A special note from Chandrika on Vijaya Commemoration Day about 'How the daughter was named'

Today (16th) marks the 38th death anniversary of Vijaya Kumaratunga, a veteran artist who captured the hearts of a vast number of art lovers across the island, and a popular politician. On this occasion, his wife, former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, has posted an emotional note on her official Facebook account expressing her condolences.

In that note, she reminisces about the past and has published a sensitive letter written by Mr. Vijaya Kumaratunga while he was imprisoned, regarding the naming of their daughter, Yashodhara. In the letter, he states that he decided to name her 'Yashodhara' at the moment of her birth, and that the character of Yashodhara, who enjoyed royal comforts but later became helpless, enduring everything for the sake of the helpless people of the world, was the inspiration. He further explains that Yashodhara embodies the pinnacle of patience, understanding, compassion, and goodness, and that if she possesses even a fraction of these virtues, she will become a good person, and that the only thing a person born into this world should protect is humanity, addressing his daughter from his prison cell.

It is as follows: 

"38 years since Vijaya was assassinated - "When you were born, I had decided to name you 'Yashodhara'. Although I searched for hundreds of names for you, the only name I had was 'Yashodhara'. Yashodhara is someone who was born on this earth, enjoyed royal comforts, and later became an orphan, helpless, with no one. Yet, she endured all of it for the helpless people of this world." "'Yashodhara' is the pinnacle of patience, understanding, compassion, and goodness. 'Yashodhara' is the pinnacle of love, mercy, and helplessness. If you have even a fraction of those virtues, you will be a good person. That is enough for me. The only thing a person born into this world needs to protect is humanity. If we protect that humanity, we will be able to be happy throughout our lives." 

- A letter written by Vijaya to Yashodhara while he was imprisoned"

In response to this post, many people have expressed emotional comments, appreciating Vijaya Kumaratunga's humanitarian qualities, humility, and acting prowess. Many fans have pointed out that he was a true human being with the most attractive face and a golden heart seen in Sinhala cinema, and that he remains an immortal character living in the hearts of the people even today. Furthermore, some have commented that his image remained untarnished and he remains a beautiful character in the public's memory forever, due to his not continuously staying in politics.

However, among the responses received for this post, political and direct critical comments also stand out. Many have expressed their strong anger and displeasure towards the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) for the assassination of a non-violent leader like Vijaya Kumaratunga, describing it as a great loss to the entire country. In addition, severe criticism has been leveled against the former President, with many expressing their deep regret and protest over her failure to bring her husband's true killers to justice and punish them, despite holding the executive presidency for nine years and having full centralized power.