Courage has many faces, but I have seen few who have led by it as completely as the man who spent decades fighting for justice, equality, and freedom. 

The illustration of bravery, Lasantha Wickrematunge’s legacy continues to triumph. The 67th birth anniversary of the renowned and much-loved Sri Lankan warrior, who remains enigmatic and larger than life in death as he did in life, fell yesterday (5). His fearless pursuit of justice has forever left its mark on the world.

A life of courage and conviction

Born on 5 April 1958 in Kotahena, Colombo, Wickrematunge was exposed to a culturally rich and diverse neighborhood in Colombo, which no doubt shaped and impacted his worldview and outlook on life. Kotahena, with its vibrant mix of ethnicities, religions, and cultures, provided Wickrematunge with a unique upbringing that fostered openness. 

In Kotahena, he was surrounded by people from different walks of life, each with their own distinct traditions, customs, and beliefs. He grew up hearing the sounds of Buddhist temples, Hindu kovils, Christian churches, and Muslim mosques, all blending together in a beautiful symphony. 

This exposure instilled in him a deep appreciation for the richness of Sri Lankan culture and a sense of belonging to a larger community. His early life was marked by a strong sense of justice that was instilled in him by his father, which made him destined for greatness. His adoration for humanity and accountability would lead him to be one of Sri Lanka’s most important and respected figures.

Mythical bravery

Wickrematunge’s bravery was not the fleeting kind; rather, it was a deep-seated conviction, forged in the crucible of his commitment to his life’s calling and his people. His voice had made him a target of those who sought to silence him. Yet, he refused to be bowed, continuing to speak truth to power even as the threats against him escalated. 

He lived a life of attempted arrests, had bullets fired at his residence, and fought dozens of cases; he was under immense pressure but he never gave up. He looked danger in its face time after time and walked gallantly with irreverent humour, disarming even the most daunting of foes. 

Wickrematunge was someone of unimpeachable integrity, who lived his life with a sense of conviction. He was a warrior for human rights and his obligation to these causes touched countless others to follow in his path. After his assassination, the type of courage he possessed has become mythical.

A political threat

Many feared his power and rise in politics and his political plans were no secret. He had his aspirations for the country of his birth and was a charismatic leader, able to inspire and mobilise people from all walks of life. He also had the power to influence and shape public opinion on several key issues. 

Wickrematunge was a deeply ethical man who had a real understanding of the problems and challenges in Sri Lanka, and was committed to finding solutions that would contribute towards the people’s prosperity. He was the quintessence of class and would have been a very principled and dignified headman.

Never forgotten

Wickrematunge’s name has become a battle cry for politicians seeking to burnish their democratic credentials. But amidst the platitudes and praise, it is easy to forget his true legacy: a commitment to democratic values that brooked no compromise and a willingness to challenge the tyrannical, no matter the cost. 

When our politicians invoke his name for their own gain, they would do well to remember the values he truly represented and not just use his memory as a convenient cloak for their own self-interest. 

His reputation is unparalleled, something the majority of our politicians will never be able to match. His life’s work has set a high standard that very few can realistically aspire to, let alone achieve. He was a truly courageous torchbearer for peace whose legacy should be a lesson to stand up for one’s rights and demand accountability from those in power. 

Wickrematunge has surpassed the figure of a journalist and politician to become a 21st century cultural icon in Sri Lanka. He will be engraved in our historical narratives as a soldier of justice and democracy. 

His fearlessness and responsibility to fighting injustice will be remembered as an example for a nation that once grappled with impunity. His life and name have become synonymous with courage and the battle for rule of law, marking his place as one of Sri Lanka’s greatest achievements.