Prime Minister marks 40 years of political life

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe this week will be marking 40 years of uninterrupted political life, having entered Parliament in 1977.

Prime Minister Wickremesinghe entered Parliament as a young parliamentarian, winning the Biyagama electorate representing the United National Party at the general election on 21 July 1977.

He was appointed Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs in the new Government of J. R. Jayewardene and was soon promoted to the post of Minister of Youth Affairs and Employment, which made him the youngest Cabinet Minister of Sri Lanka.

Since then Wickremesinghe has held several ministerial portfolios and become the Leader of the United National Party before becoming Prime Minister for the first time in 1993. He held the post again in 2001 and 2015, before assuming office for a fourth time in 2016.

Several events have been planned to celebrate the Prime Minister’s significant achievements. A special parliamentary sitting has been organised on 4 August to mark the milestone in Parliament.

The Prime Minister hosted a celebratory meeting yesterday at Temple Trees for all members of the Biyagama UNP Central Committee in appreciation of the Biyagama electorate which provided him with the opportunity to enter Parliament and all those who supported him during his political journey.

To celebrate the 40 years since the UNP Government of J.R. Jayawardene in 1977 introduced the free market policy, revitalising the economy, a special three-day exhibition depicting the economic revolution will be held at the Youth Services Council in Maharagama.

Many religious activities have also been planned to celebrate the occasion and invoke blessings upon the Prime Minister. A special religious program was held yesterday at 5.00 p.m. at the Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya under the patronage of Rural Development Minister Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka. A special Bodhi Pooja at the Kandy Dalada Maligawa will be held on 13 August under the patronage of Minister Lakshman Kiriella. A religious ceremony will also be held on 25 July in Kotikawatta under the patronage of MP S.M. Marikkar.

A mega musical show has been organised by Foreign Minister Ravi Karunanayake at Galle Face on 5 August to mark the 40th anniversary.