An indepth analysis of the life of Jeyaraj Fernandopulle

by Uditha KUMARASINGHE

Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle was killed in an LTTE bomb blast on April 06,2008.

The close interaction he had with journalists and the memorable speeches he made in Parliament as Chief Government Whip are still in the minds of journalists.

In memory of the significant role played by this illustrious political leader during a political career spanning 19 years, a book by Cyril Enderamulla titled, 'Jeyaraj - the symbol of national leadership destroyed by the LTTE', has been published. The maiden copy of the book was presented to President Mahinda Rajapaksa at a ceremony held at Temple Trees recently.

The book was presented to parliamentary journalists by the late Minister's wife and Gampaha District UPFA Parliamentarian, Dr. Sudharshani Fernandopulle at a ceremony held at the Speaker's office under the patronage of Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa recently.

Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa told journalists that it is a pleasure to recall memories of a politician of the calibre of Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle who was a close friend to all Parliamentarians. "Though his life was destroyed by terrorists, he will be in our minds forever'' he said.

We will never forget the manner in which he spoke in Parliament and the close friendship he maintained with Parliamentarians from both sides of the divide. He was an exemplary character, specially when we analyse the role played by him as Chief Government Whip. It is a praiseworthy attempt to publish a book for the benefit of the future generation, by compiling important stages in Jeyaraj Fernandopulle's life. The book is not an ordinary biography written about a politician. It is a comprehensive analysis made about a politician of our era.

The book contains three main chapters comprising a critical analysis, political analysis and a photographic analysis.

The author has described the book as an analysis made on an individual who dedicated his life for the well-being of ordinary people by sacrificing personal gains. The book reveals the political career of Jeyaraj rather than just talking about his life . It has provided certain guidelines for emerging politicians.

As a significant feature, the first chapter of the book contains an analysis made by the author on Jeyaraj's life, his speeches made in political philosophy, his theories, his intellectual capacity and his close interaction with all religions.

Another chapter of the book titled 'dialogues' contains a series of articles of various themes written by the Minister's wife, daughter and son, relations, his political colleagues, religious leaders, professionals and fellow journalists. The third chapter includes several analyses made by journalists, Editors, religious leaders and Parliamentarians.

The book speaks of his good and bad times as a politician. The late Minister was a politician who identified the pulse of the common people and always with them. It is the ordinary people who should have a proper understanding of his political career and the feeling he had for the common man.

The book describes his education, legal profession, his entry to politics and the service he rendered to the people until he faced an untimely death.

The book also speaks about late Minister's trilingual capabilities and how he appeared for litigants in Court in all three languages.

The book does not only contain about the services he rendered but also his hopes and aspirations. According to the author, the book would help people to identify genuine politicians.

The author's wish is to see this book becoming a guideline to those who engage in politics and those who aspire to enter politics.