Appreciations
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friendship that blossomed when Navy played a different role Ananda joined the Navy as an Officer Cadet in 1953 when I was undergoing training in the U.K. I only met him in 1956 when he returned to the island on completion of his cadet's training at the Royal Naval College, Dartmouth. However, there was a further lapse of about six years before we worked together at the, S.L.N.S Gemunu, Welisara. I was his commanding officer and he was my able and loyal 1st lieutenant. It was here that we came to know each other well. He was indeed a great asset to me, regulating and administering the largest Naval Barracks with 600 to 700 men at that time. We were not burdened by any civil war then, but nonetheless had to provide aid to civil power often. In times of flooding the Navy was called in for rescue. In times of drought the Navy provided water to the stricken. Security to many important government installations was provided by the Navy. The broadcasting station todate is secured by the Navy. This job we have done from 1971 without a break and with acceptance from all governments. The port of Colombo had problems, not infrequently during this time and the Navy was often called in to man the harbour services. I won't forget how Ananda and myself once carried out the task of unloading rice and sugar from ships anchored in the port. This task had to be carried out with 300 to 400 inexperienced sailors, a task normally carried out by about 5,000 labourers. Within three days we achieved our targets, though 1% of the cargo ended up in the seabed due to our over-enthusiasm and inexperience. We, however, earned a commendation from the Ministry of Food and the Commander of the Navy for our work. During our stint of work in the S.L.N.S Gemunu Welisara both Ananda and I lived in Colombo and he often rode with me to work and back. During the half an hour drive we had very interesting chats which ranged from the cost of living, family planning etc, to the country's relationship with India and the Kachchativu problem. The latter was solved a few years later by Indira Gandhi graciously conceding the barren island to Sri Lanka. We were all elated. Since working in S.L.N.S. Gemunu as commanding officer and 1st lieutenant we became too senior in the Navy to work together again. We both had independent commands thereafter. Being a few years junior to me, he often had to follow me to the staff college, to commanding the Navy Flagship, to the National Defence College, to being Chief of Staff and finally to take overall command of the Sri Lanka Navy. He was the first Navy officer to be promoted to the rank of full Admiral. A rank he bore with dignity and decorum. Ananda was a disciplined, highly principled, immaculately dressed and well spoken officer. He was reserved by nature and was very discreet in choosing his friends. He was a great family man and adored his wife Chitra, two daughters and son. I know that they miss him greatly. Let us all wish that he attains the supreme bliss of Nibbana. Rear Admiral Basil Goonesekera Hard
work brought him rapid success Sujeewa was a person of high integrity. He was honest, sincere and helpful to others. Looking back at the lighter side of his character, I saw him as a person full of energy, fun and laughter. Having begun his career at Bodyline (Pvt) Ltd., as a management trainee, Sujeewa moved up in the corporate ladder to become the financial controller. The success of his career spoke volumes about his thorough knowledge and versatility regarding financial management. Sujeewa was an ardent cricket and rugby-enthusiast. We often went to watch cricket and rugby matches during the early 1990s. I will never forget the day when Mahanama College, Colombo defeated the high-riding Royalists in the Premadasa trophy tournament. An old boy of Royal College, he took a little while to digest the result. Needless to say having a Thomian sitting next to him would not have helped his cause. In 1996, Sujeewa and I decided to pursue our careers in different directions. Sujeewa decided to concentrate on a career in finance, while I decided to move to Africa and later to Australia. However, we constantly kept in touch through e-mails, and telephone calls. In spite of all his accomplishments, he was always modest and helpful to others. He was so attached to his parents and family that he did not like to move overseas. Last but not least, our sincere condolences go to his beloved wife Avanthi, his only son Nisala and members of his family. I have lost a beloved friend, someone I could count on at all times. I earnestly wish that Sujeewa never encounters such a tragic death in his journey through Sansara. May he attain the Supreme Bliss of Nibbana! Bhagya Epasinghe He
believed in equality Mr. Jayasinghe along with some colleagues in the State Engineering Corporation took the bold step of resigning from the SEC and setting up a partnership business in the construction industry. Within a short time they gained recognition through hard work, honesty, disregard for profit and perfection in workmanship. In 1980, the firm was converted into a private limited liability company and won the prestigious ICTAD awards for excellence in 1990, 1993 and 2002. Mr. Jayasinghe encouraged his senior directors to follow postgraduate courses leading to a Master of Business Administration degree to mould them as business managers. He was imbued with the rare qualities of humility, simplicity and honesty and always had the interests of his staff at heart. I am fortunate to have associated with such a personality who was not at all concerned about race, religion or other differences. All were equals to him.
May he attain Nibbana. |
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