A fearless and independent decision-maker

It is one year since the demise of Dharmasena Wijesinghe, former Senior Administrator, who held a number of senior positions in the public service, as Government Agent, Secretary to a number of Ministries and finally as Secretary to the Cabinet of Ministers, before being posted as Sri Lanka’s envoy to South Africa.

His career in the public service with many bouquets, (and also a few temporary setbacks), is vividly described in his autobiography written and published by him, a few years ago.

My first acquaintance with Mr. Wijesinghe was when he assumed duties as Secretary to the Ministry of Coconut Industries, succeeding Dr. P.G. Punchihewa in 1983. While functioning as Secretary to the Ministry, he was also the ex-officio Chairman of the Governing Board of the Coconut Development Authority, where I worked as Director of an operational Division, at that time.

The time Mr. Wijesinghe took over the administrative reins of the coconut industry, was when the industrial and export sectors,were undergoing radical changes, with new trade policy formulations being introduced and implemented, following the liberalisation of the economy. Applying these changes to the coconut industry overnight, seemed almost revolutionary, since until then, the industrial and export sectors of the industry had been subject to fairly rigid regulatory procedures, deemed at that time, to be in the best interest of majority stakeholders and the coconut industry as a whole.These changes in their wake, brought in frequent disputes arising mainly from conflicts of interest between the numerous stakeholders of the industry and trade, often placing State institutions at the centre of controversy and criticism. It was in this context, that we saw the true calibre of Mr. Wijesinghe as a veteran administrator and skilful negotiator. His pro-active approach in implementing state policies for the betterment of the industry as a whole and his participatory style of involving stakeholders in vital discussions and decisions, helped resolve many a major issue in the industry. He had an unbiased and clear mind in his approach to solving problems and issues that frequently confronted the industry at that time.

He was a fearless and independent decision-maker and was quite clear and firm in what could be done and should be done in controversial and difficult issues. He was outspoken and forthright in the discharge of his official duties. These rare qualities perhaps contributed to a few unpleasant moments in his public service career, as elaborated by him in his autobiography.

All the same, in handling major issues he always consulted relevant officials and appreciated their views and opinions. He inspired others to think of new and alternative solutions to problems facing the industry and trade. Simple as he was, he often had a remarkable influence on the lives of others who worked with him and for him.

Even in later years, we found these great qualities in Mr. Wijesinghe’s personal life. True to his name he was a firm believer and follower of the Dhamma. Mr. Wijesinghe would be best remembered as an exemplary public servant of rare calibre, an unassuming diplomat and above all, a gentleman par excellence, in the true sense of the words.

To his immediate family members to whom he was a mighty tower of strength and a great source of inspiration, his loss is irreparable, as it is to his motherland. May he attain the Bliss of Nibbana.

Henry Tillekeratne