The 'late' Mr. Wanigatunga

The ‘late’ Mr. Wanigatunga

That’s how my mother and his sister, Emmie, would refer to him as far as my memory goes.

Growing up in the 1950s and 1960s, life in Sri Lanka was mundane with no TV, Radio or all the present day distractions. Birthdays were the big events when everyone of the extended family would gather. At birthday celebrations at our home, while everyone else came at ‘normal’ hours and left by 9 pm it was lights out thereafter and time for bed. Past 10 pm, we would hear banging and noise at our gate. It would be Uncle Roland and Aunty Perlyn, sometimes with the children tagging along, but never to miss the occasion. The ‘late’ Mr. Wanigatunga had arrived.

As I grew up to around 8 to 12 years of age, I would meet Uncle Roland at these family gatherings. He would find the time to quietly take me away to a corner, and inquire how I was faring at school. What was my position in class? Was I trying for the cricket team? I would reply that my last report gave me the position of 10th in the class. He would pass me ‘One Rupee!’ A most ‘princely’ sum at the time. On other occasions, I would have performed better and achieved 3rd position in class and also now be a member of the cricket team. My reward; a ‘kings ransom’ of ‘Two Rupees!! These rewards would then be shared with Rohan each morning at 7 am at the entrance to the College Gates with ‘Amba Achchaaru’ for 5 cents a serving. This would be a treat we shared for a whole week with plenty of funds in hand. Rohan, would then on be my staunchest supporter do well in my studies and sports, with our mutual rewards surely to come at the next family gathering.

Having left school and commencing employment around 1969, early on I had the opportunity to dabble in some business and the social circuit in Colombo. I was able to broker some business deals between some large companies and small, and also join the Jaycees where I progressed up the hierarchy very rapidly. Having followed Uncle Roland’s career as a Businessman, President of the Rotary Club and as Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce, I thought maybe I could model myself to follow in his ‘footsteps’. I would go to him for counsel and guidance.

Alas, around 1971 the Roland Wanigatunga family decided to emigrate to the USA. But meanwhile I had won his confidence. He left me in charge of some of the winding up affairs as a ‘point man and a follow up-per’. A task I gladly took on. For the next three years or so, he would write to me weekly to meet someone, collect samples and/or mail tender documents, check on his banking matters etc. This led to some business in the Import/Export area too that he commenced along with his friends Siri H, Darsin deS and Seela.K. Then there were Pat C, Sybil W, Jim Rutnam and Donald Wijeratne to be met up with and nudged to respond or make some connections. All this I did to the best of my ability and promptly. In turn, I was hoping that this influence would make me a better person, though Uncle Roland was so far away.



Unfortunately for me, all these dreams were never realised. The true nature in me always surfaced. I was combative, aggressive and totally undiplomatic. I did not last very long with Jaycees or the Chambers of Commerce. Uncle Roland could be tried to be followed but never emulated. I did not have the all consuming gentleman in me, nor diplomacy or charisma to be another Roland. He was a unique individual who I was privileged to know and came to love as all those who had crossed his path.

A most remarkable and charming man, all consummate in his bearing and conduct in the affairs of men and the world, A life, that most of us surely could not emulate.

Uncle Roland, may the turf lay gently over you.

With fond memories always,

Hiran