Sri Lanka, March 3 -- Ronald Joseph Godfrey de Mel, popularly known as Ronnie de Mel was one of the most efficient public servants to enter into politics and carve a niche as Sri Lanka's architect of the open economy concept of the first Executive President J. R. Jayewardene.

In 1977, Jayewardene, who had a galaxy of political visionaries in his team ranging from experienced E. L. Senanayake, M. D. H. Jayawardhane, a former Finance Minister, Deputy Leader of the United National Party, Ranasinghe Premadasa and young intellects Lalith Athulathmudali and Gamini Dissanayake, picked Ronnie who did not have any ministerial experience as his Minister of Finance to spearhead the implementation of his most ambitious economic vision for Sri Lanka....