Basil retires from politics
The decision taken by former Minister of Economic Development Basil Rajapaksa after the presidential elections to exit from active politics remains unchanged, a close associate of his said yesterday.
During the past few months he stayed away from politics, but he extended his support during the general election because of his brother Mahinda Rajapaksa. However, he was not allowed to even fulfil the tasks that he is known to be good at.
Soon after the general elections at a get-together, a large group of intellectuals including university professors, vice chancellors, academics, lawyers, former ministry secretaries, professionals and trade union representatives had met the former Minister.
At this gathering he had refused to get into politics again saying that his decision remained unchanged.
Basil Rajapaksa had also said that he would not give his advice or opinion on the political path they should take, but that he would always maintain his friendship with them.
(Daily FT / FT.LK)
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ROBBER OF THE HIGHEST ORDER , WHAT ADVISE AND TO WHOM ADVISE HE CAN GIVE , IF THE RULE IS PROPER THEN HE WILL BE PUNISHED WITH DEATH FOR ROBBING A NATION AND DESTROYING THE NATION FOR THE SAME OF ONE FAMILY
A TRIBUTE TO BASIL RAJAPAKSA
Dear Basil,
As a peace loving, moderate, Jaffna based Tamil, I wish to commemorate your services to the Northern Province following the convincing victory over terrorism in May 2009 unleashed by the dreaded insurgent terrorists who had a stranglehold not only in the NP and EP populations but over the entire nation.
If not for the leadership provided by your brothers Mahinda and Gothabhaya and by yourself, we will all be living in bomb shelters by now.
We all appreciate the strategic direction that you provided from the background to the political career of Mahinda from the 1960’s. If not for your background work and politico/social strategies, Mahinda Rajapaksa would not have reached political and leadership heights from 2005-2015.
As Minister for Economic Development in the MR Government, you provided great relief to the NP population following the turn of events in May 2009. Your efforts opened the Colombo-Jaffna highway and your efforts opened the Yaal Devi after 30 years. There were numerous other development works in the peninsula and in the Vanni during your tenure.
All your efforts were nullified with the appointment of the bearded ex-judge from Colombo as the CM for NP. This bearded man and his husband-chasing lady councilor are busy working not on the ground but on paper, writing genocide related resolutions.
As always, the Tamil man is the own enemy of the Tamil speaking NP and EP communities. It is only a brave and forward looking Sinhala speaking leader such as you, who can develop the Tamil speaking people.
Towards the end of MR’s tenure, we know that you experienced a fallout with MR’s immediate family. This manifested in the demise of MR’s Government. It is not your fault Basil, do not worry.
Basil, you have a special place in the hearts of peace loving, moderate, Jaffna based Tamil speaking citizens. You provided us with the means to communicate with southern Sri Lanka; onions from Paranthan have today reached markets in the south; we have free means to reach the International Airport and can travel swiftly for medical attention in Colombo hospitals.
Basil, we appreciate you decision to retire for politics and leadership. That is a well earned resting period for you.
Basil, we are dismayed by the present leaders legal pursuits against you for minor administrative accusations. In fact, I was shocked to see you being escorted to Magistrate courts but not less than 200 policemen, who I believe, have nothing better to do. Why such a hefty escort? Was the IGP anticipating you will run away from the ambulance?
In conclusion, thank you Basil for your wonderful efforts. You have a special place in our hearts and one day, you will have a special place in the nation’s heart. Rest now, brother Basil, and remember, we are always with you.