|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
| Wednesday, 19 May 2004 |
 |
|
 |
News | |
| News Business Features Editorial Security Politics World Letters Sports Obituaries
|
by Uditha Kumarasinghe A biography of former MP Kusuma Gunawardena " KUSUMA : A Life in Left Politics" by Lakmali Gunawardena, her daughter about her mother, an illustrious political figure in the annals of Sri Lankan political history was launched yesterday, at a simple ceremony held at Savsiripaya, Colombo. Amidst a large gathering of distinguished political figures, diplomats and scholars this solemn ceremony took place. Among the key figures were Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse, Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe, Tourism Minister Anura Bandaranaike, National Unity Alliance Leader and Housing Minister Ms.Ferial Ashraff, Science and Technology Minister Prof.Tissa Vitarana and UNP Deputy Leader Karu Jayasuriya. Indian High Commissioner Nirupam Sen, veteran film producer and Director Lester James Peiris, Sumithra Peiris and the members of Gunawardena family also graced the occasion. In his address Prime Minister Rajapakse said that a book of this nature where a daughter writes about her mother could be termed as a gift of a daughter to her own late mother. "Kusuma Gunawardena was from my own village. Her parents had a close relationship with our Rajapakse family. Hence it is a great pleasure to recall the early memories of Kusuma Gunawardena, a formidable pioneering woman who made an effective contribution to the political activities of her husband, veteran politician Philip Gunawardena," he said. The Premier further said that at present sons of Philip and Kusuma Gunawardena were successfully carrying out their political vision. Therefore, it was a great pleasure to be with sons of a distinguished political family. Indian High Commissioner Nirupam Sen told the audience that the Asian mother plays a prominent role in the family both in Sri Lanka and in India. "I have a keen interest in Philip Gunawardena's political career. The Gunawardena family is a distinguished political family which has contributed immensely to strengthen the bilateral relationship between the two countries." Minister Anura Bandaranaike said late Kusuma Gunawardena entered the Parliament in 1948. She was a committed and dignified political leader of left movement and came from a remarkable political family. "She has produced four sons as outstanding political figures who possessed similar qualities and talents to their parents," he said. The Minister said at present, not enough biographies have been written on our political leaders. Most of our political leaders have been forgotten. The history of our political figures should be recorded. "Today is a unique day for the Gunawardena family. of this book by Kusuma's daughter is on the same day. However, the political figure of Kusuma Gunawardena will be in the hearts of the people forever," he added. Minister Ferial Ashraff said in a situation where women's participation in Parliament has become more important, launching this book by Lakmali Gunawardena about her mother may serve as a guideline to women who are keen on entering the political arena. President of the Sri Lanka Women Lawyers Association Seetha Wijewardene said during the past 50 years, many women have come up as dynamic political figures. " This seventh book of Lakmali Gunawardena is a milestone of her writing. It has set up an example for all mothers in Sri Lanka," she added. Lakmali Gunawardena said her mother Kusuma worked in the field of politics with her father. Therefore her political career has become a part of the history of Sri Lankan politics. She said that a Sinhala translation will be published shortly. |
|
News | Business | Features
| Editorial | Security
Produced by Lake House |
