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Appreciations

Unassuming man
Pioneer of modern Morawaka Korale

Unassuming man
Joseph Bernard Koelmeyer
Sunday, February 24 was a sad day for the Koelmeyer family both in Sri Lanka and Australia. On this day, Bernard answered God's call. He was 77 years and had the privilege of breathing his last, while reading the good news of the Lord during mass. He died as he lived in peace without a struggle, for his life had always been without friction and conflict.

Bernard was an unassuming person. In times of danger, distress or difficulty he would remain calm and unruffled. His dedication, commitment and selflessness as a serviceman was legendary. He was respected and admired by all those who came in contact with him. When he retired from the Navy, he held the rank of Lieutenant Commander. Later he worked for a short time at Millers in a senior position.

Religion played an important role in his family. He was a devout Catholic. He believed that "more things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of".

Bernard was actively involved in the work of the lay apostolate at St. Mary's Church, Dehiwela. He was a lay minister of the Eucharist and manager of the parish welfare shop.

Bernard was a devoted husband, loving father and affectionate grandfather.
Francis Vethanayagam

Pioneer of modern Morawaka Korale
M.D.Yapa
It is 20 years since the death of M.D. Yapa of Waralla, an illustrious son of Morawaka Korale in the south. The person whom the late MP Keerthi Abeywickrema described as the "Baas who made MPs" is still remembered with gratitude.

Born in 1904 in Akuressa, Mr. Yapa had his early education at St. Thomas, Matara and later obtained a Diploma in Agriculture from the School of Agriculture in Peradeniya. He decided to settle down in the picturesque village of Waralla where he ventured into planting tea and rubber.

He entered public life at the age of 29 by becoming Chairman of the Morawaka Village Council, which post he held for 16 years.

The schools he helped establish in Waralla, Horagala, Paragala and Alapaladeniya paved the way for a literate society in Morawaka Korale. New roads, new bridges and the attention paid to providing basic facilities to many villages helped establish links with towns.

It was on his initiative that the Darangala and Kalubovitiyana settlement schemes were created. The road which connects Morawaka through Kalubowitiyana to Neluwa (which now connects Matugama and Colombo) is a direct result of his foresight.
After obtaining state land, he established the Waralla Uttaragiri Viharaya and then turned his attention to the neighbouring Getabaruwa Raja Maha Vihara. Getabaru Vihara neglected because of its inaccessibility, rose to fame after a motorable road was cut and an annual Esala perahera was held.
S. Jayewardene
Morawaka Korale Peace Council

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