05/07/2003 - Daily Mirror
Moragoda memoirs

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe could not have had a better peace emissary to internationalise the Sri Lankan peace process and even the Premier admitted that the Tokyo donor conference would not have been a success if it had not been for Moragoda's valiant efforts. Then came the book.

At the age of 38 and after barely 18 months as a minister, Milinda Moragoda has already achieved things that many of his contemporaries would never have accomplished during their lifetime.

Meetings with UN Secretary General, US President, World Bank Chief, within a period of a couple of months is not something that everybody is privileged to do.

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe could not have had a better peace emissary to internationalize the Sri Lankan peace process and even the premier admitted that the Tokyo donor conference would not have been a success if it had not been for Moragoda's valiant efforts.

Then came the book.

The first question most people ask is "Isn't it too early, he has a long way to go. Why this early? ".

Then those who started reading the book asked another set of questions, "Why only speeches? We have already heard them. Why not something interesting like anecdotes: he must have a lot to say about behind the curtain incidents, be more autobiographical".

"A Warm Heart, a Cool Head and a Deep Breath", with Moragoda's "imposing" profile taking over the cover, might well be one described as a long shot by the young politician to further externalise his political clout.

With a launch in Greece and another in Washington attended by an assortment of distinguished politicians and diplomats in the West, the launch no doubt was a springboard for the promising Moragoda, already a known figure in the international arena

Throughout 30 chapters there's absolutely nothing that would arouse anybody's curiosity or interest. In short the contents of the book, just like its author, is very Milinda Moragoda like, uniform and unadventurous. It is all about peace, good governance and political stability - we have heard it all before.
Something should be said about photos too.

While most of them are very memorable, of course, the quality of them is disappointing. Also it would have been better if he excluded that photo - Moragoda talking on a mobile in front of his Hindustan Ambassador. It looks a bit too ostentatious - not the car but the "poser".

Anyhow, one day or the other, perhaps in another 12 years time when he reaches his 50’s and maybe perhaps when peace is finally sealed, Minister Moragoda will come out with that much awaited autobiography.

And it will definitely be one of the most elucidating and comprehensive ones, perhaps the best on our peace process and offering insight into Moragoda's philosophy. Readers will definitely grab at that.