A pen-sketch of the President by Muthu

by Ruwini Jayawardana

Talented young writer and poet Muthu Padmakumara launched her newest book `Mahinda: The early years of the incumbent President of Sri Lanka’ at the Colombo Hilton on June 21. First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa was the Chief Guest. Prime Minister D. M. Jayaratne, Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayaka and many foreign dignitaries too were present. The book is a Sarasaviya Publication.

Muthu whose last piece of work was an anthology of poems titled ‘Life after Love’ had embarked on a completely different path in ‘Mahinda’.

The multi talented personality had penned three books of poetry prior to `Life after Love’: Innocence Unending’ (1997) which she completed while still in her teens, `There are no more rainbows’ (1998), a collection based on the civil conflict in the country and `Lal Gulab Zindabad’ (2005), a series of poems written in the memory of the late Prime Minister of India Rajiv Gandhi. She had also been involved with work in the fields of communication and entertainment- from music, teaching performing arts, news reporting to compering on television.

The launching ceremony opened with a dance act by the Channa-Upuli dance ensemble. Titled ‘New Sri Lanka: The lion awakened’, the dance portrayed a sturdy lion emerging into the light with rigorous dance moves. Soon two female dancers clad in similar coloured outfits but representing two ethnic groups joined the lion, symbolising togetherness. Another group of dancers burst into the scene once the beat had picked up.

‘Mahinda’ brings forth an image of Rajapaksa as a compassionate and down-to-earth personality who had portrayed signs of leadership in his early years. It traces Rajapaksa’s ventures, urging the reader to keep turning the pages as it is written in the style which fans of Muthu are familiar with. Simple language beautifully laced together in diction. It also brings to light certain elements which foretold that this was the making process of a dominant political leader of our times.

Despite decades of terrorism, the country is looking towards the future with a glimmer of hope. It is at such a phase in life Muthu had penned her works. This timely move no doubt benefits many of those who vie to become future leaders in the country for it had been questioned now and again how the President achieved such a momentous task by eliminating terrorism.

“Leaders around the globe were baffled on how Rajapaksa accomplished this mind-boggling achievement. Though they focused on how he worked with Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa and the leaders of the Armed Forces, they have not been able to pinpoint his modus operandi,” Deputy Minister of Finance Dr. Sarath Amunugama said.

He said that eliminating terrorism is a universal problem today.

“Sri Lanka had pioneered new thinking in this area. We have a leader with an outstanding mandate who had worked towards promoting economic growth as well as opened the doors to science and modern technology. The country is thriving under his rule. The book sheds light on how he reached his position. The theme of his mission is his great affection for productive people from rural areas. They are oppressed and do not get a chance to voice their difficulties,” Amunugama said.

He said that Muthu had employed the ‘fly on the wall’ technique in presenting the stories to the reader, meaning that every detail is described as if the events are seen candidly, as a fly on a wall might see them.

External Affairs Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris told the gathering that `Mahinda’ is a vivid portrayal of the human being behind the head of the nation through a series of anecdotes.

“The book presents us with certain facets of the President with graphic descriptions. You see Mahinda facing challenges which lay before him as a student at Vidyodaya Pirivena, you find him rebelling against injustice as a youth or you encounter him in his cross examinations during his stint as a criminal lawyer in the courts of Hambantota. It is a very humane story which unravels from the pages. He is a person who thought out of the box,” Peiris unravelled his thoughts.

He also said that Rajapaksa had made a significant contribution towards cinema by taking part in creations such as Nomiyena Minisun, Udagira and Badde Senahasa where he portrayed roles as a General, politician and a local headman.

Keeping her speech brief the star of the evening, Muthu, thanked all those who had backed her in authoring the book. She said that she and her contemporaries have hoped for a peaceful Sri Lanka during their lifetime. Their wish was granted.

“May you be blessed with strength to complete the tasks before you,” Muthu said addressing the key figure which inspired her in her latest work.

The evening concluded with the infectious drum beats of Jananath Warakagoda and troupe. Seasoned actor Ravindra Randeniya compered the event. The event was put together by Ravindra Guruge and team. The Bank of Ceylon, Lankaputhra Development Bank and the National Lotteries Board were the sponsors.

A dance item presented by Channa and Upuli