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I appointed MR as Premier after Karu and Sajith refused: MS

5 November 2018 05:20 pm - 63     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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President Maithripala Sirisena said today that he offered the premiership to Speaker Karu Jayasuriya first and then to UNP Deputy Leader Sajith Premadasa before considering former President Mahinda Rajapaksa for the post of Prime Minister.

Addressing a public rally named ‘Rata Surakina Jana Mahimaya’, he said the UNP MPs who met him during the past few days asked him why Mr. Rajapaksa was appointed the Prime Minister contrary to the aspirations of UNPers as they were the ones who installed him as the president in 2015.

For the first time in four years, he appeared on the same stage with Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday at this rally in Battaramulla.

He said he met the Speaker eight months ago and insisted that he take over premiership.

“I pleaded with him for several days to become the Prime Minister because I could no longer work with Mr. Ranil Wickremesinghe as the Prime Minister. But, he declined to accept the post citing his inability to pose a challenge to Mr. Wickremesinghe,” the President said.

He said he approached Mr. Premadasa two months ago and offered the premiership to him but Mr. Premadasa also declined to accept it citing his inability to stand up to the leadership of Mr. Wickremesinghe.

By sacking Mr. Wickremesinghe from office, he said he not only brought about a change of personalities but also a political programme that was attuned to the interests of external forces and against the cultural ethos of Sri Lanka.

The President said he appointed Mr. Rajapaksa as Prime Minister as he was familiar with the local value system and formidable enough to outsmart Mr. Wickremesinghe in politics.

Commenting on the government's activities during the past three years, he said the decisions were taken by a 'Samanala gang' not by the Cabinet. He said the new government had secured the required simple majority of 113 MPs to govern the country and asked Speaker Karu Jayasuriya to cooperate with him. Also, he said he sacked Mr. Wickremesinghe from office through lawful means and asked the Speaker to respect his decision.

"I never take my decisions single handedly. I consulted all concerned. The removal of the Prime Minister and the appointment of Mr. Rajapaksa were done lawfully. If there is anyone grieved by it, the Supreme Court can be petitioned," he said.

The President said new Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, upon assumption of duties, met the Mahayanayake Theras and the Cardinal, worshiped at Jayasirimaha Bodhi and Dalada Maligawa whereas Mr. Wickremesinghe was worshiping foreign ambassadors. The President vowed not to take a step back from the action he had taken. (Lahiru Pothmulla)

 

Video by Damith


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  Comments - 63

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  • Nihal Amarasekera Monday, 05 November 2018 05:35 PM

    Sounds fine!

    666 Monday, 05 November 2018 06:25 PM

    Hilarious! He said that

    Banda Monday, 05 November 2018 07:07 PM

    An expert in back stabbing. Same thing you said about MR three years back now you are doing the same and that shows how weak you are. Another 13 months remaining for you and you will be gone and you are trying to justify what damage you caused.

    Meg Monday, 05 November 2018 07:41 PM

    Sounds fine for UNP. But sounds really stupid and crazy for MS.

    amnesia Monday, 05 November 2018 08:47 PM

    Everyone seems to have forgotten the murder plot now. We thought that was the main reason for the split

    AJ Tuesday, 06 November 2018 03:22 PM

    The pick pocket president.

    Lankaboy Monday, 05 November 2018 05:36 PM

    MR Will be burning inside as he was the 3rd choice. Looks like M3 is digging his own grave

    Ashok Monday, 05 November 2018 06:22 PM

    He Has Already.

    goviya Monday, 05 November 2018 06:23 PM

    MR is the one who advised MS to say that, that is politics

    Nikan-Sena Monday, 05 November 2018 05:36 PM

    How much did you offer them!!?When they refused, why did you not sack them!!!!?

    GC Monday, 05 November 2018 07:43 PM

    Besides, how much of what President says can we believe? Does this not show, if true, how principled people Karu and Sajith are? By the way, he says he discussed with 'all concerned', but then did he discuss with Ranil? Pathetic explanations by a man who is trying to justify his silly decision.

    Silva Monday, 05 November 2018 05:40 PM

    Huh! You think Karu or Sajith are power hungry like you and MR? They knew the way you were operating was wrong, that’s why they refused you... they’re Gentlemen!

    Chandana Monday, 05 November 2018 05:41 PM

    We believe every word you say, Mr President!

    mal Monday, 05 November 2018 08:14 PM

    Mr President you are not well. You need to see a doctor. You are not cut out to handle pressure jobs. In short you are suffering from a nervous breakdown, Before it get irreversible get to a doctor. Your behaviour is worst than a little kid.

    logical Monday, 05 November 2018 05:41 PM

    The sudden way this was done suggests otherwise

    anonymous Monday, 05 November 2018 05:43 PM

    You have no moral right to decide the leader of another party. Just because you are President , you are not the LAW.

    Chris Monday, 05 November 2018 05:43 PM

    There is no end to his fairytales. Why say all this now? Could have sone so when he addressed the nation.What a circus thia ia turning iut to be.The laughing stock of the world.

    bill Monday, 05 November 2018 06:28 PM

    Sirisena's Fairy Tales has become the best seller overtaking Grimm's Fairy Tales.

    Minura Monday, 05 November 2018 05:44 PM

    This shows the UNP is not a party for dirty politics, for that you and your JO.

    SENA Monday, 05 November 2018 05:45 PM

    Cannot trust a single word you say

    karthik Monday, 05 November 2018 05:46 PM

    Why not you tell out everything one shot without coming out with bits and pieces. We are unable to believe any thing now. The crisis just continuing without an end. You all are fishing for MPs at a cost.

    Silva Monday, 05 November 2018 05:46 PM

    Looks like the Karu and Sajith won't betray people like you would and I believe Mahinda was saying the same thing when he said he wouldn't have done what you did.

    shame Monday, 05 November 2018 05:49 PM

    You should have discussed it with Ranil and the UNP like a mature person without betraying the 6.2 million who voted for you.

    GC Monday, 05 November 2018 07:46 PM

    40 years in politics may not give maturity, unfortunately.

    sathees Monday, 05 November 2018 05:50 PM

    What ever you say Mr. President, What you did is unconstitutional.

    Persona Monday, 05 November 2018 05:51 PM

    It is time you resign. You inability to govern the country is proved beyond doubt.

    aMi Monday, 05 November 2018 05:51 PM

    Thank you Mr. President for giving 2 character certificates for 2 of our Leaders.. UNP thx to you is now United more than ever.... UNP Rulez !!!

    Buddhi Perera Monday, 05 November 2018 05:52 PM

    You have now got the ideal person to be with you as the PM. You come with all these stories only now, Why didn't you mention these things when you had your "Address to the nation"?

    Nihal Monday, 05 November 2018 05:53 PM

    I have something called a brain don’t you?

    Nihal Monday, 05 November 2018 05:53 PM

    Ata nathi diwa......

    sigiriya Monday, 05 November 2018 05:54 PM

    Andare Kathaawa

    Shareef Monday, 05 November 2018 05:58 PM

    A presidential statement!. Poor baby talk.

    Lord Wolfstein Monday, 05 November 2018 06:27 PM

    Every statement from the president shows more and more that he is a mental case.

    wije Monday, 05 November 2018 06:27 PM

    How can we trust a word you say after all the dirty things you did? At least Karu and Sajith have shown they are not like you

    kumar Monday, 05 November 2018 06:45 PM

    In the same meeting Gammanpella stated that it was a joint plot from the beginning back stabbing the Ven. Sobitha Thero and cheating 6.2 Million voters.

    Islander Monday, 05 November 2018 06:49 PM

    He just campaigned for the proposed next leader of the UNP with MR seated right next to him. And you broke the hearts of almost all the senior SLFP MPs.

    Anula Monday, 05 November 2018 06:49 PM

    Does Rajapaksha values nationalism? And do you like nationalists?

    Nikil Monday, 05 November 2018 06:51 PM

    You can work only with farmers

    Voted Monday, 05 November 2018 06:52 PM

    Meaning you appointed the 3rd choice without choice ... Your choice of self destruction is excellent.

    fred Monday, 05 November 2018 06:53 PM

    The President keeps on making one ridiculous statement after another. Section 42(2) of the constitution covers the appointment of a prime minister by the President. The likes of GL Peiris argue that the power to appoint a PM also carries an implied authority to sack a PM. This is highly debatable. But even if there was such implied authority, section 42(2) calls on the President to appoint as PM ‘the Member of Parliament, who, in his opinion, is most likely to command the confidence of Parliament” – not necessarily one with whom he can get on well. The test relates to commanding the confidence of Parliament not of the President.

    Truth Monday, 05 November 2018 06:54 PM

    I am no fan of MR but in fairness he did mention that he told MS that he would not have done what MS did. !!!MS should put his head down in shame as MR too eels he would not have done it

    ANTON Monday, 05 November 2018 06:58 PM

    ONE THING IS VERY CLEAR ........... KARU AND SAJITH ARE VERY RELIABLE , HONEST AND ACCOUNTABLE I AM VERY PROUD OF THESE TWO.

    Gemunu Monday, 05 November 2018 07:30 PM

    Entire country salutes and deeply appreciates Karu's and Sajith's honesty and credibility. They have set a very timely and important example to all Sri Lankan (and also overseas) politicians.

    Gemunu Monday, 05 November 2018 07:02 PM

    MS, you have very clearly indicated that you are mentally unfit to carry on as the President of SL.According to what you are saying, you have tried twice during the past 8 months to illegally and unethically to remove a leader of the main political party (i.e UNP) currently holding the highest number of seats in the SL parliament. When that failed, you unconstitutionally appointed a second Prime Minister to the parliament without removing the current Prime Minister as per the constitution. You are also uttering about baseless 'foreign agendas'.Do you really understand what you have revealed?The Parliament now has enough evidence to prove that you are mentally unfit to function as the President and remove you in accordance with the constitution.

    Stunned Citizen Monday, 05 November 2018 07:13 PM

    Aney pau

    Samboo Monday, 05 November 2018 07:33 PM

    Only UNP can decide who is the premier for their party.You as president cant have a choice in others party.

    unper Monday, 05 November 2018 07:53 PM

    The leaders in the UNP are different from you and Rajapakses. They will never betray their leader and the party like you did 3 years ago.

    Yahapala Monday, 05 November 2018 07:56 PM

    Your are a great liar. No one in this nation belive you. The truth will we hear from Karu and Sajith. But never trust you.

    Marlon Monday, 05 November 2018 08:06 PM

    What about the assassination attempt you cited as a reason? Surely this was only a few weeks ago so how can you now claim you offered to Karu or Sajithmonths ago.Bull dust artist ? The godrige you use to cover you and MR to cover your grey hairs had seeped inside and blackened the grey matter inside.

    Monger Monday, 05 November 2018 08:08 PM

    A Twist in the Climax! Hahha

    Arjuna Ranawana Monday, 05 November 2018 08:16 PM

    What ever reasons you have said now those are null

    Nimal Monday, 05 November 2018 08:23 PM

    I would have had a lot of respect for MR id he didn't accept this unconstitutional path to be the MP.One has to be honourable and proper.

    Nana Monday, 05 November 2018 08:27 PM

    Feeling better now though feeling "Bad" when done. Seems a well thought out and consulted decision. Ultimately it seems legally OK as well. Also from CITIZENS view, it saved people for waiting another 2 Years for a economic upswing.

    Aki Monday, 05 November 2018 09:51 PM

    But still you have to pay for MR what you have done 2015

    Kay Monday, 05 November 2018 10:02 PM

    Box office hit

    Sincere Monday, 05 November 2018 10:30 PM

    Sir, We know the reason for that. Karu and Sajith are honourable politicians with strong policies. That's why they refused to be a rogue PM!!.

    Sincere Monday, 05 November 2018 10:34 PM

    Did you inform PM about it before offering it to Karu and Sajith?

    Ameer Monday, 05 November 2018 10:40 PM

    My personal suggestions is MS Should tender resignation as he is unable to face political pressure as well as unable to take fruitful and wise decisions eg the current situation completely he is responsible and he is playing with lives of entire country people this is very bad and he is giving priority for his personal feelings than common interests that is very very bad We are developing country we need a good responsible leader to develop the country not like a inexperienced leader

    sandy123 Tuesday, 06 November 2018 11:26 AM

    Don't worry. This will happen either MR or RW wins

    dulan Tuesday, 06 November 2018 08:23 AM

    MS could have ended up a Statemen if he did not take up leadership of SLFP. Even with one term he could have been our greatest leader. But he failed us and the country and the future is bleak who ever rules

    Ctitizen Tuesday, 06 November 2018 11:18 AM

    MSPeople wont believe u anymorenow ur with MR - u didn't punish them either

    Guru Tuesday, 06 November 2018 02:38 PM

    Aiyo-sira ,you told us you got legal advice from top attorneys but they all wrong and given you bad advice. you should send a letter to party secretary regarding ,your position that you were unable to work with your friend Ranil who gave you life time chance to be president which you will never get .

    Peace2018 Tuesday, 06 November 2018 06:52 PM

    Aiyyo Sirisena, the greatest back stabber, the greatest betrayer of all time politics, people no longer listen to a single word word coming out of your mouth, once a betrayer is always a betrayer!!


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