Jeya Wilson, born in Sri Lanka in 1951, has lived a remarkable life that includes being bullied in England, helping Barack Obama become the first African-American president, and playing a significant role in the anti-nuclear movement. She is perhaps best known for persuading David Lange to participate in the 1985 Oxford Union debate, where he delivered his famous line about uranium. At the time, Wilson was the president of the Oxford Union, a position that has been held by many future prime ministers.
Despite the racial abuse she experienced in England, Wilson decided to attend Oxford University after seeing it for herself. She was able to study there through a scholarship and eventually ran for the presidency of the Oxford Union alongside Boris Johnson, who would later become the UK’s prime minister. Wilson became the second woman of colour to hold the prestigious title, following Benazir Bhutto, the future prime minister of Pakistan.
Before her presidency, Wilson was part of the committee that set up the famous debates. She invited New Zealand’s Prime Minister, David Lange, to participate in a debate, a decision that was risky due to the unpredictable nature of debates. Lange’s participation in the debate on the morality of nuclear weapons was a success, earning him a standing ovation.
Today, Wilson lives a quiet life in Whanganui, New Zealand. After 14 years living near Lake Geneva, she and her husband decided to return to New Zealand. She enjoys her simple life and wouldn’t change it for anything.
