Anura has forgotten I am Mahinda Rajapaksa - Ready to vacate at any time, - MR hits back hard at AKD

21 January 2025 09:46 am Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 82 Bookmark

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I have seen it all. From political revenge to harassment, if the President feels my state house should be taken away from me, then I am ready to leave. Let him give me a written request
As a President who led the country for 10 years at the most brutal times, I was given this house as I was constitutionally entitled to it as a former head of state and for my protection
Instead of providing relief to the common man, President Dissanayake was more involved in his PR stunts and going on stage, unleashing words to criticise the former Presidents

Colombo, January 21 (Daily Mirror) - Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday said he is ready to vacate his official residence in Colombo at any time and requested the President to send him a written official request rather than going on public stages and attempting to attract publicity for himself.

Speaking to the Daily Mirror just a day after President Dissanayake made a public speech, asking Rajapaksa to vacate his official residence or pay a rent of Rs.4.6 million monthly for it, the former President said that his official residence was given to him following a cabinet decision during Maithripala Sirisena's tenure, and it was given to him for his protection and as a former head of state which he was constitutionally entitled to.

However, he said that if the President benefitted from his departure from the premises, he was willing to vacate it as he did not keep anything by force. He also reminded Dissanayake that although he is now a Head of State, his behaviour was nothing more than a politician who was in the opposition.

"President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is forgetting I am Mahinda Rajapaksa. While his talks are good for the gallery and to mislead the citizens as he did on his false election promises, I would like to inform the President that I am willing to vacate my official residence if he sends me a written request. I received this residence in Wijerama Mawatha after a cabinet paper was approved under former President Maithripala Sirisena and as a President who led the country for 10 years at the most brutal times," Rajapaksa said.

Rajapaksa also said that instead of providing relief to the common man, President Dissanayake was more involved in his PR stunts and going on stage, unleashing words to criticise the former Presidents by taking away their security and houses, just to play to the gallery to avoid talking of his own failures.

"I am a politician and leader who always worked for the nation. From ending the war to bringing in development, today the country is benefitting from the development which I brought in during my tenure as the President. My successors criticised my efforts to end the war and the development projects I signed. Some even resorted to halting these projects, which severely hampered investor confidence," Rajapaksa said.

"I have seen it all, from political revenge to harassment. If President Dissanayake feels my state house should be taken away from me, then I am ready to leave. Nothing has been kept by force. Let him send me an official request," he said.

Comments - 82

Ambrose Tuesday, 21 January 2025 09:55 AM

AKD should be more professional. The way he is speaking as a president is utterly unprofessional. More like mervin silva.

202 141

Ranjana Silva Tuesday, 21 January 2025 10:25 AM

A mouthpiece of Medamuulana

58 108

Twisted Tuesday, 21 January 2025 01:01 PM

Plus and minus voting for the comments act fishy here. The result is not the genuine opinion of the readers.

6 24

MP Tuesday, 21 January 2025 01:36 PM

Everyone in this country knows how much corruption was involved in this country and that this country has gone bankrupt because of MR family. They talk about political revenge, but they committed political revenge. Do you not understand that if the present President does not take proper steps in regard to these corruption activities, it will be unfair to the poor people who pay taxes in this country? Don't you understand that they committed corruption when poor people were starving?

3 36

Lalith jayasinghe Wednesday, 22 January 2025 08:36 PM

Act like a president not a joker, it is the responsibility of public administration minister and the official.

3 2

Voter Tuesday, 21 January 2025 09:55 AM

Be a gentleman and leave with dignity.

26 167

S. K. Weera Tuesday, 21 January 2025 12:14 PM

Please tell your son also. Because he thinks you will never leave. You. should have left the house long back before being asked as you have stolen all of the Treasury.

10 80

suresh Tuesday, 21 January 2025 12:18 PM

Gentleman? that ship sailed a long time ago.

3 54

Sri Lankan Tuesday, 21 January 2025 10:01 AM

MR you are right! but consider the state of the country and vacate to minimize state expenses. When masses tightens its belt, so the masses expect the same from state!

19 153

Raja Tuesday, 21 January 2025 10:04 AM

MR you never follow what in the law books. Time has come to learn. Please listen now.

19 126

Lt. Col. Leel Karunaratne Tuesday, 21 January 2025 10:26 AM

MR knows only about looting, taking revenge and he is expert on 25% commission next to his brother Basil.

12 94

Insider Tuesday, 21 January 2025 01:06 PM

Oh I am a politician and leader who always worked for the nation. Better to have said the blatant truth that I am a politician and leader who always worked for the nation as a last resort having worked for myself and family to enrich themselves. Already Krish owner arrested in India and your prodigal son got 35million rupees on a case pending here on this issue.

3 29

Brian Tuesday, 21 January 2025 10:04 AM

Great reply Hon Mahinda Rajapaksha. Who is he compared to a leader like you. (Eagerly waiting for the paid NPP gang to attack this comment)

169 63

Amaree Tuesday, 21 January 2025 11:09 AM

he spread RACISM to win elections and for his survival,. Your are a typical Sri Lankan.

15 72

S Tuesday, 21 January 2025 11:31 AM

It is important to approach discussions about political leadership and governance with objectivity and respect, focusing on facts and constructive dialogue rather than personal attacks. While it is natural for emotions to run high given the challenges Sri Lanka has faced, such conversations are more productive when we focus on policies, actions, and their long-term impacts rather than labeling individuals or groups. Let us analyze the contributions, shortcomings, and overall performance of all leaders based on evidence and measurable outcomes. Constructive criticism and informed debate pave the way for meaningful progress, ensuring that diverse perspectives contribute to the nation's development. Engaging in respectful and fact-based discussions helps foster unity and solutions for a better future for all Sri Lankans.

0 19

Mohamed Sunday, 26 January 2025 12:00 AM

Who the hell cares if you are MR, no body care about this punk, get the hell out, be decent and bugger off, uneducated rough, you put the country into bankruptcy and most people are respecting for what? He is a murderer, some comments that NPP paid gangs this is not all true, tell your MR gang paid and stole the country,,DISGRACEFUL

0 2

Jude Tuesday, 21 January 2025 10:06 AM

MR you're The lowest out of low class man to lead this country!!

42 133

Saliya Perera Tuesday, 21 January 2025 11:02 AM

Please elaborate what low cast is ?Which cast you are belongs to ?

21 34

Irfan Tuesday, 21 January 2025 10:15 AM

"Why wait to vacate after pulling off the economic equivalent of a belly flop in a swimming pool? Pack your bags and lead by example! You've had your fun, but sadly, our budget isn’t designed to sustain champagne tastes on a beer budget anymore. Bon voyage!"

12 64

Bet You Dont Have Beetle Nuts Tuesday, 21 January 2025 10:19 AM

All hollow words from you mara,,, publish your TIN and Tax returns for the last decade and a half and the Tax Returns of your extended family ten we will be the judge, answer to the Pandora papers and Panama papers,, you can fool the people once or twice not all the time dont assume the voters are that dumb, yes please be the mushto man you are and vacate the place we can use that money to put 300 more beds at the accident ward and the kalubowila hospital,

14 53

Nimal 1 Tuesday, 21 January 2025 10:31 AM

Led the country for ten years to utter corruption and ruin.

17 71

mina Tuesday, 21 January 2025 10:38 AM

You ruined this country,economically financially and culturally. You made your elder son a lawyer un ethically. You got your 2 son in the navy even changing the basic qualification which is required to joined the navy. You made your youngest son a rocket scientist spending colossal amount of money of this poor country. You will never earn sympathy from any one expect of your cronies and those who got kick back from you. so with out talking nonsense get back to madamulana handing over this government bunglow.

18 86

raymond Tuesday, 21 January 2025 12:08 PM

Taking revenge from the Chief Justice - Field Marshall -to name only two. Sacking the CEO or Sri Lankan airlines out of anger and giving it to a crony....

6 37

Kumara Tuesday, 21 January 2025 10:44 AM

During your tenure there was only /murder and mahem eg; White van only. Ho now. SLPP is finished.

13 61

Ceylonese Tuesday, 21 January 2025 10:44 AM

Watch out MR when addressing the people's President.

16 52

Thambuttegama modaya Tuesday, 21 January 2025 12:12 PM

A union leader who encouraged workers to strike and ruin the economy

7 11

Chris Peries Tuesday, 21 January 2025 10:46 AM

The country had to put up with your gallery talk for almost two decades. For heavens sake at least now we have a decent bloke who is doing an exemplary job and proving his mettle as leader of mettle. Obviously non-entities will make a hue

12 38

Adwani Tuesday, 21 January 2025 10:47 AM

"I am a politician and leader who always worked for the nation. From ending the war to bringing in development" You did not end the war, it was Rahul Ghandhi who took revenge on Prabha for killing his father. We know Manmohan Singh came and told you to takeover on your head, as a victory, but we still are facing the music at Geneva.

8 33

Dr Tissa Fernando Tuesday, 21 January 2025 10:50 AM

What MR says is 100% true, AKD and his party henchmen are just playing publicity stunts. There are camera crew even when their elected members go to the supermarket just to score points. One guy has travelled in a train recently with full of camera men to record everything for the publicity. These JVP guys disrupted previous governments every day. Now no one is disrupting.

94 37

Tharini Tuesday, 21 January 2025 01:00 PM

You must be living in MR's household? Rest of Srilanka see him as a leader who enriched himself, his family and his circle with stupid projects like MR airport, MR port etc. Great leader my foot

6 32

LankanLover Tuesday, 21 January 2025 10:52 AM

Whatever has been done during your tenure is greatly appreciated, now Get ready to vacate you will receive the letter as soon as possible, We cannot bear any expenses of your luxury any longer.

8 27

Amir Tuesday, 21 January 2025 12:58 PM

Questions should be asked in a language they understand. If he is willing to vacate, what was he doing all this time?

2 13

S K Munasinghe Tuesday, 21 January 2025 10:53 AM

Anura acts like a Schoolboy and shows his unprofessional behaviour clearly.. Someone has to educate him from every corner to be a Leader among other World Leaders..to begin with A DRESS CODE,LEADERSHIP, PRESENTATION etc; Stop talking rubbish in front of poor Communities about your action plan..and act like a Honest Politician.

42 27

Red star chandiya Tuesday, 21 January 2025 12:18 PM

Have not seen him addressing a single audience of educated people and neither a school prize giving after 3 months in Power

10 10

Ahamed Tuesday, 21 January 2025 10:55 AM

Be like a gentleman, and should leave without notification

9 30

eddy Tuesday, 21 January 2025 10:58 AM

AKD wants to divert the public attention from high COL and govt's ineffectiveness of almost all the fronts of governing. And to peace his party henchmen who knows nothing but hatred towards MR in particular. Hence this kind of mean talks.

31 14

Grace Tuesday, 21 January 2025 11:02 AM

Nobody has forgotten your that you brought an end to the 30 year war and contributed immensely for the bankruptcy of the country and countries which were once poor are looking down on us.

9 28

kp92 Tuesday, 21 January 2025 11:04 AM

Everyone, from politicians to professionals to bus drivers, have reasons for why they must be excluded from rules and laws and common ethics. Small wonder this country has been stuck as a developing nation since 1948. How does one do reforms like expanding the tax net or fixing corruption when everyone has their own interpretation of what is "correct"?

2 16

Lawry Tuesday, 21 January 2025 11:08 AM

Seen it all and done it all to others.

1 9

Samson Tuesday, 21 January 2025 11:11 AM

"I am a politician and leader who always worked for the nation. From ending the war to bringing in development, today the country is benefitting from the development which I brought in during my tenure as the President". This is rubbish. You and your family stolen our country wealth and in the name of the war and development. It is the reason why AKD has become the President today. We have no sympathy to you, do not continue to be a burden on poor people of our country. Thank u.

4 26

MirakRajBanda Tuesday, 21 January 2025 11:15 AM

then pack your stuffs (only yours) and just get out. You will never do that!!!!!

6 26

LASANDA COORAY Tuesday, 21 January 2025 11:26 AM

A TRUE LEADER!!

31 10

Amaree Tuesday, 21 January 2025 02:16 PM

True looter

3 10

Maina Tuesday, 21 January 2025 11:30 AM

As per constitution, you are entitled for a house as you served as president. But, it doesn't have to be banglow from us the tax payers money. Please pay Rs 4.5 million per month from all looted billions of rupees. Paying 5 million per month is just peanut for your extended family as you may hv trillions / billions in your savings.

7 31

Prasad P Tuesday, 21 January 2025 11:38 AM

Why did the president choose to make this statement at a political rally? Customarily, such matters are addressed through a formal letter first. If MR had refused, then taking the issue public would have been more appropriate. Even correct statements, when made at the wrong time, can create unnecessary tension and unpleasantness.

12 11

Susitha Silva Tuesday, 21 January 2025 11:41 AM

Great reply to AKD by a Great Leader

25 13

Yohan Tuesday, 21 January 2025 11:43 AM

Hope this guy and his family expires soon. He ruined the country with his bogus projects which resulted in current economic harship for people. Go back to Madamula without wasting public money. Also why he needa 60 odd securities. Are each one allocated to look after his each organ or something. Four is more than enough. If he needs more security, ask your village pohotuu bayyas to give you protection.

7 19

Pin Gona 2 Tuesday, 21 January 2025 11:47 AM

Actually no time to write letters and post, may be president can send him a WhatsApp message for eviction

4 16

saman Tuesday, 21 January 2025 11:48 AM

We read and know that you are Mahinda and people call you Naki Maina as your pet name.

8 16

Gamini Tuesday, 21 January 2025 11:49 AM

wants a letter of request from AKD? Did you give a letter requesting a bungalow from MS. Pay the arrears first before you are kicked out

4 15

Volker Metzger Tuesday, 21 January 2025 11:54 AM

In his statement, MR once again reveals the basic traits of his character !!! Cunning and mendacious! "I have experienced everything, from political revenge to harassment" ! He relates this to himself, but it is precisely this kind of behaviour that he practised towards other people and political opponents !!! I am just thinking of his act of revenge against Fonseka, from whom he tried to rob him of the fame that he deserved for his heroic deeds !!! The winners of the war against LTTE terror were only Fonseka and the Sri Lankan army !!! Then he says: "Nothing was held back by force"! What about the illegally acquired wealth of MR and his family? He is holding onto it (by force and fraud) !!! Then he should give it back to the Sri Lankan people !!! His current "defence speech" is, as so often with him, empty talk from an unscrupulous man !!!

2 17

Avanka Perera Tuesday, 21 January 2025 11:54 AM

Mahinda, True you won the war, but robbed and bankrupt the country and looted money for few Generations, a lier in the biggest order, how did Namal acquire such wealth how are the other two sons living without jobs, please leave the premises and dont be a burden on the public. Only few goons accept you but majority has rejected you and your looting family. RW protected you as he is so selfis and another cause for the down fall, dont expect the same treatment from patriotic and honest AKD

4 15

Suresh Tuesday, 21 January 2025 12:01 PM

MR is right. President AKD should issue an official order if his govr wants it so. Sri Lanka is not a banana republic where rules don't matter. Need for Maturity in public life is something that all politicos should understand. Playing to the gallery doesn't work always.

11 10

Seylan Silva Tuesday, 21 January 2025 12:07 PM

Dear MR, you did a service and there is no issue about it. But you and the other old timers time is up now. You all have been rejected by the masses for you guys ruined the society and economy of this country. So, please go and leave the country to the new generation.

3 10

Mohamed Tuesday, 21 January 2025 12:08 PM

As pointed out my AKD and MR, it was never in our constitution. MR agreed here that he was given a special consideration by then cabinet, as they scratch each others back. Now its time for you to leave. Thank you for your service, that should not be a bragging point for luting the country. Already highest court in the country have given the verdict.

4 13

John Silva Tuesday, 21 January 2025 12:09 PM

You comment like a junior schoolboy

1 5

Imtias Tuesday, 21 January 2025 12:10 PM

Mr. President can make cheap talks only in this country. His henchmen are unconditionally glorifying him to divert the attention of the bigger picture of COL and other issues. Could see how little he talks during his visit to India

10 5

John Tuesday, 21 January 2025 12:18 PM

Being former head of state do it and show instead of replying, be an example. It is like begging to AKD to say ok you can stay. You made enough money to pay for your own accommodation like ordinary people. Because of all these benefits only all politicians are fighting and doing all dirties to come to power. If politicians are treated like common man. All these extraordinary expenses can be reduced and given relieve to the tax payers. End of the day the tax payers are footing all these expenses.

2 11

JANAKA Tuesday, 21 January 2025 12:22 PM

Yes, it's a good idea, If You are Mahinda R you should leave the house Immediately and prove it.

2 13

Volker Metzger Tuesday, 21 January 2025 12:24 PM

In his statement, MR once again reveals the basic traits of his character !!! Cunning and mendacious! "I have experienced everything, from political revenge to harassment" ! He relates this to himself, but it is precisely this kind of behaviour that he practised towards other people and political opponents !!! I am just thinking of his act of revenge against Fonseka, from whom he tried to rob him of the fame that he deserved for his heroic deeds !!! The winners of the war against LTTE terror were only Fonseka and the Sri Lankan army !!! Then he says: "Nothing was held back by force"! What about the illegally acquired wealth of MR and his family? He is holding onto it (by force and fraud) !!! Then he should give it back to the Sri Lankan people !!! His current "defence speech" is, as so often with him, empty talk from an unscrupulous man !!!

3 8

Samarasinghe Tuesday, 21 January 2025 12:26 PM

So the only president at present residing in a state property or is he being singled out and why?

7 4

Ganganath Rathnaweera Tuesday, 21 January 2025 12:27 PM

If a president is entitle for bunglow after retirement as per the cinstitution he has to be given a bunglow.Without wasting you time wrtting bullsshit read the article properly.What MR says is the present bunglow was given by MS and he has not requested for the same.

8 4

Upulpb Tuesday, 21 January 2025 12:27 PM

If he was smart as he claim to be should have known whats comimg. No point in crying

1 7

good riddance Tuesday, 21 January 2025 12:58 PM

"President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is forgetting I am Mahinda Rajapaksa" - so what ? What are you trying to get across ? You might have got the mansion by a corrupted cabinet by all the imbeciles warming their seats in the cabinet. Please take a car ride [ not by helicopter] back to your resident in Hambantotta, - how doe ir feel going on the highway ?

3 14

We need to stop this colonial mentality Tuesday, 21 January 2025 01:10 PM

You are no different any other public servant, you applied for a job the public gave you that job, you were handsomely paid by the public for that job, and now you dont hold that job anymore, so like every other public servant go to your own home. it's as simple as that. why is that so hard for yiu to comprehend?

5 10

sunil Tuesday, 21 January 2025 01:13 PM

If the house was his entitlement as per the constitution, then why was it required to obtain a cabinet approval? Is the cabinet above the constitution?

1 4

Nihal S Tuesday, 21 January 2025 01:22 PM

Mahinda and Namal, please read all these comments. You will then understand where you stand with general public on this matter. No sympathy to Rajapakse family. Is it not a shame to be a burden on public?

2 4

Hiran Tuesday, 21 January 2025 01:26 PM

He is entitled to a house, not a palace in perhaps one of the most expensive areas in the country. Gindvan appropriate place somewhere and offer it to him.

2 3

Abd Tuesday, 21 January 2025 01:35 PM

This is not neither political revenge nor harassment but it’s NPP’s election promise and that’s a another promise which has brought unprecedented election victory,so it’s perfectly correct to evict you from this house , further more,supreme court already announced you are responsible for bankruptcy of the country, that’s mainly because of your unbounded greed, which led you to steal public funds and other your selfish act of spending billions to make your children happy like rohitha’s rocket project, while many children of the country sleeping without a meal. people loved you but your erroneous lifestyle turned most people hating you, so don’t hesitate to get revenge from NPP leaders who else you are,

1 3

Gokula Siripathiarachi Tuesday, 21 January 2025 01:56 PM

Agree with MR on one aspect. AKD should have written to MR first and handled the matter professionally rather than making it a political point scoring exercise. Why has AKD singled out MR? What about residences of all past presidents who are alive? AKD can play this sort of below the belt games but he came saying he is different. I am beginning to be didappointed.

2 4

Ram P Tuesday, 21 January 2025 02:07 PM

President Mahinda, I am yet to find a politician who is not concerned about his PR. You are also one of them. Yours is not a house but a Palace built on 2/3 blocks. Please be fair by us the tax payers. If your house is assessed to derive a monthly income of Rs 4.6M is it correct to deprive the people of that income. You are entitled to a house and not a palatial building like the one you occupy. Remember President Sirisena too built a palace on two blocks and it is our SC that directed him to vacate. Yours is a comparable situation

1 5

Surain Tuesday, 21 January 2025 02:15 PM

Im not a supporter Of MR or pohottuwa didnt vote them in the past ! The way AKD is behaving utterly disgusting third class shanty boy ! He does not behave like the president of sri lanka ! Im sure Whole country is dissapointed ! You cannot address the former president elected twice in this manner if there is any wrong doing deal with it professionally

3 4

Nimal R Tuesday, 21 January 2025 02:56 PM

Excellent reply. AKD may have forgotten that he is the president now and should speak like a statesman and not to the gallery. Whatever it is, MR is the one who gave political leadership to finish the 30 year old war although his sons and Basil subsequently worked towards totally destroying his image . Many would lose their respect to AKD if he continues to address the gallery like this.

2 3

Ara Tuesday, 21 January 2025 03:28 PM

Acting class for local government elections may be

1 1

Lal Tuesday, 21 January 2025 03:34 PM

@good riddance, this is how he gives his advance warning prior to ordering termination of his opponents , he did same close to murder ofLasantha wickramathnga

0 3

Shiromi Tuesday, 21 January 2025 08:09 PM

Neither President AKD nor the people of Sri Lanka will ever forget who you are - Sri Lankas biggest TRAITOR. You didnt lead Sri Lanka for 10 yearz YOU STOLE from Sri Lanka. You are a shameless man who has lost his brains and morals for greed. You deserve a cell in Welikada. If you had any Shame uou would pack uour bags n leave without waiting to be told. Mahinda Rajapakse you are a worse Traitor than Gotabaya.

2 5

Sivalingam Visuvalingam Tuesday, 21 January 2025 08:51 PM

Our former President only worries about his own safety but citizens don’t have any sort of safety. Now the country is more safer than his tenure and AKD trying to heel all the previous wounds. During his tenure, he reduced the security of former President Chandrika and she complained that its political vendetta. How did they treated former Chief Justice? Dear Sir, we appreciate your part and let them to do their job properly. Our country is under immense pressure to get out of the mess that you all as family clan created it. You worried about your safety but citizens are worried about their livelihood.

2 2

Nihal Wednesday, 22 January 2025 07:09 AM

Get rid of this guy from public purse as soon as possible. Give him the minimum. Why do we need to pay the expenses of this thug?

0 3

Indra Dasa Thursday, 23 January 2025 06:22 AM

No One above the law as well as above the constitution . Anyone could understand the economical situation and how lower middle and poor people are suffering to find end meat also Middle class even upper middle class became the vindictive of this economic failure mainly due to malpractices and previous politicians and their families and friends involvement in heavy corruption and looted money from the state using money laundry activities . Those ex presidents and others who are still residing in government owned premises must leave ASAP and keep some dignity if they still proud about their service to the country .

1 1

monisam Sunday, 26 January 2025 06:50 AM

MR Power Hungry and Greedy. he doesnt know what he says. A President whoever it may be is elected by us by the people and he is working towards the betterment of this nation which you and your family and

0 0

ajiy Monday, 27 January 2025 03:40 PM

It was well known that while he was prime Minister under Gota's Government Mahinda was occupying 2 government houses. One was temple trees the other is the Bungalow given to him as he opposition leader . No sympathy for him. Enough is enough

0 1

ROHINI Wednesday, 29 January 2025 06:06 PM

DO WHAT IS RIGHT. ONE DOES NOT HAVE TO BE ASKED. VACATE THE HOUSE WITHOUT MUCH ADO. THIS IS WHAT IS RIGHT. DON'T WAIT FOR MARCHING OR1IDERS.

0 1

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