Appreciations
View(s):A legacy of innovation and excellence in research
Dr. Shahul H. M. Nilar
Dr. Shahul Nilar, a renowned scientist in the fields of Quantum Chemistry and Computational Drug Design, passed away peacefully on May 31, while visiting family in Malaysia.
Born in 1955, Dr. Nilar, affectionately known as Meeran by his schoolmates, completed his primary and secondary education at Royal College, Colombo. He demonstrated exceptional academic promise from an early age. At the GCE O’ Level Examinations held in 1970, Nilar secured four distinctions which included Chemistry and Mathematics.
Shahul Nilar earned his B.Sc. in Science, specialising in Pure and Applied Mathematics and Chemistry, from the University of Colombo in 1977, graduating with First Class Honours. During his time there, he also conducted postgraduate research under the mentorship of Professor R. A. Thuraisingham, for which he received the prestigious Kandiah Memorial Award.
Driven by a passion for theoretical science, Dr. Nilar pursued his graduate studies at the University of Florida, completing a Ph.D. in Quantum Theory with a focus on Intermolecular Interactions. His academic excellence was aptly recognised with the highly prestigious Presidential Recognition Award. He then undertook postdoctoral research at Carnegie Mellon University and the University of New Brunswick, further deepening his expertise.
Dr. Nilar began his professional career at the National Research Council of Canada in Montreal. He then transitioned into the pharmaceutical industry, where he made a lasting impact over the next three and a half decades. He held key scientific positions at the Novartis Institute for Tropical Diseases in Singapore, Valeant Pharmaceuticals in California, and Pfizer in San Francisco. Later, he served as Director of Computational Chemistry at Global Blood Therapeutics until his retirement in 2024. His leadership in this role helped drive forward drug discovery efforts focused on often-neglected, rare diseases.
A pioneering mind in the field of Computational Chemistry, Dr. Nilar’s work advanced the use of Molecular Modeling and in-silico techniques in pharmaceutical development. He authored over 80 peer-reviewed scientific publications and was awarded several U.S. patents. He also served on the editorial boards of major scientific journals, including Current Computer-Aided Drug Design, Informatics of Combinatorial Chemistry, and Computational and Theoretical Chemistry.
Outside his professional life, Shahul had varied interests and hobbies which he pursued with his customary vigour. His love of poetry and theatrical productions, as well as a rekindling of his childhood passion for playing the piano comes to mind. There he was, practising various classical pieces with the stated ambition of performing one day at the famed Carnegie Hall. Yes, Shahul always aimed high and usually succeeded.
He will be remembered not only for his scientific contributions but also for his humility, intellectual curiosity, sharp intellect, humour and generosity in mentoring young scientists. He leaves behind a legacy of innovation, integrity and excellence in research.
A lifelong bachelor, Shahul is survived by his elder sister, Kulthoom Aboobucker, who resides in Malaysia. Let us cherish and celebrate the memory of a remarkable human being who shared his life with us and has now moved on…
“For life and death are one, even as the river and sea are one.” – Khalil Gibran
Dr. Marcian Van Dort and Niranjan Selvadurai
She bloomed beautifully in the garden of life
SR. ROSE FERNANDO
With hearts filled with love and gratitude, I remember our dear Sr. Rose Fernando, FMM. Memories of her remain with all who experienced her love and kindness.
Sr. Rose was born on January 15, 1941. She hailed from a pious Catholic family of two brothers and six sisters. She studied at Holy Family Convent Bambalapitiya and entered the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary congregation on June 13, 1963, as a novice. She made her first commitment on June 13, 1965.
After her theology studies she made her final commitment to the Lord. She was working in the Catechetical Centre. While serving there in 1973, she was chosen to be the local Superior at St. Anthony’s Convent, Borella. In 1975 she was chosen to be the Provincial of Sri Lanka.
While holding this post from 1975 to 1978, she was chosen as a General Councillor in Rome, Italy (Generalate). Sr. Rose was a General Councillor from 1978 to 1990.
From 1991 to 2000, Sr. Rose stayed in Rome and studied to improve herself. She also went to other countries to help the Sisters in their Missions. In 2001, Sr. Rose returned to Sri Lanka. She was an inspiration and example to all the Sisters and a great help to all. She not only believed in the Gospel but lived it in small acts of service. She also spent much time deep in prayer.
After returning to Sri Lanka, she served as a local Superior in some communities. She also served as a Formater in the province to help young Sisters. Sr. Rose helped the administration till her life’s end.
When I entered the Novitiate, Sr. Rose happened to be in the Novitiate community. She would guide and advise me to deepen my faith and form my life as a Novice.
Her faith in God was deep. She never condemned or blamed anyone and taught Sisters to excuse anyone who hurt us. If anyone made a mistake she corrected her lovingly in a manner acceptable to the Sisters. She treated the eldest and the youngest in the congregation alike. She also treated the rich and poor the same way. She was humble, simple, generous and went out of her way to help whoever was in need of her help. She knew seven languages apart from Sinhala and English but never showed off or was boastful.
She was my first Superior. She encouraged young Sisters to develop their talents and skills and treated the Sisters with love and care. Sr. Rose gave her attention to everyone in the community.
Although she carried so many responsibilities, Sr. Rose never missed Eucharistic Adoration. If she missed it during the day, she would make up for it in the night. Sr. Rose lived her life inspired by Mother Mary. She was always available and generous with whoever came to her for help. Like a rose she bloomed beautifully in the garden of life. Her gentle touch and soft words attracted so many people to God. She went through life with trials and difficulties without complaining. Even when her health was declining, she gave herself fully to the Lord and His people without asking anything in return.
Dear Sr. Rose, today we remember you with love and gratitude. May you rest in peace.
Sr. Ranjani Gurusinghe
He shone both as an engineer and administrator
N. G. R. DE SILVA
The passing of veteran engineer Godfrey de Silva—affectionately known as NGR—is a profound loss to all who had the privilege of working with him.
From 1983 to 1995, he served the Mahaweli Authority of Sri Lanka (MASL) in several key leadership roles, leaving a legacy of excellence both as an engineer and as an administrator. Prior to this, he served with distinction in the Irrigation Department and even held the prestigious Director Irrigation post.
In 1983, when the Mahaweli programme was in full swing, then Minister Gamini Dissanayake handpicked a team of exceptional individuals to strengthen the Mahaweli Engineering and Construction Agency (MECA) and the Mahaweli Economic Agency (MEA). Among them were senior plantation managers like Jayantha Jayawardena and, notably, NGR—then Regional Director of Irrigation in Kandy. Although these appointments were initially met with resistance, the Minister stood firm, recognising their potential.
NGR joined MECA as Additional General Manager and soon rose to become its Head.
He later served as Managing Director of MEA. Despite frequent changes in government, his expertise and leadership were consistently sought after—a testament to his unwavering professionalism and
capability. His rare combination of
technical skill and administrative vision made him indispensable
As a leading irrigation engineer, NGR was a strong advocate for farmer education and participatory water management. He conducted extensive research and presented numerous papers promoting the establishment of Farmer Organisations at both Field Channel and Distributary Canal levels.
His pioneering work in Participatory Irrigation Management (PIM)
significantly improved water-use efficiency and land productivity.
Those who knew NGR remember him as kind, humble and composed. He had a natural gift for forming friendships and positively influencing those around him. One of the sources of his calm demeanour was his regular practice of Transcendental Meditation—a discipline he often recommended to others. He remained connected to everyone who worked with him, regardless of position.
As Rudyard Kipling once wrote:
“If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with Kings—nor lose the common touch…
You’ll be a Man, my son.”
By that measure, NGR was truly a remarkable gentleman—one we were fortunate to know and work alongside.
Thank you for your invaluable service, NGR.
May you find eternal peace.
D. Sarath Gunatillake
Amma, the remarkable lady who taught us many lessons
Susila Samaranayaka
June 10, 2025 marked the 100th birth anniversary of our beloved mother Susila Gunadari Samaranayake. Our devoted Ammi, was born on June 10, 1925 and passed away on March 11, 1997 after a brief illness at the age of 72. Her death created a tremendous void in our lives especially because both our beloved parents passed away within the short span of one year.
She was the daughter of Beatrice Suraweera and W. H. W. Perera, Proctor and Founder Member of the Ceylon Temperance Association, founded in 1912 that rendered great impetus to alcohol control and the initiation of liberation of our nation from British rule. She was the youngest of five siblings, preceded by Keerthi, Somie, Dully and Nanda.
Ammi was indeed the embodiment of love, kindness, simplicity and generosity. She was a practising Buddhist whose prime aim was service to the less fortunate to which she devoted over 45 years of her life.
As a young mother she responded to a notice in the “Daily News” and enlisted as a volunteer at the Ceylon Red Cross Society. The activities of the society included visiting homes of the needy, providing tea to patients at the Lady Ridgeway Hospital and the Orthopaedic Clinic and providing a library service for patients at the Colombo General Hospital. Ammi was a willing worker. My sister Manthri and I had our introduction to social service as we would spend Saturday morning with her doing work for the Red Cross Society.
Around this time, the Lanka Mahila Samithi, an association geared to improve the standards of rural women attracted Ammi’s attention. Under the guidance of eminent ladies like F. B. de Mel and Violet Rajapakse, she often travelled to rural areas and taught women the basics of hygiene, cooking and housekeeping. Once again, we joined Ammi at weekends.
A few years later Ammi had the good fortune to be influenced by another great lady, Mrs. C. H. Gunasekera. I recall vividly the first time that we visited Vihara Maha Devi Children’s Home, Biyagama, maintained by the All Ceylon Buddhist Congress with Mrs. C. H. Gunasekera. It was on a Saturday morning nearly 65 years ago. The children thought that Akka and I were two new recruits! That visit culminated in a lifelong commitment of service to the Home. Initially as Honorary Secretary and later as President, Ammi served the Home for over three decades.
At the Vihara Maha Devi Children’s Home or any other institution which she served, Ammi was not a nominal holder of office. She was a mother to all the children numbering nearly 150. With the help of a dedicated staff she saw to their upbringing both materially and spiritually. She knew each child by name. The Home came to be known as one of the best run children’s homes in the country. She took great pains to organise annual events like the prize distribution, pirith ceremonies and the New Year celebrations. Her concern extended to obtaining employment for the girls and even organising their weddings thus becoming a grandmother as well to their offspring.
Once again we grew up alongside the girls of the Vihara Maha Devi Home. Whenever possible, she took us there with her and the girls clamoured to get their turn to spend the school vacations in our home.
Ammi had a long association with the Mallika Niwas Samithiya, serving a term as President too of this organisation which manages the Mallika Home for Elderly Ladies, the Sneha Home for Infants in Bambalapitiya and the Parakrama Home for Boys in Kandana. She was a special friend of the elderly ladies visiting them almost daily during her time as President.
She played a prominent role in arranging foster parents’ schemes for her Homes and obtained substantial financial support for them from overseas, especially from Australia, to supplement the state grants and public donations.
Ammi was an active member of the Sinhala Institute of Culture which was a forum for Sinhala dramatists to display their talents. She helped to arrange Avurudu ullelas, boru kakul shows, viskam, bali etc.
As Vice-President of the All Ceylon Buddhist Women’s Congress she concentrated on the Sandya Home for the elderly striving to bring comfort and happiness to the ladies there by arranging picnics, magic shows, pilgrimages and the like. One of her last acts was a programme to commemorate “Elders Week” which ended with a pilgrimage to Attanagalla Raja Maha Vihare. This was just before she entered hospital for surgery. Believing firmly in handing responsibility to younger persons she handed over her work in time to those she thought were capable and dedicated workers.
In spite of her varied activities, Ammi was foremost a dutiful wife and a loving and caring mother who was always at home when needed. She received enormous encouragement to carry out her social service from Thathie. She looked after her mother and her mother-in-law who lived in our home for many years, both of them receiving her love, care and attention in equal measure.
It was Ammi who encouraged us to participate in activities outside our studies. She had a remarkable talent for knitting and crocheting and knitted for us and even our children the most beautiful socks. She prided herself on her ability to do intricate work and knitting and darning were her forte. Being very keen that we learn to make our own clothes she sent us to dressmaking classes between our O’ Level and A’ Level examinations.
We grew up in a Buddhist environment at home and for decades Akka, Malli and I observed sil on Vesak and Poson poya days with Ammi. She was a live-wire at social gatherings of friends and relations – always eager for a singsong and laughter. Ammi gave leadership in organising extended family outings annually, which were eagerly awaited and enjoyed by the three generations interacting together.
I admired Ammi for the commonsense she possessed. She often asked me about interesting and difficult patients and enjoyed listening to medical anecdotes. She rejoiced with me when difficult clinical problems were solved and patients recovered.
Kindness and generosity were shown without reservation to all those who came to Ammi for help. No one was ever sent away without assistance rendered, problems solved and a meal provided. Her care and kindness covered her extended family, her girls and elderly ladies, and anyone else in need and even animals. She was a member of “Gal Gava Mithuro” – Friends of the Cart Bull. Many a time she would get Thathie to stop the car when they were travelling so that she could plead with a carter being unkind to a bull or to request that a bull foaming at the mouth be given water. She readily found places for aged bulls to spend their last days. She often alighted from the car to stop the wasteful flow of water from roadside taps.
At the time of her death Ammi was President of the International Children’s Village, Rambukkana for the expansion of which she had great plans. Strong willed and courageous, she never let her illness get the better of her. She passed away peacefully after the chanting of pirith by monks from a temple in our neighbourhood.
Ammi taught us many lessons, foremost of which were simplicity, kindness and service to others. She was indeed a remarkable lady. Ammi, may your journey through Sansara continue to be rewarding and may you finally attain the Ssupreme Bliss of Nibbana.
Anula Wijesundere (nee Samaranayake) Hemanatha Samaranayake
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