Felicitation ceremony in honour of Wimalasiri de Mel:
Change of Parties, not for him
Rawatawatte Group Corr.
Wimalasiri de Mel is a great personality who stood steadfastly behind
a single party continuously for 62 years, said lecturer Kelaniya
University Priyankara Ratnayake at a felicitation ceremony held in
honour of de Mel to mark his 80th birthday and 62 years of political
life at the NAITA Auditorium Moratuwa recently. Ratnayake said "I never
condone LSSP policies because I belong to a different progressive party.
But I highly appreciate de Mel for the singular service he rendered to
people by remaining further to the LSSP for 62 years without seeking any
position or privileges.
Wimalasiri de Mel |
I cannot address him as comrade either because his son Pujith is a
colleague of mine. My friend Pujith is an epitome of the discipline
inculcated in him by his devoted parents". LSSP Central Committee and
Politburo member Dr. Jayampathy Wickramaratne said the LSSP did not
subscribe to the majority public opinion in this country.
But the LSSP always respected the ideas and views of other parties.
Late Colvin R. de Silva once said "One language two countries and two
languages single country". This amply demonstrated that all ideas and
views should be respected.
LSSP General Secretary Wimalasiri de Mel said he started social
service at the age of 13 years. When he became secretary of a Society
formed by the late Senator and Minister Sam P.C. Fernando.
At the time the 'Hartal' campaign was staged the Moratuwa UC was
controlled by a progressive movement led by Merryl, Rollie, Trixy, TLC
and him.
The LSSP was against bribery and corruption. At that time they all
contested the Moratuwa UC election from the United Socialist Front and
won because unlike today there was no bickering among candidates of the
same party then.
Sarvodaya leader Dr. A.T. Ariyaratne described Wimalasiri de Mel as a
man of simple lifestyle who gave a hearing to others. He never betrayed
his party or policies.
Ministers Tissa Vitharana, and D.E.W. Gunasekara, Former MP Asoka
Weerasinghe de Silva and several other representatives of the Left
Movement participated. Pujith de Mel delivered the vote of thanks. |