'Mahinda' in Muthu's words
Ruwini JAYAWARDANA
It was an evening to remember. Memories unravelled and contemporaries
were able to speak to their heart's content about a patriotic figure
which had aspired and touched the life of many, creating a better future
for the citizens of all age groups and all walks of life.
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Muthu hands over the first copy of her book to First Lady
Shiranthi Rajapaksa.
Pictures by Ruwan de Silva and Sudath Nishantha |
Muthu Padmakumara who launched her fourth collection of poetry 'Life
After Love' last year had decided on an entirely different theme for her
latest piece of work. 'Mahinda: The early years of the incumbent
President of Sri Lanka' was launched at Colombo Hilton on June 21. First
Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa was the Chief Guest. Prime Minister D. M.
Jayaratne and Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayaka also graced the
occasion. The book is a Sarasaviya Publication.
Muthu had previously penned three books of poetry: 'Innocence
Unending' (1997) which she completed while still in her teens, 'There
are no more rainbows' (1998), a collection based on the civil conflict
in the country and 'Lal Gulab Zindabad' (2005), a series of poems
written in the memory of the late Prime Minister of India Rajiv Gandhi.
She had shown early signs of being a multi faceted artiste in various
streams in the field of communication and entertainment- from music,
teaching performing arts, news reporting to compering on television.
The evening pulsed with life as the Channa-Upuli dance ensemble took
to the stage alluring the audience with their dance performance. Titled
'New Sri Lanka: The lion awakened', the dance portrayed a sturdy lion
emerging into the light with rigorous dance moves. Soon two female
dancers clad in similar coloured outfits but representing two ethnic
groups joined the lion, symbolizing togetherness. Another group of
dancers burst into the scene once the beat had picked up.
With an easy flow of thoughts Muthu sketches the image of Rajapaksa
as a compassionate and down-to-earth personality who had portrayed signs
of leadership in his early years. The book traces Rajapaksa's ventures,
urging the reader to keep turning the pages as it is written in the
style which fans of Muthu's is familiar with. Simple language
beautifully laced together in diction. It also brings to light certain
elements which foretold that this was the making process of a dominant
political leader of our times.
Despite decades of terrorism, the country is looking towards the
future with a new glimmer of hope. It is at such a phrase in life Muthu
had penned her works. This timely move no doubt benefits many of those
who vie to become future leaders in the country for it had been
questioned now and again how the President managed to achieve such a
momentous task by eliminating terrorism.
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Ministers Amunugama and Peiris addressing the gathering |
"Leaders around the globe were baffled on how Rajapaksa managed to
accomplish this mind-boggling achievement. Though they focused on how he
worked with Defense Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa and the leaders of the
armed forces, they have not been able to pinpoint his modus operandi,"
Deputy Minister of Finance Dr. Sarath Amunugama said.
He also added that eliminating terrorism is a universal problem
today.
"Sri Lanka had pioneered new thinking in this area. We have a leader
with an outstanding mandate who had worked towards developping the
economic growth as well as opened doors to science and modern
technology. The country is thriving under his rule. The book sheds light
on how he evolved to his position. The root of his cause is his great
affection for productive people from the rural areas. They are oppressed
and do not get a chance to voice their difficulties," Amunugama noted.
He also stressed that Muthu had employed the 'fly on the wall'
technique in presenting the stories to the reader, meaning that every
detail is described as if the events are seen candidly, as a fly on a
wall might see them.
Speaking to the gathering External Affairs Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris
said that 'Mahinda' is a vivid portrayal of the human being behind the
head of the nation through a series of anecdotes.
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Secretary to President Lalith Weeratunga, Public Management
Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayaka, Finance Deputy Minister Dr
Sarath Amunugama, External Affairs Minister Prof G. L. Peiris
and Mrs Peiris, Service Commanders and Foreign dignitaries among
an attentive audience. |
"The book presents us with certain facets of the President with
graphic descriptions. You see Mahinda facing up to challenges which lie
before him as a student at Vidyodaya Pirivena, you find him rebelling
against injustice as a youth or you encounter him during his cross
examinations during his tint as a criminal lawyer in the courts of
Hambantota. It is a very humane story which unravels from the pages. He
is a person who thought out of the box," Peiris shared his thoughts.
He also said that Rajapaksa had made a significant contribution
towards cinema by taking part in creations like Nomiyena Minisun,
Udagira and Badde Senahasa where he portrayed roles as a General,
politician and a local headman.
Keeping her speech short the star of the evening, Muthu, thanked all
those who had backed her in composing the book. She added that she and
her contemporaries have hoped for a peaceful Sri Lanka during their
lifetime. Their wish was granted.
"May you be blessed with strength to complete the tasks before you,"
Muthu concluded while addressing the key figure which inspired her in
her latest work.
The evening concluded with the infectious drum beats of Jananath
Warakagoda and troupe. The event was put together by Ravindra Guruge and
team. Bank of Ceylon, Lankaputhra Development Bank and the National
Lotteries Board were the sponsors. |
