Keheliya on the ‘Media Highway’

Keheliya Rambukwella, once defence spokesman is on a new track as the Media and Information Minister. The Minister will encounter many bends and twists on this new road.

Prasad GUNEWARDENE

Patriotism itself speaks volumes for the depth of conviction that drew him into the cause of politics. That mind made him believe, country came first and family second. At school he said - ‘First my country then myself’. Later in life with a slight change he said - ‘Country first and family second’. During his school days he outshone many when it came to a debate on his Motherland. He had many plans in life from his school days but never talked or dreamt of entering politics.

When the ‘Thomian Class of 1970s’(Mt Lavinia) met at the Colombo Orient Club a few weeks ago, the theme under discussion was about the tall, dark and mischievous lad in the class who became the first Thomian to assume the office of the Media and Information Minister. He is none other than the incumbent Media Minister, Keheliya Rambukwella, popular for his patriotism from school days at the School by the Sea. Many including Foreign Secretary, Romesh Jayasinghe recalled the glorious time spent with Keheliya and the ‘naughty’ days as a student of the Media Minister.

Brave and spirited

Keheliya, our colleague at school had many plans for the future. But, the subject of politics was nowhere near the boundaries when he discussed the future. At school he was a fine sportsman and awarded Colours. He played Cricket, Tennis, Table Tennis, Swimming, and Squash and represented College in Athletics. Rambukwella was gentle to the gentle and tough with The tough.

He never feared how strong his opponent was when it came to a head on clash. He had patience and was also impatient to be brave. Today, in him these spirited qualities are quite methodical with maturity.

The ‘Thomian Class of 70s’ which met that night proposed under the agenda that it was appropriate to hail Keheliya’s assumption as the first Thomian Media Minister in post-Independence governance. It was agreed to pay a tribute to Keheliya and the task was entrusted to me, being the only classmate who turned to journalism as a profession.

I could distinctly remember during a debate in school, Keheliya Rambukwella stating that the mind and knowledge of him had been formed by the victories achieved by Kings and Rulers of this country and such victories were jewels in the crown of his country - Sri Lanka.

Keheliya Rambukwella is a professional Hotelier with a Post-Graduate degree from the Hotel School. In 1979, he turned out to be Sri Lanka’s youngest film producer when he produced the record breaking Sinhala movie “Sakvithi Suvaya” which starred film legend, late Gamini Fonseka in the lead role. While playing the dual role of an hotelier cum film producer, Keheliya was pushed into politics by late Gamini Dissanayake when the UNP split under late President Ranasinghe Premadasa. Keheliya joined the Democratic United National Front (DUNF) led by Lalith Athulathmudali.

The incumbent Media Minister who holds a Doctorate in Defence Studies took to politics early in life having abandoned a successful career as a hotelier and film producer. Though he hailed from an illustrious family in Kandy that inherited enormous wealth, Keheliya from his school days traversed the roads and moved with the common masses.

That vibrant virtue was an incentive to his embarkation into politics. Within a brief space of time, Keheliya studied a wide range of subjects in politics and knew the importance of strategic and tactical issues that a democracy must answer the people.

A true patriot

A careful reading of what Rambukwella as Defence Spokesman said in November 2007 during a media interview, demonstrates his commitment and bravery as a true patriot. He bravely said there would be no peace for Tamils with Velupillai Prabakaran alive and stressed the urgent need to wipe out Prabakaran for the sake of the entire Tamil community.

Hardly a week later, the LTTE attempted to assassinate Minister Rambukwella in Kandy but failed. However, Minister Rambukwella continued to fearlessly criticize the LTTE at all forums he addressed at the risk of his life.

True to Rambukwella’s prediction in 2007, the peace loving Tamils never enjoyed nor reaped the benefits of freedom till Prabakaran and demimonde of murderers were eliminated in May last year. Minister Rambukwella had a deep understanding about the sad plight of Tamils countrywide who virtually were hostages of the LTTE.

Today, Rambukwella has embarked upon a new highway called -’Media and Information’. This is a strange highway with many bends. It needs a colossal change. There are journalists who claim to have grievances. The system needs right men in the right place to ensure justice and fairplay. Media is also a highway that consolidates democracy, freedom and justice.

Negotiating bends

The media and information system needs to serve as a means to support reconstruction and development of this once strife-torn nation.

It should also interact as the engine of growth in economic development.

The system must be designed to adopt a global approach cutting across traditional segments.

Another area the Minister must give thought is to make the Media and Information sector, ‘Producers and Exporters’ of news and views rather than being stagnated as mere ‘Importers and Consumers’ of pre- determined content. For that, concerns of international cooperation and opportunities to enhance such cooperation are vital.

These important aspects concerning the media surfaced that night at the meet of the ‘Thomian Class of 70s’ to be conveyed to our friend Keheliya who assumed office as the first Thomian Media Minister in the post Independence era. The Minister’s classmates were of the opinion that such aspects would help him to bridge the gap of mistrust, suspicion and fear which are products of ignorance that exist in the ‘Media Highway’.