BOGOLLAGAMA OVERLOOKED- DIPLOMATIC COMMUNITY SCHOCKED !
Posted on April 21st, 2010
ByƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ L.R.Kingsbury Foreign Correspondent
The integrity of Sri Lanka came under scrutiny when Bogollagama was overlooked for the National List. BogollagamaƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s contribution to Sri Lanka to convince the international community and his verbal warƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ of advocacy against global terrorism was wiped off with absolute disregard by narrow party bickering amidst accusations of the counting of preferential votes.
ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ I met Bogollagama this evening at his residence. He was jubilant and was trying hard to hide his feelings. Several Foreign Ministers from various countries called and conveyed their shock and dismay and stated that it was sad that his contribution and service have been overlooked due to vested interests.
April 21st, 2010 at 6:48 pm
Bogollagama did a good as the Foreign Minister, to the best of his ability, though it was not perfect. He should have been given the post again, by appointing him to the National List. I have no faith in Mahinda Samarasinghe. GL Peiris may be the only good person who can handle such an important job
April 21st, 2010 at 9:37 pm
What about Prfessor Rajiva Wijesinha or he is not in the pool?
April 21st, 2010 at 11:09 pm
Rajiv Wijsinghe!? My foot.
April 22nd, 2010 at 12:36 am
My understanding is that the National List is meant to help bring into parliament, ‘eminent’ persons whose services would be valuable there but who could not or would not wish to go through the rough and tumble of an election. Mr Bogollagama entered parliament as an MP from the Kurunegala District, in 2000, and does not fall into this category. So, the government cannot be faulted for not including him in the National List.
I think you are overstating the case when you say that “the integrity of Sri Lanka came under scrutiny” in this regard. You say that “several foreign ministers” called Mr Bogollagma and “conveyed their shock and dismay” on his name not being included in the National List. But whatever may have been the disappointment they expressed, I doubt that sentiment will be shared by too many others. Mr Bogollagma was being constantly criticised and accused of of a whole range of things ranging from appointing his kith and kin to diplomatic positions to gross extravagance with official funds.
April 22nd, 2010 at 12:42 am
Please make your comments with responsibility as they are countered by your heroes to make their decisions. As I remember, RB came under heavy attack by patriotic Diaspora (ref comments published by local media).
April 22nd, 2010 at 12:43 am
Sorry, it should be counted, not countered, my silly English.
April 24th, 2010 at 1:07 am
Bogolla – did he return the 35 or odd Government Vehicles that he was keeping for private use plus his Diplomatic Passport. I doubt it. I heard the man was in India on an official trip even after his election defeat – is this true? A crooked man who amassed millions of monies solely from politics. This type of corrupt nit wits must be eradicated from the Sri Lanka’s political scene for ever. There are many more like this, most unfortunately.
April 26th, 2010 at 3:51 am
We still remember the great birthday party you held for your daughter’s birthday when your whole family was visiting USA. You spent US$ 45,000/- from our hard earned money. it will be too hard for you to fall down from such a height. I am sure you will be metally affected because of this. I am really sorry for you.