Sri Lanka, Oct. 11 -- 'Elina Jayewardene', a Sinhala biography of the wife of late President J.R. Jayewardene by Sagarika Dissanayake, a veteran journalist was launched recently. It is the first biographical work about a First Lady in Sri Lanka and it is Sagarika's seventh book. The Sunday Observer met Sagarika Dissanayake to talk about her new book and the unique qualities she found in the late first lady.

Excerpts:

Q: Why did you decide to write a biography on 'Elina Jayewardene', wife of late President J.R. Jayewardene?

A: I like the character of Elina Jayewardene who was a charm, modest and simple woman. In comparison to the wives of our other Presidents and other women in politics, she was a real role model for all women. I also h...