Appreciations
View(s):A life of great selfless service
PERIN CAPTAIN
Perin Captain devoted more than 65 years of selfless voluntary service to the cause of cancer care and patient welfare and stands as one of the most remarkable figures in the history of the Sri Lanka Cancer Society. She was just 21 when she started working with the Society – the beginning of a lifelong commitment that would leave an indelible impact on thousands of lives.
One of the most significant milestones of her service was her instrumental role in establishing the Shantha Sevana Hospice in 1996. Built by her brother Sohli Captain, it was the first of its kind in Sri Lanka. Demonstrating exceptional foresight, she travelled to England to study hospice care for terminally ill cancer patients and shared her knowledge with the Executive Committee, guiding the early planning of the hospice. During the construction phase, she once again visited England to source essential equipment for the hospice.
Following the opening of Shantha Sevana Hospice, her dedication did not waver. Through her efforts, an experienced nurse from the United Kingdom was recruited to train local staff, ensuring high standards of compassionate care. She continued to organize programmes linked to World Hospice Day and other initiatives to sustain awareness and support for hospice services.
From her earliest years with the Society, Ms. Captain displayed extraordinary initiative and dedication. She pioneered fundraising efforts by introducing collection tills across Colombo, a simple yet powerful idea that generated vital funds for cancer patients. Nearly 35 years ago, she established the collection till at Katunayake International Airport, that continues to serve as a major and sustained source of income for the Society.
For over five decades, Ms. Captain was the driving force behind some of the Society’s most successful fundraising events. She was the chief organizer of the annual Jumble Sale held each April and the Pavement Fair conducted every alternate year. Her personal engagement with the Board of Investment (BOI) to secure tax waivers ensured that all required materials were received free of charge, allowing every possible rupee to be directed towards patient care.
Her leadership extended well beyond fundraising. Over the years, Ms. Captain held numerous senior positions within the Sri Lanka Cancer Society, including General Secretary, Vice President, President, and Chairperson. In every role, she provided steady guidance, clarity of vision, and unwavering commitment. She also introduced innovative initiatives such as cycle parades and flag days, further strengthening public awareness and participation.
She was also a fearless advocate for the staff of the Sri Lanka Cancer Society, speaking up whenever their welfare required attention. She played a key role in securing electronic equipment and office necessities through donations from leading institutions such as Metropolitan and Abans.
Beyond her official responsibilities, she touched countless lives through personal acts of kindness, providing financial assistance, donating essential items, offering shelter to the underprivileged, and fulfilling the wishes of cancer patients whenever possible. She maintained a close and respectful relationship with the medical professionals at the Apeksha Hospital, working in partnership for the well-being of patients.
Guided by a singular principle – to collect and channel resources for the welfare of cancer patients - Perin Captain gave not only her time and leadership, but also significant personal financial support to the cause. She was, without question, one of the greatest strengths of the Sri Lanka Cancer Society.
Her extraordinary legacy of compassion, dedication and selfless service will continue to inspire generations to come and will remain forever etched in the heart of the Sri Lanka Cancer Society and all those who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside her.
-The Sri Lanka Cancer Society
Pioneer Medical Laboratory scientist at CMC
DR. ANNA KARIYAWASAM
The medical community and patients are saddened by the passing away of Dr. (Mrs.) Anna Kariyawasam who served as the Deputy Chief Medical Officer of Health (DCMOH) Laboratory Services/City Microbiologist of the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) from 2005 to 2021. She will always be remembered for her unstinting commitment and expertise during the above period.
Dr. Kariyawasam was known for her technical competence, professionalism and dedication to patient care. She possessed an unmatched knowledge of medical laboratory processes, performing tests ranging from the simplest to the most complex hormonal analyses. What added a remarkable touch to her credentials and professionalism is that she ensured these facilities were available to all, free of charge.
A passionate advocate for continuous quality improvement, Dr. Kariyawasam completely revamped the laboratory, introducing state-of-the-art equipment. Under her leadership, quality assurance was maintained through ISO-approved laboratory management systems, and she personally trained all staff to adopt these measures. The laboratory’s quality and efficiency thus reached international standards and other leading institutions in Colombo too collaborated with her.
Her dedication extended beyond large institutions, ensuring proper medical and food safety practices were followed even in small establishments, from local food shops to five-star hotels within the CMC area.
Her colleagues remember her for her problem-solving skills, mentorship and unwavering commitment. She was not only a remarkable professional but also a guiding force, inspiring them to strive for excellence and fostering a culture of lifelong learning.
Her legacy is one of innovation, compassion, and professionalism. Through her tireless efforts, public health practices were improved, medical laboratory standards were strengthened, and she left an indelible mark on everyone who had the privilege of working with her. Although during the latter part of her career she faced a lot of obstacles and was not supported to make the laboratory an accredited one, her name will be remembered as someone whose contributions will continue to benefit the community in Colombo for years to come, especially the most vulnerable members.
May she attain the supreme bliss of Nibbana.
-Staff of the City Microbiological Laboratory
The maestro whose skills in dancing, drumming brought the stage alive
SUMEDHA SHILPADHIPATHI
The eyes of the audience were glued to the stage on which the artists were portraying seine fishing. The accompanying chants enhanced the rhythmic bending and stretching of fishermen. The melodious voice of Pundit Amaradeva echoed through the auditorium.
Hoiya ho-iya, hoiya ho-iya
Hoiya ho-iya, hoiya ho-iya
This was Karadiya, the masterpiece oriental ballet by Chitrasena, the eminent guru of Sinhala dance.
An elegant dynamic dancer on the stage captured the interest. Maestro Chitrasena had made the right choice to have Sumedha Shilpadhipathi in his troupe.
Sumedha was born in Polgahawela in 1948 to the Shilpadhipathi family acclaimed for Kandyan dance. Following his elder brother, Piyasara Shilpadhipathi (world-renowned drummer and dancer and former senior lecturer at the University of Colombo and University of Kelaniya), Sumedha started to learn dancing under the tutelage of his uncle Simon Shilpadhipathi, a prominent Kandyan dancer famous for his somersaults.
Being a quick learner Sumedha improved his skills in dancing, drumming and the acrobatic side of the art. Piyasara moved to Colombo and consequently Sumedha too had connections with Colombo. With the association of great gurus Chitrasena and Panibharatha, the pioneer of Sinhala classical dance, he turned into a brilliant artiste. He played in Chitrasena’s Karadiya, Nala Damayanthi, Kinkini Kolama, Shivaranga; Panibharatha’s Graha Apala, Sath Paththini, Mahaveli, just to name a few.
He was a star. Veteran choregrapher Channa Wijewardane says Sumedha was his role model. Sumedha was a member of the state dancing troupe and took part in various cultural awareness and tourism promotion programmes organised by the Ceylon Tourist Board and the then national carrier Air Lanka. On some occasions he led the troupe. He had participated in 53 tours to countries including the USA, the UK, Australia and Japan.
He taught as a dancing teacher in several schools including Ibbagamuwa National School and St. Bernadette’s Model School. He helped the Parakramabahu National School (where his wife had been the vice principal), win first place at the All Island School Dancing Competition several times. Even after retirement he continued his service with his own dancing institution Sumedha Shilpayathanaya, for the benefit of the younger generation.
In recognition of an illustrious career spanning six decades and the services rendered to Sri Lankan dance and his cultural diplomacy, the state conferred on him the titles of Kalasuri, Kalabhushana and Rangabhimani. He also received many prizes and certificates during his long career.
Simple and unpretentious, his company was sought by many to enjoy a candid conversation and a good laugh. He had a mesmerising smile, great sense of humour and was a good storyteller.
He had been battling an illness for some time. Leaving a rich aesthetic legacy, this septuagenarian closed his eyes on Christmas Eve last year.
Adios, Amigo!
-Upali Karunathilake
The many lives you touched remain as your true legacy
INDRAN KARALASINGHAM
We first crossed paths during our accountancy lectures, but it didn’t take long to realize you were far more than just a brilliant mind in the classroom. Highly intelligent yet deeply humble, generous with your knowledge and your heart, you had a rare way of making everyone feel seen and valued.
A livewire at any gathering, your humour and energy lit up every room you walked into. You lived a carefree life, carried success lightly, and never let achievements define your humanity. As a successful investment promoter and a quiet philanthropist, you helped many – often without seeking recognition.
Your untimely passing has left an ache that words struggle to contain. Yet your kindness, laughter, and the many lives you touched remain as your true legacy. You will always be remembered with respect, gratitude and deep affection.
Aendra Bandaranaike
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