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human dynamo who enriched religious and cultural values He was a human dynamo who enriched the educational, cultural and religious values of our society. He possessed sterling qualities and was a gentleman to his fingertips. He charmed all of us by his simplicity and by the very paternal way in which he treated us. Veeramani Iyer was born on October 15, 1931. A person of great wisdom is seldom found. Such a person does not appear everywhere. The family of the late Nadarajah Iyer was the lucky one. He was educated at Hindu College, Manipay, where he excelled in his studies and won the medal for the best student in 1947. After completing the Senior School Certificate, he left for India to pursue his studies and there got attracted to music, drama and dance. He studied at the feet of well-known personalities like Rukmani Arundel (Bharatha Natyam) M.D. Ramanathan (Music) and Papa Nasam Sivam (Sahithya Guru). Later he returned to Jaffna and joined the staff of his alma mater, Manipay Hindu College where he produced talented dramatists and musicians. After serving the alma mater for a few years he was appointed a lecturer of Fine Arts at the Kopay Teachers' Training School. He served there for 33 years, during which period he was able to produce music and dancing teachers and dramatists who are today serving in schools throughout Sri Lanka. He was a man of many parts - musician, poet, dramatist, dancer and composer. He composed poetry, hymns and natya nadagamas. His magnificent hymns with their super lyrics, sweet music and local setting captivated the hearts of all. He made an effort
to evolve an indigenous form of Tamil music. He did not follow western
melodies, but made use of oriental tunes, Carnatic ragas and folk
music for his compositions. He was an accomplished musician whose
fame spread internationally. Veeramani Iyer is no more, but memories
of him will always remain. N. Vivekanandarajah He lived an exemplary life H.M.C. Dissanayake It is with gratitude that I write this tribute to my father-in-law, H.M.C. Dissanayake, who passed away three months ago. Though he was from Lankatilaka Walawwa, Rathkarawwa, Haputale, this was not the reason for his popularity. It was his humanity that made people like him. An active religious and social worker he did much charity work. He was the President of the Bandarawela Rotary Club. What I would like to share with others is what I learnt from this unforgettable person. He was a vegetarian throughout his life and I am sure he did not hurt any being during his years of exemplary living. He was a tolerant man, who gave away precious things expecting no return. He treated all his friends, relatives, poor villagers, labourers and anyone who visited his home alike. At every meal
time he sat at the dining table with all his family members until
the smallest grandchild had finished his meal. I have heard him
advising his labourers to save five rupees a day. Never did he let
his left hand know what his right hand gave. Thamara Dissanayake Happy- go- lucky
man who helped all Subsequently, he served as Superintendent at Dooside, Upcot and company-owned estates like Maskeliya, Edinborough, Meddacumbura and Beaumont. He was a popular planter with superb man-management skills. He looked after
the welfare of the estate workers and helped them in numerous ways. Ashley and Indrani
looked after the estate workers and improved their living conditions. To me, Ashley was my best friend. Both of us were the only survivors of the Wijesundera family. My sisters Sheila, Soma and Pearly died a few years ago. My brothers Wilfred and Professor Stanley also passed away several years ago. I miss him more because of this. We miss him. May he attain Nibbana. Nissanka Wijesundera He showered
kindness on everybody he knew In 1967, I had the good fortune of associating with him closely in his ship chandling business, until my retirement in May 1998. From 1971 to 1997 I represented the firm and chandled all vessels under contract in the Ports of Jaffna, Point Pedro, KKS and Trincomalee. Never a day passed without telephone calls in the mornings, evenings and sometimes in the nights from him, not only to keep me happy, but also to find out about my health. He was pleasant to work with and loved his staff. I cannot recollect an instance when he lost his temper. It is only goodness that we carry with us from life to life. I wish to pay my humble tribute to a rare and versatile personality. May he attain Jennathul Firdous. Inna Lillahi Wainna Lillahi Rajhoon M.L.
Mohamed No music, only memories & pain Ivan Jayaratne Three long years of bitter loneliness and pain Oh! how I yearn to listen to your voice and music once again, To hold your loving hand, to see your smiling face, And to have you waiting for me, seated near the gate. When the whole
world seems so dark and dreary As I go through
your pictures or listen to your recorded music Yes, the tears
I've cried for you could fill an ocean Lilanthi Never
a harsh word
His death removes one of the prominent figures among the Malays.
He had a wide circle of acquaintances and friends not only among
the Malays but also in the other communities. His ability to converse
in Sinhala made him popular among the others. A journalist on the Virakesari, his stories were easy to read and understand. A student of Islamic history, he was a deeply religious man. He believed that his knowledge would be of use to his fellowmen. He accepted happiness and sorrow as inevitable. A pioneer of the Sri Lanka Malay Community Development Programme, he served the downtrodden. He also stressed the need for Muslim parents to educate their children, with emphasis on discipline. He loved humanity. Never a harsh word did he speak. B.D. Ahamat |
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