Sports Minister Dayasiri Jayasekera, who last month in a public gaffe mispronounced Royal College’s Latin motto ‘Disce Aut Discede’, got it right this time, saying Foreign Affairs Minister Ravi Karunanayake ought to ‘Learn or Depart’.

Speaking to reporters, the Minister said in ponderous solemn tones, “The President has said we will not govern with thieves, therefore all I can say, in the words of the Royalists, is – ‘Disce Aut Discede’ – Learn or Depart.”

The Minister last month was the subject of endless humour after he mispronounced a scripted speech containing the mottos of Royal College and S’ Thomas’ College: “Disce Ammata Disce Discade,” the Minister said, and omitting the Esto, “Perpetua”.

The Latin mottos of Royal College and S’ Thomas’ College, two of the most established boy’s schools in the country, run as follows: ‘Disce Aut Discede’ – ‘Learn or Depart’ and ‘Esto Perpetua’ – ‘Be Thou Forever’