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Will not allow another Aragalaya: President warns

23 November 2022 01:28 pm - 82     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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President Ranil Wickremesinghe said today he would not allow another Aragalaya and that he would use security forces to prevent such a move.

He told Parliament that anyone can obtain permission from the Police and stage any protest without blocking roads and causing obstructions to people.

"I will declare even emergency and call in secuity forces to thwart any such move," he said. (Ajith Siriwardana and Yohan Perera)


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  Comments - 82

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  • Mendis Wednesday, 23 November 2022 01:58 PM

    Very good move.

    Do you know Wednesday, 23 November 2022 02:00 PM

    Do you know what is COST OF LIVING, INFLATION etc?

    Sunil Wednesday, 23 November 2022 02:00 PM

    Whatever draconian measures you implement you will not be able to suppress the rightful feelings of the people against a government that has not only miserably failed the people but continue to harass them. Do not think that you will be able to implement military rule in the country. It is wretched people like you who have brought this country to its knees.

    BuffaloaCitizen Wednesday, 23 November 2022 02:04 PM

    Aragalaya was a spontaneous reaction of good citizens against the corruption of the country. The unbridled corruption of Persons in Power including yourself, elected by these same citizens, bought this country to ground zero while those same Politicians enjoy the same functionality, wealth and security while those same citizens are on the road struggling. Yes, you are in power and can direct the Forces to quell the citizens labelling them terrorists. After all this was done to JVP and LTTE also never knowing their creations were due to bad policies, decisions and absolutely poor understanding of youth, race relationship and causes.

    ACA Wednesday, 23 November 2022 02:16 PM

    Who is talking, man got the job because of the Aragalaya. He may be scared of loosing the job by another Aragalaya?

    S. Samarakoon Wednesday, 23 November 2022 02:18 PM

    You were a democrat. Do not permit SLPP to spoil it. Protests are the hall mark of a democracy....provided they are peaceful. Remember the Aragalaya made you President.

    Melanie Wednesday, 23 November 2022 02:22 PM

    Very very good Mr President. I had to go to hospital the other day to show my son who was wheezing and it was next to impossible to get to any place! They can stage protests wherever they like without inconveniencing the public and disrupting people's lives.

    DHA Wednesday, 23 November 2022 02:30 PM

    Well done....brave speech ! it's time someone upheld the law!

    Volker Metzger Wednesday, 23 November 2022 02:41 PM

    Nor will people like Ranil give up their power through free elections, which would inevitably mean his defeat!!! When a President threatens to use the military against free people banding together in Aragalaya, that says a lot about his mindset! Ranil's wish in life was to become president! He was a questionable personality even in Chandrika's time! A government that only wants to secure its own power and does not know the people behind it will lose in the end! This government will not solve the big problems of Sri Lanka and should be replaced by better, more experienced and responsible politicians, the younger generation of all ethnic groups, through free elections soon! Therein lies the chance of a better future for wonderful Sri Lanka!!!

    Mizaru Wednesday, 23 November 2022 03:06 PM

    The clown is feeling the heat. Had to release the monk held under PTA as there is no evidence against him. The young layman will too have to be released. Aragalaya is not a new thing to Sri Lanka. During the times of the kings it was as called “Karelia”. We still remember and celebrate these actions. OK, declare emergency and shoot to kill. Sri Lanka can not afford such luxuries as it is bankrupt. Even not no international community or organization is helping Sri Lanka in terms of funding. Just pack up and go for the fresh mandate. It is the only way out of this mess.

    Johan Wednesday, 23 November 2022 03:07 PM

    54 Billion Dollar debt.Repaying all loans stopped.China refused debt restructuring.Will IMF grant 2.9Billion without China's permission.Hoping Diaspora businessmen will invest in SL after solving tamil issue.All impracticable in the near future.Public protests will be more

    malik Wednesday, 23 November 2022 03:19 PM

    1987-89 also started as a genuine protest against an oppressive governmnet. All know finally where it led to. All such struggles start on the back of peoples suffering, and thereafter becomes a political stuggle to capture power

    Pravin Wednesday, 23 November 2022 03:26 PM

    Good. The saboteurs should not be allowed to raise their heads again. All the actually want is to run the economy to the ground and take power.

    C Fernando Thursday, 24 November 2022 02:01 PM

    Economy has already been run to the ground, nothing more to do there.

    Concerned Citizen Wednesday, 23 November 2022 03:28 PM

    Well said Mr President... need to tough with this hooligans. We are with you. NO MORE ARALGALAYA.. get down to working and lets get our country back on its feet.

    Punchi Wednesday, 23 November 2022 03:30 PM

    We applauded when the Demilos are victimised by a draconian security apparatus. Now it is happening to us to keep the elite well fed and to prevent us complaining of our hunger

    Rajan Wednesday, 23 November 2022 03:32 PM

    Ranil is trying to be a dictator using armed services to suppress the people to stay in power and safeguard the family

    Aragalaya Wednesday, 23 November 2022 03:32 PM

    He isn't the person who decides when and where an Aragalaya takes place. RW absolutely has no rights to stop Aragalaya and or to operate a country under these grave conditions. With his posture the next Aragalaya will be a blood bath and deceased won't be the people or armed forces.

    DJ Wednesday, 23 November 2022 03:34 PM

    Wow, so this more important to the president than solving the hardships for the people.

    Citizen Wednesday, 23 November 2022 03:44 PM

    Obviously a frightened president. In a democratic country, people have the right to protest without causing damage property and life. Similarly if a race, religion or culture is suppressed by armed forces, that people have the right of self determination. In Sri Lanka there are 200,000 armed forces stationed in the North and East to suppress the Tamil speaking people. This itself give legality for self determination according to the Supreme Court of the UNITED KINGDOM.

    Kathir Wednesday, 23 November 2022 03:48 PM

    It for the security forces that you are allotting s big portion of money to save your ass Mr Ranil Sri Lanka is in poverty don’t make any such stupid warning.

    Volker Metzger Wednesday, 23 November 2022 03:58 PM

    Nor will people like Ranil give up their power through free elections, which would inevitably mean his defeat!!! When a President threatens to use the military against free people banding together in Aragalaya, that says a lot about his mindset! Ranil's wish in life was to become president! He was a questionable personality even in Chandrika's time! A government that only wants to secure its own power and does not know the people behind it will lose in the end! This government will not solve the big problems of Sri Lanka and should be replaced by better, more experienced and responsible politicians, the younger generation of all ethnic groups, through free elections soon! Therein lies the chance of a better future for wonderful Sri Lanka!!!

    Mike Revere Wednesday, 23 November 2022 04:05 PM

    Aragalaya was because the crazy robber family took every dollar of citizens for their jobless family members to live in luxury while citizens starved. It will happen again as robbing continues and judges have not recovered the robbed wealth.

    TJ Wednesday, 23 November 2022 04:10 PM

    So, no more illegitimate head of states

    Jef Wednesday, 23 November 2022 04:12 PM

    Very reasonable you can protest without inconvenient any one that's fine protest must be done accordingly with proper security approvals a place where its suitable we don't need people getting hurt killed etc...

    LankanLover Wednesday, 23 November 2022 04:15 PM

    Remember one thing, you are where now today is because of Aragalaya! you achieved your dream just through Aragalaya :) Be grateful.

    Neel Godfree Thursday, 24 November 2022 12:54 PM

    Yes,completely agree with you if not Aragalya no Prisdent Ranil Rajapak, now he is try to show his colour with fail mps of Pohttuwa, As a most senior political perso he shouldn't gave a such a speech. I am sure this is end part of his political life. Aragalyta jayawewa.

    Man Wednesday, 23 November 2022 04:26 PM

    Without holding any election, he doesn't have any right to quell any protests. After all, he is a lost candidate and a National list MP. If a General Election held, he got a right to use the forces. What a dictator he is. Will he be able to remain in power until the lapse of the Gota's term?

    firdhous Wednesday, 23 November 2022 04:27 PM

    Yes, with the same spirit, if you can bring a solution to the long time ethnic problem – as you have affirmed, you will be great man (like MR could defeated the terrorism).

    Prasanna Wednesday, 23 November 2022 04:29 PM

    What can the masses do other than joining an Aragalaya when they find it difficult to exist due to high cost of food and medicines on the one hand , and see the Govt. Politicians and Officials indulge in waste, fraud and corruption on the other ? It is inhuman and heart rending as only the rich and corrupt who have illegal earnings that lead a happy life.

    Roshan samarathunga Wednesday, 23 November 2022 04:29 PM

    Well unelected president talking tough. People are starving, common folks elect individuals to go to parliament to serve the country. Unfortunately these individuals filling their pockets and their belly. Public needs to look carefully who to vote. Unelected master debater, power playing family crooks. We need educated Tamil president Muslim prime minister. Serve the country.

    Roshan samarathunga Wednesday, 23 November 2022 04:40 PM

    Unelected president who is talking about protest about master debating activities for last 50 years. He is talking about his house and talking about crooks in the family. Free and fair elections to elect educated individuals to the parliament to stop master debating activities in the parliament. Strict dietary guidelines for parliament. Educating about daily calorie intake and about healthy living

    Sri Lankan in Misery Wednesday, 23 November 2022 04:52 PM

    The ONLY lesson you have learnt is the Power of Aragalaya which brought the Presidency of the country to you. You know quite well that the next Aragalaya will see the END of your Presidency. So, you are so scared that you want to do everything possible to see that the Aragalaya does not take place while you are in power. Yes. You want to be the President by hook or by crook till you complete the term. SHAME on you.

    Nihal S Wednesday, 23 November 2022 04:55 PM

    I challenge if you can do the same to prevent corruption in this country? Corruption and mismanagement of the economy is the reason for the Aragalaya.

    Common man Wednesday, 23 November 2022 05:01 PM

    Well said Mr President, First comes law and order of the country, so that innocent people can go about their normal lives. Always the silent majority get victimised. After that Aragalaya supported by foreign powers can do the shouting.

    Inshi Wednesday, 23 November 2022 05:49 PM

    If the people's needs are looked into without burdening them further, I am sure there will not be an aragalaya. No one likes it when everything comes to a standstill. Do what is right by the people.

    Hassanda Wednesday, 23 November 2022 05:52 PM

    Days are numbered Same fate of Gota Aragalaya got you this Preaident’s Position - be thankful atleast in your Silent prayers to the Patriotic citizens Who sacrificed their lives to keep you as a President

    Roberta Flack Wednesday, 23 November 2022 06:40 PM

    So says the man without a mandate who is a product of the Aragalaya. He exists only because of the Rajapakses and needs to be forced out the same way.

    Shelly Belly Wednesday, 23 November 2022 06:45 PM

    Excellent move Mr. President. No need for anymore such protests that are backed by JVP and the likes to disrupt the economy. What is done is done. None of these political firebrands will come to pay your bills or feed your family. Just take care of yourselves and your own your future. Then collectively the country will prosper.

    Concerned citizen Wednesday, 23 November 2022 07:21 PM

    Well said.Enough with these jobless good for nothing fellows who shout at everything without completing their university studies .A burden to the taxpayers and their families they should be expelled from the universities.Enough with these so called Aragalaya fellows who make it a livelihood

    Sepa Wednesday, 23 November 2022 07:27 PM

    The masses will use the battens on people like you instead of the dildos.

    Cherath Wednesday, 23 November 2022 07:28 PM

    Ranil can mark this down as the beginning of the end. If he thinks he can follow the historic barbarity of his uncle who sacked 80,000 public servants in a stroke in 1980 for asking extra 10 rupees and got away with it, he must be in dreamland. You will leave just the way you came - through an uprising of the youth. We are paying for the stupendous folly of the people - making way for someone who could only muster 25,500 votes from whole of SL.

    Disgusted Wednesday, 23 November 2022 07:38 PM

    Force was used for the first one, what happened the then President fled the country from Male to Singapore, then with your request to Thailand. Why didn't you make a official request to Singapore to extradite GOTA??. In stead you assisted him to travel to Thailand, that's how far he was able to go. He resigned returned like a dog to his vomit and is fully funded by tax payers. Why hasn't GOTA, members of his family that crept into government bleed the country dry and the scape goats they used in the process brought before a court of law?. Always remember you were NOT elected by the people but put there by a coward who fled the country. My advise do not try to be a dictator, this is NOT China or Russia. Looks like you still have a grudge against the masses who peacefully protested, while your house was burned down on instruction of those who were hell bent to put the blame on the peaceful protestors and bring you closer to dance to the beat of their music. Shame Shame on you Ranil.

    Mohan Wednesday, 23 November 2022 07:40 PM

    You may prevent an aragalaya by using force. But, people will still have their say in the next election.

    Hippo Kreet Wednesday, 23 November 2022 07:49 PM

    The message is distorted and in bad taste. Preventing a road blocking aragalaya is a good move. However disallowing peaceful disciplined aragalayas after obtaining permision or unfairly denying permision for such aragalaya is not correct. Ranil W must be very clear as to what he is saying.

    Dee Wednesday, 23 November 2022 07:53 PM

    Even if they do! This time no water bottles or lunch packets from us. Not even water from our garden taps. We need to turn around! Far too late now. Do something which the aragaley or economic armegedon people cannot do!

    Dion Wednesday, 23 November 2022 08:06 PM

    Mr. Bean. Please worship the aragalaya guys as it is because of them, that you are our President. Don't forget that. You will NEVER win an election. You are a loser. You ruined the UNP as well. You are nothing but a joker.

    johan Wednesday, 23 November 2022 08:22 PM

    He is thinking all armed forces are with him. Armed forces also know he has no mandate from the people only 19000 votes and he is only a CEO for Pohuttuwa and the country has gone to anarchy because of rotten politicians

    Karalasingam Sivalingam Wednesday, 23 November 2022 09:40 PM

    We are in crisis, it is better to focus on agricultural, fisheries, tea, rubber, coconut cultivation and uplift our economy, we have been witnessing never ending Aragalayas, which ruines our tourism, let's lie low.

    Kps Wednesday, 23 November 2022 09:46 PM

    Don’t forget as a resin of the Aragalaya you became a President and don’t forget to thank them first.People are starving,

    Ranjan Wednesday, 23 November 2022 09:57 PM

    Next will be when the same crooks who appointed you will kick you out before the next elections.

    Jayantha Wednesday, 23 November 2022 10:14 PM

    Lol. Mr bean has got scared. He waa not able to last long every time he got power. This time without a mandate means he may not even last long that much.

    Sammy Wednesday, 23 November 2022 10:29 PM

    Appearances are deceptive. He is an even bigger despot than Gota. See the arrogance of a non-elected President. There would have been no aragalaya if good and intelligent governance had been in place. It is the aragalaya which has brought about change, somewhat a little better.

    Cherath Wednesday, 23 November 2022 11:59 PM

    Also in today's speech, Ranil kept saying he wouldn't allow another Din Diem here. Even allowing for the fact that he is flippant and loose tongued at the most inopportune moments, quoting Din Diem is a complete red herring here in reference to Kumar Gunaratnam. The latter was a freedom fighter against the IndianPKF during 1988 in the north and was a sworn follower of Marx Leninist politics under the then JVP. Din Diem was a extreme right wing dictator and a lackey of the Americans who was thwarting the mass rebellion of the vietnamese people against Diem's oppression. He was a catholic leader in a 95% Buddhist country and showed no mercy to Buddhism, its structures and clergy thereof. So how on earth can Ranil even think of a comparison here? All a right codswallop alright! Ranil with his political leanings and behaviour today, is much closer to Din Diem than Kunaratnam!

    L Jaya Thursday, 24 November 2022 01:26 AM

    I can't imagine a state leader making such threatening statements in the parliament. Never seen in parliament of developed world, even the Chinese leader would not do such stupid acts. A total disgrace, he says he want to stabilise the economy and would carry out the full term, both parliament and presidency. He has no public mandate, got a stolen mandate subjected to several conditions of SLPP. He is now publicly re iterating them

    Cheers Thursday, 24 November 2022 01:53 AM

    Excellent move and security forces should use all force as the country cannot afford this madness of 3rd grade jvp and sjb antics along with minority

    Gayantha Hemachandra Thursday, 24 November 2022 03:38 AM

    Mr President, Heard you are a great student of history. There are two clubs of world leaders. Lincoln, Gandhi, Nehru and Mandela belong to the first and Hitler , Mussolini, Idi Amin and Pol Pot fall into the second category. First category of leaders led their people to freedom and prosperity while the leaders from other category caused hunger , poverty and unspeakable misery and hardships to their people. The world history recognises the first category of world leaders are the SHEPHERDS while the second category of leaders are the BUTCHERS . Now the choice is yours, Mr President. It seems you are trying to get a membership in the club of second category of leaders and of course, if you get that membership, the history will judge you harshly and consider you a BUTCHER . Still not too late for you to be a SHEPHERD, Mr PRESIDENT

    Tom Thursday, 24 November 2022 03:45 AM

    Fantastic speach.

    mp Thursday, 24 November 2022 04:46 AM

    Do not disgrace people's right to live, but let live them a decent life. Think that they too need their essentials as politicians enjoy. Provide them essentials at reasonable price. Think that not only politicians but other people have a right to live.

    Muhunthan Walker Sothilingam Thilagawathy Thursday, 24 November 2022 05:18 AM

    In here we all should know this is the higher level of tolerance of the President because all the protesters have test his tolerance limit it didn’t mean he exceeded his tolerance but the pressure he had because of these unwanted protests, he went to publish this news. He went to the right direction that POLICE is the one should allow if any protest is going to happen in that land again. He didn’t take control of the land he went to the LAW and ORDER from the POLICE. It’s one of the good move he had made. Hope the country will go forward after this move. My prayers for you all.

    DOT Thursday, 24 November 2022 05:40 AM

    Very Good Move! Please also give equal priority to eradicate the root cause for it!

    VJ Thursday, 24 November 2022 07:53 AM

    The best way to prevent another aragalaya is for you to quit and hold elections. You are an illegitimate president. Tough talk won’t help, what if the armed forces also join the aragalaya?

    Sam Thursday, 24 November 2022 08:07 AM

    Sad to see man who was rejected by the people behaving like this .please do remember if the Sri Lankan's get very angry no forces will be able to safe you. Man who says he is educated why not ask late Mr Allas who you took revenge out of him. Shame on you

    ram Thursday, 24 November 2022 08:22 AM

    who is willing to give up lottery prize of presidency post to another. Use maximum military power to retain the post

    Chris Thursday, 24 November 2022 08:25 AM

    100% behind president on this. These are political NGO stooges. If you want to be like Singapore you must be like Singapore, no unions there period

    seedantha Kulatilake Thursday, 24 November 2022 08:58 AM

    God drives them mad before He destroys them. Ranil is experiencing it. Remember, what happened to the rajapaksas during last six months led by gota ? Nature and divine powers may be slow but deadly.

    Concerned citizen Thursday, 24 November 2022 09:27 AM

    I think people should listen to his full 22minute odd speech and then comment without jumping the gun

    EMZO Thursday, 24 November 2022 09:37 AM

    Your speech in the Parliament yesterday was totally like a child, be professional and keep up your dignity Mr. President, now you are becoming exactly like Mahinda (thug) it's not good for you.

    rbh Thursday, 24 November 2022 09:40 AM

    Ranil came to power from Aragalay movement That he supported and aragala is good thing eh said if there is good for people no one will participate. Sometime grabbing power is for self-destruction Aragala will not come but Ranil is in a path of Self-destructive behavior is when cause unnecessary harm by power adamont

    Kadu Gamini (Suda) from Kottawa Thursday, 24 November 2022 09:41 AM

    Mr. Wickramasinghe bear it in the mind, Aragalaya is not dead though it's silent now, the trashing out put will be displayed on you if you don't step down before the end of this year.

    Gossip Ramanayake Thursday, 24 November 2022 09:41 AM

    You are asking for trouble Ranil. Very soon you could expect fire works.

    Democracy Thursday, 24 November 2022 09:43 AM

    Remember everyone, you are the ones who elected all these thieves and murderers through election. So use next election to remove them yourselves. Aragalya is not a democratic tool to elect people. It is against democracy. Don't blame the politicians. Blame yourself! Because if people elected right people we wouldn't be in this mess and we wouldn't need to do an aragalaya. So in a way Ranil is teaching people how to use the democratic system.

    Damian Thursday, 24 November 2022 10:23 AM

    All these people who keep complaining about the Aragalaya are self centered idiots. If not for the Aragalaya these crooked politicians would've have robbed what's left in the country and all our families would've ended as beggers on the street.

    Democracy Defender Thursday, 24 November 2022 10:24 AM

    Aragalaya does not need your permission. You don't have a mandate to be even as an elected MP, Mr. Illegitimate President. Armed Forces are to defend the Citizens and not to maintain Anti-Democratic Govt.

    Junepalan Karawalan Thursday, 24 November 2022 10:37 AM

    Son of Satan JRJ! Destroyers and demons (YAKKU) of SL!! King Kekille is much better than this unelected - unwanted - refused man!! This is the end of the world!!

    Ben Thursday, 24 November 2022 12:26 PM

    He seems want to enjoy taste of executive presidency to the full,Aragalaya started off among people who suffering economic collapse due to faults of politicians and their various unscrupulous activities other than commission grabbing and transferring government funds to private accounts,ignoring bad loans in banks in billions, turning blind eye to tax evading of supporters are some reasons,If government appoints commission to identify them and collect them,this would feel some fairness among people and that keep them away from Aragalaya

    sam Thursday, 24 November 2022 12:36 PM

    World has seen many dictators, who were elected by the people and one not elected.

    Jeewaratne hulla Thursday, 24 November 2022 01:02 PM

    Political/ Ngo Aragalayas, (unknown to the real non partisan lot who protested due to genuine issues were duped and used) were sponsored and supported by the West and diaspora and they were indirectly happy their agent was ultimately appointed. The irony of the situation to the Aragalayas are their agent survive in parliament, because of the support of the SLPP and he is the best choice for the moment and doing quite all right under the circumstances though long way to go, coming forward without being a coward and backing away. Yes the politicaly sponsored Aragalayas aimed at distabilising the recovery need to be appropriately dealt with and peaceful protests which doesn't cause hardships/disruption to public life should be allowed.

    C Fernando Thursday, 24 November 2022 02:02 PM

    Isn't this the same man who was seen on TV saying "Aragalaya must continue" when he became PM?

    Dilshan Perera Thursday, 24 November 2022 07:13 PM

    He has always lacked connection with the people of the country.. he needs to talk to the people and explain to them that he has worked hard to improve the situation since May, and that basics of life are now available and he will strive harder to make the situation better eventually.. but he's too proud to say any of that.. the people are not worthy enough according to him!

    Nihal Perera Friday, 25 November 2022 09:04 AM

    ANARCHY? Where other than in the very Parliament in which you decried it. Anarchy is the refusal to accept authority exhibited in lawLESSness. No one in the aragalaya was lawless. It has been a peaceful protest from day one. Burning your house? What happenned to the higj-up's son who was named as a culprit even in the papers? Do not redefine words to justify the injustice being openly perpetrated by goons in your government.

    Deby John Saturday, 26 November 2022 09:51 AM

    Ranil must be worried about those valuable books that he lost for fire when his house was set on fire. If those books were noble we would see some nobility in Ranil’s behaviour. Going by what we have seen in the past from RW, one would think those books were either detective novels or some phonographs (homosexual) magazines???


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