31st DEATH ANNIVERSARY OF PRESIDENT RANASINGHE PREMADASA: Remembering a people-friendly leader

This article is published to commemorate the 31st death anniversary of former President Ranasinghe Premadasa, which falls today (May 1). 

He was a great, dynamic, vibrant, resolute leader and a distinguished statesman produced by St. Joseph’s College, Colombo 10. 

The conferring of  “Lankabhimanaya” the highest national honour on Prime Minister Ranasinghe Premadasa by President J.R.Jayewardene  was a recognition of the services rendered by him to the people of Sri Lanka.

The contribution to economic, religious including the “Buddha Sasana”, cultural and social development by President Premadasa speaks volumes of the knowledge, and skills that he received from his Alma Mater and the Dhamma schools.
These teachings as well as the knowledge and experience gathered from childhood days and later on as a seasoned social worker and then a Parliamentarian helped him contribute to the socio-economic development of the country.

 The “Gam Udawa” and the “Janasaviya” programmes were pioneered by him to boost household income and thereby alleviate poverty in the country.
He brought pride to the country when the United Nations declared 1987 as the “International Year of Shelter for the Homeless” on a proposal made by him. 

The former President was held in high esteem by all communities and religions for his resolute commitment to unity and communal harmony. 
His contribution to the “Buddha Sasana” is well known. Hindu, Christian and Islam followers found the former President a great benefactor not only in helping them to develop their places of worship but also in the role he played in promoting communal and racial amity. 

He was able to pick the  “Right Man” for the “Right Job” which was the secret of his success enabling him to be an efficient and effective administrator.
Honesty, hard work, determination, courage, simplicity, people-friendliness, discipline, unwavering commitment and oratory skills were some of the hallmarks of the late President.
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