Appreciations
View(s):ASOKA WEERASINGHE
A simple man whose life was in the service of others
My most vivid memory of Asoka Weerasinghe is of him taking us on ‘nature walks’ during class periods when we were in Grade 7 and 8 at Trinity College Kandy. We spilled out of class and were ‘taking a loaf in the woods’ to the envy of other children who were confined to class and their books!
Asoka got us to question ourselves about common flowers and “weeds by the wayside” and seeped in us a lifelong love for plants.
He was well prepared with his lessons and had complete control of his class and held us spell-bound by his love of the subject he taught so clearly and carried us all equally – the weak and the strong towards exam success.
His legacy to his students I think was that he taught us to be curious and fascinated with all common things around us – whether animal, vegetable or mineral.
I also remember him on the basketball court with his co-masters and their zingy fast pace of play was mind-blowing and thrilling to watch. He also taught us youngsters the rudiments of Rugby.
As a Housemaster he was friendly, cheerful and encouraging and undertook activities with enthusiasm.
He left Trinity to take on a responsible posting but I often wondered whether Asoka Weerasinghe was the Principal that Trinity was not fortunate to have.
He was a contemplative man confident in his walk with the Lord. He was responsible and lived his life by example. Most of all he was a simple man whose life was in the service of others and for causes larger than himself.
I, for one, am enriched by my association with him.
- Lal Tennekoon
P.A.G. Jayawardana
A man of many parts and great friend
P.A.G. Jayawardana passed away on March 19 after a brief and sudden illness.
The tragedy was compounded as the last rites were performed just a day after his 72nd birthday that his wife Padmini had made arrangements to celebrate. He was my sincere friend, companion, adviser, guide and a lot more.
Mr. Jayawardana after graduating from the University of Sri Lanka was employed in the C.W.E. After a short stint he entered the Sri Lanka Administrative Service and got his first appointment as A.G.A. Dambulla. He served in that capacity in most parts of Matale District namely Pallepola, Yatawatta, Ukuwela, Ambangaga and Rambawewa and retired as Add. GA Matale. He was thorough in administration and served the department with commitment and dedication to the satisfaction of both the government and the public. May his tribe increase.
While in service he joined the volunteer Police force and was A.S.P. Matale police division. After retirement he took an active part in religious activities and was Secretary of the Dayaka Sabha of the historic Dorakumbura temple, a position he held for several years. He was responsible for renovations, improvements and maintenance of this temple.
Mr. Jayawardana led a carefree life and had a great affection for his grandchildren and enjoyed their company enormously.
Though he was a sincere friend of mine he always left his fee unnoticed when he took medical treatment from me. That was Mr. Jayawardana. He is survived by his wife Padmini, two daughters and son and in-laws and grandchildren. My deepest sympathies to all of them.
Let me conclude this appreciation with golden memories and silver tears. May his onward journey in Sansara be smooth and brief and may he realize the supreme bliss of Nibbana.
‘Adios Amigo’ my dear friend.
- Dr. K.J.S. Weerakkody
Pramila Ranasinghe Nee Fernando
You were a precious gift
On the 2nd of July the day you were born,
And I first looked at you.
I knew I had the most precious gift.
To love my whole life through.
And as you grew through childhood
You became beautiful and kind
And wherever you went
You left a rainbow behind
Now 31 years have gone by
You left me with bitter tears
To be with God in Heaven
Whenever I see a rainbow
I see my beautiful daughter
Whom I had the privilege to love
Deep in my heart, your memory I treasure
Loving you always, forgetting you never
I still feel your presence,
And your warm embrace
No-one on earth can ever take your place.
- Your beloved Ammi Freeda
BERTRAM COOREY & HESTER COOREY
They were a great inspiration to all of us
It has been one year since Thaththa left all of us peacefully. Amma left us four years ago. Both of them were from Moratuwa and were born into Christian Anglican families. Thaththa studied at Prince of Wales College and played for the cricket team. He was a fine sportsman. Amma studied at Princess of Wales College and was a livewire in OGA activities.
It would have been their 60th wedding anniversary this year if they were alive. Thaththa was a towering strength for my mother who was a strong woman who looked after her six children, my sister and brothers, educated all of us to the highest level to where we are today.
Thaththa worked for the CTB for 25 years, in various Depots and at Werahera as a Stores Supervisor. His passion was cricket and even at an older age he never missed watching and listening to matches. Thaththa was very helpful to Amma in marketing and various work at home, even though we had servants for other domestic work and to look after us. Even after we all were married and settled close to our parents’ home, they used to look after the grandchildren, especially my brother’s children whenever possible, Thatha taking them to school and bringing them back home.
Sadly, Amma left before Thaththa. However he enjoyed life even with his eyesight fading due to glaucoma. He had a good memory, always reminding us about the good old days. Both Amma and Thaththa were not fearful of death since they knew they had to leave us one day.
They enjoyed life with their children and grandchildren on every possible occasion. They were a great inspiration to all of us and always admired by our children.
Both of you gave everything you had, your wealth you shared among all of us. We truly appreciate with gratitude that as parents you did the best. You were always very close to God. We are so glad that both of you were helpful to everyone in our family circle as well as close friends.
We will carry all those memories of all the good times with us. So, until we meet again on that beautiful shore, may your eternal souls rest in peace in the safe hands of Lord Jesus.
- Bryan Coorey