The man who sought to save himself from the boastful ‘I’

The late Dr. A.C.S. Hameed was first elected to Parliament in March 1960 representing the Akurana electorate which was later known as Harispattuwa.

Since then he was returned to Parliament in eight consecutive elections and he counted 39 years in parliament – the longest unbroken record then for a parliamentarian of Sri Lanka.

In 1977, Dr. Hameed was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs and he served the country in this post for 12 years. In 1989, he became the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology. Subsequently he was appointed Minister of Justice and Higher Education.

In 1993, he was reappointed as Minister of Foreign Affairs for a second term. With the change of government in August 1994, he remained an active member of the Opposition until September 3rd 1999 -- the day on which he passed away.

Dr. Hameed held the chair of the Non Alignment Ministerial Conference from 1977 to 1979. His forte was trouble shooting. He was associated with many difficult and delicate negotiations of the Non Alignment movement. As Higher Education Minister, he faced an explosive situation when a vice chancellor was shot dead during the 1988-90 insurrection period. He handled the difficult situation diligently amid student unrest. Dr. Hameed was man of national unity. It was historic when Harispattuwa’s Buddhist people had an all-night Pirith and a Dane on the first death anniversary of Dr. Hameed. It was aptly held at the Katugastota Baudda Bala Mandalaya, which he built. Some 77 Buddhist priests attended the Dane and 101 Ata pirikara were presented.

He was loved by all communities for his impartial attitude.

On the domestic front, he was engaged in negotiations with the LTTE for 14 months during which period Sri Lanka enjoyed relative peace and stability. He was the only parliamentarian who met LTTE leader Velupillai Prabakaran.

An avid writer, Dr. Hameed authored many books. They are: 1. Foreign Policy Perspective of Sri Lanka 2. “In pursuit of Peace” on Non-Alignment

and Regional Cooperation 3. The Owl and the Lotus 4. “The Spring of Love and Mercy” - A book on spirituality. I would like to present a poem from his book The spring of Love and Mercy: Save me Oh Lord! From my conceited I Who wants to be high Who wants to often fly Thou alone hear my silent sigh Thou alone know the reason why When will I say good-bye To my vain boastful I I see Thy Light glow Silent streams flow Hidden breeze blow And enjoy the thrill Being gentle and low We pray that he will be given a place in the Jennathul Firdouse