My father the late I.A.Cader was a man
for all seasons. Twenty nine years after his
demise his memory stands vivid in our minds.
A product of Mahinda College, Galle and St.
Peter’s College, Colombo, Dad hailed from
Talapitiya, Galle and was born on January 5,
1917
A lawyer by profession, he later took to
politics and indulged in the gem trade too.
He was a Member of Parliament for Beruwela,
Deputy Speaker and Senator as well. Retiring
from politics in 1977 he was assigned a
diplomatic posting as Sri Lanka’s Ambassador
to Egypt.
How he combined politics, his profession,
social activities and family was truly
amazing. He sported an extraordinary
charisma which made people of all ages to be
drawn towards him. He loved children and for
us his daughters he had a deep affection.
As a member of the Wakf Board he had to
travel extensively to far off places. This
did not hinder him making it an official cum
leisure jaunt. As usual he bundled us into
his amazingly expanding ‘Zodiac’ to the wild
and exotic places.
Dad was an extremely generous person. He
instilled in us the need to be charitable;
and most of all to be ‘honest and truthful.’
He despised those who lied to achieve their
goals. His constant advice to us was
‘Whatever your dealings, be truthful and be
honest.’ These words are etched in our
hearts and are strictly adhered to, although
we live in a world full of such elements.
His love for his kith and kin was another
unique aspect to his character. When his
only sister was widowed with three young
children, he moved in as a shield and
protector. He always visited his relations
and gave them companionship, security and
advice. He was a tower of strength to them.
During his tenure of office as Member of
Parliament, his constituency saw many
development activities. The fisheries
harbour in Beruwela and the Maggona market
stand to his credit. Father nursed his
electorate with genuine fondness and his
constant weekend visits included us as well.
Dad’s contribution to his party the SLFP
was immeasurable. Loyal to the core he stood
by the government of the day in 1964 when
many crossed over for monetary gain. He was
staunch until his demise in 1979. He was of
a very rare calibre indeed, considering the
standards of politics today. He was returned
to parliament as member for Beruwela on two
occasions; in 1960 and 1970. He served for
11 years in this capacity. Dad’s home was a
haven for anyone who sought refuge, it was
open to all.
Dad was unique in character. He played
many parts in his life and in all of them he
achieved distinction. As a trusted lawyer
many turned to him for justice and advice.
He didn’t turn away any one for monetary
gains.
He quoted extensively from Shakespeare,
Rabindranath Tagore and ‘Avvayyar.’ His
favourite poem was IF by Rudyard
Kipling.
He detested untruths and dishonesty.
Parliamentarians of yore often had to
dispose of their assets for their upkeep,
and electoral activities. They did not
receive the perks enjoyed by
parliamentarians of today.
Father had a powerful voice and could
sing a variety of songs — an asset, which I
inherited. Singing his favourite songs
Mona Lisa, Autumn Leaves and
This is My Song to him had a soothing
effect. He rendered ‘ghazals’ in a
voice that was deep and eloquent. His
rendition of Rosemary was absolutely
awe inspiring.
Islam ran deep in his veins. He imparted
Quranic stories of prophets, anecdotes and
sharia. His personal Quran which my
younger sister possesses has many markings
to show the importance of certain verses.
Angling was one recreation he found peace
and solace in. He was a member of the
Angler’s Club and would make trips to the
breakwaters in the port at dawn.
We are indeed proud of our Dad who left a
lasting legacy to us his daughters. A soft
hearted person, his purse opened readily to
assist the less fortunate. Warm and gentle,
a rare breed he was better known as ‘Adham’
to his wide circle of friends and to his
relations.
We his five daughters salute our dear
father who was a rare personality, an
advisor, philanthropist, exemplary
politician, a friend, a father and a
grandfather.
May Almighty Allah grant him Jennathul
Firdous. Ameen.
Liqa Cader Faaiz
