SWRD and Sirimavo Bandaranaike left indelible mark in world politics

Milton Dharmasinghe, Bulathsinhala special correspondent

Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickremanayake said the late Prime Ministers Sirimavo Bandaranaike and SWRD Bandaranaike left an indelible impression in the world political arena. The Premier was speaking at the Bandaranaike Memorial literary festival at the Horana Sripalee Auditorium recently, organised by the Raigam Korale Bandaranaike Memorial Committee.

The Premier said the highest and greatest honour that we should pay to late Prime Ministers is to make their dream of creating free and independent Sri Lanka a reality, The Premier said.

Premier said, "in Middle East Countries, our country is famous not as Sri Lanka but the names of Mr. and Mrs. Bandaranaikes.

Sirimavo Bandaranaike was able to inculcate the value of non-alignment and freedom in the minds of the world leaders. These countries appreciate our foreign policy. Even today they follow the policy of non-alignment."

Late Bandaranaike understood that the people needed a change, and pioneered to effect social change with the assistance of Pancha Balavegaya (Sanga, Veda, Guru, Govi, Kamkaru) and started the necessary changes over the country.

The country is facing one of the most ruthless terrorist outfits in the world. We should decide whether we let the country to be separated or be protected from terrorism. Brave forces are striving to save the country and expell terrorism completely.

The Govt. has decided to provide them everything they need to achieve their goals. The Government provided them with all state-of-the art technology and equipment and they will continue their mission to liberate innocent civilians according to their plans. They will save the country from the cluthes of LTTE.

J.R.P. Sooriyapperuma delivering a lecture said late Bandaranaikes were political figures who created a political culture in the country and created a new history.

Their names were written in golden letters in the annals of Sri Lanka. President Mahinda Rajapaksa dedicated to safeguard the country. New towns, highways and many massive development projects are in progress while facing LTTE terrorists atrocities.

The Horana town has seen tremendous development under the Prime Minister. This town is far ahead of other towns in terms of development, he said.

The people in Horana should be thankful to Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickremanayake and his son Vidura who take much interests in developing the Horana town. Horana SLFP Chief Organiser Vidura Wickremanayake also spoke.

The Prime Minister gave away the prizes to the winners of Bandaranaike Memorial Literary Contests.