ISSN: 1391 - 0531
Sunday, October 08, 2006
Vol. 41 - No 19
 
 
Plus

A man so generous with his knowledge, life and time

~ Lakshman Devakumar Ranasinghe

By OPA President D. Lakdasa Taldena

Ranasinghe Mudiyanselage Lakshman Devakumar Ranasinghe was born in Katugastota in 1949. He lived a remarkable life, one that inspired me.

His adventurous attitude, broad range of interests and his happy demeanour made him a wonderful person to know and associate with. He carried the stamp of patience, and was generous with his time and affection.

He always took an interest in the people he met. He was all out to help those who sought his assistance. Despite his own views on politics, he would help those from diverse backgrounds, political and religious affiliations.

At the OPA, he held the post of secretary on four occasions in 1989, 1991, 2000 -, and finally in 2005 till his death. He served as its Vice President in 2004. He served as the Editor of OPA publications in 2001. He was at all times, elected without contest, an endorsement by the membership of his enormous capacity for work. At the forthcoming Annual General Meeting, which was to take place after his tenure of his current office, he had offered his candidature for the post of President-elect, and I am certain he would have walked-in uncontested.

He had a new vision for the OPA, which he shared with us.

He was a great athlete. At Royal, he excelled in boxing. After he left school, he continued to support the cause of athletics.

The discipline he acquired in sports, he translated into thoughts and words in Courts of Law, and thus emerged as one of the more successful lawyers in the country. At the time of his death he was at the height of his powers. To his credit, he succeeded at the Bar against great odds.

He was philosophical in his approach to life. He especially had a great perspective when it came to the little things, never displaying anger or impatience. Instead, he showed dignity and humour. He extended this philosophy no matter what obstacle he faced.

The strength of his character showed even in criticism. With a few wry words, he could achieve so much without resorting to any strong language.

We will miss the news of his adventures; the stories of his schooldays, his trips abroad; stories of his children, whom he loved so dearly and his old friends; and his experiences in the Law Courts; stories he told again and again, in the same exacting detail with every telling.

We will miss his perspective and gentle humour. We will miss the surprising depth and scope of his knowledge. We will miss the warmth he extended to everyone he met.

We will treasure his memory forever.

 
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Copyright 2006 Wijeya Newspapers Ltd.Colombo. Sri Lanka.