ISSN: 1391 - 0531
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Vol. 41 - No 42
Plus

He graced our history and our lives

Rudra Rajasingham

Last year around this time, Mr. Rajasingham the former Inspector General of Police was lying gravely ill at the Police Hospital. I visited him since his admission but on March 24 on hearing that his condition was on the decline, I hurried to his bedside again. He seemed too weak to communicate. I requested him to rest and took his leave with the promise that I would be back. He eased himself back on the pillows, dismissing me with a half salute. It never occurred then that it was to be my last farewell to a Gentleman and Officer who was revered and held in the highest esteem both within and outside the Force.

Later that evening, he passed away peacefully. Even a year on, his death has devastated his family.

No one ever gave more meaning to the title of the high office he held with majestic grace, decorum and dignity. An epitome of honour, integrity and professionalism he did not require that special magic to be accepted across the world in which he moved with the highest and the lowest with relative ease. In recognition of his professionalism and vast contribution to the Police Service he was appointed (after his retirement) by the Government as our Ambassador in Indonesia and thereafter to the executive of the Commission for Bribery and Corruption.

A man of high calibre character and principles, he was neither flattered by authority nor sought to flatter it. Instead he combined simplicity with basic humility. It was the serenity in his spirit which seemed to know him like the gift of grace. He meant much to his friends as they did mean to him.

Being an Officer with a fierce commitment to his profession and later as the Chief of Police he brought vision and meaning to the service. Emphasis on the importance of an independent police outfit free of political interference was his priority. Today, in large part and because of his inspiration and vision, the true identity of the Police Service is an abiding part of national policy. He was one of those who vigorously researched the viability of the establishment of a National Police Commission.

The delight and spirit he derived from his profession was his driving force in his quest to make the Force a practical outfit and restore some lost pride and prestige. Yes, he held the Force together as a family. In large part he reminds us of stalwarts of similar calibre who adorned the high office of IGP. They include the late E.L.Abeygunawardene, John Attygalle, Stanley Senanayake, Ana Seneviratne, Cyril Herath and Frank Silva. These great people lifted us up, and in doubt and darkness gave the rank and file their pride, true identity as policemen, a true sense of belonging and of being different.

Mr. Rajasingham was very much a family man; his love for Sita his wife, daughter Sharmani and Saaya the grand daughter was deep and unreserved. He revelled in their accomplishments, he hurt with their sorrows, and felt sheer joy and delight in spending time with them.

I recall so vividly that at some of my final moments at the hospital that the mere mention of one of their names, his eyes would glow and shine brighter and his smile would grow bigger. - Indeed they were his life.

Referring to family unity and love he once said "bungle raising your children and nothing else much matters in life” - he didn't bungle. Once again, he showed how to do the most important thing of all, and do it right. The achievements of Sharmani his daughter speak for itself.

His sense of humour was unique - a way of focusing on someone with total attention - a gift that he gave to others. A man of few words he could nonetheless disarm any tenuous situation laughingly with a one liner.

I often think of what they said about him in March after he died: ‘they made him a legend, when he would have preferred to be a man’. No, he would have preferred to be just himself. Although he was not much of a churchgoer he worshipped at the feet of honour, loyalty and integrity. Simplicity and honesty were his forte. People talked of such values – but he lived by them, he embraced them. The many awards and accolades he received during his career for his dedication and professional tenets amongst other things and the abiding love and respect people had for him are a living testimony.

Even during the last stages of his battle with his illness he soldiered on bravely as he did in the many years of his career and was more concerned of the people he loved than his own discomfort. True to his unselfish temperament he dug into the depths of his substantial courage to stay around long enough to ensure the welfare and comfort of his loved ones.

He died in the Police Hospital in contrast to the plush private institutions patronized by many of his ilk. He was the personification of incorruptibility.

Upon hearing of his demise I slipped into a space that can be described as a permeating sadness, a feeling that lingers still and that surely is shared by those who knew and loved him. I knew him as my boss. I found joy just listening to him which often reminded me of a quote:- ‘best statements they say are made softly in cultured tones and those who speak thus are men of character with a twinkle in their eyes playful but definitely mischievous’ – so was Rudra Rajasingham.

He never wanted public notice, in part I think, because it brought back painful memories of how much he was short changed in his career and what he endured but accepted with admirable equanimity. In all the years of his life, his genuineness and depth of character continued to shine through his jealously guarded privacy to reach people everywhere. He made a splendid and noble contribution to the Sri Lankan Police Service. To his family he was a magnificent husband, father, grandfather, and to others who he knew a true and a loyal friend.

He graced our history. For those of us who knew and loved him - he graced our lives. He will always be a part of my soul – an amazing boss, true friend and lovely human being. I pray that God gives his family the strength and fortitude to let go and move on.

By Carlyle de Silva

 
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Copyright 2007 Wijeya Newspapers Ltd.Colombo. Sri Lanka.