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.
C’mon Sunday Leader, after Lasantha, the quality of articles in this newspaper is going from bad to worse… honestly isn’t there anything better to report. I have been an avid reader of Sunday Leader from here in Australia, but that i slowly diminsihing now… especially when you publish articles like this… Pull your socks up and make giid use of your headlines (not for trivial matters such as this!). Ranil is loaded with or without UNP money!
Now MR and company do not need the Lake House newspapers publishing defamatory articles about Ranil and The UNP.MR has got The Sunday Liar.
This is a reflection of a bankrupt editorial ideology!! To sling mud at a person it publishes the luxury hotel’s menu card!!! Having said this I personally believe that Ranil Wickramasinghe ought to step down for the good of the opposition. In the long run this is much healthier for the nation.RW you are a proven failure, is that not clear to you!!!!!
its brilliant reporting from the Sunday Leader. We have a right to know what goes on in thei country. is it OK for the country to be told what the President spends on his trips out or indeed Bogallagama? Its all equal. It is excess whether it comes from the government or from the opposition. they must live with moderation if thats the way the rest of the country lives. If this was a private visit then RW should have said so to the TSL. There would have been no story then. But when he is quiet we must think that there is no smoke without fire. RW has ruled too long with a very hot iron. Its time he went off anywhere he Malik and co with it.
Look folks, please think logically: if the Sunday Leader were pro-Govt, it would be PRO-Ranil, not anti-Ranil! Ranil has served two SLFP governments — CBK’s and MR’s — very well, by being the easiest Opposition leader to trash and thrash electorally. Just imagine: an Opposition leader whose only memorable slogan after forty years in politics, is “Mahinda Poda!” This is a leader who loses votes every time the state TV shows footage of him clapping or waving a Lion flag! This guy has taken the party’s base vote to way below what Srima Dissanayake obtained for the UNP in 1994, on the way out after 17 years in office and facing a rising Chandrika candidacy! Forget the motivations of the Sunday Leader editor, just read today’s interview in these pages with the highly respected private sector personality Rienzie Wijetilleke. Note also his comments on the UNP’s financial probity under Ranil’s leadership.
Another Rajapakse bootlicker You were happy to support terrorists when you got a position in the EPRLF/PLOTE administration,You supported Premadasa reign of terror and attacked Lalith Athulathmudali.Remember how you were attacked and stripped at his funeral by the mob?
True – this guys doctarate is also questionable as same as G L Peris’s & Mervyn Silva’s..
Sen,ask Hillary about GL’s doctorate
Professor G. L. read for his Doctorate in Philosophy from both the Universities of Oxford (1971) and Colombo (1974) and had completed both Doctorates by the relatively young age of 28. (wikipedia)
Dayan J is upset to see the support that RW has.Ranil is not an ex terrorist like him.When Dayan was wnted for questioning for terror links he ran away and let his girlfriend be arrested while he went into hiding.
Can you tell us more about this story, mr. media man.
Is it that Sunday Leader is under threat over the General Fonseka fiasco and has been warned to ‘toe the line’ and this attack on the UNP leader is an appeasement/apology move? This news item is irresponsible.There are many others enjoying in hotels and nightclubs.
I dont see anything wrong in Ranil relaxing for a few days in the middle of his sterenous activity to counter the false propaganda against him. If he has the means, why should he not enjoy a bit? Ranil has explained all of his political decisions in an interview published in another newspaper – including his personal finances – he has filed his tax return which most have not done.He has explained where campaign contributions to UNP went & how utilised.
Nowadays, Ranil Bashing is the pastime of the bootlickers of the Rajapakse regime.
He is an uncorrupted, incorruptible politician, who survives in spite of the treachery of his own party members.
Another mystery,my original posting has been taken out and has been replaced under the name Horatio, with a different clip-art illustration The comment by another writer has also disappeared into thin air..
Is someone at the Leader’s newspaper wanting to protect their writer who to the best of my knowledge has never been a journalist and never will be.
Will I have the rare honour of being a suspect and investigated by the CID ?.
Or is it the late Lassantha’s ghost at work ?. a j.
Looks Like the Leader is bought over,as well, very interesting, as usual Sri Lankans have no guts and it maybe a fact that the paper has bowed down either underduress or for Greed in order to Survive,what unbelievable compromise.
HIPPOCRITES
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.
It’s funny that people who rushed to protect Sunday Leader when I point out their poor journalism are now shouting against it using the same slogan that they denounced few weeks back.
I used to see RW so often during the days I worked at Amaya Laka (Then Culture Club) He was one of regular visitor to the Resort as he was very close friend of Mr. Chandra Wickramasighe, Chairman of the Connaissance Group of Resorts… (Which is Local artner to The Fotress as well) Wonder why Sunday Leader has fallen so low ???
Why cant any individual use his/ her funds to have a holiday as long as they do not spend some one elses money! It is indeed a pity that this news paper which was known for its good journalism has fallen below it´s standard! I wonder if some expert jounalist could advise / re-educate them of good journalism instead of prying into private life´s of people be they of the Government or the opposition party. Good journalism will not go on presumptions and assumptions but with facts and figures. I ownder how Lasantha would have reacted to such poor journalism?
I am not in favrour of Ranil leading the UNP but this story is too cheap and low, we are missing lasantha now….. Hope the leader will maintain its intergrity
The first thought that may most probably cross the mind of a person reading this piece is that it incorporates the characteristics of what in popular jargon is referred to as a ‘Kelaa pattaraya’ (scurrilous phamplet) against Ranil. There is an attempt explicit therein to link up the apparent lack of accountability for donations and campaign funds wilth the alleged extravagant and luxurious life style of the man, thus implying that party funds may have been improperly channelled for non-party related purposes. It does not require much brains on the part of the readers to comprehend that this is character assasination, pure and simple. From a legal perspective, Sunday Leader may have exposed itself in some good measure through this action and Ranil may as well proceed to sue the paper for damages. Perhaps, It may be in his interest to do so in an attempt to salvage his public image and reputation that has been put under siege.
The article is obviously repugnanant and in bad taste, focusing on personal matters in the private life of a leader that cannot be of significance to the people. On what rational basis can the sexual orientation or the inclination of a political personality to go to a holiday resort for relaxtion and contemplation, meeting whatever expenditure involved from his own resources, be matters for public discussion and concern? This is a piece of irresponsible mud-slinging journalism. It is mind boggling that a Nespwsper that claims it is possessed of a national character resorted to publish such repugnant material.
It is most likely that Sunday Leader’s motivation behind this publication was to push Ranil into a state of disgrace and thereby accelerate a change of leadership within the Grand Old Party. If so, was it not realised that this action would also cause a very adverse reflection to be cast on the entire leadership of the Party. This is because it was a matter of collective responsibilithy to have ensured that there was an effective and transparent procedure in operation within the party in relation to such an imporatnt matter as accounting for donations received. If such a procedure had been lacking, Ranil in his capacity as the party boss, should indeed bear the lion’s share of the blame for that unsatisfactory state of affairs but that does not mean that the rest of the party hierarchy could be relieved of responsibility in that regard. The other senior party leaders have always been displaying a conspicuous tendency to be very vociferous on issues of good governance and transparency. Didn’t it ever occur to them that lofty principles they were routinely preaching should be applied in the matter of administering party donations with adequate checks and controls?
Ishan… how about the Rs 1,600 million Ranil got in campaing moeny…. is it is a lie why is he silent about it. ?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epCiMsmvY48&feature=related
We have always wondered how Ranil W can travel the world so often, always first class, and always maintain such an affluent lifestyle. Now we know – thanks to you – that Mister Clean is anything but clean! There falls the last argument in defence of the Failed Leader.
Looks like Jaathiye Kaalakanniya (Moron of the Nation) is also the Partiye Pin Gona (Parasite of his Party).
A U No Nothing case Ra nil has been born into a family who has been wealthy for at-least three generations.
His late father Esmond Wickramasinghe, who was a Director at Lake House, if I am not mistaken married into the Wijewardena clan who were the owners of Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd, the owners of Lake House and Lake House Bookshop..
Ra nil, has the resources to buy out the likes of you and me lock stock and barrel.
Therefore, you ignorant coolie, do not cast aspirations on subjects beyond your mentally retarded scope. a j.
This article proves beyond doubt about the double life of the failed sunday leader after the demise of its founder editor who’s journalistic style added a new dimension to journalism and offered the Sri lankan readership a new lease of life since its inception in 1994. His editorials were soothing to read. I began reading the Leader from its very first publication without a break and was looking forward till every sunday however with its new editor the paper has turned out to be nothing but a rag
Just don’t talk crap Sumith. You can’t read English.
So this is what the new media minister wants people to see… come on sunday leader dont let THEM destroy your principles!!
Is this the nonsense that is posted in this newspaper?
Helm and Sail are quarreling when the Boat is sinking
Yes! The brave editor Lasantha Wickrematunge is no more.
WHEN ARE YOU GOING TO STOP THIS RANIL BASHING.?
IF HE HAS THE MONEY LET HIM SPEND IT THE WAY HE WANTS.
HE IS NOT A CROOK..HE COMES FROM A DECENT FAMILY.
HE IS NOT LIKE THE “JOKERS” AND CROOKS GOVERNING US.
I STILL MAINTAIN THAT HE IS THE PERSON MOST DESERVING OF
LEADING THE UNP.
THE GENTLEMAN AND PATRIOT HE HAS ALWAYS HONOURED HIS WORD AGREEING TO VARIOUS MATTERS TO HELP THE GOVERNMENT IN POWER..
HE WAS PLAYED OUT BY “THE QUEEN OF DECEIT”. HE WAS THEN ROBBED OF A WIN AT PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION, BY BRIBING “PRABHA”
WHO HAS PAID THE PRICE FOR THIS.
THE UNP LIKE THE “PHOENIX” WILL RISE FROM THE ASHES.
SUBA ANAGATHEYAK
Everyone is respected and honored as Mr. Clean until he is exposed……..now you will keep getting more news on our Mr.Clean -Ranil Mahathaya……..
When a Cambridge Tce living.. English spoken.. old Royalist.. JR nephew get a bashing of corruption, some people simply cannot believe or just admit or atleast accept.
This is the mindset of people expecting a change in our society.. :-) Just because you come from a so-called high class, you cannot be criticised for what you do in terms of money spending… That’s what most of these people must be thinking…
Sunday Leader.. you’re the ultimate hope of “Piduru gaha” that these losers are holding on to… so please do not disappoint them… They have no where to go after twisting their theories all sides across… :-)
Look at what needs to be done losers… Not who needs to do that… There are truths that you may not like to see… but can’t help when you must see them.
Chintahaka,
Spot on mate! this is a clear case of shooting the messenger rather than addressing the issue. For some blind loyalists it is Ranil Bashing!! They are the “judge and Jury”, and there is nothing for Ranil to defend. They seem to know his integrity well enough so he cannot be corrupted. Even if he was involved, they will blame someone else for that. Yet the same people continue to bash Frederica and SL for being corrupt and gutter politics.
They even trusted SF as an honest leader who was the one to tackle corruption. Look what came out of his CV? These are the upper class, western clad, Singlish speaking Colombians most of whom never even paid income taxes to the nation. So what do you expect from such a society.
Strange how they don’t defend Late R. Premadasa’s credibility in the same manner they are doing now. Is it Caste, Class or the dress?
When a Cambridge Tce living.. English spoken.. old Royalist.. JR nephew get a bashing of corruption, some people simply cannot believe or just admit or atleast accept.
This is the mindset of people expecting a change in our society.. :-) Just because you come from a so-called high class, you cannot be criticised for what you do in terms of money spending… That’s what most of these people must be thinking….
Sunday Leader.. you’re the ultimate hope of “Piduru gaha” that these losers are holding on to… so please do not disappoint them… They have no where to go after twisting their theories all sides across… :-)
Look at what needs to be done losers… Not who needs to do that… There are truths that you may not like to see… but can’t help when you must see them.
THIS IS MUD SLINGING BY SUNDAY LEADER TO RANIL. HE IS A DOWN TO EARTH MAN THOUGH HE FAILED AS A POLITICIAN. HE DID NOT USE SO CALLED SECURITY DURING HIS TENURE AS THE PRIME MINISTER. SUNDAY LEADER HAS TO BE FAIR OTHERWISE YOU LOOSE YOUR LIMITED POPULARITY VERY SOON
This is the behaviour of this christian newspaper. Pathetic.