Father’s dream now a reality, says Sajith

by Ananda Kannangara

UNP Hambantota District MP Sajith Premadasa recounting the invaluable services rendered by his father, the late Ranasinghe Premadasa for the downtrodden said his father’s dream of creating peace in the country is now a reality.

He was addressing a ceremony held in Colombo yesterday to coincide with the 17th death anniversary of President Premadasa. Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe and Mrs. Hema Premadasa were also present.

He said his father’s main objective was to eliminate poverty from the country. The late President looked into the problems of the farmer and fishing communities and the labour force. He introduced many economic development plans to strengthen their livelihood.

“Constructing thousands of houses for the poor, developing rural areas through the Gam Udawa concept and creating employment opportunities by setting up garment industries throughout the country and helping President Jayewardene to establish Free Trade Zones are remembered by people even today,”.

He said nearly 20 million people in the country are silent today with many grievances. Therefore, it is the sole responsibility of the authorities to look into them and provide relief.

Opposition Leader, Ranil Wickremesinghe commended the services rendered by the late President during his tenure as an MP, a Minister, Prime Minister and the President said that he had a farsighted vision to initiate various development plans for the well-being of the downtrodden in the country.

“The late President maintained the common touch and his demise took place on a highway when he was among the masses,” he added.

R. Premadasa Commemoration Committee, Chairman, Karu Jayasuriya lauded the invaluable services rendered by the late President and called upon his son Sajith Premadasa to follow the footsteps of his father and usher in more development to the country in the future.