Harold Herat's birth anniversary falls today:

Harold Herat - a rare politician

K.I. de Silva

Harold - a genial, kind, humane, caring, gentleman. We had been friends for a half a century of years and with each passing year our friendship had matured and strengthened.

Harold lived in a spacious mansion in Marawila, and commenced his legal practice in Chilaw and Marawila. Even as a junior in the profession, when he walked into Court he was the cynosure of all eyes. His mien, his demeanour, a refined gracefulness and personality caused a fleeting moment of silence.

He had retained me on a few occasions in both courts, and when I searched the library of my mind the colour print that flashed was Harold in Court attire, as always, immaculate.

It has been said that the Law is a jealous mistress. As his initial interest in politics became more intense, within a short time he broke the shackles of this jealous mistress. He won the Parliamentary seat for Nattandiya and held it for more than a score of years.

Before that, however, he commenced courting Gwen. This must have been a thirsty ordeal, for on his return journey from Dehiwela to Marawila often he would "pop in" to my residence to quench his thirst! Marawila/Dehiwela/Marawila was easy for Harold, for destination Gwen beckoned him. Love. Yes, he was an emotional guy. Together, they made a lovely couple - and three wonderful children - Shamara, Awanka and Parveen.

He was one of a rare breed who was naturally friendly and many were drawn to him, for his friendliness had a certain magnetism. Smiles came easily to him, and is chubby cherubic countenance would glow with happiness. In four decades and more of association with him, I do not recall ever, a frown on his face. Unpleasant circumstances would make him silent, thoughtful. His speech was measured, thinking on his feet and his voice was soft, mellow.

Though he could raise the decibel count especially in wide open spaces at election time when his voice would be heard clearly, to the farther boundaries. And, this was the reason that all whom he met in politics to whatever political party they belonged exuded friendliness. He paid little attention to security. At the height of the JVP insurrections, he would drive to Negombo, without any security, and when I remonstrated with him and advised him, he would smile and say "Don't you worry, no one would harm me". Most evenings he would visit the Marawila Club for his two sets of tennis and often return after dusk, without any security.

He held the highest positions in the UNP Government. His first appointment was as Coconut Industries Minister (a subject close to his heart and mind, for he was the owner of perhaps the highest yielding coconut property in Sri Lanka) and later he was Justice, Finance, Foreign Affairs - a series of responsible portfolios. His speeches were listened to, whether in Parliament, or as the guest speaker, in a gamut of countries, worldwide, and in the United Nations, attentively and their contents noted, appreciatively.

Loyalty to his party was natural to him. He was not nominated to contest an election once, but it did not deter him from giving his total support to his party. During this period when he was not a Member of Parliament, Chandrika Kumaratunge who was President then, had invited him to meet her. This was unusual. So, as always, Harold had a chat with me. An invitation from the President required to be honoured, unquestionably. We decided he should inform his Party Leader, Ranil, and then meet the President. This he did.

Harold retired from politics, gracefully, and so is remembered with affection by all whose lives he touched in numerous ways during his political career. An index of the cordiality, the sincerity of the friendship members of all political parties had for Harold and the esteem in which he is held is that members of all parties in the region - PA, UNP, JVP - were the organizers and prime movers in the invitation to participate in the ceremony when the new Public Library dedicated to Harold was opened and his statue was unveiled on his second death anniversary.

Indeed, the momentum is rapidly moving for each of us to be Sri Lankans first and last and that precisely had been Harold's life story. His life, social or political, for more than half a century of years, Harold cared for all whom he touched, with kindness and gentleness, sans creed, sans caste, sans ethnicity, caring not for human divisions. On that day, members of all political parties bonded themselves together to, affectionately, honour his life and service to humanity.

Of the many and varied facets of the distinguishing qualities and notable traits, many would remember the richness of is moral values, his nobility of thought and deed, his steadfast loyalty to honesty and integrity, his inflexible principles of excellence and strength, and more which to Harold was natural and a way of life; and so, he was a living example to the young and the not so young. He never sacrificed principle for profit nor convictions for convenience.

Despite the inevitable stresses and strains and tensions of the constant pressures and problems of the bonds, Harold managed time whether day or night to honour his appointments and obligations. He had an amazing knack to switch off his political life and switch on his family life which was exemplary. A loving caring husband, a lovable father of three lovable children.

Finger prints - we leave them on whatever we touch - furniture, dishes, door knobs, books. When we touch them we leave our identity; but our identity could be washed and wiped away in an instant. Harold left heart prints - of understanding, love, kindness, concerns, by touching the hearts and lives of others, preserved by each for a life time.