Sunday Times 2
Two new books shed more light on lives and times of JR and Elena
Author and grandson of the late President J.R. Jayewardene presenting the copy of his book to Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa at the book launch on Tuesday at the BMICH. Pix by Indika Handuwala
Two volumes chronicling the lives of Sri Lanka’s first Executive President and his wife were launched at the BMICH on Tuesday.
The biography of J. R. Jayewardene titled ‘Prajathanthravadaye Ekadhipathiya’ (A Dictatorship within a Democracy) was authored by Pradeep Jayewardene, grandson of the late President, while the shorter volume on Elena Rupasinghe Jayewardene ‘Elena: Charithayaka Kathawak’ was written by senior journalist Sagarika Dissanayake.
Dr. Ven. Nawalapitiye Anuradha, senior lecturer at the Department of Sinhala at the Sri Jayawardenapura University, commented on the biography on Mrs. Jayewardene as the story of “a lady who won hearts not material things”, adding that “this book will ensure that her modest yet noble life will be remembered by generations to come.”
Author and senior journalist Sagarika Dissanayake introducing her book Elena Jayewardene: Charithayaka Kathawak
In the keynote address Pradeep Jayewardene, spoke at length about the career of his grandfather pointing out that the title of the book referred to the Executive Presidency and the 1978 constitution that JR brought about. “If we don’t write our own history, our enemies will write it for us,” he quoted, echoing similar sentiments expressed by his grandfather when coming out with his own biography in 1988.
In tandem Pradeep also spoke about the campaign he carried out against the Channel Four claims to set the record straight for Sri Lanka.
The chief guest for the evening, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa spoke on the former First Lady as he knew her as a student, expressing his deep admiration for her and the ‘exemplary role she played for all women’.
“I think it is right to say that most politicians today decline because of the behaviour of their wives” he said adding the book is “a timely offering to all women.”
Amidst the invitees were former President Maithripala Sirisena and members of the Jayewardene family.
