A year without justice

23/12/2014

Today marks the 285th day of Jeyakumary Balendran’s detention. A prominent member of the movement for the families of the disappeared – her own son having been abducted shortly after the war – she was arrested in March 2014 amid a broad government crackdown on civil society in the run up to the UN Human Rights Council Session. You may remember our solidarityletter writing campaign.

Held under the draconian Prevention of Terrorism Act on the spurious allegation of conspiring to revive the LTTE, she has since been detained at the Boosa Army Camp, a place notorious for torture. During that time she has had extremely limited access to her lawyers and family. Despite repeated challenges, until yesterday no Detention Order had been formally filed against her in court, raising serious questions about whether due process has been followed and raising serious doubts about the lawfulness of her incarceration.

At yesterday’s hearing - her seventh - for the very first time the Attorney General handed over a summary of the evidence against her. However, according to her lawyers, the summary was not accompanied with the usual annexures that would give substance to the document, nor had it been sent officially through the court registry, thereby continuing to fuel doubts about the credibility of the evidence against her.

In a minor breakthrough, it was agreed that she would be transferred from TID (Terrorism Investigation Division) custody into judicial custody. However, it will not be until the 13th March 2015 until she receives another hearing, at which point she will have been held for an entire year. On the date of the Sri Lankan elections, she will mark her 300th day in custody.

No evidence has ever been produced against Jeyakumary and it will be more than a year before any legal proceedings regarding her detention even start in earnest. This is a disgrace. Please click here and sign the petition to protest this injustice.

What Is This “Change” We Say We Want?

By Kusal Perera -December 23, 2014

Kusal Perara

The talk of “Change” at the coming January 08 presidential polls is more a Colombo Sinhala middle class discourse. In a very general manner, other Sinhalese join in to say “yes”. The common feeling around Sinhala urban centres with no particular interest on any serious issue tends to agree for a “Change”. This has now been translated to mean, “Rajapaksa should go”. Pushed for explanations as to why he should go, one would come against answers like, “mega corruption, dictatorial family rule, breakdown of law and order, drugs and ethanol” and more of such allegations. This list that justifies ousting Rajapaksa unfortunately does not include, “militarisation of society, State sponsored violent Sinhala Buddhist extremism against Muslims, refusal to seriously and honestly negotiate a political solution to the Tamil question, or even the issue of establishing civil administrations in North and East.”

Yet, those rallying round Common Candidate Maithripala Sirisena keep saying, this presidential election is crucial and the opportunity to oust Rajapaksa should not be missed for whatever reason. Ousting Rajapaksa they say, would create new “space”. Thereafter the “rest would follow” is the loud call. In plain language what we are told is, “Rajapaksa should be defeated at any cost”. There are those who add, “never mind who or what comes thereafter”. While there is consensus this Rajapaksa regime has to be completely uprooted, these simplifications raise many issues for those who wish to have a clear political definition of the term “Change”. This “Change” for which the Rajapaksa regime has to be ousted, cannot be a vaguely interpreted, populist term.

It is very superficially touched upon in “A Compassionate Maithri Governance : A Stable Country” as liberating the “noble motherland and all its people from the tragic fate that has befallen them” (p/05 – first para). This “Change” could also be understood to mean, that in the future there would be very much less corruption, much like in the pre Rajapaksa era and all political parties would unite to build a less corrupt country.(My Vision – p/06).

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Sangakkara proves he is a true hero par excellence ! rejects MaRa’s request to his face, and the billions offered

(Lanka-e-News- 22.Dec.2014, 11.30PM) Kumar Sangakkara ,a cricketer of the rare breed of heroes and a gentleman to the finger tips proved what he is worth when he forthrightly and to the face of the Presidential candidate Mahinda Rajapakse said , he cannot support latter’s election campaign .What is most striking and significant to note is, Sangakkara had boldly and openly told this without any hesitation to Mahinda Rajapakse at Temple Trees , and had been able to walk out unharmed.

Sangakkara prior to his tour overseas was invited by Mahinda to Temple Trees who requested Sangakkara to extend his support to him at the upcoming elections . Sangakkara had however politely rejected the request . Mahinda had then requested Sangakkara to appear at least for an advertisement for him , which too he had declined . Mahinda had thereafter told him , as much as Rs. 2 to 3 billion! or any amount demanded can be paid to him in that regard, when Sangakkara had made it abundantly clear in no uncertain terms to Mahinda , he is playing cricket for the sake of the country , and not for political or monetary gains . So saying he has walked out of Temple Trees.

The people must consider themselves fortunate that there are still gentlemen cricketers par excellence like Sangakkara who are honorable sons of the Sri Lankan soil sincerely concerned about the country , as well as politicians like Maithripala who dared to lead a campaign after coming out from the Rajapakse camp against the ethanol dealers after making supreme self sacrifices in order to defeat the Rajapakse family , even though there are in their midst , scoundrels and betrayers likeDambulla Tennekoon who after making solemn promises to Maithri that he would wholeheartedly join Maithri in his campaign , at the last moment , sold his soul because of the filthy lucre in many millions offered by the Rajapakses , and a BMW car, and then subsequently hypocritically shed tears for an ‘appachchi ‘ (father) who supposedly appeared in a dream ; shameless Attanayakes who after blabbering that an ‘army’ of 12000 UNP members will be formed by him against the Rajapakse family that is devastating the country , unconscionably pole vaulted with that whole list to the Rajapakse camp simply because of the colossal bribe in billions and a ministerial portfolio offered, thereby selling the honor of the party and people to whom he made grandiose promises as a UNP er just a while before somersaulting ; and Gammanpila alias Gamba-pannina (leaping frogs) who in spotless white attire crowed from roof tops that he is prepared to sacrifice his life for the sake of the country , but within a night metamorphosed into a gemba (frog), and a betrayer of his own people, falling prey to the fat bundles of cash (bribes) offered by the Rajapakses .

Honest honorable people do not survive only on food. They exist by inhaling the fragrant air of other qualities of honesty , integrity , humane qualities , self dignity and self honor. What Sangakkara proved is this truth, not before cameras, himself alone fearlessly and forthrightly, right before the so called omni -potentates at close quarters in their own palatial headquarters . It is that aforementioned fragrance Sangakkara spread to the entire country from his own lungs by his rectitude.

Indeed Sangakkara is a true hero par excellence . It is no easy task to become such a truly great hero. He has by his honorable conduct become a national icon instantly.

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by     (2014-12-22 19:28:45)

IFJ calls for media freedom as Sri Lankan presidential election approaches

23/12/2014

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today called on the government of Sri Lanka and state forces to ensure media freedom and the safety of journalists as the country’s Presidential Election approach next month.

Sri Lanka is slated to vote for a new president on Thursday, January 8, 2015 with the incumbent president Mahinda Rajapaksha seeking third-term in the office. The opposition has fielded Maithripala Sirisena and its candidate in the presidential race.

Sri Lankan elections have a history of violence and civil unrest, including actions against the media. The IFJ urges the government and the Department of Elections to deploy all possible measures to ensure the safety of journalists and media personnel while also ensuring they get legitimate access and mobility for reporting up to the election and in post-election reporting.

The IFJ Asia-Pacific office said: “The IFJ and the world is watching on right now and we call on government to respect freedom of expression and the right of the media to present all voices which is so critical to the democratic process of the country. We also urge the Election Commissioner to take necessary actions to ensure a free and fair election, and create an atmosphere free of violence and intimidation for a free and fair election that demonstrates a truthful public opinion.”

Disturbingly, the IFJ has had already had reports of incidents that violated media freedom, most notably the non-transmission of a program on Sirasa TV included an interview with the opposition candidate on two major cable operators on November 22, 2014; the interrogation of an editor on November 30 for publishing an opinion poll that showed opposition candidate had the advantage. Senior leaders of the IFJ affiliates in Sri Lanka have also reported of being followed and monitored.

The IFJ condemns these actions and warns against any further violations of media freedom and called on police to observe the principles and standards of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and fundamental rights embodied in the laws and constitution of Sri Lanka.

The Free Media Movement (FMM), an IFJ affiliate in Sri Lanka, has also condemned an incident yesterday where the mayor of Hambanthota, Eraj Fernando, and his cadres allegedly threatened with pistols and cut-throat razors a group of civil society organisations, including FMM, who were demonstrating and calling for democratic reforms and protests against anti-democratic activities of the government. Three of the protesters were hospitalized with injuries.

The FMM said: “This is the gross violation of freedom of expression of Sri Lankan citizens, and a barrier for free and fair election.”

The IFJ strongly urges all media and journalists in Sri Lanka to remain vigilant for their individual safety during this time; and take note of the IFJ safety guidelines. Media personnel should also see RSF’s Election guidelines hereand adhere by their professional codes of conduct as media professionals.

The FMM has handed over a short-term proposal for media reforms to the opposition candidate Sirisena focusing on freedom of information, abolishing impunity, media independence, abolishing censorship and social responsibility.

The FMM said: “Over the past several years freedom of expression rights in Sri Lanka has been on a steady decline. The FMM has repeatedly requested the present Government to protect freedom of expression rights of all Sri Lankans, which is based on people’s right to information. However, our requests have been completely neglected by the Government.”

Since 2005, more than 80 Sri Lankan journalists have been forced into exile. Others like respected cartoonist Prageeth Eknaligoda have simply disappeared while the murder of Sunday Leader editor, Lasantha Wickrematunge, has become an emblematic case for Sri Lanka’s battle for justice and press freedom.

The IFJ Asia Pacific said: “Elections are volatile time everywhere. Given the history of violence in Sri Lankan elections in the past and the IFJ’s documented national pattern of intimidation and retribution toward independent media or voices critical to the current government, we remain seriously concerned for the well-being of Sri Lanka’s journalists at this time.”

The IFJ urges the Sri Lankan government to deploy all measures to ensure journalists safety, not to violate or restrict people’s right to freedom of expression, and press freedom in the pre-election build-up and post poll period.

For further information contact IFJ Asia-Pacific on +61 2 9333 0950

Christian Solidarity Movement Calls for a Joint Condemnation of Hambantota Attack

23/12/2014 

[Senior artist Jayathilaka Bandara has been one among many victims of the attack]

We learned from the media reports about the brutal attack on the “Vidiye Virodaya” campaigners, on the 21st at Hambanthota. The senior artist Jayathilaka Bandara has been one among many victims of the attack. The attack has been led by a group of thugs led by Hambanthota Mayor Eraj Fernando.

We as the Christian Solidarity Movement believe that those artists have every right to express their political views and the responsibility of protecting those rights of the citizens lies with the government. Contrary to our expectations, the violation of right has been committed by the local politicians of the ruling party themselves.

The Mayor was reported to have committed a similar crime on an earlier occasion. By such acts, does he indicate to us that Hambanthota is a separate country and the laws of the island do not apply there?

One may not agree with certain political views of another but should know that the other person has the every right to express his or her opinion freely in any part of this country. The politicians have no authority to prevent anyone from exercising such rights.

Will the authorities investigate this incident and bring the culprits to book?

This attack is another evidence to show that that law and order and clearly democracy does not exist in our land under this government. We as democratic citizens should bring pressure on the authorities to act without political favour to anyone. Will the Police do their duty? 2

We as the Christian Solidarity Movement, therefore, condemn this brutal attack and ask the authorities to investigate this incident without any partiality and bring those responsible to face the law.

We call upon all who respect human and democratic rights to join us in condemning this brutal attack on these artists and to be on alert to avoid further escalation of violence at a time when the whole country is engaged in exercising a rare and critical act of democracy.

[Press statement by the Christian Solidarity Movement]
Christian Solidarity Movement 
281, Deans Road, Maradana

Condemn the attack to ‘Viyaruwara Erehiwa’ protest in Hambantota

Posted on December 22, 2014 by FMM

[Press statement]                                                                            22^nd  December 2014
Free Media Movement condemns the attack by a government politician on the ‘Vidiye Wirodhaya’ event held in Hambantota Yesterday (21^st December), where a group of civil society organizations under the banner ‘Viyaruwata Erehiwa, Jeewithaya Wenuwen’ (Against Rage, For Life) came together to build a common voice that demands democratic reforms against anti democratic activities of the current government.

FMM also demands that the government takes tangible action to prevent any future attacks, threats and intimidation by mobs, under the leadership of government politicians, to suppress peaceful voices of citizens during this election period.

This attack is a gross violation of freedom of expression of Sri Lankan citizens and a barrier for a free and fair election.

The attack has allegedly been carried out by Hambanthota Mayor Eraj Fernando who rose to fame due to “toy pistol” controversy. Britto Fernando, Jayathilaka Bandara, Philip Dissanayake  and Secratory of the Free Media Movement Sampath Samarakoon were among those that have been attacked and threatened by these seemingly government sponsored goons. Mr. Jayathilaka Bandara, Mr Prasanna Fernando and Mr. Sampath Samarsakonn were hospitalized due to injuries caused by the thugs.

“While we were protesting in front of the main bus stand Hambantota Mayor Mr. Eraj Frenando came with a pistol and cut throat razors attacked us around 10.10 am. It was 10.25 when we called 911. Around 3.30 when we went to Hambantota police station to make a complaint they informed that they had not been informed about the incident by the emergency unit.” Mr. Sampath Samarakoon said.

Executive Director of CaFFE, Rajith Keerthi Tennakoon, in the CaFFE Election Report  41, stated that  “Elections are only a part of political rights and currently the right of holding an opinion, the right to expression, the right to campaign peacefully and the right to free movement of opposition activists are being constantly violated. These street performers have protested many regimes but it was the first time in recent history that they were assaulted like this.”

It is clear that various groups of government supporters constantly attack journalist and civil society activists who are in anyway seen to be critical of the government.

We demand that the government, and especially the Sri Lanka Police Force, enforce law and order, and act against these government politicians who are trying to unlawfully obstruct public movements, and to ensure freedom of association and freedom expression of the people of Sri Lanka.

We also urge the Election Commissioner to take necessary actions to ensure a free and fair election, and create an atmosphere free of violence and intimidation for a free and fair election that demonstrates a truthful public opinion.

We request all people who value law and peace to join hands against these attacks.
Signed by
Sunil Jayasekara                                                   

Who Won The War Against The LTTE?

| by S. V. Kirubaharan

( December 23, 2014, Paris, Sri Lanka Guardian) Presently the waves of the Presidential election in Sri Lanka are making everyone claim that they won the war against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam – LTTE.

Who Won the War Against the LTTE by Thavam Ratna

Majority Of Sinhalese, Tamils And Muslims Are Likely To Deny Third Term To MR

By Veluppillai Thangavelu -December 24, 2014

Veluppillai Thangavelu

The presidential election is only two weeks away. The propaganda war between the UPFA and the NDF (National Democratic Front) is heating up. There are accusations and counter accusations. There is also sporadic violence by the supporters of the ruling party. These are to be expected and they are common features in any election in Sri Lanka. It has become part of our political culture.

When it comes to resources both man power and money power to fight an election, the opposition is no match to the governing party. Mahinda Rajapaksa is using the entire state machinery openly to further his election campaign. Retired army personnel have been pressed into service to canvass votes byGotabaya Rajapaksa, the de facto Defence Minister.

As usual the government controlled media, television channels and newspapers are made full use for election propaganda on behalf of the incumbent president Mahinda Rajapaksa. For Rajapaksa who is contesting for the third time, this election is a do or die battle. He cannot afford to lose the elections. If he loses his empire built around him, his siblings and close relatives will collapse like nine pins. In case of defeat he stands to lose not only political power but his ill gotten wealth from mega projects. Common opposition candidate Sirisena has publicly declared that he will appoint a commission to probe all financial scandals and corruption. He also said that all political appointees to Foreign Service will be sent home and only trained and experienced professionals appointed in their places. As well Sirisena should clean up the Temple Trees of Rajapaksa’s uncles, aunts, nieces and nephews.

When President Mahinda Rajapaksa issued the proclamation on November 20th fixing the presidential election for January, 08 he was expecting a ‘cakewalk’ over his opponent. In fact he was taunting the opposition to name the candidate who will contest him and lose the election. Mahinda Rajapaksa was expecting Ranil Wickremesinghe, the leader of the UNP and the leader of the Opposition in parliament or MrsChandrika Kumaratunga Bandaranaike ex-president to contest him. He knows Ranil Wickremesinghe is a born loser who has lost every election since he took over the leadership of the UNP. The solitary exception is the 2001 parliamentary election. He has also lost about 60 MPs who contested on the UNP ticket but crossed over to the government. Half the Ministers and Deputy Ministers in Mahinda Rajapaksa’s cabinet are ex-UNPers. For example the lame duck minister of foreign affairs G.L. Peiris first crossed over to the UNP in 2001, but crossed back as soon as the UNP lost the elections in 2004.Read More

17 மாவட்டங்களை எதிரணி வெற்றிக்கொள்ளும் :மனோ கணேசன்

 by P.Usha on Tue, 12/23/2014

கொழும்பு, கம்பஹா, கண்டி, நுவரெலியா, பொலன்னறுவை, அனுராதபுரம், யாழ்ப்பாணம், கிளிநொச்சி, வவுனியா, மன்னார், முல்லை, திருகோணமலை, மட்டக்களப்பு, அம்பாறை, பதுளை, கேகாலை, புத்தளம் ஆகிய மாவட்டங்களில், பொது எதிரணி கூட்டணிக்கு ஆதரவான அலை வீசுகின்றது. ஏனைய மாவட்டங்களிலும், அரசின் ஆதரவு படிப்படியாக குறைந்து வருகிறது. 

இந்நிலையில் அடுத்த இரண்டு வாரங்களில் ஏனைய 8 மாவட்டங்களையும் வெற்றிக்கொள்ளும் கடுமையான பல்முனை பிரச்சாரங்களில் நாம் தற்போது ஈடுபட்டுள்ளோம். எதிரணியின் இந்த வெற்றிப்பாதைக்கு தமிழ், முஸ்லிம் மக்களின் ஆதரவு பெரும் பலம் சேர்த்து வருகிறது என தெல்தெனிய, நாவலப்பிட்டி, மாத்தளை, கம்பளை, எட்டியாந்தோட்டை, வலப்பனை, ஹங்குரான்கத, பதுரெலிய ஆகிய பிரதேசங்களில் நடைபெற்ற தொடர் பிரச்சார கூட்டங்களில் உரையாற்றிய ஜனநாயக மக்கள் முன்னணி தலைவர் மனோ கணேசன் கூறியுள்ளார். 

இக்கூட்டங்களில் மனோ கணேசன் மேலும் கூறியதாவது,

இந்த நாட்டில் தமிழ். முஸ்லிம் மக்கள் பெரும்பான்மையாக வாழும் மாவட்டங்களில் நமது வாக்குப்பலம் அரசை தோற்கடிக்கும். அதேவேளை தமிழ் பேசும் மக்கள் சிறுபான்மையாக வாழும் மாவட்டங்களிலும், நமது வாக்குப்பலம், அரசை தோற்கடிக்க பெருந்துணையாக இருக்கும். இதை நான் செல்லும் இடங்களிலெல்லாம் சிங்கள மக்களுக்கு விளங்கும் விதத்தில் சிங்கள மொழியில் சொல்கிறேன். தமிழ், முஸ்லிம் வாக்குகள் இல்லாமல் எதிரணி வெல்ல முடியாது. 

மலையக மக்களுக்கு, குறிப்பாக தோட்ட தொழிலாளர்களுக்கு வீட்டு காணி உரிமை பற்றி எதிரணியின் தேர்தல் அறிக்கையில் கூறப்பட்டுள்ளது. இன்னமும் பல பிரச்சினைகள் இருந்தாலும் இந்த வீட்டுரிமை, காணியுரிமை பிரச்சினைகளே தோட்ட தொழிலாளர்களின் பிரதான பிரச்சினைகளாகும். எனவே இந்த அடிப்படையில் தோட்ட தொழிலாளர்களின் வாக்குகளை நாம் எதிரணிக்கு வழங்கும்படி கோருகிறோம். 

தங்கள் மத சுதந்திரத்துக்கு விழுந்த அடி, முஸ்லிம் மக்களின் இன்றைய பிரதான பிரச்சினையாகும். இதன்காரணமாக இந்த ஆட்சியை அகற்றுவதில் முஸ்லிம் சகோதரர்கள் முன்னிலை வகிக்கின்றார்கள். முஸ்லிம் அரசியல் கட்சிகள், தங்கள் வாக்காளர்களின் அபிப்பிராயத்தை கணக்கில் எடுக்க வேண்டிய நிலையில் இருக்கின்றார்கள். 

வடக்கு, கிழக்கு தமிழ் மக்கள் தொடர்பான பிரச்சினைகள் பற்றி தமிழ் தேசிய கூட்டமைப்பு, பொது எதிரணி மற்றும் அரசாங்க முக்கியஸ்தர்களுடன் பேச்சுவார்த்தைகளை நடத்தி, இரண்டு தரப்பினரின் தேர்தல் அறிக்கையையும் பரிசீலனையில் எடுப்பார்கள் என நான் நம்புகிறேன். 

இது தொடர்பில் எதிரணியில் உள்ளே இருக்கும் எமது கட்சியுடன் கருத்து பறிமாற்றங்களை கூட்டமைப்பு தலைவரும், தலைமை பொறுப்பில் இருக்கும் ஏனைய முக்கியஸ்தர்களும் நடத்தியுள்ளார்கள். இந்நிலையில் அனைவரும் ஏற்றுக்கொள்ளும் முடிவை கூட்டமைப்பு தலைவர், நாடு திரும்பிய பிறகு அறிவிப்பார் எனவும் நான் நம்புகிறேன். 

இந்த தேர்தலின் பின்னர் உருவாகக்கூடிய ஆட்சி ஒரு இடைகால ஆட்சியாகவே இருக்கும். இந்த ஆட்சி தேசிய இனப்பிரச்சினைக்கு முழுமையான தீர்வை தரும் மக்கள் ஆணையை கொண்டிருக்காது. நிறைவேற்று அதிகாரத்தை பாராளுமன்றத்துக்கு மாற்றிய பிறகு, ஒரு தேசிய அரசு உருவாகுமானால் அது இனப்பிரச்சினைக்கான தீர்வை தேடலாம். 

தேசிய அரசுக்கான இணக்கப்பாடு இல்லாவிட்டால் நாம் பொது தேர்தலை சந்திக்கலாம். அதன்பிறகு உருவாகும் அரசு, இனப்பிரச்சினைக்கான தீர்வை தேடும். தமிழ், முஸ்லிம் மக்களை பொறுத்தவரையில், இந்த அரசு அகற்றப்படுவதன் மூலம் ஒரு ஜனநாயக இடைவெளி உடனடியாக ஏற்படும் என்பதையும், அதை அடிப்படையாக கொண்டு நாம் முன்செல்ல வேண்டும் என்பதையும் நான் ஆரம்பத்தில் இருந்தே சொல்லி வருகின்றேன்.

Ranil complains to IGP over forged agreement letter

Tissa reveals secret Ranil-Maithripala agreement

December 23, 2014 

Opposition Leader Ranil Wickramasinghe has urged the IGP to initiate an investigation with respect to an agreement letter, in which it says it was signed between him and the Common Candidate, which Health Minister Tissa Attanayake displayed at a recent press conference held in Colombo.

In a letter sent to the IGP, Wickramasinghe said that he has never signed such agreement with Common Candidate Maithripala Sirisena, and accused Minister Attanayake of forging his signature and distributing the document at the press conference held on 22 December.

At the press conference, the Health Minister alleged in addition to the agreements reached with various political parties and organizations in public, Maithripala Sirisena has also signed a secret agreement with the Opposition Leader which contains several terms that could be harmful to the country.

The United National Party (UNP) too charged that the alleged secret agreement was a fake one.

Forth Coming Election And An Inclusive Development

By Liyanage Amarakeerthi -December 24, 2014

Dr. Liyanage Amarakeerthi

Maithripala Sirisena’s election manifesto came out on the 19^th making a series of promises that are quite appealing to the general public. The MS manifesto had upset the top brasses in the government ranks. They were so upset that they could not come up with any coherent response to it. Within the last two days, many of them, including the president himself and his trusted hired mouth, Wimal Weerawansha, repeated some sections of the MS manifesto indirectly giving it immense publicity. The lack of coordination in responding to the MS manifesto was seen by the two key statements about it.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa argued that it was a copy of his own budget proposals for 2015 and, therefore, he owns the copyrights (He used the word “patent” ) for the MS manifesto. His argument was that the MS manifesto was good because it copied much of what is in the budget. Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa, the current secretary of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party, claimed in contrast that the MS manifesto has been written by someone who does not have an iota of understanding of an economy suitable for contemporary Sri Lanka. The Internet generation, which seems to be a decisive force in the forthcoming election, immediately pounced on the two statements. The very manifesto the president claims to be plagiarized from his own budget proposals shows a terrible lack of understanding as to what the country needs!! Anura Priyadarshana, as many a minister in the current cabinet, is not known to say cohesive things or things with intellectual substance. But the social media thought that the above statement was a smart move to poke fun at his boss. Some thought it was a smart move by the president to belittle his minister. The belittling of others is something the president is quite known for, and the current constitution allows the president to do exactly that.

Read More

Mahinda unveils manifesto to win the world

•  Promises fresh war crimes probe
• “With everyone’s support we will go towards a new constitution” pledges President
•  Manifesto promises to amend presidency and change constitution
•  Constitutional reform to focus on rule of law, good governance, presidency and electoral system
•  President’s policy document claims one bomb could reverse national journey
•  Says criticism is expected when one is rebuilding a nation
  By Dharisha Bastians-December 24, 2014

Mahinda Unveils Manifesto to Win the World by Thavam Ratna

Large crowd at Beruwala rally for ‘Democracy’

TUESDAY, 23 DECEMBER 2014

The rally held at Beruwala yesterday (22nd) by the JVP under the theme ‘‘Defeat despotic regime! Rally for Democracy” with the participation of its leaders was attended by a large crowd.

The rally was addressed by JVP Leader Anura Dissanayaka, it General Secretary Tilvin Silva and the Member of the Central Committee Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa.

Rajapaksa State Media Editor Calls Muslim MP A Pig

December 23, 2014

Rajapaksa State media editor called a Muslim MP who pledged support for the common opposition candidate a “pig.” Rajpal Abeynayake, the editor of the State owned Daily News tweeted “What a pig, this guy who crosses over with the MP he was given after Azwer was asked to resign. Gross.” Abeynayake who portraits himself as an authoritative mouthpiece of President Rajapaksa was referring to former Industry and Commerce Minister Rishard Bathuideen who withdrew support for the President along with his party.

Rajpal

Rajpal Abeynayake on numerous occasions have expressed similar anti-Muslim sentiments, memorably soon after the Aluthgama ethnic violence where he justified the attack against Muslim businesses and the killing of several civilians by extremists Buddhist widely known to have state patronage. which ended in the deaths of several unarmed Muslims in the hands of Sinhala Buddhist extremists. In his editorial Abeynayake accused minority groups of provoking the violence that broke out in Alutgama and Beruwala in June 2014 while justifying the attacks against Muslims.

The editor of the Daily News is one of the coveted positions within the State Media apparatus and is handpicked by President Mahinda Rajapaksa among his most loyal followers. Its current incumbent is widely known to express the views and opinions of President Rajapaksa through his editorials and his twitter account.

Rajpal Abeynayake @Abeynayake

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What a pig, this guy who crosses over with the MP he was given after Azwer was asked to resign. Gross.

10:17 PM - 22 Dec 2014

What’s Wrong With The Muslims Of Sri Lanka?

Sri Lankan Muslims protest after Friday prayers outside a mosque in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Friday, April 27, 2012

By Nishthar Idroos -December 22, 2014

Nishthar Idroos

Oh Muslims of Sri Lanka time is abundantly opportune for you to respond positively with a loud and clear message. Try and deafen ears with your choice for president in the forthcoming Presidential elections. Do try and come to your senses and reassert yourself with a bang. It’s enough you got slapped, punched, tied to trees, 

berated, intimated, coerced, disparaged and your modesty outraged. You continue to admire, adore, applaud, relish and cherish your own humiliation, ignominy, indignity and downfall. What’s wrong with the Muslims of Sri Lanka? You’re being duped, deluded, deceived and defrauded by everyone including your own Muslim politicians yet you know not what to do. Each one of those who claim to represent you is either working against you or busy negotiating kickbacks, compensations, recompense from individuals and faceless organizations. You simply have no idea. You think your vote matters yet there is no group more glaringly disenfranchised than the Muslims of Sri Lanka. Don’t you think your blind faith in people and a skewed political system has led you to a dead end possibly heralding your own gradual marginalization?Read More