Edward Gunawardena – The Igp the country never had

On a seemingly fine Friday afternoon, day two of the England v India second Test of the LV Insurance Series (that turned out to be a day five thriller), oblivious to how his day would tragically pan out, our dad, retired Senior Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police, Mr Edward Gunawardena was glued to his television set enjoying the contest between the two cricket giants. As time passed by that afternoon, he felt uncomfortable, weak and had minor discomfort in breathing. Our family doctor, Dr Lakshan Fernando swiftly visited home, and on strict instructions to bed rest, our dad enjoyed his chicken soup dinner, prepared lovingly by mum.

Later that night, tragically, he took the last breath and completed the last heartbeat of his life in the presence of two of his most trusted people, our mum and our family doctor. This day was that dreaded “Friday the `13th” – in the month of August last year and a family tragedy was upon us.

A year has passed but the loss is still deep rooted although it was comforting that his passing was peaceful and that he had the comfort of having Dr Lakshan beside him. He in fact rushed him from our home to the Central Hospital in Colombo that night in his own vehicle in the midst of the Covid19 pandemic determined to save our dad’s life. It was a blessing to know that dad had mum and Dr Lakshan beside him to the very end.

Edward Gunawardena had a successful life journey starting his early years through St Joseph’s College, Colombo, Peradeniya University, Michigan State University, USA through sheer determination to succeed despite him and his three brothers losing their mum when he was just four years old.

He served our country for nearly three decades in the Police Service in various capacities including as the Director of Intelligence, Director of Presidential Security, DIG Metropolitan and Senior DIG Administration and continued his services as the Special Advisor to the University Grants Commission, Chairman of the National Lotteries Board and served on the Board of Directors of the Associated Newspapersof Ceylon Ltd.

Most would be content retiring in their sixties but our dad was blessed to have joined JF&I Printing and Packaging, an international company with its head office near our home. This enterprise was owned and led by renowned late Dr Neville Fernando and his son, Neomal. Edward Gunawardena found a spark of renewed energy, passion and purpose working with such talented and committed group of colleagues. He thrived at JF & I helping in making a significant difference to an enterprise of many individuals with a common goal.

There was a family atmosphere in te company and gratitude for his professional contribution. The feelings were mutual and this was evident at a time when dad was unwell and required a blood transfusion. Seven junior colleagues at JF&I donated their blood. Knowing that such generosity and love existed in a working environment was truly humbling. This is a reflection of dad’s character and personality attracting reciprocation.

Patriotism and loyalty were two of his strengths. His dedication and professionalism in the Police was evident. This was once clearly expressed by the late Professor Carlo Fonseka at the launch of our dad’s second novel saying “.. Edward was the IGP (Inspector General of Police) that the country never had”. A truly inspiring and remarkable Officer and a Gentleman.

His generosity and care went way beyond his professional arena. One of his many philanthropical contributions was the resurrection of the village ‘Daham Pasala’ with the support from the late Desamanya H K Dharmadasa (Nawaloka Mudalali). Our extended family and many thousands of youth in the Battaramulla area have benefited and continue to acquire a knowledge of Buddhism thanks to the dedicated committee led by the Chief Monk, Jinarathana Himi.

A keen writer and public interest activist, he wrote many thought provoking and fearless articles to the newspapers’ These were very well received by readers. He was not afraid to speak the truth and to stand up for those who did not have a voice becoming a respected contributor to the Press. His article on the Easter Sunday bombing bombings, titled “The Unpardonable Blunder” bravely challenged the chain of law enforcement command. We are glad today that he didn’t live to witness the dismal state of affairs in our country due to decades of poor leadership, mismanagement and most of all unprecedented levels of corruption.

We are immensely proud of who our dad was, his achievements and most of all how he helped better many lives throughout his life with his generosity, professionalism and willingness to help, advise, guide, nurture and mentor all selflessly. We believe that his legacy has been passed on through his many connections. His novel “Blood & Cyanide” and memoir, “Memorable Tidbits…” remain a testament.

Until his last days and hours he was sharing his experience and wisdom with those around him. He remembered meeting President Nixon at the Fulbright Scholar Dinner at the White House, meeting Emperor Hirohito at the Akasaka Palace and his conversations with a the great Arthur C Clarke will always be fondly remembered by us.

He regaled us with a hilarious quote from Benjamin Disraeli, First Earl of Beaconsfield and the former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom about his political nemesis, former Prime Minister William Ewart Gladstone. “The difference between a misfortune and a calamity is this: if Gladstone fell into the Thames it would be a misfortune but if someone dragged him out again that would be a calamity.”

Our dad was and will continue to be our hero and mentor. Today, we wish to extend our utmost appreciation to each and every one of you who had a close bond with him and made his life purposeful, joyful and complete. We thank them sincerely.His last day of life saw the creation of the Edward Gunawardena Memorial Trust which with Dr. Lakshan’s help is sponsoring medical students at the Rajarata University.

We take this opportunity to once again thank all who were part of his life and would love to hear and treasure all the memories shared with him. We welcome your recollections, your thoughts and your appreciations of Edward Gunawardena and please do send them via the email inmemoryof.edwardgunawardena@gmail.com

My sister and I would value and appreciate the stories that you have had the pleasure of experiencing with him and of him.

With gratitude,
Eranga