Karu Jayasuriya at 86: The lesson of a life in service
By: Krishantha Prasad Cooray
Thirty years is long enough for opinions about someone to solidify. It is more than enough time to identify the most important and character-defining qualities of an individual, provided, of course, the association has been close, frequent and consistent. Today, as he celebrates his 86th birthday, having known him at close quarters, I can truly say that Karu Jayasuriya stands out as a man of integrity, courage, unwavering loyalty and, most importantly, someone who never placed personal benefit of any kind above the public good.
One could add that, unlike many who engage in politics or even operate in corporate circles, Karu never let disagreements slip into enmity. He is civilised in the true sense of the word. He is a citizen who took citizenship and all it entails by way of responsible public conduct extremely seriously, and he is a human being who, in word and deed, adheres to and exemplifies the teachings of the Buddha pertaining to general conduct.
Karu is a proud Anandian and an even prouder Sri Lankan. His patriotism was never noisy or theatrical — he demonstrated it through service.
Essays can be written about Karu with regard to all the many spheres he inhabited at one time or another, but that’s a task, and an unenviable one, for a biographer. For me, he is a teacher whose lessons are written in deed rather than lecture. He is a friend who will go beyond the call of duty to stand by you in a crisis. He is the kind of politician that we rarely see in Parliament. He is the citizen we should aspire to be.
When does Karu Jayasuriya ever stop? I have asked myself many times. The answer has always been: “Never!” Just a few days ago, when I called him on what would have been his late daughter Indira’s 50th birthday, he was preparing to travel to Jaffna by train the following day.
At 86, he is not withdrawing into his memories. He continues travelling, working and serving. He is one of a kind. Patient without being passive, courageous without being loud, patriotic without seeking applause and powerful without losing his humanity. Sri Lanka is fortunate that, after a lifetime of service, he still chooses duty over rest. And in this way he reminds us all that decency is not weakness, and public life can still be honourable.
What could I say to such a man on his birthday? He has blessed us all and, in doing so, acquired much merit. But then again, even so, there are things one must say.
Happy 86th birthday, dear Sir. May you be blessed with good health, peace and strength, and may the protection of the Noble Triple Gem always be with you.
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