📈 Review: "The J.R. I Disliked" by Imthiaz Bakeer Markar

A new publication from the J.R. Jayewardene Centre offers a reflective reassessment of Sri Lanka’s first Executive President, moving beyond traditional political caricatures to highlight his role as a transformative pragmatist. • Historical Legacy & Reforms The text credits Jayewardene with structural shifts that altered the national trajectory, including opening the economy, establishing free trade zones, and modernizing infrastructure. It highlights his efforts in free education (textbooks/Mahapola) and large-scale irrigation & electrification. • Economic Philosophy Contrary to "right-wing" labels, the review notes Jayewardene’s early warnings against imperialist and capitalist systems. His approach is described as a "pragmatic middle path" influenced by Buddhist ethics, prioritizing national autonomy in trade and aid. • Diplomacy & Sovereignty Key highlights include his 1951 San Francisco Peace Conference speech and his refusal to compromise independence for U.S. aid during the rubber-rice trade negotiations—a model of "sovereign realism" relevant to today's geopolitical pressures. • Critical Balance The author acknowledges controversial aspects, such as authoritarian tendencies, media tensions, and the referendum extension, providing a balanced view of his statecraft versus his flaws. • Event Notice The book launch for "Maa Akamathi J.R." (with English and Tamil translations) is scheduled for Monday, 30 March at 4:15 p.m. at the J.R. Jayewardene Centre, Colombo.