By. Ashoka Peiris
The former President Mahinda Rajapaksa with his wife Mrs. Shiranthi Rajapaksa recently watched the movie “Rani” based on the character of Dr. Manorani Saravanamuttu directed by Mr. Asoka Handagama.
Around 35 years ago in February 1989, during the period when Mahinda Rajapaksa was elected to Parliament for the second time, there was a lot of talks about Mahinda as a stubborn human rights fighter.
During 1988-90, the state terrorism of the United National Party (UNP) was firmly established in the country. Former President J. R. Jayawardena used his presidential powers and showed anti-democratics by banning the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna(JVP) in 1983.
Also, Mr. Jayawardena entered into an anti-people agreement with former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi to have the Indian peacekeeping force act as an intermediary between the LTTE separatist terrorism in the north and the Sri Lankan army.
In this situation, the JVP fought against the rule of the new leader Ranasinghe Premadasa, sacrificing their life for the territorial integrity of the country.
It is reported that more than 60,000 lives were lost and an uncounted number of people missing. Their parents, relatives and friends rallied for their lost ones. This is where Mahinda Rajapaksa came forward to offer leadership to those people.
He introduced a public campaign called “Pada Yatra”. There were four main demands. One of which was accountability for those who disappeared during the 1988-1990 rebellions.
Mr. Rajapaksa was taken to the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva where he was arrested by the Premadasa government at the airport.
“As one camp, we faced different situations in a situational and meticulous manner. That was the sweet stories of my politics. I worked as a convener for the ‘Mothers’ Front’ launched in 1990. The ‘Mothers’ Front’ was the unity of the tears and the strength of brave mothers. I respectfully remember all my comrades, including my friend, the late Mangala Samaraweera, who worked with me there. All these are unique events that I will never forget in my long political life spent among the people. Bimal Jayakodi’s excellent acting greatly portrayed my character in the movie “Rani” and was strong enough to remind me of this past and made me relive it again. I would like to congratulate all the designers for their creativity” Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa who participated in the event has said.