Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s Presidency is nine months old. Let us assess the President’s performance during this period in a constructive manner.
Before the President could settle properly in his new position, the Covid-19 pandemic broke out gripping the nation with panic. News from abroad painted a dreadful picture pushing the people into utter confusion and disarray.
Swiftly, the new President set up a Task Force headed by the Army Commander to manage the situation under the guidance of the health authorities.
The President’s decision for the Army Commander to head the Task Force is wise and timely. The Commander is the most resourceful member of the team. No other institution could have achieved what the soldiers accomplished at such short notice.
The Covid-19 quarantine centre at Diyatalawa is the result of round-the-clock hard work by the soldiers.
Covid-19 is well under control due to President’s visionary leadership and the efficiency of the Task Force he appointed.
Gotabaya Rajapaksa is not a traditional politician. Why did the people elect him, rejecting a pack of traditional ‘masters’?
It is because they realised that only an innovative man with a new vision could pull the country out of the present quagmire.
President Rajapaksa inherited a politically divided, socially fragmented and an economically bankrupt country. He has a tremendous task before him. He needs a strong legislature to fulfil the task.
Let us render our support to him. After the General Election, the President will choose his team wisely. There will be no room for inefficiency and lethargy in a future Gotabaya Rajapaksa Cabinet, because he has a proven track record for efficiency.
I first came to know him 50 years ago when we served together in the same Regiment. He was an officer and a gentleman to his fingertips. Today, I am an octogenarian grandfather spending my retirement peacefully and happily.
One of the happiest days in my life was November 16, 2019 when Gotabaya Rajapaksa became the President of Sri Lanka.
My dear countrymen, I have a simple message for you: Gotabaya Rajapaksa is our last bus to get in or else be stranded.
- E.D. Dasanayake