Appreciations
View(s):He was a mentor, role model and source of inspiration to many
Daya Jayasundara
It is with profound sadness that we remember Daya Jayasundara, whose remarkable contributions to both sports and the Sri Lanka Police Service have left an indelible mark on Sri Lankan society.
As the third child in a family of nine, born to Gladys and Wijayaratne, Daya’s journey was one of a commitment to excellence and discipline.
Handpicked for the elite Special Task Force of the Sri Lanka Police at its inception, Daya embodied the values of bravery and dedication from the very beginning. His career in law enforcement was not merely a profession but a true calling, one that he pursued with unwavering commitment and honour. Rising through the ranks with distinction, he ultimately retired as a Deputy Inspector General (DIG), a testament to his exceptional leadership and service to the nation.
Throughout his distinguished tenure, Daya was known as a true officer and thorough gentleman, commanding respect with his strict discipline and unwavering integrity. His approach to policing was characterized by fairness, professionalism and a deep sense of duty to protect and serve the people. Colleagues remember him as a leader who led by example, never asking of others what he wouldn’t do himself. His contributions to the Special Task Force helped shape it into the formidable unit it is today, and his influence continues to resonate within the force.
Daya was a double international who made significant contributions to both boxing andrugby, achieving the rare distinction of representing Sri Lanka at the highest level in two demanding sports. His athletic prowess was matched only by his dedication and sportsmanship.
In rugby, his impact was particularly profound. He earned a place on the Sri Lanka national rugby team, where he played consistently for approximately seven years, becoming a cornerstone of the squad during a formative period for Sri Lankan rugby. His physical strength, tactical awareness, and leadership on the field made him an invaluable asset.
Far beyond his playing career, he embraced multiple roles within the sport, serving as a Coach, National Selector, Administrator, and International Rugby Referee. As a coach, he was known for his ability to inspire players to reach their full potential while instilling in them the values of teamwork, respect and perseverance. As a national selector he helped identify and develop talent that would go on to represent Sri Lanka with distinction. As an international referee, he brought the same integrity and fairness that characterized his police work to the rugby field, earning respect from players, coaches, and officials across the region. His contributions to boxing were equally noteworthy, demonstrating his versatility as an athlete.
Daya raised three sons—Danushka, Paandula, and Rajith—who carry forward his legacy with pride and purpose. Rajith, captained the Royal College rugby team and represented the national side while still in school. The values of discipline, dedication, and integrity that defined Daya’s life continue to guide his sons.
Daya’s dedication to his family was a testament to his character. Despite the demands of his career in both law enforcement and sports, he always prioritized his role as a husband and father. His wife, Badra, stood as a pillar of support throughout his remarkable journey, their partnership exemplifying mutual respect, love, and unwavering commitment. To his family, he was a loving presence whose guidance and wisdom shaped their lives profoundly.
Daya was a thorough gentleman in every sense of the word. His strict discipline and unwavering principles earned him respect and admiration from peers and subordinates alike. Yet this discipline was tempered with compassion, fairness, and a genuine concern for the welfare of those around him. He was beloved by his family, friends, colleagues, and the countless individuals whose lives he touched through his service and mentorship.
Daya’s contributions extend far beyond his professional achievements; he was a mentor, a role model, and a source of inspiration to many. Whether training young police officers, coaching aspiring rugby players, or simply offering guidance to those who sought his counsel, Daya gave generously of his time, knowledge, and experience. His legacy endures in the lives he touched, the values he imparted, and the memories he leaves behind.
Sri Lanka has lost a true son, a dedicated officer and an exemplary sportsman. May his memory continue to inspire future generations to serve with honour, compete with integrity, and live with purpose.
May Daya attain the Supreme Bliss of Nirvana at the end of his “Sansara” journey.
-Senarath Jayasundara
There will never be another Shan
NAGALINGAM SANMUGATHASAN
Sanmuganathan in conversation with Chairman Mao
I take pride in writing this appreciation of a leader who was the father of Sri Lanka’s revolutionary Communist movement and a leading trade unionist of yesteryear, committed to propagating communist concepts via his trade union movement – the Ceylon Trade Union Federation (CTUF).
He was president of the CTUF and fought till the end for the rights of the working members of the union either negotiating with the employers for their rights or representing them at the Labour Tribunal against unlawful dismissals or non-payment of wages or gratuities. He also represented the union at the Labour Department in any agreement to be reached between employers and workers and for any negotiations with the employers to be streamlined by the Labour Department.
After leaving my practice in Hatton when I came to Colombo, I started working with “Shan” as he was commonly called and assisted him in his Labour Tribunal appearances while learning the better part of the labour laws.
He was the person responsible for the landmark judgment in the case of United Motors Engineering Workers’ Union vs. Walkers Limited where he assisted advocate N. Satyendra (son of the famous Senator Nadesan QC), in the Privy Council which gave the judgment in favour of the Union on the argument that the Labour Tribunal President did not enjoy judicial powers as he was only performing administrative functions since he was not appointed by the Judicial Service Commission then.
Comrade “Shan” as he was to his party friends was the only person who could meet sit and talk to none other than Mao Tse-tung. As recounted by Dayan Jayatillake, the well known journalist Mervyn de Silva, christened Shan as ‘Mao Tse Shan’ because his commitment to the Chinese brand of communism was absolute and remained so until the end of his life. I can proudly say that he was probably one of the few local communists who had conversed with Chairman Mao.
His birth centenary was observed on July 2 at the Tamil Sangam. He passed away on February 8, 1993. We cannot hope for a leader with such conviction, commitment and honesty who did not give up his cry for the dignity of workers in this country and who kept on fighting for their rights. In every situation, there is room for individual freedom, responsibility, and agency. N. Sanmugathasan belonged to a generation of Left leaders who took upon themselves to be agents for change and for emancipation. He played a unique role as a Tamil, Sri Lankan and Marxist.
“Shan”, may you rest in peace.
-K. Kaneshayogan
You commanded respect, never demanded it
Major General Lucky Algama
Maj. General Lucky Algama, the renowned military officer was a disciplinarian, firm boss, and above all, a kind-hearted gentleman.
Although I had heard of him, I had not worked for him, until he became the formation Commander of the North Central Command in Anuradhapura where I was a very junior Staff Officer Grade III.
When he arrived, as the junior-most officer, I had to handle the handing over/taking over ceremony. Senior Staff Officer Administration, Major Meera Saibo told me that Col. Algama was an ardent Buddhist and that he would like to have the religious rituals observed before anything.
Accordingly the ceremony was organised. Morning seth pirith was chanted followed by heel dana for the Maha Sangha and when the time came for the lighting of the traditional oil lamp, the General asked me which direction he should face. I said, “Sir, the direction which the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi is.”
After the ceremony was over, he toured the camp, visiting every nook and corner with all the staff officers and then summoned them and explained what his work plan was.
He gave a full facelift to the camp, improved infrastructure facilities, with an additional spacious medical room added with four beds. Since the transit camp was established in the North Central camp premises, he did everything possible to provide the troops en-route to Jaffna with all the facilities for them to have physical and mental relaxation during their short stay.
At every possible time, he visited every under-developed village in the Anuradhapura district and with philanthropic organisations, did much for the welfare of the villagers. The camaraderie he had with the Thanthirimale Nayaka Thero, the district minister, the GA and the DIG was very helpful in organising programes for the poor. He was never communal minded – he had lots of Tamil and Muslim friends.
Gen. Algama was known to President J.R. Jayewardene. The General invited the President to the Officers’ Mess for breakfast on the day the Pakistani President Zia-ul-Haq was due to arrive in Anuradhapura. The President came and had breakfast with us and thanked the General for inviting him. He shook the hand of every officer present in the dining hall before leaving.
The Algamas were from Kelaniya and were staunch supporters of the President. Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe when he was Minister for Youth Affairs also visited on two occasions and all staff officers were invited for the dinner organised for him.
Sir, those were the days we had with you. You commanded respect, never demanded it. Your kind-heartedness and friendliness cannot easily be forgotten. You treated all your staff officers with great empathy. You were a paragon of virtue and never had any pomposity. You adorned the uniform you wore.
May you attain the supreme bliss of Nirvana.
-Major (Rtd) Cyril Gunawardane
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