Appreciations
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There
was always fun and laughter when she was around She was vibrant, full of energy and so much fun - almost to the point of embarrassment. As many of her friends would unhesitatingly say, “there was never a dull moment when Carmen was around”. Both Carmen and Rezano had been associated with the travel and hospitality industry. Coupled with their own personalities, they were indeed most gracious and unstinting hosts. I
recall stories related by some Sri Lankans who travelled to the
Mid East in their early days seeking greener pastures. Many of them,
especially those who found themselves in difficult situations, were
nurtured and looked after by the Rajaps until they were able to
move on. Such was the hospitality and benevolence of this couple.
Carmen was surrounded by love from her husband and two lovely children
Sean and Melissa, and indeed that love was a great source of comfort
to her in those last days and months of her incapacitation. Herman Gunesekera She
faced the world with courage fuelled by love You
are a child of God. Your playing small doesn’t serve the world. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others." -Marrianne Williamson I have always held that inspiring message by Marrianne Williamson close to my heart, but it wasn’t until Aunt Srimani passed away that I realized that I had been unconsciously watching this message being put into action through the example of her life. I know that she had always had the characteristic vivaciousness and vibrancy that befalls the youngest of three girls, but I think what really made her so enigmatic was the strength and resolve that simmered behind her beauty. She had that heady mix of grace and charm when she walked into a room and I am certain that it was this, coupled with her strength that propelled Uncle Lalith to make sure that he was around her for the rest of his life. Although many would speak of her beauty, it was her courage that made her so memorable. She had the type of courage that allows you to share your ideals with others; the courage to stay true to your vision. And there are some that may call her vision too idealistic, but I think she truly believed that if a person was given the freedom to think, act and be master of their own destiny, that they would not only become leaders themselves, but would inspire everyone around them to rise up and find the inner strength that exists in all of us. I think Mark Twain said it best when he observed, “Courage is not the lack of fear. It is acting in spite of it.” For it takes strength to defy convention when it isn’t ‘fashionable’ to do so. Those who knew her knew that she was never afraid to speak her mind or to mind the retaliation when she did. She wasn’t afraid to push the people who surrounded her to think more, act better and feel stronger. Hers was a message of awareness as much as it was about being strong. The type of awareness that advocates waking up to chances that needed to be taken, paving roads that needed to be travelled on in future generations, and being fearless when you are feeling the most fearful. For losing a husband didn’t stop her. Betrayals and criticisms didn’t faze her. And the daunting tasks that lay in front of her didn’t shake her. She extolled action. And though some may have not understood some of the stands she chose to take, her biggest asset was her belief in the possible.If I were to choose a motto that she lived by, it would be this…. “Don't bother just to be better than your contemporaries or predecessors. Try to be better than yourself.” But she also profoundly understood that courage is fuelled primarily through love. That while being loved by someone gives you strength; it is only by loving someone else that courage is mastered. And it was love that really mattered most to her. And using love in unconventional ways was her gift. She was not the type of person who would gush or give praise loudly. She gave of herself quietly but profoundly. Be it by finding a job for someone who may not have had many chances of finding one themselves, or by making education available to a promising young mind, or by merely giving advice to someone who might have been encountering a fork in their lives, she opted to give freely of her advice and views and expected the recipients to use that advice to benefit themselves. She understood that opinions are meant to be shared and discussed; for what use are thoughts and ideals if they are not shared so they may be given a chance at finding a home in someone where they can be nurtured into action. For love need not only be the exuberance of an emotion but merely an action that is taken to better someone’s life. She also mastered the art of balancing work and play. For there was never a moment when she didn’t try to infuse her busy life with dance, music and laughter. She injected an infectious sense of play into every holiday –be it a birthday, Christmas or any other occasion that would warrant piano playing, hearty singing & lively discussions! And oh! how we will all miss those raucous Christmas carol parties she used to throw! The type of parties that brought together a gathering of young and old, with the only agenda being that you lift your spirits along with your voice!!! It was with song that she conveyed to the world that there is nothing that matters more in life than friends and family and in getting together and revelling in each other. So
although her name may not be read out of the great history books,
she left behind her a quiet legacy. A legacy that is engrained in
her daughter and all the people she touched along the way. Mine
included. -Niroshini Amerasekera In
the forefront of forging friendships and cultural ties He was the managing partner of Ernest and Young, the reputed multinational firm of chartered accountants in Sri Lanka. A competent chartered accountant, he was a much sought after advisor to many mercantile institutions. He was a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants and a B.Sc graduate. A council member for a considerable period of the Sri Lanka Institute of Chartered Accountants, he was also a Director of the D.F.C.C. Bank representing the interests of a German investor. I came to know Gemunu when he was the President of the Sri Lanka German Friendship Society. I was the General Secretary. He held this position with much devotion and distinction for three years, and did much to promote friendship and cultural relations with Germany. The German Ambassadors held him in high esteem and used to consult him on various development projects, to improve the quality of life of the people of Sri Lanka. He was also an internationally reputed Rotarian and was the District Governor of the Rotary Club of Colombo. He was invited to attend many international Rotary conferences all over the world. An excellent orator he laced his speeches with wit and humour. He had an excellent command of the English language. At
the time of his death he was the incumbent President of the Sri
Lanka Thailand Friendship Society. He hosted all the Council meetings
at his residence at Gower Street, Colombo. The Ambassadors of the
Royal Thai Embassy, Minister, Counsellors and staff participated
at these meetings. His sudden demise is an unbearable loss not only to his wife, daughter and family members but all those who had the privilege of meeting him in some sphere of life. May he attain the supreme bliss of Nirvana. V.K.J.
Ramanayake |
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