Walter Jayawardhana Gets a Rousing and Emotional Farewell as He Leaves For London

By Philip Fernando in LA (Former Deputy Editor Sunday Observer)

Los Angeles:Sri Lankans in Los Angeles gave veteran Journalist Walter Jayawardhana a rousing send-off as he left for London to assume duties as Minister/Counsellor (Information) at the Sri Lankan High Commission in UK. He was one-of-a-kind leader that the commnity looked up to said Harry Hatharasinghe one of the pioneer residents who knew Walter well and worked with him closely. .

Water's response was " Sri Lanka came first for all of us. We always stood by the elected governments of the motherland except once. That was when the government in 2002 signed an agreement with the terrorist group LTTE, which endangered the territorial integrity of Sri Lanka. We said that serving Sri Lanka was a privilege and he would continue to be of service where ever he went. It was hard for me to leave behind the Angelinos after so many years and innumerable memories."

A prominent long-time resident of Los Angeles and close friend of walter, Harry Hatharasinghe addressed the gathering
(photos by:Sunil Ranjith De Alwis)

Sri Lankan community activist in los Angeles, Ananda Markalanda addressed the Sri Lankan expatriates at the farewell luncheon

Consular General of Los Angeles, Jaliya Wickramasuriya presented Walter with a Commemorative plaque, while a prominent long-time resident of Los Angeles, Dr. Walter Jayasinghe presented a gold sovereign for Walter’s courage in fighting the anti-Sri Lankan propaganda. Dr Jayasinghe said he had never met anyone who was so fearless in providing leadership when needed. He epitomized courage, he said.

The au revoir to Walter by friends and well wishers saw many reminisce how the Los Angeles community under the leadership of Walter took crucial steps to stem the tide of LTTE propaganda against Sri Lanka. Walter successfully thwarted the clandestine LTTE misinformation machine during the past 30 years, as the founder of the Sinhala Defense League. Among those present were many of the founder members of the SDL including first President Bernard Peiris, and several others, too many to be named.

Consular General Jaliya Wickramasuriya stated that he heard of Walter’s journalistic reputation even prior to his arrival here. He knew that Walter took upon himself responsibilities normally assigned to the diplomats such as immediate countering of falsehoods spread against Sri Lanka whenever they occurred. President Mahinda Rajapaksa had picked Walter as the right man for the ideal job, at the right time and right place and London was the right place for Walter to be, he said.

Community Leader, Harry Hatharasinghe highlighted the activities that were held in San Francisco, New York and Los Angeles when Sri Lanka was far behind in the propaganda war. We took the bull by the horns and was happy only when the US and Canada banned the LTTE eventually. The Sri Lankan elephant and the effigy of ‘the Indian bear’ trying to swallow Sri Lanka brought to some of the demonstrations held by the expatriates were memorable. He wished him well in his new assignment. He had close associations with Walter in cultural activities in Los Angeles.

Walter receiving Gold Sovereign from another prominent long-time resident of Los Angeles Dr. Walter Jayasinghe

Ananda Markalanda recalled Walter’s singularity of purpose that was brilliantly thought out and executed which brought success. His dedication was infectious that had everyone unite under one banner. He proved beyond doubt that Walter was a great friend but an enemy everyone feared, especially those trying to harm Sri Lanka.

Mrs. Winifred Silva said that they all worked very closely and were united whenever Walter took the lead. The community rallied round when he asked for support. Jim Abeyaratne described in alluring Sinhala verse Walter as a person with ability to lead due to his gift of the gab and his gracious heart bent on to service his fellow beings.

Walter addressing the crowd

P. N .Dissanayaka, a member of The Sri Lankan Patriots felt that it was his good fortune to have met Walter and his friend late Deeptha Leelaratne in Los Angeles. His put Sri Lanka above self at all times. Supun Edirisinghe stated that Walter proved what one man could achieve with dedication. His journalistic acumen and penchant for accuracy and detail was masterly he said.