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Presidential election: I’m ready if people are ready - Gota

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14 January 2019 09:02 am - 56     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Hinting at contesting the upcoming Presidential Election, former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa said he was ready for the Presidential Election if people were ready too.

Addressing a conference of the Viyath Maga Organisation held in Colombo on Saturday, Mr Rajapaksa said the year 2019 would be an important year.

“We know a Presidential Election is to be held this year. I’m ready for it if you are ready too,” he said amidst the applause of the Viyath Maga activists.

Mr Rajapaksa went on to say that irrespective of social status and other differences, people were of the view that the country should be taken towards a new direction.

He said some of the politicians trying to mix nationalism and racism without understanding the difference.

“When we develop the country, we should establish and retain the Sri Lankan identity. That’s what people expect,” he said.

“Basically, Sinhalese, Muslims, Tamils and Burghers; they are all Sri Lankans. We should establish that identity first. We should go forward as Sri Lankans,” he said.

“There is a discussion on a new Constitution. Before a new Constitution is drafted, we should make people aware of the Sri Lankan identity. Then, they will understand the importance of staying together as Sri Lankans without divisions,” Mr Rajapaksa said.

He said that Sri Lanka should focus more on improving social rights as a whole, such as eradicating poverty, than promoting individual rights.

“Today, more than 60% of Sri Lankans are still recognized as poor. Politicians speak about individual rights but as a society, we should speak about poverty and equality.

“The Western countries do promote Liberal Democracy which includes individual rights but we Sri Lankans are embedded with the culture, society and traditional values for more than 20 years until the time we are out of our parents’ protection.

“After going to University or at later in life, we fight for the rights but we can’t just cut off the cultural and social values we enjoyed for years.

“We are social animals. Human beings are social animals and not individuals. We should move forward as a society and not individually. Many countries in Asia developed their countries while promoting a sense of nationalism,” he said.(Lahiru Pothmulla and Indika Sri Aravinda)


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  Comments - 56

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  • Nimal Monday, 14 January 2019 09:12 AM

    We are ready for white vans sir

    Sharon Monday, 14 January 2019 11:31 AM

    Too old slogan mate...

    Banda Monday, 14 January 2019 02:03 PM

    @Sharon: We will get the cases of MIG deal, Lasantha and Tajudeen dissolved first.

    td Monday, 14 January 2019 08:27 PM

    Basically, Sinhalese, Muslims, Tamils and Burghers; they are all Sri Lankans.It is nice to hear from you, Indeed you have gone beyond the limits and say what people wants to heir from your side and what people were expecting from your side, Think about a new constitution for all sri lankans regardless of party politics

    Oldie Tuesday, 15 January 2019 09:23 AM

    Perhaps too old but, better to be prepared !!!

    tuan Monday, 14 January 2019 09:18 AM

    he can run for america n presidential elections. not here. america citizen.

    Banda Monday, 14 January 2019 02:04 PM

    We will bring in Trump to run here against Gota.

    saman Monday, 14 January 2019 09:18 AM

    We are READY!

    Sharon Monday, 14 January 2019 11:31 AM

    Yes, some energy came for 2019 with his announcement

    Lawry Monday, 14 January 2019 12:51 PM

    Now Pohotuwa will support the change of constitution. 2/3 majority confirmed.

    Lanka Shantha Monday, 14 January 2019 09:21 AM

    Anne Sir, first clear all your court cases and come as a clean man.Then we think about it. But for a small country like this, there is no need for a President and a Prime Minister as we can't afford these two Power people's expenses. One is enough.

    Vernon Monday, 14 January 2019 09:22 AM

    If we are to go ahead as Sri Lankans, which we should do, please refrain from registering babies as Tamil, Sinhalese etc. Then there cannot be minority and majority. Also do away with having parties representing only certain ethnic groups and religions. All parties should be National. Please bring these in the new constitution, if such constitution is needed at this stage. Without correcting the fundamentals, we cannot go forward.

    Ronnie Bugger Monday, 14 January 2019 09:25 AM

    The Rajapakshas' of Medamulana is fast getting to be a washed out clan so just stay out of it. Anyway, you are no match for Maithri.

    smartgent Monday, 14 January 2019 09:59 AM

    Both MS and GR are not suitable for presidency. Holding dual citizenship, GR will be disqualified. MS has farmer's brain and has messed up the image of SL

    neville Monday, 14 January 2019 12:24 PM

    smartgent, please do not insult famers!

    mohan Monday, 14 January 2019 09:30 AM

    you are not ready as you did not renounce us citizenship

    Amila Monday, 14 January 2019 09:34 AM

    US citizen as a sri lankan president?

    Jaffna Logic Monday, 14 January 2019 09:35 AM

    There is a disconnect between his reputation for ruthlessness and the real wisdom he speaks.

    Casanova Monday, 14 January 2019 09:35 AM

    We Sri Lankans really don't wont a murderer as a president.

    Casanova Monday, 14 January 2019 09:39 AM

    We Sri Lankans really don't wont a murderer as a president.

    Niru Monday, 14 January 2019 11:42 AM

    You never voted RW, SF?

    dulan Monday, 14 January 2019 09:41 AM

    From frying pan to the fire. Poor Sri Lanka

    Ruwan Chamara Monday, 14 January 2019 09:53 AM

    We know how you and the clan ruled the country, even if you say you can turn this country in to a gold mine, my vote is not for you.

    ANTON Monday, 14 January 2019 09:56 AM

    I AM READY IF PEOPLE HAVE COMMON SENSE.

    Sharon Monday, 14 January 2019 11:29 AM

    Including you...

    aa Monday, 14 January 2019 09:56 AM

    those who oppose him being presidential candidate, please tell your choice.

    Sharon Monday, 14 January 2019 11:29 AM

    A good ask...

    johan Monday, 14 January 2019 01:17 PM

    At the moment Karu Jayasuriya is matured politician with neutral stand

    rohan Monday, 14 January 2019 09:58 AM

    Please contest and see your popularity.0.00000000

    Rajitha Monday, 14 January 2019 10:01 AM

    When it comes to public speaking and communication he is worse than Ranil Wickramasinghe Also without minority’s support he has no chance of winning We also do not want a psychopath as a president. All the the thugs and goons will have his support to promote drugs and harm the innocent and the folks oppose him

    smartgent Monday, 14 January 2019 10:02 AM

    Is he aware of SL's constitution? Holding dual citizenship, he is dreaming high. SF will be gunning for him

    Rajitha Monday, 14 January 2019 10:02 AM

    When it comes to public speaking and communication he is worse than Ranil Wickramasinghe Also without minority’s support he has no chance of winning We also do not want a psychopath as a president. All the the thugs and goons will have his support to promote drugs and harm the innocent and the folks oppose him

    Dinesh Monday, 14 January 2019 10:09 AM

    We need a man to run this country....not BUTTERFLIES

    Til Monday, 14 January 2019 10:14 AM

    He is better than most expecting the post, wish you good luck

    Thushara Monday, 14 January 2019 10:14 AM

    WE ARE WIYH YOU

    johan Monday, 14 January 2019 01:20 PM

    When court hearing is near he jumps to USA.Once date expired he can be seen in SL for Presidential Candidate

    Nalin Monday, 14 January 2019 11:24 AM

    White van forces also ready?

    Ashok Monday, 14 January 2019 11:43 AM

    We are ready and waiting to end Rajapaksa's Political career.

    SL Monday, 14 January 2019 12:30 PM

    We r ready

    konney Monday, 14 January 2019 01:20 PM

    So Sri Lanka will be getting its first American president. From the portugese to the dutch to the brits and now to an American. Oh well... I guess it was only a matter of time

    max Monday, 14 January 2019 01:24 PM

    People ARE ready Sir. Pls tell your bother to formerly announce your name as such.

    Criminal Monday, 14 January 2019 01:28 PM

    Just before talk all that crap ,please withdraw ur 'merican citizenship .

    dilip Monday, 14 January 2019 02:15 PM

    The only person who can take Sri Lanka out of this mess is GOTA with the help of M.R. We need a strong person at the top.If he contest he will win. He is not stupid to contest with double nationality. When he wins there will be a lot of elected people from different parties who would join him.LONG LIVE SRI LANKA.

    vithura Monday, 14 January 2019 05:40 PM

    Yeah, Rajapakse clan are world renowned economists and noblemen!

    Sammy Monday, 14 January 2019 07:48 PM

    The brutal eliminator of all those who express opposing views.

    smn Monday, 14 January 2019 05:45 PM

    Sorry, we are not ready.

    TONY Monday, 14 January 2019 05:47 PM

    ANOTHER RAJAPAKSHA. NOT AGAIN TO BE DICTATED

    Ruwan Monday, 14 January 2019 06:17 PM

    May the Triple Gems Bless our next president!

    Nimal Monday, 14 January 2019 06:55 PM

    Who killed Lasantha?

    Nandhini Monday, 14 January 2019 08:10 PM

    No way, at least the British left certain things behind for us to enjoy. If this bugger comes , will sell those too to invest in US to fatten his bank balances and there will be ethnic. Cleansing too. If this fellow comes to power, he will do opposite to what he mentions. We do not want demons to rule Sri Lanka

    Sunnyman2020 Monday, 14 January 2019 08:45 PM

    Going funny

    Diviopa Monday, 14 January 2019 09:20 PM

    Soo funny ... unfortunately sorry we are not ready ..

    perera Monday, 14 January 2019 09:38 PM

    NO WE ARE NOT!

    Ranjit Tuesday, 15 January 2019 11:45 AM

    A day dreamer!

    Nishantha Tuesday, 15 January 2019 05:01 PM

    Gota suffers from brain block. He comes up with different notions at different times. He has amnesia about the murders, the white van kidnaping and the massive bribery - all of which he was instrumental.

    palitha Tuesday, 15 January 2019 05:31 PM

    You may be ready with your white vans and goons but we are not ready to support another Rajapaksa to be a dictatorwe want peace and sanity in our country and Sri Lankan community and not communal parties


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