Dudley Senanayake's 100th birth anniversary commemorated
by Ananda KANNANGARA
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Former MP Rukman Senanayake presenting a copy of the biography
of Dudley Senanayake to former Minister Imithiyaz Bakeer Markar
at the ceremony.
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Sri Lanka's well-known public servant Bradman Weerakoon last week
highlighted the unblemished political career of former Prime Minister,
the late Dudley Senanayake and said that he was fortunate to work under
a remarkable personality such as the former Premier for a considerable
period.
He made these observations at a ceremony in Colombo to mark the 100th
birth anniversary of Senanayake. A biography Dudley Senanayake- The most
loved leader of our times, compiled by the Senanayake Foundation was
released to coincide with the ceremony.
MPs Karu Jayasuriya, TULF Leader V. Anandasangaree, former MPs Rukman
Senanayake and Imithiyaz Bakeer Markar and Mrs. Hema Premadasa were also
present.
Weerakoon, who holds a world record as Secretary to nine Prime
Ministers and two Presidents of Sri Lanka, said he was Secretary to
Dudley Senanayake between 1965 and 1970.
He said Senanayake competed successfully with a galaxy of orators in
Parliament such as S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike, Dr. Colvin R de Silva and Dr.
N.M. Perera with his oratorical skills.
"The late premier had also closely associated with the farmer
community and a unique feature of his life was making only promises that
could be fulfilled",he said.
Weerakoon concluded with a quote from a poem of Gilbert Holland,
written in the late 19th century; "A time like this demands strong
minds, great hearts, true faith and ready hands; Men whom the lust of
office does not kill; Men whom the spoils of office cannot buy; Men who
possess opinions and a will; Men who love honour, men who cannot lie"
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