Epic journey from Ruhuna to Vanni through Thurstan Road

For President Mahinda Rajapaksa today revered as a king (Maha Raja) for bringing peace to the country it was no easy journey. In 2005 a respected columnist of a leading newspaper called the presidential race as the ‘Battle of Thurstan Road’, two contrasting personalities from two neighbouring schools in the Colombo 7’s prestigious educational triangle were in the fray for the plum.

The media favoured Ranil Wickremasinghe an old Royalist who walked to school from the neighbouring Fifth Lane and the underdog was old Thurstanite Mahinda Rajapaksa from Medamulana of the Deep South in the Giruwa Pattuwa who cycled to school from Shravasti where his father resided as a Member of the Parliament.

Ranil was considered a quiet obedient student who on leaving school entered the Law Faculty at Thurstan Road once again within walking distance from home.

Mahinda opted to join Vidyodaya University then a breeding ground for firebrand radicals as an Assistant Librarian. In contrast to Ranil, Mahinda member of the debating team was an active sportsman and was a member of the relay team that swept the boards at the then prestigious public schools meet, he also had a brief stint with Rugby but opted to concentrate on Athletics. Latterly Mahinda too qualified as a lawyer.

The sharp contrasting characteristics between Ranil and Mahinda that was also evident in their personalities ultimately made the choice and Mahinda emerged winner over his fancied rival from Royal. So the Battle of Thurstan Road was won by Mahinda. Mahinda in school was a cheerful character known for innocent mischief and was at times a headache for Principal M. D. Gunewardena though being very much liked by most teachers.

This was the post 56 resurgence era and Thurstan Teaching staff was studded with many liberalists such as Rationalist high priest Abrham Kovoor, Dramatist Dayananda Gunewardena of ‘Nari Bena’ fame Pandit Visharada Lionel Algama the music master, left leaning Art Sir W.E.E. Fernando, tough talking Marxist Guneratne and the prefect of games Col. Kingsley Fernando.

There’s little doubt that this environment made Mahinda what he is today a popular but an unwavering resolute leader. Today President Mahinda Rajapaksa together with the valiant forces has achieved the impossible and satisfied the aspirations of twenty million people who suffered for decades, and entire peace loving world, and has brought honour and fame to our blessed motherland.

In true to form he led the Forces admirably as Commander in Chief.

We as Sri Lankans first and secondly as schoolmates of our dear old school Thurstan are distinctly proud of our President’s achievements.

We are sure Sri Lanka can now move forward under this astute leadership that has broken many myths.

The epic journey from Ruhuna to Vanni through Thurstan Road will now progress throughout the length and breadth of our country that now has no minorities but all of equal status.

It is also interesting to note that President was supported by many Thurstanites in this journey we are proud of Dixon Dela Bandara Governor of the North, R. Admiral Mohan Wijewickrema Governor of the East, IGP Jayantha Wickremaratne, Former IGP Chandra Fernando, Maj Gen. Upul Perera Deputy Chief of Staff of the Army, R. Admiral Jayantha Perera who shouldered their might in achieving the impossible.

- SK