Dissatisfaction Galore In The New Cabinet
- Curtailed Cabinet
By Mandana Ismail Abeywickrema
A large number of newly appointed cabinet ministers are expressing their dissatisfaction over the portfolios allocated to them. Soon after the swearing in ceremony a senior member of the ruling party Nimal Siripala De Silva was overheard making rude comments about his portfolio. Silva, the former Minister of Health was appointed as Minister for Irrigation. Analysts said that Former Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickremanayake (Public Management and Reforms), John Seneviratne (Public Administration and Home Affairs) and A. H.M. Fowzie ( Disaster Management) have all been demoted. The President himself held on to four key ministries (Defence, Finance and Planning, Ports and Aviation and Highways).
The biggest winner is the President’s younger brother Basil Rajapaksa appointed to the cabinet for the first time as the Minister for Economic Development. He is expected to get key economic institutions under his Ministry.
The President gave some of the other key ministries to members of constituent parties of the Alliance. Wimal Weerawansa got the key ministry of Construction, Engineering Services, Housing and Common Amenities while Champika Ranawaka the financially lucrative Ministry of Power and Energy. Others to benefit were those who crossed over from the United National Party, most of whom got key ministries. Rajitha Senaratna was appointed as Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Johnston Fernando as Minister of Co-operatives and Internal Trade, and Gamini Lokuge as Minister for Labour Relations and Productivity Improvement.
Several key members of the former Cabinet have been left out from the new Cabinet of 37 ministers. Among them are Dr. Sarath Amunugama, former Defence Spokesperson and Minister of Labour and Foreign Employment Keheliya Rambukwella, the leader of the Ceylon Workers Congress Arumugam Thondaman who held the portfolio of Youth Empowerment and Socio Economic Development and former Science and Technology Minister Prof. Tissa Vitharana, who was also the head of the All Party Representatives Committee.
Several non-Cabinet ministers in the previous government like former Power Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage and Tourism Promotions Minister Faizer Mustapha have also been left out.
MPs from the Kandy District have been left out of the cabinet temporarily until an inquiry into malpractice at the general election is over. Informed sources say two cabinet ministers and two deputy ministers would be appointed from the eight UPFA members elected from Kandy District.
Apart from the 37 cabinet ministers, the President appointed 39 deputy ministers. Another notable absentee is Naveen Dissanayake who had reportedly turned down an offer of a deputy ministerial post.
In a shocking move, the President appointed controversial UPFA Parliamentarian Mervyn Silva as the Deputy Media Minister. There is no minister for the media portfolio in the current cabinet.
Silva has been accused of carrying out several attacks against the media and the President himself had been requested to intervene to settle the issues.
The President had to intervene to resolve the clash between Silva and Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation (SLRC) employees, which commenced after Silva was forcibly held and attacked by SLRC employees when he entered the premises and threatened a member of the staff in December 2008.
Meanwhile, SLFP Vice President Vinyagamurthy Muralitharan, alias Karuna Amman, was appointed as Deputy Minister for Resettlement in the new government.
President Mahinda Rajapaksa, addressing the ministers after the swearing-in ceremony, said it was a difficult task to allocate ministries to governing party members given the decision to curb the number of ministries.
The President also called on the ministers to set an example to the young UPFA members of parliament while fulfilling their duties.
Thank God that Fowzie has been given Disaster Management. He is a walking disaster himself and as there will be no disaster of the natural kind he can devote his entire ministry to himself – the disaster minister. He has made enough money to last at least 3 generations. Each generation I assume needing US$ 2 Million. The Prez is too damn nice by half for tolerating him – muslim or not he should be given his marching and therefore, retirement orders.
this guy is out of touch, he was the only minister in any cabinet to carry out the work in most effecient way. see for your selves the highways, hospitals.
Yes MAS your right with a mega COMMIS divided between him and the MR and his Brothers.
Stupid people as if you were watching when they divided commissions! Your comments must make some sense, which ever the party we support doesn’t matter!
you only see the highways, not his bank account.
crooks are getting into politics because there are fools like you to elect them.
Exactly looks like the more roads and bridges you make today the faster you get into Parliament while nobody still realises the reason for this enthusiasm.Wake up Sri Lankans.!!!
Wait till the new Deputy Mnister of Settlement takes over to settle the IDPs and there will be more to it. Incidentally, who is behind the resumption of white van abductions and ransom collection in the northso soon after the election? Old dirty murderous habits die hard.
Agree with you. To make a person disaster he/she should be appointed to the post of disaster initially, subsequently they will become a disaster. I would say this is a good decision by MR. Mr Fowzi will become a disaster soon hence UPFA will start attracting Muslim votes. As far as I heard Fowzi is the only obstacle for Colombo Muslims to vote for UPFA/MR.
Mr. Fowzie succeed all ministry.Transport,highway,Health, no complain this so much. Today above ministries are disaster. The problem in petroleum due to poor top advise.
You are correct. Fowzie was responsible as Minister, for the Hedging Contract entered into by CPC with banks, without any consultation with the Central Bank and Attorney General, resulting in a loss of US$ 500 Million to the nation.
He should have been releived of his portfolio,but the president mercifully kept him on.
Karuna is SLFP vice president?
people who was working for PA from young is still dont have any big post in the party while karuna was promoted.
MR should have appointed Mervin as the Speaker, so he will have to displine himself.
Any way now he goes to Rupawahini. He may have respect in another way. The Red Ink Welcome.
He will be carefull after this, since accusation againset him will be braught to him and he has to have inquiry against him.
So he will play Mervin double role
Reduction of cabinet is still not satisfactory, speculation of further expansion is circulating around. MR has a stable govt he can reduce it further at his will.
Among the demotion I like the health is stripped off foul mouthed Nimal who has done nothing but watching innocent children and people kept dying due to his negligence and greedy for money. but Mithripala equally know nothing about health and hope for the best. Fowzi made blunders by allowing Hedging but I doubt he earned as much as Thakshin bluffing or other minsters made. I think John Senaviratne is one of good man in govt he should have been given a decent job like health ministry as he has past experience. I am disappointed about Prof Thissa Vithana too an educated, capable person left out.
Among the others, Mr. Weerawansa was given unthinkably huge ministry he would finish his current palace in no time and build many one may be in the vicinity of Sigiriya where he has not ?visited. and people like Champika a nationalist also was given a powerful ministry indicating a warning signals to the minority people “hey, You minority, beware, will be blacked out”
Nepotism is spiraling at a rocket pace, more than 90% of power and wealth are in the hands of MR, No chance of impeachment even all MPs got together. the speaker is his brother. we knew only Mahinda from Rajapakshe family in active politics before he become to the limelight in politics. I was an admirer of MR when he was a minister for his charm and simpleness and winning the war for us. but I hate to see his family being brought into active politics as if being dropped from heaven leave alone Gota who did a good job being a defense sec he too now started using his power for nonsense now. needless to utter about Mervyn
My and our President has given appropriate portfolios to to lead the country towards propsperity.
This is a hightly biased piece of rubbish by Madana Isamil Abeywikrama. He is even taking about “Financially Lucrative Ministries”. Does this fellow think that this is some kind of a business deal? Dont bring jounalism to the level of garbage.
Oppostion and traitors can spin any stories like the famous “Apple Orchards Of Gamini” or ” Eeriyagolla’s Hotels in Switzerland”, they have to prove it.
Present spins, are that Mihin belongs to MR and Apollo belongs to Gota. By the way all these belongs to us ie: the country.
However its nice to note that our voters are able sift spinning garbage with the truth.
By the way DNA “Garbos”, got only 5% of the votes.
Anyway thanks for trigerring my little left emotions and publishing it too.
Now these guys
psycho i think u have forgotten to take your tablets as u said u were little emotional. See your psycho doctor immediately and get advice
Disaster on the way-So the huge majority has created the biggest split already-Mahindananada and his band-Mervyn Silva Kelaniya President and his gang-And ofcourse Wimal Weerawansa and his Group-Three divisions and others silently doing their bit-Nimal Siripaala on the side and Ratnasiri who has lost Premiership-
Geez first they complained that the cabinet was too big. Now MR listened and cut it down greatly! Cut him some slack… I see good things coming!
Are you dreaming; the size of the cabinet will be around 45.
What MR has to do is to review the performances of all Ministers irrespective of the position they hold in the Party in 1-2 years time, if SL were to continue with the presidential system and sack the underperforming ones. One can not expect to have foul mouths of the likes of Ismail Abeywickrema shut. They all failed miserably. Now the devils will come in a different form.
It is a great plessure to notify that the Hon.President has well defined the Cabinet. He had very well analysed the characters an personalities before finalising .With the JR model no body could satisfy the personalties.
Polips! nice to know that we think alike. Great minds do!
Fools seldom differ!! Have you heard that one??
Actually who is this idiot Phycho!, Thinks like an UPFA Memebr says things like the goon Doctor Minister of Mass Media. He should well as MR to make him the Minster and then he and the “Goon from Kelaniya can live together.
Psycho is a staight talker, no bushing around the beat (or vice versa).
Only the wise can comprehend his codes.
His quotes are internationally recognised.
Psycho, has mis-spelt the word. Think he wants to say ” …only the VICE can comprehend his code….”
Thats a good one, well done saro!
UPFA MPs, you won and got high preferential votes due to MR’s credit and his work , so work according to his wishes. Nimal Siripalada SIlva; you were the health minister for 2 periods, what have you done to health man?
Who cares about the health of the people. the wealth of the politicions that matters.
Abaya,
MR will drown in his own follies one day. MR was the catalyst for defeating LTTE and rescueing our country under the principles of UNITARY state. We should give full credit to MR on these two issues. But he is not a leader to develop our country and eradicate corruption and poverty. We will have to suffer another six years to get rid of these corrupt politicians. Perhaps by that time I hope, MR will have the courage to get rid of the preferential voting system.
You said it right. He made wealth out of health of the nation.
MR is doing a great job – see the appointment of CB Ratnayake as sports minister after his success in handling livestock in his previous ministry. You need a cattle herder to govern at least the cricket board. Let’s hope that our new MP from Matara the master blaster is not involved in Modi’s IPL match fixing as it will be another first ?? His batting suggested a bit of filty lucre//////////////////////////
This is so funny. Putting Mervyn Silva as dep Media minister is like putting Dracula in charge of the blood bank. But what can I say Sri lankans love to be pushed, slapped, bullied, kicked…the harder the better. And also spit on me while you do it. . They dont realise the govt. has to serve the people, not the other way around. Right now in Sri lanka there is zero independence for independent institutions of check and balance like the central bank, the election commission, the auditor general, the media, the judiciary, the law enforcement.. Instead they love to live in a dream world of fake nationalism. They feel insulted by Akon dancing near a Buddha statue but are happy to business with the chinese and burmese who murdered so many buddhist monks. There’s no way you can talk to people blinded by their own ignorance. Such a shame, since its such a beautiful island with such nice people. Perhaps thats why it hurts so much to see them suffer every day, in every way.
Do you think they came in to power cutting each others throats to serve the nation? Thanks to the good ‘old fox’ who brought this preferential vote system and we have more thug in parliament than ever before!
Dear Mr.Harak.
MR is not stupid. Nandimithra Ekenayake was sworn as deputy minister of Higher Education or so. Thats why i am telling our Hon.President has a sound knowledge on Personalties.
Dear Palipane,
Nandimithra Ekanayake has no educational qualifications worth mentioning.He and his brother Sarath are thugs, and collected four lakhs from each trader in Dambulla for the election. NE has a stadium named after him – his sole claim to “fame”! He was in SLFP, then jumped to UNP and now is back in SLFP(UPFA).
It is a tragedy that a man like him is to be in charge of Higher Education.This never happens in any other country.
Click “Nandamithra Ekanayake” on Google and you will get all information about him.
Mervyn Silva as dep media Monster? -good luck to you idiots who voted for him & his bunch of misfits.
In matsh it is said – + – = +. So now it is the onus in the hands of Mervin to control the media. Will see how he is going tackle the media without controvicies. Otherwise that wil be the end of mervins political life. It is like giving a knife to monkey. Either monkey will kill evey one or monkey will kill itself.
As long as there are plenty of ‘idiots’ with short memories in our little isle, monsters can and will survive.
Hi Palipana – you have got the word correct – “sound” knowledge – even Mihintale is still reverberating with the sound of thunder after lightning struck the Temple – the gods are also agreeing with you.
Dr.Harak,At this point of time the whole Vatican is reverberating with the crimes they committed against innocent children.The papal criminal who lives there is looking for a place to hide his head after he helped the criminals to scot free……(in the kingdom of heaven!)
well done Longus> U seem to be a materialist. Am I correct?
Do not be hasty to label people,for I do not belong where you place me! In the same way I don’t think you are a “Modaya” just because you claim yourself to be.That shows your humbleness only!
Longus, just stick to the present subject. Let Vatican solve their problem. You deal with your politician gods here.
I was only countering Hon.Dr.Harak’s argument only Sir!
Longus, Koheda yanne, Malle pol, typical yakko reply which
has nothing to do with this blog – people like you do exist and that is the problem………….
Longus having fungus up your private? Don’t try to categorize and separate issues to a particular section only.There are many things that happens behind close doors in all categories of society. Between the higher ups and lower downs as they are one sided gender staying together here’s a hint “cock a doodle doo till half past two.It’s a original song from a Sri Lamkan not from Italy have you head it?
Wimal Weerawangsa (Madawangsa) a bloody loafer got so many ministries
damn shame to the cabinet an uneducated bugger and he should be kicked out
from the cabinet.
Sootin,
He is not the only one. What about other jokers who want to be billionnaires.
Do you know about his E ducational qualifications. 4 A’s in A/Ls. But had no chance to go further because he is not belongs to your social category (high society). But he has a brian than every body among the ministers. We need the ministers from the normal society like him. He will show his colours very soon.
Educated or not (because education is not a priority to become a politician) brain or barinless – he too needs to be given a chance to make some money like most of them did as newcomers to the cabinet. Moreover, he has to do the final touches too to his palace that he’s put up. We do need people from the normal society, so we could make them billionaires!
Don’t think everybody is like you. There are many people who love their motherland and want to do a real service. On the other hand concerning WW, I have no against when he become billionaires from our money even because, he did enough to this country during the LTTE problem. He helped to make MR ‘s presidency twice, and forced and supported to MR to finish the war. His support was greater than SF concerning the war. You all are doing criticisms only. Wait and see sometimes, you jealous man.
Hey, Among all Fouzi is a hard worker and he is a man who work for the people he dosnt think he is a muslim but he always work for the country. may be people around him doing wrong it dosnt mean he is wrong we know he is one of the oldest politetion living he has done so much to CMC when he was the mayor. all the ministries he held he did it perfectly. in petroliam bec of Asantha De Mels involvement on deals made him to the situation as to we Sinhalees he is better then so many Sinhalees politetions they will only come during the elections but we can approach this Simple man at any time his door is open for any ione he is an example. he never mis a funeral or invitation please dont insult a good man lik him.
If attending funerals and invitations are your criteria for a good minister then u must have a brain scan and surely u r not a sinhalese…………………………………….
Fowzi , DM, Ratnasiri, Nimal Siripala- these guys do not understand the difference between day and night. Please do not bet on these guys to perform miracles.
what an ill-informed article !
Yes there are rumblings amongst the Cabinet – but the way it has been written & presented is just poor & shows forced desperation – saying that Keheliya, amunugama have been left out as if they are Never going to get a portfolio & then to say that they are under enquiry ….
Hey Sandman. . do you know he is elected by the sinhalees vote i am sure he didnt get even 5000 minority votes this shows he is among us ..
These are Political appointments not based on national needs. MR is not visionary but a shrewd politician. He knows when to throw a piece of meat among the political vultures that hover above the electorate looking for the best part of the meat. They all want the ministries which will make them billionaires during next few months. The only difference between UNP politicians and the UPLF politicians is; UNP politicians want to be the billionaires during the life of the parliament but UPLF politicians want to be the billionaires during the first twelve months of the parliament.
MR has broken the promise to the nation; before the election citizens were promised the size of the cabinet will be around 35 (still it is unaffordable). He has not completed the appointments yet. Also, he is inviting the opposition members to join him or rather promising them lucrative positions. My estimate is that he will have about 45 cronies as cabinet ministers and another 45 as deputy ministers. It is an enormous cost to a country overly governed by dirty politicians; Pradeshiya, Provincial and National Levels.
MR will drown in his own follies. Small poor country like ours, still holding the begging bowl in the international arena and mainly funded by the money remitted by the poor, sons and daughters working in the foreign countries cannot afford to maintain a huge cabinet of ministers and on top of that pay Rs.175, 000 monthly per every useless MP (Dick and Harry plus their children) elected under the preferential system. All political parties have contributed this MP’s tamasha knowingly it does not serve any national interest or purpose. The cabinet ministers must be limited to 18 and 9 deputy ministers depending on the responsibilities. That will be the day, we really rescue our Mother-Lanka from the dirty politicians who continue to ruin our nation under different guises. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH – “Voice of UVA”
Completely aggree with you, “Voice of uVA”!
Everyone seem to have only a personal agenda in politics. Now Mano complain that he was not given a national slot in patliament. How could he, when not enough people voted for him and his party. Now he tries to get close to Mahinda and is thinking of joining him, a person who he himself before election tried to fight together with the others on the grounds that he was dictatorical and non democratic. Exactly like Johnston did.
Don´t these “politicians” have any backbone at all?
Well, whoever kept promises in politics? as long as there are fools like us, they can say anything and get away with it. So our Pres. is no exception to this rule of law.
Voice of UVA – It’s 45 cronies as cabinet ministers and another 45 clones a deputy new breed, hope not vulture’s hah hah haaa!!!!
The biggest winner is BR – he can get the biggest commissions, travel the most. He is in charge of Economic Development – does he have any inkling of Economics. Sri Lanka is heading for the biggest economic disaster ever – and the Sinhala modays dont realise this and voted the Rajapaksas into power.
BR is the winner but nation is the looser. We will be begging like Zimbabwe at the end of this parliamentary term. Is there any difference between Robert Mugabe (RM) and MR when it comes to economic development policies of Sri Lanka.
We like to know what has Weerawansa done so far for community development. He is now given the opportunity to build not just one palace but a palace for his wife & each of his children. All he can do will be to open public toilets! He will play out people’s houses. HOW HE POLLED THE HIGHEST VOTES IN COLOMBO IS THE BIGGEST MYSTERY!
There are rumors he got more votes. He talked to the peoples’ heart. He gave his best contribution to finish the LTTE to MR. You blinds can’t see those or you don’t like to see the truth. He is honest, talented and from the middle class, that is your main problem aginst to him. Am I wrong? I believe that, he has all the necessary talents to be our next leader. We can see his work in the near future, as a creative and people friendly minister.
Talents may be – but honest….? there is another think coming..
If you believe he has talents, that’s enough. At least you accepted that. There are enough jealous people in our country.
The President deserves our commendation for successfully accomplishing the very formidable and challenging task of reducing the size of the cabinet. In this difficult process, it would have been humanly impossible for him to fulfil the ministerial ambitions of some of people in every respect. Human nature being what it is, some new ministers may definitely be entertaining thoughts that they ought to have been rewarded with different portfolios perceived to be more prominent or influential. Thus, in this context, some discontent is inevitable and also understandable. Such dissatisfaction is bound to dissipate away soon as those ministers come to grips with reality and they may even consider themselves lucky that they got portfolios, as they did, in the circumstances.
It is arguably very far fetched to talk of a situation of ‘Dissatisfaction Galore’ as the author of the article has resorted to in this instance. Do we ever have heard of situations of ‘full satisfaction’ for all and sundry in endeavours involving humans? Never.
Let people be aware that it is the preorgative of the President to determine who should be appointed as Ministers and what specific portfolios or subjects should be assigned to them. If any receipient of a cabinet portfolios is not happy with what has come his/her way, then, the honorable thing to do is to decline it. Of course, in the Sri Lankan context, we cannot expect to find individuals honorable enough to refuse offers of Ministerial portfolios! Can we?
Mr Nimal Siripala de Silva has been the incumbent of the Health portfolio for two terms. It is certainly a wise move on the part of the President to shift him elsewhere this time around and take the opportunity to infuse some ‘fresh blood’ to the health sector. The compelling reasons for such a course of action are too obvious to reiterate.
In the United States, the worlds most powerful democracy, there are only 16 departments headed by 16 secretaries. They are:
01. State
02. Treasury
03. Defense
04. Justice
05. Interior
06. Agriculture
07. Commerce
08. Labour
09. Health & Human Services
10. Housing & Urban Development
11. Transportation
12. Energy
13. Education
14. Veterans Affairs
15. Homeland Security (created after 9/11)
Sri Lanka has 37 Ministries (and more to come). Most of them are fluff ministries to satisfy all and sundry. So who pays for the upkeep of all these clowns? Isn’t it surprising that we are a third world country?
They need always USA in top.But here family buissness.
One of the new ministries are called the Ministry of Silly Silly Bags.. the other is Ministry of Tuk Tuks and Bullock Carts
Only goes to show that SL is a far more powerful democrazy than the USA!
Dear Colin,
You forgot to mention that all US department heads are educated men/women,selected for eminence in their fields of responsiblity – not like the majority now in our parliament.
All of them declare their assets publicly, or, this is available for those interested. The slightest rumour of impropriety,irresponsible behaviour,inefficiency, wastage or nepotism is aired in the media.
Yes justitia, you are absolutely right. The secretaries are all eminent people, educated, with loads of integrity. That’s one good thing about the US constitution where the President has the freedom to appoint his secretaries from outside Congress. However, they are answerable to Congress at all times. Can you imagine a situation if MR had the freedom to appoint his Ministers from outside? All of them would have one thing in common; their surnames will be Rajapakse!!
Guys, read the writing on the wall. We have another Markos / Suharto regime in the making.
Collins comments are childish to compare Sri Lankan politics with America. If you see the Secretary of State, there are another 12 under secretaries, and countless number of Assistant Secretaries including Robert Blake. At the end of elections they replace over 5,000 positions from the Party come in to power. Then the president is privy to appoint Judges, Heads of various regulatory bodies. If you pull in the internet only about President and his office you cannot believe the number of political appointees to various offices. Sri Lanka has done better under difficult circumstances. Even JRJ who created the constitution did have more than 80 members in the cabinet. Premadasa jumping to 90, CBK making it almost 100 to end up at 107 under MR. However, for MR it did not come easy. He had to woe members of the opposition to join the governing party, if a ministerial position is not given would have been replaced by another crony of the respective party. My hats off to MR for doing an impossible task to please most of the constituent parties of the UPFA.
MR has given the ultimate humilation to the media by appointing a cow boy plitico MErvyn Silva. And can you see the ministries like highways where ministers can make huge amount of money are shared between MR and his Basil. these 2 will become the Sri lankankan Suharthos in the near future.
Lot of hidden things are come out.
No they will never come out. The media will be well taken care of by the deputy Minister who. A good reason for this appointment – to keep things hidden always
More power in the hands of one person and more Ministries means more corruption. But the media will be forced to keep its lips sealed. Mervyn will see to that! This is a strategic move of the Pres. Appointing Chamal Rajapakse as Speaker is another strategic move to ensure that no impeachment motion will be entertained when the Pres. and his bros. go on the rampage.
These are not strategic moves. MR is not a strategist by any means. He is a tactician. These are short term moves to fulfill the desires of himself and the cronies. On the otherhand, You may be right MR is appointing trustworthy persons in the most vulnerable or profitable positions in order to control our national assets.
am seated in my chair living in the best country in the whole world, that the IMF just declared as the ONLY country in the developed world to have the best economy and to have come through the GFC without a scratch – go figure. Then I look at the crooked, corrupt, dirty, fly and moth infested dump called Sri Lanka and laugh and think to myself, rot you poor evil toads because you well and truly deserve it. Meanwhile, I continue to sit in my chair experiencing the comfortable, peaceful, clean, quality lifestyle in the best country in the world. You cannot come where I am becuase you are a rotten corrupt evil kind.
Don’t show your fly infested and buggered back to the country of your birth.That only proves you don’t have a proper father.Your poor motherland only gave you an education for you to brag about the United States of America.The “best country in the world” might have to go on its knees to China with a begging bowl in a few years time.Who knows you may have to work as a male sex worker to make a living at that time!
Hey who said that the US is the best country in the world? Far from it. According to the UN’s living index, Australia is the best in the world. And I agree. As someone who has lived both in the US and Australia, (now living in Australia) I can boldly say that Australia is best by far. Good weather, clean air, low crime, fantastic health care and the highest quality of life!
US? my foot!!
This is only the beginning – the tip of the iceberg!
Just heard – Hot News
Maithreepala and Animal Siripala with a group are going to break away from the Govt as Independents. Wait for more. Two secret meetings had been held at Animal’s house!
Biggest losers are the UNPers who crossed over – they are either in limbo or stuck between the devil & the deep blue sea. They crossed over & wanted to remain with the uNP. Unlike GLP & Amunugama who crossed over & stuck with the betel leaf. Beginning with Bogols (he was put to contest in Colombo knowing he would lose), Keheliya, Naveen D, Lakshman Y A,. Mahinda Samarasinghe. Lucky ones are Rajitha & Johnny. They are the biggest patriots!
Dear MaPer’
Politicians who pledge allegiance to a party,win a seat and then cross over to another party for portfolios, perks, power and positions for their kith and kin, are The SCUM among Politicians in Sri Lanka.
These SCUM must first be got rid of for the country to prosper.
It is because of these SCUM that the UNP lost many times.
CAN THE OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT WEBSITE HAVE A DATA BASE INCORPORATING THE WORK DONE BY THE MINISTERS, DEPUTY MINISTERS, & MPs so that the public could know whom they have elected into parliament. The opposition MPs of course would have limited finances; but even the work done by them too could be published on the website. If such a website is updated at least quarterly it would be of great benefit to the nation – it is the right of the people to know who their representatives are.
would be nice to have an e-gov like http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/e-gov/ oops wait a minute it would not work out for Silly Lanka… all initiatives will be in the red tsskk tsskk
well detailed Mr.Colin
Mr.Maper,I want to study the’ work done’ to the Central province through the personalities Mr.Sarath Amunugama,Mr.S.B.Dissanayake, Mr.Keheliya Rambukwella and Mr.Naveen Dissanayake during the past ten years.
http://www.salafipublications.com/sps/
1. What is Islaam?
The word “Islaam” is an Arabic word that means “submitting and surrendering your will to Almighty God”. The word comes from the same root as the Arabic word “salam”, which means peace. Unlike the names used for other religions, such as Buddhism, Hinduism and Christianity, the name for the religion of Islaam was both revealed by God and carries a deep spritual meaning – only by submitting one’s will to Almighty God can one obtain true peace both in this life and in the life hereafter. Islaam teaches that all religions originally had the same essential message – which was to submit whole-heartedly to the will of God and to worship Him and Him alone. For this reason, Islaam is not a new religion but is the same divinely revealed Ultimate Truth that God revealed to all prophets, including Noah, Abraham, Moses and Jesus.
2. Who are Muslims?
The Arabic word “Muslim” literally means “someone who submits to the will of God”. The message of Islaam is meant for the entire world and anyone who accepts this message becomes a Muslim. Some people mistakenly believe that Islaam is just a religion for Arabs, but nothing could be further from the truth, since in actuality over 80% of the world’s Muslims are not Arabs! Even though most Arabs are Muslims, there are Arabs who are Christians, Jews and atheists. If one just takes a look at the various peoples who live in the Muslim World – from Nigeria to Bosnia and from Morocco to Indonesia – it is easy enough to see that Muslims come from all different races, ethnic groups and nationalities. From the very beginning, Islaam had a universal message for all people. This can be seen in the fact that some of the early companions of the Prophet Muhammad were not only Arabs, but also Persians, Africans and Byzantine Romans. Being a Muslim entails complete acceptance and active obedience to the revealed will of Almighty God. A Muslim is a person who freely accepts to base his beliefs, values and faith on the will of Almighty God. In the past, even though you don’t see it as much today, the word “Mohammedans” was often used as a label for Muslims. This label is a misnomer and is the result of either wilful distortion or sheer ignorance. One of the reasons for the misconception is that Europeans were taught for centuries that Muslims worshipped the Prophet Muhammad in the same way that Christians worship Jesus. This is absolutely not true since a Muslim is not permitted to worship anyone or anything besides Almighty God.
3. Who is Allaah?
Very often one will here the Arabic word “Allaah” being used in regards to Islaam. The word “Allaah” is simply the Arabic word for Almighty God, and is the same word used by Arabic speaking Christians and Jews. If one were to pick up an Arabic translation of the Bible, one would see the word “Allaah” being use where the word “God” is used in English. Actually, the Arabic word for Almighty God, “Allaah”, is quite similar to the word for God in other Semitic languages – for example, the Hebrew word for God is “Elah”. For various reasons, some non-Muslims mistakenly believe that Muslims worship a different God than the God of Moses and Abraham and Jesus. This is certainly not the case, since the Pure Monotheism of Islaam calls all people to the worship of the God of Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus and all of the other prophets.
Who asked about your Allah man?You have gone to the Hardware shop to purchase pork! As you have taken all the trouble to write all that you deserve an answer.
1.Just because you think it’s a big thing to surrender yourself to an imaginary God like an ignorant caveman who is riddled with fear and ignorance don’t think that everybody is stupid like you! We have a brain to think and that brain was not given by your God but by millions of years of evolution.
2.True,most of he Muslim countries became Muslim by forcible conversion and torture.As clearly stated in the Holy Quran,it is the duty of every Muslim to engage in “Jihad” and convert infidels(non Muslims) to Muslims until the whole world is Muslim.
3.Allah or Almighty God is a hallucination or a figment of imagination in Prophet Mohammad’s mind.Mohammad as a child had the opportunity to mingle with various religious sects as his father was the keeper of a famous well in Mecca.One such group called Gnostics worshipped a God called “Alaha”.Gnostics had both early Christian and Mahayana Buddhist elements in their doctrine.Mahayana buddhism came to Middle East after the expulsion of “heratic monks” in the 3rd council, which was held under the patronage of King Asoka of India.
The word “Gnostic” means “ghnana” or wisdom is Sanskrit and the word
Alaha is a derivative of the Sanskrit word “Arahath” which means “The Enlightened one” i.e.The Buddha.
The young Mohammad took a liking to this doctrine and subsequently made it a religion and a code of descipline,to unite all the Arabic tribes and was able to make an Islamic empire by around 700AD.He told that he received the “only God” Allah’s message personally and he was the “chosen one” by Allah.He did some good to the world but his story about Allah is totally borrowed from other religions!And his alleged encounters with God were mere fabrications!
DONT TALK LIKE A STUPID IDIOT. DONT TALK ABOUT THINGS YOU DO NOT KNOW. ELSEWHERE I HAVE POINTED OUT THE FIRST CONVERSION WAS OF DEVANAMPIYA TISSA BY MAHINDA NOT OUR PRESIDENT.
HE IS UNABLE TO COVERT HIS CATHOLIC SPOUSE.
THATS HOW IT SHOULD BE CO-EXISTENCE.
WHY CANT WE ALL BE LIKE THAT ?
May be Mahinda(The President)doesn’t believe in convertion,like the Evangelical species we see around! That’s how it was from Arhath Mahinda onwards.Arhath Mahinda came as he was invited by King Dewanampiyatissa,with the message of Buddha.He never came with a sword in one hand and a bible in the other.
Hey Longus,
Though comments by “correct” are true, they are irrelevant at place. Please, do not burst for that matter.
1. your brain is million years old from evolution rather than created.First of all, Have you ever understood how the brain function before theorizing its origin?. there are numerous grey areas in the science of neurology.
Regarding evolution read what the Darwin says“To suppose that the eye with all its inimitable contrivances for adjusting the focus to different distances, for admitting different amounts of light and for the correction of spherical and chromatic aberration, could have been formed by natural selection, seems, I Freely Confess, Absurd In The Highest Degree.”
Charles Darwin, – Origin of Species, Chapter Difficulties
Further you can read his book “LETTERS and MY LIFE”
“Despite the bright promise that palaeontology provides means of ‘seeing’ Evolution, it has provided some nasty difficulties for Evolutionists, the most notorious of which is the presence of ‘gaps’ in the fossil record. Evolution requires intermediate forms between species and palaeontology does not provide them.”
David Kitts, – Ph.D. Palaeontology and Evolutionary Theory, Evolution, Vol. 28 Sept. 1974 p.467
2. I do not know where you read in quran asking Muslims to convert all by force quran says in 2:256 There is no compulsion in religion, for the right way is clearly from the wrong way. Whoever therefore rejects the forces of evil and believes in God, he has taken hold of a support most unfailing, which shall never give way, for God is All Hearing and Knowing. Please, give me correct quotation.
3. Gnostic theory; Gnostic is not sanskrit but Greek word origin of Gnosticism is controversial. I do not know how a word Alaha(aramaic word the language Jesus PBUH spoke came from Arahath. any way the Islam is crystal clear in the definition of Allah quran 112;1–4 Say: He is Allah, the One and Only; Allah, the Eternal, Absolute; He begetteth not, nor is He begotten; And there is none like unto Him.
None of features of Buddha conforms to the definition as above to call him Allah. you are dreaming.
4. Prophet Mohamed PBUH was illiterate and no proof of him learning any other religion, Quran is unique in its language and it never contradicts itself. If you think it is written by human being.read what it says in Quran, 2:23-24 “And if you are in doubt about what We have revealed (the Quran) to Our worshiper (Muhammad ), then produce a chapter like it, and call your witnesses (supporters and helpers) besides God if you are truthful. And if you do not do it, and you can never do it, then fear the Fire (Hell) whose fuel is men and stones.
Longus!! You are welcome to take up the challenge of Quran. If you are truthful in your theory and words.
I agree with AZATH in above and LONGUS’s comments are based on ignorance…. my advise is not to comment without studying the subject correctly
azath: Under another heading you’ve said Buddha was silent on ‘the creator God’. True, some scholars assert that notion. But that is not the truth. To start with as you say; the Buddha is no Allah. Then how could he; he didn’t believe in a creator.
Before I proceed, please bear in mind that the ‘Pali’ equivalent of ‘the creator God’ is Issara or Isvara or Brahma.
Now, if you refer to Patika Sutta, Digha Nikaya (No.24) ‘Dialogues of Buddha’, you will see that the Buddha had clearly commented on the origin of Brahma. Since it is a long description, I hope to detail it at another time. So, I shall move on to my next illustration for now.
In the ‘Bhuridatta Jataka’ (No.543), the Bodhisatta questions the supposed Divine justice of the creator as follow:
“He who has eyes can see the sickening sight, why does not Brahma set his creatures right?
I his wide power no limits canrestrain, why is his hand so rarely spread to bless?
Why are his creatures all condemned to pain?
Why does he not to all give happiness?
Why do fraud, lies, and ignorance prevail?
Why triumphs falsehood-truth and justice fail?
I count you Brahma one that unjust among, who made a world in which shelter wrong.”
Then there is this Mahabodhi Jataka (No.528), where Bodhisatta refuted the theory that everything is the creation of a Supreme Being as follows:
If there exists some Lord all powerful to fulfil in every creature bliss or woe, and action good or ill; That lord is stained with sin. Man does but works with will.
Therefore, what you wrote in the last paragraph, the other day shall I say, is not correct: The Buddha was not silent on ‘the creator God’. He had never accepted it.
Perhaps you wish to answer those questions the Bodhisattva posed and defend the creator if you like.
Leela, I try to answer your query below
Azath, little knowledge of Islam is a dangerous thing. If delve deep into it, the Holy Quran fully supports evolutionary process.
No where in the Quran it states that Adam was the first man, it says that he was the first vicegerant or prophet.
Quran is a dynamic and a living book which help the human with differing intellectula ability. Some of the verses are in parables.
When it says “Man was created by clay and the Iblis was out of fire” ( in the same senctence)it refers to that the man as can me moulded like clay and Iblis (is also human) goes out of control (like fire). There are lots of verses in the Quran to prove Evolution.
Hence aprart from physiological, paleantological, genetic and other proofs, Quran also a source to prove that evolution is correct.
There are no fairy tales in the Holy Quran, however its sad to note majority of Muslims believe in fairy tales.
Also think deeply that Millions or Billions of years that took us to evolve to human, compared to infinite time is a flick second.
Totally out of topic!We are not interested sweety!!!You can keep your religious beliefs to your self!!!
Salam. But what has this got to do with the article? Enlightenment is needed here, as always.
Enlightenment? Can you ever hope to get anywhere near that state reading the partisan and lopsided comments appearing here in abundant measure written by people with their own hidden agendas and who seem to be obviously not possessed with the capacity to come to terms with reality of the situation prevailing in Mother Lanka?
Oh, man!!You feel hurt!!Yes we do understand but with ideots like you!!in the majority, we have very little choice!!So enjoy your reality like the frogs in the well.We are very happy for you!!ha ha ha ha ——
All complained that sri lanaka got most number of ministers etc.
When MR reduce it to 40 (I think 3 more from Kandy) all complainning that ministeres are nt happy etc
you guys may be pro UNP but altest appreciate good things of MR government
Maithreepala and Animal Silva breakawat group are going to meet again after President has left the country. they are trying to get Dulles to their group he says no but John Senevirathne is in with them. More to follow. These people will form a new Independent Group under the leadership of Maithreepala Sirisena. They angry over the Prime Minister post and Cabinet posts.
ALL THE MINISTERS and MP’s HAVE SOME CORRUPT PRACTICES AND ALL THEIR BAD RECORDS ARE WITH MR… The records will be handed over to the CID or the relevent authorities the moment they decide to do something against MR and the CID will commence investigations. The latest being the recent PILLAYAN investigations, the corruptions which MR turned a blind eye during allegations. NOBODY CAN AFFORD TO GO AGAINST MR NOW… this is the name of the game all have tow in line
Ho.D.M.Jayaratne is the most suitable person to that post. Hon.MR did his job perfectly.Always good things must be appreciated.
Minister Portfolio
President Mahinda Rajapaksa
(1) Defense (REQUIRED)
(2) Finance & Planning, (REQUIRED)
(3) Ports & Aviation, (FLUFF MINISTRY. CAN BE UNDER TRANSPORT)
(4) Highways (FLUFF MINISTRY. CAN BE UNDER TRANSPORT)
[3 & 4 have lots of $$$ as commission. Its a lottery]
1 D. M. Jayaratne Buddhasasana & Religious Affairs
(FLUFF MINISTRY. NOT REQUIRED)
2 Ratnasiri Wickramanayake Public Management & Reforms
(FLUFF MINISTRY- NOT REQUIRED. CAN BE UNDER INTERIOR)
3 Nimal Siripala de Silva Irrigation & Water Resource Development
(REQUIRED. Power & Irrigation should be included in this)
4 A. H. M. Fowzie Disaster Management
(FLUFF MINISTRY. NOT REQUIRED)
5 Maithripala Sirisena Health
(REQUIRED)
6 Susil Premajayantha Petroleum Industries
(REQUIRED. Include Ministry of Env, power & Energy)
7 Dinesh Gunawardena Water Supply & Drainage
(FLUFF MINISTRY. NOT REQUIRED. Should be under Health Ministry)
8 Douglas Devananda Traditional Industries & Small Enterprise Dev.
(Absolute FLUFF MINISTRY. NOT REQUIRED)
9 A. L. M. Athaullah Local Government & Provincial Councils
(REQUIRED. Include Housing & Development)
10 D. E. W. Gunasekera Rehabilitation & Prison Reforms
(FLUFF MINISTRY. NOT REQUIRED. Prisons should be under Justice)
11 Rishad Bathiyutheen Industry & Commerce
(REQUIRED. Include Trade & Shipping)
12 Wimal Weerawansa Construction, Engineering Services, Housing & Common Amenities
(FLUFF MINISTRY. BUT CAN MAKE LOADS OF $$$ on commissions)
13 Champika Ranawaka Power & Energy
(REQUIRED. Should include Petroleum)
14 Basil Rajapaksa Economic Development
(FLUFF MINISTRY. BUT CAN MAKE LOADS OF $$$ on commissions)
15 P. Dayaratne State Resources & Enterprise Development
(FLUFF MINISTRY .. How about Underwater Basket Weaving Ministry?)
16 Prof G. L. Peiris Foreign Affairs
(REQUIRED. GOOD APPOINTMENT though GL is a High Jumper. Boggles ruined the Foreign Ministry)
17 John Seneviratne Public Administration & Home Affairs
(REQUIRED. Should be a Deputy’s position under Justice Ministry)
18 Mrs. Sumedha Jayasena Parliamentary Affairs
(ABSOLUTE FLUFF MINISTRY. NOT REQUIRED. How about Sex affairs?)
19 Milroy Fernando Resettlement
(MAY BE REQUIRED ON A TEMP BASIS FOR IDPs)
20 Jeewan Kumaratunga Post & Telecommunication
(REQUIRED. This should include Media, Telecom)
21 Pavithra Wanniarachchi National Heritage & Cultural Affairs
(FLUFF MINISTRY. NOT REQUIRED. It should be under Interior)
22 Anura Priyadarshana Yapa Environment
(FLUFF MINISTRY. NOT REQUIRED. Should be under Power & Energy)
23 Tissa Karaliyadde Child Development & Women’s Affairs
(FLUFF MINISTRY. NOT REQUIRED)
24 Athauda Seneviratne Justice
(REQUIRED. Should include Labour, Prisons & Public Admin)
25 Gamini Lokuge Labour Relations & Productivity Improvement
(FLUFF MINISTRY. NOT REQUIRED)
26 Bandula Gunawardena Education
(REQUIRED)
27 Mahinda Samarasinghe Plantation
(FLUFF MINISTRY. NOT REQUIRED. Should be under Agriculture)
28 Rajitha Senaratne Fisheries & Aquatic Resources
(REQUIRED)
29 Piyasena Gamage Indigenous Medicine
(FLUFF MINISTRY. NOT REQUIRED)
30 S. B. Navinne National Languages & Social Integration
(ABSOLUTE FLUFF MINISTRY. NOT REQUIRED)
31 Janaka Bandara Tennekoon Lands & Land Development
(REQUIRED as a Deputy under Environment)
32 Felix Perera Social Services
(FLUFF MINISTRY. NOT REQUIRED. Should be under Health)
33 C. B. Rathnayake Sports
(REQUIRED. Include Youth Affairs as well)
34 Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena Agriculture
(REQUIRED. Include Food & Plantations)
35 Kumara Welgama Transport
(REQUIRED. Include Aviation & Ports under same Ministry)
36 Dullas Alahaperuma Youth Affairs
(FLUFF MINISTRY. NOT REQUIRED)
37 Johnston Fernando Co-operatives & Internal Trade
(FLUFF MINISTRY. NOT REQUIRED. Should be under Food)
So there you are! A total of 18 essential ministries to run the country.
This is how to achieve cohesion among ministries and work together to develop the country and keep administrative costs to a minimum.
THERE IS VACANCY FOR MINISTER WITHOUT PORTFOLIO. WE HAD ONE IN THE OLD DAYS.
Ha Ha Why not? Just like a spare wheel. These 37 ministries are just the start. Please add 5 more for the guys from Kandy plus the new ministries for the UNP high jumpers awaiting to leap in the coming weeks. That will make it about 55. Now double that with deputies and you have a grand total of 110!!
Dear Fellow readers
after Mervin Became the Dep Minister For Media (!) he can even get the responders e mail address & May be track us thru the IP address. so Please Do Not Call MERVIN a DOG , or a cow or even a Gonna. He is a Dr. (in sinhala i can call him Gon Dothara).
Don’t be silly !He has a long way to go before, trying to learn about e,mail and internet!!!
dear Mr.Colin,
Your organisation structure is very correct. The Ministry of Highways should be under the Hon.President with tough Supervision.Few months ago a child was killed due to the bridge failure in Southern expressway. The so called Provincial Councils should be eliminated as soon as possible for the benefit of our peasentry.Don’t forget that the same people voted for MR.It is a very true fact that forgeting these innocent people no body in SL could retain in power.Look at the 1970 and 1977 General Elections.
President hand in glove for all actions of Mervyn Silva.
Friends please discuss about the forthcoming breakawy group led by Tharahapala Sirisena and his assistant Animal Modapala De Silva with Buru Senevirathne being the treasurer. they have got 3 MPs! so far including Paligannananda Aluthgamage
Swarna,
MR will have the last laugh as there are so many pole vaulters within the ranks of the UNP awaiting to jump – including now ousted Rukman who is at war with Ra-Knee for not nominating him from the UNP National list. Ra-Knee himself might jump if Preme Jr is given UNP’s leadership.
All those who left MR have wilted away like poof-tick Mangy boy, Tiran and late Siripathi. I’m not sure if this story has any credence because they stand to loose a lot like A spanking new Prado, 6 back up cars for their coolies, cooks, mistresses, Russian hookers, trips overseas, official bungalows, entertainment and the lot.
To NOT!!, yeah mate, I was referring to beautilful Australia. It is the best country in the whole world. Good on you mate. Cheers
No worries mate!
Akon and NOT ; you both have benefited from the “refugee” scam of your dead leader Piribakaran. Please do not brag too much about Australia. Guys like you will spoil that beautiful country before too long with your shenanigans.
Nimal Siripala De Silva was overheard making rude comments. Former Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickremanayake, John Seneviratne and A. H.M. Fowzie have all been demoted, unable to entertain good friend Ben Johnson (Wangu) & luxury perks from tax payer, yes dissatisfaction Galore. Seven months from now comes November breeze,how many more will be blown sky high? when results are evaluated.”" Cheers Mr President !! “”"
We all heard senior Ministers commenting on Mervin when he attacked the Rupavahini, was it followed up…. This too will die down
It will be interesting to profile our so called ministers.Name ,families,mistresses,educational qualifications,wealth before entering politics.positions before entering politics,number of vehicles,bicycles,carts,mode of transport before and after,type of houses before and after,Schools for the children before and after,land ownership before and after,foreign travel before and after,…………………I am sure our fellow bloggers can add to the list!!It will definitely be an interesting composition to realize,the salesman in the cooperative shop or your village grama niladhari,simple cop in the police station is governing our lives and the destiny of a nation!!!ha,ha…ha
We all know the calibre of Sri Lankan politicians. Also, we know how some politicians born in poverty have become billionaires and living lavishly at the expense of citizens of Sri Lanka. None of them have got into politics to serve people. MR and his present cabinet is not an exception. They are more interested in their bank accounts in Switzerland, USA , UK and China. Most of them hardly had a savings account in a local bank in Sri Lanka. The present cabinet of ministers will make every attempt to amaze as much as wealth before November of this year (Before MR taking oath as the President for his second term and appoint another new cabinet of Ministers) So Susanthi etc.., what is your point. “Horage ammagen pena ahanawa wage wedak”. Enough is Enough we need the real change but don’t propose “band aid” solutions.
Voice of UVA-The point is you are dumb!Failing to understand the satirical significance of the comment!Don’t be rediculous to think that Sri lanka will change after nov 2010!!Your venom against ministers could be common.But the infection will continue irrespective of what we say!Because majority place no value for any of these issues.If not we will not have Mervyn Silva’s Muthuhettigama’s ,Aluthgamage’s topping our preferential lists!!
What a bunch of condescending individuals, who assumes they know the best.
THE FACT IS THE FIRST CONVERSION WAS DEVANAMPIYATISSA BY MAHINDA. ABOUT SWORDS AND BIBLES WE DO NOT KNOW. BUT DEVANAMPIYA TISSA
WAS WITH HIS BOW AND ARROW.
AS FOR OUR MAHINDA HE CO EXISTS WITH HIS CATHOLIC WIFE.
WHAT MAKES YOU THINK HE IS NOT HAVING “PRIVATE MASS” IN THE PRESIDENTIAL PALACE AND “PRIVATE CONFESSIONS” TOO FOR ALL THE SINS COMMITTED.
BUT THEN OUR POLITICIANS HAVE NO RELIGION BECAUSE THEY RUN TO THE MAHANAYAKES, BISHOPS AND KURUKKALS FOR BLESSINGS. RELIGION IN THIS COUNTRY AMONGST POLITICIANS IS A JOKE.
All readers who are posting comments, pls do stick to the point (i.e. Article). I see comments longer than the article with lot of ‘irrelevant’ statements. If jobless, please do something constructive and leave room for the readers to make ‘constructive’ comments on the ‘relevant article’.