'The great serve selflessly'

Being born as a human is a rare occurrence. Birth of grant persons is rarer occurrence. They possess characteristics such as selfless attitudes, patriotic bond towards the motherland and commitment to liberate the public from their suffering. Mahinda Rajapaksa is such a rare person, said President's Parliamentary Affairs Secretary Kumarasiri Hettige.

Kumarasiri Hettige made these observations participating as the chief layman invitee of religious observances held to mark the President's birthday at Getabaru Rajamaha Viharaya at Kotapola recently.

President's Parliamentary Affairs Secretary Kumarasiri Hettige distributes saplings among the people at Getabaruwa Rajamaha Viharaya.

Hettige said celebrating the birthday of such a rare leader depicts the extent of our gratitude.

"We experienced a fearful and appalling period of 30 years. It was a dark era of fear of death and there were no hopes of tomorrow.

That dark era dawned as a result of betrayals exercised by certain individuals who governed the country. The name of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, who gave political leadership to defeat terrorism which affected the country risking his own life and that of the members of his family giving us an opportunity to live peacefully, is etched in people's hearts forever. We all know the manner in which Sri Lanka, which was known as 'the pearl of the Indian Ocean' and the 'Dharmadveepa', was converted into a land of bloodshed. What would have happened to the country, if President Rajapaksa had not come to power in 2005?"

"We should not forget as to how our leader revivified national security and gave leadership against terrorism. How can we forget this leadership given without paying attention to the security of the lives of his own family members? Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, got a narrow escape.

The people rallied around this courageous leader since they had confidence in him as the only leader who has the capacity to save the country. He has the ability to face internal and external conspiracies against the country.

Getabaruwa Rajamaha Vihara Chief Incumbent Ven Dr Kirinde Ananda Thera said the President's birthday and induction are not private matters. It is relevant to the country and the nation. He has become the decisive factor and the strength of the country. The people feel that they have a leader, a father without any discrimination.

Deputy Urban Commissioner of Matara Senaka Palliyaguruge said the President was able to safeguard and develop the system of governance which was on the decline. If the older system continued, there would be no public sector in the country. Different thinking and concepts have been developed throughout the history. We can remember how they were limited to mere promises. The Mahinda Chinthana has become a great life philosophy and a great development philosophy.