A great Sri Lankan of our times and a distinguished Alumnus of University of Peradeniya... - Lakshman Kadirgamar P.C.

It is with sorrow that we note the sad demise of Hon. Lakshman Kadirgamar, PC, a statesman of rare calibre who was indefatigably working for national unity and reconciliation of Sri Lanka. It is doubly sad the way he met his tragic death.

He was widely respected by Sri Lankans for all his endeavours to bring about lasting peace and unity to this land. Hon. Kadirgamar was one of much respected, brilliant and proud Alumni. He was among the first batch of students of the Law Faculty of the University of Peradeniya. He excelled in studies and sports at Trinity College, Kandy and was awarded the Ryde Gold Medal for the best all round student.

Passing out with LLB (Hons) and as an Advocate from Law College he proceeded to University of Oxford and obtained B.Litt (Oxon). At Oxford he became the President of the Oxford Union which was a very proud achievement for an Asian. In fact, the Oxford Union recently honoured him by unveiling his portrait there. He was a Barrister and a Master of Inner Temple.

The University of Sabaragamuwa awarded a D. Litt to him and he was a President's Counsel since 1991.

Apart from his academic success, he was a brilliant sportsman at the Public School Meets, at University in Sri Lanka and UK and at National level.

He returned to Sri Lanka to do legal practice and then left to the UN in Geneva to accept a senior post with the World Intellectual Property Organization. He was a World Authority on intellectual property law and was also a Consultant to the International Labour Organization.

He entered politics in 1994, as a National List Member of Parliament in the People's Alliance Government of President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, and functioned as Foreign Minister with great distinction. He continued as Foreign Minister in the United People's Freedom Alliance Government at the time of his untimely demise.

He was Chairman of SAARC Council of Ministers (1998-2001) Vice Chairman of Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation in 1999 and Chairman South Asia Foundation - Sri Lanka Chapter, Chairman, Bandaranaike Centre for International Studies where he participated in his final public function on 12th August 2005 till 1 hour before the fatal shooting. He functioned as a Senior Advisor to H.E. the President.

As a distinguished Alumnus he honoured our Association on 17 October 2003 by accepting to deliver the only Memorial Oration he ever did in Sri Lanka in Memory of Late Mr. A.R.C. Perera, a Past President of AAUPCC. His Oration on "Reflections on the Concept of National Interest" was widely applauded by the Audience present and was published by most of the National Media in Sri Lanka.

He worked with the support of the international community to bring about a lasting solution to the national question of Sri Lanka. He was unwavering in his commitment to a free and united Sri Lanka.

The Alumni Association of the University of Peradeniya Colombo Chapter joins the national in its hour of grief at the passing away of a great son of Sri Lanka.

Alumni Association of University of Peradeniya, Colombo Chapter