LAKSHMI DIAS BANDARANAIKE

Lakshmi stood rock like behind her spouse, Felix Dias Bandaranike, the distinguished politician of yesteryear, from the time she married him after a university affair. They were two different personalities with Felix a “go getter”, while she kept to the background.

Other than Neal de Alwis, the leftist from Baddegama who was her maternal and my paternal uncle, there were no politicians in her family which kept to itself. Politics as our Uncle Neal used to say was podi tricks and was unfamiliar ground to Lakshmi. She never bargained for the life that was her lot as Felix’s wife. This was something foreign to her, unlike for the rest of us who grew up in a village. She was educated at Ladies College and the University of Colombo from where she took her law degree.

Felix helped her to be a political wife and she served him well as his private secretary handling his constituency affairs. I had a ringside view of how she functioned as I was Felix’s security officer and she was my first cousin. I think my experience of village life helped her to interact with people from Dompe, Felix’s constituency.

She helped Felix immensely and would steady the ship when her husband lost his cool. Felix was a brilliant politician, with an excellent memory and forensic legal and parliamentary skills and it was hard for even his spouse to keep pace with him. Lakshmi, as a loving wife, ensured his health was given priority as Felix was diabetic and very fond of sweets. When I accompanied Felix to Parliament I had strict instructions from her to ensure Felix avoided sweets and cakes which was beyond my control! He would indulge freely in the Parliament restaurant.

Lakshmi’s and Felix’s life changed when Christine came into the family. Christine rated highest priority with Lakshmi remaining a loving and caring person who never distanced herself from her family and relations. She ensured that her mother was provided the best in terms of food and care till the end of her life.

Her sister, Manel, was married to Mervyn de Alwis who was Legal Draftsman while brother, Nissanka, married to Jennifer worked at the FAO. Another sister, Malkanthie, also a well known lawyer married entrepreneur Gamini Wikremanayake, who served as Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Finance and Chairman, Bank Of Ceylon. A third sister, Indrani is domiciled in the UK.

A cousin with a large heart, Lakshmi, I recollect with nostalgia, visited my Castle Street home which was burgled when we were away in 1979. All my wife Dammie’s jewelry was stolen. She came with Felix and removed some of the bangles she wore and made Dammie, who accepted very reluctantly, take them. I cherish this act of her generosity displaying true Christian love and values.

I thank God that I was able to be with her on many occasions before her departure to be with God Almighty. May She be showered with God’s love in her life in eternity.

Nihal de Alwis