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	<title>Comments on: The 13th Amendment to the Constitution fundamentally flawed!</title>
	<link>http://federalidea.com/focus/archives/331</link>
	<description></description>
	<pubDate>Sat, 11 Oct 2008 19:18:04 +0000</pubDate>
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		<title>by: ilaya seran senguttuvan</title>
		<link>http://federalidea.com/focus/archives/331#comment-5510</link>
		<pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2008 11:57:08 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://federalidea.com/focus/archives/331#comment-5510</guid>
					<description>Men like R. Goonetilake (8) makes one think it is still worth staying in Sri Lanka and fighting for the country and united people we lost over 60 years ago. If we have a few dozens of such fine Lankans
we will have a country and society worth feeling proud about.
In such a society I certainly would like Mr Goonetilake to be my immediate neighbour. I hope those who influence matters in this government of President Rajapakse in the peace process should
read Mr G's piece over and over again.</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Men like R. Goonetilake (8) makes one think it is still worth staying in Sri Lanka and fighting for the country and united people we lost over 60 years ago. If we have a few dozens of such fine Lankans<br />
we will have a country and society worth feeling proud about.<br />
In such a society I certainly would like Mr Goonetilake to be my immediate neighbour. I hope those who influence matters in this government of President Rajapakse in the peace process should<br />
read Mr G&#8217;s piece over and over again.
</p>
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		<title>by: Devinda Fernando</title>
		<link>http://federalidea.com/focus/archives/331#comment-5465</link>
		<pubDate>Thu, 21 Feb 2008 15:28:27 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://federalidea.com/focus/archives/331#comment-5465</guid>
					<description>*** Devinda Fernando doesn’t care whether his aunt wipes plates and dishes in another asian country for life…!  ***

If that is here choice then why not...? .LOL!

I advocated freedom to do whatever you want.  Just take responsibility for the consequences of your actions, ..that's all.  

Don't sit here criticizing Sri Lanka, when we all know why we a re lagging behind economically.  It is obvious the more Resolved and Patriotic citizens of Sri Lanka will have to Fix this mess while Nay-Sayers sit there on their High Chairs Pontificating and assigning Blame for Sri Lanka's Short comings.  That's the difference between those of us who care and the rest of the HERD like you.  Nothing will ever be good enough for you and you certainly will never raise a finger to fix it yourselves.  Like the Servant Mentality you have had engraved into your skulls you will always wait for someone else to tell you what to do.</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>*** Devinda Fernando doesn’t care whether his aunt wipes plates and dishes in another asian country for life…!  ***</p>
<p>If that is here choice then why not&#8230;? .LOL!</p>
<p>I advocated freedom to do whatever you want.  Just take responsibility for the consequences of your actions, ..that&#8217;s all.  </p>
<p>Don&#8217;t sit here criticizing Sri Lanka, when we all know why we a re lagging behind economically.  It is obvious the more Resolved and Patriotic citizens of Sri Lanka will have to Fix this mess while Nay-Sayers sit there on their High Chairs Pontificating and assigning Blame for Sri Lanka&#8217;s Short comings.  That&#8217;s the difference between those of us who care and the rest of the HERD like you.  Nothing will ever be good enough for you and you certainly will never raise a finger to fix it yourselves.  Like the Servant Mentality you have had engraved into your skulls you will always wait for someone else to tell you what to do.
</p>
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		<title>by: Devinda Fernando</title>
		<link>http://federalidea.com/focus/archives/331#comment-5464</link>
		<pubDate>Thu, 21 Feb 2008 15:22:44 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://federalidea.com/focus/archives/331#comment-5464</guid>
					<description>*** It is not difficult to understand that Tamils want their homeland back, and wanted the occupying Sinhala forces to go home. Leave us alone in our homes. Fifty thousand Sinhala forces are maintaining an open prison in Jaffna  ***

Suresh, If you want to debate me please do so using some form of logical argument,  try using sentences that articulate your point(s), address what I say then counter it with some examples, or cite some sources,.... this way people will not continue to think of you as a Tireless Parrot of LTTE Talking Points.</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>*** It is not difficult to understand that Tamils want their homeland back, and wanted the occupying Sinhala forces to go home. Leave us alone in our homes. Fifty thousand Sinhala forces are maintaining an open prison in Jaffna  ***</p>
<p>Suresh, If you want to debate me please do so using some form of logical argument,  try using sentences that articulate your point(s), address what I say then counter it with some examples, or cite some sources,&#8230;. this way people will not continue to think of you as a Tireless Parrot of LTTE Talking Points.
</p>
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		<title>by: R.Goonetilake</title>
		<link>http://federalidea.com/focus/archives/331#comment-5411</link>
		<pubDate>Wed, 20 Feb 2008 18:16:28 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://federalidea.com/focus/archives/331#comment-5411</guid>
					<description>13th Amendment was opposed by TULF in 1987 and Anandasangaree was at the forefront of this opposition.
13th Amendment Debacle and the Farce that carries with it speaks volumes about the modicum of Rajapakshes and the Indian Govt who are the only ones in the IC to say anything in favour of this. India would stay in favour of the defunct 13th Amendment as it addresses their global, and regional interests better rather than addressing Sri Lanka's own ethnic conflict resolution. This brings to light whether SL will have any leaders who would put Sri Lankan Interests before any other?
Ethnic Segregation and separate State for Tamils would not have arisen if Sinhala Leaders had acted in an impartial manner and have a constitution, state organs thats impartial to all communities.
We wanted a sinhala state in the island and Tamils who had their own state would want their state back because the farranged marriage forced upon them by the British did not stand good to Tamil State.
The simple fact is that British played spoil sport in allowing the Sinhalese to take over created this monster. We cannot blame the British for all our ills as we as educated people should have done better to create a &quot;Secular - Multi Ethnic Nation&quot; that everyone can call it home.
It would be wise for all and for the future generations' sake that we let Tamils go or find an amicable Power -Sharing Arrangement with the Tamil State and go forward. 
At the moment, Sri Lanka is left behind in all spheres of the global developments. There are many south asian nations which would grow similar to Singapore and we will send our wives and sisters to work in their houses.
Devinda Fernando doesn't care whether his aunt wipes plates and dishes in another asian country for life...!</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>13th Amendment was opposed by TULF in 1987 and Anandasangaree was at the forefront of this opposition.<br />
13th Amendment Debacle and the Farce that carries with it speaks volumes about the modicum of Rajapakshes and the Indian Govt who are the only ones in the IC to say anything in favour of this. India would stay in favour of the defunct 13th Amendment as it addresses their global, and regional interests better rather than addressing Sri Lanka&#8217;s own ethnic conflict resolution. This brings to light whether SL will have any leaders who would put Sri Lankan Interests before any other?<br />
Ethnic Segregation and separate State for Tamils would not have arisen if Sinhala Leaders had acted in an impartial manner and have a constitution, state organs thats impartial to all communities.<br />
We wanted a sinhala state in the island and Tamils who had their own state would want their state back because the farranged marriage forced upon them by the British did not stand good to Tamil State.<br />
The simple fact is that British played spoil sport in allowing the Sinhalese to take over created this monster. We cannot blame the British for all our ills as we as educated people should have done better to create a &#8220;Secular - Multi Ethnic Nation&#8221; that everyone can call it home.<br />
It would be wise for all and for the future generations&#8217; sake that we let Tamils go or find an amicable Power -Sharing Arrangement with the Tamil State and go forward.<br />
At the moment, Sri Lanka is left behind in all spheres of the global developments. There are many south asian nations which would grow similar to Singapore and we will send our wives and sisters to work in their houses.<br />
Devinda Fernando doesn&#8217;t care whether his aunt wipes plates and dishes in another asian country for life&#8230;!
</p>
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		<title>by: Suresh M</title>
		<link>http://federalidea.com/focus/archives/331#comment-5381</link>
		<pubDate>Wed, 20 Feb 2008 05:00:26 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://federalidea.com/focus/archives/331#comment-5381</guid>
					<description># 6 D.Fernando,

It is not difficult to understand that Tamils want their homeland back, and wanted the occupying Sinhala forces to go home.  Leave us alone in our homes. Fifty thousand Sinhala forces are maintaining an open prison in Jaffna</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p># 6 D.Fernando,</p>
<p>It is not difficult to understand that Tamils want their homeland back, and wanted the occupying Sinhala forces to go home.  Leave us alone in our homes. Fifty thousand Sinhala forces are maintaining an open prison in Jaffna
</p>
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		<title>by: Devinda Fernando</title>
		<link>http://federalidea.com/focus/archives/331#comment-5365</link>
		<pubDate>Tue, 19 Feb 2008 20:28:03 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://federalidea.com/focus/archives/331#comment-5365</guid>
					<description>What just blows my mind is that these people like Sam Thambipillai is that they can't accept a Unitary system for all in Sri Lanka.  Tamils have to be Segregated out and treated differently like as if they are some sort of Special Minority?  

The true irony being that these Tamils who advocate Ethnic Segregation in Sri Lanka all hold Foreign passports in Unitary Western Countries and they make no such unreasonable demands on these countries to which they hold citizenship?</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>What just blows my mind is that these people like Sam Thambipillai is that they can&#8217;t accept a Unitary system for all in Sri Lanka.  Tamils have to be Segregated out and treated differently like as if they are some sort of Special Minority?  </p>
<p>The true irony being that these Tamils who advocate Ethnic Segregation in Sri Lanka all hold Foreign passports in Unitary Western Countries and they make no such unreasonable demands on these countries to which they hold citizenship?
</p>
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		<title>by: Sam Thambipillai</title>
		<link>http://federalidea.com/focus/archives/331#comment-5351</link>
		<pubDate>Tue, 19 Feb 2008 14:40:16 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://federalidea.com/focus/archives/331#comment-5351</guid>
					<description>The South is either unable and or unwilling to solve the problem of the independence of Tamils in the North East.

This had been the history of the island since 1948.History always repeats itself. Here we are again. No internal solution would ever be forthcoming. Foreign intervention is important if we want peace through justice.

We should ask Britain to put things in order. They failed in their responsibilty to do justice. At least after 36 years they should work for justice.</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The South is either unable and or unwilling to solve the problem of the independence of Tamils in the North East.</p>
<p>This had been the history of the island since 1948.History always repeats itself. Here we are again. No internal solution would ever be forthcoming. Foreign intervention is important if we want peace through justice.</p>
<p>We should ask Britain to put things in order. They failed in their responsibilty to do justice. At least after 36 years they should work for justice.
</p>
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		<title>by: lingam</title>
		<link>http://federalidea.com/focus/archives/331#comment-5349</link>
		<pubDate>Tue, 19 Feb 2008 14:24:28 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://federalidea.com/focus/archives/331#comment-5349</guid>
					<description>There are three perspectives, when it comes to power devolution: Federalism, 13th Amendment+and maximum devolution within a unitary Constitution,

Forth perspective is separation ??</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>There are three perspectives, when it comes to power devolution: Federalism, 13th Amendment+and maximum devolution within a unitary Constitution,</p>
<p>Forth perspective is separation ??
</p>
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		<title>by: Gee Sampanthan</title>
		<link>http://federalidea.com/focus/archives/331#comment-5348</link>
		<pubDate>Tue, 19 Feb 2008 14:21:17 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://federalidea.com/focus/archives/331#comment-5348</guid>
					<description>It is good to know there are good people analyzing the situation and
it is possible one day these and other good people will be entrusted  with the political and constitutional powers to lead the nation and bring about the political reforms and also the economic - equitable economic development and promote and foster peace in Sri-Lanka.  There is hope...and hope for a change , a positive change that all are waiting for.  

So, again good people , please get involved.  Journalism is tainted by embedding and by becoming advocates of political parties and even the mouth pieces of generals.  So, it is real involvement by good people that we can expect changes. Once elected these old guards represent no one, except themselves  and continue only to plunder the nation..adding to her woes and pains.</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>It is good to know there are good people analyzing the situation and<br />
it is possible one day these and other good people will be entrusted  with the political and constitutional powers to lead the nation and bring about the political reforms and also the economic - equitable economic development and promote and foster peace in Sri-Lanka.  There is hope&#8230;and hope for a change , a positive change that all are waiting for.  </p>
<p>So, again good people , please get involved.  Journalism is tainted by embedding and by becoming advocates of political parties and even the mouth pieces of generals.  So, it is real involvement by good people that we can expect changes. Once elected these old guards represent no one, except themselves  and continue only to plunder the nation..adding to her woes and pains.
</p>
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		<title>by: A.Rajasingam</title>
		<link>http://federalidea.com/focus/archives/331#comment-5347</link>
		<pubDate>Tue, 19 Feb 2008 14:02:54 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://federalidea.com/focus/archives/331#comment-5347</guid>
					<description>There was nothing wrong in the 13th Amendment. What we should have done is to amplify it on realizing the impact of the Amendment. One must accept that there was no Senate to curb the powers of the President. 13th Amendment was passed as a partial rectification to the Constitution which eventually paved way for the entire country to be divided into Five Provinces. This is the way to ensure powers that were devolved to the Provinces. The Senate should serve as a checkmate to the powers of the President. Briefly that was no system of Checks and Balances as found in the US Constitution. This was a case of giving the power with one hand and later snatching with the other hand. The sincerity of the rulers became a questionable issue.   

The successive governments that ruled the country were unable to properly implement the provisions of the Amendment because they were not sincere. When there is an unlimited power in the hands of the President with a false and baseless imagination of Federalism, this will eventually led to the deterioration of the stability of the country. It is only a question of powers between the Provinces and the Central Government. Why cannot the leaders look at the Constitutions of USA, India and Canada. The Canadian Constitutional model looks so promising that the Constitution classified two Heads of Powers between the Central Government and the Provincial Governments. If this can be done the limitations imposed with regard to police powers and the power over lands can be resolved without any effort. I cannot find any reason why the rulers are breaking their heads over the use of the word Federalism which has resulted in heavy loss of lives because of their ignorance. The 13th Amendment was a stepping stone towards Federalism which would have promoted harmony and paved way for economic development. JRJ and Dr.Colvin were the culprits of increasing the number of Representatives in the Parliament and insisting on a Unicameral system. Instead of increasing the number, they could have allowed to remain with 101 members in the House of Representatives and Six academically and professionally qualified Members for each Province to be elected in the Senate with a further Five Members appointed from the Professionals from each community to the Senate the present problem would not have arisen. The issue of Homeland for Tamils would not have arisen, instead it would have been a homeland for the entire Sri Lankans. It appeared that Politicians do not want to give priority to such simplified methods in the best interests of the country, but to their vested self interests. Further the Senate could have been given the powers to clip the wings of the President and even that of the House of Representatives on matters affecting  the Provinces which also could treated as a System of Checks and Balances. Had such methods been adapted, no room would have been allowed for unwanted politicians and terrorism will be wiped out. Just imagine the crores of Rupees that were spent on fighting terrorism and on Parliamentarians which money could have been utilized for economic development. I am sure the majority of the Sinhalese will accept such a change in the Constitution with courage.</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>There was nothing wrong in the 13th Amendment. What we should have done is to amplify it on realizing the impact of the Amendment. One must accept that there was no Senate to curb the powers of the President. 13th Amendment was passed as a partial rectification to the Constitution which eventually paved way for the entire country to be divided into Five Provinces. This is the way to ensure powers that were devolved to the Provinces. The Senate should serve as a checkmate to the powers of the President. Briefly that was no system of Checks and Balances as found in the US Constitution. This was a case of giving the power with one hand and later snatching with the other hand. The sincerity of the rulers became a questionable issue.   </p>
<p>The successive governments that ruled the country were unable to properly implement the provisions of the Amendment because they were not sincere. When there is an unlimited power in the hands of the President with a false and baseless imagination of Federalism, this will eventually led to the deterioration of the stability of the country. It is only a question of powers between the Provinces and the Central Government. Why cannot the leaders look at the Constitutions of USA, India and Canada. The Canadian Constitutional model looks so promising that the Constitution classified two Heads of Powers between the Central Government and the Provincial Governments. If this can be done the limitations imposed with regard to police powers and the power over lands can be resolved without any effort. I cannot find any reason why the rulers are breaking their heads over the use of the word Federalism which has resulted in heavy loss of lives because of their ignorance. The 13th Amendment was a stepping stone towards Federalism which would have promoted harmony and paved way for economic development. JRJ and Dr.Colvin were the culprits of increasing the number of Representatives in the Parliament and insisting on a Unicameral system. Instead of increasing the number, they could have allowed to remain with 101 members in the House of Representatives and Six academically and professionally qualified Members for each Province to be elected in the Senate with a further Five Members appointed from the Professionals from each community to the Senate the present problem would not have arisen. The issue of Homeland for Tamils would not have arisen, instead it would have been a homeland for the entire Sri Lankans. It appeared that Politicians do not want to give priority to such simplified methods in the best interests of the country, but to their vested self interests. Further the Senate could have been given the powers to clip the wings of the President and even that of the House of Representatives on matters affecting  the Provinces which also could treated as a System of Checks and Balances. Had such methods been adapted, no room would have been allowed for unwanted politicians and terrorism will be wiped out. Just imagine the crores of Rupees that were spent on fighting terrorism and on Parliamentarians which money could have been utilized for economic development. I am sure the majority of the Sinhalese will accept such a change in the Constitution with courage.
</p>
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