15th Death Anniversary:

Dr. Gamini Wijesekera

He started his politics while being a University undergraduate and joined active politics while practicing medicine. In 1977, he was elected to the Executive Committee of the United National Party

Srilal JAYAKODY

Dr. Gamini Wijesekera left this world on 24th October 1994 as a result of a bomb attack leveled by the L.T.T.E which was considered as the most violent terrorist organization. He left leaving all of us in eternal sorrow. It is 15 years since his untimely demise.

It is mere destiny that I happened to be so close to Dr. Gamini Wijesekera when I got married to his youngest sister. That was in 1975. From that day onwards I had a very close relationship with him up to his parting in 1994. I am always reminded of his illustrious gentleman's qualities coupled with love and kindness.

Dr. Wijesekera's father Prof. O.H.de A. Wijesekera was a former Vice Chancellor of the University of Colombo and Professor of Sanskrit and a distinguished linguist, and his beloved mother was Mrs. Mabel Wijesekera. Their eldest son Dr. Gamini Wijesekera had his early education at Trinity College, Kandy and higher education at Ananda College, Colombo.

Public service

He entered the Medical Faculty, Peradeniya and passed out as a Doctor. During his studies at the Medical Faculty he became an active member of the "Samavadi Shishya Peramuna". After completing his medical degree, he could have lived a very comfortable life as a Doctor. But he decided against that type of living and ventured into a much arduous life. He joined the public service and in addition to his profession as a Doctor, he joined the Government Medical Officers Association and became its Secretary which entailed a very busy schedule.

Later, he resigned from Government Service and established a Private Medical Clinic close to the High Level Road at Pannipitiya and his friendly attitude and the enormous kindness shown to the patients made him a very popular Doctor in the area. His patients included not only the well to do persons but also the hapless ordinary persons. Not only free medical treatment but free medicine was also given to the needy patients who were ever grateful to him.

He who was so much loved by the people of Pannipitiya was always with them in their sorrow and happiness.

He started his politics while being a University undergraduate and joined active politics while practicing medicine. In 1977, he was elected to the Executive Committee of the United National Party. He served in many Government Statutory Corporations and was appointed as the Secretary to the Ministry of Highways and Transport in 1980 by the then Government. During his service in that post he discharged his duties with much dedication to the progress of that institution. At the by-election held in 1983, he contested the Maharagama Seat as a candidate of the United National Party. He functioned as a Director in many Government institutions which included among others Lanka Milk Foods, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment and the University Grants Commission.

He was also a social worker and was the first Chairman of the Rotary Club of Maharagama. For some time he was the Chairman of the Cancer Society of Maharagama. He headed the Colombo District Cricket Board and at the same time he was appointed Senior Vice Chairman of the Sri Lanka Cricket Board.

Political

In 1993, he was elected a UNP member of the Western Provincial Council. He was appointed as the General Secretary of the U.N.P and became a Member of Parliament in 1994. He was determined to take Sri Lanka to the democratic political main stream. It is no exaggeration to identify him as one person who came forward to create gentlemen's politics in Sri Lanka.

Although he marched along such a difficult track he never did anything to bring misery on others, which quality he discerned from his early childhood.

I have heard of the story that during his childhood, when he became angry, he managed to control his emotions by biting his own hand without hurting others feelings. I know for certain that Dr. Wijesekera did not harm even a small insect.

He never discriminated against anybody and treated all alike irrespective of their social status. Even now his relations and friends recollect this quality whenever we meet them.

At the time of his demise his daughter and son were small kids. His daughter Bhavani, who followed her father's footsteps, sat for the medical degree final examination a few days ago and will be entering the medical profession as a Doctor very soon. How proud he would have felt if he lived to be with her and be a guide to her. His son Dumesh is now a fully grown youth and has ventured in to a successful business concern.

His loss is felt not only among his family members but among all those who had contact with him. His beloved wife, Daisy Wijesekera had to discharge the parental responsibilities and duties towards their children both as father and mother. She had to see that they were properly educated. His mother who is now 90 years at times laments over the loss of her son.

Social worker

Every year since 1994, an alms-giving is held for the inmates of a Children's Home on 9th October, his birthday. On the day prior to 24th October on which he passed away, a Bana sermon is held at their residence, followed by a Sangika Dana on the following day with the participation of his family members.

May Dr. Wijesekara, who was a Doctor, eminent politician, social worker as well as a loving husband and father attain the supreme bliss of Nibbana.