[By Janaka Alahapperuma]

President Mahinda Rajapaksa visited the Hasalaka area recently (August 09) and paid his respect and laid a floral tribute to the monument of valiant war hero Hasalaka Gamini Kularatne which was built in the heart of the town.

Ranaviru Hasalaka Gamini, the Sri Lankan soldier whose supreme sacrifice saved the lives of hundreds of fellow soldiers when the Elephant Pass camp was under siege of the LTTE in July 1991. President Rajapaksa also visited the war hero’s residence and spoke with his mother and other family members. The residents of Hasalaka were overjoyed due to the visit made by the President. President Rajapaksa visited the surrounding rural villages in the Central Province to meet the people and listen to their grievances amidst their warm welcome. The President also had mutual discussions with them and looked into the problems of the people. The President visited Morayaya, Minipe and several other villages. Some of the residents of those areas managed to hand over their problems to the President in writing. Thereafter the President visited the Diyawara village in Bemiya, Minipe which was built during his tenure as the Minister of Fisheries. The villagers accorded a warm welcome to the President. The President exchanged views with the people and looked into several problems faced by them.

President also inspected the Morayaya Peripheral hospital and look into the health of the inmate patients there. He had a short discussion with the doctors and medical staff.

During the visit the President also met students who are taking the GCE A/L and Year Five scholarships examination and wished them success and encouraged them to do well. President Rajapaksa visited several temples in the Hasalaka area and met chief incumbents.

Pix by: Nalin Hewapathirana & Udesh Gunaratne