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Wednesday, March 19, 2008 - 09.03 GMT |
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Anura developed a political vision of his own
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President |
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Mr. Anura Bandaranaike was engaged in the difficult
task of developing a unique political vision of his
own to bring relief to the oppressed, said President
Mahinda Rajapaksa in a condolence message on his
death. He was an indelible symbol of Sri Lankan
democracy, the President added.
The message:
I consider the late Mr. Anura Bandaranaike an
indelible symbol of Sri Lankan democracy more than a
longstanding friend and close political associate.
I was deeply grieved and shocked at the news of his
untimely death.
However close friends we were, there were
differences of opinion between us on party politics.
There were also differences on national policies. No
differences, however, were strong enough to exceed
political limits and harm our fraternity. Therefore,
all those who attempted to damage our friendship
that began in the late sixties met with failure. The
warmth of our friendship spanning nearly forty years
remained till his demise.
He was engaged in the difficult task of developing a
unique political vision of his own to bring relief
to the oppressed, while taking pride in his heritage
as the only son of two great Prime Ministers of our
country. No one could devalue his courage in
standing up for a cause that he considered correct,
however unpopular it may be.
Anura’s uninterrupted parliamentary representation
through 31 years brought fresh insights to Sri
Lankan politics. The courageous leadership he gave
the parliamentary opposition, by taking a more
militant path, at a time when it was crippled and
numerically weakened by rival politics will be ever
remembered.
His great role as Speaker brought honour and dignity
not personal to him but to the Sri Lankan
Parliament. Although his voice will be heard no
more, the Sri Lankan Parliament will gratefully
protect the precedents set by him.
New personalities will emerge in the future to carry
forward the many values Mr. Anura Bandaranaike
bequeathed to Sri Lankan politics. Yet, will there
be personalities capable of carrying forward his
policies of innocence that eschewed anger and hatred
in all its forms?
While I join the nation in mourning the loss of a
worthy son of Sri Lanka, I extend my deepest
sympathies to his elder sisters Sunethra and
Chandrika, as well as to the people of the Gampaha
District, particularly to those of Attanagalla.
My dear friend, May you attain the supreme bliss of
Nirvana!
Mahinda Rajapaksa
March 19, 2008
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