Seven great leaders of Lanka honoured

Uditha Kumarasinghe, Irangika Range and Sandasen Marasinghe

Our former great leaders who were born in different areas on this land worked under a common framework to achieve an independent Sri Lanka by abandoning their personal interests, Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayake said yesterday.

Unveiling the portraits of seven great Sri Lankan Statesmen - Dr. C.W.W. Kannangara, A.E. Goonasingha, Dr. S.A. Wickremasinghe, G.G. Ponnambalam, Dr. N.M. Perera, Philip Gunawardena and Al Haj Dr. T.B. Jayah in the Parliament building, the Premier said these leaders rendered an invaluable service to the country.

These seven leaders never hesitated to face any risky situation for the cause, the purpose and vision to which they had committed themselves, by sacrificing their interests and happiness on behalf of the country.

They made our Constitution strong. The freedom which we enjoy today was obtained by them making a lot of commitments. They always thought about the country and coloured the political milieu of Sri Lanka in bright hues.

They ensured free education and other privileges to the people. Even though they experienced many grievances, hardships and obstacles, they led country towards success. They ignored fame and prestige and rendered a yeoman service to the people with immense courage. That is why these political idols are ever popular, even though many years have passed since their demise.

Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe said the seven great leaders had endeavoured in numerous ways for the progress of our land. They rendered a yeoman service in and out of Parliament for development.

This is proved, when we read old Hansard reports which contain a number of their comprehensive debates. We have been able to obtain our independence without shedding blood due to the great efforts and commitments of these leaders.

They protected the integrity of Parliament. They led people to a more meaningful way of life. By following in the footsteps of such peerless political leaders, we can brighten our own lives.

Speaker W.J.M. Lokubandara said these leaders who were supreme offspring of Mother Lanka acted to pave way for others to enjoy the privileges of being Sri Lankan with a lot of courage and tremendous self confidence.