Appreciations
View(s):A great administrator and kind humanist
DR. JOE FERNANDO
It came as a great shock to me when I heard the sad news of the demise of Dr. Joe Fernando, former Secretary to the Ministry of Health, Indigenous Medicine and Women’s Affairs as I had been closely associated with him for more than half a decade while serving in the Ministry of Health. Unfortunately, I was abroad at the time and could not attend his funeral.
I first met Dr. Fernando when I served as a member of an interview board for the selection of AMOOs. At that time, I was the Director of Pensions, and Dr. Fernando was serving as the Director General of Health Services (DGHS).
At first sight, I identified him as a typical medical doctor of the older generation. He had a kind and dignified appearance and was neatly dressed in European attire, in pure white satin drill, with an attractive necktie. I had experienced a similar impression when meeting eminent medical professionals such as Dr. S. A. Wickramasingha, Dr.Upul Wijayawardhana and Dr. P. R. Anthonisz.
He was widely respected by people across many districts in Sri Lanka as an amiable and modest individual, particularly within the health sector and among administrators.
When I was appointed as Senior Assistant Secretary to the Ministry of Health, Indigenous Medicine, and Women’s Affairs, Dr. Fernando was the Secretary to the Ministry. I was extremely pleased to work under such a kind and principled person, as throughout my career I had largely worked with officers of the CCS/CAS.
I was placed in charge of the Coordination Branch of the Ministry of Health. When I noticed that no formal list of duties had been assigned to me, Dr. Fernando discussed the matter with me and prepared a comprehensive list of responsibilities. He also entrusted me with the Departmental Tender Board, and authorised me to inspect any institution under the purview of the Ministry.
He never interfered with my work or attempted to encroach upon my authority. I was able to work independently. Everyone worked with true team spirit. As a result, there were no strikes by doctors, nurses, MLTs, or minor staff.
He would listen attentively to anyone who came to present a grievance, whether a consultant physician, intern doctor, nursing officer, clerk, peon, attendant, or minor employee and guide them with positive instructions to the relevant officers.
Whatever circulars I issued to officers of the Ministry pertaining to my areas of responsibility were drafted by me, signed as “Sgd. Dr.Fernando,” and countersigned by myself. He never altered their contents.
Dr. Fernando sent me to Thailand and Singapore to study health administration. With the inspiration and encouragement I received, I was promoted as Additional Secretary, and after his departure from the Ministry, I was appointed to function as Secretary for a period of time.
According to the Oxford Dictionary, the term “Catholic” has two meanings: one, a member of the Roman Catholic Church; and two, a broad-minded and disciplined person. In both senses, Dr. Fernando truly deserved to be called a Catholic. It also comes to my mind that the name “Joseph” from the Holy Bible, was most appropriately bestowed upon him by his father.
Although he was born with a silver spoon, into a wealthy family in Marawila as the son of a Barrister, and received his education in Europe, he remained simple and amiable throughout his life. I wish to conclude this appreciation with a quotation from Rudyard Kipling: “If you can walk with Kings—nor lose the common touch…”—a line that perfectly describes Dr. Fernando’s life and career.
May he rest in peace, or, according to our Buddhist faith, be born again in our motherland to serve the health sector, which is currently facing confusion and deterioration.
-Dharma Hewamadduma
A teacher’s heart, a warrior’s soul
Srini Chitra Mallawarachchi
Like Marmee in the novel Little Women, she guided our all-girls’ family with the same quiet strength, serving as the loving centre who held everything together. As a mother to daughters, she raised us with patience, courage and a love that never asked for anything in return. Like all of us, she had her own life story, with moments of both strength and weakness. She faced challenges with courage, learned from them, and always stood strong again.
This is the story of my mother: Srini Chitra Mallawarachchi, who passed away in October 2025, yet continues to live on in our values, our memories, and the lessons she left behind.
When I turn the pages of her Teacher Record Book, I feel an overwhelming sense of pride in the life she dedicated to education. She began her journey as an English Assistant Teacher in 1970 and served the field of education for nearly 37 years. From 1998, she worked as the English In-Service Advisor (ISA) at the Department of Education, Central Province (Denuwara Zonal Education Office), a role she carried out with commitment until her retirement. Throughout her career, she taught and guided thousands of students and teachers across more than 13 schools in the Kandy District.
Beyond the classroom, her contribution extended to co-curricular and professional development activities. Under her guidance, students participated in choirs, English Days, language projects, and the preparation of practice papers. She served as a panel judge at zonal and provincial English Day competitions, organized seminars for teachers, and contributed as a writer to the G.C.E. O/L English Activity Book published by the Provincial Department of Education. Even after retirement, her passion for teaching continued when she worked as a Visiting Instructor in English at the Institute of Human Resource Advancement, University of Colombo.
Beyond her career, she was a true free spirit, deeply connected to people and to life itself. As an active member of the Past Pupils’ Association of Holy Cross College Gampaha, she gave her time and energy generously. Whether it was a charity event or a simple gathering filled with joy, she was always present, ready to contribute.
Rich or poor, friend or stranger, she treated everyone with fairness and kindness, offering her support without judgment. She quietly supported the education of the children of anyone who crossed her path in need. She was a relative, friend and constant presence in the lives of others. Whether in moments of celebration or times of grief, she showed up, even while battling her own health challenges. As her immunity weakened and she grew more fragile, it took great effort to keep her at home, since her heart was always drawn toward others, to stand beside them in both their joy and their sorrow.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who was there for her, even if it was just a simple call or a kind word. She was fortunate to receive excellent care and treatment from all the doctors who guided her, especially Dr. Kanthi Perera and Dr. Nandika Harischandra – their support helped her recover from major health challenges. She was the kind of patient who always brought a smile to her doctors whenever she entered the room.
We wish her peace and fulfilment on her journey in this samsara, surrounded by good companions (Kalyana Mithra) that guide her toward ultimate liberation, Nirvana.
-Sudarshi Dhanapala
A “Brother” to all
REV. BRO. A. E. TARCISIUS
When this remarkable man of God was born in September of 1959, it was barely a month after his father had passed away. He was the youngest in a family of eight, and his young widowed mother in Mannar faced the overwhelming task of providing food and a future for her offspring.
His eldest brothers had to start working to keep the family fires burning. Their mother showed exemplary courage in keeping her flock safe through financial struggles, ethnic riots, and war.
The absence of an earthly father may have led young “Tarci’ to seek his heavenly father at a very young age. As his gifted voice drew the crowds to the church, he heard the calling to serve God. Even as a boy, he showed early signs of his characteristic quiet determination. He chose a moment when his mother was out of town, to pack his bag and leave home to join the De La Salle congregation. She, later was to insist on many occasions that he must not give up and return to lay life, no matter how tough his chosen path was.
After his formation training in India, Rev. Bro. Tarcisius joined the long list of legendary La Sallian brothers his hometown has produced. Destiny would take him from Mannar to Modara, where he spent a significant part of his vocational life as the Principal of De La Salle College, and later leading the Lasallian Community Education Services Centre till his death.
His transformation of De La Salle College, Modara, made Sri Lanka’s education sector take note. An uncompromising attitude towards discipline, education and sports were the hallmarks of this golden era. He was fearless, not bowing down to any pressures in his mission to give underprivileged children a brighter future. His untiring efforts saw him rewarded with stints as Principal of St. Anne’s College, Kurunegala and Director of St. Benedict’s College, Kotahena. He reluctantly but competently navigated the politics of school governance, not hesitating to walk away from opportunities that did not align with his values.
Although he was named after another clergyman, Fr. ‘Devakaththi’ Tarcisius (possibly derived from the Sinhala word ‘Devagathi’), he spiritually connected more with Saint Tarcisius, a 3rd century Roman who was martyred by a mob at the age of 12 for refusing to give up the Eucharist he was carrying.
“Brother” was easily accessible to all, ever willing to help those who came from humble backgrounds similar to his own. His personal project of providing scholarships to deserving children around the country, has already produced many success stories.
The impact he made on the lives he touched was evident when his mortal remains were laid to rest, and the people of Mannar thronged to mourn the passing of one of their proudest sons.
- Ralston Joseph on behalf of the family
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