Appreciations
View(s):Chitral Raja Kuruppu
He was my friend, guide and philosopher
The passing earlier this month of Chitral Raja Kuruppu has left a deep void in my heart for the reason that I have associated with him very closely for over 70 years. Apart from the fact that there were family connections, our bonding strengthened by being together at Royal College and was further cemented by our entering the then University of Ceylon at Peradeniya together in 1955. We were in adjoining Halls of Residence – Raja at Jayatilleka and I at Arunachalam.
I remember his inviting me to the Jayatillaka Hall’s annual social which was graced by Prof. G. P. Malalasekera who was the warden at that time. He did not favour the ballroom dancing within the hall premises the students began and ordered it stopped.
Raja did an honours course in economics which lasted for four years while my degree in law ended in three. Renowned academics like H.A. de S Gunasekera, Ian Vandendrisen, Tawny Rajaratnam and others were among his teachers.
It was during his Peradeniya days that he spotted Shakuntala Wijayatillake at Sanghamitta Hall and the early beginnings of a romance started. She too did an honours degree in economics so their paths often met ending in matrimony some years later.
I often ragged Raja about how he managed to court Shakuntala under the eagle eye of her father, the famous educationist S. A. Wijayatillake, who kept a sharp eye on the young couple when Shakuntala entertained Raja at her Borella home.
I had the privilege of coming to closely know Raja’s parents. His father, Jayaweera Kuruppu, was the very first Minister of Cultural Affairs in the SWRD Bandaranaike cabinet. Hailing from Ratnapura, Jayaweera Kuruppu was a close follower of Bandaranaike. In fact, Mrs. Bandaranaike looking for a candidate for Ratnapura after Raja’s father’s death, suggested that he run for election. A public servant then, he politely declined.
Raja’s mother was Clara Wijesuriya from Mahawila, Panadura. Both his parents had strong Buddhist backgrounds and it was no surprise that Raja continued to take a strong interest in Buddhism and the propagation of the dhamma throughout his life. He was a Buddhist scholar and his weekly talks at the Servants of the Buddha at the Maitri Hall on Lauries Road and his Buddhist programmes on SLBC and national television were most popular.
Back in Colombo from Peradeniya after graduation, our friendship grew closer. It was he who first spotted the newspaper advertisement for a Second Clerk Assistant in the then House of Representatives. He persuaded me to apply for the position and typed my application. The rest is history.
While I joined the House Representatives, Raja joined the Public Service and I believe his first posting was at the Port Cargo Corporation. He soon moved to the Export and Import Control Dept. as an Assistant Director. Then he won a scholarship to the UK for a course of postgraduate studies at the University of London.
Many are the positions he adorned – Chairman, Fertilizer Corporation, Director, Bank of Ceylon concluding his public sector career as Secretary to the State Ministry for Finance where he worked very closely with Minister Harold Herat with whom he had an excellent relationship.
Raja’s real interest in life was in Buddhism and the doctrine. In his early years he joined the Colombo YMBA and for many years edited its publication, The Buddhist. He was made a Vice President of the YMBA and I for one am well aware that although he was urged to become the President he gently refused. In his later years, in addition to his regular programmes on Buddhist affairs on radio and TV, he wrote and published small booklets on Buddhism. He was an excellent moderator of Buddhist discussions, being equally fluent in Sinhalese and English. His quiet, unassuming and simple ways endeared him to all who came to know him.
Raja and Shakuntala were music lovers who rarely failed to attend Symphony Orchestra concerts at Ladies’ College and the Lionel Wendt. Very often he used to ring me up and ask if he could get a ticket for me too. Yet another passion of his was swimming. I used to marvel when he told me that he used to swim 30 lengths a day and proudly announced that he could swim a length underwater. But he eased off, though reluctantly, on doctor’s orders during his latter days.
His other passion was driving and I used to remind him that at our age he should moderate his driving habits. He enjoyed the drive to their estate in Ratnapura which he and his distinguished brother, Prof. Upali Kuruppu to whom he was very close, former Vice Chancellor of the University of Moratuwa, inherited from their father. He visited the property about twice a month, often accompanied by his son, Kishan. I would often join them and many are the times we sat on armchairs on his bungalow balcony looking over the tops of the rubber trees talking of men and matters. Our conversations covered local and foreign affairs and the rapid decline of ethical and moral standards around us.
Raja enjoyed a very happy and contented family life. Shakuntala, a distinguished public servant ended her career as Director of External Resources. He was proud of his two children, Sonali and Kishan, the former holding a senior position at the DFCC Bank and the latter running a successful corporate secretarial practice. They both devoted themselves to caring for their father when his health began to decline.
I have lost a friend, guide and philosopher and that void would never be filled. May he attain the supreme bless of Nibbana.
Nihal Seneviratne
| His service to the propagation of the Dhamma will not be forgotten C. Rajah Kuruppu, my ‘Old Royalist’ friend, passed away a few days ago.Many would remember him serve as a ‘livewire’ of the age-old ‘Servants of The Buddha Society’ for 10 long years as president, succeeding the late MP Deshabandu Alec Robertson . Both were learned in the Theravada Buddhist dharma, and also left for posterity many valued Buddhist publications. Simple in dress and outlook, this noble son was a sincere friend to all. He also devotedly served the Colombo YMBA, Borella and was a senior Vice President and edited ‘The Buddhist’. We all remember the indelible contribution he made to the “Panel of Buddhist discussion,” whilst serving the YMBA. As a Civil list officer he served the Ministry of Industries and later was a responsible officer at the Treasury Department. May his Samsaric journey be short. Upali Salgado |
RUKMANI EHELIYAGODA
A firm faith and zest for life like no other
Sir Solomon Dias Bandaranaike’s grand-daughter and Leo and Alex De Alwis’ daughter, Rukmani Eheliyagoda, fondly known as Rukie, saw the dawn of the day nine decades ago. Her children eagerly awaited the celebration of her 91st birthday with her on March 26, when she received the call from her Maker on March 19 to step off the stage of life and so had to bid farewell to all of us as the curtain finally came down. She faced her death stoically, solemnly and serenely.
Even though she was born to an aristocratic family with the proverbial silver spoon in her mouth, she remained a simple, cheerful, graceful and dignified lady. Many considered her an adorable Angel who showered kindness and generosity on people and assisted them at every opportunity she got. She was a God-fearing personality with an unshakable faith, whose zest and charm galvanized the prayer groups and Christian circles she was connected with. She was a prayer warrior who wrote down prayer requests she received from others and prayed earnestly until they were resolved.
Rukie had an entourage of trustworthy friends from her old St Bridget’s days. She formed the ‘Action Group’ of old Bridgetines 25 years ago and while undertaking charity work, they also met every month to reminisce about their antics in the convent boarding and outside. She also served as the Vice President of the SBC Past Pupils’ Association .
Being an intensely family person, she took great interest in her five children, four grandchildren and three great grandchildren with whom she was closely knit. The Grand Matriarch of the Eheliyagoda family, was cherished and adored by the family and their spouses .
Royal Thomian big match days were indeed days of fun when both the Royal and Thomian flags were hoisted at her home (she being a past Thomian girl and Percy a past Royalist) creating much noise, fun and frolic as family members cheered different schools. Just a few days before her departure, it was her final chance to wave the Thomian flag in high spirits singing Esto Perpetua…..normally reserved for youthful exuberance.
Her home down Chandraleka Mawatha, Borella, was an open house right through the year overflowing with warmth and hospitality. Christmas festive season and new year celebrations were the highlights, being lively affairs. A family tradition at new year saw a table laden with seasonal treats with people visiting to wish her . She welcomed all with a smile that lit up the room. Many were the times when I sat with her to indulge in the festive favourites. This year it would be an empty table without her sparkling presence, reminding us of the idiom, that all good things must come to an end.
It is befitting to identify her with the virtuous woman extolled in Proverbs 31: where we could unhesitatingly echo that… her children rise up and call her blessed….her values of openness and integrity blended with her wit, charm, sincerity and elegance, have indeed been an inspiration to many- both young and old - and all who knew her would deeply miss her as she departed to her heavenly abode, even whilst in her final moments, encouraging all to live life to the fullest and deeply trust God in all endeavours so that all may be well .
May God grant His strength and comfort to her sister Shirlene and children Leo, Shalimar, Charmaine, Devika and Lankani to bear the loss of Rukie, so well loved by us all.
Hers was a life fully lived. Until we meet again.
A family friend
Corbet E. Jayewardene (Ven. Sedawatte Dhammarucci Thera)
Born into riches he later chose a spiritual path
March marked both the birth and death anniversaries of a kindly gentleman, whom this writer has always held in the highest esteem. He was born in Sedawatta on March 8, 1908 and was named Corbet Edward Jayewardene. His father, E.W. Jayewardene, was away in England at the time, working in the chambers of counsel Corbet. Also, around the time of his birth his father had been introduced to Prince Edward, heir to the British Throne. Hence instructions were sent by him from England to his wife to name the new-born, Corbet Edward.
In later years, Corbet Edward Jayewardene (CEJ) renounced his lay life and moved on as Ven. Sedewatte` Dhammarucci Thera on March 23, 1981, after a fruitful sojourn on earth of 73 years. His dear wife had predeceased him in 1977.
His life had been many-faceted. Born into one of the more prominent families of the day, Corbet Jayewardene was educated at Royal College where his father Justice E.W. Jayewardene, as well as his brothers were also educated. In school he had enjoyed a full life participating in many activities the school had to offer. He had represented his school at Rugby Football in the pre-Bradby era. He once told me that he played as a Second-Row Forward (now called Lock) and bound alongside his schoolmate and later lifelong friend, Ronnie Schrader. Going by the size of both of them, together they must have been a formidable strength to their front-rows! Both CEJ and his elder brother, the first President of Sri Lanka, J.R.Jayewardene (JRJ), were regulars at the annual Old Royalists Rugby Dinner (ORRD) from its very inception in 1966.
Though I had known of him as a lawyer, I really came to know him during my stint at Hulftsdorp, through another kindly gentleman, J.W. (Will) Subasinghe, a highly respected Advocate and former Registrar of the Supreme Court. In truth, fortuitous circumstances brought me happily to the Chambers of Corbet Jayewardene. For reasons best known to him, the lawyer, who officially signed me on as an apprentice hardly gave me any opportunity to learn from him. Mr Subasinghe, who came to know of this unfortunate situation, readily asked me to visit his chambers, while at the same time introducing me to Corbet Jayewardene.
Mr. Jayewardene invited me to ‘devil’ under him without any hesitation. It was one of the best things that happened to me professionally at the time. It was, indeed, a great pleasure ‘devilling’ under CEJ both during, and after, my period of apprenticeship. Undoubtedly thorough and learned in the civil law, CEJ at the time enjoyed a gainful practice mainly in the outstations. This was to be expected as he had been earlier practising as a Proctor from around 1940 along with Merril Pereira down Silversmith Street, before he passed out as an Advocate around 1945.
In the meanwhile, on January 2, 1941 he married the lady of his choice, Essie (nee` Garth), in Mannar with his friend Vere de Mel, GA Mannar at the time, in official attendance. Out of this marriage was born his only child, Amitha, the apple of his eye. He had been enjoying his practice as an Advocate when he suffered his first heart attack in 1954, thereby compelling him to pursue a less stressful path in the profession. That was when he joined the Judiciary and served as a District Judge in Galle, Gampaha, Panadura, finally ending up as ADJ, Colombo before reverting to the private bar, after his retirement. He had also served as Secretary of the JSC in the early sixties.
The combined experience he had gained in all these different roles relating to the law made him undoubtedly an extremely competent Advocate; a commanding voice behind a wealth of knowledge and experience. It also made working under him a very vibrant and intellectually rewarding experience, indeed. Many were the pleasant times this writer spent in his Chambers at his home in Kalubowila in the late 60s and early 70s delving into the intricacies of Partition Law and other civil matters, particularly matters relating to land law. Furthermore, doing the rounds with him to the District Courts of Negombo, Gampaha, Kalutara and Panadura was quite a gainful experience, not only listening to his erudition in the law but also about men and matters of mutual interest. Together we used to visit his old school friends Ronnie Schrader at Kimbulapitiya Estate after court work in Negombo and Advocate Asoka Jayatilleke at the latter’s home on the way back from Kalutara, for a spot of lunch and a chat.
In the forties, CEJ had been closely associated with the socialist movement then burgeoning in Sri Lanka and had been a loyal supporter of the LSSP stalwarts , such as Drs N.M. Perera and Colvin R. de Silva, Leslie and Vivienne Gunawardene. In fact, he had been the instructing Proctor to his elder brother, Advocate J.R.Jayewardene, in the successful Habeas Corpus application filed by Leslie Gunawardene against Vivienne’s father. CEJ had also gone by the name of Komara Jayewardene and had been donning the Ariya Sinhala suit in keeping with the mood of the times.
When I came to know him in later years he had developed a deep interest in the Dhamma and I happened to be a ready recipient of quite a few succinct discourses, in addition to the many legal principles he discussed relating to the cases we were handling, both in his chambers and while doing the DC rounds in his Plymouth, in which he travelled not for a show of affluence but on medical advice. Following his first heart attack he had been medically advised to travel in comfort. He was also ever ready to take a break from his practice to visit the Sri Maha Bodhi at the foot of which he spent long hours in meditation along with his very dear friend, that gentle, highly respected sentinel of the law, the late Justice Wanasundera, who was then in the A.G.’s Department.
Indeed, it was not surprising that he was to take to robes in the closing years of his life. He was ordained in November 1978 as Sedawatte Dhammarucci Thero under the tutelage of the very Rev. Madihe Pannaseeha Thero at Maharagama, the name ‘Dhammarucci’ being most apt on account of his love of the Dhamma. In his final years, reasons of ill-health compelled him to reside at the Gangarama Temple at Hunupitiya to be close to the cardiologist, who attended on him. In keeping with his wishes, though his remains were initially donated to the Colombo Medical Faculty for research, in the ultimate a few fortunate beings were to be the beneficiaries of his vital organs. His ashes were finally sprinkled where the Kelani River meets the Ocean.
He was a man of learning, well-versed in the Dhamma. Position and, moreover, powerful connections rested very lightly on his shoulders. Honesty and integrity was second nature to him. Indeed, it was my great good fortune to have known him. One can still picture him vividly, bearing a large, protuberant, frame, within which was nurtured a large, magnanimous heart, for which he will always be remembered with undiluted gratitude.
Born into riches and connections, he finally moved on as a Buddha Putra along a spiritual path to salvation – in the sublime words in the Mangala Sutta: ‘Unmoved by contact with worldly contingencies; sorrowless, stainless and secure’.
ULK