Reflections of a Prime Minister

Rasika Somarathna

During my tenure in politics spanning 60 years he has been my colleague, lawyer, friend and mentor.

He achieved great heights in politics, because he was a very pragmatic, people oriented politician. Amidst the turbulent waves of politics, President Mahinda Rajapaksa always stood tall as he had utmost belief in the politics he practised and his ability to make them a reality.

I have seen many politicians in my long career in politics and Mahinda Rajapaksa towers above most because he was a visionary leader who at all times believed in propagating the wishes of the people and their well-being.

In 1970 . . .

I clearly remember his first foray into big time politics. His entry into the then National State Assembly in 1970 as its youngest member ever, created quite a sensation at that time.

He built a name for him as a young firebrand in politics at that time and stood shoulder to shoulder with some illustrious personalities who were thought as political giants during that time.

Although he came from a well-known political family in the country he was able to build his own unique personality as a politician in a very short span of time.

As lawyer . . .

I would never forget the help he lent me as a lawyer in 1994.

It was March 20, in 1994 and I was wrongfully implicated in a shooting incident which happened in the Suriyawewa town in Hambantota.

However, I was fortunate enough to get the services of a fierce competitor to appear on behalf of me at the Embilipitiya Magistrate Courts in the form of a young lawyer named Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Country first . . .

One of his foremost characteristics I saw from an early age was his undying love for his Motherland.

During his 40-year political career of which I saw him becoming an MP, a Minister, the Opposition Leader, the Prime Minister and then the President he was a politician who never hesitated to take decisions which he thought would benefit his Motherland and its people. He also was a leader who did not take decisions with personal benefits in mind.

As he said many times his first, second and third priorities at all times was Sri Lanka.

People’s guardian

I would always like to identify the President as a people’s representative and guardian because he truly cared for their well-being and never hesitated to help them in their need.

As during happy tidings he never neglected them during difficulty.

He was so close to the people, he knew their heart beat, their sorrows, fears, needs etc. One can never forget the scenes witnessed in the immediate aftermath of the Kebithigollewa bomb blast where an emotional President flew to share his grief with the bereaved families despite security concerns.

I believe that this genuinely honest trait in him helped him to achieve dizzy heights in politics as people recognized this fact and reciprocated in the same manner.

Saviour of the nation

When the President ordered our Armed Forces to launch a humanitarian operation as Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, he had clear goals such as to liberate people under the clutches of LTTE, re-establish democracy in the North and East, wipe out the scourge of terrorism and achieve honourable peace.

However the challenges he had to face in this endeavour was enormous. I truly believe that any other leader would have succumbed to pressures which originated from both within and outside.

But he stood firm with unwavering commitment in the face of all odds. As a result the Armed Forces, politicians, the general public etc. all rallied round him to forge a future of freedom, progress and harmony.

I think that this could have only being done under the leadership of President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

The future

President Mahinda Rajapaksa represents tolerance and freedom, not repression and terror.

Under his leadership a message has been sent to all of determination and hope. However Sri Lanka yet face a number of challenges in its quest to achieve permanent peace and prosperity. However under his guidance we look forward to meeting them with new hope and vigour.