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by Ananda Kannangara

A unique book on the "New Parliament and the History of General Elections in Sri Lanka" written by Dr. Ranbandara Jayawardana was released in Colombo last week. Power and Energy Minister Karu Jayasuriya was the Chief Guest on the occasion.

Delivering the keynote address Minister Jayasuriya said that publishing books of this natures is very rare and thanked Mr. Jayawardana for his tireless effort to expose a comprehensive description on the background of the year 2001 -Parliamentary Election held in December.

The book also contains the relevant details of all members, elected to the 127th Parliament of Sri Lanka along with their photographs.

"Many people in our country have a great desire of talking about politics especially with people of other countries".

He said this clearly indicates that our countrymen possess a broad knowledge of current political affairs in the country", he said.

Jayasuriya also said that nearly 80 per cent of people in Sri Lanka turn upto polling stations to cast their votes in comparison with countries like South Africa and many other South American nations where only 50 to 60 per cent of voters cast their votes at an election.

"Our aim is to bring back a pure political culture which prevailed in the country before we gained our independence".

He said that the Government has also taken up the challenge of introducing the much essential Police and Media Commissions to create a better police service and to allow the media to express its ideas freely. This will allow media personnel to do their duty without any harassment or intimidation.

A set of school books were also distributed by the author amongst a large number of school children. A magazine titled "Parliamentary Puwath", compiled by Mr. Jayawardana was also released on this day.

Samurdi Minister R.A.D. Sirisena asked as to why some media personnel are more interested in exposing the shortcomings of politicians than exposing the valuable work rendered by them towards the welfare of the people.

Sri Lanka Working Journalists Association President Daya Perera said that both politicians and mediamen are the representatives of people and the media has the duty to keep the public informed about the activities of politicians.

"Therefore, the Parliamentarians too have a duty to look after the mediamen at least by getting Cabinet approval for a pension scheme for them to lead a happy life after their retirement.

The Author of the book Dr. Ranbandara Jayawardana said he was able to publish this book within a very short period and he plans to publish more books on various subjects in the future.

Ven Devahandiye Pannasekara thera and Attidiye Damma thera also spoke. 

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