Appreciations
View(s):A gem of a human being, alas no more
Dr.Sarath Abeykoon
I first met Sarath in 1972 when he entered the Colombo Medical Faculty after a brilliant school career at S. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia where he shone both in studies and sports. All of us in the batch made lasting friendships and we remember Sarath for his mild, affable and temperate personality. He participated fully in all the batch and faculty activities. We found him to be an honest, highly dependable, quiet worker with enormous capacity for organization and work.
Sarath made sure to keep in contact with as many batchmates as possible and organised our last batch get together in 2016. If my memory is correct, out of all our batchmates, Sarath was the only one who selected oncology for postgraduate training. He definitely had a calling for this field.
Dr. Sarath Abeykoon had a long and distinguished service at the Apeksha Hospital (then Cancer Institute, Maharagama) from 1982 to 2008 where he devoted his entire life to caring for cancer patients. Other than for a few years where he served overseas, during the rest of the period, from morning till evening, 365 days of the year, year in year out, Dr. Abeykoon was there. He introduced the maintenance of computer records of the complicated treatment protocols of patients under his care and uplifted their management. Dr. Abeykoon introduced the basics of cancer and cancer therapy to generations of medical students.
At the Postgraduate Institute of Medicine he served as a member, and subsequently as the Chairman of the Board of Study in Oncology. Through this programme he took an active part in improving the quality and standard of the oncology postgraduate training programme. Such efforts improved the standard of care offered to our patients and enabled our graduates to find employment in the developed world. He served in the Sri Lanka College of Oncologists in different capacities, finally as its President. Through the Oncology College he worked towards improving the services available to the patients and the standard of the postgraduates. He was responsible for bringing international experts to Sri Lanka so that our doctors could be exposed to the latest management protocols.
Upon retirement from Government Service he became a much sought after oncologist in the private sector. He was never business-minded. He was instrumental in the introduction of linear accelerator facilities in the private sector.
He epitomized the Hippocratic tradition of “cure sometimes, relieve often and comfort always”. This aphorism ideally suited his chosen specialty of oncology. As we are well aware, some of the late cancers are not curable. It is in the “relieve often and comfort always” domains that Sarath excelled. Imagine the sense of depression, dejection, hopelessness that overpowers us when we come to know that one of our loved ones is having cancer. It is at that time that Sarath came in. He meant hope. His healing touch was the medicine for both the patients and their loved ones distraught with anguish and anxiety.
When it came to caring for patients Sarath was never in a hurry. Somehow he found the time. It was not at all uncommon to see him spending more than an hour on a single patient during an outpatient consultation. I am aware of several instances where Sarath transported patients to hospital in his own vehicle for treatment. On numerous occasions he did home visits to see how the patients and relatives were coping.
Sri Lanka has lost the services of an outstanding oncologist. He was such a wonderful doctor. His patients will miss him dearly.
His caring wife, Lakshmi, and loving daughter, Chaturi, will find it extremely difficult to come to terms with his sudden departure. He was a devoted husband and caring father. They did not even have time for a parting word.
Yet again one is faced with the inevitable question. “Of all people, why Sarath? Perhaps one may find solace in what the Buddha said, “One sure thing that we all inherit at birth is death”. Uncertainty is in its timing. In Sarath’s case it was all sudden showing the impermanence and uncertainty of worldly things. I am sure Sarath has accumulated enough merit to shorten his stay in this samsara cycle. May he attain nibbana.
Laal Jayakody
I wish there were more of his calibre in the profession, in the world
I know when I sit down to write this that endless words of praise and appreciation have already been fervently pronounced of a life lived so well. There is no doubt in my mind that Dr Sarath Abeykoon has had an immensely positive influence on many people’s lives.
I struggle to find the right words. The impact he has had on my life cannot be summed up in a few short paragraphs, but I am compelled to do so; maybe to seek some measure of appeasement, knowing that I owe at least that much to him.
I had the great fortune of being introduced to Dr Sarath Abeykoon through his niece, one of my dearest friends. We schooled together and only on a few occasions over at her place had I encountered Dr. Abeykoon. When my mother was diagnosed with cancer many years later, the obvious choice was to consult Dr Abeyakoon. I even began to look upon my friendship with his niece as one that bore new meaning and significance. How fortunate was I to have made this association.
Dr Sarath Abeykoon treated my mother during the four years that she survived and battled cancer. By that time he was a medical director at Ceylinco Healthcare, following decades of noble service at the Maharagama Cancer hospital.
But he was so much more than a doctor we consulted. On the many occasions that I have sat across him in his office trying to navigate the terrifying world of cancer he has always been a source of solace and strength. His kindness and compassion were immeasurable. He would often going out of his way to ensure we were afforded convenience and comfort whenever possible. That made a world of difference to my mother, my sister and me in facing the ordeal of a terrible disease. There was no one else’s insight or advice that we sought and no one else’s seemed to suffice. Sitting in the hospital waiting rooms, filled with anxiety, simply knowing that his consult was at hand was very reassuring no matter how dire the circumstances had become. I think back on those days and realise what a hefty responsibility we placed on him at any given time, while grappling with decisions that made the difference between life and death.
He dedicated his life to the service of others with little thought to his own needs. Though unassuming and mild mannered, he easily drew respect across all tiers of medical staff and this was the case, I soon noticed, wherever he set foot.I have seen patients, former patients or those known to him one way or another, simply light up at the sight of him. He treated the human being and not simply the disease. How often have I thought, ‘all doctors must aspire to this standard’ – he was a rare human being. Would there were more of his calibre in the profession and in the world!
It was a privilege to have had him to rely on for medical advice. It was a privilege to have simply known him – the kind and benevolent human being that he was. It was a privilege to have had him sign as the witness at my wedding. The memory of him smiling pleasantly as he watched me walk away with my husband as newlyweds, will forever be etched in my mind.
To his family, especially his wife and daughter that cherish him so dearly, I hope they can draw comfort from the knowledge that he was so well loved and held fondly in the hearts of many. Few could lay claim to such a testament of a life.
I can only imagine that he must now travel a path of high merit unseen and unknown to us all but certainly showered with our blessings.
May he attain the supreme bliss of Nibbana!
P. Nanayakkara
A devout Christian and dedicated public servant
Reginald Victor Girupairatnam Daniel
Victor was the son of the late Rev. Samuel Chelvanayagam Daniel and late Victoria Gnanammah Benjamin. He was born on July 4, 1917. His father, served as a Minister in the Anglican Church of Ceylon. In the 1950’s when Rev. Daniel was Vicar of St. Stephen’s Church Trincomalee, he was also Chaplain to the Royal Navy based in Trincomalee.
Victor studied at St John’s College, Jaffna and entered the University of Ceylon to read English and History. Later he joined the government service as Probation Officer Jaffna, which came under the Department of Probation and Child Care Services.Soon he was promoted as Chief Probation Officer, covering the North and the East. Finally he retired as Assistant Commissioner of Probation and Child Care Services. After retirement he was appointed as the first Director of the National Christian Council of Sri Lanka.
Victor married Molly Daniel, eldest daughter of Dr G.S. Arulpragasam, who had returned to Ceylon from Malaysia in the late 1940’s.Victor was blessed with three charming daughters, Vasantha Selvaratnam, Shanthy Ariaratnam and Arunthy Blanchard and four grandchildren.
After the conflict in Sri Lanka intensified, he migrated to Australia in 1990, and it was here that he wrote the book “Eternal Covenant”.This book relates to the Book of Revelations of the Bible and the downfall of the Roman Empire.
Finally after a brief illness, he entered glory on September 24, 2012.
RBC Ariaratnam
We have lost a clinician par excellence and role model; patients have lost a caring doctor
The untimely demise of Dr Sarath Abeykoon, a compassionate and caring oncologist, has left a void amongst the medical professionals, which no one else can fill.
He was a friend, father figure, mentor and an understanding senior colleague who was ever so willing to discuss the many clinical problems faced by junior colleagues.
Having chosen to care for victims of one of the most dreaded diseases known to man -cancer, Dr Abeykoon went out of his way to allay the concerns and anxieties of patients as well as their near and dear ones.
Many do not know his acts of personal generosity. He was a regular blood donor to the National blood transfusion service, donating even before the stipulated time period was over. In the private sector he often waived his fees when he felt that the patients were too poor to pay. He has even provided home cooked food for patients at the National Cancer Hospital. He has provided surgical instruments well over a million Sri Lankan rupees from his own personal funds to the Anuradhapura Surgical Oncology Unit. These are but a few of his selfless gestures I have been privy to.
The unblemished reputation of Dr. Abeykoon stands out as a beacon at a time when the medical profession is often the target of criticism for its failings.Many are the patients who were psychologically and emotionally dependent on his soothing and calming words to get over their fears and apprehensions.Not only did he care for the patients, he did not forget to inquire after the wellbeing of the family and the extended family members of the carers as well.
He would be up to date in his practice by reading the latest guidelines despite his many commitments. He would never hesitate to share his knowledge and mentor his trainees in the profession.
The vast gathering of mourners at his funeral paid tribute to him by sharing many of his kind deeds they had personally experienced.
He leaves behind his beloved wife Dr Lakshmi and daughter Dr Chathuri,who have many among his professional colleagues to share their grief.
We have lost a clinician par excellence and a role model we could look up to.
Sri Lanka has lost one of its best products and patients have lost one of the most caring doctors.
If only we could strive to attain a meagre fraction of his benevolent,sympathetic and charitable qualities, the world would be a better place.
May you attain Nibbana!
Dr Senani Williams
Epitome of determination, dedication and love
Mano Muthukrishna Candappa
Mano Muthukrishna Candappa was a woman who had the natural gift of leadership and served in many international and local organisations and social services.
She introduced the Zonta movement in Sri Lanka 50 years ago– the Club in Colombo is part of Zonta International. She inaugurated Zonta Club 2 and Zonta now has four Clubs in Colombo and one in Kandy. The Zonta Woman of Achievement award was her brainchild which she started 35 years ago. She was also a member and office bearer of the Sri Lanka Women’s Conference, a founder member of the Women’s Chamber of Industry and Commerce, the Founder President of the SAARC Women’s Organisation, and an office bearer of the Forum on Ageing – an NGO which cares for the elderly. Mano was also committed to the Colombo Chetty Association.
She held the position of Representative for Trinity College London for several years and also represented the Institute of Financial Accountants, UK. She was the Chairperson of the Polytechnic Pvt. Ltd. for many years.No doubt this incredible list is an example of her ability to lead and guide these organisations towards goals of the highest levels.
I first met Mano at the Cathedral of Christ the Living Saviour in the ’90s. Of course I knew of her because of her association with the famous Polytechnic at Wellawatte and her involvement with numerous social services and international organisations. She received many awards for the work she did and was indeed a very well known personality.
Mano regularly attended the Sunday services at the Cathedral and over the years we became close friends. Despite her busy schedule she also became engaged in many activities within the church. It was Mano who first suggested that we have a welcome team– a small group or even one person to be at the entrance and welcome people as they walked in for the Sunday morning service. She asked me to draw up a roster for this and she and her daughter Ramola were the first to be placed on it; many other members too willingly joined in and it turned out to be a great success. Always on time and impeccably dressed, Mano did this with so much enthusiasm that everyone felt more than welcome!
Mano and her family were also among the first members of the congregation to take up the Holy Sacrament to the altar when the Cathedral was first built. This is a practice which still exists.
In the late ‘90s we used to have a dinner after the Christmas carol service. I well recall how Mano had to organise one of these dinners and with great enthusiasm she and some others got together and drew up a ‘team’ to carry out this work. I was also on her ‘team’ of helpers and she had made well planned out lists on what food we should get, how the place should be arranged, how many members were going to be present and many other details. She had drawn up forms with these particulars and we had to distribute them to the members of the congregation and give them to her two weeks before the event. So we were all kept extremely busy! Finally, we were rewarded for our hard work as it turned out to be a very successful evening – thanks to Mano’s planning skills and her ability to draw our co-operation towards this.
Despite her many achievements Mano was a humble, friendly and kind hearted person and always found the time to come up and speak to us. I will always remember her warm smile and the gentle touch of her hand on my shoulder.In recent years she took it upon herself to distribute toffees to certain people from the congregation as we had a cup of tea and fellowship after the Sunday service! Needless to say we had great fun getting these from her!
Some years ago when Ramola told us she had had a fall we were really saddened. After this she used to come to Church occasionally and gradually stopped coming altogether.
I did visit her occasionally and it was always wonderful to meet up with her. This year on her birthday some of us met at her home and had a lovely chat with her. I’ll never forget how after she cut her cake, and we sang Happy Birthday, she asked us to be quiet and listen to what she had to say; she thanked all of us individually by name for coming to visit her that day. How she remembered all our names absolutely stunned us. I was so touched by this wonderful moment – took me back to the old days when she was a vibrant personality and always ready to have a chat. Sadly that was the last time I saw her.
Mano was a true example of a woman of great courage and determination as well as a loving and caring human being. She loved her family and enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.Simon and I miss her presence as all those who knew Mano will, but we are sure she is now with the Lord and is smiling down on us. May her soul rest in peace.
Anthea Senaratna
The fond memories and good times will remain
GAMINI JAYASURIYA
A most generous, kind-hearted and understanding human being, Gamini was loved by all who were lucky to meet him and fortunate enough to be his friend.
Nawaz, Gamini and I had a special and indeed a very close friendship, like brothers, and were generally described by our wives and children as “Three Musketeers”. My friend you may have departed from us from this world, but never will the fond memories and the good times we had disappear from our hearts.
He was a loving husband and wonderful father who adored his two daughters and was very proud of Deanna’s achievements. He often talked about them to me when we spent a great deal of time together in his house in Harrow.
He helped a lot of people including many young cricketers when he was an official and member of the committee at the NCC. He accommodated some of the cricketers who were on tour to the UK and who went to the UK for training in his house in Harrow without ever expecting anything in return. A man with a “golden heart” his kindness was his “temple”, his generosity his “religion”.
He had a subtle sense of humour but whenever the joke was on him he would laugh until tears rolled down his cheeks. That was our Gamini.
We miss him dearly, especially his wife Deanna, his two daughters, Natalie and Natasha. Baby Nathan when you grow up you will hear a lot about your grandfather who simply adored you and you will be proud to be his grandson
I could go on about our dear friend Gamini, but I shall end with one of his favourite quotes. Whenever he entertained us he would quote the verse from Omar Khayyam’s poem - “Every grain of rice has the name of the person who is meant to eat it”.
May you rest in peace, my friend.
Mike Mohamed