Sinnathamby Selvaratnam

Mr. Selvaratnam was born in Jaffna in April, 1928. He was one of eleven children. He completed his degree in Economics at the University of Ceylon in 1951 and has done a post graduate Diploma in Demography at the Demographic Training and Research Centre in Bombay, India.

He commenced his career as a statistical officer at the Department of Census and Statistics in January 1952, and in 1959 he joined the Department of National Planning as a Research Officer.

He was elevated as Deputy Director (Perspective Planning) in that Ministry in 1969 and appointed Advisor (Social Planning) of that Ministry in August 1971. His colleagues who worked with him in Sri Lanka remember him as an officer of high calibre.

In recognition of Mr. Selvaratnam's experience, he was invited by ESCAP and worked as a Senior Research Officer, then as Senior Expert Consultant and served at ESCAP in different capacities. During a short spell, ILO also utilised his services as a consultant. He was admired as a role model at ESCAP.

Mr. Selvaratnam also served in different institutions including the Ceylon Association for the Advancement of Sciences, the Council of the University of Ceylon (Peradeniya) and MARGA Institute. He has attended several conferences and read papers on issues related to Population Growth, Economic Development and various other related matters.

He was married to Rajeswari Sabharatnam known as Rani to friends and blessed with two daughters to lead a happy married life for 51 years.

Having worked and lived in Bangkok for 27 years, they moved to the USA and spent their retirement with their children and four grandchildren. He took delight in being a proud grandfather.

We lost a good friend on April 20, 2015. Mr Selvaratnam who had a brilliant educational profile, led a fruitful life. He impressed every one as being a gentleman to his fingertips.

While he had an excellent professional life because of his intelligence, knowledge and capacity for hard work, he was always admired by his colleagues.

He also became an integral part of the Sai Community in Indianpolis with his moving to the USA because of his undying interest in spiritual matters.

His demise is an unbearable loss to his family. However, the consolation is that he was a far sighted parent and inspired his daughters to pursue their education and establish themselves in their careers. Above all this he touched the lives of everyone with his generosity.

Mr. and Mrs. Selvaratnam owned a house in Hindu Square in Ratmalana and they donated it to the All Ceylon Hindu Congress to be used for needy children and youth.

He would have attained 'Moksham' by divine grace.