Gotabaya: Untold achievements

Gotabaya Rajapaksa 

Gotabaya Rajapaksa, former President of Sri Lanka, son of D.A. Rajapaksa, was born in June 1949, Palatuwa in Matara district as the fifth of nine siblings. He was brought up in Weeraketiya in Hambantota district. Hailing from a well-known political family, his father a prominent politician, Member of Parliament and the Cabinet Minister of Agriculture and Land in Wijayananda Dahanayake government and Mahinda Rajapaksa his elder brother. He was educated at Ananda College, Colombo and joined the Sri Lankan Army. 

Gotabaya’s army career

Gotabaya joined the Sri Lanka Army as a cadet officer on 26 April 1971, in the middle of the 1971 JVP insurrection. Following basic officer training at Army Training Centre, Dityatalawa, he was commissioned as a signals officer and transferred to several infantry regiments. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in May 1972, in Sri Lanka Signals Corps. He was sent to a young officers course at the Military College of Signals, Rawalpindi. On his return, he was assigned as signals officer to Task Force Anti Illicit Immigration, based at Palaly, under the command of Colonel Tissa Weeratunga. In April 1974, he was promoted to Lieutenant and in October transferred to Sri Lanka Singha Regiment as an infantry officer.

In April 1975, he attended an infantry officers course at School of Infantry and Tactics, Rawalandi, Pakistan. Returning in June, he was assigned as battalion intelligence officer at Echelon Barracks in Colombo and promoted to Captain in April 1977. Following the change of government in the 1977 general election, he was transferred to the Army Training Centre, Diyatalawa as an officer instructor.

In 1980, he joined the newly formed Rajarata Rifles as its adjutant under the commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel V.K. Nanayakkara. Rajapaksa played a major role in establishing the regimental headquarters of newly formed regiment at Saliyapura. He attended the Counter-Insurgency and Jungle Warfare School, Assam and in 1982 attended the Defense Services Staff College in Wellington, India, gaining the PSc qualification and a Master of Science in Defence and Strategic Studies from University of Madras.

Vadamarachi operation

He was involved in the early stages of the Sri Lankan Civil War, in the Gajaba Regiment. In May 1987, Sri Lankan forces launched the Operation Liberation, the biggest military operation since independence. Brigadier Denzil Kobbekaduwa and Major Gotabaya Rajapaksa with 5,000 troops left their bases in Jaffna, fighting rebel Tamil Tigers who kept soldiers confined to the barracks for over a year. The operation was a success, within a week, the Vadamarachchi was brought under Government’s control, scores of rebels killed or captured and their munition factories destroyed.

In 1988, he attended the advanced infantry officers course at US Army Infantry School, Fort Benning, USA. After a number of transfers he was appointed Deputy Commandant of Sir John Kotelawala Defence Academy. He retired from the army on 1 November 1991.

Civilian Gotabaya

Following return to civilian life, Rajapaksa read for a postgraduate diploma in information technology from University of Colombo and joined Informatics, an IT firm based in Colombo. He migrated to United States in 1998 and worked at Loyola Law School, Los Angeles, as a Systems Integrator and Unix Solaris Administrator.

He returned to Sri Lanka in 2005, to his assist brother’s presidential campaign. With Mahinda becoming the President, Gotabaya was appointed Defence Secretary. He was the target of an assassination attempt in December 2006 by a Tamil Tiger suicide bomber, which failed. During his tenure, Sri Lankan Armed Forces successfully concluded the long Civil War defeating Tamil Tigers and killing leader Velupillai Prabhakaran in 2009. Following the defeat of his brother in the 2015 Presidential election he stepped down.

Colombo Development Plan

In June 2012, as the Secretary of Defence and Urban Development, Gotabaya Rajapaksa launched the Metro Colombo Urban Development Project funded with $ 223 million from World Bank. The project aimed to solve several of the city’s longstanding infrastructure constraints, developing Colombo to transform into a world class one. The proposals highlighted the following.

Flood and drainage issues

The Metro Colombo Urban Development Project, a five-year long undertaking comprised three main components. First, it was to address flood and drainage issues in Colombo metro region. The city’s drainage infrastructure, its micro drainage channels, primary and secondary canals and lakes will be rehabilitated. Beira Lake was particularly important, as the lake had been neglected for many decades.

Drainage and public infrastructure

The second component aimed at supporting local authorities in the Colombo metro region to rehabilitate and manage drainage and public infrastructure in their areas. Selected roads were improved. Pedestrian facilities and public conveniences were upgraded and quality of public walkways improved.

Under Gotabaya’s supervision, dedication and the hard work of everybody involved, the projects were designed swiftly and approved by the Government and the World Bank in record time. It’s to be noted that on most days Gotabaya was present at construction locations in early mornings, forcing the staff and workers to report on time.

Public open spaces

Residents of Colombo needed access to public areas near their homes, where they can relax, exercise and interact with one another freely. Accordingly several projects were launched to improve the quality of existing urban spaces.

Development of Independence Square is a good example. Established to commemorate Sri Lanka’s independence from British rule in 1948, the Square was neglected in recent years. With the removal of walls and fences that obstructed parts of it and the development of walkways and bicycle paths around it, Independence Square was transformed into a high quality public space.

In addition, long neglected Old Dutch Hospital was renovated and reopened, while retaining the spirit of the original architecture. The hospital was rehabilitated and transformed into a public open space, housing, high-end shopping and restaurant facilities.

The old Colombo Racecourse, which was scheduled for demolition, was rehabilitated. Its pavilions were conserved and converted to suit new activities, while the area with road frontage converted into an upmarket shopping complex.

Support for overall implementation

The third component of the project provides support for the project’s overall implementation. An area often neglected in projects, resulting in outcomes short of initial expectations.

Redevelopment of marshes and abandoned paddy fields

What attracted the attention of Gotabaya was the massive marshes and abandoned paddy fields around Colombo. These included Diyatha Uyana on the banks of the Diyawanna Oya near the Parliament, Beira Lake Linear Park and the Bellanwila Park and many others.

In these developments Gotabaya, as Secretary of Defence and Urban Development, took care not to involve public contractors, but used the Army and the Navy which were under him. In addition to the machinery already held by the forces, the required machinery and equipment for the excavation and construction were purchased with World Bank funds already received.

Beira Lake

Beira Lake gates were not functioning, its tributaries and output channels were blocked and the unauthorised settlements and buildings on its borders had severely polluted the water. Instead of being an attraction, Beira Lake had become an eyesore. It was rehabilitated to restored to former splendour and enhancing its utility. The developed Beira Lake Linear Park is important in the city’s flood management system, whilst being the site of many recreational and economic activities, is a centrepiece in revitalised city of Colombo.

Basic construction

Basic construction included excavation of shallow marshes and abandoned paddy fields into lakes and using excavated materials to build bunds around the lake, using as walking paths, also constructing a network of reservoirs and improvement of canals to control floods in Colombo.

Diyatha Uyana on the banks of the Diyawanna Oya

Constructed on the banks of Diyawanna Oya, Diyatha Uyana was created with excavated materials from marshes, between Diyawanna Oya and Polduwa Road. It is a picturesque place in Sri Jayewardenepura, Kotte. With a water fountain at its entrance, Diyatha Market is the highlight of the park. The market consists of over 100 stalls, protected by white canopies. The fountains allow kids to explore and play with water, making it a fun, experience for families.

Diyatha Uyana Park was officially opened on 15 September 2014. The opening ceremony was graced by key figures, including Basil Rajapaksa, the Minister of Economic Development and Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Secretary of Defence and Urban Development.

Essentially the park, housing numerous food stalls, shops and places to relax, dedicated to sales and marketing of local flora and tropical flowers, comprising of 84 sales outlets and canteens providing employment opportunities to locals. The market offers plants (both indoor and outdoor), fertilisers, flower pots and gardening tools, the largest plant market in Colombo. It also offers batik clothing, handmade crafts, home decorating items and traditional Sri Lankan sweets. 

Diyatha Uyana project was carried out under the close guidance and supervision of Gotabaya Rajapaksa. The combined efforts and expertise of Sri Lanka Land Reclamation and Development Corporation, Sri Lanka Army, Navy and Civil Security Department personnel were utilised in the construction of the project.

The Diyatha Uyana playground offers kids a play area featuring swings, slides, see-saws and climbing structures designed with safety in mind. The safety rubber surface ensures that toddlers can play freely without any worries.

With grassy areas surrounding the playground, kids can run around, ride bicycles, or enjoy activities like skateboarding. Parents can relax by the lake while keeping an eye on little ones, making it a great place for a family outing.

For cycling enthusiasts, Diyatha Uyana offers a dedicated cycling track around the lake and through the park, spanning around 3 km. Bicycles could be rented at the entrance for Rs. 100 per hour, the cycling track is open daily from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Also a visitors’ attraction to Diyatha Uyana, the floating restaurant accommodates around 40-50 people at a time, serving delicious food; the restaurant is popular with visitors.

Bellanwila walking path

The most popular development project of Gotabaya Rajapaksa is the Bellanwila walking path, constructed by excavating marshes and abandoned paddy fields using Sri Lanka Army and Navy personnel with no private contractors. In addition to their machinery, World Bank funds received were used to purchase machinery requirement.

The park is in a large land located between Boralesgamuwa-Dehiwala road and Boralesgamuwa-Kohuwala roads.

The admission to Bellanwila Park is free, as one enters, to the right is the vehicle park and a building, hosting the food court with a dedicated seating area overlooking the lake, some in the open under the trees. The seating is on concrete chairs and tables capable of seating over 100 persons, with no possibility of stealing.

To the left is the beautiful large lake with walking path and cycle track. The pleasant walking space around the lake is more than just an exercising spot. The excavated materials from the marshes and abandoned paddy fields were used to construct the large elevated walking paths and cycle tracts.

As you stroll through its winding paths Bellanwila Park, with its serene lake, towering trees and diverse wildlife, is a perfect spot to escape the city noise, recharge your spirit and immerse yourself in the rich biodiversity. Bellanwila Park offers a refreshing breath of fresh air, lush greenery and a chance to experience the vibrant flora and fauna of Sri Lanka.

Bellanwila Park offers a sandy walking path and an asphalted cycle track, each 12 feet wide, covering a distance slightly over 2,800 meters, with concrete kerbs separating the tracks and the outside. At the centre are electric posts with lights on either side, located every 20 meters apart with sign boards indicating distance every 100 meters. The lights come on at 6:30 p.m., allowing round the clock usage.

Walkers around the path notice sign boards warning “Be careful of crocodiles”. One would see an occasional crocodile sleeping on banks 20-30 meters away, also the head of a crocodile jutting out of water. There is nothing to fear, as all lake areas are fenced over a meter high.

The park is most popular in the evenings, for walking one or more rounds. Late in the evening, even after 9 p.m. there are latecomers, who could come only after completing their office work. Bellanwila Park, home to over 150 species of plants and variety of trees, including majestic kumbuk trees who love nearby water and the fragrant cinnamon, is a haven for botany enthusiasts. In addition, children use the cycling track with their three-wheel and two-wheel cycles.

The park also offers a children’s play area with swings, slides and climbing structures promising hours of fun. Parents can relax on nearby seats while keeping an eye on their playing little ones. The safe environment allows kids to explore and play freely, making it a perfect outing for families.

Bellanwila Park also offers a number of small shops offering a wide variety of delicious local cuisine, also a variety of fruit drinks. For those who wish, dinner is available in a wide variety or takeaway.

Although the admission to the park is free, cars are charged Rs. 50 per hour. On weekends and holidays parking would be full, having to wait 10 to 15 minutes for parking. But roadside parking is always available and is free.

Other developments

In addition, around Boralesgamuwa, other developments have been carried out, a km towards Piliyandala is the Kilimandala Children’s Park, with a nearby large pond popular with children. Opposite the park is another lake smaller than Bellanwila, also with a walking path around, but no cycling.

On either side of Old Kesbewa Road before Udahamulla on High Level Road, hosts a number of smaller lakes developed by dredging the marshes, along with walking paths and seating with lighting.

Cutting off Milk Board Hill

Ten years ago, Milk Board was located on a hill in Narahenpita, with a high water tank. Gotabaya removed the earth around the water tank, leaving only a road to get there. A large amount of earth excavated were deposited over the marshes nearby and either side of Kirimandala Mawatha. On the filled land, today, Ninewells Hospital, parking area for Kings Hospital, Narahenpita Economic Centre has been constructed, with large filled lands still remaining vacant awaiting usage. A part is occupied as parking for machinery of Low Lying Areas Reclamation Board. In addition, Heen Ela Mawatha, by the side of the stone built deep canal conveying rain and flood waters preventing floods. Meanwhile, on Heen Ela Mawatha with a number of byroads leading from it, a large number of houses have been constructed.

President Gotabaya

Gotabaya Rajapaksa, contested the 2019 Presidential election and became the first President of Sri Lanka with a military background, also the first President who had not held an elected office in prior.

2019 economic crisis due to Easter bombing

On 21 April 2019, Easter Sunday, eight bomb blasts occurred in and around Colombo. Three churches and three luxury hotels in Colombo, were targeted in a series of coordinated Islamic terrorist suicide bombings. Also four hotels and three churches in the greater Colombo area and in Batticaloa, killing 269 people, including five Americans. The Government took steps to search and catch culprits and supporters, mostly Muslims.

The Government action was condemned by Arab countries who stopped the purchase of tea and rubber and ended oil exports to Sri Lanka. 

This resulted in a drop of tourist arrivals from 7,600 to 1,700 for the two-month period after the attacks, leading to the country’s worst economic crisis, unprecedented levels of inflation, depletion of foreign exchange reserves, resulting shortages of medical supplies, increasing prices of commodities.

Without funds to import fertiliser, Gotabaya took action for a nationwide policy shift to organic or biological farming. The country received an Indian line of credit amounting to $ 4 billion. This infusion served to cover the costs of importing essential goods and fuel. As a result, the foreign currency reserves of debt-ridden Sri Lanka experienced a notable improvement, reaching $ 2.69 billion.

Corona pandemic

With the spread of COVID-19 world-wide, in early March 2020, the first case of local COVID-19 was recorded. By mid-March around 1,500 COVID-19 cases and 10 deaths were reported. Gotabaya faced the crisis with a militarised path headed by the Sri Lankan army. A three-day holiday till 19 March was declared to minimise public interactions, troops were deployed at airports, and they also increased the number of checkpoints.

Thousands of people were forcibly sent to coronavirus “quarantine centres”, those who refused, were hounded by the authorities. By March-end Sri Lanka reported its containment of the pandemic has been a success and eased its coronavirus lock-down with curfew relaxed in Colombo and Gampaha districts. But with the virus, countries stopped importing goods, resulting in unemployment.

Unhappy masses leading riots

With the economic crisis from the Easter bombing and corona pandemic, the country faced the worst economic crisis since independence, leading to unprecedented levels of inflation, depletion of foreign exchange reserves, shortages of medical supplies, and increased prices of commodities. The unhappy communities revolted, led to massive riots, demanding stepping down of Gotabaya.

Gotabaya Rajapaksa leaving the country

On 9 July 2022, Gotabaya fled his official residence in Colombo, before the protestors broke through police barricades and entered the Presidential House. He left the President’s House through a tunnel connecting the Colombo Port. He joined a navy boat and fled to Trincomalee Navy camp. It was reported in the early hours of 13 July, Rajapaksa has reached Maldives through a military aircraft. 

Later in the evening, the Speaker of Parliament confirmed that Gotabaya Rajapaksa has resigned his office on 13 July 2022.

The country was in a serious crisis and none of the political parties were willing to take over the Government. Finally Ranil Wickremesinghe from UNP, the only elected member agreed to take over the country. He managed to recover the country and it is another story.