In remembrance of Ranasinghe Premadasa

COLOMBO (News 1^st) - Saturday (June 23rd) marked the 94^th Birthday of the Late Ranasinghe Premadasa who rendered a great service to the people of this nation. Ranasinghe Premadasa, is a leader who rendered an exceptional service towards the betterment of Sri Lankan's Economy, Society and its culture. Premadasa made his debut in Politics after affiliating himself with the Ceylon Labour Party which was led by A. E. Goonesinghe. In 1956, Premadasa joined the United National Party. He reached out to the hearts of the people as a Minister, Leader of the House as well as a Prime Minister and is one who was fearless to speak on behalf of the oppressed. It is for this very reason the people, on the 02nd of January 1989 elected Premadasa as the Second Executive President of Sri Lanka giving him the title of "People's Leader" someone who understood the pulse of the people. Ranasinghe Premadasa is one who worked day and night for the poor. Social welfare programs such as the International Year of Shelter for the Homeless received praise from the United Nations as well. It was during the Premadasa era many garment factories were launched in a bid to provide more employment opportunities to the youth and they continue to generate a large amount of revenue for the country's economy even today. Ranasinghe Premadasa was successful in continuing the development programs in the country with continuous economic growth, despite a growing civil conflict in the country. Premadasa who was seen as a politician who understood the pulse of the people showed great leadership qualities at a time when the United National Party suffered a political collapse and worked to revive the party from its fallen state.