This could be the last democratic election in Sri Lanka-Patali

17 September 2024 08:09 am Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 79 Bookmark

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United Republican Front (URF) Leader MP Patali Champika Ranawaka who is backing Presidential Candidate and SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa fears whether this will be the last democratic election that will be conducted in Sri Lanka.

"This is not a normal election. This could be the last democratic election in this country, being determined by a wave of populism created on social media. It was the similar wave in 2019 when a deliberate social media campaign was launched to mislead the public and promote Gotabaya Rajapaksa as the saviour of the nation. The country went bankrupt. This time, the country will not be bankrupt but the entire democratic system that has remained since 1931 will be ruined," he told Daily Mirror during an interview.

FULL INTERVIEW

Comments - 79

Panduka Dasanayake Tuesday, 17 September 2024 08:20 AM

OMG! Could one be any more dramatic! To have had the opportunity and done little and oppose others getting an opportunity…

22 96

Tissa Fernando Tuesday, 17 September 2024 11:55 AM

These jokers have done absolutely nothing for our nation or people and are now in a desperate bid to hold onto their plum parliamentary positions. It just goes to show their caliber. Highly irresponsible!

6 54

karolis Tuesday, 17 September 2024 02:35 PM

Ranawaka's fear is reasonable. It is true that AKD et al are seen as moderates but the hardcore left within JVP wields power. It is just a matter of time before the hardcore grabs power sidelining the moderates. Then it is going to be too late for any Aragalaya. JVP will not leave anyone to live if Aragalaya happens to them.

49 31

Raj Tuesday, 17 September 2024 08:22 AM

Scared of NPP victory.

33 125

Tilak Tuesday, 17 September 2024 11:12 AM

scared about the country, that includes you and me, in case of a NPP victory Aragalaya-2 will be far sooner and worser than 1

45 29

Join Sajith Wednesday, 18 September 2024 08:06 AM

Theres nothing to be scared if Sajith comes. He will make SL a heaven

11 6

Libera One Tuesday, 17 September 2024 08:25 AM

Very good. Democracy had been nothing but a burden to the economic potential of the country.

51 77

Neel Tuesday, 17 September 2024 11:27 AM

If Saith Pramdasa came to power this diffently this will be the last because he will follow path of election postpone his former party leaders lessons.

9 33

Hadira Tuesday, 17 September 2024 08:34 AM

He has no vision or approach for the true development of the country and publishing lengthy stories regularly always blaming his opponents

14 85

Citizen Tuesday, 17 September 2024 08:37 AM

So are you asking us to vote a fool for president?

22 93

Anura y Tuesday, 17 September 2024 08:40 AM

At least now stop fooling the voters..have you listened what you are saying..after 21st Sri lanka will experience true democracy away from.nepotism.

18 87

sarath Tuesday, 17 September 2024 11:12 AM

You have every right to keep dreaming

6 25

C Fernando Tuesday, 17 September 2024 02:11 PM

Dream on!! You deserve what you wish for!

8 21

Do we need the luxury of democracy? Wednesday, 18 September 2024 03:39 PM

If Sri Lanka will experience true democracy after 21st September, it will because Ramil made it a reality. But remember one thing. Democracy and election are luxuries, that cost us billions. Can we afford to waste so many billions for election? Look at the way candidates are spending money to get to the power seat! All these could be saved and used to develop the nation, if Ranil had declined to hold election.

5 3

Unjustified Comments Especially From Him Tuesday, 17 September 2024 08:54 AM

Your comments are unjustified and coming from a dishonest person makes it even more false. Hope you will change in due course and practice the principles of being truthful in life. Remember, what goes around, comes around!

9 76

Roberta Flack Tuesday, 17 September 2024 09:03 AM

Gradually but surely conceding

15 60

Aela Tuesday, 17 September 2024 09:12 AM

Please stop your bullshit and fear mongering. Sour grapes as you will be out of parliament this time.

15 73

NPP will make Buddhism flourish Tuesday, 17 September 2024 09:12 AM

Dear voters, in the unfortunate event that the NPP comes to power, today will be the last Poya Day holiday. From 22 September onwards, Sri Lanka will be an atheist state. Poya Day will be a typical working day. For Wesak, Christmas, Prophet Mohamed's Birthday, etc., the NPP administration may suggest people use their annual leave.

93 43

Not for religion man Tuesday, 17 September 2024 09:56 AM

Excellent, this is what we are looking for. If the country needs to prosper, we need to work. I’ll be the happiest person if they implement what you are saying is going to happen.

15 93

NPP will make the private sector efficient Tuesday, 17 September 2024 11:33 AM

@ Not for religion man - this shows the mentality of the NPP guys. No religion and no culture. It is not about the number of days you work. But the value addition workers make to the economy. Under an NPP administration, the public sector will be bloated. Five or more people will be appointed to do the same task. As usual, these workers will chat and tap the mobile phones throughout the day and also claim overtime after working hours. The same will happen to the private sector. Managers will have no control over workers. Why? Now it is a " workers' government". Owners of capital exploit workers and they are the enemies of the nation. So, even the private sector will have to dance according to the whims and fancies of the workers eventually leading to the end of entrepreneurship in Sri Lanka. The world will make comparisons between Sri Lanka and North Korea.

27 8

STEP DOWN INTO THE REAL WORLD Tuesday, 17 September 2024 09:20 PM

OH! YOU ARE NOT THE ONLY ONE, HEAPS LIKE YOU AROUND THE WORLD WHO BELIEVE IN NOTHING BUT THEMSELVES, SAD BUT TRUE.

0 3

jayt Tuesday, 17 September 2024 11:20 AM

non of them will ever be loyal to sri lanka some will slowly bring down sri lanka with collaboration with foreigner. otthers will staight sell sri lanka

5 4

Sunil Tuesday, 17 September 2024 11:34 AM

Don't spread false rumours. Be a man and embrace positive change where a capitalist society will become a Social Democracy with equal opportunity to all.

2 23

roobarbie Tuesday, 17 September 2024 02:31 PM

Exactly, time to get rid of stupid holidays called Poya Days for good. 24- wasted days year, and similar amount for other faiths. If people are that religious, they could observe their faith with devotion on the weekends. Look at western countries; how many public holidays are given in one year. In UK it is maximum 6. Sri Lanka will never prosper with lazy bones like you having a good time. Go, get some productive work done, generate wealth, instead of writing nonsense here.

2 23

Pathirajah Anurachalam Tuesday, 17 September 2024 03:09 PM

@ roobarbie - So, are you an erudite? If people have written nonsense, why do you take time to read them? That shows you are the one who does not have work. Why don't you stop reading these comments if they are unproductive and do some productive work? If people say anything against the JVP, then such people are useless. On the contrary, if people write in favour of the JVP, then you all embrace them wholeheartedly. This shows that the JVP can't tolerate dissent.

11 4

Mani Ratnam Tuesday, 17 September 2024 02:51 PM

Very Good. We pray and pray and give respect to hooligan such as Gnanalsara thero. Votets like you always supported anti minority sentiments from swrd's Sinhala only policy. Later slogan against Devolution later Tiger tiger slogans and started begging in 2022. Wake up

0 14

TKD Tuesday, 17 September 2024 05:52 PM

I am not a supporter of the NPP, but one important issue that no political party, commentator, or even most Sri Lankans seem to address is how to reduce the excessive number of holidays to improve productivity. It's really frustrating having to explain to overseas customers or partners that there's yet another holiday, and we won't be able to get back to them until we're back at work. It's embarrassing and affects our professional image!

0 11

Tissa Fernando Friday, 20 September 2024 04:04 PM

No Chrismas Holiday, No Muslim Holiday, No way. Try and see.

0 2

D Tuesday, 17 September 2024 09:41 AM

Yes, if u or your leader come into power.

6 42

Terrence K Tuesday, 17 September 2024 09:44 AM

You are addicted to the social media platforms which are disseminating a heaven which is to come on earth but not realizing that Gotabaya was catapulted to power due to the Appachchi's support which stood his brother as a foundation. Social media platforms cannot predict an election all these are strategies to portray a following to the JVP. Why not wait for the 22nd and see the outcome as in all these the Almighty God decides whether the country will be robbed of democracy. Sometimes God permits people to have their own choice but after a few months they will realize their own folly. Now it is very clearly seen that the roots of the JVP are in an infigting mode. Look at the LTTE who commanded respect of the general public in Jaffna, what happened to the public who were given a taste of their choice. Only the one above us will decide the outcome of this election!!!!!

23 8

Onlooker Tuesday, 17 September 2024 11:29 AM

If Only the one above us will decide the outcome of this election, then why waste so much money on an election. So you mean you are not voting.

1 3

Tissa Fernando Tuesday, 17 September 2024 09:51 AM

Country will be bankrupt too. Because NPP supporters are voting for NPP because they will take money from wealthy to provide everything free for the rest. Since that is not sustainable, the wealthy will become poor too so the ultimate point of no recovery.

59 24

Eardley Tuesday, 17 September 2024 11:53 AM

So you want the politicians to continue taking bribes, continue to bend the rule of law to their fancies etc., Oh! It seems you will stand to loose a heap of .oney from unsavoury contracts...

2 24

prageethw Tuesday, 17 September 2024 12:09 PM

That's such a stupid and ignorant comment, if they try doing it, not only the country but themself will disappear. People are much more educated and sensible, If you listen to NPP, they talk capitalism 101, not socialism.

2 17

sach Tuesday, 17 September 2024 12:18 PM

SL went bankrupt exactly because of Ranil's debt mismanagemet during 2015-19

3 17

Toiyya Tuesday, 17 September 2024 12:21 PM

you need to watch Sirasa Satana where AKD was interviewed.

0 19

Sam Silva Tuesday, 17 September 2024 05:19 PM

Gullible people watch and believe. Yes they were very active during the aragalya show files and files with all the all the allegations. What happened to those files. The people who vote for akd deserve it just like the gotta people.

3 1

roobarbie Tuesday, 17 September 2024 02:25 PM

You must be one of the wealthy operator of the feudal system that exist in Sri Lanka. Your days are numbered, mate!

2 21

Keppa Tuesday, 17 September 2024 10:15 AM

No difference for rice eating cows. He used to be in the same camp.

1 13

Mohamed Adham Tuesday, 17 September 2024 10:24 AM

For a short sighted politician and a racist to boot, this is all just a load of Bull. Your voice would have no noise decibels.

0 17

Cheers Tuesday, 17 September 2024 10:25 AM

You undemocratically climb barriers during the last elected democratic president in Sri Lanka and now you will get the same karma and a Yahapalanaya rogue and gal anguru hora

0 13

DOT Tuesday, 17 September 2024 10:30 AM

NPP has no plans and currently all are in words. Queue system to follow soon and food rationing is also on the agenda

20 4

Laz Tuesday, 17 September 2024 10:37 AM

Oh , This would be the last election where scums , theives, drug peddlers will be on the ballot paper, This includes you buddy. See you later

1 19

D P P Prasad Tuesday, 17 September 2024 10:51 AM

He is one of the detestable and worst politicians who has been seen in the political landscape of Srilanka. He started his political career along with certain Buddhist monks. At the very beginning of his career he represented the helaurumaya party which was deemed to be almost racial. Even during the last general election he contested under the symbol of telephone Any how due to a personal brawl by leaving the SJB he formed the party called 43 brigade. But as soon as the presidential election was proclaimed he again joined the SJB because he was marginalised by the other leading parties including NPP. Besides he is also a member of the collective which created false malicious and spiteful allegations against the Islamic principals. This is why this man avoids addressing the rallies being held in the areas where Muslim density is high. Further he has personally wanted AKD defeated in this election. Therefore this opportunist has launched smear campaigns in order to make it successful

0 22

Sen Rajapaksha Tuesday, 17 September 2024 10:54 AM

What he meant was ' This could be the last election to many in the parliament today' including him

1 18

Sen Rajapaksha Tuesday, 17 September 2024 10:56 AM

This is the firs time I see people are conceding before the end of the election

1 14

Kays Tuesday, 17 September 2024 11:01 AM

A party that ruthlessly supresses democracy in the university system wants you to believe that their storm troopers will not do the same with the country?

3 3

Grace Tuesday, 17 September 2024 11:04 AM

Democracy doesn't work well in countries where majority of people are uneducated.

1 15

Upulpb Tuesday, 17 September 2024 11:05 AM

Come clean and try the next election. No one will believe you

0 11

Gamini Tuesday, 17 September 2024 11:17 AM

On the one hand NPP talks of reducing VAT which is the biggest revenue for the govt. and then talk of reducing fuel prices and doling out freebies-What kind of mad ness is this. RW built up a reserve of 6 Billion dollars from scratch, AKD will just blow it away and in another 6-9 months we will be back at Galle Face Greens

9 4

Tissa Fernando Tuesday, 17 September 2024 11:45 AM

This is a highly IRRESPONSIBLE comment made by a politician purely for the sake of political mileage.

0 13

Grace Tuesday, 17 September 2024 12:05 PM

This could be the last election for double tongued, Hippocratic politicians who thrive on poor people's gullibility, as well.

0 14

Lank Tuesday, 17 September 2024 12:07 PM

No worries this is new true democratic path and trend that is going to start and people have good life now . No thieves No public find looters No 20% commission No fraud And no corruption. Now some of your colleagues are scared for their political lives why ? Because they did what they did and karma backfire on them .. Now it is now world order and now politics. You all have been fooling people for 75 years now see. Your colleagues did not read politics well. They are jolly riding for long time now people are are awaken now in politics. Still some thieves are trying . But too late

1 12

Casipillai M Tuesday, 17 September 2024 12:07 PM

What a drama queen. Remember Srilankans chased away even tyrant Gota and his gang? We know how to protect our democracy. You stop being undemocratic and thinking we are fools.

0 11

Vadivelu Yogaratnam Tuesday, 17 September 2024 12:12 PM

Very bad selfish comment country will not go bankrupt long as Ranil is there may be in the presence of others so prey hard for Ranil's health to live free of all sickness.

8 2

unknown is better than known Tuesday, 17 September 2024 12:29 PM

Is our country bankrupt? or it defaults it debts?

1 3

Hypocrisy is Astounding Tuesday, 17 September 2024 12:29 PM

It's truly shocking to see someone like this talking about democracy when he was one of the main culprits behind the communal violence during the Rajapaksa regime. How can someone who contributed to such division and hatred now claim to stand for democratic values? The double standards are crystal clear — it's hypocrisy at its finest. This is exactly the kind of opportunism that undermines real progress.

0 15

Samy Selvarajah Tuesday, 17 September 2024 12:37 PM

Patali, you are a double crosser. Wait until Anura becomes the President and you will change your mind with many excuses. Everyone who knows you will agree with me about your change over. Cross over guys have double tongues.

2 13

sam Tuesday, 17 September 2024 12:59 PM

What makes you think that this election will be democratic? and were past elections all democratic?

2 10

MJSA Tuesday, 17 September 2024 01:07 PM

For the first time people will witness some decipline in the governance if the NPP emerge as the victorious.(Which is certain) We are prepared to put aside your democracy of moving from pillars to pillars and every tom dick and harry are creating their own parties and sandanayas for their personal benefits. You too are not sensitive enough to realize to which extend people are disappointed and hurt of your kind of democracy

3 11

karu Tuesday, 17 September 2024 01:08 PM

He is a one of the top selfish person in the political areana ,, talk to his batch mates and political mates to know about his hidden background. A monkey looking for mango to hang.

1 14

Amal Fernando Tuesday, 17 September 2024 01:25 PM

You were with Sajith sometime back

1 6

Lion Tuesday, 17 September 2024 01:47 PM

This will be his last few days in the parliament .last time he crept in to parliament with greatest difficulty

1 12

Prasanna Tuesday, 17 September 2024 01:56 PM

The populism you're witnessing is genuine, not fake. This is the final opportunity for politicians of your low caliber to enter parliament under the guise of democracy.

1 9

Wasantha Kumara Wickrama Ramanayake Tuesday, 17 September 2024 01:59 PM

What opportunistic expression is that and we know who you are and why you are so scared of victory of NPP. Good Luck Patali

2 10

Danny Tuesday, 17 September 2024 02:03 PM

Come on Patali, same thing was said when SP ran against the Gota, who was portrayed as a tyrant and none disputed.

1 7

Amal Tuesday, 17 September 2024 02:08 PM

He is more sure of winning of NPP. That is the only way to sweepout these type of crapy people.

5 9

Personal gain Tuesday, 17 September 2024 02:25 PM

This person first said that he can't work together with a man who strongly displays a ONE MAN SHOW. Now after SF left got close to the ONE MAN as an PM Aspirant. Not love or believe in SP's capability.

0 8

Laksith Mendis Tuesday, 17 September 2024 02:31 PM

If so, why did you decide to support Sajith who you say is winning ?

0 6

Waco Tuesday, 17 September 2024 02:35 PM

Was Ranil appointed in a Democratic way?

0 15

Krish Tuesday, 17 September 2024 04:33 PM

Sri Lanka doesn't have a history of dictatorship. It is highly unlikely anyone even they wanted will be able to do that. There are forces, police who are sown to protect the country and constitution. And don't forget the people.

0 1

Lalith Hewa Wednesday, 18 September 2024 08:18 AM

SJB will be loosing a chunk of votes due to you and you only joining the party, please join another party and allow SJB to be victorious

0 1

Rabbuta Wednesday, 18 September 2024 02:24 PM

Says Patali who drives drunk and hit pedestrians and try to escape law.

0 0

Sambo Friday, 20 September 2024 07:16 AM

This could be the first democratic election held in decades. Stooges like you will be kicked out and replaced with honest working people and the public will enjoy the fruits of the country unlike now where only you politicians make hay of it.

0 0

A Supporter of Weird and Clueless Party Friday, 20 September 2024 11:05 AM

Do NOT worry Patali, SJB will not win the next election.

0 0

FredSnR Saturday, 21 September 2024 04:16 AM

Democracy is rule By the people,.There must be participation by the people in the decision making process like the elections we are having now ,must happen throughout, at all times, will mean independence of institutions, among other things ,looking forward to a peaceful election and a more prosperous Lanka.

0 0

Lalith Saturday, 21 September 2024 01:28 PM

So you want us to vote for TIN TIN You have no principles- Have moved from one to the other. Only reason to shift to Sajith- you calculated right, we will be the opposition and you will get a national list slot in the Parliamentary election in 2 months. If you are such an honest principled guy, contest a seat. You will be HISTORY

0 0

hoodwinker Sunday, 22 September 2024 07:28 AM

Yes! This would go down in history as we close a Dramacratict era. although AKD is new for the job he is well tempered [ themparadu ] all the best !

0 0

Sambo Friday, 27 September 2024 07:19 PM

Did you see something which the public did not see. According to what is happening now how would you define Democracy.

0 0

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