Some nations preach but don't practice-MR

2 June 2012 03:38 pm - 97 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

President Mahinda Rajapaksa said that in today’s world certain nations and groups have endeavoured to preach and lord over others by virtue of their given labels, such as super power, regional power, economic power etc.

“The superiority of one individual or a group of people or community, therefore, is not through a particular divine right or by virtue of their birth, but by their actions. The manner in which one group conducts itself will determine whether it is worthy of a higher or lower label. Such words of wisdom are of paramount value in today’s context, where certain nations and groups have endeavoured to preach and lord over others by virtue of their given labels -- super power, regional power, economic power etc. It is by the conduct of these nations that they must be judged and be determined whether they are superior to another,” the President said addressing the United Nations Day of Vesak celebrations, in Bangkok today (June 2).

He also said that the teachings of the Buddha are relevant today as they were twenty six centuries ago. If the leaders of our modern world are to embrace this advice, many of today’s conflicts, both domestic and international, could be resolved for the benefit of mankind.

“Justice and the Rule of Law are not alien concepts for those of us who from our childhood are nurtured by the doctrine of Buddha. These are, therefore not concepts that need to be preached to the converted,” the President said.

Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

Comments - 97

Labby Sunday, 03 June 2012 04:53 AM

Look who's talking ..

nat Sunday, 03 June 2012 07:27 AM

Ultimately, we will do what the super powers say.

sam Sunday, 03 June 2012 07:27 AM

Unfortunately for us, we dont have smart people like Lee Kuan Yew.

Nodrog Sunday, 03 June 2012 07:11 AM

But isn't that true you, your family and close friends also endeavour to preach and lord over others by virtue of your acquired labels, that there are two sets of laws for those in high places and another for the lower rungs?.

Renu Sunday, 03 June 2012 06:52 AM

Like Sri-Lanka 's Government

Mason Sunday, 03 June 2012 06:32 AM

It is strange that this should come from MR. Examine thyself, your words ridicule yourself. It is just like looking skyward and spitting.

rajajajaa Sunday, 03 June 2012 06:32 AM

Srilanka is one of them who does not practice

asoka Sunday, 03 June 2012 06:09 AM

but here in sri lanka rajapkse's are super power...so that's the reason you guys are preaching us morning to evening...PRACTICE AND SHOW...

Paths Sunday, 03 June 2012 05:47 AM

But in SL there is neither justice nor rule of law for Tamil speaking people. Doctrine of Buddha is scarsely followed by those who rule the island.
There is a family govt that caters to the needs of the 40 odd extended family members.
Meanwhile the island withers.

Ariya Sunday, 03 June 2012 05:48 AM

Practice?!

It maybe why you put all your relations and friends in diplomatic posts around the world?

Sammy Sunday, 03 June 2012 05:20 AM

What about internal powers groups within a country and practicing what we preach, inside the country whether by politicians or the clergy?

hello Sunday, 03 June 2012 05:19 AM

Hello MR, your words simply shows what you are made of. We the electorate are so sad that we made a mistake.

Imran Hussein Sunday, 03 June 2012 05:10 AM

Same applies to the President himself too.
He must stop the jargons and blunders in which he is a champ.

Fayad Sunday, 03 June 2012 07:39 AM

preach what you can implement at home

Mr. B Wijeyasingha Sunday, 03 June 2012 03:57 AM

President Rajapakse is right. England, the USA and India have demanded that Sri Lanka devolve her military presence in what the TNA calls their "Homelands". The US has bases in Japan, Italy, Germany, from ww2 while these nations pose no threat. England maintains her military in the Falkland islands and India maintain huge forces along the border with China, so does Sri Lanka as TESO has been resurrected and the Sri Lankan Tamils see the Singhalese amongst them as intruders in their "homeland". This Palestinian mentality must end before Sri Lanka can reduce her military presence in these areas and India has a lot of explaining to do for her role in the civil war and New Delhi's consensual silence of the resurrection of Eelam. The SL Tamils must realize that all of Sri Lanka is their "homeland" and not sections of it only then can the security concern be reduced. It is time Sri Lanka demands New Delhi take action against TESO or face an alliance of SL with China

Nishantha Rajapaksa Sunday, 03 June 2012 03:53 AM

some President's only talk but never do...

GameKolla Sunday, 03 June 2012 03:36 AM

Some nations preach but don't practice-MR,( Including Srilanka)

ran Sunday, 03 June 2012 03:20 AM

First you be a good leader. Honestly develop this country with a proper plan. You are not doing that, you only feed your family and ministers who no use. Go to villages and see how people are suffering.

meranchi Sunday, 03 June 2012 02:47 AM

including sri lanka .....l

Hassan Mubarak Sunday, 03 June 2012 02:47 AM

We Sri Lankans learnt it from you Sir.

Ruhunu Kolla Sunday, 03 June 2012 02:47 AM

Oh, you do the same thing, now look at that Miracle Of ASIA, for us it is a Hell Of Asia, isn't it?

Calistus Jayatilleke Sunday, 03 June 2012 02:24 AM

Very appropriate remark which suits our country much better than others. We call ourselves "Miracle of Asia" and brandl other nations as "International conspirators" and then carry on with our own brand of Demo-Crazy, with our politicians engaging in all sorts of sordid deals in the name of "Chinthanaya".

ganbo Sunday, 03 June 2012 02:13 AM

U ARE A PRIME EXAMPLE

saumya Sunday, 03 June 2012 02:08 AM

Of course we practice and don't preach. We plunder treasures using forces. We cut down trees, burn reserves and clear them in large scale. We do sand mining inside reserves. We kidnap people in broad daylight and send them to heaven. How we robbed public funds to cover useless expenses is there to been seen. All this we according do Dhamma and justice???? May be its a new form of Buddhism! we never heard before!

You mean North Korea Sunday, 03 June 2012 02:05 AM

You mean North Korea

shanthamadawela Sunday, 03 June 2012 02:02 PM

Talk to him, workr to him,,,,

Sumedha Tuesday, 05 June 2012 05:23 AM

Very happy with the war ending. I doubt any other person could do a better job with the development in the North and the East (considering that politics needs for you to allow other people to do things according to their whims as well, otherwise you can't do anything, look at Ranil).

Not happy with the economy or the rampant corruption though, I think that you could do a better job there, though I still don't see anyone in politics that could do better. We will be in a better position in a couple of decades politically though.

Governing a country is no easy task, especially one with the problems that our country has. Good luck, and remember that absolute power corrupts absolutely, and corruption can bring only woe according to the laws of karma.

To the people that laugh at the President being humble with foreigners, be glad that he has the wisdom to do so. We would become a wasteland pretty quick if he didn't

Mr. B Wijeyasingha Monday, 04 June 2012 11:01 PM

President Rajapakse is right. The UN is a prime example that uses selective accusations. The UN is quick to accuse to accuse India when she detonated her nuclear bombs in 1998 but were silent when Pakistan's nuclear father Dr. Khan openly defied the regulations of the NPT and to date have not held Pakistan of this violation. The US is quick to accuse Sri Lanka of human rights violations and a quick withdraw of her troops but saves these same accusations on Pakistan a nation she needs in the war in Afghanistan and when it comes to the withdrawal of SL troops,the US has troops in lands of long forgotten wars. But the like Sri Lanka other smaller nations are standing up to the hypocrisy of both the US and the UN. Iran, North Korea, Israel, are a growing number of nations that will not be treated as second class nations by defunct powers.

sampath Monday, 04 June 2012 05:37 PM

you can add -go begging for money from the very same people whom you accuse of preaching.

sampath Monday, 04 June 2012 05:31 PM

don't insult Lee Kuan Yew by comparing him to MR

V.I.S.Jayapalan poet Sunday, 03 June 2012 06:37 PM

DEAR PRESIDENT.
ACCUSING OTHERS IS NOT THE ANSWER FOR THE CHARGES YOU ARE FACING. THIS TYPE OF TACTICS WILL NOT HELP YOU TO HOLD THE SAND IN YOUR TIME PEACE. AT LEST TELL HOW YOU ARE IMPLEMENTING GENEVA RESOLUTION? WHAT IS THE POLITICAL SOLUTION YOU ARE IMPLEMENTING TO SOLVE THE NATIONAL QUESTIONS? THE TAMILS? THESE ARE THE THINGS INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY EXPECTING FROM YOU.

Sanjay Sunday, 03 June 2012 06:30 PM

Yes he brought us peace and finished off a dreadful civil war and for that I am grateful. But at a time when he could have done so much for the country he has burdened the country with loans that our grand children will have to pay. He has sold off valuable properties in Colombo. Ordered take overs of public listed companies cause several investors including myself to lose money for no fault of our own. Crime is at an all time high so soon peace will be replaced by slavery (due to the loans), disruption of economy (due to stealing and corruption), and back to a situation where people have to actually lock the doors and stay home in order not to be mugged.

Jegan Sunday, 03 June 2012 06:18 PM

Well he said he will talk with Praba, that was his election memorandum,also he finished the war,but peace far from it,remember winning a war does not mean winning peace,many kids and many parents have lost their loved ones in N/E as well..

Saskia Sunday, 03 June 2012 06:13 PM

Have you already got to know that there is a case filed against you at the London police?

Siri Sunday, 03 June 2012 05:27 PM

To extend your terms of office beyond 2 terms using the parliamentary majority isn't exactly Justice is it?

Cgeran Sunday, 03 June 2012 04:58 PM

He could have done that with out innocent peoples.

Francis Sunday, 03 June 2012 03:29 PM

Take lesson from what happened to Gadaffi and Mubarak. What you are doing will not go forever

HKS Sunday, 03 June 2012 01:53 AM

If you have the back backbone, you should have mention those nations!

lankashantha Sunday, 03 June 2012 11:02 AM

Hon. President,
You are loosing popularity in the country as 75% of the comments here are against you.

subbiah Sunday, 03 June 2012 10:03 AM

Some political parties promise to the world but do not fulfil the promises

vajira Sunday, 03 June 2012 09:57 AM

Good one. Every one can forget the past very easily. But genuine Sri Lankans can not forget MR. Great leader set a example for other nations aswell.

Prasad Vithanatchi Sunday, 03 June 2012 08:57 AM

You have aptly displayed the exact meaning of your "words of wisdom" by your own words during election times and by actions, post election times. Say one, but do another and also get lackeys to deny whatever was uttered at meetings. Even the media is not strong enough to broadcast voice-clips. We are a grieving Nation, Mr. President. See to our needs first before pointing accusations at others, please.

MR Sunday, 03 June 2012 08:45 AM

hmmm... i want to appear always in medias. that's why i told so..!

balu Sunday, 03 June 2012 08:37 AM

well he said he wl finish war &bring us peace he dis it. what more do u want? he had da balls to do it. remmember the time when husband & wife took diffrent busses to work so that one cud live for the kids if a bomb gos off? we forget easily.

Manik Sunday, 03 June 2012 08:35 AM

Seeing the speck in others' eyes while not seeing the rafter in own eye!!!

amal Sunday, 03 June 2012 08:11 AM

Preaching is good. we are satisfied of all.

silva Sunday, 03 June 2012 08:06 AM

Buddisham is not butchery, guess who is talking about democracy. please put your house in order before your preach your citizen

Pushpa Sunday, 03 June 2012 08:04 AM

Number one example is Sri Lanka!

Kumara Ranawaka Sunday, 03 June 2012 07:52 AM

Pot calling the kettle black.

vipula Saturday, 02 June 2012 05:13 PM

Because of $ they stoop on wasalay's level.we should strengthen our intelligence agencies to trap these filthy transactions.that will be the only way to shut their mouth.then only we can show to the world the real face of WASALAYAS

Sri Minnal Saturday, 02 June 2012 08:16 PM

Dear President, one time you preached democracy and once you got the Presidency your are against human rights.
In your miracle of Asia there is no democracy.

jack Saturday, 02 June 2012 08:09 PM

What you said suits your self-best.

Mevan Saturday, 02 June 2012 07:22 PM

Really surprised to learn that our President actually believes in the Rule of Law and justice!

Lanka Muslim, UK Saturday, 02 June 2012 06:50 PM

Not only closing the mouth bending on knees also done to get their money. Is the cherished doctrine of Buddha, Justice and the Rule of law practiced in Sri Lanka. Buddhist Monks attack a Muslim Mosque in the presence of the Police and the Govt. does not do anything about it. Just platform talk will not do in your own words it is by action one is judged.

tomsamusa Saturday, 02 June 2012 06:44 PM

Dont BS thro' cow's A--.Mr Mass Murderer aka gadaffi of sinking lanka

dasa Saturday, 02 June 2012 06:43 PM

we are scared to comment !

Fusion Saturday, 02 June 2012 06:33 PM

One thing, whoever writes his speeches is quite creative (unlike the speaker ;) ).

Grumpy Saturday, 02 June 2012 06:21 PM

Well said! In fact he is too scared to say who he is talking about.

kiribath Saturday, 02 June 2012 06:17 PM

our nation preach something and practice something else.

hari Saturday, 02 June 2012 05:29 PM

come on, don't be afraid of white van.

rehan Saturday, 02 June 2012 05:25 PM

SO DO V...............

Em Saturday, 02 June 2012 08:16 PM

What sort of a WASALAYA you are??

Supun Perera Saturday, 02 June 2012 05:11 PM

Some say one thing and do exactly the opposite. The citizens of corrupt, lawless Banana Republic are familiar with this. In addition they are also use to broken promises like the Rs.2,500/=

Jeyasurya Saturday, 02 June 2012 05:03 PM

Mr President, You like it or not, they are super power and they can do what ever they want.. But what you are preaching here now is only for us masses. when you meet these super powers as usual you close your mouth

dude Saturday, 02 June 2012 04:53 PM

can you come here and see whts happening in ur country...ur sayin abt religiousness, ur monks are destroying temple and mosques

weha Saturday, 02 June 2012 04:41 PM

But in our country its the politicians who do that.

Jagath Leanage Saturday, 02 June 2012 04:30 PM

Scared to give a comment.

Observer Saturday, 02 June 2012 04:30 PM

Ha!!!!! Speaking with experience! You are absolutely right MR. In Sri Lanka all we hear is "preaching" from morning till night and we are tired!

jay gunasekara Saturday, 02 June 2012 04:27 PM

Oh! did you just find that out,so that you can perpetuate the lawlessness in Srilanka.? dear leader. like in South Korea.

Gamini Lindagedera Saturday, 02 June 2012 04:32 PM

Well said, Mr. President!

Yohan Pererao Saturday, 02 June 2012 04:00 PM

That's because you are their role model...

Mahinda Leelaratne Saturday, 02 June 2012 03:56 PM

Sir, it is a timely speech.
Budu Saranai

Rajan Saturday, 02 June 2012 03:54 PM

IS HE TRYING TO TEACH HIMSELF?

peelancatcher Saturday, 02 June 2012 11:45 PM

Hell said your excellncy !

GSK Sunday, 03 June 2012 01:49 AM

ha ha funny, who says this??

Kasun Sunday, 03 June 2012 01:12 AM

Its funny when people who preach about others preaching, don't really practice what they preach about others preaching.

C.K.Lankaputhra. Sunday, 03 June 2012 01:04 AM

" Preach and don't practice". We are the best example.

Mr Retort Sunday, 03 June 2012 12:54 AM

This is equally applicable to our local political leaders, who also believe on birth right and right of the family etc

Jagath Leanage Sunday, 03 June 2012 12:47 AM

Dear Hari,
I do.
My two daughters are still studying.If I am gone missing, who will look after my wife & two children?

marina Sunday, 03 June 2012 12:43 AM

Mr. President, you certainly have the courage to tell others what you do here!

CJ Sunday, 03 June 2012 12:39 AM

Ha ! Rule of Law gone with the wind in Sri Lanka

Bala Tharmabala Sunday, 03 June 2012 12:41 AM

Shame on you Mr President. You do not seem to understand what you are doing and saying.

Jagath Sunday, 03 June 2012 12:36 AM

You could have been better off saying "ehei maharaja thumani"

I hate people who have this type of mind set

Thinker Sunday, 03 June 2012 12:15 AM

"Some nations preach" ....... What do WE do????????

Bagalawathee Saturday, 02 June 2012 11:58 PM

We have heard this before. All our politicians are preachers too. Say something to the masses and go ahead and do somthing else. Bur whatever it is , we all still respect you for holding the bull by the horn (LTTE) and defeating them and saving our motheland. No one had the guts to do what you did.

machang Saturday, 02 June 2012 03:49 PM

Well said MR!

you should set an example by taking your own advise.

PERERA Saturday, 02 June 2012 11:04 PM

does MR practice what he preaches. definitely not look around and you will see.
like always just empty words

Srilankan Saturday, 02 June 2012 10:44 PM

President , you treat the Srilankans as uneducated people. All your local preaching only goes to uneducated people. We don't want to listen to your talk. We want action. You have the power, try and implement what you promised to the world . Don't pass issues to others like PSC. if you can't soleve, give your power to someone who has the guts to solve the crisis.

hip hop Saturday, 02 June 2012 10:25 PM

Well Said MR .As Vipula said seems all wasalays bowing for $ make very uncomfirtable with this speech . SW can see clearly in this thread .
I totally agree all those super powers well in preaching ,. simple example , some of those powers , asking SL to remove forces from North where in same country , but deply thei forces in even different regons . All wasalays donot have brain to understand those kind of things . Here i need to spell one this , China is different even they are a kind of super power .

hip hop Saturday, 02 June 2012 10:20 PM

Do you understand thsi is about super powers , but not SL ?Idiot

Just Another Citizen Saturday, 02 June 2012 10:20 PM

Like Sri Lanka?

hip hop Saturday, 02 June 2012 10:17 PM

Dear Jey .,
I think you are a person who does not understand politics and deplomacy . This is how you play the game but now arguing or fighting on the table . But let the media to being the real words to relevent person . You are like mr SF who does not know politics but shouting as hell and thinking " i am amazing "

Mims Saturday, 02 June 2012 10:14 PM

Looks like someone does not like to be reprimanded or held accountable. Yes, MR can deflect and attack other nations, but he should sweep his backyard first, it seems dirty.

Guru Saturday, 02 June 2012 09:26 PM

You must have heard of Mubarrack's fate.

senna Saturday, 02 June 2012 09:15 PM

Mr. President, the secret is they have a strong economy. And at all levels, regardless of how much one complain that is the way the world turns. See in our country people with power and money are above the law.

Salinda Lakamge Saturday, 02 June 2012 08:44 PM

Hi...Supun Perera (= uncle B. Fernando),
Again you used your standard word called "Banana Republic" !!!! Our country was a law less (not lawless) during 30 years war but that has been changed by MR using his all resources. I suggest MR to go more towards dictatorship side like former Singapore president Lee Kuan Yew otherwise certain local and international idiots will not allow to develop the country.

Roy Saturday, 02 June 2012 08:23 PM

Great Britain is waiting for you sir!

Add comment
Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.

Some nations preach but don't practice-MR

Comments - 97

Add comment

RECOMMENDED

UDA owned land in Thalawathugoda; UDA Minister Prasanna Ranatunga under the spotlight for forceful occupation of reserved land

Loss-making SMIB faces political pressure in recovering loans

Baltimore Bridge Collapse: MV Dali, SL authorities anchored in mystery?

Has Sri Lanka become a potential hub for the illegal wildlife trade?

Spotlight on Moragahakanda Development Project Moragolla villagers lose livelihoods and down to one meal a day

Ambitious Sri Lankan jobseekers ‘trafficked into Ukraine war zones’

Western purple-faced langurs see blue!

Most Viewed in News

Complaint lodged over Piumi Hansamali's possession of Gota’s Range Rover

New Visa procedure implemented

23 year old youth ends up having his testicles removed

Belgian traveller scammed in Kalutara

Former MP Palitha Thewarapperuma dies from electrocution

Confusion remains if April 15 is a bank holiday

MIRROR CRICKET

Chamari Athapaththu sets big goal for T20 World Cup

How does CSK get best out of Pathirana?

Mendis, Mathews move up in ICC Test Rankings

Chamodi, Dewmi spins Sri Lanka U19 Women to big win

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Wild elephants pull down 16 telephone poles

Middleman arrested for price gouging at Kalutara eatery

Bondholders’ agreement delay won’t hinder IMF third tranche payout: Dr. Coomaraswamy

Party leaders to shoot down MPs request for concessionary duty free vehicle permits

Hardik fined Rs 12 lakh for violating IPL code of conduct after win over Punjab Kings

Chamari Athapaththu sets big goal for T20 World Cup

How does CSK get best out of Pathirana?

Mendis, Mathews move up in ICC Test Rankings