Formation of the SLSSRS’ Gampaha Branch:

First Step to Form Juche Idea Study Groups on Nationwide Scale

A district branch of the Sri Lanka Society for Self-Reliance Studies (SLSSRS) was inaugurated at Town Hall in Gampaha on September 29, 2009. 　　　　At the beginning, a silence was observed to pay respect to late Hon. Reggie Ranathunga, former director general of the Asian Regional Institute of the Juche Idea (ARIJI) who had devoted himself to the promotion of the study and dissemination of the Juche idea in Asia including Sri Lanka. 　　　　Mr. W. A. Duminduwardane, acting president of the SLSSRS who is also on the Board of the ARIJI explained the value and benefits of the Juche philosophy, along with the purpose of holding that inaugural meeting. 　　　　In this connection, he said that committee members of the SLSSRS decided to organize opening of more branches in Sri Lanka to commemorate the 100th birth anniversary of President Kim Il Sung in 2012. 　　　　Secretary General Upali Bandara of the SLSSRS read aloud a message sent from Hon. Anura Priyadarshana Yapa, Minister of Mass Media and Information of Sri Lanka. 　　　　Mr. Pradeep Wijeratnasekara, visiting lecturer of Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka and secretary to the Chief Minister of Western Province, expressed his determination to hold a Juche idea seminar of its own as soon as possible.