Former President Chandrika hailed Ranil for sets an example to all politicians.

Prime Minister deserves a special appreciation for setting an example to the country by voluntarily appearing before the Commission investigating into the Central Bank Bond issue is the opinion expressed by a cross section of society.

“The Prime Minister’s appearance before the Commission marks the beginning of new era of governance where rule of law reigns,” they said.

Some of the expressions made are as follows:

Former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga sending a personal message to Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said that his initiative will symbolize the beginning of new culture of free and democratic governance.

Her message reads “Dear Prime Minister, Bravo ! Bravo ! Bravo ! My homage to you for taking the brave decision to testify before the Presidential Commission. This is the beginning of Free and Democratic Governance.My unstinted support is with you in this most challenging task. You and I will remain till the end of our days in two opposing political parties, but there can be no disagreement, when the Vision is to build a better country for all Sri Lankans, a country where Freedom, human decency and honest, pro people governance will reign supreme. Wish you much strength and courage’’.

National Movement for Social Justice Convenor Ven. Dambara Amila Thera stated that this is what we expected to build a just society and good governance. It is a historic moment in the country and I would say even Asia that a sitting Premier under whose government the Commission functions in, voluntarily comes before them to provide evidence.It shows that the law is equal to all and sets a good precedence. It shows that whether you are a monk, politician or Prime Minister, you have to adhere to the law- it is above all.

Public Enterprise Development State Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena said,

“His initiative to go before the Commission shows that the country has witnessed political change.. The Prime Minister could have given the testimony in a form of affidavit without appearing before the Commission in person. But, he appeared before the Commission. This is what the people of this country expected by electing the new Government in 2015.

Puravesi Balaya Convenor Gamini Viyangoda said, that Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe took the first step towards changing the political culture of the country. None of the previous leaders appeared for an inquiry or to give an explanation. During the previous regime, not even a Provincial Councilor or Pradeshya Sabha member was brought before the law.

“The Prime Minister is an exemplary figure to all politicians, when he was requested to appear at the Bond Commission, he willingly agreed to appear. As the Prime Minister of the country, he could have refrained from appearing before the Commission, but he did not do that,”Viyangoda said.

The Bond Commission does not come to an end with this, but he helped the Commission to clarify some of the missing details. The Prime Minister proved to the country that he was not involved; however, legal action should be taken against the perpetrators who were involved in the Bond scam.