Daily News Online

DateLine Friday, 8 February 2008

News Bar »

News: Special committee for oil exploration ...        Political: President Premadasa dedicated himself to the people - President ...       Business: Tea exports pass US$ 1b landmark ...        Sports: Will weather gods help cricket today? ...

Home

 | SHARE MARKET  | EXCHANGE RATE  | TRADING  | PICTURE GALLERY  | ARCHIVES | 

dailynews
 ONLINE


OTHER PUBLICATIONS


OTHER LINKS

Marriage Proposals
Classified
Government Gazette

President Premadasa dedicated himself to the people - President

KOTTE: The highest tribute that we can pay to late President Ranasinghe Premadasa is to join hands with the Government to eradicate terrorism in the country, said President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Unveiling the portrait of former President Premadasa in Parliament yesterday, President Rajapaksa said President Premadasa was a politician who dedicated himself to the people.

“But unfortunately he became a victim of the brutal LTTE terrorism,” President Rajapaksa said.

“The greatest respect his followers could pay him is to work together to eliminate terrorism,” the President said. “President Premadasa always lived with the people and attempted to fulfill their needs,” the President said.

“He had to face many challenges, but overcame everything with his steadfastness and courage.

“He was a leader who had clearly understood the aspirations of the people,” President Rajapaksa said.

“The President said: “When we were engaged in a Pada Yathra programme as members of Opposition, he never opposed it”.

“President Premadasa invited us for discussions.He had a good understanding on the abilities and capabilities of people,” President Rajapaksa said.

He was able to achieve his political goals by facing many difficulties and obstacles.

He said President Premadasa was a fine example to politicians and won the hearts and minds of the people. He will always live in their memories.”

“The President further said that firm determination, courage, efficiency and leadership were the prominent qualities in President Premadasa’s character.”

“He derived immense pleasure by dedicating himself to the advancement of the people through the implementation of the “Jana Saviya Programme” and the “Gam Udawa” concept.

It was because of this that President Premadasa came to be known as the “Friend of the Poor”, the President said. President Premadasa is a leader of this country who earned the endearment of the common man.

Speaking at the occasion Leader of the Opposition Ranil Wickremesinghe said President Ranasinghe Premadasa was held in high esteem by the people of this country because of the great role he played for the development of the country, the well-being of the poor and the under-privileged.

He became a unique and an incomparable character in the political arena of this country by marching forward undaunted in the face of challenges.

The Opposition Leader said President Premadasa opened new avenues for the welfare of the masses. He was capable of establishing his identity in numerous roles he played as a member of Parliament. Deputy Minister, Minister, a Leader of the House and Prime Minister.

He always honoured and respected democracy and took all possible measures to strengthen it. He considered poverty to be a major problem facing this country. He gave the poor man his due place in society to live in dignity and with respect through his unique projects such as “Jana Saviya”.

He can be undoubtedly considered as a Head of State who possessed a special identity in this country, Wicremesinghe said.

Speaker W.J.M. Lokubandara said President R. Premadasa displayed leadership qualities from a very young age by guiding the children of the area along the correct path through the “Sucharitha Movement” and by directing them for programmes to develop their skills.

“He led from the front in every activity he planned.”

He was never the one to lie idle when a task was entrusted to someone. It was customary of him to perform every task with precision and dedication setting high standards in every aspect. He always had a goal in everything he did. The more obstacles he faced, the more determined he became.

He had the ability to overcome all obstacles and achieve his goals”, the Speaker said.

UNP MP and son of late President R. Premadasa, Sajith Premadasa said R. Premadasa was a leader who dedicated 24 hours in 365 days for the services of the poor and innocent people in this country, a benefactor who genuinely loved the people.

He gave leadership to the noble task of providing a shelter over the heads of the homeless through his housing programme.

The character of him as a politician was exemplary with a profound vision that should be studied by all politicians to take the country to success”, he said.

EMAIL |   PRINTABLE VIEW | FEEDBACK

Gamin Gamata - Presidential Community & Welfare Service
Ceylinco Banyan Villas
Chief Executive Officer
www.srilankans.com
www.peaceinsrilanka.org
www.army.lk
www.news.lk
www.defence.lk
www.helpheroes.lk/

| News | Editorial | Business | Features | Political | Security | Sport | World | Letters | Obituaries |

Produced by Lake House Copyright © 2006 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.

Comments and suggestions to : Web Editor