| Appreciations |
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| Grateful
for everything they did for us
I came to know both of them in 1974, when I went to see their daughter, Shirani for the first time at their home. They are my wife's mother and father, parents of a son, two daughters and grandparents of five. My mother- in- law was a great lady who spent most of her time on her children, helping them in every possible way. She loved singing, sewing and cooking. She was a perfect housewife and good mother. She always treated me as her own son. She had a great desire to see her daughter, my wife, build a house at Nawala, her native land. I made her wish come true, but unfortunately she passed away before seeing it happen. It was a sudden and peaceful death in 1992. My father-in-law was born to a well- known family in Kamburupitiya, Matara. His father was then a "Muhandiram". He was the sixth in a large family. He was educated at St. Servatius College, Matara and did his higher studies at St. Joseph's College, Colombo. Later he joined the Ceylon Railway. He served for many years as a Station Master in many stations in Sri Lanka. He was loved, respected and held in high esteem by all who knew him. He never sought fame, but was popular with all those around him. When he retired, he was a First Class Station Master. I still can remember how his co-workers cried at his farewell party. He visited us twice in Italy. He loved to visit historical places and was lucky to see almost every important place in Italy. He never worried
about his age and climbed the Leaning Tower of Pisa with me. Though it broke his heart to see his wife go before him, he carried on and lived for another ten years. He left us in 2002 on the very same day his wife died ten years before. It was October 7. I am grateful for everything they did for us and for giving me a good wife. To mark the eleventh death anniversary of my mother-in-law and the first death anniversary of my father-in-law, Pirith and an alms giving will be held on October 10 and 11 at Nawala, their youngest daughter Anoja's place. May both of them attain the supreme bliss of Nirvana!
Ranjan Wijeyesekera A peacemaker,
he kept the Thomian spirit alive The youngest of three sons of a pastor, David was a towering figure, both in personality and height. Girls took a fancy to the handsome, sleek guy who spoke well and sang well. A regular church-goer, he taught English as a pastime. Born on October 15, 1978, he was laid to rest four days before his twentieth birthday on October 11, 1998. David kept the true Thomian spirit alive. Always friendly and carefree, he remained well above petty student rivalry, jealousies and insecurities. He was the "good cop" who paid with his life in the school premises by trying to reason between two rival groups. The peacemaker became the victim. He is gone forever, teaching us how futile student rivalries are. He cherished his College, his friends, his family and peers. He kept alive the true Thomian spirit of non-violence and comradeship. But he is no more. David was a beautiful spirit that was rare, and was not meant to be on this earth, for long. It is five years since he left us. The shock of it all overwhelms me still. It shook all of us; all his friends and the few of us who hung out together. David, you are a long lasting friend in our hearts.I will cherish your memories always.
Adheeb Thaheer ‘Appa’,
your void cannot be filled An only son of a traditional Hindu family from Chavakachcheri, educated at St. Joseph's College, he was an honest Police Officer with a golden heart, in the true sense of the word. Always full of joy and laughter, he lived his life to the fullest, and was adored by all his children, grandchildren, relatives, friends, fellow-officers and neighbours. Officials of the Police Hospital, doctors, nursing sisters and staff, admired him for his sincere, lovable and humble nature. Even after getting to know that he had no more than a few months to live, he was simply happy to have us around him and made minimal fuss over himself, so typical of Appa. We, as children, have fond memories of how secure we felt in his embrace, the kind compassion he exuded to all beings and the patience and courage shown during difficult times. He gave love in abundance and was a guiding star to us. He was a great man with a truly greater heart. He never spoke ill of others and everyone had a good word for him. The sense of
values he inculcated in us has been passed down to our children.
He had a great sense of hospitality; anybody who came to his home
at Ratmalana was never turned away without a tasty meal. Neighbours
who loved him for 32 years lament they will miss him playing the
piano and singing at the top of his voice. I, for one, can speak
for all his children. "Appa, we fervently hope and pray we
meet again, strongly bonded in love as 'father and children' in
this long journey of Sansara." Mayuri Jayasuriya Passage to eternal
life - Family members An
unforgettable sportsman of Kandy Hailing from a respectable and well known family in Kandy, M.E’s contribution to the field of sports was noteworthy. M.E's father, too, was known in sports circles as he skippered the Kingswood cricket team and was the goalie in the soccer team. Son M.E's career as a sports writer spanned over four decades since his days at the Times of Ceylon. An alumni of St. Sylvester's, M.E’s name will remain in the annals of the school's sporting events as he captained both the football and hockey teams. In the heydays of Sylvesterine boxing, M.E. was a good boxer and was also in the school Cadet Corps. Having left college, M.E. continued his cricketing prowess at club level, representing the Kandy Lake Club, Moors Sports Club, the Government Services XI, the Sinha Regiment and even playing against visiting foreign teams. Cricket fans will recall his pace bowling for The Times and The Ceylon Press XI, where he also delighted the crowds, hitting the bowlers with gay abandon, batting in the middle order. Soccer fans will recall his skilful playing for the Greenfield Sports Club, Kandy YMMA, Young Stars SC, Sinha Regiment Kandy, Saunders, Govt. Services and Times of Ceylon teams. It is said that Presidents J. R. Jayewardene and R. Premadasa admired this super sportsman and the latter had offered him a lift when M.E. was walking home. The late M.E. Marikar was helpful to all and sundry, especially to his sports colleagues. May God grant him Jennathul Firdous. - Len Ranjith Mahaarachchi |
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