President Maithripala Sirisena in a message to mark the 25th death anniversary of former President Ranasinghe Premadasa which falls today said that former President Premadasa is among the few statesmen who left an indelible imprint in the hearts of the common man in the country.“There are a few humans who leave incredible legacies and live on in the hearts of the people.
“Former President Premadasa is one such great human being,” President Maithripala Sirisena said.
“He set an example by hailing from humble beginnings to become the President of the country through sheer dedication and commitment to the service of the people.”
President Sirisena further said that President Premadasa always camapaigned against social injustice and emerged as a leader of the common man.
“He was elected to the Colombo Municipal Council in 1950 contesting the St Sebastian Ward and ascended the top rung of the country overcoming innumerable hurdles and hardships.”
The President added that President Premadasa was magnanimous in victory and never disappointed in defeat.
“He dedicated every single moment for the welfare of the people and was ready to listen to the grievances of the people.”
“President Premadasa knew the pulse of the people and was a good organizer.He together with Late President J.R.Jayewardene succeeded in reviving the United National Party whenever the party suffered a set back in politics.
“Ranasinghe Premadasa had a rare quality of tolerance during times failure and had also the unique ability of turning defeat into victory.
He succeeded in overcoming challenges and obstacles that stood in his way through his political experience and sheer discipline”.
“He faced many hurdles and hardships efeectively and overcame those challaenges successfully.
There were instances when he was closer to the members of the Opposition than the MPs of his own party.
He was so popular that he maintained very close rapport with all MPs alike”. “The former President inaugurated a number of projects for the benefit of suppressed which included massive housing programme, granting of pension to artistes, development of marshy lands for the benefit of people at grass root level and granting of free uniforms and mid day meal to the school children.
The people are still remembering the his service to the nation with gratitude.
Certain segment of the society insulted him but he never gave up his determination to work for the the uplift of the common masses.
President Ranasinghe Premadasa’s name will be remembered by the thousands of Sri Lankans with gratitude for his invaluable service to the nation”.