He did his duty with no thought of rewards

S.Sivanandan

It’s a long way from Mallakam in the North to Galle in the South, from student days to Government Agent. Sivanandan reached it in 20 years. This was an achievement.

Sivanandan led a life that was pure, simple and austere. His innate disposition for humility, drew him close to a life of religious devotion. A benign destiny rewarded his selflessness with vantage positions. In his official life he wielded authority, made an impression everywhere, leaving abrasions nowhere. His life and work always had a certain flourish.

Sivanandan graduated at a tender age and entered the Administrative Service. From such an office, the holder lives in the public eye. Sivanandan perceived this keenly.

Public service was to him a vocation. It came his way and he responded to the calling. All postings were seized by him as an opportunity to serve mankind. He approached the work with dedication and it did not take long for the people to realise his altruistic inclinations. His interactions as Assistant Government Agent, Trincomalee, Additional Government Agent, Amparai , Government Agent, Galle and Government Agent, Matara called for multi-lingual capability. He measured up to it, fully satisfying the people as well as their elected representatives.

When he was chosen as the first Chief Secretary to the Provincial Council of Sabaragamuwa, he found himself fully acceptable. Apart from linguistic ability, which made for easy communication and dialogue, he had the capacity for empathy. This quality, manifesting in concern and caring, endeared him to the people in no small measure.

Those who came to know Sivanandan were quick in becoming his associates. Association grew into many a staunch friendship. His superiors respected him, colleagues trusted him and his juniors emulated him. Sivanandan took it up as a sacred duty to nurture the young and to prepare them for responsible positions in later life.

Sivanandan’s services were availed of by successive governments for nearly 40 years. His work stations were over ten. At every place from the first engagement to the last, he left his mark. Not many would know that several plans which he pursued and executed commenced with his initiative, flowing from his own ideas.

The rewarding experience of self-fulfilment was his, when he saw the benefits accruing to the people. To a remarkable degree, he combined local experience with the benefits of foreign travel and placed his expertise at the disposal of the government. Not surprisingly, he was selected by then Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, to handle rehabilitation programmes in the North-East. With the change of government, Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga handpicked him for the same assignment of Senior Advisor. She considered him an “ excellent officer”.

Sivanandan’s personal life was without blemish. With domestic happiness, he radiated peace and calm in public life. The equanimity of mind which he possessed to a high degree was derived from his understanding of life. Delving deep into the founts of Tamil literature, he had a good appreciation of karma and destiny. Frenzied acts for self advancement he always spurned. To him, providence and destiny were the dispensers of favours and rewards. Work with no thought of the fruits thereof, was his chosen path.

One may very well say that in Sivanandan, all the elements were remarkably mixed. His composure at all times together with his poise and charm brought to him a wide circle of friends. Many may be sad at his demise. He will be sorely missed, but a full life worthily lived will remain as adequate recompense.

By S.Sivathasan