Great fighter for human rights

Mahinda Samarasinghe -  MP Minister of Plantation Industries

The last thirty two years have seen only three occasions on which an incumbent Executive President of Sri Lanka, having triumphed at an election, takes oaths and enters upon a second term of office. President Mahinda Rajapaksa is the fifth individual to hold the highest office in the land commencing with former President J.R. Jayawardene who introduced the presidential system of government to Sri Lanka.

President Rajapaksa’s tenure in office as well as his personal character which underpins that tenure, are both remarkable. This occasion, on which the President takes oaths for a second term, is being marked with religious rites and social service initiatives.

A second term of office is not only important to a national leader for a variety of reasons but also generally marks a diminution of popular support in percentage terms. However, President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s commencement of his second term is quite extraordinary in that he does so, secure in the knowledge that he has gained considerably more in terms of popular support at the last election - a clear and strong indicator of the esteem in which he is held.

This is perhaps directly attributable to his achievement in relieving the nation of the biggest burden it has had to bear - for thirty long years - and thereby, through the complete eradication of terrorism, paving the way for the realization of a nation’s hopes and expectations which are focused on President Mahinda Rajapaksa. This forms the backdrop against which the commencement of a second term of office must be viewed.

Political analysts and ordinary citizens alike acknowledge that, first and foremost, Mahinda Rajapaksa is a seasoned political veteran. This, to my mind, implies that he is a practical politician. A practical politician’s path is not smooth but is one that is difficult to tread. It is filled with challenges and impediments.

One’s political character and personality is built, toughened and burnished by the many battles and skirmishes one must win through along the way. Tolerance and patience, correct decision-making and steadfast commitment to abide by those decisions and one’s principles, the ability to withstand the most daunting challenges, are all characteristics that have supported President Rajapaksa’s triumphant progress along this path.

From the inception of his political career as the youngest Member of Parliament in 1970, and throughout his onward journey adorning the offices of leader of the opposition, Minister, Prime Minister, party leader and, finally, as President, Mahinda Rajapaksa has shown his willingness to take incremental steps to greater success characterized by diligence, commitment, patience and perseverance.

approach had finally led to him being invested with the highest office in the land.

As a Member of the Opposition in Parliament he demonstrated a deep commitment to human rights and the emancipation of human beings from all forms of tyranny. With the added advantage of being a member of the legal profession, his activism in this sphere won him a special place in the hearts of the people from all walks of life and in every corner of the country.

His work in the field of labour rights, in particular, has identified him as a humanist and a champion of the working man and woman. As Minister of Labour, he was able to bring to fruition many of his plans and programmes. His commitment to bettering the lot of the worker, the farmer, the fisherman and the underprivileged, have endeared him to many Sri Lankans.

This sense of identification, affinity and empathy with ordinary persons and his commitment to their welfare, won him the people’s abiding trust which has been translated into victory after electoral victory.

It is the faith reposed in him by the Sri Lankan people, that forms the bedrock on which his many significant achievements are founded.

Continued success by attracting the support of the electorate at successive elections is based on building abiding trust. Mahinda Rajapaksa earned that trust through his steadfast commitment to political activism connected with societal causes. This trust reposed in him by the people was upheld and repaid in full measure during his first term. A grateful people responded by giving him a resounding mandate for a second term.

The hallmark of a statesperson, especially a leader of a nation, is the ability to unify support behind himself or herself. Today we see many popular representatives joining hands to support President Rajapaksa, across political party lines and ethnic divisions. This unique ability to bring diverse strands of opinion together and even to win over former political adversaries, in support of a national programme of renewal, reflects the confidence that the overwhelming majority of Sri Lankans have in his leadership.

In defeating LTTE terrorism, his role as Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces and consistent support for the men and women in uniform, was critical in ensuring success. On a second front the battle was joined with those forces that were determined to denigrate us and tarnish the image of the nation.

Aspersions were cast and accusations of human rights violations were made with the insidious motive of stopping the humanitarian operations and granting the L.T.T.E. a reprieve. President Rajapaksa’s leadership, sagacity, strategic thinking and experience gave us the strength to meet that second set of challenges head-on and to win the day for Sri Lanka.

Those who would view us with doubt and suspicion and assail us in international forums, were soundly defeated. There is a direct nexus between his leadership on those occasions, our achievement in the humanitarian operations, and the stability we enjoy today.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa did not let the focus on the humanitarian operation deter or deflect due attention from development activity. The ending of the conflict opens up manifold avenues for rapid and islandwide development. The next challenge is to ensure systematic and accelerated economic advancement for which plans and strategies are already in place.

The already breathtaking improvements in infrastructure development are only the first step in economic transformation. Particular attention will be paid to bridging trade imbalances, reducing budgetary shortfalls and increasing our per capita income to US Dollars 4,000 - which is our immediate target. To this end, attracting greater foreign investment flows which were slowed by the threat of terrorism and creating a more conducive climate for local investment and entrepreneurial endeavour, is key.

The way forward is now clear. There is a dawning recognition on a global scale of the potential for a Sri Lankan resurgence under the leadership of President Mahinda Rajapaksa. Sri Lankans are confident that, under the banner of his Presidency, we will be able to overcome hitherto insuperable barriers and usher in a better tomorrow for all our people.

The inestimable qualities of Mahinda Rajapaksa were accurately captured in the citation to the award Sri Rohana Janaranjana conferred upon him by the Venerable Maha Sangha in 2000. Long may his ability, dynamism, wisdom and statesmanship continue to benefit the people of our motherland.

My warm and sincere felicitations!