Confused Sirisena yielding ground to resurgent MR-Indian media

11 April 2015 07:54 am - 61 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The fledgling Maithripala Sirisena-Ranil Wickremesinghe government appears to be yielding ground to a resurgent former President Mahinda Rajapaksa because of internal disunity, contradictory policies and indecisive political leadership, The New Indian Express reported.

The first concrete sign of deep trouble appeared on Tuesday when the government’s bid to get parliament’s nod for raising the threshold of Treasury Bills by LKR 400 billion to meet vital government expenditure was defeated by 21 votes.

The defeat clearly indicated that the government cannot take for granted the support of the opposition Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) for the 19 th. Constitutional Amendment. This amendment is meant to dilute the powers of the President and increase the powers of the Prime Minister and parliament. It was a major plank of Sirisena’s Presidential election campaign and is the brainchild of the United National Party (UNP) his electoral ally.

The SLFP’s position is anomalous. It is with the government to the extent that its chairman, Sirisena, is the President of Sri Lanka and 29 of its MPs are ministers. But it is in the Opposition because the UNP is its traditional political rival. The SLFP wants Sirisena to ditch the UNP form an SLFP-led government as the SLFP is the single largest party in parliament.

But Sirisena is dithering, torn between his electoral ally UNP and his own party, the SLFP.

Frustrated, many SLFP MPs and supporters are now flocking to public meetings organized by Rajapaksa’s acolytes, and demanding that he lead the party.

The SLFP has made it clear that it will not vote for the 19 th Amendment if the directly elected President is not recognized as the Head of the Government and if electoral reforms are not introduced simultaneously. It has asked Sirisena not to yield to the UNP’s demand for a mid-term poll in June.

Meanwhile, many multi-million dollar development projects initiated by Rajapaksa have ground to a halt, partly due to a policy paralysis and partly due to investigations into corrupt deals. Ministers constantly contradict each other. Hopes of employment generation have dimmed. The promised lowering of prices has not happened. And Rajapaksa shines in contrast as a decisive leader, whose regime, though corrupt, delivered. (P.K.Balachandran- The New Indian Express)

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Comments - 61

freddy Sunday, 12 April 2015 12:09 PM

the quick entry of this new regime was terribly confusing to all and has created doubts and no future, standstill and the theme is corruption which is practiced by all,no charges, suspicious,because Karma is coming to bite them. Seems the exit is quick as well. why change a country which was going well. Now Nothingness!!!

Palitha Saturday, 11 April 2015 07:47 PM

Every Sri Lankan with a brain knows China has built everything for their own use. The Hambantota port, airport and convention center in the middle of nowhere is the ideal setting for a grand military base. The highway which connects Hambantota to the existing airport and port in Colombo is to be used in case of emergencies. The port city is supposed to contain the command center. The Puttalam power plant is to make sure they have continuous power. And they have paid 4 times the value of these projects to MR to make sure Sri Lanka will never be able to repay the loans so that they could take over these facilities when we default.

Mason Saturday, 11 April 2015 08:09 PM

It is better to proceed slow and steadily than to rush and find yourself in a bottleneck. Self interest of the SLFP faction is derailing the progress envisaged.The President should dissolve Parliament forthwith and start with a new and clean slate after elections.Whatever confusions there is should then disappear.

Dammika Saturday, 11 April 2015 08:20 PM

MR won so many hearts of sinhaleses, defeat due to many factors such as Marvin silva , Basil, BBS and bogus huge propaganda against him, now most people understand that MR need back to protect and develop the country while rectifying corruption and errors,,

ish Saturday, 11 April 2015 08:51 PM

but the government very quickly progressed in nuclear pact with india, allowing UN to come to SL, giving special permit to interpol. releasing lands in HSZ, removing sampur;;;;look at the progress

Nelum Fernando Saturday, 11 April 2015 10:20 PM

MR please come back to save the country BUT without HORU.

Blessing Saturday, 11 April 2015 10:39 PM

Only day dreaming.

Viraj Sunday, 12 April 2015 12:45 AM

New what?

Manel Sunday, 12 April 2015 02:32 AM

Even if he comes without HORU he still has to face justice for past robbries.

Dayawahie Sunday, 12 April 2015 03:13 AM

Good news for Sri Lanka

Mottaya Sunday, 12 April 2015 06:49 AM

Question for MS! Does your loyalty lies for the party which expelled you and spoke of you in raw filth or for us 62 lakhs who voted for you?

lulu Sunday, 12 April 2015 07:48 AM

This was a well planned of m3

sumathi Sunday, 12 April 2015 07:53 AM

Some of the stupiod idiots are off there nuts why should this man come back getting him back is recalling curruptions and let his family enjoy steeling money. May be this is what India wants

Edu Sunday, 12 April 2015 08:50 AM

Development? Airports with Aircrafts?. Wells drying up because of Uma Oya?

ranga Sunday, 12 April 2015 10:57 AM

You are what your name says to believe on all the lies during the election campaign... Lol...

ranga Sunday, 12 April 2015 10:59 AM

Get the CID to probe...could be WW behind the scene...lol...

Jagath Saturday, 11 April 2015 07:31 PM

Just like you were bought over??

Bala Sunday, 12 April 2015 12:29 PM

Development by borrowing at high interest and economic rape(commissions) and booming economy on trumped up data with jobs for the boys. That is not real development.

modaya Sunday, 12 April 2015 02:53 PM

yeah very true MR has developed his family very well not the country

Gobba Sunday, 12 April 2015 04:27 PM

Yes Sir, MR did DELIVER. But he delivered to HIMSELF , HIS FAMILY and HIS CRONIES only.

Gobba Sunday, 12 April 2015 04:27 PM

Dream on

Gobba Sunday, 12 April 2015 04:30 PM

Of course with Commissions pouring into your pockets I suppose !!!!Only the crooks keep on crying out for MR n family.

Gobba Sunday, 12 April 2015 04:32 PM

Arun you seriously are up for a Brain scan.

Gobba Sunday, 12 April 2015 04:34 PM

Oh so country and you were going on well. Another MR commission agent commenting.

Ranil Wijeyesekera Sunday, 12 April 2015 05:20 PM

Change isa need. However structural adjustment isneeded. Consecianary fundibg is necessary for change. The World approves change. It is for them to foot the Bill. Envoirenmental sensibility is good. But it must be introduced gradually. Tax on profits of large profits may be good but a large scale withdrawl of shares from these comp[anies and others will cause a net foriegn exchange loss. Canceling or pausing on contracts before proof is available again will cause withdrawl and Drop FDI. It is necessary toquantify what is happening and slow down Change. Delay in a enviorenment for free flow of FDI to the North and East by having system changes and settling problems by minorities is preventing much needed funds. It is not only to do the right things but do things right.

Senator Sunday, 12 April 2015 10:33 PM

There are only allegations directed at MR himself,nothing has been proved yet by RW who is just fishing.

Observer Monday, 13 April 2015 05:18 AM

We are all looking at Sri Lankans, no matter what party, what colour, what language.....all are crooks! Where do you find a "refined, patriotic, honest, intellegent Sri Lankan politician these days?

Joly Monday, 13 April 2015 09:23 AM

It is well worth MS to see what Lee Kuan Yew did for his 56 years of legacy in parliament. A country like ours with full of corruption/racial diversity and media domination can not ignore how that little country with so much similarities to ours got through from third world to first world within a generation. Either our politicians should be educated by force/law or a strong political figure with mature mentors should lead the front as we, as a mass do not know what we do or we are completely confused by the people behind the screen.

Roshan Tuesday, 14 April 2015 10:24 AM

The best option is to delay the election and first probe into the corruption and criminal acts of previous regime including the coup planned on the 9th of Jan. Punish them and recover the huge amounts robbed by the previous regime. You will then have a clean set of politicians to contest the next election and MS can form a clean parliament. Its the President who has a immune status but how about the Defense

Aba Jayasekera Wednesday, 15 April 2015 09:32 PM

Not so confused. In his quiet manner he is having his own way. For instance, in sacking MPs from the Central Committee and appointing new ones he has signed the letters himself. Though those MPs talk of gong to Courts he is immune from such action.

Bandu Friday, 17 April 2015 06:47 AM

Indians has a better knowledge of politics in our country than jokers of yahapalanaya.

dulan Saturday, 11 April 2015 03:44 PM

Wrong view of one Indian reporter .

OMG Saturday, 11 April 2015 02:06 PM

The most important is what the common Sri Lankan think. And a fast growing majority of Sri Lankans (fort the horror of Mahinda Rajapaksa) have started to think who and what is the best for the country rather than getting fooled by fancy talks and handouts.

saman Saturday, 11 April 2015 02:18 PM

Confused indeed.

Citizen Saturday, 11 April 2015 02:39 PM

What the BBS says is correct

hiran Gunawardena Saturday, 11 April 2015 02:36 PM

Bottom line is MR delivered development. jobs and economy was booming then. So truth is we had development towards becoming another Singapore of course there were some parasites among them. Now we have zero development and same corruption. CB governer for example via DM Android App

Prem Nath Saturday, 11 April 2015 02:57 PM

This is waht is required and MR delivered.Sri Lanka was in turmoil and the most backward country in South Asia.All due to LTTE and the regular bombings of civilians all over the country.Agreed, MR and his henchmen made merry after the demise of LTTE in the country,at the same time he began development at a quick pace and Sri Lanka was booming.Now it has gone back another 10 years just because the government in power now has no direction.

Suren Saturday, 11 April 2015 03:01 PM

Excellent news to MR camp ,he will be in office sooner than expected!

Sri Lankan Saturday, 11 April 2015 03:05 PM

It is far better for some of the Ministers in this government to talk less. Also the Government is suffering from a missing penetrative communication strategy. There is no point talking big from Capital Colombo but the the good work that is being done in a difficult situation is not reaching the masses.

Gamaya Saturday, 11 April 2015 03:09 PM

Slow progress is not a weakness but a reflection of many complicated issues this government seems to be dealing with. But when you commit yourself to achieving so much within 100 days, you set the expectation so high.

Appuhamy Saturday, 11 April 2015 03:14 PM

The Government needs to realize that over a period of many years, we now have a new class of people in our society identified as Contractors and Sub Contractors. When you disturb them by canceling contracts, the flow of money to the people stops. The Government needs to look at this seriously as these contracts kept a significant segment of the population employed.

true lanka Saturday, 11 April 2015 03:16 PM

yes though corrupt delivered delivered to his own kith & kin via DM Android App

anbu nenjen Saturday, 11 April 2015 03:21 PM

To TAME THE ROGUES YAHAPALA NA IS NOT SUITABLE via DM Android App

Bimbisara Saturday, 11 April 2015 03:33 PM

This is partly because of very poor communication strategy by the Government. To start with let the ministers face the press individually to explain what they have been doing for the last 90 days.

Gobson Saturday, 11 April 2015 03:35 PM

It is far better to focus on increasing investment to generate more employment than spending time on how to reduce the price of Parippu. Also the country needs to know the Economic Plan of this government.

Sri Lankan Saturday, 11 April 2015 03:38 PM

Can the government produce a list of projects that it took over from the previous regime and then tell us what they have done about each project. This will clear the misconception that these projects have been suspended and the people are about to loose their jobs as a result.

pras Saturday, 11 April 2015 01:42 PM

ha ha yahapalanaya failed. Welcome back MR via DM Android App

Dragon Saturday, 11 April 2015 03:48 PM

The president should think of handing over SLFP leadership to another party member and be independent.

dilip Saturday, 11 April 2015 03:58 PM

Most people predicted this. Only Mr.Mahinda and Gota can put some order in to this mess.

Bala Saturday, 11 April 2015 04:04 PM

Yes delivered or better - diverted to himself

Siripala Saturday, 11 April 2015 04:09 PM

Arrogant and over confident UNP is making a tactical blunder by assuming that problems within SLFP will guarantee a UNP led government after the next general election.

gamaraala Saturday, 11 April 2015 04:21 PM

The writer has failed to realise that MR has to be on the attack to stay out of prison and to protect his ill gotten wealth.

T.A.KUMAR Saturday, 11 April 2015 04:28 PM

Dear Mr. President PLEASE DISSOLVE PARLIMENT ON THE 21ST WITH OR WITHOUT PASSING THE 19TH AMMENDMENT.IF YOU HAVE A BACKBONE YOU WILL NOT GIVE NOMINATION TO THE ROGUES WHO SUPPORT M.R.

hari Saturday, 11 April 2015 04:48 PM

CBK is the only decisive leader who can pull Srilanka out of corrupt Parliamentarians grip, trying to bring MR clan back, to help them loot the country again. Wish My3, though a gentleman

Mevan Saturday, 11 April 2015 04:49 PM

What wrong news!!! Promised price reduction has happened. Promised salary rise has happened. Corruption in projects is being investigated. A bunch of Rajapass bootlickers go around with some monks praising Rajapassa whose greed for power knows no end. When tbe election will be held people will show Rajapass what his limit is.

Raja Saturday, 11 April 2015 05:18 PM

We all expected this situation to come. Srisena -Ranil to survive, prosecution of all those corrupt, war criminals must come first. Election must be postponed untill the people see clearly the guilty verdict is passed on the higher rachis of the former government members.

Arun Saturday, 11 April 2015 05:33 PM

The Hell start to let loose for Sirisena, cause of CBK. She is here in SL for only one reason, That is not for develop the country, stop the corruption or anything to do with country. She had the country for 12 years and that was the worst 12 years SL ever had, so she does not think she can do any magic...She is here to get nominated to Nobel Peace Prize....She is willing to do anything to get that to shine up her family dynasty... She might get fullest support from diaspora for that if she delivers to them... So we now we got to clear choices.... Is it country or Nobel prize to Bandaranaike family...Better you choose wisely...

Jason Saturday, 11 April 2015 06:38 PM

Rajapaksa delivered what? corruption? nepotism? kidnappings? MR acolytes trying to cause as much trouble for the new government as possible.

Cyril n Saturday, 11 April 2015 06:58 PM

This is a Indian biased news report. These journalists also can be bought over!!

hiran Saturday, 11 April 2015 07:07 PM

There is political uncertainity in the country. The only solution is to go for elections and find who really commands a majority. But on what on earth do the writers have in mind when it talks about development projects. Pumping billions of borrowed money into egoistic projects is not development. Mattala airport, hambantota harbor and the list goes on. If you really want to develop the country invest in education , research and development not on casinos and hotels built on seabeds.

juanis Saturday, 11 April 2015 07:17 PM

may be you are too young to know about Chandrika who once devoured SL.Came to power with shaggy clothes and then owned a 90,000 USDollar pearl necklace and a multimillion Pathek Phillip watch.Read the book by Victor Ivan "The Queen of Deceit".

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Confused Sirisena yielding ground to resurgent MR-Indian media

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