It is two decades since my father Lakshman Wijewardene passed away and today as I pen this appreciation of him on his birthday, nostalgic memories come rushing to my mind. Time has gone by very swiftly but the memory of him, his kind deeds and the role he played as a father to myself and my siblings grows larger each day and the immeasurable love he showered on us and our mother remains etched in my memory.
My father was the third child of Don Philip Alexandra Wijewardene, the business magnate who was the first Sri Lankan to own and operate a modern cargo vessel and was honoured as a National Hero by the Government of Sri Lanka. My father’s mother was Neva Hulugalle Wijewardene, the sister of H.A.J Hulugalle.
My father commenced his early education at Ladies College and went on to Royal College Colombo and St. Thomas’ College Mt. Lavinia. He had a distinguished school career at Royal College where he won the coveted History Prize which was awarded by the Principal of Royal College E.L Bradby. At St. Thomas College Mt Lavinia, he was appointed a College Prefect. His assiduous care for his text books earned him the sobriquet “Tecky”.
Following his graduation from the Law College he joined Lincoln’s Inn, London and qualified as a Barrister. Thereafter as a recipient of a Smith-Mundt scholarship he studied at Colombia and New York universities where he graduated with a Master’s degree in International Law. While in New York, he lived in the prestigious International house and as an active member of the student’s organization he was privileged to interact with the then Chief Justice Earl Warren, Eleanor Roosevelt and John D. Rockefeller.
He enjoyed four decades of wedded bliss with Vasanthi, the only daughter of the legendary sportsman and Trinity Ryde Gold Medalist Dr A.P. Maralande.
A devout Buddhist, he was appointed the Chief Trustee and Basnayaka Nilame of the Kelaniya Viharaya in 1958 and guided the temple through turbulent times during that era before handing over the reins to his cousin Upali Wijewardene. He was also an active member of the “Dayaka Sabha” of the Gangaramaya and Sedawatta temples.
My father always found time for us, his children, and advised us on the importance of sound values. Not only did he guide our future but was always available to assist anyone who sought his counselling. Helping others was his passion and way of life, even to the extent of sacrificing his own valuable time.
The memory and the legacy he left behind will always be in the hearts and minds of the People whom he touched.
In the words of Thomas Campbell “To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die”.
May his sojourn in samsara be short and may he attain the Supreme bliss of Nirv
