Presidential Election 2015 Pre Election Opinion Poll: Top Line Report

Published on December 28, 2014 by Centre for Policy 

27 December, Colombo, Sri Lanka: Social Indicator, the survey research unit of the Centre for Policy Alternatives conducted an island wide pre election opinion poll with the objective of identifying Sri Lankan voter perceptions and attitudes on key topics being discussed in the lead up to the election and thereby contribute to the current political discourse.

Sri Lankans remain hopeful that the 2015 Presidential election will be free and fair with 40.3% saying that it will be free and fair and 21.5% saying it may be free and fair. Only 12.7% of Sri Lankans don’t think it will be free and fair while 25.6% said that they don’t know.

Almost 50% of Sri Lankans believe that a Presidential election is necessary at this juncture while 29.7% don’t think it is necessary. From the four main ethnic communities, 67.5% from the Up Country Tamil community, 62.5% from the Muslim community, 47.1% from the Sinhalese community and 46% from the Tamil community think that a Presidential election is necessary.

When asked if the Constitution should limit a President to serving a maximum of two terms in office irrespective of their popularity, 48.4% of Sri Lankans agreed that it should be limited to two terms, with 24.8% saying that they strongly agree.

39.9% of Sri Lankans are in favour of abolishing Executive Presidency in Sri Lanka while 30.9% said that they don’t know and 29.3% said that they are not in favour.

The three issues that Sri Lankans consider most important are cost of living (32.2%), job opportunities (12.9%) and education (9.8%). For the Sinhalese community the three most important issues are cost of living (34%), job opportunities (12.4%) and security (10.9%). For the Tamil, Up Country Tamil and Muslim communities the important issues in order are cost of living, education and job opportunities.

Conducted in the 25 districts of the country, this opinion poll captured the opinion of 1999 Sri Lankans from the four main ethnic groups. Fieldwork was conducted from the 10 – 20 December 2014.

Please click here to read the full report online, or here to download it as a PDF. Download the infographic in high resolution here.

Can Maithri Deliver His Economic Promises?

By Hema Senanayake –December 28, 2014

Hema Senanayake

“Sirisena promises 10,000/= rupees salary increase but does not show how he obtains the money to pay this.” This comment was posted by a concerned reader of Colombo Telegraph in response to an article published under the caption of “Maithri’s Manifesto Launched; It Is For Provider Government With A Vision” (December 20th, 2014). The same concern was re-echoed by Minister Susil Premajayantha and said that most of the promises mentioned in Maithri’s Manifesto cannot be delivered. He must be primarily referring to the economic promises.

Hudson Samarasinghe, the Chairman of SLBC wanted to do it in a more credible way. So he called the best official expert in the subject of economics in order to be interviewed on “Rupavahini.” The expert was Dr. P. B. Jayasundera who is the Treasury Secretary. The interview went on for two hours. The intension was to seek his professional analysis on the promises mentioned in the Manifesto of Maithri.

Accordingly, it may be useful to submit my views on this matter; the matter on economic concessions promised by the common candidate of the opposition.

In general, all the economic concessions that any candidate promises would create an impact on national budget or public debt or both because the current budget must be financed either with tax revenue or loans, if money is not printed or do not use the technique known as “quantitative easing.” Since the loans obtained at present would be paid back from the future tax revenue the loans obtained now would create an impact on future taxes. Hence promises to make economic concessions would affect to the “taxes” at present or in the future. The “taxes” could be direct taxes or indirect taxes. No economist can deny it. This is the first point we need to keep in mind.Read More

interference by SF in Jaffna schools

interference by SF in Jaffna schools

By Mirudhula Thambiah- 2014-12-27

Ceylon Teachers' Union President Joseph Stalin said there were interferences by the Security Forces in the schools functioning within the Jaffna Peninsula.
Stalin said more than 69 schools under the purview of Palaly Teachers Training College division remained closed due to occupation by the security forces.

"The interference of the security forces has caused great setbacks in the education of the Jaffna Peninsula," he claimed.
Stalin said the CTU celebrated its 20th anniversary in Jaffna in 1976, since then the union has been stressing for the right to self- determination of the Tamil people living in the North.

"The CTU will always stand up for the right to self-determination of the Tamil people in the North. We have equally raised our voice against the injustice caused to both teachers and students in the Jaffna Peninsula," he said.
Stalin said the authorities should take immediate action to stop the interference of the security forces in schools.
He made these observations at the centenary celebrations of the union held at the Jaffna Weerasingham Hall recently.
The CTU and the Northern Teachers' Union collaboratively launched the book Peraalan to mark the anniversary.

CCD Director well versed in Kekille King’s Laws trails Solangarachchi after releasing Ramal with illegal pistol

(Lanka-e-News -26.Dec.2014, 11.30PM) Based on false charges of possession of firearms , the Colombo Crime division (CCD) is trailing behind Prasanga Solangarachi , the former chairman of Kotikawatte local body cum convener of the SLFP rescue organization .

The obvious unlawful actions of the CCD are based on its obnoxious assumption that Sri Lankans can be fooled all the time :

The Mt.Lavinia municipal council member Shavithra Ramal De Silva who recently said he was crossing over to the opposition , and then participating in an opposition media briefing spoke in favor of the government , has along with Harigupta Rohanadeera visited the CCD , and made a complaint after producing an illegal firearm ( pistol) , claiming that it was Solangarachchi who gave him that illegal firearm to be kept in his custody .

The CCD after taking into its custody the illegal pistol that was in the hands of Ramal De Silva , has released the latter on bail and allowed him to go home. Thereafter , the CCD had started trailing Solangarachchi. It is significant to note that under the laws , an individual who had in his hands an illegal automatic firearm cannot be granted police bail .This is an offence for which police cannot grant bail, and It is only the high court that can decide on it. Besides , it is an offence where the suspect is liable to death sentence or life imprisonment if proved guilty .

Hence it is a most pertinent and perplexing question , under what law or legal provision did the police grant bail to Ramal De Silva who had in his hands an illegal pistol, and permitted him to go home free? What legal provision permits the CCD to release an individual who had in his hands an illegal firearm, and then chase after another based on the mere hearsay of the culprit who had in his hands the illegal firearm ? Perhaps, the Director of the CID must be entertaining the view that the people of this country are all nincompoops and nitwits who therefore deserve to be fooled .

No officer has the right to enforce the laws following illegal orders of Gota , the notorious criminal defense secretary of Sri Lanka (SL). It is well for every law enforcing officer to bear in mind that it is not only the culprit who gave the orders no matter how and mighty he might think he is presently , but those who followed his orders also will have to face the dire consequences for their illegal actions, some day .

When Solangarachchi went to the Human rights commission with his team of lawyers this morning to lodge a complaint against the injustice that is being meted out to him , the CCD police coolies were laying in wait for him outside . Solangarachchi who was smarter than these lobotomized police coolies who know only to lick those who kick and treat them like dogs, supposedly disappeared while within the premises. It is to be noted that over 300 people thronged Solangarachchi ‘s residence to protect and rescue him.

It is very obvious that this is a diabolic ploy adopted by the Rajapakse regime brutes and beasts to obstruct Solangarachchi from participating in the election campaign of Maithripala Sirisena . Similar subterfuges and subtle maneuvers are being planned by the regime against the other opposition politicians too , it is learnt . It is high time the people start agitating and opposing these illegal practices and injustices before it is too late . It is hoped that people will realize , when the neighbor’s wall is ablaze their own is at stake.

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by     (2014-12-26 23:31:38)

Divisive Politics And Muslims

By Hilmy Ahamed -December 28, 2014

Hilmy Ahamed

The reduction of the cut-off point from 12.5 to 5 percent by PresidentRanasinghe Premadasa to appease M H M Ashraff, and retain the support of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) could be termed as the seeds that were planted to create racial politics. The reduction in the cut off point in each electoral district, to qualify for a seat in parliament paved the way for minority and small parties to get elected on their own, mostly along the communal divide. This led to the creation of the Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU) and number of minority political alliances. This also led the re-entry of the Janatha Vimukuthi Peramuna’s foray in to the democratic mainstream with hopes of wider representation.

Traditionally, the Muslims have been part and parcel of mainstream politics through the United National Party (UNP) and the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) with very small groups supporting the left movements. M H M Ashraff’s creation of the Muslim congress with co-founder Ahammed Lebbe of Kattankuddy in 1981 was the beginning of a separate political identity for the Muslims in this country. M H M Ashraf directed the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress to a new vision and mission after he assumed formal leadership of the SLMC in 1986. The merits of this has been questioned by many including M H M Ashraff himself who later wanted to distance his party from communal politics by forming the National Unity Alliance (NUA) with several non-Muslims in his leadership council. The yet to be resolved mysterious helicopter crash in September 2000 closed SLMC’s departure away from communal politics with the assumption of leadership by Hakeem, after a complicated process of negotiations with Ashraff’s widow, Ferial Ashraff. A L M Athaulla’s challenge to take over the leadership of the SLMC failed.Read More

Important Sections Of The 18th Amendment Were Surreptitiously Introduced – SLMC

[We are united – Rauf}

28/12/2014

Leader of the main Muslim party of Sri Lanka, former minster Rauf Hakeem says that important sections of the 18th amendment to the constitution we surreptitiously introduced by the government and they have expressed regret for supporting the amendment on several occasions.

Mr. Rauf Hakeem was speaking at a press conference to announce their decision to support common opposition candidate Maithripala Sirisena at the up coming presidential election.

Mr. Rauf Hakeem further said that thay held several rounds of talks with the Rajapaksa government but could not come to an agreement. President’s brother and his main campaign manager Basil Rajapkasa had visited Mr. Rauf Hakeem even yesterday for negotiations.

The SLMC decision to support the common opposition is unanimous and SLMC will commit itself to work towards the victory of its candidate, Mr. Rauf Hakeem told media.

SLMC ministers in the eastern provincial council will resign but they will support the budget according to Mr. Hakeem. There will be no immediate change of the eastern provincial council.

‘We have to listen to our people and it is not only Muslins but larger population wants a change of the government’ SLMC leader said. Adding that ‘the main issue is good governance’

Mr. Hakeem said that they have already started discussions with the UNP on seat allocation in the next general election.
© SLB

Open public defiance has beaten the ‘white van’ culture

Sunday, December 28, 2014

Oscar Wilde’s bitingly satirical remark that ‘high hopes were once formed of democracy’ but this has come to mean simply ‘the bludgeoning of the people, by the people, for the people,’ could not be better suited for Sri Lanka’s election processes.

Nature of the electoral push
Nevertheless and despite being bludgeoned by bloody conflicts, grave misrule under successive Presidencies and the absence of an enlightened and courageous ‘intelligentsia’ (if we ever had such leadership), this country’s wearied peoples, now beset by devastating flood waters will go to the polls in January 2015 with far more at stake than your typical liberal blue blood exchanging political theories over a glass of Chianti in a swanky Colombo restaurant.

Put simply, the electoral push against the government will come from that segment of the majority Sinhala vote eking out a miserable existence in the face of unbridled corruption, waste and Rajapaksa family nepotism. And religious and ethnic Tamil and Muslim minorities with their backs against the wall will express civic anger that is far greater and much more determined than at any time in the past, irrespective of the contortions of their various political representatives. It is as basic as that.

In the meantime, the useless blathering of former sinners (political, judicial and otherwise) in the opposition frantically trying to cleanse themselves for another chance in the sun, big business types typically brokering with both camps for advantages post elections and politicians distastefully jumping grasshopper-like from one party to another may provide an entertaining side-show.

The government’s manufactured  populism
This is precisely why President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s smile seems a little bit more forced day by day on the election stage and why his gestures have an increasing tinge of desperation to them. This is also why an earlier natural electoral gravitation to witness the Rajapaksa ‘magic’ during previous occasions has been replaced by party supporters of its patronage system being brought by hundreds of public transport buses to election rallies while the actual people of the area look on disinterestedly.

Earlier this week, this columnist was an unwitting first hand witness to the unholy chaos that took place prior to the government’s Ratnapura rally when during just half an hour, more than two hundred buses from depots as far away as Nittambuwa and Matara blocked the main road, some full of thoroughly inebriated ruffians jeering and shouting political slogans. Besides putting to shame the government’s ‘Mathata Thitha’ policies, this unnerving spectacle was something that any self respecting voter would have shied away from. Mahinda Rajapaksa, the strategist of even five years ago would have been the first to realize this. But these are apparently not matters of any consequence now.

So in this environment of manufactured populism in the ugliest sense of the word, it is little wonder that the President has the audacity to declare unabashedly from the election podium that he did not interfere at any point with the Sri Lankan judicial institution. Out of all the Presidential untruths that have been uttered in recent weeks, this must surely rank among the most astounding.

It is this same shameless audacity that surfaces even as a ministerial thug who was implicated in the attack on an opposition rally in Wanduraba passed unhindered through official channels at the Katunayake airport a few days ago and went overseas despite a warrant being issued against him. Indeed, this state of affairs has got to be so shocking that the officer-in-charge of the Wanduraba police stations laid aside his uniform and left the service saying that he could no longer function honourably. It does not require much effort to underscore the grievous plight of the Department of the Police. This unprecedented degradation of the police command hierarchy by government politicians, from the highest to the very lowest, has been a constant theme in these column spaces.

Unforgivably naïve to expect miracles
That said, to expect miracles ahead would be unforgivably naïve. One must raise one’s eyebrows at the sight of politicians not particularly known for their allegiance to the Rule of Law being welcomed by the Sirisena campaign with open arms. Thus, former Minister Rishard Bathuideen infamously known for involvement in the attacks on the Mannar Magistrate’s Court was hailed as a young politician of great promise upon his crossing over this week.

The opposition may well say that these are reformed characters who have accepted their principles before joining their ranks. Apologies have also been issued by ministers, parliamentarians and an ex-Chief Justice in opposition ranks for sins committed in the past. Nonetheless we may be forgiven for extreme cynicism regarding the true genuineness of this apparent contrition.

Consequently as much as the Rajapaksa campaign has undoubtedly put itself beyond democratic course correction, the Maithripala Sirisena alternative still needs to rise above the ordinary. Coping with extreme state violence and besieged from all sides, perhaps this may be too much to ask. Yet otherwise, whatever victories won may only be pyrrhic in nature.

Need to continue popular resistance
So while the popular thrust must prevail against this Presidency which has virtually cast us into the yawning abyss, continued watchfulness is needed as regards the alternative that is on offer. Certainly there is acute understanding of these bitter realities in present day discussions in the Sinhala vernacular, from ordinary wayside conversations to televised political debates. This is in contrast to the glaring paucity of similar debates in the English medium.

One positive fact is however crystal clear. The sharp shift of political discourse critical of the government that we see openly has resoundingly beaten the white van culture of intimidation and fear. This did not emerge from the blues as it were. Rather, public anger had been seething and bubbling under the surface as repeatedly observed in these column spaces. If Sri Lanka is to drag itself back to even the basics of democratic functionality, this pressure core of popular resistance must continue beyond the January election, regardless of who is elected to power.
We would not have learnt much from our ruinous history otherwise.

Sirisena reneges on his pledge

Fingerprints of the JHU all over the constitutional proposal 

by Kumar David-December 27, 2014, 4:41 pm

Mr Sirisena’s Manifesto caused consternation and disappointment among those who trusted his pledge to rescind the hated autocratic executive presidency and replace it with a democratic parliamentary system. What he now offers is "an essentially Executive" presidency wrapped in a honeyed sentence about an alliance with "Parliament through Cabinet"; what’s new in that! If Mr Sirisena does not amend his position, as far as hope of ending authoritarian autocratic structures goes, this election will degenerate into farce. Jettisoning hopelessly failed Mr Rajapksa for untested Mr Sirisena, under a similar constitutional system, may do a little good but only for a few months.

Sirisena Reneges on His Pledge Fingerprints of the JHU All Over the Constitutional Proposal by Thavam Ratna

Mahinda & His Corruption Charges

| by Rifai

( December 28, 2014, London, Sri Lanka Guardian) People are going to vote in this coming presidential election on 08/01/2015. It is the duty of academics, professionals, religious leaders and politicians to make people understand the policies, principles and doctrines of each political parties so that people could make up their minds with conviction and clarity of minds. In this article I’m going to evaluate and gauge some of the corruption changes that have been made against MR ( Mahinda Rajapaksa) by his political opponents of Mahinda. JVP Leader Anura Kumara Desanayake has exposed some of these corruptions charges in parliament debates in recent time. It is not a secret that public knows some of the charges and yet, people cannot make up their minds. Why is it? Because, the ruling family is so influential and forcing people to vote for them.

Mahinda & His Corruption Charges by Thavam Ratna

Two parables of a burning house: Both are relevant and useful to Sri Lankans today

December 29, 2014 
Bertolt Brecht going viral in social media
At a recent political discussion on a private TV channel, a leading Sri Lankan author, Gamini Viyangoda, concluded his presentation with the Sinhala rendering of a poem by playwright Bertolt Brecht (available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zxkDp5PIcIE ).

A cave mural from China depicting the parable of the burning house while the Buddha preaches the Saddharma Pundarika Sutra

It instantly became viral on social media, presumably for three reasons: First, it had a reference to the Buddha, who is respected by many as a master with the ability to see beyond what ordinary folk could see with their naked eyes.

Two Parables of a Burning House Both Are Relevant and Useful to Sri Lankans Today by Thavam Ratna

Police Instructed Beruwala OPD Doctor Not To Admit Casualties ( Of The Opposition)

[Chandrika Kumaratunga’s car too was attacked]-28/12/2014

On the day governing party goons attacked a opposition group including former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga the police had instructed the Out Patient Department (OPD) doctor of the Beruwala base hospital  Ms, Samarasinghe,  not admit any casualties to the hospital, says CMEV communique.

As a result a supporter of common opposition candidate, former opposition Urban Council leader Mohammed Mansoor Dalhan was taken to Beruwala base hospital but refused admittance by the hospital.

The communique follows:

26th December, Beruwala town, Kaluthara District

CMEV monitor reported that supporters of United People Freedom Alliance (UPFA) had attacked former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga and Provincial Councilor Ms. Hirunika Premachandra at about 10.00pm. After a rally in Beruwala town, President Kumaratunga and Ms Premachandara had gone to dinner at Provincial Councilor Mohammed Jemine Marikar Mohammed Isthikar’s house , some 350m from Beruwala town(Peenawala). During the dinner a group of people had hooted and stoned the house. President Kumaratunga and Ms Premachandra had managed to leave the house with the support of their security and supporters of the common opposition candidate. According to the CMEV monitor, the Police and Special Task Force had run for cover.
Subsequently, a fight ensued involving both parties resulting in damages to property including President Kumaratunga’s vehicle.

Mohammed Mansoor Dalhan was injured

A supporter of common opposition candidate, former opposition Urban Council leader Mohammed Mansoor Dalhan was taken to Beruwala base hospital but refused admittance by the hospital.

The Special Task force and Beruwala Police were able to disperse crowd.

According to the Out Patient Department (OPD) doctor, Ms Samarasinghe, the police had issued instructions to not admit any casualties to the hospital.

Mr. Mohammed told CMEV that Beruwala Police OIC Duminda Rajapaksha refused to provide the former president with security from the outset. However, the OIC told CMEV that he had provided a 40 -man squad for this purpose.

Ms Premachandra confirmed the above incident and blamed it on the inactivity of the Police and Special Task Force.

Inevitable defeat enrages govt. …mudslinging projects trebled

SUNDAY, 28 DECEMBER 2014

“At present President Mahinda Rajapaksa is in rage as he is losing his power and would be defeated. His gang of bosom friends too are enraged. Also, ministers are leaving the government. People are moving away from the government daily. Certain ministers using websites they maintain sling mud at those who are joining the opposition. Already, a smear campaign has begun targeting Minister Rauff Hakeem, who left the government today. This is a well planned exercise by the government. Those who are good when in the government are ridiculed when they go out of the government,” says the Information Secretary of the JVP Vijitha Herath.

Speaking at a press conference held at the head office of the JVP at Pelawatta today (28th) to express views regarding the disaster situation that exists in the country at present and the response of the government regarding it Mr. Herath said, “People in 11 districts have been affected by floods and landslides. About 1.2 million people are in distress. About 21 deaths have been reported. About 46,000 acres of cultivated lands have been destroyed by floods.

About 3616 people In Ampara District have been displaced and have been temporarily settled in 24 camps. About 14,000 people have been displaced throughout the island. There have been earth slips even in areas that have not been identified as landslide areas. Landslides have been reported from Udawela, Haliela, Rilpola in Bandarawela. A general disaster situation has emerged throughout the country.

The government should make a special mediation regarding this situation. However, the mediation of the government is not adequate. The agitation by people at Demodara indicates there had not been adequate mediation by the government. The people in the area took to the street as government authorities did not make any move for 24 hours even after two people were killed in a landslide. Also, there is no systematic programme to provide food, clothing for the people who are affected.

There is a special situation in Polonnaruwa District. The government stating it gives relief to the distressed doesn’t allow other organizations and individuals to help the affected masses. Also, many people in certain villages are stranded as the government doesn’t have an intensive programme to restore roads destroyed by landslides and floods. Rilpola is one such village.

President’s mere visit to affected areas would not solve issues. It is merely an election programme of the President. The relevant ministers and officials should mediate promptly. What people need at this hour are not media pageants. The government should take measures to provide temporary lodgings, food and clothing for the affected masses. Also, people should be removed from dangerous areas and they should be provided with lands and housing aid.

The people displaced by the Koslanda landslide have not been provided with houses despite several months have gone by. About a week ago Mr. Gotabhaya Rajapaksa laid a foundation stone as the presidential election has been announced. However, the government could have built houses for them earlier. The government, without making any effort to find solutions for people’s issues, is running after elections. Ministers and government officials are engaged in government’s election campaign. The needs of more than 1.2 million people who are in distress due to landslides and floods have not been attended to.

The disaster situation is a hindrance to the election campaign as well. Postal officials are unable to distribute polling cards. As such, we ask the Commissioner of Elections to make a special mediation in areas where election process is hindered. We ask the Commissioner to take prompt action after discussing with election officials.

At present President Mahinda Rajapaksa is in rage as he is losing his power and would be defeated. His gang of bosom friends are enraged. Also, ministers are leaving the government. People are moving away from the government daily. Certain ministers using websites they maintain sling mud at those who are joining the opposition. Already, a smear campaign has begun targeting Minister Rauff Hakeem, who left the government today. This is a well planned exercise by the government. Those who are good when in the government are ridiculed when they go out of the government.

First the government started a story about a conspiracy. This election was called not by Barak Obama of the USA or Rudra Kumaran of Tamil diaspora. It was President Mahinda Rajapaksa who called the presidential election despite having two more years to complete his 2nd term. As such, people did not believe the conspiracy story. When Maithripala left the government Rajapaksa brothers were highly enraged. Mahinda Rajapaska who was confused came out with a ‘file’ story. The Minister of Higher Education of the Rajapaksa government is suffering from nudomania and talks of women’s nakedness with glee. The other minister for education Bandula talks of dogs without tails. The ministers of this government have fallen to this level due to the fury they are surrounded with thinking of the certain defeat.

The government has started unleashing violence on a large scale. Stages are torched. Stages are shot at. Ministers take away forcefully suspects in police cell. Deputy Ministers who are warranted leave to other countries through the VIP lounge at the Airport. The police fail to arrest them. Later, due to pressure from people the police have to arrest the deputy minister. Also, activists of the opposition who are engaged in election campaigns are attacked. Government goons assaulted members of the JVP at Medirigiriya and Deniyaya. The government deploys an armed group from security personnel to paste their posters.

Also, the government, without any shame, carries out gigantic malicious and scandalous attacks on the opposition using state media maintained with tax money of the people. Mud posters pasted that carry government minister Wimal Weerawansa’ name are pasted against the JVP. We have received information that mud posters with the photograph of the leader of our party Comrade Anura Dissanayaka are being printed. This mudslinging exercise of the government could be doubled or trebled. We ask the people not to be deceived by such mud projects and to reject them. Such defeatist behavior of the government will drive away masses from the government. We call upon the masses to come forward to defeat the insane, despotic regime.

Mahinda Rajapaksa’s defeat is confirmed now. Everyone suspects that some manipulation would be carried out to prevent the defeat. People have a just suspicion due to ‘jilmart’ exercises alleged to have been carried out in the past.

We would specifically tell our people not to give any room for such ‘jilmart’ exercises. Such illegal moves could be minimized if people are alert regarding such attempts, if the people mediate against such acts, inform the police, Commissioner of Elections, election officials, political parties and election monitors of any suspicious incident or move. We call upon the people to be alert regarding such moves.”

The Anti-Imperialist-Patriotic Macabre Façade Of Mahinda Rajapaksa

By Surendra Ajit Rupasinghe -December 28, 2014

Ajit Rupasinghe

The emperor covers his vile nakedness with the crimson robe of patriotism. The bloodied despot calls upon the people to defend him from his enemies in the name of the Race, Religion, Language, identified as the ‘Motherland’. All his butchery and savagery, his rot and robbery, is to be brushed aside at the moment of his downfall. Patriotism is equated with duty towards protecting him from his enemies to ensure that he, and his dynasty, shall prevail and rule in perpetuity. All opposition and resistance are denounced as treachery and betrayal to be smitten by the sword. Backward, superstitious and ignorant masses are easily seduced and deluded by this hallucinogenic patriotic opium. They are then herded like buffaloes to vent all their anger, bitterness and frustration against the projected ‘enemy’. Demons and dragons are conjured to play upon their deepest insecurities and ingrown fears. Tamils, Moslems are to be sacrificed at the alter of the Emperor. The enemy of the hated emperor is declared to be their own. The stupefied masses are mobilized for a war of national liberation under the banner of patriotism. This is the game of deadly machination played by all bloodied emperors and despots throughout history.

Now, it is one thing for backward masses imprisoned within a thousand chains of feudal-colonial oppression to be played. But, when learned, erudite scholars and ecclesiastical pundits such as Dr. Dayan Jayatillekatrumpets the call of defending the emperor in the name of anti-imperialist patriotism, then the time has come to strip him and his ilk naked, along with the emperor, for all the conniving machination being played. He trumpets the clarion call for national defense against the “Atlantic Alliance” led by US imperialism and argues that the defense of Mahinda Rajapaksa and his Regime from this imperialist stranglehold is the foremost duty of all patriots and the crying need of the hour..Read More

Presidential Election: Desire For Change & The Hope For Democracy’s Survival

| by Jayadeva Uyangoda

( December 29, 2014, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) Less than two weeks more to the Presidential election, scheduled for January 08, 2015, the political temperature of the country is rising amidst incessant rain and unusually cold December weather. The signs are that violence may increase, for the simple reason that the stakes are quite high at this election.

Presidential Election Desire for Change & the Hope for Democracy’s Survival by Thavam Ratna

State media revolts against govt!

Sunday, 28 December 2014 

The Lake House, Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation, Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation and ITN all are revolting against the government during the presidential election, say internal sources at these state media institutions.

Employees of these institutions are to strike work to protest against the authoritarian conduct of their heads – Bandula Padmakumara and Lake House directors, SLRC director general Chandrapala Liyanage and SLBC chairman Hudson Samarasinghe.

After getting to know about this, Padmakumara is making plans to bring all Lake House employees together on January 01 and give them a Rs. 3,000 presidential election bonus. The Presidential Secretariat has instructed heads of other state media institutions to bribe their employees similarly and sabotage the impending revolt.

The president has strongly criticized information and media minister Keheliya Rambukwella for his inaction and for allowing the heads of these institutions a free reign. “This fellow goes after women and has no time to do his duties,” the president has demeaned the minister before the heads of state media institutions.

President castigates Dilith Jayaweera!

 Sunday, 28 December 2014 

Before leaving to address an election rally in Galle yesterday, the president called Triad Advertising co-owner Dilith Jayaweera and castigated him in raw filth, say Temple Trees sources.

“Do you all work thinking that I will lose? I remember what you did in 2010. You left the country by saying the wife was having cancer. As soon as I won, the cancer got cured. I hear that you are double-crossing this time too. You place Waruni for everything. Why can’t you work for me openly? How much have you earned from us in the past years? You have obtained an investment visa in England? Do not try to deceive me. I know everything about you. Carry on. But, if I win, you will have to stay in England forever,” the president told Dilith.

The reason is that the president has received complaints from those involved in his election campaign that rather than carrying out the sizeable part of the campaign, what Dilith was doing is to confuse everything.

President is also mindful as discussed at the Temple Trees that Dilith Jayaweera was solely responsible for the collapse of the Stock Market in 2011-2012
He led a Mafia and took the top brass of the Government including Namal for a ride by getting rid of SEC Chairman Indranai Sugathadasa Weerathunga the Presidential Secretaries wife, Thilak Karunarathne and Director General Malic Carder to manipulate the market his way to earn some money at the expense of the poor investors. if not for the manipulation the market should now be over 10,000 points and a market capitalization of over 5 Trillion Rupees. What a loss for the Country. This is how one man can take this country, its economy and the Top for a Ride. It is now rumored that he is now talking to the some Influential people in the MY3 camp. Lets see!