Gentleman politician Dudley

Even after half a century of his death, Dudley Senanayake is still fondly remembered by those who knew him as a ‘gentleman politician’. A simple man, he was often seen driving his own vehicle, when attending a private errand, following all traffic rules, without any security personnel accompanying him. He was modest and shy in unfamiliar company. Dudley was well read being a product of Cambridge. He was witty in debate and a great lover of golf. He lived with the firm belief that all are equal – ‘ONE COUNTRY ONE NATION’. Dudley was modest and he stood against public funds being utilised for the private use by officials. He was residing in his own house and financing all expenses incurred by his private fund.

He was elected prime minister not less than four times during his 37 year political career. The first being in March 1952 after the death of his father. Dudley passed away in April 1973, two weeks after he suffered a heart attack. Although he was not holding an official position at the time of his death his body was lying in state in the old parliament before being cremated at the Independent Square. I have never seen such a large crowd at a funeral plus the queues to pay last respects to him while lying in state. That was the time I was attached to a British company Colombo Commercial Company (C.C.C) which was located opposite Beira Lake at Slave Island. The long queue stretched from the old parliament and was moving past the company I was attached to.We grouped up to distribute iced lemon juice to all who had come from various parts of the country to pay their last respects to their beloved leader who earned everyone’s love and respect!

S.H.MOULANA