ISSN: 1391 - 0531
Sunday, July 8, 2007
Vol. 42 - No 06
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A warrior for world peace and governance

Terence Percivel Amerasinghe

To many people from different parts of the world, Dr. Terence Percivel Amerasinghe's death is shocking and unbelievable. A truly committed warrior for world governance and world peace, Dr. Amerasinghe fired the enthusiasm of many world citizens with whom he came into contact, during his travel to over 80 countries.

He was the son of the late Mudaliyar B.P. Amerasinghe and his wife Elaine of Mahara Walauwa, Kadawata. He completed his schooling at St. Benedict’s College, Kotahena.

He was of Gray's Inn, Oxford, Bar-at-Law and Attorney-at-Law of the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka. He was a visionary and a man with great energy, who never failed to inspire his admirers and followers into action. He was a friend to late Prime Minister S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike and the late Presidents J.R. Jayewardene and R. Premadasa. Although a product of the 'old school' he was able to adapt fittingly to modern times, holding the interest of youth with the content and humour of his discussions.

Dr. Amerasinghe was President, until his death, of the World Constitution and Parliament Association (WCPA), Universal Love & Brotherhood Association (ULBA), Sri Lanka Branch, English Speaking Union of Sri Lanka (ESU), Society for the Protection of the Rights of the Child, Miyake Home for Children and the Graduate School of World Problems. Under the ESU, Dr. Amerasinghe pioneered a project 20 years back, to teach 'Spoken English' in 48 hours.

Even at the age of 90 years, continuing with his global travels, he was a tower of strength and a guiding light to around 500 members of the WCPA worldwide. He was a strict disciplinarian yet kind and understanding, which won him the love, admiration and respect of others. I observed this first hand when I accompanied him to Tripoli, Libya and Athens, Greece to attend international conferences in 2006 & March 2007. He has had cordial meetings with several heads of state. Living up to the words of Rudyard Kipling, Dr. Amerasinghe was able to move with kings and not lose his common touch. He never lost hope in his belief and pushed forward his great desire to establish one world government in order to bring about lasting world peace.

Above all else, he had time for anyone who wished to develop knowledge and understanding. He loved animals, nature and cricket. He was a great reader of historical and political books and had a remarkable memory, quoting chapter and verse from books and poetry.

I had the wonderful privilege to have him as my uncle, from whom I have learned very much. He leaves behind his loving son Tilak and daughter Chitra (Canada).

I miss Uncle Terence very much.

By Nalin Jayasuriya.

 
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