Appreciations
View(s):scientist and lady of the walauwe
PROF. PRIYADARSHINI (PREENIE) SENANAYAKE
We were close relatives – my mother Philomena and Priyadarshini Senanayake, whom many fondly called Preenie, were first cousins, though the age-gap between them was nearly 25 years.
Preenie, in fact, was closer in age to my eldest brother, Michael, even then my senior by 15 years. They got to know each other well too, for he was studying medicine and she bioscience at the University of Ceylon, Peradeniya.
I vaguely remember visiting the ‘Senanayake Walauwe’, my mother’s ancestral home in Kandawala, Katana, close to Negombo, and also attending beautiful Preenie’s wedding soon after she had graduated.
Having spent my early childhood in Anuradhapura, I have not been very familiar with any of my relatives, paternal and maternal. However, it was around 12 years ago that our paths crossed again and Preenie well and truly came into my life – I think she had got my mobile number from my brother.
From that moment we hit it off, chatting on the phone about politics and the Catholic Church in Sri Lanka, while she also gave me insights into some of my hardly-known relatives. We met in Colombo whenever she came this way and I visited the walauwe for sumptuous gamey lunches, which I loved, especially with cashew kirata and tantalizing dishes such as prawn and pork.
A proud past pupil of St. Bridget’s Convent, Colombo 7, Preenie was a graduate of the University of Ceylon, later arming herself with a Master’s in the ‘Metabolism of Vitamin D’ from the Medical Faculty of the University of Manchester in the United Kingdom. Her Ph.D (doctorate) was in Regulatory Biology from the Cleveland State University, United States of America.
In 2014, Preenie, a Research Scientist and Assistant Professor of the Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine at Case Western Reserve University, Ohio, was presented the ‘Inspire Award’ for her invaluable contribution to the institute and community service.
Preenie had been associated with this institute for a long time in investigating the cellular and tissue regulation of a peptide system involved in blood pressure and diabetes. Her research had been multiply funded by the National Institute of Health, the State and National American Heart Association and the Pharmaceutical Industry – AstraZeneca, Takeda Pharmaceuticals, Novartis Pharmaceutical Corporation and Merck Sharp and Dome Inc. She had also had collaborations in Germany, Switzerland, Japan, Australia and Brazil.
Preenie, epitomized in my mind, the typical image of the ‘Lady of the Manor’ for that was how I saw her when she returned from the US to look after the walauwe for her youngest brother.
There were several pet passions that she and I worked on together. One was to bring to light the major contribution of well-known Sinhala grammarian and scholar Johannes Eustakius Senanayake (her paternal grandfather and my maternal great-grandfather) of ‘Johannes Viyakarana’ fame, whose simple textbook preserved for posterity both at the National Museum and the Archives, is still valued by teachers.
Her other yearnings included the establishment of the annual ‘Mudaliar Don Eustakius Johannes Senanayake Award for Sinhala Grammatical Studies’ to a third-year student who obtains the highest average marks for a compulsory course unit offered under the Sinhala Honours degree programme. It includes a cash award, under an endowment made by Preenie from her personal funds, and a certificate presented at the General Convocation.
Another was ensuring that the grave of Johannes in Jaffna with its exclusive Sinhala kuluna (column) with tributes in all three languages by his grateful students would be maintained well. For this too Preenie made an endowment from her personal funds to the office of the Bishop of Jaffna as the grave was in a cemetery under its administration.
Her relentless efforts to get the walauwe, which is more than a 100 years old, declared a national treasure by the Department of Archaeology also saw fruition and an overjoyed Preenie invited me to see the small plaque placed there.
Finally, just last year on December 3, when the Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, celebrated its 75th anniversary amidst an august gathering, Preenie was there to present the inaugural annual research award in memory of her father – the Dr. Oswald Senanayake Memorial Prize for Excellence in Community Stream research – to a third year medical student.
It was in early April that I spoke to Preenie as she had been silent for too long and we had a hearty laugh when she told me that she had heard that even though I was the youngest of six siblings, I was the “harima sera kena” (the most strict and tough one).
Next I saw her on May 1, when she was in a private hospital in Negombo, aggressively demanding that she be discharged and I was requested to “do something” as I headed the list of four people named to implement her ‘Do Not Resuscitate’ (DNR) declaration. When I arrived there, I found that she was of sound mind and very vocal and my input was needed only if she were unconscious.
As she wished, she went home that day to her beloved walauwe and breathed her last on May 6.
Preenie, it was good to know you and I cherish the frank and outspoken person that you were. May you rest in peace!
Kumi
Mithraka’s passion to serve inspired many
m.b.c. (MITHRAKA) FERNANDO
“If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue or walk with kings nor lose the common touch; if neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you……… you’ll be a man, my son!’’. These words of Rudyard Kipling in his famous poem, IF, are so true of our dear friend Mithraka (M.B.C. Fernando). He bid ‘adios’ to his earthly journey on June 2, 2024. The void he has left in the lives of his family and friends is ineffable.
Let me share some reflections by way of celebrating the life of Mithraka Buddhimath Chandrakantha Fernando, fondly known as M.B.C to his friends at S. Thomas’ College Mount Lavinia.
Mithraka, true to his name, was a true and loyal friend in good times and bad.
His late father, Merril E.C. Fernando and his late mother Bermil Fernando, both being educationists of repute, brought up their children, Murdu and Mithraka moulded on strong Christian values and principles. The foursome constituted ‘one happy family’ who lived in their homely abode called ‘Ekamuthu’ in Idama, Moratuwa.
Mithraka looked up to his only sibling Murdu, with great respect and admiration. He closely followed her rise in the legal profession and later in the judiciary. He waited patiently to see his loving sister become the Chief Justice of Sri Lanka. But Mithraka was not fortunate enough to witness that historic day when his sister Murdu Fernando, President’s Counsel (M.N.B. Fernando) was sworn in as the 48th Chief Justice of Sri Lanka.
Mithraka was a ‘family man’. His universe was his family. His loving wife Dilhani, two adorable sons Medhaka and Dheeraka and their lovely wives Indu and Charithya were uppermost in his mind at all times. He always worked for the wellbeing of his family. He would sacrifice anything for the betterment of his sons. I know he had a special place in his heart for his only sister, Murdu akki. He also maintained a close rapport with his in-laws and relatives.
Mithraka was a bright student at STC. His strong Christian background enriched through the Holy Emmanuel Sunday school, paved the way for him to carry away many a Divinity prize including the prestigious prize for Liturgy at STC. His knowledge of the Bible was incomparable, so much so he was known as the ‘Bibalaye Yodaya’ among his schoolmates.
He excelled as a debater of the senior Sinhala debating team under ‘yours truly’. His oratorical and public speaking skills were later sharpened when he joined the Toastmasters club, where he rose to the rank of a Distinguished Toastmaster and enjoyed his time at the club until his untimely demise.
While he had several circles of friends later in life, the oldest group of which he was a member is called the ‘Moratu Wala’ consisting of 10 Thomians and a Royalist, all from Moratuwa.
We travelled in the same school bus, we walked the same corridors, we ate from the same lunch box and we warmed the same parapet wall of the Muthutantri brothers (CSR/LMS) opposite Mendis Lane, Moratuwa. Even to this day the said parapet wall stands as a testament to our strong friendship of nearly 50 years. During our younger days we used to gather regularly there in the evenings spending hours. He also had several circles of friends from John Keells, Finlays, Central Finance, Toastmasters among others who were in constant touch with him until his last day.
Mithraka was a jovial guy. He had a great, powerful voice and sang with gusto and a lot of passion. We had many ‘wala’ sing-songs and parties and Mithraka’s signature song was ‘Home on the range’. When it was Baila time, he stole the show with his action-packed song of Gypsies fame, ‘Pahasuwatath Wasiyatath dana dana waradi karanawa’.
He loved to have a drink or two with his buddies and lately he had a penchant for gin and tonic. He looked forward to his Friday evening ‘G & T’ seated at his customary place on the second floor of his Mount Lavinia home. I was privileged to have joined him many an evening for a drink. We often discussed our children, politics, and of course we loved reminiscing on ‘adventures’ of our youth.
Mithraka was a gifted writer. Graduating from the University of Colombo with a Bachelors and Masters in Arts his journalistic skills were top notch. Editing the coffee table book of the STC class of ‘78 was a testament to his skill and talent. He was a master at crafting funny catch lines, witty as ever; funny as always.
Mithraka was a great advocate for social justice. He abhorred fraud and corruption and yearned for a system change. Even in his professional work life he did not endure unjust ways and this may have prompted him to switch jobs 14 times before his retirement.
Mithraka was a man with a huge heart. A man driven by a passion to serve humanity.
He served the Lord, as a lay helper and a lay preacher at the S.Thomas’ College chapel of the Transfiguration for years. He served in many charitable organisations like the Factors association of Moratuwa, the Deaf and Blind School, ECLOF to name a few. And it is ironic that his last conscious act in this world was to attend the board meeting of the Deaf and Blind School at the Cathedral premises.
Mithraka called me just before he went into his meeting that fateful day. His words still echo in my ears. “Machan, I will call you after the meeting”. But sadly, it was not to be and I will never hear his bubbly voice again. Instead, he answered the call from above and went to be with his Creator.
May I end with a verse from 2 Timothy verses 4-6. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race and I have kept the faith’’. Indeed Mithraka, you did well in life and we are proud to call you ‘our buddy’. Your loving family, friends and relatives dearly miss you. You may be out of sight, but you are certainly alive in our hearts forever.
Rest in peace my dear brother. -Surein J.S. Peiris
Precious memories are all that’s left
LAKSHMAN HULUGALLE
They say time is a great healer. How I wish it was true. It has been three years since my brother Lakshman, passed away. The loss is felt much more as days, months and years slip by.
Amma always loved you but when you left she kept her grief locked in her heart. In her last days, she told me that you had come for her in her dreams. Then I knew she was ready to join you and Appachchi. Since she passed away, I have no one to talk to, about your younger days which were so precious to us. Those memories are evergreen, happy and fun-filled but cannot be shared as those memories are all mine. The images of the mischievous toddler; the lanky teenager; the good looking youth and the mature father flash past on and off. The tears spill over but I try to smile.
One of my young relatives who used to see you at Peradeniya in the ’70s told me recently, “Lakshman Aiya was our hero when we were kids.” You had a way with everyone. People loved you or hated you. You evoked such strong emotions in people.
Probably, your political life was the most treasured as far as you were concerned. It was encrusted with hard work, commitment, loyalty, anxiety, fun, danger, and fame all rolled into a colourful life. When a different era dawned, you would not have fitted into that mould. With you gone Malli, the elections are never the same and the excitement has completely evaporated for me. No more tally sheets spread across the table, no more news alerts, good or bad. That voice at the other end of the phone is what I miss most.
Maybe old age is not fun as I am surrounded by nostalgic memories. Nothing to pray for or wish for anymore. At all family events, I miss you. For me there is a huge void and an unfathomable longing to see your smile, hear your voice or your chuckle. I see you walking towards me or sitting on the wooden bench on our balcony, which was your favourite place when you visited us.
Still people recognize your picture at home and inquire about your relationship with me. Still I feel protected by you though you are gone. Maybe from a distance, you are watching over me.
In your sansaric journey, may you be blessed with a loving family again, sincere friends and appreciative people. May we cross paths over and over again till we attain the supreme bliss of Nibbana.
Akka
A loyal colleague and solid friend
Rukmanie Gunawardena
Rukmanie passed on recently – a gentle and kind soul. A solid friend. She exemplified the words of great poets and philosophers – ensuring that her words passed through ‘three gates’ – “Is it true,” “Is it necessary,” “ Is it kind.” Never did she utter a word out of place.
Rukmanie joined the Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, as a senior lecturer and consultant histopathologist during my tenure as head of department. These were difficult times in the department with understaffing and huge workloads relating to student teaching, postgraduate training and hospital based laboratory work. A person of the highest integrity, Rukmanie extended her solid unconditional support to me during these times. Her assignments were done on time with no necessity for constant reminders. Her work was carefully done with utmost confidentiality being maintained appropriately. Her work ethics were exemplary. Although she was a quiet and mild person, she could never be pressured to do anything that she thought was not quite appropriate or wise. These are the attributes that I as an administrator valued most.
I recollect Rukmanie quietly slipping into my room to offer me a comforting word, and gentle advice, during various crises I had to face in the faculty and in my personal life. Admirably, later, she extended this same support to subsequent heads of department who were much junior to her. She was much loved by all grades of staff in the department.
Rukmanie had many loyal friends who cared for her lovingly. Her final days were spent very happily in the relaxed atmosphere of her own beautiful home, with her brother and his wife nearby.
Farewell my friend. Rest in peace.
Neelakanthi Ratnatunga
He cared deeply for the poor
DR. W.P. ABEYSIRI
Dr. W.P. Abeysiri, a well-known physician who devoted his life to serving mostly the poor in rural areas, passed away on April 17, in the Kandy General Hospital at the age of 81.
He was born on November 13, 1944. He was a faithful husband to his wife Chandani and a loving father to his daughter Lakmini and son Chaturanga. He was born to a respectable Buddhist family from Madampe , Atakalanpanna and had two brothers and four sisters . His elder brother, Dr. W.P. Somasiri, was regarded as his mentor and worked with him in his professional career throughout.
Dr. Abeysiri was never scared to take on new opportunities and did everything with integrity and honesty. He had strong values and was well-liked by everyone, mostly due to his positive energy. He had incredible patience and always made time to help others. He would say it all comes back to us.
He possessed a harmonious character and was dedicated to the well-being of his family members while taking a tremendous interest in the welfare of the needy. His humility and friendly disposition built a large circle of friends. His demise is indeed irreparable, especially to his family members. We will cherish his memory for his kindness and genial companionship.
His long service at the Mahiyangana ‘Uva’ Dispensary, as the proprietor physician, marked a remarkable period of dedicated service to the people of this region. He was a doctor gifted with great healing skills. The people of the Mahiyangana region still recall with immense gratitude the great service rendered to them. His doors were always open to anyone who walked in and spoke to him about any problems that vexed them. He gave his entire attention since he never cared about any difference in a person. Never was there a negative response to a request to help the poor.
Dr. Abeysiri was a dedicated Buddhist and keenly supportive of the Bahirawakanda Sri Maha Bodhi temple and its development . May his sojourn through Samsara be short and smooth. May he attain the supreme bliss of Nirvana!
-Jayaratne Weerakkody
Gone from our sight but never from our hearts
LOKUGE WIMAL SUNANDA PERERA
My beloved husband, Captain Sunanda Perera passed away on June 21, 2024 at the age of 65 after a tragic, lengthy illness. He was not merely a husband to me and a loving father to our children, son Madawa and daughter Imashi, but also a true asset to our motherland. He joined the Sri Lanka Army in 1980 and retired in 2002 having served for 22 years.
He served in the Sri Lanka Army, in both the Rajarata Rifles and Gajaba Regiment from their inception, maintaining both soldiering and officer duties with great dedication during a very critical period of ethnic conflict in the country. He was a good disciplinarian and proud veteran and was fortunate to serve under the leadership of two renowned military leaders: then Major General late Denzil Kobbekaduwa and Major General late Vijaya Wimalarathne.
While serving at such a crucial time, he never forgot to look after me and our children despite his busy schedule. He was a loyal, dedicated and respected personality among his superiors, peers and subordinates in various capacities. He was very close to his relatives, friends and neighbours and at times of their happiness or sadness he stood with them advising and helping them to reach their full potential.
I appreciate the assistance and guidance extended to me by his brother from the time of my husband’s death.
May you attain the Supreme Bliss of Nirvana my beloved husband, my lovely ‘Sundi’.
Your beloved wife Malkanthi Perera
Nine new years without you, Amma
DAYA RANATUNGE
Eight new years have passed
since you left me—
each one echoing your absence,
each one lonelier than the last.
And now, the ninth is here.
Once again, I sit alone,
marking this day
not just as a celebration,
but as a remembrance—
of you.
Of what you did.
Of how you did it.
Of all you taught me.
You wove customs into our lives
with gentle hands—
balancing tradition with grace,
and even in my corporate world,
I carry your values like sacred heirlooms.
This year too, I follow the rituals,
each step a whisper of your voice,
each moment lit by your memory.
And even though
there is no one to share
the ‘Avurudu’ table
at the auspicious time—
I do it for you, Amma.
To honour your love,
your strength,
your legacy.
Because though you’re gone,
you are everywhere.
Lanka Chandani Ranatunge
Searching for an ideal partner? Find your soul mate on Hitad.lk, Sri Lanka's favourite marriage proposals page. With Hitad.lk matrimonial advertisements you have access to thousands of ads from potential suitors who are looking for someone just like you.