Leader of the opposition Sajith Premadasa who never gets tired to making references to his father Ranasinghe Premadasa has lot to draw from his fathers capability for sharp wit and humoRr.
Ranasinghe Premadasa, who rose from humble beginnings in Colombo’s Keselwatte area, was ridiculed for selling ‘Lavariya at Keselwattha. This did not deter him. He was adept at turning potential criticisms into points of pride. When confronted about his modest upbringing, he famously retorted, “I am proud to be from Keselwatte,” deftly turning a perceived disadvantage into a badge of honor (Daily FT) (Daily FT).
His humour extended to his speeches and public addresses as well. At the 1991 inauguration of SAARCLAW in Colombo, Premadasa humorously commented on his qualifications to address the legal community by saying he grew up in Hulftsdorp, an area known for its high concentration of legal offices. He joked about seeing lawyers dispose of their case files in their backyards, implying that his upbringing in such an environment made him as familiar with the legal world as any lawyer (Daily FT).
During the 1977 election campaign, Premadasa demonstrated his strategic wit by commenting on the influx of disaffected youth into his party. He warned that these enthusiastic supporters could become adversaries if their needs were not met, saying, “Those young hands applauding us now may manufacture the bombs that will kill us if we, too, do not change our ways of living and leadership.” This statement, while humorous, carried a serious warning about the volatility of political support and the importance of addressing the needs of the populace (Colombo Telegraph).
Premadasa’s humor was not just a tool for personal connection but also a method for delivering deeper political and social commentary. His ability to blend humor with serious messages made his speeches memorable and impactful, resonating with a wide audience across Sri Lanka
