Remembering a great son of Ruhuna

Ruhuna is a part of Sri Lanka that produced many Sinhalese leaders. D. A. Rajapaksa secured an important place among such leaders in our recent history.His entering politics was something incidental. Following the death of D. M. Rajapaksa (on May 18, 1945) who had been a member of the State Council representing the people in Hambantota, his brother D. A. Rajapaksa was compelled to fill this political vacuum at the request of the people in Hambantota.

Having received his primary education at Weeraketiya mixed school (now Rajapaksa Central College) D. A. Rajapaksa entered Richmond College in Galle for higher education. At that time Richmond College was a missionary school with English being the medium of instruction. One had to adapt to the existing social trend if one wanted to go up in society at that time. However, Richmond College couldn’t change the patriotic feelings deeply rooted in the mind of D. A. Rajapaksa. Sometimes he was seen working in paddy fields along with other villagers.

From his young age, D. A. had earned a reputation particularly in Girawa pattu. However politics was something that was thrust upon him. In the first State Council under the Donoughmore system of the Government, people in the Hambantota electorate were represented by D. M. Rajapaksa, the elder brother of D. A. Rajapaksa. D. M. was so popular among the people in Ruhuna he had earned a reputation as the “Lion of Ruhuna”. Following D.M’s death the people of Ruhuna wanted D. A. Rajapaksa to be their representative. Though he was determined to serve the nation as an independent person, the people in Ruhuna wanted him to be appointed as their representative. He accepted the people’s offer. The elderly people in Ruhuna even today recall that unique moment when he signed the nomination papers for the on-coming by-election in the paddy field after washing his hands at the weir in the field.

With no rival having come forward to contest him at the by-election D. A. was elected uncontested as a member of the State Council on August 9, 1945. It was the beginning of a new era for “Ruhuna”. Later he was offered the membership of the Executive Committee of Agriculture and Land of the State Council which was a great boon for him to achieve his objective of serving the people of Ruhuna.

D. A. Rajapaksa contested the Beliatta electorate at the general election in 1947 under the symbol of the hand, which, in my opinion was destined to be the prelude to an impending massive political revolution in the country. He won the seat with a majority of 8002 votes. There was a close friendship between D. A. Rajapaksa and S. W. R. D. Bandaranaike who held the portfolio of Local Government and was Leader of the House in the Government formed in 1947 under the Soulbury Constitution. Mr. Rajapaksa voluntarily gave his lands to neighbouring poor farmers.

Following the massive victory he achieved at the general election in 1960, D. A. Rajapaksa was honoured with an appointment to the position of Deputy Speaker and Chairman of Committees. Proving his farsightedness, D. A. Rajapaksa held the view that agro-based industries would need to be promoted parallel to the development of agriculture. He strived hard to develop the citronella industry at a rural level. He also contributed towards the setting up of a paper factory at Embilipitiya.

His service was not confined to agriculture alone. Development of education, health care facilities, roads etc, were other privatized areas of development initiated by him. This hero of Ruhuna loved by many breathed his last on November 7, 1967 just 40 years ago. What we are proud of is that the sons of this late hero including President Mahinda Rajapaksa are carrying forward his unfinished role in rendering due honour and respect to the name of D. A. Rajapaksa.

(The writer is Minister of Agricultural Development and Agrarian Services Development)