On Friday, the Mathugama town wore a sombre atmosphere, with every household adorned with a white flag and residents appearing mournful. In a departure from the usual criticism and ridicule that often follows the death of a politician, the sudden passing of former Minister Palitha Thewarapperuma had evoked a different reaction from the public.
Large crowds of people from diverse backgrounds and ethnicities from all over the country were gathered at the former Minister’s residence in Yatadolawatta, Matugama, to pay their last respects and bid farewell to him. There were thousands of tributes to him on social media too.
At the entrance of his residence lies the final resting place of Palitha Thewarapperuma’s eldest son, Sahan Thewarapperuma who met with an untimely death a decade ago. According to neighbours, the former Minister affectionately known as ‘Chandi’ by the locals, had a poignant ritual of worshipping at his son’s gravesite before departing from home each day for his political work. In the evenings, upon his return, he could often be observed resting nearby, reflecting the deep bond between father and son even after death. The father has now perhaps been reunited with his loving son in the afterlife.
Inside the house, the former Minister’s mortal remains were seen lying in a simple coffin. Beside it, a cabinet displayed tributes and mementoes gifted by people for his services to them. The crowds gathered were evidence that these tokens of gratitude were given with genuine intentions and love for the late politician.
In the garden stands a spacious hall constructed by the former Minister, where he carried out numerous acts of benevolence such as offering food or dry rations to the less fortunate. According to residents in the area, these charitable events were held nearly every day and only ceased when ‘Chandi’ was away.
Speaking to the Sunday Observer, the late Minister’s brother Sarath Thewarapperuma expressed shock at his brother’s sudden demise. According to him, Palitha Thewarapperuma was first named ‘Chandi’ by their father.
“We were nine siblings—five boys and four girls. Palitha was born after me, and we two were the closest to each other,” he said. “My brother was quite stubborn from a young age. If my father ever admonished him, he would leave home and sleep atop trees before returning home the next day,” he said.
Friends
He recalled that Palitha joined politics to support their elder brother who was a member of the Matugama Pradeshiya Sabha.
“He was never keen on getting involved in politics actively. He was the leader of a large group of friends, which eventually led him to pursue a career in politics,” he said.
“Maybe he had a sense that his time on earth was coming to an end. He had instructed his friends on how he wanted his last rites to be conducted. He had even constructed his own gravesite,” he said.
Sanjula Thewarapperuma, a grand nephew of the former Minister had witnessed the accident which led to his death. On the fateful day, Sanjula and his uncle had gone to buy fertiliser for his coconut cultivation. Sanjula recounted that upon their return, he assisted Palitha in unloading the fertiliser across different areas of the cultivation land. “He was dragging a bag when suddenly he cried out and collapsed. We administered first aid and swiftly transported him to the junction within five minutes. Despite our efforts to rush him to the hospital, he passed away upon admission,” he said.
According to Palitha’s second son, Nushan Theawarapperuma, his father had suffered immensely following Sahan’s death. “He did not lament the loss of his ministerial positions, assets, or anything else, but he was constantly in tears after my brother’s passing,” he said.
Nushan said he was also at the coconut plantation on the day of the incident. However, due to the heavy rain he had left prior to the accident. “I am still in disbelief about his passing,” he said.
Stories
The mourners at the funeral fondly remembered Palitha’s kindness towards them and the assistance he had provided during difficult times. Some expressed gratitude for the financial assistance he had provided, while others recalled how he generously donated plots of land to help them build their homes. Many expressed that despite the difficulties faced, they always felt his strength and support, never feeling lost in their struggles. They shared stories of how he extended his help without regard for caste, creed, ethnicity, or political affiliations.
One attendee at the funeral shared a remarkable tale reminiscent of a movie plot. They recounted how Palitha had leaped into the river near the Munamalwatta Bridge to rescue passengers after a bus had plunged into it. Remarkably, he had been just a school student at the time.
They said Palitha had also demonstrated bravery by intervening to rescue a group of youth during a clash in Dargha Town, enduring blows and bottles thrown at him in the process. On another occasion, he advocated for 10 students who were unfairly denied admission to a prestigious school in the area, ensuring they were admitted.
They also confirmed that Palitha’s tendency to handle tasks personally and his dramatic approach to situations were genuine traits, not mere pretense. According to his coordinating secretary he was disillusioned with politics towards the end of his life.
The final resting place he prepared for himself rests near a serene lake, a spot where he often found solace after his son’s passing. As a popular song he personally selected for his farewell played, the remarkable human being and politician Palitha Thewarapperuma bid farewell to all.
Translated by Maneshka Borham
