Ayesh Indranath Ranawaka
In the annals of Sri Lankan politics, few figures have remained as enigmatic and underappreciated as Ranil Wickremesinghe. His political journey began in 1977 when he first assumed office as a Member of Parliament. Over the decades, he has stood out as a distinctive figure, often preferring to let his work speak for itself rather than seeking personal glory. This self-effacing approach, while noble, may have been his Achilles’ heel in a political landscape where visibility and recognition are paramount.
Ranil Wickremesinghe’s ethos was rooted in service and selflessness. He never emblazoned his name on his projects, choosing instead to remain in the background. This unassuming nature, admirable in many respects, perhaps did not resonate with the broader Sri Lankan public. The nation’s political consciousness, which often values visible leadership, may have been ill-prepared to fully appreciate his contributions. In a developed Western state, his quiet dedication would likely have garnered widespread acclaim. In Sri Lanka, however, his projects were often overshadowed, appropriated by others, or simply went unnoticed.
Despite these challenges, his impact on the country’s educational and social infrastructure is profound and far-reaching. Here are some of his most significant achievements:
1. Free Provision of Textbooks (1979): Ensuring that every child had access to educational materials.
2. Provision of Free Uniforms: Lightening the financial burden on families and promoting equality in schools.
3. Establishment of the National Institute of Education: A cornerstone in improving educational standards.
4. Establishment of the National Education Commission: Fostering continuous development in the education sector.
5. Establishment of the National Youth Service Council: Empowering the youth with skills and opportunities.
6. Bellwood Institute: Promoting vocational training and employment.
7. Provision of College Training: Enhancing higher education opportunities.
8. Establishment of Sariputta College: A beacon of learning and cultural development.
9. Establishment of the Buddhist and Pali University: Preserving and promoting Buddhist scholarship.
10. Commencement of “Budhuputh Insurance”: Offering financial security to the populace.
11. Development of Temples for International Vesak Day: Supporting cultural and religious heritage.
12. “Gamperaliya” Development Project: Allocating significant funds for the development of temples.
13. Student Insurance Initiative: Safeguarding the health and future of students.
14. 1990 Ambulance services : Leading recovery efforts during a critical medical grounds .
15. Establishing National Schools: Enhancing educational access nationwide.
16. Technical Colleges Initiative: Providing technical and vocational training.
These initiatives, driven by his vision, have left an indelible mark on Sri Lanka’s socio-economic fabric. Yet, the true extent of his influence often remained unrecognized, as his work was frequently subsumed under the broader political narrative.
In the past two years, however, Ranil Wickremesinghe has subtly yet skillfully guided the nation towards a brighter future. His decisive actions on sensitive issues have demonstrated his unwavering commitment to the country’s progress. As Sri Lanka stands at a crossroads, the choice lies with the people: to acknowledge and support his path or to risk losing a visionary leader.
It is essential for the public to engage with Ranil Wickremesinghe, to understand his vision, and to work together towards a prosperous future. If his contributions remain unappreciated and his path unexplored, Sri Lanka might find itself needing to call upon his leadership once more. In such a scenario, one can only hope that someone has kept his number.
As we reflect on his legacy, it is time for the nation to recognize and embrace the quiet strength and enduring impact of Ranil Wickremesinghe. His journey is a testament to the power of dedication, humility, and unwavering commitment to public service.
Ruchira / July 16, 2024
Vidionary leader? You mean perverted criminal and a rapist.!?
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Mahila / July 17, 2024
“Vidionary (Believed to “VISIONERY”) leader? You mean PERVERTED CRIMINAL AND A RAPIST.!?”
Why do people claim to be of High ERUDITION and HABITUALLY being ENGROSSED and evidently “CONFINED in watching themselves on MIRRORS” only; all the while and Commenting, Judging!!??
CONCEITED ‘Self-Centred’ personalities EMBRACING PERMEABLE BIGOTRY; NONE OTHER!!!???
The Motivation, Purpose, or Aim behind one’s actions is STARK and Unexplainable!!!???
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Ruchira / July 17, 2024
Mahila,
Could you write something comprehensible? If you can’t use ChatGPT like Gobinathan. Or get a ghost writer to write comments, essays, poems, and what not for you. I thought it was your Wiggy that claimed that Tamil ppl are of an erudite class compared to Sinhalese.
R
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old codger / July 17, 2024
Mahila,
Insanity is inscrutable.
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old codger / July 17, 2024
Wow, Mr Ranawaka has suddenly deviated from praising the other Mr. Ranawaka, the acclaimed engineer, technocrat and town planner (in the daytime) and the doughty Sinhala Buddhist patriot (at night).
Why this fulsome praise of Ranil? Is the other Ranawaka about to join Ranil?
Still, is the writer being sarcastic in listing out RW’s most minor “achievements” ? Nos 9, 11 and 12 all relate to temples.
I have never heard of Sariputta College, Bellwood Institute or Buduputh Insurance.
Only the Suwaseriya ambulance is real, but perhaps Harsha de Silva has more claim to it.
Where are Ranil’s real achievements, like the RTI commission, the independent commissions, the Biyagama FTZ, and most recently, transparent price formulas for fuel and energy?
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Ajith / July 20, 2024
“Visionary leader”
“Patali Champika Ranawaka’s recent speech in Batticaloa unveils a transformative narrative that transcends political affiliations. His call for unity, forgiveness, and strategic planning serves as a valuable lesson not only for Sri Lanka but also for a world striving towards collective progress. Analyzing this message deeply offers insights that can guide nations towards a future of harmony and prosperity.”
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SJ / July 17, 2024
Rather sick, is this not?
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old codger / July 18, 2024
SJ,
“Rather sick, is this not?”
Very.
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Fairmindedone / July 21, 2024
Where is this coming from!
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Chandrametha / July 17, 2024
What a partisan piece of writing. Flurry of legislations, just before announcement of Presidential election, latest is to, in the disguise of clarifying Presidential term of office, exact wording ” exceeding 5 years” also an action of a visionary leader? Is it? Or trying to remain in office by hook or crook!
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Ruchira / July 17, 2024
There appears to be people who do anything, for the right price. You can pay some old codger rupees 10,000/= to get a girl of your choice, raped by men of of your choice. Video record it and distribute. You can design the rape, choosing what acts to perform by whom, like when you are getting a Subway Submarine Sandwich prepared according to ingredients of your choice. You have no idea the kind of things people do. You have my envy. The author probably belongs to the 15% club.
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Lester / July 18, 2024
Ruchira,
You make a good point. Most people are corrupt by nature. The ones who bash Rajapakse day and night would do the same thing if they were in power.
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Ruchira / July 20, 2024
Lester,
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“The ones who bash Rajapakse day and night would do the same thing if they were in power.”
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True.
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leelagemalli / July 20, 2024
Baby Lester,
What matters is the percentage. People in developed countries are not as corrupt as in developing countries.Thus, It is not true that many people are corrupt.
I lost my pocket with my $2K and bank cards but I got it with cash in it. It was in Germany. I also lost a laptop/writing pad in a briefcase with other accessories at Heathrow airport, luckily I got them within an hour without losing anything in the bags. As a global traveler, I sometimes forget my computer devices in hotel rooms so often that I retrieve them all over and over again.
I also lost mobile phones 2 times in Colombo, but even when I went to file a complaint, the dishonest policists were not ready to help me. Instead, the police officers tried to trick me. They are all our Sinhalese authorities. Can we be proud of them ??? Ha ha.
Theft, dishonesty and all manner of corrupt behavior has spread all over Sri Lanka today, like a deranged cancer.
Rajapakshe rule did allow RASCALS to emerge as society dominated men. That led to the greater danger as of today.
My vehicle was followed by unknown motorists last year, I thought they were hired JVPrs working with Panini Edirisinha.
Anyways, this is the saddest reality of the country which is now becoming tobe El Salvador.
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old codger / July 17, 2024
Chandrametha,
“What a partisan piece of writing. “
Don’t you think he has as much right to be partisan as so many other writers who keep plugging the JVP?
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leelagemalli / July 18, 2024
OC, I am in full agreement with you. I thought to make them clear about the ground realities again.
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Part 1
who is a visionary leader?
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A visionary leader ensures the vision becomes reality by stating clear goals, outlining a strategic plan for achieving those goals and equipping and empowering each member to take action on the plan at the organizational, team and individual levels
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Despite the fact that he struggled in a country where poisonous reptiles (racists more than peace lovers) in human disguise are the majority (in all races, sinhala, tamila and muslim) RW has got enough experienced in srilanken kind of SA politics, that is why he was able to be very successful immediately he took over it from his predecessor GOTA.
Gota’s untergang, proved that ” only experienced leaders ” can do some work to move forward in srilanka.
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Cross section of srilanken population shows us the ground realities of this nation.
There are lot more culprits than peace builders. Talkative men and women deliberately spread blatant lies not thinking twice in order to grab their selfish gains.
People are swollen by their sinhala_and_tamil aggrandizement, similar to whilte supremacism entwined republicanism in the US.
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Tbc
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leelagemalli / July 18, 2024
Part 2
Now turning to wonder making AKD deyyo- future SAIBABA of srilanka:
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His former party leader, Somawansa A made it clear, AKD would never be succesful as a leader so long he would not change his hardline-maxistic thoughts. Since then, AKD has been changing a lot but it is still NOT upto the norms as a leader. Alas the reality !
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Those who sing the song loudly in favour of AKD deyyo (Douglas from JVP hotspot GALLE, Sinhala_Man from Bandarawella and Ajith from Jaffna or and other propagandists from other places) should prove us the followings:
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1) What has AKD achieved in the last 30 years while being in the parliament ? for him and for the people ?
We need to discuss the DISTINQUISHABLE capabiitlies of a leader… does he prove that ? He can abuse his mouth so as WIMAL WEERAWANSE did…. … this is the fact about the person.
….. can anybody name 5 greater achievements of AKD ?
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leelagemalli / July 18, 2024
cont.
2) We are a doomed nation as of today, even ETHIOPIANS, MALAWIAN far poor nations across the globe, could easily overtake us next days, forex reserves should be incresed by investments, through foreign remmitances and tourism industry than any other means, how would AKD led groups speed up the process going beyond the level of Harin fernado, Manusha Nanayakara AND the like few powerful ministers of current cabinet ?
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3) We are officially a bankrupted nation, we need lot more DOLLAR gains and rains from outside, how would AKD’s magic lamp work in favour of more collections ?
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4) Do you think those who join AKD at rallies in Melbourne, Canadian cities, European cities will contribute “$100 each”? That’s a big lie in today’s post-COVID economic crisis in the world, with the cost of living skyrocketing in Europe and everywhere else.
5) As Sri Lankans living in Europe, we are well aware that many Sri Lankan migrants today are unable to return home annually. Until labor and skilled workers in Middle Eastern countries, people living in the West usually do not spend their entire income in the home country. They have their own cost of living in their country of residence.
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Ratnam Nadarajah / July 17, 2024
You are spot on Chandrametha
What kind of a writing is this ?? . .Its a waste of space in my book
There is nothing more to be said. You have said it all in your comment above. Thank you for same
RN
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Captain Morgan / July 17, 2024
Will the author elaborate on all the positive and negative contributions RW has made towards addressing and resolving the National Question during the course of his 47-year political journey?
As far as most Tamils are concerned, that is the real test he must pass!
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Raj-UK / July 17, 2024
I wouldn’t call RW a visionary leader, if at all, a weak leader, but he has brought some stability, whether or not he was directly responsible, & that needs some consideration. He may had nothing to lose when he accepted GR’s offer but if I am not mistaken, there were no others to take the challenge when the going was tough.
Therefore, I agree, RW deserves some recognition & instead of ‘Ranil bashing’, it’s the Rajapakses who need the bashing for bankrupting the country. The pandemic maybe a convenient excuse but it gave the Rajapakse cronies further opportunities to make money at the expense of the country & its people. The mega corruption, gross mismanagement, abuse of power & utter incompetence of the Rajapakse regime, as well as, ‘not fit for purpose’ slimy Sirisena, who comes a close second when it comes to cronyism & incompetence, that deserve to be exposed & held accountable for a bankrupt country RW inherited.
Cont
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Raj-UK / July 17, 2024
Cont
In the Presidential stakes, I would prefer AKD purely because of his promise to abolish the unfair perks & privileges of Parliamentarians, & RW, a reluctant second choice but the NPP as the serving govt. is an absolute NO. The ideal solution would be AKD as President working together with a new dedicated party consisting members from the civil society (not opportunistic NPP/JVP members) who have a good track record of service or in business, perhaps, even prepared to work without a salary. We need competent people who have achieved their ambitions & now has the time to serve the country. The day unfair Parliamentary privileges are abolished, we will have dedicated honest people in politics.
I believe Ranil does not work for a salary, as did Karu J, therefore, maybe, RW is ideal for the job but RW’s apparent lethargy & protecting cronies despite his pledge of allegiance to the country, that puts me off him. Maybe his hands were tied & unable to crack the whip on corrupt politicians like Ravi K because they finance the party but leadership involves making tough decisions & the interest of the country comes first. When interviewed by an Indian journalist soon after the Easter bombing, RW’s answer, ‘what to do, I was not informed’ with a stupid grin, convinced me that RW is not a strong leader & remains so.
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old codger / July 18, 2024
Raj,
Ranil may actually have done the opposition a favour by taking the job and stabilising the economy. Now the JVP can criticise him for the high prices but ignore the fact that there aren’t any shortages. They can also organize strikes to create chaos.
I doubt Ranil will win the election, but whoever follows will have a hard time , system change or not.
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Raj-UK / July 18, 2024
OC
I have respect for AKD as a person because his conduct is better than the usual gutter mouths & appears to be sincere but I doubt if he would be able to keep his pledge in eradicating corruption. Still, its better to live in hope than in despair because the contenders offer nothing better. RW maybe better overall but is too far embedded with the old guard to expects The cancer has spread to every corner, & in my opinion, in our genes now. I would have more faith in AKD if he distanced himself from the JVP & by not doing so, confirms that he subscribes to JVP ideology. AKD is just the ‘acceptable’ face of the JVP & if the NPP comes to power, it will be the old JVP which will be pulling his strings. Aragalaya demanded a new set of decent politicians but the system change under NPP would be from liberalism to Marxism.
Cont
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Tony / July 18, 2024
A Visionary Leader????? Nonsense!!!
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He is the worst politician after his Thambi Mudiyanse (JR) uncle. His weak leadership is the prime reason for economic collapse and Marakkala Musl1m terrorism on Easter Sunday.
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leelagemalli / July 19, 2024
Tony,
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worst since Independence is MAHENDRA P RAJAPAKSA, who brainwashed the gullible for his politcal intoxication. You the kind of pingona are made eternal fools – curse should go to him.
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Did you forget your medicine?
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Why on earth do you repeatedly attack other ethnic communities? Don’t you know that Sinhalese extremists are a real threat to our future?
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Were you born yesterday or were you molested or bullied by a minority in your youth? I THINK VERY LIKELY…….
I don’t know any other reasons why you behave like a permament racist?
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What example do you set for the youth?
Do you hope to live 1000 years?
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Answer our questions!
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I am ashamed to be Sinhalese when I read from several people including you that it is in their blood..
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Raj-UK / July 18, 2024
Cont
The current generation is probably unaware of the hardships faced under Mrs B’s ‘socialist’ govt but those who remember, can expect worse under NPP. A friend who grew up in the former GDR told me of the hardships the hopelessness he endured in his youth which was worse than under Mrs B, & I think, it will be the same under the ‘socialist’ NPP. Worse case scenario would be SL becoming a Chinese colony because there would be no possibility of becoming debt free with the developed countries shutting the door on us & China waiting like scavengers to ‘clean up’ to the bones with the puppet JVP in power for life.
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old codger / July 21, 2024
Raj,
“Worse case scenario would be SL becoming a Chinese colony because there would be no possibility of becoming debt free “
I wouldn’t think that’s a bad idea. At least we would get a stable economy, and plenty of slave-driving factories to put the idlers to work. BTW, in China, higher education is cheap but not free.
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nimal fernando / July 19, 2024
“A Visionary Leader”
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My lips are sealed.
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