'Mahinda Chintana capable of changing the country constructively'

by Duminda Guruge.

Economist and Socio-Political analyst J.R.P. Sooriyapperuma said President Mahinda Rajapakse was capable of moulding the country to march forward in the 21st century based on the guidance of his `Mahinda Chintana'.

Sooriyaperuma made this comment at the 38th Commemorative Ceremony of late D.A.Rajapakse at New Town Hall, Colombo yesterday . President Mahinda Rajapakse and First Lady Shiranthi Rajapakse along with several dignitaries were present at the event where the Commemorative oration was delivered by Former Secretary General of Parliament Sam Wijesinghe.

J.R.P.Sooriyapperuma in his address further said D.A.Rajapakse who passed away 38 years ago was an illustrious personality who played a great role in the Parliamentary politics of the country.

"The 12th of July 1951 marked a memorable turn of events in Sri Lanka's history. That was the day the late S.W.R.D.Bandaranaike gave up his position as the Leader of the House and crossed over to take up a seat in the Opposition. D.A.Rajapakse followed him across the House like the shadow of S.W.R.D.Bandaranaike on that day.

The names of Bandaranaike-Rajapakse are certain to go down in the chronicles of Sri Lanka in gold letters. Bandaranaike and Rajapakse are the duo who founded the Sri Lanka Freedom Party. These experienced politicians were able to change the course of Sri Lanka's history.

Most of us today are obsessed with the notion that nothing can be done without the 2/3rd majority. But Bandaranaike was able to change the course of history of Sri Lanka by one vote that day.

The Mahinda Chintana is similar to that. Mahinda Chintana is capable of changing the country and taking it constructively in the 21st century.

It is made out of indigenous thinking and formulated to suit the indigenous way of life. This is not just another policy statement. The Mahinda Chintana succeeded to change the political vocabulary of this country today.

In the same manner as Bandaranaike changed the course of history of this country by bringing together the five fold forces of clergy, physicians, teachers, workers and farmers, the Mahinda Chintana of President Mahinda Rajapakse changed the course of the forward march of this country. We bless and wish him courage in this long journey,"J.R.P.Sooriyapperuma said.

Former Secretary General of Parliament Sam Wijesinghe in his oration mentioned: "D. A Rajapakse was a public figure and many have remarked on his integrity, courage and perseverance with which he carried out his duties. But to those around him he was a kind man and a good main in a sense in which very few are called kind and good.

He was sixty two years old when he died. But his family never heard a harsh word nor saw a lost temper. He abused no one personally or from a political platform, in parliament or in his personal relationships. That is the gentleman of whom, we are gathered here with respect and admiration".