Sam Wijesinha, a public servant & social worker of much commitment, honor & respect - President
President Mahinda Rajapaksa, in his message of condolence over the death of Sam Wijesinha, states Mr. Wijesinha is a public servant and social worker of much commitment, honour and respect.
He was of immense service to the country and the nation in his many years in the fields of law, administration, Parliamentary Affairs, international relations, civic and social activity and humanitarian Affairs, the President added.
His entry to the Public Service came with considerable learning and experience in diverse fields of activity and made an indelible impression of quality in his service in the history of the Sri Lankan Parliament, as Secretary General and the Parliamentary Commissioner of Administration, as well as his important position of Ombudsman, the President said.
With his deep knowledge of Parliamentary Affairs, he adorned the offices he held at the International Parliamentary Union, Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, and the Asian Parliamentary Association. His respect and commitment to parliamentary tradition did much to bring considerable honour to Sri Lanka in the field of Parliamentary Democracy, the President further stated.
Following is the President’s condolence message over Mr. Sam Wijesinha’s death:
I am deeply saddened on learning of the demise of Mr. Sam Wijesinghe, held in high esteem as a former Secretary General of Parliament and fittingly honoured for his valued service in many sectors, both nationally and internationally.
A public servant and social worker of much commitment, honour and respect, he was of immense service to the country and the nation in his many years in the fields of law, administration, Parliamentary Affairs, international relations, civic and social activity and humanitarian Affairs. On this sad occasion, I also recall with much feeling the guidance he gave me in my political life.
Born at Giruwapattuwa, Hambantota in the Deep South of the country, Sam Wijesinghe had his early education at the Gatemanne Mixed School and subsequently was educated at Rahula College, Matara, Ananda College, Colombo, and S. Thomas’ College, Mt. Lavinia, prior to study at the University of Colombo where he graduated in law. He later obtained a Degree in Arts of the University of London, and a Masters Degree in International Civil Aviation Law at McGill University, Canada. After taking oaths as a lawyer, he served in the Colombo Courts and later joined the Attorney General’s Department where he was an outstanding State Counsel.
His entry to the Public Service came with considerable learning and experience in diverse fields of activity and made an indelible impression of quality in his service in the history of the Sri Lankan Parliament, as Secretary General and the Parliamentary Commissioner of Administration, as well as his important position of Ombudsman. With his deep knowledge of Parliamentary Affairs, he adorned the offices he held at the International Parliamentary Union, Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, and the Asian Parliamentary Association. His respect and commitment to parliamentary tradition did much to bring considerable honor to Sri Lanka in the field of Parliamentary Democracy.
He will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to justice and fair play in the public service, especially in his duties as Secretary General of Parliament and the Parliamentary Ombudsman. This dedication to service, went beyond his retirement from public service and was seen in his duties at the Human Rights Task Force, the Prisoners’ Welfare Society, the Press Complaints Commission and many other voluntary organizations of civil society.
Sam Wijesinghe’s vision of honesty and fairplay in all activities stands out is an example to all who seek progress with such thinking in diverse fields of activity. Members of Parliament, both in Government and the Opposition, obtained immense benefit from his advice and guidance. It is with deep respect that I remember the light that he shone in my years in Parliament. I trust that his sons, Prof. Rajiva and Dr. Sajiva, and daughter Anila Dias Bandaranaike who was the Deputy Governor, Central Bank, will continue this great tradition of service of their father.
In addition to his great service to the country and society, Sam Wijesinghe was also one who had a deep understanding of spiritual life. I share the sorrow at his demise with his children and will do so in the future, too. However, as impermanence remains the nature of all life, in keeping with this teaching of reality, it is my wish that our good friend Sam Wijesinghe would achieve the eternal bliss of Nirvana!
