He was honest and forthright both as a human being and as foreign minister. He led the way to clear the tarnished image of Sri Lanka after he assumes duties as the country’s foreign minister. He countered LTTE’s propaganda in the western world and gave them a taste of their own medicine but in an honourable way. He led the campaign to get the LTTE banned in several countries and many of their fundraising activities. That made him LTTE’s number one target.

Kadirgamar was fearless. He even told the interfering international community where to get off. He was responsible for sending away two UNDP heads who tried to interfere in Sri Lankan affairs. He made sure they respected and followed the country’s rule and law though we are an island. He gave us pride. Having traveled with him thrice overseas and worked closely with him, loved and respected him, I remember how he did not give even a quarter of his words for separation. When the world and even Sri Lankan journalist referred to certain areas as LTTE controlled areas, Kadirgamar refused to do so. He said "Temporarily controlled areas by the LTTE” That’s how much he loved Sri Lanka. He believed in fairness and fair play but he wanted only one Sri Lanka.

Kadirgamar went in to details, his clothes, his speeches, his meetings, his food and when he met others, entertained. At the end whatever he did became wholesome. His staff, Sri Lankan diplomats and journalists’ even politicians and others walked out of his house, office rich with words, knowledge and a feeling of happiness. When he spoke people listened and when journalist knew Mr. Kadirgamar would address a press conference the halls ran short of chairs. He was clear, precise and bold. He also reached out others and was a father figure to many.

He was a friend of India. Not a mere friend but, a true and beloved friend. A good relation with India was on top of his agenda. He was saddened that the memorial for the IPKF soldiers who battled the LTTE in the North of Sri Lanka was getting delayed. He wanted that to say Thank you to India. He wanted to do something for the memory of Rajiv Gandhi who was killed by the LTTE. I am aware that he had spoken to Sonia Gandhi about an annual memorial lecture to be held in Sri Lanka and his choice for the first memorial lecture was President Kumaratunga.

As someone who loved and respected Lakshman Kadirgamar of Sri Lanka this space is not enough for me to pay tribute to him. I have tried to say as much as I could. He was killed by the LTTE sniper no sooner he got out of the swimming pool and as I write this I remember his face and what he told me once. He said “Son, I have got my own swimming pool now. I used to go to the Army pool but I don’t want to bother them all the time. I swim 1000 meters daily” I was surprised but he was proud of that he remained a sportsman even at 73

Lakshman Kadirgamar is gone, felled by an assassin’s bullet, on the orders given by LTTE leader Vellupillai Prabahakaran who is hiding in the jungles and dying thousand deaths. But, Lakshman Kadirgamar will be larger than life even in death.

Bandula Jayasekara from Colombo

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