Seelawathie Gopallawa
Seelawathie Rambukwella Gopallawa (died October 4, 1977) was a Sri Lankan public figure, First Lady of Sri Lanka from 1972 to 1977, and wife of former President William Gopallawa. Gopallawa served as the country's inaugural first lady following her husband's assumption of the presidency in 1972.
Seelawathie Gopallawa | |
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Seelawathie Gopallawa (right) | |
First Lady of Sri Lanka | |
In office May 22, 1972 – October 4, 1977 | |
President | William Gopallawa |
Preceded by | Position created |
Succeeded by | Elina Jayewardene |
Personal details | |
Born | Seelawathie Rambukwella |
Died | October 4, 1977 |
Resting place | Dullewa |
Spouse(s) | William Gopallawa (1928–1977; her death) |
Children | Four |
Residence | Dharmapala Mawatha, Matale, Central Province |
Biography
Gopallawa was born Seelawathie Rambukwella to L. B. Rambukwelle.[1][2] She married William Gopallawa, a lawyer and then-member of the Matale Urban Council, on March 8, 1928.[1][2] The couple had four children: two daughters, Iranganie and Chintha, and two sons, Asoka and Monty.[1][3] Her youngest son, Monty Gopallawa, served as Minister of Cultural Affairs from 2000 to 2001 and Governor of Central Province from 2002 until 2005.[1]
Gopallawa's husband, William Gopallawa, served as the Governor-General of Ceylon from 1962 to 1972. In 1972, Seelawathie Gopallawa became the first First Lady of Sri Lanka when Sri Lanka became a republic and her husband assumed the presidency.[1]
Gopallawa served as the country's inaugural first lady until her death on October 4, 1977.[1] Her ashes were buried in the Gopallawa family cemetery in Dullewa following her cremation.[1] Like her husband, who died in 1981, Seelawathie Gopallawa donated her eyes to the Sri Lanka Eye Donation Society following her death.[1]
She had lived as the family home in Dharmapala Mawatha, Matale.[1]
References
- Basnayake, Richard (2012-01-30). "William Gopallawa:Gentleman par excellence". Daily News (Sri Lanka). Archived from the original on 2018-11-14. Retrieved 2019-11-23.
- Wijenayake, Walter (2009-01-30). "William Gopallawa: Illustrious, unassuming". The Island (Sri Lanka). Archived from the original on 2019-11-23. Retrieved 2019-11-23.
- "Chintha Gopallawa". Sunday Observer (Sri Lanka). 2013-04-21. Retrieved 2019-11-23.