Colombo was not as heated as it stands today. However, there was definitely some heat in the capital city on August 12, 2005, as it settled into the rhythm of another tropical night. Lakshman Kadirgamar had just completed his swim, a ritual that allowed him a brief respite from the pressures of his office. The much-admired personality and internationally renowned Foreign Minister towelled himself off, totally unaware of a sniper lying in wait, hidden in the shadows of a neighbouring house.
A single gunshot shattered the quiet of the settling evening. The bullet reached its destination, striking Kadirgamar in the head. The Foreign Minister collapsed immediately, blood pooling beneath him. Thus came to pass the end of a man who advocated for his country’s unity and peace.
The security detail rushed to his side, but it was too late. The Foreign Minister lay lifeless in his own home. The nation would wake up to the news the following day, and Sri Lanka would never be the same again.
Lasting imprint
Born on April 12, 1932, in Manipay, in the Jaffna District, Lakshman Kadirgamar lived to become a statesman and a lawyer who would leave a lasting imprint on the nation’s political and diplomatic sphere. Kadirgamar initially attended CMS Ladies’ College in Colombo before moving to Matale due to the disruptions caused by World War II. He later attended Trinity College, Kandy, where he excelled in academics and sports alike. He earned the Ryde Gold Medal for being the best all-around student in 1950. He captained the cricket team and won accolades in athletics and rugby, too.
After completing his secondary education, Kadirgamar pursued a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) at the University of Ceylon. His academic journey continued at Balliol College, Oxford, where he earned a BLitt degree in 1960 with a thesis on “Strict Liability in English and Roman-Dutch Law.” His time at Oxford was also marked by his election as President of the Oxford Union.
Kadirgamar returned to Sri Lanka to initiate a successful legal career. He served as the Private Secretary to Justice Noel Gratiaen, and later, he represented high-profile cases and contributed scholarly articles to international legal journals. His international career took him to Geneva, where he worked with organisations such as the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). His reputation as a legal expert and diplomat matured over the years.
Opposition to terrorism
Despite having no prior political experience, Kadirgamar was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs in 1994. He held this position with distinction until 2001 and again from 2004 until his assassination in 2005. His tenure was defined by his resolve against terrorism, particularly the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).
Lakshman Kadirgamar is remembered for his fierce opposition to terrorism. From the moment he took office as Foreign Minister, Kadirgamar made it clear that his primary objective was to protect the nation from the scourge of terrorism.
Kadirgamar’s strategy was a combination of diplomatic efforts with international advocacy to isolate the LTTE. One of his significant achievements was to have the terrorist outfit banned internationally. Through lobbying and strategic partnerships, he convinced key global powers, including the United States and the United Kingdom, to label the LTTE as a terrorist organisation. The proscription cut off the group’s financial lifelines and curtailing their ability to operate freely on the global stage.
His diplomatic acumen extended beyond proscriptions. Kadirgamar worked tirelessly to expose the atrocities committed by the organisation, pointing out the need for a unified global response to terrorism. His was not a mere rhetoric-filled effort. The effort was backed by a well-coordinated international campaign that involved collaboration with various Governments and international bodies.
As irony would have it, Lakshman Kadirgamar was both a peacemaker and a prime target. The LTTE viewed him as one of their most formidable adversaries.The threats to his life were constant. He stood his ground nevertheless. In an interview with The Hindu in July 2005, Kadirgamar said: “They (LTTE) can get me anytime. I get very serious reports things are hotting up.”
Post-assassination
The assassination of Kadirgamar on August 12, 2005, shocked Sri Lanka. It was a meticulously planned operation carried out by an LTTE sniper who had been lying in wait in a neighbouring house. The fatal shot was a clear message from the LTTE that they would stop at nothing to silence those who opposed them. Kadirgamar’s death highlighted the persistent dangers posed by the LTTE and the challenges that Sri Lanka faced in its quest for peace.
The immediate aftermath of the assassination of Lakshman Kadirgamar was one of chaos and mourning. President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga declared a state of emergency. The Government concentrated on maintaining order and pursuing the assassins.
Global leaders condemned the assassination. Condolences poured in from nations such as India, the United States, and the United Kingdom, with leaders such as U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Indian External Affairs Minister K. Natwar Singh expressing their shock. The European Union and the United Nations also issued strong statements, with UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan calling the assassination a “Criminal and senseless” act.
The investigation into Kadirgamar’s assassination brimmed with challenges. The LTTE was widely believed to be responsible, but gathering conclusive evidence was no walk in the park. Initial arrests of individuals suspected of aiding the assassins did not lead to solid convictions. The exact details of how the operation was planned and executed remain a puzzle.
The LTTE’s ability to carry out such a high-profile assassination (second to President Ranasinghe Premadasa’s assassination in 1993) despite the heavy security raised serious concerns about the efficacy of the ceasefire agreement in place at the time. The event also highlighted the fragility of the state’s control over its own security.
The assassination, therefore, raised the need for a more pragmatic approach to national security and a re-evaluation of the strategies employed in dealing with the LTTE. It also brought to the forefront the question of how to proceed with the peace process without compromising the nation’s security.
National hero
Lakshman Kadirgamar is remembered not just as a Foreign Minister but as a national hero who stood firm in the face of adversity and dedicated his life to the pursuit of peace and justice. His contributions to Sri Lanka’s diplomatic efforts, particularly the campaign to have the LTTE banned internationally, remain among his most significant achievements.
Kadirgamar’s influence extended beyond his lifetime. His speeches, writings, and diplomatic efforts continue to inspire future generations of Sri Lankan leaders. His approach to foreign policy was characterised by pragmatism and a deep understanding of international relations. It set a standard many have sought to emulate. His belief in the importance of a unified Sri Lankan identity transcends ethnic and religious differences.
Memorials and honours have been established in his name to reflect the reverence in which he is held. The Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute of International Relations and Strategic Studies, founded in 2006, is one such prestigious institute. The Institute continues to promote research and dialogue on global issues, which aligns with Kadirgamar’s vision of a more peaceful and interconnected world.
Kadirgamar’s legacy also lives on through the personal memories of those who knew him. His daughter, Ajita Perera Kadirgamar, authored a book titled The Cake That Was Baked at Home, offering snapshots of her father’s life and work. The title of the book, drawn from one of Kadirgamar’s speeches, reflects his deep connection to his homeland and his belief that his achievements were rooted in the values and lessons he learned in Sri Lanka.
