June 30, 2013, 9:26 pm


By Dr. Upul Wijayawardhana

Just over three months ago, when I met Amara Hewamadduma at his brother-in-law’s funeral, it did not occur to me, even in the wildest of my dreams, that I would be writing this article. Amare looked so healthy and cheerful, as always. He was concerned that I would make his sister cry by talking too much about her husband. When I told him ‘it is good to cry’, he asked me ‘is it really?’ He can never know how many would have shed tears on hearing of his untimely death which leaves a huge void in Sri Lanka.

As we were parting, he insisted that I visit him at home before I return to England. He countered all my excuses and insisted that I give one hour of my time which I could not refuse. When I went to his place he started interviewing me and at the end of it, told me that my life story will be in his next "Amara Samara Apuru Charitha", a series of books he published describing the life and times of important personalities of our Motherland. I felt honoured at the time but was shocked when, on return, I browsed through the five volumes he had given me on a previous occasion but never got the time to read. Looking at the ‘greats’ included in the five volumes, I could not convince myself that I deserved inclusion except for Amare’s desire to acknowledge the life-long friendship we had.

Amare was born to a farming family in the village adjacent to mine, Lenaduwa about three miles from Matara, more than a year ahead of me on 5th September 1939. We studied together for six years at Rahula College, Matara in parallel classes, as Amare was interested in the arts whereas I was interested in science. I had to leave Rahula in 1957 to join Ananda College due to lack of facilities at the former for medical entrance, but Amare continued In Rahula till he entered Peradeniya University in 1959.

Having studied Sinhala, History and Archaeology, Amare obtained an Honours degree in 1963 and joined the teaching staff of Sri Lanka Vidyalaya in Maradana. After a short stint in the Army, Amare joined the Sri Lanka Administrative Service in 1965, having passed the selection examination with very high marks. He started his career as Assistant Commissioner of Agrarian services in Anuradhapura and having held many appointments including Additional Secretary of Agrarian Services, he was appointed Government Agent, Anuradhapura in 1977, at a time there was severe turmoil in the country. In fact he had to travel to Anuradhpura with a curfew pass to start work!

Amare was able to establish relative calm in Anuradhapura district, the largest district in the country, in a few months and led a number of development projects. Though he held numerous high offices including Director of Cultural Affairs, Chairman of Sri Lanka Transport Board and Secretary to the Ministry of Religious and Cultural affairs, I am sure his favourite appointment must have been this because he titled his autobiography, published in 2009, "Govi Gedarin Disapathi Medurata" (From Farmhouse to Residency)

As an administrative service officer, Amare saw the unfortunate transition; Politicians seizing absolute power, making administrative officers their pawns. As he refused to do so as Secretary to the Ministry of Religious and Cultural affairs, he was sent to ‘the Pool’ in the ministry of Public Administration! Among the many anecdotes in his beautifully written autobiography is a story which contrasted this, at the beginning of his career.

As GA Anuradhapura he received an application for a gun license recommended by a high ranking minister but he refused it as the applicant was unsuitable. When the minister came with the refusal letter to see Amare, he had offered him a cup of tea and a cigarette and had started chatting. The minister had said;

"Amare, you know I am a minister and I recommended this but you refused"

"Yes sir, I know very well you are a Minister but you also know that as the GA, I am the competent authority to make the decision on gun permits. In spite of your recommendation, I rejected it as the applicant was unsuitable"

"Give me another cigarette, Amare," said the smiling minister as he left!

Today, can any government servant say this to a minister? He can, but at the risk of being tied to a tree!!

After narrating this incident, Amare comments that even then politicians tried to get favours for their supporters but never misused their authority. Explains why we are in such a mess today!

The bedrock of Amare’s life was Sandapali, whom he married in September 1966. They met while he was teaching at Sri Lanka Vidyalaya. She was studying for an external degree and I am told overcame a lot of competition from other female students to win the heart of her favourite teacher! In spite of obtaining a degree, Sandapali opted to look after Amare, their daughters Ruwanmalee and Bimba and only son Kosala.

Amare is better known for his literary activities. He was a prolific writer and broadcaster. He was a regular writer to many Sinhala newspapers and has published many books in addition to editing a number of important works. In my opinion his most important contribution is the "Amara Samara" series. Each book has 36 life stories of people who have made a significant contribution to our country and I know of no other source of information of this nature. I do hope this series will be continued by another literary figure or an associate of Amare which will perpetuate Amare’s memory. I can not think of a better life story to start the next book than Amare’s.

Though I realize, when we reach a certain age, we are in ‘the departure lounge’; also that the only certainity in life is death, still when someone like Amare, who could have contributed much more to our country leaves us, it leaves an unfillable void. My way of consoling myself is to think of the simple village life we had as children and the continuing friendship we cherished.

May he attain Nibbana!

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