Govt. unable to erect Kadir’s statue before his b’day

The erection of the Russian-sculpted statue of slain Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar at the Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute for International Relations and Strategic Studies (LKIIRSS) has been further delayed with the cabinet now deciding that the two ministers who have differing opinions on its installation should sort out the matter.

This follows a fresh controversy last week between Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagma and Urban Development Minister Dinesh Gunawardane. While the latter has been pushing for its installation, the former had objected citing a policy which he says prohibits two statues honouring one man being erected within the same municipal area. He was referring to the fact that friends of the late minister had already put up a statue opposite Liberty Plaza in Kollupitiya. However former Municipal Commissioner Dr. Jayantha Liyanage told The Sunday Times last week there was no such “two statue policy.”

It is learnt that Mr. Gunawardane had brought up the issue once again at this week’s cabinet meeting. Citing a request by Ms. Kadirgamar that the statue be put up before the late minister’s anniversary of birth on April 12, he had once again called for its installation.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa had apparently agreed, but Acting Foreign Minister Hussain Bhaila had objected on the grounds that since Mr. Bogollagama was opposed to this move the Cabinet should await his return from an overseas tour before taking a decision.

Higher Education Minister Wiswa Warnapala had also raised objections, citing a “no two statue policy”. However ministers had shot down this policy and had eventually decided that Mr. Bogollagama and Mr. Gunawardane should discuss the issue before a decision was taken, The Sunday Times learns.

Mr. Bogollagama is on an extended overseas tour of England, Egypt and Morocco. He is also scheduled to join President Rajapaksa who will be visiting China on Wednesday. It is therefore unlikely that Mr. Gunawardena and Mr. Bogollagama would be able to meet and discuss the matter before the late minister’s birth anniversary next Saturday, April 12.