Reminiscences of a former teacher

by D. Lionel Jayasinghe

I wish to record my appreciation of his services to the country during his political career of 30 years.

My links with Nimal go back to the time when he was a student of mine at Dharmadutha College. Even then, it struck me that here was a young boy who was destined for a Big Future, though the nature of that Future couldn't be visualized then. He outshone his contemporaries in school in virtually every aspect of school activity - studies, games, scouting, literary activities, oratory or leadership in societies.

He drew the admiration of all, not only for his studies but also his oratorical skills. Though small in physical stature then, he would virtually bring down the tiled roof of the school hall with his high pitched argumentative skills devoid of the present day sound equipment. Winning Acclaim and Plaudits was something he got accustomed to, early in his school life, although in a limited provincial environment.

Although his father who was a Principal passed away early, his parental influence especially of his mother became very clear. She single handedly supported him until he took over the mantle of leadership of his family. His determination to succeed and his indefatigable energy were character traits which were almost written all over him.

His joining Nalanda for his post secondary education opened up new vistas for him. He honed further, the skills he already had while grabbing every opportunity to become versatile. While excelling in studies he had plenty of opportunity to participate in and later serve in positions of leadership - Sinhala and Buddhist Youth activity, which exposed him to greater rapport with wider sections of our society, especially urban. During this time he came under the influence of one of the greatest social workers of International repute in Sri Lanka namely Dr. Tudor Ariyaratna, which left an indelible mark on him of limitless commitment to social causes.

As a brilliant student he could have become a great Academic but his great oratorical skills directed him to the study of Law, where he felt he could excel in an environment natural to him. This new direction facilitated his early emergence into the national limelight. While winning laurels in his legal studies and for his debating and public speaking skills he was turning out to be a young budding political leader.

Not only was he successful as a lawyer very early in his career, but also was able to win recognition from Madam Sirimavo Bandaranaike on whose behalf he was a key lawyer in the panel that appeared for her defence in her problems of litigation.

His entry into local government politics brought him early success. He became the leader of the Opposition in the Colombo Municipal council.

It was, I presume, during this time that he proceeded to U.K. to pursue higher legal studies. Although our paths never crossed since my moving over to the Education Ministry but we did keep in touch, and I remember vividly how he visited Kohuwala to get my blessings. I presented him an overcoat which I had myself bought in U.K., since I felt it would be useful to him to withstand in the English winter.

However he remembered my little act of kindness and when he returned to the country showered me with gifts he bought in the U.K. .I also remember the innovative way he devised in travelling back. He drove his own car overland via Europe accompanied by a friend bypassing the need for air travel for himself and shipping for the car. A little act of ingenuity but very significant.

He continued his two careers - Law and Politics and soon became a Legal Luminary on par with some of the best. Not stopping there he was in close touch with his party leadership at the national level and the eventual outcome was his entry into national polities. Winning Borella he held the portfolio of Housing and National Utilities. Subsequently, perhaps due to the political leadership realizing that here was a man who could succeed any where and serve any part of the country he shifted to Badulla and won his seat, a great stroke of good fortune for us in Badulla. He continued his winning streak by increasing his majority by immense proportions and was rewarded with the portfolio of Post and Telecommunication and later that of Healthcare and Nutrition and later of Irrigation and Water Management.

All Presidents recognized his skills in parliament and his successes as a Minister; whatever the portfolio, he continued to shine in the political firmament, the glow increasing in luminosity all the time. Whatever the Ministry entrusted to him, his quick grasp of problems, knack of selecting the right people for the right jobs combined with his dynamic energy for long hours of hard work, all combined to make his success rate absolutely high.

Whether it is defending the government in parliament or campaigning countrywide he always achieved success.

Representing the country as the first Asian president of the World Health Organization and as chairman of its Executive Board or working with other international agencies he always made a success of his assignments. He successfully organized funds for infrastructure or development for government purposes. Although the Peace talks held in Geneva and elsewhere were far from successful, he was able to successfully express to the world Sri Lanka's stand on the issue.

His loyalty to his country and to his Leader, the President, has always been steadfast and his commitment to the cause of National Reconciliation beyond question.

Despite his very busy schedule he has never forgotten national values. His love for his mother and the care he bestows on her is worthy of emulation. His concern for the welfare of his immediate family and of his siblings are indeed noble qualities. He has never forgotten his voters.

They elect him with increased majorities in return. Had he taken to another career the province and the country would have been the losers. We are happy he is a politician.

I, as his former teacher am proud that he hailing from Dharmadutha and later from Nalanda earned the credit of the people and of the President bringing fame to himself, his family, to his old schools, the province and the country.

May the Triple Gem's Blessings be with him and may the Gods favour him to serve our country longer and longer and better and better.

The writer is a retired Principal of Dharmadutha College, Badulla.