Anvil of modern politics
Jayanthi Liyanage
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Agriculture Development and Agrarian Services Minister
Maithripala Sirisena holds out his story Attai Sattai.
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Three special events took place at BMICH Mihilaka Medura on March 24,
amidst a large gathering of Ministers, Governors, government officials,
academics, artistes and other invitees.
The foremost of them was the launching of the publication Attai
Sattai, the story of Agriculture Development and Agrarian Services
Minister Maithripala Sirisena. This book was based on the feature
articles written by journalist Ajantha Kumara Agalakada to the Diyata
supplement of Sunday Lankadeepa newspaper about the Minister and
incidents and information that had not been presented in that series of
articles.
The second event was the launching of the book ‘Mahaweli after 1995’
and the third was the launch of the Minister’s website,
www.maithripalasirisena.org.
“I believe Attia Sattai would be an important publication for the
younger generation,” said Minister Maitrhipala Sirisena, speaking on the
occasion. “This book emphasizes the importance of working with a
political vision and principles.” “This story of 43 years of my
political life is mostly about sad instances,” specified the Minister.
“That is why I have introduced it as the story of the anvil of Sri
Lanka’s modern politics.” Before the launching ceremony, he had
presented both books to President Mahinda Rajapaksa. The story also
consists of the Minister’s experiences of working with Prime Minister
Sirimavo Bandaranaike, President Chandrika Kumaratunga and President
Mahinda Rajapaksa.
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Agriculture Development and Agrarian Services Minister
Maithripala Sirisena presents the two books to Education
Minister Susil Prem Jayantha. Urban Development and Sacred Area
Development Minister Dinesh Gunawardena looks on. Pictures by
Ranjith Jayaweera |
“My father was a poor farmer in Polonnaruwa,” said the Minister. “In
1949, my father obtained land in a farmer colonization scheme of Prime
Minister D.S. Senanayake in Polonnaruwa and I was born there. I have
culled many experiences since then, functioning for ten years as the
General Secretary of Sri Lanka’s main political party Sri Lanka Freedom
Party and representing my seat in parliament for 21 years. I am glad I
have been able to carry out my responsibilities towards people in
Polonnaruwa.” The Minister had escaped from the attacks of the LTTE on
five occasions. During the world food crisis, he assisted the President
to make the program Api Wawamu Rata Nagamu a success.
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Dancers from Ravibandu-Samanthi dance
institute performing pooja dance. |
“There had been a misunderstanding that after the accelerated
Mahaweli program, adequate work on Mahaweli developmemnt had not been
carried out,” said the Minister. “My second publication ‘Mahaweli after
1995’ clears that misconception. Under the UPFA after 1994, a lot of
major work has been done in Mahaweli Projects.
Under the accelerated Mahaweli program, Rupees seven thousand million
were spent on building the five reservoirs Kotmale, Victoria,
Randenigala, Rantembe and Maduruoya. A similar amount is being spent on
Moragahakande/Kalu Ganga Reservoir Project alone which is being
successfully implemented for the last three years.” The book will be an
important publication for school children and those interested in the
development of the country, the Minister noted.
Prof. Carlo Fonseka delivered a special speech at this occasion,
bringing out laughter with his characterstic witty remarks.
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