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Ties with India strengthened thanks to Gamini Dissanayake, says PM

by Ariyaratne Ganegoda

Sri Lanka was able to strengthen ties with India soon after the UNP government came into power in 2001 because of the far-sighted strategies of late Gamini Dissanayake, said Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Speaking at a ceremony to pay floral tributes to Dissanayake on his ninth death anniversary held at his statue in front of the Mahaweli Centre, Ananda Coomaraswami Mawatha, yesterday, the Prime Minister said during the 1994 Presidential Election campaign, Sri Lanka lost Dissanayake and several UNP stalwarts.

Dissanayake took a keen interest in developing the irrigation system and successfully completed the Mahaweli scheme in time. The Kotmale reservoir was renamed Gamini Dissanayake reservoir to honour him, the Prime Minister said.

"It is clear how he understood the importance of coexistence with India, for he was a tower of strength to late President J. R. Jayewardene during the Indo-Lanka Peace Accord. So, India became one of our good friends," the Prime Minister said.

Minister of Power and Energy and UNP Deputy Leader Karu Jayasruiya said a large crowd had gathered to honour a leader who had a clear vision for the country. Dissanayake rendered a yeoman service in many fields such as agriculture, industry and sports, Jayasuriya said.

Colombo Mayor Prasanna Gunawardena garlanded the statue at the beginning of the ceremony. Mrs. Srima Dissanayake, Navin Dissanayake, Mayantha Dissanayake and other family members also paid floral tributes.

Ministers P. Dayaratne, W. J. M. Lokubandara, Dr. Karunasena Kodituwakku, A. H. M. Azwer, H. G. P. Nelson and Mahinda Samarasinghe and UNP Chairman Malik Samarawickrema also participated.

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