Mahinda: Leader who keeps his word
Nalin Mervyn Fernando - Managing Director,
Sri Lanka Ayurvedic Drugs Corporation
Our children, our future |
He who has more than 40 years political
experience joined the rank of world statesmen after defeating terrorism
and creating an environment for all communities to live in peace and
harmony.
This statesman who has directed his people on a path towards peace
and economic development has always expressed his views on international
issues and problems in a manner which safeguarded the image of his
country and the honour of his people.
Nalin Mervyn Fernando |
President Mahinda Rajapaksa who showed the world that terrorism in
whatever form was should be detested by peace loving people addressing
the UN 65th General Assembly sessions said “In two months time I will
take oaths as President of my country for my second term of office.
Heads of State of 192 nations attending the UN sessions greeted this
announcement with loud applause, because they treated him as a statesman
born for the good fortune of people around the globe.
President Rajapaksa who achieved an unprecedented feat by defeating
the most ruthless terrorist outfit in the world which troubled the
country for 30 years has humbled certain countries in the capitalist
world which tried to undermine the war effort through devious means,
answering critics who wanted Sri Lanka to negotiate with terrorists by
accepting their conditions, he said.
“I have a responsibility by the nation. I have the responsibility of
protecting the lives of millions of my people belonging to all ages. It
is my duty to safeguard their right for a peaceful life and ensure peace
and progress for my country.”
The President has already proved his management skills by ensuring an
eight percent growth in the economy during the last three months,
keeping inflation at a manageable level and increasing per capita income
to a satisfactory level.
Mahinda Rajapaksa had his debut in politics by successfully
contesting the Beliatte seat in Parliament at the 1970 General
Elections.
A past pupil of Richmond College, Galle and Nalanda College and
Thurstan College Colombo he was attached to the Vidyodaya University
from 1966 to 1970. He thereafter studied law and passed out as a lawyer
in 1974.
During his youth, he was a radical who showed revolutionary ideas and
views. He once conducted a protest campaign against the student
admission system at the Vidyodaya University and submitted a memorandum
calling for a change in the system to the then Vice Chancellor Ven
Palannamuwe Wimaladharma Thera by going and meeting him in with a
delegation.
This campaign escalated into a great struggle and his father, the
late D A Rajapaksa had to intervene to save him from difficulties.
During his stay at Vidyodaya, he started a leftist Trade Union at the
University for the first time by inviting Bala Tampoe of the then VLSSP
for the inaugural ceremony.
From Vidyodaya, he entered the hustings at Beliatte in 1970 taking
some of his revolutionary colleagues at Vidyodaya to support his
campaign. It is an irony of fate to see some of these colleagues holding
vital portfolios in his Cabinet today.
When he was born Beliatte and entered Parliament in 1970 he was the
youngest member in the house showing signs of developing into a leading
statesman. President Rajapaksa’s time humanitarian and political
qualities emerged after his defeat at the 1977 General Elections which
proved the adage failures are the pillars of success.
He launched many a struggle with the then capitalist Government on
behalf of his people. His legal profession gave him additional strength
to his people’s struggles.
When he won the 1994 General Election from the Hambantota District he
was able to give leadership to his party to gain control of a vast
majority of seats in the Southern Province.
He was soon given the portfolio of labour and vocational training
through which he rendered a great service to the working class of this
country. Later as Fisheries Minister, he made a major contribution
towards the uplift of the fishing industry and the lives of people
engaged in it.
However, the vast majority of people felt that his talents were under
utilized by the then President even though he cared less for it and gave
of his best to the tasks entrusted to him.
Undeterred by the sidelining by the then party leadership he devised
moved programs to promote the cause of his party without deserting it.
SLFP diehards are grateful to him for the manner in which he protected
it when certain others left the party in droves and joined the UNP for
the sake of personal gain.
The experience gained as a Minister and Opposition Leader had made
him an astute politician when he assumed duties as the country’s Prime
Minister.
When he contested the 2005 Presidential election as the UPFA
Presidential candidate he outshone every other candidate as the most
qualified person to take charge of the mantle of State.
Today, when he is getting ready to take oaths for his second term of
office as the country’s President he has created the environment for
people of all communities to live in peace and security. The Mahinda
Chinthana Policies enunciated by him are adequate testimony to his
abilities as a national leader.
He has been able to create his own political philosophy in accordance
with the UN proclamation on Fundamental Human Rights adopted at its 61st
General Assembly sessions.
The massive development schemes launched under his guidance such as
the Norochcholai Power Station, Moragahakanda reservoir scheme,
Magampura International Harbour and Mattala International Airport will
take a little time to bring their dividend to the country and its people
until then all patriotic citizens of this country should consider it
their bounden duty to support and assist the President and his
Government to complete their mission.
President Mahinda Rajapaksa is a leader who always keeps his word and
this quality has been the major contributory factor for his success. His
vision to transform Sri Lanka as the wonder of Asia is a true blessing
for her people.
On this historic day when President Rajapaksa celebrates his birthday
and assumes duties in his second term of office I join the nation to
wish him the blessings of the Noble Triple Gem for health, prosperity,
long life and success in all his future endeavours. |