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My dearest darling Fazly,
It’s been ten years
Since you left me..
After you departed
When life became
Wilted, cold and inert
You were still there
Then life had to give in
To nature
Things changed
Life became
Active, warm, hectic
Still you are here
Occupying my heart
As if it’s yours
Is it really mine or yours?

Your ever loving Ano

Devoted to the memory of Colonel Fazly Laphir PWV, RWP, RSP who with total disregard for his safety voluntarily led the Special Forces in the battle to save the Mullaitivu Camp in July 1996. He was posthumously awarded the Parama Weera Vibushanaya (PWV) – our version of the coveted Victoria Cross.

Hilary D. Fernando was an exceptional human being who lived a wonderful life and passed into the hands of his Lord two years ago. I came to be related to this wonderful person through Shyara - my wife. Affectionately known to us - his nephews and nieces as Hilo, he was the second son of the distinguished family of the late Mr. and Mrs. H.D. Fernando.

Not being the brilliant academic like his elder brother – the late Professor. H.V. J. Fernando, Uncle Hilary was educated at S. Thomas’ Prep and at Richmond College, Galle. He eventually took over the business empire of his late father. As a businessman he was honest and it is with much pride that we can claim to have had him as an Uncle. Above all he possessed the sterling qualities of being a humble, innovative and practical man. He did have strong opinions of things of the world, but humble as he was, he was prepared to sit down and listen to the opinions of others too.

In the areas that he could not grasp or understand fully, particularly in managing the farm, he would employ the best resource persons available. Together they would look at the problem from all angles and come up with a practical solution. Hilary being the busybody that he was, was never comfortable with delegating and instead was always in the thick of everything and strove for perfection as far as details were concerned.

He enjoyed life to the maximum, and I have vivid memories of the trips we did together - mainly to the jungles. These trips were meticulously planned from the menu on arrival till the meal on departure. Although our actual stay within the wildlife sanctuary was only 3-4 nights, we usually had about 5-6 meetings in Colombo, prior to the date of departure. These meeting were enjoyed by all, since we were served with a sumptuous dinner after about 15 minutes of planning.

To Uncle Hilary, generosity knew no bounds, and as we have heard in Biblical terms his left hand did not know what his right hand gave. He was a firm believer in tithes and he loved his church. He loved his family very dearly and his generosity extended to family members, relatives and friends.

His love for Aunty Shini was a shining example of a husband’s love towards his wife. His love for Christ and the church knew no bounds. Aunty Shini stood by his bedside for countless hours during the worst of times, when life’s light within Uncle Hilary kept flickering on and off. Uncle Hilary was in every aspect a Christian. We thank God for having him with us.

May the light perpetual shine upon him, and may he rest in peace.

Some have to die for others to live. The death of Charles Wijewardena under tragic circumstances, was a brutal act. He was tortured to death.

Soft-spoken Charles, an officer and gentleman, maintained his dignity on and off the field. A proud product of Vidyartha College, Kandy he later performed with distinction for the Air Force, CR&FC and signed off with the Police.

In my weather-beaten sports journalistic career spanning over 35 years, I have seen much of the good and the ugly side of the game. I had a bird’s eye view of ‘Mr. Reliable’ Wijewardena’s exploits since he donned the Air Force jersey. He was never shy to mention those who helped him and one of them was Air Vice Marshal Harry Gunatilake . Charles turned out to be one of Harry’s best products.

Charles joined the Police Force as a sub-inspector. He initially played as centre and later when Hajireen, called it a day, he manned the last line as an attacking fullback. He played hard, tackled hard, but never played dirty or caused pain to others.

Charles left an indelible mark in the annals of Police and Sri Lanka rugby. He has scored over 100 points in a season from 1975-1980; a record which will take many summers to beat.

He never lost his way and unlike some of the present-day players he never succumbed to money or any other unwarranted acts. He maintained the dignity of the Police Force on and off the field.

He never misused his powers or position, but was able to sort out human problems with understanding. Wherever he served including in difficult areas, he commanded respect. He also did a lot to build police-public relations. This was especially evident when he was SP Wayamba. With fellow officer C.I (Rtd) R.P. Linton he spread the gospel of rugby among the rural schools.

He played a decisive role, assisting the needy with loving kindness and compassion. ‘King Charles’ was always gracious in victory and defeat. Many were the times I went through the tunnel in Kadugannawa, to Kandy to watch him play. Though I am old now I still have nostalgic memories of this unassuming personality, who lived with honour.

“Life is uncertain. But death is certain.” May he attain the supreme bliss of Nibbana.