Momentous events in Parliament

As I was reaching the age of retirement of 60 years, I felt it was a part of my official duties to call on H.E. the President D.B.Wijetunga to say farewell.

- NIHAL SENEVIRATNE

Having received an appointment, I called on him. He greeted me very warmly saying “Nihal, why are you trying to leave us?” I promptly replied that at the age of 60, there was no option left to me. I must add that by this time, there had grown a great bond of friendship between us. This arose as a result of President Premadasa falling victim to an assassin bomb at Armour Street on May 1st, 1993. It was my duty to inform the House of this tragic accident. Since there was a vacancy in the Office of President, I as the returning officer under the law, would be receiving nominations from Members for the vacant post and fixed a day for the next Sitting of the House to receive nominations. The Government had by then decided that it was Mr. Wijetunga who was to be their nominee.

Mr. Wijetunga quite elated by the news of his nomination consulted me on many occasions as to how an election would be held and the procedure. I even recall him visiting me in my simple home in Havelock Road, to have a chat with me. Mr. Wijetunga was very well known for his stark simplicity and charm.

On the appointed day in the House, I rose and asked for nominations. Mr. Wijetunga’s name was proposed by the Government and seconded. I then asked for any other name. The SUP had decided not to propose a name and would support Mr. Wijetunga. As there were no other names proposed, after waiting for a few minutes, I declared Mr. Wijetunga elected unanimously as the new President of Sri Lanka. He was overjoyed and thanked me for all my help.