An appreciation: Our ‘Elder Brother’, Dr. Punchihewa

I assumed duties as the DRO (Divisional Revenue Officer) at Nattandiya, one of the Divisions in Puttalam District, In 1970. All office and field officers including Grama Niladharis organised a Pirith ceremony, which was the first of its kind to be held in that office. The Government Agent was invited; he participated along with some senior officers. From that time onwards we became “brothers”

At the Kachcheri all of us worked together as a team. The District Judge was no exception. Our work was not confined to office hours. We worked hard and as a result Puttalam became one of the best Districts in the country. It was the time of Felix R. Dias Bandaranaike, known as the “tough master”, who was in charge of the Ministry of Public Administration and Home Affairs. Punchihewa chaired the meetings of the District Coordinating Committee, District Agriculture Committee and the Fisheries Committee at which MPs and local government chairmen and all deputy heads of departments participated. Whatever issues that were brought to the notice of these committees were resolved amicably.

The GA took various steps to develop the District and improve the quality of life of the peasantry. Land was alienated and encroachment prevented to enable the farmers to engage more in food production. During this period the government started a new programme called “Development Councils” in each DRO division to undertake new projects to generate more employment among the rural folks. Many projects were started under this programme. For the first time big onions were cultivated at Wanatha Willuwa in the district during his tenure. Rural organisations such as rural development societies (Grama Sanwardana Samitis) were fostered and encouraged to undertake new projects.

A grand-scale cultural show was organised in Puttalam to commemorate the adoption of the new Constitution in 1972.

Punchihewa never issued “orders ” to start new projects or activities, but simply suggested or made it to imply what he wished to be undertaken. Officers willingly did as he said. The people were so impressed with his work that there were a large number of farewell celebrations all over the District before his departure on an overseas scholarship programme.

Dr. Punchihewa joined the Civil service in 1960. He worked in the General Treasury until he was appointed as the GA in Monaragala, from where he moved to Puttalam. After his overseas training he was appointed Secretary to the Ministry of Plantation Industries. He implemented a special project to replant coconut palms in Trincomalee, Ampara and Batticaloa Districts devastated by the cyclone in 1979. His work was so impressive that he was selected for the post of Executive Director of Asian Pacific Coconut Community – to operate from Indonesia. He was the only ED to get the longest tenure of 18 years in that capacity, as the member countries wanted his services.

Dr. Punchihewa excelled amongst the giants in public administration such as K. H. J. Wijedasa, Lionel Fernando, Neville Jayaweera, Somapala Gunadheera, Bradman Weerakoon, Ridgway Thilakaratna and Dr. Sarath Amunugama to name a few.

After retirement, he devoted much of his time to writing, which he started during earlier stages of his career. These include novels, short stories, children’s books, historical research works and some translations etc. The last one printed was on King Maha Wijayabahu. He wrote both in Sinhala and English. There are about 70 books to his credit. In addition to this he engaged himself in the “Hiripoda Wessa counselling Foundation activities.

He made lots of friends and close associates and enjoyed their company. His close associates made several trips to many places, organised get-togethers and alms-givings, etc., to keep him happy. He was a devout Buddhist. Every one treated him as “our elder brother”

All those who worked under him rose to the top notches of the administrative service.

His beloved wife, Anoma did everything possible to keep him happy and healthy. His son and daughter too looked after him well.

Our “Elder Brother”, Punchihawa, passed away on 22 Dec., 2023 at the age of 88 after a brief illness.

May he attain the supreme bliss of Nibbana!

N. H. Perera

Retired Additional Secretary

Ministry of Finance and Planning