Appreciations
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The
unforgettable Kalu Appu Ben Fernando (as he was well known) was a man of substance. In 1983, I met Ben for the first time inside a church hall in Kilburn, northwest London, during rehearsals of Dr. Ediriweera Sarachchandra’s play ‘Elova Gihin Melowa Ava’ produced by Namel and Malini Arts. Ben acted the role of the village headman (Ralahamy) and I happened to be the beggar in the play. During the three consecutive shows at the Tricycle Theatre in northwest London Ben captured the audience exhibiting his talents in acting, by projecting a deep and forceful tone — a tone he developed especially for the role to say, mage nama Kalu Appu (My name is Kalu Appu). Ben impressed me as a man of many talents. He proved his intellectual capacity not only by obtaining a basic Sri Lankan degree in Sinhala from Peradeniya University, but by becoming a student of the world throughout his life while choosing a noble career as a teacher from Sri Lanka, which he continued with vigour in England. He expanded his intellectual base further in the UK by obtaining a Master’s Degree from the University of London. At one point in his life, he seemed ‘marooned’ in thought, and decision-making became an important issue which was going to affect his well-settled lifestyle in the UK. The post of principal at his alma mater, Wesley College, Colombo had fallen vacant and he was inspired to give his services, as a pay back for the education he received in Sri Lanka. With the requisite qualifications and the vast experience he had for the job, with the backing of his degree in Sinhala and command of the Sinhala language from his preaching for the Methodist church, he felt quite comfortable at the thought. However, it was not a simple decision to make to settle down in Sri Lanka in a completely different working environment after getting used to a British model. He knew the implications but was determined ‘to have a go at it’, and finally he did so quite successfully. He had many plans in store to develop his alma mater particularly in the areas of sports and drama along with education of course, which he successfully achieved during his five-year tenure as Principal of Wesley College. With diverse and conflicting interests and interference from many groups ranging from students, teachers, the Methodist Church and particularly the old boys, he soon realised he was confronted with a difficult challenge from his own people as opposed to his experience in London school surroundings. At the end of five years, he decided to throw the towel in and get back to London, once again to everyone’s disappointment. In a relaxed London atmosphere, he occupied himself again in social work and sharpening his career potential by successfully completing a Philosophy Degree in Education from the University of London, even during his proverbial final lounge in life, to become Dr. N.A.B.Fernando. His patriotic qualities had no bounds. Having seen the vacuum created by the lack of help and assistance to his fellow Lankans in England from the so-called government institutions that were supposed to extend a helping hand, Ben initiated an association to assist his compatriots calling it the Association of Sri Lankans in the UK. As the founder of this Association, he went hammer and tongs to help thousands of Sri Lankans who had problems connected with resident visas, welfare, educational and employment problems. His resolve to propagate and maintain Sri Lankan traditions and culture made the Association of Sri Lankans in the UK celebrate the Sinhala and Tamil New Year on an annual basis where the young generation of Sri Lankans were made to understand their cultural and traditional values by making them participate, in traditional activities. Ben
would have been the most happiest to see the Association of Sri
Lankans in the UK, celebrating its 40th anniversary, this year,
but it was not to be. In his last attempt he was over 65, an age where one is written off as a pensioner in Sri Lanka. Ben had a magnanimous heart. He lived a simple and uncomplicated life. He believed strongly in Sinhala cultural traditions and values and helped his fellow beings, especially those who were in a helpless situation in a foreign country where official institutions could not perform. He was not just a Christian by name or birth, but dedicated his services to God by becoming a preacher amidst his other busy schedules in life. The loss of this dear soul, social worker, intellectual, holy preacher, beloved husband, loving and caring father, good friend and most of all this jewel of a man, is only beginning to hit us while we shed a silent tear. The loneliness and vacuum he left in all our hearts will never be filled. The only consolation is that he has gone back to his Creator, to be in a better place, a more suitable and comfortable environment to reap all the benefits and grace out of what he had sowed in this life as a kind, compassionate and, most of all as an understanding human being. Every
time I think of Dr. Ben Fernando I see him in a sarong, up to the
knee wearing a black coat, a prominent moustache, a neatly fixed
half moon comb on his head waving a black umbrella and saying with
a rough voice, Mage Name Kalu Appu. Dr. Tilak S. Fernando A social
worker and guiding light He was the founder president of the National Council of YMMA, Maligawatte and founder secretary of the All Ceylon YMMA Conference. Haji Lafir Cassim was the Vice Patron of the Sri Lanka Islamic Society and Trustee of the Maligawatte Jumma Mosque until his death. He helped Muslim education in many ways. Lafir Haji was a Mukkadam of the Shazuliya Thareeqa and he never missed Thareeqa activities or any other social and religious activities in the Maligawatte area. He always advised and guided the youths and their social service organizations, encouraging them to engage in social service activities. It would have been good if the Board of Management of the National Council of YMMA, Maligawatte had named a hall "Lafir Cassim Auditorium" before his death. After my father's death, Lafir Haji recommended my name as a secretary of the Maligawatte Jumma Mosque. The Maligawatte Jumma Mosque is the oldest Mosque in the Maligawatte area. May
Almighty Allah grant him "Jennathul Firdhouse with the Shaffath
of our Prophet Muhammed (Sal) " Ameen. M. Ruzaik Farook She
gave hope to the unloved and lonely She was a soft spoken, kind and gentle lady, who had a heart full of love for everyone especially for those undergoing hardships in life, who were unloved and lonely, and financially down. She went out of her way to help them and ease their burdens. I met her in Church at the Calvary Centre, Jaela and knew her for over 15 years. She was a tower of strength to me. More than being my friend, she was a mother to me, and I will never forget her. On September 25, last year, she celebrated her 84th birthday with a prayer meeting at her home, which was well attended by all her friends who loved her. Though she was feeling weak and tired, she was all smiles and thanked each and everyone of us who were there to wish her. She had courage and strength to face life, which God had abundantly blessed her with. Even when she lost her son Angelo (Lt. Col. Angelo Pieris who died in action some years back), her faith in the Lord, helped her to get through this crisis. I have yet to meet a gracious and compassionate lady as Aunty Pieris, as she was always there for many of us whenever we wanted solid, spiritual advice to face situations in our lives. She prayed with us when we went to her, gave us to eat and drink, made us comfortable in her home and she used to tell us to "wait upon the Lord for his guidance", which worked miracles as her prayers were answered. Her smile and concern eased many people's heartaches as she was always ready to help anyone in distress. The Bible says, "faith without work is dead", and that "love has to be shown in actions", and Aunty Pieris truly lived this life by showing her love in actions and deeds. Her life has been a shining example to all of us and if we follow in her footsteps, our lives will be enriched too. We all saw the fruits of the spirit of love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance (Galatians 5: 22, 23) in her life, as she put into practice what was preached in church. Sharma
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