President Rajapaksa, a patriotic political leader - A. T. Ariyaratna

H. M. Abeysinghe Kuliyapitiya group correspondent

KULIYAPITIYA: President Mahinda Rajapaksa is an honest, upright and patriotic political leader, who wants to build the country fulfilling the aspirations of the masses. But I doubt whether he would be able to achieve his mission as the high ranking bureaucrats might hinder his way, the Sarvodaya Leader Dr. A. T. Ariyaratna said.

He was addressing the 16th annual session of Kurunegala District Confederate of Sarvodaya Economics Entrepreneurship Development Societies (SEEDS) officials held in Kuliyapitiya Town Hall. The Sarvodaya Leader said that patriotism of President Rajapaksa was in par with that of late D.S., Dudly, S.W.R.D., Madam Sirimavo, Dr. N.M., Dr. Colvin and Dr. S. A. Wickremasinghe. Those leaders never practised undemocratic means. They criticised the opponents but did not let the underworld gangs against them. Underworld was not existing during their days.

The high ranking bureaucrats are still following the Civil Service traditions introduced by Imperialists. Until such times the bureaucrats change their attitudes and admit that they were public servants whatever good decisions the political leaders take would not be properly implemented. That is the tragedy of Sri Lanka, he said.

Sarvodaya Movement performs a gigantic service to eliminate rural poverty. To achieve that end we should utilise the resources in the villages for the benefit of the villagers. Developing the rural economy is the only strategy to develop the country. Mahinda Chinthanaya also indicate the same policy.

Sarvodaya is not an NGO but a voluntary organisation committed, for the poverty elimination. It is true that we get foreign donations. But we utilise all such donations for the benefit and welfare of rural masses. Our accounts are annually audited and audit reports prove our credibility.

Under the SEEDS programme the entrepreneurial skills of the villagers are developed. Thousands of SEEDS projects are successfully operated throughout the country - even in North and East.

We are against the war, so we practise non-violence according to the Buddhist teachings. So we are able to work cordially and peacefully with different communities in North and East. Sarvodaya is not a community based organisation but a humanity based organisation.

The Chairman SEEDS Guarantee Ltd. Sarath Hewagama, Kurunegala District SEEDS project Manager M. Jagath Senaka de Soysa, Kurunegala District Sarvodaya Executive Asst. P. Ariyawansa Vithanage and The Vice Chairman Kuliyapitiya UC, Gamini Karunaratna also spoke.