Sunday Times 2
A great patriot worthy of emulation
Prof. Carlo Fonseka
It is with great sorrow that the Sri Lanka Medical Association announces the death of Prof Carlo Fonseka, an intellectual legend of our times. He was undoubtedly one of the greatest medical personalities who walked the portals of the Colombo Medical School in its glorious history of one hundred and fifty years.
Prof Carlo was a renowned Professor Emeritus of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Colombo, Former Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya and Former President of the Sri Lanka Medical Council (SLMC). His interest surpassed medicine having an abiding interest in politics, arts and culture. He composed the ever immortal song, ‘Raththaran Duwe’, a melody often heard at weddings and ‘Sambudhdha Raja’ which we have continued to sing for decades at Vesak bakthi gee recitals.
He courted controversies without fear following the theories of former Russian politician Leon Trotsky and association with the rationalist, Abraham Kovoor. He scoffed at fire walking, myths and superstitious beliefs. He was a great teacher, a mentor and a role model to thousands of medical students.
As a great teacher, he prided in the success of his students and rejoiced in their achievements.
Professor Carlo Fonseka will be long remembered by generations of medical students and the Sri Lankan public for his academic brilliance and forthright opinions on diverse subjects. Above all, he was a great patriot, worthy to be emulated by all Sri Lankans. May he attain the supreme bliss of Nirvana.
Dr. Anula Wijesundere
President, Sri Lanka Medical Association