The day-to-day events in the country’s law courts attract almost as much public attention as the country’s political events, and consequently outstanding personalities on Hulftsdorp Hill become as famous as their peers in politics and Parliament. The late Deshmanya Justice P. Ramanathan, popularly known as “Rama” among his wide circle of friends, was one such outstanding person.
Rama came from a respected Hindu family – a family that has given Sri Lanka more than one leader in such fields as politics, administration and the law. But Rama did not sit back on his family laurels; he proceeded to make an individual mark for himself, and he achieved this in no small measure. His successes and the high offices he held were not for self-glorification but to serve his country and fellowmen.
Had he remained at the unofficial bar, his capabilities would have brought him success and financial gain. However, he opted from the very start to give of his services to the country. He joined the Attorney General’s Department, where he held offices of importance and where his ability and personable ways soon earned him wide recognition.
From there, he entered the vocation for which he was best suited – that of a judge. He possessed all the qualities of a good judge; he was just and upright. From the bench of the High Court he rose to the country’s apex Court, where he served with wide acceptance. No litigant – whether winner or loser – left the courtroom without the satisfaction of knowing he or she had received a fair and full hearing.
Rama’s talent was recognised overseas too. He was a member of the Permanent Court of Arbitration at The Hague, and he was a bencher of Gray’s Inn, where he qualified as a barrister.
He served as president of Rotary, the Medico-Legal Association, and the British Scholars’ Association. He had many interests, and dogs were one of his passions. He had some of the best dachshunds in Sri Lanka. His imported pooches were champions in the Kennel Club.
Retirement was no resting time for Rama. He continued to serve the country with his characteristic zeal. Official recognition came from his appointments and his consequential services as Governor of the Western Province, Chancellor of the University of Uva Wellassa, and Chairman of the Human Rights Commission.
Rama had winning ways. He was relaxed and unruffled, and enjoyed good-spirited repartee between opposing counsel in court. His repartee was always in good taste, and never left a wound on anyone. One was always at ease when he presided in court. Whenever I knew that one of my cases would be heard before Rama, I would enjoy a relaxed breakfast that day before leaving for Courts.
Rama enjoyed a good joke. He would throw his head backwards and laugh his distinctive laugh.
He enjoyed a happy married life with his wife Mano.
His life was free of ostentation and replete with graceful words, deeds and service. His was a noble life worthy of emulation. His honoured memory will remain in the minds and hearts of those who knew and worked with him, as it does in mine.
“Green be the turf above thee,
Friend of my better days!
None knew thee but to love thee
Nor named thee but to praise.”
K. N. Choksy, PC, MP |
E-mail