Book review:

The way Shahul spoke

Title: The Valley of Gems: Parliamentary speeches by A C S Hameed
Compiled and edited: A H M Azwer

Abdul Cader Shahul Hameed was the first minister of foreign affairs of Sri Lanka and served in that capacity from 1978 to 1989, and again from 1993 to 1994. Stocky, bushy eyed and a tower of knowledge, particularly in international affairs, Hameed received his secondary education at St. Anthony’s College, Katugastota, Vijaya College, Matale and Zahira College, also in Matale.

He entered politics at the age of 29, in 1956, and joined the UNP. From the inception, his burrough was the Kandyan electorate of Akurana, which he represented for long years, winning eight consecutive elections, spanning four decades. A genial host, fair and always immaculately clad in dark suits, braces, waistcoat and highly polished shoes, he could well have been mistaken for a British laird of the 19th century.

Shahul Hameed was a quiet, competent politician, who chose his words with meticulous care, hence he was slow in speech. Azwer, who has taken great pains to edit and publish Hameed’s speeches, says they contribute towards the richness of such texts, which are preserved in the Hansard over the years. His disposition, protracted style in rendering speeches in and out of parliament, all projected his thoroughness and clarity.

Perennially sporting a smile, Hameed always lightened the proceedings, says Azwer in his introduction. Hameed handled many an unenviable task with undaunted courage, using his diplomatic skills when the country was experiencing the worst terrorist problem in international history. Azwer and Hameed shared a unique trait, in that both were trilingual, which helped them tremendously in their political lives.

Never short of wit, Hameed, speaking on the first Budget of the SLFP government in 1960 said, “The SLFP government has risen phoenix-like, or Felix-like, from its own ashes.”

Speaking on bill for the demarcation of administrative districts in 1961, he said: “One Swallow does not make a summer” and went onto to say, “You just cannot say to a man crying for bread, if there is no bread, you can have cake.”

On safeguarding the fauna and flora of this country, discussing a supplementary estimate for the Irrigation Department, Hameed drew attention to the Plant Protection Ordinance of 1925, and it’s not been put into effect in this country, he said: “Bibile citrus is deceased. Galewela papaw is deceased. Dumbara Valley cocoa is deceased. Matale ladies fingers are deceased.” C P de Silva, who was the minister in charge of the subject, asked: “What is wrong with the ladies fingers, Mr. Hameed?”

Pat came the reply, “That will interest you very much. You know more about ladies fingers than about your subject.”

Speaking at the second reading of the Mines and Minerals Bill, Hameed said,“…If you see a beautiful menike carrying a kalagediya on her hip and walking along the paddy field it must excite you. If you see a beautiful menike carrying a kalagediya on her hip and walking along the paddy field and do not get excited, there is something wrong with you.”

The Valley of Gems is a must read for all those interested in politics and wit.

- Geoff Wijesinghe