Appreciations
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The
YMCA owes a debt of gratitude He joined the YMCA leaving a lucrative job as a senior staffer of the General Treasury, probably renouncing the plums of office which he would have enjoyed later on. Much credit to his alma mater Richmond College, Galle where he had been nurtured in rich ideals and talents which he made use of to meet the challenges of running the YMCA. Boyd's particular genius was his ability to play the role of catalyst. His skill was in marshalling the resources of many lay people who gave freely of their time and talent to bring to fruition the many projects initiated by him. Boyd's ability as a fund-raiser was exceptional. He led a team of young laymen to victory in the "Buildings for brotherhood" campaign in 1960 at the Moratuwa YMCA. Boyd was a Founder Member of the Moratuwa YMCA who served as Social/Indoor Games Secretary, Director, Chairman of the Executive Committee and Vice President. He also initiated and organised a fund-raising project named "Lagoon Delights" and the building of the Moratuwa YMCA is a testimony to his efforts and the success of the project. Other projects included a project in 1995 for the Methodist Church of Rawatawatte, Moratuwa to raise Rs. 5 million for a building project to enhance the skills of youth through the establishment of a vocational training centre and a special fund-raising project for NC/YMCAs for a rehabilitation project in Trincomalee. He always walked the extra mile. Even after retirement though not quite fit, Boyd went to India with me as Chairman of SAFYR to initiate a finance campaign conducted by India YMCAR, Sri Lanka and Bagladesh to step up the SS/SS Fund of the World Alliance. Boyd was an exemplary leader to young YMCA secretaries. A good administrator, he had his own style of doing things and could motivate people. He never came late to office. He
was always on time and went straight away to "Devotions"
to commence the day. Beginning the day with prayer gave him enthusiasm
and strength. While at work he hardly left anything for tomorrow.
He believed in the present. After retirement, Boyd founded the Sri Lanka Fellowship of YMCA Retirees affiliated to the World Fellowship and was its first President. Later he was the Vice Chairperson for South/S.E. Asia of the WFYR till the demise of his dearly beloved spouse, Trila who was a great strength to him. They had three sons. It was on July 9, this year that he celebrated his 80th birthday at the Ranmal Holiday Resort, Moratuwa. However, by October 3 he was stilled. Sad! indeed. The YMCA owes a debt of gratitude to a man whose love of God and the YMCA exceeded all other passions. God worked through him. Many will remember for a long time the chorus sung to the tune of the Jamaican farewell at his birthday celebrations. "He's
Mr. Boyd Perera, a family man, Dr. Herbert W. Tillekeratne An
exemplary teacher and social worker He had his early education at Bibilegama School and at the tender age of 16, after successfully completing the School Leaving Certificate Examination, he secured an appointment as a pupil teacher at the Boys' School in Welimada. His capabilities, devotion for duty and hard work paid dividends with promotions coming his way in quick succession. He served in 12 schools in urban and remote educational divisions as assistant teacher, headmaster and principal till his retirement in 1970. He had been in active government service for more than 42 years. During his career, there were numerous occasions he had volunteered to work for school building projects, attending to renovations and organizing the supply of furniture for such needy schools. Till his death, he served society in numerous ways. He was a member of 17 social service organizations, to which he offered his advice, guidance and patronage. He treated everyone with love, kindness and humaneness. To those who sought his help and advice, he was readily available. Mr. Wanasinghe moulded his character in accordance with Buddhist philosophy. He was a strict disciplinarian, teetotaller and vegetarian throughout his life. A remarkable characteristic in his lifestyle was his conspicuous politeness, affection and dedication to the cause of the needy. Simplicity was the hallmark of his unblemished character and he genuinely cared for others much more than he did for himself. Mr. Wanasinghe was an affable person and popular among friends, colleagues and relatives. The large gathering present at his funeral bore ample and eloquent testimony to his popularity. His demise will be felt not only by his family members but also by those who closely associated him. He is survived by his wife, a retired teacher, three daughters and five sons, most of whom are teachers by profession. Two of them are principals of leading schools. May the blessings of the noble Triple Gem be bestowed on him in his journey through Sansara. Thilak Palliyaguruge A devoted
and dedicated doctor The Christian Medical College, Vellore in South India admitted him in July 1983 for medical studies and he graduated with honours in 1987, winning the Reeves H. Betts Gold medal for the best sportsman in the final year. He also won the Ida Scubber Prize for the best paper on medical care of the sick and suffering in the medical world of today. On his return he worked at the Green Memorial Hospital in Jaffna during the IPKF days. In 1992 he passed the Australian AMEC exam and worked as senior resident medical officer in the Wooden Valley Hospital, Canberra during 1993. At Westmead Hospital, Sydney he started his training in 1994 for the Fellowship in Obstetrics and Gynaecology and was made a Fellow of RANZCOG in January 2001. He also won the prestigious crown gold medal for his research paper and best registrar presentation at the RANZCOG annual sessions at Noosa in Queensland. He then worked as a Fellow at the Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney in the menopause clinic and endoscopic surgery unit. He also obtained the Fellowship in Gynaecology - FICS - in January 2001. Dr. Visvalingam was a member of the NSW regional committee of RANZCOG and Chairman of the Education Subcommittee in which role he was responsible for launching the Mentor Scheme for NSW trainees. He was also an examiner for the Australian Medical Council, Canberra. Shan was a keen teacher and delivered many lectures and papers in Sydney and abroad. He was invited to lecture at the scientific sessions of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in Chicago USA in May 2001 and was a guest speaker at the World Menopause Conference in Berlin and Frankfurt in April 2002. Shan was considered a great colleague by co-workers and was a key member of the Gevin research unit based at the Royal North Shore Hospital doing pioneer research work in menopause. Shan had a cheerful personality ever ready to help anyone. He had an extensive practice and his patients found him to be a wonderful doctor who provided devoted care ante-natally and during delivery. He was also a warm person, one of life’s real angels who touched many hearts. In addition to all his professional responsibilities he found time to play cricket regularly with S. Thomas' College, OBA, Sydney and the Christian Medical College, Vellore Alumni Association of Sydney. Such a devoted and dedicated doctor, he lost his life suddenly in the twinkling of an eye at the prime of his life and pinnacle of his illustrious medical career in a car accident while crossing the road at Waroonga. He is survived by Arvin, Anjali, Anika and his wife. May the Lord comfort and sustain them and bless them always. Living he helped countless people and dying he magnanimously donated his healthy organs to others desperately in need and gave eight of them a second chance to live healthy, happy lives with bright futures, through the Australian Red Cross organ donation scheme called Life-link. Vathani A poem
written by Allan Morrow, a lung recipient who competed in the World
Transplant games in Nancy - France in July 2003. The
difference it’s made to my life. I feel
for the family A beacon
of light to everyone around her Her mother, Tissy Tennekoon, was dedicated to social service and once a chairperson of the Kuliyapitiya Town Council. The late Roland Tennekoon, her only brother, was a leading lawyer in Kuliyapitiya. She was married to the late R.B. Ratnayake, Divisional Revenue Officer, who was the younger brother of the late A. Ratnayake, the President of the Senate. Born and bred in Colombo, she moved in high society, yet she did not forget the rural folk. She was an ardent social worker, a trait she had inherited from her parents. She practised loving kindness and her generosity was boundless. She was a beacon of light to everyone around her. She
never changed her attire with the changing fashions. She was a typical
Kandyan beauty sans the present day beauty culture and so are her
two daughters Luxmi and Siriyani. Her demise is a great blow to
her family, as well as to a host of friends and relations. Aunty
dear, we miss you. May God grant her soul eternal rest! |
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