Prime Minister commemorates Lalith Athulathmudali’s legacy at BIMCH

Prime Minister Dinesh Guanwardena delivered the Lalith Athulathmudali oration at BIMCH Colombo, honoring the memory of the late esteemed statesman. The event, commemorating Athulathmudali’s 87th birth anniversary, paid homage to his remarkable contributions to Sri Lanka’s socio-political landscape.

Reflecting on his initial parliamentary days in 1983, Prime Minister Guanwardena recalled Athulathmudali’s unparalleled intellectual prowess and conduct, describing him as a true patriot dedicated to serving the nation. He praised Athulathmudali’s legacy, particularly emphasizing the Mahapola Higher Education Trust Fund, a testament to his commitment to public service and education.

The Prime Minister emphasized Athulathmudali’s pivotal role as a leader in the government formed in 1977. He highlighted the transformative changes introduced during that era, shifting Sri Lanka towards a market economy. Athulathmudali’s tenure as Minister of Trade and Shipping was credited for streamlining institutions, crucial for the government’s pursuit of economic transformation.

Furthermore, the Prime Minister highlighted Colombo’s evolution into a bustling commercial city due to strategic interventions in harbor expansion and port technologies. He underscored Athulathmudali’s spatial development strategy, transforming the city’s suburbs into a metropolitan agglomeration, accommodating an array of small and medium businesses.

Addressing the socio-economic dynamics, the Prime Minister acknowledged the persistent socio-economic dependency on traditional exports, urging radical reforms in land use and agriculture. He echoed President Ranil Wickramasinghe’s emphasis on significant changes in land reform and agriculture to alleviate poverty and foster economic growth.

Moreover, the Prime Minister stressed the need to address historical land alienation that marginalized rural communities, emphasizing their cry for land to ensure food security and boost production.

In closing, the Prime Minister recalled the collaborative spirit of Athulathmudali’s parliamentary sessions, advocating for principled discussions and cooperation between government and opposition for the greater good. He concluded by commemorating Athulathmudali’s unwavering defense of Sri Lanka’s unitary state and democracy, acknowledging his sacrifice for future generations.