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Last Updated : 2024-03-28 18:16:00
Former President Chandrika Kumaratunga today said that the Nelum Pokuna performance theatre, in Colombo was an ‘eyesore’ that looks like a ‘commode’ (Kakkussi Pochchiya) and blamed the former Rajapaksa government of changing the initial concept she had of creating a public cultural centre.
“The Nelum Pokuna constructed looks ugly like a toilet commode. Sorry for saying it. Every day when I come out of the house I see it. It is a real eyesore. The initial idea was very beautiful. We created a public cultural centre there. Now there’s no people or anyone there. Even the toilets cannot be used properly,” she said addressing the International Women’s Day Ceremony of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party as the Chief Guest.
Claiming that no one was allowed to rob public funds during her tenure, she said today the country was now facing an economic crisis because of the robbing and corruption committed by the Mahinda Rajapaska’s regime.
“The country’s economy has broken down because of the blatant robbery by the previous government. I initiated six development projects including the Norochcholai Coal Power Plant, the Colombo-Katunayake Expressway, Colombo-Southern Expressway. The Coal Power Plant launched by my government with a reputed Chinese Company at an estimated cost US$240 million but the agreement was changed after my exit from office. The Mahinda Rajapaksa regime demanded commissions from the Chinese company. But because it was disagreeable the contract was signed with a little known company.
Ms. Kumaratunga said this was the first time after ten years that she addressed the SLFP women's gathering because Mr. Rajapaksa had not allowed her to interact with SLFP members.
“During past ten years, party members including ministers and deputy ministers of his government had to face various problems when they maintained links with me,” she said and added that CID officers visited some SLFPers the following day if they had met her for any reason at all.
“I am not greedy for power. I never dragged Mahinda’s leg after he became the President. Despite many circumstances where I should raise my voice against them, I had to remain silent for ten years. The freedom under this government is palpable, which was the wish of the majority of the citizens’ regardless of political affiliation,” Ms. Kumaratunga said.
Meanwhile, she said Sri Lankan women should be more knowledgeable to compete with the Sri Lankan men in every field especially in politics.
She said 25% representation for women in local government bodies is insufficient and hoped the present government would increase it to 50%. (Piyumi Fonseka)
Video by Amantha
Brenda Kulatunga Wednesday, 09 March 2016 06:29 AM
Nelum Pokuna is very beautifully constructed. It is very modern As a Buddhist you should appreciate the good done by any regime. On a visit to Sri Lankan I watched an army cultural show there and I was very proud that Sri Lanka has a a stage of that calibre.
Sanath Wednesday, 09 March 2016 03:40 AM
Nothing but hate pouring out of your mouth whenever you open it it. Get lost
Perera Wednesday, 09 March 2016 04:11 AM
Mrs CBK What are you talking all rubbish. Give the public a break and start talking sensible things.
Venom Wednesday, 09 March 2016 04:43 AM
This lady should really mind her own business. Not that MR regeime was the best, but they at least finished the war one way or the other. There was nothing tangible that ever came out during CBK rule - except for the work of late and great Lakshman Kadirgamar in the sphere of international affairs. CBK was always drunk and never turned up to anything on time. She should stay in UK and look after her grand children and be with family in the last few years of her life !
john Wednesday, 09 March 2016 05:23 AM
Mrs , Chandrika Bandaranayake , You have been living in England for sometime. Did anyone criticise previous government when new government come come into power. By reading your speech a deacent citizen understand nothing but your third class attitudes. You come from well known family and keep maintaining it for your the next generation .We are citizens of Sri Lanka and we have very good memory , no one shoud tell us what you or Mahinda Rajapaksa did . That is why we change government and now we are waitng to see what this government is doing . The people of Sri Lnaka deside in the next election
Ranjith Wednesday, 09 March 2016 05:23 AM
Meyata Pissu. When ever she speaks out it is worse then the toilet.
Rupasiri Kumarasiri Wednesday, 09 March 2016 05:38 AM
Go in front of the mirror and see who looks like a commode?
Vasantha Wednesday, 09 March 2016 06:03 AM
In fact Nelum Pokuna looks nice. When someone opens her mouth it looks a kakkussi pochchi
Kris Wednesday, 09 March 2016 03:37 AM
You are no more than a disgrace to our country...
manonath Marasinghe Wednesday, 09 March 2016 08:28 AM
Nelum Pokuna may looks like a commode. But you are exactly "a commode"
Kadupol Jothywansa Wednesday, 09 March 2016 11:12 AM
Good Kaney Paara... to Mahinda. That is a super six (6) madam.
ANTON Wednesday, 09 March 2016 11:28 AM
NOW WE HAVE A NICE NAME FOR COMMODES ...... " NELUM POKUNA" .......... PLEASE CLEAN YOUR NELUM POKUNA EVERY DAY.
Kiris Baba Amaray Wednesday, 09 March 2016 12:22 PM
She is talking the truth and you are talking rubbish man.
J Palitha Wednesday, 09 March 2016 12:24 PM
Mr. Perera we know about all the hora dealings you have with Mahinda. Get lost.
Lanka Wednesday, 09 March 2016 07:02 PM
Now we know how your commode looks like.
DP Tuesday, 08 March 2016 07:25 PM
Enough talking about all the bad that came out of the MR regime. Either act decisively in bringing all those responsible to book and move onto better things. So far what we can see is plenty of talk shops and inquiries but no action that is of any significance...... Otherwise in a few years time it will be about the MS regime. CBK you had your chance......best you count your achievements and keep your sentiments to yourself.
Saranga Wednesday, 09 March 2016 02:39 AM
I think people know what you were able to achieve...GDP was ----Projects next to nothingSo your past speak itself... No need further explanation
rohan Wednesday, 09 March 2016 02:22 AM
wow. how much hate a heart can take via DM Android App
Wetta Paasii. Wednesday, 09 March 2016 01:51 AM
So you can use a photo of Nelum Pokuna for your ID card.
Don Wednesday, 09 March 2016 01:48 AM
it looks like you
Sam Wednesday, 09 March 2016 01:44 AM
This is a horrible talk at an International Women’s Day Ceremony. Totally irrelevant. Now the Nelum Pokuna is a Land Mark, Madam did you make any land marks? I think Only the Air Port name got changed. Please all of you, please stop talking rubbish and do some work for god sake.
Nims Wednesday, 09 March 2016 12:53 AM
Have a look through a mirror and you will find out which one looks more like a commode
Sunil Wednesday, 09 March 2016 12:25 AM
We are with you Former President Chandrika Kumaratunga as long as you and this government keeps its promises and brings the big criminals to justice instead of slipping back to business as usual.
Terry Perera Wednesday, 09 March 2016 12:21 AM
when she open her mouth it stinks like a commode
pushpakw Tuesday, 08 March 2016 11:22 PM
beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder
Mahinda Pathiraja Tuesday, 08 March 2016 11:14 PM
"Nelum Pokuna" may seem to be ugly. It depends on the individual private Taste . But I want to expose my idea on this comments, " Mrs Kumaratunge was in power more than 17 years. Nothing Done.....Nothing....Please go back to your home country "GB" without poisioning Sri lanka....... Bye Bye to London.....
Ashan Tuesday, 08 March 2016 10:43 PM
CBK - Did u check your face from a mirror recently..?
Sam Tuesday, 08 March 2016 10:15 PM
Can anybody in SL could send CBK to mental rehab unit please.
bennette Tuesday, 08 March 2016 07:31 PM
Its not Nelum pokuna that looks like a commode...it is a person....
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