An ex-President shouldn’t debate with a Minister: JO

23 May 2018 05:41 pm - 27 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Joint Opposition (JO) MP Mahindananda Aluthgamage today said they won’t allow former President Mahinda Rajapaksa to go for a debate with Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera, but other JO MPs were ready to debate with the Minister.

Addressing a news briefing, the MP said Mr Rajapaksa was a respected country leader and therefore, he shouldn't be allowed to go for debates with Ministers.

“Mr Rajapaksa shouldn’t opt for debates with the Government about the economy, which is being handled by the likes of Arjuna Mahendran. However, we as MPs, are ready for any debate with anyone. All they have to do is make the preparations for the debate,” he said. (Lahiru Pothmulla)

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Comments - 27

modaya Wednesday, 23 May 2018 06:53 PM

YES.....BUT as an MP he can if he has the knowledge.

Mandy Thursday, 24 May 2018 10:10 AM

But then Ex-President must not criticise - if he does he is in the cricket field and must bat against any bowler - even junior MP - both are equal.

Jay Wednesday, 23 May 2018 06:59 PM

Who would want to waste time debating with a dumbo like you.

Zub Wednesday, 23 May 2018 06:59 PM

Looks like this bloke has forgotten that he lost the presidency and now is just a member of parliament.

Ceylon Wednesday, 23 May 2018 07:04 PM

What respect thieves and killers have ???.this man also on bail now.

Dinesh Wednesday, 23 May 2018 07:08 PM

Isn't our former President also an joint opposition MP?

Dilan Wednesday, 23 May 2018 07:13 PM

If a ex president can be just a MP why can't he debate a Minister? Scared????

reader Wednesday, 23 May 2018 07:24 PM

JO talks big at temples and stages to trick the masses but are not willing to debate because then they wont have an answer to the way they governed the country until 2015

Unchikun Wednesday, 23 May 2018 07:27 PM

MR is just a MP like you. If the former president had dignity he would never function as a MP.

De Silva Wednesday, 23 May 2018 07:29 PM

He is now a sitting MP. So what is wrong with it ?

ala Wednesday, 23 May 2018 07:45 PM

Good excuse. An ex president should not be in parliament!!!

Jayantha Wednesday, 23 May 2018 07:46 PM

What about a debate on your own private economy. "How to loot public money in the most effective and respected way".

Emm Pee Wednesday, 23 May 2018 07:49 PM

An ex-President shouldn't be a Member of Parliament.

mad dog Wednesday, 23 May 2018 07:54 PM

If Mahinda Rajapakse makes public statement he then should go for a debate. Today Mahinda is only a normal MP and trying very hard to destroy our country. JOs should not think the people in the country are fools.

Sincere Wednesday, 23 May 2018 08:01 PM

But now he is a MP no? No one can be eternally President no?

marmaduke Wednesday, 23 May 2018 10:08 PM

Bayada?

Ajja Thursday, 24 May 2018 08:32 AM

Former President has no advisers around at the debating time.That is why he is backing off...

Huna Thursday, 24 May 2018 09:05 AM

MARA will never come for a live debate , never seen him do that, when ever challenged , he always used tools like this guy to evade it

Abuuzman Thursday, 24 May 2018 09:10 AM

I never seen MR doing a political debate with anyone on TV. He can speak with teleprompters and what his advisers wrote. He will never come to debate exhibit his debating and analytical skills.

Freddy Yong Thursday, 24 May 2018 09:15 AM

What a dummy this man is. Hello, MR is only a mere member of parliament. Ex's don.t count. So, a mere MP is lower in rank to a high profile Minister and MR knows that if he has what it takes to face the challenge, he will come out with his tail tucked between his legs.

IA Thursday, 24 May 2018 09:40 AM

Why? The Present Minister of Finance has called for a debate with the former Minister of Finance!

Sangaralingham Thursday, 24 May 2018 10:02 AM

MR was a president. But by re enteric politic as mp for parliament he is member of parliament as tradition says at times he need to debate his views opinion rtc with someone with alternative opinions views plans so citizen knows where we stands. Yes the debate must be visually presented to the whole nation and translated appropriately for all to know the facts figures to form an opinion assesments

Sofia Thursday, 24 May 2018 10:16 AM

All Rajapase's don't like to face anything - all behind back. Gota aviding Courts, MR avoiding debates even in Parliament, Basil evading law getting legal loopholes.So not surprised at using this goon to avoid coming come forward,

Insurance Hora Thursday, 24 May 2018 11:23 AM

If someone is an ex-president, all we know is they guide the up and coming politicians to good conduct, here all we know is, everyone is getting greedier and getting rich and wants to take all to six foot down with them! Pray this rain will come down on you guys who has no integrity, what so ever! Disgrace

Terminator> Thursday, 24 May 2018 11:46 AM

Not GOTA BAYA, you are BAYA now.

Brainmaster Thursday, 24 May 2018 11:58 AM

Its very simple. MR cant do it. He would be a fiasco. via DM Android App

Mason Thursday, 24 May 2018 05:35 PM

Is this a joke ? It is ok for Mahinda Rajapakse to sit as an ordinary MP, but too respectful to debate issues. If he is that respectful he should resign his seat, because Parliament is a forum for debate. Will Mahindananda Aluthgamage advise his leader to do so !

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An ex-President shouldn’t debate with a Minister: JO

Comments - 27

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