact that several family members of the armed forces and the Police had been killed by the JVP of Weerawansa.
But the irony is that the very same armed forces are now seen by Weerawansa and his cohorts as patriots. Going from camp to camp with " Nil Manel" flowers, boasting about the achievements of the armed forces, Weerawansa and his gang are now singing a different tune of praising the armed forces and exhorting everyone not to say anything to hurt their feelings and stressing the need to look after their families!
This is a classic example of how one-time "traitors" have become "patriots".
General Janaka Perera was a brave soldier who fought against the LTTE. But since joining the opposition UNP, he became to be known as a "traitor.
There are enough examples of such instances in our midst.
So the million dollar question is : who is a traitor and who is a patriot? This is determined by a gang who recently took up the mantle of sole proprietorship to "patriotism". All others are "traitors"
May God help Sri Lanka.
One group is called "Patriots" and the other "Traitors"
Therefore, it would do some good to distinguish these two groups of people.
In the Eighties during the JVP insurrection in the south of Sri Lanka, the Armed forces, Police and other defence units belonged to the group of "traitors". At that time, Wimal Weerawansa and the other leaders of the JVP demanded that the army and police resign from their posts with the threat that if they do not, their family members would be killed. They also demanded that the Special Task Force be disbanded.
Even duringt that time, our war heroes were fighting with the Tigers but for people like Weerawansa, at that time they were seen as traitors. It is a well known fact that several family members of the armed forces and the Police had been killed by the JVP of Weerawansa.
But the irony is that the very same armed forces are now seen by Weerawansa and his cohorts as patriots. Going from camp to camp with " Nil Manel" flowers, boasting about the achievements of the armed forces, Weerawansa and his gang are now singing a different tune of praising the armed forces and exhorting everyone not to say anything to hurt their feelings and stressing the need to look after their families!
This is a classic example of how one-time "traitors" have become "patriots".
General Janaka Perera was a brave soldier who fought against the LTTE. But since joining the opposition UNP, he became to be known as a "traitor.
There are enough examples of such instances in our midst.
So the million dollar question is : who is a traitor and who is a patriot? This is determined by a gang who recently took up the mantle of sole proprietorship to "patriotism". All others are "traitors"
May God help Sri Lanka.
STAR WARS
The recent arrest of an astrologer in Sri Lanka has become a news item locally as well as internationally. The only "crime" committed by this astrologer was to predict something based on his knowledge of the planetary movements ; which is what astrologers do!
In the ancient days when Kings ruled the country, astrolgers had been given death sentences for the crime of predicting future events unpalatable to the rulers. But, in a supposedly free and democratic Sri Lanka, this is the first time that something like this has taken place.
This particular astrologer had been taken into custody as he had come up with a prediction during a working session of the opposition United National Party.
What all this shows is the pathetic situation prevailing in the country today.
United National Party is Sri Lanka's biggest single political party with a voter strength of around 47 lakhs of people. If not for the threats issued by that murderous Prabhakaran to the Tamil voters, it would have been possible for the leader of UNP to become the President of Sri Lanka at the last Presidential Elections in 2005.
The strength of a political party is its followers. If a political party steers away from the common man and thinks that it can come to power through planetary activities, then it is sadly mistaken. The planets do not have voting powers!
Not only the opposition, but also the governing party are both strong believers of planetary movements. This is amply proved by the arrest of the astrologer for predicting something unfavourable for the governing party.
It now looks like that just the act of predicting something which is not favourable to the governement even if it is evident via planetary movements; is a crime and such people are labelled as traitors to the cause.
All these stupidities prove one thing: both the government and the opposition have placed their trust on some unseen distant planets rather than on the living souls of the country. In a country like this, obviously only the planets can help its people.
The Opposition is waiting for the planets to move to favourable positions for them. The government is using all its powers to pull the planets to go in the direction favourable to them. People's power has disappeared and planetary positions have got top billing.
So no wonder the poor innocent public are gazing at the sky waiting for some miracle to happen.
In the ancient days when Kings ruled the country, astrolgers had been given death sentences for the crime of predicting future events unpalatable to the rulers. But, in a supposedly free and democratic Sri Lanka, this is the first time that something like this has taken place.
This particular astrologer had been taken into custody as he had come up with a prediction during a working session of the opposition United National Party.
What all this shows is the pathetic situation prevailing in the country today.
United National Party is Sri Lanka's biggest single political party with a voter strength of around 47 lakhs of people. If not for the threats issued by that murderous Prabhakaran to the Tamil voters, it would have been possible for the leader of UNP to become the President of Sri Lanka at the last Presidential Elections in 2005.
The strength of a political party is its followers. If a political party steers away from the common man and thinks that it can come to power through planetary activities, then it is sadly mistaken. The planets do not have voting powers!
Not only the opposition, but also the governing party are both strong believers of planetary movements. This is amply proved by the arrest of the astrologer for predicting something unfavourable for the governing party.
It now looks like that just the act of predicting something which is not favourable to the governement even if it is evident via planetary movements; is a crime and such people are labelled as traitors to the cause.
All these stupidities prove one thing: both the government and the opposition have placed their trust on some unseen distant planets rather than on the living souls of the country. In a country like this, obviously only the planets can help its people.
The Opposition is waiting for the planets to move to favourable positions for them. The government is using all its powers to pull the planets to go in the direction favourable to them. People's power has disappeared and planetary positions have got top billing.
So no wonder the poor innocent public are gazing at the sky waiting for some miracle to happen.
Sunday 19 July 2009
(UN)LUCKY THIRTEEN !
The funniest thing is that those who protested vigorously against the Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution saying that it was something imposed by the Indians against unsuspecting Sri Lankan government in the eighties, are now swearing that it is a panacea for the current ethnic conflict.
People still remember how these so called patriots protested under the Bo tree in Pettah against this piece of legislation castigating the then President Jayawardene that he had sold the country to a foreign power.
But more funny is why the loud-mouthed Posh Wansa who saw a conspiracy against the country behind every bush is now so silent on this issue as well. No more proof is needed that some luxuries (as enjoyed by cabinet ministers, of course, without a portfolio) and a few foreign trips can do the trick.
Sri Lanka is rather unfortunate to have such betrayers who are also at the same time shameless to lay claims as the sole proprietors of "patriotism". From ancient days, those who lived in jungles were mesmerized by the natural sounds of thunder and worshipped lightning and thunder as gods. Little has changed: still sound plays a big part in taking people for a ride : louder the sound, bigger the ride.
Saturday 18 July 2009
UNPLUGGED ?
The attitude of the Sri Lankan government on the issue of the loan from IMF seems to be one of Shakespeare's "To Be or Not To Be" as different ministers, depending on their moods, sing a different tune a la "she loves me, she loves me not". But the deafening silence maintained by the co-architect of the "Chinthanaya", "Gel/Posh Wansa" defies all logic.
Right thinking people, with good memories (as distinct from those have been brainwashed and fed with Poonac) still remember how the erstwhile co-architect went round the country saying how he was going to "unplug" the wire from the World Bank as Sri Lanka was not a satellite country of the "rapacious" West and the Europeans and Americans along with the Indians, were conspiring to subjugate free and sovereign Sri Lanka. Like Alexander the Great (the duplicate cardboard version), he stormed the country side airing his empty rhetorics and ensured that his preferred choice for the Presidency won the election. Only a few realise that he is only just an empty air bag with nothing upstairs, but in countries like ours, it is the sound that matters, not the substance. Accepted that he has enough sound in his vocal chords and he has used it to his maximum advantage, although it is obvious that he is suffering from "verbal diahorrea"
But, alas, what has happened to his vocal chords now is rather a mystery. When his colleagues in the government are crying for the IMF Loan without which the county is going to be in real trouble very soon, Posh Wansa is maintaining his stoic silence. His solution (coming from a pea brain) of collecting all the gold bangles and jewellery of the women in the country (didnt say whether it included his wife's ornaments) and donating to the treasury did not find much acceptance with his colleagues (who would like to part with such hard (ly) earned assets what with the decline in arms purchases and less and less commissions coming their way)
What is more hilarious is the proposal brought forward by the Urumaya types with their chief priest declaring that there is no need for Sri Lanka to beg for foreign funds as the country is very rich in Gold - referring to the golden Buddha statues in the country - and that those could be sold ( to the foreigners ?) to raise enough funds to develop the country. What is shocking is that not even the Imperialist rulers who governed the country before independence thought of such a scheme out of respect for the religion of the majority. So it is a case of scatter brains and pea brains trying to outsmart each other and attempting to prove who is more patriotic.
Any fool will know that even to get a small loan from a simple Co-Operative, there are terms and conditions attached to it - such as guarantors, collaterals etc. But, what is hilarious and pathetic at the same time is how the Chintana types including the erstwhile governor of the Central Bank are trying to fool the gullible public by saying that the government will never agree to any terms or conditions as the country is a sovereign, blah blah...
One would definitely like to hear from the co-architect of the Chinthanaya his views on the IMF loan as it is obvious the other pro-Capitalist elements of the government are having an upper hand and simple people in the country have started believing that Gel Wimal of the National Fools Front has become mesmerized with the two foreign trips to Myanmar and Egypt accompaying the President and his mouth and the vocal chords are now "plugged" . Or is it ?
What remains for the government is to find a longer 3-core wire and put the plug back to the IMF/World Bank socket and not allow "errand boys" to make unnecessary noises which might spoil the game.
Right thinking people, with good memories (as distinct from those have been brainwashed and fed with Poonac) still remember how the erstwhile co-architect went round the country saying how he was going to "unplug" the wire from the World Bank as Sri Lanka was not a satellite country of the "rapacious" West and the Europeans and Americans along with the Indians, were conspiring to subjugate free and sovereign Sri Lanka. Like Alexander the Great (the duplicate cardboard version), he stormed the country side airing his empty rhetorics and ensured that his preferred choice for the Presidency won the election. Only a few realise that he is only just an empty air bag with nothing upstairs, but in countries like ours, it is the sound that matters, not the substance. Accepted that he has enough sound in his vocal chords and he has used it to his maximum advantage, although it is obvious that he is suffering from "verbal diahorrea"
But, alas, what has happened to his vocal chords now is rather a mystery. When his colleagues in the government are crying for the IMF Loan without which the county is going to be in real trouble very soon, Posh Wansa is maintaining his stoic silence. His solution (coming from a pea brain) of collecting all the gold bangles and jewellery of the women in the country (didnt say whether it included his wife's ornaments) and donating to the treasury did not find much acceptance with his colleagues (who would like to part with such hard (ly) earned assets what with the decline in arms purchases and less and less commissions coming their way)
What is more hilarious is the proposal brought forward by the Urumaya types with their chief priest declaring that there is no need for Sri Lanka to beg for foreign funds as the country is very rich in Gold - referring to the golden Buddha statues in the country - and that those could be sold ( to the foreigners ?) to raise enough funds to develop the country. What is shocking is that not even the Imperialist rulers who governed the country before independence thought of such a scheme out of respect for the religion of the majority. So it is a case of scatter brains and pea brains trying to outsmart each other and attempting to prove who is more patriotic.
Any fool will know that even to get a small loan from a simple Co-Operative, there are terms and conditions attached to it - such as guarantors, collaterals etc. But, what is hilarious and pathetic at the same time is how the Chintana types including the erstwhile governor of the Central Bank are trying to fool the gullible public by saying that the government will never agree to any terms or conditions as the country is a sovereign, blah blah...
One would definitely like to hear from the co-architect of the Chinthanaya his views on the IMF loan as it is obvious the other pro-Capitalist elements of the government are having an upper hand and simple people in the country have started believing that Gel Wimal of the National Fools Front has become mesmerized with the two foreign trips to Myanmar and Egypt accompaying the President and his mouth and the vocal chords are now "plugged" . Or is it ?
What remains for the government is to find a longer 3-core wire and put the plug back to the IMF/World Bank socket and not allow "errand boys" to make unnecessary noises which might spoil the game.
IT PAYS TO RUN ERRANDS
If one wonders as to what benefits Sri Lanka achieved by taking part in the recently concluded sessions in Egypt of the Non Aligned Movement, one need not look that far.
Our very own "Gel Wimal" or "Posh Wansa" of ex-JVP and current leader of the "National Fools Front" who cried like a Montessori student in the Parliament some time back telling the whole country of how he sacrificed for the cause of the JVP , even denying himself the luxury of a visit to Sigiriya ( although it is another matter that his leader - the other Wansa - told a news conference that although the man never visited Sigiriya, he may have visited the rest houses in the vicinity of that area) , got a golden chance this time to make up for all that he lost.
Our man has now flown to Egypt ( after the recently concluded trip to Myanmar along with the President) over the heads of the poster-pasting "hoi polloi" and seen with his own eyes one of the seven wonders of the world: the great Pyramids of the Pharaohs.
Well, one does not grudge the man this luxury, but the sticking point is that he has proved to all and sundry that running errands and polishing the shoes of those who matter really pays at the end. But the sad fact is that as one who preached to the unsuspecting, immature students that it is "better to die standing on one's own two legs rather than live kneeling down" has not practised what he preached : which over the years has been a salient feature of most of the so called Marxists who had promised to usher in socialist revolutions. The Sama Samajists did it first by abandoning their slogan " rise up now all those who suffer from hunger" and joined the semi-capitalist government of Mrs. B in the seventies and faded into oblivion thereafter.
Way to go ! To hell with socialist revolutions because it never pays rich dividends.
Our very own "Gel Wimal" or "Posh Wansa" of ex-JVP and current leader of the "National Fools Front" who cried like a Montessori student in the Parliament some time back telling the whole country of how he sacrificed for the cause of the JVP , even denying himself the luxury of a visit to Sigiriya ( although it is another matter that his leader - the other Wansa - told a news conference that although the man never visited Sigiriya, he may have visited the rest houses in the vicinity of that area) , got a golden chance this time to make up for all that he lost.
Our man has now flown to Egypt ( after the recently concluded trip to Myanmar along with the President) over the heads of the poster-pasting "hoi polloi" and seen with his own eyes one of the seven wonders of the world: the great Pyramids of the Pharaohs.
Well, one does not grudge the man this luxury, but the sticking point is that he has proved to all and sundry that running errands and polishing the shoes of those who matter really pays at the end. But the sad fact is that as one who preached to the unsuspecting, immature students that it is "better to die standing on one's own two legs rather than live kneeling down" has not practised what he preached : which over the years has been a salient feature of most of the so called Marxists who had promised to usher in socialist revolutions. The Sama Samajists did it first by abandoning their slogan " rise up now all those who suffer from hunger" and joined the semi-capitalist government of Mrs. B in the seventies and faded into oblivion thereafter.
Way to go ! To hell with socialist revolutions because it never pays rich dividends.
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