by A.T. Ariyaratne, Founder-President, Sarvodaya Movement

Peravadanak (Looking - ahead). An anthology of articles, speeches and interviews by Milinda Moragoda. Edited by Erananda Hettiarachchi.

Milinda Moragoda has released a book containing contributions he has made on a number of public issues. He has done well to share his thoughts of fresh air in a political environment that has been polluted beyond imagination.

The noble occupation of being a law-maker has been debased in recent times. Those who have entered the profession have been the dregs of society, who have come in for the money they can make and the power they can wield, over their fellow men, not to serve them.

Those who have obtained good University degrees or qualified in the professions and those who have achieved eminence, have unfortunately stayed out as they do not have the stomach for the blood sport that is politics today. In the circumstances we welcome the entry into politics of Milinda Moragoda, who from his speeches in Parliament in the past year, and his writings, stand out as a principled politician and a man who respects civilized values.

The book is eminently readable, in simple Sinhala, could be read and understood with profit even by a grade ten student. His articles are all short pieces with refreshing new thoughts and perceptions. It is an educating experience even for the learned.

The book covers a wide range of issues from the state of our economy to politics, speeches made in Parliament, which are well worth reading and also the transcript of an interview he did with the Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamed.