Sri Lanka, Jan. 12 -- The 119th Birth Anniversary of a political leader who exercised profound influence on the thought and imagination of modern Sri Lanka was commemorated yesterday (11). Don Philip Rupasinghe Gunawardena, who was born on January 11, 1901, was largely instrumental in disseminating the idea of socialism in the country. However, as a man of deep-rooted nationalism, he imbued Marxism with indigenous values, thus making sure the people of Sri Lanka accepted this European doctrine.
Philip, a born leader who instinctively understood the hopes and aspirations of the people, was close to the heartbeat of the nation. As a leader he realized that if he is too far ahead of his followers he would lose contact with them. On the other ...