Appreciations
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great doctor who lives in our hearts Dr. Attygalle was a brilliant clinician who talked little but did much for the suffering masses. From patients who could afford, he charged Rs. 50 on the first visit and Rs. 20 or Rs 10 thereafter. He treated the clergy of all faiths and the poor free. A0s one entered his clinic, one had the feeling that the doctor had already, to some extent, diagnosed one's ailment. When a patient went to him with the required reports, he, very often, had nothing more to prescribe other than what had already been prescribed. He was an extremely clever doctor with long and valuable years of experience. A doctor with ample knowledge! After Dr. Attygalle's demise, his residence at Castle Street -- where many, from all walks of life found solace - was, according to his wish, presented to the Y.M.B.A. to be used as a meditation centre for Buddhists. It is nothing but fair and right as a fitting tribute to this great son of Sri Lanka, to carry out his wish. Although he is no more, he lives in the hearts of all who know him and honour him. Dr. Attygalle was indeed a disciplined man. His exemplary life is something that most Buddhists should emulate. Today, monuments are erected for each and any person. But the saddest thing is that no monument has been erected in remembrance and appreciation of this great doctor's selfless service. I
owe a deep debt of gratitude to Dr. Attygalle for having looked
after my health and the health of some of my family members and
friends. There were instances when we were brought through from
the jaws of death, as it were. Man
behind Mahajana pola who put people first He was excellent in decision-making. When there was a shortage of essential items in the 1970s, he set up the Mahajana Pola at the Colombo Racecourse grounds. It was his untiring work as the Deputy Commissioner in the Marketing Department that contributed to the success of this pola. The concept was later introduced to other areas as well with people in remote villages being offered quality goods at reasonable prices and the department organizing the transport of goods to the pola. During his tenure as an Assistant Commissioner of Marketing in Nuwara Eliya, he worked hard to provide maximum benefits to vegetable growers in the upcountry. From 1979 to 1982, he served the Mahaweli community as the Deputy General Manager of the Mahaweli Development Authority. He was deeply concerned about the plight of the Mahaweli farmer and his efforts to rescue the farmer from the middleman knew no barriers. He and his team would arrive in the Mahaweli area with the rising sun before the middleman could reach the poor man's produce. The rulers of the country identified him as an excellent worker and made use of his services to the maximum. In 1982, he was appointed the Deputy Director, Ministry of Local Government Housing and Construction and, in 1986, the Commissioner of Local Government. He also held the posts of Additional Director, Urban Programme Unit and chairman, Central Environmental Authority. As the CEA chairman, he espoused a clear vision to protect the environment. He knew that his task was difficult and strongly believed that awareness was more important than the enforcement of laws to protect the environment. He believed that awareness should begin at an early stage and, took steps to educate pre-school and primary school teachers who could in turn educate the young. About 20,000 schoolchildren attended the launch of the awareness programme. Mr. Jinadasa wished to extend this message to housewives to make the protection of our environment a daily practice. Mr. Jinadasa was also a senior additional secretary to the President in addition to being the chairman of the State Timber Corporation and National Coordinator of the International Centre for Training of Rural Leaders in Embilipitiya. It was through sheer hard work and commitment that he handled the activities of the Presidential Mobile Service, a concept of late President Premadasa. Within one year of his appointment, the Timber Corporation was turned into a profit-making institution. He also held other responsible posts such as the director of the Water Resources Board, chairman of the Agricultural Authority, director of Gramodaya Mandalaya Fund and director of Lanka Electric Company (LECO). He looked after the Maha Sangha with devotion. When food was scarce, he made arrangements to send dry rations to the Dimbulgala Pirivena on a monthly basis. He also attended to the needs of the Sangha in Tantirimale and Aranthalawa, remote villagers bordering the war zone. Mr. Jinadasa studied agricultural marketing in Japan and Australia and was trained in community-based development by the World Bank. He also received training in local government and management in Germany, Britain and India. He utilized his knowledge to the maximum to serve the people of this country. He knew no politics. Not even his closest friends knew whether he voted for the blues, the greens or the reds. His only concern was to fulfill the tasks assigned to him to perfection. An honest, humble man from Kuliyapitiya and old boy of Sandalankawa Central College and St. Anne's College, Kurunegala, Mr. Jinadasa was indeed a man of rare calibre among administrators.
May he attain Nibbana! A family
man, he was always ready to help During that time, I saw and understood the values that guided Chrisantha. The value that stood uppermost in his life was that of family - his care and concern for those bound by ties of family. I was with him when he lost his father and I saw the depth of his feelings for him. To the last, he did all he could for his mother, seeing to her every need. With the sudden loss of his brother Lester, his main concern was what he could do for Tara and the children. The care and devotion for Pam and how, together they brought up Roshani, Gihan and Tusitha as honourable, caring and devoted people speak volumes. They will undoubtedly live up to his expectations and that would be his greatest satisfaction. We at Browns are aware of his meticulous approach and it was he who steered the company to meet the challenges of the 21st century. The Hatton National Bank grew from strength to strength under his stewardship. One of the most 'state-of-the-art' buildings in Asia stands tall as himself and will always be a monument to his ability to think big, plan and execute things that will stand the test of centuries. Fronting his own alma mater - St. Joseph's College - the building will be a constant reminder to the generations to come, of what perseverance and dedication can do. To his friends, Chrisantha was not a fair weather friend. Friendship to him meant reaching out a hand to those in need. His life is studded with incidents of people in dire distress being helped out by him. He fostered entrepreneurship, his only criteria being capability, rather than family connections. All this he achieved in his quiet unassuming manner, with never a request for any personal gain. Chrisantha was a friend to the youth. He guided my son in first using a camera and then throughout his career. Children of his friends were devastated by the loss of 'Uncle Chrisa'. Even I, who knew him well was taken aback to hear of the extent to which he has reached out to them even when they were many miles away. He cared for his employees and was accessible to all. The simple and gentle Chrisantha, caring for so many, comes your way but once in a lifetime. He will always remain in our hearts. May he rest in peace. Siri Fernando |
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