Five hours, 15 minutes

The surgery and the battle to save the life of Prime Minister S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike:

On Friday, September 25, 1959, as the morning rays of the sun were rising in the sky, a Buddhist monk arrived at Prime Minister S.W. R. D. Bandaranaike’s residence in Rosmead Place, Colombo, requesting a meeting with the Prime Minster. Only the monk knew why.

Those days, the doors of the Prime Minister’s residence remained open to all. It was Bandaranaike’s habit to give priority to any member of the clergy who arrived at his residence.

Accordingly, the Prime Minister brought his hands together in customary fashion to pay his respects to the monk identified as Somarama Thera.

However, instead of accepting the worship, the Thera hastily moved a couple of steps back and pulled out a pistol concealed within his saffron robes. Several bullets were released not even distinguishing the seconds that went by.

Stained with red

The Prime Minister’s white clothes became stained with red. It was nearly 10.00 a.m.

Everyone, including the Prime Minister’s wife – Madam Sirimavo rushed the Prime Minister to the Colombo National Hospital. The Prime Minister’s brother-in-law, Dr. Seewali Ratwatte rushed to Dr. P. R. Anthonis, who was a renowned surgeon at that time. A distressed Dr. Ratwatte came to a halt at the doors of the surgical theatre where Dr. P. R. Anthonis was in.

“Sir, my brother has been shot…”
“Which Ratwatte?”
“Not Ratwatte... It’s the Prime Minister?”
“Where is our Prime Minister?”
“Outside...in the car...”

Still in the garbs he was dressed in for surgery, Dr. Anthonis ran outside.

The Prime Minister was in the left of the Cadillac’s rear seat. His missus was beside him.

Slightly smiling despite the crisis, the Prime Minister said, I don’t feel that bad. I just got hit by a few bullets.

Saying, “Seems like Sir is not that critical,” Dr. Anthonis checked his pulse. However, from years of experience, he realized that rhythm of the pulse indicated quite the opposite and that the patient was indeed, in critical condition.

Therefore, he rushed for a gurney to take away the Prime Minister.

“No Doctor... I can walk...”

It was the voice of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister was laid upon the surgical table. A large crowd gathered around the theatre.

However, everyone except those who were needed, were removed immediately. The doctor prepared for the surgery. The Prime Minister’s wife too, was not allowed inside as it was an emotional moment.

“Sir, you are fine. But it is better if you do not speak”, Dr. Anthonis advised, for the well-being of the patient. Dr. Anthonis prepared the patient for surgery as was procedure. After the X-ray machine was brought in, JMO Dr. Fernando too, arrived. The Prime Minister was checked before being x-rayed.

The doctors seated the Prime Minister to obtain x-rays to ascertain whether there were bullets inside his body.

As the doctors said, “Prime Minister, the images are being taken from the back. Therefore, please hold your breath,” the Prime Minister laughed and jokingly said, “I have been shot from the front. Please do not shoot me from the back as well”.

Near the ninth rib

X-rays verified that there was a bullet within the body in the right side of the chest near the ninth rib. Even before the X-rays were taken, Dr. Anthonis had sent for Thoracic Surgeon – Dr. T. D. H. Perera, should the chest condition prove be serious. Two more doctors were present to assist Dr. Anthonis.

The doctors commenced with anaesthesia. Suddenly the Prime Minister’s pulse and breathing stopped. On the directions of Dr. Anthonis, an open heart massage was administered. Shortly, the Prime Minister was resuscitated and his breathing and pulse returned. Dr. Anthonis saw that there was blood gathered in the Prime Minister’s abdominal cavity. It was decided to speed up the surgery as doctors realized the Prime Minister’s condition was critical.

By 11 a.m. the surgery began. It was 4.15 p.m. when the surgery ended. Before commencing, Dr. Anthonis ordered the team to do their job to the dot and to be alert and responsible. However, by 7.45 a.m. on September 26, the life force of Premier Bandaranaike – who was referred to as the Silver Bell of Asia, left his body. This incident remains as unforgettable memory in the 35 year long government service of Ananda Dhanusekara.

(Text and Pix from ‘A legacy of 150 years… National Hospitals of Sri Lanka)