by D.B.S. Jeyaraj
Hello Friends
The Presidential Elections held on January 26th 2010 has concluded. Though the results are not yet officially released at the time this is being written “unofficially” it does seem very clear who has won.
President Mahinda Rajapaksa at Election Rally in Kalutara 2-Jan-2010-pic: http://www.mahinda2010.lk
This crucial election at a historic juncture invoked and evoked a great deal of interest and controversy. A great many people were concerned observers of the political scene these past few months.
This interest will not wane in the next few days as events rapidly unfold in Sri Lanka. There is much excitement in the air.
Many of our readers are also emotionally involved in what has been going on.
They want to get lots of things off their chests at this eventful time.
I find many readers posting comments regarding the Elections. They have begun conducting a post-mortem and are dissecting it from their different perspectives.
Unfortunately, many of these comments and views are being posted in rather an inappropriate manner under articles and blogs not directly relating to the Presidential poll 2010.
As such I have not accommodated many comments though I’ve release a few here and there.
I myself will be writing on the Presidential poll 2010 in due course. But it would not be immediate.
Therefore readers will have to wait for a few days to respond with comments to what I intend writing on the elections.
At the same time I do realise that avid readers fired up by this rather sensational election would like to have their say here and now.
So I thought of taking an unusual step by opening up a special forum for readers to air their views,opinion and information on the Presidential election.
It is unusual because you are invited to post comments on your own initiative instead of responding to an article.
But I do think readers will like this idea and use this forum to get things off their chests.
Please use it wisely and well by posting valid comments pertaining to this election alone. Also you may criticise candidates and politicians but do not be personally abusive.
I will go into the comments and release them accordingly but it may take time. So have patience until they are release.
Also please don’t post comments on the 2010 elections under other articles on different themes.
Please do not compel me to edit or disallow some comments.
So here it is Friends.
This forum is now open.
Please have your say on Presidential Elections 2010:
DBS Jeyaraj can be reached at dbsjeyaraj@yahoo.com
Glad that Murali and Sanath, 2 humble blokes i love, supported Mahinda. People might sometimes wonder why i always say first learn to pick the winner. In Srilankan politics benefits to those who do that are great while the misery dished out to those who support the loser is also great. Srilankan politics is one of the most emotional and vengeful politics in the world, and will always be like that because it represents the qualities of the people. We get the representatives we deserve.
Thanks for this
I hope readers will make good use of this
I will post in detail after ful results are out
This is a novel idea
Let the people speak
Vox Populi!
DBS, I think you could open up space for reader opinion on other important issues as well
The Rural Sinhala voters have spoken emphatically. They do not want fear anymore. They also said they want stability and a continuity of development work which has brought kiri to gama and kekiri to Colombo in opposite of the norm.
Wake up and smell the coffee TNA separatists and Ganeshans.
FAIRNESS is needed but fairness is needed for all poor people and WITHIN a unitary Sri Lanka.
Look at the margins. Even Ambalangoda went to MR in a huge way.
Only the urban areas will go to UNP.
DBSJ: this is keeping with what I heard when I traveled. I posted my observations on Facebook. I met Army kids and Cops in NCP, Nilaveli, Thiriyaya, Dambulla, Habarana and even met Muslims in Rotawewa; places I could only go as a teen and were NO LONGER afraid to go. Everywhere the overwhelming love was for MR and not for SF and yes even soldiers said it to me. I will send you my Facebook posting later not for this blog.
To my family and friends who still live in SL, you epitomize true Grit.
A person takes the Gun will die from the Gun.
This has been proved time and again and this will happen in Srilanka for many years to come.
Unfortunatly, an ordinary Siva and Silva who make a daily wages for the living will go through more and mor hardship while 0.001% of the population swindle the so called ” Development” money.
The Giant or in otherword “Mega” cabinet to eat Billions of rupees while the cost of living will go high and high.
We have just finished a Proxy war for India and we are going to fight another one for USA Vs China in the coming months.
I think some one should ( not the govenrment) file a petition to Void the election as SF was not registered to Vote ( whether MR win or not, this election should be anounced as null and Void and there should be another one with more peace loving Candidate than SF
From the early poll results, it looks like the General may have to pack his bags and head to US.
It was clear that not even MR was sure of the final result, but who thought that MR will have such a vote base. he has already won the election. Hope some thing good hapence to SL .
Very good idea to open this type of forum. Thank You
This election obviously brought out the worst in politics and the best in practice of democracy in the rest of ordinary us. Never in our history had we witnessed the spectacle of such huge numbers of voters patiently an din most instances respectfully waiting in long queues to practice their civic right.
Something good will come from that itself. Our efforts of yesterday, irrespective of who we voted for, binds us together in a common brotherhood; the brotherhood of those who value and cherish the right to elect and also get rid of our leaders as we wish.
Whether we yet again delude ourselves into believing that the leader/s we appoint (it’ll be a whole family and clan, irrespective of who – take my word on it) will prove to be righteous and end yet again in disappointment, we have delivered a firm message to the whole world; we are very close to becoming the type of people who will use the same people-power to deal with those who do wrong by us. MR and clan should consider themselves put on notice.
I personally have a hard time disliking either of the contestants, at the same time distrusting both. But among the two I distrust SF more, due to his very apparent reliance on the Ranil perspectiive “that not much needs to be explained to the voter-since- we-are the chosen ones and can do as we please.” As not unexpected, Chandrika backs SF on that – the tone from the walauwa fallen apart is similar. Autocracy is ok, these people are wogs, they’ll do as we say….
We as a people have faced enormous difficulties before and since independence from Britain. We need to remember that our true nemesis thru all these travails has been none other than ourselves. We’ve failed ourselves by failing to hold those we appoint to public office accountable to deliver our wishes.
If this election has taught us the lesson that we can and must hold politicians accountable, then we will have a future. Our future matters more than who won or lost. Either one must be made to serve us.
Or else…
I’m just thinking of jaffna results. Only 15% voted. Even though complaints about bomb blasts i donot believe this as the corerct reason for such fall in turnout. What I can understand from this is people are still not understanding about their rights. If they wanted to show their unity they could have all gone for voting and shown atleast a 85% turn out. They have shown clearly their votes will never going to be a deciding factor!
Then why the hell talking of tamil? Nation?
It is a shame that S.Fonseka knew that he had no vote, and he kept it to himself till the day of the election. Why?
I am sure if he came out with it, he himself would have felt that he should withdrawn from the election without waiting till others asked him to. I feel he has, In a way been dishonest.. How can people expect to have faith in a President if this is the way they behave? As a result
the country had to face so much expenses for an election which would not have been necessarty.
What an election. I have never heard of an election where the contestant him/her self did not register to vote. I guess that summarizes the end result to be.
Expected a tighter contest, which in hindsight would have been better off for the country just to show some discontent towards the ruling party but I guess not. This is by far some trouncing – an innings win in cricket terms. Aint looking pretty for SF, nor Ranil and UNP. What a sad story it’s been for the grand old party since mid/late 1990′s.
It’s time for some new blood, if there’s any?? untainted?
It’s impossible; how can a majority vote for someone who lead a Govt that couldn’t apprehend the cold-blooded killer of a reknown journalist in the streets of Colombo?
As far as Tamils are concerned this election means nothing. Election of either F or R is not going to make much of a difference. Stage is now set for more corruption and human right abuses to continue……
will the black widow kill again??
By no revealing to the voters of Sri Lanka that he is not even an eligible voter General Fonseka has morally disqualified himself from seeking the presidency , even if he may not be legally disqualified. It reveals his deceptive characte and contempt for the electorate. Coming on top of his declared allegiency to US in preference to all other countries , as a green card holder, also morallly desqualifies him from seeking the Presidency of Sri Lanka. Such hyypocrisy and deception is mind boggling and makes hime entirely unsuitable to be trusted with the destinies of Sri Lanka as it´s President
As I have posted before, this election’s outcome anyway would have had no bearing on Tamil grievances or Srilankan prosperity. Only look at history and ask yourself:
“Which Sri Lankan presidential election has resulted in fair leadership for Tamils?
Still, I believe strangely that the lesser of two evils won today. Sinhalese probably made the best decision for “their nation’s interests [excludes Tamils & other minorities]“. Over the last 5 years, I have grown to respect MR’s intelligence [albeit very Machiavellian]. He has shown at least that raw intelligence and determination is more important in politics & government than family name recognition which the likes of Chandrika & Ranil have been counting on. However, the behavior of the victor in early news so far promises to sow the seeds of future violence within the majority ethnicity.
On the other hand, it disheartens me even more to think that our people lost a war to the other side commanded by a real idot of a general.
Who ever comes does it make a difference?
We are worried about cost of existence.
Dear Tamils and all other minoroties must starts some reconcilation politics with Mr MR. No other way. Every one must use this opputunity develop Sri Lanka from Dondra to KKS.
While MR will win the election, the difference in votes seems to be too big. I believe that SF lost some crucial votes due to his comments on war crimes committed by the ruling party. Also at one time he said the country belongs to the sinhalese and then turned towards the tamils for their vote.
IT IS OBVIOUS THAT MAHINDA HAS WON COMFORTABLY. I PREDICTED THIS ON DECEMBER 19TH.. LET US CELEBRATE BY UNITING ALL COMMUNITIES AND MARCH TOWARDS REAL PEACE.
>
Another election, another clear divide between the voting patterns of the majority and minority communities. It doesn’t give one much hope towards the national reconciliation that the country desperately needs. Hopefully the government, despite its lack of support in the North-East, and the representatives of the North-East act as participants in a democracy should – respect the results of the election and find areas of common interest where they can deliver real results to the people.
Generally speaking I like the outcome of this election. This election is a wakeup call for MR. Let us at least hope that MR will have a more transparent and productive administration. I guess, SF has to learn that this election is not about revenging GR. SF should start a security consultant firm and he has no place in politics. Personally I’m waiting for the next round of SF-GR match up.
Its a known fact the ordinary Sinhalese people vote for the candidate who takes most hardline approach towards Tamil population.
They do not care if they have nothing to eat, they know Rajapaksa will not give equal status to Tamils.
Most Tamils know in their heart no matter who wins they never get their rights or self rule. So why would the risk their lives to out and vote for Fonsaka ? most did not.
Its seems the ‘west’ is in bit of a mess over sri lanka.. they hoped Regime changed could have help the situation.. Now what ? Bring back Prabaharan or LTTE ? proceed with war crimes charges ? back the Tamils call for Eelam ? make peace with Rajapaksa ?
It seems MR is heading for victory, the candidate I was leaning towards.
I wish to quote two of the remarks posted up above as they represent my views:
Shankar comments:
Srilankan politics is one of the most emotional and vengeful politics in the world, and will always be like that because it represents the qualities of the people. We get the representatives we deserve.
Unquote:
Tropical storm comments:
We need to remember that our true nemesis thru all these travails has been none other than ourselves. We’ve failed ourselves by failing to hold those we appoint to public office accountable to deliver our wishes.
If this election has taught us the lesson that we can and must hold politicians accountable, then we will have a future. Our future matters more than who won or lost. Either one must be made to serve us.
Or else…
unquote
If we are to solve the enormous challenges we face, we as individuals, families, society and as a nation collective start demanding higher standards of expectation, achievement and performance from each other. May be then we might have a chance of making things better for the next generation.
Results is telling a news. See the trend, MR won in mostly Sinhalese areas but MR couldn’t win in Tamil areas. What could be the news from Minorities? Why MR couldn’t make in Tamil & Musilms area?
Dumping the Elephant symbol cost the election along with the blatent violations of electoral laws
Mahinda is a good leader,be together&join him to rebuild our nation
Whoever comes to power,law and order should be maintained in the country,we have suffered for the last 30 years because of terrorism,now the problem is atleast finished,so the country should move forward,corruption should be eliminated as promised by both.our economy must grow,all comunuties should live peacefully.
god bless srilanka
Thanks DBSJ for providing this opportunity for intelligent, respectful readrs (not personally abusing either party).
As I see, people have shown tribute to MR for standing firm to international pressure to safeguard terrorists who came in the face of “liberators” which ever the form they were. Sri Lankans together have given clear messages to
(1) int’l pressure to say ” we only know the pain of tolerating terrorism and its destruction done to mother srilanka. We value MR’s & of the forces (SF inclusive) courage and singled out motive to eliminate LTTE”.
(2) to Ranil and UNP “You can’t fool the people by trying to hide behind SF for his braveness. Ranil & UNP will have to ‘re-mould’ if want to be in politics. Have your own leader to be acceptable. What you were trying to do was a shame to all UNPers.
(3) to Mangala S and Ravi K ” we know you are bankrupt politicos, who were trying to hang on to SF’s tail. People know your degree of ‘corruption’
(4) to JVP “although you had some praiseworthy stance against LTTE and foreign powers such as Norway, your aligning with UNP lost it all. You have to think seriously to come out of selfish politics.
(5) to TNA – ” can’t fool the innocent tamils anymore. They decided not to vote.
and at last
(6) to MR “Don’t get offended to this honest view, this is to benefit you. All know you are not the best of the leaders. You tolerated mervyn and the like, accepted any “fool” to the folds with a ministership. Had jumbo cabinet at our expense with high COL. But we have high regard for the braveness in standing to international pressure. WE WANT YOU TO NOW DEVELOP THE COUNTRY, ELIMINATING THE CORRUPTION AROUND YOU, JUST LIKE YOU ELIMINATED TERRORISM MENACE, AND LOOK AT HARDSHIPS OF ALL, SINHALA, TAMIL AND MUSLIMS. Then only will sri lankans together will make you THE LEADER. Address the burning issues such as, corruption, hardships of the people who elect you, Clean up the administration, Respect and give the chance to the right, qualified people. We wil be with you. We want to see some serios action with a good plan before the parliamentary elections. You can make the change people are waiting for.”
Finally, a huge tribute to sri lankans for making the right choice at this juncture, not getting caught to a huge plot from int’l community, NGOs, bankrupt UNP and JVP.
Congratulations Mother Lanka.
Tamils missed another oppurtunity. After supporting a bloody coalition who opposed any sort of setttlement to the Tamils (JVP), how are they going to ask for ‘give our rights’? Mahinda will win this with a big margin-
You know why Mahinda won ? Because INFO LANKA was against Mahinda all the time ! We saw it .
The end of the Tamil Culture and the Tamil Nation.
Douglas shall be the King of Jaffna.
Pillaian will continue to rule Batticaloa.
The guy who killed 700 Sinhala cops will get a promotion.
Corruption and human right violations shall continue.
Time to get out of the country.
Siva.
Xsrilankan– What right do you think the ‘west’ has to decide how to solve the Sri Lankan problem. This is the same line the TNA adopts.. Everytime they run over to India asking for a solution. Good. Go to India or wherever, but dont come back. How is that?
Its the will of the people of SL. For your own sake’s I hope the choice is correct.
The country is divided on ethnic lines and the fissure has just widened.
If MR will up hold all the promises he made in the final two weeks of the election battles, then there may be hope. However my own opinion is that, this will not be the case.
I love You SL but; you have erred.
This win makes it easy for him, to be a “true philopher King” and not regard ANY pettiness…
first magnanimous act is to meet the erstwhile General. He has NOTHING to lose.
If this doesn’t happen then back to square one, typical same old Lankan politics.
This election results shows that during last for years UNP vote base over the islans except North and east has reduce by atleast 15 lax.Reason for this is no proper organisation at village level in UNP when cparing to 1977 or even to 2005 prsidential election.That means chief organisors of the respective electorate and the chief organiser for the district is fully responsible for the defeat of Fonseka.Because Fonseka can not win under this situwation of week party organisation of UNP at village level.
Critizising this election no meaning this is completely due to weekness of UNP.So finaly UNP leader has to reorganise the party and to findout soitable organisers for the electorate those defeated by more than 15000 majority.
This is the destiny. A government using all the state machinery to win an elction thereby become rich while the poor silva and perera are voting the consequenses.
Good by Srilanka. This is not democracy. This is power greed or accumulate wealth through politics.
Tamils from North have spoken very clearly! They don’t trust both the war War criminals! Even after explaining to them that they can make a change by the TNA, they did not go and vote! That means more then 80% of the Tamils from North have boycotted this election! They have showed that the Tamils are a different nation from the Sinhala nation.
We diaspora Tamils can feel assured that what we are doing is the correct thing of having referendum to confirm the Vadukottai resolution! We have to work towards establishing Tamil Eelam.
It is the genuine rural folk who loved Mahinda with gratitude in their hearts that gave him this huge victory! MR need not bow down to those who have brought discredit to him from within his own govt. He must do a clean up and forge forward with a genuine interest in uplifting the lives of those very rural folk that helped him.
Afterall. not all Sri Lankans are snobbers as such. Glad to see that there exists fair percentage of fair thinking people. So, I wouldn not abandoned the country as yet.
I salute for all those people who made the conscious and courageous decision to let the whole world know that we are a people who know what is “Being Gratefull”, for what Mahinda Rajapaksa achived for the people, for the country under such trying conditions.
Wish MR whole heartedly for all his future endeavours.
OK Srilankans, you opt to elect MR. GOOD LUCK FOR YOUR GLORIOUS FUTURE!
Military victory over LTTE might have over shadowed your intellectual capability. Past few years of rule by MR & Clan around 150 or so from his family circle, failed to teach you a lesson what is in the pipeline for ordinary Silvas & Sivas.
You blessed MR & Clan to fatten their bank balances, by channelling the loans and aids from World Bank, ADB, IMF, China, Iran, India etc etc. towards their self-interested projects and investments.
“Only God can save you from this mess”
#33:Nimal.
A huge tribute to Sri Lankans for making the right choice?
Did you mean a huge tribute to the Sinhalese for making the right choice?
Majority of the Tamils and Muslims DID NOT vote for Dr.Percy.Please don’t try to spin.
Cheers,
Siva.
Dear Friends, Fellow citizens. I hope it is a good day for the most of the Sri lankans. Today is not the day Mr.Rajapakshe won this election. His actual win was registered on May the 19 th 2009. It is sad to see anybody was got killed. Whether he is a terrorist, murderer or a news jounalist. But sometimes some people have no any other option other than destroy their opponent. People should have their struggles to achieve rights but at the same time they shoud know their limitations. We should expect our results a step by step. If Prabakaran, Wijeweera or Lasantha were to follow that concept they probably still alive with lot of dignity and achievements. When I mention Lasantha, a news journalist should understand that he cannot change the things the way he wants just because he has access to the new paper or writing skills. We can Mr. Rajapakshe, he is the President of this country but he uses his powers very carafully one by one,step by step. Specially this presidential election we saw how he works. Although his apponents accused him for many reasons but that man worked hard to get elected. He knows that he is going to win but he never underestimate his opponent. He set his field in every possible way that not to give a single chance to have a single score. He never tried to win this election by destroying his opponents but he simply didn’t give them a single chance. I wonder what will happend next. Even though Fonseka is an US green card holder he might lose his Sri Lankan citizenship for years but I don’t think Fonseka will be house arrested, not because he is not desreved but Rajapakshe is not that cruel.
Fonseka is a courageous man. He could have just had a comfortable life as the CDF, but he is not that type. That is why he was different from the other Army commanders. That is why the military also was different to prabhaharan’s surprise this time. However while he did the military part mahinda looked after the international part and Gota was like the lynchpin who coordinated everything. I hope these three now let bygones be bygones and think of the country first.
shame that mahinda and the corrupt family rigged our valuable vote
shame shame shame
Hey Siva #46, nobody want to SPIN here.. If you want to SPIN you could… You are a free man NOW not like last year under the custody of, you know who…????
I agree with the nice comments of #33 Nimal.
All Sri Lankans (except for selfish fidiots) irrespective of their race have shown that Mahinda Raja is the TRUE KING of the modern Sri Lanka… He deserved to be given a another term to develop the country. He’s the ONLY Sri Lankan leader in the rescent past WHO DELIVERED, wiping out the tiger menance.
Jayawewa Maha Rajanani.. Long Live Mahinda Raja!!!
DBS,
I followed this election and I am so disappointed with SL media (Pro UNP/JVP/TNA(LTTE) and the way they were trying to create an impression that this election results is going to be neck and neck but you can see the results.
1. Even SF is unable to win his own birth place Ambalangoda.
2. Even SF is unable to win JVP’s strongholds like Thissamagaragama, Tangalle area.
3. As of now, MR has almost 21% lead with 1.3 million majority. Even the whole north and east tamils voted for SF, It doesn’t guarantee SF’s victory. This clearly tells that North East Tamil/Muslims votes will be a deciding factor only when votes didvided almost evenly in south which is not happened.
4. Assumption is that Sinhalese given credit to MR for bringing the peace to SL by eliminating LTTE.
5. It is proven that TNA Sampanthan & Co.’s strategy has failed like their former BOSS Methaku (Self proclaimed Thesiya Thalaivar) because majority of tamils rejected both TNA and EPDP’s request to take part in the election. Not only Tamils rejected Tamil politician’s request but also they rejected Tamil intellectual’s (Prof. K.Sivathamby, Former Supreme Court Judge C.V.Vigneswaran, Dr.Geetha Ponkalan, Jaffna University Student Union) request to take part in this election.
MR knows now that he is not depending on Tamil’s vote so the only option left for tamils now have a strategy to have a close relationship with Indian Central govt. and their decision makers to pressure MR to implement at least the 13th amendment + .
Diaspora Pro-LTTE media and LTTE supporters and sympathizers better stop dreaming and try to live in the real world and change their strategy toachieve the realistic goals to have the Tamils who are still living in Noreth east have a peaceful life.
the real loser in the election was the JVP and their big mouths who boasted all thre way ,esp:people like anura ,tilvin who could easily turn thier tongue anyway they vote,
It will take years to patch up JVP ,and it was remarkable the way the how the village vote ,
sri lanka has spoken to the world loud and clear who try to divide it again,
sri lankans can not be bought in the elections times for petty promises anymore especially the villagers,
and president has a lot to do for these people who vote for him,they have put their country first and not their personal issues,
SF should at least now learn that his personal vendetta never really worked with all the mud sliging ,
He has llied all the way even up until the election day to people ,who have not even registed to vote,
what do these people think sri lanka is and it’s people ?it is sad that this man will go down in history as a traitor,and a bloody lier
afterall experience count in anything we do,it takes time and years to bring ones personality and leadership,
leaders are born not made and SF and JVP has been dumped in the bin by sri lankan people altogether,
we salute u guys,u have made a wise choice
Mahinda rajapakshe it is over to u now and we who do not have party politics in us are watching u closely.
It looks like Sri Lanka is CURSED for another 6 years. A Sad day ,considering the future of Sri Lanka when the Majority Hegemony gave Singhala Buddhist Corruption, a mandate to plunder the country for many decades to come.
As long as the Tamils are concerned, neither Mahinda Rajapakshe nor Sarath Fonseka is going to do anything good in the future to solve our problem. The Tamils have a long way to go in their struggle for autonomy.
The majority has voted to have a Dictator who is well known for corruption, thuggery, nepotism, messing up Sri Lanka’s foreign policy and dragging Sri Lanka to the international dog house, etc as their leader for the next 6 years. For the Tamils it will not make any big difference but for the (majority) Sinhalese it is going to be a CURSE.
Mahinda had huge advantage as he has total control over state media and the state resources which they exploited especially to the unaware village folks nicely.
One good example is the TV ad which was playing continuously.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ccYK9qQIRxw
Now that they have won, their family will plunder the country for many more decades to come.
Hugely disappointed that this probably signifies the continuation of this “3-wheel culture” when victories are celebrated in the most vulgar possible way with no thoughts for the vanquished, Might prevails over Right, economic “policies” are decided on a daily basis, the cost of living continues to be unbearable, commercial banks thrive at the COST of the small to medium size businessman and total disregard for the rule of law continues.
At the end of the day I suppose “the people get the Government that they deserve” !
The results show a country split along ethnic and class lines, probably not a surprise to anyone though. It is not just the handful of Tamils in the north who voted, who have voted against MR but even the upcountry Tamils, despite their leaders’ positions have voted against MR. In the East, both Tamils and Muslims have voted against MR. The same for Colombo and Negombo.
The minorities have correctly read the MR regime and voted accordingly. Sadly for them, the future looks bleak as it will be more of the same.
Finally, the Sinhalese don’t seem to be concerned that the MR regime used their Tamil terror groups to bomb polling booths in Jaffna to keep the Tamil voters away. What can you expect in a country governed by the Sinhalese, of the Sinhalese and most importantly for the Sinhalese.
The election was the choice between the bad & the worse. Let the elctorate decide.
MR has gort more votes, leading in the election.
The irony is Nort & East have given more votes to SF. It only shows Nort East people are still alienated from the rest of the country.
Some people lament that Jaffna voted only 15% and Baticaloe voted only 55%. The reality is that the registered voters are no longer there. They are in greener pastures in the West, but the Tamil politician keep the voter registers bloated so that they get an unfairly high percentage of MPs. The govt. should have a census and revamp the voter registers to ensure equity for everyone.
Ben de Silva
First election after war,its reasonable MRs win as still not most of the srilankan’s mind changed although there is no separation or terrorism in the country. majority of votes casted only because of so called patriotism but not for srilanka’s peaceful future.some private media and artists also responsible for this to miss a good opportunity of next step.
This response to my tamil friend Comment # 42.
Dear friend you don’t have to fight for a country. SriLanka is your country. The only thing you need is to learn how to share with the other communities, and accept that the Sinhalese as majority and don’t try to achieve any thing by force. We should have dialogues, negotiations and compromise. Even Every Sinhalese do not get what they want but this our country, we have to find our solutions within. AS the sameway this is your country Point Pedro to Point Donra. Why do you thing get a piece when you have the whole thing. Your emptyness is in your heart not on the land.
Isn’t this result too good to be true, when all predictions were for a closely contested battle?
I would have found it easier to believe a 4% to 5% difference. Is this a rigged election?
Does anyone know from where the results were announced? Was it from the Elections office?
Mahinda,
People have paid tribute to you for the courageous way you handled international pressure.
In fact they have forgiven for jumbo cabinet and tolerating “opportunists” and corruption. Be careful about people like, SB, Mervyn etc.
Clean up your close circles. People have shown, they are with you to make a new Sri Lanka. They want you to be intelligent now.
DO NOT MISS THE OPPORTUNITY.
You can do what SF said he was going to do (just to come to power). People did not believe him and the UNP/JVP/TNL around him.
If you do the right thing, the balance 30 % will be with you.
Message From Sarath
The Presidential Election has been systematically rigged by the Government. The Election Commissioner has been placed under house arrest with immediate effect to suppress the electoral outcome.
All the election results released so far have been manipulated. Do not trust the results being presented to you as election results. These are not official results.
The government has ordered General Fonseka and his entire family to be arrested with immediate effect.
Members of the military have been deployed with weapons and have now surrounded the hotel and are waiting for the final orders to arrest everyone!
Please pass this message to everyone you know;
1. Call the Police Stations and ask them to maintain law and order.
2. Call your Parliament members for more information and any future action.
3. Call the Embassies and urge them to hold the administration accountable to the people of this country.
Do not let a ruthless administration take away democracy and the free will of the people.
Unite to Save Democracy and our Motherland from this tyrannical regime
Congratulations brave Sri Lankans! be it Sinhalese, Tamils, Muslims or Burghers. You did well.
It is the need of the hour.
Thank you Mahinda, for being a great Son of Mother Lanka. Keep up your good work, we will opt to be with you for ever.
DBS,
I just heard that in Attanagalle electorate, MR got around 61,000 votes and SF got only 30,000 votes. What happened to Chandrika’s endorsement to SF. If Chandrika is a politician who is respecting people verdict, this results will tell her some message.
50 Sam, in which part of Canada you live man
This election is the worst, corrupted election the world, all reuslts are pre planned and rigged by the MR and his thugs.
We request from the world other nations not to accept MR as president.
Dinesh
Unbelievable stuff. Who thought it would be by this margin. This tells that how important the ending of war to average man.
At least from now onwards, if the big boys can eat less and give more to the people and also TNA scrap ealam, then country will be prosperous…..
God bless Srilanka
Whoever wins, this election is a sham. With the intimidation by the SL govt Thugs and state media playing the PR of MR, what to expect. The MR gang and his family, is going to rule the island nation as a elected King for many years to come, until, he and his family plunder the nation’s wealth, as the invaders had done many decades ago.
Jeyraj you are a true patriot of sri lanka thugh you live in Canada
A man who finished a 30 year war within 3 years can not be sent home after 4 years (Refer SMP). This is the bottom line which SF/UNP/JVP/TNA got wrong.
The biggest draw card they had was that MR& Brothers were corrupt. To me, corruptness in politics has three layers, where monitory corruptness is the least dangerous. In a politician, ideological corruptness and dictatorial mind-set can be more dangerous than the monitory corruptness. Good comparison would be Dr. MM and Malaysia. For example, even the Malay Chinese who were far more discriminated than Sri Lankan Tamils helped Dr. MM in power long enough for his family to be filthy rich through corruption. But MM was neither ideologically corrupt nor he had a dictatorial mind-set. He brought Malaysia to prominence. (He did not have to fight a war we my note and similarly anti West). SF on the other hand had all three bad qualities to define him as politically corrupt.
I am glad the country spoke loud and clear. I only hope this UNP/JVP/TNA scum would not accept the verdict and let country progress. In my personal view SF is history. I am happily sad that SF is now among the garbage as far as history is concerned.
Remember Prabhakaran, Wijeweera both were not corrupt in monitory terms. But their corrupt ideologies have taken enough young lives.
MR need to havea good plan ( not from corrupt politicos) to see that the people in the North and East are looked after. For what ever reason, the small fraction who voted, have been trapped by TNA and SLMC. They are misled and may be confused. Don’t let the TNA take them on a blind path any more. Have a special program to get their support. There was no reason for them to vote for MR at this election. So who ever voted may have been to express disappointment. don’t waste any more time. Work out a quick long term plan to get them to Sri Lanakn fold, without isolating them.
We need to develop the whole of Sri Lanka.
Reconciliation doesn’t work unless Tamils, Muslims and their respective political leaders extend the hands of friendship. Expecting only the Sinhala polity to deliver doesn’t work. Understand the clear signal of the overwhelming majority and work with the obvious choice for the greater good of all.
The war is over and who ever won must think of rebuilding the North and the east. Give the minorities equal rights and the freedom to live in one nation under one flag. The Tamil minority specially in the north and east has sufferd enough and as a nation everyone must join hands in letting them know that “You belong to Sri Lanka”. Most of us who grew up in Colombo already had friends and relatives from all races but most in the south and north did not have that oppertunity and built up animocities due to various mistakes done by invaders and polititians. The govt should let the solders stationed in north and east engage in more humanitarian work and intermingle with the people so that both learn about each other. Develop the areas so that the next generations can live happily.
What ever the outcome of the election is, I am pretty sure the Tamil vote was low. May be some got disfranchised due to govt tactics or they just didnt want to vote. I think it is time new leadership in tamils emerge and let the people know how to function under a democracy and the only way for their voice to be heard is by voting- Obviously they didnt know it for the last 30 years.
I grew up as the only sinhalise among a whole bunch of Tamil, Muslim and Burgher friends in Colombo 4. But i am writing it today as a SRI LANKAN since thats what I am proud to be.
So my view on the elections is wake up MR or SF (whoever wins) take this oppertunity to do good for the people of the country.
I know this artical writer always backing inity of SriLanka with full rights for Tamils in SriLanka. These type of people are using their pen to develop the people of SriLanka.
The biggest loser in this election is Hon Ranil
Wickremasinghe.
He has reduced the UNP voter base from 49% he collected at the last election to under 40 percent today.
If the Tamil and Muslims who voted for Fonseka are subtracted, the UNP Sinhala voterswould be probably 25 to 30 percent.I think this is the best favor Ranil did for the country .
Ranil will be rolled soon by the young Turks in the UNP.At the parliamentary elections UNP will become an endangered species.
Sampathan will try to curry favor with the President and save his ass, being the shifty pollie that he is.The pathetic JVPers are not worth mentioning even.
As for the phoney Fonny. he has become here to zero and may even end up in the slammer with the beloved son in law.
A word of advice to the future leader of the UNP, please do not lie to the poor Srilankans as Ranil did through all his life. Rural poor Srilankans are lot smarter than what the Colombo elite thinks.
Jaya Wewa .
Comment 64 Mr Jerry De Silva .You and your mate Sarath please get a life.
MR and his company may be corrupt. However, although they pocketed 10% , did something useful with the rest of the 90%. One can fly from Colombo to Trinco, and rest of the country for that matter, without the fear of bullets and bombs. More development projects have been initiated, more than CBK,RW era combined. So take your 10%, I am thankful for what they did with the rest. SF surrounded himself with the wrong people. Wish it would be a better end for him. But never wanted him to win and bring a bunch of lost souls to power.
i think the result of the presidential election 2010 will have a great impact if the election was held after implementing 17th amendment.and the people would have expected amuch more freeand a fair election
Ruling party used govt assets, misused public media, bribed to voters, There has been vote rigging in postal votes. Vote rigging stories are still to come. Fake ballot papers found even before the election. Opposition was terrorised by the ruling party.This is the most corrupted election in the History. Sri lanka missed a huge chance in reinstating real democracy. This result is a blessing to corruption. At the end of day General public will suffer.
This is why Sri Lanka would always be a Third World country.
Our people deserves this. Now let us suffer together folks and blame each other. Good bye to dreamers who wanted Sri Lanka to be the next “big thing” in Asia.
This cannot be described as a win because state media and resources were misused by the incunmbent. However there is a clear divide between majority and minorities, urban and rural. The incumbent cannot consider this to be a mandate to continue his corrupt and vangeful policies.
It is clear now that MR will win with about 60% of popular support.
There has been a lot of uncertainty since SF had considerable support from all the opposition parties.
And JVP with it’s strong campaign strategies have successfully created a sence of popular support for SF among ordinary people.
This has proved to be just a superficial effect. Though many people criticized the government openly they have voted secretly for MR
as a gesture of gratitude. On the other hand minorities have also given substantial support for MR and Nothern Tamils have failed to turn up to vote
(may be most of the voter registration papers are outdated & most of the people ther live outside the country), negating any possibility of offsetting MR’s gains in the south.
Many people feared that there will be political uncertainty if SF wins. And MR deserves the bulk of the credit for the military victory.
(If we lost the war MR will bear the blame, so when we won he should be given the credit) Though people hated some members of MR’s cabinet I never heard a direct criticism of MR by common people.
And SF had many drawbacks in his public relations and character.
It would have been really unfair if MR was to loose this after successful 4 years. (though there are many shortcomings we will have to accept that nobody is perfect)
So the people have made the correct decision.
On the other hand all the people have to thank General Fonseka for coming forward and bravely facing it knowing very well the associated risks. This has definitely
strengthen our democracy and exposed governments weaknesses. It has brought forward real issues and problems of minorities were on discussion table.
I hope MR’s government will be a better one in the future thanks to SF. If not for SF, MR could have easily got 70%.
I sincerely hope that MR will not misunderstand this mandate. He would have got better results if he put forward more respected people than Mervin & Wimal.
It would have been more just if he gave some space for SF in ITN/Rupavahini/Lakehouse. (People have lost credibility in them which is not good)
And then it will be the General election which UPFA will win. Hope it will be over soon so there will be no elections for the next six years and the country
should get back to bussiness and try to build our economy and bring a better future for all citizens.
For Ranil it’s time to leave and let a new leadership develop itself over the next 6 years.
Sri Lanka=Island of Idiots
Even though Sri Lanka has the highest literacy rate in South Asia their IQ is very low. They cannot think rationally. Therefore they vote based on their emotions. Less than 2% of the population has traveled abroad (Out of this 2%, majority have been to India on pilgrimage or to the Middle-East for employment).
Therefore most Sri Lankans are unaware of what is happening in the outside world. Sri Lankans think they are in haven; ironically they are unaware that they are suffering in hell.
Ultimately “people get the government they deserve”. I weep for my fellow countrymen.
the poor, foolish sri lankan (sinhalese) voter has made his choice again. Though the alternative would have been just as bad.
the people never get it and they wont, they’ll cling to their war heros and their temples and their monks. An suffer and suffer and suffer and suffer and…
If the Srilankan people are
accepting the Corruption level nearly 86% on the government level
lawlessness and thugary
loosing their livelihood such as GSP +
ready to live with the cost of living above the roof,
then it is their choice.
let the Diaspora not be part of it and this is where we should draw a line and work on to have our rights.
By the way I do speak Sinhalam and I have been locked up in 4th Floor just being a Tamil
Kavin – West, China and India all acting on their own interest.
How comfortable is India with Chinese presence ? How comfortable is the west with Sri Lankas disregard for them ?
There is a power play going on in this island. And its not about to end with this election.
Foolish sri lankan’s do not realise that they do not need the LTTE to destroy the sri lankan. Mahinda & co will do that for them. That’s what hate and racism do to a country.
It was the Colombo/Western euphoria & mafia who were involved in hyping Opposition candiate with a hidden agenda.
SL voters have dealt a blow to these conspirators.
Hope at least now these Intl. Wires/ NGOs/ hawkish western politicians will keep their filthy hands of Sri Lanka to enable the country emerge from 30 years of interference.
India wanted MR to win so it cleverly asked/let TNA to support SF. India knew that as TNA was a pro LTTE party most of the sinhalese would vote agaist SF. But, most of the Tamils thought it was TNA’s own decision and MR would be sent home because of Tamil’s votes. Now, poor tamils will continue to suffer, rich tamils will try to migrate to other countries, MR and clan will keep building Pudha Vikara in Tamil areas and continue forceful sinhala colonization in North East to change the demography. Douglas, Karuna and Pillaiyan will continue to be Miniters and CM for next 6 years and MR.Sangaree will continue to write letters. Not sure what Mr.Sitharthan would be doing.
I do not think things would be any better for Tamils even if SF was elected.
I won’t be supprised if TNA and MR work together in the Parlimentary election in April.
Mahinda govenment has lot of thugarism, corruption, waste of public money but people who live in rural area wont understand him casted their valuable votes to a wrong governor. winning the LTTE is a collective achievement neither Sararh nor Mahinda cant enjoy alone. just imagine how many thousand soldiers got killed while fighting against LTTE but did Mahinda his siblings lost at least a hair on this war field but he capitalized poor heros achievement.
People irrespective of race and religion gave a clear mandate for president Rajapakse because they think it’s their duty to show the gratitude for liberating the country from the clutches of the LTTE terrorists.And now it’s the turn of Mr.Rajapakse to fulfil the needs of the nation and everybody now is waiting to see how he is going to deliver his promises.Mr Rajapakse should not mistake this mandate for an endorsement of the people to govern the country the way his henchmen want. We all hope that he will get the support of interlectuals instead of thugs and goons and make this beautiful island a paradise.
Sri Lankans have shown that. they are grateful for stopping suicide bombers, opening up no go areas and sending the terrorists to their home land in hell. Sri Lankans are fully aware of the weakness of this administration such as nepotism at it worse such as people even without GCE “o” level (education) appointed as top executives of govt corporations who loose billions and billions due to their lack of knowledge and basic understanding of finance. Unfortunately since early 70s corruption has established it self in all aspects of life in island and it is common knowledge that relations, friends and all who are connected to the seat of power will amass enough funds for few of their future generations. On this occasion Sri Lankan are not looking at the billions that they will be robed of, they are saying Thank you for eliminating Tamil terrorism.
The last person who leaves Lanka, please switch off the light!
Yet another step in Sri Lanka’s snail-pace journey towards becoming a modern society with love and respect for all others who are not like our-selves. Nonetheless, whether this is a step forward or backwards, we will only know in about two years. Irrespective, let’s wish the victor all the best in his future efforts to bring the communities together and forge forward. Let’s hope that the powers above bestow upon him the wisdom to be magnanimous in victory – and help him evolve a just nation for all Lankans.
Everybody should relise that Nandimitra to realise, that he cannot go against Dutu Gamunu. Like wise SF has to realise that he shouldn’t have gone against MR asMR is also a hero created after a Tsunami like Dutu Gamunu.
Worriers become under achievers when they get carried away while the ignorance however however SF should remain as a Nandrimitr to get some kind of respect.
It is up to UN to proceed war crimes against SF for SLA personal’s emotional act against human rights under his leadershi as he is responsible. in SLA.
well!MR won!good for peace loving people in sri lanka.its time Unp look for a new leader!
God bless sri lanka. Illiterates helped MR to finish off sri lanka for ever.
Toady one of the saddest people is myself. I was very happy for MR to lose.
Also time that MR does some work for the people not in the South only and help develop North and East!
# 86 Nalaka ,please, please save your tears and enjoy your life where ever you are.
Srilankans can weep themselves if the need be. But don’t call them idiots.
I feel that both TNA and the UNP failed its people, both parties stooped so low that it was a mockery of the democratic system.
we need fresh thinking young politicians that will not cow down to pressure and concentrate on delivering the much needed development to the people of the north and South.
If we have to change the constitution to make all happy so be it, but the feeling of Sri Lankan by all is paramount for our future.
It is now time to say goodbye to Ranil and Sambandan and say revenge politics will not work.
being a srilankan I feel vry sad about the future of Srilanka and our children. when we compared with other nations closed to our country, we are far far behind. cost of living, corruption are very high.Thuggerism, ransom introduced by ruling party men. NO FUTURE IN LANKA.
Congratulations to the people’s choice. Here is my prediction -
1. TNA gave up on an opportunity to provide leadership to the tamils and will now become irrelevant.
2. SF will fade away.
3. MR will rule SL for quite some time. Given that the tamil’s were not part of his victory will mean he will continue to use the race card to continue politics. Because the people will soon forget the LTTE.
Congrat MR, well done.
Thanks for the oppotunity to comment.
In all this, the great irony is, Praba, who Tamils think a proxy of the god born to librate them from injustice meted by successive leaders of the majority who ruled the country since the independence, was the one who helped MR to win not one but two elections. While alive he made sure MR comes to power, while in power MR made sure using the same guy to win the second round. The money MR paid to silence the N-E voters in the first round was a good investment, came back big time for the second round, how much MR collected from the NFZ was anyone guess but, heard, put it to good use- is not he clever.
For Tamils, history will record that they backed a losing General who do not know if he was in or out in the Roll until the eleventh hour. Sadly, foresight of our Tamil leaders both military as well as political is called into question as did not they have failed to see what was coming. As for the result, it is resounding indeed and MR deserves it from the point of view of majorities. Personally, known devil is better than the unknown angel. Hope MR will bring prosperity to the country-how you will be judged as a leader is from what you build not what you destroy. Word of advice is be servant to the people who elected, not dream to become a King or God.
NO HOPE IN LANKA, GOD BLESS TO SRILANKA
Great !!! Heartful thanks to Mr. Veluppilai Pirabaharan !!! Because, indeed, it was Mr. VP, who brought Mahinda Rajapaksa to power in the Sri Lankan politics. By doing this, Mr. VP had not only invited his dead himself, but he had also thus led the the entire Eeelam Tamil Nation to its DEATH !!!
This is pure democracy and free election. See how President has lost in many Tamil electorates. If he rigged, he would have easily show a popularity that does not exist in those areas. In many of these seats, people did not know much about Mahinda. All they knew were the LTTE and TNA. So they supported sarath. Now the president has clearly seen that he has to win the hearts and minds of those people too.
The Sinhalese allow the politicians to be corrupt, swindle all development funds and get rich using tax payers money.
Sri Lanka deserves Mahinda, Gota, Basil and their family to swindle all their funds. Sinhalese will remain poor and begging around the world for another 200 years.
This was a golden opportunity to make a change by electing SF. but, no! You have to vote for MR and suffer more. The GSP+ will be lost and together with around 1 million jobs. Those 1 million voters who lose their livelihood can think in hindsight and sulk.
West will never understand the heartbeat of the people of other nations when you read the euphoria they spread around in the media about SF’s win in the last few days.This Nalak guy should get his head checked by a psychiatrist ASAP as he seems to have lost some nuts and bolts from his brain.May the Triple Gems bless all peace loving Citizens of Thet beautiful island. You did the right thing for the moment. None of our politicians are saints. But Mahinda dserves at least one more term after what they have achieved for the motherlanka
I never thought that ther will be a this much of gap between the contestors. People of Sri lanka given another 8 years the country to Rajapaksha family.
I wonder what they will do to this country.
The write to know the information, correcect information is vital for citizans. This has been totaly destroyed.
The consititution has put asisde by MR befor election and he with his executive powers used to change lot of things upside down.
This execative powers are lies with wrong family and I dont know whether anybody will be able to speak what they think correct and see what is correct and listen what is correct. Every thing is upside down.
As a citizan, I thought we have had the good chance to bring good governece to the country, to establish a system where any citizan can undestand, accept and to have a hope, Simply to have your dignity eventhough you are a tamil, sinhalese , moor or any body.
With this powres he can do anythig as what late president Mr. JR said ( but he didnt do it as he was a self desiplined citizan, man)
But with MR and his family who knows.
One day one of my good firend told me that most of the Sri Lankans are not educated enough to understang what a citizan wants and the thinking pattern cnnot be changed and the county is good only for your RETIREMENT.
I am dissapointed but I have a hope that one day all the citizans of this county could live with their dignity.
Now I cannot see , predict or think of any future for ordinary people. God Bless you all.
Indika Perera
Bahrain
v MR = SF x
Minorites has spoken
let MR respect that for next 6 years
Colombo has spoken
let MR respect and
say no more KAKIRI or KIRI
because all of them now live in Colombo
let all PAKSHA give no nomination to HORU
let MR have a powerful Parliment
with 20-30 Ministers ONLY
Let MR extend his hand to SF to join
eliminate couruptions down
from Minister to K.K.S.level
and have that benifit goes to
all public at every corner
SF pls join MR now
Thanks to u this election gave
MR a strong position to run
SRI LANKA to a better place
Let MR be careful when giving
posts to various supporters
Because they all come for their
benifit only…………..
The common man/woman of SL has spoken. The men/women without wealth or power or any “worldly” sophistication have spoken and voted with hearts full of loyalty towards the President who saved their country from 30 years of terror.
I didn’t like Fonseka and his alliance. Lost any respect I had for the General when he opened his stupid mouth to betray his former army colleagues. Not done. Have a problem with Gota, fine, take it out on Gota, but don’t betray the army.
As for Ranil and Mangala, glad they lost big too. The hypocrites who laughed at the valiant SL army in early 2009, they deserve the humiliation. As for Somawansa Amarasinghe, he should be jailed for all the horrors of the JVP era in the 1980′s. Why he is allowed to roam free is a puzzle to me.
SF was never suited for the job, so I’m glad that he lost.
Now I hope he will stop his pathetic whining and asking for the western missions to intervene in the internal affairs of the country.
Shameless old codger! He served his purpose by leading the SL army to victory over the LTTE, so now he can get out of the country (if he can’t live in it as a normal person). He would not have won the war had it not been for the resolute leadership of MR. Don’t forget that.
I need not like MR in order to wish him well in the elections. And I’m glad that he prevailed. All peace loving and terror-tactic hating Sri Lankan will forever be grateful to the Rajapakses for standing up to the hypocritical West in March-May 2009 and delivering the country from the death grip of Prabakaran.
This is not the best SL deserves. The country deserves leaders who are against corruption and abuse of power. That has not happened for a long time, and SL will suffer some more due to this.
However, given the choice between MR and SF, I will rejoice in the fact that SF lost.
MR will not take the oath for next many months as he is still the president and he will anounce the Snap general Election thinking that he can secure the 2/3 vote to change the constituition so that he will be the president of life time and his children / brothers will be the rulers. Every one else can lick what ever they got to lick.
I am not for SF but I certainly thing that Sri lanka will not going to be any better than it is now given the pressure that is going to build against the gevernent in the International arena.
If SF or some one elese to be elected, there certainly a chance of reconcilliation with the Intrnational Community but this is going to be a long way in MR’s regime.
Unfortunatly like Bihar and Andra Pradesh in India, the rural people who have no knowledge of the Foreign policy and Foreign aid thinking that
Thanks DBS & journalist always appriciated by peace loving people ( not by LTTE ).Post mortem was already done & speacialy two groups mega cabinet & corrupted politicos hence eliminated the terrorism from the country benefitting children can be sent to school without bomb fear.2nd group the worst corrupted politicos sri lanka ever made (like Ravi K) & muppets of IC.Once paitriats JVPers sold their true identity (Anura sold this to Ravi K) suddenly changed their colours.Other people pro LTTE ers,Hakeem as he lost the race & betrayed all muslims from 2005.But one positive points to be disscussed is JVP started to care about their Tamil brothers,crying over IDPs & i think this is historical event in that way.What we need this time is to win the hearts of Tamil people in same way SLSSP,NSLSP & communist party did.To JVP please try do this instead of making traitors to heros.
Well it was clear jack assess cannot fool the people.
SF would have had a chance if he came alone woth out bunch of major robbers of the country behind him
UNPers always corrupt politicians and SLFP-M I would comment about him and he is like now Monk now.
JVP during 88 robbed the lives of more than 10’000 youth of our country and so called leader ran to UK after naming the people up rise that time regime.
Talking about rest like SLMC and TNA its not worth at all.
MR a true leader whatever said and done, may be he and his brothers are corrupt too.
However, he is only leader for 30 years firmly stand against LTTE and had a back born to stand against western pressure like US, Norway, EC and Switzerland.
So called 4 stars general would have got his 4 star in his shoulder if not for MR. If MR give in to external pressure the war wouldn’t have won by SF alone.
These hypocritical people think that they can lie and deceive Sri lank people. They always think we Sri Lankan are stupid bunch people and listen to idiot like these.
As a non-Sri Lankan with deep love and respect for her people, I am happy to see such a hugh voter turn out- better then many western countries. The people can speak their minds at the voting both. I was never sold by the idea that SF was a valid candidate for the presidency of such a fine nation of peoples. I hope he is packing his bags, but not before he gets what his dues legally for the travesty he has laid upon his fellow country men and women. Now is the time to stop thinking of yourselves as anything but Sri Lankans. Show your true colors and the rest of the world what kind of people you are. The potential is endless for a country sure in itself and the direction it wants to head.
Ayubowan and a bright future for all.
Reply to Nalaka:
Do not ever underestimate the intelligence of the common man. He might not have stepped on to a air plane and gone and lived in a so called “enlightened” western nation, but his heart and mind are right where they should be. That common man, unlike you had to live in the terror filled world of Sri Lanka for 3 decades, watching his child, wife, mother, father, brother or sister being blown to unrecognizable pieces of human flesh, all courtesy of the LTTE bombs. Where were you during that time, Nalaka? Enjoying the safety and bounty of a western nation and getting western “wisdom”.
It is not that the common man agrees with all the corruption and the abuse of power that goes on in SL. He sees it, but given the choice they chose MR. Who are you to ridicule them for being grateful to a man who gave them a chance to live without fear of being blown to pieces by a mad human bomb? Who are you indeed?
The vicious atacks on general Fonseka was very bad
This is the lowest level of a person I have seen in Mahinda.
Thanks Sri Lanka for voting back Mahinda Rajapakse (The King). For a moment I thought that this nation is going to be so ungrateful, but I am wronng.
God bless Sri Lanka
Communal parties like the TNA, SLMC and JVP have been defeated in this election and this is great news for Sri Lanka.
I think we Sri Lankans have made another foolish decision to elect MR again. They cannot judge who is HONEST and who is DISHONEST. You the Voters of Sri Lanka has no gratitude to a person (SF) who was bravely standing with his soldiers to save the NATION. Do you think MR followed by his relatives and corrupt Ministers will lead the nation towards the LIGHT. We LOST the one and only chance to have a LEADER who think about the future of our NATION, not his WEALTH. All those who voted MR will repend very soon. I SALUTE MR. SF FOR YOUR BRAVENESS.
This is to entry 61. Roy You truly speak with a pure heart my friend. This message should be heard and understood by every one on your beautiful island.
Accepting a simple truth could not be more up-lifting than this!
14 Dr Olga Mendis.
While I agree with you about SF’s dishonesty, we must understand that he didn’t call the election. It was MR who called the election, and afterwards SF nominated himself as a candidate.
God bless you Madam.
Very interesting but disappointing result.
Thought about a few things:
1. Sarath Fonseka do not have charisma at all to attract voters. It means he does not know how to communicate effectively and relate or connect with the common mass. Very same problem Ranil has. Sarath was a military leader who commnaded subordinates just by barking at him.
2. UNP is still weak in the areas
3. It was only TNA that was able to convincingly swing Tamil votes though they did little covassing
4. Tamil speaking people from North and East desparately want (ed) change
5. Voting has split nation along the communal lines. The big question is whether Mahinda will embrace both people or will continue to play his communal politics as he did in the election convassing.
6. JVP has been thought to be bigger it really is. They have no platform as radicalism was already played by Mahinda
JVP is proven not to be a king maker.
7. Like Prabaharan, Sarath Fonseka will be a disgrace in Sri Lankan history books and school curriculum at least for some time
8. If a free and fair election is to be held today in North East province, Douglas, Karuna and Pillaiyan will be defeated. But will it happen in the parliamentary election.
9. The big worry is another 6-8years of tyranny ahead for all Sr lankan people
10 Rajapakse and co will thrive again. Witchhunt by arrogant Rajapkse family will start for Sarath, TNA and those who opposed
nobody can beat the incumbent president because he has so much government power,money at his disposal and nobody from outside can defeat him. so it is not fair at all.
to be fair by both candidate incumbent president should resign three months before the election and hand over the runnign of the country to a caretaker government, or chief justice and come to the contest. otherwise it is like a mouse trying to beat an elephant.
today MR won because he had all GOvernment propaganda and finance machine at his disposal.
I do not agree with this result we must deduct he votes belong to followings
Namal group
ITN group
Pachawahini group
and other abusing
Pre set ballot boxes
and we need to add the following votes being stopped by Government big thugarry ministers in following ares
jaffna and
Vauniya,
Baticolo
and then release the result
then only we would accpept it
Lionel
TNA has, once again clearly, proved that it is no longer make decisions in favour of Sri Lankan Tamils. Highly Idiotic!
Congrats to Mahinda.
What’s happening ? any Breaking news? Is the Election Rigged?
14.25hrs
How can you call this a VICTORY when one candidate mo nopolises in holding the media and not allowing the opponent to use the media. Cut Outs, Posters and all publicity materials only of MR so a common/ignorant person sees only one horse in the race. But this is a good lesson for MR, this is cheating and high handed activity. He has to learn from Late Premadasas Life, how he came, worked and went.
The map of Districts won by General SF looks very much like the map of Eelam which he helped to tear-up. It is nothing but ironical that he has not won a single district where Sinhalese are in a majority. He can rightfully claim to be the first democratically elected leader of Thamil Eelam.
no official election result yet ! I hear there are problems, grateful for any “ooficial” news.
Traitors/Terrorists have lost, God bless Srilanka
God bless Srilanka
This is the first time I make comments on this forum. Thank for giving us opportunity .
First of all It is a sensible victory by MR as expected by the majority of sri lankans. Not any more word needed for his superiority. He is the great leader for our country.
The defeat for opposition is a suicidal factor. As I mentioned in other forums .They had taken unwise decision to put SF forward for this campaign. What abilities SF got to rule a country. It is matter of using a bullet & ballet. Unfortunately he doesnot have ballet , got only bullet. As the results implies majority of his own home town (Ambalangoda) people also rejected him. As the campaign progresses SF continue to talking then people realize his talent & ability. The words he used to addressed a meeting, not acceptable at all. It shows is immaturity & inexperience on this role. It gave a big boost to MR.
The strange factor is what Ranil going to do after this. I can’t see any future leader for opposition with clear vision.
It is sad to see the pathetic comments of many overseas based Sinhalese who are attempting to discredit their own amidst this magnanimous victory.
These people are nothing but self centered, selfish and small minded individuals. who appear to live in their own cocoons.Anyone who turned his or her back to Srilanka and adopted a foreign country should not interfere with the affairs of Srilanka.. as per the saying you can’t have the cake and eat it too.
Srilanka belongs to people who live there. Anyone else are welcome as the majority of Srilankans are hospitable people.That does not mean that you should push your weight around.
Rajapaksa has been rewarded with an unparalleled victory, in the history of Srilanka, by the solidarity of the poor people, who were intelligent enough to protect their newly won freedom and self esteem, after 30 long years of unimaginable suffering and hardships.
They delivered this victory to the incumbent, despite the equally unparalleled propaganda campaign, totally based on lies and false promise and carried out by the opposition and their foreign agents.
This is a good indication that the poor masses in Srilanka are no more gullible to fall prey to the tricks of these crooked, smart ass politicians whose only allegiance is to themselves and their foreign handlers.
This is an unbelieble result. One of the reasons for the loss is definitely the mudslinging campaign against SF. However more than the mudslinging it was the fear psychosis propagated by the media. He was portrayed as a dictator and a ruthless leader. People did not like to have such a person enthroned.
It is ironic that even you wrote a rather informative article on SF. After I read that, I myself voted for Mahinda, as I did not want to take a chance with an unknown devil.
The rural people have clearly expressed their opinion, that they were firmly behind Mahinda.
Now we can only hope that Mahinda will not turn up to be a dictator.
I find some of the things said in these comments so ignorant and hypocritical. For one thing, one’s right to vote and right to be elected are independent of each other. secondly, SF had registered but was never given a polling card or included in the electoral list – LIKE SO MANY OTHER PEOPLE THIS TIME AROUND. Coincidence?
So many people seem to want a more peace-loving leader than SF. But SF was fine when he was commanding the army that won the freedom of SL. SF was fine when he literally almost died for the country. Who gave those orders to SF? SF was directly under teh orders of the commander in chief of forces. Who was that leader? MR.
IF MR was clearly elected by the people this time, why is the elections commissioner being held under house arrest? Why is Gota and Basil in there with him while he’s not allowed to communicate with the public? What are they so afraid of if this was a honest result?
Wake up, people, and smell the crap that will lie around this country for the next 6 years now. The corruption perpetrated by this regime and family has been proved again and again in the last 4 years and have been laid bare in the most obvious of ways. Yet, that very same govt has been “Re-elected”? I thought Sri Lankans were a more intelligent nation than this.
At this time, (3.15pm, Colombo) 4/5 of results are out.
The latest rumors are that Fonseka/Ranil/Hakeem and 70 supprtors of SF are under house arrest at Cinnamon Lakeside Hotel. Further, Gotabhaya has sacked the Election Commissioner and taken over EC secretariat. Consequently, Gotabhaya is releasing doctored election results to the media. (This is despite SF winning many constituents handsomely with in some as much as 75% !)
I do not know when these lies will stop. Disgruntled Fonseka supporters and sections of the “free media’ is behind them.
Now the people have given a verdict. Why can’t SF accept it? Ranil accepted defeat honorably in 1999 & 2005. This election was not fought on policy but hatred. Looks like Mangala is brainwashing SF to the hilt. Especially SF is dividing the military further into the equation and looks like the govt is taking pro-active action to avoid a coup.
This country didn’t have work for the past two months. For gods sake, we would like to see the economy move forward, avoid polarization of ethnicity and see a apolitical military. The coming days do not seem to be taking Sri Lanka in that direction.
When Sarath Fonseka start loosing the Votes.
1. When EU said they will suspend GSP plus and think it over after the elections intimating if SF wins Sri Lanka will get the GSP. (back handed interference)
2. When TISL said GOSL misused funds for Tsunami. We knew otherwise. NGOS misused most of the money including LTTE. (Government also did but they blamed GOSL only)
3. When Fonseka said Maj Gen Shavendra Silva and Gota were responsible for war crimes. (Not him)
4. Then he challenged and claimed Fredrica Janz of Sunday Leader was lying.
5. SF said he was the cleanest candidate but then they try to by NFF MP Muzammil. Clean people don’t do that.
6. When corrupted CJ Sarath N Silva voiced support to him.
7. He started using his Army Language – kalavedda, paharaya etc to name people showing his true side.
8. When TNA voiced support and one of the election meetings they kept 2 min silent for fallen LTTE.
9. Ranil said in GTV Europe Fonseka only carried out government orders to win the war.
10. Finally most unpopular president of Sri Lanka Chandrika voiced support for SF.
It’s done and dusted DBS. The fat lady has sung. Just leave it be now. I really think that the big wigs in CMB are still to learn their lessons. At least they will now.
Better a rule of six years with President Rajapakse than the fools in the opposition.
Watched Kumar Rupasinghe on Al Jazeera early morning on the roof top of Cinnamon Lake, how the little birdie sings a different song now!
How they will all sing songs of delight and praise now.
What the heck is this???….
check this link about EC being arrested and election is rigged????
http://english.people.com.cn/90001/90777/90851/6880498.html
“the election has been systematically rigged by the government “with the Election Commissioner placed under house arrest with immediate effect to suppress the electoral outcome.”
“All the election results released so far have been manipulated. Do not trust the results being presented to you as election results. These are not official results,” a statement circulated in cyberspace said.
“The government has ordered General Fonseka and his entire family to be arrested with immediate effect. Members of the military have been deployed with weapons and have now surrounded the hotel and are waiting for the final orders to arrest everyone, ” the statement said.
Over to slueths in the blog…
“We have come to bury Ranil Wickramasinghe, not to sing his praises or of the rookie General with pie on his face. Just a pawn in a game he never grasped.”
The People of Sri Lanka
Check this out:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bY6foimxHs0
To all u pseudo patriots, thank you for surpporting the destruction of democracy in Sri Lanka
Re # 46 from Siva.
No I reaffirm SRI LANKANS.
I will refrain from calling by ethnicity.
People in North and East made the right choice, because they did not have anyone who deserved their vote. Sampanthan & Co. over the years (with & without LTTE) have been taking them for a ride. Ranil & UNP Co. did everything for their own survival. MR’s governmrnt broadly, gave the start by crushing LTTE, and making TNA a non-figure. Although have not done much in the limited time ( reason why they did not vote for MR – fair enough) MR rescued them from the cluches of TNA & LTTE, now is the time to look at seriously what they can do to help those live in N & E. That is why I say, SRI LANKANS as a whole made the right choice.
Siva, please, please see what is right as right. do not try to deceive people by bringing in communal comments. My hats off to innocent people in N & E, you now understand TNA & Co is not your saviours. Don’t sweat for TNA survival. We understand you have other burning priorities to sort out than voting. Let MR help you now, rather than bringing in separatism again ( as advocated by TNA & ranil & Co).
Mahinda would have got another one million vote extra for him.
Mervin Silva and Dirty mouth of Hudson Silva spoiled
this extra vote.People get angry when you hear about these two characters.
HOPE MAHINDA RAJAPAKSA (OR AT LEAST SUPPORTERS) MUST SYSTEMATICALLY CHASE HIM OUT.HE IS A REAL NUSIANCE TO US WHO SUPPORT HIM.
I HATE THIS GUY WHO WANTED TO TAKE A BET FOR HIS VEHICLES , HE IS SUCH A CHARACTER.
HOW MANY VOTES MR LOST FOR THAT
SarathSilva
The results confirm again that democracy is fool’s paradise. Each and every donkey on the street cannot decide who is going to be our leader and/or legislators.
In any event, this would be beginning of the ending of TNA.At least there is Douggie in the north and Ex LTTE in the east to take care of the Tamils who are at the mercy of Mahinda now.
Sarath Fonseka’s guts to challenge Mahinda & Co is to be praised here before he retires for good.
Tamils have to decide now that they shall not support any other political party in Sri lanka other than UNP and SLFP. Whichever party comes we have a say then in the central. Muslims are making the same mistake which the Tamils did since the formation of Federal Party.
This is balatant violation.
1. How on earth almost all the postal votes were above 60% for MR and less than 40 for SF.
2. Goverenment used all its powers to intimidate voters in addition to rigging.
3. Is it a civilized cuture to sorriubd somebody because he lost or because you won?
4. Your power causes to tell he is planning a coup just to put him behind bars. This is to shut him who would reveal all MR and his families past activities.
5. A man with even a slight consciousness would agree that MR got 58 and SF got 39>
History would reveal all those culprits someday. Poor Srilankans would suffer again under thuggersism, kudu mudalalis and white van abductions.
God save Srilanka.
AS A PERSON LIVING ABROAD BUT VERY MUCH INVOLVED IN SRI LANKA I AM PROUD THAT THE SRI LANKEN VOTER HAS VOTED WITH INTELIGENCE AND FOR THE FUTURE.
WHY AM I SAYING THIS. MR FONSEKA CONDUCTED THE WAR VERY WELL BUT HE GOT THE POLITICAL BACKING FROM THE PRESIDENT WHO DID NOT MOVE IN HIS RESOLVE WHEN THE WHOLE WEST AND OTHER COUNTRIES WITH THE HELP OF NGO´S AND SRI LANKEN POLITICAL PARTIES WERE TRING TO STOP THE WAR.
MR FONSEKA HAS A VERY SHORT MEMORY – WHY DO I SAY THIS IT WAS NOT TO LONG AGO THAT ONE PROMINANT BACKER OF HIS TOLD THE NATION AND THE WORL THAT GENRAL FONSEKA IS NOT FIT ENOUGH TO LEAD THE SALVATION ARMY. THE LEADER OF THE MAIN OPPERSITON PARTY WENT TO WETERN NATIONS ASKING FOR WAR CRIMES INVESTIGATIONS , HIS SPOKSMEN WENT AROUND THE WORLD TELL THERE WAS GENOCIDE AGAINST THE TAMILS AND THEN HE GETS TOGEATHER WITH THE TNA WHO WERE THE LTTE´S MOUTH PIECE..
THEN WE HAD THE DISTRUCTIVE POLOTICS OF THE JVP HOW DISTROYED 2 SETS OF YOUTH IN 74 AND 89. AND MR FONSEKA WHO WE ALL HELD VERY HIGH ESTEEM JOINED THEM TO BE PRESIDENT. HOW CAN U VOTE FOR A MAN LIKE THAT. AND THEN WE HEAR HE HIMSELF HAS NO VOTE AND KEPT IT FROM THE PUBLIC. HE TRIED TO DECIVE US ALL.
WELL MY DEAR COUNTRYMEN HAVE SPOKEN LOUD AND CLEAR. PEOPLE WILL CRY FOUL. THAT IS NORMAL. THE ONLY SAD THING WHAT HAPPEND IS THE COUNTRY IS SPLIT AGAIN. TO U MR PRESIDENT KEEP GOING WE WILL HELP U IN ANYWAY WE CAN.
EXTREAMLY PROUD TO BE A SRI LANKEN
The Srilankan tamil political leaders (such as TNA), Tamil people and diaspora preferred SF victory compared to SR.
Now with the resounding victory of SR Majority sinhales proved that their preference is completely different from that of Tamils.
In such circumstances, SR’s electoral victory is yet another big loss to the desire and wishes of Srilankan Tamil people.
Post-Mortem: Respect and High Regards once achieved being already buried deeper than 6′.
This interest will not wane in the next few days as events rapidly unfold in Sri Lanka. There’s much excitement in the air.
Many of our readers are also emotionally involved in what has been going on.
They want to get lots of things off their chests at this eventful time.
Cross roads of historic juncture guided traffic from ‘Red light, shifting to Amber and directly proceeding on Green (non UNP) heading under Blue SKY of ‘Nidahas Sandanaya’ of Rajapakse Government for SIX more Years: “Invoking and evoking Great deal of Interest and Controversy, throughout the Nation to the accompaniment of high sounding local and Chinese crackers including the ‘Cracked Parties.’ Such being the great many people of concerned observers of the political scene during these past few months.
This interest will continue for many months as events unfold; in next phase of “Mahinda Chinthnaya” rapidly in Sri Lanka. Indeed, Excitement in the air today under the bright light of Blue Sky is the glaring emotion depicting on a colourful canvass as that of our great artist Senaka Senanayake.
May the Blessing of the Most Sacred Triple Gem Protect and Guide Our Lakmaniyo!
Who cares Rama or Raavana.
It is not a defining moment. Who ever comes to the power must face the music.
It looks like SF, a political novice, has lost his second battle against a well tempered opponent.
Probably he was not ruthless enough as opposed to what he did to Pirapaharan.
This was not totally unexpected, though I loved the opposite .
I personally do not think SF is the right one to choose but I feel that MR is the wrong one.
As he has got a clear mandate, no one can argue/demand now because most of Sinhalese seems to approve whatever he did for last 4 years.
I am sure he will have more people in his family tree, who are still not involved in Government affairs.
When Chandrika went home after a well failed second , Victor Ivan wrote a book full of her corruption. At the end of MR’s second term I am sure he will be doing the same, but the question is how many books?
At the end of his next ten years we will all see, whether we did the correct thing or not!
History is the best analyst!
Well Srilanka is a Singhala Thugs country, is not for pople who can live free, again same thugs will appear soon (Karuna, Pillayan
This specifically in response to the comment made by Dr. Olga Mendis.
I am from Colombo and I did not have the voting card this time to vote because with everything in life, I procrastinated filling the electoral register and submitting the same to the Grama Niladhari.
In the case of the General, he would have either missed it or just ignored it at that time when he was enjoying the fullest confidence of the President and the Government.
But, in this campaign, President has worked to a long term plan. That is doing everything for villege people and doing the least for people in iolombo and the minorities.
But then the 30 year subjugation of sorts of the majority community by LTTE; Ranil W. forays abroad during the final days of the war and General aligning with Ranil W, Mangala, Ravi K and Mano Ganeshan basically blew away at least 40% of votes that would have been to him, from people who liked him and Army soldiers who loved him. Also the General’s team “pooh poohed” the Green Card – US citizenship issue without clearly, simply explaining to the public. on which the government made mince meat to their full advantage. See Dr. Olga Mendis thinks that the General hoodwinked the people.
Had look at Gen SF’s post election interview a few minutes ago. Not a modicum of statesmanship visible. The bigger loser is the last living patriot, RW. Is the new term for Prez MR going to be 8 yrs or 6 yrs? Didn’t CBK try to hang on longer because of early elections but was kicked out by the CJ? Well, it’s time to start writing a reply to Alston. It appears UPFA is guarateed a 2/3rd majority in April?
By looking at the results apart from the UP-Country voters, most of the minorities have rejected MR. This is the time for MR to reach out Tamils and all minorities. He should now ask him self what is the best role he can play to satisfy all minorities in SL. . If he really wants to build one Sri Lanka then he should reach out all the minorities.
The Tamil politicians will also look at them self and ask one question. How can we build a bridge to reach out the majority Singhalese?
Dear Mr President
Congratulations to Mahinda Rajapakse for ending a bloody 30 year war. Congratulations and all praise to Sarath Fonseka for a very good job done as an army commander. You will always be remembered for this. The results of the Presidential election speaks for itself. The people who supported the President are to be congratulated for remembering him as a man of great strength and integrity and someone who will strive very hard to bring peace, harmony,stability and prosperity to our motherland. He deserves our prayers to go forward and bring our motherland to its former glory. The President has completed all projects he undertook to do in a world record breaking timeframe. The foreign countries have hounded him, all our people living in SL and overseas have pressurised him so much, but never once realised that we should all give him a bit more time. Mr. President, the war is over, demining is complete, resettlement of the tamil people is over, now it is high time, you get down to really, really looking after your people – the masses who have really suffered because of this war, starvation among our people, being deprived of many basic things in life which should have been really ours to have. We pray you will now work hard and turn your attention on us, develop our motherland, reduce the cost of living so that we can all be happy and live peacefully ever after.
Mr. President – Congratulations! With the blessings of all the people who voted you into office again, go forward with courage, embrace our people, listen to our needs, we need you now to do things that are meaningful for us as you did not have the time cos of the war.
Lankan Forever
If MR rigged the election why he did not rig votes in the Tamil area.
By doing so he could show that the Tamils are with him.
TO WIN THE HEARTS OF TAMIL PEOPLE HE HAS TO DO
LOT OF WORK IN FUTURE, BUT NOT THE WAY SF ACCEPTED TNA DEMANDS.
DBSJ,
Did you hear anything about Election Officer being under house arrest?
Here is the link,
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2010/01/election-commissioner-and-mangala.html
Is it true, could you confirm?
Now the election is over and the Sinhalese majority have chosen a corrupt ,war criminal with hostile views towards the Tamils to be their leader as usual.He will do his best to give nothing to Tamils and work on land grabbing.The only edge Tamils have is his anti-west stance which will land him and his cronies in UN dock for war crimes while he is in power.That will bring an end to his rule and history will say Sinhalese have elected a war criminal.The history will also say that Mahinda was instrumental in creation of Tamil Eelam just as Hitler for the creation of Israel.
Remember the election Sadam had when he was in power? He had a landslide victory and see what is happening in that country and do not forget the price Palestinians paid by rejecting moderates and electing Hamas.Sinhalese mass aren’t any exception.
We were taught in school once the match is over, if the other team wins, applaud them in to the pavilion – a throwback from those British times. The important thing is the good of the game. It was by no means a clean election. It was never a level playing field. But the majority of the people have spoken and we must all bow to the people’s will. There shall be a time to discuss the whys and wherefores. But this is the time to wish the winner and his team well.-It is the time to wish the winner, no matter our personal views, to take the country out of the many grave perils it finds itself in. The nation and its future are more important than our personal preferences. To MR one more match is over but another more crucial part of the tourney has just begun. There is no better time than this to bring the Tamil Nation back to the fold. This is the time to display those fine post-battle features of magnanimity in victory. To remember both Frost and Desmond Tutu who is being invoked in these pages – “we have miles to go.. to go hand in hand towards that glorious rainbow”
ISS
He has done it, he has done it, and he has done it again
He said he will do it and he has done it again
Congrats Mahinda, hats off to you
Foe you may be but to you praise is due
You raised the heat with claims that were slick
You felt the pulse and knew what would tick
Sixty percent Sinhalese voted in your favour
As a man with a mission who would not ever waver
‘sambantha’ with Sambanthan General my dear
We bashed the Tamils have you forgotten in a year
How can you; how can you; my vote is not yours
Come what may know ye West Mahinda will be ours
Sarath you remember the lesson we gave Tamils
Who are they now; citizens, aliens or slaves
Make them kingmakers are you out of your mind
Come D Day we’ll teach you too and put you behind
If impunity his style they do not care
17A for them wouldn’t make things fair
Gagging the media or getting more white vans
Executive presidency only way to these fans
See the misuse of State media, state transportation & other state assets before you think who would be the real dictator. What about the SMS’s and international news that are being spread around? It may be too late now, yet if they are true, I believe that the country will find a democratic way to reverse them very soon. I don’t believe that the results are factual. I mean not the victory but the lead.
All the minorities of this country have truly shown that they need a change, y? Although SF did his part to end the war, the MR government has done least to the root-causes of the war. If not something is done urgently, await another paripahiran!
GSP+, IMF loan, Foreign aid etc will be lost. Good Luck Sri Lanka!
Sinhalese thugs and the government organised terrorists have been looting and destroying Tamils and their properties and money for the last 60 years, I am sure they will continue to do this in the future. When the economy run down they will continue to loot Tamils’.
Harak Horu from Hambantota have stolen our votes now
As a Sri Lankan I felt, and wished SF should win. It would have been good for Sri Lanka. It is very unfortunate the new road we should have taken has disappeared from our view. If that is the fate of Sri Lanka, what we mortals can do?
I guess the KARMA is playing the role of an invisible super power here.
Look at this, one of the powerful man of the country not too long ago is in a kind of custody begging election commissioner and international community to ensure his safety. Within 24 hours, he has become a zero from a war hero. People who hailed him a military genius who won the military genius of VP is now calling him traitor and mega maniac (don’t forget the same name was used on VP in order to demonize him). VP couldn’t be shaken for more than 30 years (if not for India, Pakistan, China and host of other countries) he will be still holding the sway. But within 24 hours SF is nobody. Is it the curse from the graves? Is it the curse from the innocent souls who were buried alive, gazed to burning cruel death is playing here?
Is it the same KARMA helped MR to win? I feel his win is not good for him, and for the county. Something weird is happening beyond our comprehension, will wait and see.
What ever said and done the people have reelected MR for another 6 years, and however disappointing the result is, to some of us, we have to respect the majority decision.
Meanwhile , let us hope and pray that we have a strong opposition in place to hold this government responsible and accountable to all people of this country.
Corruption, misuse of power and other nefarious acts will continue under this regime , unless we have an opposition with a strong and vocal leader, and I hope SF Will play a role from within the opposition to hold these scoundrels accountable in office.
POLITICAL CULTURE AND RECENT VICTORY OF VIRTUAL HE MR
By Sandilyan
The premature Presidential election of the SriLankan government has brought victory to HE Mahinda Rajapakse. If we carefully analyze the root cause of the failure of Gen Sarath Fonseka to win this election, the idiosyncrasy and the absence of political and scientific knowledge of the masses could be ascribed.
SriLanka historically has an ethnic confrontation between the two races. The majority of SriLanka, the Sinhalese, live with a minority complex. Further, the shortfall on the intelligence of the majority of the masses, and lack of knowledge in “Ideal Democracy”, has led to the absence of tolerance for co-existence, and has resulted in a xenophobic attitude towards the Tamils.
The freakishness and incongruous nature of our society is that racism is embedded in our political culture. From DS Senanayake to Mahinda Rajapakse, whoever is prepared to victimize the Tamils, then that person or the party were elected to Parliament. Evidences could be read from the laws enacted and the pogroms launched since independence. Terrorism gave birth in the majority populace, as “Terrorism” is defined as means of using violence to achieve political ends. Insurrection of the 1971, pogroms, holocausts etc were launched to achieve political ends.
The root cause of the failure of Gen Sarath Fonseka could be attributed to the following reasons:
A. Added Value to HE MR – plus points
1. Since LTTE was proscribed, the SL leaders have been playing on the intelligence of the LTTE and the Tamils.
2. HE MR came to power, and gave the orders to the defense forces to march to eliminate the LTTE.
3. The defense forces succeeded in eliminating the LTTE and its leader.
4. HE MR claims superiority that he was responsible for the victory as the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces.
5. HE MR imprisoned 300,000 Tamil refugees within barbed wire premises.
6. All LTTE contacts and informers, irrespective of whether they are true or not, were abducted and the whereabouts of those people are still unknown. I.e. white van affair.
7. KP arrest or abduction, whether it is real arrest or not, has added value to HE MR’s personality.
8. Claims of capturing ships and aircrafts belonging to LTTE, whether or not, they are true or not, have added value to HE MR’s personality.
9. Some form of development, in the various towns and villages, on borrowings, have added value to HE MR’s personality.
10. Settlement of majority in Vanni and East and other places have added value to HE MR’s personality.
11. Building of Buddhist temples in Tamil areas has added value.
12. Giving false promises to the majority.
B. Negative Impacts to Gen Sarath Fonseka – minus points
1. Gen Sarath Fonseka does not belong to any party, but an independent candidate supported by a coalition.
2. The coalition unfortunately consists of Tamil speaking members of various parties.
3. TNA, which was once supposed to be the political arm of the LTTE, openly supporting Gen Sarath Fonseka.
4. The rumor of TNA-Sarath pact, which no one has seen or confirmed.
5. The rumor of untrue, unconfirmed, North-East merger.
6. Tamil political party members appearing on platforms with Gen Sarath Fonseka and delivering speeches in Tamil.
7. Media giving prominence to these party meetings.
8. As a result of the intimidation of the ruling party members, the campaign for Gen Sarath Fonseka was not austere but soft and minimal.
9. More than Gen Sarath Fonseka’s team went on campaign; they were protecting theirs and their mate’s life as a result of the criminal actions of some ruling party supporters.
10. False, inaccurate and victimizing stories generated against Gen Sarath Fonseka by the ruling party members and supporters, which confused the illiterate proletariat.
11. False untrue stories generated by the ruling party that Gen Sarath Fonseka is not a citizen of SriLanka, but US. This can confuse the proletariat at the last minute to cross over.
12. Integrity of Chandrika Bandaranaike’s whole hearted support offered at the last minute. CB could have come forward sometimes earlier, as mass communication may not be that effective in SriLanka yet.
13. Last we hope that the election was conducted in a lawful manner as per the constitution.
Finally, the discernment of the recent election is that the SriLankan society has missed the bus again. It is up to the people to note liability of the several billions of US dollars of loan to be repaid, as it is considered that the investment of the loan obtained by HE MR may not give a return with a positive IRR (Internal Rate of Return). We hope that the inflation does not get inflated.
Funny how some tamils ‘blame’ the sinhalese voters for voting for MR and ruining the country and our selves. Many of you for decades gave money, your time and your children to one Prabhakaran to get an utopian mono ethnic land.
Now the fun starts – when do you think the B52s will come?
What I can say is minorities are longer considerable factor in election. According to the census , 75% of country’s population said to be Sinhalese and remaining 25 % are Muslims, Sri Lankan tamils and Indian tamils. But when comes to election process, this percentage looks different. I believe considerable number of people registered in more than one location for the purpose of school admission, intension of casting more votes or other various reasons. Also lot of minority voters live in abroad compared to their numbers. So when it comes to elections, Sinhalese voters percentage is in the range of 85% out of people who exercise their vote. Therefore the bargaining power of the minorities in elections is no longer there.
We must hope that when MR picks his next cabinet it will be better than when he picks his nose.
Election was very interesting , but nobody has told me where exactly this house in his village is. Can go straight to the kitchen MR says 365 days of the year. My mind keeps on drifting back to this though i enjoyed the elections hugely.
People of SriLanka had a chance to voice their opinion and they did.
They said there is no place for divisive politics in the country any more.
The rampage of the mad man to circumvent the democratic process is over.
Long live Lanka!!!
I agree with duminda Kumarasiri ;
Having lived in SL all my life having watched the general deterioration in all aspects; as a country we needed law and order; yes it is the rural masses who have the last say
but if they want to live an ignorant life and bring corrupt politicians into power hard luck Sri Lanka.A golden opportunity has been missed has been missed again because of racist politics- my sympathies
#69- True love
Unbelievable stuff. Who thought it would be by this margin
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eh, are you insinuating that MR has rigged this election. Do you think that the salt of the earth like him , will go to those low levels. Has he ever done that type of crime against the people in his life.He has his pride. This was a battle between 2 men with huge ego’s. The country is too small for both of them. Have you gone to Africa and seen two lions raising their leg and pissing and marking their territory. And if one comes into the other’s pisspot it is a fight to the death.
ELECTIONS COMMISSIONER UNDER HOUSE ARREST
GOTABHAYA AND BASIL GOT RIGGED RESULTS ANNOUNCE
PLEASE READ XINHUA NEWS REPORT
THIS IS CHINA NEWS AGENCY AND WONT GO AGAINST MAHIND UNLESS IT IS TRUTH
Sri Lankan president takes lead in election, opposition claims rigging 15:23, January 27, 2010
Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa has taken a comfortable lead over his main rival former Army Commander General Sarath Fonseka till 10 a.m. (0430 GMT) Wednesday as nearly half of the votes were counted.
Local media reported President Rajapaksa received 2,960,507 (or 60.27 percent) votes while Fonseka secured 1,690,990 (37.99 percent).
Meanwhile, a statement allegedly issued by the office of Fonseka said the election has been systematically rigged by the government “with the Election Commissioner placed under house arrest with immediate effect to suppress the electoral outcome.”
“All the election results released so far have been manipulated. Do not trust the results being presented to you as election results. These are not official results,” a statement circulated in cyberspace said.
“The government has ordered General Fonseka and his entire family to be arrested with immediate effect. Members of the military have been deployed with weapons and have now surrounded the hotel and are waiting for the final orders to arrest everyone, ” the statement said.
The authenticity of the statement can not be verified at the moment as the telephone numbers of Fonseka’s office was unresponsive.
The island’s sixth presidential election was held with turnout estimated to be over 70 percent except the Northern Province which had been under the control of Tamil Tiger rebels for decades before it was recaptured by the troops in May 2009.
The Department of Elections said 14,088,500 Sri Lankans were eligible to cast their votes at 11,098 polling stations from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. local time (0130 GMT to 1030 GMT) to choose their next president mainly from Rajapaksa and Fonseka though there are 22 candidates.
My only hope is that white vans are noy back on the streets
against people who disageee with the ruling junta.
may god bless Sri lanka.
As it is Mahinda got around 58% while Sarath got about 40% with about 1.8 M margin in votes with only one electorate to come… Looks like Ranil would have got more -alteast around 400,000 more in the North & East. and the turnout would have been good. I still wonder what made UNP not contest on its own. JVP seems a spent force . TNA has become a joke and it is inevitable it would break up into 3 or more before the parliamentaru elections.
If all goes well Mahinda would be the President for the next 8 years with some hick ups at the Supreme Court.
Thanks for offering a chance to express our views here. I wrote few comments in the past and support MR because that I felt his re-entry is vital to the country as a whole at this crucial time. Also I like his practical approach with bold actions. I believe that he could do much better in the second term than first term. During his first term he spent much time and resources to distinguish Terrorism and now he has no excuse anymore and should bring normalisation through democratic process and build up the atmosphere where all community can live peacefully. He likes or not he has to do this otherwise he won’t get the international support and aid to re-build the country back.
I think people in SL cast their vote sensibly. I can understand the apathy from the Jaffna Tamils and they have many reasons to hate MR and there is no reason to support SF. SF got more votes than MR in Jaffna/ Batticola but that does not mean TNA’s support helped SF accrued more votes in those area but there are some floating votes went here and there. The turnout clearly shows that people in the NE not acknowledge TNA request and not accept TNA decision to support SF. Also I think this reflect that people in the NE not accepting MR’s Tamil friends Douclas, Karuna ,Pilaian,………etc. It seems that SF received less vote than expected as result of his association with TNA. May be , Sinhala People who did support SF change their mind after so called SF/TNA agreement. Of course MR got advantage of this un tactical move by SF team. So all in all this PE was good learning curve to both side and they should rectify their mistakes before GE. I’m sure TNA will be abandoned by SF team and not welcome at MR’s door steps either. Tamils have no political leadership on their sight. This is very dangerous situation and could lead them fall in to the wrong hand again. So, the Government and majority community should encourage the minority communities and intake them to the united SL via democratic process. Otherwise we will pay the price later. So we should work with MR closely and build our nation back. Is it possible? We can hope for the best.
Dear all, When you are talking abt SF, Dont forget that he was a main person to get read of War. normaly our Singalist are learned to do “Wasi atata Hoiya” with no gratitude towards the person like SF. Even as well MR, If he could have been in a place of SF I would say the same things. However It’s really Sad… for another 5 years or more this Group going to have some more chance to earn for them self from the innocent nation. The people have to learn, wounder why our people beeb so selfish? When are we going to have our own nation? you all can lern future how Gota going to treat SF… But then he will learn a good lesson. By keeping Army around the hotel where SF, do you think that they are so kind to provide security for SF. That’s a plan where they made to capture sf after winning. this is the way how Maharaja to handle a valuable person. MR dont care about anyone, just he cares about his and his family power. yet to learn… let us see soon… what’s going to happen for the poor lankans.
wrote with really hurt feelings…
This is sad news for all sri lankans,especially tamils,90% of whom were prevented from voting by the government and its quislings in the north and east.
Another “suharto family” has entrenched itself in power for the next six years.
To the great relief of the beneficiaries of the defeat of terrorism in Sri Lanka the debt of gratitude has been paid.It is now up to the President to pay back his debt of gratitude to the people of the whole of Sri Lanka no matter where they live or what language they speak.The greatest mistake MR can do is to neglect the North and the East which would make it fertile ground for the second coming of the LTTE or whatever else they may call themselves.The only way that this could be avoided is the rapid development of the North and the East even at the expense of the South temporarily.The security of the South lies in the prosperity of the North and the East and it is a sacrifice that Southerners must necessarily make and maintain for as long as they can because trouble is bound to recur sooner or later.
The other issue is for the president to deal with serious allegations of corruption and misdemeanours .If this is not addresed soon terrorism will raise its’ ugly head agan posiibly in our own life time and this time it may engul not only the North but also the South,Development must go hand in hand with the spiritual upliftment of the peoples through establishment of Human Values.Anything short of this would only serve as a band-aid solution.Let us all pray that the President would now act with foresight and dignity.
MR won because UNF couldn’t defeat him.MR won because he chose to deliver only what the majority can not
escape from and that is very tactful open communalism.
If you only take a careful note of election results,you will
notice that divide and rule has worked well for him.MR
won because Ranil knows how to lose successfully.
Happy with results from East. They don’t listen to Kuruna or Philliyan, it doesn’t mean listened TNA neither. They know that both are horrible person and want to their dislikes to current president.
What I heard and saw in SL resonated. SF had one foot in the US and another in SL; He was in China with his family and inlaws during the last days of the war busy getting weapons shipments via son in law. IN Sl, MR said it clearly, I was born here, I live here and i will die here so there is no need for me to have two passports and a house overseas. This sort of speech delivered in his brilliant style resonates. No matter how the racist amongst Tamils ridicule him, he ALSO worked hard to LEARN and speak tamil.
now on the Tamil question it is clear the Jaffna tamil is still in the eelam mindset. They need to accept and realize there will be no eelam. I saw a lot of evidence in the east of massive infrastructure development projects started by MR. I think as Jaffna also develops tamils will come around;
but it is absurd and mean spirited for the loser to claim this was rigged. You simply cannot rig 2 million; and also if so why didnt he rig Nuwara Eliya with Estate Tamils considering Thonda Jr. and UPF are both with him? Look at what Transparency Intl said.
CBK is the biggest pathetic loser in this, in the sense she overestimated her strength in Gampaha District. She is a spent force. She will never be as loved as her mother was. MR is loved like Mrs. B was.
You tamil racists who follow the likes of Mano Ganeshan might think differently, but eventually all people must live together side by side. MR is not a racist. Ganeshan wants separatism for Tamils of the N and E but he lives in COlombo and so do most Tamils WITH our people. So why this different set of demands?
TNA were always the Tiger Nominated Agents and their joining SF killed any chance of SF gaining Southern votes. As a mother said “we can now live without fear” “we dont worry about coming back home at night” “We dont need to take separate buses to go to work in case one gets killed.
This was a resounding endorsement of ridding the nation of Tiger Terrorist Tamils and their Sinhala members too(SSP Cooray, and others).
Now is the time for healing and not sourgrapes. The goddamned Americans backed the wrong horse.
Throughout the campaign MR was very positive and loveable and SF was dour, angry and making threats of “wisi huth weniday katu godak denawa mama Wimal Weerawansata; “Kallawaddek” “ooo, aruu, ung okkoma hirey daanawa”. That is barrack talk that did not resonate with people desperate for a positive message. And the message was “Suba Anagathayak”.
sure state resources were abused; EVERYONE DOES IT including the UNP..
Lets take the Mrs B vs. Premedasa election. That was the most rigged and violent election in history. You can all shout about the run up to this election, but FACTS ARE FACTS.. In places like Matara and rest of the South, both the JVP and UNP indulged in terror that some places the turn out was lower than 10pct and the election was still “DECLARED” A succcess. So what the bloody hell are you talking about the low turnout in Jaffna? IT HAPPENED TO us hapless Sinhalese in 88/89. GO read DATA.
Here is the website.
http://www.slelections.gov.lk/pdf/1988%20Presidential.pdf
This election result is very clear.Mr. Rajapakshe is won. Most people are very happy about it although some of them are not. It is not fair to expect Rajapakshe to lose. He desreves this victory. This man has done tremondous work during his four year regieme. How can somebody expect him to just walkaway allowing Fonseka, Ranil and JVP to handing over the power. Are these people desrve. Fonseka would have been won this election if he run against Ranil. but with a man like Rajapakshe not even Fonseka’s dream. Some politically desperate people who had no where to go made another unsuccessful effort by using Fonseka’s weak charactor. Fonseka should have think twice before joining these jerks who had nothing to lose. In my point of view Fonseka had lost much more than the mere election.
Sri Lankan elections are fought on racial grounds initiated by SWRD. This election was fought in the south as to determine who the real Dutugamunu is.
In the last election Mahinda came to power because LTTE prevented the Tamils from voting. This election showing open support for Sarath by TNA the leading Tamil party made the Singhalese vote for Mahinda. This proves the fact the Singhalese mind set is racial.
The Tamil voters were to reject the known devil MR or to look for a bargaining power with the unknown devil SF, as they were doing since the time of Federal party an act of stupidity of doing the same thing again and again but expecting a different result.
This time good percentage of north and east voters have said no to both and held on to their identity in spite of intimidation from ruling party and the paramilitary. Any vote for Sarath in Tamil area should not be interpreted as support for Sarath or UNP, but as rejection of Mahinda. Higher percent of vote for Sarath in the east proves that Karuna and Pillian do not represent Tamils of that province.
Sarath is not a politician and if not arrested or killed will flee the country with the money he made on arms deal. The plight of Ranil and UNP will be worse as they have admitted their incapability to put forward their own candidate.
I wish to requote here what an article in http://www.transcurrents.com website said, ‘one can not rule out the chances the present ruler still has as the entire state machinery is in his hands. His blackened disregards for political norm and election laws are also well known. He is a man who never left any stone unturned. Did any one expect a deal with the Sun God in 2005? So what he got up his sleeve might change the trend too. Don’t count your chickens before they hatch. This is where the General has to prove himself whether he is a wimp or a warrior’.
Also it said, Will the Swan Swim or Shot? This is the confusion in the minds of Swan supporters in the city, suburbs and towns, considering the track record of the betel vendor. Use and abuse -respectively, of government machinery, law and order and flouting election laws are rather unprecedented, unlimited under his power. Now the Swan is shot in Battaramulla.
Susil Premjayantha at a news briefing denied the allegation that a senior presidential advisor had been seen in the office of the Commissioner of Elections. No smoke without fire. The time will bring out.
Mother Lanka put her head down in shame for democracy is being assassinated..
Definitely, the Indian govt. does not want the hawkish and pro-Pakistan Fonseka commanding nearly 3,00,000 troops south of its border. In that respect, we can welcome the election results & congrats Mahinda !
As for as Lankan Tamils were concerned, they had the choice of the frying pan and the fire pit. I wish Mahinda truly commands his array of institutions to treat tamils on equal footing and lessens the impact of Gotabhaya in the future governance.
Ps: Ah I heard Mahinda Rajapakse and Gotabaya just bought Windsor Castle from the Queen. Must be true, because a three-wheeler driver SMSed me.
What happened to the arms SF ordered in China?
the overwhelming response for MR is not just due to conclusion of civil strife, but there are lot of other issues that misses many an eye as they are clouded by the rumors or petty party loyalties.
Does the fertilizer subsidy is of any importance to most of us. We are so much worried about GSP+ and write a lot about its impact. How many of our farmers would have bought fertilizer at current market prize and made a living with paddy cultivating. What would have been the production cost and the prize of a kilo of rice without that subsidy.
What is the impact of price control on rice have on paddy cultivators. How many of us know about the effort done at water management, crop diversification, organic farming etc.
Do we asses the input on HRM in government institutions like hospitals and government offices.
Do we appreciate the approach in quelling labor disputes and strikes, which is far different and effective than any of the previous regimes.
Why was his more detailed and practical manifesto got so little comments or assessment from experts?
How do one asses his wisdom of opting for a snap presidents poll, now he has won the gamble so handsomely. May be it is time for most of us to have a better look at him, now that he is going to be at the helm for a considerable time whether we voted for him or not.
All that money(regardless of the origin) the opposition party wasted to field the common candidate, could have spent on the welfare of the srilankans.
The war hero has turned in to a victim of the very process that he hailed so much while he was the commander.
It is so sad, nevermind his life in Lanka, he may not even have a place in the srilankan diaspora overseas.
Perhaps he might join Chandrika in UK and complain about nepetism in the gov.
The outcome of this election was obvious for many except for the crowds in Colombo. That is the biggest change in this election. The people in the rural areas elected this president. They are the people wanting to have a change. The Colombo crowd was always in a state of disconnected from the Lankan affairs.
Yet many analysts try to explain it on ethnic lines.
For some the outcome of this election means the end of SriLanka. Sure it is; because this is the end of the way they knew this country.
SriLanka has made a decision whether to lead its destiny or to follow some other country’s guidance for its survival.
SriLanka is well behind its steering wheel to navigate in to the future.
Those who do not want to be part of it can beg for the assistance from the international community.
I expected the MR to win. I also wanted MR to win because it would be interesting to see how he is going to handle the Tamil problem. He has given military victory. But political victory is a different ball game altogether.
I was wondering how the Tamils are going to vote. Though the TNA made many a calculations they were all made wrong. In democracy ‘makkal theerpae mahesan theerpu’.
They have boycotted the election.
The reasons could be many. Many in the camps may not have made it to the polling stations. I do not know. Things will get cleared in a few days time.
But the overwhelming majority of Tamils have boycotted the election giving a distinct character to the Tamil struggle.
This has made the IC to take a look at them.
Though Mahinda has won he is not the President only for those who voted for him. He is the President for those who didn’t vote for him and also for those who chose not to vote at all.
One gentleman had said that the Sri Lankan politics is a vengeful politics. When the whole world is looking at how the President is going to handle this problem it would be extremely difficult for MR to behave in a vengeful manner to the Tamils.
Remember they are the people who have nothing to call their own excepting their lives. In this condition they had taken this kind of decision means ‘how far they have been ill treated by the majority community’.
International community and the sinhalese community should respect their sentiments and accommodate their concerns.
it is good for everybody. I want peace to return and the Tamils and Sinhalese to live as equal citizens.
My view of the election results is that the majority community has given top priority for voting against the minority community rather than eradicating corruption and fighting against violence, thuggery, Oppression of media, high COL, They are not interested whether Rajapakse develops his political dynasty. If all opposition parties got together and could not fight back they cannot do anything in the parliament and Mr Rakpakse will have his own dictatorial way. Killings and violence will continue. Journalists who write against the government will be arrested or killed. Common voters are not interested about it.
The pattern of voting proves that in Jaffna voters were intimidated by government forces resulting in low % of Voting. In addition rigging has taken place with the help of paramilitary forces. Eastern province has shown a better pattern. Colombo district did not perform well as expected for Sarath.
The fate of the country and the fate of minority community will go from bad to worse. India will be too happy so long as Sri Lanka is unstable and seeks advice from them The economy will deteriorate. Majority community is not worried about Econmomy but keen in keeping Minority community as slaves.
The mere association with the Tamil parties (TNA) earned the wrath of the Sinhalese, which led to the downfall of Sarath Fonseka. Sinhalese could not stomach that the Tamils whom they bashed so cruelly and vengefully only a few month back could be elevated to be kingmakers. If not for the (poisoned) Tamil support (which unfortunately he never received) Sarath may have won.
This victory clearly gives Rajapakse mandate to ignore all Tamil demands and to be harsher on the Tamils than before.
Rajapakshe may have abusing his power in many ways. Sometimes it can be necessary evil. Most people are currupted in the political field. They misuse every institution. That is why it call ” Politics is the game of rascals ” if you are not ready do that you are in a wrong business. But most admiring thing in Rajapakshe’s charactor is he is in small man’s side who has a big heart to severe the common man regardlessly the ethnicity. When he see a poor he does not see what language he or she speaks. That is the largest human quality behind his success. It is true he is a Sinhalese hardliner yet he is somebody who has the need to serve everybody. We have to find the right way to deal with this type of people. That means somebody does not need to worship him but must have to be straigt forward and play fairly under reasonable grounds. We have to identify our leader without prejudice then we can make things easier.
1.As I commented before, MR would be in power on the 28th irregardless of “win or lose”, now he “won” it is easier.
2.The election was never free or fair by any stretch of imagination.. Then again it is Srilankan style “ballot democracy”, MR took it to a new level.
Only prdictable is unpredictabilty, in Sri lanka, as people are suffering from “lack of enemy syndrome”
3. MR did not spend 180 million this time to prevent Northerners to go to poll. A few bombs only, he could have save the sum as the people are already apathetic to politics anyway.
4. In Srilankan politics there are always winners and losers. But, only predictable, persistant losers are the people and great thing is they themself are not aware of it.
5. By the way welcome to Sri lanka, truly a beatiful place to visit. Please enjoy the nature which existed before the mankind.
If It’s Too Good To Be True…It’s not True‘.
This election is a major point in the nation’s history.
This clearly shows how easily the right of minorities(especially tamils) are abused. Mahinda’s victory will no doubt lead to unprecedented sufferings of the tamils.He will try to tame the tamils with his antics. The tamils in jaffna and Batticoloa were intimidated by TMVP and EPDP.how come these guys who play with our future claim to be our representatives.A truly democratic party which has concern for minorities must be established. Persons like Mervyn,Douglas and Karuna must be weeded out to establish democracy in a country.
The election rigging is a major setback for tamil moderates.
The notion of a united SRilanka has suffered a blow. Now the Hardcore LTTE gang will make use of it and will try to flare separatism again.
If mahinda fails to equally treat the minorities, LTTE might crop up again.
Mahinda has been given the opportunity to either unite the country or seperate.
If he is really a true son of Rohona may him promote equality.
The next few months will determine the future of tamil militancy and seperatism.
Why wasnt SF a registered voter? Was it his failing or was it a failing of the system? The Govt says it will take action against SF claiming he wasnt a citizen of Sri Lanka. They havent said which country he was a citizen of. We were told that he went to the US to renew his green card this implies that he does not hold a US passport. Also, he hasnt spent a number of years in a foreign country which is usually necessary to acquire a different nationality. He probably holds a Sri Lankan passport and a NI card otherwise he would not have made it into the Army. This should qualify him to vote however out of his own negligence (and I cannot understand why) or some failure or subversion of the system he wasnt registered as a voter. I cannot see how this could have disqualified him from contesting the presidency as the only requirement is that he should be a Sri Lankan citizen and an eligible voter.
If what the government says is to be accepted it should be possible to delete the names of any future presidential candidate from the voting register thus ensuring victory of the incumbent.
These are all cheap tactics to deceive the “highly litterate” Sri Lankan voters the majority of whom fall for it.
Having said that I dont believe that the election result can be disputed. Roughly 60% of those I’ve met and spoken to seemed to support Rajapakse. Some loved him, others supported him because they thought there were too many question marks over SF. Everyone who knew SF personally disliked him or at least were suspicious of him. Most people who knew MR personally, adored him irationally. The war vicotory and suspicion/paranoia of the west their reason. Most agree the Rajapaksas are corrupt, very corrupt (even more than their predecessors). But many Sri Lankans see this as good fortune rather than some kind of perfidy! They would help themselves if they were themselves in the same possitions.
Sri lankans were fighting with bullets, now ballots!
Come on folks. The loser always spits venom.. Ok you t amils who call Sinhalese all racist, then do we also say all Tamils are racists because they vote like cows with TNA(Tiger Nominated Agents who said the LTTE represents all Tamils?). The TNA today has the balls to criticize the LTTE but before the Tigers were erased, they were all pro Tigers and against the war to defeat them. So naturally there is a backlash.
What god given right do Tamils have for a separate nation in a overcrowded, piss poor nation when most tamils have ALWAYS lived with us? What they need is fair treatment, equitable distribution of wealth and development etc; but the way the Ganeshans and Tamil racists have it, Tamils must have a racially exclusiveland only for tamils, but screw the rest; That is the typical dog in the manger attitude. They can and and must and SHALL live and prosper in Sinhala areas including Matara, Devundara(there is a tamil community of poor people there) or Galle. or Kandy, or ANYPLACE they wish to. But it is the god damned Eelamists who wanted 45% of the land and 60% of the coast line for Eelam. SHED your eelam demand and say we want jobs, freedom, development and integrate.
Whenever i go to Colombo, I go to the Tamil Money Changers in Wellwatte because their customer service is better than any Sinhala money changer.Whenever i want some jewelry I go to Muthukarupan Chettiar and Not to Sinhala Swarnamahal. Why? again superb customer service and better prices. LIVE AND LET LIVE. I am for Tamils and Sinhalese inter marrying and i am for Tamils and Sinhalese living ANYWHERE They want in peace. So lets not please try to make it racial by only pointing the fingers at Sinhalese. Actually SF said, the majority ARE sinhalese in fact.
i am sad this election was split on racial lines; but with more development more Tamils will want to integrate too.
Its so worrying me when i hearing about election commissioner threaten and released all the results from presidents house by the government.was it the reason for 2 day holiday for rupavahini workers an taken telecasting vehicle to presidents palace?was it the plan of government to not to violate any election booth and get the free and fair election name?is this the reason of siege??hope its all not for being a good win
I think that ours is a feudal society. I was disgusted when I saw that the the so called educated people like the Vice Chancellors, UGC Chairman, University Lecturers, Lawyers, Artists, Writers etc were supporting a regime that is filled with corruption, nepotism and waste of state funds. I think that majority of people in this country do not think logically and are taken away by slanders, mud slinging and false promises. I do not accept the view that the voter in Sri Lanka is intelligent. The voter is prepared to kneel down before authoritarian ruler.
Most of the commentators here are living outside Sri Lanka. You are entitle to your own opinion. But, please let the people who live in Sri Lanka to decide what is best for them. Sri Lankan people (Tamils, Sinhalese, Rural and urban folks) are capable of electing their leader. Please respect their decision.
SL people have elected MR for the following.
YES to reach out to Tamils who are disenchanted
NO to North and East Provincial Merger
NO to Extensive/Unfair Devolution of 2/3 of the country to 6% of the SL Population
YES to fair and just devolution
YES to Development
YES to Security
YES to Stability
YES for Inclusion
YES for One country
YES to One Nation
YES to Tamils who think they are Sri Lankans first
NO to influence and directions from foreign countries
NO to most INGO agenda
NO to UN/HRW ulterior motives
YES to winning the war over terrorism – appreciation
NO to separatism
NO to TNA Sampanthan & Co’s agenda
YES to Team work and shared credit
NO to selfish attitudes and claim credit
…….list goes on and on.
Good job MR! You can continue stealing public money and make your whole family rich for 6 more years! Our peolpe (all sri lankans voted for MR) are stupid enough to chose him again.
Hi friends,
I have not posted any comments recently, but read with much interest all the comments.
I was pleasantly surprised with the last article ( 3 poems)
Mr Jeyaraj. It will be lovely to see more such articles with deeper spiritual meaning which is desperately needed. Such articles bring the best in people and gives the opportunity to reflect on what really matters to us humans.
I totally agree with Mr Sam Ratnayake’s comment 28
Srilanka has not produced Leaders but Politicians. This is because most of us for whatever reason( could be historical fear and grandiocity) are unable to transcend beyond pettiness.
It is time that we individually change our own thoughts and behaviours to become compassionate and positive. These changed attitudes can have ripple effects and eventually bring in the Leaders we want.
Sai Baba says
When there is Peace in the Individual
There will be Peace in the family
When there is Peace in the a family
There will be Peace in the Community
When there is Peace in the Community
There will be Peace in the Country and
When there is Peace in the Country
There will be Peace in the World.
This proves that it all has to begin with each of us.
As Mahathma Gandhi said
“Be the Change you want to see”
Therefore it does not matter who has won, we all together can bring the positive change we want for Srilanka as long as we are honest and humble enough to put our own house in order.
In recent Sri Lanka, everybody has their own views (that’s how it supposed to be) about who the protagonist is, Pirapakaran, Mahinda, Sarath or others… Undoubtedly Mahinda is the protagonist in recent Sri Lanka. As a Tamil, I am very glad that Mahinda won the election and not Sarath. Those who I meet/talk up to now, they all want Sarath to win, but I was almost sure (and hoping) Mahinda would triumph. As the saying “known devil is much better than the unknown devil”.
Sarath intention was/is ambiguous. Was his intention for good or personal? Was he genuine to provide any good solutions? The solutions include anti-corruption government for Sri Lanka, Acceptable standard of life for Sinhalese and a genuine political solution for Tamils. I don’t think so, I belie it was pure personal. Since the friction started between him and Rajapake(s), he wants to find a way for him and the option was to move to US/outside or get into politics. He choose politics and purely for his personal reasons, not for the betterment for Sinhalese or the country. For Tamil, he said in the past, Sri Lanka is Sinhalese country and minority has to act accordingly. So as a Tamil, we should understand what kind of political solution (if he had any intension to so) he would have come up with. Even if he won, he would not have any power unless he brings the whole country under army control. That would be worst for anyone.
Mahinda, the man of clear-cut. Whether he is right or wrong, he is open and firm, that’s how the leader should be. Because of that, we can easily expect his next moves. Of course top of his list will be the announcement for the next election to strengthen his cabinet. I don’t know how much he is going to do good for the Sinhalese and the country, but I am sure, Hambanthoda and southern Sri Lankan will flourish in parallel to his kin-kith will be comfortably settled financially-vise.
As my previous comment in “DBSJ’s Gamin Fonseka’s article” it is the Sinhalese who has to provide the solution on the politicians. They got another chance to choose the right person, but they concentrated on only two whom obviously not going to do any good. I don’t know much detail about the rest of the presidential candidates, but until Sinhalese pick the right leader instead of celebrity politician, the Island is not going anywhere.
Now as a Tamil, I am happy, known devil Mahinda, won the election. Why? Because the curse/Sapam he brought to the whole Sinhala race by committing worst crimes (worst than Hitler) to Tamils, now he is forced to come up with a political solution. He is the man going to officially open the chapter after Sinhala-only act was introduced. Whether it is going to be good or bad solution, he is forced to do so, not by Sinhalese or Tamils, but the whole international community. I was worried, the war crimes and other things will come to an end or go unnoticed if Sarath was elected. Now, what the hell UN going to do? Poor Ban Ki-moon, Vijay Nambiar, Sonia Gandhi, Karunanidy, Pallaniapan Chindambaram, Shiv Shankar Menon, they got a chance to way out, but now they all locked in. The case still open, couldn’t close is too easily. At last, we get to see some fun stuff. This definitely will be a catalyst to (dramatically increasing the rate of the reaction) the political solution in Sri Lanka. After all, these prominent people don’t want to get their ass burned, so they will do their utmost thing to bring a solution to the country (for them to get way from the crime they committed to Tamils.) Well, we hope for the best!
Once again, we proved that we, Tamil, don’t get along. I guess, it is in our blood.. I wished, all Tamil parties or so call leaders would announce, “fellow Tamils, exercise your right and vote (or not vote) for who you think will be beneficial for you and your needs” instead doing all these stunts. Sine they are not contesting (except Sivaji) it was unnecessary and not needed for them to announce or request Tamils to vote for Mahinda or Sarath. We need to change this Tamil mentality to wait for some politician/celebrities telling us who should we vote for. They can always suggest/recommend (but not direct/force), the decisions has to be our own. Even if recommending, they should clearly justify their recommendation.
It was an unnecessary election but injected some excitement in to the country.
In choice between bad and worse, the bad won.
The serial looser who came up with this unholy alliance of SF, UNP and JVP has lost again. UNP is a joke. JVP leadership has found out that their rank and file does not even listen to them.
SF the brilliant solder will fade into the sunset. His usefulness to Ranil and Mangala is no more. In fact there are unconfirmed reports that he had an altercation with Mangala at the Cinnamon Lakeside hotel and slapped him. He could have retired with class with people worshiping him like a god. Sometimes a little ego is not good for you.
It appears that the electorate is more intelligent than we get give them credit for. The main argument of SF, the he won the war single handedly seems to have been rejected out of hand. They realize that without the political leadership, SF still would be cooling his heels at the Army HQ and Prabaharan would be still on his murderous rampage.
Postal votes (cast mainly by the government servants) tells you that SF’s brilliant promise of a salary increase of 10000.00 rupees for the civil servants was dismissed out of hand. People very well remember the promise to bring rice from the moon and 8 lbs of grain made by our famous politicians.
One very important political fact of life to remember – elections in SL are decided in the villages and not in the cities. The crowd that surf the web, are on the facebook, and tracks opinion polls don’t know what the general masses are thinking. According to the Daily Telegraph of UK, the SF campaign was masterminded and managed by an expert from UK. That alone would have been an indicator of where this was headed. UNP and JVP can not come up somebody local who knows the local issues and what the local people think?
DO not over do things. Given the amount of Rajapaksha corruption stories that were put out by SF campaign, one would think that they are even richer than Bill Gates. At some point, the stories get so absurd, people will stop believing them.
What do Tamils get from all of this? Not much for now, but MR is the first Singhalese leader who went out and learned Tamil so that he can speak to you directly. That tells you that he is someone who is prepared to listen to you. So don’t give up on him just yet. One thing that Sri Lanka should learn is that there should not be race, language or religion based political parties. That applies both to Singhalese as well as Tamils. That is why JHU will not have future in SL. Similarly TNA should also fade out.
Rural mentalities remain the same. There are certain sections in the South Asian region where people would never reach the next level in life. The whole world is moving forward but there are no changes in the minds of these people. The innocent rural SL population is going to remain the same as well. Instead of improving they seem to be continuously worshipping humans. They are deeply in love with outdated traditions.
Leadership used the art of hooliganism and has been begging the mass to stay where he is.
Yes, the people agree that the leadership has played a key roll to wipe out the terrorism. Unfortunately the people are not knowledgeable enough to understand that the same leadership is playing a similar roll in spreading corruption and intimidation all over the country. We will be witnessing more of his art of politics in the days to come as well. The people are also not aware that this leadership is not capable of taking them and this country to challengeable heights. The leadership will go on begging from countries, like China, for its survival. Like people, like leader. Another six years of precious time down the drain. The management of country’s wealth and affairs by leased qualified and mentally impede individuals will be continued, except for very few. Even those few can be overpowered by leadership’s kith and kin any time. What a management!
Another election, another sad story.
Appreciate you DBSJ!
My Heartiest cograts to MR and sorrow and condolance to the poor sinhala peasants. For Tamils the plight is same as before for the last 60 years.The poor Sinhalese choose to be beggers and elect a corrup war criminal. The sufering of the poor will continue.With the new projects rich eill become more rich.Lets see how this corrupt govt is going to handle the future. God bless my Mother Lanka
I don’t know of any place in the world where a person who does not have the voting rights qualifies to be a presidential candidate. Does this mean at the next election a russian, chinese or an american be our presidential candidate…This does not make sense. Something was not done right. At the end, the general went from a hero to a zero. Hopefully, the new era will bring the prosperity to the country and all its people.
The majority have spoken – however you slice it and dice it. End of the story. My advice to SF and anyone else who supported him is be magnanimous in defeat and walk away head held high. There’s nothing to gain by bickering at this time – it’s almost a 20 point differnce.
It’s time to move on people! The election is over.
Many tamil friends are writing Tamil grievances,problems and so on.I am also a tamil from Jaffna.I am really annoyed to read all these old stuff.Our main problem is, in Tamilnadu ,south India there is a large Tamil community.Some leaders from Jaffna miscalculated that because of the large tamil community in Tamilnadu,he Tamils in Sri lanka can ask for more from the governments.They have forgotten the fact that free education and free health in Sri Lanka immensly contributed to the better life in Sri Lanka.The folly of jaffna Tamil leaders brought us disaster.Tamil media in Sri lanka is very communal and they are misusing the free press.The comments made are all outcome of this petty mindedness created by some Tamil leaders nd media.Mahinda or any leader in Sri lanka cannot give anything more to Sinhalese peole than the Tamil people.I invite the people to make a tour to interior Sinhalese areas and see the conditions under which poor Sinhalese people are living.
It is quite disturbing to read the pronouncements that are coming from the Sarath Fonseka Camp since the elections were decided- for all those people who have the best interest of SriLanka at heart. No one can refute the fact that it has generally been a free and fair elections. The independent election observers too attest to this fact – that there were no malpractices.
If the Sarath Fonseka Camp uphold democratic values they should be gracious in accepting the peoples’ verdict. These sore loosers are only telling the world at large that they have no respect for democratic principles. Only Ranil Wickramasinghe stood tall and differed in this regard. Now I come to realize what a blessing that SriLanka did not get to be ruled by a person such SF. Thank you so much DBSJ, for giving us this opportunity to have our say on this. I always look forward for your articles and always encourage my loved ones to do the same.
Pl let me know, who said we,Tamils are not equals.These are all myth.Ican say there are Tamils in Nort(Jaffna),they are not equals among the Tamils.
In the 70 year old democratic tradition of the independent Sri Lanka the people have spoken loud and clear. Almost sixty percent of the voting public has endorsed the policies of incumbent President Mahinda Rajapakse and rejected a change proposed by his chief opponent Sarath Fonseka. The overwhelming majority, nearly 2 million votes, received by MR is a clear indication that the people of Sri Lanka are less concerned about corruption in the Government, nepotism practiced by the President or ever rising cost of living. They are indeed very much grateful to MR for bringing peace to the country by defeating LTTE terrorism. I would call it a vote of thanks by the majority Sri Lankans to the incumbent President for all what he has done to them during the tenure of his first term.
I would discard all propaganda by the Government during the election campaign on the conspiracy theory to hand over part of the country to LTTE Tamil Diaspora, immoral characteristics of SF and he would be a military dictator, as election strategy. Now that SF has lost the election we can now conveniently forget about this propaganda.
The disturbing trend in this presidential election is the polarization between the majority Sinhalese in the South and the minority Tamils in the North & East. MR has won all districts in the South and SF has won only in the Tamil districts. Therefore, even after the war against LTTE is won the basic ethnic issue is not addressed by MR and an amicable political reconciliation with the minority is an important priority for the President.
In the aftermath of the election I sincerely hope that intimidation, abduction and extrajudicial killings will be the things of the past and good Governance, as promised will prevail.
I am not surprised!
After seeing George W. Bush winning the second term, nothing surprises me anymore.
MR or SF, Neither candidate was a clear positive choice anyway.
Where are the puppet Masters Ranil ,Somawansa and Mangala???
MR got 28% votes in district of Jaffna, 27% in Batticola and 27% in Vanni. Even though majority did not vote for MR, still it is a great victory for MR in the former heartland of LTTE. Tamils will kick out TNA very soon.
Victory to one candidate, MR; Jubilant are his supporters. Is it a victory to democracy, to human values, to a corruption free society, to freedom of press will be a question to be answered by everyone who up holds the common good over personal preferences? Whether, has our electoral process and the conduct during the election improved form the time the nation start to exercise its franchise or it has continued to deteriorate; Whether the election promises and the manifesto had been taken seriously and implemented or they are just empty promises; Whether people of Sri Lanka had continued to support for equality for all ethnic communities or ethnic divide is becoming increasingly polarized; one try to answer these questions would understand who the victor and who the looser is. Without a looser there is no victor in a race, but the sprit of sport relies in mutual respect and unbiased neutrality, that is the victory of sport.
Congratulations – MR, pepople have spoken in no uncertain terms. You are their Hero.
Sarath, Ranil, CBK, Sarath de S and other esteemed folks can polish their CVs and offer their services to whom it may concern. Employer is not likely to be the citizens of Sri Lanka. Sadly Attanagalla turned out to be among the best electorates for MR despite the cajoling for SF from CBK and other sportsfolk.
Important lessons to llearn that despite all the hard work you have put in to speak in Tamil the North and the East are still shell shocked. Having spent years and years under the fools paradise but a vile hell hell hole for the non believer, that of the Sun King and the remnants of the Chola Dynasty before, and the benign British empire, it is not in their soul to be part of a democratic but poor and imperfect country working hard to rise in the new world order.
Douglas Devananda has the huge and unenviable task to forge a new brotherhood of the North and the East and claim the due share of the new democratic Sri Lanka.
Reafirmed reality in srilanka “Promise anything significant to Tamils, stand to loose the election for sure ”
Karuna, Pillayan & Duglas vote bank is insignificant without their armed threat.
No need to have parliment elections now
whoever wins, President will hold onto almost all ministries
Initial influx of investments in sri lanka will dry out soon when more than half of it goes as bribes and and the rest failed to add good or service to economy.
export markets are very competitive where coutries are improving their productivity and efficency where as Srilanka is spending one third of budget to defense.
absolutely true that state media and state instutions were abused. But JR did it too. And UNP always did it. Does it make it right? Shit even during CBK’s time her cronies and sycophants used money from National Insurance Corporation to print posters and bulletins etc promoting her. This is the way of the beast. We are like Mugabestan but a bit better because at least the election was relatively clean.
don’t forget the 1988 Presidential election DBSJ; This is a boyscouts movement compared to what happened then.
Hi,
All this results shows tamils and sinhalayos cant live together. They must be separated and recognised by international community. I dont know how and when??
Rajabakse gang use anti tamil propaganda in sinhala areas, this the normal practice in srilanka since independence. We tamils no longer suffer this brual barabarians.
thankyou.
in 1988 in Hakmana ONLY 4.45% votes! Kamburupitiya 7.45% Matara 47.9% i can go on and on with REAL DATA …Now they say only 20% of tamils voted?
UNP a&&&&&s must be reminded of the FACTS about the 1988 election. Matara district “Declared” a free election with 23% voter participation of Sinhalese,
Hambantota with 29%,
Polonnaruwa with 29.73%, Apura with 40%;
Matale 30%
Galle with 53%
and of those Galle, Matara and Pnaruwa Mrs B got a
significant higher majority and still lost. SO WHAT THE BLOODY HELL ARE THE LOSERS TALKING ABOUT percentage polled in one area because Tamils refused to vote? come on man. FREE And FAIR CRIES THE UNP AND JVP? Tamil people sent a message to TNA as well, they are not happy and t hey suffered for too long but to say it is the only disaster? Go back and read data from 1988. I was there! I know what a murderous bunch the UNP and JVP were.
Believe me or not, you will not imagine what happened.Find out what was happened after Irans presidential election.Same thing has happened in SRi Lanka.It was really shameful.You may get to know exact details lateer!
Where ever there is JVP they r loosers. Any sensible person will not vote to an alliance which was formed with JVP. Because they have drawn our country and the lives of a generation backwards in a number of years by introducing violance to universities and schools. I will always denounce and will remember the drawback they have brought to our generation. I think the outcome of the election is good. Thats waht we deserve.
It is very clear that tthe Tmils of N&E rejected the Sinhalese govt. Those who voted also voted against a govt which defeated their struggle. What are they going to donow? They should understand that majority in SL are Sinhalese Budhists. They have to live harmoniously with them. Tamils cannot have the lion’s share in everything. SL is a poor country. The limited resources should be shared equitably. Tamils can’t have a separate state. Sinhalese wont’ let that happen. Most of the resources are concentrated in south. Tamils have to depend on that. Not only the Tamils have problems in SL. Majority of the Sinhalese are poor and underpriviledged. They fought for Sinhalese to make official language because through English, the minority from Colombo and Jaffna enjoyed the benefits. .Tamils should learn from the past. They have to rebuild their future. Everybody cant leave the country. At present, in SL everyone has equal rights. Tamil is an official language. Lamguage is not an issue anymore. If they learn Sinhalese so much the better for them. But without knowing Sinhalese language, anybody can live and lead a successful life anywhere in SL.
Nice results in East, Pillaiyan and Karuna are irrevelant now, they never did anything uselful. I hope new leaders can rise and represent us well.
* No more road blocks
* Free movement to any part of the Island
* Visitors sleeping in the open in Jaffna due to lack of accomodation.
*Four and five star hotels booked out for the up coming tourist season.
* Inflation 3.5 %
* Per Capita Income hike from $ 1000 to $ 2200
* Foreign Reserves topping $ 4000 Million
* Mega Infrastructure Projects coming up in the North and the South.
These goals were scored in in just 4 years under Rajapaksa’s captaincy.despite the largest phase of the War.
The Opposition never challenged these achievements with any realistic, and real time solutions.
Instead the campaign was totally based on the chant of corruption, bad mouthing opponents,disscrediting the valiant Soldiers and threatening them with punishment on the 27th.
Ah just forgot, and some ridiculous promises like 12 perches of land to every child and Rs 15.000 extra wage to all public servants.
This is, despite the opposition campaign being financed and coordinated by the conservative Western countries.
The Australian official who was holed up at the Cinnamon Hotel yesterday with Fonseka and his body guards. should have know better that the Srilankans especially the Sinhalese are not idiots anymore,eve though some still seem to to think so.
In light of what Rajapaksa managed to deliver in just 4 years, with the War hanging around his neck. just imagine what he will deliver in the next 6 years in a a peaceful and safe environment.
This is the mother of all Victories.
The Presidential Election has been systematically rigged by the Sri
Lankan Government with the Election Commissioner placed under house
arrest with immediate effect to suppress the electoral outcome.
All the election results released so far have been manipulated. Do not
trust the results being presented to you as election results. These
are not official results.
The Government has ordered General Fonseka and his entire family to be
arrested with immediate effect. Members of the military have been
deployed with weapons and have now surrounded the hotel and are
waiting for the final orders to arrest everyone!
Please pass this message to everyone you know;
1. Call the Police Stations and ask them to maintain law and order.
2. Call your Parliament members for more information and any future action.
3. Call the Embassies and urge them to hold the administration
accountable to the people of this country.
Do not let a ruthless administration take away democracy and the free
will of the people.
Unite to Save Democracy and our Motherland from this tyrannical regime!
Please mobilize now!
Office of Sarath Fonseka
3/1, Rajakeeya Mawatha
Colombo 7
Phone: (011) 7393550 / (011) 5231019
Fax : (011) 7393551
Email: info@sarathfonseka.com
Sri lanka’s ethnic devide was clearly visible from the election results. Tamil speaking people have clearly expressed their sentiments against MR for his discriminitory and supressive actions towards Tamils, though more than 70% of them shown indifference to the election by not taking part in it.. He, as a true statesman should learn a lesson from these results and try to respect and reconciliate with Tamils in the future to fulfil their aspirations without jokingly or sarcastically saying that the Tamils have no problem beacause he too speak Tamil. He should make his officers also speak Tamil and give them their due share in employment opportunities and treat them as equal citizens of Sri lanka.
Great victory for Tamils, Things clear from this election is TNA is Tamil people’s representatives in Srilanka, their endorsement worked 100% in Tamil homeland, Srilanka is a divided nation, Tamils selected a different leader in all of their occupied homeland, Tamil people exercised their democratic rights even in these difficult times.
Now it is the time for the IC to safeguard the Tamil people’s rights and their existence in their homeland, Please get rid of the Rajabaksa’s thugs karuna,pilliyan and Douglas.
Long live Tamil.
Dear Friends,
In November 2004 in a letter to Democratic Party supporters after the re-election of George W Bush, Michael Moore said
‘Ok, it sucks. Really sucks. But before you go and cash it all in, let’s, in the words of Monty Python, ‘always look on the bright side of life!’ There IS some good news from Tuesday’s election.’
He then listed what is popularly known as ’17 Reasons not to slit your wrists’
I’m not as articulate as he was, but here are my
10 reasons not to slit your wrists:
1. Sarath Fonseka lost. We no longer need to stress ourselves to a level requiring medication worrying about what he might do if he wins. We can stop pretending to like him.
2. Mahinda Rajapakse can never ever run for president again (unless he screws with the constitution).
3. Stuck between the devil and the deep blue sea, almost 75% of people still went out and voted. That’s always a good thing.
4. Almost 2% of the people voted for someone other than Mahinda and Sarath. That’s just awesome. We haven’t seen that in some time.
5. Compared to landslide victories in recent PC polls, 57.88% is a significant drop in popularity for the Rajapakse Government. (Ex: From 72.39% to 58.59% in Uva). This trend could hurt Mahinda’s chances of getting a 2/3 majority in the Parliament.
6. The Tamil people have made it very clear that they don’t believe that Rajapakse is doing anything for them. Now we can see if how he responds to that. After a really really long time they had their say.
7. The UNP won’t have to worry about winning anything for some time so they have six years to get their shit together and become the Opposition that we want. We hope they’ll deliver.
8. The JVP has been proven to be no longer relevant. This election has compromised the hold that the IUSF has in the Universities and only good can come out of that.
9. Douglas, Karuna and Pillayan, with all their guns and their goons couldn’t deliver the East and the North to Mahinda. No one’s really afraid of them anymore.
10. It’s all downhill for Rajapakse from here. One month from now we won’t be able to find one single person who voted for him.
So hang in there for the next six years, keep your head above the water and the rest of you hidden. Do creative things -like undermining Namal Rajapakse’s ascendancy- to pass the time.
Longest mandate for precidency, it is probably a world record 8 years, What a shame for oddukulu and modayas.
You’ve missed out no 11 Shymala. Ranil screwed up and now there’s a chance he’ll go and the UNP will choose an electable leader.
The results show that Sri Lankans are emotional voters. They do not vote for policy. Whoever openly opposes or suppresses Tamils get elected. From Mr.Bandaranayake to Rajapakse it is the same story.
#185-RMM
TNA were always the Tiger Nominated Agents and their joining SF killed any chance of SF gaining Southern votes.
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Are you kidding about gaining sinhalese votes. He lost it substantialy. What a folly by fonny. He should have just said if the TNA wants to join me they are welcome, but i don’t need to speak to them or agree on anything. The TNA probably would have anyway joined him because they wanted to just go against mahinda . The sinhalese voter would have been reassured that fonny is the same old fonny and won’t let them down though he has got people who were the stooges of the LTTE in his camp. With all these rumours of a secret agreement and stuff the sinhala voters got the shits. They are not interested in the difference between the LTTE or its perceived political lackeys. They would like to see the whole bunch cremated. Hence the backlash on fonny. The biggest and probably only mistake he made due to his political inexperience. He would have just nodded to everything TNA wants and given them a good kick on their bum after he is elected, but how does the sinhala voter know that.
When I looked at the district results map on veerakesary, I see the Tamileelam on green include upcountry and Sri Lanka on blue. The election result shows very clear indication of deep ethnic division in Sri Lanka. West and India pretent to think that Tamils want to live in Sri Lanka under corrupted Sri Lankan goverment. They totally rejected Sri Lankan system using Sarath Fonseka as a tool. Tamil diaspora need not to have referedum on Vaddukoddai resolution. The election result seems to be a referendum of Vaddukoddai resolution. President Mahinda and Sri Lankan people should recognize the fact that Tamils do not want to live with them. It looks that Tamils are forcefully kept under Sri Lankan system of government. Let the go free.
I saw quite a few comments giving racist dimension to Mahinda’s victory as a protest against SF’s association with TNA. In my view this show the nature of rural Sinhala psyche which was wrongly understood by SF campaign. Usually Sinhalese do not like personal attacks unless it is very obvious. Whatever attack SF did against MR & family were allegation without any obvious proof. Which capitalize MR campaign to paint him as ungrateful villain like Moosila of famous Goothlila Kawya. Had SF campaign could have been more subtle and try show more positives about himself than negatives about MR would have been more appropriate.
In previous election, LTTE was blamed for Tamil’s boycot t of election. This time who could be blamed for the boycott?
This clearly proves Srilankan tamils issue is genuine and not something manipulated by LTTE or others. Srilankan Tamil People expressed their total dissatisfaction by not voting in this election too.
SR represents Sinhalese people and Tamils are represented by no one at the moment.
Dear DBS,I truly enjoy reading yours. I sympathised with LTTE at the biggining and in 1984 when I heard internal fighting among tamil groups I knew this will not work out and they will destroy each other. When LTTE resorted to suicide bombing I not only hated them but was very fearful of them though I left SL in 1981. 30 years of war not only destroyed SL but forced out lot of tamils. Tamils who were left to live in SL , their life style reduced to very poor state and as a result that now majority sinhalese are prepared to feel sorry for them. Now sinhalese masses are ready accept tamils as part of SLankans who need help and sinhalese politicians need not fear the sinhalese masses in helping the tamils in the north and East. I hope MR takes this opporunity to bring peace and Security from top to bottom of our country in the next 2 or 3 years so that all expatriates who still love their country of birth SL would be given the opportunity to come back and enjoy their old memory and die there rathar than in a foreign country they accepted because of fear of unrest in their country of Birth
In short,
1) Congradualtions Mr. President. You had my vote too. But please do not take this for granted. Now get you act to gather. You, and your Dream team including Sarath F. are heors for me now and for ever. But now we must move on…
2) Ranaviru Sarath Sir, now that you are in politics ( I would have loved if this did not happen) keep going. We need you to be the opposition leader.
Ironically for this second war – for a stable democratic country with ‘normal’ levels of currption – we need you both but on rival teams!!
Fonseka has no residual value.For any political party,he will be as useful as a lame donkey.
Nearing Mahinda’s second stint. Srilanka will be no 1 among South Asian countries. Basil who is even more charismatic and people friendly as well as an A1 operator will be in the Blue corner.
Who ever is going to be in the Green corner has to be a young, charismatic, and smart operator who can convince people with sound economic proposals ,unlike the current lot.
Looking at the Crystal Ball. all I can see is a long time on the bench, even if the UNP can find such a person.
That is, if they can survive the up coming parliamentary elections with a reasonable number of seats
There is a strong possibility that the Tamils can become the main Opposition if they dump the LTTE proxies like Sampathan and form a common platform around good leaders who seek realistic and practical solutions to their grievances.
#234, People like you are hate mongers and rumour mongers. I passed Cinnamon Lakeside at Ten in the night. Anybody is let in and let out with a check. The elections were one of the most peaceful I have seen. No groups in coloured caps on the way to poll stations. Even I was shocked at the result. The People have voted. Respect the right to vote and accept even if youhave lost. 40% have voted for SF, dont let ‘THEM’ down. they are expecting a person to fight corruption. It is not the end of the road for SF if his intentions were genuine!
It is easy to criticise the TNA. The Tamils are in an extremely weak position, their choices are limited. They did their best under difficult circumstances. Maybe the TNA could have officially taken a neutral position while secretly supporting the SF coalition. They would have known that the Tamils will vote against MR irrespective of TNA’s official position. More Sinhalese might have voted for SF if he didn’t have the ‘official’ backing of the Tamils. That’s the nature of the entrenched anti-Tamil racism of the Sinhala masses – sadly.
To those who say the country should not be divided, guess what, the country is already divided on ethnic and religious lines. Tamils and Muslims overwhelmingly voted against MR.
I do think the elections were not rigged as the results from the East in particular reflect that. I wish the Provincial elections held in 2008 for the East could have been handled the same way . Instead, because of the rigging, we have pro-govt terrorists running the East. Sadly, this is the exact plan the MR regime has for the North. The bombers who kept the Tamil voters away on Tuesday will heavily rig the elections and come to power. To those, who say there is considerable development in the East, why did the Tamils and Muslims (comprising the majority) vote against MR? Obviously they are not benefiting from the so-called development. Only pro-govt cronies (Sinhala and Tamil alike) are reaping the rewards.
If the Sinhalese want to reach out to the Tamils and vice versa, first get rid of these pro-govt terrorists from the Tamils areas. But that will never happen under the MR regime because the only plan MR has for the Tamils is to keep them as an Oppressed, terrorised and silent minority.
If MR could buy the previous election for 180 million even when he was not in power.. do you think he would let this go???
If Lankans were not matured and prudent enough to vote for Mahinda what would have been in store for Lankans? It would have been uncertainty amid a policy and strategy vacuum. Change for change sake would have been disastrous change.
World over coalitions have had their share of problems even with common political setting. Fonseka’s common front was so divergent in terms of policy and strategy and it could not have survived the full term of presidency. He did not have coherent policy alternatives. So Mahinda’s win is Lanka’s win.
Fonseka did not show political maturity or statesmanship. He may have been a good military leader. Interestingly, leadership is not common to all sectors and all walks of life. Political leadership differs from corporate leadership. Military leadership differs from political leadership. Some leaders make the transition from business leaders to political leaders but others don’t. Some may even make the transition from military leaders to political leaders but others don’t.
Anger and hatred are not reasons to fight a political battle. Ranil’s lack of leadership skills essentially put Fonseka in this awkward position. Fonseka fell right into it. A man who could have basked in the glory of a hero is now facing the ridicule of a traitor largely because anger and hatred was the reason for the contest.
This time Mahinda has rescued Lanka from Fonseka and a common front that had very little in common. Less than a year ago Mahinda rescued Lanka from LTTE and its supporters home and abroad.
Sri Lankans have shown maturity and prudence in this election.
Firstly, given the environment in which the election was held it was a “reasonably” peaceful election. Of course there was tension. There will be tension in future as well. A good fight was fought. And, that is democracy.
Secondly, the common opposition was not so common and the prudent voters realised this. The common opposition was as common as “anti-rich” party (JVP) saying “pro-rich” party their friends. Two “pro-Tamil” parties who opposed military action against LTTE saying the general who lead the military offensive is their friend. Marxists were trying to put forward common policy with liberal thinkers. Common opposition had no common policies other than common anger and hatred. The common anger had united divers groups to fight a common enemy. But that was not good enough. Political maturity and prudence of Lankans prevailed.
They tried to find a “common enemy” in the incumbent. The common enemy was none other than the President who saved the country from LTTE terror and who embarked on an unprecedented development programme. The nation was rescued after decades of terror and under-investment.
Thirdly, it appears that the “common opposition” was supported by those countries that opposed a military solution. Sri Lankans were matured and did not fall into this trap.
Also, Parippu and Bath (Dhal and Rice) did not win this election. Food prices are still high and the subsidies are limited. Against this background Lankans voted Mahinda in. Why? They could see beyond Dhal and Rice. They were matured and prudent.
I am relieved to say the least.
MR won by the Sinhala vote backing him, which has never happened before. This proves that the politicians need not give into fair/unfair demands of the minorities.
I am quite sure that MR as he did with the war will now handle the rehabilitation of Jaffna.
He has united the country and will also unite the different ethnic groups.
238. Tamil | January 27th, 2010 at 7:21 pm
Longest mandate for precidency, it is probably a world record 8 year
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Iam not sure of this. Can some constitutional expert clear this up. Commonsense and logic tells me that it should be 6 years, but Srilanka is not just any other country. it is a unique country with unique people, and it will have a unique fate.
insted of fate i should call it unique future. What i mean by unique is no boredom at all. Never a dull moment in Srilanka. No sir, we never tolerate boredom.
At a glance the election results show interesting trends.
1. The margin of victory is so large (1.85Mn votes) that any post-election claim of vote rigging or miscount should be substantiated beyond reasonable doubt by Fonseka. Merely saying that the mood was towards a swing for him then and now the election end-result is unbelievable, is an insult to the people who voted Mahinda.
2. Clearly the N/E tamils have endorsed the opposition or have protested at Mahinda. This is despite liberation from LTTE clutches and in the middle of developing infrastructure in the N/E by Mahinda. Further some still sympathise with the LTTE, or some feel that the development is slow.
3. The Estate Tamils have rejected Thondaman’s call to back Mahinda.
4. The business community has started to favour with Mahinda.
5. The catholic belt is firmly behind Mahinda.
6. Urbanites & elite-colombians are still in favour of a Ranil led administartion.
7. Majority of Muslims endorse Mahinda except in Digamadulla.
8. Govt servants, rural & semi urban sinhala constituents have said thank you to Mahinda, for the war(not Fonseka) despite COL problems.
9. Majority of professionals & artistes seem to prefer Mahinda over SF as the latter bad-mouthed in military parlance.
10. Rumors didn’t win the day. Neither people believed in print-manifestos.
These are just cursory observations by looking at electoral results. The demographic balance as well as recent socio-economic-political issues well blend to the final result.
#237-Shyamala
Good analysis Shyamala. One of the best i have read. You should be going into politics. It’s time women in Srilanka stop thinking that politics is the exclusive male preserve. Just having leaders like Sirima and Chandrika is all bunkam and whitewash. How many MP’s are women. Women of Srilanka , you are the only hope left.
People has spoken. If the count done by electorates SLFP could win a very big majority in the South and TNA could win a majority in the NE. Again a situation like JRJ’s landslide victory and Amir was the Opp leader. If JRJ be wise at that time there won’t be a 3 decades war.
Hope this time MR learn from the past and be wise.
Let see what solution MR will provide after his victory (both political and military). Will he be a leader for the whole country. Could be a NATIONAL LEADER like Methahu.
#237 Shyamala
If you think MR is gone after this term, think again. Now he only has to hold parliamentary elections. With no credible opposition he will get his 2/3 majority to change the constitution. Then he can do away with the executive presidency, which has no meaning for him for the future as he can not run again, bring back the executive prime minister’s post, and come back to the parliament as the prime minister of the country. Having campaign against the executive presidency, none of the other political parties can oppose it.
I am pretty sure that Sri Lanka will have parliamentary elections soon. Just imagine what will happen to JVP and UNP when that happens.
#242 Shalini: If you think that any up-country (Indian) Tamils are going to join a future Ellam project, you must be truly delusional. They did not for 30 years, even when LTTE was riding high. So what makes you think, after having seen what happened to the Northern Tamils under LTTE, they will want anything to do with separation?
So the verdict is quite clear and convincing.there was a swing in favour of SF only in the north and the east due to the pact with TNA.Opposition thought that sinhala vote will be split between the two and whoever has the tamil vote will win.People had serious doubts about the credibility of sarath fonseka and his allies.This coalition had many fundamental differences even though they were on the same platform.They never had a program of work.It was a get together to get rid of MR and nothing thereafter.SF should accept the verdict and leave gracefully.All his comments are self explanatory.Just because there were a few people in his rallies it does not mean that they will vote and he will win.Sadly this is one area where we lack as srilankans.we are not humble enough to accept defeat.SF and his foces had to be defeated for the betterment of this country.
POLITICAL CULTURE AND RECENT VICTORY OF VIRTUAL HE MR By Sandilyan
Thank you DBSJ for giving an opportunity to everyone to post their views. I would like to add a few points.
We have read through SL media that General was surrounded for no reasons, the Commissioner of elections and Mangala were under house arrest. There were several info’s published in the media.
MR supporters constantly terrorized General’s campaign teams by browbeating, threats, coercion, Bombing, killing, beating, shooting etc. In Jaffna people were coerced by government supporters. With all these unlawful acts, credits goes to TNA, because the people in the North and East voted for Gen Sarath Fonseka. This is a blow to the Eastern Chief Minister and Karuna and a boost to the credibility of the Batticaloa Mayor. May be HE MR will remove Karuna from his non cabinet portfolio.
It is a surprise to note that the majority of the majority in SriLanka are congenitally imbecile and xenophobic even in the 21st century. They need more education on the Principles of Democracy and co-existence. Most of them think in terms of 75% and 25% only, which in my terms is numerical superiority.
Democracy does not limit to 75%/25% theory. Democracy is defined as a set of principles and practices that protect human freedom. It is defined as the institutionalization of freedom. It is also known that Democratic societies are committed to the values of tolerance, co-operation and compromise. Democracy is said to subject governments to the “Rule of Law”, which ensures all citizens is protected under the Law, and their rights are protected by the Legal System. It is also a reality that democracy recognizes diversity as an enormous asset, treats these differences in culture, identity, and values as a challenge, which can strengthen and enrich, however, not as a threat.
All democratic political parties, whether small or large national coalitions should share the values of tolerance and compromise. Leadership and vision can be provided only through broad alliances with other political parties, which will win the support of the people of the nation. In democracy, political parties struggle is not for survival through fights, but a competition to serve the people.
Federalism fosters, nurtures, and cultivates government accountability to the people.
However, as said earlier, “the freakishness and incongruous nature of our society is that racism is embedded in our political culture”. Does this mean that SriLanka is full of congenitally imbecile humans?
Every SriLankan in SL or overseas should study the Principles of Democracy and analyze whether we practice ideal Democracy in SriLanka. We should limit our boasting, blustering, and vaunting that we are unique cultured humans in SriLanka.
#241 – Shankar:
“He should have just said if the TNA wants to join me they are welcome, but i don’t need to speak to them or agree on anything.”
Diplomacy at its best. You can join me but I will not to speak to you or agree to anything. Sounds like an arranged marriage in an Arab monarchy. But then, SL is on its way to such a state. BTW Shankar, is that how you got hitched?
“They are not interested in the difference between the LTTE or its perceived political lackeys. They would like to see the whole bunch cremated.”
As opposed to feeding their children, prospering economically, or fighting corruption and the degradation of democracy in the country. I will have to agree with you on that. More than these minor trivialities, cremating “perceived political lackeys” is a far more urgent need indeed.
“He would have just nodded to everything TNA wants and given them a good kick on their bum after he is elected, ”
Again, diplomacy and integrity at its best. Nod to everything and then kick them in their bum. Nice to know how your thinking goes with respect to politics, democracy, diplomacy, and integrity. You would make a fine Sri-Lankan politician, especially a president or a prime-minister. What you have shown though, is what the tamils have complained about all these years since independence: Successive leaders have nodded to everything and then kicked them in the bum, which is why the tamils finally decided to kick back. So for all those people who stick their heads in the sand and wonder, gee, why did the tamils ever complain and took to arms instead of fighting for what they wanted democratically, here it is, right from sankar’s heart: Nod to everything and then kick them in the bum – democracy – Sri-Lanka style. I salute you, sankar, for being so open and honest, even though you probably didn’t intend to bare your cards in all their nakedness, but then, I have your feeble intellect to thank for that.
#258-Ranjan
Parliamentary elections has to be held by end of April , because the 5 year term is up. I have douphts about the 2/3 majority you mention. This wasa vote for MR, not his government. The people thanked him for getting rid of the LTTE menace.The COL has become unbearable and as one reader pointed out it has become the cost of existence. And there is the corruption issue. Thinking MR isgoing to have a hard fight people came out and voted for him, instead of trying to send him a message, by abstaining. Whoever created that spin on a tight contest will be regretting that now because it back fired.
At the General Elections people know that MR is going to win and there might only be a 60-65 per cent turnout, to send hiim a message to get his act together.
After reading everything written above, one thing is clear. The tragical truth of Sinahala – Tamil division!
If I were MR, my priority would be to win the confidance of Tamils. How would you do that? Rather than trying to address the real issues of North and East .
superficaially, I would wholeheartedly engage with the Tamil leadership in a constructive way. This includes TNA, Anandasangaree, Douglas, Mano, Karuna and Pillayan. This should be the priority. By doing this sincerely and openly,
a) The development projects started as ‘Uthuru Wasanthaya’ must be continued in a more transparent and planned manner with the majority of the local people’s participation.
b) Tamil entrepreuners should be invited to participate in these projects.
By doing this,
a) a lot of employment opportunities could be provided to the people living in these areas.
b) He can win the lost confidence of the Tamil people.
It’s true, only 7 months have passed since the war was over. It is an ideal opportunity for Mahinda to unite the country similar to King dutugemunu did.
Mahinda has nothing to lose now. This is his last term as President of SL. If he wants his name to be remebered as the likes of Dutugemunu, this is what he has to do. He has a golden opportunity. The economy has started showing positive signs. Investor confidance will definitely be there with the correct and positive moves to attract foreign investments.
The opposition candidate’s main slogan ‘Good Governance’ is a fair requirement. The country deserves this now. We must go forward as a country. When there is good governance, I beleive, everything else will fall into place.
There is a general election looming. This is the ideal opportunity to spell out the future policies. Remember, Mahinda has nothing to lose now! There is no need for partitioning politics now. Invite everyone to join for a common platform targeting the ‘Reconciliation of North and South plus equal development of the whole country’.
1. Get rid of the Manape system before the general election. I am sure the majority could be found. There is no need to go back 100% to pre 1977 system which will not show the participation of smaller parties in the process of government. Enough studies has been carried out by many interested parties to find out what’s suitable for this country. Whatever this system may be, the electorate should choose a representative who is answerable to their are.
2) Nominations should not be given to corrupt individuals.
3) Spell out as an election promise that upon forming the future government, UPFA will get the services of specialsts in opposition parties to hold key posts in the development drive. If this is done, there will be no future calls on nepotism and corruption.
4) Attack corruption sincerely and in a transparent manner.
Good luck!
The vote is hardly a surprise. That the rural Sinhalese voters support the Rajapaksa, disregarding corruption, abuse of power, lack of media freedom, etc. is well-known.
The Tamil and Muslim voters in the North and East have shown clearly where they stand. There were a lot of pundits internationally who advised Tamils to fight for their rights non-violently within the democratic system. So they have voted. What does the international community want the Tamils to do now? Especially the pundits and politicians in India?
And Ranjan, you can always get the 2/3 majority you want to get rid of the Presidency, because the UNP will support it. But power hungry politicians don’t get rid of power, they only want more. In this regard mahinda is somewhat better than some of the characters we have had like Sirimavo, JR and Premadasa. He will probably do some modifications to the presidency reducing its powers a little and then do a Putin. Didn’t you notice they are copyng Russia in how it dealt with Chechnya.
#258, #259 Ranjan:
“If you think MR is gone after this term, think again. Now he only has to hold parliamentary elections. With no credible opposition he will get his 2/3 majority to change the constitution.”
Just 5 months back, the claim was made that there was absolutely no opposition to Rajapakse, and that he would cruise through this election. So much for that prediction. I’ll bet you my bottom dollar that the parliamentary elections are going to provide a surprise too. Rajapakse is going to face more odds as time goes by.
“If you think that any up-country (Indian) Tamils are going to join a future Ellam project, you must be truly delusional. They did not for 30 years, even when LTTE was riding high. ”
Says who? The upcountry tamils used to break fire-works during the eelam wars when the LTTE made huge gains like the Mullaitheevu and Elephant pass debacles.
#260 – Prince
“SF should accept the verdict and leave gracefully.”
You mean like how Rajapakse gracefully surrounded him with soldiers at the hotel?
“All his comments are self explanatory.”
Actually, the election commisioner’s comments were self-explanatory: “Please stop this. Please let me resign. I can’t take this anymore. The government departments are an embarrassment”. – Now these are the comments that are self-explanatory.
“Just because there were a few people in his rallies it does not mean that they will vote and he will win.”
A few people? He won 40% of the vote. That’s not a “few people” by any stretch of the imagination. It’s not a resounding sweep, like many state-media outlets claim either.
Dear rajah
As for nod to everything and kick them on the bum, i said that is what Sarath would have done, not what i advocated Sarath to do. please read carefully.
First of all I have to reveal my ethnicity I am a Sinhala person.
I would like to ask a very simple question that is assume Tamils are in Majority and Sinhala and Muslims are minority, if this is the reason how will Tamils treat Sinhala and Muslims? I hope you remember in 1991 what happen to Muslims who lived in Jaffna they were ask to leave their homeland in 24 hours and
All of their bank accounts and properties were taken over by the then Tamil rule (LTTE) ONLY Rs500/-!!
Had been allowed to taken out. I think this example teaches you how Tamils treat minorities if given power.
I do see in Sri Lanka resources are not properly utilized only the capital and immediate cities are given facilities but irrespective of ethnicity if you live in a remote area you will not get facilities. But Tamil politicians try to show this as a racial discrimination which is not, I think those who try to show that they care for Tamils are continuously jeopardizing the very race and developing anger in the hearts of two parties.
I hope this election is a indication that the country is going one step in the right direction, Ret GenSarath Fonseka’s Vote base was a Sinhala one but in the last two weeks of the election there had been a dramatic change by getting support from the pro LTTE party, this eroded his vote base because in a Sinhala persons mind R.Sambandan is a LTTE supporter and he is a terrorist, as soon as he joins the game is black and white.
None of the comments here mention about the UNP who engineered this whole Fonseka phenomenon and became the biggest loser.
An analysis of the voting patterns ,indicate that the UNP voter base has been reduced to under 30 percent.Either the UNP supporters do not read the Tamilweek or they are lying low because of the humiliation suffered, courtesy of Fonseka.
The oldest , conservative party that produced good prime ministers and presidents from Elite as well as working class did not have the gall to front up to Rajapaksa.
The party strategists should have known that Fonseka is not leader material as soon as he bargained for extra free land from the President.. UNP leaders like Kotalawela gave away their private properties and land for public use.
Fonseka was a courageous army commander.but he lacked the skills, intelligence and vision to be a leader of the people.
His arrogance, selfishness,greed and vindictiveness, which came across loud and clear in his appearances during the election campaign did not appeal to the independent voters..
UNP party machinists should have noticed these shotcomings. umless they were that desperate.Even an interview at a private firm in Colombo involves a thorough assesment of these criteria for a manager’s job. let alone the MD.
UNP and the JVP will find a lot of resistance, when they go to rural areas at the next election which will be sooner rather than later. Rural people will quiz them full on , as the canvassing is more face to face in parliamentary elections.
Under hand deals with Sumpathan and Foreign agents in return for support in cash and kind will have to be explained convincingly, before the rural folk will give them a go.
As the Election Commissinor said This not a Fair Election.This is a Mafia Election.With Under World Thugs,Muderres taking out from the jail was their to go around the polling stations and counting stations and made their own winning sheet.ToWhome Can They Say?UN,India?If they say Govt:thugs killyou.This is Sri Lanka.Govt.Used all TV stations and midia,Radio for only for their side.There were many more the Commossioner will say,but he will get disappeared ,Thats why He RESIGNED. GOD,WHERE IS THE JUSTICE?
kUMAR ,SWEDEN
[Why Sarath Fonseka lost??]
As far as I am concern Fonseka lost not because people rejected him.Mostly people did not have faith on the top most layer in UNP.Who were there at the top of UNP??Ranil,Ravi,Mangala,Rosi,Hakeem.These people have no knowledge about the people in rural areas of the country and they don’t care about the rural people.They considered rural people as gullible people.And people showed them who are the real gullibles.On top of that some of them were main candidates in exiled healing services who convert Buddhists to other religions.SO they can never win the majority Buddhists.
[Whats the way forward to UNp?? ]
They must remove these people immediately from their responsible positions and bring people who can win the hearts of majority.And top most layer of the UNP has failed again and again.And change their economic policies favorable to the general mass rather than few businessmen from in and around Colombo who think their money can do anything…
Most intelligent people in srilanka are tamils. though i am a sinhalese ifeel that tamils has choosen the right person as Sarath fonseka. they knew that he was the one who liberated them.I feel so sad for tamil people. even this time the government of Rajapaksha has denied their right to vote by not providing them sufficient transportation. Dear tamil brothers and sisters wake up and fight for your right but not with guns. ilove you all.
To all my fellow Sri Lankans, Sinhala, Tamil, Muslim, and Burgher, and all other foreigners that Sri Lanka Home; This is the moment of truth for all of us. Mihanda Rajapakse is the better of all evil and corrupt politicians. At least this man has the vision to move the country forward. He needs to do the following since winning the election.
1. Find a solution to the tamil problem by giving greater autonomy to tamils in the North and East.
2. Create peace and harmony amongst all ethnic groups in Sri Lanka.
3. Provide employment opportunities to all people in the country.
4. Provide access to Higher Education to anyone that seeks it and not let highly qualified students that did not gain successful admission to the university system bite the dust.
5. Eliminate/reduce Corruption and big government spending.
6. Grow the middle class in Sri Lanka to narrow the disparity between the Rich and Poor
7. Spend money to Develop Sri Lanka so that we Sri Lankans living abroad can come home to a rich and prosperous Sri Lanka with opportunities for higher wages and higher standards of living.
After the war, as a Sinhalese I forgot the tremendous damage done by LTTE( with the support of majority of Tamils) to the country.
Therefore I started to treat Tamils as Sri Lankans like us without any difference.
But this election results shows majority of Tamils don’t want to be Sri Lankans and want to have a separate state.
So my message to the Tamils who voted for SF please find a country of your own outside the Sri Lanka without sacrificing innocent life of Tamil youths who wants to live with harmony.
This is daylight robbery! They (the President and his brothers) robbed the people of their democratic right to get the candidate of their choice.
Information is coming to light of the introduction of dummy ballot boxes filled with fictitious ballots giving a majority to the incumbent President. These have been brought in to the counting centers before the actual ballot boxes from those areas arrived. In some areas, in the process of replacing ballot boxes the people who were involved in this operation had forgotten to keep track of the actual number of votes cast, resulting in the final tally of all ballots stuffed into the dummy boxes exceeding the actual number cast at the voting centers.
Around 12 midnight on the 26th, Fonseka was leading according to the informal count with a percentage of 52% against MR’s 49%. It was at this point that the grand vote rigging operation was put into operation.
Fonseka and his family were holed up at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel as MR and his brothers feared he would use his contacts in the Army to stop this ‘daylight robbery’. But it is doubtful whether any country will come to the aid of Fonseka, as MR is probably doing this with the tacit approval of India. He does not have to play the “China Card” anymore, as the LTTE is vanquished and Chinese help is no longer needed for military purchases.
The bottom line is; the people of this country will either have to rise up against this robbery or leave it to the God’s to punish these wrongdoers in a fitting manner.
Peacelover
You are “spot on”
Stupid Sri Lankan folks are going to regret for the rest of their lives.
RMM Thank you for the fine facts about 1988 elections. I was in Galle and man wasnt that an election and a half!
If UNP wants to ever come back to power please make Sajith Premadasa their leader.Do those UNPers who cry foul over this election results know that Sajith Premadasa was give the chance to address only one rally attended by SF.
I am a strong UNPer.I see no future for our party under the present leadership.
Thanks DBS for this forum. I think this is the only place with freedom to express what you think. The election is a comedy. This is not SL what it used to be. Plight of IDPs have disappeared; cost of living is sky high; health system in ruins; education system is broken; …..the list goes on. When all the other countries in the world (except North Korea, Iran & Cuba & Zimbabwe) are moving forward, our country is moving backwards. It’s a divided nation. Hatred, revenge, murders, disappearances will increase. Do you think international community would care? No, IC will support whoever in the government. SL is becoming Asia’s Zimbabwe. God help us all……..
#262-Rajah
Sounds like an arranged marriage in an Arab monarchy
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In politics there are strange bedfellows, but if you think when 2 parties join together it is a marriage, then you still don’t understand politics. That is why in western countries there are even political degree courses in politics. Mahinda does not need a degree in politics because he has learnt everything the hard way with 40 years of sucessful politics. fonny of course was a novice hence my statement that he should have been cautious and kept the TNA at arms lentgh. If he was a real leader and was sincere in doing something for the tamils he could have just put out his proposals in his manifesto and asked the TNA to read it and if they are satisfied support him, otherwise go and have a bath. This ‘kutchu kutchu” talk under the table without any signed agreement being published ultimately became ‘kitchi kitchi’ for him. Mahinda said the TNA came to me and asked for northeast merger and i said no. Now that they are supporting Fonseka he must have said yes to them. You cannot blame the sinhalese for swallowing it. Why would Sampanthan go with one set of demands to mahinda and another to Fonny.
Support of TNA and srilankan Tamils seems to have worked againt SF.
Since Tamils have supported SF, it looks like the srilankan majority people by natural reaction have voted for SR.
Perhaps SF would have won if Tamils Supported SR, in this racially divided country.
and rajah regarding your stupid comparision of political alliances to a marriage, that means a person will be divorcing their spouse, going and marrying the spouse’s enemy the divorcing that person too and coming back and marrying the original spouse, then finding that this time the other one divorces and goes and marries someone else, but divorces that person and comes back and marries the original person again. So now they are back together like at the start and lived happily ever after.
Are you stupid or pretending to be stupid in order to apply lipstick on a pig.
There is a clear polarisation in the voting pettern. Todays Daily Mirror editorial has given a very good piture of the reality after election. We have to wait and see what is going to happen. I’m doubtful of the President proving that he can be a president of all srilankans. The votes cast reveal that he is rejected by the minorities, ethnic as well as religious, Tamils, Muslims, Sinhala Christians. Electorates belonging to a predominance by these minorities have gone to SF. Not becoz he is a good democrat but minorities dont like the incumbent president. So, it is upto the president to prove that he is capable of becoming our president, not only the president of sinhalese.
Dear all a few thoughts
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1. John McCain’s concession speech – “To congratulate him on being elected the next president of the country that we both love…….I wish Godspeed to the man who was my former opponent and will be my president “- COMPARE THIS WITH SARATH FONSEKA’s
2. I opposed Mahinda Rajapakse purely on one fact; good governance and supported Fonseka expecting the same, “Good Governance”, like he lead the Sri Lankan, army to victory. I was wrong and Sarath Fonseka was not an “Executive President Material”
3. I thought “Wickramabahu Karunaratne” would be the 3rd force “We will get a substantial vote to fight both reactionary camps” – He was far far away from the furthest. What happened to the ardent leftist, who was an ardent supporter of the Tamil Liberation, who went to the extent becoming the spokesperson for the LTTE and blamed the WEST for every calamity befalling on us.
4. God saved Sri Lanka from the dictatorial clutches of Mr. Fonseka; We know the known devil Rajapakse versus the unknown devil Fonseka.
5. On the other hand using Fonseka as the common candidate brought a competition in; competition is healthy as we don’t want a KIM-JONG-IL in Sri Lanka, without any opposition.
6. The worst nightmare I fear is the repeat of 1977, and an easy 2/3rd majority in the next general election, which could pave to dangerous presidences for the next 100 years of Sri Lanka. I hope Mahinda abolishes the executive presidency at his term end and pave way to a Prime MInister.
7. If someone can reform our educational system and pave way to more thoughtful people, we don’t need to worry about thugs ruling our country, as we would have voted for the right person
You reap what you sow, you get what you deserve!
The Sri Lankan majority likes to live under a 40 year experienced corrupt politician who prevents media freedom, plunder public fund, use thuggery, disrespect law, violate constitution, nepotism, and India s puppet who messed up the foreign policy with his undiplomatic anti-western attitude that dragged Sri Lanka to the international dog house.
Sri Lanka will continue to be an under-developed third world country for ever.
The majority Sri Lankans got what they deserve, so let them enjoy!
Tamilan
Then why the hell talking of tamil? Nation?
FYI, This is counry call Srilanlan election not Thamil Eelams election, so other 85% in not Srilankan.
Some writers project the votes MR received in Jaffna shows that jaffna Tamils reject the Sinhalese govt.What about SF.he was a former Commander of the Army which successfully eliminated LTTE at the grounds.TNA and their chorus shouted that the army killed thousands of Tamils during the war.The same commander got more votes in N&E.What does this really reflect?
People has not accepted the view that Tamils were killed by the security forces.
People rejected the story spread by TNA that the army was bad.
People indirectly gave approval for detroying the LTTE by the Commander in Chief and Commander of the army.
What is the wrong in this argument?
In a world without perfection, it is hard to believe Sri Lanka would have had a perfect elections.
Some say the elections results were rigged, by manipulating and taking over the data tabulation process by the camaign organiser for the incumbent. They say election Commissioner was taken away to endorse the fraudulent tabulation after the wrong was committed.
Whether this is just a speculation over sour grapes or not, bearing in mind, this Presidential elections was called at a time when the incumbent was flying high, I thought at the outset the incumbent was on a landside victory to be re elected.
As Sri Lankans we should now join hands to unite the country that was divided for so long.
DBS, be what you are, one of the best journalists I have seen in my life time, keep us informed. If the allegations are true, there will be a time things will change around. For now, Mahinda Rajapaksa is the President of Sri Lanka. He has called for reconciliation. We may join hands in that process.
# 237:Shyamala
“2. Mahinda Rajapakse can never ever run for president again (unless he screws with the constitution).”
I understand that under the current constitution same person cannot contest in the PE for third term but he could do as JR did in the past, by call for the referendum instead of the election. Nothing impossible in SL politics…….you know?
We had a tradition in past that fellow contestants congratulated the elected president but now we living in the “blame & claim” society and can-not accept the success of other person. This is ridicules that SF putting too much allegation against MR like school kid. This is pretty clear that SF had an intention to do the military coup and Gov’t has no choice than keep on eagle eye on him. He has close link with military personals and anti Gov’t forces inside and outside of SL. Gov’t has to prepare worst case scenario anyway. MR won 1.8m votes more than him and that is huge margin and great victory even though some alleged irregularity happened here and there. We should understand and accept the people’s decision and respect the reality of the democracy. I’m really sad that most people in NE did not exercise their voting rights properly and little percentage voted to SF who was behind their sufferings even before MR came to power. My knowledge that NE Tamils always vote for the opposition parties even they did bad to them in past. Many NE Tamils think that whoever comer to power does not make any difference to them and they won’t deliver any good for them. I think this is wrong mentality and If they think so; they will be isolated from the mainstream politics in the future. There was widely expected and that was case in the past as that minorities votes are deciding factors in the PE. But MR proved that is the wrong concept. We should understand that we are less than 25% of population and out of this Muslims and up country Tamils already integrate with majority communities and gaining and wining their political and social status. So remaining tiny percentage of Tamils cannot achieve much through their protest or agitation. Also we should remember that out of this tiny population nearly 40% outside NE and living in overseas. This very difficult to market our demands as a product in the reality world. There is no point in crying in the Western street . They always hold their interest in SL and not willing to listen our story and do anything for our favor. People living in the overseas can help to their communities but cannot decide their Political destiny. Tamil people should understand the necessity to co-exist with majority population and integrate with plural society and demand for the equal rights. Co-existing does not mean surrendering or being as slave but technique of the merger of the communities in order to get at most benefits for all. May be the situations in the past was different than now and whole world is looking us in and out . Sinhala / Tamil politicians can’t do the business using the race card any more. Actually SL is a bankrupted country and mainly depend on foreign aids and loans. We cannot simply ignore IC involvement but can avoid their cynical motive. This can be done only Sinhalese, Tamils & Muslims united to gather living peacefully. Sinhalese should not underestimate the importance of accommodating the Tamils thorough the power sharing & devolution. I think MR is right choice of the leader who can and has the leverage to hug and cuddle all communities under his arm. I am sure that the mandate you gave to him to unite both communities not divide them apart and not to carry on vengeful politics. He should not take this mandate for granted for his administration did the bad things in the past but take right action to find and fire them. At the same time we can’t expect that single MR can built the Rome in one day. We should continually support his good deeds and actively put ourselves in the front line. I think his idea of “Senate Saba” is a good idea. We should heavily involved in the politics and public life. That is way can build our country back. If we are not in, we can’t win it. We can’t make any changes unless we change ourselves.
Democracies always must have frequent elections, even it is costly, there is no excuse to postpone and deny the right to vote for change or continuity of any government.
MR’s win was a foregone conclusion. Now it is up to every individual to give their best to uplift the country and standard of all its citizens. After next Parliamentary election MR is expected to fulfill all the promises at a reasonable time and I have no doubt he has worked out a pragmatic solution, at the same token should be aware,
‘The difference between what we do and what we are capable of doing would suffice to solve most of the problems-Gandhi
Opposition consists of opportunistic politicians and Chandrika completed the pack in the 11th hour.
Usually battle fatigued Generals are sent for rehabilitation before they are merged with civil society, but opposition leader’s lack of political judgment sort to capitalise on General’s new found popularity thinking that will convert to votes. After the 1st two announcements SF perceived to be a joke as he didn’t have statesmanlike material, but they couldn’t pick it up. SL voter isn’t ready for Bonapartism.
People thanked MR for wiping out their tears and fears specially women. He proved his leadership material.
It says always stick with tested and proven leaders. What lack in Tamil community are leaders like Sirs Ponnambalam, Arunachalam who were visionaries. Therefore Tamil support is vital to go on democratic path as Sinhalese can’t walk alone.
Investors come when there is a political stability it is not necessary to be Western investors only.
Wish it will dawn a new era for S.Lanka change from tear drop to a pearl.
Dear mr.maithree,
I welcome yr right of expression.I am Tamil.Pl tell me what are the rights you enjoy more than me.
Like most tamils, I was hoping for a Fonseka win, not because he was a better man but because Rajapakse was a worse man. I was disappointed by the results but then I told myself, it cant get any better for the Tamils but it is going to get a hell of a lot worse for the Sinhalese and I felt some satisfaction in that. Democracy died in the northern and eastern part of Sri Lanka decades ago. Now it has officially died in the west and south.
I can only assume that an average Sinhalese will be quoting Pastor Martin Niemöller in the near future, only substituting the word “Tamils” in every line.
“First they came for the communists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a communist;
Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a trade unionist;
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew;
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak out.”
There is a modern saying in the west” “Aint Karma a bitch?”
Thanks for the forum DBS!
I find it so very interesting that there always seems to be a foreign hand involved somewhere.
The Telegraph highlighting the involvement of a Brit in Fonny’s campaign:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/srilanka/7079288/Tory-adviser-masterminded-Sri-Lankan-generals-presidential-bid.html
Sri Lankans – both tamils and sinhalese are cursed. The British handed over the country to the Sinhalese in 1948 for self rule. English educated D.S. & Dudley were O.K. but then came Banda in his Sarong! From the time the sarong toting politicians took over the country the country has gone from bad to worse. MR and his clan are good to rule a village and not to rule a country as it has shown over the past five years. God help Sri Lanka.
——-”I do see in Sri Lanka resources are not properly utilized only the capital and immediate cities are given facilities but irrespective of ethnicity if you live in a remote area you will not get facilities.”———-
You’ll find Lanka much better in this respect than India. Electrification was 79% of the population in 2007, up from 67% in 2003.
It is disgusting to see people calling Mahinda a great son of mother Lanka.
He is the most corrupt. the company I am working for is the agent for many imports. I personally know how much commission we transfering to his account.
It is curse on mother lanka. we had LTTE, JVP, various nature’s calamities and now Rajapaksa family.
It is very serious. A common sinhalese wants only his communical feelings upheld.
@Seelan
It’s pathetic to see a few elitist thinks that only british educated people can rule properly.
Can’t u still get out of the colonial mindset???
You look like a person living outside of Sri Lanka. Well good riddance. Please stay where ever you are
Sarong or Vetiya is better equipped to govern this country than some “paraya” with tie and coat.
297 – Seelan
why do not you send the commission details out. If you really love your country, this is a great service on your part.
Accept the peoples verdict,Congratulate the winner and pledge to work for the better SL.
Now that would have been a good, decent looser.
Despite all the talk of Moral high ground SF showed his pettiness.
I for one was expecting a better show from SF not only in the election but also in defeat.
This Election results confirms that in Srilankan Island there are two nations one is Sinhala nation whos’s leader is Mahinda Rajapaksha ( even though he is a war criminal, lier and corruptede leader) And Tamil Nation who are not prepared to support a sinhala nationalitic leader even they have been intimidated, starved , and maimed . But even prepared to support another unknown entity like ( Sarath Fonsega) to register their protest. which is in unisan with what is happning in the Diaspora elections and results. The IC should keep note of it.
DBSJ
I detest many parts of SRI LANKAN tamil society…..but…i cannot tottaly turn against my people….now for rest until the issue of judgement of history…
#50:SAM Canada.
Don’t act like a moron my friend.
Anyway, what the hell are you doing in Canada?
You should be in your beloved VATERLAND to celebrate the victory of Percy Mugabe!
Regards,
Siva.
This election results also show Eelam citizens awareness as usual
Parathy
Zimbabwe in the making. You Sinhalese voted for the past 50 years based on the destruction of the Tamils livelyhood.
You Aryans(??) need to cleanse. Brahmins believed in human sacrifice. The thousands of Tamils killed for the past 50 years wasn’t enough and didn’t produce any good for the country (Sinhalese). You may want to consult the Indian Brahmins to see who could be sacrificed now. May be you start with the Buddhist priests like it happened during King Rajasiha’s rule in Kandy.
UNP and the opposition should stop doing their campaign in facebook, twitter and blogs. They can’t connect with the rural people whom always deciding factor in SL elections. After Premadasa, UNP can’t reach to rural masses. Also this is high time to do a sweeping changes to the UNP leadership. Do you think any board of directors would keep a CEO who is giving loss for 18 quarters. No, they fire and hire a new one. I think many people wanted to see SF at rallies but didn’t want to vote for him. However, he read it in a different way. I think MR and the team will get nearly 125-130 seats in the up coming election.
This is nothing short of what one could call as “act of god”. There were two dragons fighting each other for 30 years (SL Govt and LTTE). While each of them use to fight each other they ate anything that stood in their way.
Now since one dragon swallowed the other now the living dragon finds itself hungry so its eating parts of its own body. As a tamil i find this quite hilarious. A man who went around saying that the singhalese were the only race entitled for the country and was the man who went around killing any and everyone finds himself being hunted by the very same beast he created.
Just like VP got killed for his evil, now its Sarath and tomorrow it will be the Rajapakses. Their very own will kill all these monsters. Tamils were lucky the singhalese killed their monsters (LTTE) but now they have to kill their own monsters too.
Eventually peace will return to this land once all these dragons eat each other off. No Singhalese or Tamil should not stand in their way. Lets unite and watch the devils kill each other.
May god bless the ordinary tamil and singhalese civilian and liberate them from this evil anarchy.
MR & BROTHERS WANTED TO WIN THIS ELECTION AT ANY COST. THEY HAD A HELL OF A LOT TO LOSE IF GENERAL SF HAD BEEN THE WINNER. SO THEY TRIED EVERY TRICK IN THE BOOK. IT WORKED FOR NOW FOR SURE. CAN THEY CONTINUE DOING IT AND FOOL THE PEOPLE ALL THE TIME? WELL I’M NOT SURE.
GOD IS WATCHING, JUST REMEMBER THAT.
[...] dbsjeyaraj.com » Post-mortem on presidential elections 2010 … [...]
Could you please comment on MM Zuhair ‘s analysis in “Tamils reject confrontational politics”
my advice to that section of the LTTE supporting tamil diaspora is please, either work with all the people of sri-lanka (by this i mean the sinhala, tamil, muslims, malays, burghers who live in sri-lanka and call it thier home) to make that country peaceful and prosperous or
if that is not possible for you due to your supporting the LTTE, eelam and other reasons, please leave sri-lanka alone to solve its own problems and for you to focus your attention on the respective countries you have made your home and try to have a good life in those countries instead of bothering sri-lanka all the time for no reason whatsoever.
foe has won
foe of the foe has lost
foe of the foe is also a foe
hence nothing to worry
results are in the line of majoritarianism
majority consider MR desrves to be the president
because of the hatred against tamils
this is the time for the tamil community
to achieve their self respect
at least this time let us not be foolish
arivayudham thaangi kalamada varuveerkal thamizharkal
dear jey,
yet another good article.yes sinhalese have atlast spoken only thing is it was a huge disappointment for a tamil like me in tamil nadu.i thought fonseka will win and mr will lose so that new chapter will be opened in srilanka.one of the amazing things about sinhalese is that their single minded obsession about being swamped by tamils and so they dont mind electing a sinhalese politician however corrupt,arrogant,intolerant he may be.sinhalese remind of israelis though one cant compare srilankan society with israeli one israeli are much more tolerant and they are not prone to violence like sinhalese.i can fairly predict what is gonna happen hereafter fonseka has been arrested and as a result rajapakshes dream of winning 2/3rd majority in parliamentary election is in jeorpardy.there is a very good chance of slfp alliance of not winning 2/3rd and as we have seen in the past when cbk ruled rw and his allies did not support 13th amendment they were playing ducks and drakes with lives of tamils this time also same charade is gonna be enacted only difference is players are different it is gonna be between rajapakshe and fonseka,rw,mangala.yet again tamils are going to be losers they will not get their legitimate rights which are due to them unfortunately they dont have a powerful personality who can champion their rights.onus is on the western countries they have to see that tamils get their dues and they also have to see that all the sinhalese powers to be who were involved in war crimes are prosecuted in hague like milosevic,karadic.diaspora tamils they should shift their focus from achieving tamil eelam to prosecution of war criminals so that sinhalese society does not enact yet another war crime.
dear jey,
in my enthusiasm i forgot to mention my mail id .
I like Ranil Wickremasinghe because he knows Tamil – a little bit I think. He says “poda poda poda”.
Hullo p.appa jst vstd ur site looks nice
Thank you kutty david……….Periyappa