Meeting Lalith Athulathmudali

by A. Godwin de Alwis

During the terror period in the mid-80s I was compelled to leave the country to save my life. However, from time to time, I came to my motherland for brief holidays. During my short visits I made it a point to meet Lalith Athulathmudali and brief him on my progress and achievements and discuss matters of common interest and the political situation in particular.

While serving in the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) at the request of Athulathmudali, the then SLPA Chairman, Wimal Amarasekera appointed me in addition to my duties as the Co-ordinater of Mahapola.

Having given my best service to promote and propagate the Mahapola concept, I was able to win the goodwill and confidence of Athulathmudali.

In 1993, when I came to Sri Lanka, I got an appointment to meet him at his residence at Inner Flower Road at 10.30 a.m. November 21. If my memory serves me right, it was a Sunday. When I entered his residence there was a big crowd. Athulathmudali was very busy speaking to MPs, candidates, supporters, organisers and well-wishers as he was contesting the Chief Minister's post, Western Province. I patiently awaited my turn.

Around 12.30 p.m. he accompanied me to his library. He enquired about my health and the performance and functions of the shipping line I worked for. My response was that it was a privilege to have been able to serve the second largest shipping line in the world with fringe benefits and substantial emoluments. But it is more or less a police state. His prompt response was, "Godwin, it is the same here."

"There are death threats made over the phone. All my movements are being monitored by sleuths. Cars and motorbikes roam around my house, raising the noise from time to time. My little daughter Sarala and wife Srimani are living in fear and tension."

I felt very sad to hear of the tragic state of a leader who had given his best to the Motherland as the Minister of Trade and Shipping, Minister of National Security and Deputy Minister of Defence.

His final question to me was, "Are you going back or will you remain in Sri Lanka?" My answer was I will be going back. He responded "At present this is not a safe country, you may come back when the situation improves for the better and safety of life is ensured. Till then take care."

I responded, "Sir, our country needs your services for many more years. Please take care of your life and your family."

Within 48 hours, on April 23, 1994, around 8.30 p.m., I was shocked and horrified to hear the news of Athulathmudali's assassination at an election rally at Kirulapona.

The writer is a former Assistant Secretary of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority.