RIYADH : I am prompted to write this after reading many exchanges in the social media after the death of the state minister Sanath Nishantha
Even after half a century of his death, Dudley Senanayake is still fondly remembered by those who knew him as a ‘gentleman politician’. A simple man, he was often seen driving his own vehicle, when attending a private errand, following all traffic rules, without any security personnel accompanying him. He was modest and shy in unfamiliar company. Dudley was well read being a product of Cambridge. He was witty in debate and a great lover of golf. He lived with the firm belief that all are equal – ‘ONE COUNTRY ONE NATION’.
Dudley was modest and he stood against public funds being utilized for the private use by officials. He was residing in his own house- Woodlands- and financing all expenses incurred by his private fund.
He was elected prime minister not less than four times during his 37 year political career. The first one being in March 1952 after the death of his father. Dudley passed away in April 1973 two weeks after he got a heart attack. Although he was not holding an official position at the time of his death his body was lying in state in the old parliament before it was cremated at the Independent Square. I have never seen such a large crowd for a funeral plus the queues to see his body while lying in state. That was the time I was attached to a British company by the name of Colombo Commercial Company (C.C.C), it was located by the side of Beira Lake, Slave Island. The queue to see his remains stretched from the old parliament to the company I was attached to.We grouped up to distribute iced cool lemon juice to all who have come from various parts of the country to see their beloved leader who earned everyone’s love and respect!
S.H.MOULANA