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Tribute
It was almost twenty one years ago in March 8, 1989 the tragic death
took place in the University College Library Room, Thurstan Road,
Colombo. Professor Stanley Wijesundera’s BSc (Ceylon), MSc (UK), DSc
(UK), PHd (UK) death sent shock waves around the university community
and the entire world due to JVP insurgency in 1989.
He was the Vice Chancellor of the University of Colombo. He hails
from a very outstanding Kandyan family in Peradeniya. He was educated at
Dharmaraja College, Kandy subsequently Ananda College, Colombo 10.
He excelled in his academic studies, sports and extra curricular
activities and scouting. He entered the University of Ceylon then along
with Dr Nath Amarakoon founder of OPA. Prof (Dr) Stanley Wijesundera got
through his BSc (Ceylon), MSc (UK), DSc (UK) and PHd (UK) successfully
and worked as a lecturer, Dean of the Faculty of Science and
subsequently he functioned as Vice Chancellor of the University of
Colombo.
He was married to the eldest daughter of late Mr and Mrs Don Walter
Wijewardene of Sedawatte Walawwe, Kelaniya.
She is the eldest sister of late Upali Wijewardene, business tycoon
of the Asia. Late Prof Stanley Wijesundera and Anoja Wijesundera have
well educated two sons Dr Rohan and Shalitha Attorney-at-Law/ Provincial
Councillor and two daughters Deepthi and Lakmani who are serving the
community politically, economically, socially, culturally and
religiously in all respects.
Prof Stanley Wijesundera was the Chief Basnayake Nilame of the
Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya at the time of his demise.
May he be born among us till he achieves Nibbane in his journey in
Sansara.
Netham mama, neso hamasmi, na me so atta
(This is not mine, this I am not, this no soul of mine).
- Dhammepade - Capt. L. B. Lanka (Wilbawe)
Jayaratne
UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe did not contest for the Presidency
due to the fear of the third scandalous defeat and formed an alliance
(United National Front) with the other bankrupt Opposition political
parties (JVP, TNA, SLFP (M), SLMC and DPF) introducing a common
candidate to defeat the President at the last election but failed
miserably. Voters offered their gratitude to the President.
The voters proved that the politically inexperienced, inefficient
retired military officer is far behind the political discipline of which
a Presidential candidate should maintain and demonstrate at political
campaigns. The way that he addressed the public during his campaign
which purely based on personal enmity of the President and his family.
This cannot be tolerated by civilized citizens of the country.
Without contesting and forming an alliance to introduce a common
candidate was the most serious mistake made by the UNP leader.
The General election is now scheduled to be held on April 8 to elect
196 legislators under the PR system and 29 from the National List on the
basis of the results.
A total of 7,620 candidates from 36 recognized political parties and
301 independent groups are in the fray.
The best joke of the mock political drama is that the same group of
politicians who formed the alliance for the Presidential election have
now formed two separate alliances for the forthcoming General election.
One of the two alliances is the JVP backed Democratic National Alliance
led by Sarath Fonseka and the other is the United National Front led by
Ranil Wickremesinghe with the SLFP (M), DPF and SLMC.
The United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) has fielded their
candidates for all districts without any changes.
The voters have delightfully appreciated and accepted the policy
document of the UPFA Mahinda Chintanaya since the most of the pledges
have now been fulfilled or are been fulfilled.
The Opposition vote base has by now split into three groups allowing
the UPFA to secure a two thirds majority and form a stable government
enabling the President to progress with the massive projects and win the
development war just as he won the war against terrorism.
MAHINDA NIHAL PERERA - Moratuwa
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