APPRECIATIONS
View(s):From those London days in the 60s to shared memories at SLIA
AR. LALITH DE SILVA
My friendship with Lalith was one of enduring depth and warmth, spanning nearly seven decades. It began during our youthful days on the rugby field; though we attended different schools, a shared passion for the sport drew us together.
In the 1960s, while studying architecture in England, Lalith and I became part of an intimate circle of Sri Lankan students who would convene occasionally to exchange ideas and share camaraderie. Among those I fondly remember are Richard Fernando, Abdul Hussain, Turner Wickramasinghe, Chris De Saram, Tilak De Silva, and Nihal Amarasinghe — though time may have dimmed the recollection of others. Sadly, only a few of us remain active today.
Upon graduation, by happy coincidence, Lalith, Nihal, and I were employed at the same London firm: George Trew Dunn (GTD). Returning to Sri Lanka in the late 1960s, we went our separate professional ways, some establishing practices, others joining established firms, but Lalith and I sustained both a personal and professional bond through it all.
In the 1970s, we joined the Sri Lanka Institute of Architects (SLIA). By the 1980s, alongside visionary colleagues like Gemunu Fernando and Lakshman Alwis, we recognized SLIA’s stagnation relative to its Asian counterparts. Determined to spur progress, we devised a bold initiative – to “leapfrog” forward. This vision culminated in the transformative Silver Jubilee celebrations of 1982, which heralded a new era of energy, relevance, and reform within SLIA.
Our collaboration extended beyond Sri Lanka through ARCASIA, where we represented SLIA, later holding office and travelling extensively across Asia. These journeys, often shared with our wives, remain etched in memory for their warmth and adventure. Rathana was also very fond of both – Lalith and Hemamali.
Though physical distance grew following Lalith’s relocation to Australia, we stayed closely connected through WhatsApp. He often spoke with heartfelt affection about his devoted wife Hemamali, who was unwell, and his son Kesara, of whom he was immensely proud. Lalith himself faced health challenges, which he candidly and courageously discussed.
His passing is a profound loss — to his cherished family, devoted friends, and to the architectural fraternity, especially SLIA.
May he attain the supreme bliss of Nirvana.
Ar. Dr. Surath Wickramasinghe
You were a role model to many
CECILIA THOMAS
You served across the hill capital not only the students but also their anxious parents.
The beauty of your professionalism was the realization that children from diverse backgrounds had an equal right to learn. You treated the kids of the aristocrats and the down trodden, of the professionals and the daily wage earners, and of the rich and the poor equally in quenching their thirst for knowledge. With your wisdom and warmth you identified and motivated the weak, the shy students in your classes to realise their full potential.
It was never a smooth path. But your thoughtful words and deeds facilitated smooth functioning without causing fears and rivalries among the students.
You were the role model to many with your simplicity, kindness, total commitment to your duties and wide vision as a teacher. Your soft spoken words of sound advice on various issues inspired many to face the struggles in their daily lives.
May your students follow your exemplary path illuminating the lives they encounter.
May your soul rest in peace.
Rose Rupasinghe Samuel
He lived with openness and joy
LAKSHMAN FERNANDO
The passing of our beloved brother Laksha,who left us on 08.07.2025 at the age of 73 has left us in great sorrow. Though he was ill for a short period, his departure came as a great shock to us.
Laksha was the first among us siblings to leave this world - and his loss has left an indescribable emptiness in our hearts. He was a devoted brother always ready with a kind word, a story or gentle wisdom.
He was educated at St Benedict’s College Kotahena and began his professional life in an audit firm going on to make valuable contributions to the apparel industry both in Sri Lanka and abroad.
A man of immense knowledge, Laksha was an avid reader and my personal encyclopaedia. His memory was remarkable and his grasp of general knowledge was nothing short of astounding. Our conversations would often turn into joyful walks down memory lane. I will miss those precious moments.
Laksha found great joy in music and was a devoted listener of the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation often requesting his favourite songs with heartfelt enthusiasm. A devout Catholic, his faith was central to his life. He never missed church services and was often found in prayer down on his knees. His ability to quote the Bible in everyday conversations earned him the affectionate title of ‘our family theologian’.
Laksha had a cheerful spirit, full of generosity, compassion and humour. He truly enjoyed the company of those he loved and lived his life with openness and joy
He was a loving husband to his beloved wife Shiranee, loving father to his accomplished daughters Lakshi and Nilakshi and proud grandfather to his cherished grandchildren.
He leaves behind his caring sisters, brother, sister-in-law and brothers-in-law along with many dear friends and extended family.
Though you are no longer with us dear Laksha, your memory, your words and your warmth, will live on in our hearts forever.
We take comfort in the thought that Thatha, Amma and all your loved ones in heaven are there to welcome you into the arms of Jesus.
May your beautiful soul rest in peace.
Ranjanee Perera
To a dear father
W.S. HULUGALLE
My dreams are made of memories
Of a dear father who was generous
Sharing everything he had with me
Knowledge, love and protection.
You were a role model to both of us
At times we resisted your advice
Your smile always hid your remorse
You had patience for all of us.
Your generosity went beyond us
Even to those who wronged you.
You never changed your views
But became more tactful in the end.
Your love was unconditional
Your needs were always minimal
Wish the three of you are now united
Waiting for me to join you soon!
Appachchi, may you attain
the Supreme Bliss of Nirvana !
-Sriyani Hulugalle
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