C A Jagathchandra – an appreciation

A remarkable individual, one of my elder brothers, C. A. Jagathchandra’s presence among us has left an indelible mark on our lives, and I am writing this to express our deepest appreciation and pay our respects to a truly exceptional man.

Jagathchandra was a dominating character in every sense of the word. He possessed an uncanny ability to convince and persuade, and his presence was felt in every room he entered. He showed us that the power of persuasion can be used to unite and protect those we hold dear.

He was a living testament to the concept that blood is thicker than water. Jagathchandra was not only a brother but guardian, protector, and defender of our family. His unwavering support and loyalty were the pillars upon which our family stood strong.

Jagathchandra’s journey in life began at the Ceylon Transport Board (CTB) while he was still in advanced level classes at Rahula College, Matara, in the late 1960s. He was a testament to the idea that determination and hard work could lead to success, even against the odds.

His character was truly fascinating, and he carried himself with a remarkable sense of dignity. He was a systematic and neat person, leaving a mark of order and precision wherever he went.

In 1977, he faced political challenges during a government change, which led him to migrate to France. There, he extended his helping hand to hundreds of fellow migrants in Paris, providing accommodation and helping them find jobs. His selfless service was witnessed by a large Sri Lankan crowd at his funeral, a testament to the impact he had on the lives of many.

Jagathchandra’s pride was unwavering, and he even contested the Matara district ON the SLFP ticket in 1989. He was just short of 300 preferential votes to be elected to parliament, largely due to the election boycott imposed by the JVP through acts of terror and violence. Despite the immense challenges he faced, he remained resolute and urged his supporters not to confront violence.

His hospitality was unsurpassable , and politicians from all sides sought his counsel when they visited Paris. He never sought political appointments or went behind party leaders, maintaining his integrity and pride.

Jagathchandra was a pragmatic individual who challenged outdated traditions and rituals. His fearless approach to breaking free from the constraints of dogma served as an inspiration to us all.

Bravery ran deep in his veins. In the face of personal threats, he did not surrender. However, his kindness and compassion led him to make the difficult decision to withdraw when violence threatened those who had cast their votes in the 1989 election. His actions showed us the true meaning of bravery.

He was a prolific writer, sharing his thoughts and insights through the Sunday Lankadeepa foreign affairs column. His writings were later published as several volumes, enriching our understanding of the world.

Jagathchandra had a profound love for literature, and even in the face of life-threatening health challenges, he maintained his wit and humour, expressing his uncertainty about whether he would return home or join the great luminaries at The Panthéon, where the likes of Voltaire, Rousseau, Victor Hugo, and Marie Curie rest.

As a pragmatic person, he had already terminated his samsara when he left us. In his departure, Jagathchandra leaves behind a legacy of unwavering courage, unshakable principles, and boundless love. We have lost a guiding light, a protector, and a source of inspiration, but his spirit will continue to live on in our hearts. Jagathchandra’s life was a testament to the power of family, love, and the courage to stand up for what is right. He leaves a void that can never be filled, but his memory will be a beacon guiding us through life’s challenges.

In closing, let us remember Jagathchandra with gratitude for the invaluable lessons he taught us and the love he shared with us. May his journey complete, his legacy enduring, and his spirit forever alive in our hearts.

C. A. Saliya