March 22, Colombo, LNW: President Ranil Wickremesinghe has announced ambitious immediate plans to develop the Mahaweli A and B zones, previously overlooked by the Mahaweli project, as part of Sri Lanka’s transition towards a modern agricultural economy. This initiative, he emphasized, would bring substantial benefits to the residents of these areas.
The President underscored the pivotal role played by the late Gamini Dissanayake in implementing the Mahaweli project, which revolutionized irrigation practices and facilitated self-sufficiency in rice production and electricity generation in Sri Lanka.
President Wickremesinghe made these remarks during the ceremony commemorating the 82nd birth anniversary of Minister Gamini Dissanayake on Wednesday (20), held at the Gamini Dissanayake statue on Ananda Coomaraswamy Mawatha in Colombo.
Paying tribute to the memory of Gamini Dissanayake, the President laid floral tributes at his statue, honoring his dedication as an exemplary model for all.
The commemorative event commenced with religious ceremonies led by eminent monks, followed by a minute of silence to honor the memory of national heroes, including those who perished in the Thotalanga tragedy alongside Gamini Dissanayake.
MP Mayantha Dissanayake, Vice President of the Gamini Dissanayake Foundation, delivered the welcome address, while former Speaker Karu Jayasuriya praised Gamini Dissanayake’s character as a political precedent, highlighting his popularity and service to the people.
Reflecting on his father’s legacy, Sabaragamuwa Province Governor Navin Dissanayake emphasized Gamini Dissanayake’s belief in the economic system of the United National Party and expressed hope for a future moderate right-wing movement.
The event was attended by Minister Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe, State Minister Aravinda Kumar, Senior Advisor to the President on National Security and Chief of Presidential Staff Sagala Ratnayake, along with several MPs and political representatives, as well as family members of the late Gamini Dissanayake.
