NPC expresses its profound sorrow at the passing of Dr. Devanesan Nesiah, one of Sri Lanka's most respected public intellectuals, civil servants and advocates of peace and reconciliation. His life of public service, moral courage and intellectual integrity has left an enduring mark on Sri Lanka's search for a just and inclusive peace.
As Government Agent of Jaffna during one of the most turbulent periods in the country's history, Dr. Nesiah combined administrative competence with deep humanity in responding to the needs of people affected by violence and displacement. Throughout his career he demonstrated that public office was a trust to be exercised with fairness, independence and compassion rather than political expediency.
Following doctoral studies at Harvard University under Nobel Laureate Thomas Schelling, Dr. Nesiah brought a rare combination of academic insight and practical experience to the challenges of conflict resolution. He consistently argued that even in situations of seemingly intractable conflict, it was possible to identify common interests and build political solutions based on justice, equality and mutual respect. His writings and public interventions enriched national debate on devolution of power, minority rights and constitutional reform, always seeking practical ways that could command the confidence of all communities.
Dr Nesiah's commitment to reconciliation was rooted in a broader vision of human dignity. He rejected discrimination based on ethnicity, religion, caste or any other form of exclusion as human constructs, and believed that Sri Lanka's diversity was a source of strength rather than division. He spoke truth to power regardless of personal cost and remained steadfast in his principles even when this affected his own public service career.
NPC was privileged to benefit from Dr. Nesiah's wisdom and guidance over many years. His thoughtful counsel, generosity towards younger peacebuilders and unwavering commitment to dialogue and nonviolence strengthened both our institution and the wider peace movement in Sri Lanka. His life exemplified the values of integrity, empathy and rational public engagement that remain essential to building a peaceful and democratic society. He inspired us to continue our work. NPC extends its heartfelt condolences to his family and all who had the privilege of knowing and working with him. We honour his memory by renewing our commitment to the ideals he championed and to the unfinished task of building a Sri Lanka in which every citizen can live with equality, security and dignity.