A tribute to Linda Whetstone from Sri Lanka

On December 15, 2021, in the midst of those who loved her and all those who she loved back, Linda Whetstone left this world at the epicenter of the institution that her later father, Sir Antony Fisher founded, The Atlas Network.

Linda was a beacon of light to all those who believed in freedom and human dignity. She was a generous donor and an advisor to think tanks and liberals around the world. 

The Advocata Institute bears testimony to the support and strength she gave to Sri Lankans to stand against the crude shadow of populist nationalism that had overwhelmed the fabric of social life in our country.  Before the founding of Advocata, liberal ideas around economics were held by a few scattered individuals and lacked an organized and coherent voice.  Our partnership with Atlas Network, which Linda Whetstone chaired at the time,  was pivotal in making us effective communicators and advocates of these ideas in Sri Lanka.
 
The team at Advocata remembers fondly Linda’s strong encouragement, belief and trust in us as a young organization to host the 2019 Asia Liberty Forum held in Colombo. One of the youngest think tanks in the Atlas network to host a major event.  Dear Linda, you were one of the cornerstones at the Atlas Network that had the confidence that we could pull it off. 

During the 2019 Asia Liberty Forum,  Linda personally sponsored half a dozen young people to attend the conference. Over the years with her support, Advocata Institute and The NightWatchman Society has been able to translate books about basic economic ideas to help expand the knowledge of young people and decision makers, a cause she believed in firmly. 

Linda Whetstone also has the unique distinction of serving as the  President of the Mont Pelerin Society and also as a board member and adviser of the Institute of Economic Affairs and Students for Liberty as well as numerous other organizations.  

The world of free market thinkers has lost a champion of liberty.  Linda will be fondly remembered by all those who were inspired, encouraged and influenced and who were fortunate enough to have been associated with her in life.

We will miss her infectious energy, her support and friendship. 

The founding members of the Advocata Institute