Archives

"Mother Sri Lanka" holds a political history of almost 55 years of Independence during which period created a man from an ordinary family who became so unforgettable as a Maestro of Politics. The late Labour leader Mr. E. A. Gunasinghe who was much regarded in the field of politics was his tutor. With his able guidance soon he became the link between the Master and the Worker. He felt their wants the Hunger and the Coin in the Pocket.

So as a leader Ranasinghe Premadasa soon built his own concept and his political arena to service the man in need which indeed led the path to success. He was the pillar of strength of the poor, mostly the villager.

He originated Sri Sucharitha movement at St. Sebastians Colombo and for three decades he was the man of the poor, idol of the "Have Nots" who later looked up to him as President of Mother Sri Lanka. He sacrificed his life on a May Day at a time when the country really needed his services. In the year 1993 whilst participating in a May Day Rally of his own United National Party he became the victim of the brutal bomb attack of terrorism.

The late President Mr. Ranasinghe Premadasa who was once the Prime Minister, also held the post of Minister of Local Government, Housing and Construction. During which period enormous services were rendered to commence Janasaviya, Udagam Vyaparaya were his own concepts selecting areas of development directly to the poor of the country. He soon realised that only a minority enjoyed the Bliss of the wealth of the country. This privilege was unknown among the villager specially.

This "Want" was causing much ado in his own mind. He used his political powers and the know-how to bring-in par the social status of the common man and the so called "Haves" thus bridging this gap between the "Haves" and the "Have Nots". The village re-awakening was a meaningful step towards same.

"A roof above the head for all" he felt was the basic requirement. He introduced "Udagam Vyapraya" to be implemented in three stages - Houses for the poor - a lakh, ten lakhs up to fifteen lakhs - he taught the common man how to pave their way towards prosperity. Though the fundamental financial assistance was rendered by the Government, they shed their own sweat to build up their own houses, working as a group, united, and assisting each other.

Common villager who only knew about the 'Esala Perahera' as their festival soon enjoyed the "Gamudawa Senakeliya" which lasted for ten (10) consecutive days with the re-awakening the villages. Basic requirements like water, electricity and sanitary and roadways were also provided. Co-operative stores catered to a buying spree for many in a opportune way.

The beauty was always a colourful park with play arena for the common child. Entertainment in the way of musical fiestas were not to be forgotten. Some casted their political evil eye on these and thought it was highly unnecessary expenditure by the country. However, the usefulness of these now greatly remembered as they are no more.

Late President Premadasa who generated awareness to improve the income of the poor introduced Janasaviya, Lottery Agencies etc. which now have gained the status of big business. Other political groups with whatever differences in policy have today fallen in line with the Premadasa Thinking that is most relevant towards a social need.

The late leader also paved the way for more and more young blood to participate in politics, hence more youngsters are seen in the political arena today, truly supportive of the broader concepts of being successful to the class of the worker.

Thanks to the Dead, at the recent Local Government Elections the young participated and the representation was well over 60%, this no doubt is an achievement. The services rendered by the late leader Ranasinghe Premadasa were broad based and should be remembered with much gratitude and sorrow.

May he be attain Nibbana! -Tissa Attanayake , Minister of Central Region Development

News | Business | Features | Editorial | Security
Politics | World | Letters | Sports | Obituaries |

Produced by Lake House
Copyright 2001 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.
Comments and suggestions to :Web Manager