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| Sunday, 16 April 2006 |
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Features |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
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President with a human touch by Prasad Gunewardene On the morning of the New Year (14), I sat before the television at home to view the Avurudu events. The state controlled Rupavahini had a live cast of four events, one through a digital system from Dubai. What caught my eye was the ceremony at the "Rajapaksa Residence" in Tangalle, where the Head of State, President Mahinda Rajapaksa and his family engaged in Avurudu rituals mingling with the people. This was the first time since Independence; a Head of State was seen at his home in his birth place celebrating the Avurudu with his people. The President looked quite casual at home engaged in a relaxed manner with the people. The event brought to my mind the nostalgic memories of the man I saw in the character of Percy Mahendra Rajapaksa for over three decades as a journalist, though I have not met him for sometime. He is still a down to earth man. The common touch he possessed in his charming personality was amply demonstrated in the manner he mingled with the people, with doors wide open to the villagers to have a morning with him. While engaged in the customary rituals of the New Year, President Rajapaksa was seen inquiring to the welfare of those present at his house. During the proceedings, the female Announcer at the Rupavahini main station referred to the President's home in Tangalle as the "Raja Medura'. President Rajapakse is a man far from the 'Raja Medura" or 'Walauwwa' mentality, though he hails from one of the most respected Walauwwas in the South. That was why the ceremony at home looked charm with people moving around freely. There were no contingents of security personnel as seen in other 'Palaces', where people's movements are restricted. The President himself looked much relaxed. The most touching moment was when the smiling President fed 'Kiri bath' to his wife, the First Lady, Shiranthi and the two sons. He did not stop at that, but continued to feed all children who were present. Expressing his brotherly feeling and affection, the President looked around for his brother, Gotabhaya to feed him 'Kiri bath'. It was nothing but a display of family unity. The President in his usual style sat and enjoyed his New Year breakfast answering a call on his mobile phone. First Lady Shiranthi who hails from the much respected Wickremesinghe family from Dehiwala, too, was quite at ease, mingling with the people. She inherited these human qualities from her parents who were known for their kindness and generosity. I had the privilege of associating her brother, Srimal, a classmate of mine at the school by the sea in Mt. Lavinia. Her father, the late Capt. Wickremesinghe of the Navy, later was General Manager at Elasto Ltd. He was a man with a large heart who never missed a function of his employees, be it executive or minor grade. The common touch was always there in the Wickremesinghe family like the Rajapaksa family. The fine virtues of the President displayed on the morning of New Year will certainly bring him more closer to the people. There is also something unique in the character of President Mahinda Rajapaksa. Once I asked my uncle, the late film legend Gamini Fonseka why he chose Mahinda Rajapaksa to play the role of a Brigadier in the film "Nomiyena Minissu". Gamini replied in the mother tongue to say, "Umba dannawada Mahindage charithe athule hangila thiyena de? Mahindage athule amuthu deyak thiyenawa. Eka thamai, onama abhiyogayak Mahinda idiriye mella wenawata wediya heela wena eka. Ekai mama ghahambeera charithayakata eyawa thoragaththe". Since Gamini Fonseka expressed this sentiment in Sinhalese, I will leave it, as it is, for the readers. The people are fortunate to have a President of the calibre of Mahinda Rajapaksa at a time the nation is at a decisive juncture. |
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