Audio: Ministers are like prisoners: Hemakumara

5 July 2012 12:51 pm - 47 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Former Presidential Advisor Hemakumara Nanayakkara alleged that Ministers of the government are like prisoners.

“The senior Ministers are like prisoners unable to do what they want to do - even the rest of the cabinet ministers are treated like prisoners. All the funds are concentrated among a few people and many of these Ministers are angry about it. The ministers don’t have any funds to work with,” he said.

Nanayakkara said the state machinery was completely ridden with corruption. “Corruption exists at all levels; previously it was only the politicos who were involved but now it has moved down to the officials and bureaucrats and many Ministers have spoken to us about this,” he said.

When questioned by the Daily Mirror as to whom, the former Galle District heavyweight blamed for the current predicament, Nanayakkara said he did not wish to directly point fingers.

“It is the government that is responsible. I don’t wish to point fingers directly at anybody. The Ministers are also responsible and should be blamed for failing to put their foot down against this” he said.

Nanayakkara said the country would ‘come to a grinding halt’ if action wasn’t taken against this. (Hafeel Farisz)

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Comments - 47

Cobra Friday, 06 July 2012 04:53 AM

At the end of the day they all say the same thing when they do not get what they were after when they crossed over.

Rajaratne Thursday, 05 July 2012 03:52 PM

This is the Asia's Aschcharya (wonder) . Now want to suppress free media. Time to jump off the boat before it sink.

Matalan Thursday, 05 July 2012 03:53 PM

We've known this for years. Tell us something we don't know.

Rohit Friday, 06 July 2012 11:12 AM

What about the Nuwara Eliya airport?

J. C. de Silva Friday, 06 July 2012 11:15 AM

Tip of the iceberg!!!

ibnuaboo Thursday, 05 July 2012 04:04 PM

not like prisoners. according to their political and social context they desrve real prisoners

Chandfler Friday, 06 July 2012 05:21 AM

Hang on! Has anyone learnt anything new please!

misunderstood Friday, 06 July 2012 05:29 AM

since one time you had the hand in glove, you must rectify!! cut the hand or destroy the glove!!!!

Chandfler Friday, 06 July 2012 05:24 AM

Similar things happened during Mao Zedong's so called Great Leap Forward in China. Millions died of starvation. Looks like the wave is catching Sri Lanka now.

Machang Friday, 06 July 2012 05:32 AM

Hello Hema,Since I knew you from school days thats 33 years you have been changing political parties? Why?

sue Friday, 06 July 2012 05:44 AM

All those cowards in the Govt. need a proper leader to bring them out. Now that you have started the ball rolling, do something by getting together with all those who have realized that Sri Lanka is becoming one of the worst countries in the world. But do it without making a big splash; and keep in mind what happened to Sarath Fonseka.

CarBoy Friday, 06 July 2012 06:10 AM

beware of white van following you!

KINGASANGA Friday, 06 July 2012 06:10 AM

sound like he follows Mr.SF. same comment SF made just after his release.

Senna Friday, 06 July 2012 12:44 PM

That is what is needed to get the work done by ministers.

Sapumal Bandara Friday, 06 July 2012 06:41 AM

Machang, I am a POLITICIAN - simple.

Faris Friday, 06 July 2012 12:58 PM

No comment but be aware of jumpers. we should have send him to Olympic to break the record in high jump.

S.Sriranjan Friday, 06 July 2012 01:17 PM

Atlast It's one sort of Control of Public Funds???

Sammy Friday, 06 July 2012 06:53 AM

Naturally, you could not have come out with this statement when you were the Advisor but its better late than never. Even now you are in a very vulnerable position after this.

dev Friday, 06 July 2012 07:14 AM

super answer to it!!, well said

janak Friday, 06 July 2012 07:07 AM

you too joind with mr to strenth the hands. now what happend ?

Silva Friday, 06 July 2012 02:06 AM

What are you going to do about it ? Talk, talk, talk , and give very convincing speeches ???

rohani Friday, 06 July 2012 02:24 AM

One person is not enough, all should get together

Cynthia Chalker Friday, 06 July 2012 08:24 AM

Only if he has access to top secret Swiss bank accounts...

Dheen Friday, 06 July 2012 08:14 AM

The Arab spring is drifting towards Sri Lanka. Let us hope for a better future.

Rajapakshe Friday, 06 July 2012 02:25 AM

This means no enough money for all ministers to rob as their wish.
Other wise what is the purpose of apointing 140 Ministers for such a tiny country like SL.

Dheen Friday, 06 July 2012 08:37 AM

Everyone knows, including those who voted the government to power about the situation of the country. There is no economic progress and funds are blindly spent on unwanted projects and the country is definitely going to crash soon. Before it is too late the opposition should collectively take some action. Unfortunately they don't seem to do anything constructive.

Minister Friday, 06 July 2012 08:38 AM

Yoosuf, You have forgotten to include in your list the airports coming up like mushrooms in Sri Lanka!

SF Friday, 06 July 2012 08:53 AM

Only Hope is S F

Nodrog Friday, 06 July 2012 02:56 AM

Sour grapes!

Godagampala Rohana Thursday, 05 July 2012 12:59 PM

Exactly correct Mr. Hemakumara, now only you have realized.

Kiris Baba Amaray Thursday, 05 July 2012 01:08 PM

You should have thought about this long ago. You came out on the right time, you are lucky.

Dee Friday, 06 July 2012 02:55 AM

looks like we may see a big bus in a ministerial position soon.

Dadoriya Thursday, 05 July 2012 01:14 PM

There is nothing new in that statement.

Theepan Thursday, 05 July 2012 01:29 PM

Thats what i said in 2009.

shantha madawela Friday, 06 July 2012 03:30 AM

not too late to understand the truth.....

Fayad Friday, 06 July 2012 09:31 AM

You came out of the prison ??? Lucky Guy

Maggie Akka Thursday, 05 July 2012 01:28 PM

Public Secret !!

Abey Friday, 06 July 2012 03:31 AM

Contest sabaragamuwa and show us your power.

andrewpitugala Friday, 06 July 2012 03:32 AM

Well, it is too late. People crossed over for the perks and strengthened the Government with the 18th amendment also added to it.

ajith fernando Friday, 06 July 2012 03:36 AM

Why not join with JVP if you really want to fight against corruption.

Rajash Thursday, 05 July 2012 01:45 PM

not just Ministers
the entire country is an open prison.

Ronnie Friday, 06 July 2012 03:46 AM

Better late than never.

Guru Friday, 06 July 2012 03:59 AM

well said, yoiu have the guts.

pee da mossa Thursday, 05 July 2012 01:57 PM

Whoa ! You learn fast, sir !

nira Friday, 06 July 2012 05:24 PM

Bad news!
I always thought the Public (voter's) were the prisoner’s
If the MP's are prisoner’s-We must be Beggar’s or Slaves.
Are we compeating with Zimbabway or Greece

nira Friday, 06 July 2012 05:30 PM

really bad news!
I always thought the Public (voter's) were the prisoner’s
If the MP's are prisoner’s-We must be Beggar’s or Slaves

piyal samarakone Friday, 06 July 2012 05:56 PM

The question is how to convince color blinded southerners

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Audio: Ministers are like prisoners: Hemakumara

Comments - 47

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