Personalities Sri Lanka

PERSONALITIES SRI LANKA

D W Abayakoon
Kandagamage Don Bastion Tilekewardene Abayaratne
Prof Tikiri Banda Herath Abeyasinghe
George Hector Abeygoonesekera
Wijesekera Don Simon Abeygoonewardena
D F Cyrus Abeykoon
M K Walter F Abeykoon
Dr Don James Alfred Abeyratne
Dr Kamalika Abeyratne
Dr Lloyd Oscar Abeyratne
Mudaliyar Egodage Alfred Abeysekera
Karunaratne Abeysekera
Kirthie Abeysekera
W E M Abeysekera
P M P Abeysingha
Alexander Nicholas De Abrew Abeysinghe
Samson Abeysooriya
A W H Abeysundara
Sunil Subasini Abeysundara
Dulcie Abeywardena (nee Jayawardene)
Harsha Deva Abeywardena
Henry Abeywickrama
Keerthisena Chandradasa Abeywickrama
Simon Abeywickrama
Don Francis Abeywickrema
Don Epopenius Fonseka Wijayawardena Abhayakoon
Kusala Vichitra Abhayawardhana
Ayur D K Ukwattege Rajakaruna Abhayawickrama
Pedris Francis Abhayawickrama
M. S. Aboobakr
K Don Edward Winifred Britto Adikaram
A M Appuhamy Adikari
Agalakada Dhammarakkitha Thera
Prof Ahangama Rathnasiri Mahanayake Thera
Maha Adigar Ahelepola
George Alagiah
Alagiyawanna Mukaweti
Lucky Alagoda
Mohotti Kankanamage Albert
M S Alif
Assen Aliyar
Allepola Adikaram
A C Alles
Anthony Alles
Aluthgama Dharmasiri Thera
Aluthgama Sri Silakahanda Nayake Thera

Meetalawa Simon Aluthgamage 1920-1987
Born: 17 Aug 1920 at Meethalawa, at Nawalapitiya
Primary Education: Giriulla Maha Vidyalaya
Higher Education, Ginaraja Vidyalaya, Gampola
Member, Uda Palatha Ganga Ihala Korale, VC
Chairman, Udapalatha VC 1954-1970
MP Nawalapitiya, SLFP 1970
Retired from active politics in 1985 and served the electorate in social and religious fields
Passed Away: 3 Mar 1987

Aluthnuwera Anomadassi Thera
Uda Walawwe Bernard Herbert Aluvihare
Richard Aluvihare

Arthur William Alvis 1856-1922Born: 16 Jun 1856
Son of Francis Daniel Alvis & Louisa de Run
Education : St Thomas’ College, Mt Lavinia
Member CMC 1889, 1903
Proctor DC, SC, Notary Public Jan 1879
Police Magistrate, Committee of bRequests Jaffna, Mallakam
Acting DJ, reverted to the Bar
Member Fort Ward CMC 1893-1902
Police Magistrate Trincomalee
Passed Away: 24 Apr 1922

Alwalle Sri Ratnajothi Maha Nayake Thera
K G Amaradasa
Pandith Amaradeva
Gate Mudaliar Abraham Christopher Gregory Suriarachchi Amarasekera
Manan Thomas de Silva Amarasekera
Dr Nihal D Amarasekera
BinduHewage Hikkaduwe Amarasena
Sarangupta Amarasinghe
Mudaliyar Mahendrapala Thomas de Silva Amarasuriya

Ambagahapitiye Gnanawimalatissa Nayaka Thera 1767-1835Born: 1767 at Mahakarava, Balapitiya
Eldest son of Karalu (Karolis) de Silva Vedaarachchi of Welitota & Madalena
Early education under his father and also learned under Bopawala Dhammananda
Ordination: Weliwita Saranankara, Kandy, as ‘Gnanawimala’
StuPassed Away under Weliwita Sangharaja
Resided at Ambaharukkaramaya, Ambagahapitiya
Established Amarapura Nikaya (sect) at Madhu river, May 1803
Proceeded to Burma for studies
Awarded title ‘Mahadhammarajadirajaguru’ from Burma
Passed Away: 8 Jul 1835

Ambagahawatte Indasabhavaragnasamy Maha Thera 1832-1886Born: 16 Nov 1832 at Ambagahawatta, Akmeemana
Son of Don Mathes de Silva Madanayake & Indipola Walawwage Jenohamy
Lay name Cornelis Madanayake
StuPassed Away under Pilane Mahastavira
Ordination under Akmeemana Sobhitha Maha Thera as ‘Ambagahawatta Saranankara’
Educated under Benthota Atthadassi Thera
Higher Ordination Malwatta Vihara
Awarded the ‘Indasabawara Gnanasamy’ in Burma, 12 Jun 1861
Returned to Ceylon in 1863 and established Sri Lanka Ramanna Nikaya, 19 Dec 1894
Received Higher Ordination six times. Resided at Vijayanada Pirivena, Weliwatte
Established Payagala Dharmagupta Pirivena
First Mahanayaka, Ramanna Nikaya
Passed Away: 29 Jan 1886

Ambalangoda Devananda Maha Nayake Thera 1847-1936Born: 1847 at Ambalangoda
Ordination Ander Werallene Pannatissa Thera, 1855
Higher Ordination 1866
StuPassed Away under Weligama Sri Sumangala
Proceeded to Burma to study Abhidamma
Incumbent Gangarama, Horetuduwa, Moratuwa
Conferred title Deputy Sangaha Raja from Burma
Works: Hethu Pala Vadaya
Passed Away: 2 Apr 1936

Ambalangoda Dhammakusala Thera, ajakeeya Pandit 1899-1984
Born: 27 May 1899
Ordination: Sunandaramaya Maha Vihara, Ambalangoda
Pupil of Ven Ambalangoda Indrajoti Thera
Education: Sujatha Vidyalaya, Panadura
Pupilo f Ganawaimalatissa, Vidyodya Pirivena, Maligakande, Ander Kahawe Sri Rathnasara Maha Nayaka Thera
First at the final exam of the Maligakanda Pirivena
Awarded Siam Raja prize for best student
Passed final exam of the Oriental Studies Society with First Class Honors, 1932
Presented a Monograph Evolution of the Sinhala Letters pubvlished as ‘Sinhala Akuru’
Pioneered the establishment of Sastrodaya Pirivena, Ambalangoda
Appointed Senior Lecturer Department of Sanskrit, Buddha Sravaka Dharmapeetaya, Anuradhapura
Member, Editorial Board, Buddha Jayanthi, Tripataka Committee
Editor, Mahavagga, a Vinaya Text
Represented Sri Lanka at the 6th Buddhist Convocation held in Burma
Silver tongued orator, excelled in Sanskrit, Pali, Prakrit, Sinhala
Magnum Opus ‘Saddharmasagara’, 2672 pages
Adikarana Nayaka, Amarapura Sect
Works: Dhaturuparatanavaliya, a study of Sanskrit Roots and Conjugations, Chatur Veda
Passed Away: 21 Feb 1984

Ambanwelle Sri Siddhartha Sumangala Dhammananda Anunayaka Thera 1881-1968Born: 21 Aug 1881 at Wilawwa
Son of Dhanapala Mudiyanselage Dhanapala Nilame
Primary Education: Nelidhandahinna Government School
Ordination 1897
Educated at Vidyalankara Pirivena, Kelaniya
Tecaher Vidyodya Pirivena, 1908
Chief Incumbent Beligammana Vidyawardena Pirivena, Mawanella, 1910
Karmacaharya, 1912
Nayake, Aluthnuwara Vihara, 1914
Committee Member, Malwatte Chapter, 3 Feb 1920
Assistant Registrar, Malwatte Sangha Sabha, 3 Mar 1920
Sangha Nayaka, Galboda Kinigoda Korale, 5 May 1921
Chief Sangha Nayake, four Korales, 15 Dec 1935
Thewa Dure, Dalada Maligawa, 1945
Anunayake, Malwatte Chapter, 28 Jan 1956
Edited Parajika Pali, 1956
Puggala Pragnapathi Prakaranaya
Associated at the Higher Ordination Ceremony of Anagiraka Dharmapala
Passed Away: 20 May 1968

Ambanwelle Sri Siddhartha Sumangala Maha Nayaka Thera 1868-1927Born: 3 Aug 1868 at Ambanwelle
Eldest son of Rajakaruna Seneviratne Ratnayake Appuhamy Nilame, Ambanwelle & Navaratne Mudiyanse Ralahamylage Dingiri Menike Kumarihamy of Boragolla Walawwa
Ordination: 1877
Higher Ordination under the Turelage of Botota Maha Medhankara
Chief Pupil of Tibbotuwe Sri Siddhartha Sumangala Maha Nayaka Thera, May 1888
Honored with ‘Karmacaharya’ Title
Councillor, Nayaka Uda-Pahala Hewaheta and Walapane, 1911
Mahanayake, Pushparama Sect of the Siam Nikaya from 27 Mar 1925 to 3 Aug 1927
Mahanayake, Malwatte Chapter from 27 Mar 1925 to 3 Aug 1927
Chief Incumbnent, Nalagawimana, Kandy Vihara, Kandy, Bogoda Kande Raja Maha Vihara, Passara Raja Maha Vihara & twelve other temples
Patron, Foster Robinson Samenara Vidyalaya, Kandy, established by Anagarika Dharmapala
Passed Away: 3 Aug 1927

Ambewela Punnassara Thera 1899-1985
Born: 18 Jan 1899 at Hevanakumbura
Chief Incumbent, Puravaramaya, 1918
Established Village School, Ambewela Vidyalaya
Received Title ‘Sri Saddhambhanaka’
Passed Away: 21 Dec 1985

Sir A W M Ameer

Hamilton Shirley Amerasinghe 1913-1980
Born: 18 Mar 1913 in Colombo
Primary Education: Royal Primary School, Colombo 7
Secondary Education: University College, Ceylon, First Class in Classics, 1934
Joined CCS in 1936
Secretary to the Treasury 1 Jun 1951
Resident GM Galoya Development Board, 1950
Police Magistrate, Committee of Requests
Additional DJ, Secretary Ministry of Health
Ceylon High Commissioner to India, Ambassador to Nepal and Afghanistan
Ceylon Permanent Representative to the UN 1967-1980
President UN General Assembly, 1976
Chairman UN Committee on Peaceful Uses of the Seabed and Ocean Floor
Counsellor, Ceylon Embassy in Washington, USA
President UN Conference on the Law of the Sea
Passed Away: 4 Dec 1980

Appapillai Amirthalingam 1927-1989
Born: 26 Aug 1927
Secondary Education: Melkandar Tamil School, Pannagam, Victoria College, Chulipuram, Ceylon University College, Colombo (BA Degree), Law College
Qualified as an Advocate
Won Vaddukoddai seat 1956 and retained seat in the March & July elections 1960
Placed under house detention in 1958, 1961 & 1965
Joined Dudley Senanayake Government 1965 and left in 1968
Lost seat to the Tamil Congress candidate 1970
Formed the TULF on 15 May 1976
Contested KKS seat vacated by SJV Chelvanayagam and won, 1977
Elected leader of the opposition, 1978
Forfeited seat in Parliament
Leader of the Opposition 22 Oct 1983
Lost Batticaloa seat at General Elections 1989
Nominated TULF MP 1989
Represented Sri Lanka Conference in UK, Australia, Jamaica & Manila
Passed Away: 13 July 1989

Amunugama Raja Guru Sri Piyadassi Thera 1930-1982
Born: 6 Mar 1930 at Amunugama in Pata-Dumbara
Ordination: 16 Jun 1943 under Amunugama Vipassi Thera
Higher Ordination: 18 Jun 1951 under Rambukwella Sri Sobitha and Sirimalwatte Ananda Maha Nayaka Thera
Entered Sangarajah Pirivena, Kandy, 1943, Vidyodaya Pirivena 1958
Appointed Executive Committee Malwatte Chapter 1964
Secretary to Amunugama Nayaka Thera, Malwatte Chaptefr, 1964-1969
Established Kotugodelle Siri Niwasa Sunday School
Passed Away: 14 Jun 1982

Anagarika Dharmapala
Anagarika Dharmapala 1864-1933
Born: 17 Sep 1864 in Colombo
Eldest son of Mudaliyar H Don Carolis (Don Carolis Hewavitarane), of Hittetiya, Matara & Mallika Dharmagunewardena
Was named Don David Hewavitharane, brother of Edmund, Simon, CA & Jacob Munasinghe
Primary Education: St Mary’s Pettah, Colombo 11, 1870, Baptist Sinhala School, St Benedicts College, Kotahena, Colombo 13 1870-1874, St Thomas College, Mt Lavinia 1874-1884, Christian College, Kotte, Royal College, Colombo, Vidyodaya Pirivena, Maligakande (for Buddhism)
Learned Sinhala, Pali & Buddhism under Ven HBikkaduwe Sri Sumangala Maha Thera
Successful at the General Clerical Service Examination and obtained employment as a clerk at the Department of Education (DPI)
Resigned from Government Sewrvice in 1886 and took up as apprentice t a Notary Public
Joined Buddhist Theosophical Society (BTS) Colombo in Jan 1884
Worked together with other Buddhist leaders such as Ven Mohottiwatte Gunananda, Carolis Pujitha Gunawardena, Col H S Olcott fr the upliftment of Buddhism
Left for Buddha Gaya in Inda with the help of Carolis Pujitha Gunawardena and others to safeguard the sacred places of Buddhists in 1896
Member BTS Colombo 1884-1890
Manager, Sarasavi Sanderesa Newspaper
Asst Secretary, Buddhist Defence Committee Mar 1886 to Dec 1890
Became a Brahmacjhchari taking the name ‘Anagarika Dharmapala’ in Jan 1886
Left for Japan fr Buddhist Missionary work with Col H S Olcott on 10 Jan 1889
Introduced the six color Buddhist Flag to Japan with Ven Sadhdhananda
Visited Buddha Gaya and establisyhed a Temple in Jan 1891
Maha Bodhi Society at Vidyodaya Pirivena, Maligakande to save Buddha Gaya, 31 May 1891
Established branches of the Maha Bodhi Society in many countries
Commenced publication f the Maha Bodhi Journal in jan 1892
Left for Chicago, USA, to attend the World Religion Conference iun 1893
Left for EWngland from USA via Honolulu and met Mrs Robinson who became a Buddhist
Won Buddha Gaya for the Buddhists and held first Wesak Festival in 1896
Commenced Maha Bodhi English Journal in May 1892
Started Sinhala Buddha Gaya Newspaper on 5 May 1906 on return to Ceylon
Engaged in developing local industriues, viz woodcraft, match making and textiles
Travelled round the country in a Bullock Cart inspiring the people to work for the development of Buddhism and the nation
Engaged in temperanc3e work with other leaders, viz D B Jayatilleke, Walisinghe Harischangra & F R Sednanayake
Was taken into custody while in Calcutta, 1915-1920 and sent to jail for seven years
Established Dharmarajika (Nov 1920), and Mulagandhakuti Vihara (1931) in India
Entered the order under the Tutrelage of Borukgamuwe Revata Nayaka Thera as ‘Siri Devamitta’ on 13 Jul 1931
Higher Ordination: 16 Jan 1933
Established Buddhist Seminary in Kandy in 1925
Helped to print large number of Buddhist Pali texts with English translations
Created Anagarika Dharmapala Trust in Ceylon in 1931
Publications: Arya Dharma of the Gauthama, Sakyamuni (English), Facts to Know (Sinhala), Buddhism Past & Present, Aravada Ratanaya , Surapanaya, Gihi Dinachariyawa, American Buddhist Journal (1931), Senkadagala (1925), the Buddhist Empire f Asoka the Great, What did Buddha teach?, Rewlation between Buddhism & Hinduism
Passed Away: 29 Apr 1933 at Mulagaandhakuti Vihara, Benares (Varanasi). Ashes brought to Ceylon

Ananda Mangala Thera 1917-1986
Born: 1917 at Wattala
Lay Name: Narcissus Ananda Meemanage
Gandhian Satyagrahist in the Indian Freedom Movement
Ordination under Heenetiyane Dharmaloka Maha Nayaka Thera
Left for Singapore for Dharmaduta work
Founder Member, World Fellowship of Buddhists and World Buddhist Sangha Council
Passed Away: 28 Jan 1986

Noel Francis Ignatius Anandappa 1932-1983Born: 3 Dec 1932 at Kotahena
Colombo Chetty
Education: St Benedict’s College, Kotahena
Cadet Sri Lanka Air Force 22 Sep 1953
Wing Commander
Retired from SLAF 1 Jun 1979
Air Pilot
Pilot, Learjet 35 belonging to Upali Wijewardena
Passed Away: 16 Feb 1983

Governor John Anderson
Mohamed Anis
Dr P R Anthonisz, Surgeon Dr P R Anthonisz, Surgeon (more)

Dr. P R Anthonisz - Lanka Chronicle

Rev D John Anthony OMI 1894-1979
Born: 25 Dec 1894 at Makavita
Son of Bulathsinhala Appuhamilage Don Anthony Cooray
Primary Education: Village School
Higher Education: St Joseph’s College, Colombo
Passed London Matriculation Exam
Married M D Francis Netthisinghe, Jaela
Entered Order 29 Jun 1921
Vice Principal, St Joseph’s College, Colombo 1924-1940
GM Catholic Schools 1940-1953
Principal, Sri Lanka Catholic Guruabyasa Vidyalaya, Bolawalana, 1967
Conferred Title, ‘Sahiacharya’, 1953
D Litt, Ottawa, Canada
Works: Catharina, Muniawrayage Kathawa
Passed Away: 27 Mar 1979

Don Philip de Silva Epa Appuhamy 1810-1891
Born : 1810
Eldest Son of Don Simon de Silva Epa Appuhamy of Welihena
Early Education: under Ven Walagedara Sri Dhammadassi Maha Nayake
Prepared a Panchanga Litha (Calendar), 1854
Chief Initiator to Invite Ven Hikkaduwe Sumangala Thera to Colombo and instrumental in establishing Vidyodaya Pirivena
President, Vidyadara Sabha
Publications: ‘Sidhathvata’, Biography of Walane Siddhartha, 1859
Passed Away: 10 Mar 1891

Gurunanselage Don Pelis Appuhamy 1847-1910Born: 27 Feb 1847 at Telengapata
Son of Don David Appuhamy
Studied Astrology under Don Philip de Silva Epa Appuhamy
Founder Member Vidyodaya Pirivena
Married Suriyaarachchige Dona Engalititina Perera
Commenced ‘Kavata Kathikaya’ Newspaper on 1 Jan 1872
Works: Dunapare Vadaya (Panadura Vadaya), Mahiyangana Varananawa, Walpola Pinkama, Koorale Shantiya, Dashagatha Shantiya
Passed Away: 4 Sep 1910

Narayana Mudiyanselage Appuhamy 1916-1974
Born: 3 Mar 1916 at Uhumiya, Piduruwella, Kurunegala
Primary Education: Village School
Secondary Education: St Anne’s College, Kurunegala
Joined Health Department as a Clerk and later Local Government Service
Started business in Kurunegala and founded M/S Sathyawadi Stores & Motor Transporters Ltd
Pioneer Manufacturer of Agricultural Trailers, water bowsers, farm implements
Appointed to Senate on 20 Oct 1965 & 20 Nov 1971
President Merchants Chamber, Kurunegala
Founded houses for Deaf & Blind children at Sandagala
Support Home for the Aged, Kurunegala
Active member UNP, contested Kurunegala seat and lost, JUuly 1960
Passed Away: 3 Mar 1974

Ratnayake Mudiyanselage Appuhamy 1925-1989
Born: 9 Jan 1925
Education: Dharmapala Vidyalaya, Bandarawela, Bandarawela Pirivena
Salesman, Welimada, Farmer
Member Bandarawela UC, 1963
Contested Haputale as an Independent candidate and lost in 1965
Contested Bandarawela seat as an UNP candidate and lost in 1977
MP Bandarawela (UNP) in 1977
District Minister, Badulla
Passed Away: 9 Jun 1989

Prof D Arampatta 1926-1985
Born: 5 Jun 1926 at Akuressa
Education: Mahinda College, Galle
BA (Hon) Ceylon, Education 1948
Posdt Graduate Diploma in Education 1954
MA Education 1957
Special Education Degree USA
Teacher and Principal, Prince of Wales College, Kotahena
Lecturer Vidyodaya University, 1962
President Vidyodaya UTA 1967-1969
Head of the Department & Co-Dean Faculty of Arts, University of Colombo, 1975
Dean Faculty of Education, Associate Professor, 1979
President National Education Society of Sri Lanka 1973-1975
Passed Away: 21 Nov 1985

Aritta Keevendu Perumal alais Jayaweera Bandara ?-1594
South Indian Adventurer by the name of Arittakeevendu (Kirivendu) Perumal became a favorite of Rajasinghe I. Received Title and was made a high official. Became in amportant figure in the Sitawaka Kingdom after Rajasighe’s death.
Deserted to the Portuguese which gave the Colonial rulers the ability to subjugate the Kingdom of Sitawaka
Dharmapala honored him with the title ‘Jayaweera Bandara’
Accompanied Sinhala soldiers to Kandy under Pedro Lopez De Souza, the First Captain General of Portuguese Ceylon
Slain by Pedro Lopez De Souza in 1594

Edwin Ariyadasa

Brig Ariya Ariyapperuma 1935-1985Born: 8 Dec 1935 at Rajagiriya, Balbantuduwa
Son of Don Baron Ariyapperuma & Catherina Malalasekera
Education: St Johns College, Panadura, Sri Palee, Horana, Zahira College, Colombo
Higher Education: University of Ceylon, Peradeniya
Joined the Army in 1958
Specialized training in counter-intelligence
Honored with Titles ‘Janaraja’ Sannaddha, ‘Janadhipathi Sewa’, ‘Sri Lanka Sannaddha Sewa’
Passed Away: 8 Feb 1985

A T Ariyaratne

Rerukane Ariyaratne 1899-1981
Born: 1899
Ordination under Vinayalankara Burmese Priest
Studied Dhamma under Ven Arangala Sridhamma Thera
Went to Burma for further studies in 1918
Ordained as Renukane Ariyagnana Thera
Returned to Ceylon and taught at the Vidyalankara Pirivena
Works: Dhatu Watha, Puggala Pannapithi, Yamaka Pattana, Kathavathu, Pachchupakkaranaya
Edited Atha Katha, translated Abhidhammattaakekatha Vinayatita
Disrobed 1939
Passed Away: 18 Dec 1981

P Gamini Ariyatilake 1917-1983Born: 26 May 1917
Education: Mahinda College, Galle, Sri Palee, Horana
Public Health Inspector 1939-1943
Officer, Madyama Lanka Bus Company, 1944
Joined CTB
Member Hatton-Dickoya UC (LSSP)
Chairman UC 1961-1967
Joined SLFP and lost elecxtions, 1960 & 1965
Won Maskeliya seat (SLFP) in 1970
Passed Away: 13 Mar 1983

Srila Sri Arumuga Navalar 1822-1879Born: 18 Dec 1822 at Nallur, Jaffna
Social Reformer, Saivite Revivalist, Tamil Scholar
Youngest son of Paramanthar Kanapathi Pillai & Sivakami
Studied under Subramaniampillai and Velartha Mudaliyar of Nallur
Sent to Vidyasiromani Senathirajah Mudaliyar of Erupalai and Saravana Muthupulavar of Nallur
Attended Methodist English School in Jaffna run by Rev Peter Percival
Appointed Headmaster of Methodist English School
Translated Vannarponnai for imparting Tamil learning and Saivaism, 1848
Established a printing press near his school for Tamil learning, 1849
Established English School at Vannarponnai, 22 Jan 1872
Established Hindu Schools at Kopay, Pullaly, Inuvil, Kalambagam, Kantharnadu, Madhagal
Received Title ‘Navalar’ for oratory and learning
Works: Hindu catechism, Subra Bodam, Shaivasya Parikkaram
Influenced politics through Ponnambalam Ramanathan
Passed Away: 8 Dec 1879

Sinnathamby Arumugam
Anthony Pieris Aserappa

Budhdhadasa Atapattu 1913-1985
Born: 14 Aug 1913
Son of Don Juwanis Attapattu (Ayurvedic Physician Nakulugamuwa) & Kadawedduwe Wijekoon, brother of D C Atapattu
Chairman Beliatta Town Council
Social worker
Established a Rs 100,000 fund for the development of Sunday Schools in the Hambantota District
Developed Jayatilekaramaya, Nakulugamuwa
Donated house at Cinnamon Gardens in Colombo worth Rs 400,000 to the Ministry of Cultural Affairs
Passed Away: 31 Mar 1985

Attaragama Rajaguru Bandara
Attudawe Dharmakkitha Nayaka Thera
Cyril Eugene Attygalle
Prof Daphne Attygalle

Dhanapala Piyadasa Attygalle 1917-1969Born: 1917
Education: Sivali Vidyalaya, Ratnapura, Law College
Proctor SC & NP
Politics in 1952, Member Rajagiriya UC, Vice Chairman Ratnapura UC, 1957
Member Ratnapura District Committee
Resident Manager YMBA, Colombo 1948-1950
MP Ratnapura, Mar 1965
Passed Away: 3 Dec 1969

Dharmasena Attygalle 1925-1989
Born: 19 Feb 1925
Son of Ayur Dr D P Attygalle of Madapatha & D S J Attygalle
Education: Madapatha Buddhist Mixed School, Piliyandala Maha Vidyalaya, Nalanda College, Colombo
Entered Ayurvedic Medical College and passed out in 1942
Obtained MB Degree in Homeopathy
Served on the Advisory Board of the Ayurvedic Medical College
Awarded ‘Ayurveda Vaidya Maha Vishadara Panditha’ Hon Degree by the Ayurveda Waidya Maha Mandalaya, 1978
Won Kesbewa seat in NSA by-election, 1972
Returned at the Parliamentary, 1977
Deputy Minister of Health 1977-1980
Minister of Indigenous Medicine Feb 1980-1983
Resigned as Minister 1983
High Commissioner to Pakistan Jan 1983
Passed Away: 1 Jun 1989

A.M.A. Azeez
Shanthi Balasubramaniam
Janet Balasuriya
Felix Reginold Dias Bandaranaike
SWRD Bandaranaike
Bandaranaike Family
Sirimavo Bandaranaike
Dr Noel & Nora Bartholomeusz
Jimmy Barucha
Geoffrey Bawa
Geoffrey Bawa 2
Nita Bhareti
Deloraine Brohier
M. K. J. Cantlay
Chitrasena
Sir Arthur C Clarke

George E Chitty, QC
George Edmund Chitty Jnr, QC, born:Jan-1-1909, died:Dec-23-1974, son of George Edmund Chitty Snr & Mabel Pullenayagam was married to Leila Ratnam (d/o Dr. EV Ratnam, founder of Ratnam’s Private Hospital, Tamil Union Cricket Club, and philanthrophist and believer of all religions, & Rose Beatrice Chitty, GEC Jnr’s fathers sister)

GEC Jnr was educated at Royal College, Colombo, University College, Colombo. Won Dadabhoy Prize for Natural Science, Junior Essay Prize, Jayawardena Prize for English, De Heer Memorial Prize for General Merit. Prefect Harvard House. Editor Royal College Magazine. Passed Law Final. Advocate 1934. Called to the bar May 1935. Crown Counsel 1938. In charge of Defence Regulations 1942-1944. Reverted to the Official Bar 1945. Commissioner of Assize 1954. QC 1955. Member MC, Bribery Commission 1961. Member Gratien Commission on Prison Reform 1949. Board of Governors Trinity College Kandy. Director Mecantile Credit Limited, Hino Motors Limited, Chitra Lanka Limited which produced the Sinhala Film, REKAWA. Conducted the prosecution of the SWRD Bandaranaike assasination case.

His children are G. L. Ajit Chitty (Chairman Colombo Shipping and Eastern Brokers), G. E. Chitty (Kumar Chitty), Assistant Secretary General of the United Nations, Law of the Sea, ( married to Shanta David), Indira Chitty (married to Chandra Corea), and Chris R. L. Chitty (President of Soho Inc, Timely Travel International in Beverly Hills, Ca. USA)

His siblings are Mabel Chitty (married to Maharaja Vanderkoen), Renee Chitty (married to David), Samuel Alexis Chitty ( ex CEO Lewis Brown & Company),

His fathers siblings are Charles Chitty, James Chitty (First Crown Counsel), who married Laurie Pullenayagam, Rose Beatrice Chitty (married Dr E V Ratnam), and two mother sisters married to Storer and Saravanamuttu, respectively.

Choksy
Kaikushuru Choksy
Sir Arthur C Clarke
Ananda Coomaraswamy
Arumugam Coomaraswamy
C Coomaraswamy
ERSR Coomaraswamy
Coomaraswamy Family
Professor Mark Cooray
Vernon Corea Vernon Corea Website
Vijaya Corea
S.D. Danny
Dheen Arachchiar of Negombo
Dr. Malathi (Mala) de Alwis
Harold de Andrado
Bevill St Elmo de Bruin
Prof David de Kretser
Count de Mauny Talvande of France
Siran Upendra Deraniyagala
Canon R S de Saram

Canon R S de Saram - Lanka Chronicles

Sharada de Saram
B. P. de Silva
Daryll de Silva
Dudley K G de Silva
Fred E de Silva
George E de Silva
H. L. de Silva
Nelum de Silva Jayasundera
Sugathapala de Silva
C. H. de Soysa
Harold de Soysa
de Soysa Family of Moratuwa
K W Devanayagam

Dr Lucian de Zilwa
Courtesy "The Hindu" - Historic home turns hotel
By V.S. Sambandan, 17 MAR 2005

Sri Lanka's historic mansion — the private residence of the Bandaranaikes — will soon become a boutique hotel.

`Tintagel,' in the heart of Colombo, which Sri Lanka's first family called home for decades, will join a list of handsome European and Indian castles and palaces that are now elegant hotels. The sprawling size and costs of maintenance were cited as the reason for the decision."This is far too big a place for me to live [in]," the Sri Lankan President, Chandrika Kumaratunga's sister, Sunethra Bandaranaike, was quoted as telling The Sunday Times. The decision to convert the more than 12,000 sq ft mansion into a hotel was endorsed by Ms. Chandrika Kumaratunga and her brother, Anura Bandaranaike, the newspaper said. The house, built in 1929 by a Sri Lankan gynaecologist and writer, Lucian de Zilwa, owes its name to the castle in which King Arthur is believed to have been born.

The past
Tintagel is historic as the residence of three Prime Ministers and a President — the late S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike, the late Srimavo Bandaranaike and their daughter, Chandrika Kumaratunga, who was Prime Minister before winning the presidential election. To add to the list, Mr. Anura Bandaranaike, a former Speaker, is now a Cabinet Minister.

The house was witness to defining moments, both tragic and celebratory, in Sri Lanka's post-independence history. On its verandah, S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike fell to an assassin's bullet. The mansion, however, has not been an official residence since 1962, when the late Ms. Sirimavo Bandaranaike moved to the Prime Minister's official residence, Temple Trees, for security reasons.

Sri Lanka's `First House' also has an India connection. Its architect, Homi Billimoria, was among the several `Indo-Lankan' professionals who made Sri Lanka their home.

According to Dr. de Zilwa, the marble for its steps and verandah came from north India. During the Second World War, the British military asked Dr. de Zilwa to vacate it "within eight days," and took it over as "a hundred soldiers could be housed there," his autobiography said. After the military occupation, Tintagel was "a wreck," and Dr. De Zilwa subsequently sold it to the late S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike's father.

The future
Udayashanth Fernando, who runs a boutique store and hotel in Colombo, the Gallery Café, has taken the house. He plans eight suites, each with its own sitting room and private balcony. No major alterations are on the cards, but "a few walls will have to be opened out," and a swimming pool added.

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Charles Ambrose Lorensz 1829-1871Born: 8 Jul 1829 at Matara
Youngest of nine children. Son of Johanna Frederick Lorensz & Euna Petronella Smith
Education: Royal Academy, Colombo, 1842. Won Turnour Prize, 1846
Apprentice in Law under John Drieberg, Journalist, Proctor SC, 1849
Coined the expression ‘Ceylonese’
Member Royal Asiatic Society - RAS (CB) 13 Aug 1830
Married Eleanor Nell, sister of Louis Nell, 19 Dec 1850
Sailed for England on 10 Feb 1855 and returned the same year
Barrister at Law Lincolns Inn
District Judge Chilaw, 26 May 1855
Reverted to the Bar Dec 1855
Supported Dr Christopher Elliott for a more representative Council and for an unofficial majority in the Legislative Council
Burgher Member LC 1856-1864
Resigned his seat from LC with six others in 1864
Purchased ‘Examiner’ newspaper by a syndicate and renamed it to ‘Ceylon Examiner’ and took up the challenge of Managing Editor & Editor
Member MC Colombo Jan 1860 to Jan 1870
Works: Provisional Payment, 1856 – Editor Law Reports, 1856-1870 – Notes on Kovil Practice, 1860
Passed Away: 9 Aug 1871

The Burgher intelligentsia in the 1860s was led by a young man who hailed from Matara - Charles Ambrose Lorensz. Being a brilliant lawyer he was popularly known as the "morning star of Hulftsdorp".

Together with a group of young Burghers like Leopold Ludovici, Francis Bevan, Samuel Grenier and James Stewart Drieberg they produced a leading local literary journal called Young Ceylon.

In 1859 Lorensz and a syndicate purchased the Ceylon Examiner which became the first Ceylonese newspaper. Until his death in 1871, at the age of forty two, Ambrose Lorensz wielded the powerful influence of his pen for social reform, championing democratic causes and courageously criticising the British colonial government, the Governor and his Executive Council.

In the true traditions of 19th century Burgher leaders, like C. A. Lorensz there came a few years later - George Alfred Henry Wille, who was also of the legal fraternity in that he was a proctor by profession. A keen student of history and politics from his young days, Wille was alive to his responsibilities as a citizen.

His interest in public affairs was such that there was hardly a public movement in the early 20th century in which he did not play a part. He was well-known for his knowledge in constitutional matters and when the Ceylon Congress came into existence, Wille had the sagacity to foresee the political reform in Ceylon which could not be postponed. Alone among minority men, George Wille joined the Congress and took a prominent part in its affairs side by side with its foremost leaders from the other communities.

The present site on which Wesley College stands and the surrounding land was once owned by Charles Ambrose Lorensz and used by the school since 1902.

Charles Ambrose Lorensz, of whom it was said, "the most versatile and gifted member the community ever produced," followed James Martensz succeeded him and then came C. L. Ferdinands. When the latter accepted government office as District Judge, Colombo, Advocate James van Langenberg Sr. was appointed to fill his place. On his death, Dr. P. D. Anthonisz of Galle, was appointed breaking the tradition of lawyer members. The appointment again of H. L. Wendt revived the legal link.

Lorensz was a proud product of Royal College, Colombo.

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Muttiah Muralitharan
Murali nails 600th scalp
Another pitstop for the Milestone Man
Charlie Austin
March 11, 2006
Mountaineers are obsessed by the final peak but Murali loves the climb © Getty Images
Another day, another milestone. For Muttiah Muralitharan, Sri Lanka's genial spin wizard, the current series against Bangladesh has seen him pass a series of landmarks, providing more intrigue for the statisticians, more delight for his proud team-mates, and greater reason to grumble for his detractors, the sour and ignorant Luddites that refuse to accept that his unique skills and remarkable achievements are to be cherished not scorned.

During the first Test in Chittagong he became the first bowler to take 1000 international wickets and then during the second he scaled three more peaks: his 50th five-for; 50 wickets against all Test-playing nations, a first; and the most importantly, 600 Test wickets from a career that started as a spindly and innocent 20-year-old back in 1992, a Colombo Test that he travelled to from his uncle's house in the suburbs on a public bus, to save precious rupees.
If he had reached the landmark in Sri Lanka they'd have been firecrackers and special ceremonies; bila bands would have gyrated and drummed frenetically in appreciation. But, in Bogra, Muralitharan's celebrations were modest: some backslaps and bumtaps from team-mates and some proud flag-waving from two travelling supporters, who had endured a 35-hour train journey from Chennai. Murali, a modest man devoted to his team, would have preferred in that way, close to those he cares about most.

Murali is cricket's Milestone Man, a prolific oddity in the world of cricket statistics, one who threatens to set records that will stand for generations to come. Yet the irony is that the higher he climbs and the more felicitations he attends, they mean less. Mountaineers are obsessed by the final peak but Murali loves the climb. Ask him to swap a five-for for a Test victory and he'll throw away the lot. Team success is what matters most. And in terms of personal satisfaction, being involved in building one of the hundreds of houses for tsunami victims makes him far prouder than his cricket harvests.

Indeed, Murali the man is even more remarkable that Murali the cricketer. His has been a journey of never-ending challenges. Whether you believe him to be a cricketing God or a fraud, you can't but help admire his infectious enthusiasm for a game he adores. Others would have thrown in the towel years ago had they faced the allegations, scrutiny and mud-slinging that has followed him in the past 14 years. Can you imagine being hooted and humiliated in front of 80,000 Australians, having been called for chucking during the Boxing Day Test in 1995? It takes serious mental strength to absorb what he has been through.

Murali was raised during a particularly violent period in Sri Lanka's history; it helped him retain a sense of perspective.

Of course, it helps when you have seen life through his eyes. From an early age he learned that life could be unjust and irrational. Before he'd even bowled a cricket ball he'd heard terrible stories of ethnic mobs burning down the family biscuit factory. He'd heard heroic tales of his father - a humble, generous, down to earth and successful businessman who rarely speaks a word to his to his son but commands his complete respect - being the last man standing that night before machete-wielding thugs broke through the factory's gates and chased him out. Murali, a hill-country Tamil, was raised during a particularly violent period in Sri Lanka's history, a decade marred by ethnic riots, civil war and bloody student uprisings. It all helped him retain a sense of perspective throughout the chucking controversies that have rocked his career.

Even more remarkable than his steely inner strength, is his generosity of spirit and human compassion. As Kumar Sangakkara wrote in his Cricinfo column: "Perhaps the greatest tribute I can pay to Murali is that the number of friends he has made around the world is far greater the number of wickets he has taken. I have never met a more honest man. He is simple and humble and a beacon of hope for all Sri Lankans." Indeed, off the field, Murali has touched many lives, dedicated an enormous amount of his time, energy and wealth to the charity he set up with his manager Kushil Gunasekera, the Foundation of Goodness.

Thankfully his cricketing journey still has more chapters. There has been much media speculation over his possible retirement after the 2007 World Cup but Murali is certainly not ready to bid farewell. Still only 33, he feels that he can play for at least another three years of Test cricket, possibly more. His earlier retirement from one-day cricket, though, is likely. This means that, injury permitting, he could play another 25 to 40 Test matches. When you consider that he raced from 500 to 600 Test wickets in just 14 games, the mind boggles when you consider the final tally. But no matter how many he takes, one can be assured of one thing: he will be a source of wonder, inspiration and hope far longer than his record lasts.

Sri Lanka's wicketkeeper pays tribute
'Murali will always be a beacon of hope'Kumar Sangakkara
March 13, 2006

Kumar Sangakkara: 'I have been fortunate to have had the best view in world of his magic and artistry'

My first association with Murali was while playing Under-15 cricket for Trinity School. I used to attend training sessions held in the back garden of Sunil Fernando, the coach who discovered Murali's precious talent and asked him to switch from medium-pace to spin. I still remember the day that Sunil called Murali into my net to bowl. Even then, on concrete, you could only marvel at his talent as the ball turned square. We knew he was very special.

Thereafter, a few years his junior, I followed his career closely from my television set in the Kandy hills. I remember his first Test in 1992 and the bemusement of Craig McDermott and Tom Moody, his first victims, as they were exposed to his unique brand of spin for the first time. I watched him bowl magnificently during the 1996 World Cup and marvelled at his brilliance in 1998 when he single-handedly destroyed England at The Oval. I watched him win match after match and I was in awe.

Then, in 2000, I was suddenly elevated into the Sri Lanka team. In those days my wicket-keeping was far from polished. I'd just replaced Romesh Kaluwitharana, one of Sri Lanka's favourite cricketers. Many were upset by Kalu's omission and I felt a huge pressure. But after just a few deliveries keeping to Murali I felt out of my depth. I was trying my hardest but I was missing more of his deliveries than I gloved. It was impossible to read his trickery. Murali, though, was also the first to come up and give me encouragement. He spent hours helping me. I will never forget his support back then.

Indeed, that has been a hallmark of him throughout his career. He is a big man, Sri Lanka's best ever cricketer, but he is also the first man to help any youngster in the side. For such a great cricketer he carries so little pride - he is just one of the guys. I have watched newcomers coming into the squad feeling awkward and nervous. Invariably, he is the first to aid them, going out of his way to help then relax, building up a wonderful rapport and a sense of familiarity. Murali cares deeply about his team and all those around him.

I have been fortunate because as wicketkeeper I have had the best view in world of his magic and artistry, the extent of which never ceases to amaze me. He has so many different deliveries and tricks, subtle variations over which he has complete mastery. I have watched the best batsmen in the world, the Lara's and Tendulkar's of this planet, try to combat his wiles and I have seen just how hard they are forced to work. Even the very best, those with the keenest eye, are deceived on a regular basis.

Remarkably, he keeps getting better and better too, inventing new tricks all the time and constantly developing one of the sharpest minds in cricket. The sky is the limit for his career. Despite now having 600 wickets, he remains young and could still play for a long time. Perhaps he will take 800, maybe even 900. Who knows? His greatness as a spinner is assured.
Sangakkara on Murali: 'He has taken much from the game of cricket, but he has given back so much to our society'

But I will also remember 'Murali the Man'. When I think of him I see that big, wide grin and a fierce strength of character that has carried him through the ignorance that has made his career and life so tough. There is not single ounce of doubt in my mind about the legality of his action. I have witnessed it from close quarters and seen all the testing over the years. But tragically so-called "experts" have made his life miserable at times. I could not have taken what he has been through. His inner strength is astonishing: he just takes it on the chin, with a smile. Through it all his love of cricket shines through.

Murali is a simple, humble man, but a beacon of hope for the whole of Sri Lanka. I have never met a man so honest and willing to speak his mind, a trait that has created misunderstanding at times. But he cannot be silenced when confronted with injustice. He has a basic goodness and humanity that is inspiring. For Murali, caste, class, ethnicity or faith is irrelevant - we are all equals. His life - the exploits on the field, his resilience in the face of intense provocation, his natural kindness and generosity, his remarkable charity work with The Foundation of Goodness - evokes a powerful spirit of reconciliation for a polarised nation. He has taken much from the game of cricket, but he has given back so much to our society. More than any other public figure in Sri Lanka, he stands apart, a source of joy on the cricket field, an example to us all and an answer to the ethnic conundrum we face in Sri Lanka.

Through all the troubles, the drama and controversies, Murali has emerged victorious. He has never allowed his spirit to wane and has always played the game fair. He will always be remembered for being Murali. Perhaps the greatest tribute I can pay him is that the number of friends he has made around the world is far greater the number of wickets he has taken.
© Cricinfo

Thambyah Murugaser
Henry Francis Muttukrishna
Adigar A Naganather
Naleem Hajiar

Dr Andreas Nell 1864-1956
Born: 3 May 1864, son of Louis Nell
Primary Education at Matara, Secondary Education at Trinity College, Kandy
Medical College in 1882, LMS 1887, House Surgeon 1887-1889
Demonstrator Anatomy, Medical College, Colombo
University College, UK and served at Charing Cross Hospital, Royal London Opthalmic Hospital, 1904, MRCS, UK
Victoria Memorial Eye Hospital, 1905, Retir3ed 1924
Student of Ancient & Modern Art, History & Archealogy, Anthropoloy, Ethnology
QC, Journalist, Architect, Member Royal Asiatic Society - RAS (CB)
Campaigned for establishment of residential UniversityConferred LLD (Hon Causa)
Member, University Council
Works: The Portrait of a Kandyan Queen, Style of Ancient Architecture, Some Trees & Plants of Mahavamsa, Stories of Kandy
Passed Away: 22 Jan 1956

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Arasi Marikar Wapchi Marikar 1829-1925
About the year 1016 A.D., a few Arabs, among whom were expert physicians and master masons, settled in Ceylon. One of them was called Sheikh Fareed. They were welcomed by the natives and settled themselves in different vocations. Their history was maintained orally until about the year 1770. In the "Thombu" of 1770 (the Government record), there is reference to one Paridoe. It is a custom of the Muslims to carry the name of theor ancestors in the line of genealogy and this Paridoe is the name carried from Sheikh Fareed.

There lived a wealthy lady, possessiung vast extents of land at Ambagahawatte, in the lineage of this Fareed. When she passed away, Arasi Marikar Wapchie Marikar, was the heir left behind to inherit this property.

After collecting his own share, Arasi Marikar Wapchie Marikar bought the shares of several other heirs of this land and donated a portion of it to build a mosque and later built another mosque called the Fareed Thakkiya. He had started off his career as an apprentice working under expert builders. His flair for Islamic architecture can be seen in the many arches used in his architecture. He mastered the building profession and undertook the erection of buildings independently as a building contractor.

So long as brick and mortar endure his name will be long remembered as the builder of the General Post Office in Colombo, the Colombo Museum, Colombo Customs, Old Town Hall in Pettah, the Galle Face Hotel, Victoria Arcade, Finlay Moir building, the Clock Tower, Batternburg Battery etc. The Old Town Hall in Pettah, which is now a busy market, was built on a contract for the sum of 689 Streling Pounds.

In January 1877, the completed building of the Colombo Museum was declared open by His Excellency, Governer Gregory, in the presence of a large crowd, amongst which there were many Muslims present. At the end of the ceremony His Excellency asked Arasi Marikar Wapchi Marikar what honour he wished to have for his dedication. The same question was asked by His Excellency from the carpenter who assisted Wapchi Marikar with the wood work of the Museum who desired a local Rank and was honoured accordingly. Wapchi Marikar, noticing the large number of Muslims present, feared that they would spend their time at the Museum on Friday during the Islamic congregation prayer, and requested that the Museum be closed on Fridays. This request has been adhered to by all authorities in charge of the Museum to this day.

When the throne of the last Kandyan King was to be exhibited at the Museum, the then Prime Minister, Mr. D.S.Senanayake, obtained the consent of Sir Razik Fareed, Wapchi Marikar’s grandson, to keep the Museum open on the intervening Fridays only.

Endowed with wealth, Wapchi Marikar contributed to the development of his communities wefare, religious, economical, social, and educational needs and searched for more avenues and opportunities to help them in every way possible. He resided in the vicinity of Marakkala Palliya Watta, the present Maradana Mosque grounds and patronized the mosque. His family residence was acquired by the state for railway extensions thus compeling him to build a large house at Vauxhall Street where he moved in subsequently. He continued to contribute towards the development of the Maradana Mosque by being a prominent member of the congregation. He also joined hand with and financed M.C.Siddi Lebbe, from Kandy, who started the Muslim educational movement in 1880.

Siddi Lebbe, in his "Asrarul A’lam" on page 199 writes,

"I have two friends in Colombo, one who takes great interest in educational matters, opening up schools and spending liberally his money is Arasi Marikar Wapchi Marikar philanthrophist, who comes forward to spend in all good causes. The other is Ghulam Mohiyadeen Sahib Bahauddin of Tanjore (Kashwat Alim)".

Wapchi Marikar and Siddi Lebbe set about looking for a place to establish a school for the Muslims and eventually selected the abandoned portion of the Maradana Mosque grounds. Since Wapchi Marikar was, at that time, the Vice President of the Management Committee of the Maradana Mosque, he urged the committee to grant a lease of the land in order to build the school.

A society, called the "Jamiyathul Uloom" (Muslim Educational Society) was thus formed.
Wapchi Marikar, at his own cost, erected a building for the school and also built four houses that would be rented and the income utilized for the maintenance of the institution.

During this period, Wapchi Marikar was involved in the construction of Masjid-E-Careem at 4th Cross Street, Pettah, for Carimjee Jafferjee. At his request Jafferjee contributed money for an additional building at the Maradana Mosque grounds for the cause of Muslim education.

When the Kuppiyawatte burial grounds was given to the Muslims (Crown grant 3325 dated 18-8-1879), a condition was laid down by the Government that a boundary wall must be erected within three years of that date. The Mussalman’s United Assembly had insufficient funds and approached Wapchi Marikar who negotiated with Careemjee Jafferjee for building the wall in exchange for a portion of land for use of burial of the dead of the Borah community.

When the Muslims of Ketawallamulla needed a mosque they approached Wapchi Marikar who bought a house at Clifton Lane and converted it into a mosque. A.L.M. Meera Lebbe Marikar, who lived opposite the mosque, was made the Trustee. M.L.M. Ahmed, JP of Ahmed Brothers, 3rd Cross Street, Pettah, is the son of A.L.M. Meera Lebbe Marikar.

The school building was finally completed and Madarasahul Zahira ( Zahira College) began to function. Arabi Pasha conducted the opening.

The houses constructed for the purpose of revenue for running the school were acquired by the government in 1906. Using the compensation received from the acquisition, Wapchi Marikar built a row of houses facing Darley Road, presently T.B.Jayah Mawatha.
Wapchi Marikar was also the Treasurer and Manager of the Colombo Muslim Educational Society.

In 1907, Wapchi Marikar was relieved of the burden of management and Advocate Abdul Cader was appointed as Manager of Zahira College. However, Abdul Cader had to relinquish his position on account of relocating himself to Batticaloa in the Eastern Province.

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Dr K D Garvin Wimalaratne

Major General Vijaya Wimalaratne
Major General Vijaya Wimalaratne was educated at Royal College, Colombo and joined the Army as an Officer Cadet in August 1962. He commenced his career as an Officer in the Army on 1st August 1963 on completion of training at the Indian Military Academy. He returned after a Jungle Warfare Course in Malaysia and was assigned with the task of conducting the Jungle Warfare phase for Officer Cadets. His competency and application of the subject to the local scenario made the training very interesting.

He used to trek the jungles of Buttala, Wellawaya and Ampara in search of training areas and his description of the bush jungle as ‘Podi Singho Marang’ were some aspects which still remain in my mind. Sometimes he was called ‘Ka`la` Kumaraya’ since the jungle appeared to be his home He also introduced training on Fighting in Built up Areas and anti-terrorist operations to the Army. During his colourful career he raised the 1st Battalion

The Gajaba Regiment. He nurtured, trained and guided the Officers and the Men and made the battalion an effective fighting unit. The nucleus he created in the battalion became a catalyst and the performance of the Gajaba Battalion later is ample testimony of his leadership and vision. During ‘Op Liberation’ in 1987 he commanded 3 Brigade in the first ever two Brigade operation launched in the history of the Sri Lanka Army. He was holding the appointment of Deputy Security Forces Comd Jaffna.

Meticulous planning of operations and attention to detail were his strong points and he taught and guided his staff to achieve the same standards. He played a major role in ‘Op Balavegaya’ (link up with Elephant Pass). He was bold and daring and whenever an incident occurred in Jaffna he used to get some troops from his battalion and proceed to the area to assess the situation. On one occasion, some claymores had been exploded on the Idaikkadu road in Jaffna and with casualties.

It was around dusk and light was fading. He had immediately taken his command vehicle which was a Buffel, gathered some troops and proceeded to the scene. Since there was an element of risk involved had to pursue with additional troops. He acts instinctively at times thus making his staff fear for his safety though he unknown to us has taken adequate security precautions without only fuss.

The staff work of Maj Gen Wimalaratne was meticulous. His method of maintaining records and data with accuracy are still being followed. His influence over the staff Officers enabled them to learn and progress. He was a hard taskmaster and set high but achievable standards. With his personal guidance and personal touch he was able to obtain the best from his staff. His final appointment was Comd Security Forces Jaffna. His vision and dedication were a sources of inspiration to others. Planning and execution of operations was his forte and he led upfront. His presence in the front and his leadership were motivating factors which led to his success in operations. He had a firm belief that proper logistical planning is essential for successful operations. Therefore he always ensured that logistic plans were make in detail and that resources were in place prior to launching of operations. Being a well disciplined and dedicated Officer and Gentleman he expected the same from those serving under him. He was firm, friendly and fair. Those under him responded positively and gave him their wholehearted support since then were inspired by his leadership and had confidence that he had the staying power and courage to ensure that any assignment given to him would be successfully completed.

He always made it a point to recognize good performance and place on record by way of commendations for future reference. Being deployed in operational areas for a long duration he had to sacrifice time with his family. His wife Manel therefore had to bring up the children. Her devotion and support enabled him to carry on with the campaign to eradicate terrorism and bring about peace to Sri Lanka.

On 8th August 1992 when he was Security Forces Comd Jaffna whilst accompanying Lt Gen Kobbekaduwa on a mission in Kayts he laid down his life for the Country. On this day the Army and the Nation lost a Leader, a Warrior, a true patriot and a son of the soil. Manel and the children lost an admired and loving husband and a father. The Army remembers Maj Gen Vijaya Wimalaratne today as one of its greatest warriors and respected Officers who laid down his life whilst fighting in a campaign to safeguard the Country and its people.

Winter
Yasmin Zarook

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