Small elite group trying to stop the ’change’: Harini Amarasuriya

17 March 2024 03:01 pm - 73 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Colombo, March 17 (Daily Mirror)- Claiming that the change of power is not going to be easy, NPP MP Harini Amarasuriya said a small elite group is doing everything in their power to stop the change from happening.

Speaking at the London women's convention, she said the small elite group has been in control of what has happened in Sri Lanka for the last 76 years.

She said this small group will not give up easily, adding that people of Sri Lanka have now realized that they are stronger than all of them.

“The change is not going to be easy. There is a small elite group that will do everything in their power to stop this change from happening. They have been in control of what has happened in Sri Lanka for so long. They are not going to give up easily. But, People of this country is stronger than all of them. We have not realized our strength before. By coming together as an organized group, we are much stronger than all of them. They have ruined our country for the last 76 years. That era must come to an end. Ending that era is our responsibility. You can make that change. You must be part of that change,” she appealed to the Sri Lankan community living in London.

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Comments - 73

Mohandev Sunday, 17 March 2024 03:20 PM

What the hell is self appointed JVP PM is talking about now of change ? After JVP bloody uprising twice failed to win hearts

Sando Monday, 18 March 2024 01:50 PM

Please don't keep talking about this uprising. It seems you belong to MR family trying to bring in family rule again.

Idiot voc Monday, 18 March 2024 02:48 PM

Are you living on Mars?

Panini Edirisinhe Monday, 18 March 2024 08:27 PM

Harini

Panini Edirisinhe Tuesday, 19 March 2024 02:31 AM

Harini is NOT a member of the JVP. She's in the NPP. She was appointed from the National list. She's still an MP. Ranil was also from the National List - of the UNP. How is he now the President?

ROSH Sunday, 17 March 2024 03:28 PM

Excellent news we must indeed come together against family crooks who ruined my country. We must elect minority leader as president and prime minister. Getting rid all crooks and moving country forward

Tri-Forces Sunday, 17 March 2024 03:32 PM

As long the tri forces and police follow the rule of law, all should be good. But if they bend towards the carrots provided by these elites, than it’s back to business for these corrupt murderers. There is no hope for any honest dealings, safety and the misery will continue forever in SL.

Lakshmanmaddumahewa Sunday, 17 March 2024 03:36 PM

What the purpose NPP .SAME policies What now RE doing. Only wasting.

Dee Sunday, 17 March 2024 03:39 PM

LoL!

sarath Sunday, 17 March 2024 04:10 PM

Those are the self appointed "elites" who are mostly the remnants of the colonial past. They shoul be wiped out from the political landscpae of this country.

Gune Sunday, 17 March 2024 04:11 PM

The change of guard of Sri Lanka’s government is imminent. We will soon see UNP, Pohottuwa and SJB all uniting in sheer desperation against the NPP.

Concerned Citizen Sunday, 17 March 2024 04:35 PM

Well said !! Yes a small elite group of wheeler dealers, primary dealers, trade mafia, fertilizer mafia who regularly meet at the golf club and other leading Colombo clubs are trying to prevent change at ANY cost !! However majority of Sri Lankan’s want a COMPLETE change ....

Dee Sunday, 17 March 2024 04:56 PM

So called ‘BIG’ terror groups desperately trying to bring about change!

Devaka Attygalle Sunday, 17 March 2024 05:04 PM

Who brought to power the governments in the last 76 years that she says ruined the country?

sss Sunday, 17 March 2024 06:05 PM

people of Sri Lanka have now realized - doubtful. As Mr. Ramanayake, who was imprisoned by corrupt Sri lanka judiciary for speaking the truth, said corrupt (or subservient) people vote corrupt and even criminals as politicians

Concerned Citizen Sunday, 17 March 2024 06:06 PM

Small elite group of people who supported the Rajapaksas and Viyathmaga campaign (all who attended the big event at Shangri La during Gotas election campaign) are the ones who are do not want the change since all of them are wheeler dealers and corrupted businesses/public officials..

Tissa Fernando Sunday, 17 March 2024 06:08 PM

OK, they have started spreading hatred towards elites ( anyone well-off but not with NPP) , this is the hallmark of NPp terror mentality. They are blaming elites for the economic situation also. What does this mean to the elites if the NPP comes into power. I think the same fate that happened to rich people in DrZhivago movie.

Pravin Sunday, 17 March 2024 06:28 PM

A small violent group trying to force change like they did in the 70's, 80's and a couple of years ago? The leopard has not changed its spots.

Priyanee Wijesekera Sunday, 17 March 2024 07:14 PM

She does not mention the damages caused to the country by the JVP and the LTTE which helped to retard our economic growth by decades

Akila Sunday, 17 March 2024 07:28 PM

This is the set of people who do not even govern a pradeshiya saba. The last time we tried to experiment with inexperience GR and the entire nation suffered. Are we going to do the same thing again? With their policies can they get the support from world. Over 80% of our exports go to US and Europe. If they rejects our goods , think the situation.

Jagath siriwardana Sunday, 17 March 2024 07:57 PM

That small elite group can be named as "political class"which is consisting of a few big platenary political famiies,many satalite politica families in the periphery,crony capitaists,corrupted elements at the top of the bureaucracy and a section of unholy cleargy.They are organised in political parties lead by those big planetary familes.This poitical class is superimposed on the traditional class structure of the society.

Surain Sunday, 17 March 2024 08:07 PM

She goes to London to talk to Sri Lanka community but do they come to Sri Lanka to vote for you most of Sri Lankan in overseas only will add more

Joshua Sunday, 17 March 2024 08:07 PM

Yeah the 10% has come back from USA to play his old tricks. We are hopeful that Ali baba and his 40 thieves don't succeed this time

Patriot Sunday, 17 March 2024 08:45 PM

What change? From frying pan to fire?

das Sunday, 17 March 2024 08:45 PM

Rephrase as "A group trying to prevent a takeover by incompetent marxists"

Dilshan Sunday, 17 March 2024 08:55 PM

Nice try at spin. Better say a small bunch of left wing extremists looking to grab power by spreading falsehoods and irresponsible hopes and dreams.

Jayantha Sunday, 17 March 2024 11:20 PM

Never do the same mistake twice guys. Gota did not have political experience. Atleast as a mayor in a ruling party of a local provincial council. Look at the mess he created. This woman and majority of the jvps and npp members do not have any experience running a government. If power given to these guys,the damage to the nation will be irreversible. Also look at majority of hard core jvps guys such as Anura,Wasantha,Herath,Tilvin and couple of others. Most of them donot do any job or business but enjoy a luxury life. Think twice

Gona Monday, 18 March 2024 09:58 AM

You idiot Jayantha, what have the so called experienced have done? Robbed and bankrupt my motherland. You slave.

Channa Monday, 18 March 2024 02:23 PM

What did AKD deliver in all the years he held a ministry'? The answer would speak volumes.

Ayesha Sunday, 17 March 2024 11:46 PM

The judicious decision Harini hailing from a well known family down south to pull the country out of the class where FAMILIES LIVE ON THE POOR LIKE PARASITES IS ADMIRABLE. THIS CHANGE MUST HAPPEN AND THE COUNTRY MUST BOUNCD BACK. BEST WISHES HARINI YOU HAVE DONE A REMARKABLE JOB,

Tom Sunday, 17 March 2024 11:59 PM

Change? For good or worse?

Lk Monday, 18 March 2024 12:41 AM

That is true ..since 1948 a small elite family groups have been ruling this county and the result is that they bankrupted the country...what evidence do you need for this . When she speaks the truth you can't take it on. This news paper is cherry picking from her talk. Dr Harini gave an excellent talk both in Sinhalese and fluent English.. Each sri Lankan in the UK is proud of her . can you expect this kind of talk from Any ruling party MPs Can Gota; MR or anyone do this

m Monday, 18 March 2024 01:10 AM

Elite group = 'cheap political and business beggars' deceiving and robbing the poor.

Kumudu Kumudu Monday, 18 March 2024 01:11 AM

No Harini, A small group called JVP tried to slow down the economy for many many years. When any proposal for development put forward, JVP was there to disrupt it .

Jude Monday, 18 March 2024 01:36 AM

Dear Harini, these are the obstacles you're gonna face. Come election time all other parties in unison will remind people about 1971, 1987

L Jaya Monday, 18 March 2024 02:20 AM

Joining JVP NPP alliance is a surprise to everyone. You too also coming from elite society and now you criticise them. I belive you need a reality check. Looks like AKD and his cohorts have indoctrinated beyond reversal.

Jude Monday, 18 March 2024 03:27 AM

Take your message "Change" to the grassroot level !!! we want NPP to win it overwhelmingly!!

Sobers Monday, 18 March 2024 05:47 AM

Yes, we need a corrupt free, United, devoid of racism, family bandism,respectable and maintaining law without interference and a healthy and prosperous Srilanka. Hence, all parties who have ruined this country for 74 years should not be voted to power again.

Srinath Monday, 18 March 2024 06:01 AM

Please let us know the contacts of the said small group, so the entire nation can support them.

CN Monday, 18 March 2024 06:22 AM

How knive u are. Did u think the right wing and the upper ruling class would give you the power on a platter? If u do not unite the progressive left forces in the country you will see how the West will play this game.

Naman Monday, 18 March 2024 06:37 AM

Who are these Elites? Name them please!

Jagath Ekanayake Monday, 18 March 2024 06:43 AM

You mean a bunch of unpatriotic losers who should be in prison?

Vijith Bandara Monday, 18 March 2024 06:46 AM

Victory to NPP. Let's get rid of this collection of self-serving criminals once and for all.

Ravi Monday, 18 March 2024 07:05 AM

Typical liberal JVP! Resentful of opposition!!!

Jeanne Monday, 18 March 2024 10:31 AM

@Ravi : I agree with your comment 100%. Resentful and fearful. As they actually have ZERO, ZILCH, NADA, NOTHING to offer Sri Lankans that will better their lives. So, they should pack up and go back to their caves in the jungles where they hid in 1971 while terrorising poor innocent men, women and children who refused to become savages like themselves.

simon Maama Monday, 18 March 2024 07:08 AM

It is true that small elite group has been in power since 1948. Unfortunately, alternative is not JVP with a criminal background. We vividly remember atrocities and despicable crimes committed by JVP which is a small group too. Both small Elite Group and the small condescending JVP criminal group are equally vile, disgusting. Hence the country needs a Large, peace-loving, democratically elected group that really represent the people of Sri Lanka and their aspirations. "Kahi gani deela Hotu gani apita epa"

FAHIM MUFAKKIR MU'TAZILAH (Fahim reasons) Monday, 18 March 2024 07:41 AM

Dear Harini, "I beseech not merely the 225 MPs but all politicians to heed a common plea. Cease, I implore you, from beguiling the innocent masses with promises of 'Change.' Even if you were to secure 100% of the vote, your governance would mirror those who have long deceived the populace with vacuous slogans like 'by the people, for the people, to the people.' The stark reality is that you and your party shall wield power according to your own dictates. What exacerbates matters is the adoption within your ranks of entrenched religious orthodoxies. This renders your removal through democratic means increasingly arduous. None among your political cohorts has ever authentically represented the people, nor shall you ever do so. Your allegiances lie solely with yourselves. It is evident that the forthcoming election will see a mere rotation of political entities and personalities, rather than a transformation of the prevailing system. Cont..2

FAHIM MUFAKKIR MU'TAZILAH (Fahim reasons) Monday, 18 March 2024 07:49 AM

As long as the current representative model endures, wherein the electorate relinquishes its voice upon entrusting representatives with power, genuine change remains elusive. The way people vote in the coming elections will tell if our people have learnt from the past

Give Sri Lankans in England easier path to dual citizenship them Monday, 18 March 2024 08:13 AM

If NPP wants to talk up for overseas persons of Sri Lankan decent first step is to allow for fairer rights for dual citizens. Allow for dual citizens the right to become MPs and do not discriminate against them for the sake of stupid populism. I will never support NPP because they are not supporting for dual citizens and against dual citizen become MP. NPP, like Ranil is living in the past and is outdated party.

Elitism rules Monday, 18 March 2024 08:16 AM

Sri Lanka is built on Elitism!

Jeanne Monday, 18 March 2024 10:23 AM

There's nothing wrong with that. Better than all these ignorant godayas who travel the world embarrassing our country with their abysmal ignorance of world affairs and manners and inability to string an intelligible sentence in English. Yes. Sri Lanka is built on Elitism and there's no harm at all in keeping it that way. We may be a 3rd WORLD country, but we don't necessarily need to be a 3rd RATE people. Have you got no pride at all?

Samantha Monday, 18 March 2024 08:32 AM

Who said it is a small elite group? Are you crazy? No one is bothered about your day dreams. But there are many who remember the agony that they went through because of the JVP terrorism.

Jeanne Monday, 18 March 2024 10:16 AM

@Samantha : Well said. "Small elite group" ? Harini is seriously misinformed. We all know that, the NPP are essentially the JVP rebadged with the same violent, terrorist, disruptive, extremist left-wingers who should be sent packing once and for all.

Anura Nanayakkara Monday, 18 March 2024 09:44 AM

WHAT CAN SRI LANKANS IN LONDON DO ?? THEY ARE WELL EDUCATED AND WILL NOT GET MISLEAD DUE TO JVP AND HIRUNI'S TRUMPETS.

Jeanne Monday, 18 March 2024 10:34 AM

Exactly! How is that going to help us? And yes, no intelligent person in this country should or will support the NPP. Be warned. The NPP will be the last straw to the destruction of a civilised Sri Lanka. Or, what's left of it.

Jeanne Monday, 18 March 2024 10:26 AM

@Sarath: "They shoul be wiped out from the political landscpae of this country" Spoken like a true JVP. No more needs to be said.

Cherath Monday, 18 March 2024 01:54 PM

Keep harping about 1971, 88/89. So much so that it threatens stabilisation of a coined up scenario of JVP killed off 67,000 youngsters. On the pretext of crushing an uprising as a result of prohibition of JVP, Communist and VLSSP prohibition it was the UNP with its death squads that killed the 67,000 under R.Premadasa and Ranjan Wijeratne. That's the fact.

Volker Metzger Monday, 18 March 2024 04:15 PM

The statements of the NPP MP Harini on the possible change of power in Sri Lanka must be agreed! The Wickremesigne government and the deputies supporting it, who have long since lost the support and support of the majority of the population, will try everything to stay in power!!! Given the situation in the country and assuming an independent, free election, they will experience a very clear defeat!!! But what does the political alternative look like!? Both the NPP and the SJB, especially their top candidates Anura Kumara and Sajith Premadasa, are nowhere near the format to be the future president of the country that is facing drastic (radical!) social and economic policy changes!

Volker Metzger Monday, 18 March 2024 04:17 PM

The previously known political programs of both parties are also not convincing!!! Right now Sri Lanka needs a strong, assertive president who is respected by the people, incorruptible members of the government and representatives of all ethnicities in parliament who put the unity of the nation and the well-being of all people at the center of their politics!!!

I went to an elitist school - near the sea!! Monday, 18 March 2024 04:28 PM

@Jeanne, Elitism in Sri Lanka is where some people think they have the god-given right to rule, to comment, to do every thing. Others need to be subservient to the elites. The godayas, if they don't have the skills should not be in parliament. People should be elected on the basis that they can deliver the goods, not because their names end with "wardena" or "nayake" or "singhe". If the "godaya" can deliver the goods, why should he/she be sidelined. Sri Lanka's problem is that many fall into the "godaya" category and cannot deliver anything. Start focussing on service delivery, not on names, the school they attended, were they from the Kandyan region etc.

Tissa Fernando Monday, 18 March 2024 08:37 PM

@Jagath Siriwardena has defined the group 'elites' , according to that definition it includes almost anyone with money but not voting for NPP. Isn't this the backward , cowardice, outdated Marxist terror mentality? So , individuals like Elon Musk, Bill Gates, Warren Buffet, even actors like Tom Cruise, singers like Taylor Swift fall into this group so are the Doctors, Engineers, Rich Farmers, Grocery Store owners, Government Officers, big businessmen like Dhammika Perera, Harry Jayawardena, etc fall into this category. So please clarify if you are planning to rob their money for your benefit. I know that you think that what they have is your money .

Volker Metzger Monday, 18 March 2024 10:24 PM

The statements of the NPP MP Harini on the possible change of power in Sri Lanka must be agreed! The Wickremesigne government and the deputies supporting it, who have long since lost the support and support of the majority of the population, will try everything to stay in power!!! Given the situation in the country and assuming an independent, free election, they will experience a very clear defeat!!! But what does the political alternative look like!? Both the NPP and the SJB, especially their top candidates Anura Kumara and Sajith Premadasa, are nowhere near the format to be the future president of the country that is facing drastic (radical!) social and economic policy changes!

Volker Metzger Monday, 18 March 2024 10:26 PM

The previously known political programs of both parties are also not convincing!!! Right now Sri Lanka needs a strong, assertive president who is respected by the people and incorruptible members of the government and representatives of all ethnicities in parliament who put the unity of the nation and the well-being of all people at the center of their politics!!!

Tissa Fernando Monday, 18 March 2024 11:52 PM

The JVP hatred mentality towards those who have a decent living is clearly visible now. From my university tie, I never liked this JVP who were having very bad attitude towards the students coming from colombo schools.

Jeanne Tuesday, 19 March 2024 02:54 AM

@Cherath : Where are you getting your "facts" from? Do you also have other human rights violation "facts" that you would like to share with us? Because if you do, now would be a really good time to do so. All this innuendo and scare mongering is not achieving anything. NO ONE wants a re-hashed group of terrorists to rule their country. Last time I checked, we are still a democratic nation.

Jeanne Tuesday, 19 March 2024 03:00 AM

@ The old Thomian by the sea : There is no "God given" right in discussion here. It is all about the standard of living that we have now become accustomed to. Historically, these left wingers resent and rebel against a democratic way of life to the extent of targetting that sector. They have little or no knowledge of how to achieve First World status so, all they will be doing is, recycling old political views and promises and delivering NOTHING - but enjoying power and riches under false pretexts.

Jeanne Tuesday, 19 March 2024 03:03 AM

@ Tissa Fernando: Brilliantly put! Best description of what their real intentions are.

Good guess - Old Thomian with a walking stick Tuesday, 19 March 2024 04:03 PM

@Jeanne, Just look at China. Ruled by left wingers and communists and see where China is now. The President of China can't speak much Engerlish and now China is Super Power No. 2 (soon to be Super Power No. 1). The democratic model you talk about does not work in all circumstances. Look at Singapore and Lee Kuan Yew. People called him a dictator. Singaporeans refer to him as a benevolent dictator. Given Sri Lankans affinity to hard work, a benevolent dictator (in the form of NPP or some alternative) might be the only solution. Regarding SL gaining first world status, you are living in dreamworld. You are better off migrating (like me) to the "west" than waiting for first world status. Looking for a visa? I can help you Jeanne (you might even be a dual citizen). Lol

Jeanne Wednesday, 20 March 2024 02:52 AM

@Good guess : Ha! Ha! loved your last sentence! But no thank you. Dual citizenships are for losers. It's like having two spouses. While the idea might be nice (having two spouses) in reality it diminishes your character when you can't pledge an allegiance to one or the other. And yes, Ping Pong may not be able to speak much English but do not compare our social standing with theirs. They are primarily a manufacturing, industrial, and agricultural nation with little or no recognition on the Arts whereas in Sri Lanka, we are wonderfully colourful and talented and embrace social skills and interaction like First World country citizens. And now we are on the verge of being totally ruined in every way imaginable by a group of so-called people power opportunists.

Moh Sleiman Thursday, 21 March 2024 06:43 AM

WHO ever wants to bend to the RANIL RAJAPAKSHA so be it .YOU IDIOTS think of what has to happened for the past 70 odd years in SRI LANKA?Give AKD the power and we will not regret,AKD is the last straw,so please, you small minded people think of the future for US and the future GENERATION.THANYOU.

MOH Sleiaman Thursday, 21 March 2024 06:50 AM

YOU brainless people in Sri lanka,You dont need ENGLISH to Rule a country Please look around and see the other countries doing a good job,Except for RANIL AND SAJITH Blabbering a few words in English,what have they done?We need people with brains and honesty,not thieves.

Ashad Dole Thursday, 21 March 2024 09:50 AM

Who are these so called ELITISTS ? In my opinion during the last 76 years they are the ones who have attended the good schools in Colombo and Kandy, their offspring further their studies at locally established foreign universities, also in the English medium and have a good command of the English language, grasped western etiquette, walk into good jobs in the private sector here or abroad, speak very fluently at home and among their peers in the same English language and are a group socially, cut above the others. They are secular in practice, pragmatic in thinking and mostly apolitical, keeping away from the political mess around them but live a life of contentment in harmony with others whilst also living within the laws of the land. SO WHAT IS WRONG WITH THAT ? On the other hand we have the GODAYAS. Who voted for SWRD and the SLFP and intermittently for combinations with the JVP ruined everything that the British gave us on a platter and live like frogs in a well. SAD, SAD

Tissa Fernando Wednesday, 27 March 2024 10:01 AM

This kind of mentality has no future or present and belongs to the past. To your dismay, most of the 'Godayas' are now working as Specialist Doctors, Top CEOs, top Engineers, Top Accountants, International businessmen. These so called 'Godayas' have also served in the Armed forces and secured the country from the terrorists. Your so called 'elites' are in the decline as many 'Godayas ' have taken your places. Many 'Godayas' are attending top International universities too. By the way , when you go abroad to a free world country, you are like a 'Amu Godaya' with your peculiar English Accent which is unique to your clan.

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Small elite group trying to stop the ’change’: Harini Amarasuriya

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