Senior lawyer and former Public Utilities Commission Chairman Dr Jayatissa De Costa PC while reminiscing his close association with former Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickremanayake yesterday said he did not earn from politics.
He said he had immense wealth, and they were used for the benefit of common masses.
“My association with him goes back to late 1960s when he was vying for the election. He was true and sincere to his electorate,” he said. Dr. Costa said he contested the General Election under the MEP and entered Parliament in March 1960. He said the MEP decided to vote in favour of Throne Speech and Wickremanayake’s decision to vote against it resulted in the end of his connection with the party.
Dr Costa said Wickramanayake was able to win the election and entered Parliament as an independent parliamentarian. “He was so popular that he managed to enter parliament as an independent candidate in July 1960s with an overwhelming majority, “ he said
He joined the SLFP on a request by former Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike, Dr. Costa said.
He said the late Wickremanayake was committed to develop his electorate and he was able to set up the Colombo University (Sri Palee campus) in Horana.