Appreciations
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legendary planter, he managed vast estates He was a perfectionist when it came to work and statistics and even when it came to fun and games. He would personally oversee all arrangements for the Southern Province Planters’ Annual Ball and Weekend and invite all the planters, their families and friends. Woe be unto any planter who failed to attend the dance. He would be promptly written to the day after the weekend and his explanation called for. Elmo conducted monthly meetings with his estate managers at his regional office complex at Walahanduwa, bordering a swimming pool, laid out lawns etc. This was an experience in itself as each plantation manager had to come fully prepared with his facts and figures and explanations for a drop in yield or escalation of costs etc. He was answerable for any flaws in his stewardship. He was struck down with cancer in 1987 but that was no barrier nor a reason to retire. He actively participated in the affairs of the SLSPC and worked for Minister Rupa Karunatillake at the JEDB Head Office at Vauxhall Lane, in Colombo. He continued to visit plantations and also looked after his own coconut plantation. Until early this year he used to drive his own car to his estate and spend a weekend there, administering to the various aspects of plantation management such as fertiliser applications etc. He also held the post of Chairman of the Coconut Growers’ Association. He led an active life until about April 2005, when he was troubled once again with severe pain and had to seek treatment. He weathered all storms and what held him in good stead throughout his long illness was his abiding and constant faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and Mother Mary to whom he was totally dedicated. He used to go to Galle for the weekly Novenas when he was manager at Talgaswella Group. Many are the occasions that he undertook to help church projects and one of his most recent projects was to assist the Parish Priest of the Hendala Church to repair the storm damaged church. Many are the occasions that he has assisted people with employment, especially during the period he was Chairman of the Southern Province of the SLSPC. It was just ten days ago that we visited him with a pizza and shared dinner with him and just five days later visited him at the intensive care unit and chatted with him. Elmo hailed from a famous plantation family from the south. The Abeyesunderes from Galle and Fred's Rhue and the De Silvas from Galle and Elpitiya. May the green, green grass of home, lie softly over my dear cousin and may the good Lord bless and keep him in His fold forever more… Nihal C.I. De Silva
His death reminds us of his glorious life Bertie was a quiet man, who spoke only when it was his turn; the words, spoken softly, were always carefully chosen and carried the weight of profundity. He was a self-effacing man who sought neither fame nor adulation, but only a quiet place to do his life's work. He was a beacon of integrity: his commitments were always met and his promises always kept. Bertie was from a distinguished legal family, whose members have contributed greatly to the legal traditions of Sri Lanka. He followed in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, both Crown Proctors of Kalutara, and entered the legal profession in 1959. He spent most of his professional life at De Silva and Mendis, the law firm founded by his uncles. He was senior partner for 36 years. His work very much reflected the man: uncompromising integrity, transparent honesty and kindness to everyone in need. His career was not marked by flamboyance, but by a quiet service to clients, that often exceeded all professional requirements. Whenever there was an emergency, so many people would turn to Bertie, and he never failed them. Bertie was a devoted husband and father. Throughout his 57 blessed years of marriage, he gave his wife undying love, respect and support. His two daughters and later, his grandchildren, were nurtured and moulded by his selfless love and gentle ways. To see Bertie with the family was to see him at his happiest. Surrounded by those he loved the most, his sharp wit and keen humour would bubble to the surface. The quiet man would often burst forth in a full-throated rendition of an Irish ballad in a duet with a grandson. His Roman Catholic faith played a large role in Bertie's life. He found special pleasure in the company of the clergy and in discourse on spiritual mattters. As in all other aspects of his life, he practised his religion in a quiet manner. He was always respectful of the faiths and observances of others. His religion was much more than attending Sunday mass; it was an attempt to live a life in imitation of Christ. A life eternal is one that in its earthly course touches and changes the lives of others. A life eternal is one in which its mortal end is of less importance than its glorious living. Such was Bertie's life. A faithful admirer
A life of dedicated and fruitful service to the Muslim
community Haji Lafir Cassim was a pioneer and founder member of the All Ceylon Young Men's Muslim Association conference (Y.M.M.A.). When the Y.M.M.A. conference was formed he became its founder secretary when its president was no lesser person than senator Haji A. M. A. Azeez, the first Muslim civil servant and former Principal of Zahira College, Maradana. He worked tirelessly along with senator Haji Azeez and other intellectuals to create a new generation of men worthy of the highest traditions of Islam and capable of the highest deeds to serve their country in every branch of modern life. His initial association was with the Maligawatte Jumma Mosque, Raulathus Shazulia Association and Maligawatte Y.M.M.A. These associations brought the youngsters of the Maligawatte area to the forefront of social, religious and cultural activities. He was the Secretary of the All Ceylon Y.M.M.A. conference from 1950 to 1952 throughout senator Haji A. M. A. Azeez's period as President of the Y.M.M.A. In 1957, he became the eighth President of the Y.M.M.A. conference succeeding veteran politician Al-Haj M. Falil A. Caffoor MP, prominent business entrepreneur Al-Haj M. A. Razak, former Principal of Zahira College S.M.H. Mashoor and veteran municipal councillor S.B.A. Hameed . Haji Lafir Cassim was solely responsible for starting the Maligawatte Y.M.M.A. in 1949 prior to the All Ceylon Y.M.M.A. conference at 179, Maligawatte Road at his residence which was also used as the headquarters to discuss matters relating to the Y.M.M.A. At the time of his death he was a patron of the National Council of Y.M.M.As of Sri Lanka and was also one of the trustees of the Maligawatte Jumma Mosque. He displayed his efficiency, honesty and integrity as a competent youth leader under the guidance of late senator A. M. A. Azeez to organize the activities of the Y.M.M.A. conference from its infancy. Mr. Cassim was also active in another voluntary organization "The Ceylon Baitul Mal Fund". This association provided him the opportunity to focus more on the needs of the poor such as providing scholarships to needy students, financing weddings of the needy, making provision for medical treatment etc. The people of Maligawatte remember him with gratitude for the numerous services he rendered to them. M. Fowzul Aleem Farook Till
we meet again Your
birthday fell on the eighteenth of May, I
always feel your presence and your warm embrace, All
I'm left with are golden memories & silver tears, Lilanthi
In our hearts you ever live *** Lal
Hemantha Wijewardhana *** You
were commanding a hundred *** But
that was not obeyed *** Those
brave sons, who brought you to Trinco *** Brave
sons, we worship you *** Darling
son, brother, nephew Malini Hettige
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