Gamini Dissanayake remembered on 26th death anniversary

COLOMBO (News1st): A ceremony was held to mark the 26th death anniversary of the late politician Gamini Dissanayake in Colombo on Saturday. Former speaker Karu Jayasuriya, Navin Dissanayake, Mayantha Dissanayake and several other family members paid floral tributes to the statue of the late politician. "He was a leader who rendered great service during a short period of time," Navin Dissanayake said. Gamini Dissanayake was born on March 20 1942, as the second son to parents Andrew Dissanayake and Samaratunga Welegedara. He completed his education at Trinity College Kandy and then entered the Ceylon Law College. Dissanayake took silk as a President's Counsel in 1988. He entered Parliament at the age of 28 for the first time in 1970, after his victory at the general election from the Nuwara Eliya electorate under the United National Party ticket. Dissanayake was appointed as the Minister of Power, Irrigation and Mahaweli Development in 1977, and went on to spearhead the Mahaweli Development project, making history in the country. His leadership saw the construction of the Kotmale, Victoria, Randenigala, Rantambe, Maduru Oya, and Ulhitiya reservoirs, and also the Iginimitiya and Lunugamwehera reservoirs that were constructed well ahead of the estimated duration. The Swarnabhoomi project that saw land title deeds being granted to the people of this country was the brainchild of Dissanayake. Dissanayake who held the post of chairman at Sri Lanka Cricket twice played a vital role in helping the country gain Test Cricket status in 1982. The construction of the Sri Lanka Cricket head office at the premises of the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo and also the cricketing headquarters at Maitland Place were significant events that took place under his tenure. It was Gamini Dissanayake who rendered a yeoman service in upgrading the Asgiriya Stadium in Kandy into an international cricket stadium. Dissanayake, who fought vigorously to abolish the Executive Presidency, was assassinated by a suicide bomber on the 24th of October 1994, while running for the presidential election that year. He was 52 years old at the time of his demise. Gamini Dissanayake was a proud father of Navin, Mayantha, and Varuni and also the loving husband of Shrima Dissanayake. The memories of Gamini Dissanayake, who served as a leader with a powerful vision, will remain etched to the hearts of the people despite his tragic departure that shook the hearts of many.