RANIL WICKREMESINGHE - AS I KNOW HIM

Ranil Wickremesinghe is seen surrounded by well wishers and party stalwarts soon after being sworn-in as the eighth executive President of Sri Lanka

My father instilled in me in childhood, to always have the courage to stand up for what I believe in, irrespective of public opinion, or whoever disagrees with me.  This inspired me to never lose hope in Ranil Wickremesinghe, stand up for him, and pray daily for his protection. I have never changed my political stance, have always supported the UNP, never asked for or received any favours for doing so. My political mentor was the late President JR Jayewardene in my schooldays. Later on, I got close to the late Dudley Senanayake through my late husband and he remains my favourite politician with Ranil, a close second. 

My first meeting with Ranil was in his childhood; I was training as a teacher in the kindergarten at Bishop’s College in my last year at school. Ranil’s mother gave him over to me on his first day as we were family friends, as the assistant teacher in his class and asked me to look after him. Another pupil who I met later on, while I was  handling community service projects at CIS, who I am proud of too, Gajendrakumar Ponnambalam told me  recently, ‘Aunty, you are still looking after him!’. 

He has never bought houses or land here or elsewhere, this is what his parents built for him containing a vast collection of treasured books and documents, his grandmother’s 100-year old piano, paintings, artefacts collected over the years. Even their medical records were burnt

Ranil then was a friendly, affectionate little boy, always helpful in class and eager to learn and increase his knowledge.  Later on in his youth too, he was friendly, full of jokes and teasing; the reserve came much later on, after he became Leader of the UNP. I believe that he wants the best for the country, has the experience, wisdom, international respect   to be able to do it given time and co-operation. One cannot expect him to work miracles after the state the country was in, due to financial mismanagement, corruption, indiscipline and inefficiency in all respects.  He has his faults like we all do, but these are merely human frailties. He is not a good communicator, may not smile and slap one on the back, but he will not stab one in the back.   My humble opinion is that he has to be very tough, curb lawlessness, bring in unpopular decisions for the sake of the nation which he loves as well as we all do. He was born into distinguished families on both sides, has always had wealth and privilege and doesn’t need the plums of high political office to enjoy these privileges. There are things that money can t buy; bred in the bone and Ranil has them all. He has learned to survive the snake pits of his political journey and succeed in them. He has a great sense of history, wit, intelligence, capability, tenaciousness, wisdom, and works unceasingly with indefatigable effort and commitment to a cause.  All these qualities will stand him in good stead now. Ranil has never been a racist. He wants equal status and opportunity for all; irrespective of race or religion. He comes from a family on his mother’s side which has contributed greatly to Buddhism and he is a devout Buddhist.  He never resorts to slander, although he gets plenty of it and is the most misunderstood politician today. Turns the other cheek and doesn’t let it bother him. He has a tremendous capacity to forgive which annoys all who care for him. His father was a Christian, so he grew up in a home devoid of religious or racial prejudice. I am glad that his classmate at Royal College, Dinesh Goonewardene and his friend throughout despite political difference is the Prime Minister. Both have great experience and breeding; I hope and pray that they will work together in harmony. 
Those of us who care for him were not happy when he accepted the PM‘s post this time as we were concerned for his safety.  But never did we think that the most heinous crime of burning down his house with all his worldly possessions would happen. He has never bought houses or land here or elsewhere, this is what his parents built for him containing a vast collection of treasured books and documents, his grandmother’s 100-year old piano, paintings, artefacts collected over the years. Even their medical records were burnt. How can these, or looting, smashing valuables in state-owned buildings such as Temple Trees, President’s house and offices be peaceful protests? People must adhere to law and order, it’s what we do that counts, which makes us civilized people, distinguishes us from savages and beasts. Nurture over Nature, we can’t control what’s in our hearts but we can control our behaviour. 

My first meeting with Ranil was in his childhood; I was training as a teacher in the kindergarten at Bishop’s College in my last year at school. Ranil’s mother gave him over to me on his first day as we were family friends, as the assistant teacher in his class and asked me to look after him

For days before the election for President took place; as a Christian, I prayed several times daily, saying ‘Lord, may your will be done. Please protect Ranil and his family from danger, attacks or violence and don’t let him be humiliated’. As I said this for the last time late morning that day, I heard a voice saying. ‘Don’t worry, all will be well’. When I switched on my phone a little later, I got the message that Ranil Wickremesinghe was elected President.  I thanked God and continue to pray for his safety and for God’s guidance for him daily as I have always done and will continue to do till I breathe last.

‘You will never get to the end of the journey, if you stop to shy a stone at every dog that barks’ -- Winston Churchill