Appreciations
View(s):Roland Edirisinghe
Columnist for the ‘London Economist’ remembered
It is now two years since Roland Edirisinghe passed away on March 16, 2013, after a brief illness. I knew him as a longstanding friend, having come to know him in the late 1960’s. At that time he was the local correspondent and representative of the “Economist Intelligence Unit”, an arm of the UK publication, the ‘London Economist’, probably the most influential economic journal in the world. It is my understanding that he continued to represent the “Economist Intelligence Unit” well into the early years of this century.
Roland Edirisinghe who was well known and highly regarded as an economic journalist, and a political columnist, also regularly contributed to the BBC and the Time Magazine. His commentaries were on the politics and the economics of the country during his time, he having gained a deep and an incisive knowledge about the inner workings of the country’s political economy.
An old boy of St. Benedict’s College, Kotahena, he entered the University of Ceylon in the early 1950’s and read Economics for his degree. After a brief stint at Lake House as a journalist he proceeded to England where he continued his studies. Some of his contemporaries and academic associates in the UK were to become, on their return, the most influential economic policy-makers of the country in the 1960’s, and 70’s when development planning and state intervention were the ethos, and held sway before the advent of neo-liberal economics of recent times.
I recall that his residence was an open house frequented by many, right across the social and political spectrum. Notably there were members of the power elite of that era who would casually drop in for a chat. Among them were prominent politicians of both the right and the left of the political divide in addition to top public servants who walked the corridors of power. There were also intellectuals and academics of varying dispositions, both foreign and local. At his house you could always have a profoundly interesting and stimulating debate on almost any subject. He would enliven the conversation with hilarious tales and anecdotes. He had a sense of humour – a sardonic wit which as a scribe he could use to lethal effect when needed.
He started his intellectual life as a Marxist, which ideology he seemed to abandon with the years. Religious beliefs he probably had none. He came from a Christian background, but where practice was concerned he was an agnostic. Some of the political and social opinions he held were controversial and unorthodox but incisive. The opinions he expressed in his writings were forthright, without deference to persons or ideology. Consequently on occasions he ruffled the feathers of eminent persons of his day. It is noteworthy that during the 1970’s and 80’s, a very turbulent period in our political history, he did have opinions and solutions to offer on issues that were critical. Such advice he willingly gave to the powers that be, but it is doubtful whether they were heeded. I suspect that this led to a certain degree of disillusionment in his later life.
The hallmark of his career I would say, was the influence he may have wielded on the minds of others whose decisions mattered in shaping public policy and thinking during a critical period in our recent history. After all what he opined was expressed through some of the most influential journals of the world. It is worthwhile to remember Bertrand Russell who once remarked that the ultimate power is the power over others’ minds overriding institutional power.
In his personal life he was indeed generous. He had frequent visitors whom he entertained well and made comfortable even in the midst of debate where differing views were held. He had a particular fondness for animals. His home was a haven for a large number of stray cats and a few dogs whom he adopted. He also had a very caring attitude toward his siblings and even his extended family whom he supported immeasurably.
He is survived by his beloved wife Carmen, who nursed him tirelessly and was a pillar of strength to him in the last few years of his life when he suffered from ill-health. May he rest in peace.
-Asoka Siriwardane
Jinasoma Weerasooriya
The scholar, educationist, linguist, writer and administrator
When Jinasoma Weerasooriya — Jinasoma Ayya for me –passed away a few days ago, I was the one who had known him the longest, for his mother and my mother were sisters. Apart from this relationship, we had much in common.
Born in 1930, he had his early education at Sri Sumangala Vidyalaya, Weligama and then at Rahula College, Matara from where he moved to Ananda College Colombo. Jinasoma Ayya entered the then University of Ceylon and passed out with an honours degree in Sanskrit in 1952.
Though he was my senior by five years, he and his younger brother were my playmates. The two brothers would spend their school vacation at my home in Mirissa or I would go to Hallala where his parents were teachers. Those were carefree days for us. Mirissa was more interesting. We used to watch the catamarans that went fishing the previous evening, returning with their haul. We visited Veheragalla, the oldest temple in the village and Jinasoma Ayya explained the stories behind the temple murals to the two of us. Hallala, a sleepy village with small rubber and paddy holdings was different from Mirissa. But what we enjoyed most was the company of one another.
After passing out from the University he had a short stint as a teacher at St Joseph’s College, Colombo. But, that was the time when only the government service assured the security of the job and a pension on retirement. Heeding his mother’s advice, in 1957 he joined the Department of Official Languages. With his competence in Sanskrit, Pali, Sinhala and English he fitted well into the needs of the newly set up Department.
After few years as a translator, he sat for his Sri Lanka Administrative Service examination and being successful was posted to the Department of Land Settlement. The work of the Department was mostly in remote places. The life of the settlement officers in those places was extremely hard. Living in temporary huts, with the closest civilisation miles away, amidst wild animals, they had to visit the distant villages to perform their arduous task of settling crown lands. In this capacity, Jinasoma Ayya served in Moneragala, Anuradhapura and Puttalam Districts. When working in remote villages of Puttalam District he used to visit us at the Residency during the weekends and the two of us would recall our childhood memories until late into the night.
After serving under very trying conditions, he was happy to be moved to the Ministry of Public Administration and was the Registrar, Sri Lanka Institute of Development Studies and the Director of the Combined Services respectively from where he retired after serving for nearly thirty five years.
But there was no retirement for him. His services were needed by many an institution. In 2005 the Official Languages Department invited him to be the Project Director for the compilation of Sinhala and Tamil glossaries for technical subjects. By 2011 he had completed 18 glossaries which included such diverse subjects as Agriculture, Pottery, Botany, Counselling and Management. He was also a visiting lecturer in Sanskrit at the University of Kelaniya. In between he had been a Sinhala instructor to foreign scholars. During his spare time he taught Sanskrit to the bhikkhus of the nearby Pirivena, Poorvaramaya.On Sundays he taught at the Sunday school at Dharmayatanaya,Maharagama.
Apart from his research work “Sanskruta Kosha Sahityaya” (Sanskrit Lexicography),his thesis for the M.A, he had his own publications. But his time was occupied in helping others in their work. Dr. Ananda Guruge’s highly recognised work “Asoka” was translated to Sinhala by Mr. Weerasuriya. On my request he did a perfect job in translating the “Loweda Sangarawa” to English for free distribution by the Siripoda wessa Counselling Service. Personally he helped me in editing some of my books both English and Sinhala.
At the request of his children and close associates he started writing his autobiography. But his priority was helping others and he had no time to complete his own work.
Outside his close circle of friends, students and relations very few knew of his contribution to the country. He was not interested in fame or money. He led a full life and leaves behind his wife and three children.
With the life he led, his sojourn in sansara will no doubt be a short one .
-Dr. P.G. Punchihewa
Lady ChrysobeRyl Rajapakse
Remembering Ammie
Ammie (Chrysoberyl) was the “gem” my father chose to marry! Her two older sisters were named Pearl and Ruby.
She was also his cousin and throughout his life was the best friend he had. A busy man who was a lawyer in the Appeal Court, a Cabinet Minister in the first government, and later an Ambassador and High Commissioner, Ammie washis constant charming support. People remarked she had the qualities of a “Lady” which was a title she used, being my father’s wife.
She was greatly instrumental in getting almost two acres of land in Colombo 7 from the first government to set up the then All Ceylon Women’s Buddhist Association, more than 65 years ago.
The founder, Mrs. B.S. Jayawardene did not become its founder president but got a set of prominent ladies – mostly philanthropists together, to start buildings to house ladies of low-income, the blind, and the destitute.
Their dedicated service is still carried on by the members today.
My mother was its founder honorary secretary, and its third president- who may qualify for being the youngest president to hold honorary office at the ACWBC. There were no grey hairs on her brow!
She pioneered the building of a Hospice for destitute elders in their own surroundings. These elders would remain at the hospice until they passed away.
She also promoted the idea of organising “Kantha Melas” that ran for two days (like a carnival) that brought in funds for the ACWBA. Many ladies in the committee helped in this fun-filled event for all, so unlike the humdrum “Avurudu Polas” that are annual fund-raisers at most institutions in the present day.
Right up to her 80th birthday she gave monetary support as well as dedicated service support to her beloved ACWBA in various honorary office-bearer positions. She was always successful in calling upon generous chief guests to their functions. Her own generosity remained till her death, to schools, temples, charitable organisations, fundraising projects and to her loyal domestics.
Service runs in the family.
Ammie’s mother and Lady Evadne de Silva pioneered the Gamini Matha Niwasa for male elders. The Peter Weerasekera Home at Dambuwa benefited greatly when Ammie was its long standing first convenor. Twice a month without fail she visited, to keep the Home for Orphans up and running. Quality supervision was seen to.
The word dedication would suit as her middle name!
She passed away seven years ago. May Ammie’s journey in Samsara be short.
-Ramani
E.G.K. de Silva
No one can take his place
On his third death
anniversary
When a loved one has departed,
Leaving an empty space,
It’s hard to accept.
No one can take his place.
As years go by,
The pain recedes to grief;
We then begin to see
That the people whom we meet
In sansaric movements over space
Forever keep a cyclic pace.
Life is but a revolving door,
Just as we come. We have to go,
Until the door revolves no more.
-Usula
Dr. Buddhadasa Bodhinayake
Architect behind the Sinhala Tharuna Sanvidhanaya
On March 4, 2015, Sri Lanka lost one of her most admired personalities in London. Born to a suburban Sinhala family in Bentota, Buddhadasa Bodhinayake blossomed as an outstanding character.
At Ananda College he held many responsible positions as senior prefect, president of the literary union, leader of the English and Sinhala debating teams (in the same year), a record at Ananda College. He was also the winner of the junior, senior and open college oratorical championships and ‘essay awards’. He was the only Anandian who had won five all Ceylon Oratorical Championships (Radio Ceylon) plus the UNO Day Gold Medal.
When ‘Bodhi’ entered the Medical Faculty he was subjected to a horrible ragging session that made him fight tooth and nail against it. He received absolute support from the university youth that helped him to form the first Sinhala students union (Tri Sinhala Sisva Sanvidhanaya), under the guidance of Venerable Baddegama Wimalawansa Anunayake Thero at the Lanka Vidyalaya at Ode Temple Maradana, to fight against ragging.
Upon graduating in 1969 from the Faculty of Medicine Colombo, he worked under the founder President of the Ceylon College of Surgeons, Dr. P.R. Anthonisz and Prof. M.H. Hamza, Consultant Paediatrician at Lady Ridgeway Hospital. During his internship he contracted hepatitis at which point the President of the Ceylon Medical Council extended his internship. (He was under the impression he qualified for medical leave)!
Due to a lapse on the part of the hospital subject clerk, Bodhi too completely having overlooked signing some of the vital official papers relating to his ‘medical’ leave, he went home to Bentota. On his return, the clerk got him to sign the papers to regularise the matter yet, but the President of the Medical Council stated that his internship was invalid, ‘merely because he had not placed his signature on a particular piece of paper’!
Both Dr. Anthoniz and Prof. Hamza supported him officially. The matter became a complex issue to the extent that even the national newspapers highlighted it. The Ceylon Daily News supported his case to the hilt, while the judiciary took the view that ‘signing of the papers was only a formality’. The late Dr. R.B. Lenora offered Bodhi all expenses should the case continue up to High Court level; S. Nadesan, Q.C very generously offered him free legal advice. Despite such opposition against a ‘ridiculous judgement’, the President of the Medial Council turned a blind eye to the problem.
Agitated young Bodhinayake told the President of the Medical Council, ‘even if he had to sell newspapers on the Colombo pavement, he was not going to repeat his internship because he had already accomplished the task to the satisfaction of his superiors, and the signing of an isolated paper was only a formality when his work had been accepted in the hospitals as well as in the courts’. The SLMC President’s reaction was uncompromising: “Young man, this is the law of the Medical Council and only the Parliament can change the law ”! Young Bodhi reacted by saying, “Sir, in that case, we will have to change the Parliament, won’t we?”
Politics
That gave him the courage to get involved in background politics and to forget about medicine for a while. He formed a special organisation called ‘Sinhala Tharuna Sanvidhanaya (Sinhala Youth Organisation) with the help of Dr. Sivali Ratwatte, Ven. Alle Gunawansa Thero etc. for the purpose of overturning the government and to form a new SLFP government, during the 1970 general elections.
Dr. Sivali Ratwatte, brother of Mrs. Sirimavo Bandaranaike took young Bodhinayake to meet her. She asked him bluntly: “Dr Bodhi, do you think you could galvanize the youth into action in such a short period of time to support the SLFP at the forthcoming elections”?
His answer was a confident: “Yes ma’am”.
He then immediately went into action seeking support from the youth, the newspapers, bhikkhus and Sinhala organisations to execute an effective campaign out of the newly formed socio-political wing of the SLFP, Sinhala Tharuna Sanvidhanaya (STS). He appointed Dr. Ratwatte as the leader of the organisation. One of the original members of the STS was Nimal Siripala de Silva.
Civility
After the grand victory, Mrs. Bandaranaike, wanted to know what he wanted. He could have ended up as the Minister of Youth Affairs or as the Minister of Health in the new Government, instead he only wanted his internship regularised and his name included in the Ceylon Medical Council Register as a doctor.
Minister of Health at the time W.P.G. Ariyadasa lost no time in acceding to his request, under the advice and guidance of the Attorney General. Next it was young and proud Dr. Bodhinayake’s chance to face the President of the Ceylon Municipal Council. He approached the President in his office and boldly said: “Sir, could you remember once you told me that Medical Council regulations had to be changed to register my name in CMC, but we have now managed to change the Parliament instead…”
Dr. Buddhadasa Bodhinayake continued working as a medical doctor attached to the Ministry of Health and became popular as a paediatrician; subsequently Mrs Bandaranaike elected him to the National Youth Council. Simultaneously, the Governor General, Sir William Gopallawa, appointed him as a member of the three-member National Advisory Board of the Government with Dr. D.W. Abeykoon (who later became Chairman of the Bar Council) and A.J. Rajasooriya, Head of the CID, to deal with the young rebel detainees after the JVP insurrection, to study their appeals and to make justifiable decisions.
Dr. Bodhinayake chaired the first 14 member UNESCO International Symposium on Health and acted as Chairman of the State Advisory Board on Scientific Literature in Sri Lanka. He was the youngest Asian to have won a UNESCO award for original scientific writing in 1966.
As a young pediatrician he became interested in Anorexia Nervosa. After intensive research, he published his first book in Sri Lanka on psychology of children called ‘Daruwage Heti Therum Ganna (Know your child). He also published papers on Anorexia Nervosa and Adolescent Medicine in Sri Lanka (1975-80 UNESCO publications).
Life in UK
When he arrived in the UK in 1974 he was fortunate in being selected as a trainee for The Royal Free-University College-Frien rotation, which included Royal Free Anorexia Nervosa Unit, a world famous unit headed by Professor Gerald Russell. Under less than a year he was appointed as Registrar. Subsequently he became a Senior Registrar at St. Bartholomew’s North Middlesex Warley Rotation. Later he worked as Consultant Psychiatrist and Clinical Tutor to train postgraduates at Barking & Brentwood where the Dean of the Royal College of Psychiatrists congratulated him formally on two occasions.
Dr. Bodhinayake conducted over nine annual symposia in psychiatry, trained over 120 graduate trainees during a period of 12 years and earned his Fellowship of the Royal College of Psychiatrists in 1990. On early retirement, due to ill health, he was conferred Emeritus status by the North East London Mental Health Trust. Dr. Buddhadasa Bodhinayake was the only Sri Lankan who has served on the Editorial Board of the famed International review journal ‘Hospital Medicine’, formerly known as the British Journal of Hospital Medicine.
In his psychiatric lectures for over 20 years he always made reference to meditation as a therapy. At the beginning some laughed at the use of meditation in psychiatry but with time, it became acceptable.
Other talents
He started writing in Sinhala when he was seven; his first article was Paropakaraya (helping fellow human beings) in the ‘Sinhala Jathiya’ newspaper. A leading light in Broadcasting, Karunaratne Abeysekera, helped him in broadcasting and made him a junior broadcaster in his (Abeysekera’s) children’s programme Lama Mandapaya.
Over a period of 25 years Dr. Buddhadasa Bodhinayake handled over one thousand broadcasts in the Radio Ceylon with an average of 3-4 programmes a week. He became the first Radio announcer to give ball-by-ball cricket commentaries in Sinhala from the Oval cricket grounds.
Inspired by the first science magazine in Sri Lanka published by E.W. Adikaram he launched his own magazine ‘ Vidya’ when he entered the Medical Faculty with the help of Prof. Tuley de Silva, Prof. Carlo Fonseka, Prof. Nandadasa Kodagoda, Prof. Kirthi Samaranayake, Prof. Ariyaratne Balasuriya and the vice principal of Ananda, C.M. Weeraratne. The publication continued for over 25 years with his fiancé Karuna Ramanayake initially spending long hours at the press.
He considered the greatest honour he received during his life time was being invited as the chief guest at the Ananda College prize giving in 1993.
Dr. Bodhinayake associated closely with Sir Arthur C. Clarke in Sri Lanka and jointly authored Sri Lanka’s first book on Space titled ‘Oba Vannek Handata Yai in 1961 (Someone like you will go to the Moon). Later Sir Arthur advised him to go to London and offered accommodation as well in his London house where his brother Fred Clarke lived at the time.
Finally the Bodhinayakes became proud owners of Sir Arthur C. Clarke’s London house at Nightingale Road, Bounds Green in North London, where he lived until he closed his eyes finally in March 2015, at the age of 74, after a long and hard fought battle with illness.
May he attain Nibbana.
-Tilak Fernando