Glad to climb up ladder to Head of State, being a child brought up in a ‘Govi Janapada’

November 20, 2024

President - Parliament - Prime Minister

Glad to climb up ladder to Head of State, being a child brought up in a ‘Govi Janapada’ - President

March 24, 2015

“Being a child who was brought up in a ‘Govi Janapada’ initiated by former Prime Minister late D. S. Senanayake, I am extremely happy I could climb up the ladder to be the Head of State,” said President Maithripala Sirisena.

The President said he was glad that he could realize the dream of late D. S Senanayake to elevate the children of Govi Janapada to higher positions in the country. He noted late D. S Senanayake not only led Sri Lanka’s freedom struggle, but also had a steady plan to develop the country through a far sighted and wise agriculture policy.

He was participating in the 63th Commemoration Ceremony of D. S Senanayake at the Independence Square recently. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe was also present on the occasion.

“The characteristics of D. S Senanayake as a politician should be studied. He was humble and at the same time had great courage to face challenges and difficulties.

“If not for the Govi Janapada Movement, the fate of the country during the LTTE insurgency could be far more serious. For certain contemporary politicians involved in corruption, bribery and fraud by misusing the power, the character of D. S Senanayake is a clear challenge. That is why it is important to recall this great political figure with contemporary society,” the President said.

Public Administration, Democratic Governance and Buddha Sasana Minister and D.S. Senanayake Memorial Society President Karu Jauasuriya, family members of D.S Senanayake including Rukman Senanayake and Wasantha Senanayake, Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake, Higher Education, Highways and Investment Promotion Minister Kabir Hashim, State Defence Minister Ruwan Wijewardene, Southern Province Governor Hemakumara Nanayakkara, D.S. Senanayake Memorial Society Office Bearers including its Secretary Dr I. Dissanayake and Treasurer Dr Karunasena Kodithuwakku and the Principal of D. S. Senanayake College and Colombo Municipal Council Mayor A J M Muzammil offered a floral tributes at the D.S. Senanayake statue.

Public Administration, Democratic Governance and Buddha Sasana Minister Karu Jauasuriya said if former Prime Minister D. S. Senanayake had been alive he would been extremely happy to see the formation of a National Government.

“This marks the transformation to a new political culture. Late D. S Senanayake advice to Sri Lankans is to work in national unity to protect the identity of the country” he said.