Economic and Strategic integration in the region

It was good to hear from many friends and acquaintances in India, of the success of former PM Ranil Wickremesinghe’s speech at ‘The Huddle’ organised by the Hindu. The Chief Guest was the President of India and the keynote address was by Ranil. His topic was ‘Economic and Strategic integration in the region’. My Indian friends who heard him were very impressed by his rhetoric, his vast reservoir of knowledge and the facts and figures at his fingertips. His popularity in India soars high and it’s a pity that he is unappreciated and misunderstood here. Some who flocked around him like bees round a pot of honey when he was PM are among these unfair critics. I have always supported him, in victory or defeat and have known him longer than anyone outside his family.My parents and ancestors have seen to it that I don’t have to cultivate anyone or ask for favours. 

Therefore my loyalty is there for those and what I believe in not for any handouts or positions. Ranil mentioned these qualities of mine when he spoke at my birthday.