8 September 2020 12:07 am
By Sandun A. Jayasekera
What ever said and done by the Diaspora and detractors, Sri Lanka could claim to be the only country in recent history to rehabilitate and socially integrate thousands of members of the most ruthless terrorist outfit in the world, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa said.
He added that the late Prison Reforms Minister Chadrasiri Gajadeera’s contribution to this commendable endeavour was unique and appreciative.
Addressing a ceremony held at the H.K. Dharmadasa sports ground at Uyanwatta, Matara on Sunday to commemorate the first death anniversary of late Minister Gajadeera, Premier Rajapaksa went on to say that Mr. Gajadeera, being a true patriot and a communist who followed and practiced the Marxist ideology learnt Marxism from the pioneering leftist leader Dr. S.A.Wickremasinghe and never deviated from the policies he stood for.
“I say that Gajadeera was a native from the deep South from his complexion and action. Today, many talk about prudent politics. But he practiced prudent politics from the beginning of his political life four decades ago. To practice clean politics and to be an honourable politician, you need to be educated, intelligent and decent. Gajadeera had all these qualities.
I would like to tell upcoming politicians that you have to learn much from politicians like Mr. Gajadeera,” Mr. Rajapaksa stressed.
Mr. Gajadeera studied at the then Vidyodaya University. He started politics after obtaining membership of the ‘Lanka Jathika Shisya Sangamaya as an undergrad. After graduation, he took up teaching as his profession while still remaining as an active member of the left movement. He became the councilor of the Matara Town Council in 1988 and was elected to Parliament in 1994.
He fought boldly in and out of Parliament to send the UNP regime home that ruled the country for 17 years. He faced death several times during his fight against the government, Mr. Rakapaksa recalled.
“Mr. Gajadeeera never worked for positions or prestige. He always thought about the people. In 2001 local government polls, we wanted a dependable politician to lead our team in Matara.