Appreciations

Charismatic leader

George Rajapakse

When called upon to comment on the life and times of a dynamic politician there is always a lingering doubt, that one cannot say enough. This is specially true when we commemorate the 25th death anniversary of the late George Rajapakse. He was a politician with multi-faceted talents; charismatic leader, scintillating public speaker and skilled debater.

Above all else, he was the guardian of a rich and unique political tradition. His father D.M. Rajapakse was called the "Lion of Ruhuna"; a legendary politician in his day. He took on the might of the British Raj, relentlessly pursuing the cause of the landless, poverty-stricken peasantry of Giruwa Pattuwa, in the Hambantota district. George, in his own inimitable style, added colour and distinction to this tradition and left an indelible impression on the minds and lives of the people he loved and served.

In his early thirties, George entered Parliament as the Member for Mulkirigala and served for a brief period as the Deputy Minister of Finance, in my mother's first government. He resigned in protest at the withdrawal of the subsidy on rice, an impetuous but courageous act. In 1970, George was appointed Minister of Fisheries and Health, in my mother's second government, which he served with unquestionable loyalty and commitment.

Blessed with a sophisticated, easy going and mischievous personality, George was liked and admired by friend and foe. He took great pride in his "Kurakkan Shawl" as he did perhaps, in the willow he wielded so elegantly and effectively, as Royal's cricket captain.

The Bandaranaikes and the Rajapakses have been close political and personal allies, for well over 50 years. D.M. Rajapakse was a political associate of my father in the days of the State Council, before independence. His brother, D.A. Rajapakse, who succeeded him, was the only member to cross the floor with my father from the then mighty UNP Government of D.S. Senanayake, an act of great loyalty and affection. Our two families have been politically intertwined since then, which continues to this day.

The legacy that George left behind has been carried forth by members of his family, who still continue to work for and represent the people of Giruwa Pattuwa. The people too have reposed their confidence in this unique family of the Ruhuna, at election after election.

Anura Bandaranaike
Speaker

He was a true comrade

V. Sinnathamby

It is with a deep sense of sorrow that I write this appreciation of V. Sinnathamby, affectionately called 'Paarath-inesan' who died in Vaddukoddai at the age of 62, after a brief illness.

Mr. Sinnathamby was not only a veteran journalist, but was also involved in the Ceylon Communist Movement from his school days.

He was born on May 25, 1939 at Kaddaiveli, a small village in Karaveddy in the Vadamaarachchy area. He was influenced by the late P. Kandiah (Communist) who was MP for Point Pedro and the late N. Shanmugathasan who was in the Communist Party(Peking Wing). Mr. Sinnathamby rendered a great service as a Communist and won the appreciation and admiration of the younger generation for his thought- provoking ideas.

He worked at the Department of Electricity as a clerk from 1958 to 1966.

He had also worked in China at 'Peking Radio' (Tamil Service) during the Cultural Revolution which took place in 1960, but was disillusioned over the sudden changes which took place after the death of Mao Zedong. After he gave up his job with 'Peking Radio' and returned to Sri Lanka, he spent his remaining years at Vaddukoddai.

Mr. Sinnathamby never jettisoned his Communist ideals and his friends affectionately called him "Comrade". To show their appreciation the people of the area organised a "Mani Vizha".

He leaves behind his wife Rani Ratnadevi, (daughter of Communist stalwart 'Karthigesan Master') and two daughters Sinothaya and Sri Uthaya.

V. Thanabalasingham

Dada, I still cry for you

E.W. Nihal Perera

Dada you have left me for one year now
But I still cry - throughout the year
I know you are safe with Jesus
He sure does as He pleases
You and He, I know are watching over me
But I still have not got over the pain of our parting you see
I remember the times you took me to school
The times we had at the pool - I sure did play the fool
The cricket matches and all those catches
The long drives - oh how my heart cries
I promise Dad - I will truly study hard
And make you someday glad
You fell sick and left me quick
But I am strong - I will not fall
Someday I will do you proud, Dada darling
So now rest assured in God's tender care
Guide me - chide me
Just never ever leave me - be always near me 'Coz all's still not fine for me - as I'm only nine you see
Till we meet in heaven - we could then once again play our sixes and sevens.

Composed on behalf of
A.W. Nadeesh Perera by his mother

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