It is correct to say that the candidate who has garnered the most public attention in this presidential election is Mr Sajith Premadasa, the presidential candidate of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya. One of the greatest strengths in Sajith’s nearly three-decade political life is his wife, Mrs. Jalani Premadasa. This is an interview with Jalani conducted by the ‘Mawurata newspaper.
When you first met Sajith, was he already involved in politics?
By the time we met, Sajith had already started his political activities based in the Hambantota District. However, he was not yet a Member of Parliament at that time. After we decided to get married, Sajith told me about his political ambitions and the challenges and issues he would face in politics. I gave it a lot of thought. I decided to marry him with the belief that I could stand by him firmly in any political challenges that might arise in the future. Now that we have been married for more than 25 years, and looking back at all the political challenges Sajith has faced and overcome, I feel that the decision I made then was correct.
How did you first meet Sajith?
About 27 or 28 years ago, when the United National Party (UNP) was forming its Professionals’ Organization, my mother was one of the founding members. Due to my mother’s connection with the UNP, she was invited to an event at Sucharitha to commemorate Mr Ranasinghe Premadasa. The invitation had been extended by Sajith. On the same day as the commemoration event, I also had a friend’s event to attend. So, my mother suggested that we travel together in the same vehicle, drop her off at Sucharitha, and then I could go to my friend’s event. When we arrived at Sucharitha, my mother suggested that since we were there, I should spend five minutes inside with her. That’s when I first saw Sajith.
Did Sajith talk to you on that day?
Yes, Sajith spoke to me that day. What was supposed to be a five-minute visit turned into a three- or four-hour stay at Sucharitha, and I ended up missing my friend’s event.
How did Sajith express his interest in you?
That day, Sajith asked Mrs. Rosy Senanayake, who was also attending the commemoration, about me. She had pointed out my mother and told Sajith that I was her daughter. Sajith found our home phone number and called the next day. My mother answered the call first, and Sajith told her right away that he was interested in her daughter. My mother responded by saying that he should ask me, as my opinion mattered the most. Then she handed the phone to me. Sajith and I talked for a bit, and he told me that he liked me.
What did you say then?
I told him that I couldn’t make a decision immediately and that we should get to know each other better first. After talking and getting to know each other for some time, we decided to get married. We got married a year and a half after our initial meeting.
You mentioned earlier that Sajith has faced many political challenges in the past 25 years. The decision to run in the 2019 presidential election was also challenging. What did you tell Sajith at that time?
As you said, Sajith took on a massive challenge at that time. He had to run for president while the government was being criticized for issues like the Central Bank bond scam and the Easter Sunday attacks. By the time Sajith received the nomination in 2019, the main opposition candidate had already been campaigning for a significant amount of time. Due to these factors, I told Sajith that he was taking on a difficult challenge, but regardless of the outcome, I would be by his side.
Losing a presidential election is not easy. But during the media briefing at the Election Department when the results of the 2019 presidential election were announced, you were right beside Sajith. What did you say to him when you found out he had lost?
I quickly told him to get back to political activities and that this was not a defeat, but rather that more than five million people had placed their trust in him, so he should prepare for the future. I told him that a leader with such support from the majority of the country would eventually see his efforts pay off, and the entire country would soon understand the truth. What I told him back then has turned out to be true. However, I do not take joy in it because the cost to the country and its people due to the 2019 presidential election result has been immense.
You quietly engage in many religious activities. What are some of the meritorious deeds you perform?
Starting with the Tissamaharama Rajamaha Viharaya, I have now participated in twenty Katina Pujas (a significant Buddhist religious ceremony). I contribute to these ceremonies alongside programs aimed at improving the temples where the Katina is held. As a result, I have helped develop twenty temples so far. The first Katina Pooja I participated in after the COVID-19 pandemic was at the Thanthirimale Rajamaha Viharaya, followed by Mahiyangana and Somawathiya Rajamaha Viharayas. In addition to the Katina Pujas, I have contributed to many other religious and social services. When Sajith was in the opposition, I coordinated the ‘Sasunata Aruna’ program, which assisted temples. Moreover, I have responded to many requests from monks and assisted their temples as much as I could. I continue to do so. The Tri-Nikaya Maha Sangha awarded me the honorary title of ‘Sri Sugatha Sasana Prasadini’ in recognition of my Buddhist activities. It was then that many people learned about the religious activities I was involved in. This year, I will also be organizing the Katina Pooja at the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy. I prefer to perform these deeds quietly, without seeking publicity.
You and Sajith had a child 25 years after marriage. During the long time you were married without having a child, Sajith was politically attacked. How did you endure these circumstances?
Let me first explain why we took a long time to have a child. I faced significant health issues when it came to having a child. Due to these health concerns, we decided not to rush into having a child. There was even a time when Sajith suggested that we should not have a child because trying could be dangerous for my life. He often said, ‘I don’t need a child if it means risking your life.’ Initially, I was very sad when Sajith was politically attacked because of my health issues. However, over time, I realized how weak-minded those people were to use such a sensitive issue as not having children to attack us.
Everyone who slandered you for not being a mother. They politically slandered Sajith. What are your thoughts on those who attacked you and Sajith regarding this matter?
I believe that those who attacked us using the issue of children do not respect their mothers, wives, sisters, or women in general. They probably resorted to such slander because they had no other allegations against Sajith.
How did it feel to become a mother after 25 years?
It was a joy that cannot be described in words. I believe that the greatest dream of any married woman is to become a mother. Both Sajith and I had strong faith that one day nature would bless us with a child. Because we both live with a love for nature and plants and helping the country and society as much as we can, nature finally gave us that gift. After our daughter was born, our family was complete.
As Sajith’s wife, what is the best quality you see in him? And what is his weakest quality?
The best quality I see in him is patience. Sajith has an incredible ability to remain patient. I should also mention the respect he shows toward others, which is another excellent quality of his. The Buddhist philosophy teaches us to respect others as we respect ourselves.
As for his weakest quality, I don’t see a specific weakness in Sajith. However, I can say this: Sajith expects everything to be done perfectly to the letter. He expects everything to be one hundred per cent in order, and in some ways, that might be considered a weakness.
Both you and Sajith lead very busy lives. Amidst that busyness, do you manage to make time to listen to music, read, or watch movies together?
Whenever Sajith is in Colombo, we make sure to set aside at least half an hour each day just for us. During that time, we listen to music. Sometimes, Sajith plays the piano. We read books and magazines. We also try to make time to watch a film once or twice a week.
What level of confidence do you have about winning this presidential election?
I am one hundred per cent confident that in the upcoming 21st, the majority of people in this country will choose Sajith as the next leader. After the 2019 presidential election, the overwhelming majority of the country has understood the reality. Therefore, I believe that the people will make the right decision in this presidential election. The people have not forgotten the damage done to the country by making a person with no proper political knowledge or experience the head of state. They will not make such a decision again. Instead, they will choose someone capable of rebuilding the country, free from corruption, with international relations and economic expertise…
At Naauyana Aranya Senasana…
Along with a religious ceremony
On a festive occasion
Sajith and Jalani with daughter
with daughter
