Being a son hailing from a farming family, I am very proud and honoured to speak of Late Prime Minister Dudley Senanayake, who introduced farmer villages to the country, President Maithripala Sirisena said.
Parallel to unveiling the statue, the Borella Kanatte Junction was named as Dudley Senanayake Roundabout by the President.
The President added that he is the son of a farmer hailing from a farming family and therefore he is happy to speak about Dudley Senanayake, who rendered yeomen service to the farming community including the implementation of farmer settlements. President Sirisena said that most of the political leaders hailing from the 1930’s, 40’s, 50’s and 60’s in the local and foreign political arena, became significant characters. As a result of their people-friendly policies and magnanimous qualities, these political leaders became endeared to the people.
“Therefore, people still talk about our politicians of yesteryear with gratitude and pride,” the President said.
“People such as Late Dudley Senanayake are remembered with fondness and gratitude for his humane, decent and gentlemanly qualities,” the President said.
The President added that it is said that Late Dudley Senanayake possessed only Rs. 400 in his bank account when he passed away.
“Dudley Senanayake was a great leader, who dedicated his entire life for the betterment of the people. When we speak of personalities with such admirable characteristics, we are reminded of the leaders who dedicated their lives in the quest of the country’s independence struggle. We can reminisce about such leaders with pride and honour,” he said. Speaker Karu Jayasuriya, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, Rukman Senanayake, former Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa were present on the occasion.