Major General Richard Udugama:

Just and upright leader

Right of reply

I would like to bring to your notice the article Conspiracies to overthrow the Government which appeared in the Daily News Page 7 on Friday, February 12.

It is with much regret that I read this article of something which happened 44 years ago and the person concern died 15 years ago. I am the daughter of Major General Richard Udugama, MBE, former Commander of the Sri Lanka Army. The information given in the article is wrong and it has caused much pain to me, my brother and our families.

Major General Richard Udugama

There are three grandchildren who are still students and due to this incomplete article which makes my father and the children's grandfather look like a traitor has caused much heartache.

I would therefore wish to clear certain falsehoods and misconceptions the readers would have gathered from this feature article. Please permit me the 'Right of Reply' which I feel as a citizen of Sri Lanka has every right to correct wrong falsehoods.

My father was not on a tour of England to inspect military hardware for the Sri Lanka Army as mentioned in your article. He was on a four-Nation tour to inspect training schools in England, Germany, France and Switzerland. The CID Director visited him in UK and had discussions with him about the allegations against him during this tour. (Sri Lanka Army 50th Anniversary Publication (199) - pg. 182)

He knew that he was to be arrested and so did my mother as she was informed unofficially. He had the option of staying in England or seeking asylum in another country as there were offers but him been a bold, fearless, just and upright person decided to come back to clear his good name. My father never conspired to overthrow the Government in 1966; the fact is that the Government suspected his involvement. He had a very fair trial and the highest Court in Sri Lanka the 'Supreme Court' found him 'Not Guilty' and acquitted him of all charges. During the trial the prosecution case against Gen Udugama unfolded itself only to expose not only the complete lack of evidence on any of the charges but pointed conclusively to a 'Frame Up' against Gen Udugama (Sri Lanka Army 50th Anniversary Publication (1999) - pg 187). His lawyers were Neville Samarakoon Q.C. (later Chief Justice) and Tissa Wijeyaratne (later Ambassador to France).

There were widespread joy and happiness in the Army and in the country when he was found 'Not Guilty' and released from custody. He was accorded a rousing welcome from the citizens of Matale, his hometown. (Army 50th Anniversary Publication (199) - pg 192).

He won the Matale seat on the SLFP ticket in 1970 and was a Member of Parliament until 1977. He was an Ambassador for Sri Lanka from 1979 to 1982. He was bestowed the title of Deshamanya. He led a most dignified retired life in Matale until his demise on May 14, 1995. He was accorded a State funeral with full Military honours. "May he enjoy the merits we bestow upon him in the journey of Sansara."

- Kshanika Udugama