The Champagne Lifestyle Of A Failed Leader
- Ranil Wickremesinghe on a holiday binge!
By Faraz Shauketaly in Koggala, Southern Sri Lanka
Side stepping the question as to what happened to vast sums of monies donated to the United National Party, Ranil Wickremesinghe, the failed leader of the UNP, took a break from politics to relax at one of the most expensive hotels in Sri Lanka last Wednesday. His choice of hotel to relax in, was ‘The Fortress’ in Koggala near Galle.
Wickremesinghe was booked into Suite 27 and Room 28 for a stay that was due to start on Friday evening. He had previously been at the hotel Wednesday after which he checked out on Thursday to return to Colombo. The Suite and the other standard room was re-booked at The Fortress from Friday May 28 to Sunday May 30. However, Ranil Wickremesinghe had not booked into the hotel even by Saturday morning. There was also no cancellation of the booking. The cost of the suite at the lowest rate advertised was Rs. 90,000 per night and the standard room was on offer at Rs. 20,000. The combined total per night without drinks would be Rs. 110,000.
‘The Fortress’ is the ultimate in chic and luxury and counts amongst its owners, companies controlled by businessman and former BOI Chief, Dhammika Perera. At one time The Fortress also had the distinction of serving the world’s most expensive dessert – which came complete with a gemstone which one got to keep.
An appetizer costs from Rs 1,000, a soup Rs 500, a main course dish Rs 1,200 and the box standard rice and curry a staggering Rs 1,500 all subject to taxes and service charges. A plate of devilled beef or fish would set you back Rs 1,500. The bar list is equally upmarket. A shot of Cognac ranges from Rs 650 to Rs 2,500, Arrack Rs 400, Whisky Rs 750 and the Scarlet Pimpernel cocktail Rs 700. Again plus taxes and service charge.
A managerial source at the Fortress, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that The Fortress was the preferred R&R spot for the beleaguered Leader of the Opposition. He said that Wickremesinghe was a frequent visitor, coming at least twice a month.
Our source confirmed that the rooms are billed to the client at a special corporate rate which is standard for consistent and regular usage. Wickremesinghe does not get the rooms complimentary but is given discounts as any regular and or corporate user would be able to negotiate.
The Ocean Loft suites and the Fortress Residence suites are the epitome of luxury living. It comes complete with state of the art technology in terms of TV and sound systems and naturally has its own infinity pool for complete privacy. The open plan designs give spectacular views on to the Indian Ocean and the cordon bleu cuisine together with the spa is said to help to enhance and relax the senses. At Rs. 155,000 per night for its top rated suites and an occupancy level averaging 50 per cent, The Fortress is clearly a winner.
Wickremesinghe and his entourage enjoyed the sumptuous luxury that is the Fortress, ignoring apparently more serious business of state and party alike. In terms of governance, there has been hardly a murmur towards the government plans to tinker with the Constitution and enable the President to contest an election for more than the presently permitted two terms. Regarding party administration, Wickremesinghe has not quite adequately addressed the issue of accountability of the monies he has received as party leader – stating however that he has “given The Sunday Leader Rs 11 Million”. Issues of calling for elections for various posts within the UNP have also not been finalised – possibly stuck at one of Wickremesinghe’s preferred solutions: the famous “committee” stage. Certainly the role of Leader of the Opposition has its perks as does being Leader of the UNP. One is said to provide the material benefits and the other the kudos and the almost enforced by force “respectability”.
Details of Wickremesinghe’s high-living comes amidst claims that the UNP was having difficulty meeting its debts and running costs. However, the party itself is not without support from its supporters. Wickremesinghe therefore is not without financial assistance. It is the distribution that is seriously flawed.
Stalwarts complain that the system in place is manifestly and significantly unfair and inequitable in practise.
While Wickremesinghe languishes in five star comfort very little attention is being given to the fact that the party’s headquarters ‘Sirikotha’ is running on a stringent budget unable to even meet electricity and telephone bills, the laws by which this country functions is being tinkered with and even fine tuned with an opposition that is more at ease being a silent witness but nevertheless partying in their own inimitable style in luxurious and chic surroundings that has privacy and discreetness as its cornerstones. Ranil it is clear, continues to wait for Godot.
…In the wake of my death I know you will make all the usual sanctimonious noises and call upon the police to hold a swift and thorough inquiry. But like all the inquiries you have ordered in the past, nothing will come of this one, too. For truth be told, we both know who will be behind my death, but dare not call his name…”
Dude Sinhalese taught you a good lesson one year back .. If you don’t remember it by now, ask from Uncle Prabaha …!!!
Thambi ada learn proper English …!!! anyway dude
1). I’m not married
2). Never sleep with a Tamil woman in my life lol
Good luck
siribiris – this is one of your friends writing to make you angry. acnt you see that??
No money to eat end of the day.
Why do you read newspapers? There is no brain in the first place.
Mankola Karaya
This shows Sunday leader is a failed news paper. Once I have seen Ranil was in Tangalle Bay Hotel while i was with my family and he was campaing in Hambantota. What I noticed was he was very simple and did not show off like other politicians. His security did not disturbed any other guests.
Sunday leader you getting closer to your natural death. You dont have a future.
Rani may be a bad leader. But, as a person, he is a true gentleman. Why Sunday Leader is bothered about him using his personal funds to spend a holiday? Is Sunday Leader becoming a second “Daily News”?
Raniil a gentleman , my foot…. is he spending the campaign funds he received ? matter for CID….
Dear Mr.Dinesh Perera,
I don’t believe MR is engaged in such type of dirty politics at this moment.
For better or worse either of them will be much better than crappy and useless Ranil, is my firm belief. Perpetual loser!!!!
This is a disgrace! Sunday Leader has stooped to the lowest levels of journalism. It is obvious that this article has no substance to it. Oh and the prices dont seem much higher than the Colombo hotels (many politicians patronise). Watch out as you will lose most of your loyal followers.
Not Sunday Leader, Wijaya Newspapers who backs Ranil with Ruwan Wijewardane is the one who is loosing the readers… Most UNPer in Colombo , even who voted for him last time are for his removal…
Oh dear, this happens to be the first item in the on-line Sunday Leader that I had a look at, today. I will not be reading this week’s Sunday Leader any longer. I will not comment on the quality of the journalism. I think depply about Lasantha and hope the quality of journalism will not make him turn in his grave. Long live Lasantha; we miss you dear Lasantha; sorry to say that your trailblazing newspaper is now in the hands of a group of nincompoops.
Sunday Leader is now more popular among UNPers as most UNPers feel he has to go….
Lasantha must be furious in his grave…… what a shameless rag
It seems very correct. When even the smallest minister in the government is robbing at large, why are these guys talking about a holiday by RW. Then how the hell is an ordinary politicians son driving an Aston Martin .You are becoming a disgrace to Mr Lasantha Wicramatunge.
Many politicians’ jobless sons are regular visiters at expensive nightclubs.
How about probing this?
No body is saying corruption by others is acceptable. The issue is Ranil. Why cannot you get your head around and see where the fault is. Is it a crime to probe into these allegations fearing more skeletons to come out of the cupboard?
Is it your view, if some one else commit a crime it is acceptable for others to commit similar crimes?
Pity you cannot stomach your revered leader’s corrupt behaviour. Are you from R-O-Y-A-L ?
This man will ruin U.N.P. and make Srilanka Parliament a no opposion parliament.This ia a shame to the Srilankan Ediucated People.
Year Ranil is ruining the UNP….
RW, was born with a silver spoon, he is one who can afforf to enjoy the trappings of life with his own funds.
He is a rare breed of gentlemen, a rare and vanishing breed in this sick nation. a j.
nation is not sick its well & kicking unlike your eelam which died a tragic death
You are right. He could even spend one million per night. Did anyone know how many times he pumped is own money to cash strapped UNP? He does politics for country as his profession, not for money. Come on guys he is not Wimal or other crooks who saw the money yesterday.
please see my reply someway below!
Very well said Anthony. A BIG hand for u. These people will never realise Ranils Vision & and we will never have a leader with such foresight. 10 Sajiths and 20 MRs cannot make one Ranil.
Ravi is carrying some recent baggage and he is not a trust worthy guy for a leader.
Sijith is carrying his fathers baggage and except for the inheritance of the governing right to Sri Lanka which comes from his father, what other qualification he has.
Sri Lanka won’t be any better.
Ranil leave the party in some good hands because when SLFP breaks down it will disappear.
I guess this is a reminder to all Sri Lankans, that our political leaders, from all parties, have the good life. I have heard stories where the present regime also lives luxurious and expensive lives when they travel abroad. Their whole entourage live in top hotels, and wine and dine lavishly, all courtesy of the Sri Lankan people.
The Sunday leader has changed it’s tune, hasn’t it?
Rs. 180,000 for two sutes for 3 days .. Rs. 540,000 for one holiday… and 2 holiday per month….. Rs. 1,000,000 in room rates only….Ranil Ranil we know why u want to remain the UNP and Opposition leader…. no clean man Ranil…. ha ha….
Read the article before you comment,He stayed only one day and did not pay these standard rates as he was given a corporate rate.Fools like you are ruining the UNP
Is Sunday Leader providing free advertisement of “The Fortress” or demoting/promoting Ranil?
Ranil is disgusting if he is spending Rs. 1,000,000 per month for Holidays in Sri Lanka…. imagine how he may spend overseas…. Another Booogals…. and we know what Colombo voters didto boogles…..same fate awaits Ranil…
ranil is not a failed leader.in 2002 he won the election.but chandrika made him fail. she learn t a good lesson for that from Mahinda.In 2005 he could have won, but LTTE made him fail.they also learnt good lesson for that from Mahinda.If not for these betrayals he would have emerged as a powerful leader. In this case the people crossed over and the people who criticize now would have been behind him.the victory was robbed from him twice.this is not his fault.he was forced to fail.the the people who were behind this defeat and the people of srilanka have realised and realising their mistake. can any one who say he is a failed leader justify their argument based on my facts pl.
ks 100 percent I am with you.
You hit the nail on the head ks, if only Pirbha used his head our country would have been the Taste of Paradise.
In five short years it has become the Paradise in Hell. a j.
Yes truly a paradise, while scoundrels the likes of Gonawela Sunil looting the South, Praba and his bandits looting the North. That’s what RW was heading for. Thanks to Mahinda, now we have one country
WHAT ABOUT WAMBOTTA, POTTU NAUFEL AND THEIR ILK ?
Yes one country in hell.
It is too late for a “if only Ra nil was there”, scenario, now you have one country an autocratic one where all forms of freedom have gone with the wind.
People speak of Ra nil’s sex life, as if they have been there, just try to attempt to talk about the Rajapakse’s ?.
One will be gaoled for life and the keys thrown away. a j
Well Said KS!!
Very true KS..
RW is a honest person.. never misuse public money like Chandrika & this Monster Family..some are talking about RW’s GAY life.. but sexual orientation is their personal life- who cares it ?
civilised countries never discriminate people by gender, sexual orientation, skin color, nationality, language.. etc.. Sri Lankan people have long way to go ,,, I left the country 15 years ago.. now i feel my decesion is right.. in my lifetime I don’t think Sri Lanka will be in developed countries list..one monster after another destroy the country..
I saw another article that Mr Rienzy Wijethilaka critisizing RW.. I thought educated people dont do that & don’t fall into others traps. but now its happening..
As sinhalese we say” When the pot is full of water – water won’t shake” Its not true anymore..
another example is G L Peris..
from Premadasa -> Chandrika -> Ranil -> Percy ..
I don’t understand about his Doctarate…
Sen,you must be an educated fool!In so called civilized countries the leaders resign if they are found to be having “alternative”sexual lives!It’s ok for you and I,but not for a leader!
Ks you are right. Thats what exactly happened in a nutshell. I would like to add that JVP too joined with LTTE to defeat Ranil (with that ‘parrot’ Gel Wimal in his heydays). I cannot understand why so many people and that too in UNP itself want to see Ranil’s back. Whatever he does is wrong.
Ks you are darn right. Thats what exactly happened in a nutshell. I would like to add that JVP too joined with LTTE to defeat Ranil (with that ‘parrot’ Gel Wimal in his heydays). I cannot understand why so many people and that too in UNP itself want to see Ranil’s back. Whatever he does is wrong.
Please read Lakehouse papers, they are in Ranil’s side
It is perfectly in order for RW to holiday at any place of his choice.Sunday leader is doing there duty by exposing news and it is publics right to know.
So the people can decide.
Well at present UNP seems to have no alternative leader as young Sajith is showing immaturity and needs to be groomed.
Ranil can have any holiday, but Who is paying Rs. 1 million bill…… does Ranil earn that much per month….. Tax man check….
Rajapaksa extremism cannot be changed: Lee Kuan Yew
Singapore’s Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew, in a newly released book titled “Conversations with Lee Kuan Yew,’ says that Tamils have been in the island of Sri Lanka as long as the Sinhalese, and that Sri Lanka is not a happy “united” country. The present president of Sri Lanka believes he has settled the problem now that the Tamil Tigers are killed, and wants others to believe that too,” and Lee observes:”I don’t think they [Tamils] are going to be submissive or go away.” Referring to the Sri Lankan president he said: “I have read his speeches and I knew he was a Sinhala extremist. I cannot change his mind.”
Lee Kwan Yu, Former Singapore Prime MinisterMr Lee Kuan Yew also discusses ethnic cleansing in the book, which was released on Wednesday in Singapore.
Tom Plate, an American columnist, uses the book to dispel some Western perceived myths about Singapore, writes Imelda Saab of Channel News Asia.
The author of the book notes that Mr. Lee is against democracies that doesn’t work and that the Minister Mentor is also against defending these countries just because they are democracies. “The position strikes me as more consistent than the US relationship with other democracies: we support them only when we approve of them, denouncing them (or worse) when we don’t,” observes Tom Plates.
Conversations with Lee Kuan YewThe book, written following two days of intensive interviews in 2009, is the first in a series published by Marshall Cavendish on Giants Of Asia.
In a 2007, International Herald Tribune interview Mr Lee Kwan Yew said, “[t]he mistakes of Sri Lanka and other newly independent ‘failed states’ made Singapore go in a different direction.
“When Singapore broke off from the Malayan Federation it had a hostile neighbor and a population made of Chinese, Malays and immigrants from the Indian subcontinent. The basis of a nation just was not there. But the advantage we had was that we became independent late,” Lee recalled in a wide ranging interview with the IHT.
“In 1965, we had 20 years of examples of failed states. So, we knew what to avoid – racial conflict, linguistic strife, and religious conflict. We saw Ceylon,” Lee added.
Lee Kuan Yew, born 16 September 1923, is a Singaporean statesman. He was the first Prime Minister of the Republic of Singapore, from 1959 to 1990. As co-founder and first secretary-general of the People’s Action Party (PAP), he led the party to a landslide victory in 1959, oversaw the separation of Singapore from the Federation of Malaysia in 1965 and its subsequent transformation from a relatively underdeveloped colonial outpost with no natural resources into a “First World”, Asian Tiger.
Lee Kuan Yew has remained one of the most influential political figures in South-East Asia.
As I have said before, Sri Lanka has to look forward and outward, not backward and inward! We are behaving like frogs in a Well, not wanting to know what is happening in the rest of this ‘Big Bad World’
Balasinham and hamlet,You think this dementic ex-despot called Lee Kuan Yu is a political visionary?He was a dictator of the worst kind who jailed all his opponents,banned opposition parties and held farcical ‘elections” in his monolithic state!-finally there was only one opposition MP in the parliament!-This political scoundrel didn’t allow any opposition to surface and shaped Sigapore in the mould of “sucker state” of the West!In fact his rule with an iron fist did a lot of “good” to Singapore.So why do you bash the Sri Lankan govt for loss of democracy.IT WILL BE GOOD TO THE COUNTRY!
In fact he regrets about it in his previous book-he must have forgotten it now in his dementia!-when he states that Singapore has lost its cultural identity and become a “copy-cat” state of the Western culture!
You Sri Lankan donkeys praise this ex-dictator because you think anything foreign is “Holy”!
Well, my question is, has RW come under the payroll of Rajapaksha’s? He is happy to be silent and blind on all issues pertaining to the country.
Lasanthw we Miss You. Will he ever do this. No way
Please no more mud on him…. That he failed to be elected was more the masses’ loss than his. He would have definitely brought SL forward. In a different country with an educated constituency he would have surely been the leader.
Let him holiday where he wants!
Ammo!!MAARA “LOSS” ekak “masses” walata!
dont talk nonsense racism ajith
why what about his bottle water company and other businesses he is doing with the Rajapaksha brothers!!
Due to distance, I am ignorant about his latest doings.
Can you please publish these, as the truth should come out.
Ranil w, is a decent bloke, he does not deserve to be insulted by the likes of Faraz, who swing with the wind. a j.
Yeah The Sunday Leader has become a RUBBISH newspaper. There is no quality reporters to write the problems faced by the citizens, but ONLY gossip writers. What a service Lasantha did for this paper. During his time we really read the paper, as it gave a balanced report. We miss you Lasantha
It was always the gossip rag, remember?
sunday leader was always rubbish from 1st day. you only now realize when ranil is bashed?
But you seem to show up each week to read the paper. Congrats everything you just said, doesnt make sence
Why whats wrong in reporting the mans life style. Ranil is a lost cause get lost all you jokers .
sunday leader. please stop this ranil bashing. lasantha we miss you.
Well done Sunday Leader…. we need to Ranil out of leadership of the UNP….is he stealing UNP funds… leader let us know….
You stopped reading Sunday Leader? then who is making these posts for you? lol
lol this made me laugh.. all these idiots defending ranil are just propagandists.
James,
why are you bashing Ranil, he can spend his own money for his luxury, he is a decent man, does not need to rob unlike the present goons who are controlling all ministries and minting money, all you guys are mentally sick and need to go to a mental hospital to check out your brains or brawns….
Leader please continue to bash Ranil… we loooooovvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvveeeeeeeeeeee it…… disgraceful fellow Ranil…..
All those who are defending RW are the decent, educated, honest and smart people unlike the goons we see everywhere nowadays. Ignorant people dont see the value of Ranil. He is too good for this country. You guys will never understadn that. Politicians wearing sarong and banian are cheating and robbing the whole country.
Yes Ranil is decent… spending Rs 5,000,000 per month on private entertainment…..
Is he spending your papa’s money? country’s money? Thats his own money. He is not a pauper or a rogue to spend tax payers money.
RANIL, RESPECTED, DECENT, GENTLEMAN, MUST NOT BE REMOVED, SRI LANKA DOES NOT HAVE DECENT POLITICIANS, PRESENTLY WE HAVE TRASH MICKEY MOUSE GOONS WITH SATKAYA TAKING CONTROL OF THE ENTIRE WEALTH OF THIS NATIONAL, WHILST THE POOR, SICK, OLD, FEEBLE, LANGUISH IN CAMPS AWAITING WESTERN AID, THIS COUNTRY GOT THE REGIME IT DESERVED AS THIS COUNTRY IS FULL OF MODAYAS.
Sarath you are right. Let this “decent gentleman” remain the UNP leader and the Leader of the Opposition for life. He deserves it.
I can add without fear of contradiction, that all true patriots of Lanka would like to see Ranil as the Leader of the Opposition as long as he lives. Long live Ranil.
Ranil Ranil go away…
Good one man… all are reading Sunday Leader.. the most popular UNP newspaper…
Did you investigate what the others are doing except RW? This is absolutely nonsense. What is the purpose of washing dirty linen for the likes of Sajith and Ravi K. Have some ethics in journalism, Sunday Leader.
-Sam
Thank you for the head line news about UNP leader, but one thing still not clear
to the poor readers like me “WHETHER YOU RECEIVED 11 MILLION OR NOT”
if you did what was the base. please clarify to us in the next edition of the sunday leader with the heading “Sunday Leader and the 11million”
We are not bothered about the 11 million Ranil gave leader to cover him back. We are more worried about the Rs. 1600m campaign money unaccounted for by Ranil… where is the money Ranil….
Mano, how did you bribe the Canadian Embassy to get the visa?
Bribing belongs to modayas.
No, he will never do that.
To him, those in the driving seat are the ones he likes to be seen with.
The sun at the moment is shining on the backsides of the Rampages clan and their clowns.
In Sinhalese, they say – vasi pattatha ohiya. a j.
Hey folks, can’t you remember that infamous “CBK eating pork on poya day at Hilton” article by the same paper soon after she became the President. Is this different from that? This is the type of journalism they practice.
Did she or did she not ?, pissu poosa [ I like this name].
As the leader of a Buddhist nation, being one herself and being the head she should set a better example. a j.
aj,
Buddhism prevents killing of animal (excluding human, mosquito, and other insects etc..) on poyadays. but NOT eating flesh on poyadays. you can see meat products being sold in supermarkets and groceries.
So,anthony jonna,the same bloody argument applies to Ranil as well!!!
I do not think that is right.
The supermarkets are open on poya day, which is correct, the meat or animal products are not seen, they are in the freezers for the day.
In the case of CBK relishing pork on a poya day, why did the Leader make a mountain of it ?. a j.
She ate halal pork. so there is no harm or sin!!!!!
This is really a mud slinging because SL believe that RW is the reason to loose election and wants someone else to be UNP leader and win election next time. Then SL editor can be the president of Lakehouse.
But SL editor does not know what people’s heartbeat say. People now want MR not RW, that is the simple thing to understand. When people do not want MR, then definitly they will select RW. But changing leadership to Sajith or RK will not solve this. Understand it. RW know very well it. That is why he gave the chance to SF to contest for presidency.
Ranil the Serial Looser… enter the guineas book of records….
I totally agree Maluman.
Is this amain news to be pulished on main streem news paper?
Is this paper a national news paper or a tabaloid provids gossips?
Why this cant poke in to MR or GR’s personal life and expose some rumers?
The credibility of providing real news to the readers is now diminished from Sunday Leader. You are also going to bankrupt as UNP experincing it now.
ah..now you realized the real face of Sunday Leader.. look back and think about previous publications where full of fabricated stories…you feel the pain when a nail prick you..ha..ha..ha,,
Thank God, I left Sri-Lanka 24 years ago, all those sinhalese fellows are crooks!!!
Thats why the country is down, at least the Tamil Tigers kept them on their guard, now they can go hell for leather and rob more.
Thanks
A burgher guy
you are wrong this is not a guy she is gal!!! you want the full name!!
Why this sudden Ranil bashing going on in Sunday Leader ??? Please do not lose the respect of so many SL readers……..
Hey you UNPers, I know this is not what you want to see. Get the facts right. This paper was your fantasy when it was hacking MR and his “Sahoara Samagama”. True or false (usually the latter), you guys were ready to gulp anything this paper gives you, lock stock and barrel. Now guys, try to understand. It is not a project for MR that this paper is carrying out, it is an internal project (of the UNP) to oust their one time beloved RW that they are engaged in. So simple as that.
The comments published so far reveal clearly the calibre of SL readers who freely use obscenities to lambaste each other. These also reveal that the wholly effete English-speaking Middle Class Colombians and their ilk have risen from the gutters. The propriety or otherwise of RW spending a weekend in a super luxury botique hotel is for the people at large to judge, especially in a poor developing country, where, at the moment over 500,000 have been seriously affected by floods. When political leaders live playboy lifestyles they get their come-uppance from the People and the UNP has always epitomized that type of lifestyle. It couldn’t care less about the Poor or any other issues that concern the sensitive and the caring in our midst. the SL represents one stance amongst many and is free to publish and take the consequences, if any, like anywhere else in the world.
Good comment by Muller.
Guys, reading your comments I think the paper is still fractionally better than its readers. You Colombo guys utopia is far from the grass roots’ reality of this country. “Yakage hatiyata thama bola wimane”
I can foresee, this Writer either will be “Go Missing” or will be Assulted by unknown gang and on account of the MR. but not for publishing name of RW, but another name in the news paper. writer is not aware of the other persond identity. take care and better to go in to hide and seek game !!!
ranil – one time hero of sunday leader now fallen fron grace. says volumes about the paper !!!!!!
Is this an advert for “Fortress” ???
yep… starring Ranil in the private pool… spending Rs. 1,000,000 per months on e height of luxury….
Good point. Can you expose ONE family member of the Rajapakse clan?? Just ONE???
What is the purpose of this letter ?
Is it to Damage Ranil’s image ?
I think this paper try to say is Ranil use that missing party money for these things.
Sunday Leader became another tabloid . its no more a national news paper..
Ranil can live this type of life cause he is from a wealthy family… not like the Monster Family who ruling Sri Lanka now…
Sen… telll me how is Ranil earning Rs. 5,000,000 per month for foreign trips and local holidays ? What is the business he is in to get so much of money….
It is petty to write on a holiday RW had as he anyway comes from a rich family and is used to this from childhood. Even if this is to assist change in leadership it is not logical as this is not a big deal. People are aware that all political leaders specially the ones who came from families with more modest means also spend for such luxury. This article does show a drop in quality of the paper. I am a regular reader and is now progressively getting bored with it.
Response of this nature is equally repulsive. How many in Sri Lanka can afford to spend over Rs.150,000 per night. The story must trigger revulsion among ordinary Sri Lankan. More than 60 percent of the population do not get Rs.150,000 in a year. The critics of this news item live in a “Shangri-La”. Ranil comes from a rich family, but he should set an example to the people. He is a politician not due to conviction. We have to change leadership of UNP, if we are witness real democracy in Sri Lanka.
You have already paid attention to the so called rubbish. If the message does not suit your own conviction; don’t kill the messenger. Why don’t you guys raise questions on what happened to the donations given to the UNP during the elections. If this news paper is wrong, RW must sue the paper. RW and his henchmen are well known to challege the newspapers in the courts in the past. Why change the tune now. IF SL is rubbish it is your priviledge to avoid reading it.
Read interview he gave another newspaper.Contributions were handled not by him.There was/is a committee. He has filed his tax return which many have not done.RW cant sue every idiot paper making innuendos against him.Why doesnt Sunday Leader tour other hotels and find who are/were staying in them?
Now Sunday Leader is under threat over what Sarath Fonseka said, in the court martials and appeals to follow. Hence this Ranil Bashing to be in the good books of the establishment.
Failed politicians, ousted diplomats, those with black money & feel guilty, outright bootlickers who want soft jobs and the treacherous SCUM who quit UNP after being elected have taken up this pasttime.
All in power fear what will happen in the November cabinet reshuffle.
Hello gamaya,
You seem to drag unnecessary issues to the discussion at hand. This is known as “Guerilla” tactic. LTTE used it very effectively in the past. The point is RW is a “FAILED POLITICIAN”. You may ask about this from any average citizen in the country. The answer will be the same “A FAILED POLITICIAN”. All these criticism about him is created by RW himself not by Sunday Leader. Look at the bigger picture, we need a different leader to lead the grand old party UNP.
A rational view….Ranil Ranil go away….
My dear homo, i dont waste my money in buying the trash newspaper for Rs 50/- I read this only in internet. I I dont read the observer either . The only papers worthwhile reading are Sunday Island and Sunday times
Sunday Times and Sunday Island are supporting Ranil for continuous UNP leadership….to continue the losses….
Whilst the media is slinging mud at RW, the comments also should be of a professional level.
The comments made using filth or obsceen language should not allowed to be published by the admins of this sight.
Anyways, the sunday leader is going to dogs now.
To save it from going down the drain any further, the only sollution would be the rebirth and restoration of Lasantha.
Faraz, to the best of my knowledge is old Thomian who grew up in Mount Lavinia ans still lives there.
He is a British citizen, having had a TV installation business in Wales and his family still abodes there while he lives in Mount Lavinia in his mothers home and in Tangalle where he runs a textile shop and a rental car business.
He was involved with his brother Arjun Ruzaik who was desperately trying to start a budget airline Air Asia which was tied up with the one in Malaysia. He was the Public Relations Manager. The office was at Fifth Lane, Colombo.3.
The other directors included Paul Ratnayake ex Air Lanka, a solicitor who married the sister of the wife of Mr. Menikdawela who was the private secretary to J.R. Jayawardene, Paul Rat is the instructing Attorney for Gen. Sarath Fonseka. Jehan Ameratunga the financial wizard and a few others.
The Rajapakse clan never allowed this operation to get off the ground and used their power to begin Mihin Air.
Faraz, is a stooge of Dr. Mervyn Silva among others, who has helped him out in his garment import business where the minimum amounts are paid as duties and is addressed as Uncle by Duminda Silva, Dr. Mervyn’s son. If anyone dares to cross his path, Dr. Mervyn does the needful.
If there are doubts about Ranil’s sexuality, you can also add Faraz to the list, he also swings that way.
MANO, YOU ARE A AS..TAMIL NOT LIVING IN SRI LANKA. THEREFORE, YOU HAVE NOTHING TO SAY. TAMILS NOW LIVING IN SRI LANKA OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS. ALL OTHER TAMILS NOT LIVING IN SL ARE F..AS..LS.
Ususally when the Leader publish anything of this type they gave figures showing the amounts and sometime from where the donations came. I wish to ask the Leader or Fedrica Janz what is the total amount that Ranil received as donations that he is alleged to have appropriated for him (misaappropriated) Why is that Leader failed to give these figures this time? In the absence of these figures is it mud slinging on payment/retainer received? Please clarify next week.