Late President Hon. Ranasinghe Premadasa: Celebrating His 100th Birth Anniversary. – By Gamini Kariyawasam
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June 23, 2024, marks the 100th birth anniversary of Sri Lanka’s legendary leader, the late President Ranasinghe Premadasa. He was a philanthropic people’s leader who performed a great public mission for the welfare of the common people. In order to remind the current generation of that public mission, it is with great gratitude that I write this note as a public officer who was engaged in duty for a long time, closer to him.
Sri Lanka’s most distinguished leader, the late President Ranasinghe Premadasa, was born in 1924 in Colombo. It is not an easy task to condense the life of Hon. Premadasa, who played a huge role in the development of the nation, into such a short article.
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Hon. Ranasinghe Premadasa’s journey from humble beginnings to the highest echelons of power is a testament to his perseverance and commitment to social justice. Educated at St. Lawrence College, Colombo, he showed an early interest in social service, which later translated into his political career. His involvement in the local community, especially in underprivileged areas, laid the foundation for his political ethos centered on poverty alleviation and social equality.
With his Family
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Hon. Premadasa’s political career began in earnest when he joined the United National Party (UNP) in the late 1940s. He was elected to the Colombo Municipal Council in 1950. His success at the local government level propelled him to national politics, and he was elected to Parliament in 1960.
As Prime Minister from 1978 to 1989 and then as the President of Sri Lanka from 1989 until his assassination in 1993, Premadasa’s tenure was characterized by a strong emphasis on economic development and social welfare. His leadership saw the implementation of numerous projects aimed at improving the quality of life for the impoverished segments of society.
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One of Premadasa’s most notable contributions was the “Gam Udawa” (Village Awakening) program, which focused on rural development. Under this initiative, new villages were constructed, complete with housing, schools, health clinics, and other essential facilities. This program significantly improved living conditions for many rural families and was a hallmark of his commitment to uplifting the poor.
Premadasa also played a crucial role in urban development. He initiated housing projects for low-income families in Colombo and other urban areas, which provided affordable housing to thousands of people. His efforts in urban renewal and housing earned him widespread recognition and appreciation. He was closely associated with artists. The concessions planned for their improvement and well-being are immeasurable. He was kind enough to allocate a few houses for artists and media persons when the project of ten lakh flats and houses was opened. The “Kala Pura” of Mount Lavinia is also born out of His Majesty’s infinite affection for artists.
The passing of the Tower Hall Foundation Act No. 01 on October 10, 1978, in Parliament is also considered an important step taken by him for the promotion of local arts. With this, his hope was to promote traditional local theater art, nurture it, and improve the living conditions of the artists of the Tower Hall era.
With Late Minister Sirisena Coore
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Premadasa’s tenure was not without challenges. He led the country during a tumultuous period marked by the civil war with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and the second JVP insurrection. Despite these challenges, he remained steadfast in his vision for a united and prosperous Sri Lanka.
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His presidency was also marked by efforts to foster international relations and economic partnerships. He sought to strengthen Sri Lanka’s ties with other nations and attract foreign investment, which was crucial for the country’s economic growth.
Tragically, Premadasa’s life was cut short when he was assassinated by an LTTE suicide bomber on May 1, 1993. His death was a significant loss to the nation, but his legacy continues to inspire many.
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As we commemorate the centenary of Ranasinghe Premadasa’s birth, it is an opportunity to reflect on his enduring contributions to Sri Lanka. His vision for social equality, rural development, and economic progress remains relevant today. Premadasa’s life and work serve as a reminder of the power of dedicated leadership and the impact one individual can have on the course of a nation’s history.
In honoring his memory, let us strive to uphold the values he championed and work towards a more just and prosperous Sri Lanka for all its citizens. It is certain that it will be difficult for some people to believe how one person played such a big role for a nation in a short lifetime.
On the occasion of the 100th birthday of President Premadasa, I intend to conclude this article by highlighting his foresight and insightful creation, which was prepared to examine the great mission accomplished by him for our country.
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President Premadasa planned a golden canopy for the Tooth Relic not only out of devotion and for its beauty but also considering the future safety of the relic. When terrorists bombed the Dalada Palace, security forces concluded that the room where the Dalada was kept was protected because the massive pillars supporting the golden canopy acted as a protective shield, withstanding the shock of the bomb. Moreover, it should be remembered that the golden canopy was designed to protect the tile roof of the palace from monkeys that constantly came from the nearby Udawaththa Forest.
Dr.Gamini Kariyawasam.
