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Last Updated : 2024-04-23 12:32:00
31 August 2018 04:14 pm - 47 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Former defence secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who kept away from mainstream politics so far, said today that would not remain silent when the country was heading towards disaster and would join Wednesday's ‘Jana Balaya’ protest organised by the joint opposition (JO).
He said Sri Lanka has never before fallen into the political, social and economic depths such as that seen in recent times and added that the unfolding calamity calls for a meaningful response.
“The political environment borders on anarchy with our nation hurtling towards disaster. Professionals and intellectuals can no longer look away. We have heard it said that evil will triumph when the good remain silent. We must no longer remain silent and I urge all professionals and intellectuals to support the patriotic forces who have organised the rally ‘Janabalaya Kolambata’ on September 5,” Mr. Rajapaksa said.
He said the government was engaged in violating the fundamental democratic rights in ways that threaten the very foundations of a functioning republic.
“Even the basic right of expressing a political preference has been flagrantly violated through the arbitrary and illegal postponement of elections,” Mr. Rajapaksa said.
He said that the government has pursuing a policy of ceding control over key economic sectors to foreign interests despite strong opposition from stakeholders, professionals and the people.
“It signed agreements in the most unprofessional and unethical manner. Many of these agreements do not include clauses for re-negotiation or annulment. Moreover, these have been drafted and signed without ever being subjected to the review or consideration of Parliament,” he said.
Mr. Rajapaksa said there were dangerous and concerted efforts to compromise peace and reconciliation in the pursuit of personal political interests.
“This is evident in the ongoing constitutional reform initiatives as well as the witch-hunts on military personnel who have made untold sacrifices to rid the country of terrorism,” he said. (Lahiru Pothmulla)
Sunil Friday, 31 August 2018 04:28 PM
Sri Lanka is getting out of the mess you Rajapaksas put our country in...
Real Peace Friday, 31 August 2018 06:02 PM
Protest about what? Welikade masscare, Lasantha murder, slaughter of 11 students, murder of Raviraj MP? trillions looted from the national wealth. You are a complete disaster. Please go back to the US
nimal silva Friday, 31 August 2018 08:24 PM
wow look whos talking. We don't need White Vans
Gamage Saturday, 01 September 2018 07:15 AM
I know we have and had foreigners working in SL for salary and other benefits, But now we have foreigners protesting for our rights and that's even without pay ! Sri Lanka land like no other !
rew Saturday, 01 September 2018 01:35 PM
Join the Big timr Crooks parade
Nilantha Friday, 31 August 2018 04:43 PM
Looters, criminals, rogues and murderers shouldnt talk, this country is responsible for this state because of you politicians. Corrupted to the core.
Athula Friday, 31 August 2018 05:21 PM
when the evil triumphed we remained silent, we dont want you anymore, you are the evil and curse for this country
Mm Friday, 31 August 2018 05:35 PM
We may not want him but the masses and the villages rally around him
SARATH Friday, 31 August 2018 08:51 PM
BE'COS THE VILLAGES ARE STUPID AND NO EDUCTION
vithura Friday, 31 August 2018 09:02 PM
Yeah, it is to such innocent, though gullible ones can they peddle their lies!
Ghost Saturday, 01 September 2018 06:47 AM
Really?????
S B Lokuge Saturday, 01 September 2018 01:36 PM
It was the villages who sent their sons and daughters to fight the terrorists the tigers and save the country, not the so called educated.
Nemesis Saturday, 01 September 2018 01:47 PM
Namal Baba hiding behind Mm
Madawa Friday, 31 August 2018 05:55 PM
Its the time for people to remove the coloured glass and look at the clear picture of current status of the Country. Current leadership eell known to sign agreements on total dictatorship without even presenting to cabinet. Only a person with wound understand the pain, same way only people with family and kids understand value of peaceful future.
Palli Kanda Friday, 31 August 2018 05:59 PM
Now you talk big because you and your brothers want to have another sweep at our remaining wealth. We now lives without fear, without white vans, without bullyied by your nephews and away from the corrupt cabinet. This is heaven compared to your times.
Banker Friday, 31 August 2018 06:06 PM
Look who is talking about rights of others.ha haa
TONY Friday, 31 August 2018 06:55 PM
WHO CARES. WHY DONT YOUR INTENT TO DO POLITICS. EVEN SO, YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO WIN
Buddhist Friday, 31 August 2018 07:04 PM
A murderer wanting to join main stream politics! We do not need him, he has to be sent to the jail or international criminal court.
Tony Friday, 31 August 2018 07:08 PM
White vans, use of military to abduct and kill journalists, abuse of state assets and organisations such as Srilankan airlines, loot of money to build hidden houses and go on foreign visits, killing of wasim thajudeen, corrupt clergy, and how many more? These guys thought and still thinks that Sri Lanka belongs to them haha. Poor taxpayers and the people of the country who actually ends up believing these goons. Definitely a NO thanks.
S B Lokuge Saturday, 01 September 2018 01:38 PM
We need the white vans again to catch the traitors and the Mega Bond thieves.
GH Friday, 31 August 2018 07:19 PM
Honored sir, please save the nation from this very HORROR regime, you who fought and wiped out the TERRORISM, which was created by UNP government, from Sri Lanka.
Mandy Saturday, 01 September 2018 02:07 PM
Terrorism was the end product of the Bandaranaike SLFP Sinhala only Policy. Perhaps you are too young to realise past history.
Lal Saturday, 01 September 2018 08:26 PM
The one that created LTTE is SWRD by bringing race into politics
Manel Friday, 31 August 2018 08:03 PM
Country was saved not by gas pumping attendants in USA. It was saved by our heroes who sacrificed their lives in The battlefield.
Sarath Friday, 31 August 2018 08:08 PM
"evil will triumph when the good remain silent" - yes evil gota carried out abductions and murders while most of the country was silent. We remember. Go back to USA and leave us alone!
Empulz Friday, 31 August 2018 08:14 PM
Gota you have exceeded you qouta....!!!
Buddhi Perera Friday, 31 August 2018 08:22 PM
His decision was due to recent summons he received
Sach Friday, 31 August 2018 08:32 PM
Never in my life I had joined a political rally. But this time I will.
Siri Friday, 31 August 2018 08:39 PM
Definitely he would joint for no rop to hang as his days are nearing.
Upul Friday, 31 August 2018 08:45 PM
Look who is talking about "violating the fundamental democratic rights". You clearly know about these, as you were doing them or worst things, during your brother's regime..
vithura Friday, 31 August 2018 08:58 PM
He has the gall to self proclaim himself as one amongst good / decent people.
Jude Friday, 31 August 2018 09:17 PM
Well, FOREIGNERS are allowed to take part in local political protests!!! Hmmmm, Ironic!! Huh!!!
VJ Friday, 31 August 2018 11:29 PM
Looks like he is feeling the heat. The purpose of the whole protest is to distract the people from the Special Court hearings.
Manik Saturday, 01 September 2018 03:02 AM
Who cares, JO is the only platform you and your family has prepared for all Rajapaksas for the last hurrah.Hopefully similar platform will be made for other rogues.
Lanka. In USA Saturday, 01 September 2018 03:17 AM
He is a citizen of Sri Lanka. Why He worries about the country’s economic. In U S A House Rents and Tex paying from where he gets money. He do nothing in states. Steeling from Sri Lanka and spending in United States. Even closed house government change Tex. From where he pays. All public money. People should think about there families how they become rich. If. Real Sri Lankan. Why choosing to live in other country. Generation should think. Otherwise these fellows cheating people and the country.
Ghost Saturday, 01 September 2018 06:48 AM
Naturally, he's Presidential aspirant isn't he?
Dhammika Saturday, 01 September 2018 05:15 PM
An AMERICAN ? You must be kidding ! .
Ghost Saturday, 01 September 2018 06:50 AM
...Also a 'Gotzilla' at the protest rally will help!!!
Citizen Perera Saturday, 01 September 2018 07:35 AM
An American citizen protesting against Srilanka government.
Rathnasena Saturday, 01 September 2018 07:47 AM
Special journeys banned for WP private buses from tomorrow to Sep. 8
CITIZEN Saturday, 01 September 2018 09:26 AM
Have you to announce it? What point does it make?? Aren't you already a "part and parcel" of it????
Wije Saturday, 01 September 2018 10:10 AM
How irresponsible and selfish these guys are..!!!
Lord Wolfstein Saturday, 01 September 2018 10:52 AM
Will he participate with his fleet of White Vans?
Willowsd Saturday, 01 September 2018 11:42 AM
Sir you lost our respect today
TONY Saturday, 01 September 2018 12:18 PM
IN THE LAST INTERVIEW GOTA HAD WITH LASANTHA, GOTA HAD THREATENED LASANTHA THAT HE WILL FILE ACTION AGAINST HIM FOR WRITING ALL GOTAS DEALS. FOR WHICH LASANTH REPLIED "LETS MEET IN COURT" THIS PAUSE A BIG QUESTION AS TO WHO WOULD HAVE BEEN BEHIND LASATHAS MURDER
lasantha Saturday, 01 September 2018 09:37 PM
U murderer and robber please contest the next Presidential election,,,so that the other candidates will have an easy run in winning with a majority...
Brainmaster Sunday, 02 September 2018 11:36 AM
So must host the American flag at this meeting. via DM Android App
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