President Premadasa dedicated himself to the people - President
Uditha Kumarasinghe Irangika Range and Sandasen
Marasingha
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. |