Sri Lanka, Aug. 24 -- By Tharaka Balasuriya

My mother

carries a diary of my grandmother, a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made

in the name of public service. It details how my grandmother, a reasonably

wealthy woman, was left with so little after her husband, my grandfather, had

devoted his life to his community and country. Though he was a self-made man, a

teacher, a principal, a scholar, and a member of parliament with an immense

reputation for virtue, he left nothing for his family, not even enough money to

afford his own casket. His service was total, but its cost was borne by his family.

My mother keeps that diary, I believe, as a reminder that there is no glory in

blind service at the expense of one's family.

This an...