Comments on: Presidential hopefuls and escape-routes for the ‘hopeless’ http://www.groundviews.org/2009/10/27/presidential-hopefuls-and-escape-routes-for-the-%e2%80%98hopeless%e2%80%99/ groundviews is an award winning Sri Lankan citizen journalism initiative Sat, 20 Mar 2010 17:44:32 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: DEVONECO http://www.groundviews.org/2009/10/27/presidential-hopefuls-and-escape-routes-for-the-%e2%80%98hopeless%e2%80%99/comment-page-1/#comment-13301 DEVONECO Mon, 18 Jan 2010 14:10:42 +0000 http://www.groundviews.org/?p=1853#comment-13301 After the Presidential election results are announced, Ranil Wickremasinghe will have the honor to be the longest serving Leader of the Opposition breaking Anura Bandaranaike's record for the same position. As for the next Presidential elections in 2015, Mr Wickremasinghe may still prefer not to contest himself, but opt to put forward another complete outsider as with General Fonseka for the current elections. Perhaps since his options might have shrunk by then, he could take a chance in asking the Ven Tibbotuwa to give up robes and contest the Presidantial elections hoping that all the Sinhala Buddhists will vote for him. If this fails, Mr Wickremasinghe will still have another chance to put forward yet another outsider candidate in 2020. We wish him well in his run up to the Guiness Book of Records as the longest serving Leader of the Opposition soon. After the Presidential election results are announced, Ranil Wickremasinghe will have the honor to be the longest serving Leader of the Opposition breaking Anura Bandaranaike’s record for the same position. As for the next Presidential elections in 2015, Mr Wickremasinghe may still prefer not to contest himself, but opt to put forward another complete outsider as with General Fonseka for the current elections. Perhaps since his options might have shrunk by then, he could take a chance in asking the Ven Tibbotuwa to give up robes and contest the Presidantial elections hoping that all the Sinhala Buddhists will vote for him. If this fails, Mr Wickremasinghe will still have another chance to put forward yet another outsider candidate in 2020. We wish him well in his run up to the Guiness Book of Records as the longest serving Leader of the Opposition soon.

]]> By: Jackson http://www.groundviews.org/2009/10/27/presidential-hopefuls-and-escape-routes-for-the-%e2%80%98hopeless%e2%80%99/comment-page-1/#comment-10803 Jackson Sat, 14 Nov 2009 13:43:09 +0000 http://www.groundviews.org/?p=1853#comment-10803 This whole discussion is a bit too premature. MR is not obliged to hold a presidential election just now. Come Sunday and we will know or will we? Whether it is SR or any other common candidate - this will be an entirely new political scenario. That is the JVP and the UNP backing a common candidate, Add SLMC, Mangala, Mano Ganesan and (let's not forget Thondaman and Chandrasekeram, more often than not with the UNP at election time and also depending on what advice they get from acroos the Palk Straits). Do not count the Tamils out whatever SR's past history. Politics in this country is not a morality play. Most Sinhalese leaders have commitetd crimes against the Tamils and other minorities from 1948 by acts of commission or omission. The UNP marginalised and weakened the Tamils most of all. Remember the 1982 presidential election when the TULF remained officially neutral - a section of the party leaders in Jaffna swung a sizeable vote to Kobbekaduwa (perceived as communalist). Much will depend on teh election manifestos of the several parties.The JVP is the only opposition worth talking about in the country today - on a wide range of issues. They have failed in not taking a position on devolution. But at the present juncture the position of both the UNP nor the SLFP are evasive on this issue. History repating itself. Hence lets us not rule out the possibily of a large chunk of the Tamil vote going for a JVP-UNP combine - not based on trust but as a first step in entering all-Island politics and away from separatism. If this happens it will be a major step forward in the direction of genuine integration baded on equality and justice. Jackson Sinnathamby This whole discussion is a bit too premature. MR is not obliged to hold a presidential election just now. Come Sunday and we will know or will we?

Whether it is SR or any other common candidate – this will be an entirely new political scenario. That is the JVP and the UNP backing a common candidate, Add SLMC, Mangala, Mano Ganesan and (let’s not forget Thondaman and Chandrasekeram, more often than not with the UNP at election time and also depending on what advice they get from acroos the Palk Straits).

Do not count the Tamils out whatever SR’s past history. Politics in this country is not a morality play. Most Sinhalese leaders have commitetd crimes against the Tamils and other minorities from 1948 by acts of commission or omission. The UNP marginalised and weakened the Tamils most of all.

Remember the 1982 presidential election when the TULF remained officially neutral – a section of the party leaders in Jaffna swung a sizeable vote to Kobbekaduwa (perceived as communalist).

Much will depend on teh election manifestos of the several parties.The JVP is the only opposition worth talking about in the country today – on a wide range of issues. They have failed in not taking a position on devolution. But at the present juncture the position of both the UNP nor the SLFP are evasive on this issue. History repating itself.

Hence lets us not rule out the possibily of a large chunk of the Tamil vote going for a JVP-UNP combine – not based on trust but as a first step in entering all-Island politics and away from separatism. If this happens it will be a major step forward in the direction of genuine integration baded on equality and justice.

Jackson Sinnathamby

]]> By: Eraj http://www.groundviews.org/2009/10/27/presidential-hopefuls-and-escape-routes-for-the-%e2%80%98hopeless%e2%80%99/comment-page-1/#comment-10471 Eraj Tue, 03 Nov 2009 10:52:00 +0000 http://www.groundviews.org/?p=1853#comment-10471 What we seem to have discounted is the political and state machinery available to MR. Reminiscent of 2005 when he “brokered” himself into power with alleged support of the LTTE, he and his "team" will ensure that all possible avenues are exploited to ensure he "obtains" the required 50% mandate. There is no way any challenger can defeat an incumbent president in this country unless there is a catastrophic degradation within the said president’s party and a social upheaval of epic proportions. Even this may not suffice due to the levels of corruption, tyranny and lawlessness prevailing in this country and the power wielded by an incumbent executive president. Having said all of this the incumbent looks the only plausible option amongst the field of shambolic candidates .. (RW, SF, exCJ- SS etc) which is sad indictment of the present political and social climate prevailing in this country. What we seem to have discounted is the political and state machinery available to MR. Reminiscent of 2005 when he “brokered” himself into power with alleged support of the LTTE, he and his “team” will ensure that all possible avenues are exploited to ensure he “obtains” the required 50% mandate.
There is no way any challenger can defeat an incumbent president in this country unless there is a catastrophic degradation within the said president’s party and a social upheaval of epic proportions. Even this may not suffice due to the levels of corruption, tyranny and lawlessness prevailing in this country and the power wielded by an incumbent executive president.
Having said all of this the incumbent looks the only plausible option amongst the field of shambolic candidates .. (RW, SF, exCJ- SS etc) which is sad indictment of the present political and social climate prevailing in this country.

]]> By: Champion of a lion http://www.groundviews.org/2009/10/27/presidential-hopefuls-and-escape-routes-for-the-%e2%80%98hopeless%e2%80%99/comment-page-1/#comment-10407 Champion of a lion Sun, 01 Nov 2009 06:33:23 +0000 http://www.groundviews.org/?p=1853#comment-10407 SF will win easily against Mahinda. Remember Mahinda won only 50.28% in 2005. Take away 5%of the JVP vote and a good chunk of Sinhala Buddhist vote (which will no doubt fall into the pocket of SF, i myself will vote for SF if he contests) that will make it almost impossible for MR to get 50% and thus win. On the other hand the UNP's block vote of 35% plus the JVP vote (5%) and together with the floating vote SF has a very good chance of winning. But the question is will he come forward and contest?! SF will win easily against Mahinda. Remember Mahinda won only 50.28% in 2005. Take away 5%of the JVP vote and a good chunk of Sinhala Buddhist vote (which will no doubt fall into the pocket of SF, i myself will vote for SF if he contests) that will make it almost impossible for MR to get 50% and thus win.

On the other hand the UNP’s block vote of 35% plus the JVP vote (5%) and together with the floating vote SF has a very good chance of winning.

But the question is will he come forward and contest?!

]]> By: Observer http://www.groundviews.org/2009/10/27/presidential-hopefuls-and-escape-routes-for-the-%e2%80%98hopeless%e2%80%99/comment-page-1/#comment-10361 Observer Sat, 31 Oct 2009 12:02:25 +0000 http://www.groundviews.org/?p=1853#comment-10361 Unless he plans to run Sri Lanka like the army he won't stand a chance. The man is too clear cut and to the point. Not at all sly enough to be a politician. I just find it amusing (if he really is thinking about politics) his aspirations especially after calling politicians a bunch of jokers once. Especially the nice things he has said about Ranil. lol Far as I know he will end up dead if he runs. Juts a hunch. Believe me it's not even MR that will do the deed. ;-) Unless he plans to run Sri Lanka like the army he won’t stand a chance. The man is too clear cut and to the point. Not at all sly enough to be a politician.
I just find it amusing (if he really is thinking about politics) his aspirations especially after calling politicians a bunch of jokers once. Especially the nice things he has said about Ranil. lol
Far as I know he will end up dead if he runs. Juts a hunch. Believe me it’s not even MR that will do the deed. ;-)

]]> By: kusal bandara http://www.groundviews.org/2009/10/27/presidential-hopefuls-and-escape-routes-for-the-%e2%80%98hopeless%e2%80%99/comment-page-1/#comment-10283 kusal bandara Thu, 29 Oct 2009 18:25:01 +0000 http://www.groundviews.org/?p=1853#comment-10283 Agree with Das Appuhamy. Elephants on Acid you are out of this world. As of now many UNPers will not vote for Ranil W. and that is the truth. Your analysis is a perfect day dream. Let's hope for CC such as SF or SS to challenge MR. Still need a very strong campaign to beat MR. Agree with Das Appuhamy.

Elephants on Acid you are out of this world. As of now many UNPers will not vote for Ranil W. and that is the truth. Your analysis is a perfect day dream. Let’s hope for CC such as SF or SS to challenge MR. Still need a very strong campaign to beat MR.

]]> By: Das Appuhamy http://www.groundviews.org/2009/10/27/presidential-hopefuls-and-escape-routes-for-the-%e2%80%98hopeless%e2%80%99/comment-page-1/#comment-10250 Das Appuhamy Wed, 28 Oct 2009 08:15:47 +0000 http://www.groundviews.org/?p=1853#comment-10250 Sri Lankan politics cries for good wholesome leaders who can replace the current band of largely self seeking, corrupt, abusive, doubletongued, highway robbers who have nothing to show in their areas of responsibility. Sarath Fonseka, the gentleman achiever of highest order, is like a breath of fresh air in the arena of our politics Sri Lankan politics cries for good wholesome leaders who can replace the current band of largely self seeking, corrupt, abusive, doubletongued, highway robbers who have nothing to show in their areas of responsibility.
Sarath Fonseka, the gentleman achiever of highest order, is like a breath of fresh air in the arena of our politics

]]> By: Elephants on Acid http://www.groundviews.org/2009/10/27/presidential-hopefuls-and-escape-routes-for-the-%e2%80%98hopeless%e2%80%99/comment-page-1/#comment-10246 Elephants on Acid Wed, 28 Oct 2009 07:13:34 +0000 http://www.groundviews.org/?p=1853#comment-10246 It's really quite simple. How do you beat MR and regain SL's solidarity as a democracy? Ranil Wickramasinghe and the UNP despite all the setbacks have a clinched vote of 40%. This is for sure as all previous elections have proven. So how do we break the mass vote for MR of 60%? The Tamils must vote UNP and for Ranil. Sarath Silva competes as a JHU candidate breaking MR's Sinhala Buddhist vote. Sarath Fonseka becomes JVP or independent candidate winning votes in all important Southern SL. Managala and Sajith campaign heavily in the south for Ranil. I am sure they can get at least another 5% of floating vote for Ranil. With the minorities vote Ranil now has scraped through to 50%. It's a win win situation. It's now or never. Ranil, the UNP, and it's hierarchy must now spend all their funds to ensure their victory. I am no political strategist, but I think I do make some sense? It’s really quite simple.

How do you beat MR and regain SL’s solidarity as a democracy?

Ranil Wickramasinghe and the UNP despite all the setbacks have a clinched vote of 40%. This is for sure as all previous elections have proven.

So how do we break the mass vote for MR of 60%?

The Tamils must vote UNP and for Ranil.

Sarath Silva competes as a JHU candidate breaking MR’s Sinhala Buddhist vote.

Sarath Fonseka becomes JVP or independent candidate winning votes in all important Southern SL.

Managala and Sajith campaign heavily in the south for Ranil. I am sure they can get at least another 5% of floating vote for Ranil.

With the minorities vote Ranil now has scraped through to 50%.

It’s a win win situation.

It’s now or never. Ranil, the UNP, and it’s hierarchy must now spend all their funds to ensure their victory.

I am no political strategist, but I think I do make some sense?

]]> By: justice http://www.groundviews.org/2009/10/27/presidential-hopefuls-and-escape-routes-for-the-%e2%80%98hopeless%e2%80%99/comment-page-1/#comment-10240 justice Wed, 28 Oct 2009 01:05:59 +0000 http://www.groundviews.org/?p=1853#comment-10240 SL population should consider any candidate who supports speedy constituional change to 1.accept all religions and Languages practiced in SL as state religions and languages. 2.Implement meaning ful devolution of powers to the provinces in a symetrical manner to manage education,health and social service,land ,revenue and law & order. 3.Accept democratically elected village level bodies to manage their local affairs. 4.Fully implement 17 th ammendment to free the country of nepotism,independant judiciary,police force and civil service from political control. 4.Who accept to encourage parliment to bring these constitutional changes along with a second chamber of house of parliment with equal representation from all provinces to have checks and balances of power to prevent presidential,parlimentary and provincial bodies. This should be the blue print for new ,modern,united SL With true participatory democracy without any discrimination or special treatment to any section of people. SL population should consider any candidate who supports speedy constituional change to
1.accept all religions and Languages practiced in SL as state religions and languages.
2.Implement meaning ful devolution of powers to the provinces in a symetrical manner to manage education,health and social service,land ,revenue and law & order.
3.Accept democratically elected village level bodies to manage their local affairs.
4.Fully implement 17 th ammendment to free the country of nepotism,independant judiciary,police force and civil service from political control.
4.Who accept to encourage parliment to bring these constitutional changes along with a second chamber of house of parliment with equal representation from all provinces to have checks and balances of power to prevent presidential,parlimentary and provincial bodies.
This should be the blue print for new ,modern,united SL With true participatory democracy without any discrimination or special treatment to any section of people.

]]> By: ericsor http://www.groundviews.org/2009/10/27/presidential-hopefuls-and-escape-routes-for-the-%e2%80%98hopeless%e2%80%99/comment-page-1/#comment-10236 ericsor Tue, 27 Oct 2009 18:02:06 +0000 http://www.groundviews.org/?p=1853#comment-10236 One thing is for sure. If SF comes as CC then all those who bashed him as war monger has to do some major white washing. Remember one UNP MP Kiriella said "Any fool can wage the way" Will it become "Any fool can become our CC" then? One thing is for sure.
If SF comes as CC then all those who bashed him as war monger has to do some major white washing.
Remember one UNP MP Kiriella said “Any fool can wage the way”
Will it become “Any fool can become our CC” then?

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