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| Sunday, 27 April 2003 |
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| News Business Features Editorial
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Sixty eighth birth anniversary : Socialist and humanitarian The sixty-eighth birth anniversary of late Sarath Muttettuwegama, a great politician, parliamentarian and eminent lawyer falls on Tuesday, April 29. At the time of his death, he was the MP for Kalawana and Politiburo Member, of the Sri Lanka Communist Party. Although he said goodbye to all of us, memories still linger among specially those who associated him closely. He was a friend indeed to all who were near and dear to him. The cruel accident he met with at Ratnapura claimed his life 17 years ago. He was born and bred in a manor house with a respectable, affluent family background. He was known as a socialist who lived his life as a humanitarian.
At the general election of 1970 he secured his place in parliament as MP for Kalawana. He continued his service as a backbencher in parliament. Though he lost his seat in the general election of 1977 he managed to re-enter Parliament through a by-election challenging the then prevailing constitutional law. This was a tremendous achievement in his professional career. This earned him an international reputation. At a time when the strength of the opposition was down to eight seats his entry to parliament was a strength to all left - wing parties. We know his daring speeches were so argumentative that some MPs of the then government gave their allocated time to him to carry - on with his excellent deliveries. As an active Member of Parliament he used to make it a point to visit his electorate and talk to the people even if there was no necessity for him to meet them constantly. He helped numerous people irrespective of their social status, caste or religion. The person and not whether he was his supporter or supporter of any other party was paramount to him. His sole ambition was to work for the people. He sacrificed his career entirely for the improvement of the people in the area. I know he did not save a cent from his professional earnings. Whatever the nature of the problem among his people he acted as a demigod to them. He was enshrined in the hearts of his people. He never failed to wave to passersby on the road. Although he is no more today, he has left behind his beloved wife Manori to whom could be attributed most of his achievements and daughter Ramani. He met with a fatal accident while travelling after a meeting of a youth organisation held at Town Hall, Ratnapura. May he attain Nibbana. Dr. Anura Senanayake |
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