The 90th birth anniversary of Raju Coomaraswamy, distinguished civil servant, falls on July 18, 2005:

Raju Coomaraswamy: a legend in Sri Lanka's post-independence years
 

BY VERNON L. B. Mendis

RAJU Coomaraswamy was a legendry figure in Sri Lanka's post-independence years when he distinguished himself as an international spokesman for Sri Lanka at the United Nations and in international assemblies.

Raju as he was affectionately called had in his behaviour the appearance of being a Maharaja. He had the imperialist presence of a crowned head which was backed by his playful, lovable, endearing nature. He was a combination of an authority in his field and the most lovable human being.

This was essentially a mystery of Raju as he had the combination of authoritative eminence in international affairs and an enduring personality.

His external appearance as a massive built like figure concealed the charm until he was on the floor mesmerising his associates with his manners, witty flow of conversation and his fund of stories, yarns and wisdom. Truly it was an experience to be with him for however long the time.

Raju hailed from a distinguished family as his father was an outstanding civil servant of his time. It was clear that the son was following his footsteps the proof of which was that when he entered the Civil Service Examination he scored a record figure for the viva.

No one can contradict this because his appearance, manner spoke for itself and his entry into the civil service was a foregone conclusion.

There are two aspects of his civil service career. There was his overpowering personality in which he went out of the way and made an effort to bulldoze his way, his combination of charm, experience and skills.

His task was accompanied by healthy laughter, glowing humour which made slaves of his audience. Of course at the official level skills were his ability to win the day without aggressive or overbearing conduct or behaviour.

He had wit and humour which was at times uproarious. To speak to him was a feast of knowledge with wisdom all the way.

It is clear of course that he was no clown or entertainer. Instead he was the supreme spokesman at any level personal or formal and he left his audience enraptured and filled with laughter.

In fact the many stories told of his rare and unique power which was accompanied by appropriate bodily gestures revealed the actor in him. This combination of a gracious personality and outgoing skills made him one of the best speakers of his time.

Among stories told about how he stole the show on many occasions and always in a gracious manner left one in admiration. With him there was no aggression or hostile conduct but instead he never failed to win his audience.

Raju's case too is too well-known to bear repetition. In the outstanding years in the CCS he became the confidant of Ministers and their spokesman.

One of his main achievements was the creation of the Colombo Plan and other similar international organisations in which Sri Lanka was able to assert itself. Of course his early departure was no surprise as the country had the capacity to use his skills in the field.

The reason was his appointment as an International Civil Servant where he distinguished himself and became known to the country. His name became the household word in the international scene. The word "Raju" acquired an international flavour as the by-word for diplomatic skills.

The appointments which he undertook are too numerous to mention and cover the gamut of international affairs from the perspective of Third World countries. Raju's great skill was his ability to move with key figures in the international scene.

There was no limit to what he will attain but fate struck a blow 24 years ago and removed him from our midst leaving the world poorer and of course Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka has not lacked eminent public servants who enriched the administration of country. However, Raju was unique in his possession of all the attributes needed for leadership in a country emerging from colonial rule.

His most remarkable achievement was his ability to work with colleagues and even have his way. This reflected his commanding personality, combined with practical and an ability to win the loyalty of his associates.

This was not easy because as a civil servant obliged to work with equals each would be having their own attributes of envy, jealousy, but Raju had the skills and personality to exercise command and win loyalty.

This attribute may have been remarkable in his own country but with him his role in the United Nations he made his presence felt in a body at a time when the United Nations was fast becoming a world body as distinct from a legal organisation.

It was perhaps people like Raju who gave it leadership and showed the way to attain world leadership. It was Sri Lanka's misfortune and that of the United Nations that he left the world far too soon. Given more years there is no limit to the heights to which he could have risen in his role on the world body.