'He has a fine sense of wit and humour'

Jalani speaks of life with parliamentarian Sajith:

"It was May 1, 1998. My mother wanted to attend the Bana session of former President R. Premadasa which commemorated his fifth death anniversary. Well, I met Sajith there. I never knew him nor had seen him anywhere before. It was his sense of humour that attracted me," says Jalani Premadasa.

"I was to go to my best friend's birthday dinner at 8.00 p.m. and my mum wanted me to attend the 'Bana' session at 7.00 p.m. Since it was difficult to make two trips she asked me also to come with her, and after the 'Bana' she would drop me at my friend's place. I thought, 'O.K.' just one hour won't matter and I went with her," she recalls.

"When the 'Bana' was over I was amidst a group of people, talking. It was then that Sajith approached us cracking a joke. And before anybody came out with something, I quickly used my wit to reply him. He really looked amused and we began chatting. He pretended that he joined the discussion with the whole group, but I sensed that he joined in the conversation deliberately to talk to me," she smiles.

"I got really late to attend the dinner as we spoke for a long time. I didn't feel the time pass. I really enjoyed his wit and sense of humour. On the following day he called me. He had gone through a great length of pains to find my telephone number... He said, 'I'm Sajith here' and I said, 'O.K. can I help you?'.

Then he said, 'It was nice chatting with you yesterday. Can I call you?'. I said, 'Ok'... Believe me after two days he appeared at our doorstep. He told my mum, 'I like your daughter'.. So my mum said, 'Don't ask me ask her.'

So I told him since we had known each other only for two days, I couldn't give him an exact word; but let us be good friends and see how it works out for us, and except for the two families and a few close friends of ours no one knew about us.

I never went out with him in public. And even when we started going about together I used to hide myself as much as possible because I didn't want to be in the lime light before marriage," she smiles.

Six months passed by which time Sajith and Jalani realised that were meant for each other, and also the fact that life was not a 'joke' though both loved to joke. The responsibilities that lay ahead for them, especially as the only son of a President who had a different vision towards his Politics, Sajith had to step forward. It was not going to be easy for then. However, on July 23 in 1999 the two tied the knot.

Jalani Daithya Jayawardane was born to a business oriented family Nimal Jayawardane and Hemani Kehelpannala. "My father did all kinds of business. We owned many big business in tea export, import of Aluminium fabricators and so on. And since I was 5 years, our whole family stayed in London. My sister Saroshika was just one month then. We stayed there until I was about 12 years," she recalls.

"Once we returned to Sri Lanka I was enrolled at Bishop's College. Initially we studied in the English medium and once we returned to Sri Lanka we entered the local medium and found it devastating.

Since my father was a patriotic who believed his children should be brought up according to Sinhala culture and customs, we had to learn the language and study in the Sinhala medium. My mother was right behind us. Guiding us she got a Sinhalese teacher and translated all the difficult 'Kavi' into simple Sinhala.

However, I managed to get through the O/Ls in the Sinhala medium with good results. I even got a 'S' pass for Sinhala language," she smiles.

During the insurgence in 1988-99, Jalani's father decided to pack his daughter off to Australia for her higher studies. After three years Jalani returned to Sri Lanka with a Masters Degree in Accounting. "I was living with my father's brother.

So it was almost home for me. But I really missed my parents and sister as we were so close and were like friends. Once I came back I started working at Amadeus Computer Reservations which was just installed in Sri Lanka.

I joined them as an Accountant, but was an all-rounder. I worked there for two years and resigned when I got married to Sajith. And they had to hire five people to do the work I did," she laughs. Her friendly and witty sense of humour would win the hearts of many. Jalani is an open hearted, active and energetic person who could get along with any person.

"I enjoy a clean sense of humour. I think I'm not a boring character as my friends love me around them. I talk a lot. That's true," she laughs. Yes, 'laughing' purifies the blood circulation. 'Laughter' makes you fat. But Jalani knows how to be fit and healthy while keeping a perfect figure.

"I never though I would marry a Sri Lankan as I have seen how Asian women are suppressed. I wouldn't have married a man who would not let me be myself. I have my own way and independent opinion for each and everything. And fortunately, Sajith is a different kettle of fish. He respects my independence," she claims.

Question: The world sees him as the former President's son. How do you see him?

Jalani: I've never looked at him as 'President's son'. I was abroad and never met his father though my mother was very much into active UNP politics. To me, Sajith is 'still a child', with a soft heart towards the poor. He loses his temper only when things are not in order. He is a perfectionist like his father, and would pin point every little error that would never cross your mind. He is simple and down to earth.

Since his birth, politics has been in his blood. Late President Ranasinghe Premadasa and Hema Premadasa were his parents. Sajith has one sister, Dulanjali. He studied at St.Thomas College and Royal College, Colombo, and then entered Mill Hill School, London.

After staying abroad for 13 years Sajith returned to Sri Lanka as an Economist. "I have heard that he and his father became quite close during the last two years of his life. To Sajith, his father's assassination is still a nightmare.

Unlike anybody else's parent's death, President Premadasa's death is something that will be remembered all the time, specially on May 1. At least people are reminded of the late President Premadasa when they meet Sajith. It's hard. It hurts. It's heart breaking. But he has to live with, it is irreversible," points out Jalani.

Sajith Premadasa entered active politics, won the Hambantota seat in 2000 and has been a Member of Parliament continuously. He held the post of Deputy Minister of Health in 2002 - 2003.

Question: As a wife of a politician, what kind of a role do you play?

Jalani: I do appreciate all the good work he does at Hambantota. Even I have also been part and parcel of such work through out. I like country life, the polos embula, kiri kos and Kekulu rice which I can enjoy under a hatched hut while being among those villagers.

Question: He loves wildlife?

Jalani: Ah! he is a wildlife fanatic (looking at the three big pictures of Sajith clicking his camera to capture a wild elephant in the jungle at Anuradhapura, framed and hung in their sitting room.) After getting married to him I too have developed a love for wildlife. I have had a lot of exposure too.

Actually human beings have a lot to learn from elephants. I mean the four legged ones (laughs). It is so amazing to see how they become so protective, stand together and the respect they have for each other. The unity they maintain as a herd is marvellous. They also have a very good memory power.

Question: The common question about starting a family?

Jalani: I believe if you are to have a child both parents should be mentally prepared for that. And I want to be a 'hands on mother'. And with my work at Hambantota and the business I carry on I do not think I'm ready for that. There's a time for everything. Question: What kind of business you are engaged in?

Jalani: My mother is an interior designer. Since she is abroad her company 'Hemdecor' is run by me. Apart from that I will be starting a salon and spa in Colombo next month.

Question: What is your opinion about women in Sri Lanka?

Jalani: Very much better than when compared to other Asian countries. Now we see a lot of women coming into politics. That's really good. But, no, no, don't get me wrong.

I have no intention of coming into politics. But we must remember this. A woman has a lot of strength in her. No body taps on women's talents properly. Our society expects the women to be a doormats. I have personal experience in my women's team of work which we have launched in the rural areas. It's amazing to see how we can develop their confidence.

Question: You are a happy go lucky couple? Apart from wildlife what are your other pastimes?

Jalani: (laughs) We have our trivial ups and downs, but on silly issues. One never can be with a long face with Sajith's sense of humour.

Other than that, yes, we are happy. I'm a Tennis player. In fact, I once played for the National team as well. And Sajith loves to sing. Gypsies is his favourite group.

Question: What kind of attitude do you have towards rumours?

Jalani: Our society has an opinion that there's no smoke with out fire. But I'm against that as I believe that such sayings are propped up by those who cannot stand another's 'happiness'.

Also if a man goes away from his married wife that is because he lacks something in his marriage. I know that and don't leave room for it (laughs). Also I've told him that in case he wants to find somebody else, he should find someone better than me.

Otherwise it would make me more embarrassed (laughs).. Marriage should be a mutual understanding. We respect and support each other's work. And I'm a devout and practical Buddhist. I've really got into it after my father's death.

On the 20th of every month (the day my father died) I offer a dana (alms giving) or give a donation to an orphanage without fail.

I did a 'Katina Pooja' at Thissamaharamaya last year and this year too. Sajith is not a lot into religious activities, but respects all religions.

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