Appreciations
View(s):The civil servant who turned author and mentor
RODERIC GRIGSON
Roderic Grigson, an international civil servant, a prolific writer and author of several books, passed away in early September in Melbourne, Australia. Born and educated in Colombo, he lived there until he was 21 before launching out on a career at the United Nations. Rod’s family were Burghers.
Rod left the country of his birth with a few dollars in his pocket and entered the United States on a tourist visa. He found work at the United Nations Headquarters in New York where he was employed for 12 years.
After studying information technology at New York University, he volunteered and joined the United Nations Peacekeeping Forces in Egypt and Lebanon, serving on the Suez Canal during the signing of the Israel Egypt Peace Accord and in South Lebanon during the Lebanese Civil War.
After spending two years in the field, Rod returned to New York in 1980 and joined the UN Technological Innovations team. He spent the next six years helping develop and implementing office information systems in English, French, Spanish, Russian, Arabic and Chinese in UN global and regional offices around the world.
Rod migrated with his wife Mena to Australia in 1986 where, over time, he became a senior executive for a global IT company where he worked for almost 15 years. As the Head of Asia Pacific Channels and Marketing, Rod was responsible for overseeing a vast territory which included the fast-developing markets of China, South Asia and India.
Rod retired from corporate life in 2013 and attended a six-month creative writing course to develop his skills as a writer. His first book ‘Sacred Tears’ was released in early 2014. His second, ‘After the Flames’ in 2016 and his third, ‘The Sullen Hills’ in 2018. He completed his fourth book, ‘The Governor’s Lover’ which he published in late 2022. It was his most ambitious and difficult project, writing about a period in Ceylon’s history that shaped the island nation for the next century and a half.
Rod encouraged aspiring writers to develop and gain confidence in sharing their work by running both introductory and advanced creative writing courses at several community centres in the City of Casey in Melbourne. He also facilitated a long-standing writers group known as the Scribe Tribe with whom he worked to publish an anthology of short stories in November 2019, and again in 2021.
He published three Scribe Tribe anthologies. One in 2019, one in 2021 and a final one in 2025. He presided over his own publishing firm, Grigson Publishing, in Melbourne
https://www.grigsonpublishing.com/
In a tribute to Rod, one of the authors, whose book was published by Grigson Publishers, wrote: “My book would have remained unceremoniously buried inside my desktop computer and would never have reached publication if not for Rod’s professional guidance backed by his own experiences publishing four books on Amazon.”
“As a former UN diplomat and a longstanding journalist based at the United Nations, I was amazed at his extensive knowledge of the intricacies and logistics of publishing. With editorial help, cover design/artwork, interior production, publication, and marketing support, he scrupulously supported my entire effort, from the first draft to the final product. For sheer professionalism, I give Rod a plus, plus.”
-A longstanding friend and former
UN colleague, United Nations, New York
Remembering a leader to inspire future generations
m.D. Banda
September 18, 2025 marked the 51st death anniversary of M. D. Banda, who passed away in 1974.
It seems fitting to quote from a message he wrote to the January–March 1966 issue of Govikam Sangarava, the magazine published by the Agriculture Department, as Minister of Agriculture:
“As a nation that has lived 18 years with independence, we now also need economic freedom. Increasingly, the food required by the country must be produced within the nation itself. Only then can true economic independence be achieved” (English translation of the Sinhala text).
The pinnacle of M. D. Banda’s 27-year political career (1943–1970) was his tenure as Minister of Agriculture and Food in 1965–1970, when he launched the ‘National Food Drive’ in Ceylon. He believed that agriculture had a key role to play in achieving economic independence and strove tirelessly to achieve self-sufficiency in food for Ceylon.
That his efforts proved successful is borne out by both the ‘Agricultural Development Plan – 1971-1977’ published by the Ministry of Agriculture of the ULF (United Left Front) Government and the Annual Report of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for 1970.
According to the statistics, potato production increased annually and systematically from 360 tons in 1964 to 29,521 tons in 1969. Chillie cultivation expanded from a mere 4 cwt in 1964 to 133 cwt in 1969, and red onion cultivation from 325 cwt to 741 cwt within the same period. The above data demonstrate the success of the “National Food Drive” within this short period. Hector Kobbekaduwa, who succeeded him as Minister of Agriculture in 1970, paid Mr. Banda high tribute in Parliament, stating that he wished to carry forward his scientific agricultural initiatives.
The ADB’s 1970 Annual Report confirmed that paddy production in Sri Lanka (Ceylon) recorded a similar growth. Likewise, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) statistics indicate that between 1965–1970, Sri Lanka experienced the fastest growth in paddy production—22.3%—a rate never matched in later years, where it always remained below 10%.
Adam Pain in his 1986 article “Agricultural Research in Sri Lanka: An Historical Account” (Modem Asian Studies, 20, 4) points out that “There is no doubt that the strong organizational abilities of Banda and the effort given to increasing food production, coupled with a series of good growing seasons, were responsible for the very dramatic rise in production of rice from 1966 to 1970, so much so that by 1970 Sri Lanka was to achieve nearly 90% self sufficiency in rice, with the target of self sufficiency just round the corner.”
During 1965 – 1970 as Minister of Agriculture and Food, Mr. Banda also helped dairy farmers by launching the fresh milk processing plant at Thamankaduwa, Polonnaruwa, the powdered milk factory at Welisara and one at Ambewela.
In recognition of the phenomenal success of the National Food Drive, Mr. Banda was appointed to the Board of Directors of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in the Philippines, and invited to continue, even after his defeat at the polls in 1970, due to the IRRI’s faith in his ability to share his knowledge, expertise and experience with other Asian countries.
One of M.D. Banda’s greatest strengths lay in his dedication to the people he served and his trust in their ability to affect change. As he emphasised, “The government may provide the necessary programmes and facilities, but the success of achieving food self-sufficiency ultimately depends on the active participation of the people”.
Bradman Weerakoon, who worked closely with him during this period, reveals the impact of the National Food Drive: “To me who was closely associated with the monitoring and evaluating aspects of this great national enterprise, it remains unexampled as an undertaking that was not only crowned with the greatest success but which also inspired and united the people of the country. There was something to be done by everyone – not only the farmers and their families who got a new respect and dignity for their labour but even for the children who got into the paddy fields in their school uniforms for weeding and other simple farming tasks.”
M. D. Banda’s public career, which spanned over 35 years (1938–1970), began in 1938, following the completion of a BA (London) from the Ceylon University College (1938). His first appointment as DRO (District Revenue Officer) was to Udahevaheta, where his ability to inspire community participation was evident not only through the manner in which he addressed the post-WWII food shortage issues but also in how he garnered community support to create new roadways, throughfares and waterways in areas that were deemed inaccessible. It is this tireless dedication that inspired the people of the area to seek him out in 1943 when the State Council seat for the area fell vacant. They came in deputation to his home in Panaliya, Polgahawela and would not take ‘no’ for an answer. He won the seat and entered the State Council as the representative for Mathurata in 1943, at the young age of 29.
Although his stint in the State Council was short lived, he contested and won the seat in the Parliamentary Elections of 1947. He was thus a member of the first Parliament of Ceylon and appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour and Social Services (as the post of Junior Minister was then known) in 1948, mere months after he entered Parliament. He was appointed Minister of Labour and Social Services in 1950, Minister of Education (1952–1956), Minister of Agriculture & Lands, and Food, Commerce & Trade (March – July 1960), and Minister of Agriculture and Food (1965–1970).
His approach to national development was people-centric. Although the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) was presented to Parliament in 1958, the conceptualization of the scheme and initial preparations for instituting it were undertaken during his stint as Minister of Labour and Social Services (1950-1952). This was to ensure that all employees received retirement justice. Ceylon was the first South Asian country to introduce such a scheme.
A revolutionary change that occurred during Mr. Banda’s tenure as Minister of Education (1952-1956) was the upgrading of the Central School system in accordance with the ‘Kannangara Reforms’, by equipping them with all the necessary facilities and enabling access to equal educational opportunities to everybody by expanding Swabhasha (Sinhala & Tamil) medium education. According to available data, in 1952 there were 89 state schools which increased to 309 by 1956. The number of Assisted state schools in 1952 stood at 245 which rose to 297 by 1956, and the total number of schools (inclusive of the Central schools) increased to 600 in 1956, from 334 schools in 1952 when he was Education Minister. During this decade, school enrolment “increased faster than population growth” says Prof. Swarna Jayaweera in her article “Education in Sri Lanka – Fifty Years Since Independence”.
However, despite his immense service at village, regional, national and interwnational levels, M.D. Banda faced electoral defeat in 1970. He immediately resigned from all government posts, gave up his official residence in Colombo and came back to his village, Panaliya, with the honesty, integrity and dignity – character traits that had come to be associated with him in his long and illustrious political career, unshaken.
Remembering leaders like M. D. Banda is vital – not only because we must honour their service and acknowledge just how much they have contributed to the wellbeing of our country but also to inspire future generations with their exemplary lives.
D.S. Karunanayake
Our greatest tribute is to live the values he believed in
General Hamilton Wanasingha
Hamilton Wanasingha was born on August 18, 1933 in Kalukondayawa, Malwana to an estate proprietor, Henry Wanasinghe fondly called ‘Rubberwatte mahattaya’ and Charlotte Wanasinghe.
We grew up hearing a remarkable story. When she was expecting Seeya, our great grandmother dreamt of a knight on horseback appearing in their garden. That dream left such a lasting impression that when the baby was born, they named him “Hamilton” after one of Britain’s most celebrated knights. Looking back now, it feels like a fitting beginning for a man who would go on to become one of Sri Lanka’s most illustrious military commanders.
Known lovingly as ‘Darla’ by his devoted childhood sweetheart and eternal love Ira, ‘Thathi’ by his five children Juthika, Shashika, Dharshika, Sanjaya and Diluka, in time, the family circle grew to include others who embraced his warmth and wisdom as their own. He was ‘Wanasinghe Uncle’ to Dashanatha, Sumathi, Chama and ‘Sir’ to late Brig. Bhathiya Jayathilake, his Aide-de-Camp.
After retiring from active military service, his greatest joys were his grandchildren. To Sachini, Ashvini, Druveesha, Dasith, Senal, Sanuka, Amaya, and myself, Chathil, he was our hero, lovingly called ‘General Seeya’, ‘Big Seeya’, and at times, with playful fondness, ‘Kalukondayawe Seeya’.
We never had the privilege of seeing Seeya in his full military honours with the medals, uniform and stature that marked his decorated career. But through the countless stories shared by my family, the live footage and treasured photographs, we have been able to catch a glimpse of the extraordinary man he was during his years of service.
Every story about him reveals a gentleman of immense courage, discipline and deep commitment to his country; whether through strategic brilliance in battle, calm leadership under pressure or difficult decisions made with conviction. These accounts, shared with pride by the family and spoken of with respect by decorated military officers, paint a vivid picture of a leader who inspired not just through authority, but through integrity and meticulous planning.
He was more than a soldier or commander; he was an officer par excellence, defined not just by rank, but by grace, humour, honour and unwavering loyalty to the nation. He lived the true spirit of a General, leading with strength, but also with dignity and compassion.
He was appointed as the 11th Commander of the Sri Lanka Army by then Executive President J.R Jayewardene on August 16, 1988, just two days before his 55th birthday and rose to the rank of first four-star General in service. He had some rare distinctions: he was the first ‘Anandian’ and the first ‘Gunner’ officer to adorn the coveted post of Army Commander. He held all three senior appointments of the military including Army Commander, General Officer Commanding – Joint Operations Command and Secretary Defence. Indeed, a rare feat.
Seeya took command at a time when the country was torn by two fierce conflicts; the Eelam War in the North and political unrest in the South. Amid the turmoil, he led with unwavering strength and purpose, steering the forces with a clear vision of peace. For 41 years, he served the nation with unmatched dedication.
He inspired those closest to him to serve alongside him. He encouraged his son, my father Maj. Gen Sanjaya Wanasinghe (Rtd) to join the military. When my father enlisted, Seeya marked that moment with a gift that was simple, yet unforgettable, a t-shirt. On the front, it read: “Like Father, Like Son.” But it was what was printed on the back that truly mattered. A father’s poem, both a blessing and a guide, shaped the way my father lived and led. Even after 35 years, he keeps the shirt it was written on, worn with time but rich in meaning.
The poem reads:
“Build me a son whose heart will be clear, whose goal will be high,
Who will be strong enough to know when he is weak,
Brave enough to face himself when he is afraid,
One who will be proud and unbending in honest defeat,
Humble and gentle in victory…”
“A son who will master himself before he seeks to master other men,
One who will reach into the future yet never forget the past.”
That was not just a poem. It was his hope. His prayer. His way of raising a son and shaping a family.
Seeya was the kind of grandfather who filled every moment with laughter, warmth and mischief. His playful humour was unforgettable; like the time he took us for a “picnic” in what he called a ‘paddy field’ near Dompe, only to reveal mid-snack, with a cheeky grin, that we were sitting in a graveyard. Weekends at Kalukondayawa were a highlight; riding in the back of his white Mahindra truck, shouting and laughing as he sped through the village with Achchi in the front seat scolding him for driving too fast.
Avurudu was another special time, made memorable by Seeya’s energy and pride in organising traditional games, always standing tall as our beloved Chief Guest with his trademark smile. Kalukondayawa was his sanctuary, a place of peace where he found joy nurturing every tree. He was often seen in his gumboots fertilising the land with care.
Animals were more than pets to Seeya; they were family. At Kandalanda, he kept ponies, and today, I feel honoured to continue that legacy at his estate in Saliyapura.
In the village, Seeya was a beloved figure; walking proudly with his polished Basthama, flanked by loyal dogs he called his “bodyguards.” He led with love, humour, strength and a generous heart.
Although Seeya left us three months ago, we remember him not with sorrow, but with immense pride, as we carry the blood of a man who stood tall; not just in uniform, but in character. A man who showed us what it truly means to serve a nation, to lead with integrity, to love deeply, and to live with strength and humility.
As the next generation, we will carry his torch. We will walk forward with the same quiet strength, honour the memory of those who served and sacrificed, and live each day in a way that would make him proud.
Because the greatest tribute we can offer him now is to live the values he believed in and carry forward his legacy.
Rest well, Seeya. Your legacy lives on –in our hearts, in our choices, and in the lives we will build.
Chathil S. Dharmawardena and Sanuka Wanasingha
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