In the 1990s several families of detainees, whom I later represented in Court of Law came to see me with Gowry. She had one message for the families, that she will bear the full cost of litigation to protect their loved ones from being unfairly detained. Her pro bono approach to “victim cases” made a sizeable contribution to the human rights jurisprudence in Sri Lanka. There were quite a few strong NGOs that assisted the victims around that time, but not many that had courage and capacity to represent Tamil detainees, terror suspects or those who challenged the powerful executive. Towards 2006, I represented a fairly large number of pro bono briefs from detainees from the North and East. The dialogue with those families was an exposure beyond any formal learning on conflict, racial discrimination, or Sri Lankan politics. Gowry genuinely felt for people and unconditionally stood for the rights of the victims. That is not all, she was known amongst the prisoners and detainees, from any part of the country, as someone who fearlessly filed cases to protect their rights. In my early professional career, I had the privilege of visiting prisons and detention centers to speak to the detainees across the country. Among the lawyers I often met was Gowry. The failure of our law enforcement and legal system can be easily judged by the systemic bias against the “suspects”. Gowry did not have social bias against prisoners or detainees. Our law enforcement was known for brutally killing unarmed prisoners and detainees. Gowry was one who spoke openly against the so called “search operation killings, whilst being taken to recover weapons”. She warned me on many instances against a potential white van attack on me, later to find that she too was listed as a “terrorist lawyer” amongst others with me and Mr. Romesh De Silva P.C in the Defence Ministry website in Mid-2008. Gowry moved with many circles, and never did she expect favors. She enjoyed giving. I have not seen, in our generation, a person who practiced philanthropy or generosity, as she did. Hundreds of deserving people lived on her charity. Something that only few in Hulftsdorp knew was how she treated poor clients and those who were victims of all forms of abuse. Many instances, she accommodated clients during the stay in Colombo preparing the legal documents; then when they leave Colombo, she her self drops them at the Fort Railway Station and give them handful of money for travel. She did not fail to check up on them till they reached their destination. That is not all. People in diverse backgrounds, from lawyers to judges, businessmen to policemen, from ordinary citizens to politicians trusted her to share their grievances. Richest to poorest, powerful to powerless – all had same welcome and she was one of them. She was an excellent
Ombudsman for anyone. To conclude this short eulogy, let me reveal a little-known fact. When my house was bombed by then unknown military agents on 27 September 2008, our family, on advice moved into a safe house. She was keen that my toddler and infant children were safe and comfortable and took all of us to her place for weeks. She was among the first group of friends to reach our house on that dreadful day, when I experienced that many other Sri Lankan had to face in challenging abuse of human rights in the country. She cared for many others in similar situations, and we too benefited from her unreserved love, care and protection.
Thank you Gowry for your endless kindness and true friendship. Our family always considered Gowry and Thava part of our own family and vice versa. We had amazing memories with this extraordinary and truly wonderful human being. This nasty pandemic
took her away from us amidst a more messy, chaotic, and failed system in the country, which she dedicated her life to changing. Good Bye Gowry, until we meet again!

JC Weliamuna
President’s Counsel