Thursday, 14 November 2002 |
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by Yakkala Group Correspondent "The late Gamini Dissanayake was a great personality who gained international fame and recognition in various fields. The best tribute we could pay him is to ensure the realisation of the vision and goals he had for the nation" said Enterprise Development, Industrial Policy, Investment Promotion and Constitutional Affairs Minister Prof. G. L. Peiris. He was delivering a Gamini Dissanayake Memorial lecture titled "Peace, Democracy and Economic Prosperity" at Lumbini Hall, Gampaha recently. The lecture was part of a commemorative ceremony to mark the 8th death anniversary of the former Minister and UNP Presidential Candidate Gamini Dissanayake organised by Western Provincial Council member Nalin Dissanayake. Minister Prof. Peiris said late Mr. Dissanayake's vision was to stabilise peace, democracy and economic prosperity in the country. At the height of the northern conflict he held talks with India aimed at bringing a lasting solution to the problem because he firmly believed that this problem should be tackled through negotiations without surrendering to emotional feelings. The Accelerated Mahaweli Development Scheme and the 'Swarnabhoomi' concept were important segments of his vision. As a true democrat Mr. Dissanayake was among the first persons to moot the idea of setting up Independent Commissions. The late Mr. Dissanayake who saw various shortcomings in the proportional representation system always clamoured for a change in the present electoral system to suit the country's modern needs. Plantation Industries Deputy Minister Navin Dissanayake said his father, late Gamini Dissanayake faced death threats from the time he signed the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord. His father always did what he thought was right and stuck to his ideals steadfastly without shunning them for the sake of cheap popularity or personal gain. Mrs. Srima Dissanayake, UNP General Secretary Senarath Kapukotuwa, Western Provincial Council Member Nalin Dissanayake, Gampaha Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman Jayantha Jayakodiarachchi and Former Gampaha District MP Donald Dissanayake were also present on the occasion.
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