D. A. Rajapaksa - great son of Ruhuna

Wimal RUBASINGHE

It is a great pleasure to hear that, from time immemorial, our country which was eulogized as the Pearl of the Indian Ocean and Granary of the East was the motherland of great rulers, sophisticated and religious intellectuals with pious sentiments, knowledgeable persons etc. Such literati built the country and the nation; developed and protected the religion; made the people happy and delighted; created and nurtured a predominant culture, art and literature and provided valuable models that other nations in the world might follow.

Late D. A. Rajapaksa was a prominent figure among such geniuses who were born in this precious land in the 20th century and acted with foresight to achieve the present development and to usher a ‘Prosperous future’ for us, developing our land more and more, day by day.

D. A. Rajapaksa who was born on March 30, 1905 in Buddiyagama, Weeraketiya had his primary education at the village school at Mandaduwa and secondary education at Richmond College, Galle. He entered the field of Social Services following in the footsteps of his forefathers in Ruhuna. D. A. Rajapaksa was the third son of loving parents, Don Davith Rajapaksa Vidana Arachchi and Dona Gimara Weerakoon Ratnayaka. Unique human characteristics including pleasantness, foresight and modesty were some of the valuable traits visible throughout his exemplary life.

Freedom and peace

The Rajapaksa generation of Weeraketeiya shone with many astute leaders and chieftains who rendered yeoman services for the advancement of the nation earning great respect and affection of the people of Ruhuna. Late D. D. Rajapaksa, D. C. Rajapaksa, Member of State Council - D. M. Rajapaksa, Ministers of the Parliament of Sri Lanka. D. A. Rajapaksa and Minister and Advocate George Rajapaksa, Deputy Minister Lakshman Rajapaksa and Neel Rajapaksa were among them. They were not lacking in good qualities, such as, modesty, creativity in development, respect to the Sasana, piety and bravery which are unique to the Rajapaksas of the Ruhuna. Fulfilling their mission with dedication they could place our nation on the track of development, freedom and peace where our country is standing today.

D. A. Rajapaksa was elected uncontested to the Hambantota seat of the State Council in 1945 where he embarked on his long political journey. He had to come forward to fill the political vacuum created by the untimely demise of D. M. Rajapaksa, his elder brother who was called the ‘Lion of Ruhuna’.

Humble smile

Party organizers went to Weeraketiya to meet D. A. Rajapaksa to obtain his signature for the by-election nomination papers for the Hambantota seat of the State Council. They met him at his paddy field at Medamulana. Having washed his hands in the nearby stream, he received the organizers with a humble smile. They left the place with his consent for signing the nomination papers and keeping in mind that “the farmer who washed off the mud is suitable for kingship.” Subsequently, he could climb up to the portfolio of Minister of Agriculture. First, he was elected to the State Council as the member of the Hambantota District on July 14, 1945 (The State Council’s first sat on August 8,1945) and then, to the first Parliament of Independent Sri Lanka representing the Beliatta seat. Holding offices, such as, Member of Parliament, deputy ministerial portfolios, chairmanships of committees and the post of Deputy Speaker over a long time, he was won very popular among ordinary people.

He entered politics before Sri Lanka gained independence, i.e. during the period that the struggle for freedom was in progress. He had no hesitation to fight for freedom together with his brother, D.M. Rajapaksa who was the pioneer of the Ruhunu freedom struggle. They won the freedom struggle. He was fortunate to be a partner of such a resounding victory.

Great contribution

He took great pains to develop agriculture in our country taking advantage of his membership in the Parliament, deputy ministerial portfolio for agriculture and ministerial portfolio of agriculture. Being of immense assistance to Philip Gunawardhana to formulate the Paddy Lands Act, he expedited its implementation. The designing and renovation of irrigation schemes were subject to his special attention. Therefore, he made a great contribution to the effort of S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike in the implementation of the Udawalawe, Chandrika Wewa and Walawe Ganga schemes.

Furthermore, he worked hard to implement irrigational schemes, such as, Uruboku Oya, Kirama Oya, Muruthawela and Udukiriwila in the Hambantota district. Hansard records of 1955 provide clear evidence for his tireless efforts that made Sri Lanka a self-sufficient country by distributing crown lands among farmers who did not have their own lands.

Rural schools

He monitored and encouraged the supplying of seeds for cultivation providing credit facilities for agricultural work, promoting sales and setting up farmer committees. Those who received his services are eternally grateful to him for the services he rendered to them. Focusing special attention towards education, he donated a block of land from his private properties to initiate Medamualana Vidyalaya. The number of scholars, intellectuals and professionals produced by this school amounts to a thousand. Moreover, new rural schools were set up in this era. He was instrumental in initiating Ittademaliya Government School, Weeraketiya and Muslim College, Yakkasmulla.

Acting with deep respect towards other religions as well as Buddhism, he could win the plaudits of all religious dignitaries. Through these relations he made an immense contribution to initiate, develop and protect sacred places. This great leader visited Buddhist temples frequently and participated in numerous meritorious deeds, community services and functions organized by various societies set up by ordinary masses. D. A. Rajapaksa’s parents groomed their offspring in these good deeds. Accordingly, they gifted nine children i.e. President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa, Minister of Economic Development Basil Rajapaksa, Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, late Jayanthi, Chandra, Preethi - Attorney-at-Law, Gandini and scientist - Dudley to this country, nation and religions.

Good characteristics

The present day Rajapaksas managed to establish peace and unity in our country eliminating conflicts among people, terrorists’ acts, civil commotions which internally affected the progress of Sri Lanka since 1970. Therefore, every ethnic group is represented in Parliament, Provincial Councils and Local Government bodies and persons irrespective their cast, creed or religion, holding high posts in the governing structure. All of us now enjoy the fruits of peace, relief and freedom. Fear of war, bombs and death has been alleviated and economic development has been speeded up.

Central Bank reports indicate a rapid development growth which has never been seen in this country. Leaders of other countries express their wonder over the way in which Sri Lanka successfully defeated terrorism, which other powerful nations have failed to do so. We could enjoy such a victory because of D. A. Rajapaksa’s farsighted actions to save this country from an unpleasant political situation and his efforts to instill such qualities in to his offspring; who were taught co-existence, national integrity, tolerance, foresight and good characteristics to his children. The present day Rajapaksas who are the epitome of such policies duly perform their duties maintaining close relations with all ethnic groups ie. Sinhalese, Tamils, Muslims and Burghers. They also have very close and cordial ties with world leaders.

As far as his views and efforts are concerned, D. A. Rajapaksa was an incomparable great leader with farsighted intelligence. He loved all citizens with fatherly-affection. It is our fervent hope that he may attain the Supreme Bliss of Nirvana.

The writer is the Secretary, Ministry of Culture and Arts.