Appreciations
View(s):Doris Corea
A faithful and true friend to Sri Lanka
When Doris Corea of Neuwied, Germany died of cancer one year ago on August 3, 2013, Sri Lanka lost a faithful and true friend. Doris was married for almost 30 years to Sri Lankan-born Lester Corea. She was the daughter-in-law of Ambassador Ernest Corea, and Indra Corea, both of whom were former Sri Lankan journalists. Doris and Lester have two children, Carl and Sophie Corea.
Doris, a civil-servant and secondary school teacher in Germany, was always motivated by a desire to help the less privileged. Initially, she worked through EIRENE, a German NGO involved in development work. EIRENE focuses on projects promoting intercultural understanding, peace, and on fostering programmes helping communities to help themselves.
Taking unpaid leave, Doris joined EIRENE’s volunteer experience programme. Sir and Lady James Peiris Cheshire Home for the Handicapped and the Community Concern Society (CCS), both in Mount Lavinia, Sri Lanka accepted her offer of voluntary service.
Doris was known for her dedication, thoroughness, humour and caring, all of which characterised her preparation for and work with these two programmes. Before leaving for Sri Lanka, she learned to read, write and speak Sinhala. She continued to improve these skills during her almost two-year stay in Sri Lanka.
At the Cheshire Home, Doris used her artistic talents and teaching skills to help keep the residents active despite their difficulties. She additionally helped them keep mobile by arranging for local volunteers to take the residents to the beach or shopping along the Galle Road. Doris also organised special outings, such as visits to the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens and Kalutara Temple. She was most happy that she enabled a severely handicapped resident achieve his dream of experiencing a personal, behind-the-scenes tour of the Rupavahini Television Studios.
In addition to the Cheshire Home, she was involved from the early developmental stages with the Community Concern Society programme. CCS was established to meet the needs of a fishing village community nestled between Mt. Lavinia and Dehiwala. The initial assistance consisted of food distribution and hygiene improvement. She additionally assisted in shopping for the warm meal plan for the children of the village. She used Sinhala in all these endeavours.
CCS developed beyond a mere food distribution project and grew in a more educational direction; from sewing classes to homework assistance to aggression management. It was a direction right along Doris’ heart and she worked with the founders, Sriyani and Tom Tidball as well as Nelson and Chrishanthi Fernando to meet these goals.
During her free time, Doris took time to get to know the country and its culture, visiting temples, and even climbing Adam’s Peak. She also travelled to Kataragama to fulfil a vow on behalf of a handicapped resident of the Cheshire Home.
She repeatedly said of her stay in Sri Lanka, that it was one of the most wonderful times of her life, in which she felt a real sense of purpose, and that Sri Lanka taught her to live and be content with simplicity. She never wore a watch during her time there.
She was so involved with the two programmes she worked in, that when her assignment ended and she returned to Germany she founded an initiative called “Friends of Sri Lanka”, to further assist these programmes. Friends of Sri Lanka focused especially on fund raising for educational programmes run by CCS. Doris believed firmly that education is the key to getting out of poverty. Later, her initiative also supported a group of schoolgirls from the Evelyn Nurseries by assisting them to attend HIllwood College, Kandy.
Doris met Lester Corea in Sri Lanka and after marriage joined him in Canada, before they moved to Germany where they established roots and a family.
She was diagnosed with cancer in Germany and had a long battle with the disease. Through her ups and downs, Doris showed tremendous dignity and courage in the face of adversity saying, “I don’t live for the disease but I live with it.” After her illness, Doris retired from active teaching, continued her work with Friends of Sri Lanka and learned to play the saxophone. She also held several one-person art exhibitions. Her first art exhibition was dedicated to Sri Lankan themes. Her own Christian faith as well as the prayers and thoughts of family and friends of various religious faiths gave her immense strength and support.
Doris was a selfless human being, filled with goodness. She believed that if one spread love and goodness, love and goodness would be returned, a belief that was substantiated by the outpouring of loving and thoughts and condolence for the family, from around the world.
Doris Corea left the world on August 3, 2013 but her spirit and her memory will always live on as she did: embracing life.
-Elisabeth Freise
DR. C.S.S. DE SILVA
My other father
I have been blessed with the best, greatest uncles in the world. They are everything a nephew could ask for – strong, avuncular, clever, and characterful. Sadly, they are not immortal. Three months ago, I lost one of the very best.
To say that I was close to Dr. Suranjan De Silva is to put it mildly. He was husband to my aunt Shirantini, known and beloved far and wide as Pudding. Together, they were such an integral part in my life, and so high in my affections, that I saw them as another father and mother. So I began to call them Thava Thaththi and Thava Ammi. That is what I call them to this day, because it has always felt appropriate.
As I got older, my Thava Thaththi became firmly established in my league of super uncles as the Cool One. He had this sense of detachment, a way of staying above the fray but somehow still enjoying the whole ridiculousness of it all. He could overcome any crisis, challenge or melodrama with a minimum of fuss and a quiet bemused smile.
Then there were his many cool interests. Back in the day, he was the one who was fond of cool sports cars, jazz records and SLR cameras with long zoom lenses. He was the one who designed and built his own house complete with a rocking indoor garden. He was the avid life-long sportsman who became the Captain of the Royal Colombo Golf Club. He was the one who was completely at ease in the digital age, never letting the world pass him by. One my last conversations with him involved iPads, wireless networking and cloud computing.
Adding to his mystique was the fact that, for the longest time, I had no idea what he did for a living. He was said to be a doctor, but who were his patients? It was only later I came understand that he was a distinguished public servant, eventually serving as the Chief Medical Officer of Colombo. His remit was the health and well-being not of mere individuals, but of a whole teeming metropolis.
But where he showed his most exemplary qualities was as a husband, a father, and a grandfather. He was never conspicuous with his emotions, but his immense love for family was always in plain view. I knew him all my life, and I seldom ever saw him without his wife by his side. They were a sociable couple with a wide circle of friends and relatives, but it was evident even to strangers that they cherished each other’s company above all else.
He may have been my Thava Thaththi, but he was Thaththi to my cousins Hiranthi and Deepthi. He was not unusual in having that special bond that so many fathers have with their daughters. He had endless time for them. He was never happier than when he was with them. His uninhibited affection for them would reveal the great tenderness that lay beneath that cool reserve.
Where he was an unusual father was the respect with which he treated his daughters. He never spoke down to them, never patronized them. He gave them the space to express themselves, to pursue their adventures and ambitions, to become strong independent women. But he was always there for them when they needed his wisdom, strength and love. “My rock,” as Deepthi says, “my anchor”.
Later in life, he turned his attentions to his grandson Praveen with much the same devotion, but perhaps with an added measure of joy coming from finally having another man in the clan. Sharing many common interests including golf, they were well and truly buddies – a hallowed status that only a special few grandfathers can ever hope to achieve.
Dr. Suranjan De Silva lived his life on his own terms, and he lived it well. He had strong ethics and principles which he never compromised. He bent his world to his will not with brashness or aggression, but with quiet poise, dignity and his own distinctive brand of compassion. For me, he represented a kind of ideal – a real man and a true gentleman. But above all that, he was not just my uncle. He was my Thava Thaththi. My other father.
-Rajiv Wirasinha
Dr. Sinha Dewapura
An innings well played
Four months short of his 90th birthday, he bid farewell. He ended a magnificent innings in style. A unique human being, poised and collected in every manner. A rare gentle man, stately and supreme, calm and tranquil –that was my Thaththa. No more adjectives needed to describe him. Sinha, to his family and friends; Dr. Dewapura, to colleagues and patients.
His strongest quality was his unassuming manner and calmness, in every situation. Always cheerful and light hearted, nothing stressed him. He took on life’s challenges in his own stride and style. He was respected for his quiet and gentle dignity and admired for this truly amazing quality.
He lost both parents at a very early stage. His elder siblings were his guiding light till he entered medical college. He was a senior Cadet in the St. Peter’s College contingent from 1943 to 1946, during which time he worked with characteristic energy, enthusiasm and punctuality. He attended camp in Diyatalawa five times, and in 1945 was Lance Sergeant of the St Peter’s platoon, which won the Herman Loos Cup.
He chose his career very early in life, passing out as a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery from the University of Ceylon, in 1955. His first assignment as a Relief Medical Officer was in Colombo, followed by that of House Officer at the Castle Street Hospital for Women. Subsequently he assumed duties as House Officer in Kalutara Hospital. I am proud to state that he conducted his duties with extreme diligence, and served his patients with much care and concern. Many are those who remember how comforting it was to have him attend to them, during critical surgery.
As tradition prevailed in the past, in the late ‘50’s, he was introduced to a beautiful young lady student in medicine, Dayamal. His charm and charisma would have drawn her to him. After a five-year courtship, they were married in 1961. They stood by each other for 53 years, sharing life’s joy and sorrow, showering each other with love and affection, and giving each other courage and support when needed. He was very protective of Amma and took care of her with pleasure, and was extremely proud of her professional achievements in the senior years of her career.
As medical officers, they were stationed in many locations in Sri Lanka. They travelled and moved, lock stock and barrel from Kalutara to Nawalapitiya to Anuradhapura. His black Volkswagon was put to good use during these relocations. Each of these stations had a unique appeal to our family, as my brothers and I were born whilst they were serving in these towns. Thus, Kalutara was where Daresh was raised, Reshan grew up in Nawalapitiya and Anuradhapura became the town I spent time as an infant. Our cousins joined us during school holidays in the bungalows we lived in, for more fun and frolic. Those were the good old times.
Thaththa was a meticulous planner. Every relocation, move or event was well organised. He was also an all-rounder, handling domestic chores, being an electrician, welder and even an entertainer. His grandchildren named him “Magic-Seeya”, for mesmerising them with tricks. His forte though, was cooking. He experimented with new recipes and enjoyed preparing and serving them. He is one of the few Sri Lankan men I’ve known who attendeded classes in cooking.
He raised leadership to another level. As the oldest son-in-law and member of my mother’s family, he was not only ‘chief medical consultant’ but also their advisor in all matters. An avid reader, he was well read and also a non-controversial socialite.
He spent 1967 in England with Amma, where he sat for his post graduate examinations as an ENT surgeon. On his return, he was appointed as the Judicial Medical Officer in Anuradhapura and then in Kalutara, as the most senior medical officer in this category. Recollections of my childhood begin here. The rest is what has been recounted to me. I remember when he took us to the Katukurunda motor races and the beach musical shows in Kalutara. There, we were always treated to “ice-palams” and other goodies. We also befriended the family of the cardiologist who treated him in his last stages while in Kalutara, who was such a source of strength and courage at the end of his life.
In the early 1980’s, Thaththa was appointed ENT surgeon to the Ratnapura Hospital. I clearly remember him taking us on trips there during school holidays. There as in the other stations where my parents were posted we made lifelong friendships. He also served in Avissawella and Panadura Hospitals. His three children were taught to drive, while he travelled to these posts out of town. We longed for these clinic days, as we got our chance to drive.
The posting prior to retirement was at the General Hospital, Colombo South. He was a well respected ENT surgeon. In 1984, after 60 years in government service, he retired with dignity and pride and continued to serve his devoted patients in the private sector. He was a role model to us in becoming independent and responsible citizens.
In retirement he took joy in his beloved grand- daughters, Suwandi and Anya, helping them in many little ways. He enriched their lives with so much love and knowledge.
This was a time when he listened more to the Dhamma, preparing for his last journey. He invited his close family, nieces and nephews to celebrate his 89th birthday, as he felt this would be his last with us. It was his way of saying goodbye.
Two weeks after his demise, the last of the rituals associated with his passing away were completed in Kalutara, a place he loved. We canoed out to the river where the Kaluganga meets the sea, and scattered Thaththa’s ashes with jasmine petals in the water. That was the closure to the life of our dearest father with us.
We have all these memories and more to treasure. You will be missed endlessly.You will be loved eternally. Until we meet again in sansara, may the Devas protect and guide you. May you attain Nibbana.
-Resh Dewapura Goonetilleke
Dr. Ashmore Attapattu
Teacher, colleague, role model and a true leader
I thank Maya and the family for giving me this opportunity to speak a few words on the professional life of Dr.Attapattu. This was and is an area that is hidden from most of you but has been an inspiration to all of us who were to follow him in the profession.
The opinion of the lay public and patients would be that he was a clever doctor who treated every patient with care, compassion and dedication. We in the profession would also say that he was an excellent surgeon and a very astute researcher who passed his skills and the knowledge gained to his peers and the generations to follow. But to me Ashmore Attapattu was more than that.
As a medical student in the late 1960s, I had heard of this very impressive, smart, young Gynaecologist who had appeared on the scene.
However my first encounter with Dr. Attapattu was on that 25th of September 1970 at the De Soysa Hospital for Women at 8 a.m. when I reported for my internship. Aware that when Ashmore said 8 a.m. he meant 7.59 a.m. we were at the Director’s office on time. For all of us where De Soysa Hospital became home he had set into motion the un-written rule that “the sun rises early on that side of Kynsey Road”.
As the Resident Obstetrician who attended to all the administration of the hospital, very much to the relief of the then Director, he briefed us on the simplest and essential practical hospital procedures which I remember and follow to this day. In this day and age of SMSs how many medical professionals would record on the patient’s notes the date and time that he examined the patient along with meticulous records of examination findings and the conclusions on the disease? Ashmore insisted that all these details should be recorded.
His call was to enter a profession that could partake in the meritorious act of serving to alleviate the suffering of humanity, and serve he did. His dedication to work was infectious. He was a 60 second, 60 minute, 24 hour person and we followed along the path that he set. He not only saw every patient in the ward every day but also knew the details of the case and would fill in the gaps during ward rounds much to the embarrassment of his juniors. The neediest of his patients would receive that extra dose of attention, kindness and care. He did all this without expecting even a word of thanks although the patients blessed him from the bottom of their hearts.
To do all this he had to be a true leader. He demanded a lot from himself and his staff. He planned everything at work meticulously and conducted it with military precision. ‘Conners’ and passengers amongst his clinical and administrative staff soon became converts to his way of thinking or faded away. He was an officer in the Volunteer Medical Corps of the Sri Lankan Army and like all military leaders looked into the welfare of his troops both in the forces and the hospitals he served. I am told that he would have his mid-morning cup of tea only after enquiring whether his staff had theirs. He would always lead from the front taking full responsibility for the actions of himself and his team. He was well known to speak from his heart and in contentious and unpleasant occasions he would give his honest opinion. In today’s context very few would display these qualities of leadership. Ashmore Attapattu sustained these to the end which won him many admirers but also some foes.
Over the years I learnt a lot from Ashmore. However, what I gained most from him, which I have used on many occasions as a fallback even to this day, is the organisation and conduct of medical examinations. The Responsibilities of a Medical Academic are:
1. To his students to ensure that they receive a good training – Ashmore’s students no doubt got an overdose of it.
2. The candidates at examinations are assured of an un-biased and un-aggressive examination process – he went to great lengths to ensure this.
3. The candidates would be assessed as being competent to treat the public – this was a special skill that Ashmore possessed.
The greatest tribute that can be paid to a personality of the calibre of Dr. Ashmore Attapattu is to put into practice his principles in our professional work. In today’s context it is not a mere need but an essential requirement to make the world a better place for the future.
Ashmore Attapattu, my teacher, colleague and role model, by your dedication during a lifetime of work you have set the pace and the standards for us to follow.
May you now rest in Peace.
-Dr Harshalal R. Seneviratne
(Eulogy at funeral service on
April 5, 2014)