CBK hits out at abuse of power

12 October 2012 04:25 am - 33 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunge said on Thursday that we live in a country where the naked demonstration of the abuse of power, the shameless indulgence in corruption and nepotism, the violation of human rights and the rule of law had become the order of the day.

Speaking at the United Nations Day celebrations held at S. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia, she said, “The sudden and accelerated onslaught of the free-market economy, the capitalist system dumped upon the existing ancient, rural and feudal socio-economic, cultural structures, sent shock waves which could not be absorbed soon enough by the existing systems.”

“The traditional societies where caring for each other as equal as well as between the elites and those who served them was burst asunder, without a credible, acceptable set of social practices to replace it.”

“The absolutist powers bestowed on the Executive Presidency and the abrogation of the 17th Amendment to the Constitution have no doubt compounded the situation,” Ms. Kumaratunge said.
Freedom is one of the several eternal values cherished by Humans. Democracy is founded on the belief in Freedom. Many are the battles and wars fought in the name of Freedom.
Freedom is composed of the right to think freely, to talk and express one’s thoughts freely, to practice one’s beliefs – religious or political freely, to have free access to Justice and the Law. It also implies respect for the freedom of the “other”.

I am deeply disturbed to find that a considerable number of people talk about their rights, while refusing steadfastly to accept that the “others” have rights too. They seem to believe that their rights must be guaranteed at the expense of the rights of others.

We do not realize the one obvious truth that our Freedom becomes a full and lasting one, only when the Freedom and Rights of others are secured.
If this is not so, the “others” will rise up and fight for their due and by that very act hamper and negate our Freedom.

When we let respect for Freedom and Democratic Governance disappear, we will have laid the foundation for autocracy and dictatorship.
I say all this, to emphatically underscore the responsibilities that fall upon religious leaders and educational institutions. In this context, your responsibility is a sacred one.
You have the incredible privilege of moulding the minds and thereby the lives of young people who study in your schools. It is important to teach them Languages, Maths, Science and Techonology, History, Geography and so on. It is equally important to teach them the value of Freedom and Human Rights and inculcate respect for the rights of others to cherish and respect difference and diversity.

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Comments - 33

silva Sunday, 14 October 2012 02:55 AM

She had a good opportunity to rectify the mistakes made by her parents. Did absolutely nothing for 11 years. Go back to your favourite pastime of partying, lady !

Mahal Sunday, 14 October 2012 12:00 AM

Api wenuwen api via DM Android App

OZ Saturday, 13 October 2012 09:20 AM

Much difference? None at all as far as negative side is concerned. On the development side, MR is doing much more than CBK could even dream of when she was sober.

Ayesha Arambepola Saturday, 13 October 2012 09:29 AM

My God she talks of corruption. Readers, please read "Queen of Deceipt" by Victor Ivon to find all abt CBK's rule

perali murali Sunday, 14 October 2012 09:23 PM

The look on Prince Charles face said it all.

Cobra Saturday, 13 October 2012 10:17 AM

Is she really qualified to make such a statement? She abused her power without any shame and was also corrupt to the bone. The silver lining is that she is nowhere compared to the current lot.

Normal Citizen Saturday, 13 October 2012 10:22 AM

CBK is partly responsible for bringing the present leeches out of their hiding places and dumping them on all of us.

Imran Hussein Sunday, 14 October 2012 05:54 AM

Lal's Lullby.

Janaki Kalansuriya Saturday, 13 October 2012 10:42 AM

Haaaa haaaaaa haaaaa. Look who is talking? Sin no? Have you just been born with the same illness as the ministers who suffer dementia?

winchester Saturday, 13 October 2012 04:13 AM

so why didnt you implement any of these ideas during your rule..

Mohamed Iqbal Sunday, 14 October 2012 11:23 AM

You only put us to suffer like this

Al Rasa Saturday, 13 October 2012 04:42 AM

Which is the only slogan you and the opposition are having. But the country is marching forward with many development drives.

Calistus Jayatilleke Saturday, 13 October 2012 04:43 AM

But Madam, you too pledged by signing in blood to abolish the executive presidency but never kept to your promise because once one is ensconced in that high chair, one only thinks of exercising absolute power. At least if you had the guts to do it, then we would not be in this unfortunate situation today with 18th amendment, abuse of power, amily bandyism etc.

Devaka Jayasuriya Saturday, 13 October 2012 04:54 AM

Thanks Madam . This is an eye opener ! All who supported the 18th Amendment are enemies of the Civil society .

jayj Saturday, 13 October 2012 12:00 AM

why is she even news? via DM Android App

Gamaya Saturday, 13 October 2012 02:18 PM

Ha ha ha he he he hooooooo.....!!!

lal Saturday, 13 October 2012 05:12 AM

Today, people are free and safe to walk the streets without fear of explosions amongst other terror acts. True, CBK did much to improve the image of the country that was mauled by the previous regimes with respect to human rights. It is better for her to work with the present administration to improve the current situation rather than comdemn it publicly. There is a lot of good work being done now, there is peace at large and scope to improve social and economic conditions.

Kiwi Saturday, 13 October 2012 05:20 AM

Wasn't much of a difference when CBK was running the show!!!!

Nadi Sunday, 14 October 2012 01:07 PM

Was she not the one who appointed her aged mother as PM? Hence not really the person to lecture about nepotism.

Mason Saturday, 13 October 2012 05:32 AM

Everyone says that corruption is accepted norm, law and order is not there, human rights are being violated, there is interference in judiciary etc etc. Besides these statements being made, none have so far come forward to lead the masses to put a stop to these abuses.
This only proves the patriotism of our leaders, present as well as past. They only want power for themselves. None are concerned about the Country.

Katta Kuvera Saturday, 13 October 2012 03:51 PM

This woman does not seem to be tired of opening her big gab. Must be wanting some attention.

Hisham Saturday, 13 October 2012 12:00 AM

was she lookin at her reflection on the mirror when she was uttering this. my god what a country we are living in. I'm afraid of her return to power which the present constitution allows. via DM Android App

TrueBrit Saturday, 13 October 2012 04:49 PM

Now this is a true case of the "pot calling the kettle black" or should I say "beige"!

Senaka Saturday, 13 October 2012 06:07 PM

You have no right to talk against present regime. You took this country 12 years back. MR has freed this country from terrorism which you couldn't dreamt at least.

Naman Saturday, 13 October 2012 06:36 PM

Well done.
It is right to tell the truth to the students before they are corrupted world they have to face in the future!

Bonda Saturday, 13 October 2012 06:44 PM

Look who is talking, as she was pure white.

Don M Perera Saturday, 13 October 2012 07:21 AM

The leader who did the least for the country.

daya weerasinghe Saturday, 13 October 2012 08:24 PM

It was Bandaranayaka\S CORRUPT NATIONLISTIC rasists politics made this country what it is......a third world bannana republic !

WarElephant Sunday, 14 October 2012 12:48 AM

What she says is true. But we Sri lankans have a tendency to show imbecilic skepticism not on the speech but on the person who utters it.

sayan Sunday, 14 October 2012 01:01 AM

we have to give special thank to you

Rohana Sumanasekara Sunday, 14 October 2012 01:27 AM

This is another instance where pot calling the kettle black.

Roy Saturday, 13 October 2012 08:40 AM

Dooshanaya bheeshanya two words she muttered. No development during her regime.

Janaki Kalansuriya Sunday, 14 October 2012 02:24 AM

Hullo Lal. Are you completely out of your mind? Are you enjoying whatever is happening around you and us? If they join up, our woes will increase TEN FOLD!!

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CBK hits out at abuse of power

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