Repeal 13A without delay says Gotabhaya “Separatist sentiment still strong’’
Posted on October 13th, 2012

By Shamindra Ferdinando Courtesy The Island

Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa yesterday called for the abolition of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution without further delay.

The ongoing efforts by a political grouping led by one-time LTTE mouthpiece, Tamil National Alliance (TNA) to hinder the passage of the Divineguma Bill in parliament meant that in spite of Sri LankaƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s battlefield victory over terrorism separatist sentiments were strong, Rajapaksa told The Sunday Island yesterday.

Responding to a query, the outspoken official said that the SLFP-led UPFA should either do away with the 13th Amendment or amend it taking into considering ground realities.

The Gajaba Regiment veteran said that the 13th Amendment was nothing but an impediment to the post-war development process. The TNA and its supporters couldnƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢t be allowed to interfere with what the Defence Secretary called pro-people projects beneficial to all.

The 13th Amendment came into operation in line with the Indo-Lanka Agreement in July 1987.

The Defence SecretaryƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s statement comes in the wake of the TNA having high level talks in New Delhi to push for the full implementation of the 13th Amendment.

Asked whether he was speaking for the government, the Defence Secretary said that he recently had an opportunity to express his opinion to President Mahinda Rajapaksa and many cabinet ministers. It was important to examine internal and external threats posed on the Sri Lanka State and take tangible action to neutralize the threat, he said.”IƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢m not talking about President RajapaksaƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s government or the UPFA. IƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢m not talking politics. People should realize the external interference will not be beneficial. Whatever the party in power, it must have the freedom to take decisions for the benefit of the majority of Sri Lankans,” the Defence Secretary said.

He said that it was a joke that the TNA, which declared the LTTE as the sole representative of the Tamil speaking people in the run-up to Dec 2001 parliamentary polls, now tried to achieve what the LTTE failed with its conventional military power.

The TNA would never have received an opportunity to represent Tamil speaking people unless the Sri Lankan military eradicated the LTTE on the banks of the Nanthikadal lagoon in May three years ago. Had the military failed, the TNA wouldnƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢t have been in the limelight today.

The UPFA political leadership and Opposition political parties should realize the TNA represented the LTTEƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s interests and that interests of the ordinary Tamil people were very much different from those propagated by the group. He urged political parties to see how the TNA behaved at the height of the war.

“I challenge anyone one to produce a single stament issued by the TNA urging the LTTE not to use children as cannon fodder. Did TNA oppose when the LTTE imposed restrictions on all political parties throughout its reign of terror?”

Rajapaksa likened the 13th Amendment to the Norway arranged Ceasefire Agreement (CFA) finalized in Feb 2002. “The 13th Amendment and the CFA didnƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢t serve the people of Sri Lanka. Instead, they facilitated interests of various other parties, including the LTTE. Interestingly both supported the separatist cause,” he said.

Rajapaksa said that that unless the government acted swiftly and decisively the ongoing crisis could have an impact on national security as well. He pointed out that already the TNA and some of its overseas supporters had been pushing for SLA pullout from the Northern region. It would be a mistake on our part to view protests against Divineguma Bill in isolation, he said.

42 Responses to “Repeal 13A without delay says Gotabhaya “Separatist sentiment still strong’’”

  1. Lorenzo Says:

    “Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa yesterday called for the abolition of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution without further delay.”

    I clamp my two hands together as I pray to God Jesus Christ and worship Gotabhaya FOR THIS.

    HOPE IT IS TRUE.

  2. Sunil Vijayapala Says:

    We should not only drop 13A but the whole constitution imposed on us by British and adopt a home grown constitution more on the lines o gamsabha kramaya which was far more effective to govern our country, with the participation of all political and religious organisations in Sri Lanka. I sincerely feel Gotabaya should now take on the reigns from Mahinda, and the latter should step down and hold a Presidential election ASAP with Gotabaya as the leader of UPFA.

  3. mjaya Says:

    Way to go!!!!!!!

    Its elating to hear this!!

    Please Hon. Defence Secretary, no need to amend this worthless bill, abolish it completely!

    ABOLISH THE 13A NOW!!! With it will go all the useless and unsuitable things for Sri Lanka
    * Provincial councils (absolutely useless)
    * Tamil as a national language (Tamil is a minority language and there is no problem with that, Vedda should also be made a minority language) Sri Lanka should have a single National Language – Sinhalese which ALL CITIZENS MUST LEARN!

  4. Lorenzo Says:

    Sunil,

    I think we DID shed the British constitution in 1972 and created a home grown one. Again in 1978.

    IF MR does what GR says then MR should continue as long as he can. BR should NEVER become the leader. He is the one who promised to FULLY implement 13 and 13+ to India.

    He was never in politics until 2010. He won thanks to GR.

  5. Lorenzo Says:

    mjaya,

    Your prayers have been answered QUICKLY!

    No need to go to court.

    Hope this WILL happen.

  6. Sunil Vijayapala Says:

    Not really Lorenzo – partially home grown – a fully grown one would be when the unit of governance (atom) is Gamsabas, which can they go up to the ‘whatever’ other level to end up with a Parliament or whatever we will call it in Sri Lankan terms. This is bloody music in our ears!!! especially Lankaweb forum – we have been hammering this issue more than any other.
    Why BR? irrespective of his past including 7 Eleven experince in US, he is the ONLY guy who takes a stance on controversial issues, including reletionship with India and who thinks close to Lankaweb forum thinking. Mahinda MUST step down immediately.

  7. Sunil Vijayapala Says:

    Sorry Why GR not BR – I followed your error Lorenzo – its GR not BR I mentioned Gotabaya. We now should agitate for a Presidential election ASAP – or am I getting too excited here!

  8. nandimitra Says:

    13A amendment is a insult to the sovereignty and the rights of the people of Sri Lanka and the delay in repealing it is a reflection of the servility and lack of courage and charisma and the ahei hamuduruwane mentality of all the presidents since 1987 and the politicians . We have now waited 25 years to redeem the insult perpetrated by India . Will MR have the courage? I do not know , we have been waiting for 8 years.

  9. Lorenzo Says:

    Sunil,

    You have a point.

    Lalith was influenced by western thinking. So we can do better for a REAL home grown constitution that will have WITHOUT ANY BS.

    1. SL is a Sinhala Buddhist country.
    2. Other ethnic/religious groups are also accepted with respect.
    3. In case of any disagreement, Sinhala Buddhist views shall precede.
    4. No political solutions, aspirations based on ethnicity.
    5. Traitors shall be punishable by DEATH.
    6. Islamic fundamentalism, polygamy are BANNED.
    7. Animal sacrifices are BANNED.
    8. Number of ministers (by ANY name) shall not exceed 30.
    9. No law, arrangement, etc. will be honored by SL if imposed by a foreign entity.
    10. Tamil Nadu shall be respected and accepted as the sole homeland of Tamils. Any attempt to create a Tamil homeland (by ANY name) is punishable by DEATH.

    Colombians shall not hold high posts in SL!!

    But GR should NOT replace MR soon. That is not helpful. At least until 2013 UNHRC nonsense, MR should remain as president. Preferably until 2016 next election. Win it and give the reigns to GR.

    GR is NOT a politician. He needs time to develop into a politician.

    He has PLENTY of defence things to do until then.

    If he is BURDENED with party politics, national poltics, international politics, quarrels between politicians, political bargains, etc. he cannot do any defence work.

  10. Vijendra Says:

    This is the greatest news item from GOSL in a long time. It is so good to hear that at least GR understands the drastic ill effects of the 13A and its impact on the autonomy, sovereignty and integrity of SL.

    I can understand that as a government, GOSL has to walk a real tight rope to ensure that the abolition of the 13A does not bring its own adverse effects as well. However, GOSL is already too late and the right thing to do is to get rid of the 13A without any further delay.

    In addition to scrapping the 13A, GOSL should also bring in new patriotic legislation to make anyone conniving with a foreign government and externalizing internal issues to be considered a traitor, legally punishable and barred from entering into politics in SL. This would stop the TNA running to Tamil Nadu or India to consult them and bring external political and economic pressure on GOSL.

    Thank you Mr. GR. We are all behind you in this. Please make the others in power also see the light to save SL from foreign and separatist influences.

  11. Lorenzo Says:

    BR, NR, CR and NR (Nirupama) are useless.

    RR (Rohitha) is a good man.

    GR should IMMEDIATELY apprentice the NEXT GR.

    Otherwise when a brave man dies, his legacy dies with him. We need a few GRs.

    GR should everyday read Lankaweb.

  12. LankaLover Says:

    Three big hearty cheers to Gota!!!

    TNA is the ‘glue’ of the global LTTE movement.

    Not only the 13A, but also the TNA should be dissolved for lasting peace in the Island.

    13A promotes ethnicity based division, and there should not be any implementation that divides the country in ethnic lines.

    NO to 13A, and NO to TNA!

  13. Fran Diaz Says:

    We have waited a long time for this GOOD NEWS !

    Go Gota, MR & Basil ! get rid of that life killing menace, the 13-A – almost all of Lanka is with you, and with you all the way !

  14. Kit Athul Says:

    Lorenzo, thanks for reminding Sunil of 1972. Where was Sunil in 1972? There is nothing in the present costitution that is British. It was written and implemented by Sri Lankens. Problem with Sunil and his good buddy Kamal Rajapakse (No relative of MR family) they refuse to sign the document that Mahinda Gunasekara issued to the SL press. Now they want to confuse every one with old out of date policies that are not relavent to todays situation. Why is Sunil suggesting a Presidential Election? (Sarath Fonseka wants it too)13th A must be nullified then and then only the THUN RATA KARAMAYA can be implemented. Replace MR with Gota is a joke. LLRC is report and it cannot and must not be implemented. What I fund out from e-mails floating about is that Indian Prime Minister warned MR not to nullify 13th A If does so India will invade and capture Nothern Province and the Hambantotta Harbor.

  15. Susantha Wijesinghe Says:

    LET ALL OF US AND THE WHOLE COUNTRY APPRECIATE THE LAUDABLE THOUGHT OF OUR DEFENCE SECRETARY, GOTHABAYA RAJAPAKSE, FOR ADVOCATING THE REPEAL OF THE 13th AMMENDMENT. HE IS OUR HERO OF THE YEAR.

    The whole country should light crackers marking this historic decision.

    Not one single legislator had the SPINE to suggest this to the President. Gothabaya has been a formidable Defence Leader, and he means what he has recommended ~~~ REPEAL THE 13TH AMMENDMENT.

    As Kit says, replacing MR with Gota is a joke. Quite true. Memories should not be so short. MR was in the Administrative Vanguard of the Nandikadal Demise.

    What is now most important is, to see GOSL Initiatives to “REPEAL THE 13TH AMMENDMENT “”

    The whole of Sri Lanka is excited. The whole of Sri Lanka is under ” ANXIETY NEUROSIS ” syndrome.

    THANKS GOTA FOR MAKING IT HAPPEN. WE ALL LOVE YOU. THANKS.

  16. mjaya Says:

    As with all Indian promises, the threat of an invasion is an utter joke. India cannot handle Kashmir, Assam and the likes, so what makes India any better in Sri Lanka. Its pure rubbish. The IPKF came to SL confident that they will be back home in a matter of days. Instead, they lost 1000+ soldiers! If the Monkeys come, their last stop will be a taxidermist.

    GET RID OF THE 13A, the PEOPLE WANT IT! YES ITS THE WISH OF ALL PEOPLE WHO LOVE SRI LANKA!!!!!!!!

    HON. DEFENCE SECRETARY, all patriotic people are behind you…

  17. Ananda-USA Says:

    Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa joins Sri Lanka’s Hatarawaran Deviyo in his ENDURING DEVOTION to the survival of Sri Lanka as an UNDIVIDED Sovereign Nation.

    This is NOT THE FIRST TIME he has put his country before his self! Nor will it be the last time!

    May the Noble Triple Gem: the Buddha, the Dhamma and the Sangha bless and protect him always!

  18. Sunil Vijayapala Says:

    Friend Kithsiri – You remind of my two girls friends Priyantha W and Jayantha A who had been silenced here. What the hell are you talking about KR(who the hell is he?) and document signing(what document?)? I wouldn’t have a clue of what you refer to. In 1972 I was working as a Chemist in Valashena Paper Mill and I came to know Mahinda G (if you are refering to Toronto man) only in 1983 when I joined SLUNA. Don’t jump into conclusions like a monkey.
    1972 Constitution was predominently drafted by Colvin with changes here and there to the British crap we inherited and your most admired leader the wise old fool JRJ, the father of corruption in Sri Lanka did some Frenchising (FRENCH influence) to the 1972 Constitution. In fact I dread these constitutions from west as they make everything rigid and regimental with a crappy ‘Opposition’, when governance is possible with an informal approach. Your Thun Sinhale is the second tier in the root Gamsabha Kramaya. Replacing GR with MR is a joke you say but most forum members and now Sri Lankans admire GR more than MR as he is a better leader than MR and inexperienced people in politics have done better work becoming stateman in some countries and thats why I suggest there should be a Presidential election now. I respect your opinion though.
    Personal vilification is not my forte and have no appetite for that. I have been critical of views, opinions and ideas only. If you want to go down the slope of the cesspit be my guest, I have plenty of ammunition left with me. NT’s contribution to this forum is undoubtedly far more greater than yours, I must say. And Lorenzo being a Christian has more admiration to Buddhism that Buddhists themselves. Yes Lorenzo we must show WHO THE BOSS is in Sri Lanka and Indian army got the worst battering in SL losing the greatest amount of Officers in any war they encountered.
    Are you suffering from over consumption of RAA? People in Florida have seen a man climbing coconut trees early hours in the morning and also polluting the beach. I wonder who could this be?

  19. Ananda-USA Says:

    I want to caution PATRIOTS against idle speculation, pitting Rajapaksa brothers against each other.

    The Rajapaksa Family working together have saved Mother Lanka from a FATE WORSE THAN DEATH and placed our Resplendent Motherland on the path to a glorious future. They have EARNED our gratitude.

    Rarely have I seen a Band of Brothers working so well in unison towards a Great National Purpose. Let us REJOICE, for that is indeed the rarest of gifts that a nation can inherit.

    Let these Patriotic Sons of Lanka continue their great task that lies ahead to uplift Sri Lanka to greatness, so that in the future all of us can say with pride, I too am a son or daughter of Sri Lanka.

    Let us help them achieve that great task; Let us not pit them against each other, with destructive speculation.

    At this critical time, when jealous enemies are scheming to prevent Sri Lanka from achieving greatness, IN UNITY, and UNITY ALONE, LIES OUR STRENGTH and OUR SALVATION.

    Let us be MINDFUL of what is at stake.

  20. ranjit Says:

    BRAVO! This is the war hero who led our gallant forces to liberate our Motherland. No surprises for me. He is the best and the fearless worrior we have today. I salute him for his courage and straight forwardness.

    13 A or B should be abolished completely for the benefit of our peoples. We are the owners of our land not India or any other country. We are the masters in our country not those stooges of India or white empires TNA cockrochers.

    We Sinhalese must have freedom to run our country as per our requirements and wishes. This is the only chance we have to abolish such amendments as 13 with the two third majority in the Government. For the sake of our country and it’s people our President and his team must take appropriate action to abolish this unfair and useless 13th Amendment once and for all for all of us to live in peace and harmony. No need to satisfy anybody except our own people the Majority Sinhalese as this land of ours belongs to Sinhalese as well as Tamils,Muslims,Malays and Buhrgers who lived side by side for generations in good times and in bad times and we all called this beautiful land SRI LANKA our homeland.

  21. Lorenzo Says:

    I HATE to see patriots fighting EACH OTHER.

    We have ENOUGH enemies to fight and INFIGHTING is TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE.

    (unless to horn our fighting skills!!!)

    Ananda-USA,

    Rajapaksha brothers ARE contradicting one another!!

    BR promises India 13, 13+. GR says scrap it. We have to take a stand.

  22. Lorenzo Says:

    “We Sinhalese must have freedom to run our country as per our requirements and wishes.”

    Absolutely!!

    England is run as per wishes of the ENGLISH.
    Russia is run as per wishes of RUSSIANS.
    France is run as per wishes of the FRENCH.
    Bangladesh is run as per wishes of BENGALIS.
    Malaysia is run as per wishes of MALAYS.
    Turkey is run as per wishes of TURKS.

    Why not SL?

    (Correct name of SL is Sinhale.)

    It was changed in 1972 under Indian pressure.
    India also pressurized us to add parts of the Indian flag into SL flag. That was how the green and orange stripes came to SL flag. It was NOT there before.

    Like the Fiji flag or the Australian flag where parts of the British flag are included.

  23. Dham Says:

    Extremely good news after long time of hearing bad news only.
    Hope this news will unite all partiots, let them be Zionist supporters, Wahabi supporters, Nazi supporter or whoever , as long as they worship our motherlanka first. Let draw wahtever benifit they could bring from repspective liking !

    Kit,
    Please join the minor celebration together with Sunil and NT. Do not discredit these friends.

  24. Dham Says:

    There is nothing wrong is holding elections with Gota as the candiddate, except waste of money it brings.
    I feel time has come for Maharaja to retire with grace, rather than waiting to score zeroes in sucessive matches like Sanath Jayasooriya.
    Maharaja is singing namo namo India daily basis. Namal is looting the country. Silva’s are killing our image.

    It is getting worse than “olf fool’s” ( although I wouldn’t call him a fool ) time.

  25. Dham Says:

    Sri Lankan President to meet Gulf leaders at the ACD summit in Kuwait

    Sat, Oct 13, 2012, 09:39 pm SL Time, ColomboPage News Desk, Sri Lanka.

    Oct 13, Colombo: Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa will meet a host of Gulf leaders when he participates in the first Asian Corporation Dialogue Summit in Kuwait scheduled for 16 and 17 October.

    President Rajapaksa will meet, among others, the King of Saudi Arabia and the Emirs of Kuwait and Qatar on the sidelines of the summit.

    Why is Gongraja meeting Wahabi kings ?
    What value Sri Lanka get from these meetings except increase of potention threat to Hela way of life ?

  26. ranjit Says:

    Ananda you are right these R brothers are saviors of Motherlanka without any doubt in any of our minds. They are working unitedly and honestly and very hard working individuals not like other politicians who eats not only rice but the money allocated for work for the benefit of our people. Dham is wrong when he says “Namal is looting” Dont insult without having any proof. People like you are always there in the midst of some ungreatful population. They just throw dirt and make unneccessary accusations to please the enemies of our land.

    When the times comes President will decide who will take the reins from him. R family members are very close to each other and decent people whom I know well from my school days at Richmond Galle. Do not insult or throw mud at people if you dont know anything about them very well. Our beautiful country will not go backward as long as Rajapaksa family lives on. Just listen to the President’s speeches and see what he is doing on daily basis. He is an examplery leader to all faiths and religions in my country. If someone does any good to the country just accept it without any party politics or colour.
    We should not be afraid that our country will be sold to anyone as long as Rajapaksa brothers govern it with solid foundation. See those other rascals they sing together the same tune and cheating the masses day by day for the benefit of white satans and thosai Indians. Do they have any new ideas for the country or to the people? UNP,JVP and other good for nothing pin heads have to wait many more years to Govern my country. That also I am not sure. May Lord Buddha protect this family from any harm and give them strength to make our land a prosperous,worthy to live and strong country for all Sri Lankans to live happily and peacefully.

  27. Sunil Vijayapala Says:

    Hey aren’t we entitled to have some fun! We are a bit too serious here. We need not pit the R brothers against each other – it has already begun – the show has just started – Gota might not even survive – and thats a worry. MR MUST go! Well let us watch and see how this unfolds. We, especially expats, must muster support to Gota now.

  28. SenaD Says:

    All along the president maintained that he would give 13+ without elaborating what he meant.

    As the Divinaguma Bill has shown the elected government might become unable to bring in Bills that cover the whole country.

    So it is high time that the president brings in the 13+ (13+6 that is), i.e. the 19th Amendment to the constitution to do away with the 13A altogether or modify the 13A so that none of the provinces could hold the centre to ransom.

  29. Dilrook Says:

    I’m glad Secretary Defence demanded to repeal 13A just a day after I called upon the government to repeal it fully without tweaking it.

    This is a great lead which must be followed. It is futile to think of tweaking 13A to tone it down. Changing province to district and keeping 13A in a modified form is not tolerable. It is far too late for that. 13A must be repealed outright.

    There is no need for devolution. What is needed is decentralisation of the will of the centre and its execution to the lowest level.

  30. Fran Diaz Says:

    Fortunately, the R Bros. will not listen to absurd suggestions.
    They stood united and will do in the future. They share the work that has to be done to maintain Lanka in some stability. Various comments about the 13-A were made to suit the times. Now Gota has wrapped it up by saying that the 13-A must go. We stand with the R Bros. united in a united and undivided Sri Lanka. No need to change any portfolios to get the job done.

    United we stand, Divided we Fall. Patriots should stand together to get the job done.

  31. Dham Says:

    United, all expatc called for abolision of 13A++++ for many years now. Raja did not say once that 13A must go.
    Raja is a friend of India, according to him.
    Dutugemunu sent a blouse to Kavantissa.
    Gota must send a bikini to Raja now, to see whether he is small eneough to wear it.

  32. Vijendra Says:

    It appears that some people do not understand that the president of a country must not only unite all citizens within the country, but also get along well to the best of their ability with all countries. Hence what ever they utter has to be diplomatically correct. It is sad to see that some suggest that GR take on the reigns. Even though he is a great defense secretary and a true patriot of SL, he is very emotional and hence a very poor politician. As we all know, politicians are a different breed altogether. We also must not forget that we won the war, only because of the determination of MR with the solid support of his brothers.as they had to fight not only the LTTE, but also the other internal and external forces and undercurrents. So only traitors of SL would try to drive a wedge between them at a time we need all the support and solidarity.

    With regard to SL, the president has to get along well with all countries, particularly India, our closest neighbour, a powerful country capable of bringing unforeseen disasters to SL, particularly now, that they are in bed with the US. It is best to win them over, if it is at all possible. So, even if MR wanted to bring about an abolition of the 13A, he has to be careful as to how it is packaged and disclosed. It would not be called the abolition of the 13A, but perhaps something else like “Legislation to reduce government wastage and unify Sri Lanka under the central political governance system”.

    In addition to getting rid of the 13A, such legislation should invariably make anyone taking matters outside the country with the intention of bringing on external political pressure must not only be identified as traitor of the country and their civic rights be withdrawn for a specific period of time, but also such acts should be made severely punishable under this law.

  33. Sunil Vijayapala Says:

    Vijendra – we all repect our opinions irrespective of agreement or not. As an elite forum we usually keep a decorum here up to a point when an irresponsible person gets personal e.g. name calling, e.g traitor etc. (just be careful this is a very strong word which might invite libel action) instead of showing disagreement of the view/opinion of a person.
    I agree with you on many points, (basically most conservative, I just dread that word)) True, a President needs to be more diplomatic that a defence secretary, the latter not even being a represented in the legislature can afford to be a bit more irresponsible and make statements to arouse sentiment in people. However, India would not have acquired Nuclear weapons if it did not take a firm stand against US at world forums and Pakistan soon followed. What I emphasise here is our politicians are too subjugated and subservient minded and it’s high time they get over this and face the world at this crucial juncture where our soverienity is at stake. People don’t see this.
    INDIA WANTS TO CONTROL US WITH SUPPORT OF USA. We should not bow down to pressure.
    Knowing Mahinda too well more than most members in this forum, (he is a very crafty man) he himself would have asked his bro to make this statement, since he is unable to do so, to arouse the masses. Who would be a better President? only time will tell as up to now, my observation is that whatever Gota touches (like Lalith A) he does a perfect job and moreover complete the job and he has a better vision than MR on worldy matters as he too was an expat. He is now the man teaching the rest of the world – how to fight terrorism and thats the greatest achievement internationally. He and we know how to deal with especially Anglo Saxons, the menace on this planet, the hyenas. He may be very emotional, well most Sri Lankans are, even MR was/is and leave it to the environment – that will mould a politician. I don’t think you could be a judge on this. If we were ‘conservative’ and accepted what the world would dictate us, we wouldn’t have a Science Faculty at Jayawardenepura – we fought the authority and the faculty was saved. Maybe I am bringing in a bad example but I am a firm believer of Kalaama sutra. If our country live by even the 5 precepts we would not have corruption and strife in Sri Lanka – this leader has miserably failed on this aspect, which is the ROOT cause of most problems in Sri Lanka. He pleases everyone, enemies, friends, murderers, bribe takers, commission takers, the list go on and on. why? well that is where his support base and he will lose power if he tackles this issue – simple as that.

  34. Sunil Vijayapala Says:

    Please keep this debate alive.

  35. ranjit Says:

    Fran you are absolutely correct. united we stand until we free our land from all evil. Let’s give momentem to Gota’s comments by writing something worthwhile without having any doubts. This is the moment, let’s make HA HO to wake up the sleeping lion to tell the king that now the time has come to take a decision on dirty 13 once and for all. No hanky panky any more. No sweet words we need action. India voted against us in Geneva because Tamil Nadu threaten the Indian Government saying they will quit if they voted in favour of Sri Lanka. So why can’t our Government do the same listen to the Majority and do the rightful thing for the benefit of Majority Sinhala people and all Sri Lankans in whole.

    Did anyone thought that Sri Lankan Forces will be able to eliminate the most ruthless terror outfit in the world in 2009? We did it, not only we beat the hell out of them but killed the most ruthless murderer in the world in the process. We have to worship our heros who did that happen. Rajapaksas are true heros, if not for anyone else we would be still facing those blood thirsty monsters and their evil supporters within and outside. Those heros who sacrificed their lives we owe them something. Today atleast we can breath fresh air instead of blood in the whole nation. Put aside politics for a while and help to build our land of birth unitedly and sincerly. May God Bless Sri Lanka.

  36. Fran Diaz Says:

    If Tamils who have 100% Tamil language rights plus 100% Tamil leaders in TAMIL NADU are still discontented (proven by fact that Tamils still flee TN), then will they be contented with a Sri Lanka which is 100% Tamil speaking with 100% Tamil
    leaders ?

    If they really thought that 100% Tamil speaking state with 100% Tamil leaders will solve their problems, then Sri Lanka Tamils will be clamoring to get back to Tamil Nadu.

    The Tamil problem is a Caste problem first. Next, they have the usual problems of all human beings, same as us.

    By all means, repeal the 13-A. It serves no purpose and is a costly ‘white elephant’. It is hindrance imposed by India on Sri Lanka under Duress during the Cold War times. The 13-A is being used as a land grab by Tamil leaders to eventually form a separate state for Tamils only. Without the 13-A, there is a good chance of real Integration between the various communities, not only for Tamil people integrating into life in Lanka.

  37. Fran Diaz Says:

    If a separate state is formed in Lanka for Tamil people only, then Tamils of Sri Lanka must realize that the Caste System will be re-imposed on them via Tamil Nadu practices.

  38. Fran Diaz Says:

    With you, ranjit ! Make a ho ha, peacefully as possible ! and let the people of Lanka know of the dangers of the 13-A, i.e.
    * that the 13-A is a costly ‘white elephant’ imposed under Duress by India during Cold War times.
    * that it will lead to Separatism
    * that it will lead to economic losses
    * that it will lead the country to disharmony & perhaps more wars
    * Lead to unnecessary loss of human life
    * Lay Lanka wide open to foreign invaders, etc.

    Do please add to the list and propagate. Make the battle cry : United we Stand (Win) ! “Ekmuthuwa Dinamu” !!

  39. M.S.MUDALI Says:

    GOTA is a public employee and not an elected official. Under what authority he make this call? Can the tamil public employees call for EELAM or separation? GOTA, I hope jumped over his limits and authority. Coming days will make interesting news on this statement. Mahinda will get more head-ache.

  40. Dham Says:

    Mudali,
    Tamil public emplyees can (and should) also call for 13A to be scrapped and all citizens treated equally.
    We will support that.
    Otherwise their will be periodic balancing acts like 1983 and 2009 to cut-off the unbalace of Tamils been treated too well.
    That is the truth.

  41. Dham Says:

    At the moment Tamils are treated too well , which is unjustified.

  42. Ananda-USA Says:

    FINALLY! Much needed Legislation to monitor and control NGOs activities thatare INIMICAL to Sri Lanka.

    We have DEMANDED such Laws for a LONG TIME.

    Expect FIERCE OPPOSITION from Foreign Powers trying to control, undermine and destabilize Sri Lanka.

    Their NGO puppets are among their PRIMARY TOOLS for causing MAYHEM in Sri Lanka.
    …….
    Sri Lanka to bring legislation to monitor NGOs

    ColomboPage News Desk, Sri Lanka.

    Oct 18, Colombo: The Sri Lankan government plans to bring in legislation to monitor the activities of the numerous voluntary organizations in the country, a government official has said.

    Director General of the Media Center for National Security (MCNS) Lakshman Hulugalla has said that a program has been launched to take action against the organizations which are engaged in activities against the interests of the country.

    Hulugalla, participating in a discussion programme at the state-run radio Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation, has said that several voluntary organizations engaged in numerous forms of irregularities have recently been identified and a new legislation has been drafted to take proper action against them since the existing legislations are inadequate.

    Following the approval of the new legislation in the parliament it would be possible to monitor the activities of all the Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) island wide, the Director General of MCNS has said.

    He has pointed out that many NGOs in the North and the East in the recent past had encouraged the activities of the terrorist organization LTTE.

    The official has further said that the government is prepared to identify and assist voluntary organizations engaged in providing services beneficial to the country and the people.

    The government had decided to amend the existing Act which deals with both local and foreign NGOs to enable the government to probe their activities and take appropriate action against them wherever it is necessary.

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