Appreciations
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A
friend, gentleman and agri-expert We who were close to him often feel he is yet at his desk at the Protected Agriculture Entrepreneurs' Association Office (PAEA) at Peradeniya. He was instrumental in establishing the PAEA and in doing so he translated into action an agribusiness effort initiated by the USAID funded Agro-Enterprise Development Project (AgEnt), a project in which he was the Production Specialist in Horticulture. This project filled a long-felt vacuum in the sphere of agriculture in relation to high value horticulture. Backed by his long period of service in the Department of Agriculture and with the assistance of people like David Anderson of AgEnt, Albert successfully strengthened the weak links in agricultural production mainly in horticultural crops and vegetables introducing the latest technologies in production, but more importantly contributing to post-harvest technology, processing and marketing of vegetables and fruits. Although these areas were referred to ad-nauseam in the past by experts, it was people like Albert that made them work. The proof of his ability was that people kept seeking his advice and assistance after his retirement until his last day. Coming from a respected family of devout Catholics, Albert was held in high esteem by all who came to know him. He was an active member of the Church. He was also a live wire in the Department of Agriculture until retirement. He was involved in almost all aspects of agriculture, be it research, production, farm management, agricultural extension and agricultural education and training. He was a specialist in potato production and seed quality assurance. He held the positions of Deputy Director of Agriculture in the Department of Agriculture. I had the privilege of working with him both prior to his retirement from government service and in various projects and programmes, thereafter. I am indebted to him for helping me in most matters. He was a close friend and gentleman par excellence, devoted, honest and understanding, a person who silently but effectively led all his colleagues with advice and direct assistance. He enjoyed company and regularly invited his friends to his home. This time around they missed his annual Christmas party. He had been one of the best lecturers of the School of Agriculture. Past students of this institution both in and outside the Department of Agriculture will bear witness to this. His accomplishments in the private sector, international organizations and local agribusiness organizations are far too numerous to be mentioned. He served as a Consultant for USAID, FAO, CARE, GTZ, ADB and several local organizations such as Resource Development Consultants. He was an outstanding student of St. Joseph’s College, Colombo. He excelled in studies and sports and was a college prefect. He completed his B.Sc in Agriculture at the Peradeniya University in 1961 and his postgraduate work in Germany in the early seventies. As an agriculturist he had travelled to developed and developing countries during his period of service and contributed immensely in his sphere of work. The best we could do is to remind ourselves that we have had the company of an outstanding, friendly and decent gentleman like him. Today he is no more with us in person but he shall remain in our memory for years to come.
May he rest in peace! A leading
scribe, he guided us like a father I was fortunate to work at Lake House for more than three decades (1960-1992) as a journalist. I believe the experience and the personalities I associated with, helped me tremendously, in shaping my future. It is with deep sorrow, that I pen these few lines on one of the greatest Editors - Siriwardana Subasinghe, who had the rare honour and distinction of editing Silumina, Dinamina and Sunday Lankadipa. He created a unique record by making Silumina, the largest selling newspaper in South East Asia. As a journalist, I was fortunate to have close links with him. He always maintained the dignity of the profession. Unassuming, and humane, Mr. Subasinghe was always there to assist others in their hour of the need. His attitude to life was tinged with a nice sense of humour. Those were the days, we had a galaxy of professional journalists. One of them was B.A. Siriwardane - "Sira", whom I associated closely with at Dinamina. I served the likes of Meemana Prematilake, Wimalasiri Perera, Mervyn de Silva, Dharmapala Wettasinghe, Edmund Ranasinghe, G.S. Perera, Cecil Graham, Denzil Pieris, Manik de Silva, Sports Editors -M.M. Thawfeeq and Carlton Seneviratne, who maintained the integrity of the profession at the highest level. I was close to Mr. Subasinghe and he was one of the attesting witnesses to the most fruitful and happiest partnership of my life in 1967. Although trained in Fleet Street, Mr. Subasinghe was always a typical villager. He never forgot his roots. He hailed from Weweldeniya and studied at Ananda College, Colombo. He was a hosteller, during the Metthananda era. He stood for fairplay and justice and was always impartial and balanced. The late President Premadasa offered him a house in Colombo on several occasions, but he turned down the offer and travelled from his village home at Weweldeniya. He was always a man of principles. Mr. Subasinghe always went out of his way to help others. He was an excellent team man. Elmo Benedict, Percy, P.B., R.D., Walter, Lakshman, photographers of repute Nimal, Rienzie, Hector, Jayantha, Wally, L.E.S., were some of his team members at Lake House. I still remember, as a young journalist, how we rallied round Mr. Subasinghe and Wimalasiri Perera when Meemana Prematilake was taken seriously ill and admitted to Ratnams Hospital. Day and night we were by the bedside of Meemana. One day, Boteju of Janata and Sarasaviya fame, came in with an ayurvedic physician from Kelaniya, who had reportedly saved the life of reputed scholar Munidasa Kumaratunga. He said that if the tubes were removed, he would be able to give a pill with lime juice to Meemana. Dr. Anthonisz, immediately removed some of the tubes, at that ungodly hour, of 2.30 in the morning. R. Dias Gunaratne (presently a Professor at the University of Peradeniya) and I, went around Slave Island looking for lime, which was required urgently by the Vedamahaththaya. This 'operation' was directed by Mr. Subasinghe, who was committed to saving our beloved Meemana. His compassion and kindness was boundless. He was a fatherly figure, who guided us and taught us the finer points of journalism. He was a gentleman and fine human being. Today, men of his calibre are rare. The demise of Sriiwardana Subasinghe is an irreparable loss, not only to his beloved wife and children and relatives, but, to society in general. Premasara Epasinghe A single
lion in a world of hyenas
"At
least tomorrow's An
Eagle you were in a world of sparrows, Yes,
the eye of the camera, You were! A single
lion you were in a world of hyenas A great
Thomian you were One
score and half plus two you were Fifteen
years have passed, since ghouls preyed on you, Richard,
you are blessed! As
you said Dear, let us hope, O.C.G. Senapathi
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