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- Former Army chief to contest as independent candidate
- Formal announcement in June
- Back-door talks underway
- Group of SJB MPs to back SF
By Easwaran Rutnam
Former Army Commander, Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka, has decided to contest for Presidency at the upcoming Presidential election, the Daily Mirror learns.
Sources close to Fonseka said that the current Chairman of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) will make a formal announcement in June.
Fonseka is to contest as an independent candidate instead of joining forces with any political party.
Sources claimed that Fonseka has also managed to secure the support of a group of SJB MPs and back-door talks are ongoing with MPs and politicians from other political parties.
The Daily Mirror learns that Fonseka's campaign will look at promoting a corruption free country and also give priority to national security.
The former Army Commander took to the streets during the ‘Aragalaya’ protests and will look to ride on the support he got at the time.
He is also expected to work with intellectuals and prominent personalities during his campaign.
The former Army Commander will seek to boost his Presidential bid with the launch of a book on the war, the Daily Mirror learns.
The book is expected to reveal information related to the conflict and the role he played as the Army Commander at the time.
Meanwhile, sources also said that a former diplomat has sought a meeting with Fonseka as a representative of President Ranil Wickremesinghe.
Fonseka has not ruled out meeting Wickremesinghe but has indicated he will not withdraw his decision to contest for Presidency.
The MP has already had discussions with the President in Parliament, sources added without divulging further details on the matters discussed.
Sources also said that Fonseka had informal discussions with a number of diplomats and briefed them on his upcoming announcement.
According to the source, Fonseka has indicated his intention to work closely with India, China and the US.
L Jaya Wednesday, 22 May 2024 08:21 AM
This bloke is contesting on the cards of eliminating corruption which is similar to the slogan of Gota where his theme was bringing national security . I belive such slogan can fool the people. We are very unfortunate
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A Supporter of SJB Wednesday, 22 May 2024 08:27 AM
Yes. It is a good decision. Do that Field Marshal
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Prof. K.M. Ariapala Wednesday, 22 May 2024 10:39 AM
For sure he will be cornered like Ranil last election. Mad decision he took.
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Sambo Wednesday, 22 May 2024 08:28 AM
Every one wants to become president in this country.God help us and this nation.
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Ravana Wednesday, 22 May 2024 12:13 PM
No one wants to spend their money and power on their country and fellowmen and then become president. The difference can be seen very clearly.
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ANURA NANAYAKKARA Wednesday, 22 May 2024 08:38 AM
TRY YOUR LUCK AND SEE FOR YOURSELF WHERE YOU STAND WITH PEOPLE'S SELECTION. SRI LANKAN POLITICS IS AN UNPREDICTABLE AREA. ANY WAY IT IS YOUR IDEA.
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Ceylonese Wednesday, 22 May 2024 08:43 AM
Right Decision, split the votes so it Favours Aruna, many say that SF doesnt know to talk, that's because he doesnt hesitate to call a spade a spade
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Man Wednesday, 22 May 2024 11:13 AM
It's essential to cast the second and third preferences when voting for SF, if they do not like the election whom they strongly dislike. Otherwise, it will be a strong possibility for the selection of the most disliked, to your dismay and for the suffering of all of us, as in 2019.
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DHA Wednesday, 22 May 2024 08:46 AM
Good decision all this time you wasted your precious time supporting an unhealthy party ! But pls be watchful of wolves who won't allow you to come to power!
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Nimal 1 Wednesday, 22 May 2024 08:47 AM
His performance would be far worse than that of the previous presidential election where he contested.
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Volker Metzger Wednesday, 22 May 2024 08:50 AM
The fact that Fonseka now wants to run as a presidential candidate is the best news since Sri Lanka gained independence in 1948!!! He is, as I have said time and again in comments, by far the best man for this important position!!!! He alone, with a well-selected team and good advisors, will save this country for the second time and lead it into a good future!!! I am sure of that!
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Lunatic with over sized ego makes another media splash Wednesday, 22 May 2024 08:55 AM
He will definitely lose. He cannot get along with anyone, and would want to run Sri Lanka with even more repression of freedom of expression compared to current and previous governments. Military spending will be needlessly tripled and hunger will increase if he gets into power.
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Borat Wednesday, 22 May 2024 08:56 AM
Red herring .people forgotten you . Retire and not fall Prey to the shenanigans going on
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Citizens Wednesday, 22 May 2024 09:10 AM
Oh no! Not another army man! He will only lose the respect he has managed to gain, just like MR! Keep away from politics and enjoy the respect and your retirement as well.
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DD Wednesday, 22 May 2024 09:12 AM
General DOREE, time to enjoy your peaceful retirement at home. Is your daughter in the US? Time to activate that green card and explore the world. Leave the politics to the younger generation now!
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Tammy Wednesday, 22 May 2024 01:45 PM
He can’t go to the US due to war crimes so how can he apply for green card
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Adwani Wednesday, 22 May 2024 09:18 AM
Already the secrets of War are known to many that Rahul Ghandhi took revenge on LTTE Leader Velu for his father's muder. Anto Bala did his best to calm the situation with the help of the then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, but Rahul insisted for the surrender of Velu and his gang. During April 2005 PM Manmohan paid a visit to SL to covey the plan to Mahinda. So i think Fonseka's book will be about his heroism. We must not forget hard work of Mr. Denzil Kobbekaduwa, Cecil Waidyaratne, Wijay Wimalaratne, etc. Those who did not care about their safety.
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Jude Wednesday, 22 May 2024 09:20 AM
FM SF great soldier but Notta good politician!! He's Notta astute POLITICIAN. He lacks political wisdom!!
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Jude Wednesday, 22 May 2024 09:22 AM
SF not MR or RANIL!! THOSE who are backing him engaged in political suicide, yeah
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Perera Wednesday, 22 May 2024 10:39 AM
SF may be funded by NPP using money NPP received from tourist visa scandal
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joshua Wednesday, 22 May 2024 09:05 PM
Perera must be living in a wonderland. Please go and sleep without dragging NPP in to everything.
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Jude Wednesday, 22 May 2024 09:25 AM
So it's gonna be 4 candidates, This make easy passage for AKD to become next president.huh!!
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Ranjan Wednesday, 22 May 2024 12:07 PM
I agree with you Jude. Anyway good luck to you SF and he is my friend and classmate
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MARK ANANDAPPA Wednesday, 22 May 2024 09:30 AM
Probably he will start his usual mud campaign against SJB. Leading a War doesn't automatically qualify yourself to be leading a country. Good Luck anyways.
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A Jebbar Thursday, 30 May 2024 07:10 AM
From this decision he loose his prestige he always take bad decisions. But if he continues with SJB he can be very popular in a good position because already SJB has given him a good post. My opinion is SF always suffers with D ropes from his close colleagues. He cannot win a Presidency contest in this he will become very unpopular.
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jo Wednesday, 22 May 2024 09:39 AM
What is meant by working closely?
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Retire If Can’t Gather A Younger Team Wednesday, 22 May 2024 09:44 AM
Good he’s leaving SJB. However going as an independent presidential contender will be a waste of money and resources. Unless he can gather a professional team of younger candidates from now till August and have Manifesto prepared, will have a chance. If not, just retire, assist the needy and enjoy the remaining years with family and friends. He will definitely leave a good legacy without being humiliated similarly in Gota’s case .
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Retire If Can’t Gather A Younger Team Wednesday, 22 May 2024 09:44 AM
Good he’s leaving SJB. However going as an independent presidential contender will be a waste of money and resources. Unless he can gather a professional team of younger candidates from now till August and have Manifesto prepared, will have a chance. If not, just retire, assist the needy and enjoy the remaining years with family and friends. He will definitely leave a good legacy without being humiliated similarly in Gota’s case .
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Sam Wednesday, 22 May 2024 09:44 AM
When in the Army he couldn't serve under a senior officer, now he split from SJB to contest the President candidate. If anyone votes for him , it will worst than Gotabaya. He is loose cannon . Very revengeful man. Sorry Anoma have tell the truth.
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This is reality Wednesday, 22 May 2024 09:49 AM
The more the merrier, but the more difficult for one person to obtain 50% 1. The people will also be confused between loyalty and security of their future. The sooner its over, the better for the country.
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Iwazaru Wednesday, 22 May 2024 09:49 AM
Good riddance of bad rubbish. The best place for him to go is the UNP as he has no other place to go. Bye Bye, a so called war hero.
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Balla Donkey Wednesday, 22 May 2024 10:10 AM
How many times to contest. Already contested
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Jeanne Wednesday, 22 May 2024 10:56 AM
Already contested, but we all know why that never happened. Maybe do a little research on the Rajapakse method over 10 years ago.
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Jeppa Malli Wednesday, 22 May 2024 10:18 AM
What? Does he seriously think that he can get 5% of the vote? Is he planning to give a competition to Anura's 5% votes?
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Volker Metzger Wednesday, 22 May 2024 10:20 AM
The fact that Fonseka now wants to run as a presidential candidate is the best news since Sri Lanka gained independence in 1948!!! He is, as I have said time and again in comments, by far the best man for this important position!!!! He alone, with a well-selected team and good advisors, will save this country for the second time and lead it into a good future!!! I am sure of that!
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BanduXX Wednesday, 22 May 2024 10:32 AM
SF's vision of grandeur will be severely dented when he sees the results if he contests. Sorry for him. He is never a team man and may be good for army but not as leader of the country.
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Anura Hettiarachchi Wednesday, 22 May 2024 10:32 AM
This is very counter productive in term of national interests. FM, Please do not topple the apple cart. Thank you
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jude Wednesday, 22 May 2024 10:34 AM
Sajith will never allow another candidate to contest other than him no matter how many times he loses like Anura. Both are crazy for power
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Geo Kanangara Wednesday, 22 May 2024 10:44 AM
No need Sajith's permission to contest Presidential Election. It's Fonseka's independent decision. Maybe now itself Sajith Aiya got scared.
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Jeanne Wednesday, 22 May 2024 10:43 AM
@Adwani: What the hell are you talking about, man? You're living in the past and dwelling in past errors. Can we please look forward to a better Sri Lanka? Unfortunately with negative gonas like you, we will be stuck in the same, miserable spot and then we'll spend another 10 years complaining about our plight. Let's fix this damn mess now while we have the chance.
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Adwani Wednesday, 22 May 2024 05:38 PM
@Jeanne - Exactly, since I am living and dwelling in the Past I am able to expose the reality of War and who the actual person behind the Victory now claimed by those who care to enjoy power. The Victory is claimed by One Person, while those who are killed are forgotten. What SF did to Maithri after being promoted to the Field Marshal rank? All those who will vote for SF will be forgotten and he will engage in Revenge against Rajapukses.
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Charles Jansz. Wednesday, 22 May 2024 10:46 AM
No worries for the SJB - he would be amongst the also rans !
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Dr. S.P. Samarakoon Wednesday, 22 May 2024 10:47 AM
There is a possibility Field Marshall Sarath Fonseka will break the votes of RW, Anura
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Ram Wednesday, 22 May 2024 10:49 AM
Ranil is very likely to lose and he realises that, he will want to put a person in his place. SF will be the substitute
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Anton DKD Wednesday, 22 May 2024 10:49 AM
If SF is going to contest, Mahinda Rajapakshe will do some Gil-mart like last time and make him to lose. Only one man will miss out for MR i.e.. Weerawansa to carry out the mission.
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Lk Wednesday, 22 May 2024 10:49 AM
This does not make much difference any where.. It is good for all others....it means we will have a second round of voting
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Shera Wednesday, 22 May 2024 10:50 AM
In previous years he was a popular candidate but it is hard to know what people think of him this time. People don't know about his mandate but the good thing is a military man is generally a patriot. For this reason SF has my mental vote.
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Russel Harmmer Wednesday, 22 May 2024 10:52 AM
Easy wicket, SF will be bowled out for Sajith's gugguly. Why so greedy to earn money - Fonseka?
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Sam Wednesday, 22 May 2024 10:53 AM
Both MR and SF should have respectfully retired when they were on top. Loosing respect of people day by day.
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J.A. Wijesinghe [Attorney-at-Law] Wednesday, 22 May 2024 10:56 AM
Now RW will do a trick to absorb Field Marshall SF to join UNP. Wait and see.
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K.M. Kanagarajah (Snr. Lawyer) Wednesday, 22 May 2024 10:58 AM
North and East will 100% support Sarath Fonseka as they know once he becomes the President he will wipe out Rajapakshes' (Their first Enemies)
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Haren Wednesday, 22 May 2024 11:01 AM
SF is the ideal person to catch the culprits. It’s best SJB
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Pusswadilla Wednesday, 22 May 2024 11:09 AM
Pampers are not available in the market. Looks like Ali Baba, Sahodarayas
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Rip Winkle Wednesday, 22 May 2024 11:18 AM
Very interesting development. Very interesting indeed. With the right people around him, SF could be exactly what Sri Lanka needs at the moment but I'm doubtful he can muster enough votes.
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Volker Metzger Wednesday, 22 May 2024 11:27 AM
Now the cards are being reshuffled in the presidential game!!! Only the best, and that is Fonseka, is good enough for justice, unity and security in Sri Lanka!!!
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Lion Wednesday, 22 May 2024 12:00 PM
We respect him, most people believe the war is still continuing if not for him. In politics he stands poor and AKD will be the choice of the country.
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Roving Wednesday, 22 May 2024 12:17 PM
Country with somuch uncertainty specialy with crook politicians that have effected in all aspects of financials bank crupsy etc etc country need desperately like SF to lead by excample for nations future proper Reforms guidlines system procedures law
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General HMHA Herath Wednesday, 22 May 2024 12:46 PM
Who are his incorruptible team members; he must publicize them soonest. Also, that team's top member must be a political veteran.
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sam Wednesday, 22 May 2024 12:49 PM
Good decision but can only be the runner up!
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Patriot Wednesday, 22 May 2024 12:51 PM
Now everyone wants to accept the responsibility. But two years ago no one was there except Ranil.
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Next SF will demand debate with AKD Wednesday, 22 May 2024 12:51 PM
SF has little support, and he is likely to demand debate with AKD saying he, SF, is currently next most like candidate to succeed. Shame for anyone publicising for his next lunatic demands, except to show what madman he really is.
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ACA Wednesday, 22 May 2024 01:40 PM
Let him feel the pulse before retiring for good. We do not have to listen to these selfish persons anymore.
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Lk Wednesday, 22 May 2024 02:14 PM
Ranil has always made a deal with FS to do this to divine and rule .. It is a political trick FS will not lose anything if Ranil wins . If AKD wins SF will beg for a psot as well..but NPP will not take him . SF is palyjng with a trick here
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DO NOT GET HOPEFUL WITH SF COMING FORWARD, APPEARS TO BE A SLY MOVE (SECRET MEETINGS BEHIND CLOSED DOORS) WITH THE FOX Wednesday, 22 May 2024 02:22 PM
I PREDICT IF BY CHANCE RANIL WINS, HE WILL MAKE SARATH HIS DEPUTY AND INSTALL HIM AS P.M. TO DO HIS DIRTY WORK OF CLEANING OUT THE RAJAPASKES AND BRINGING ALL THE CORRUPT POLITICIANS AND THEIR STOOGES WHO BROUGHT THE COUNTRY TO HIS KNEES. WE ALL KNOW THE FOX MAY BE EDUCATED AND SLY, BUT WITH NO BACKBONE/GUTS TO GO AFTER HIS BUDDIES (GOTA AND CROWD) WHO GAVE HIS THE GLORIFIED POSITION HE HOLDS (WITHOUT THE VOTE OF THE PEOPLE) HAS ENABLED HIM TO COME INTO THE POLITICAL LIMELIGHT. I SEE NO WAY OF RUWAN BEING INSTALLED AS PM, IF SARATH BANDS TOGETHER WITH RANIL. HOWEVER, SF GOING ALONE HAS NO CHANCE IN HELL. ALL IT WILL DO IS SPLIT THE VOTES OF RANIL/SJB AND SF. MY GUT FEELING IS, THIS MAY WELL BE TO THE BENEFIT OF ANURA NPP/JVP. MAKE SURE WE ALL MEMORISE RANIL'S SYMBOL FROM THE DAY IT IS PUT OUT, IF WE WANT THE COUNTRY TO PROSPER, HOLD THOSE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE COUNTRY'S DOWNFALL, ILLEMINATE CORRUPTION AND MOVE FORWARD.
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RuwanL Wednesday, 22 May 2024 02:48 PM
Not a good leader for the country as he is arrogant and will not listen to anyone when he makes up his mind. We are looking at a dictator who will be the most powerful man in Sri Lanka and who will only not be able to change a man to a woman. Should not depend on an all powerful single leader. If we are to come out of the economic crisis it has to be a team effort with a clear strategy and dedication
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Volker Metzger Wednesday, 22 May 2024 03:19 PM
I am very sure that Fonseka, who has proven his military-strategic brilliance on several occasions, will also take the next steps in the political election campaign wisely and strategically, in coordination with his friends and advisors! All the prejudices and reservations expressed here and there against Fonseka as a former military man or, even worse, against him personally (e.g. egocentrism, dominance, lack of communication, etc.) will turn out to be what they are: unreasonable projections and preconceptions of his political opponents and adversaries!
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Rowland Wednesday, 22 May 2024 03:59 PM
Sir anyone who has convinced you is the idiot. This is RW work to topple AKD and Sajith Party. You should not accept it but to keep up your name and support AKD
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Mandayan Wednesday, 22 May 2024 04:11 PM
Oh come on another military person! He believes that he can win on war victory game. Have had enough with Gota.
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sunil Wednesday, 22 May 2024 04:15 PM
even Sajith will get more votes than SF
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ajith Wednesday, 22 May 2024 04:16 PM
somebody has paid him to spoil the chance of a more prospective candidate
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Gamini Wednesday, 22 May 2024 04:17 PM
Oh no, not again. We already had enough of one former military lunatic running amuck
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Volker Metzger Wednesday, 22 May 2024 06:47 PM
I am very sure that Fonseka, who has proven his military-strategic brilliance on several occasions, will also take the next steps in the political election campaign wisely and strategically, in coordination with his friends and advisors! All the prejudices and reservations expressed here and there against Fonseka as a former military man or, even worse, against him personally (e.g. egocentrism, dominance, lack of communication, etc.) will turn out to be what they are: unreasonable projections and preconceptions of his political opponents and adversaries!
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Tissa Fernando Thursday, 23 May 2024 04:52 AM
He might get 100 votes. At least he could claim that he wad a presidential candidate.
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Bandu Thursday, 23 May 2024 05:29 AM
Ask the general, how is he going to improve the economy, reducing unemployment, what will happen to loss making government companies? improving education? etc
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Terrence K Thursday, 23 May 2024 08:41 AM
Farewell Salute to Politics as a defeated candidate in the next Presidential election!!!!!!
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cabs klm Thursday, 23 May 2024 09:14 AM
ha ha looks like this guy has fallen into the payroll of Rajapakse and Ranil
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Cherath Thursday, 23 May 2024 09:58 AM
All these rabbits jumping out of a hat to contest the Presidential Election will do no harm to the parties with a watertight voter base. It can only dismantle the shaky props struggling to stay upright. NPP, which by far, has a rock foundation of supporters, will only increase its chances through these innuendos.
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Franklin Mather Thursday, 23 May 2024 09:37 PM
No chance,only ruining his future
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MAYBE OF USE TO NPP/JVP Thursday, 23 May 2024 10:10 PM
SORRY TO SAY ONLY HOPE YOU MAY HAVE A CHANCE OF A MINISTRY IS IF YOU JOIN NPP/JVP AND THEY ACCEPT YTOUR PROPOSAL. ALONE SEEMS IMPOSSIBLE, BUT THEN AGAIN GOOD TRY MORE VOTES WILL SPLIT.
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Menik S Thursday, 23 May 2024 10:38 PM
He did once and he wants to do it again. It is the best news for SJB, finally they will be able to announce that this man who loves pudding has left the party on his own will. He is like an elephant in a china shop. May be he will do well if he has asked his good friend Vijith Herath of JVP to join him. Or Vijitha Herath and Fonseka must form another political party.
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Menik S Thursday, 23 May 2024 10:54 PM
Cherath You must be kidding a party with a less than 2 lakhs of voter base cannot be considered as a party with a solid foundation. Particularly when that foundation was built on hate, jealousy, anger and a criminal past. Only a JVPer can make this sort of baseless statement.
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Buddhist Thursday, 23 May 2024 11:31 PM
Fonseka, in desperation, tries to climb onto Ranil's lap.
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lelwala Friday, 24 May 2024 01:18 AM
We don't need any military man rule the country. he is good for the military . He is not fit for the president.
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Richard de Zoysa Friday, 24 May 2024 09:34 AM
Sti Lanka needs a drastic overhaul in all facets of Governance. Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka has matured politically after being 13 years iwith yhe good , the bad and the ugly, Just as he defeated the most ruthless terrorist organization in thr world , he will strategically bring about good governance and be an example to the world. Hos hands are clean and he is a Natural Hrro who gifted our country freedom after threr decaded of strife . I am sure he will leave an enviable legacy for the younger generation to take over the leadership.
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Guruge S.K. Friday, 24 May 2024 10:52 AM
Society and Peoples' thinking pattern has been changed a lot after Áragalaya'. Feel that its a timely decision if SF could leave these crooks and come forward as an Independent Candidate. Now we all know that who planed the war strategies and driven the country to the success. Hope he is having a good chance.
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Udeni Senanayake Friday, 24 May 2024 11:30 AM
I believe that he is the only leader who can build a disciplined country without corruption. A good decision taken for the country. I wish him all the best.
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Dharmatileke Friday, 24 May 2024 11:40 AM
Return those metal decorations, because you will be nothing other than a paddy field marshal after a vote , people like soldiers only in combat not in politics classic example Gotabaye
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Champ Friday, 24 May 2024 12:22 PM
SL needs to be turned into a well disciplined country in all aspects first devoid of bribery, corruption, power greed and lack of governance. Without it no country will develop. Once right discipline starts get going such a country become developed 60% while the rest 40% depends on economic progress. All countries which are in developed status today, better to study how their leaders followed disciplining from top to bottom levels. SF is one of such rare character who can maneuver the country in such direction initially. It’s a pity to see from numerous comments over this wall, comparing GR to him. GR was selected to bring that discipline but failed. Those who still want to live in this country while nurturing bribery, corruption while supporting current dirty political culture, surely oppose a strong character like SF. It can be simply understood from the majority of comments in this wall. What a country full of lunatics!! Next 100 years better to blame politicians
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Mohammed intiquab Ghouse Sunday, 26 May 2024 05:06 PM
Anura should be the president, he and his party should pull all the old files and cases.
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Kokila Monday, 27 May 2024 10:31 AM
Mr. Fonseka is a trustful person among in this political gang. He join this idiots political group to show who is he to us and get to know about this field. Otherwise as before robbers persuade us ask question from him "do you have experience in politics before? This is not like army. " like that. Do now he has lots of experiences in politics. Don't forget, he finished the terrorism while he work with thieves. So I believe him. He place our country in right place. Good luck SF, I am with you Sir.
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