HON. RONNIE DE MEL

Serving the people was his only ambition

The quote “Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared” from Buddhism beautifully encapsulates the life and accomplishments of the late Mr. Ronnie de Mel.

He was a prominent political figure in Sri Lanka and served as the Finance Minister in the cabinet of President J.R Jayawardene in 1977. He played a significant role in introducing the open economy in Sri Lanka in 1977, which was a turning point in the country’s economic history. He continues to be a role model for many current political figures.

As a child, I had the privilege of meeting the late Mr. de Mel, and I was struck by his powerful presence and demeanor. Despite my initial intimidation, I found him to be a kind and gentle soul during our conversations. His words were always thought-provoking and left a lasting impression on me.

From an early age, he encouraged me to prioritize my education and offered words of encouragement and support. He believed that the young minds of our country held the key to its future, and he continued to support them even after his retirement. He established an education trust fund for students who wished to pursue a career in STEM. I was fortunate to be one of the beneficiaries of his generosity, as he funded my medical education. Thanks to his support, I am now a doctor, and I will always be grateful to him for his kindness and generosity.

Although Mr. de Mel has passed away, his legacy lives on. His education trust fund continues to support students who share his vision for the future of our country. Any new innovations or attempts to make a better tomorrow by these students will be a testament to his unwavering belief in them.

I am deeply saddened by his passing, but I choose to celebrate his life and legacy. I had the honor and privilege of knowing him and his late wife, Mrs. Mallika de Mel, since childhood. They both played a significant role in shaping me into the person I am today. I will always remember their kind and compassionate nature, and I hope to continue their legacy through my work someday.

In the words of Irving Berlin, “The song ended, but the melody lingers.” Although we will miss him greatly, Mr. de Mel’s unwavering devotion to his country and his love for those who knew him will always linger in our hearts.

Dr. Anusha Rajaratnam