Dr. Warnasena Rasaputra : A Model Public Servant
A model public servant who always maintained the highest standards of the public service at all times,
a practical economist on whom his erudition and learning shone very lightly without any presence or dogmatism
unnecessary pomp or ostentation, a humble man who never forgot the rural background from where he came, Dr. Rasaputra
as Governor of the Central Bank for 9 years, later Ambassador to France, Geneva and the USA walked with kings but never
lost the common touch.
Born in Yatiyana in the heart of Ruhuna, he grew up in the village in his earlier years and acquired the deepest
understanding of village life, the peasantry and the rural economy. Educated at Ananda, the Universities of Ceylon
and Wisconsin, he graduated in Economics and also acquired a Doctorate in the same subject but fortunately never
became the stereotype, theoretical, text book economist, remaining true to his roots and his traditions.
After his sterling performance for 9 years as Governor of the Central Bank Rasaputra became our Ambassador to France,
then to Geneva and finally to the USA where his long experience in finance and banking could be used to the greatest
advantage$ of our country. He continued as our Ambassador in the USA. till a very serious heart ailment in Washington
led to his retirement from the Public Service.
After his retirement Rasaputra came back to his roots and devoted himself to religious and charitable works,
helping various Buddhist causes and the poor in the Matara district, spending his own money and his own resources
in the process. Even 6 hours before his passing away, he went to the Colombo residence of Mrs. Mallika De Mel MP
for Matara District and discussed with her a plan for re-settling and rehousing some of the flood victims in that area.
Such was his enthusiasm for public service to the poor until his very end.
Dr. Warnasena Rasaputra was a model public servant who always maintained the highest standards expected from
a public servant at all times, an economist of erudition and learning and above all a person of great integrity
and humility who was an inspiration to us all.
Authur : R. Rajaratnam