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31st DEATH ANNIVERSARY OF PRESIDENT RANASINGHE PREMADASA: Remembering a people-friendly leader

1 May 2024 12:03 am - 9     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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This article is published to commemorate the 31st death anniversary of former President Ranasinghe Premadasa, which falls today (May 1). 

Former President Ranasinghe Premadasa


He was a great, dynamic, vibrant, resolute leader and a distinguished statesman produced by St. Joseph’s College, Colombo 10. 


The conferring of  “Lankabhimanaya” the highest national honour on Prime Minister Ranasinghe Premadasa by President J.R.Jayewardene  was a recognition of the services rendered by him to the people of Sri Lanka.


The contribution to economic, religious including the “Buddha Sasana”, cultural and social development by President Premadasa speaks volumes of the knowledge, and skills that he received from his Alma Mater and the Dhamma schools.
These teachings as well as the knowledge and experience gathered from childhood days and later on as a seasoned social worker and then a Parliamentarian helped him contribute to the socio-economic development of the country.


 The “Gam Udawa” and the “Janasaviya” programmes were pioneered by him to boost household income and thereby alleviate poverty in the country.
He brought pride to the country when the United Nations declared 1987 as the “International Year of Shelter for the Homeless” on a proposal made by him. 


The former President was held in high esteem by all communities and religions for his resolute commitment to unity and communal harmony. 
His contribution to the “Buddha Sasana” is well known. Hindu, Christian and Islam followers found the former President a great benefactor not only in helping them to develop their places of worship but also in the role he played in promoting communal and racial amity. 


He was able to pick the  “Right Man” for the “Right Job” which was the secret of his success enabling him to be an efficient and effective administrator.
Honesty, hard work, determination, courage, simplicity, people-friendliness, discipline, unwavering commitment and oratory skills were some of the hallmarks of the late President.
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  Comments - 9

  • Sokrates Wednesday, 01 May 2024 08:31 AM

    There is no doubt that he did a lot for the country. On the other hand, he was a dictator who mercilessly sent out death squads. In any case, he brought discipline to the Civil Service. At that time, not even a high-ranking official dared to arrive a minute late or leave early.

    R Abayasekara Thursday, 02 May 2024 09:31 AM

    The JVP was destroying the economy with its arbitrary executions of those who refused to follow their orders, and burning of public property. Anyone in power then would have done the same as President Premadasa to destroy the JVP. Mrs. B did the same in 1971. It's the country's misfortune that he was killed so early in his Presidency. We would have economically beaten Malaysia, had he governed for two terms.

    GERIATRIC TAX PAYER - LAST 48 YEARS! Thursday, 02 May 2024 04:46 PM

    During his tenure Income Tax Refunds of Individual Tax Payers were Paid On Time!

    last chance Friday, 03 May 2024 11:32 AM

    When he was governing spies were every where ,people open their mouth only to eat and brush their teeth.Such a dreadful period.

    kevin roberts Friday, 03 May 2024 06:12 PM

    yes but he is the only one that did something for that country.

    Mandayan Saturday, 04 May 2024 02:25 AM

    Maruthai, not enough research about him mate: He was born in 1926, in to a poor an uneducated family is Colombo's not so affluent area. His father Ranasigha, gone to an astrologer in Malian Street in Pettah, with his birth time to discuss about his future. To his surprise, he was told, if this time is correct, he will ruled this country one day. Father jumped up in anger thinking he was being insulted. He shouted at him, saying, to rule this country, he must have born in London at Buckingham Palace, not to me. Saying this he walked out, feeling insulted, without paying. Years later, once he took oath as the nation's President, he disclosed this.

    Patcitz Sunday, 05 May 2024 12:00 AM

    What a marvellous day to remember Premadasa who ruled the nation under legalized GENOCIDE ACT aginst the law of land, which was constructed by our independence forefathers.

    Patcitz Sunday, 05 May 2024 12:03 AM

    Pray, BABU who will be in HEAVEN.

    BRING IN ANURA HE APPEARS TO BE THE ONLY CANDIDATE WHO HAS THE BACKBONE, GUTS AND WILL TO BRING JUSTICE TO US ALL, THE PEOPLE Monday, 06 May 2024 04:50 PM

    THE LATE PRESIDENT PREMADASA WAS A PRESIDENT FOR THE PEOPLE, HE MOVED WITH ALL WALKS OF LIFE AND HAD THE POOR AT HEART ANDUPLIFTED THE LIVES OF THE LESS FORTUNATE/POOR. HE MAY HAVE RULED LIKE A DICTATOR, BUT HE WAS NOT ONE. HIS STYLE OF LEADERSHIP KEPT MINISTERS/MP'S/PUBLIC SERVANTS ON THEIR TOES. HOWEVER, PAST DECADES THOSE DECISION MAKERS/POLITICIANS ND PUBLIC SERVANTS HAVE ALL HAD A FIELD DAY PLAYING THE CORRUPT GAME "YOU SCRATCH MY BACK I'LL SCRATCH YOURS" AND SOME HAVE BECOME MILLIONAIRES EATHERING THIR NESTS/THEIR STOOGES. TIME TO WIPE MAJORITY OF THEM OUT, FOR CORRUPTION TO END. CROOKS/THOSE WHO BROUGHT DOWN THE COUNTRY AND THEIR STOOGES WHO PLAYED A ROLE TO BE DRAGGED BEFORE A COURT OF LAW AND JUSTICE DISHED OUT TO THE PEOPLE. JUSTICE MEANING LONG JAIL SENTENCES FOR THEOSE FOUND GUILTY AND ALL ILLGOTTEN WEALTH CONFISCATED INCLUDING ASSETS AROUND THE WORLD.

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