|
Wimalasiri de Mel, ex-MP:
Trade Unionist and social worker
Wimalasiri de Mel, former MP for Moratuwa from 1970-1977 and
Provincial Councillor from 1988 to 1994, LSSP stalwart, Trade Unionist,
Buddhist and social worker left us on October 31 at the ripe age of 81
years.
He was the last of a generation of Left stalwarts in the calibre of
Rolly Fernando, Watson Fernando, Merryl Fernando and T L C Peiris, who
coloured the multi-religious and multi-cultural Moratuwa skies for more
than six decades.
Left politics
|
Wimalasiri de Mel |
Wimal having taken to politics at a very young age, as most
youngsters of that era did, chose to fight for the cause of the
downtrodden under the banner of Left politics. Moratuwa being home to
the traditional fisherman, carpenter and an enlightened middle class, he
had the fertile ground in place in his own homestead to embark on a
successful political career.
In 1970 with all Left and progressive parties forming an alliance,
Wimal did not confront much difficulty in bagging his victory at the
hustings at the first shy.
He got down to business straight away. He made valuable contributions
in Parliament and at grass roots he served the community well. He served
the fishing community by obtaining mechanized boats to Fisheries
Cooperatives at Egodauyana, Koralawella and Angulana.
As a member of the Fisheries Advisory Committee in Parliament, he
strived to serve the entire fishing community in the length and breadth
of the country.
He never wanted to be sectarian and serve his own people. Instead,
true to his principles and conscience, he fought for the rights of
fishermen as a community.
New bridge
When the original proposal by the Government to construct the new
bridge across the Panadura river at Egodauyana was about to be hijacked
through money power by some interested parties, the Egodauyana Welfare
Youth League mobilised the people in the Southern part of Moratuwa
against it as it would have continued their centuries old isolation.
It has to be stated with much gratitude that Wimal stood by the
people and fought for its construction at the present site.
He made a lasting contribution in the sphere of education by
introducing and pursuing the new concept of National Schools in each
area. In the health sector, he opened Ayurvedic Clinic at Lunawa and
made available the services of Specialised Medical Officers at the
Lunawa Government Hospital. Moratuwa's speciality being carpentry, he
opened new Timber depots of the State Timber Corporation at a few places
for the benefit of the carpenters. He introduced new bus routes with the
assistance of the CTB.
Law-breakers
He did not look for cheap popularity. He was an MP who never
interfered with the Police. He kept away from the law-breakers and
criminal elements. Even his own supporters who were offenders in the
eyes of the Law were left to have their just desserts at the hands of
the Police. What was not just, he neither promoted nor supported. That
was his political culture. He did not mind losing support by adhering to
principles. He was a teetotaller who led a modest and a religious life.
In Quincy, his beloved wife, he had the best and ideal companion who
acted like his shadow. His brother-in-law Seymour, a veteran Communist,
who predeceased him, was under their care as a bachelor until his
demise.
The mantle has fallen on Pujitha, Wimal's son and it is hoped that he
will carry on the legacy left by his illustrious father.
May he attain Nibbana!
- Lionel Fernando
Moratuwa |
