CAMILLUS ABEGOONEWARDANE : BEARER OF STANDARDS

Camillus and I were contemporaries of St. Peter’s College, Colombo in the 1950s, though in different classes. After passing the S.S.C. exam, he chose the police for a career, and at a time when the service attracted talent in sports and studies.

- MERRIL GUNARATNE

Many other outstanding Peterites, some in sports, some with leadership skills, joined the police in the 1950s: Muni Gomes, Sivendran, Navaratnarajah, Lakshman Jayawardene, Maxie Fernando and Nissanka Dharmatillake. It is to the credit of the school which nursed and nourished them, that these stalwarts held not only the school, but the police flag high, and with pride.

A recurring theme in my recent book, “Perils of a Profession”, was the irreparable harm caused to the service because self-seeking officers found space and scope to climb over those lying ahead in the line of seniority, merely became they had the backing of powerful patrons. I had also pointed out that those without patrons were left at the mercy of individuals who engaged in such plunder and cheating because seniors in the highest police echelons stood mute without offering resistance. Camillus Abeygoonewardena and Muni Gomes had powerful patrons in support when serving as security officers to President J. R. Jayewardene. But they did not seek to acquire such “backdoor” promotions, increments, lands or houses. In his own persuasive style, he often held his ground when having to disagree with his superiors or the establishment, on professional matters.