Dr. Gamini Wijesekera left this world on 24th October 1994 as a result of a bomb attack by the L.T.T.E which was considered the most violent terrorist organisation in the world. He left all of us in eternal sorrow. It is 15 years since his untimely demise.

It is mere destiny that I happened to be so close to Dr. Gamini Wijesekera, when I got married to his youngest sister. That was in 1975. From that day onwards I had a very close relationship with him up to his death in 1994. I am always reminded of his illustrious gentleman’s qualities, especially love and kindness.

Dr. Wijesekera’s father Prof. O. H. De A. Wijesekera was a former Vice Chancellor of the University of Colombo and Professor of Sanskrit and a distinguished linguist and his beloved mother was Mrs. Mabel. Wijesekera. Their eldest son Gamini Wijesekera had his early education at Trinity College, Kandy and higher education at Ananda College, Colombo. He entered the Medical Faculty, Peradeniya and passed out as a Doctor. During his studies at the Medical Faculty he became an active member of the "Samavadi Shishya Peramuna". After completing his medical degree, he could have lived a very comfortable life as a doctor. But he decided against that type of living and ventured into a much arduous life. He entered the public service as a doctor and joined the Government Medical Officers’ Association, of which he became Secretary.

Later, he resigned from Government Service and established a Private Medical Clinic close to the High Level Road at Pannipitiya and his friendly attitude and the enormous kindness shown to the patients made him a very popular doctor in the area. His patients included not only the well to do persons but also the ordinary persons. He treated the poor free of charge.

He entered politics as an undergraduate and joined active politics while practising medicine. In 1977, he was elected to the Executive Committee of the United National Party. He served in many government Statutory Corporations and was appointed Secretary to the Ministry of Highways and Transport in 1980 by the then Government. During his service in that post he discharged his duties with much dedication to the progress of that institution. At the by-election held in 1983, he contested the Maharagama Seat as a candidate of the United National Party. He functioned as a Director in many government institutions which included among others Lanka Milk Foods, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment and the University Grants Commission.

He was also a social worker and the first Chairman of the Rotary Club of Maharagama. For some time he was the Chairman of the Cancer Society of Maharagama. He headed the Colombo District Cricket Board and was appointed Senior Vice Chairman of the Sri Lanka Cricket Board.

In 1993, he was elected a UNP member of the Western Provincial Council. He was appointed as the General Secretary of the UNP and became a Member of Parliament in 1994.

I have heard of the story that during his childhood, when he became angry, he managed to control his emotions by biting his own hand without hurting others’ feelings.

He never discriminated against anybody and treated all alike irrespective of their social status. Even now his relations and friends recollect this quality whenever we meet them.

At the time of his demise his daughter and son were small children. His daughter Bhavani, who followed in her father’s footsteps, sat for the medical degree final examination a few days ago and will be entering the medical profession as a doctor very soon. How proud he would have felt if he had lived to be with her and be a guide to her. His son Dumesh is now a young man and has ventured into a successful business concern.

Dr. Wijesekera’s loss is felt not only by his family members but by all those who knew him. His beloved wife, Daisy Wijesekera had to discharge the parental responsibilities and duties towards their children both as father and mother after his demise. She had to see that they were properly educated. His mother who is now 90 years still mourns for his death.

Every year since 1994, an alms giving has been held for the inmates of a Children’s Home on 9th October, his birth day. On the eve of his death anniversary, a Bana sermon is held at his residence, followed by an alms giving to the Maha Sangha.

May Dr. Wijesekara, who was a good doctor, eminent politician, social worker as well as a loving husband and father, attain the supreme bliss of Nibbana!