Lalith Athulathmudali:
Great son of Sri Lanka
Emotional intelligence of a true people’s
representative:
S V D Kesarralal Gunasekera
Remarkable leader
Born:
November 26, 1936
Died:
April 23, 1993
Political party:
Democratic United National Front
Occupation:
Politician
Profession:
Barrister, University lecturer
Late Lalith Athulathmudali was mostly known among the public as a
great politician, a skilful orator and a pragmatic leader. One thing
known only to those who had close interactions with him is the unique
ability he had in dealing with people. The skill and competency he had
to work with people, is what is now called ‘emotional intelligence’ by
the human resource experts.
Lalith Athulathmudali |
I write this primarily as a tribute to Lalith Athulathmudali on his
74th birth anniversary. However, if any of the present day politicians
could take at least a single lesson from his life as a true people’s
representative, it would be a great fortune.
Having worked so closely with the late Minister, I can vouch for his
genuineness in being a people’s representative - and not a mere
politician. He had his own system for dealing with and helping his
constituents to resolve their problems.
He had declared three days of the week; Monday, Wednesday and Friday
for people to meet him at his political office in Ratmalana. His office
was open from 6 am and all his staff were required to arrive before him.
This alone is indicative of his dedication to the people who elected him
to Parliament.
Time management
The public days which were declared by him, had clear objectives; to
meet the individual, to give a patient hearing and send the person off
with a satisfactory answer. In order to achieve these objectives, time
management was key. It was Athulathmudali’s idea that persons with major
problems should come the day before. My task was to meet the person and
get all the information with regards to the problem. The following day,
in the presence of the person concerned I had to present the case to
Athulathmudali, who wasted no time in taking action.
His services to people did not stop at his party supporters or those
who voted for him. I remember that once he had given a recommendation
for a daughter of a Lanka Sama Samaja Party (LSSP) stalwart, to get into
training to become a nurse. Some of the local politicians from the
branch organisations in Ratmalana area were unhappy about his decision
for giving a recommendation for a non-party member. Some were raising
the issue of the girl being unsuitable to become a nurse.
Athulathmudali, as usual kept his calm. He showed no signs of being
upset that his staff were questioning his judgment and decision. One day
he called the girl in question to his office. She was asked to bring her
curriculum vitae and certificates. Keeping the girl in one office, he
called in the local politicians who were having problems with her being
selected, to his office.
He instructed them to interview the girl and go through her
certificates to see if she is really suitable to go for nursing. They
were rather embarrassed and were quick to realize that their complaints
were based solely on the girl’s political background and not on her real
qualifications. The matter ended there. It was rather interesting how
Athulathmudali, instead of defending his decision, made them realize the
importance of being impartial.
Local politicians
There were many other occasions where Athulathmudali was approached
by party people to advise him on certain appointments. Once someone
alerted him that Lakshman de Mel, a highly respected civil servant was a
leftist. This was cited as a barrier for him to be appointed into a high
rank in Athulathmudali’s Ministry. Athulathmudali’s response was; ‘ I do
not mind if he follows any other political ideology as long as he can
deliver the work”.
Political ideologies
A similar concern was raised when T S Silva was to be appointed as
principal of Hena Vidyalaya. A message was sent to Athulathmudali that T
S Silva was a ‘blue eyed boy’ of late MP Vivienne Gunawardhene.
Athulathmudali’s reaction was the same; that irrespective of political
affiliations, if the person can do the job, that is all that matters.
Frankly, Athulathmudali had no fear of other political ideologies or
favour for his own party. He never worked thinking that only those who
voted for him or in his party are most suited to take up jobs. We truly
miss the days of Athulathmudali, where his vision was clear; right
person for the right job.
Athulathmudali always led by example. His way of driving a message
home was through very interesting and entertaining ways. During his time
as the Education Minister, he sent out a circular to all schools stating
how a school prize giving should be conducted and the maximum time
duration for it.
Subsequent to this circular, he was invited by a leading girls’
school in Galle to be the chief guest at their annual prize giving. The
function began with a welcome song, a dance and log and elaborate speech
by the principal. I noticed that he was checking his watch constantly.
Knowing what was in the circular, I was waiting to see a reaction
from him as the prize giving ceremony was bound to exceed the allocated
time.
He called the girl who was compering the event and whispered
something in her ear. The principal and teachers were curious to find
out what his plan was. The girl announced the awarding of prizes on the
instruction given by Athulathmudali. This, which was the last item on
the agenda was thus moved up. He distributed the prizes.
Then he was called to deliver his address. At the podium, his speech
was brief. He said that his circular on school prize-giving ceremonies
gives a specific time frame and this time will be up in a few minutes.
“I cannot break my own rules,” he said and wished all the prizewinners
all success and ended his speech. I was amazed. It was important that he
distributed the prizes within the stipulated time and did not embarrass
the principal and staff publicly. What was most important was that
following the event, he spent over 45 minutes talking to the teachers
and having tea with them. He simply delivered his speech informally
during the tea break and also made sure that the principal and staff
understood the circular on prize giving.
Civil servants
Athulathmudali is someone from whom we can learn about
professionalism. He was also fortunate to have very professional and
knowledgeable civil servants in his team.
One such person that comes to my mind is late Gaya Cumaranatunga,
Additional Secretary at the Trade and Shipping Ministry was one of the
finest officials who worked under him. They had a unique understanding
and a way of working between them. Particularly when it came to matters
concerning high confidentiality and that of sensitive nature,
Cumaranatunga would make his recommendations in Latin.
Athulathmudali would also write his responses in Latin. This way,
both maintained a high level of confidentiality when it was required and
left no room for speculation. Athulathmudali was a scrupulously honest
leader and those who were in his top team were equally honest and
dedicated to public service.
To be continued |