Kamalasabeyson; Giant of our times -AG

Sarath MALALASEKERA

COLOMBO: As a lawyer, former Attorney General, President’s Counsel K. C. Kamalasabeyson maintained the highest professional standards. Generations of lawyers are greatful to Saba for the contribution that he made to the profession, said Attorney General, President’s Counsel C.R. de Silva. He was addressing the gathering at the General Cemetery Borella at Kamalasabeyson’s funeral.

Kamalasabeyson was indeed a giant of our times-indomitable in courage, steadfast in purpose, total in commitment, clear sighted in vision, irreproachable in character and simple in manner, the Attorney General said.

The Attorney General said that “We are all gathered here to pay our final respects to the remains of a shining star of the legal firmament who has been plucked away by death. Kamalasabeyson, the former Attorney General of Sri Lanka, affectionately referred to as Saba, received his early education at St. Thomas’ college Mount Lavinia.

Saba was an heir to a rich and full education, where his alma mater instilled in him a great value system. Some of the values that have impressed me most are his sense of justice, fair play, integrity and his desire to treat everybody equally, irrespective of race, religion, caste, creed or social status.

He always conducted himself from the sturdy platform of right and wrong. He knew no discrimination. Fair play was his forte and narrow provincialism and ethnic considerations were his enemies.

Saba was a great teacher, a great lawyer and a equally great administrator and above all a great human being.

As a teacher, he not only taught his students the principles of law, but also instilled in them the high standards that one should adhere to in the profession. His entire life as a lawyer was spent at the Attorney General’s Department.

He was a source of strength and encouragement to all officers of this Department. He kept his doors opened to the entire staff. He empathised with their problems and his wise counsel was always greatly appreciated by any one who sought his advice.

I have known Saba for over three and half decades, an association which had its beginnings from our law student days. I have always found Saba to be a good friend, willing to help a friend in need. I have never heard him utter a harsh word and he always conducted himself with a sense of equanimity.

Saba’s demise has caused irreparable loss to his wife Ramani, and daughter Vidaya and the rest of the family members. This void can never be filled.

Saba has lived a fruitful life, doing brilliantly well in his chosen field. All mortals have to one day breathe their last.

As Saba would say this is the inevitable reality. He has played a full innings and an excellent one at that.