Mahinda: Visionary leader

Keheliya Rambukwella - Media and Information Minister

Man aspired for freedom since the beginning of human history. It was to defend freedom that man constantly fought and appealed. Freedom was a significant factor in the development of states as well as humanity.

History shows the trials, tribulations and degradations that Sri Lankans underwent and the destruction caused to the culture and religion due to various aggressions by foreign powers during the period of ancient kings. We have proudly read about the noble qualities of kings and heroes who fought sacrificing their lives to regain freedom.

In addition to recorded history, Sri Lankans are also aware of 30-year-old recent war which deprived them freedom. They would not forget the trials and tribulations. The unpleasant experiences they underwent during those 30 years.

They had to live long years with a constant fear and anxiety about their loved ones who had gone to work or school during the day, being not sure whether they would come under a terrorist attack at any moment.

Freedom was only confined to a word. The economy became weak due to attack on commanding heights of the economy.

No leader could oppose this national tragedy for they had to save their own lives before defending the country's freedom. Ruthless terrorism took the lives of many powerful personalities.

Some leaders went to the extent of promising a part of the country in order to get out of that monstrous abyss.

The father of the child who died due to the explosion of a passenger transport bus at Kebitigollawa asked the President "When would you liberate the country from this murderous terrorism?" People were so desperate and they even tended to believe that none would be able to defeat terrorism.

The pro-LTTE media had spread throughout the world the message that the 'world's most ruthless terrorist organization cannot be defeated'.

The President who clearly understood the national and international network of the LTTE, its nature and activity launched the humanitarian operation with unwavering resolve.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa's resolute action resulted in an unexpected victory which kindled fresh hopes in the minds of Sri Lankans.

Terrorism, which could not be controlled by world's powerful nations was defeated miraculously. This superb victory stunned the world the might of an experienced leader who loved his country.

The Government ensured both personal development and the development of the country, for it would be impossible to conceive of a country's development without a free environment.

The people who were both cornered and defeatist in outlook rose up with dignity. They began to talk about the Motherland with pride. A generation who are concerned about the country and who love it was born. It is true to say that it is Mahinda Chintana that convinced the people that the country has a future.

Only a leader who could foresee the future could continue the country's development uninterruptedly while engaged in a war with terrorism.

Sky bridges, four-lane expressways, etc. testify to a new age of development.

Various development programs are under way for the welfare of the people. Priority has been given to education, health, irrigation as well as moral upliftment programs such as religious renaissance etc.

The Government has given special patronage to media institutions and journalists because they make a signal contribution to the country's future. Very shortly high-tech DVB2 methodology would be introduced to our electronic media.

The Mahinda Rajapaksa tele-cinema village continues to contribute to the advance of the tele-cinema industry, benefitting both local and foreign artistes.

The development of free thinking and the unity of the country has given rise to an advance in the field of sports.

International stadiums coming up in various parts of the country would make Sri Lanka a country with advanced sports facilities. It would in turn enhance the country's prestige and facilitate the tourist industry.

Former kings who unified the country, then steered it towards prosperity. It is the freedom gained by defeating longstanding aggression that had laid the foundation for eras of prosperity in the country. Sri Lanka would be a prosperous nation of the world in the near future. Future children would proudly say that the architect and guide of that prosperity was President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

As the Dhammapada says: The noble man is rare. He is not born everywhere, every time. If such a person is born at a time he would certainly render the country, society great service.

May the President have long success.