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| Tuesday, 11 January 2005 |
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Politics | |
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| Birthday tribute to Jeyaraj Fernandopulle by Dr. T. C. Rajaratnam Today is the 52nd birth anniversary of Jeyaraj Fernandopulle - Member of Parliament, Minister of Trade, Commerce and Consumer Affairs and the Chief Government Whip of Parliament. I have ventured to write a synopsis of his achievements, vision, his career, his position both as the Minister of Trade, Commerce and Consumer Affairs and the Chief Government Whip of Parliament and some observations as a person who is acquainted to him. I am impressed by his deep thoughts and the seriousness with which he takes his duties to humanity. Unusual for many who are in power today. I have just facts on his career but that has been quite revealing. The facts are astounding. He is a very busy and amazing gentleman. Because of the constant giving of his time and strength, he lives by his conscience. With amazing humility and strong religious convictions and belief in God he has made tremendous sacrifices. As so often happens with men of such force and talent, his quest to serve the people and his desire to fulfill the dreams and aspirations of others he has all the time for others and has little time for himself working long hours he is never tired inspiring those around him and those who come into contact with him as a remarkable and perfect gentleman that any person would like to know. Jeyaraj Fernandopulle was born on January 11, 1953 and had his primary and secondary education at Ave Maria Convent and Maris Stella College, Negombo respectively. His legal career commenced in 1977 and together with his innate intelligence, rare combination of linguistic skills and analytical thinking he became well-known for his fearless submissions in Court in defending his clients. He is known as a fearless defender of the rights of humanity in Parliament. In 1983 he was appointed as the organiser for the Sri Lanka Freedom Party for Katana electorate. He was elected to Parliament from the Gampaha district in 1989. In 1993, he was elected as a member of the politburo of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party and was elected as the Assistant Secretary of the Party. In 1994, he was elected as a Member of Parliament for the second time and was appointed as the Deputy Minister of Finance, Ethnic Affairs and National Integration the same year. In 1997, he was appointed as the Minister of Plan Implementation and Parliamentary Affairs. In 2000, he was appointed as the Minister of Civil Aviation, Tourism and Christian Religious Affairs. In 2001, he was re-elected as a Member of Parliament for the fourth time. In 2002, he was appointed the Chairman of the Committee of Public Enterprises (COPE) which dealt with the scrutiny of Public Enterprises. In 2002 he was also appointed as a member of the Parliamentary Select Committee appointed to inquire into allegation made against the Chairman of Bribery and Corruption Commission. In 2004, he was appointed as the Minister of Trade, Commere and Consumer Affairs and in addition was appointed to the most important position in Parliament as the Chief Government Whip of Parliament. He has held several Cabinet portfolios in Parliament and is reputed for his spontaneous response and skilled debating. He has been helping the poor, improving the standard and quality of lives in the villages providing education for the underprivileged children. The quality of Jeyaraj is best known when it is evident that all his efforts are not for political gain because my personal acquaintance with him has proved that he helps anyone and everyone regardless of electoral jurisdictions or of political affiliations - in short Jeyaraj is humane. If a politician can get his message across in a three minute interview or on an off-the-record briefing to the journalist - the arguments that he sets out had been fermenting in his mind bottled up over a period of time and as such the words that flow is like vintage wine. The crux of his successful oratory is the bond of empathy between him and the audience. The greatest talent a politician can have is the ability to convey sincerity. He has impressively displayed that left over his fieriest critics unable to cast doubt on the strength of his beliefs, his efficiency, capability and oratorical skills which none can match in the present Parliament. Great speeches need not be made by great leaders. Jeyaraj's speeches are spontaneous, on the spur of the moment with chosen thoughts which flows as words most appropriate for the moment. Every word uttered by him is as powerful in its intellectual and moral force. Jeyaraj has the potential to produce good results and every effort should be made to form a good team around him to achieve his objectives with finesse and expertise. He has manifested a deep concern for humanity. His intellectual brilliance coupled with his dynamic linguistic skills has enabled him to become one of the most respected Members of Parliament. |
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