A rare and exemplary judge who was an honour to his title
The sudden demise of Justice Pulasiri Wijeratne has left a great void in the judiciary. The loss of this eminent personality is deeply and widely felt. Justice Wijeratne was a shining example to the younger generation. He was someone who pursued the cause of justice above and beyond comfort zones and personal gain. He was a legal luminary who spurned fame and fortune. He never delivered a vengeful verdict.
The true greatness of a man lies in how he acquired that greatness. He observed that people usually think highly of those who rise rapidly to fame, but nothing rises quicker than dust, straw and feathers. A Sinhala scholar once said that the laws in an undemocratic society are like “a country where nudity is legalised and respect for wearing clothes is a joke.”
We need to be reminded of the days when an elite coterie of judges acted without greed for material gain.
Justice Wijeratne retired prematurely, maintaining his self-respect, and always conscious of the prestigious position he held. Of him it can be truly said: “Titles of honour add not to his worth, who is himself an honour to his title.”
Justice Wijeratne ran the gauntlet of a demanding profession and stood for what was right. He was among a handful of judges who were unafraid to ruffle feathers, inside or outside the judiciary. His dedication and loyalty to the profession were never in doubt. He was a gentleman of absolute honesty and integrity. Justice Wijeratne was a special kind of person, with his own order of values.some might say that Justice Wijeratne was unpopular in the judicial circle, but this did not bother him. He knew that such criticism came mostly from legal crooks driven by mercenary motives. Once he reached a decision, he remained firm and resolute.
His kindness and compassion knew no bounds. He never abused power or privilege. Not for him the machinations and reprehensible conduct of today’s so-called adjudicators. Political pressure was brought on him at trials, but he remained unswayed, saying truth and justice were the hallmark of his existence. He and his family led a simple life. They believed that happiness was not based on the possession of luxuries. He moved freely in the higher echelons but was accessible to all who wished to meet him. His acts of humanity included helping the needy in their most miserable hours.
His life in court was governed by the most precise etiquette. He was deeply concerned about violations of human rights, and law-breakers were granted no reprieve.
I was privileged to work with Justice Wijeratne when he was a magistrate at Baddegama, in 1972, and I was a novice Sub Inspector. I was a cub prosecutor then, and I learnt my first lesson in court procedure from my mentor. He inspired and guided my life as a police officer. When political viruses entered, I decided to leave the service with dignity.
I remember his advice when I got heavily involved with certain politicians and Cabinet Ministers and later, as Officer-in-charge of Polgahawela and Hettipola, 1983-1987, I filed cases against the MP for Polgahawela and Panduwasnuwara. By chance, I met Justice Wijeratne in the AG’S Department. His advice was: “Do the justice you know and you shall learn the justice you need to know – be sure you are right, then go ahead.”
I owe him a huge debt of gratitude for all he taught me and the values he inculcated in me. He was a towering influence in my formative years in the Police Department. It is said that a leader creates more leaders by virtue of his deeds. Justice Wijeratne’s gentle smile, patient listening ear, and sound advice brought much comfort and relief to many a troubled and desperate soul.
He was a loving husband and a devoted father to his well-educated children. The greatest gift he left his family was his good name. They can proudly say: “Justice Wijeratne was our father.”
Justice Wijeratne hailed from a distinguished family from the South. The light that once illuminated his house at Malambe has been suddenly extinguished. He trod lightly and spoke softly, but the echo of his noble life will live on.
Let us draw solace from the Dhammapada: “Rare is the noble man, he is not born everywhere; wherever that steadfast man is born, that family obtains happiness.”
Life goes on, and when the inevitable call comes, we must go. Having gained so much from this gentleman par excellence, I feel compelled to write this tribute in memory of a truly great human being who made an unprecedented contribution to the judiciary of our motherland.
“Poojatha Poojaneeyanan” – respect those who deserve to be respected – Lord Buddha
Sarath Dhanapala