PesalaK

Numbers don’t lie. Views are my own. Cycle is my happy place.
Loves Architecture and collect Antiques.

[PesalaK @PeshalaK]

@TamilGuardian , if a movement even can’t engage with a flawed leader it dislikes, little as @RajapaksaNamal , it isn’t ready for statehood. @OxfordUnion @cambridgeunion

[PesalaK @PeshalaK]

Couldn’t have said better #AKDfailfast

[D.B.S.JEYARAJ @dbsjeyaraj]

Prosecuting Ranil Wickremesinghe :When a State fails to distinguish between investigation and spectacle, between jurisdiction and adventurism, and between accountability and vendetta, it is ultimately the State itself that stands trial.
https://t.co/8dCk5qezKw

[D.B.S.JEYARAJ @dbsjeyaraj]

Prosecuting Ranil Wickremesinghe :When a State fails to distinguish between investigation and spectacle, between jurisdiction and adventurism, and between accountability and vendetta, it is ultimately the State itself that stands trial.
https://t.co/8dCk5qezKw

[PesalaK @PeshalaK]

@dbsjeyaraj Bingo Couldn’t have dairy it better

[PesalaK @PeshalaK]

@anuruddha_lka it will be less with compounding interest and income growth

[PesalaK @PeshalaK]

@BimalRathnayake what is Rubicon ? ඉච්ච බිග් කුඑච්චන් ඉන් මයි බියුටිෆුල් ශ්‍රී ලංකා

[PesalaK @PeshalaK]

@Jamz5251 will @sajithpremadasa stand up?

[PesalaK @PeshalaK]

Thank you @RW_SRILANKA

[Elon Musk @elonmusk]

Starlink now available in Sri Lanka! 🇱🇰

[PesalaK @PeshalaK]

‘You might have to fight a batter more than once to win it’ #MargaretThatcher

[Deshal de Mel @deshald]

983 days. 3 Presidents. 3 Finance Ministers. 1 team. Sri Lanka is back.

https://t.co/Ur8AS9BmED

[M U M Ali Sabry @alisabrypc]

Four of My Colleagues I Wish Were in the Legislature

As Sri Lanka begins a new chapter under the leadership of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and the National People’s Power (NPP), I find myself reflecting on the journey we undertook during one of the most challenging phases in our nation’s history—the aftermath of the 2022 economic crisis.

Amidst uncertainty and turbulence, I had the privilege of working closely with several exceptional leaders who demonstrated extraordinary commitment, resilience, and a deep sense of responsibility. Four names stand out—Kanchana Wijesekera, Ramesh Pathirana, Shehan Semasinghe, and Tharaka Balasuriya. Although they are no longer in Parliament, their contributions deserve recognition, not only for the tangible outcomes they achieved and character they exhibited in the face of immense challenges.

Kanchana Wijesekera: Resolute Leadership in Power and Energy

Kanchana assumed the Ministry of Power and Energy during a period of chaos. With 13-hour power cuts, crippling fuel shortages, and widespread public frustration, he faced an almost insurmountable challenge. When I, as Finance Minister, proposed cost-reflective pricing as an unavoidable reform, Kanchana readily took up the mantle, knowing the backlash it might bring.

Through courage, innovation, and meticulous planning, he introduced measures like the QR code system for fuel distribution, initiated reforms at CEB, and engaged with stakeholders and experts to find practical solutions. His ability to withstand opposition from powerful trade unions and entrenched interest groups, often referred to as the “diesel mafia,” demonstrated his strength of character. Rather than criticizing from the sidelines, Kanchana stood firm and delivered real solutions, leaving a lasting legacy.

Ramesh Pathirana: A Calm and Steady Hand in Health

Ramesh exemplified calmness and depth in his leadership as Minister of Health during a time of unprecedented turmoil. Often underestimated, he rose to the occasion and seamlessly addressed critical shortages in medicine and other essentials, while restoring public confidence in the health sector.

What set Ramesh apart was his unwavering commitment to his constituents in Galle. He nurtured the district with the care of a family member—whether it was building hospitals, schools, courthouses, smart classrooms, or playgrounds, his approach was always thoughtful and people-centric. Ramesh’s quiet yet effective leadership is a testament to the kind of leaders Sri Lanka needs—those who work tirelessly for their people, even if their efforts go unnoticed.

Shehan Semasinghe: Precision and Dedication in Economic Recovery

Shehan’s approach to public service was marked by meticulous preparation and a deep sense of responsibility. As my State Minister of Finance, he played a pivotal role in managing IMF negotiations and advancing the debt restructuring process during a critical juncture in Sri Lanka’s economic recovery.

History will remember Shehan as a key figure in stabilizing the economy during one of its darkest periods. His ability to step up, work collaboratively, and deliver results is a reflection of his dedication and professionalism. Shehan’s contributions extended beyond his brief—he proved to be a steady hand and a dependable team player when the country needed it most.

Tharaka Balasuriya: Diplomacy with a Gentleman’s Touch

Tharaka, a consummate gentleman, brought courtesy, intelligence, and pragmatism to his role as my State Minister of Foreign Affairs. His ability to navigate complex geopolitical dynamics was instrumental in rebuilding Sri Lanka’s relationships with key partners, including the Islamic world and Japan.

Tharaka played a crucial role in garnering international support for our economic reforms and debt restructuring efforts, ensuring that nations like India, China, Japan, Russia, and Western countries aligned with Sri Lanka’s recovery strategy. Additionally, his push to modernize consular services through digitization left behind an enduring legacy of efficiency. Tharaka’s diplomatic acumen and ability to balance competing interests on the global stage made him an invaluable colleague during a challenging period.

Shared Values and a Common Vision

What unites Kanchana, Ramesh, Shehan, and Tharaka is their shared belief in a common and inclusive Sri Lankan identity. They demonstrated intelligence, pragmatism, and an unwavering commitment to the responsibilities entrusted to them. In a time when many chose to remain passive onlookers, they stepped forward and immersed themselves in the deep end of governance, taking on thankless tasks with resolve and determination.

Public service is often a thankless job. Leaders like them are judged harshly by armchair critics who contribute little but are quick to condemn. Yet, these four individuals stood tall, making tough decisions and carrying the weight of responsibility at a time when Sri Lanka needed it most. Their firsthand experience and expertise in addressing critical issues—from energy and healthcare to economic recovery and foreign diplomacy—would have been invaluable in Parliament today.

A Call to Rise Again

As Nelson Mandela once said, “Character is not defined by how many times you fail but by how often you get up.” Though they may not be in Parliament today, I am confident in their resilience and ability to rise again. Sri Lanka’s journey forward requires leaders of their caliber—dedicated, hardworking, and unwavering in their belief in a better future for all Sri Lankans.

As we were taught, we should neither be overly excited by praise nor overly burdened by blame. To Kanchana, Ramesh, Shehan, and Tharaka: your contributions during one of the most challenging chapters of our history have not gone unnoticed. I hope you will return to public service and continue to steer Sri Lanka toward progress and unity, rising above the noise of empty criticism.

Sri Lanka still suffers from a leadership crisis at many layers, but with individuals like you, there is hope for a brighter and more inclusive future.

[PesalaK @PeshalaK]

@kulanthisilva සැණෙකෙලි ජන බලවේගය

[PesalaK @PeshalaK]

There can be no friendships without confidence, and no confidence without integrity #SamuelJohnson

[PesalaK @PeshalaK]

@nytimes
says #SriLanka is back on track and ranks SL as 16th destination to visit in 2024. This is the #positive #publicity that the country needs to accelerate its #comeback journey.

[PesalaK @PeshalaK]

m not a Ranilist, but not everyone can sail through rough waters facing short-term pressures for long-term good. Thank you Mr President
@RW_UNP
@IMFNews

[PesalaK @PeshalaK]

@kulanthisilva @sajithpremadasa like father like son. Hunting for cheap thrills.

[PesalaK @PeshalaK]

“I was told many years ago by my grandmother who raised me: If somebody puts you on a road and you don’t feel comfortable on it and you look ahead and you don’t like the destination, and you look behind and you don’t want to return to that place, step off the road.” #MayaAngelou

[PesalaK @PeshalaK]

The reverse one needs to lock in. #whatcolorisyourparachute

[PesalaK @PeshalaK]

“Opportunities to find deeper powers within ourselves come when life seemed more challenging.” #JosephCampbell