Appreciations
View(s):Farewell to a wonderful, loyal and loving cousin
Subodhini Radhika Thambiayah Nirmalalingam
It is with a deeply saddened heart that I bid farewell to my precious cousin, who passed away last week. To me, she was more than a cousin – she was my dearest companion, my confidante and my sister in every way that mattered.
Growing up, Subo and I were inseparable – just three years apart, yet always side by side, two peas in a pod. We loved the same things, shared the same sense of curiosity and adventure, and walked hand in hand through our childhood. Our bond mirrored that of our mothers, Sundari and Rajeswary Sellamuttu, who were also devoted sisters and inseparable friends.
Subo had a flair for the arts from a young age. She dreamed of being a dancer and at school she shone brilliantly, excelling in Spanish, Bharata natyam, Manipuri, Kandyan dancing and performed in theatre. Though her father guided her toward academics first, Subo never let go of her other passions.
Educated at St. Bridget’s Convent, she left for London in 1959 to study law and was called to the prestigious London Bar, Inner Temple, in 1963. A good friend of ours in London once remarked that Subo would be the toast at many an Inner Temple dinner which she often graced, clad elegantly in her beautiful sarees. Her beauty and sparkling personality made her often the centre of attention in these legal circles.
Subo was also admitted to the Supreme Court of New South Wales in Australia. This too was an amazing milestone in her professional career.
In London she did not forget her passion for dancing – training in flamenco under the renowned Tari Moreno. She even performed before Queen Elizabeth II, a remarkable achievement that reflected her grace and elegance.
On returning to Colombo, she took part in the celebrated Fiesta Flamenco in 1964, participating with many of her close friends. She certainly left an indelible mark on the cultural scene of our time.
Her talents were not confined to the stage alone. Subo was a gifted sportswoman, playing netball for St. Bridget’s and Shamrock and later representing Tamil Union.
She proved equally extraordinary in the business world. After starting at Browns as a lawyer, she went on to lead her father’s company, the Cargo Boat Despatch Co. Ltd., rising to Chairperson and steering its subsidiaries with great vision. She was a founder director of the Cargo Boat Development Company PLC and Renuka Hotels PLC, and also served on the boards of Hatton National Bank PLC and Cargills Ceylon PLC, representing our family interests. These were remarkable accomplishments for any person – and especially so for a woman in that era.
Subo was a truly exceptional example of an entrepreneur and visionary business leader in her time, winning also the agency for the then famous Hanjin Shipping Lines.
We, her family, were endlessly proud of her. But beyond her talents and achievements, Subo was beautiful and charming, with quick wit and a great sense of humour that many will remember her by. She was strong and charismatic, yet kind and welcoming to all who crossed her path. People were drawn to her warmth, her laughter, and the way she made everyone feel at ease. She had an unwavering faith in God and Christianity, a faith that only grew stronger in her later years.
Her personal journey was just as special as her professional one. When she married Nimo Nirmalalingam and became pregnant with her beloved son, Dhiren, I too was expecting my firstborn, Rajeev. Once again, our paths aligned perfectly – we were young mothers together, navigating yet another milestone side by side. I still remember with such joy the night we both danced until dawn to the band Jetliners at Coconut Grove, Galle Face Hotel. We were then eight months pregnant, laughing and twirling as if time stood still. That was Subo – full of life, courage, laughter and grace.
She lived fully, excelled greatly, and loved deeply. She was a daughter, wife, sister, mother, leader, artist, and above all, a beautiful soul who touched many lives.
Our darling cousin, my Subo – Wicky and I will miss you beyond words. But we will carry with us the warmth of our childhood adventures, the joy of our youthful times together, and the pride of your extraordinary life. May your soul rest in eternal peace, surrounded by the love you so richly gave to those you loved. You will be forever loved, my precious Subo!
Sheranee Sellamuttu
A legacy matching his name
G.G. D. DE SILVA
Those who knew Ginige Gunaseela (pious virtue) Dharmawansa de Silva, known to many as GD, often say that his first name suited him best. He was well-respected yet profoundly humble, a man of virtue who practised Lord Buddha’s principles as the backbone of his life. He was referred to as “Honda Mama” (Good Uncle) by all his nephews and nieces because he was kind to everybody. If he were with us today, he would be 93 years old; however, he passed away peacefully on October 8, 2022.
An old boy of Dharmashoka College, Ambalangoda and Ananda College, Colombo, he graduated with a Bachelor of Law from the University of Ceylon and completed the examination for admission of advocates at Ceylon Law College to join the private bar at the Balapitiya Courts on May 4, 1959. He realised that private practice did not align with his ideals and transitioned to serve as Crown Counsel at the Attorney General’s Department in 1964. He later joined the judiciary as a Magistrate in the Panadura Courts and was subsequently appointed District Judge at the Avissawella courts. His wife, Indranie, fondly recalls how he used to pay the fines of impoverished minor offenders with his own limited means.
In 1974, he joined the Legal Draftsman’s Department as Deputy Legal Draftsman and was sent to Australia for training, where he obtained a Certificate in Legal Drafting from the Legislative Drafting Institute in Canberra. On his return, he was promoted as the Additional Legal Draftsman, and Co-Head of the department. However, due to the shifting political climate which he was never part of, his post was abolished, despite him being the only foreign-trained Legal Draftsman in the country at the time. With a heavy heart, he returned to private practice at Avissawella to support his young family.
After a brief but difficult period, in 1981 he was invited to head the Legal Draftsman’s Department in Guyana. In 1984, he was offered the post of Principal Legal Draftsman in the Republic of Seychelles, a role that proved instrumental in advancing his legal and professional career.
He held the post of Law Revision Commissioner, which was the head of the Legislative Drafting Division for the Attorney General’s Chambers in Seychelles. There, he was entrusted with drafting the Constitution of Seychelles, a document that remains in effect to this day. The meticulously crafted 1991 edition of the Laws of Seychelles solidified his legacy as a legal luminary. Signed by “G.G.D. de Silva,” this ten-volume masterpiece remains a testament to his scholarly prowess.
During his 13-year stint in Seychelles, he served as a Puisne Judge and as Chief Justice for Seychelles on several occasions. He was also the Attorney General from 1992 to 1997. At the conclusion of his duties in Seychelles, a glowing tribute was paid to him by the President of Seychelles, France-Albert René, highlighting his diligence and integrity. He was not only an exemplary judge and a master of the law but also a compassionate individual with an unmatched moral character.
After returning to Sri Lanka in 1997, he served as a legal consultant at the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.
In 2000, the President of Sri Lanka sought to amend the Sri Lankan Constitution to address certain socio-political conflicts prevailing at the time. Aware of his exceptional service in Seychelles, the President’s legal advisors entrusted him with the task of drafting the new constitution of Sri Lanka. During this time, the government determined that the abolition of his former post at the Legal Draftsman’s Department in the late 1970s had been unjust and adjusted his retirement benefits accordingly. However, following the completion of the drafting process, due to political disagreements, the draft was never realised into legislation, though highly commended by many legal luminaries.
In essence, his legacy is a profound reminder of the enduring power of resilience and always doing the right thing. In his journey, he reminds us that challenges can be overcome with gentleness and humility, and even the darkest moments can be illuminated by the light of hope, perseverance and being virtuous.
-Dr. Dilshan de Silva
He was one of the most popular administrators in Batticaloa
Bradman Weerakoon
An administrator par excellence in the field of government service, Bradman Weerakoon, left this world at the age of 94. In his long career, he had served as Government Agent, Secretary to the Prime Minister and President.
It is with much sorrow that I pen this tribute to Mr. Weerakoon whom I met when I got my first appointment to the Batticaloa Kachcheri where he was then GA.
After three years in Batticaloa, Mr. Weerakoon was transferred to Galle as GA. At Batticaloa he was one of the most respected, loved and popular figures among the staff of the Kachcheri, AGA office, other institutions and among the public.
While on duty, I had to go through his personal letter file which had all the invitations he got for various social and cultural events in the area. He never let them down, and participated as much as possible when he had the time and sent letters, if he could not attend. I recall a Saraswathi pooja organised by the staff where he was there till the very end.
Mr. Weerakoon had a very pleasant face and a beautiful smile.
When there was a scarcity of rice, the Sinhala officers serving in the Batticaloa area were unable to find rice. Wanting to get two seru for their consumption, they went to meet Mr. Weerakoon to give him a letter with this request. He discussed the matter with one of our colleagues and found out how much was issued – 1/2 seru free and 1 seru free and another 1 for money. ‘How can I, as GA, give you two serus’, he asked. He referred the matter to the Director, Plan Implementation and it was favourably resolved.
In our quarters there was some bare land and during the Waga Sangramaya in 1975, we were asked to plant some crops. We decided to plant maize. The plantation grew very well and we invited Mr. Weerakoon to come and see the results, which he did.
When we wanted to get a transfer from the station, he would urge us to stay and serve in this part of the country.
When he left for Galle, he asked us to come and visit him. Since my home was in Galle, I once visited him at his official residence. We were asked not to bring any gifts. Having welcomed me, he asked me have some tea, and then go with him to the Galle Harbour as he had to go to sign a book there. I was asked to sit in the back seat with him and he dropped me back home afterwards. That was the kindness he showed to all.
His vast experience as a civil service administrator cannot be matched. He exuded calm and kindness and his beautiful smile reflected his inner purity. He always looked what he was.
May he attain the supreme bliss of Nibbana.
Somasiri P. Liyanage
He made large strides in the development of minor export crops
Dr. Senarath Tikiribandara Wickremasinghe Kirinde
My first encounter with Dr. Kirinde, the Director of the Department of Minor Export Crops, was in 1983 at my recruitment interview. At first sight I thought he was a calm, unassuming and kind-hearted person. Having been selected, I worked under him for about five years in my 20-year career at the department and realized that my thinking was correct.
The Department of Minor Export Crops, as originally named, started in 1973. The term “Minor”, which was changed later, had a significance at that time. Export crops were dominated by tea, rubber and coconut and predominantly produced in estates largely owned by the elite. Cinnamon, pepper, clove, coffee and cocoa had a minor share in the export market and cultivated by smallholders. These crops started gaining recognition around 1970-1972, because of the emerging trend of diversifying unproductive tea lands with alternative export crops. The UNDP and FAO supported this emerging trend providing technical and financial assistance. A section called the Minor Export Crop Division in the Department of Agriculture was managing this trend, and Dr. Kirinde, a Research Officer at the time, was heading the division.
With political patronage, a small team of senior officials in that division gave birth to the Department of Minor Export Crops. Dr. Kirinde was one of the leading figures, and Drs. Jayanetti and K.J. Gunawardena joined hands with him. They foresaw the potential of these crops as an export earner and contributor to alleviate rural poverty. Dr. Jayanetti was the founder Director till 1975, and Dr. Kirinde became director thereafter and served until his retirement in 1987.
At the start, not many senior officials of the Department of Agriculture were willing to join Dr. Kirinde. Exceptions were Drs. S. Kathiragamathayah and W. Alles, who joined in early 1973. The reluctance was due to many risk factors – no basic facilities, uncertainty about its lifespan and the budget availability. Dr. Kirinde, nevertheless, wanted to lead the institution.
As I learned later, it was a tough journey to find the required lifeblood for the Department. It was housed in a small, rented place in Colombo. Essential and basic furniture was sparce and had to be loaned. Dr. Kirinde did not give up the challenge in spite of the many pessimists. In 1976 he managed to secure a decent budget provision. It was not a cake walk, he said. He had to make an impression in the minds of Treasury officials for a hardly- existing department. With budget savings, the department was moved from Colombo to the ground floor of the Department of Buildings near the Kandy Kachcheri.
Such premises were not going to accomplish Dr. Kirinde’s vision of advancing the department and undertaking effective development work. Throughout the 1980’s the department took in new recruits, expanded assistance for crop cultivation and undertook research. The need for a decent building for the Head Office could not be compromised. Dr. Kirinde made requests to many institutions, including the Department of Agriculture, for a building, with no success. The Department of Railways eventually came to his rescue. With concerted efforts, a piece of land earmarked for railway reservations in Getambe was obtained. The State Engineering Corporation constructed the head office on that land. It was a great success as I witnessed it being built in a fairly short time.
In the meantime, Dr. Kirinde spearheaded the acquisition of 170 acres of rubber interplanted with cacao from Wariyapola estate to establish the Crop Research Station at Matale. Although land for research was secured, the research staff had no roof over their heads. A few buildings were erected and later expanded to the current fully fledged Matale Central Research Centre. Until Dr. Kirinde’s retirement, he did an enormous amount of work to establish and expand the department into an A-Grade public institution. Following the Matale research station, the Tissue Culture Research Centre at Walpita, the Mid Country Research Station at Dalpitiya, and the Sub Research Stations at Nilambe, and Kundasale were established. Several crops such as cinnamon, pepper, clove, cardamom, coffee, cocoa, areca nut, beetle, garcinia and turmeric were included in the departmental scope. The name of the Department was changed in 1985 to the Department of Export Agriculture, removing the socially and politically belittling name – minor export crops.
Dr. Kirinde’s vision was not limited to establishing buildings and expanding stations. He excelled in providing appropriate and technically correct guidance to his staff. His motto was that our staff deals with perennial crops which once planted expending resources of rural people stay in the land for many years. Therefore, providing correct technical advice, good plants for planting, and timely inputs were of essence. He stressed the importance of our understanding this logic. Dr. Kirinde rationalised his passionate endeavour to provide leadership to a dedicated institution for these crops by saying that it was to help low-income rural farmers to earn cash for their families and at the same time for the country to earn dollars that are even more vital. This logic helped him create a policy dialogue among the Ministries of Agriculture and Finance which paved the way to commence a government cash grant scheme for the growers. A well-structured scheme provided these grants which attracted many to take up these crops. Initiated with small amounts, Dr. Kirinde and the other directors convinced the Treasury to increase the total amount of grants provided annually and the amount to a unit extent of cultivation.
Within a matter of 30 years, the Department of Export Agriculture has reached the heights as an internationally recognised institution armed with a sizable number of technical and non-technical staff. As the second and longest serving Director, Dr. Kirinde’s 15-year service to the department and more importantly to rural people and to the country is unforgettable.
Anura Herath
Always on my mind
Savitri Wickramasinghe
Gone for seven long years, you may be gone from my sight but not from my heart. You are always on my mind and remembered especially on your 65th birthday on August 31.
May all the kusal you acquired in this birth and along the way in sansara and our punyanumodana for you make your journey in sansara short.
May you attain the supreme bliss of Nibbana.
Nimal W.
The world is bereft without you Seeya
BERNARD RUPASINGHE
You left without warning, no time to prepare,
No final ‘I love you’, no last breath to share.
The silence you left feels heavy and wide,
I’d give anything now for one moment beside.
A kind and gentle soul, steady and true,
You gave so much love in the things you would do.
Bananas and eggs – your favourites by far,
You made us love them, no matter how stubborn we were.
You loved your tall trees, their leaves in the breeze,
And the gentle cluck-cluck of your happy hens’ ease.
Simple joys filled your days, yet your heart was so grand,
Always ready to help with a steady, kind hand.
Your humour was warm, your laughter sincere,
You could brighten a room just by being near.
Helping came easy – to friend or to stranger,
Your heart was a safe place, free from all danger.
And God you loved deeply, with faith shining bright,
A steady, calm beacon in the darkest of nights.
Forgive us for not coming to see you sooner,
We thought there was time…but time can be cruel.
Nanga and I will love you always,
And carry you forward through all of our days.
We’ll try our best to fill the big shoes you left,
Though without you, Seeya, the world feels bereft.
Though goodbye never came, my love still will stay,
And I’ll carry you with me, each step of the way
One day we’ll meet where no shadows will fall-
Till then, Seeya, we love you, we miss you.
Tesher & Eliana Rupasinghe (Grand kids)
My uncle, my protector, and father figure
JABEER ANVER
Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un – Indeed, to Allah we belong and to Him we shall return. (Qur’an 2:156)
My beloved Uncle Jabeer has returned to his Creator, leaving behind not material wealth, but a legacy of immeasurable love, kindness and faith. He was my mother’s brother, yet in my life he was so much more. He was the father I lost at the tender age of two, the guiding hand that steadied me, and the constant source of warmth and reassurance throughout my life.
When I lost my father, my uncle quietly filled that space. He walked beside me through every stage of my childhood, never seeking recognition, always present in the background like a silent guardian. I remember tuk-tuk rides with the breeze on my face, his laughter at our little shared jokes, and the way he always seemed to know which chocolates would brighten my day. These weren’t small gestures; they were the purest expressions of a love so genuine and so selfless that it shaped who I am today.
He was not a man of worldly riches, but his heart was richer than gold. He gave without ever expecting in return, offering his time, his care, and his unwavering support. His life was built on humility, integrity and an unshakable faith in Allah. Today, as people gathered to remember him, every voice spoke of what a great man he was, how deeply he loved, how much he gave, and the incredible level of Iman that guided every step of his life.
His passing leaves a space that cannot be filled, yet we take comfort in knowing that he has returned to the One he served with such devotion. We pray that Allah forgives his shortcomings, grants him light in his grave, and elevates him to the highest ranks of Jannah.
Uncle Jabeer, you were my uncle, my protector, and the father figure who loved me as his own. We loved you beyond words, respected you beyond measure, and your presence will remain with us, in our hearts, in our prayers, and in the life we strive to honour you with.
May Allah, Most Merciful, envelop you in His Rahmah, forgive your sins, and grant you eternal peace in the gardens of Jannah.
Akeela Rasheed Imthinam
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