Gamini Dissanayake was a close ally of India - High Commissioner

Rasika Somarathna

COLOMBO: The vision of Gamini Dissanayake for a peaceful and prosperous Sri Lanka is still being discussed thirteen years since his assassination, and would be discussed in years to come, Indian High Commissioner Alok Prasad said.

He was speaking at the launch of the biography “Gamini Dissanayake - Yuga Mehewaraka Kathawa”, which took place at the BMICH on Tuesday in conjunction with the commemoration of the late leader’s 65th Birth Anniversary.

The late Gamini Dissanayake became a victim of LTTE terror, when he was assassinated by a suicide bomber, on the eve of the 1994 Presidential election, where he was the candidate of the United National Party (UNP).

Indian High Commissioner Alok Prasad, described the late Dissanayake as a close ally of India, who had a deep understanding of the historical roots binding the two countries who was a true patriot and a leader with rare qualities.

Alok Prasad said that the late Dissanayake had a very close rapport with Rajiv Gandhi and added “His removal lost a voice for the region and Sri Lanka a leader of repute. On behalf of millions of Indians I hope his vision for a peaceful and prosperous Sri Lanka would bear fruit”.

Investment Promotion Minister Navin Dissanayake, who is the son of the late UNP leader, speaking at the occasion said “this book captures what Gamini Dissanayake was all about and is the product of seven years of hard work.

“My father was a deeply committed person. He always stood for what he believed was right and just. His work speaks for itself. He was instrumental in building the Mahaweli project which is the single largest development project that this country has seen to-date”. Dissanayake said.

Speaker W. J. M. Lokubandara said that the late leader was a perfect Gentleman, who had a multi faceted personality. His contribution to this country’s development and his contribution to cricket in Sri Lanka was legendary.

Minister Karu Jayasuriya also spoke followed by the author of the Biography Ranjith Palihapitiya. The vote of thanks was delivered by Mayantha Dissanayake.

The event was presided by First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa. A large gathering of Buddhist monks, politicians, relatives of the Late Gamini Dissanayake and well-wishers participated at the event.