Anton’s Swan Song – by Lal Wickrematunge
How does one capture in a few paragraphs thirty three years of unparalleled service to a community? Impossible and grossly inadequate but let me try, Anton Swan’s colossal effort must not go unrecorded.
I had the pleasure of meeting Anton Swan in 2015 on being appointed Consul General of Sri Lanka for New South Wales and Queensland. He was by then a veteran and more so a legend. Being a rookie at Diplomacy it took me a few weeks before I could drum up courage to telephone him.
I knew that Anton had by then seen many a High Commissioner and Consuls General come and go. I finally did call him. ” Anton Swan speaking,” he said. I stood up from my chair and words betrayed me. I stuttered and stammered, finally saying who I was.
” How have you settled in? ” he asked. After the usual pleasantries, I asked Anton when I could visit Queensland. He consulted his diary and given his busy commitments gave me months notice. I did visit Brisbane and what a delight it was to meet with the great man, Bronwyn, his genial wife and family. Anton explained in minute detail the plethora of difficulties he had in getting quick responses from the Consulate in Sydney which placed him in difficulty as he was the point person in Queensland and those who sought his services were not interested in the internal administrative maneuvers. Queensland, covering a large geographical area, did pose a problem for Anton, as a person arriving from a far flung post had to get his/her problem solved with one visit.
This was not lost on me and I tried my best to accommodate him. Anton was efficient, diligent and focussed. He knew his fold and they loved him in return. Being born a Burgher, he did not possess a single mean bone in his body and rallied the varying communities as Sri Lankans first and Sri Lankans last. He had by then identified the movers and shakers whom he could call on to help him organise varying functions to perfection. These were not ” One Offs”, as he did so for 33 years, speak volumes of his staying power. Quite unparalleled in the history of Sri Lankan Diplomatic history and perhaps in the world.
Nothing lasts forever and Anton finally decided to hang up his boots. There were many instances when he felt that it was time to retire but Colombo would not have none of it. Anton held Queensland with distinction and Colombo simply left him in place whilst the Queenslanders in return felt safe with him. He was the rock of Gibraltar in Queensland for his community as well as his colleagues from other Embassies and High Commissions. Anton’s benevolence knew no bounds. His charities were many and went unsung. A silent doer, he was. His humane nature endeared him with all who came in contact with him.
I recall Anton phone me to say that there was a young lad who was peering through his window dressed in bedraggled clothing. On inquiry he found the boy to be from Kandy and a Trinitian to boot, who had lost all and was wandering around sleeping at railway stations till someone directed him to Anton. Anton bathed him, fed him, clothed him and gave him some money (quite a bit) and of course called me.He paid and sent him on a flight to Sydney. Members of the Trinitian community in Sydney bought him safe passage back to Colombo. Did it end there? No. Anton would call me several times thereafter to find out how the lad was doing.
How does one man hold down an honorary position with high quality performance for 33 years? I did find the answer. Anton did swim the palk strait as a young man. Though that did not take 33 years to complete, it was the stepping stone to his staying power.
I spent many happy days and enjoyed the hospitality of Anton and Bron. They were memorable and joyous. Bron was the perfect foil for Anton and was equally loved by all.
Take a well earned rest Anton. You will be remembered for your work. But, more than that, loved by all whom you came to contact with. Those are big shoes you leave behind.
Warm wishes
Lal Wickrematunge
former Consul General for New South Wales and Queensland
2015 – 2019
