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| Sunday, 5 December 2004 |
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Features |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
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Srimani Athulathmudali : Woman of great conviction by Prasad Gunewardene It was only a decade ago, that Srimani Anoma Athulathmudali, widow of
Lalith William Athulathmudali took control of her husband's political Her daughter Serela too is blessed with a ringing voice like the mother in the music scene. Srimani's voice was stilled in the early hours of yesterday, at the age of 58. As it had been the practice in our island nation, Srimani was another widow who was forced upon politics. When her husband Lalith was gunned down in 1993, Srimani took the mantle to continue her husband's vision. One year later, she returned to Parliament with a record number of preferential votes that exceeded 150,000. Under the stewardship of then Prime Minister, Chandrika Kumaratunga, Srimani assumed the tough office of the Cabinet Minister for Transport. Srimani was a courageous woman who faced both bouquets and brick bats during her brief spell as a parliamentarian. In politics, there are no permanent friends not enemies. Politicians fall out and make up the same way.There came a time that Srimani had to occupy the back benches in parliament. Srimani who excelled in sports discus throwing, high-jump, long jump, relays and ballets in her school days took up every challenge in good spirits. She believed in her convictions. As a newcomer to Parliament, Srimani was always prepared to make valuable contributions. She was punctual in the House at question time. She never disturbed other speakers. These were rare virtues embodied in her character. As a Parliamentary Lobby Columnist at that time, I remember the day when Srimani made the House curious by arriving in a dress that was outside the code for women members. Srimani had an ailment in the knee and she entered the House wearing a tight dark blue skirt and a blouse of the same colour. The Opposition raised objection, but Srimani sat in the House in her customary fashion. Speaker Kiri Banda Ratnayake explained that the fair member had a problem in the knee and he had allowed her in that attire. Srimani continued with her party activities in a silent manner until her untimely demise. She was heading her late husband's Foundation. On Friday (26) she was present at the ceremony to commemorate Lalith's birthday. Her professional journey which started in 1971 as the Secretary to the Chairman of the Ceylon Hotels Corporation continued till she reached the peak to work as an Administrative Secretary at the UNCTAD in Geneva. In 1982 she married Lalith Athulathmudali and earned a rest for a decade as a house wife till Lalith was killed. Her political career spanned just a decade. But it was colourful to this glamorous personality. She has left in the silent way she lived, leaving fond memories to her only child Serela who lost her father eleven years ago Serela will miss her much. |
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party, the Democratic United National Front (DUNF). Srimani, a devout
Christian from her childhood days at Ladies College, Colombo continued her
service to God despite her busy political schedule. A leading member of
the YWCA, Srimani was a member of the Cantana singers.
