A Justice Minister who embraced our diverse culture
August 11 marked the fifth death anniversary of my grandfather, the late E. P. Paul Perera, President’s Counsel.
Seeya had a colourful political career that stemmed from his passion for history, law and justice for the people of our country. Founded on a Bachelor of Arts with Honours in History from the University of Colombo, my grandfather’s public service career began at the Department of National Archives, where he served as the Assistant Government Archivist before entering the Law College.
While enjoying an extensive private practice, Seeya became active in politics. He was instrumental in the United National Party’s success in 1977 – something we all look back on and reminisce about. During the new UNP government’s regime he served in a number of institutions, ranging from the Times of Ceylon to the Greater Colombo Economic Commission.
At the peak of his political career, Seeya entered Parliament in 1983, representing the Kaduwela Electorate. Subsequently, he had the honour of serving as the Minister of Justice in 1988. Following a second term in Parliament, where he contested from the Attanagalla electorate, he was appointed Minister of Science and Technology, and later Minister of Lands.
Seeya encouraged us to achieve to our highest abilities. He was certainly a great role model and an inspiration to our family.
The year I was born, Seeya was appointed a President’s Counsel – an achievement for “Attorneys-at-Law who have reached eminence in the profession and have maintained high standards of conduct and professional rectitude,” as stated in Article 33 of our Constitution.
Seeya was also a great sportsman in his youth, having won many athletics championships at school. Seeya and I shared a common interest in cricket. He was my first cricket coach. We would play in his garden every Sunday. I clearly remember his unplayable underarm “doosras” and his proud smile when I managed to get bat on ball.
I spent many hours after school (after finishing my homework, of course) sitting with Seeya at his residence in Ward Place, a house I have many memories of in my growing-up years. I recall guest appearances by the late J. R. Jayewardene, the late Gamini Dissanayake, and the present Opposition Leader, Mr. Ranil Wickremesinghe. This was the time Seeya would tell us stories of the history of Sri Lanka and the culture of our Sinhalese and Tamil people, while we enjoyed my grandmother’s cooking. Seeya loved his country. Although he was retired from active politics for much of my childhood, he made it a point to take us around our motherland. As a result, I got to see the beauty of Sri Lanka and learn about the history and folklore behind our stunning landmarks, from the conch shell used by King Dutugemunu to gather his soldiers at Sankapala to the folk tale behind the creation of Ravana’s vettu when attempting to take Koneswaram to his dying mother.
I remember visiting the Madhu Church in the District of Mannar. Although this was during the ceasefire in 2005, the journey was sprayed with a heavy LTTE presence. It was quite an intimidating experience for someone not used to seeing young men and women wearing striped tigeresque uniforms and carrying weapons.
Seeya had a great ability to speak the languages of the land, whether it was Sinhala, Tamil or English. This meant he could converse with anyone, from a coconut vendor in Jaffna to a mudalali in the Colombo market. His calm manner and strength of character in handling any situation was very comforting to everyone around him.
His colourful career as a lawyer and his achievements while serving the people of our country is a source of pride and inspiration.
Seeya lived his life according to the following sayings from Christian and Buddhist scripture. I feel these quotations reflect Seeya’s legacy.
From the Bible, St. Mark’s Gospel, 8:36: – “What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his own soul?”
From the Dhammapada Yamakavagga, Verse 16: – “Here he rejoices, hereafter he rejoices; one who performed meritorious deeds rejoices in both existences. He rejoices and greatly rejoices when he sees the purity of his own deeds.” Seeya, you are always in our thoughts. May you Rest in Peace. May you Attain Nibbana. Your loving grandson, on behalf of your ever-loving family,
Mudara Perera