| Appreciations |
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| She
lived life to the fullest She was independent and lived separately, never inconveniencing her six children who are comfortably settled in life. However, her children were ever concerned and watchful. Widowed nearly
15 years ago, she lavished love and care on her children. The vast crowd that paid homage to her at the funeral is testimony to her being accepted as a special friend. Walter Fernando He took one
day at a time In the local political scenario prevailing today, he would have been in his element. He was a diehard green-man, politically and environmentally. He was close to nature and close to people. His attitude towards people with problems was God-like. He would calmly reassure anyone of us confronted with a problem and ease us of our burden. I have never heard him complaining about his own needs or wants. His needs and wants would be on behalf of others. He never dwelt on the past, never spoke of material losses, but always lived one day at a time . He had a way with children. I remember how he gave my son a pipe to puff on, when he used to imitate him. He was a pillar of strength to his family and I wondered how Aunty Clare, Viraj and Akki would manage without him. I was amazed how his strength had a trickle-down effect that enabled them to sort out life's trials and tribulations single-handedly. Uncle Nanda, to me, you have been a source of strength and encouragement. Though you were born a Buddhist, and I a Christian, to me you were more of a Christian than I am. Thishan An outstanding
teacher After retirement, he met Maharishi Yogi, which opened a door to spiritual life. He became a master of meditative development, its theory and practice and was in great demand as a teacher and lecturer. He travelled to Geneva and Kenya and worked with zeal. Many youth trained by him are now on scholarships abroad. In recognition of his excellent work he was appointed Regional Director by Maharishi Yogi. A noble soul, affable and open-hearted, he was an outstanding teacher, who will be missed by many. If the first half of life was achievement and the second half the search for inner power, then here was a man who was an integrated human being, an example to others. May he be blessed with Moksha!
Pavalam An
unsung DRO hero Though he never engaged in politics, many were the politicians he associated with. But he did not ask or beg for any favours for himself. The likes of Dudley Senanayake, M.D. Banda, Charley Kannangara, Victor Ratnayake, Shirley Corea were his contemporaries. The Rev. Buddharakkhitha with Wimala Wijewardena visited him often at the Mirigama official bungalow for a meal, which his blind sister used to put on the table so well prepared. He dedicated his life to looking after his sister who he believed became blind due to his folly while playing in the yard when they were small. The planters of Deniyaya remember him for his loud laughter at the club. He was no sportsman of repute but would never miss a good rugby, cricket or tennis match. He hated the din of big matches. His family
was once horrified to find that he had gone for the Havelocks-CR
match from the Barney Raymond's Parlour during the funeral of his
father. That was Lal. In his young days at Trinity, winning the Nel Prize for Literature, he boxed the ears of E.L. Senanayake who later became Mayor, politician and senior minister. M.D.H. Jayawardena was a contemporary of his who came to his rented house to ask for votes, only to be told that he had not voted for anyone in his life. Then they would both have a chat about the old days at Trinity. Working as a clerical hand at the Foreign Office during the British era, he came first in the Civil Service Examination and became the youngest DRO. At University College he participated in the first ever campus strike but ended up with an Honours Degree from London and assisted others too in their studies. It was no surprise to see Lal, clad in khaki shorts, socks and hat, directing operations to rescue an elephant stuck in the mud at the Weeravila tank. Be it at the Wildlife Protection Society, the Space Study Club, the Automobile Association or Ole Simion's Press Club those days, he was the livewire at many discussions. Serving in Hakmana, a dangerous area then frequented by thugs, he assisted the police to bring to book many a crook. He died unsung at the Akuressa Hospital.May he have eternal rest. Sunil Jayatunga A comet glittered
in our family Led a graceful
life, Three years
back, Hemamala Sangakkara In memory of
a loving father Your courage and devotion was exemplary. I still think of the wonderful time we shared, talking and laughing. At times I hear your deep voice chanting Sathipattana sutra at the crack of dawn. Often your chanting was the alarm for us to start a new day. Sometimes you were like a mischievous schoolboy, befriending anyone, in any age group and talking and arguing with anybody. You helped the poor and the sick. - Loving Daughter |
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