Lanka Personalities

Those Magnificent People

INTRODUCTION

Even though Sri Lankans have made significant contributions to life, society and culture, many are still largely unaware of these contributions as well as their personal stories and history. The LankaPersonalities goal is to change this. Primarily the anecdotes will focus on origins, families, politics, history, achievements, events, music, sports and entertainment of these personalities. Even then, only a relatively small number of Sri Lankans have ever received the attention they deserve. Furthermore, existing oral history collections still consist largely of memories hidden away inside ageing peoples minds; access to them is extremely limited; and, most are not easy to obtain and transfer to today’s hi-tech multi-media formats.

Like other oral history collections, The LankaPersonalities collection hearkens back to the earliest and most authentic efforts to capture the hearts of a people, while introducing state-of-the-art technology and increased accessibility. LankaPersonalities wants to provide living proof that Sri Lankan history did not begin or end with the advent of just a band people into the island but is based upon the multi-cultural integration of many different peoples who came, fought, struggled, shared, lived, loved and survived through so many varied eras of Colonialism and inter political situations.

The initial goal of LankaPersonalities is to obtain as many historical accounts of both well-known and unsung Sri Lankans within the coming years, creating an archive of unparalleled importance and exposing the archival collection to the widest audience possible.

By recording the messages of leadership, achievement and perseverance embodied in the life stories of these people and sharing the stories with the world community through its website and its ongoing public programs, LankaPersonalities hopes to enrich the lives of all ethnic groups, both young and old.

An integral part of the Lankan experience, The LankaPersonalities' stories are ones of success against the odds, of achievement in the face of adversity, and in all cases, they are stories of inspiration. They are Sri Lanka's Missing Stories.

MISSION STATEMENT

LankaPersonalities is a national, non-profit educational organization committed to preserving, developing and providing easy access to an internationally recognized, archival collection of Sri Lankan personality histories.

The purpose of this archive is to educate and to:

show the breadth and depth of this important Sri Lankan history as told by the first person;
highlight the accomplishments of individual Sri Lankans across a variety of disciplines;

showcase those who have played a role in Sri Lankan led movements and/or organizations; and
preserve this material for years and generations to come.

LankaPersonalities is committed to creating and exposing its archival collection to the widest audience possible using collaborations as well as the Internet, a digital archive and other new technologies.

BACKGROUND

Lanka Personalities will be headquartered in Colombo, Sri Lanka a city rich in Sri Lankan history, especially under Colonial rule, and has been initiated in March of 2006 by a group of enthusiastic Sri Lankans.

WHO OR WHAT IS A LANKA PERSONALITY

A Lanka Personality, is a person: 1) who by his/her own accomplishments has made significant strides; and/or 2) who is associated with a particular movement, organization or association and event or time that is important to the Sri Lankan community. We are in the process of trying to identify our LankaPersonalities. Some are elderly and hard to find. Some of their notoriety may have waned, but their historical significance has not.

They may have interesting insights to share about important events or historical periods. They may be your neighbor, your relative, your friend or maybe someone you have worked with or admired over the years. They may be someone you have read about or heard their story. Please feel free to nominate someone as a LankaPersonality. While doing so, make sure to tell us their background, their accomplishments and/or their role in Sri Lankan history. It is extremely important that you also include appropriate contact information.

ARCHIVES

The Lanka Personalities is a text/graphic based history archive committed to making history come alive, making it accessible to the public through its website, digital archive, special events, public programming.

Please send all data for inclusion to sgenweb@gmail.com

R. A. Gunawardene

Former Surveyor General would have made an excellent Governor General

R. A. Gunawardene

Former Surveyor General Reginauld Alick Gunawardene, known as “RAG” to his close friends, passed away peacefully at his home “Melville” three months ago.

Reginauld was born to a Methodist father and a Roman Catholic mother, but lived as an atheist most of his life. It was only in his last years that he acknowledged an awareness of a loving God. He died the way he lived, largely unknown and unsung. He left instructions that his mortal remains be buried within 24 hours of his death, and that he be given a private funeral.
RAG was born in Kandy on January 29, 1923. He studied at St. Benedict’s College, Kotahena, and after a successful school career joined the staff of his alma mater for a short while before taking up a full-time job as a teacher at St. Mary’s, Chilaw. He entered university and graduated with a BSc (London).Before joining the Survey Department in 1948 as an Assistant Superintendent, he was for a short time Assistant Food Controller. He was promoted to the position of Superintendent of Surveys in 1962, and rose to the rank of Assistant Acting Surveyor General. He became Acting Surveyor General in 1972, and retired 10 months later. The next four years he spent in salubrious Diyatalawa as head of the Institute of Surveying and Mapping. He trained dozens of people in the disciplines of surveying and mapping, while being quite a disciplinarian himself. He was a stickler for rules.

I had the privilege of profiling this great man in The Sunday Times of February 12, 2006, when his surveyor colleagues felicitated him as the oldest member of their fraternity.

RAG was a legend in the Survey Department. There were many stories told about him and his no-nonsense ways. For example, there was the case of the draughtsman who had refused to be transferred to a distant outstation post, saying he could not leave behind his bed-ridden mother. Later, when the draughtsman appeared before an interview board, headed by RAG, in connection with an application for a scholarship to go overseas for training, RAG asked him how he would manage to leave his bed-ridden mother to go abroad when he did not want to leave her side to work in another part of this country.

Many believed RAG should have been Governor General, rather than Surveyor General, saying he would have given the country the discipline it needed.

May this labourer who was called to the vineyard in the last hour of the day enjoy eternal rest with the Lord.

By Lenard R. Mahaarachchi

DRS RAJA & JENNY JOHNPULLE

We have lost two caring doctors and a rare politician

DRS RAJA & JENNY JOHNPULLE

My wife and I were saddened by the sudden and tragic passing away of our dear friends Raja and Jenny Johnpulle. I first met Raja in 1957 when he joined the Faculty of Science, University of Ceylon, Colombo, for his First MB. He has been my friend ever since. We lived in Aquinas Hall (Catholic Hostel), a well-knit community of 40 undergraduates. He was a smiling character taking an active part in the affairs of the hostel. I remember him being the Literary Secretary and producing the annual journal.

Moments before the blast in Anuradhapura
He and Jenny left the government health service very early to engage in full time private practice in Anuradhapura. They were respected and popular practitioners.
He was happy when I was appointed the Superintendent of Health Services Anuradhapura in 1978. Then he was Sri Lanka’s Ambassador in the USSR. When he was on leave in Sri Lanka he paid a special visit to me at my office and had a long chat about the health services of Anuradhapura district. We became closer friends from the 1990s as we met at the monthly meetings of the Independent Medical Practitioners Association of which he was Vice President. He travelled regularly from Anuradhapura and most of the time went back in the dead of night.
He was dedicated to the UNP under every leadership. He did not gain financially from politics. Jenny did not dabble in politics but stood by his side always. When the UNP office situated in his clinic was first damaged. I telephoned him and told him that the time had come for him to give up politics. Regretfully, he did not agree. We met them after their home was burnt. They were calm and resigned to what had happened.

Sri Lanka has lost two honest and caring doctors and a rare upright politician. Their children among whom one is a doctor can be proud of them.

May they rest in peace.

Dr. Lucian Jayasuriya, Rajagiriya

Major General Janaka Perera

Saluting a soldier, politician, diplomat and an Aiya

Major-General Janaka Perera

It was with stunned disbelief that I heard the news, on October 6, that you and Vajira had been killed in an explosion at Anuradhapura. As I absorbed the shock and took in the enormity of the tragedy, my mind went back 16 years to the day I heard that my husband Mohan had died in a landmine blast. I wept then, and I weep now as I write this appreciation of someone I had known all my life, and had the privilege of addressing as “Janaka Aiya”.

Sleep eluded me that night, as it did for many nights and days after, as I looked back on those days of our carefree childhood – growing up together, enjoying our idyllic, fun-filled teen years, and then going our separate ways on reaching adulthood.

You were the patriotic one among us, the one who made the sacrifices. Instead of enjoying a university education, you chose to join the Army. You cut a very dashing figure in your military uniform as you left for England for your cadet training at Sandhurst. We, the younger ones, gazed upon you with awe and wide-eyed wonder.

Whenever you were home on leave, you would entertain us with your stories of Army life in faraway places, and we would listen enthralled. When I married Mohan, also a serviceman, you and my husband would get together and swap Army stories for hours on end. It was wonderful to see the two of you taking centre stage at family functions and talking about your lives as servicemen, but always careful to censor and edit your stories to suit your audience!
In Vajira – your charming wife and companion for 25 years – you found the perfect partner. She was your soul mate. She complemented you in stature, temperament and intelligence.
We enjoyed your gracious hospitality countless times – whether it was at the Army married quarters, or at your Poorvarama Road home in Colombo, or at the High Commissioner’s residence in Canberra, Australia. It was always open house at your home, even to the most casual of acquaintances. Everybody who visited you and Vajira was given a very warm welcome. Your home radiated great warmth and hospitality.

Together, you nurtured a lovely family, instilling in your children the values and moral principles you believed in. They have in them the best of both of you. Their stoic acceptance of the double tragedy in their family, and the courage they have shown in this time of great grief and loss, is proof of the fine legacy you have given them.

When Mohan was killed in a landmine explosion in the North, you came home to pay your respects. I remember asking why this had to happen to Mohan. That was perhaps the only time I ever saw you at a loss for words, but in your eyes there was a profound sympathy and understanding. After Mohan was gone, you and Vajira were so supportive and helpful to us. With all your heavy duties and responsibilities, you would somehow find time to be present at all important family functions.

When you told us about your intention to enter politics, I feared for you, I implored you time and again to be careful. Another family tragedy could not be borne. But being what you were, you wanted to do more – even after giving 35 years of your life to the service of your country. You wanted to make a difference. For all our sakes, I hoped and prayed you would. I believed you could. Alas, it was not to be.

As I paid my last respects to both of you, it was with a profound sadness that I visualised the two of you impeccably dressed just moments before the explosion, and now what remained within your sealed caskets.

Major-General Janaka Perera, RWP, RSP, VSV, USP, rcds psc – soldier, diplomat, politician – and to me, Janaka Aiya – I bid you farewell.
May you rest in eternal peace.

Nangi
====


Sunday Times Oct 12 2008
May your roar reverberate in the echoes of time

The loss of Major General Janaka Perera is a devastating blow to a country now devoid of learned, respected and beloved leaders who potentially could have united all the races of Mother Lanka under one banner. With his untimely demise, another shining light has gone out, only to be remembered in memory by generations of Sri Lankans to come. His life of service to the nation will be part of the great historical record that is the exclusive preserve of the privileged few, who served a grateful nation; never for personal reward or recognition, but to answer a call of duty, that for this Lion of Sri Lanka, was too loud to ignore.

Like his esteemed brethren Lieutenant General Denzil Kobbekaduwa, Major General Vijaya Wimalaratne, and other dedicated and decorated service personnel before him, Major General Perera was a Sri Lankan patriot who served his motherland to the end, and vehemently believed that a return to greatness for our country was on the horizon. His success on the battlefields over 20 years will now be part of the essential reading on military strategy, and he was the true epitome of courage and perseverance. His leadership on the battlefield against all odds and adversity today is the stuff of legend. His colleagues in the Army will vouch with pride that in a lifetime of service to his beloved country, he never wavered in his duty and obligations to his troops and commanders, and he put our nation’s interests first.

In an age where moral values have been desecrated, and where politicians are the standard bearers for the prevailing social fabric of society, Major General Perera stood out like a beacon. While he was human and therefore vulnerable to human failings, he always strove for greatness, and his learned discourse and dialogue always smacked of hours spent reading on subjects that he couldn’t speak on with authority. His supreme self-confidence coupled with an unbridled self-belief was seen as arrogant by some, but viewed in general as the hallmark of all great leaders. He had that rare quality where he never expected anyone to do something, that he himself would not do first, and he always led from the front, even when it was strategically important that he manage his troops from the safety of his command centre. His loss will echo throughout the armed forces more than anywhere else, as he spent almost his entire life in their service, and
was one of their most beloved sons.

A record of distinguished service…

He had the unique distinction of being the Colonel Commandant of the Commando Regiment, Special Forces Regiment and the Corps of Sri Lanka Engineers. Major General Janaka Perera had been awarded the gallantry medals Rana Wickrama Padakkama and Rana Sura Padakkama, the distinguished service medal, Vishista Seva Vibhushanaya service medals, the Uttama Seva Padakkama, Sri Lanka Armed Services Long Service Medal, combat service medals Purna Bhumi Padakkama, North and East Operations Medal, the Vadamarachchi Operation Medal, the Riviresa Campaign Services Medal, and also the Republic of Sri Lanka Armed Services Medal, 50th Independence Anniversary Medal 1998, Sri Lanka Army 50th Anniversary Medal and President's Inauguration Medal.

His entrance into politics was controversial, and even when many of his family and closest advisors questioned his decision, he always said that he still had so much to give his country, and wanted to contribute even after completing his exemplary military service. While many will rue his decision in the coming days, it important to see his most dominant quality of self-sacrifice, shining through. One can only hope that his peers and colleagues alike will carry forward the legacy of this great man, as a testament to his sacrifice. What is now needed is not further political divisions and debates, but for Sri Lanka to go forth united together in her efforts to stamp out the scourge of terrorism, and bring peace and prosperity to all people of this island.

He was one to all…

He was dearly loved by the people of all races and creeds, and always expended his duties to ensure racial harmony was maintained wherever he or his division was based. Even in hostile territory, he always assured the minorities that he would never tolerate anyone, even his troops, to violate the rights of the very people they had sought to liberate from the evil clutches of terrorism. He had no patience for political masters, and refused to compromise himself or his troops for the petty political mileage that today has become the hallmark of politics and service in Sri Lanka.

His devoted and lifelong partner Mrs. Vajira Perera, who also perished in this cowardly attack, was his tower of strength, his harshest critic and his biggest fan. She always went everywhere with him, and made sure that in his battlefield absences, she raised a wonderful family that he could be proud of today. His children share his gregarious nature, and their mother’s charming and pragmatic approach. They will take heart that they had extraordinary parents who made the supreme sacrifice serving the country they loved so dearly.

Farewell Lion of Lanka, and may your roar reverberate in the echoes of time, and may your spirit inhabit the generations of patriotic children of our motherland. May you find in eternal rest, the peace for which you have worked so long.

Ashan Malalasekera.
Founder & Executive Director, Youth Progressive Foundation (YPF) - Sri Lanka. www.youthforlanka.org

Goodbye to a brave general, eloquent diplomat, popular politician and patriotic friend

I have known brave generals, eloquent diplomats, popular politicians and patriotic friends in my lifetime, but I can confidently say that there was only one person known to me who possessed all these qualities and that person is none other than the late Major General Janaka Perera. The country has lost a patriotic and dedicated military and political leader. He risked his life over and over again because he had a vision to regain the lost paradise in this country by defeating the LTTE both militarily and politically. The LTTE succeeded in assassinating him on October 6, 2008 at Anuradhapura in the most cowardly way through a suicide bomber, before
he could make his vision a reality.

His military efforts to defeat the LTTE are numerous and among them his victory at Weli Oya is among the greatest, wherein nearly four hundred LTTE cadres were killed, while the losses on his side were only one soldier and one home guard. He was sent to defend Jaffna at a time the political leadership in Colombo were making preparations to withdraw the Security Forces from Jaffna, with the assistance of India. His leadership turned defeat into victory. While the whole country is well aware of these two victories of his, there are many other victories he achieved as a military officer that perhaps only those in the Security Forces would know.

The liberation of the east when the late D.B.Wijetunga was President, where he was one of the front line Commanders and the subsequent successful march via
Elephant Pass to Kilinochchi, which was implemented with him as the Operations Commander and his role in the capture of Rohana Wijeweera to end the last JVP
insurrection are just a few that I can recall from memory.

The Major General Janaka Perera that I knew was ambitious and nothing short of becoming the President of this country would have enabled him to make his vision a reality. In an article that was published in The Sunday Times of July 20 2008, I said, “However if this is his aim, the path ahead is pitted with many obstacles. The LTTE will not be the only enemy he will have to contend with. He survived the LTTE threat when he was a serving officer in the army because he had the necessary security. As an opposition nominee to the post of Chief Minister who is considered a threat to the governing party, his security will never reach the level that he enjoyed while serving in the army.

Therefore the question is whether he will be ever allowed to work his way up…” He was not allowed to work his way up, because the government failed in providing him with the necessary security and has to now take the responsibility for allowing the LTTE to assassinate such a valuable person. Let this be a lesson to the government to make an independent analysis of the threat assessment on very important persons, without considering political affiliations.

As a close friend I tried to persuade him not to take to politics at this point of time, but he was too strong willed to heed my advice. He even declined an offer by the President to be appointed as a Governor and made the mistake of taking to politics by joining the UNP and being nominated as the candidate for the Chief Minister’s post in the North Central Province. It was this mistake that paved the way for his assassination.

Major General Janaka Perera was very confident of victory and said on the political platform that he had never lost a battle and would therefore be victorious at the provincial council elections. However, though he was the candidate who polled the highest amount of preferential votes, his party the UNP was defeated and he was appointed to the post of the Leader of the Opposition in the North Central Provincial Council. He was preparing himself to serve the people in his new appointment
when the LTTE assassinated him.

As an army officer he stood by his men because he valued the lives of those under his command more than his own promotions. Therefore he refused to dance to the tune of politicians and as a result possibly even lost the chance of becoming the Army Commander. As a diplomat he succeeded not only in Australia and Indonesia but at all international diplomatic gatherings to eloquently show that the problem in our country was a terrorist one and not ethnic. As a politician he won the hearts of the people in record time and became the most loved politician in the North Central Province. Finally as a true friend of mine he went beyond the call of
duty when he was in the army to help me when I was in difficulty.

Though he is no more there are many in the army who were trained by him and who served under him to follow in his footsteps. Therefore, I am certain that the LTTE
has made another great blunder in assassinating Major General Janaka Perera, because though they were able to kill him, they will never be able to kill his vision of
defeating the LTTE both militarily and politically.

His determination to do so I hope will gather immense strength in the days to come with the support of both the government and the opposition. This, however, is unlikely to happen if the opposition tries to use the assassination of Major General Janaka Perera to gain petty political mileage, without keeping in mind that the common enemy responsible for death and destruction is the LTTE. May the late Major General Janaka Perera, his wife Vajira and all his supporters who were killed

by the LTTE in Anuradhapura on October 6, 2008 attain the bliss of Nibbana. I also take this opportunity to convey my heartfelt condolences to his children and his
family.

Lt. Col. Anil Amarasekera

Vajira Perera

Perfect wife to a soldier and diplomat

Vajira Perera

It seems like yesterday that Vajira came through the front door of our home with her usual impish smile and a twinkle in her eye. I would never have imagined I would not see her ever again. That last poignant memory of her is etched deep in my heart.

Vijaya and I first met Vajira Perera many moons ago, when Janaka brought her home, saying he wanted to introduce us to a special friend. She was like a breath of fresh air. Shortly after, Janaka’s special friend became his wife. We were so happy for him, knowing that in Vajira, Janaka had found his perfect partner, his soul-mate.

The couple became very much a part of our family. We spent many happy times together. Vajira had a wisdom far beyond her years. She perfected the art of getting her husband to agree with her point of view, without his realising it. True to his military training, Janaka was not one to show his emotions easily, but with Vajira it was different. It was obvious how deeply he cared for her.

When Janaka went on duty to Jaffna, we could see how distressed Vajira was, but she hid her feelings bravely for the sake of her children. She went to the temple every day to invoke blessings on her husband and all servicemen fighting for our country. She herself had suffered a great family tragedy, when her only brother died at a very young age while serving in the Army.
Vajira had to take on a new role when Janaka was appointed as Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner in Australia.

The role of diplomat’s wife fitted her, with her charm and unassuming manner. She was the perfect hostess at the many diplomatic functions the couple hosted. She could hold her own with the wide spectrum of people she met during her husband’s diplomatic posting. Her homes overseas were always open to her many friends from Sri Lanka. Despite the pressures on her as diplomat’s wife, she always made sure that everyone felt very welcome in her home.

The last time we met Vajira, she was very excited about her new life in Anuradhapura, and the prospect of inviting the people of the area to meet Janaka. In those last few months, she became very popular among the people of Anuradhapura. She was always ready to lend a sympathetic ear to their problems.

Much has been written about Janaka, but he would not have been the great man he became without his best friend and devoted partner, Vajira, to inspire him. She was an excellent mother to their children, instilling in them the high principles that have stood them in good stead during this time of family grief.Janik, Janu, Shehara and Ashanka – your parents were very special to all of us. We have no doubt that in time you will make your parents very proud of all four of you.

Niri

Sir Cyril de Zoysa

A great philanthropist, visionary and entrepreneur

Sir Cyril de Zoysa

At the mere mention of “Sir Cyril”, Sri Lankan people of all races and religions remember with respect and gratitude the great philanthropist and visionary Sir Cyril de Zoysa. A highly respected lawyer who was best known for his acts of charity, Sir Cyril made a tremendous contribution to Buddhism in Sri Lanka.

I remember him once telling me: “Had I remained a practising lawyer, I would not have had the opportunity or the good fortune to be of service to humanity and be involved in meritorious acts such as these.”

Aside from his successful legal practice, Sir Cyril’s entrepreneurial instincts prompted him to found a bus company, called “South Western”. Through sheer hard work and commitment, he began to build his businesses, gaining in confidence and acumen, and developing himself and his organisation in the process.

Powered by this success, he began to expand the business into related fields, especially the manufacture of rubber-based goods and other ancillary products for motor vehicles. These business ventures marked a milestone in his life and heralded a new chapter in the vibrant industrial growth of the nation.

Had Sir Cyril’s dream of a local automotive industry been fulfilled, Sri Lanka would be probably on a par today with India, which is experiencing an automotive industry boom. Decades ago, Sir Cyril endeavoured to make Sri Lanka a motor manufacturing powerhouse. Unfortunately, his efforts to help and support local manufacturers were often thwarted by certain elements with vested interests.

As a leading businessman and head of one of Sri Lanka’s most successful companies, Sir Cyril was determined to maximise employment opportunities for our people. Associated Motorways Ltd and its many subsidiary companies provided thousands with a livelihood, and gave their families a chance to build a better life.

Sir Cyril was the first private sector entrepreneur to introduce the concept of community housing. The construction of private apartment complexes in the city was his brainchild, something the people of Sri Lanka and the country’s successive governments should be ever grateful for.

Although he was a highly successful businessman, Sir Cyril did not forget his religious upbringing. Before embarking on any new venture, he would perform the required religious rites and seek the blessings of the clergy.

He identified the sacred Kalutara Bodhiya for his special attention, and helped maintain this sacred site with his generous donations. What began as a gesture of goodwill and charity “during the operation of the South Western Bus Company” has grown into a sizeable regular contribution. The Kalutara Bodhiya is a landmark religious site, where thousands of travellers and commuters stop daily to seek blessings as they make their way to the south along the Galle Road.

The Sir Cyril de Zoysa Trust was created with the vision of protecting and developing the Kalutara Bodhiya. The trustees include Shelly Wickramasinghe; the late Kingsley Wickramsinghe; his daughter Rashantha de Alwis Seneviratne and son-in-law Dr. Sarathchandra de Alwis Seneviratne.


Today, on Sir Cyril de Zoysa’s 112th birth anniversary, Rs. 100 million and land worth Rs. 75 million are available through the trust. The funds are used to develop and maintain the Bodhiya and shrine and also help the residents of Kalutara.

The Kalutara Bodhi Trust has been headed by different people at different points in time. The present chairman, Ajita de Zoysa, is the second son of V. T. de Zoysa, brother of Sir Cyril. We can be sure the current chairman will keep Sir Cyril’s vision alive for the benefit of the people of Sri Lanka.

As chairman of the Kalutara Bodhi Trust, Ajita de Zoysa, with the assistance of his relatives, continue to make private donations for the upkeep and development of the Kalutara Bodhiya. These contributions are also used to develop temples, construct halls for Sunday schools, and build schools and homes for the elderly in different parts of the country. These are just a few of the good works the family is engaged in to fulfil the vision of the late Sir Cyril.

The Sir Cyril de Zoysa charity is not limited to one area of the country. Sir Cyril also made a big contribution towards establishing Young Men’s Buddhist Association centres around the island, as well as rebuilding the pilgrims’ rests in Kataragama and Anuradhapura. He was also chairman of the Kiri Vehera restoration project.

Sir Cyril played a prominent role in a number of important projects. He helped to develop the Gangaramaya Viharaya; found the Shri Jinarathana Industrial College, and construct the border walls of the Beira Lake. He also played a key role in the Navam Perahera.

Sir Cyril was appointed chairman of the Senate, and during his tenure a motion was raised in Parliament to turn both Vidyodaya and Vidyalanka Maha Pirivenas into universities. Sir Cyril vehemently opposed the idea, sensing the move would be damaging to the Buddhist clergy. However, the motion was approved by Parliament. What was the fate of Vidyodaya and Vidyalanka Universities? The universities do not even bear their original names, and the Buddhist clergy were distanced from their vice-chancellorship. What was the logic behind this move?

A giant among men, Sir Cyril de Zoysa worked with passion and compassion to help others and share what he had to benefit this nation and its future generations.

To honour the memory of this great man and recognise his magnanimous contributions to Sri Lanka society and Buddhism, a proposal has been made to erect a statue of Sri Cyril de Zoysa in the city of Kataragama. The project has been initiated by Ajita de Zoysa, who is being advised by the Most Rev. Aluthwewa Soratha Thera, chief incumbent of the Rajamaha Viharaya Kiri Vehera; the Most Ven. Kapugama Saranatissa Thera, chief incumbent of the Kataragama Sri Abhinawaramaya, and Rev. Hille Gnananda Thera, chief incumbent of Dhamnikethana Pirivena, Sellakataragama.

Like a seedling that grows into a plant and then into a giant tree, the good work of Sir Cyril continues to grow and spread its branches. His life and good works have touched thousands of lives, blessing them with love, life and opportunity.

We are deeply grateful to the late Sir Cyril – and to his family, for keeping his noble vision alive.May Sir Cyril be born among us again.

Ven. Galaboda Sri Gnanissara Maha Thera

Vinitha Rukmani Wijesinghe

A perfect grandmother

Vinitha Rukmani Wijesinghe

It is a well known fact that the world consists of many imperfect people. Being a perfect human being might not be possible, but being the best person you can be, making a positive impact on other people’s lives, living a life you can look back and be proud of, and one that others admire is, in my opinion, being perfect. My grandmother Vinitha Rukmani Wijesinghe was one of those people. She passed away on October 22nd , 2008, leaving behind a loving husband (Samson), mother (Daisy), brother (Susanda), sister (Dharshani), her five children (Gayani, Priyanga, Delan, Eresha, and Sudharshi), and her grandchildren (Anushka, Sarindee, Mevanka, Janith, Anuka, Nethmal, Kushali, Randil, and Imasha).A mother’s love is something that is difficult to explain. It’s something that can only be felt by her children.

The devotion, joy, pain, sacrifice, and equal love, are only a few attributes that mothers’ possess. My grandmother had each and every of those qualities. Throughout her life, she fulfilled the duty of being a mother to full of her ability, loving, and sharing everything she had, with her five children equally. A grandmother’s love is something rare that should be cherished. She can be defined as someone who had a big heart, a warm smile, and a loving touch. On every occasion a grandchild was born, she opened up her heart to let that one in. At 70, she passed away from a life full of generosity, kindness, commitment, and unreserved love. It was a life that will not only be dearly missed, but admired immensely by everyone who knew her.

Though she had left the mortal life, she will stay in the hearts of anyone she had come in contact with.We all love you very much Aachchi, and may you attain Nibbana.

Sarindee Wickramasuriya

Dr George Benedict

A doctor who was loved for his simplicity and humility

Dr. George Benedict

Dr. George Benedict, a medical practitioner for more than four decades, passed away recently as quietly and peacefully as he had lived.

In this age, when medicine has to a large degree become a business, Dr. Benedict was best known for his patient-friendly approach, simplicity and humility. For more than three decades he served mainly poor patients at the Ragama Teaching Hospital and gave top priority to their well-being.

As his son Lakshman noted at the thanksgiving mass on October 24, their father was so simple that he would daily take a bus from Torrington to the Fort Station, and from there a train to the Ragama hospital, with stethoscope and other needs in hand. So this simple verse would be a tribute that Dr. Benedict himself would like:

No farewells were spoken,We did not say “goodbye”,You were gone before we knew itAnd only God knows why.

You left us precious memoriesThat made us laugh and cry,But the love you planted in our heartsNo millionaire can buy.

If tears could build a stairwayAnd memories a lane,We would walk right up to Heaven,And bring you home again.

Family members

Ms Sithy Cader

Mrs. Sithy Cader

Mrs. Sithy Cader, joint secretary of the Women’s Bureau of the Moors’ Islamic Cultural Home (MICH), passed away peacefully on August 1, 2008. Innalillahi wa Inna Ilaihi Rajioon.
Mrs. Cader served the MICH Women’s Bureau from its inception 33 years ago, first as secretary and finally as president. She held many positions within the bureau, and was actively involved in the home’s various activities. She served the MICH up to the very end.

Mrs. Sithy Cader was a teacher by profession, and was vice-principal of Lindsay Balika Maha Vidyalaya, Colombo 4, for many years. She devoted much of her time to helping others, and she continued to be active in teaching and community service even in her retirement. She was a tireless social worker, strongly committed to all the projects she was involved in. To name a few, she was principal of the Ahadiya school, with which she was associated for the past 27 years; a member of the hospital committee of the Kalubowila Teaching Hospital, through the Young Women’s Muslim League; an All Island Justice of Peace, and a volunteer teacher at many orphanages.

An active and energetic member of the MICH Women’s Bureau, Mrs. Cader took a lead role in forming the Muslim students’ scholarship fund, which was established just one month before her demise. She also spearheaded an MICH project to maintain a ward at the Lady Ridgeway Children’s hospital.We at the Women’s Bureau miss her greatly. She was a pillar of strength to all of us. Whenever we asked her how she found the time to do all her community and social work, in addition to fulfilling her personal and family obligations, she would say: “If you try hard enough, you will find the time.”May Allah grant her Jennathul Firdous.

President and Executive Committee Members of the Women’s Bureau of the Moors’ Islamic Cultural Home.

Bishop Lakshman Wickremesinghe

Sunday Times Nov 2 2008
Remembering a reconciler and bishop of the people

Bishop Lakshman Wickremesinghe

Bishop Lakshman Wickremesinghe’s 25th death anniversary was observed on October 23. His outstanding gifts and leadership qualities are remembered in this time of deep crisis in the life of our nation. While he was an outstanding leader of the Universal Church of God, he had his roots firmly planted in the soil and culture of his motherland.

Let us reflect on some of the high points of Bishop Lakshman’s life of service. Bishop Lakshman was a creative theologian, Biblically based, rooted in the tradition of the “one holy catholic church” and embodying in his personality a rationality balanced by a deep faith with understanding. He never wrote or published a book, but he communicated his thinking in his sermons, homilies, pastoral addresses, letters to “The Ceylon Churchman”, and his talks and lectures. His theology was characterised by penetrative social analysis and solid Biblical exegesis. For inspiration, he drew from our cultural sources, ancient and modern, and all that was good and beautiful and true in the teachings of the living faiths.

Bishop Lakshman’s teaching ministry is remembered and appreciated by many generations of youth, students and adults. He had a special concern for lay persons in the Anglican Church and beyond in regard to equipping them for their ministry in the church and in society. He stressed the importance of responsible political involvement and being socially conscious trade unionists. When he became Bishop of the Diocese of Kurunegala, he produced a booklet, titled “Kiriya Huruwa”, which was a guide to help lay people become agents of change in church and society.
Although “born with a silver spoon in his mouth”, Bishop Lakshman was committed to the struggle for justice, and empathised with the plight of the farmers, the working people and the minorities, and the poor and oppressed. He responded to the needs of the poor by initiating a series of development projects in his diocese in the late 1960s and the 1970s. He helped set up two farms-cum-training centres for youth, “Christodaya” in Kurunegala, and “Uda Gira” in Galgamuwa.

After the failure of the 1971 youth revolt, he became involved in the setting up of a “collective farm” at the Devasaranaramaya, in Ibbagamuwa.

As a radical young priest, Bishop Lakshman was instrumental in creating the Christian Workers Fellowship (CWF) in 1958, and he remained in close touch with this group of lay social activists until his death.

He worked tirelessly in the field of civil and human rights. He was a founder member of the Civil Rights Movement (CRM), along with the late Bishop Leo Nanyakkara and others.

In the wake of the general strike of July 1980, Bishop Lakshman responded to the invitation of the CWF leadership and presided over a Workers’ Mass dedicated to justice for the workers. Some words from the Bishop’s sermon are relevant at the present time:

“We are reminded that if we want to build a new society we cannot do so successfully without sacrifice, without suffering, without facing up to a struggle and conflict.

“The breaking of bread is a challenge to us all. If we too want to participate and share in this liberation movement, is every one of us ready to sacrifice his/her life? Do we look forward to facing the struggle? Are we ready to face oppression, hardship and suffering? It is only by these means that victory can be won.”

From 1962 to 1983, he served as the second Bishop of the Diocese of Kurunegala. He had a natural gift for counselling people in distress, and he engaged in reconciling people and groups in conflict situations.

He often displayed his gifts as counsellor and reconciler beyond the boundaries of the church. Within the diocese of Kurunegala, he enriched the life of corporate worship by making a beautiful synthesis of the Sinhala and Tamil cultures in creative acts of worship. He gave splendid leadership as chairperson of the National Christian Council of Sri Lanka (NCC). He was a Christian leader who encouraged dialectical thinking. His intellectual honesty and humility were remarkable.

After a decade of service to his diocese, Bishop Lakshman launched out to make his mark within the Christian Conference of Asia (CCA), serving on the executive committee for many years and within the inter-Anglican Theological Doctrinal Commission.

Bishop Lakshman contributed to the World Council of Churches Programme to Combat Racism when he presided over a consultation process in 1980 to arrive at a consensus regarding the Sinhala-Tamil conflict. A year later a consensus document was produced and signed by leaders of all faiths and representatives of civil society organisations.


He was also a keen participant at the Christian Conference of Asia - Urban Rural Mission (CCA-URM) Race and Minority Desk meetings in Asia.

After the racial holocaust of July 1983, he returned to the island shocked and profoundly saddened by the events that had transpired and the sufferings of defenceless Tamils. He heard first-hand the stories of victims and refugees in his diocese and from the plantation areas. He also visited the Tamils in the North.

Bishop Lakshman’s final pastoral address, delivered in September 1983, is a classic document and served as a testament to a divided and broken nation. It is deeply relevant even today and deserves serious study. Shortly after the Diocesan Council Sessions, Bishop Lakshman had a massive heart attack and passed away. He was 55.

May he rest in peace and rise in glory.

Revd. Jeffrey Abayasekera

Ven. Ratwatte Siddhartha

Ven. Ratwatte Siddhartha

His interest was not self-glorification

Ven. Ratwatte Siddhartha, who was the founder and the Chief Achariya Teacher of the well-known Dhamma Khuta Vipassana Meditation Centre on the hilltop of Mahakanda in Kandy, passed away on the September 9 2008 at the age of 85.

He was virtually the local representative of the world-renowned guru Goenka whose technique of Vipassana Meditation is followed all over the world. Before ordination he was Brendly Ratwatte, who hailed from an aristocratic family in the hill capital of Kandy. Although he was a lawyer who could have easily built up a lucrative practice, his interest was not self-glorification but understanding the vanity of glory.

He married Miss Damayanthi Ellepola of a family of parallel standing in Matale. They gifted to the society, a very valuable daughter who is a doctor and a valuable son who is a lawyer. Then onwards, this great lover of humanity did not belong only to his family and relations but he was a guide and a teacher to all those that sought emancipation on Buddhist principles of Vipassana Meditation, as practised on the techniques introduced by his guru Goenka. Incidentally his wife, who was a university lecturer, too excelled in the art of meditation followed by her husband, and after his becoming a monk, she took over the role of the Chief Teacher at this meditation centre. She conducts courses of training by herself and with the help of the other teachers trained on the technique of meditation of Sri Goenka.

The Buddha always emphasised the value of doing good for oneself and for others (attahita, parahita). Late Mr. Ratwatte as a layman and then as a Buddhist monk was an embodiment of this great precept. His mission is reminiscent of the parable of the ship (nava) in the Suttanipata: As one who boards a sturdy boat,With oars and rudder well equipped,May many others then help cross,Sure, skilful knower of the means. In his search for light he travelled abroad, followed instructions under the eminent Buddhist monk Webu Sayadow of Myanmar. He also had a spell of meditation in the Himalayas.

It was on one of these journeys that he encountered his final guru S. N. Goenka, whose clarity of teaching and the efficacy of the technique of meditation attracted Mr. Ratwatte more than those of any other in the field. He studied his technique, practiced it, tested it with his own intuitive wisdom and accepted it as a very pragmatic approach. From then onwards he became the local representative of this International Guru Goenka. He founded the “Dhamma Kuta”, the well-known Buddhist meditation centre with his own money and with those lavishly contributed by other followers of this technique of meditation and attracted people of various walks of life, Buddhist monks, judges, physicians, scholars and also those less privileged people, for courses of training on Vipassana.

The followers of the practice of meditation were not limited to Buddhists but included people of other races and religions as well. Eventually he became a Buddhist monk, receiving his pabbajja (novice ordination) and as well as upasampada (higher ordination) under the Ven. Ramhukwelle Vipassi Maha Thera, the High Priest of the Malwatte Chapter of Shyamopali Maha Nikaya in the year 1999. Thereafter he continued his meditative practice in a kuti constructed and donated by his children, in a plot of land in the vicinity of Dhamma kuta, until his passing away. What was so impressive about Rev. Siddhartha, however, was not what he contributed to the field of meditation but what he was. He was truly selfless, because he totally dedicated himself to the mission he had undertaken. He left behind a world of good things for others to emulate.

May Ven. Siddhartha attain his goal of Nibbana!

Gamini Dissanayake

Nation Nov 9 2008
14th death anniversary of late Gamini Dissanayake

Charismatic and caring leader

October 23 2008 marks the 14th death anniversary of the charismatic and caring leader, late Gamini Dissanayake who was assassinated along with many UNP stalwarts by a LTTE suicide bomber just before the conclusion of a Presidential election campaign meeting at Thotalanga. His tragic death shattered all hopes and thwarted peoples dream of their leader becoming the President, with the elections was just over two weeks away.

He was educated at Trinity College Kandy. Although his parents’ ambition was to make him an accountant, he pursued a career in law and practised as a lawyer. After drawing inspiration from famous leaders like D.S.Senanayake, Dudley Senanayake and J.R.Jayewardena he gave up his lucrative practice as a lawyer and entered politics in the year 1970, becoming an M.P. Almost immediately after he was unseated by an election petition he was re-elected to the Nuwara-Eliya/Maskeliya seat in a by-election held in the year 1972. As a young and energetic politician as the people’s representative in the Nuwara-Eliya district he extended a yeoman service to all constituents with devotion, commitment and sheer dedication using his typical charismatic approach.

He was a unique and extraordinary politician who listened to the masses, solved their problems. Anyone who was keen in meeting him had very easy access irrespective of any individual’s political affiliations.He was an excellent orator who spoke sense keeping the vivid audiences spellbound. The contents of his speeches spelt out his promises inspiring the desperate with hope for their lives. The firm foundation built and the confidence gained by the people of the electorate in particular helped in his stride to nurture and mature himself to become an ideal politician.

When the United National Party came into power in the year 1977, he was entrusted to accept many Ministerial Portfolios, monumental goals and tasks during the tenure of the government. The Ministerial Portfolios entrusted to him were Irrigation, Power, Constructions, Lands, Land Development, Mahaveli, Plantation Industries and Highways. Late Gamimi Dissanayake once confessed that the word “development” means developing the infrastructure and the end result of “development” is upliftment of the living standards of the masses in physical, mental, moral, social and cultural advancement.

The most gigantic task confronted by him was, of course, the historical accelerated Mahaweli Project. The toughest challenge in its implementation was the evacuation of approximately 3,000 families from over 50 villages who lived in the valley of the Kotmale reservoir. This also included about 15 places of religious worship. The late leader too sacrificed his ancestral lands. The Kotmale reservoir was one among other reservoirs, Victoria,Randenigala, Rantembe, Ulhitiya, Rahkinda and Maduruoya.to be built and commissioned under the accelerated Mahaweli development programme.

This multipurpose diversion scheme also included the amalgamation of several canals and waterways This massive Mahaweli scheme with foreign collaboration was manoeuvred by efficient personnel deployed both locally and internationally using innovative modern technology under the close scrutiny of the great leader.

The gigantic exercise was initially, targeted to be completed in 30 years. However due to the enormous skill, the charismatic approach and tireless leadership it happened to be completed in an unbelievable short period of just seven years. The Kotmale reservoir was commissioned on 24 August 1985. fulfilling a dream of late Gamini Dissanyake.Those who sacrificed lands have now settled and are living freely and independently having fulfilled their basic needs like jobs, shelter and food, while making maximum use of the golden waters of the reservoir for their agricultural needs. The speech he delivered on that day was emotional and fascinating. While paying great tribute to those who sacrificed lands engulfed in the reservoir, he emphasised that it was made for national interest with a view to a definite development revolution. He said “ I believe the agony and the pain of mind the people of Kotmale and my relatives suffered as a result of loss of ancestral lands will be compensated when they witness the great benefits that this project will bring to the next generation”.

As a gesture of national gratitude on April 11 2003 the “Kotmale Reservoir”was appropriately renamed as the “Gamini Dissanayke Reservoir” by unveiling his statue at a glittering ceremony presided by the then Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe. This event became more significant as it took place at a time when the farmers were blessed with a bumper paddy harvest deprived them for a long period of time.The efforts of late Gamini Dissanayake while holding several Ministerial Portfolios other than the Mahaweli project have helped immensely to uplift to a large extent the basic living standards especially of the average citizen and made possible to make a tremendous impact on the economic revival of the country, which needs no exaggeration.Besides actively engaged in our development process he found the time to be actively involved in the game of cricket having held office as the President of the Board of Control of Cricket in Sri Lanka, BCCSL (now known as Sri Lanka Cricket) from June1981 to June 1989 and thereafter for a brief period of four months immediately prior to his tragic death in 1994 during which period he made many significant contributions.

It is pertinent to mention that The Gamini Dissanayake Foundation in keeping with the vision of the late leader has already set up The Gamini Dissanayake Institute of Technology and Vocational Studies in Kandy to provide Vocational training skills for the less privileged children using modern technology.

May he attain the supreme bliss of Nibbana.

A. N. (Nanda) Senewiratne

In memory of Father, greatly missed

A. N. (Nanda) Senewiratne

Called home – 10-11-2002

“When music sounds, all that I was I am
Ere to this haunt of brooding dust I came;
While from Time’s woods break into distant song
The swift-winged hours, as I hasten along.”

Viraj and Dhakshina

Premasiri Khemadasa

Master, the music you left us speaks for itself

Premasiri Khemadasa

There is no need for you to be valourised,
That is for lesser mortals.
You have left us your music
That speaks for itself and renders all words redundant.

But can there be silence in the face of such loss?

We have lost a man
Who dared us to dream
Who saw no lines among clearly defined things
So that we ceased to see them eitherAnd the world became seamless.
One.

You were the colossus yoking earth and sky together
In a world of sound, and the young people who you
Bred there and set forth on the more mundane plane of this world
Carry your magic with them.

I have seen the dwarfing of the piano under your hands,
The rising up of cities with a flick of your wrist
As a hundred-worker- choir sang of a classless world
Under your baton.

The creation of gods, of heaven, of hell –
Nothing was sacred to you, and yet everything was.
You laughed at everyone.
You laughed at ordinariness and all you seemed to be saying sometimes was:
“Just get off your a-- and DO!”
and then throw in some comment about Verdi or Beethoven.

You laughed at the illness that was killing you.
Rest, they said, and you composed an opera;
Stay in bed, they said and you carried your music
To all corners of the island, like a devotee.
You carried buns and rolls in brown paper bags
for hungry musicians, lunch packets, water.
You shouted at them.
For them.

I have seen you order an orchestra off the stage
When the light-man had the audacity to say,
“Hurry up.”“Music cannot be hurried!”
you shouted.Master of grand gestures.

I have seen the contradictions in you.
I have known you from my childhood,
so how could I have not?
Yours was the arm my school best-friend
hung upon as she went home.
Your daughter's cello banged against my legs,
My violin case clutched in my hands,

I have swung inside a crazily teetering car you drove
on the wrong side of the roundabout,
swearing at the docile cars that correctly came towards us.
Five minutes to show time– we had to play the prelude.

My friend has your humour,
She laughs at the world too.
So I know you live, Master,
in The two wondrous souls that are your daughters
Who carry your power in their blood
–quiet as you were loud,
self-effacing as you were not,
Following their own paths
With a polite unconcern about a world
That might suggest to them what they should do.

In that, and the music within them, they are your inheritors.

I hope we would be worthy of Them.
And the hundred others from
All corners of the country whom you trained and
Cast in the mould of true musicians.

The earth beneath their feet is gone.
May we have the foresight to spread our land before them,
To make this the soil upon which they would grow
The seeds you have gifted.
You have never rested before,
Master.But do so now, in peace.

Madhubhashini Ratnayake

R Sritharan

Remembering a fun classmate and jewel of a friend

R. SRI THARAN

We mourn the loss of a dear person, R. Sri Tharan, fondly called Kaiam or KKB by his friends. Let us celebrate his life, and remember him for his attributes, his way of life and, more important, his loyalty to all those who knew him.

I am here to represent his Class of ’56 and his friends at Royal College. I first met Kaiam 52 years ago.He was quick-witted, always smiling, and ever-ready for a prank. He was a teacher’s nightmare! Cricket was his passion, and he was a sound batsman – on and off the field.
Recalling his pranks, a mutual friend, Asoka, told me how Kaiam would stop and drink the milk from the bottles left by the milkman at the doorsteps of his neighbours, when he went on his 5 a.m. jogs with Asoka.

He believed in enjoying and living life to the full, every moment of his life. At the Royal Thomian match, Kaiam was always in peak form, calling the shots.

Under his happy-go-lucky exterior, there was a pearl, or a deity, hidden within him, and this precious something gave light to those immersed in darkness. Kaiam always gave a helping hand to strangers and the needy.

He was a bastion of racial tolerance, and one of the few mortals who could pass a modern morality test.His heart was always with Royal College. In my last chat with him two days before he left us, he asked how he could continue to live here, when our good friends were so many thousands of miles away.

On behalf of the Class of ’56 and all our friends in Sri Lanka, Australia, Britain, Canada, the US and other parts of the world, I bid farewell to our dear friend.

Anantham Harin, New York

D B Wijetunga

Sunday Times Nov 9 2008
Humility was late leader’s most endearing quality

D. B. Wijetunga

There have been many tributes to the third President of Sri Lanka, the late D. B. Wijetunga. As a public servant who worked closely with Mr. Wijetunga in the Ministry of Finance (1990 to 1994), I would like to pay my own tribute to this much loved and respected statesman, who rose from the lower ranks of society to the highest office in the land.

Mr. Wijetunga was my minister, first as Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, and from May 1993 as President and Minister of Finance.

He was polite and considerate to the officers who served under him, and he was genuinely concerned about their welfare. On one occasion, at a Buddhist function at the Ministry, we were seated together – he on a thick cushion and I on a mat. Turning to me, he inquired: “Rajah, are you comfortable? Do you need a cushion?” I politely declined his kind offer, but I mention this as an example of his concern for his subordinates.

He was a devout and committed Buddhist. I well remember one morning when he wanted me to meet him in his room in Parliament. He arrived a few minutes after me, and he was given a tray of flowers to offer at the Buddha statue in the Parliament shrine room. He asked me to accompany him, and gave me the tray of flowers. Apparently, this was the way he started his day’s work in the office. He was a complete vegetarian, abstaining from consuming even eggs and Maldive fish. When I had to leave for towns outside Colombo on Ministry Mobile Services, I informed Mr. Wijetunga’s personal staff that I was a vegetarian, and that I would require vegetarian meals. They told me the Prime Minister was a total vegetarian, and that I need have no worries on that score.

Once, during a chat while we were outstation on Ministry Mobile Services duties, I asked him whether any astrologer had predicted his meteoric rise to such heights. He said, “Rajah, you ask very peculiar questions!” But he did say raja yoga (predictions of “royal” status) references had been made, but no one had spelled out that he would one day be a prime minister or a president.
Mr. Wijetunga had his own sense of discipline. My own experience was that ministry files referred to him would be returned the following day, with approval for a recommended course of action. I once asked him how he managed to deal with the mountain of ministry files and take such prompt action. He said he would get up very early in the morning and attend to office files.
Punctuality was another virtue of the late President. In the day’s programme for many ministry events, the Minister of State would be expected to arrive before the Prime Minister and the Minister of Finance. Often, Mr. Wijetunga would arrive earlier than scheduled, and he would receive the Minister of State, who at the time was the late Harold Herat. Mr. Herat told me it was very embarrassing for him when he came at the appointed time, or even a little earlier, to find the prime minister already present. So, to avoid embarrassment, he would make it a point to come quite early for functions attended by both Mr. Wijetunga and himself.

The late Mr. Wijetunga was a very humble man. He once told me he knew my father, also a politician, first in the UNP and then when they followed the late Mr. S. W. R. D. Bandaranaike to form the Sri Lanka Freedom Party. He said he had visited our home in Ratnapura in the early 1950s, when my father was with the UNP, and perhaps he was in the company of the late Mr. A. Ratnayake, a former president of the Senate, since he was at that time his private secretary.
It is not often that persons in high office refer to their connections and associations with subordinate officers, or their parents and relations, especially when they have had small beginnings. Mr. Wijetunga was not carried away by the high office he held. A great and endearing characteristic of the late President was that he never lost the common touch.

(In this connection, I am reminded of a story about an encounter between the late Prime Minister Mr. S. W. R. D. Bandaranaike and the Ven. Vajiragnana Nayaka Thera, founder of the Vajiraramaya Temple in Colombo. The late premier had gone to visit the Thera, who was not well. The distinguished visitor remarked that the Thera’s leg was swollen. Promptly came the Thera’s reply: he said his leg may be swollen, but his head was not!)

President Wijetunga took the many political elevations that came his way in his stride, without a semblance of pride or conceit. He always remained the simple man that he was.
I recall with nostalgia the pleasant and friendly relations we had during the period I served in the Ministry of Finance.

May this humble, simple man, so unaffected by the high glamour of his position as head of state and government, realise early the supreme peace and bliss of Nibbana.

Rajah Kuruppu

Rev Sr Mary Adrian

Rev Sr Mary Adrian

When I first met her so many decades away, I was too little to understand the influence she would ultimately have on the rest of my life. No doubt that it must be true with most of those who have passed through the hallowed precincts of Sacred Heart Convent, Galle and were privileged to have her touch their lives.

An Irish Rose, born in Ireland to bloom fragrantly and wither in our own soil she was a Sri Lankan by choice. Arriving in Sri Lanka as a young missionary in the Order of the Sisters of Charity, she lived for 58 years in service to humanity. Most of those years were spent at Sacred Heart Convent, Galle as a teacher and then as its well loved principal.

Her patience, compassion and love transcended all boundaries of ethnic and religious barriers. She understood the heart-ache of a little girl at the boarding school crying for her mother, face smudged with sticky tears. She was there to console her with tender loving care.

She also understood the heart-ache of many a pig-tailed, starry-eyed, teenager’s tears of broken romances. She was there too, well aware of the beauty of the unspoiled and innocent love of adolescence. Yet, she certainly was no nurse-maid but a fairy God Mother to all those who came under her care.

She was soft-spoken, yet strong. She was kind, yet firm. She was simple, yet awe inspiring. The radiance she spread around mirrored the inner-beauty of herself. She was devoid of anger, hatred and malice. She was endowed with a witty sense of humour and the music in her heart broke out in the form of song on her lips.

She gave generously her time and guidance, spiritually and materially, to those who sought. She never denied those less fortunate children the facilities enjoyed by those who could afford it. Nor were they made to feel any less important than the others. Nor did she let others know about those who were helped. All were equal in her eyes. She was there to fulfill a mission she undertook as a servant of the God she worshipped.

Sr. Adrian lived her life to the full in every sense of the word. She loved her adopted country and her people, the reciprocal love was showered on her in abundance in true Sri Lankan hospitality. She spent most of her life in Galle. Beloved Galle, simple, sleepy, slow to change, the southern capital that brought up and nurtured us, guardian of many a treasured memory of growing up years where our roots are firmly grounded. Galle and Sr. Adrian were synonymous with each other. Both Galle and Sr. Adrian are etched deeply in our hearts. She has created a void that is hard to be filled.

With memories growing fonder, to live in the hearts of those who love is never to die.
With the passage of time Sr. Adrian too has been subjected to the law of the world where all conditioned things are subject to change. We do not mourn her death but celebrate her life.
May her upward path be smooth, sure and steady!

Neelani Wickrema Wijesinghe
The Sunday Leader Nov 16 2008

Durand Jayasuriya

Durand Jayasuriya

Devoted life for social harmony

I came to know Durand Jayasuriya when he came to reside at Siripura Housing Scheme in 1974. Since, there were very few families residing in the scheme at that time and scattered far apart, my wife and I, being newly married were greatly thrilled to have them as our immediate neighbours who were very friendly and helpful. D

urand completed his schooling career at Aluthgama Vidyalaya and taught for some time at Thudugala Vidyalaya and when he got through his Government Clerical Service Examination he joined the Government Service. He served as an Executive Grade Clerk at the Examinations Deparatment.

Thereafter, he was transferred to Cultural Dept. where he was entrusted with the highly responsible task of accompanying foreign cultural groups to all corners of the country attending to their needs, looking after their comforts, transport arrangements and coordinating with other departments which he performed meticulously to the utmost satisfaction of the foreign cultural groups and his higher officers. He also served at the Fisheries Department for a number of years and was transferred to the Department of Agriculture. Thereafter, he was transferred to the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunication where the former Minister Mr. Sunil S. Abeysundera impressed by his performance appointed Durand as his Personal Assistant. Finally, when he reached 60, he retired from Government service.

He was a very humble person who treated everyone with due respect. After retirement he joined Pure Beverages and served for a few years at Coca Cola Co. Durand loved his alma mater Aluthgama Vidyalaya which is situated adjoining his house at Aluthgama. He held many posts in the Aluthgama Vidyalaya Old Boys Association. He was also a founder member of Colombo Branch of Aluthgama Vidyalaya OBA where too he held many posts. Many old boys paid their last respects without considering the distance involved in travelling as all of them loved him sincerely for the long service he rendered to the OBA. Born on 22nd November, 1929 at Beruwala, Durand was the second son of Kaineris and Joslin Peiris.

He married Kamala Gertrude De Silva Manukulasuriya, an English trained teacher on 6th September, 1961. After marriage he resided at Moratuwa and Dehiwela and finally settled down at Siripura, Talawatugoda. He gave the best education possible to his two sons. He was a very friendly and amiable gentleman, a devoted husband, a dutiful father and a very helpful neighbour. He is one of the oldest residents at Siripura Housing Scheme who was a founder member of Siripura Welfare Society where he was the first Cultural Secretary who did yeoman service to unite the residents by organising Sinhala New Year festival avurudu pola, get-togethers, Wesak Bakthi Gee, eye catching Wesak decorations within the scheme, organising a procession of the residents to offer Buddha Puja at the Jothikarama Temple in the neighbourhood in the morning of Poson Poya Day, Christmas Carols, New year Get-togethers etc. He devoted most of his time to organise the above events which helped the residents to live in harmony like a well-knit family irrespective of any religious differences. He also served on its Committee for many more years making his services readily available for the greater good of the residents.

Durand as a hobby wrote regularly to the newspapers highlighting shortcomings and defects affecting the community. He never missed to write an appreciation to the newspapers whenever a resident of Siripura or a friend of his passed away. Once his wife Gertie asked him as to who would write his appreciation when he dies. He was a regular writer of articles to the newspapers and magazines and was the editor of ‘Kala Puwath’ and ‘Saruketha’. He happened to be a voracious reader and never missed to read the newspapers daily until he grievously fell ill. During his illness Durand was well looked after by his wife, two sons and daughters in law and relatives such as his nephew Wimal Dharmaratne who is also a resident at Siripura. Gertie will find it very difficult to bear the loss of her husband, so will be the two sons, two daughters in law and the three grand sons who loved him very dearly.

Durand .was also a diabetic patient recovered to a certain extent where he could walk about but all of a sudden his illness turned into worse and breathed his last at 9.30 p.m. on 12 October, 2008 at the age of 79. He will be missed not only by his family, relations and friends but by the residents of Siripura Housing Scheme who are very grateful to him for his kindness, friendliness and helpfulness. May he attain eternal bliss of Nibbana.

D. I. T. Hettiarachehi Talawatugoda

Hubert Austin de Silva

Possessed all the qualities to lead -

Late Mr. Hubert Austin de Silva

It is 16 years since late Mr. Hubert Austin de Silva was called to his eternal rest by Lord Jesus Christ on 21st October, 1992. Late Mr. de Silva was an unforgettable character endowed with a good brain, a splendid sense of humour and steady fast loyalty to his principals and friends.

Late Mr. de Silva had achieved greatness and possessed the qualities of a leader. The first and foremost requirements of a great leader are honesty and sincerity of purpose. Then come vision, devotion and dedication to that purpose which could be enumerated as qualities that enhance leadership. A leader should also be able to identify temperament, the individual capabilities and ability of his entire staff. Mr. Hubert Silva possessed all these qualities to lead the entire group.His early education was at St. Benedict College Kotahena where he had a brilliant education. Late Mr. de Silva was selected for the District Revenue Officers Service in 1944. His first appointment as D.R.O. was in Matara. Later he was appointed as D.R.O. to Gampaha district. In 1951 he was selected by the Colombo Plan to undergo training at Administrative Staff College Hanley on Thames, England for a period of six months.

In 1958 Government appointed late Mr. de Silva to the Port (Cargo) Corporation where he was the Chief Executive and Chairman, Port Cargo Corporation. He served on several other and Government organisations and was also acting chairman Ceylon Shiping Corporation. After over 27 years of valuable service he left the Government service and joined the private sector as Director of Mc Larence Ltd. which was then one of the well established reputed foreign owned shipping agency houses. In 1973 Mc Larence Limited became fully fledged Ceylonese Company as Mc Larence Shipping limited and Mr. de Siva was elected as its Chairman in the latter part of 1971. In 1975 he launched his project in tourism and constructed Hotel Topaz and later Hotel Tourmaline. He further ventured into various other fields and also built two Container Yards at Welisara and Hendala. It is the duty of all the staff employed at the group to say a prayer on this 21 October, 2008 in his memory.

I have written this appreciation for the 16th time because we are a society with short memories.

May the Almighty God rest him in peace.

Claud de Silva

Sam de Silva

Sam De Silva

A man of surpassing integrity

It is 2 years since my friend late Mr. Sam De Silva was called to his eternal rest by his creator on 24th November 2007. I knew Sam for 60 years at the time of his death. He entered St. Aloysyus College, Galle in 1945.

For the last time I met Sam when I went for the Annual General meeting of the Colombo branch of the old Boys Association on 9th September, 2007 at the entrance of the Hotel Sapphire, Wallawatta, where he invited me to be his guest. At that time I never saw anything that he was sick but to my surprise that Sam had passed away on 24th November, 2007. He had being sick for only a week but I didn’t not know it. Had I known I would have gone to see him but it was a very sad occasion for me about his death.

Sam was a very loyal old boy of the college, He took a keen interest in the affairs of the Old Boys Association where he was holding office as a Committee Member, Vice President, President, and Vice Patron at the time of his death. Now a loyal old boy is no more. Casting my mind back over the 60 years about Sam I knew and reviewing all the association of these years, counting all his achievements, there is one word that sums up him, i.e. faithfulness.

He was primarily a faithful husband, father, and then friend. He was faithful to all his professional commitments. He was faithful to his ideals. He was all in one. He was a man of surpassing integrity. He was also a very wise man. One could go to him for counsel and receive the best considered advice. He would listen with his mind and warm heart, and you could sense his mighty intellect trimming the extraneous details and getting to the core. Goodbye my dear friend Sam until we meet again.

Claude De Silve Kotugoda

D F E Panagoda

His pioneering Sinhala textbooks shaped generations of students

D.F.E. Panagoda

The 18th death anniversary of eminent educationist and scholar D. F.E. Panagoda falls on November 18. The pioneering services he rendered in post-independence Sri Lanka paved the way for the consequent growth and development of education in this country. Mr. Panagoda was many things – a trainer of teachers, mathematician, author, educationist, artist, and above all, unassuming, kind-hearted, and cheerful man. D.F.E. Panagoda was principal of Musaeus Teachers’ Training College for a quarter century, from 1937 to 1962. He helped train outstanding female teachers who nurtured generations of students across the country. But he is better known as a mathematician and author of textbooks. Don Francis Edmund Panagoda was born in Malabe, in the Colombo district, on March 7, 1907. His father and mother were both teachers, and his four sisters also became teachers. This background no doubt influenced his decision to become a teacher himself.

He attended Royal College, Colombo, from 1918 to 1925, where he gained his Cambridge Senior Certificate. He obtained an English teacher’s certificate at the Maharagama Teacher Training School, and in 1932 took up a teaching post with the Department of Education. He later took up a post as a lecturer at the Mirigama Teacher Training School (1933), before becoming principal of the Musaeus Teachers’ Training College.

He obtained a bachelor’s degree from the University of London in 1947, majoring in Sinhala. Although he studied Sinhala and Pali for his bachelor’s degree, he also excelled in mathematics. He went to Canada in 1952 for further studies at the University of Toronto as the first recipient of a Colombo Plan Fellowship in education.

Long before Sinhala became the official language, educationists such as D.F.E. Panagoda were pioneering the teaching of algebra, geometry and arithmetic in Sinhala. Mr. Panagoda made this possible through his user-friendly mathematics textbooks. His Sinhala publications, including ‘Senior School Algebra’, ‘Senior School Arithmetic’, ‘Teaching of Arithmetic’, ‘Delight in Numbers’ (Books 1 to 5), were used widely in schools from 1940 to 1960. Some of the Sinhala mathematical terms Mr. Panagoda coined have become standard terms in mathematics.
He was also interested in language and literature, especially poetry. His other publications include ‘Padya Rasaya’ (a seven-volume series of poetry books), ‘Rasanjalee’, an anthology of Sinhala verse, and ‘Sinhala In Practice’ (a five-volume series). All of these books were widely used in schools as supplementary texts during the ’50s. Those who were students in the ’50s and ’60s would no doubt have fond memories of these books.

Mr. Panagoda served on several committees to promote the use of Sinhala as the medium of instruction. In 1960, he was appointed to the National Co-ordination Committee of UNESCO.
Educationists like Mr. Panagoda have rendered an inestimable service to the country by giving new generations of students access to higher education in Sinhala.

As the male head of a women’s college, Mr. Panagoda was a strict disciplinarian, but his kindness and understanding gave him an iconic status among schoolteachers in our country.
Mr. Panagoda will be remembered by many: immaculately dressed, cheerfully walking the corridors of Musaeus Training College.

I end this tribute with a poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow that my maternal uncle would often quote:

"The heights by great men
Reached and kept
Were not attained bySudden flight
But they, while their companions slept,
Were toiling upwardsIn the night."

He would quote this each time he admonished us, and that was exactly what he practised to become recognised as a great man of achievement.

Upali Cooray

S M Kamaldeen

ALHAJ S.M. Kamaldeen - My father - a man of few Words
Aug 2008 - sent in by Mo Qamardeen from New Hampshire, USA

My father, S.M. Kamaldeen, passed away on August 15, 2008. Until his death in August, he had lived a full life: provided for his family, achieved success in his career, volunteered his services to social causes and saw the world. As I write this memorial to my father from my home in the United States of America, very recent words spoken to me by a relative praising my father over the telephone, resonates in my mind. However, his primary trait was described in just a smattering of words- that my father was a man of few words. My father, who was always in the habit of giving others more so than he ever received, wasn’t inclined to wasting too many words to highlight his accomplishments. Being the bearer of my father’s legacy to the world, I feel it is my duty to reflect on his contributions to the society that he lived in and recall highlights of his long and illustrious life.
My father who was born in 1922, attended elementary school at St. Mary’s College, Chilaw, a town where his family from India had settled in British colonial Ceylon. He pursued his secondary education at Zahira College, Colombo, where he was exposed to the intellect of many of the Sri Lankan Muslim leaders of the day. My father completed his high school education at Jaffna College, Vaddukoddai, which was a pioneer institution of higher Western learning in the East run by the American Ceylon Mission, during his day. Following his education in Jaffna, my father attended the University of Ceylon where he acquired a Bachelor of Arts degree and a diploma in Librarianship. When my father married my mother, Haleema (Marikar), a graduate student at the University of Toronto, Canada, he used that opportunity to travel to North America and completed a degree in Education from the same University.
In 1948, my father began his career in education as a member of the tutorial staff, at his alma-mater Zahira College, in Colombo. He entered the field of librarianship in 1954, serving as Deputy Librarian at the Colombo Municipal Public Library. In 1973, while employed at the Public Library, he won a UNESCO Fellowship to attend a study tour of Libraries in Australia. My father joined the Sri Lanka National Library Services Board in 1975, and served as a Director of the Board, until his retirement in 1981. During his employment with the Board, UNESCO sponsored his overseas trip to an IFLA (International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions) conference on Public Library Buildings, in Bremen, West Germany. After his retirement, my father continued to be very involved in the development of library education in Sri Lanka and served as the President of the Sri Lanka Library Association.
I can remember numerous instances, where my father volunteered his services to helping others. However, two examples where he volunteered showing true heroism and dedication to the well-being of his fellow-citizens of the World come to mind. In 1978, he volunteered in a search and rescue mission following an international aviation disaster involving a Loftleidir Icelandic Airways DC-8 aircraft shuttling Indonesian Hajj pilgrim passengers that occurred in Negombo. Another instance in 1979, where my father stepped up to the plate to assist in a much needed relief- cause, was when a cyclone hit the Eastern province of Sri Lanka.
I remember him traveling to the affected areas in Eastern Sri Lanka shortly after that disaster, to provide the much needed humanitarian assistance there.
My father was responsible for instilling the love of books in me. As a child, he inspired me to read more than just comic books and learn about the World beyond the shores of Sri Lanka. In 1976, when the Non-Aligned Nations conference was held in Colombo, my father insisted and arranged for him and I to catch a glimpse of the international attendees as World history was being made. My love for international relations was born when from a front row seat my father and I waved to the motorcades of Indira Gandhi, Anwar Sadat, Marshal Tito and Colonel Muhammar Gadaffi, that drove past us to the BMICH. I would not have experienced this once in a life-time opportunity, if not for the influences yielded upon me by my dad, the internationally conscious citizen.

In summing up my father’s long and illustrious life, it is necessary to re-state that he did not want to talk much about himself. However, from the examples above, my father’s actions in life spoke louder than words. The meaning of his life was tied to promoting the path to knowledge thru books, and he dedicated his service to mankind thru volunteerism. I take great pride in the legacy of the kind of man my father lived his life to be. An idiom from William Shakespeare’s King Henry the Fifth best describes my father’s essence, "Men of few words are the best men."

obituary:
ALHAJ S.M. Kamaldeen (retired Assistant Chief Librarian, Colombo Public Library and former Director of the Sri Lanka National Library Services Board) beloved husband of Haleema Hanem, loving father of Qamarudeen (U.S.A.), Father in law of Sharon (U.S.A), Grandfather of Anna (U.S.A.), passed away. Janaza and burial took place on Saturday, August 16, 2008, at Wattakkiliya Muslim Burial Grounds, Chilaw.
===============================

Kamal’s love of books enlightened the Malay community

S. M. Kamaldeen

The Muslim community of Sri Lanka has lost one of its most illustrious intellectuals. S. M. Kamaldeen, fondly known as Kamal to his friends, passed away recently. He was 88 years. He lived a full and fruitful life in the service of knowledge and humanity.

Kamal was a former librarian of the Colombo Public Library, and served as director of the Sri Lanka Libraries Board, in addition to holding other responsible positions in the field of librarianship. Kamal devoted his life to books and the dissemination of knowledge among students and all those who sought his help in finding information.

I first came to know Mr. Kamladeen when I was a regular visitor at the Colombo Public Library in the early 1960s, when I was a student preparing for my university entrance examination. I would diffidently approach him and he would happily help me find the information I required. He was always accessible to anyone who needed guidance.

Many scholars have benefited from Mr. Kamaldeen’s vast knowledge of history, politics and literature. It was he who drew my attention to the existence of the first Malay and Muslim newspaper, “Alamat Langkapuri”, which was published by lithograph in 1869, in Colombo, by the great Sri Lankan Malay literary savant, Baba Ounus Saldin.

Kamal offered to give me a facsimile of this newspaper to use in my PhD research work at Monash University, when I left for Australia in 1974. That single finding changed my perspective on the history of the Sri Lanka Malays. Following Mr. Kamaldeen’s lead, I discovered many other hitherto unknown Malay manuscripts in Sri Lanka. I am sure there are many scholars who owe a huge debt of gratitude to Mr. Kamaldeen.

Kamal’s life was not confined to books. He was an active member of the community. He was a true leader and a dedicated social worker. His contributions to the Young Men’s Muslim Association are widely known. He was also president of the All-Ceylon YMMA Conference, back in 1960. Inspired by the ideals of A. M. A. Azeez, founder of the Sri Lanka YMMA movement, Kamal enriched the intellectual life of our Muslim youth. He helped to build up the library at the Dematagoda YMMA. Fearless and unbending, he stood up for principles, regardless of political influences. His unbiased report on the 1981 burning of the magnificent Jaffna library was further testimony to his integrity.

He is survived by his wife, Haleema Hanem Marikar, retired Director of Education, Kegalle. His son lives in the United States.

I am sure there are many who will miss this wonderful intellectual, whose memory will be perpetuated in the works of writers and scholars in Sri Lanka and abroad.

Professor B. A. Hussainmiya
Brunei Darus Salam

Tuan Zaheer Mohamed

A true friend who will live on in our hearts and minds

Tuan Zaheer Mohamed

My first meeting with Tuan Zaheer Mohamed was back in 1980. A group of us, including the late Lakshman Jayawardena, a well-known figure in the tea trade, had decided to form a tea export company. At the time, I was working for an international management consultancy. Lakshman and I had an appointment to meet a prospective financier for the tea project. His name was Zaheer Mohamed. My role was to convince Zaheer of the project’s financial viability. I had done a fair amount of preparation, and I arrived early for the meeting.

Half an hour later a man turned up on a scooter. I assumed he was a messenger bearing a note from Zaheer. It came as a big surprise when Lakshman welcomed the man, saying, “Zaheer, you are late as usual!”

I was expecting the financier to arrive in a luxury car, in full suit. In fact, I was worried that I may not have been appropriately attired for the occasion. Zaheer was casually dressed, and he apologized for being late. He said his family was using the car, so he decided to take the delivery boy’s scooter from his travel office.

On my very first meeting with Zaheer, I was struck by his humility and lack of airs. Over the years, throughout our friendship, I would repeatedly observe this quality about Zaheer.
The meeting started. I explained the financial aspect of the project. Halfway, Zaheer stopped me and declared he was confident about my capability, and that he would like to know how much money was needed, and when. That demonstration of trust is something I will value for the rest of my life.

The company was finally formed in November 1980, and today it is one of Sri Lanka’s leading tea exporters.

Zaheer was more than just a business partner to me. He was a true friend. Unfortunately, my interaction with him was limited after I retired from the company, apart from the occasional courtesy call.

One day, as I was driving along Galle Road, I noticed that the car engine was heating up. I needed help. The first person who came to my mind was Zaheer. I called, and he said he would come over soon, as he happened to be in the neighborhood.

He turned up in a three-wheeler and promptly got down to the job of checking the radiator. He soon identified the problem – the radiator tap was leaking. He took out the toolkit, removed the radiator and took it with him in the three-wheeler, asking me to wait by the car. He was back in an hour and put back the fixed radiator.

I wonder how many businessmen in the middle of a busy day would do what Zaheer did for me that day. Gestures like this are the mark of a true friend. Such friends live with us forever.Yes, Zaheer will remain “a living friend” to me.

R. Nadarajah
===

Fond memories of a beloved cousin and friend

Tuan Zaheer Mohamed

It is hard to believe that my cousin Zaheer Mohamed is no more. In a way I am glad I was not around when he recently crossed the Great Divide. I want to remember him as alive and well. I will not grieve his death, but rather celebrate the good life he lived.

Zaheer and I were the children of two sisters. As Zaheer’s father was based in Dickoya, it was only natural that he stayed with us in Colombo when he entered Royal College.

My first memories of Zaheer were of a little boy with a passion for cars. Whenever my mother made “pol roti”, he would take a circular roti and hold it like a make-believe steering wheel and make sounds like a car purring along. When my mother told him to get on with his dinner, he would eat the roti, wipe his plate clean and then use the plate as a steering wheel as he continued his car-driving fantasy.

Another memory etched in my mind is of attending the Royal Primary School sports meet and being taken by my parents to see Zaheer participating in the obstacle race. He was about nine years, and he was a plump kid. One of the obstacles on the course was to crawl through a barrel. Plump Zaheer got stuck inside the barrel. Our uncle, the late B. J. H. Bahar (Junior), vice-principal of Zahira College, Colombo, was present as a special guest. He gave the little boy a sharp push to his bottom and Zaheer emerged from the barrel. The sight caused much amusement among the spectators.

When Zaheer moved on from Royal Primary to Royal College, he was boarded at the hostel. He was still mad about cars. At 13 years he could drive a car. He was a competent driver and would drive his father’s car whenever his Dad came to Colombo.

In later years the two of us were joined by two other first cousins, Haji Rasseedeen and Bolly Johar, and we formed a close foursome. More than being cousins, we were great friends. We joined the Colombo Malay Cricket Club. We were in our 20s and we became party animals. Not a week would go by without some get-together.

It was at this time that Zaheer met Kerima. They married and had three wonderful children – Aasha, Anusha and Shiran. The girls went to Holy Family Convent, and the son followed his father by joining Royal College.

As the years rolled on, we started to go our separate ways. Zaheer went to the UK and then to Australia on different stints, and not long after Haji and I went overseas to better our prospects.
On my return to Sri Lanka, I got together with Zaheer and we did a few business deals – importing cars. Better things were in store for Zaheer when he teamed up with old Trinitian and former Havelocks and Sri Lanka rugby player, Gamini Fernando, the late Lakshman Jayawardena, former Thomian cricketer Kumar Boralessa and R. Nadarajah to form a company, Ceylon Tea Marketing Ltd. Zaheer offered me a part of his stake in the company, which I accepted and for which I am grateful.

Zaheer’s eldest daughter Aasha married early, and is a devoted wife and mother of three children. His second daughter Anusha created history when she joined SriLankan Airlines as the airline’s first local female pilot. A few weeks before Zaheer’s untimely death, she was promoted to the rank of captain, marking another first in the country’s aviation history.

Zaheer’s son Shiran has also joined SriLankan Airlines, and is now a First Officer. Zaheer was a gem of a person– so good, so rare, so precious. He lived wonderfully well. In his final weeks, Zaheer’s mind was clouded by his illness. That cloud has now lifted. He is himself again – more himself than at any time on this earth. As his last journey took him beyond the sunset, I like to think – in the words of John Bunyan – that “all the trumpets sounded for him on the other side”.
Farewell, dear Zaheer! May Allah grant you the bliss of Jennathul Firdous.

Branu Rahim

Ms M A Silva

A noble teacher who taught from the heart

Mrs. M. A. Silva

“The best teachers, teach from the heart, not from the book” It is with a heavy heart that I write this tribute in memory of my teacher, Mrs. M. A. Silva, who passed away at the age of 83 on September 13, 2008. Rev. Fr. Priyantha Silva, her only son, conducted the funeral service at Christ the King Church, Pannipitiya, in the presence of a distinguished gathering.

I had the pleasure of knowing Mrs. Silva for more than 40 years. I first saw her when she walked into our class as our Grade 7 algebra teacher, at the then St. Joseph’s Convent, Nugegoda. This was in the mid ’60s. I remember her as a very warm person.

At St. Joseph’s we had some wonderful teachers, and Mrs. M. A. Silva was one of them. Her career at St. Joseph’s spanned at least a quarter century.

Throughout her long period of service at St. Joseph’s Convent, Mrs. Silva discharged her duties with calmness, devotion and thoroughness. She was kind and sympathetic and always accessible. She was a noble woman, and distinguished and highly professional teacher.

It is strange that we appreciate what our teachers did for us only after we leave school. Mrs. Silva was a teacher par excellence who moulded thousands of lives throughout her career. Her students have distinguished themselves in all walks of life, both at home and abroad. A true daughter of God, she dedicated her life and service to teaching.

I should not omit to mention that she was also a daham pasal teacher for more than 60 years in her own parish church, Christ the King Church, Pannipitiya.

From St. Joseph’s Convent, she was transferred to a junior school as a sectional principal. She was later appointed as principal of the primary section of Vidyakara Vidyalaya, Maharagama. Past pupils of these schools have vivid memories of her selfless service.

Thank you, Mrs. Silva, for being a great teacher and for the wonderful things you did for your students. Your lessons have made a lasting impression. You were not only my teacher, you were also my friend. Your dedication has given me strength and courage to succeed.

I will never forget how you visited me at home when you heard about my mother’s death.
We praise and thank God for your life.

Farewell till we meet on that beautiful shore.

May your soul rest in peace.

Lilamani Amerasekera

Elina Bandara Jayewardene

Sunday Times Nov 16 2008
Much-loved First Lady was a true daughter of Lanka

Elina Bandara Jayewardene

Elina Bandara Jayewardene, born Elina Rupasinghe, married Junius Richard Jayewardene in 1935, and despite being the First Lady from 1978 until President Jayewardene retired in 1989, led a characteristically simple, unassuming life.

Having known the Jayewardene family from childhood, it is with a deep sense of nostalgia that I reflect upon her life, and the impression her gracious personality left on me.

Aunty Elin, as she was affectionately called, inspired genuine affection and respect in the hearts of the people. To have known her was to have loved her. Even to those who did not have the privilege of associating with her closely, she was a symbol of serenity, simplicity and sincerity, which together form the very essence of humanity.

The inner glow and radiance that always lit up her face was proof that she was a person who felt intensely for people. This is evident in only a truly good person who spends much of her time helping people in need, and who always found time for others.

Elina Jayewardene, whose first death anniversary falls tomorrow, was a person who showed it was possible for wives of politicians to be impeccably elegant in their dress while retaining their simplicity.

In her service to the people, Elina Jayewardene had a sense of profound dedication to any cause she believed in. She was living proof that a genuine person who sticks to her beliefs and principles can be a major influence in the making of a nation’s history.

Even as First Lady, she never took an active role in her husband’s political affairs. In fact, she shunned the political and public limelight, and kept as low a profile as she possibly could.
Through the inevitable tides of President Jayewardene’s political life, she stuck firmly by his side, giving him the strength and inspiration he required to reach the height of success. They say that behind every great man there is a woman. President Jayewardene would have been the first to say that he owed most of his triumphs and successes to his choice of partner.

Elina Jayewardene spent a lot of her time in the service of the less fortunate. Widows would visit her on an appointed day to receive donations, which no doubt went a long way to keep their home fires burning. Aunty Elin delighted in making this an occasion to have tea and a chat with them. She was a founder member and driving force of the Seva Vanitha Movement.
Aunty Elin had an unflinching loyalty to old friends, finding time to visit them all. This writer vividly remembers the many visits she made to the home of a maternal aunt, where she retained the same happy, relaxed and simple style, notwithstanding her position as First Lady.
She was a modest and humble person who would see everyone who wanted to see her in her home, Braemar. It has been said many times, and I say it again: Elina Jayewardene was a noble, perfect lady, destined to guide, comfort and command. We salute her as a worthy daughter of Mother Lanka.

Aunty Elin, you are no longer in our midst, but your memory will always be in our hearts, treasured with love and affection, till we meet again some day in that land beyond.

Bryan Nicholas

Deryck Aluwihare

Deryck Aluwihare

It is with sadness I received the news of the death of Uncle Deryck. I have known him all my life and to me he was uncle, friend, mentor and hero. His values in life and his impeccable honesty are things that most people sadly lack today.

He was born at Pahala Walauwa, Matale to L. B Aluwihare and Julia Nuwerawewa Parangama Aluwihare Kumarihamy. Deryck was their youngest son.

His grand father was the Disawa for the Matale District during the British occupation of our island.

Deryck was educated at Trinity College where he excelled in his studies and graduated with Honours from the University of Colombo.

He Joined the Ceylon Civil Service and he held very high office in the public service of Sri Lanka.
Aunty Rani, his wife, was kindness in its self, and during the time I was attached to the Ceylon Hotel School, I was with them and it was home away from home. The values and principles that Uncle Deryck has instilled in me, has enabled me to face life with a philosophy that is practised in both Buddhism and Christianity. To have courage, love and compassion on all things.

He was not a good driving instructor. I remember the time he decided to check my driving skills, and he was so nervous at my driving that I too forgot all what I had to do and at that time the Galle Road was very busy.

Uncle Deryck held many high positions in the Civil Service, but he was never a political cringer, and as such enjoyed the respect of all ruling parties of the time, but not their 'favoured son' status.

One of the greatest acts of bravery displayed by this son of the soil was in Anuradhapura. It was 1958 and he was the government agent of the Anuradhapura District. There was rioting and in the night he walked the main street of this ancient city holding only a stick for protection.
Many a Tamil family owed their lives to this man who had no racial preferences; all he practised was what was right and what was wrong. I have seen this stick which has a silver plaque and the words: 'To a brave person who saved many lives. From the Ceylon Army.' He is mentioned in the book Emergency '58 by Tarzie Vittachie.

Uncle Deryck was never popular with people who bent the laws of the land to line their pockets. I remember many a time Uncle Deryck relating his early childhood in Aluwihare, Today these stories would have made the charts in a movie or a novel.

He knew so many branches of this very old Kandyan family. My mother Julie is the only surviving member of his family of three boys and six girls.

Uncle Deryck retired and followed his daughter Neila to settle down in Auckland, New Zealand, where he spent a useful retired life, delivering talks to social groups on Sri Lanka.

Having been born to a staunch Buddhist family, but having converted to Christianity at Trinity, he had a unique blend of two religions and he lived by their teachings.

Rohan De Silva Jayasundera

Ms Siri Rupesinghe

Nation Sunday Nov 23 2008

Mrs. Siri Rupesinghe

Sharing, caring and giving personality

She was one of the most dynamic personalities I had met, so full of joie de vivre, always smiling, always happy - sharing, caring and giving - her life an ode to kindness and love. I am grateful for the ten years of friendship I shared with her before she was heartlessly wrenched away by the very hands that were supposed to heal her - a splash of black on the noble profession of healing. This appreciation I write in her memory is one which I hope will specially be a celebration of her talent in painting which she so gladly shared-with-me. It was in 1999 that I approached her as an unsure student of Art. I confessed to her that I was really unsure if I could even “draw a circle straight”, a phrase she always taunted me with jokingly, as I progressed under able guidance to reach more decent abilities in painting. I never ceased to be awe stricken by the galaxies of gorgeous paintings that adorned her walls - each one more beautiful than the other - every one a masterpiece. She became my mentor and friend. Sunday afternoons were hours filled with happiness.They were my only holidays, and Sunday after Sunday she made my lessons a tryst with beauty and colour. When I drew the flowers, she would breathe in fragrance. When I drew wild life, she would give it life - that twitches to the whiskers of the leopard, or the glint to the eye of the tiger. She made the landscapes come alive, fresh with dew and the waves in the ocean roll on my canvas. She added the froth to .the waves of the sea, and the mist to the mountains. We worked tirelessly, she more than I, goading me forward to achieve that final feeling of satisfaction of a job well done until finally she allowed me to rest my brush. Sunday afternoons will never be the same. Her life was one of love, of giving and sharing, of happiness, beauty, goodness and prayer. Her profound faith in God illuminated her whole being. I can still picture her smiling face, she was always smiling, the largeness of her heart glowing through her smile. The news of her passing away sparked shock, sadness and an aching sense of loss to all of us. I do not know if her family will ever come to terms with it as she was the life of the home. No she cannot be gone forever - her life was too beautiful to be snatched by one so puny as Death. “Death be not proud, though many have called thee,Mighty and dreadful, thou art not so. For those whom thou thinkest thou dost overthrow, Die not, poor Death…One short sleep past, we wake eternally,And Death shall be no more.”

Marietta Siriwardena Colombo 5

Margaret Dias

Fragrant memory of a beloved matron

Margaret Dias

The wilted flowers in the vase outside the principal’s room bear testimony to the fact that the loving hands that replenished these flowers daily are stilled for ever.

When Margaret Dias walked through the gates of Bishop’s College in 1957 as a damsel of 18, she would little have known that the school would be her home for the next 51 years, and that she would one day be custodian of the hundreds of children who passed through the junior boarding school. To them she was always “Miz Dias”.Asked for their impressions of the late Miss Dias, boarders and non-boarders were unanimous in their compliments. They described her thus:
“She always wore a smile”;“She never complained”;“She went out of her way to help others”;“She never indulged in self-pity”, and, above all, “She loved the nurturing of flowers.”
The first person we would see as we arrived at school in the mornings was Miss Dias. Even in retirement, she could not resist the call of her “home away from home”. She would come each morning and beautifully arrange the flowers in the school chapel and the vase outside the principal’s office. She would then sit outside and greet the arriving schoolchildren with her benign smile.

We will sorely miss you, Miz Dias. We know that the loveliest of flowers will bloom wherever you are.

Priyanthie de Silva

Admiral Clancy Fernando

Sunday Times Nov 23 2008
Remember a true patriot, great officer and gentleman

Admiral Clancy Fernando VSV, USP, ndc, psc, MNI(Lond.)

It was 16 years ago, on the morning of November 16, 1992, at about 7.45 a.m., that we lost a great officer and gentleman. He was assassinated by an LTTE suicide bomber who rammed his motorcycle into his car at Galle Face, opposite the Hotel Taj Samudra. Admiral Fernando was on his way to office from his residence in Longden Place, Colombo 7.

I happened to be travelling on the same route in my official vehicle, and I was some 75 metres ahead of him. I was on my way to my office at the Western Naval Command Headquarters, at SLNS Rangalla (the old “Rangalla” complex, behind St. Anthony’s Church, Kochchikade), within the port of Colombo I realised I was ahead of his convoy only after the blast. When I was abreast of the Colombo lighthouse, along the Marine Drive, I heard a blast which sounded like a hand grenade that had misfired. My driver slowed down. I turned back and saw a Land Rover jeep taking the turn at the old Parliament roundabout. The vehicle was emitting unusually excessive smoke from the rear. I told the driver to proceed, saying it was a likely misfire.

On arriving at the SLNS Rangalla Ward Room, while doing a change, my communicator (P/O Fernando, if I remember correctly) tapped on my cabin door. He told me there had been a blast along Galle Face Centre Road, and it appeared that the Navy Commander’s vehicle had been at the same location. I said I just passed Galle Face Centre Road, and that I too had heard the blast at the Parliament roundabout, and that it had sounded more like a misfire.

A few minutes later my communicator came up to the Ward Room again and tapped on my door for the second time. He said, “Sir, we heard on the MSO on VHF channel escort sailors reporting that the Commander’s car has got caught up in a blast.”

I rushed to the scene. I found the car, a Mercedes Benz, completely damaged. The Navy Commander, in his uniform, was lying face down in a pool of blood on the floorboard of the car. His Flag Lieutenant, seated at the back, was also dead, and so were the driver and personal escort in the front seat.

The Commander’s escort jeep had not been damaged, and the other escort personnel had not been injured. Apart from the police and some Army personnel, I was one of the first people from the Navy to arrive at the scene. Mrs. Hema Premadasa, wife of the late President Ranasinghe Premadasa, had arrived just before me. All this was all of 16 long years ago.

At the time, Admiral Clancy Fernando was the most senior serving military officer to be killed in the line of duty. On this 16th anniversary of his death, we reflect once more on a great man and pay tribute to the invaluable service he rendered to our country during an exemplary career spanning 35 years. He joined the Navy at the age of 19, in December 1957, as an officer cadet. He was appointed Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy on August 1, 1991.

He was a communications specialist. He made a huge contribution towards efficient and secure communication by devising the first ever cryptographic system, “SINHALE”, for use in the Sri Lanka Navy. He was also the brains behind the designing of the Navy President’s Colours and Staff. His book ‘Customs and Etiquette of the Services’, which has become a standard reference text, reflects his vast experience and knowledge of the subject.

He took a keen interest in naval history, and wrote several scholarly articles on the naval history of Trincomalee. And it was he who designed the gun carriage that is presently in use by the Navy. He designed a similar gun carriage and donated it to the Sri Lanka Air Force.
The late Admiral Fernando was a man with a vision. He believed in change for the better. He did not accept “no” for an answer, even to a seemingly intractable problem. His period in the highest office in the Navy lasted only one year, three months and 16 days. His untimely death prevented him from fulfilling all his commitments in keeping with his vision.

He was a man with an operational bent of mind, and would always discuss with his officers and men on how best to do “this and that”. He would listen to what we had to say and work on the best possible solution to any challenge – be it fighting the LTTE at sea, preventing cross-border terrorism, re-organising the navy for smooth and efficient functioning, or seeing to the welfare of service personnel. Applying the principle of critical thinking, he developed a coherent strategy with a clear connection between action and result.

For example, in solving the problem of limited long-range fire power at sea, he took on one of the most challenging of tasks – loading an Army MBT (main battle tank) onto a Navy LCM (landing craft medium) to conduct test firing at sea. This proved a resounding success, and was a morale booster for both the Navy and the Army. As a result, we had a mobile MBT at sea.
His decision to intensify sea patrols in the Jaffna lagoon by deploying small naval craft was another priority measure to cut off the LTTE supply route from the mainland to the Jaffna peninsula.

One issue that has been of consistent concern to any Navy Commander is the Indian fishing trawler menace in the Palk Straits. Admiral Fernando always maintained that this was a problem to be tackled directly with Tamil Nadu. In order to do so, he obtained approval from the governments of Sri Lanka and India to visit Tamil Nadu, in south India, during his first official visit to India, in January 1992, as Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy. His itinerary included an official call on the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. In addition to discussing joint naval patrols in the Palk Straits in New Delhi, he also discussed the Indian trawler menace in the Palk Straits with the then Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Jayalalitha Jayaram.

On his return he briefed us on the steps to be taken when encountering Indian trawlers. He noted for the record that the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu had agreed to co-operate fully with the Sri Lanka Navy in tackling issues arising from problems posed by Indian trawlers in the Palk Straits.

He emphasised the need to have an ongoing dialogue with the New Delhi and Tamil Nadu governments. He recommended that regular high-level consultations between the governments of India and Sri Lanka be held at political and diplomatic levels, during which visits by naval teams from both countries for discussions should also take place.

He always maintained that the only way to prevent supplies reaching the LTTE from parts of southern India was by preventing Indian trawlers from poaching in our waters. This was indeed an important step. To my knowledge, this was the first time that a Navy Commander from Sri Lanka had called on a Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu to express Sri Lanka’s security concerns vis-à-vis Indian trawler excursions into our territorial waters.

It was generally felt that the LTTE targeted Admiral Fernando because of his actions during a short period of time to curb LTTE boat movements in the Jaffna lagoon and the Palk Straits, consequent to his discussions with the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu on LTTE activities at sea originating from the coastal belt of South India.

His contribution towards tri-service operations on land and at sea was tremendous, and sometimes at the Navy’s expense. He was very popular and liked by the other two arms of the services – Army and Air Force – because he always accommodated their requests on all operational and logistics-related issues.

On a personal note, I would like to share a few memories. One day, when Admiral Fernando was talking to me about the late Lieutenant General Denzil Kobbekaduwa, he said: “Razeek, you know, what I like? An instantaneous death, like that which befell my good friend Denzil.
I would hate to be hospitalised and suffer.” What he had hoped for, however sad it may have been to those he left behind, came to pass.On another occasion, when we were together during one of his visits to SLNS Gemunu, the naval base at Welisara, he was keen to have a look at the gun carriage that he had designed and built. On seeing it, he said to me: “When will I get an opportunity to be taken in this?” Neither of us knew then that the day was not far off when he would have that opportunity.

He was a great family man who liked to spend time with his wife and children. I remember receiving a letter from him when he was serving on board MV Lanka Kanthi (CSC vessel) as Master of the vessel on secondment. Let me quote from his letter: “Look after my children, as they are my treasure”. He was sailing, and only his wife was on board with him. Their children, who were in the 9 to 12 age group at the time, were going to school and being taken care of by their grandparents.

I wish to recall another occasion, which has to do with the time I was serving under Admiral Fernando’s command as his deputy (Executive Officer) on board the then Flagship SLNS Samudra Devi. At the time I had a personal problem. The owners of the rented house I was occupying wanted the house back, and it was difficult to find suitable alternative accommodation at such short notice. All of the official Naval quarters were occupied, with no signs of any falling vacant in the foreseeable future. Admiral Fernando listened to my problem.

Two days later, he said to me: “Monica and I discussed your predicament, and we have decided to let you occupy our house at Mount Lavinia when we leave next month on my joining the CSC vessel MV Lanka Kanthi. You will have the place for a period of one year, and during this time we hope you will find a solution to your housing problem.”

I asked: “Sir, how much rent do you expect?” He smiled and said, “I don’t think you could afford to pay the market price, and so the house is free for you.” That was Clancy Fernando, a warm-hearted and generous human being.

It was from here onwards that we became intimate family friends. Eventually, the unenviable task of delivering the obituary tribute to my boss and close friend fell to me.

Today, as we mark the 16th anniversary of his passing, I would like to repeat the last paragraph of that tribute I paid Admiral Clancy Fernando:

“Sir, though you have departed from us, we will remember you and the service you rendered to our country forever. You were a true patriot, great officer and gentleman, valuable son of Mother Lanka who made the supreme sacrifice in the defence of our country. As you fade away beneath the waves, we will steer your course with guns blazing.”

Rear Admiral (Retd.) A. H. M. Razeek, VSV, USP, ndc

Rev. Dr. Joseph Vianney Fernando

Nation Snday Nov 30 3008

Most Rev. Dr. Joseph Vianney Fernando

His guidance and contributions are immense

His Lordship Bishop Joseph Vianney Fernando, Bishop of Kandy, celebrated the Silver Jubilee of his Episcopal Ordination on the 21st of May, 2008 at the Kandy Cathedral where he had spent ten years as the Vicar General and prior to that as a schoolboy at the adjacent premises of St. Sylvester’s College. The birth of St. Anthony’s College Kandy in 1854, took place at these very same premises and prospered for 74 years before moving to its present home at Katugastota.Many appreciations and tributes were written and published during and after the Episcopal Silver Jubilee highlighting the spiritual, intellectual and humane achievements of this wonderful servant of God, Bishop Vianney Fernando. This reflection however is to set down the huge role of influence His Lordship has had on the growth and sustenance of St. Anthony’s College Kandy and to express gratitude and appreciation of all Antonians, young and old.Initially it was as Vicar General for the Diocese of Kandy that the then Rev. Fr. Vianney Fernando began his association with St. Anthony’s College. Those were turbulent times when the then Bishop of Kandy was compelled to hand over the educational section of this institute to the Government. As this was a unique situation, it demanded extraordinary measures to be set in place for future governance, and Rev. Fr. Vianney Fernando had a role to play in structuring an administrative policy between the Government and Church. Nearly thirty years on, these policies are still in force resulting in St. Anthony’s College being the only Government Boys’ school that has continued to have a Catholic Priest as its Principal. It must also be said that even prior to his ordination as a priest, two very prominent Antonian personalities were the influential forces behind his chosen vocation. His mentor was Rev. Fr. Lawrence Hyde osb, the first Principal of St. Anthony’s College after the shift to Katugastota, who was also an Old Antonian. Then the great builder at the Katugastota premises, Rev. Fr. Theophane Wickramarathne osb, was responsible for sending him to the seminary to become a priest. The fact that he was consecrated Bishop at the grounds of St. Anthony’s College was a fitting tribute to these two very Revered Priests.After his Episcopal Ordination in 1983, Bishop Vianney, by virtue of his capacity as Bishop of Kandy, became the overall Church authority in the joint management of St. Anthony’s College with powers to appoint or remove the Principal in conjunction with the Ministry of Education. Dubbed the “Gentle Giant of Kandy”, he has built a solid base over the last twenty-five years for a satisfactory administrative process between all parties involved in running the school, commanding respect from all.The Old Boys’ Associations of College have found him to be their guiding-hand in all matters. The Colombo Branch of the OBA in particular, has worked very closely with His Lordship who is also the Patron of the Association. Despite his many commitments in Sri Lanka and abroad, he has always found the time to meet with delegates of the Association and give ear to their suggestions and proposals or even grievances and advice or support them accordingly. The OBA (Colombo Branch) has played a vital role in the development of infrastructure and facilities for the young Antonians, none of which would have been possible without the guidance and support of His Lordship, Bishop Vianney Fernando. In 2004, when the College celebrated its milestone of 150 years, he was a major source of encouragement to the Principal, staff, students and old boys, being involved from the inception in planning and setting out an appropriate programme of events and being present at all of them. His guidance and contributions were also great attributes in the successful production of the ‘Sesquicentennial Publication’ by the Colombo Branch.In appreciation of the major contributions he has made to the success of both our Association and our Alma Mater, the Colombo Branch of the OBA has arranged a ‘Thanksgiving Service’ to celebrate the Silver Jubilee of his Episcopal Ordination, at St. Theresa’s Church Thimbirigasyaya on December 1, at 6:30 p.m.

Sheila Obeysekera

Extraordinary in her quiet, dignified way

Sheila de Alwis

We are constantly reminded of the lives of the great and famous, but not often do we remember ordinary people who led extraordinary lives. Such a person was Sheila de Alwis, née Obeysekera.
She was married to Leslie de Alwis, a prominent scholar and former head of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Sri Lanka. She was indeed a lady by every measure. She was born to wealth but lived humbly. She died the way she lived, with neither fuss nor excitement, but in a quiet and dignified manner.

Her son Lalith (Lalla) and I became friends at Trinity College, Kandy. Subsequently, I came to know and love all his sisters – Shanti, Nilanthi and Ione. Lalla lived in Colombo and I in Kandy. To our teen hormones, Colombo was a far greater attraction than Kandy.

Lalla’s house became a home away from home to me and many others from Trinity and Kandy. But it was a home because his mother, Aunty Sheila, as we all called her, made it so.

Better than anyone else, she understood our wild gyrations and oscillating personalities. She was pragmatic and understanding in every way. There was food for the hungry and counselling for the eternal teen problems, mainly related to girls, that would invariably crop up. Many a romance originated in her home. We tested the limits for our age late Saturday nights at Colombo nightclubs and rugby clubs – but there was never any censure for forsaking discipline for fun.

In essence, she was a mother to me and all of Lalla’s friends who enjoyed a kind of freedom at her home at an age that many did not. She was a lady beyond her time.
For all the love and affection she gave me and those of us who were not her children, I feel compelled to write this, so that she would smile, as she often did for our transgressions, while reading this in heaven.

Roy Balasuriya

Ruwani Seimon

She inspired her students to give of their best

Ruwani Seimon

I first met Ms. Ruwani as a child of 12 years. St. Bridget’s Convent was presenting the musical “Camelot”. Indu Dharmasena was the director and Ms. Ruwani was the musical director. I was one of the “children of the court”.

Ms. Ruwani terrorised everyone. That was one of her trademarks. She was a perfectionist who worked miracles with her performers. “Camelot” is still referred to as the best musical ever put on by St. Bridget’s Convent.

After “Camelot”, I worked with Ms. Ruwani on several other shows, theatre productions and carol services, both as a performer and as a co-producer. Our student-teacher relationship grew into a unique mentoring friendship. She taught me how to sing, and more important, how to perform on stage.

My best memory of Ms. Ruwani is of her conducting the choir in a grand concert finale, her exuberance pumping up the adrenaline in us so that we ended up giving a brilliant performance.
Her famous dressing room “pep talks” would give a band of sweaty teenagers the courage to command a stage. Her stubborn stance against the long-suffering school administration secured performance opportunities barely approved by our Roman Catholic educators. She was a force to be reckoned with.I learnt many lessons from Ms. Ruwani. Her best critique of me was uttered out of exasperation, while coaching me for a solo: “Sulo, I don’t care if you sing a wrong note. Just be confident. Hold your head up high and for God’s sake PERFORM!”

This advice has followed me wherever I have performed, from the stage at the Lionel Wendt Theatre to many other theatre venues. What I admired most about Ms. Ruwani was her recognition of talent and her respect for hard work. She allowed seniors a free hand with choreographing, designing and publicising the school choir productions. These experiences shaped me and continue to influence me, five years later.

Every time I think of my school career, I thank my lucky stars that we had someone like Ms. Ruwani. She allowed our creativity to bloom and encouraged us to hone our talents.
Like most relationship, ours was far from perfect. We failed to agree on many things, and at times we were quite vocal about our disagreements. When I recall some of our worst arguments, I wonder how we ever survived them. But our clashes cleared because of our mutual respect, which strengthened our relationship.

Ms. Ruwani, people like you and my grandmother will never pass away. You will always live, vividly, in the minds and hearts of the people you have touched. My only hope is that the generations to come will find a replacement who is half as qualified and devoted as you. But that’s a tall order.

Right now, all I can say is a simple thank you. Thank you for everything you have done for me, my friends and my school.

And, by the way, save me a seat at your next performance.

Sulochana Dissanayake

Viji Weerasinghe

Mr. Viji Weerasinghe - First death anniversary 2008
An educationist par excellence

31st October 2008, marks the first death anniversary of a true, dedicated, humble, and humane son of Mother Lanka, an institution at our “Alma Mater”, Royal College, a colossus in the field of education, Vice President and Advisor of the Royal College Old Boys Union. Readers, and Friends, I refer to none other than Mr. Viji Weerasinghe, whose first death anniversary was on the 31st of October, 2008. F

riends, and Readers, he was indeed a “Patriarch” and an “Institution” at our “Alma Mater”, Royal College, and most importantly a humane, humble, and benevolent son of Mother Lanka.One of the noble and gifted characteristics that this humane individual possessed was that he never ever basked in the glory of public patronage, a unique feature, which is, very seldom found among, the “so called educationalists” of today.

A statement made by the Principal of Royal College, at the funeral a year ago, when I, and scores of others from all walks of life, who were there to hear the speech was the Prophetic words uttered by the Principal which is still itched in my memory. He said “ He was the Mahatma Gandhi of Royal College,” and it goes, without any exaggeration whatsoever, he commented. Friends, this bears ample testimony to this remarkable individual who was a martyr to our Royal College, and has left an indelible mark not only at Royal College, but also in the field of Education.

Our Honourable Sir, Mr. Viji Weerasinghe, should be bestowed with the highest title in the country, not only for his yeoman and dedicated service in the field of Education he had served for over 50 years, but also for being a true, dedicated, humane, humble son of Mother Lanka. It is my earnest hope and prayer, that even, at this late stage, in hindsight, the Government of Sri Lanka, bestows this honour on him. Friends, I wonder, how many are aware of the fact that he was the oldest, and most senior, living educationist in our Mother Land at the time of his demise, and also how many are aware of the fact that lakhs of people from the Corporate World, and all walks of life, came for his funeral. It was something like a State Funeral, of a high public official, from the top echelons of State, who had expired while holding office, but in reality, he was only a Senior Advisor to the Royal College Old Boys Union having an office in the OBU complex.Another unique and noble characteristic he possessed, was that it went against his grain, to speak any evil or ill against anyone, at our Alma Mater, or anyone, for that matter. I have never seen him getting angry or having vengeance, malice or vendetta against anyone, even if harmed or provoked.In Conclusion, it is my earnest hope and prayer that his Soul rest in Eternal Peace and Happiness in the world beyond.

Amyn Chatoor
==========

Nation Nov 2 2008

VIJI

Man to be taken for all in all
A year passed of thy presence unfelt
Only in person for thy persona lives in the hearts of old and the young
All those fortunate to have had a glimpse of you.
Still yearn for your magical touch
On the eve the 175th Birthday of Royal
The only man served the hallowed place for 72 years !
Few men would create history and fever would be revered like you
We mortals still wonder the secret of your health and happiness
We still wonder how you were numb to pain
Was it your strength to renounceThe worldly possessions
Caring for nothing, but the human worth
The moral sensibility never unaffected
Or your single ambition to be near your loving Glado
All those who came through the mighty Boake gate
If lucky enough, to receive your gentle smile
Saw the real world.
Good old Viji one would say yet in a rebels shoes,
I would say
No traditionalist you were for the traditions sake
Boldly advised the Principals
Discarded bravely all what was outdated, counter-productive
Of an institution facing the time and tide tuned by the global trends
Many young ones at times failed to comprehend
The blunted purposes should not get better of Royal
Yet a strong defendant of the same when the tradition called for
Thus “threw away the worser part of it
nd lived the purer with the other half’
Music, Literature your food for life
The youngest cast King Lear Coming home with the coveted Trophy
Passed your empty office
The castle thousands found a “pleasant seat”
Air nimbly and sweetly recommends itselfUnto your gentle senses”
Being thankful Children
Sang in your praise “
He was a man;
Take him for all in all I shall not look upon his like again”

Lakshmi Attygalle
Deputy Principal
Royal College
==========

Generations of Royalists will treasure the memory of a mentor

Vijitha Weerasinghe

Among the great men produced by a hallowed institution, he stood taller than the rest. Mr. Viji Weerasinghe, former Deputy Principal of Royal College, Colombo, and one of the greatest Royalists ever (if not the greatest), was a rare and exemplary individual.

Viji had the rare distinction of being closely associated with Royal College for a record 73 years. During this span he played many roles, from schoolboy to teacher and deputy principal and finally as adviser to the Royal College Union.

Most old boys, as they step out of the Boake gates, move on, leaving the school far behind as they enter the real world and get on with their lives and careers. Mr. Viji devoted all his time and energies towards his alma mater. The college was his, and helping to maintain it became a full-time job.

His vision forged Royal College anew, fusing old and new, time-honored traditions and experiences with new briefs and trends.

Some might wonder why he was so involved in the school’s daily activities even during his last days. Aged and rather feeble, he still came to office, never a minute late; never a day missed.
The immense importance of his role in the life of the school should not escape mention. His hand guided many a policy of school administration. The number of principals, deputy principals and teachers who drew wisdom and inspiration from him is too great to mention. He was the link between school and authority and the union, and both sides gained immensely from his patient mentoring.

He possessed a wealth of knowledge relating to Royal College. Having been an integral part of the school for more than 70 years, and having witnessed so much, one could always rely on him to provide an answer to a pressing problem or extend a helping hand and offer truly worthy advice. This ensured that his office was never empty.

Looking back, we smile as we reminisce on all that was great and good about him. It cannot fail to stab our hearts with pain to know that never again will we behold his angelic smile and hear his words of courage and hope.

We really miss your presence, as there is no one else who can advise us on Royal College or Royal College Union matters as you did.

Yet our memories of you and what we learnt from you will last a lifetime, and more. Sir, your spirit will never leave your eternal home.

Rizan Nazeer,Secretary,
Royal College Union

Kumudu Rodrigo

Kumudu Rodrigo

Built a tea brand from scratch

Who would have thought that when we all saw Kumudu on that fateful day on the 15th of September that it would be the last time that we would see his smiling face and his still small voice? Many of us are still suffering from the shock of bidding him goodnight and agreeing to meet him the next day, when we were thunderstruck by the news that he had met with a tragic accident a few minutes later. As the news trickled in, we all thought it was a case of another accident of someone’s reckless driving or a faulty vehicle, but it was only the next day that all of us realised that the cruel hand of fate had struck this genial personality. We came to know that a large metal piece from a passing cement mixing truck had flown off and come through the driving side shutter and struck one side of his head. The thunderous impact of this object made him lose control of the car rendering him motionless. He was unconscious until he passed away exactly one week later. He was only 37 years old, far too young to die.The doctors in the accident ward did their utmost to give him the best care and attention but unfortunately fate took a different turn and all of us lost a gentle human being whose qualities and ways are rare in this present generation. We were always greeted with a warm smile whenever we saw him, and never saw him unruffled or angry or upset over anything. None of us have ever heard him speak a harsh word to anyone even though some may have offended him. He was indeed a rare human being. The saying that only the Good die young is truly a fitting tribute to his memory.He joined Aitken Spence ten years ago, as a young graduate trainee and came to work in the marketing division of Elpitiya Plantations Plc. as a junior executive. His dedication, hard work and common sense attitude made the company entrust him to develop a brand of tea from nothing. He single-handedly gave birth to the Harrow Ceylon Choice brand and brought it to what it is today from scratch. He took the tough low cost route and built the brand purely on relationships, quality and image to make it a brand that is well known particularly in the outstations with over 15 distributors and 20 sales representatives. He built a Harrow family amongst all these people, as was witnessed during those tragic days after his accident. His dedication to the brand was unbelievable, so much so that even in the last moments before his death, he had been on the phone to some distributors and sales representatives. The pride of his life was the brand and did everything on his own giving leadership to all who worked with him. It was no surprise that in a few years he rose to the position of Deputy General Manager. His void in this job will be hard to fill. Kumudu was also a great family man and did more than his best for his wife and three children. He wished the best for them and his main ambition was to particularly give his children the best education that he could afford. His wife Shama was his tower of strength and together built his home and family bit by bit. Unfortunately he was tragically struck down before he could see the fruits of his hard work. The pain and agony to his wife and children cannot be measured and if we, his colleagues, miss him so much, one could not imagine the grief and sorrow that his family and his parents would be going through after his death. We can only pray that God will help his family to bear the grief and sorrow of his sad loss and may God give strength to his wife Shama and the children to carry on life and fulfil Kumudu’s expectations with the help of all those who cared and loved him in life. May his soul rest in peace!Colleagues at Elpitiya Plantations Plc.

Professor Ashley Halpe

Professor with many passions

Ashley Halpe

A well known figure in the corridors of Pera and in the music, drama and literary fields, Professor Ashley Halpe now 75, talks of what has shaped his life to Kumudini Hettiarachchi.
Be it sitting on a panel with eminent literary scholars, teaching Shakespeare to fresh-faced 16-year-olds or singing his heart out on stage or at mass – one thing marks him out as “different”.The endearing quality that many great academics lack is ingrained in this professor who needs no introduction.

Humility is Professor Ashley Halpe’s hallmark and sitting before him in his daughter’s home in Mount Lavinia, while his “beloved wife who has unfailingly fed my spirit” Bridget is teaching piano to a boy, The Sunday Times attempts to gain an insight into what has made him what he is.

Prof. Halpe whose name and life have inextricably been linked to literature and the University of Peradeniya for long years, has just reached three-score years plus 15. He celebrated his 75th birthday on November 19.

To find an answer to what makes him tick, Prof. Halpe journeys back to his childhood…..and picks on the great influence his father had on him. “He had a crucial impact. He put books in our hands. Being an excellent artist, he guided me but never thrust literature or art down my throat,” he says. His father, known fondly as Captain Vernon, as he was a Cadet Officer had been the Principal of Lumbini Vidyalaya when the theatre was created there, subsequently becoming the home of Sinhala drama.

Books, books and more books…….a constant flow, enriched by the travels across the country, from Talaimannar to Matara or to the east or the hills. For his father had railway warrants.
In his childhood, Prof. Halpe had never been a Colombo boy, except for a short stint, the final years of the H.Sc. which he spent at St. Peter’s College, Bambalapitiya. Starting his school career at the Montessori at St. John’s College, Panadura, followed by a few years at Holy Cross College, Kalutara, he believes that it was later at De Mazenod College, Kandana, and St. Peter’s College that he was offered more than education. “The primarily Catholic environment was tangible, real,” he says, successfully and naturally nurtured by committed teachers including the Brothers of that order. De Mazenod also had a tradition of choral singing.

Talking about the years when he was studying to get admission to university, he says there was no competition. “If you passed you were in university. The stimulus was the work itself and you competed with yourself.”

St. Peter’s also had a strong tradition of music and drama and that was where the young Halpe was drawn into acting. It was also there that he faced the academic challenge of an open prize system, where whatever the student was studying, science or arts, he could compete for prizes in the other stream. “I tried for every conceivable prize…….this gamaya, while all the other boys were mainly from Colombo 4 itself, and collared three from the other stream (he was doing science) apart from the class prize.”

But never a bookworm, he was also heavily involved in music, choral activity, debating and sports such as cricket, football and tennis, though he was “never very good at cricket”.
Poetry and sketching had always been a passion………a “fantastic holiday” spent at Minipe coming to mind where his uncle who was working there had taken him to see anicuts, birds et al. They would explore the land and this impressionable youth would write poetry “in my head”, come back and reproduce it in exercise books. He also did a lot of sketching.

Suddenly Prof. Halpe remembers the three libraries – De Mazenod, St. Peter’s and also the British Council in Colombo -- which played a major role in his life. The reading was “not streamed and I read what I felt like reading”, science books as well as Eliot, Dickens, Walter Scott, Chaucer, just to see what they were like.

The next “big change” in his life came along with a “shock” to his father who wanted him to become a doctor or scientist when he changed track and decided that it was the arts for him. Facing a gruelling interview he got into university to do arts.

Into the full life of the campus of the University of Ceylon, in the beautiful setting of Peradeniya his “encounter with English”, started early in life, became strengthened. It also opened up new and exciting vistas. Though cut off from Colombo, the hub for concerts and exhibitions, those at Pera, as they call it, never felt “deprived”.

“We did our own thing through Dramsoc (Drama Society) with E.F.C. Ludowyke introducing us to famous directors of the time like Jubal. Around that time, the students also formed themselves into the University Singers, which later became the Peradeniya Singers, under a lecturer in English, Robin Mayhead,” he says. Twice a week for half-an-hour Mayhead put them through their paces in four-part harmony in a cappella style.

The grandeur of nature was just a short walk away. “We savoured the hills about two or three times a month.”

“But it was not only academic and cultural,” adds Prof. Halpe. “Pera was also a world of people. Relationships meant a lot and life-long friendships were forged here.” It was as a young lecturer at Peradeniya that he met his life’s partner, Bridget, whom he says he “grabbed” in 1957 when she joined as a fresher. They married in 1959 and have been inseparable since then, even now travelling down to Colombo by Intercity together to teach students, he English and she music and singing. Family life with their three children was also very important amidst all the work.
For Prof. Halpe, Peradeniya provided every kind of experience, witnessing first-hand the inevitable politicization of the university, the tussles, the group rivalries and also being part and parcel of the tense times…1968 stands out when there was a standoff between the undergraduates and the army. He was Proctor (dealing with discipline) during the challenging years of 1971 (when the country agonized over the first youth insurrection) and would be out of home which was on campus itself for long hours. “There were calls in the middle of the night, there were visits to Bogambara Prison and also Pallekelle and Weerawila camps on behalf of the students.”

Down the years, before the country experienced Black July ’83, some people “jumped the gun” and attacked Tamil students, he recalls, and the students just disappeared, fearful of staying at Peradeniya. It was Prof. Halpe and Dr. Premasiri who were instrumental in getting them back. “We persuaded the lecturers to gently refuse to teach until all students, including the Tamil students, were back in class.”

July ’83 found about 10,000 people fleeing from the violence beingprovided shelter at the Hilda Obeysekera Hall. 1988 -89, the beeshanaya period was “a naked kind of conflict with young people at risk,” says Prof. Halpe.

Retiring from university in 1998, the bonds have not been severed, for he has been invited to continue teaching as a Visiting Lecturer. “Teaching is part of my life,” says Prof. Halpe, while he also continues to direct plays and paint. Not only does he teach at university but does so privately to students sitting the Advanced Level and external degree both local and London. This is what sustains them along with Bridget’s music and singing lessons as they “plunged all my retirement benefits into a house we built at Anniewatte”.

To the public Prof. Halpe and painting are not common knowledge. Drawing has always fascinated him and once again it was his father who took him to the Royal Primary School Principal H.D. Sugathapala who in turn introduced him to Harry Pieris of the famous 43 Group. Prof. Halpe was 18 at that time. Soon after he met Neville Weeraratne. An uncle of his also took him to see Donald Ramanayake and he was the first artist who gave him some tips on choice of colour to suit Lankan landscapes he was dabbling in at that time.

A long and illustrious life. As Prof. Halpe faces a new year, what hopes and plans for the future?To publish as a whole his works that have remained in journals and notebooks, he says, adding that though at the moment it is a fallow period for him as an artist “a canvas on an easel in my room” awaits.

Lakshman Kadirgamar

Diplomat who made the world listen to Lanka’s tragic saga
Lakshman Kadirgamar

It is now three years since the diplomat, politician and lawyer Lakshman Kadirgamar passed away. With the distance of time I am still trying to understand the tragedy of his passing. After his assassination, I started to look for answers to life’s tragedies. Like most distraught persons, I turned to religion and philosophy to understand why this icon was removed from our midst.
Buddhism explains things with the inexorable law of Karma. You reap what you sow in the long journey of Samsara. But it was the story of Lazarus in the Bible (John 11) that came to mind. Martha and Mary, the sisters of Lazarus, had profound faith in Jesus Christ. Christ walked up to the cave where Lazarus was entombed and said, “Lazarus, come forth.” And Lazarus walked back to life.

Who has the faith of a Martha and a Mary, I wondered .Who will say, “Lakshman, go forth and serve the people who loved you so much.” Even as these thoughts flashed through my mind, I realised that these were flights of fancy. He was gone.

What is the legacy that the former Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar has left behind? Has he left his country a better place after his gentle and brief walk through the history of this sad and troubled land?

He was Sri Lanka’s most potent weapon in the halls of international power. He walked through the chancelleries of Europe, and to the court of St. James, the White House, New Delhi, the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, persuading, mesmerising and convincing his peers as he spoke of the dilemmas of our island nation. Lakshman spoke not as a supplicant begging for favours, but with the righteousness of a man demanding that the world listens to the true facts of a nation imperilled by the barbaric force of terrorism. He changed world opinion.

He died so we could live. A few days before his death, he spoke to me about the heightened threats to his life from the LTTE. I invited him to visit a private bungalow in the south, where he would be far removed from the threat posed to him in the capital city. “I have an engagement with the Ambassador for the United States. When I finish that, I will take you up on your offer,” he said. It was not to be.

It is a sad indictment of our land and culture that the statue made in Lakshman Kadirgamar’s memory by a world-famous Russian sculptor still lies prostrate. The LTTE killed him, and the nation he served so well fails to honour him. This was the sad lament of his devoted wife Suganthi.

Lakshman had the rare privilege of having his portrait unveiled at the entrance to the hallowed halls of Oxford. The unveiling ceremony was a star-studded event. Prime Ministers, ex-Presidents, ambassadors and ministers from different countries assembled to pay tribute to him. In his speech, Lakshman said: “The icing on the cake may have been at Oxford, but the cake was truly baked in my island home of Sri Lanka.” A product of the University of Peradeniya, Lakshman did not forget to pay homage to his early seat of learning.

He was proud to be a Sri Lankan. He abhorred tribal appellations such as “Tamil”, “Sinhalese”, “Muslim”, etc. He belonged to the human race, and could not understand the stratifications of birth.

I would like to strike a personal note.

My son Uchi had passed all his law examinations in the UK and was awaiting acceptance at one of the Inns of Court schools of law to complete his barrister’s examination, only to be told that there were no vacancies and that he would have to wait another year in England. I spoke to Lakshman. He immediately spoke to the Lord Chief Justice of England. He came back and said to me: “You will hear from one of the schools of law.”

Two or three weeks later a letter arrived, accepting Uchi to one of the premier schools of law. Lakshman had only to pick up the phone to talk to people like the Lord Chief Justice of England, former US Secretary of State Colin Powell and other world leaders. He knew them personally.
His wife Suganthi is keeping his memory alive. A Lakshman Kadirgamar Foundation has been inaugurated and worldwide sponsorship is flowing in from his international friends.

Suganthi mentioned the eminent men appointed to the foundation. I do not recall the name of Wimal Weerawansa, but it was Mr. Weerawansa who single-handedly organised Lakshman’s funeral arrangements. Chandrika, whom he had loyally served, was only cosmetically involved. Wimal Weerawansa saw what was happening and stepped in to honour the fallen leader. He mobilised the entire might of the JVP.

Lakshman did not belong to Colombo, to Trinity College and the urban elite. As he said at Oxford, he was a home-grown product and a son of sovereign Sri Lanka. To honour him selectively is to do him an injustice.

Let me end by quoting from the book of condolence left at Lakshman’s funeral. Here are the words of a peasant farmer from the Ruhuna: “In your journey through Samsara, may you be reborn in our country just one more time, so you can finish the work you started.”

Malinga H. Gunaratne - 2008

Lakshmi Wanigasinghe

Let’s take a leaf out of the book of a dedicated teacher

Lakshmi Wanigasinghe

Lakshmi Wanigasinghe, a dedicated teacher of Anula Vidyalaya, Nugegoda for well over 30 years, passed away on November 9, 2008. The charismatic figure with simple but noble qualities touched the hearts of her students, colleagues, friends and relatives.

She led an exemplary life, and looked after her family in the most loving manner. My brother, Colonel W. M. Wanigasinghe (retired), was lucky to have been blessed with a wife of that calibre. She groomed her children – three boys and one girl – exceptionally well, giving them guidance beyond measure to ensure they were well placed in life.

It was a pity she could not much share the happiness of her eldest grand-daughter, Sashikala Wanigasinghe, when she was appointed a prefect at Visakha Vidyalaya. The credit undoubtedly goes to Lakshmi.

As a sister-in-law, Lakshmi meant much to me, and many were the times I had to count on her. I recall how she comforted me when I lost my loving husband 16 years ago. Her mental stability, gained through her high spirituality, helped dispel the darkness I was facing. Her demise is a great blow to me.

I had the privilege of joining her in a few of her many philanthropic activities, such as helping needy students.

According to her wishes, her remains were handed over to the Medical College at a simple ceremony. She never wanted to cause an iota of inconvenience to anybody. May she be born in a blissful state.

Malini Kumarasinghe

Justice P Ramanathan

His fame spread from Hulftsdorp Hill to The Hague and beyond

Justice P. Ramanathan

The day-to-day events in the country’s law courts attract almost as much public attention as the country’s political events, and consequently outstanding personalities on Hulftsdorp Hill become as famous as their peers in politics and Parliament. The late Deshmanya Justice P. Ramanathan, popularly known as “Rama” among his wide circle of friends, was one such outstanding person.
Rama came from a respected Hindu family – a family that has given Sri Lanka more than one leader in such fields as politics, administration and the law. But Rama did not sit back on his family laurels; he proceeded to make an individual mark for himself, and he achieved this in no small measure. His successes and the high offices he held were not for self-glorification but to serve his country and fellowmen.

Had he remained at the unofficial bar, his capabilities would have brought him success and financial gain. However, he opted from the very start to give of his services to the country. He joined the Attorney General’s Department, where he held offices of importance and where his ability and personable ways soon earned him wide recognition.

From there, he entered the vocation for which he was best suited – that of a judge. He possessed all the qualities of a good judge; he was just and upright. From the bench of the High Court he rose to the country’s apex Court, where he served with wide acceptance. No litigant – whether winner or loser – left the courtroom without the satisfaction of knowing he or she had received a fair and full hearing.

Rama’s talent was recognised overseas too. He was a member of the Permanent Court of Arbitration at The Hague, and he was a bencher of Gray’s Inn, where he qualified as a barrister.
He served as president of Rotary, the Medico-Legal Association, and the British Scholars’ Association. He had many interests, and dogs were one of his passions. He had some of the best dachshunds in Sri Lanka. His imported pooches were champions in the Kennel Club.

Retirement was no resting time for Rama. He continued to serve the country with his characteristic zeal. Official recognition came from his appointments and his consequential services as Governor of the Western Province, Chancellor of the University of Uva Wellassa, and Chairman of the Human Rights Commission.

Rama had winning ways. He was relaxed and unruffled, and enjoyed good-spirited repartee between opposing counsel in court. His repartee was always in good taste, and never left a wound on anyone. One was always at ease when he presided in court. Whenever I knew that one of my cases would be heard before Rama, I would enjoy a relaxed breakfast that day before leaving for Courts.

Rama enjoyed a good joke. He would throw his head backwards and laugh his distinctive laugh. He enjoyed a happy married life with his wife Mano.

His life was free of ostentation and replete with graceful words, deeds and service. His was a noble life worthy of emulation. His honoured memory will remain in the minds and hearts of those who knew and worked with him, as it does in mine.

“Green be the turf above thee, Friend of my better days!None knew thee but to love theeNor named thee but to praise.”

K. N. Choksy, PC, MP
===

Nation, Dec 7 2008
Justice P. Ramanathan
Endowed with abundance of goodwill

Justice P. Ramanathan passed away peacefully at his home on the 7th of December 2006. Two close friends and his dutiful wife Mano, who always looked after him with great care, were by his side. It was in the fitness of things that his death was as peaceful as was the way he lived all his life - in quiet dignity. He belonged to a well-known family. His great grandfather was Sir Ponnambalam Ramanathan, Solicitor-General, King’s Counsel and a distinguished member of the Legislative Council. His great grand uncle was Sir Ponnambalam Arunachalam, the first Ceylonese to enter the Ceylon Civil Service and was Registrar-General for several years. Sir Muthu Coomaraswamy was also a relative from an earlier generation. The family was renowned for its philanthropy, munificence and service to the people. Much has already been said and written about his career as a prosecutor in the Department of the Attorney-General and the various judicial positions he held with honour; first, as a Judge of the High Court, thereafter as a Judge and President of the Court of Appeal and finally as a Judge of the Supreme Court. It is therefore unnecessary for me to advert to his career, except to say that he possessed in ample measure the essential attributes of a good Judge, namely, impartiality, integrity, and a strong sense of justice and fairness. On this occasion, I would like to refer briefly to his personal qualities which permeated and vitalised his entire being. These were the mainspring of his life. It is precisely these qualities which endeared him, in a special way, to a very wide circle of friends. His personal qualities and attributes were unique. He was blessed with a nature devoid of meanness, pettiness, malice, envy, ill-will and arrogance. On the contrary, he was richly endowed with positive qualities such as generosity, hospitality, magnanimity, moral integrity, compassion and an abundance of good-will to all, including the few who disliked him! He was never self­-righteous nor ‘moralistic’. He was unassuming to a fault. It is but rarely that one meets with a person so loyal in friendship, and so resolute and unswerving in principled conduct. He certainly measured up to the Roman ideal, ‘1 have lived honourably, I have never harmed anyone’. His journey came to an end two years ago. Ours may continue for a short while longer, but the fragrance of his memory will remain undimmed and undiminished in the hearts and minds of all those who had the good fortune to have known him. I consider it a privilege to have associated with him closely and to have worked with him. The oft quoted lines from “Hamlet” epitomise his life and work. “He was a man, take him for all in all.[We] shall not look upon his like again.”

G. P. S. de SilvaFormer Chief Justice

Achilles Joseph

Achilles Joseph

A year has passed since the demise of Achilles Joseph, who influenced most of us through an example of personal and character development. He was formerly a Deputy Inspector General of Police, a man of high standards, complete integrity, and boundless enthusiasm for whatever task he took in hand.

I remember him taking up the post of President of Alumni Association of St.Patrick's College, Jaffna Colombo Branch on my request and regenerated the organisation which is now a strong and vibrant association. I was so fascinated by his epitome of courage in taking on very difficult tasks.

No one whose privilege it was to know him, is likely to foget the candor of his exchange of ideas, the courage of his faith, the warm and glowing brightness of his friendship. For me personally, Achilles Joseph's greatest legacy was that he lived a full and meaningful life.

He had a vision in his mind and a mission in his heart. The intensity of such mission and vision translated into action that enabled him not to waste time in any trivial matters but rather devote all of his time to the accomplishment of the mission and vision that he believed was given to him. Sri Lanka Institute of Training and Development (SLITD) was his vision, founded on December 3, 1998 for the mission of establishing a centre of excellence in building competencies which now celebrates its 10th anniversary today (5) at 'Tigo Zone' Duplication Road. He was also the founder of Centre for Human Resource Development.

He was vigorous, smiling and friendly - a complete human being, concerned about all other human beings. Words cannot describe how the people of these organisations felt when they lost their founder and the leader. What matters is that feeling of loss-that personal sense of emptiness-that all of us felt because we have lost a great man who understood the institution of human development, gloried in its overwhelming responsibilities, and discharged his duties with dash and joy which were an inspiration to everyone

We all felt his severe loss very deeply, but some small measure of consolation may be found in the words of the poet, Walt Whitman: He is not gone..He is just away. With a cheery smile and wave of the hand. He has wandered into an unknown land. And left us wondering how very far that land is.

May be, since he tarries there, may the bereaved family find solace in the inspiring memories of the exemplary life of the departed legend. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, December 7 at 4.30 p.m. at Nirmala Chapel, Clifford Place, Colombo 4.

- Lakshman David President AASPC - 2008

Herbert Lakshman Fernando

Legend in his own time

Herbert Lakshman Fernando

Herbert Lakshman Fernando of Moonvalley Estate, Kundasale is a principled philanthropist.
He is one man unafraid of meeting words with deeds.

The oldest living member of the Kandy Sports Club, Herbert was an undaunted ruggerite cum adroit hockey player. A planter by profession, Herbert left for England three decades ago. Assuming duties as Assistant Secretary in the National Council of the YMCA, London, he embarked on rehabilitating 68 nationalities under one roof, a remarkable task indeed. Considering his social welfare work and strict discipline, Herbert was given a berth as Senior Administrator at the Horticultural Society of England.

Herbie was made both the accredited representative of the National Council of YMCAs in Great Britain and a British citizen.

Subsequently joining the Central Methodist Church, Preston, Lancashire as senior community worker Herbie rendered yeoman service in pioneering a safe haven for girls and boys aged 16-24, who had been rendered homeless.

Back in the motherland, Herbie joined Trinity College Kandy, his alma mater. His elder brother Lionel was a former principal of Trinity. But Herbie joined after his brother’s tenure of office was over.

Donating a handsome amount to begin with and then through prayer, Herbie undertook the task of concreting the Junior School compound. Mobilizing parents, students and members of the OBA, he ardently went about it.

Again, in a lively gesture, Herbie donated 300 books of English classics to Trinity. They are currently housed in the Junior, Middle and Upper School libraries. Furthermore, he brought choice sports equipment from the UK which he donated to the college.

Moreover, to Trinity’s Middle School Herbie donated an exquisite trophy in respect of The Most Promising Student of the Year in memory of his brother the late Lionel Fernando. Again, in memory of his sincere friend the late Quentin Israel, the celebrated ruggerite and coach, Herbie donated to the Junior School challenge cups to be presented to the Most Promising Student and the Best All-round Sportsman of the Year.

Installing the public address system and the security light arrangement for the Trinity Junior School was Herbert Fernando’s brainchild.

Herbert Fernando was brought up in a God-fearing Christian atmosphere. Therefore, he is benevolent, meticulous and religious. On November 8, he and his amicable wife Claudia dedicated to St. Paul’s Church, Kandy their invaluable house situated at Kundasale. It will function henceforth as St. Paul’s Eventide Home. It was a long-felt need of the Church.

Well done, good and faithful Herbert!

Captain Arthur E A Bartholomew

Captain Arthur E.A. Bartholomew

An Officer and a Gentleman

Arthur Bartholomew passed away of heart failure on Monday November 17, 2008, in Scottsdale, Arizona. He was 79.

Arthur was an alumnus of Royal College, Colombo, where he spent his formative years. Not only was he an excellent student but was also an outstanding rugger player representing the college in the inter school matches in the Bradby Shield tournament and played for the Havelocks Sports Club. He was also an excellent cadet rose to the rank of RSM in the Cadet Corp.He applied to join the newly formed Ceylon Army and was selected as an Office Cadet to attend The Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst in the UK for training. He graduated from there and was commissioned into the Sri Lanka Artillery. It was during this phase of his life that he met Anne in London. However before returning to his Regiment in Sri Lanka he went for training to the School of Artillery in Larkhill, UK. On completion of that training he returned to Sri Lanka and joined his Regiment which at that time was stationed in picturesque Trincomalee bordering the Eastern Coast of Sri Lanka.Anne flew out to Sri Lanka where they got married and I had the honour of being his best man. Their two sons, Ean and Stuart and daughter, Tessa, were born in Ceylon.At different times he was assigned to different duties that required him to serve in different parts of the island including the army training centre in the hills of Diyatalawa, where he trained many officers who subsequently became senior officers in the present Army.One such assignment took him to the jungles of Amparai which to him was the quintessence of his army career. In 1959, he decided to say goodbye to the land that he loved and immigrated to the USA with his family. The family settled in Florida where daughter Tara was born on Arthur’s birthday. Arthur was an executive in the citrus industry in both Florida and California. He loved travel, photography and most of all his grandkids.It was with great sadness that we heard the news of Arthur’s demise on 17th November. He had many friends all over the world who have expressed their sorrow.Extracts from the Guest Book - Arthur was my friend from prep school days, through Royal, Sandhurst and the Regiment. Though our ways parted to different parts of the globe, we kept in touch. I have fond memories of him. He was an Officer and a Gentleman. My sympathies extended to his family. May he rest in peace!
Capt. Tony Anghie

I knew Arthur since my Trinco days in the late 1950’s! What a glorious time we had at Floris Court where we lived in two opposite flats! We could not have had better neigbours! He was a gentleman of pleasant personality, a congenial friend and a respected superior to those who worked with him! May he rest in Peace! Brigadier George Fernando Captain Arthur-We loved you in life and even more in death We will always cherish and remember your heart warming conversations that seemed to ignite us with fire. “Once a Gunner always a Gunner”. All who knew you and served with you in the Sri Lanka Artillery will surely miss you. Till we meet again in the shores of Heaven our fond remembrances.
Captain Callistus and Megal Corera, Michigan, USA.

Arthur is preceded in death by his Dear Wife Anne and their Daughter Tessa. Arthur is survived by his two sons, Ean and Stuart; his daughter Tara ; his brother and sister-in-law Vernon and Katie (Australia).A memorial service was held at Holy Cross Episcopal Church Winter Haven on Monday November 24, 2008. Arthur’s ashes were interred with those of his late wife Anne and daughter Tessa in Tallahassee. Peace be with him!

Capt. Don Weerasinghe (Retd).

Casinathan

Casi (Casinathan)

Live wire of the family

Three months have glided by since we lost our Dear Casi, husband of my sister Subo and our brother-in-law. Casi was a true, dedicated and a loving husband to my sister. She was his life for him. The short spell he spent with her was really memorable. Casi was a unique selfless personality who never thought of himself nor did he live for himself. His priority was to help others. Helping and resolving the problems and assisting in difficulties of his kith and kin took precedence over his own. Even when he knew that he was suffering from a terminal disease, he faced it with courage. When my nephew called him from overseas when he was sick, with full of hope he said “I know what is ahead of me but I am giving it a good fight.” He was a God fearing, humble person with a heart of gold, always with a smile. There is never a dull moment with him. Being a Brahmin and married to a Roman Catholic, he balanced his religious life so beautifully that he never missed a single Sunday service nor the visit to the temple on a Friday. Even at his work place he was a very popular figure renowned for his hard work and dedication. Mr. Mithra Vallipuram under whom Casi worked for over 20 years said “Only in office he was my employee, outside the work place he was dear brother to me.” It is a great loss for Saro, his sister, the only survivor in his family, who looked upto her brother so much for advice and moral support. She still cannot believe that he is gone. He was the live wire of the Rajakariar family and his demise is an irreparable loss to us. Casi is no more but the good deeds he did will never be erased from our memories. God takes whom he loves most early and Casi is one of those. We are confident that for all the good deeds he did he will be safe in the arms of Jesus. May his soul rest in peace.

Puvi Domingopillai

Theo Sneviratne

A lady who helped many through prayer and deed

Theo Seneviratne

Theo was born on January 9, 1922, in Nuwara Eliya . She was the third born to her parents, Stanley and Lilian Jansen. She had a brother and two sisters, and is survived by her younger sister, Barbara Brown, who lives in Australia.

Theo had a quiet and happy childhood. She studied at Good Shepherd Convent, Nuwara Eliya, where she was a good student. She met her late husband Noel when he was posted at the Governor’s Office in Nuwara Eliya, where the family stayed during the Easter holidays to avoid the Colombo heat. They married on December 27, 1947, at St. Mary’s Church, Bambalapitiya. I had the honour to be best man at their marriage.

After marriage, Theo moved to Noel’s parents’ home. Coming from a Burgher background, she adapted well to the contrasting Sinhala lifestyle of her in-laws, who took to her kind and gentle ways.

Theo lost her first born, but went on to raise five more children – Avril, Nishanta, Nihal, Lalith and Sabrina. She was the perfect wife and mother, dedicating her life to caring for her husband and young family, giving them lots of love and making personal sacrifices on their behalf. Many times she played the role of single parent when Noel was away on business trips, here in Sri Lanka and overseas. At such times, she acted with courage and excellence.

She spent a short time in a nursing school prior to marriage, and consequently did an excellent job of nursing her mother-in-law, and then her father.

Theo also nursed her late husband Noel during his prolonged illness, a task that took a toll on her personal health.During one of our visits to Sri Lanka, we found a very concerned Theo trying hard to get Noel into hospital. He was refusing to go, saying he was tired of hospital stays. I happened to call her that night. She begged me to speak to Noel. I went over to Nishanta’s house, where most of the family had gathered, and sat with Noel and finally convinced him to agree to enter hospital. Theo was happy and grateful. In return for her loving care of her husband , she was blessed with children and daughters-in-law who took good care of her during her final years. She has eight grandchildren, and they all have fond memories of time spent with her, listening to her stories and benefiting from her love and spiritual guidance. She was thrilled when, a few years back, she was blessed with a great-grandson. She knitted him a pixie cap, among other things.

Theo was a devout Roman Catholic and took an active role in church activities in Ratmalana. She believed in working for the Lord by helping the needy through prayer and deed. Many less fortunate families in Ratmalana benefited from her great goodwill.

Joe Seneviratne (brother-in-law)

M L M AbooSally

We are what we are, because of Appa

M. L. M. Aboosally

When I sat down to write an appreciation of my beloved grandfather M. L. M. Aboosally, who was like a father to me, I had to think hard: Where should I begin? How would I give a perspective on someone I looked up to and miss so much?

Most people feel a great sadness at the loss of a loved one, but I think Appa would have been disappointed if we felt the same over his death. He left us with many happy memories that we can reflect upon with a smile.

As a child, I was fascinated by his strong work ethic. I would watch him sift through document after document, while always finding time for the people of his electorate. I would crouch under his desk to hide from my nanny, and he would give me paper and crayons to play with. He was always on my side. This was something I truly appreciated.

My first job for Grandfather was to count all the coins inside a dusty, old sack twice my size. I counted up to Rs. 50, and he let me keep the coins. That was a lot of money for a five-year-old.
It was Grandfather who got me started with my reading. My first book was Anna Sewell’s “Black Beauty”, which belonged to the family library. After reading that book, I never looked back. I made it my mission to get through all the books in the library. Grandfather made sure I had appropriate reading materials. We had an archive of magazines, “Time”, “Reader’s Digest” and “National Geographic”. The last book he gave me was a book on international law.

Growing up, I did not get to see a lot of grandfather, apart from the few minutes I would spend after school on the swings at my grandparents’ home. He would also drop by for tea.

Grandfather was something of an enigma. He had an unwavering focus in serving the country. Because he was always in Parliament or at the family estate, there were long spells when I hardly ever sat down with him to have a proper conversation. Perhaps to compensate, he would write me letters and ask how I was doing, and what books he should bring me.

After I finished my Advanced Levels, I went to live for a while with my grandparents on their estate in Balangoda. We would take long walks through winding paths, past tea bushes and paddy fields. We would visit all the people who worked on the estate.

At home, we would lie on the sofa after lunch with a bag of M&Ms on our laps and watch BBC television for hours on end. Dinner would not be complete without Grandfather teasing me about my decision to become a vegetarian. His main concern was that I was not getting enough nutrition.

As a politician and Member of Parliament holding a wide range of portfolios, Grandfather was a lot of things to many people, but to me he was just Appa.

Although he is not with us any more, he continues to live on in all of us. We, his grandchildren, are who we are today because of our grandfather, and because of what he instilled in us.
Looking back, I realise the magnitude of Appa’s legacy. He made a huge difference in all our lives.

Anisha Niyas

Colvin Sirimanne

The country needs more men like him

Colvin Sirimanne

The date July 25, 1983 brings back sad memories to many of us, for various reasons. To the extended family of Colvin Sirimanne, it was a tragic day for more reasons than one. That day, on which many died, was also Colvin’s last day on earth. He was called home by Our Lord that night. We are certain of his happiness in the near presence of God, but cannot help being sorry for ourselves, those he left behind. We miss him very much and his presence in our lives.
On the morning of July 23, on his way to the cardiology unit of the General Hospital, Colvin witnessed some shocking, tragic sights that no doubt contributed to the massive heart attack he suffered that day. The late Dr. Ernie Pieris, my husband and Colvin’s nephew, lived with Colvin and his family when he was a medical student, and even after that, until we got married. The love and care Colvin and his wife Lucky extended to Ernie most certainly contributed to Ernie’s success at his final MBBS examination. Even after our marriage, the couple was always there for us. Ernie never forgot the love and support they gave us, and neither will I.

Our close association with Colvin’s family, even after our marriage, contributed towards our postgraduate scholastic and professional achievements.

Colvin was a brilliant old boy of S. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia, and he was on the school board of governors for more than 20 years. He graduated from University College Colombo with first-class honours. Apart from his academic achievements, Colvin was a keen sportsman, his favourite sports being rugby and rowing. On his return from England, after a four-year training, he was elected as the first Ceylonese president of the Colombo Rowing Club, where he was an active oarsman and won many awards.

He became a Fellow of the Royal College of Chemists of Great Britain and Ireland on May, 21, 1948. Colvin was a colossus in his chosen field, Ballistics and Forensic Studies, and he brought out the best in those who worked under him. He was a strict disciplinarian, and on account of this a few may have failed to understand him. He always strove to maintain the high standard of the Government Analysts’ Department, and faithfully carry out government policy.
He sustained mutually trusting and supportive friendships with his staff, including the late Mr. Chanmugam, from whom he took over, and senior assistants like the late Tom Nagendra, the late Newton Weerasinghe, the late Ben Dissanaike, and the late Noel Jayatunga. They made a very efficient and loyal team.

I must mention three cases in which Colvin was professionally involved. Soon after the assassination of Prime Minister S. W. R. D. Bandaranaike, on September 26, 1959, Colvin was summoned to Tintagel by the premier’s widow, the late Mrs. Sirimavo Bandaranaike. Colvin was the first person on the scene from the Government Analysts’ Department, taking measurements and making notes. He earned accolades in court for his painstakingly collected evidence.
Colvin also earned international recognition when he was invited by Scotland Yard, London, to work with them in solving a difficult case.

Then there was that baffling case in Matale, in which a female domestic helper was found dead from a gunshot wound in a toilet in the home of a wealthy and influential family. Colvin received a call from a young ASP, who had appealed to the Government Analysts’ Department for help. The ASP expected Colvin to send a junior to investigate. To his surprise, Colvin himself turned up in Matale.

The chief occupant of the house where the death had occurred happened to be in political power at the time. His political opponents in the village were making capital of the murder and trying to discredit him. A rumour started to spread in Matale that the politician had committed the murder.

After a meticulous study of the evidence, Colvin proved that this was a case of suicide, not murder. He persuaded court that the deceased had taken a loaded shotgun belonging to the family, placed it at an angle, and from a kneeling position bent over the mouth of the barrel and pulled the trigger herself. The junior ASP was highly impressed that the Government Analyst had taken the trouble to come all the way to Matale. The young ASP, incidentally, was none other than Cyril Herath, who rose to be IGP. Shakespeare wrote: “Men’s evil manners live in brass/Their virtues we write in water”.

That is why I am writing this, 25 years after Colvin’s demise. Our country needs more men and women of his calibre. Colvin was a remarkable man. He was the embodiment of honesty, integrity and energy, ready to take on any job that arose, and he never compromised his principles.

He was a deeply loved and respected husband and father to his beloved wife, Lucky, and their five children, Lakshman, Dharshini, Mohini, Gehan and Ruvani.

We thank God for two lives well lived.

Dr. Philine Pieris

Navaratnarajah

Legal luminary who felt for the downtrodden

P. Navaratnarajah

I was privileged to enjoy a close friendship with one of Sri Lanka's most eminent lawyers, the late P. Navaratnarajah, Queen's Counsel, who will go down in the annals of legal history as a counsel par excellence.

In recognition of his outstanding performance at the University College where he read Mathematics and obtained a first Class Honours, he was awarded a scholarship enabling him to proceed to Cambridge University to sit his Mathematical Tripos.

Thereafter, he pursued his legal studies at the Middle Temple where he was called to the Bar in 1934, and in the same year called to the Bar in Ceylon as an advocate of the Supreme Court.
It was in Hulftsdrop that he spent the whole of his professional life, where from a promising junior he blossomed into the eminent Queen's Counsel, despite the fact that when he commenced his career at the Bar, he had none of the hallmarks of the preferred class. He was comfortable, but had no wealth, influence or elite social status.

He was not only brilliant in legal argument, but an indomitable fighter and his particular force was in his reply to his opponents, for which he reserved his most telling points.

To have him as an opponent was an awesome experience. One knew that one had to deal not so much with shrewd tactics or the cross-examining skill, but with one who ruthlessly stripping the case of camouflage would come clearly and crisply to the essential weakness of his opponent's case and the essential strength of his.

He had a legal mind of the highest order and applied it with painstaking thoroughness to every matter which he had to deal with in a clear discernment of legal principles and a fine sense of distinction which govern their applicability, rarely seen in our courts. He made an abiding contribution to the development of the law.

In his relationship with his clients, he had a touching concern for the indigent which followed him to his grave. He despised extortion as a way of life. Indeed, it was said of him that he was one of the front line counsel of his time one could retain with no risk of bankruptcy. He was charitable, but his charity was unknown to others. The poorest of the poor had a place in his heart and home.

To the innumerable juniors who worked in his Chambers, he was kind, sympathetic and generous, particularly to those who had neither influence nor affluence to support themselves during the lean years of their career at the Bar.

As a human being, despite his brilliance and erudition, he was simple with the simplicity of greatness. He shunned public office and neither sought nor cared for public adulation. He was a man of incredible humility-always accessible to the rich and poor alike.

His essential goodness left an abiding impression on all those who were privileged to have known him. He was disappointed and sad when some people who were known to him on assuming high and responsible office lost their bearings. Commenting on such conduct he would remark:-
"Why can't they be nice to people on their way up. They have the intelligence to realize that they Are bound to meet them on their way down. When they are on their way down, it is only the good Will of the people that they take along with them."

When Mr. Navaratnarajah died, not only did we mourn the loss of a great and brilliant lawyer, but of a great friend.

His passing away left a great void in our lives which was not possible to fill. But our sorrow was tempered with gratitude that the fates allowed us to number such a man as Mr. Navaratnarajah among our friends.

Maureen Seneviratne, President's Counsel.
==============================

The Birth Centenary of P. Navaratnarajah (Q.C.) fell on Tuesday December 16, 2008:
P. Navaratnarajah: A colossus in the Legal profession

Kalabooshanam Chelvatamby MANICCAVASAGAR

Sri Lanka was blessed during the latter part of 19th and 20th centuries with brilliant men with a vision, mission and foresight who have by their sublime thoughts, power packed words and dazzling deeds attained immortality. To this select group belongs late P. Navaratnarajah (Q.C.)

Paramanathan Navaratnarajah was born in the year 1908, in Puloly at Point Pedro and he received his education at St. Benedict’s College, Kotahena, Colombo 13. There, he laid the foundation of his uniquely illustrious Academic career and entered the University College of Ceylon, as it was then known. He read for the Degree in Mathematics and secured First Class Honours.

P. Navaratnarajah (Q.C.)
He was then selected to read for the Cambridge Tripos in Mathematics and during his sojourn in the United Kingdom, he was called to the Bar from the Middle Temple in 1934. He took silk as Queen’s Counsel in 1965 and in 1984 he completed 50 years as a member of the Bar.

In fact on account of Late H. A. P. Sandrasagara’s (a brilliant Criminal Lawyer) intellectual acumen and oratorical brilliance at the Azzize courts in Colombo, Navaratnarajah wanted to become a Lawyer. As an advocate, he was considered a colossus in the legal profession in this country. He was one of the most polished persuasive and hard working advocates of our times.

His methodical and meticulous preparation of the work entrusted to him, was an exercise in unbounded patience, total dedication and utmost endeavour, not only to give forth of the best of his clients, but also to be to the maximum assistance to the Bench.

When he walked into the court, he knew his brief like the back of his hand and what he did not know, was not worth knowing. His court craft was admirable and unmatched. He retained the confidence of the Bench, the esteem of his colleagues and the gratitude of his clients right upto his passing away.
Navaratnarajah will go down in history as one of the all times great of Hulftsdorp. Many are the civil cases in which, by his clarity of thought, mastery analysis, mellifluous language assisted the Bench in clarifying and setting the principles of law relating to complicated civil Law.

Beginning slowly, but steadily Navaratnarajah built a huge practice at the original courts of Hulftsdorp.
He was a specialist in contract Law, Defamation and Election petition cases and Company Law.

There are many other qualities and attributes of late Navaratnarajah which are singularly refreshing and endearing. One such quality was his sense of Compassion and kindness. He always had time for people in particular for his juniors who remembered him with great affection.

Further, Navaratnarajah played a crucial role in the public affairs of this country. He was Director of the S. W. R. D. Bandaranaike National Foundation, Hindu Cultural Foundation, Hindu Citizens’ Committee and Trustee of the Times of Ceylon which was bought by a distinguished Tamil Entrepreneur Sangarapillai of Karainagar from the British owners.
Navaratnarajah played a key role in the S. W. R. D. Bandaranaike - S. J. V. Chelvanayagam pact to bring about good relations and cordiality between the two major communities of Sri Lanka. Navaratnarajah was one of the greatest prophets of national unity and solidarity.

Barrister Navaratnarajah got married to “Sundaranayaki”, the only daughter of Dr. C. Sabapathi of privy council fame and an illustrious member of the Medical profession. Further, he has left behind three daughters namely Navaranee Shanmugaratnam, Lalitha Pararajasingam and Dr. Manohari Shanmuganathan. Jamuna Ganeshalingam who is the President of the Colombo Young Women’s Hindu Association and former President of the Vada Hindu Girls’ College, Point Pedro (Colombo Branch) is Navaratnarajah’s youngest brother late Dr. Sri Pathmanathan’s daughter.

Blessed with a seemingly inexhaustible supply of energy, infectious enthusiasm and inspiring leadership combined with his imagination, encompassing sweep of his thought he left an indelible impression what he did with rare dynamism and exemplary zeal Indeed, he rose above sectariasm, communalism, regionalism and racism.

Furthermore, in the hectic transitional age in the progress of Sri Lanka from a British crown Colony through a period of Semi-Self-rule to a free and independent nation, a few names stand out as leaders of undisputed versatility. They made lasting contributions and offered leadership in a variety of fields at one and the same time through their multiple talents.

One such colourful personality was Barrister P. Navaratnarajah (Q.C.) who was an intellectual giant on his own right. In fact, there was no aspect of a subject on which he had no clear cut views or an innovative approach and these had been developed through reflection, critical examination and open minded consultation.

Asoka Weeraratna

Asoka Weeraratna - Pioneer in developing post-war Sri Lanka-German ties

By Senaka Weeraratna
Asian Tribune, Oct 8, 2008

http://www.buddhistchannel.tv/index.php?id=43,7218,0,0,1,0

http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/13580

http://www.island.lk/2008/11/16/features7.html

Colombo, Sri Lanka -- Germany celebrated her national day on October 3. The Germany Embassy marked the occasion with a reception recalling the names of pioneering spirits who had contributed towards strengthening the links between Sri Lanka and Germany, at a leading hotel in Colombo on October 7.
<< Thero.Ven. Nyanaponika Thera is seen handing over a Buddha Statue and an Ola Leaf Book containing Buddhist scriptures to Mr. Asoka Weeraratna ( Hony. Secretary, German Dharmaduta Society) at the Ratmalana Airport on 20th February 1953 prior to Mr. Weeraratna's departure to Germany on a Dharmaduta Mission. In the centre of the picture is Ven. Akuretiye Amarawansa Thero.
The Berlin Buddhist Vihâra ("Das Buddhistisches Haus") is now the most striking symbol of interaction between the German and Sri Lankan cultures and a source of pride and inspiration for people of both countries. It is the key centre in the dissemination, learning and practice of Theravâda Buddhism in Germany and other continental European countries.
Of the many and varied figures who have left their indelible mark in making Das Buddhistische Haus in Berlin – Frohnau, the beacon for the propagation of Theravada Buddhism in Germany during the last eighty four years, two outstanding figures rise high above the rest.
They are Dr. Paul Dahlke, founder of Das Buddhistische Haus and one of the ' most efficient and able pens' for the Buddhist cause in Europe, and Asoka Weeraratna, founder of the German Dharmaduta Society and indefatigable Buddhist missionary who pioneered the establishment of the first Buddhist Vihara in continental Europe and the entry of the Venerable members of the Maha Sangha to propagate Buddhism in Germany and other European countries on a continuing footing. Both these figures further contributed in their own distinctive ways in opening new vistas for the strengthening of links between the people and the cultures of Germany and Sri Lanka.
This article focuses briefly on the contribution of Asoka Weeraratna to the propagation of Buddhism in Germany. He is destined to be ranked in history as one of the notable figures of Sri Lanka's post-independence Buddhist resurgence. He will be remembered for three monumental contributions that he made to the cause of Buddhism. They are:
1) The Founding of the German Dharmaduta Society in 1952 (initially known as the Lanka Dhammaduta Society) with the principal aim of propagating Buddhism in Germany and other Western countries,
2) The establishment of the Berlin Buddhist Vihara in Germany ( in 1957 ) with resident monks, drawn mainly from Sri Lanka, and
3) The founding of one of Sri Lanka's finest Buddhist Forest Monasteries i.e. The Mitirigala Nissarana Vanaya ( Mitirigala Forest Hermitage ) in 1967
All three achievements were substantial undertakings that captured the imagination and spirit of the Buddhist public in the 1950's and 1960's and made Asoka Weeraratna a household name.
Asoka Weeraratna was born on 12th December, 1918 as the youngest son of P.J.Weeraratna, the proprietor of a reputed jewellery establishment in Galle. He was named Alfred by his parents who followed the general trend in colonial Sri Lanka in naming their children after members of the British Royalty. In his adult life he renounced the name Alfred and adopted the name Asoka – an apt name for the Buddhist Dharmaduta work he was to undertake later. He attended Mahinda College, Galle. (a leading Buddhist School in South Sri Lanka).
Upon the death of his father, both Asoka and his elder brother, Dharmasena became partners of the family business. In 1948 they re-located their business to Colombo. The business expanded rapidly after they had diversified it to become importers and dealers in Swiss watches. Asoka made a number of business trips to Europe in the 1950's and imported a range of well-known Swiss watches such as Paul Buhre, Boilat, Henry Sandoz, Roamer and Enicar, and the German pen ' Reform '. In the late fifties, P.J.Weeraratna and Sons became the largest importers of Swiss watches to Sri Lanka and a leading business establishment in the country.
Though Asoka energetically developed the family business as it was the source of his income, his main interest lay in work associated with the dissemination of the Buddha Dhamma and strict cultivation of the spiritual life through meditation and abstinence. In fact the life he led, it could be said, was fashioned in response to two fundamental questions that he would have asked himself, very early in his adult life:
a) What is the life worth leading?, and
b) How can one best serve the Buddha Sasana?
First visit to West Germany
On his first business visit to West Germany in 1951 the young Asoka came across many people who had lost their families – lost their wealth – lost almost everything. It left in him a deep impression. At the time the widespread sentiment all over Germany was "kaput, kaput, alles kaput (finished, finished, everything is finished)." Asoka also realized the growing thirst in that country, which was slowly recovering from total devastation in the Second World War, for an alternative moral and spiritual philosophy, that placed a very high emphasis on peace and non-violence.
War weary Germans failing to find answers to their personal and their country's political problems, in their own Western religious traditions, without resorting to violence, were anxiously seeking to experiment with moral and ethical ideas emanating from the East.
About the same time in post-independent Sri Lanka, Lankans for the first time after 450 years of colonial rule were beginning to dream of new vistas unfettered by the restrictions of the foreign dominated past. They were acquiring a new sense of historical destiny and a growing confidence that they were capable of playing a larger role in world affairs than hitherto was thought possible. Taking Buddhism to the West was one of these ambitious ideas which fired the energy and imagination of the public, particularly that of the Buddhist Sangha.
It was the convergence of these factors i.e. the upsurge in interest ' to look towards the East ' of the Germans and 'take Buddhism to the West ' spirit of the Sri Lankans that led to the events that were to follow.
Founding of the Lanka Dhammaduta Society
On his return from West Germany and convinced of the potential for growth of Buddhism in that country, Asoka Weeraratna founded the Lanka Dhammaduta Society, on September 21, 1952 which was later re-named the German Dharmaduta Society on May 8, 1957. The idea of forming this Society was conceived by Asoka when visiting Europe in 1951. Ven. Ñânatiloka Mahâthera, the well known German Scholar monk was the first Patron of the Society.
In 1953, Asoka Weeraratna, who was by this time the Honorary Secretary of the Society, paid a second visit to Germany and conducted a survey of Buddhist activities in that country. On this trip Asoka travelled widely all over Germany, meeting leaders of Buddhist organizations in various German cities and enlisting their support for the cause of establishing the Buddha Sasana in Germany. He was also asked to inspect a suitable site for a Buddhist Centre and Vihara, and a Settlement for lay Buddhists and Upasakas.
Asoka visited a series of German cities and towns i.e. Hamburg, Munich, Berlin, Stuttgart, Bremen, Frankfurt, Bonn, Cologne among others. In Hamburg, he met Dr. Helmut Palmie, President of the Hamburg Buddhist Society. Dr. Palmie was a Pali Scholar and an ardent Buddhist. Dr. Palmie convened a special meeting of the Hamburg Buddhist Society on 10th March, 1953, on the occasion of Asoka's visit. About 200 German Buddhists attended the meeting which Asoka addressed. Asoka presented an ola-leaf book on the Buddha Dhamma to Dr. Palmie as a token of good will from the Lanka Dhammaduta Society.
In Munich, Asoka met Dr. Von Meng, the President of the Munich Buddhist Society and attended a meeting of this Society. Asoka presented a small Buddha statue to Dr. Von Meng. This Society published a monthly journal devoted to the propagation of Buddhism called ' Indische Welt ' (or ' Indian World ').
In Berlin, there were two Buddhist Societies in 1953. One was called ' Gessellschaft Fur Freunde Des Buddhismus ' or 'Society of the Friends of Buddhism '. Herr. F. Knobloch led this Society. The other Society was called ' Buddhistche Gemeinde ' Herr Lionel Stutzer was the head of this Society. Asoka attended a meeting of this Society held at Stutzer's house. In Berlin, Asoka also met Dr. K. Schmidt, a Pali Scholar and lecturer on Buddhism.
On his return to Sri Lanka in early May 1953, Asoka Weeraratna prepared a report under the heading ' Buddhism in Germany ' giving his impressions of his visit to Germany and the details of his meetings with German Buddhists. This Report was subsequently published by the Society in both English and Sinhala and thousands of copies were distributed to the public all over the country.
German Outlook on Buddhism
In this Report, Asoka Weeraratna says:
" The general outlook of Germans has greatly changed after the war. The bitter experiences of two great wars have taught them but one lesson, that " All conditioned things are impermanent ". If you stop to ask about the past war, a German would have nothing else to add but the words ' Alles kaput ', which mean ' All destroyed '.
Buddhism with its elucidation of the Four Noble Truths and the Three Signs of ' Impermanence, Suffering and Soul-lessness ' as the characteristic feature of all things, has appeared to them as the most perfect teaching ever made known to mankind '.
Public Meeting at Ananda College, Colombo on May 30, 1953
The main purpose of this meeting held at Ananda College was to make public the findings of the survey carried out by Asoka Weeraratna on the current state of Buddhist activities in Germany and the prospects for a Buddhist Mission to Germany before the Buddha Jayanthi celebrations in 1956, and to embark on a membership drive.

Hon. Dr. C.W.W. Kannangara, Minister of Local Government presided at the Meeting, which was largely attended and comprised a very representative gathering of leading Buddhists. Mr. Asoka Weeraratna in welcoming those present explained the object of the meeting and presented a detailed account of his survey of the present state of Buddhism in Germany made during his recent visit. He pointed out the importance of Germany and the unique contribution it has made towards the enrichment of European thought, culture and science. He stated that Germany was the pulse of the European continent, and that the largest number of Theravada Buddhists of Europe was at present found in Germany.

At the end of Asoka’s detailed presentation, Hon. C.W.W. Kannangara moved the following Motion:

“ This House is of the opinion that the public of Ceylon should fully support the efforts of
the Lanka Dhammaduta Society for the establishment of the Sambuddhasasana in Germany and propagate Buddhism in Europe ”

Ven. Pandit D. Revata Thera seconded the Motion, which was unanimously adopted by the House.

Next, Mr. C.D.A. Gunawardena moved the following Motion:

“ This House is of the opinion that the Lanka Dhammaduta Society should take immediate steps to send a Buddhist Mission to Germany before 1956 in order to commemorate the 2500th year of the birth of the Buddha and further that the Society should take immediate steps to establish a permanent Buddhist Centre in Germany comprising a Vihara, Preaching Hall, Library, and Settlement for Upasakas ”.

Ven. Pandit Akuretiye Amarawansa Thero seconded the Motion, which was unanimously adopted by the House.

Ven. Baddegama Piyaratana Maha Nayake Thera, Principal of Vidyodaya Pirivena, Ven. Kirivattaduwa Pannasara Nayaka Thera, Principal of Vidyalankara Pirivena, Ven. Nyanatiloka Maha Thera (the German monk) and Mudaliyar P.D. Ratnatunga and Mr. H.L. Caldera all spoke in support of the work of the Society and the great importance of sending a Buddhist Mission to Germany before the Buddha Jayanthi celebrations in B.E. 2500 (1956 AD).

Ven. Balangoda Ananda Maitreya Maha Thera added that one of the greatest services that one can do to the Sasana is to help the Society to establish the Buddhist Dispensation in Europe with Germany as its center.

Hon. C.W.W. Kannangara, Minister of Local Government, speaking from the Chair said that he had known the Hon. Secretary of the Society, Mr. Asoka Weeraratna from his boyhood and that he could vouch for his integrity. The Hon. Minister added that the Society was going to serve one of the greatest causes of Buddhism launched after the Great Emperor Asoka of India. He therefore urged that all Buddhists should back the Society in every way in order to help it to establish the Buddhasasana firmly in Germany before the Buddha Jayanthi of 1956.

Ven. Nyanatiloka’s message
The Lanka Dhammaduta Society was privileged to have had Ven Nyanatiloka Maha Thera as its first Patron. The Venerable monk stands like a colossus in the history of Buddhism in Germany. He was the first German to join the order of the Buddhist Sangha. He arrived in Sri Lanka in 1903, became a monk in Burma in 1904, and later settled down at the Island Hermitage, Dodanduwa that became reputed as an excellent Buddhist Training Centre. It trained erudite and scholarly monks of the caliber of Nyanavira, Nyanamoli, Nyanaponika, Nyanawimala and the like.

Ven. Nyanatiloka was hailed as the ‘ Buddhagosa ’ of Germany for his great literary output.


In a memorable message published in the booklet ‘Buddhism in Germany ’ (1953) Ven. Nyanatiloka says as follows:

“ It was just 50 years ago in 1903, that I came first to this Island which, since then, I have considered my spiritual home, and I am therefore happy to be now a citizen of Sri Lanka. Yet, it will be understood that it was the great wish of my heart to give the country of my origin the best I possessed, i.e. the Dhamma. And to that end I have devoted the greatest part of my 50 years in the Sangha. I did so in the firm conviction that the Dhamma will take root in my home country, Germany, and may have a great future there. Now it has been a very great pleasure to me to hear that Mr. Weeraratna returned from Germany with the very same conviction, and was able to report on lively Buddhist activities there. I believe that the chances for Buddhist mission work in Germany are now greater than ever before. I am therefore very happy that the Lanka Dharmadutha Society has undertaken that great task of sending a well-prepared mission to Germany and to support Buddhist work there, in general.

I greatly appreciate the initial work done by the Society up to now, and particularly the sacrificing labour, devotion and energy shown by the Founder and Secretary of the Lanka Dharmadutha Society, Mr. Asoka Weeraratna. I should, indeed, regard it as a happy culmination of my life if Vesak 1956, i.e. the year 2500, will see a well – established mission in Germany, which will not fail to have a far-reaching influence on the other Western countries, too. I wish the Society full success in their great and noble enterprise. Selfless effort to give the Dhamma to those who are most in need of it will be of great blessing to those who give and receive ”.
Nyanatiloka
(May 25, 1953)
The Million Rupee Trust Fund
With great determination and energy, Asoka Weeraratna launched in 1954 under the auspices of the Society a ' Million Rupee Trust Fund ' for the permanent establishment of the Buddha Sasana in Germany, as Arahant Mahinda had done it in Sri Lanka, and appealed to the public for contributions. The Million Rupee Trust Fund was inaugurated at a Public Meeting held at the Colombo Town Hall on September 6, 1954. Mr. Dudley Senanayake, the former Prime Minister presided at this Meeting. The Board of Trustees of this Trust Fund comprised the following persons:

Dudley Senanayake Former Prime Minister
H.H. Basnayake, Q.C. Attorney – General
H.W. Amarasuriya Proprietary Planter
H.Nelson H. Soysa Proctor S.C.
Asoka Weeraratna Merchant

Asoka Weeraratna contributed a sum of Rs. 25, 000 (Twenty Five Thousand Rupees) from his own personal funds to this Trust Fund at the Inauguration of this Fund. This was in addition to the Rs. 1,000 (One Thousand Rupees) he had contributed to the Society on the day of its formation i.e. September 21, 1952.

The Collection of Funds
With growing public support the Society soon won the recognition and encouragement of the State and the Government declared the 'Million Rupee Fund' an Approved Charity. Among the many benefactors who contributed to this Fund, particular mention must be made of Dr. Walther Schmidt, a German Buddhist, who left a valuable legacy of DM 550.000 to the Society upon his death in 1957.

In 1955 the Government granted to the Society an acre of vacant crown land in Bullers Road, Colombo on a 99 year old lease. In August 1956, Hon. S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike, Prime Minister, declared open at a ceremonial public meeting, amidst a large gathering, the newly built Headquarters and Training Centre of the Society at 417, Bullers Road (Bauddhaloka Mawatha), Colombo 7 consisting of a two-storeyed dormitory of 14 rooms, an Assembly Hall, Office and Library, built at a cost of Rs. 125.000.

First Buddhist Mission to Germany
The Society sponsored the first Buddhist Mission to Germany, which left the Colombo Harbour by ship 'SS Orantes ' on June 15th, 1957. The three monks in this historic mission comprised Ven. Soma, Ven. Kheminda and Ven. Vinîta. They were all recruited from the Vajiraramaya Temple, Bambalapitiya. They were accompanied by W.J. Oliver Soysa, a close associate of the Vajiraramaya monks. Dharmapriya Mahinda (formerly known as Nelson Soysa) a Vice-President of the GDS had left for Germany earlier. Asoka Weeraratna joined the Mission in Berlin having flown in from Colombo.

The purchase of "Das Buddhistische Haus"
One of Asoka Weeraratna's most significant contributions to the spread of Buddhism in the Germany was the critical role that he played in the purchase of "Das Buddhistische Haus" built by Dr. Paul Dahlke. This Buddhist Haus was considered the Center of German Buddhism during Dr. Dahlke's time.

Asoka Weeraratna personally negotiated with the nephew of the late Dr. Paul Dahlke and overcame several obstacles that stood in the way of the purchase of 'Das Buddhistische Haus'. Asoka bought the property in 1957 on behalf of and in the names of the five Trustees of the German Dharmaduta Society. Asoka had to personally visit at his own expense the owners of Das Buddhistische Haus who lived in an island called ' Sylt'(near Denmark), in the extreme north of West Germany (over 500 km. from Berlin) to negotiate the transfer of the land.
Asoka spent nearly six (6) months in Germany in 1957 ( from June to December ) at his own personal expense attending to various matters connected with the purchase of 'Das Buddhistische Haus' and the settling in of the first Buddhist Mission of three monks comprising Ven. Soma Thera, Ven. Kheminda and Ven. Vinita Thera. 'Das Buddhistische Haus' was subsequently converted into a Buddhist Vihâra, by the German Dharmaduta Society by providing residential and other necessary institutional facilities to Buddhist Dharmaduta monks drawn mainly from Sri Lanka.

Since 1957 there has been a stream of Buddhist monks from Sri Lanka and other countries, taking up residence in the Berlin Buddhist Vihâra. Of these dedicated monks, special mention must be made of Ven. Athurugiriye Ñânavimala Mahâthera who served as the Vihâradhipati of the Berlin Vihâra for a period of 15 years (1966-1981).

Some of the more notable monks who spent more than three years in residence were:

Ven. Badulla Shanthi Bhadra (1958 – 1962)
Ven. Talpitiye Anuruddha (July, 1964 – April, 1967)
Ven. Pandit Athurugiriye Sri Gnanawimala Maha Thera (1966 – 1981)
Ven. Udugampola Wijayasoma (1968 – 1982)
Ven. Shanthi Deva (German Monk) (1972 – 1977)
Ven. Dikwelle Mahinda (1982 – 1991)
Ven. Attanagoda Pannavisudhi (1986 – 1990)
Ven. Walpola Kalyanatissa (1991 – 1994)
Ven. Rambukwella Devananda (1992 – 1998)
Ven. Rathmale Punnaratana (1996 – 2005)
Ven. Medhayo ( Scottish Monk) ( 2003 – 2006)

They have braved the cold winters of Europe and the innumerable difficulties that prevail in Western countries, particularly for Buddhist monks from Asia. These monks together with other visiting monks and lay teachers comprising both men and women, using as their base 'Das Buddhistische Haus' have contributed in no small measure towards correcting centuries old negative impressions about Buddhism in the Western consciousness, and have given solace to a large number of Europeans seeking a philosophy that places an emphasis on self- reliance, non – violence and loving kindness to all living beings. It is an inspiring achievement.

The Berlin Vihara currently has two resident monks namely Ven. Dikwelle Seelasumana Thera and Ven. Wilachchiye Dhamma Vijaya Thera. The Vihara is being administered under the supervision of Mr. Tissa Weeraratna, Trustee and Vice- President of the German Dharmaduta Society.

A German assessment of the Contribution of the German Dharmaduta Society
In a seminal article on the state of Buddhism in Germany, Dr. Hans Wolfgang Schumann, the reputed scholar and chronicler of the history of Buddhism in Germany, states as follows:
" Another important Buddhist Centre is the " Buddhist House' founded by Paul Dahlke in Berlin – Frohnau in 1924. It survived World War II in a dilapidated condition and probably would have been auctioned and dismantled if the Ceylonese 'German Dhammaduta Society' (founded 1952) which inherited a large sum of money from a German Buddhist had not come to its rescue. The GDS purchased the house in 1958, renovated it, furnished it with additional rooms and a good library, and stationed some Ceylonese Bhikkhus (monks) there who take charge of regular lectures and meditation courses."

Refer Hans Wolfgang Schumann 'Buddhism and Buddhist Studies in Germany', Maha Bodhi Journal, Vol. 79, (February – March 1971) page 99.

Dr.Schumann further says in the concluding paragraph of the above named article as follows:
" Seen from another angle, however, Asian Buddhist mission was successful. The organizational help which Buddhist Societies in Asia, in particular Ceylon, in several critical periods have extended, has saved the flame of the Dhamma in Germany from being blown out by the storm of historical events. Isn't this for the Germans reason enough to be grateful? "

Refer Hans Wolfgang Schumann 'Buddhism and Buddhist Studies in Germany', Maha Bodhi Journal, Vol. 79, (February – March 1971) page 101

Mitirigala Forest Hermitage
At a period of time when Buddhism had lost its most supportive and protective structure, namely meditation, Asoka Weeraratna turned his attention in the 1960s to the construction of a Forest Hermitage not very far from Colombo to enable Buddhist Yogi Monks to meditate and contemplate in a suitable and peaceful environment. The Forest Hermitage was named Nissarana Vanaya where thirty fully equipped independent dwellings for yogis were constructed for meditation. Based at Mitirigala, it became one of Sri Lanka's most respected meditation monasteries under the guidance of the outstanding Meditation monk Ven. Matara Sri Gnanarama Maha Thera. It was declared open in 1967.

In addition to Sinhala Buddhist monks and laymen, many foreign monks and laymen alike had the opportunity to engage in the practice of meditation with full dedication, unobstructed by other tasks and duties. Some of them arrived from USA, some from Canada, England, Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Portugal, Italy, Yugoslavia, Czechoslovakia, Greece, India, Singapore, Taiwan, Korea, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand.
Asoka Weeraratna enters the Order of Sangha

Asoka Weeraratna resigned from the post of Secretary of the German Dharmaduta Society in 1972 having served the cause of Buddhism in that capacity for a period of nearly 20 years. Asoka himself entered the Buddhist order under the name Ven. Dhammanisanthi Thera in August 1972. It is a remarkable example of renunciation of all worldly possessions given that in the 1950’s and early 1960’s Asoka was one of Sri Lanka’s leading businessmen.

Ven. Mitirigala Dhammanisanthi Thera spent 27 years in the Sangha most of the time as a forest monk. He passed away peacefully on July 2, 1999 at the age of 80 years. Being an ascetic monk he left detailed instructions that his funeral should reflect the fundamental Buddhist concepts – Anicca, Dukkha and Anatta. The funeral was conducted in a very simple austere manner on July 3, 1999, the day following his death, at the General Cemetery Kanatte in Colombo where his remains were cremated amidst the cries of ‘Buduweva ’ ‘ Buduweva’ from a small crowd of faithful mourners. Amongst them were a band of solemn monks from the Mitirigala Forest Hermitage.

Conclusion
Asoka Weeraratna’s courageous efforts, sacrificial labours, unrelenting drive and limitless energy brought to bear on whatever task he undertook is legendary. The full extent of Asoka Weeraratna’s input to the spread of Buddhism in Germany awaits a deeper study. However it is gratifying to note that his pioneering work in sending the first Sri Lankan Buddhist Mission to Germany for the benefit of the German people and his involvement in establishing the first Buddhist Vihara in that country with resident monks, have contributed immensely to the strengthening of religious and cultural links between Sri Lanka and Germany.

Rex Foulstone

REX FOULSTONE - OVER SIXTY CRICKETER


REX FOULSTONE has been chosen to represent Australia in the Over 60 Cricket Competition in England in August 2007.

He was educated at St. Benedict's College Colombo and represented the B.R.C. with distinction. He also played for the Board President's Eleven against Pakistan in 1960. His cricketing career commenced when he played for De La Salle College Mutwal at the age of 12. He was an oustanding left hand batsman and right arm leg spin bowler who represented the B.R.C. in the Saravanmuttu Trophy from 1958 to 1962.

Rex also played soccer with distinction and represented the Sri Lanka National Team against Pakistan in 1960. He played for the Kotahena Rangers, Old Bens, Ceylon Football Association and Ceylon Football League.

Rex migrated to Australia in 1973 with his wife Dagmar and their three children. He has played in the YCW Competition for Kandy, Taprobane, Mulgrave and the Rowville Rangers.

At the age of seventy one, Rex toured New Zealand in February this year. Australia lost the three match series to New Zealand.

His son Randy is also a veteran cricketer who plays for Moorabbin in the Victorian Sub-District competition.

Rex's grandson Ricky also plays for the Moorabbin First Eleven team in the Victorian Sub-District competition.

Rex also plays for the Old Bens in the Over Sixty forty- over Quadrangular tournament against the Old Joe's, Ole Peterites and Old Antonian Cricket Clubs.

We are proud of you Rex and wish you well in the tournament in England.

Ernie Kelaart

ERNIE KELAART- A GREAT SRI LANKAN SPORTSMAN

by Quintus de Zylva

ERNIE KELAART celebrated his 85th birthday on Sunday 30th June. He was surrounded by his family - children Colvin, Cheryl, Randolph, Wendy, Dyan, Richard and Vanessa and 13 grandchildren and a host of friends.

Ernie was a product of Royal College. He joined the Ceylon Navy and served in Trincomalee and other parts of the island.

He had a phenomenal sporting career in Ceylon. He played for All Ceylon in cricket, hockey and soccer.

Having migrated to Australia with his beloved wife Barbara, Ernie played club cricket at Hawthorn. Barbara passed on a few years ago and Ernie continues to live at Pippin Avenue East Burwood.

There must be few sportsmen who can boast of having represented their country in three different sports. Ernie was one of that rare breed.

His kindness and courtesy to others distinguished him at all times. He is a compassionate man. A grandson speaking at his birthday party said he aspired to follow in his great Pappa's footsteps.

We are proud and priviledged to know this gentleman. Long may he live to fly the Ceylon flag high and with pride - as he did in his sporting days.

Dr Brendon and Friends

The late Justice P. Ramanathan - a personal tribute

Dr. Brendon Gooneratne - DN June 7 2007

REMEMBERED: P. Rama (as his friends affectionately called him) was an avid follower of cricket. It was in fact this abiding interest of his that brought us together in the late 1940s and early 1950s.

From left: Dr. Brendon Gooneratne, Lakshman Kadirgamar, P. Ramanathan, Dr. Indran Kandiah, Girja Rajapakse. Photograph taken in the quadrangle of London House in winter 1968 by Kumar Ponnambalam

He had come to watch a cricket match played between St. Joseph’s College (his own school) and the Royal College Under 14 cricket team of which I happened to be the captain. My century in that match - I had scored 112 runs - captured his imagination.

He was some years older than I was but our common interest in cricket quickly broke through this barrier.

At a later date he introduced me to that gentleman of cricket - T. Parathalingam, who had captained the Royal College First Eleven a few years earlier, and the finest of the famous ‘lingam brothers’. Rama was always generous, and shared his friends with his other friends.

He continued to watch these matches till the late 1950s, and was one of the first to congratulate me on winning the Sir Cyril de Zoysa Challenge Cup for the Best Performance at the Royal-Thomian Match in 1955.

We then lost touch temporarily when I entered Medical College, joined the Faculty of Medicine and subsequently went to England for higher studies.

I was offered a place in that veritable haven for postgraduate scholars - London House - which was modelled on an Oxbridge college and provided luxurious accommodation and subsidized meals in the heart of London, with beautiful surroundings, a park of its own and cricket nets down in the basement.

Residents were generally postgraduate scholars from the old British Commonwealth, but London House had recently opened its doors to North American scholars as well, because North Americans had funded it handsomely.

The first Ceylonese I met when I went there in 1966 was an old friend of Royal College days, Ajit Jayaratne, who was following Accountancy studies. (His brother Bhathiya had been my classmate at Royal Primary, and his parents too were known to me) The next person I met was Rama, following a legal career attending the Inns of Court. (Rama had been in London House some years before: one was allowed a stay of three years with a maximum of four).

I subsequently met other Ceylonese including Kumar Ponnambalam, my classmate at Royal, then studying for a degree in Law at Cambridge; Indran Kandiah, who was doing postgraduate medical studies; Girja Rajapakse; Vijay Malalasekera, another Royalist, whom I had coached at cricket some years before; Bimal Rajapakse, just finishing a Law degree; and Ranjan Gooneratne also completing his studies in Law.

Later on I met the mysterious ‘Mr. Perera’, who had apparently come to London many years before, and having flunked his higher studies, stayed on living in digs around the corner. He was an excellent cook of Ceylonese food which he invited us to share. He was game for any suggestions regarding the menu on these occasions, and when one was made he would blink and say “Why not?”

Later on, Lakshman Kadirgamar and Sinha Basnayake too became part of this contingent, and we formed a lively group of Ceylonese in London. Of these Rama, Ajit and Kumar were my particular friends, and we would eat out together off and on at favourite restaurants.

Then - some time in 1969 or 1970 - Rama told us that he was thinking of returning to Ceylon. We were rather taken aback because we had considered him a permanent fixture in the London firmament.

But he did finally sail away to Ceylon, and his London House friends (comprising postgraduate students of English, Australian, New Zealand and a host of other nationalities) gave him a rousing farewell, never quite believing he would continue to stay on in Ceylon. But stay on he did, never once returning to England!

I met Rama again in Ceylon when I returned after my postgraduate studies, and visited him in Anuradhapura where he was, I believe, a High Court Judge. He had contracted malaria and was recuperating at the time.

In 1982 he married Mano, who has been a wonderful wife to him, and an intellectual companion in his subsequent career. She had her own professional life in the Legal Draughtsmen’s Department, and now serves the community in many capacities, notably in Zonta, the women’s social service organization.

Rama and I met often when I returned from Australia, and my wife Yasmine and I were regular guests of Rama and Mano. Quite often Rama and I lunched alone, but Mano, Yasmine and Premala Jayaratne sometimes joined us; or we met common friends such as Chandra (‘Malli’) Crossette Thambyah, Desmond Fernando, Ajit Jayaratne, Kumar Ponnambalam, Ranjan Goonerate and, subsequently, Lakshman Kadirgamar who had also returned from his UN assignments to work in what was now called Sri Lanka, and Sinha Basnayake who continued to drop into Sri Lanka off and on.

We were occasionally joined by Percy Colin-Thome and the former international expert in deciphering hand writing, Mr. Samaranayake. We always enjoyed these meetings, because of the stimulating conversations we had, and the camaraderie displayed. It was Rama who knitted us together.

During one of these gatherings (at the Flower Drum Chinese restaurant), something happened that changed the course of Sri Lankan history. One evening Lakshman Kadi, who was a regular member of our dinner group in the early 1990s, told us that Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga was to contest the Presidency following Lalith Athulathmudali’s assassination, and had wanted Kadi to come in on the PA National List at the next election. Kadi had never met CBK before this time; in fact, he had not met her even at the time the offer was made.

He wanted our views on the matter; and though the others present (Percy Colin-Thome, Rama, Ajit Jayaratne, and Kumar Ponnambalam included) were rather lukewarm about it, I told Kadi that many thinking people were aghast - as we were ourselves - at what the UNP under J. R. Jayewardene and in particular Premadasa had done to law and order in this beautiful country of ours.

Violence and corruption had become the order of the day; and as he was trained in politics and the law, having been President of the Oxford Union in his time and an eminent barrister, it was a heaven-sent opportunity to get in there and do something to right wrongs of which he had always been severely critical.

We talked it over after dinner as we left the restaurant, and then again with the car doors open for another hour, as Sri Lankans are won’t to do. We resumed this conversation at dinner the following day, and again the next day at a lunch engagement.

Finally Kadi took the plunge, and made Sri Lanka proud by his conduct in public life, his marshalling of facts, his rhetoric and the sheer brilliance with which he carried out his duties as Foreign Minister.

But, as Rama always said, we and Kadi’s relatives had to pay a price for my having persuaded him to accept CBK’s offer: Kadi found new political friends and no longer had time for our group’s meetings.

We could never understand why he did this, but we accepted it and moved on, continuing to meet at lunch and dinner in his absence. Kadi and I occasionally met subsequently at funerals or weddings, but that was all that remained of our old and valued friendship.

Rama, meanwhile, had ascended the Bench as a Supreme Court Judge, yet remained his genial, unassuming self. He figured in a number of important trials and in Commissions set up to probe assassinations of prominent personalities, especially politicians. His judgements were always to the point of the law, fearless and absolutely impartial.

After his retirement from the Bench, a chance meeting with Lakshman Kadirgamar resulted in his appointment as Governor of the Western Province from which he went on to become Chancellor of Uva University, and subsequently Chairman of the Human Rights Commission.

Rama took appointment and disappointments, good health and ill, in his stride - never complaining, never displaying rancour or bitterness, always laughing off any bad moments that came his way with some jocular remark. That was the greatness of the man.

Rama was a truly precious friend to me of more than fifty years’ standing, sharing my literary interests and those of my wife. His gentleness, integrity, generosity, loyalty and his sense of fairplay will remain forever etched in our memories.

Burgher Association in Australia

From: Doyne Caspersz
Sent: Sunday, 6 May 2007 8:39 PM
To: Victor Melder
Subject: BURGHER ASSOCIATION (AUSTRALIA) CELEBRATIONS - President's Speech

Gentlemen

Attached is the above speech. Can you kindly distribute this to your vast electronic network

Thanks very much

Doyne Caspersz

BURGHER ASSOCIATION (AUSTRALIA) CELEBRATIONS - President's Speech
On behalf of the Burgher Association in Australia it is my privilege to welcome you to this event, to celebrate the Burghers migrating to Australia, and more so this year, as it is 60 years since it occurred officially for the first time. Amongst us today, we have the Honourable Minister Mr Daniel Andrews, Minister for Consumer Affairs, and Minister for Gaming, and Minister Assisting the Premier on Multicultural Affairs, who is representing the Premier of Victoria. Also present are one of our very great supporters Mr Alan Griffin the Federal Member for Bruce. We also have Mr Ray de Witt who has helped us immensely over the years and his wife Margaret. Thank you for gracing this occasion by your presence.

60 years is a long time, and I can proudly say that as a migrant community, we had the vision to see the potential, that this wonderful country had to offer, and none more important than a fair go, and my pride extends to claim, that the Burghers have contributed their fair share, to the prosperous and harmonious society that we enjoy. Thank you Australia.

The pioneering efforts of migration of the Burghers, were helped along by many, including a number within our own community, and I will only mention just a few, to acknowledge these efforts. The late, unassuming Clifford de Zilva was one – you did not have to ask him for help he just did it when it was required. We then had the late Richard Don and the late George Jansz who in 1951 lobbied the Prime Minister and the Minister of Immigration at that time in Australia to reduce the minimum content of European ancestry required to qualify under the White Australia policy, and we believe it was a wise decision which has served well, the ethnic Burgher community as well as Australia.

It is my great pleasure, to announce that our Chief Guests this evening, were to be Doug and Eileen Fernando, who were among those pioneers in 1947, but they are unable to be present due to ill-health. Dorrit Blaze is the other Chief Guest who at 92 years young, is lovingly and widely acknowledged as the matriarch of the Burgher community. Doug and Eileen have been at the forefront of helping community organisations develop, and have also shown the way, for others to follow by their quiet, but purposeful determination to serve the community.

Dorrit and her late husband Benjamin ,whose centenary of birth is on 2^nd June 2007 were at the forefront of founding, of various community organisations, and it is important to acknowledge the scheme, they put in place, with the help of the Council of Churches, to provide loans, to prospective migrant burghers, to pay for their passages to Australia. The reward they looked forward to, was to experience the relief, on the faces of those migrants, who made it to the shores of Australia, to begin a new life. I would kindly request you, to join with me, in thanking Doug, Eileen and Dorrit, for their help to the community, as well acknowledge the others I have mentioned, as well as all of the others, who have helped migrant Burghers, settle into this wonderful country. We must not forget the P & O Shipping line, who brought the early Burgher migrants. As time does not permit to mention all by name, but one that comes to mind is the late Victor Ebell and family, who arrived on the Orion in January 1948.

I acknowledge the support and thank the Victorian Multicultural Commission, for the financial Grant, that was provided for the celebration of this event. The organisation of this gala night has rested on the shoulders of Inday and Henry Todd, who with their Committee, have produced what you have already seen, with more to come. I sincerely thank Inday & Henry, for their tireless work.

A heartfelt thanks to Australia, for giving us a wonderful free society, which we will continue to enjoy.

The future is ours, and we can only reap what we sow, as we forge ahead. Lets get together, to recognise our planet, and its environment, and do what is needed to preserve it for our future generations, and be grateful, for the generations before us, who gave us a healthy and liveable environment.

Finally I would ask Dorrit Blaze and Inday and Henry Todd, to join me on stage, and receive our acknowledgement, for their labour of love.

I call on Mrs Dorrit Blaze who has requested to say a few words

Thank you Dorrit

I now kindly request the Honourable Minister to say a few words.