Appreciations
View(s):J.O. YATAWARA
A sportsman and gentleman par excellence
It is with a deep sense of sorrow and distress that I write this appreciation on the demise of my former boss and dear friend Tissa, who was popularly and affectionately known among his colleagues and friends as ‘JOY’.
I had developed a strong and lasting friendship with him spanning over sixty years. He was senior to me at S. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia, where he excelled in sports in the years 1950-1951. Having captained the College in Hockey and Soccer and in addition winning his colours in Cricket and Athletics he could be regarded as one of the active Thomian greats. This was rare in those days. He was also the Head Prefect of the College in 1951, the year the College celebrated its Centenary. As a sportsman and leader he brought credit to the College and was a role model to other students.
On leaving College, he joined the Colombo Commercial Company, a leading British Company at the time, and was sent abroad for training in Refrigeration & Air conditioning, which was an emerging field of Engineering. JOY would be considered a Sri Lankan pioneer.
On his return to Sri Lanka he was appointed as an Engineer and subsequently took over from a Britisher as Head of the Division, where I had the privilege and good fortune in my early years of having him as my mentor, role model and friend. He was well known in the Refrigeration and Air conditioning industry and made Colombo Commercial Company to be a leader in this field. The legacy he has left in terms of honesty, integrity, and loyalty are qualities that would endure and be a great example today.
After the privatisation of the Company JOY went abroad and was employed in his field in Dubai, Singapore and Malaysia. JOY’S name was synonymous with Refrigeration & Air conditioning and until a few years past he carried on his profession as a Consultant with immense dedication and commitment for the betterment of the industry.
It was indeed my privilege to have been closely associated with him and his family over the years, and our friendship blossomed and lasted throughout. This brought about a very close relationship between our two families. There was not a day that we did not converse with each other over the telephone.
JOY was fortunate to celebrate his golden wedding anniversary. The family would be proud of him and would cherish his memory as a wonderful family man. He had a charming personality and was a simple man who led a simple life. He was a gentleman for all seasons.
JOY’S demise is an irreparable loss to his family and close friends. It is sad that he is no longer with us and I will always cherish his memory. I owe much gratitude to JOY for all the support he has given me during the years and he will always remain a shining memory in my lifetime. He will be sadly missed and fondly remembered for many years to come and I convey my deepest sympathies to his wife Esme and to the children Chanaka, Ayoma and Ravi, and to their immediate family who have lost a caring and dutiful husband/ father/father-in-law, and grandfather who guided them with love and care, and I am sure they would treasure the memories of him with pride and gratitude. His death has created a void in the lives of his family and friends.
May he rest in peace.
- Shanti Wijesundere
A.C.S Hameed
A great Parliamentarian
Marhoom Dr. A.C.S.Hameed was a great Parliamentarian with an unbroken record of 39 years in Parliament. As Sri Lanka’s first Foreign Minister he served for about 12 years.
He played an important role in trying to bring a solution between the LTTE and the Sri Lankan Government. Adele Balasingham, the wife of Anton Balasingham, the chief spokesman for the LTTE in the book ‘The will to Freedom’ writes of his profound experience in diplomacy and his wisdom and concern dealing with international relations. She says, Mr. Hameed acted with patience in the course of peace talks.
She also states that Mr. Hameed was a man of stature and planned his argument as if playing a game of chess. His intellect was as sharp as a razor.
During his career in Parliament from 1960 to 1999, he was Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Higher Education Science and Technologies and Minister of Justice and Higher Education Planning.
In 1978 he was awarded the “Honorary Doctorate in Political Science” by Hank University, Democratic Republic of Korea.
In 1990, the University of Jayawardenapura, honoured him by awarding him an Honorary Doctorate.
A.C.S. Hameed was born on April 10, 1928 to Mr. and Mrs. Abdul Cader in the village of Kurugoda, Akurana.
In his political life, the Harispattuwa constituency which he represented comprised 134 villages, the majority of them Buddhist. He kept all his voters very happy by being impartial and non-communal. Thousands of jobs were given to all without ethnic or religious discriminations.
He connected the 134 villages with the provision of paved roads, electricity and water, etc. He literally built bridges between all communities in the electorate.
He was also a published author – his books include ‘Foreign policy perspective of Sri Lanka’,
‘In pursuit of Peace’ – on Non Alignment and Regional Co-operation, ‘The Owl and the Lotus’, ‘The spring of Love and Mercy” – a spiritual book.
I would like to quote a poem from ‘The spring of Love and Mercy’:
Oh Lord!
I feel Thy presence
In sorrow and misfortune
I feel Thy helping hand
I see Thy guiding light
I see Thou showing the way
New doors open
Comfort and care
Creeps into my heart
Let me open my heart to Thee
And deposit my tears with Thee
Let me seek Thy forgiveness
Without Thee it is difficult
To trudge this hard road
What tomorrow holds
I never know
But Thou alone knows
May Allah! All mighty grant him Jennathul Firdouse – Aameen.
- A.C.A.Ghafoor
Fr. Stanley Abeysekera
He accomplished his spiritual and tutorial Missions
March 29, 2016, marked one year since Fr. Stanley Abeysekera left this world. He was the eldest son in a family of seven children from Kandana and my only elder brother.
Although he left the family to become a priest at a very early age to be completely engaged in the service of God he considered that the physical, spiritual and psychological needs of his immediate family circle were also of great importance in carrying out his duties in life.
While I was engaged in doctoral studies in Sweden, he organised and joined a pilgrimage to Lourdes along with our four sisters and younger brother. At the end of the tour in France they all visited me in Sweden and spent a few days with my family.
During family get-togethers such as a birthday or a wedding anniversary Fr. Stanley said Mass and gave a short homily filled with meaningful advice regarding family responsibilities which boosted the unity in the families.
Chronic diseases such as high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes were detected when he was around 40 years which were successfully controlled and treated. These, however did not disturb his normal priestly and academic duties throughout his life. Apart from the loss of our dear mother in 1981 two significantly sad events that occurred recently while Fr. Stanley was still living were the passing away of his only elder sister (lokuakka) and youngest brother.
After starting his pre-school education in a vernacular school in Kandana he joined De Mazenod College, Kandana for his primary education. He was selected as the best student in his group and obtained a double promotion at De Mazenod prior to joining St. Aloysius Seminary, Borella and passed his G.C.E. (O level) obtaining a 1st Division. Selected by Cardinal Thomas Cooray to do advanced studies my brother completed his G.C.E (A level, local and London) brilliantly at St. Joseph’s College, Colombo and entered Aquinas University College where he gained a London B.Sc. degree with honours. He completed his philosophical and theological studies as a Rev. Brother at the National Seminary Ampitiya and was ordained a diocesan priest on December 21, 1963.
He started his career as an educationist as an assistant teacher at St.Joseph’s College, Colombo. In 1965, he was appointed as Rector St.John Bosco College, Kaluaggala, Hanwella. After a two year stay he became Rector, St.Thomas College Kotte, which post he held for a longer period. He obtained a Diploma in Education at the University of Peradeniya and in 1978, joined the University of London and achieved the highest academic degree Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy) by defending his thesis on Vocational Education.
In 1983, he was appointed Rector St. Joseph’s College, Colombo (his alma mater) which position he held for a record period of 13 years. At St. Joseph’s his mission was directed into three main areas viz. improving the discipline, developing the education with emphasis in Mathematics and providing modern facilities in sport for college students. The fabulous sports complex which brings in rich dividends to the college today was named ‘Stanley Abeysekera Sports Complex’ during the time of Fr. Sylvester’s rectorship, a fitting tribute to Fr. Stanley’s brainchild and the idea which caught his attention after visiting a Swedish University. Apart from numerous other building improvements at St. Joseph’s, a new science laboratory deserves special mention. The formation of the Enderamulla Branch of St. Joseph’s College was another remarkable activity which was complementary to his duties as Rector.
My brother’s priestly life was largely occupied with tutorial work which included Catholic education. He was aware that he hardly got the chance to engage himself in diocesan work. He got involved for a couple of years in missionary work as parish priest at St. Thomas Church, Kotte immediately after his ordination. After his retirement from St. Joseph’s he travelled to Luciana, USA and worked in a parish for two years. On his return to Sri Lanka he worked as parish priest for a short time of 9 months at St.Joseph’s Church, Nugegoda. Later he moved to St.Anthony’s Church Kollupitiya, where he received personal satisfaction in engaging in diocesan work for seven years during which time a much needed parish hall was built in the church premises. In 2013 he celebrated the Golden Jubilee (50 years) of his priesthood.
He returned to his alma mater St. Joseph’s College where he lived until he passed away. Despite his fast diminishing vision he continued to be a mentor in Mathematics to A’Level students, did counselling work for students and was assigned to write an important document about the History of St.Joseph’s College, Colombo. It is expected that this would be published in the very near future.
- Damascene Abeysekera
Dr. Oliver Fernando
A life spent in the service of man
My friend, Dr. Oliver Fernando was a stalwart among medical administrators who managed the General Hospital Colombo (GHC)(now the National Hospital of Sri Lanka) with great efficiency, effectiveness and acceptability.
I met him first in 1970 when he was the Medical Superintendent (MS) at General Hospital Kurunegala. As a junior doctor I saw the efficiency with which he managed the hospital. He was a strict disciplinarian and would not mince his words whether it be a junior staff member, junior doctor or consultant. However, he was acceptable to all as he was fair and just.
When I had the opportunity to qualify in public health he was the person who encouraged me to study at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM). I do not regret that I followed his advice.
Oliver was an alumnus of the LSHTM. After obtaining postgraduate qualifications he worked as Consultant Epidemiologist, Kurunegala. From there he was selected to do administration. From General Kurunegala he was promoted Superintendent of Health Services, Kurunegala.
He left for Africa where he worked for about eight years as a director of a hospital in Ghana and later as a senior lecturer in a medical faculty in Nigeria.
In 1985 the Ministry of Teaching Hospitals was managing GHC. Dr Daya Samarasinghe, Secretary of the Ministry and I as Director General of Teaching Hospitals were looking for a replacement for the Director of GHC. We were looking for a capable medical administrator.When Oliver returned from Africa and offered his services we readily accepted it. The Minister of Teaching Hospitals, Sunethra Ranasinghe got him appointed very quickly through a Cabinet paper.
Oliver served as Director of GHC for over 10 years. Having him in that position was a great asset during the troubled times Sri Lanka had with the second JVP insurrection and the massive disasters caused by the LTTE. The casualties were managed very well by GHC, led by him and his deputy Dr. Hector Weerasinghe. GHC was ready for mass casualties at any time of the day. Oliver and I were in constant contact till April 1989, when our Ministry was closed by President Premadasa.
From 1990 to 1995 when I was Deputy Project Manager of the General Hospital Colombo Rehabilitation Project funded by the Republic of Finland,we were again in constant contact. He was very positive towards the project and actively facilitated its implementation. The building work involved closing and demolition of certain wards and other buildings, and temporary movement of others. Oliver got them done very readily and in time.
Oliver was the person who proposed the change of the name of General Hospital Colombo to the National Hospital of Sri Lanka. The Minister of Health, A H M Fowzie had it approved by Cabinet in 1995.
Oliver was an upright man, a devout Roman Catholic who practised the teachings of his religion. His life was spent in the service of man. He led an exemplary family life. His beloved wife Lynette predeceased him. Our sympathies go to his sons Ian and Anil and daughter Dr. Dayamal. They could be justly proud of their father.
May he Rest in Peace
- Dr. Lucian Jayasuriya
K. Julius Wanniarachchi
Remembering my father on his birthday
This is a tribute to a father, father in-law and grandfather who was loved and respected and who is always missed. It has now been five months since the death of my beloved father and there is not a day that passes that I don’t think of him and miss his presence.
To us, his children and grandchildren he was a father and grandfather who was always there for us with his kind hearted thoughts and words. He always had time to talk and more importantly to listen and to give advice in a soft and gentle manner.
K. Julius Wanniarachchi was born on the 11th April 1920 in Makandura, Matara. He was a landed proprietor who was a loving husband to Milina Suriyarachchi from Akuressa and a loving father to 8 children, of whom I am the youngest.
He started school at St.Mary’s Convent in Matara and later attended Mahinda College in Galle and Ananda College in Colombo.
I had a happy childhood growing up on a tea estate surrounded by nature and have wonderful memories of that time. He took us to the Buddhist temple from our early years to learn about Buddhism and the good values it teaches us.
He did a lot of charity work especially in his hometown Makandura in Matara without expecting any thanks or gratitude.
He encouraged me to be the best I could and took great pride when I chose a different career path.
Every time we would visit Sri Lanka he would buy whatever my children wanted and he would talk to them and give them advice.
His last advice to us was that the Dhamma is the path to greater self-awareness.
May he attain the Supreme bliss of Nirvana.
- Samanthie Fernando (nee Wanniarachchi)
Gerry Crake
In memory of a special Dad
May the winds of love blow softly and whisper in your ear,
We love and miss you Daddy and wish that you were here.
Deep in our hearts your love is kept,
To love and cherish, not forget,
No more tomorrows we can share but the yesterdays are always there.
Happy birthday darling Daddy.
- From all your loved ones
ASOKA WEERASINGHE
Thank you for your memories, our ever-loving brother
Asoka was a talented educationist, a caring community and social worker a visionary environmentalist, a loving family man and an exemplary Christian. He was called to glory on March 10, 2016 after an illness bravely borne with implicit trust in the Almighty with least inconvenience, and causing concerns to his loved ones.
Asoka entered Trinity College Kandy (TCK) in 1948 and was associated with the College till 1991. His father Bertie was on the staff from 1943 to 1976. Therefore their combined contribution to TCK was over half a century.
The family consisted of parents Bertie and Eva and their children Gamini, Asoka and Sarath. It is remarkable that all of them served on the staff of TCK at some stage of their lives and it is felt that this is some sort of a record. The family was closely-knit, caring, God-fearing and driven by highest Christian values.
Asoka was born a few months after the Japanese had bombed Colombo. During the war there were no luxuries like toys but only the bare necessities needed for survival. He was critically ill when he was seven years of age but bravely came through it with courage and determination which were hallmarks of the rest of his life.
Having joined TCK as a student he very quickly established himself as an all-rounder. He studied Science subjects and was the President of Lemuel House Association, its Basketball and Rugby Captain and a Prefect.
On leaving College he was on the staff of S. Thomas’ College, Guruthalawa and was selected to the Government Training College, Maharagama and specialized in Science teaching. Here he met his life partner Indrani Vitanage with whom he shared a long and joyous marriage that was an example to all. On the completion of his training he joined TCK after a one year spell at S. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia.
After joining TCK he taught Biology and Chemistry with distinction and there are many students of his who attribute their academic success to the foundations laid by Asoka.
He taught for some time in Oman and was later Principal of Lyceum International School, Nugegoda. He was also a Director of Studies of London Stanfords College and Campaign English and lectured at the Horizon International School and American International College. In all these roles Asoka’s educational talents left an indelible mark in the lives of his learners.
He was very keen on maintaining Udawattekelle adjoining TCK and many were the meetings and conferences he had attended. He won the Rolex Gold award for a project report he had prepared on Udawattekelle and Reading University offered him a scholarship in recognition of that high award where he obtained his Masters degree in environmental education. Later he followed a Diploma Course on education at Sussex University. In many ways Asoka was ahead of his time in bringing the importance of protecting the environment of Sri Lanka for the benefit of the generations to come.
His heart was focused on serving his fellow brothers and sisters of the world. He was passionate about alleviating human suffering. He served as the Director of KNH supervising the homes of children in the Eastern coast especially after the tsunami. He also served as the National General Secretary of the YMCA and represented Sri Lanka in many international fora. He served as the Associate General Secretary of the National Christian Council. He also associated himself with the Ceylon (former Dutch) Reformed Church and helped in many projects after the tsunami in the South up to the time of his demise. In these roles Asoka did not believe that he was merely doing a job but responding to a calling.
He was a loving husband to Indrani and a great provider. He loved his two sons Indika and Chinthaka and it was a joy to see them doing well in life. He welcomed the two daughters-in-law Hishanthi and Iresha. He was so happy to be with the grandchildren Rivindu, Dulanya, Chevanya and Chelan. He spent hours dancing and singing with them and relating stories.
Asoka was a true disciple. From his very young days he was very disciplined in regularly reading the Bible, regularly praying and attending church almost every Sunday. Asoka was given many talents by God. He used these talents to make the world a much better place for many. He showered his talents and love on many people over a long period of selfless service.
Asoka worked diligently in many of God’s vineyards using his talents tirelessly to do His will. He had a passionate love for God and an unwavering faith in the redemptive love of Christ. Therefore it is not at all hard to imagine the Good Lord saying to him, “Well done! Well done my good and faithful servant. Enter the joy of the Lord forever”.
A large and representative gathering at his funeral bore witness of the great appreciation they had of the selfless service he had rendered to the community
Thank you for your memories our ever-loving dutiful brother. Enjoy everlasting life. Hope to meet you soon.
- Gamini and Sarath