Appreciations
View(s):J.M. Fernando
An honest, thoughtful
and considerate man
It is three months since Michael passed away. I have not yet come to terms with the reality that he will not be here for me anymore. I miss his valuable advice and guidance.
He was a man of few words, quiet, but very observant. He could see through people and often warned me, when he felt they were not sincere.
He was very honest and upright, and would not hesitate to call a spade a spade. He was very reserved and associated with only a few chosen friends, yet he was very thoughtful and considerate towards everyone he met, especially the less fortunate and underprivileged brothers and sisters in our society. He was very unassuming and never wanted to be in the lime light.
He was a very avid reader and had a large collection of valuable books, which he treasured more than silver and gold. Other than his books he had only a few possessions, as he often gave away most of what he had, to people who he thought were less privileged.
He had to overcome many difficulties in life, especially due to his partial hearing impairment. The loss of his dear mother, whom he adored, at a critical time in his life, when he was preparing for his final examination in accountancy, was another setback for him.
Although he did not engage in outward religious practices, he believed in God and led a truly Christian life. I am sure that God will reward him, for overcoming all the setbacks and sufferings he had to undergo in this life, and grant him eternal peace and happiness in the life hereafter.
May his soul rest in peace!
-Phyllis
K. P. G. Fernando
Goodbye to a true friend
Our dear friend and classmate K.P.G. Fernando passed away on July 23.
KPG joined Royal College, Colombo in 1959. Studious, quiet and unobtrusive, he mixed freely with those from all communities and faiths, something he continued throughout his life. His passion was to be a member of the college Cadet Corps and he rose to be Senior Sergeant, Platoon I. A tough but respected disciplinarian, he was very proud of his platoon and its many achievements.
He joined the Development Finance Corporation of Ceylon and whilst at the DFCC enrolled in the Volunteer Force of the Army. Commissioned as an Officer in 1973, he was posted to the 5th Regiment, Ceylon Artillery. Often mobilised during times of nationwide unrest he served with empathy and fairness, and never favoured any community at the expense of another. A stern disciplinarian, under that seemingly hard exterior he was very caring, understanding and compassionate. He served the DFCC with loyalty and distinction for over 25 years and was a very senior executive, at the time of his retirement.
The RC ‘59 Group came into existence in the early 80’s. The late Rohan Perera, another stalwart, was its founder President and KPG its founder Secretary. Five others were in that first committee including the three of us. The late SSP R.S.R. Goonewardene was also a prime-mover but chose to stay out of the committee, and work from behind the scene. The committee had conflicting views, at times, but to quote a phrase often used by KPG “we agree to disagree . . .” and so we went on, uncontested and unchanged for almost a decade, achieving many difficult goals in the process.
The College Library was identified as a project requiring much work to return it to its position as one of the best school libraries, then. A Library Fund was set up and KPG, almost single-handedly, spearheaded the drive to collect funds. Every angle was meticulously covered by him to maximise our income. Entertainment Tax exemptions were obtained after he personally explained our cause to the then Mayor of Colombo. This is where KPG showed his determination and mettle as an organiser and an achiever.
In just a few years the fund had over Rs. 3.5 Million to its credit, the highest amount in any endowment fund amongst all the groups in the Royal College Union, at that time. KPG continued to be on the Committee of the R C ’59 Group, a span of over 30 years, until his demise. He was re-appointed its Hony. Secretary in 2013 and again in 2014.
A true Buddhist he adhered to the ‘Noble Philosophy’ the way it was intended. He was kind and considerate and ever willing to help anyone at any time. He often walked in the blazing sun, the near kilometre from his home in Malabe to the bus-stand and travelled to wherever he was needed by a friend. Most of us, his classmates, have been the beneficiaries of his warm and spontaneous kindness and sincere friendship over the years. Goodbye true friend, you will always be remembered with love and gratitude.
Lakshmi, Damayanthie and Chamath, we share your immeasurable grief. No words can adequately express the sense of loss we too feel. May he attain the Supreme Bliss of Nibbana.
-Sunil Wimaladharma,
Mohamed Naizar,
Nihal Canagasabey
Jayantha Fonseka
A friend to all who was uniformly loved and liked
Jayantha Fonseka passed away peacefully on July 26. He was both my friend and relative. He was educated at St. Joseph’s College Colombo. After his school career he had to look after the business enterprises of his father. Born to wealthy, respectable and religious parents he soon developed into a successful business entrepreneur of the area.
His beloved father was a great philanthropist and Jayantha being the only child in the family, too followed his dad. Jayantha helped the poor in the area and also helped those who worked in his business establishments. He was a practising Catholic and was involved in most Church activities. Many Parish Priests at the Mother of Sorrows Church in Panadura during his lifetime would bear ample testimony to his generosity.
Jayantha was the beloved father of three sons. The passing away of his precious wife was made more difficult for him as his three sons were still young at the time. However, his unquestioning faith coupled with unflinching devotion to God never failed. In later years Jayantha himself underwent a difficult operation which kept him confined to bed and wheel chair. Yet, he hid his grief and was resolute. He was determined not to miss Sunday Mass. One of his sons predeceased him.
Jayantha was a friend of all and enemy to none and was uniformly loved and liked. He was the embodiment of all human virtues and never ever injured anyone’s feelings.
May the good Lord Grant him eternal Rest.
-Vivian Fernando
Marie Anthony
A lady who lived a happy life to the end
It is with much grief that I pen these few words of appreciation of Marie Anthony.
When death comes suddenly to a lady who lived a happy life it is indeed a blow not only to her family, to her friend but also to the Lions and Lion Ladies of Ragama, Welisara. It is unimaginable how she left us so suddenly.
A week before her death, Senani, her only daughter had met my husband Anton at the Ragama Town and told him “Uncle, Ammi (Lion Lady Marie) wants to come and see Aunty Rose”. But when I heard of her death, I could not believe it.
Marie hailed from a very respectable and rich family from Katukurunda, in the Kalutara District. She attended Holy Family Convent, Kalutara, a leading Catholic school in Sri Lanka.
As a partner in service to Lion Rex Anthony, a Cabinet Officer and a Past President of Lions Club of Ragama Welisara, she was involved in many social service activities and was devoted to Lionism in reaching the poor and the needy in the community.
She was a devoted Lion for some years, but family commitments compelled her to resign from membership though she continued to serve the Lions Club holding the offices of President, Secretary and Treasurer of the Club Lion Ladies Committee.
She was a devoted Roman Catholic and was exemplary in family life. She brought up her three children, two sons Renuka and Maithree and only daughter Senani in a disciplined and orderly Catholic background.
Dear Marie may you rest in the hands of Almighty God.
-M. Rose Fernando.
Manel de Silva
A bright, shining star is gone
Tell me, Oh wind,
Where is she gone,
Our Manel?
Shed your leaves, Oh trees,
And weep with me
For our Manel.
Bright shining star
Of MWF and YAH
Was our Manel.
Wake, Oh trees, blow, Oh, wind
Turn the earth green
For Manel’s pain is gone.
-Sujatha Samarajiwa
P.N.C. Perera
Fond memories of a loving father
My father P.N.C. Perera, PNC to his friends and colleagues died on March 18, 1985, aged 56. At the time of his death he was the Railway Colourlight Engineer in charge of the Northern region. His most outstanding quality was his devotion to service. Even after the commencement of LTTE atrocities in the north he went to Jaffna to perform his duties at the risk of his life and against the advice of his kith and kin.
At the end he sacrificed his life to service. On March 18, 1985 he left home to go to Medawachchiya to inspect the damages done to the railway station when it was attacked by the LTTE. The trolley in which he and his staff travelled overturned and my father was killed instantly, the rest sustaining injuries. Thus my father left this world, so suddenly, without a warning leaving his wife and three young daughters. The shock, the misery and the vulnerability we felt is indescribable.
It is with much gratitude I recall the help given to us by the railway staff at Anuradhapura and my father’s colleagues at the head office. They arranged and financed the funeral and entertained all who attended the funeral with food and drinks. It was a heavy weight taken off our hands at this crucial moment.
My father was essentially a family man and as children we had had very comfortable lives, we lacked for nothing. He was deeply concerned about our education and did everything possible to promote it. His efforts were amply rewarded as the three of us are now academically and professionally employed in the government sector.
My father while still a student at St. John’s College, Panadura with a few of his classmates was involved in left politics. Their hero was Dr. N.M. Perera. They even “cut” school to attend N.M’s meetings. My father’s parents who were not in favour of their son being interested in politics so early in life attempted to stop him but failed. In early adulthood he joined the LSSP and remained a member until death.
He did politics by conviction, never for personal gain. Yet he was politically victimised. In 1975 when LSSP ministers broke away from the coalition government my father was given a transfer from Anuradhapura to Colombo head office without prior notice, further, to humiliate him he was given the post of a clerk. My father however did not take it as a humilation but a challenge. Whoever planned this base act could not keep him at that position for long. He was made D.I.R. Workshop and later transferred back to Anuradhapura. In due time he was promoted to Railway Colourlight Engineer in charge of the Northern region.
After my father’s tragic death my mother was granted a compensation pension for life. While I value this grant as a financial help, I value it more as a tribute to my father’s excellent service to the Railway Department.
My father was a simple man who led a simple life harming none. May he be my father in all my future births.
-Sudarshini
Mapa Ratmale
Gentle giant with a heart of gold
It is with profound sorrow that I pen these few lines as a tribute to our great friend Mapa Ratmale of Uhumiya who is no more. Mapa was a real giant physically as well as mentally. He had a huge and very warm heart enveloped by his large frame. Although he was over six feet four inches in height with a well built physique, never did he use this massive strength against the innocent, helpless and deprived. Instead he always took the side of underdogs bringing utmost terror to bullies, thugs and law-breakers.
“Mapa Mahatthaya” as he was affectionately addressed by everybody in and around Kurunegala areas studied at Maliyadeva College where he excelled in both studies and sports. Subsequently he graduated from the Vidyodaya University. After his graduation he served as an assistant Lecturer of Anthropology, his favourite subject, for a short period.
After bidding farewell to the university he chose teaching as a career. Having served in various remote areas of the island he ended up in St. Bernadette model school in Polgahawela. His arrival at St. Bernadette was a blessing to students, teachers, parents and old boys of the school alike. Under his leadership, St. Bernadette saw unprecedented development hitherto unheard of. His tenure of service not only saw development but also significant improvements in studies, sports and other extracurricular activities. He was the first to arrive at the school and the last to leave. The parents and past pupils have unanimously agreed to name the best building of the school as “Mapa Ratmale Hall” as a token of respect for him.
Mapa was not only an educator but also a great patriot. He proved this by joining the then “Reserve Police” force as an Assistant Superintendent of Police in addition to his stewardship of the school. It was a pleasure to see this gentle giant attired in police uniform.
In his family life he was a devoted husband to Mallika who had been a tower of strength to him in all his endeavours. He was also a loving father to son Mahendra and daughter Hasanthi who have Inherited their father’s noble qualities. To friends and colleagues he was so adorable that they always sought his companionship. He was such a hospitable person and his door was always open to anyone who sought his support.
His leadership qualities and popularity were so great that both the government and the Opposition politicians had invited him to join the political arena but he politely turned down such requests safeguarding his dignity. His sudden demise was an irreparable loss to his family, friends and the general public of Uhumiya. The large number of people who gathered to pay their last respects at the General cemetery, Kurunegala was proof how the people had adored him. Mapa was a jewel of a gentleman.
May he attain the supreme bliss of Nirvana.
-Susantha Kodituwakku
Rosabel Gunaratne
The Mother Theresa of Mutwal Street
My favourite Aunt Rosabel went to be with the Lord on July 15. She was surrounded by her five children, their spouses and grand-children who were praying while she breathed her last.
She was no politician, nor a distinguished professional or a wealthy benefactoress. But why were people flocking to say good-bye to her? The answer is that she was the Mother Theresa of Mutwal Street. Below her house there was a colony of tenements where the poorest of the poor lived. Aunty became their fairy food-mother and their confidante. So whatever their dire need was she always provided, be it food, clothing or water. I have seen Aunty fixing the rubber hose to her bathroom tap and drawing the hose to its full length and allowing the poor folk to fill their vessels with water.
Another specialty of her generous nature was feeding the hungry kids who came to her. I have seen on many occasions aunty giving her plate of rice to them. Many would think that she was a wealthy person. No. she was for from it. She became a very young widow with four sons and was pregnant with her only daughter when her devoted young husband died due to a sudden illness. Her oldest son Rohan was only five years old at his father’s demise. It was indeed a humongous uphill task for her to bring up five small children with a meagre pension. Some of the relatives helped her financially for a couple of years. She fortunately inherited our grandparents’ ancestral home by the sea where she grew up. It had a very large garden with fruit trees and I remember that garden which became a playground as the boys grew up. Aunty never allowed her four sons to go elsewhere to play or study but encouraged them to invite their friends home. She was wise in doing that for she could keep an eye on them always.
Her expenses grew so, Aunty was forced to open her house to boarders whom she treated like her own children. I remember seeing the table (which was a table tennis table) on which about twelve plates for rice and curry were kept served. All the boarders adored her and that fact was amply proved when almost 30-35 years later all of them were at her funeral. Aunty was the most hospitable hostess for none who came to her home ever left it hungry. Always she would serve del chips, veralu, mango pickle or even stewed amberalla, its taste I can still recall. Her garden became a playground and her home a haven for her sons’ friends. All of us cousins loved going there as it was a very happy home.
All her sons, and most of their friends, became fine sportsmen. She was a proud mother and she encouraged them by attending every match they played whether it was basket-ball, rugger or cricket. She was rewarded when Rohan became the Captain of the Sri Lankan Rugger Team. Her third son excelled in cricket and her financial problems gradually decreased once the boys began earning. Rohan shouldered his responsibilities perfectly. The second son earned good money by pursuing a seafarer’s career. He renovated the house with all modern conveniences. Eventually he rose to the rank of Captain. The younger two sons joined the private sector at executive levels. All four sons married well according to their mother’s wishes and her only daughter Basilda married Canny our cousin who became an exemplary son-in-law. Aunty’s troubles ended once Basilda took charge of running the house. By this time Aunty had become the fond mama of nine grandchildren and was free to spend her pension in buying presents for the grandchildren which she enjoyed tremendously.
She lived up to a ripe old age passing the three score and ten. But during the last three years she had dementia and she seemed to live in a world of her own, free of worries.
She lived with her daughter Basilda and son-in-law Canny who cared for her so lovingly. I cannot express my gratitude to you, dear Aunty for all the help you have given me all my life.
Until we meet again the Lord’s feet.
-Lucky
LOGI ARASARATNAM
An irreparable loss
When Renu informed me that she was travelling to the UK to see my dear friend Logi, she gladly agreed to carry a letter from me.
When I sat down and after much reflection started penning a few lines I got the feeling I was writing a tribute and instantly decided to stop. Thereafter I went looking for a friendship card. To my surprise I found the perfect one which seemed as though someone had written this card just for Logi:
“Friendship is like Postage stamps.As old as it grows, the value
increases more. Let’s make our friendship invaluable.
The value of a friend cannot be measured, only treasured.
Every day of the year for cherishing close friends, but this special
day is meant for eternalizing the bond of friendship.”
I met Logi in 1980 at Hatton National Bank City Office,Colombo.Our friendship grew during the four years she was in Sri Lanka and when she had to leave for the UK in 1984 I felt as if my whole world was coming to an end. The parting with my dear friend was very hard.
I was blessed to go and stay with Logi in 1987. Logi and husband Benny together with their six- month- old infant Susan, took me around to almost all the places of interest. Such are the memories I hold dear to my heart.
As time went by Benny became like a brother to me and their darling angels Susan and Stella were like my very own.
When she was diagnosed with cancer, knowing that I was a sensitive person she instructed my brother to keep this information from me. This was Logi, a person who never wanted others to be troubled even when she was in pain.
To me Logi was a blessed person. She was the eldest daughter and adored much by her parents. Her two younger sisters and she were like friends and they were united to the very end. Logi and Benny were blessed with the happy marriage of approximately 30 years. Susan and Stella made them proud with their professional accomplishments and their love and care.
Even during the last four years of sickness Logi was somebody who continued to inspire and encourage many who were in pain.
The untimely passing away of Logi is an irreparable loss. I have no words to express how sad I am to lose a dear friend. But I take consolation that God took her when she had fought her battle enough and had to be at rest.
-Mano