By
G.A.D.Sirimal
At the ceremonial opening of the Bellanwila Development Project, by President Mahinda Rjapaksa, it was magnanimous on the part of the Chief Incumbent of Bellanwila Rajamaha Viharaya Bellanwila Wimalarathana, to pay a glorious compliment to Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, Secretary to the Ministry of Defense and Urban Development Authority for successfully completing the project which was carried out on his own vision and directions, without consulting or advise of others in the locality.
Generally, when improvement works of this nature are undertaken, it is the accepted practice to consult the Chief Monk of Bellanwila Temple, but in this instance, quite correctly and knowing the back ground, where unauthorized filling had taken place, by influential people, some with political backing, Gotabhaya Rajapaksa had by-passed that practice, avoided any objections, demonstrations, or confrontations from those who had already violated and filled land and carried on regardless. The outcome of this bold approach was the picturesque scenery converting the dreary marsh to what it is today
Here I would wish to quote a saying by Dr. Ngozi Okono Jwenla, Managing Director of the World Bank when she said ‘ VISION WITHOUT ACTION IS A DAY DREAM, ACTION WITHOUT VISION IS A NIGHTMARE’ and to this Gotabhaya Rajapaksa has added VISION WITH ACTION BRING ABSOLUTE SUCCESS AND CONTENTMENT.
In recognition of his right vision to beautify this once known Bellanwila-Attidiya Bird Sanctuary, it is fitting to suggest naming this area now developed as GOTA-ABHAYA BOOMIYA [SANCTUARY].as there is yet a section left out to preserve the endemic fish and birds.
This Saturday morning [6 a.m.] when I saw small children, ladies and gentlemen, young and old jogging, frolicking, I am sure everyone of them would have, in their hearts thanked profusely Gotabhaya Rajapaksa for the pleasure and recreation they enjoy.
Well done Sir, it is that the spirit which you have
demonstrated our leaders, political or religious or others lack for the betterment and peaceful living in this country once known as Paradise Isle or Pearl of the Indian Ocean, blessed thrice by the visits of the Noble One Buddha Sidhartha Gauthama
Courtesy:The Island