Fonseka dispels rumors over his vote

Tuesday, 26 January 2010 15:35

By Dianne Silva

Common opposition candidate General Sarath Fonseka speaking to Daily Mirror Online a short while ago said that he was fully qualified to contest the Presidential Elections although he could not cast his vote at the elections today.

General Sarath Fonseka said that although he had registered himself in the 2008 voter registration list he had not been granted a vote.

“I want the people to know that I am fully qualified; under article 31 of the constitution, to contest for the Presidential Election,” the candidate said.

He requested voters to not be misled in any way by the false information propagated by the government. “I am a citizen of this country which is why I was the Chief of Defence Staff and the Army Commander. I want the people to not be misled by the mudslinging campaign of the government but to cast their vote with confidence,” he told Daily Mirror Online a short while ago.

Audio link: http://video.dailymirror.lk/videos/290/fonseka-dispels-rumors-over-his-vote

Follow @DMbreakingnews

Comments

-11+12 # Guest 2010-01-26 15:42

Dont worry sir.. you are the winner :)

-8+9 # Guest 2010-01-26 19:16

He had been a full time Soldier..He had no time to fill forms !.

-141+61 # Guest 2010-01-26 15:45

Why was corruption never an issue when you were Army Commander General? Why was the IDP factor never a problem when you were Army commander?

-36+66 # Guest 2010-01-26 16:08

no authority and he clearly said that he will not speak politics while he's in uniform.. coz this makes big political issue then..my friend..

-22+8 # Guest 2010-01-26 16:24

silly reply. You sound like a pompous 12 yr old schoolgirl. If Sarath Fonseka is campaigning on the premise that 'only he can save Sri Lanka', 'he is the darling child of Sri Lanka', 'he is the uncorrupt son of Sri Lanka then he should have done something earlier to check the excesses of the Rajapakse regime. Nobody is doubting that Rajapakse is corrupt. But Fonseka is simply angry and corruption only became an issue for him when he was not given his share which he arrogantly thought is his God-given right.

-15+22 # Guest 2010-01-26 16:41

Because as the Army Commander/Govt. officer he was a servant of the people and the Govt. You don't criticise your employer while in office. If you want to, you can leave your employment and do so. Which is what Gen. Fonseka did.

-3+9 # Guest 2010-01-26 17:20

But his comments about south indian politicians (jokers) led secretary of defence having to appoligise from India

-24+6 # Guest 2010-01-26 17:46

He only did so because he was angry he did not get his 'share' of the victory. If he comes into power then God help Sri Lanka.

-1+6 # Guest 2010-01-26 17:05

ELECTIONS R OVER, NO MO QUESTIONS, PLS FIND D ANSWERS URSLF. THESE QUESTIONS WER ANSWERED ANYWAY AGES BAK. WHERE WERE U THEN???

-1+5 # Guest 2010-01-26 18:32

Gen. SF will take the President's House tommorow as our true leader and the ones who is there will pack bags to go and stay at carlton....
A true soldier...& A TRUE LEADER....YOU GEN. SF WILL TAKE SRI LANKA FORWARD FROM TOMMOROW....!!!

-0+5 # Guest 2010-01-26 18:45

Isn't it ironic that the government only fugured out on the VOTING day that Mr. SF is not eligible to contest for the presidency. Just as Mr. SF has said, this is done to discourage or mislead the voters. MR's regime will do anything to stay in power and this is additional proof. The so called loud noices in the North is also STAGED by the government. God help Sri Lanka!

-11+4 # Guest 2010-01-26 15:45

yes, you are fully qualified to contest the US Presidential Elections.. hahahaaa..

-5+4 # Guest 2010-01-26 15:45

Jayawewa

-19+8 # Guest 2010-01-26 15:45

fonseka is not suitable to be the president,with or without vote.

-3+5 # Guest 2010-01-26 15:46

This is not a good sign Sir, but I still have faith in you...Goodluck!

-43+69 # Guest 2010-01-26 15:48

Gen Sarath Fonseka, the Nation stands behind you, only the privileged thieves and the poor uniformed may vote. But today, we witness the birth of a new movement "WIN OR LOSE"

-1+5 # Guest 2010-01-26 15:48

cd we know why SF was not granted a vote, altho he hd registered himself in the voter registration list 2008? Because, altho I was also entered as a voter in the Voter Registration list 2008, I hv not been granted a vote. I hv been living in rented houses for some time, and therefore never entered in a voters list. Now Im back in my childhood home, since 2003 Ive been entering my name in the list endorsed by my sister who is the chief owner of the house & my national identity card gives in residence as my childhood home, still I hv not been given a vote.

-47+107 # Guest 2010-01-26 15:50

It proves that SF was a true soldier and was not at all bothered about politics...Tomorrows President

-31+52 # Guest 2010-01-26 16:08

No Other words , true soldier ! Not a politician - Now u'll be our Leader.

-22+20 # Guest 2010-01-26 16:19

Best comment I have seen in dailymirror.

-21+11 # Guest 2010-01-26 17:16

But he had all the time to apply US Citizenship, visiting there time to time.

-5+12 # Guest 2010-01-26 17:46

No - he applied only for residency - this is different to citizenship. Sad you don't know difference. He is a citizen of SL with SL passport on which US Embassy stamps the residency visa.

-5+1 # Guest 2010-01-26 15:51

Unbelievable!!!

-2+5 # Guest 2010-01-26 15:51

ha ha ha.. No voting rights, but control country.. kidding us?

-13+50 # Guest 2010-01-26 15:52

I wd like to know why SF was not given a vote altho he was egistered in the election list 2008. The NIC gives my residence as the home of my parents and where I lived as a child. For some time, I lived in rented houses & abroad, but since 2003 I hv been entered in the electoral list as Ive come back home, but every year mty name is dropped & never given a vote. My husband gets his pension thro the relevant D.S. but even he too never gets a vote. Can anyone explain?

-7+27 # Guest 2010-01-26 16:18

The problem is with the system. It is the Grama Sevaka who sends the updated list to the Election Department every year. If he doesn't do his duty, there you go; you lose your vote. That is how many Tamils in Colombo were systematically deprived of their votes during last election. I think you approach the Election Department directly and have your name reinstated. Good Luck.

-1+2 # Guest 2010-01-26 17:13

Partly correct. The Election is also a TOOTHLESS tiger. I've being there. There excuse is that enter only what the GS provides them with. So, the GS is the real culprit.

-2+3 # Guest 2010-01-26 16:26

Even i wasnt able to vote....i voted for the provincial council elections in colombo last year, and to my knowledge its the same voting list used this time as well...its a conspiracy by the govt to sling mud at SF even at this last hour. but v know the real peoples choice is non other than Gen. SF. the greatest general in the world. We salute u general..

-1+2 # Guest 2010-01-26 17:06

BECAUSE AS HIGH GOVT. OFFICIALS THEY WOULD HAVE HAD POSTAL VOTES. THAT'S WHY.

-0+1 # Guest 2010-01-26 19:49

Even though SF was registered in 2008, he only became a U.S. citizen in 2009. When you become a citizen of another country, a person automatically gives up his/her citizenship in Sri Lanka. One has to become a dual citizen (both U.S. and Sri Lankan) in order to have voting rights in Sri Lanka. If per chance SF had not become a dual citizen of Sri Lanka since becoming a citizen of U.S.A., he has not legal right to be the President of Sri Lanka, nor does he have any voting rights in Sri Lanka.

-2+2 # Guest 2010-01-26 15:52

How a person who does not beleive on election system can ask others to vote for him. UNP and JVP must compensate for those who voted for SF.

-38+78 # Guest 2010-01-26 15:52

A citizens has right to vote as well as not to vote!!!
General has not registered for 2008 election name list........because that time he was fighting to defeat LTTE, where as Government was holding stupid provincial elections.
So this clearly proves that who works hard to defeat LTTE.

-71+32 # Guest 2010-01-26 15:59

He wasn't in the battle front all the time. He was down here. What are you talking about?

-15+24 # Guest 2010-01-26 16:16

so was Mahinda at the battle front to asses the situation!! get r facts straight all he did was sit in his chair and count money.

-42+19 # Guest 2010-01-26 16:22

oh yeah... SF went around the world trying to get international help and he was developing the country like hell. sorry i missed those points :P

-6+3 # Guest 2010-01-26 16:47

ya right like which part did MR develop? only his and his families lower part of the body I suppose

-1+4 # Guest 2010-01-26 18:43

which part??? Where are you from? I don't need to list. Just like you have the nerve to critisize people, also learn to give due respect for stuff that are done. Go around the country, talk to people and find out without posting silly comments!

-1+1 # Guest 2010-01-26 16:49

Ok. So When he has to dart back and forth for umpteen number of meetings with govt., cabinet, defense chiefs local and foreign, media etc. you expect him to go to the secretariat, pick a ticket, rot in a queue whilst his troops are fighting jungle snakes, malayria and tigers? Life at the battlefront is beyond all fantasies.

-3+2 # Guest 2010-01-26 17:06

SRY MENAKA IN THAT CASE U HAVENT BEEN IN THE ISLAND DURING D WAR

-2+4 # Guest 2010-01-26 17:11

DONT SHOW YOUR STUPIDITY AND IGNORANCE. SF WAS A HIGH GOVT.OFFICIAL AND WAS THE ARMY COMMANDER .HE ALWAYS HAD A POSTAL VOTE LIKE ANYOTHER GOVT OFFICIAL. IF YOU WANT TO BLAME ANYONE BLAME YOUR FAMOUS PRESIDENT AND HIS GOVT.IF IT HAPPENED TO MR. IF WOULD HAVE GONE TO TOWN. TO GET SYMPATHY, AND WOULD HAVE EVEN CHANGE THE WHOLE ELECTION LIST. JUST SHUT UP AND DONT TALK ABOUT WHAT YOU DONT KNOW AND DONT UNDERSTAND.

-0+2 # Guest 2010-01-26 18:26

You have no idea of how an Army works & Fights. SF didnt become a general overnight. It took some 30 years.....

-74+41 # Guest 2010-01-26 15:53

HAS THERE BEEN ANY LEADER IN THE WORLD WHO HAS STOOPED TO SUCH LOW THINGS TO BE IN POWER.THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU GIVE POWER TO WRONG PEOPLE. GOD BLESS SRI LANKA

-99+65 # Guest 2010-01-26 15:53

Mr. S F, so why you didn't vote? So this is classical example of only words no action. Why don’t just take your ID and go and vote. Isn’t that easy rather than giving media statements

Sir, I think you think we all Sri Lankans are stupid to believe this, your gang though this will not come out before voting get over

My Dear SF supporters, please put your comments honestly for this statement, I know we’ll are emotional with situations, that’s one of the weaknesses all Sri Lankan has ….

-25+48 # Guest 2010-01-26 16:02

Chintha,
You got it wrong. General is not listed in the votes list. Like many Sri Lankan not listed. That is the fault of the Gov. not the General.

-15+42 # Guest 2010-01-26 16:03

Brother Chintha,
For him to vote with his id, he has to have his name on the voters list. the problem here is actually SF not having his name on the list..

Relax just 24hors 2 go.

-38+30 # Guest 2010-01-26 16:03

surely MR digging their own graves.

-19+35 # Guest 2010-01-26 16:04

I fully agree with Nish. Chintha please read any article carefully before commenting.
You are just like MR. Making baseless accusations.
The weakness in the this country is not SF Supporters, but the blindness of MR supporters to see the corruption of the royal family.

-7+17 # Guest 2010-01-26 16:11

Chinthaka, It is you who are emotional. Look at the facts before you comment. It is not that he did not receive the ballot paper (when you can go and vote with a ID). His name is missed out in the Voters Registers. This happens to thousands of others. It has become a news because he happened to be a Presidential Candidates. That does not prevent him from contesting election as long as he is a citizen of Sri Lanka and above 30 years of age. If he is not a citizen, how come he was a Army Commander and then appointed as Chief of Defense Staff. How come he was allowed to contest? And then, if he was not a citizen of Sri Lanka, would the MR camp have let him come this far. Only that fact would have been enough to bury him. So don't get emotional. Get your facts right.

-1+2 # Guest 2010-01-26 18:00

Relax guys, No point arguing with people like Chinthaka.Majority of Sri Lankan citizens are STUPID poeple like chintaka. You cant expect rational thinking from those idiots. God Save Sri Lanka from those idiots

-6+10 # Guest 2010-01-26 16:21

Chintha,
I have noticed in many of the comments you have made, that you comment without reading and understanding the content properly. Please observe and then comment. I have not been included in the list a couple of times, it was due to all the bureaucracy in the gov. sector.

-3+1 # Guest 2010-01-26 17:40

ahhhh jaydee you are a old foreign gentleman...you don't have a vote

-12+29 # Guest 2010-01-26 15:54

Last attempt by Wimal gonwansa was failed..

-42+15 # Guest 2010-01-26 15:54

so why do you find it so hard to vote?

-6+10 # Guest 2010-01-26 16:12

Ha I salute the true soldier in all last election MR was running to get his fame and SF was in battlefield . not taking side doing his duty . What else we want from a leader . you win or loose this election u won our hearts

-52+20 # Guest 2010-01-26 15:54

You could be a citizen but it is too late now since you have denounced yourself from hero to a biggest traitor of Sri Lanka. How could anybody trust you when you join hands with the same LTTE supporters after fighting them and becoming friendly with the same enemies. Do you think that Tamils will vote for you?

-0+1 # Guest 2010-01-26 16:50

people like you are a shame to this country! what did SF do to be termed a traitor? the only thing I can see is he contested against MR. Is that the new criterion to decide a traitor from a patriot? very funny

-74+35 # Guest 2010-01-26 15:55

Omgggggggggggg the guy has no vote and he can contest for presidential elections , what is the world coming too ahh... come on elections commissioner we know u wear spectacles ok that doesn't mean u can be blind to the law or common sense ok.. liars will be liars always ok he says he is registered and he was not allowed then . flimsy answer ahh when u can spend millions for an election campaign. why he can be a candidate ahh. simple as that . I think everybody knows now who he is and what we heard of him is absolute truth. disgrace to a profession which admires discipline and status qua.

-18+20 # Guest 2010-01-26 16:06

This is a part of the MR's corrupt practices. You can now imagine the magnitude of Funds siphoned out.

-7+11 # Guest 2010-01-26 16:11

wat r u talkin??? go get some sleep, wen u wake up it will be a a whole new world.

-0+0 # Guest 2010-01-26 18:04

Modaya Lafir, Read the article carefully and understand its content if you have little bit of intellegence. It is not that SF does not have vote in sri lanka. His name is missing from the voters list... thats it

-0+0 # Guest 2010-01-26 20:00

Lafir ayya, you are a real half baked cake!! get your facts right bro!!

-0+0 # Guest 2010-01-26 20:34

the decision to register/ not register for voting as a private issue...so in 2008 he probably thought there was no reason to brother to vote. That has no connection WHATSOEVER with his civil rights as a Sri Lankan to contest fro the post of pres.

On a more sinister note. it IS possible he did register himself , but the gov. removed his name from the list....considering how low MR has fallen i wouldn't count that out. They didn't even provide buses to the people in IDP camps to vote...knowing they'll be voting overwhelmingly fro SF

-19+38 # Guest 2010-01-26 15:56

Good Luck my friend SF.

-24+50 # Guest 2010-01-26 15:57

Chintha, READ the article before commenting. His name was not on the LIST! So how can he vote???

It's ok SF - we are still with you!

-7+22 # Guest 2010-01-26 15:57

You should first believe in democracy. Joke.

-44+19 # Guest 2010-01-26 15:59

What a JOKE.. he cant even vote for himself and he is asking the general public to vote for him !!!!

This sould go in to the guinness book of world records.

-7+19 # Guest 2010-01-26 16:17

Yes, it is unbelievable. This shows the magnitude of MR Corruption tactics and the extent of Mud Slinging.

As a citizen, he led the armed forces to defend the country.

MR's brothers, while holding DUAL Citizenships, USA and Sri Lanka,,Gota etc , also holding senior defence positions.

YES, ONLY IN SILLY LANKA thiis kind of Corruption can continue to receive Presidential blessings. No wonder family siphoned Billions of state funds.

-3+2 # Guest 2010-01-26 17:52

SF says, he is registered. He is a liar.

He did not want to stay in Sri Lanka after his retirement. That is why he did not register. If he is busy with war and he do not have time the how MR registered even he handled entire country? Simply this SF do not believe democracy. After the election he will fly to USA for sure.

-39+19 # Guest 2010-01-26 16:00

hes not even a registerd voter.........he is taken the ignarant bunch for a ride.

-45+20 # Guest 2010-01-26 16:00

SF was unable to cast his own vote. That could have been his winning vote to become the President. Your hopes collaps right before you. It is like that you could not attend your own wedding.

-6+12 # Guest 2010-01-26 16:13

its d wedin of a nation, not one man, so don bother, he is only an instrument of change and it will dawn ia.

-4+3 # Guest 2010-01-26 17:26

Why is this honarable man being used as an instrument of the hopeless UNP and JVP? I do not believe in his LTTE labels.

-5+24 # Guest 2010-01-26 16:00

why am I getting spam sms from this number: 94112512102?

-5+9 # Guest 2010-01-26 16:12

your not the only one, i am too.

-3+10 # Guest 2010-01-26 16:16

Yes, this is ridiculous, most of my known people had received sms from that number. No one to take action.

-0+0 # Guest 2010-01-26 20:38

It's ad we can't sue the president for infringement of privacy

-11+20 # Guest 2010-01-26 16:01

Chintha sorry to say. you'r lost the plot boy...

-11+29 # Guest 2010-01-26 16:01

This is the continuation by the CORRUPTED MR regime.

If SF, as a Sri Lankan Citizen, was qualified to function as the Commander of the forces, how did MR's brothers, Gota etc. holding dual citizenships, hold the positions such as defence secretary ??

No limits to MR's CORRUPTED policies.

-7+14 # Guest 2010-01-26 16:02

This is really dis casting. I an sure every body cant be correct. So who's cheating whom?. Mr Dayananda disanayake, I demand an explanation from you as soon as possible.

-0+0 # Guest 2010-01-26 16:25

He has given an explanation. SF has all the rights to vote and to be a candidate. It was just that his name is not in the voters' list.

-7+18 # Guest 2010-01-26 16:02

Read his msg folks. If SF is not a citizen the Govt. would not have appointed him as the Army Commander or Chief of staff. Isn't it enough proof. Time Govt. stopped dirty propaganda

-9+18 # Guest 2010-01-26 16:03

As Ex CJ Mr. Sarath N Silva announced to the media this will not be a problem
Dear General this will not be a deciding factor
You will win sir

-1+1 # Guest 2010-01-26 17:55

Dont you know Sarath N Silva is no more in duty...he is another supporter of SF.

-10+12 # Guest 2010-01-26 16:04

It is sad to have a leader who misled the whole country!!! This is the fault of the election commissioner and he has to take full responsibility! !!

-12+17 # Guest 2010-01-26 16:04

THIS IS FOR THE JOKERS WHO MAKE COMMENTS PLEASE UNDERSTAND THE STATEMENT MADE BY SF , BEFORE YOU MAKE A COMMENT , JUST BECAUSE YOU GUY ARE IDIOTS PLEASE DONT SHOW THE WORLD GUYS LIKE YOU ONLY WILL VOTE FOR A JOKER LIKE MR, AND MAKE SRI LANKA A HELL HOLE.

-10+10 # Guest 2010-01-26 16:19

Mr. Peter J,
No need to scream. We can read small letters. All caps not needed.
Thanks

-1+1 # Guest 2010-01-26 17:29

Ok. I arrived in SL recently from overseas. My name was not in the list as well. I was told that there is a special procedure if I really need to vote. I wonder why SF didn't sort this out long time ago? Was he careless or ignorant?

-1+0 # Guest 2010-01-26 17:59

Ignorant my friend.. as we have come to know him all along.

-9+17 # Guest 2010-01-26 16:05

Hi- CITIZENSHIP of Sri Lanka is completely DIFFERENT from having your name in the Electoral Register.There are so many people who are citizens of this Country, but their names are not on the Electoral Register. Some people live abroad/missed the Grama Sevaka during distribution of Electoral list/Rented out the Premises/No interest to Register as a Voter(unless you have a child to admit to a school) SF will discontinue this system very soon. nihalg .

-27+15 # Guest 2010-01-26 16:05

Democracy means believing in voting and that means voting. We need responsible leaders. Unfortunately I cannot call SF responsible.

-3+7 # Guest 2010-01-26 16:13

but Mr is, is it? so responsible that he appoints family members to high up positions, takes a cut from every deal there is and bumps of??

-0+0 # Guest 2010-01-26 16:43

THEN DO U FIND MR AS RESPONSIBLE EXCEPT THE FACT THAT HE WAS FOR THE WORLDS LARGEST CABINET

-0+0 # Guest 2010-01-26 16:57

can u call MR responsible...lol this has to b the joke of the da, this idiot here is calling MR responsible, my dear friend have u been reading abt the mansions he is building...have u seen Namals Aston martin ...please machan tell me where does this so called responsible president get all that money from!!

-13+14 # Guest 2010-01-26 16:06

Imagine what would have happened had the government media reported this in the morning? I can't think what would have happened then!!! We need a more responsible leader.

-10+11 # Guest 2010-01-26 16:08

This is like one not going to the Polling Booth to vote. How many people were not registered to vote in Colombo last Presidential elections. You have not done anything wrong You are our President. Has the Families of Ministers already left the Country Now that the Barriers at BIA are removed

-26+12 # Guest 2010-01-26 16:08

How u can suitable to become a president???? it's seems dont' u notice that also????at least u dont have u r vote

-0+0 # Guest 2010-01-26 16:47

N U DONT HAV UR XXXXX

-9+8 # Guest 2010-01-26 16:08

good luck

-8+7 # Guest 2010-01-26 16:10

MR is undecent politician in our country. he can win the elec .But way he acted since nomination is brutal.

All countries should condmen this behaviour.

CBK/Ranil and other democratic leaders should unite to safegaurds country from MR.

-1+2 # Guest 2010-01-26 18:01

Safeguard the country from whom?

MR safeguard the country from LTTE. What CBK did for the country during her 11 years? What Ranil did for the country?

-6+2 # Guest 2010-01-26 16:10

Nihal Fernando, Well said. AIS

-5+7 # Guest 2010-01-26 16:10

I would have voted for any baboon, who had a realistic chance of chasing away our corrupt regime. This story would not have changed my vote.

-0+3 # Guest 2010-01-26 18:03

SF is a not a baboon, he is a puppet. Then do not vote for him.

-5+5 # Guest 2010-01-26 16:11

ELECTIONS COMM.DAYANANDA DISSANAYAKA CLEARLY STATES THAT YOU DO NOT NEED TO BE A VOTER OR CAST YOUR VOTE TO BE A PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE, YOU ONLY NEED TO BE A SRI LANKAN CITIZEN

-8+7 # Guest 2010-01-26 16:13

Some idiots who lick the boots of the government have argued about SF not having citizenship! SF is a sri lankan citizen, but his name was not on the register (fault of the age old useless systems at the EC office). Anyway, hope SF will win and save the country from the rogue family.

-6+9 # Guest 2010-01-26 16:13

This is da Final Lossing Try from GOV side...
anyhting can haoppend in next couple of hours!
but Nation stands behind your VICTORY~~~~~

-6+10 # Guest 2010-01-26 16:13

For people who say that SF cannot contest READ THE CONSTITUTION! You do not need to have your name included in the electoral register to contest. You need to be 30 years old be a citizen of this country. That's all!!!!

-3+19 # Guest 2010-01-26 16:13

Voting is now ended. Few clarifications to made:

1. Overall it was a good voting, both SF and MR admits that in their briefings

2. SF's inability to vote, is now cleared when Elec/Sec released the statement that it's not a issue. So SF has or has not a vote does not have any impact on him becoming the president (if he is elected).

3. Govt. media aroused a question, and opposition media replied to it. So no issues. Only the problem that opposition media was soo delayed to provide the answer.

All the best to all citizens!.... Take care....

-15+14 # Guest 2010-01-26 16:13

He has no vote !!! He does not care about democracy !!! Thank god it will be MR !!

-0+0 # Guest 2010-01-26 16:49

NOT SO FAST! WAIT

-1+1 # Guest 2010-01-26 17:07

what? don't you know anyone who has been disenfranchised in this country..i met a lady who said she does not have a vote becuase she does not live in one place (as she moves around her childrens homes)..does that make her too not a citizen and does that make her undemocratic? stop writing nonsense! not having a vote has nothing to do with democracy..s'thing that does is the blatant flouting of election laws with the SMS that was received this morning by millions in Sri Lanka .

-9+11 # Guest 2010-01-26 16:14

Nish, I do understand, but don’t you think that he should check when he is are not getting his ballets, considerable number of Sri Lankans following him and they expect him to cast his vote with his family and show the country that he too is part of the democratic process. I’ve seen other candidates, politicians & important people in the country lined-up in the queue and leading by example. So far all his actions and statements being divergent and hope our innocent people will get fooled again by another power hungry person.

-0+0 # Guest 2010-01-26 16:52

BUY A BOX OF TISSUE AND KEEP, SRI LANKAN GOLI

-9+12 # Guest 2010-01-26 16:14

I watched the state media , I could not control my anger!! Wimal and Kongahe given opportunity to compaign ! Afterall it is very minor issue of registration of vote and a eligibility to contest as verified by the election commissioner! A real hero of our motherland WHO WAS AT THE VERGE OF DEATH FOR THIS COUNTRY has been humiliated by VERY CHEAP FELLOWS Like Wimal and Kongahge! Shame on MR and ur company!

-5+11 # Guest 2010-01-26 16:14

Go check the Constitution Chapter VII, point 31. it will help all to identify the right of SF to become the candidate. What state media says are all wrong and the point which they elaborate are for a voter..but not for candidate. They are misleading the general public which is really pathetic.

-6+11 # Guest 2010-01-26 16:16

SF never planned to dabble in politics. It was his Karma that propelled him to take over the challenge of bringing about change the country yearns for. He did not bother about his "vote" because he was a non-political public servant who dedicated himself to the service of the nation. On the other hand probably he never relished the idea of voting for himself. This last minute news does not in any way have any impact on his eligibility or suitability to take over the leadership of this country.

-6+18 # Guest 2010-01-26 16:16

SF, Now only people will realize you are the real man for the leadership. You had no politics when in Army.

-5+15 # Guest 2010-01-26 16:16

He was a citizen when he won the war. The world's BEST Army Commando was a SRI LANKAN, but NOW ?. Funny world isnt it?

-4+5 # Guest 2010-01-26 16:18

Guys, how many times he voted in the past when he was a cheif of staff...???? I never head that SF can not vote or never a word that he is a different citizen...I came to know after he became the candidate that he is a US ciitizen. Dont you think that this is bull ....in SL politics. What ever it is- I not a supporter of either candidate:

-5+13 # Guest 2010-01-26 16:18

when the voting registration was begun in 2008 our leader was thinking how to defeat prabha . he was not thinking about his vote . he was trying to give you all a free country . thats why he was not in the list. so think about it.

-1+0 # Guest 2010-01-26 17:45

. Mabye he was thinking of contesting elections a lot sooner than most people think. His statement on minorities was clearly intended to appeal to voters like KJ and you.

-7+15 # Guest 2010-01-26 16:19

Our problem is, we get panic very quickly.... MR n his bro knew abt this, datsy they stayed till d last moment to misuse d gov medias. We all know, gov media was telling lies, doing wrong, then y v need to get panic.
believe in wat u r doing... SF is a honest person, million times better than corrupted MR.

-4+10 # Guest 2010-01-26 16:20

He could have tell this well ahead, not the last minute. If he told it earlier even a vote could have been arranged

-5+10 # Guest 2010-01-26 16:20

I was worried that I could not vote to the General since my name was deleted suddenly from the 2008 list after it appeared continuously for 27 years. In 2009 list it has appeared again - wonderful work of MR regime. But to find that SF's vote is also denied I feel that MR's regime is sure to give us shocking suba anaagathaya if elected to power by crook.

-6+15 # Guest 2010-01-26 16:21

I agree with Senerath......He showed everything by action!!!!
NO POLITICS DURING ARMY SERVICE!!!!

-7+9 # Guest 2010-01-26 16:21

it is very sad to states that people Who do not know read the english also commenting their opinion in à very smart way .god look after sri lanka

-7+5 # Guest 2010-01-26 16:41

heheheeeee!

-0+0 # Guest 2010-01-26 16:26

why was he waited this long for this????????something fishyyyy here

-0+0 # Guest 2010-01-26 16:29

great... it's shows that he had no intention to be came politician. finally he has prove that he hasn't involve any controversy when he leading army

-0+0 # Guest 2010-01-26 16:34

World's No1 military commander these are basic training for you in your political field. These could be considered as a crash course for you to gain vast knowledge of the political culture prevailing in this country.

Never, never, never give up............

-0+0 # Guest 2010-01-26 16:34

All you smart Sri Lankans - dont you think that your hero is being used by the UNP, JVP, TNA etc to get back at the Rajapakse's only. They did not care about Sri Lanka then, they do not care now

-0+0 # Guest 2010-01-26 16:35

So SF did not know that he's not elligible to vote until this morning? Is this a joke or what?

-0+0 # Guest 2010-01-26 16:36

Someone said the Grama Sevaka has to send the list of people to be included in the voters register. Gen SF applied for his vote in 2008 and he was living in his quarters in the Army barracks in Colombo Fort. Does Colombo Fort have a Grama Seveka? Maybe the Grama Sevaka for Colombo Fort lives in the Janadhipathi Mandiraya!! and he conviniently forgot to send the list!!

-0+0 # Guest 2010-01-26 16:40

sarath fonseka is a citizen in srilanka and he has the national identity card. it does not make sense why people getting scared although he did not vote. Under article 13.
He is still a citizen in sri lanka. Lets hope for a better future!!!!!!!!!

-1+0 # Guest 2010-01-26 16:41

All engineered by the democratic government we have. The GS is the biggest rogue. He decides whose name will go into the list or not. How many of you nerds who commented negatively have a vote???. Even if you fill the householders list and give it to the GS, there is no guarantee that your name will be entered. So, this is the our so called democratic government works. Look at the picture where MR is casting his vote, its illegal too. When you went with your spouse to vote, did you go together and cast your vote in the same BOX?????. NO. Male and Female separately.

-0+0 # Guest 2010-01-26 16:46

You are the real hero. Until people behind you, anybody can't stop your opportunity. Please give us lawful country.

-0+0 # Guest 2010-01-26 16:46

In 2008 he was supporting MR. He was awere all the corruption mahinda was doing but didn't know his name was not in the list. Had he known he should have brougt it up at that time.You can always reinstatet your name if you want to.After all why he didn't speak about it before the election,like he spreaded remors like Apolo,Swarnawah ini.Thank god for the punishment to gossip mongers

-0+2 # Guest 2010-01-26 16:47

Can this person be entrusted with the responsibility of being the President of Sri Lanka when he waited until the last minute of Election Day to reveal this?
Even if, on a point of technicality, the Elections Commissioner (who may be covering up his own mistake in not having made a proper check) may be right in his interpretation that Sarath Fonseka is eligible to run for office even if he does not have the right to vote....it does seem a basic injustice to the voter who has to have his/her name in the Electoral Register before his/her vote can be exercised. This may eventually have to go before the Supreme Court in case SF wins. If MR wins of course, the problem won't arise, except that the nation would have been taken for a ride, and we will become the laughing stock of the world.

-0+1 # Guest 2010-01-26 16:48

What a bunch of Lotus Eaters the nation hgas produced to be in power

-0+0 # Guest 2010-01-26 16:48

This man has not only insulted himself but the entire electoral process.I think that He came on for a contract now hold water.If the candidate himself abstained from voting how can he expect voters to vote for him.anyway it does not matter because he has already suffered a massive loss.This man is not to be trusted.

-0+1 # Guest 2010-01-26 16:50

This is not a good position to be as a candidate.

But one thing is proven that he was not planning to contest well in advance.

-0+1 # Guest 2010-01-26 16:51

I am very surprised that the MR camp didn't know about it. Would have gone to town with it.

-0+1 # Guest 2010-01-26 16:55

I moved house thrice during the last 6/7 years. I did not have a vote during the previous election/s as my voters list registration form was not registered. "I DONT KNOW WHY ! ! "
.In no way can any person say I am a foreign citzen as I did not vote previously (for no fault of my own)-
If any fool says so , my reply is "go and tell the marines ! ! "

"coloured card owner"
(could be brown , blue, or green)

-0+2 # Guest 2010-01-26 17:00

If General Fonseka was assigned the highest post in the defense sector, he is fully qualified to contest and hold high office in the country. Now the goons are desperately losing their last grip also. So trying all knots possible to throw the last left over bit of mud at SF. Very sorry you "GOONS" Run Time Error !!! The Mud Page requested cannot be Displayed.Access Denied, Re-Start and try again or Configure your Mud browser. General Fonseka has already Won. .... la...lal..la

-2+0 # Guest 2010-01-26 17:02

without having his own vote, he is asking us to vote for him...lol

-2+0 # Guest 2010-01-26 17:03

I belive he is eligable to contest. but he is not honest man bcoz he didnt declare this at the very begining.
to Senerath & JK. you both are idiots. didnt he do politic when he was army comander? he did. he declared several statement in front of medai. thats why Tamil nadu acused him. other thing he negotiated with oposition while he is comander. he confirmed it

-0+0 # Guest 2010-01-26 17:07

After 25 years my vote not appeared in the register. When I questioning GS She told me they put up list of voters who omitted from particular year at GAs office. Then you had to come and lodge your protest now it is too late. are there anyone you know about this and What the date they put this list at GAs office.
I lived in a European country for 5 years as student and I got the voting right there without any hassle.
Actually Im feeling like what Sirima Bandaranayeke felt at firs executive presidential election.

-1+2 # Guest 2010-01-26 17:08

Dear Friends
May be sometimes he was at the battle fields when voting list were registered. Anyway it is the prime duty of then govt to find and register the prime soldier at that time. The president while having parties in Araliya tree, who have spared his time for the registration but the general didn,t have such time I think.

-0+1 # Guest 2010-01-26 17:09

I am a citizen of Canada and Sri Lanka. There is no law against it. When the voter list was made in June 2009, I was away visiting my children in Canada. Despite my house-hold appealing to the local GS that I will be back in October 2009, he decided to leave our names out of the list. When I returned, I went and saw him to rectify but he stuck to his "guns" and said no. It is our hope that the leader will address these issues. You cannot deny the God-given rights of the people and rule over them by force. Unfortunately, we are still to see such a leader in this land.

-0+0 # Guest 2010-01-26 17:09

General ! Dont worry ...This is the real situation of mad sri lankan politics.more than 50 percent of this country are with you.

-2+2 # Guest 2010-01-26 17:16

Hi all..... take a look at all the comments related to this forum and the ranking/rating given by people....

I'm sure you would be able to see who has won the majority and is soing to be the 6th president in Sri Lanka...!!

-0+1 # Guest 2010-01-26 17:32

That is a joke Migara. Rural folks decide the election and they are busy with their paddy fields and lives while us jokers fight over silly things. It's so simple. You only have to be a citizen of this country to be a candidate. Why all this mud either way? And the penetration of the internet in this country is mere 4.2%.

-3+0 # Guest 2010-01-26 17:38

Not exactly Migara. People like you and me with internet access and able to type in English are a small minority. THe overall sentiment of the country is with MR. Most people here will not admit it but are very angry and bitter because they were not able to 'pull' tenders through this government. They will continue to be bitter losers for the next 5 yrs.

-3+3 # Guest 2010-01-26 17:31

SF Are you joking ???????

-6+3 # Guest 2010-01-26 17:36

Today Sarath Fonseka, tomorrow Sarath Ponseka!

-2+0 # Guest 2010-01-26 18:00

and the President elect

-1+3 # Guest 2010-01-26 17:37

As per certain comments I don't understand why MR or who ever to blame for SF not been able to vote because he is not registered to vote.

-1+3 # Guest 2010-01-26 17:41

I think now this hard fought election is over , both parties should stop mud slinging at each other and support who ever is elected as the president. for me, MR is the outright favourite at this stage.

-6+2 # Guest 2010-01-26 17:42

SF the joker, so you are a dual citizen and your responsibilitie s lies with US too. Will you be dancing to US tunes if you are elected?
There is an if and a but.... I think the nation would know what you are. We dont want an Idi Amin Dictator

-0+0 # Guest 2010-01-26 17:56

C Perera, So dual citizens are not patriots? How ignorant can anyone become. SF or Gota, both of them are true heroes. How can anybody say SF is not and Gota is a patriot or vis versa??

-1+3 # Guest 2010-01-26 17:59

what is it that you cannot understand that Greencard is not the same as citizenship. He cannot vote in the US but only work and live. Gota and Basil are dual citizens and so is Palitha Kohona. PLease try to understand the fact before you try to call him an Idi Amin.

-0+1 # Guest 2010-01-26 17:48

There are many of us who couldn't vote, even though we were registered in 2008, I feel this has been very shrewdly planned out, but what is shameful is that all Party Politics is Dirty and has no Ethics and shows absolute contemt to Religion, if there is one, Proffessing and Boasting that we are a religious country is a Blatent Lie besides it is all hippocracy and an absolutly ridiculous notion to think our assume so, sadly we as a Nation doth on Fables and Lies, and whole bunch of us Sri Lankans are destined for more pain, Suffering,and further conflict for our Folly, of Gullibility,Vul nerability and absolute and unbelievable foolishness.

-0+1 # Guest 2010-01-26 17:49

Hi, Many people( MOstly Tamils) have a X end of theire ID no, as far as i know means no vote
does it reflect on your citizenship, if to take your word
people can have ID but not a Srilankan citizen
doesnt sound odd to you all?

-0+0 # Guest 2010-01-26 18:33

Most of us have a V. A X means a replacement ID card. A national ID card is only issued to a citizen of this country.

-2+4 # Guest 2010-01-26 17:53

Dear General , No matter what the government says. You will be the president, the general pablic is with you.

-2+2 # Guest 2010-01-26 17:54

SRI LANKA - "A LAND LIKE NO OTHER"

Another FIRST for Sri Lanka. First ever "Non-Voting" President in the World.

-1+2 # Guest 2010-01-26 17:57

My broter & family shifted homes & their names are not in the electoral register tho they have tried hard to get them in. for years there is a lot of bureaucrasy involved. in thiss procedure.

problem is that if yr not registered in yr area u dont get a vote. so that is all there is to it. & for this election the 2008 register was adhered to. at that time he was busy with the war & the poor man could nto care less about voting at elections i guess.

This does not make him any less of one of the most heroic srilankan citizens ever produced.

Rupavahini & itn tried even at the end to get soem milage by trying to dissuade ppl voting thinking it would be uselss to vote as he was not eligibl;e. But they missed the bus as usual cos ppl who love SF DONT BELIVE THE BULLSHIT DISHED OUT BY RUPAVAHINI.

So nothing can stop his victory.& nothimg can stop him being the next president of srilanka

-1+1 # Guest 2010-01-26 17:57

I Think as a responsible leader. He should be able to rectify this before the election. Eligible voters got their papers by post. If he really concern (as a responsible citizen???) he should be able to rectify this. Accoding to him this happend in 2008. forget about the leagal points. Does SF cheated everybody. I think yes. He knew this , but he never disclosed this matter till last moment.. This is an ethical issue of to become honest & reliable leader. Even if he becomes president How can we trust him. Logic is simple as that guys.

-1+2 # Guest 2010-01-26 17:58

what's the fuss? he is only asking the mandate from the Sri Lankan citizens, not from himself.afterall, we had enough of this type of narcissistic crap and got rid of it right from the start of this new presidency.
Now we can without any doubt that he is purely our man and not that he is for himself.

-1+3 # Guest 2010-01-26 17:59

During the war SF did his job perfectly. No doubt about it. When arms loads were sent back by GOSL upon the end of war, the problem surfaced. Then SF determined to teach a lesson to MR and Gota. The desperate UNP and JVP were in SFs rescue and drama began. The simple truth of this episode is like that.

-2+2 # Guest 2010-01-26 17:59

I called one of my friends in Sri Lanka who intended to vote MR. However because of this dirty tactics by the government He has voted SF. everybody understands this us ugly.

-1+1 # Guest 2010-01-26 18:01

Guys i am sure Sf had atleast 3 months to prepare for this election and the first thing he does is to check whether he is an eligable candidate and where he will vote.. as ALL the media (State & non State) were behind him to see where he will go and cast his vote.. U DONT need Sf to be phyiscally present at home when the grama Sewaka comes home to make the list of occupants in the house..

-0+0 # Guest 2010-01-26 18:24

Maybe the parents haven't seen the son for quite a while and scrapped his name from the electoral list :-O I'm sure there was a way for him to vote and people had the right to know.

-1+0 # Guest 2010-01-26 18:01

all over now. will wait and c

-2+0 # Guest 2010-01-26 18:03

so, you will be the first president who was elected 100% with others votes.

-1+2 # Guest 2010-01-26 18:04

they normally do know how many are their say for example it has been updated verytime every year for the last few years..this really measn he was really NOT botherred about even casting his vote.. and just because of his hunder to stay in power, Sf came in to politics and he shows the world that he and his collegues are real amatures...and I was wondering (From Doha) when BBC was showing MR and his family voting from his Hambanthota House, whether SF was still sleeping? poor show SF.. make a public appology for NOT SETTING THE EXAMPLE! a guy who falied to cast his vote? Could he be the president? NEVER!

-0+0 # Guest 2010-01-26 18:07

I’m just wondering if SF is not in the list then why his family also not in the list. Oh…I know all SF family members were in the battle :)

-0+0 # Guest 2010-01-26 18:15

Hey Guys , Its absurd to point a fingure at SF , it is the fault of the system, isnt it the duty of the area GS to sent the relevent registration form to Dept concern to update . or has his name been taken off from the register purposly ?????

-0+0 # Guest 2010-01-26 18:22

Nice Drama now showing in sri lanka... Executive Presidential Candidate has no voting power....this is very funny thing in the whole world. Friends think abt this... this is not good. ,,, i like to say this to SF, JVP & UNP.... Dont cheat us...

-0+0 # Guest 2010-01-26 18:29

This situation has showed the real job of the wimal weerawansa and low grade activities of the state media.

They were barking non stop to just to make voters not to vote for SF.

If these guys were knew what the constitution says regarding candidacy they will not bark. But still they do coz they wanted to gain from it.

if they so confident they could have taken a statement from the commissioner of election who accepted the application of SF for the election.

I am disgusted with the state media and dogs who bark non stop at anything with out a reason,

-0+0 # Guest 2010-01-26 18:37

Solders do have postal vote, what happened to that, so you mean to tell me that all the solders are not in the list

-0+0 # Guest 2010-01-26 18:52

Now this is weird. If he wanted to vote, and if he was so concerned about all this, I don't see any reason why he would not have made a scene in the first place when he did not get the card. It would have even been a good stunt to show and turn in some floating votes. But, why does he go and say that his name is not there in the last minute? It is evident that he did not give a damn about his vote.

-0+0 # Guest 2010-01-26 18:52

Do these people are more knowledgeable than election commissioner? So many experts for wrong things

-0+0 # Guest 2010-01-26 19:20

Should introduce 100% secured voting system
Every one over 18years old who must register their Name, NIC Number with Thumb marks in Thumb Mark Tracing Machine and filled by ballot peppers. The ballot pepper should be issued by a Thumb mark traceable Machine for manual voting.
1) A Thumb Mark Traceable Machine filled by ballot Peppers,
2) The Machine should gives a ballot pepper out after the Confirmed the NIC No and thumb Mark of every voters.
3) Than a manual voting as like as in current syste

-1+0 # Guest 2010-01-26 19:25

Are you guys (and girls) joking? Do you mean to say that he got to know that he doesn't have his vote only today? if he is practically a genuine politician why didn't he inform all Sri Lankans this earlier?

He would have let the everybody know he doesn't have the vote. I'm really sad and worried about my vote now. :-(

-0+0 # Guest 2010-01-26 19:41

People think of the big picture rather than wasting time on vote rights. Make a change and think of what you can do to make things better starting today.

-0+0 # Guest 2010-01-26 19:45

Oh,God,very sorry about him.Sri Lanka is a still a Buddhist Country.I got once again one thing clear.People who took wrong path,or talk lies by having knowing the truth, when the real time come they have paid or still they are paying.This incident is a good example for that.Keep the Buddhist Value no matter what and be honest any time any where.Then nothing will go wrong .Good luck any way.

-1+2 # Guest 2010-01-26 19:46

This shows that he is fit to be a military personnel only, not a politician as long as he is not interested on his name to be in the list or receipt of voting card.

Sorry sir, you became a catspaw of corrupted,ailin g politicos for nothing.

lease do not be a trapped joker, you are a great son of our time.Simply when you do not have any interest about your ballot, how could you run a democratic system based on ballot.

-0+0 # Guest 2010-01-26 21:51

Hello all, SF was in the Army and should have been registered with postal votes. No big deal to do that. For a senior ranker like him, there are men and personal helpers to fill those forms and he only has to sign. He got a bunch of officers even to hold his mobile phones and his brief case. This shows sheer lack of interest ! Bad show. God Bless my Country !!!

-0+0 # Guest 2010-01-26 21:55

Then how can Gotabhaya Rajapakse could become the Secretary of Defence? He is a US citizen and Sarath Fonseka is not a US citizen.

-0+0 # Guest 2010-01-26 21:58

just listen to the voice clip. Hey this is rubbish. He says that he applied for the vote registration in 2008 and due to some reason, his vote has not registered. If so, what has he been doing all this time? All the public media was educating the general public to look for their voting cards for a long time. So, does this means General is not aware of genral rules of this country ???????

Refresh comments list
RSS feed for comments to this post.

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.

தமிழில் செய்திகளை அறிந்து கொள்ள...