Sunday Times 2
Medical luminary Dr Chris Uragoda steps into the mighty nineties
Eminent medical physician, pre-eminent scholar, prolific writer, avid researcher and indefatigable nature lover, Christopher Gunapala Uragoda, popularly alluded as “Chris” or “CG” who carves a niche in the annals of medical history reached his 90th milestone in life yesterday (Sept. 22) in the arduous journey of samsara.
Hailing from Hikkaduwa, Dr. Uragoda was first schooled at a boys’ school in the area, then at the Richmond, the reputed Methodist school, and thereafter at Mahinda and Ananda, two leading Buddhist schools. Living adjacent to the sea in ‘Sandfield’ as the youngest of the three boys — two were destined to be medical professionals and the other a lawyer — would have seen his life through the kaleidoscope of his father, a reputed surveyor – from the stock of the Woodward day Mahindians.
Dr. Uragoda is not a mere’ ‘physician of the wilderness’ who enjoyed a lucrative practice. A rare bibliophile, he also aspires to document literary pursuits for posterity on novel themes. His maiden book titled: ‘A History of Medicine in Sri Lanka: From the earliest times to 1948′ which he authored to mark the centenary of the Sri Lanka Medical Association Colombo in 1987. It was republished in 2014’. This book was later translated into Sinhala. His second book, ‘Wildlife Conservation in Sri Lanka,’ was published in 1994 to mark the centenary of the Wildlife and Nature Protection Society. In this book, he traces the formative days of the Society through rare sources such as the minutes of the early days which were almost irretrievably lost in the whirligig of time.
His third opus was released as a Sridevi publication titled: ‘Traditions of Sri Lanka’ in 2000. This was initially his Presidential address delivered at the Royal Asiatic Society of Sri Lanka (RAS) in 1990 on the topic ”A Scientific basis for some traditional beliefs and practices in Sri Lanka”. The book ran into a reprint in 2008. Dr. Uragoda had the rare distinction of being the second medical professional to hold office as the President of RAS; the first was Dr. J. Frazer from 1855-1869.
Dr. Uragoda co-edited with G.P.S.H. de.Silva the Sesquicentennial Commemorative volume of the RAS of Sri Lanka in 1995. He also edited ‘Jungle Journeys in Sri Lanka: Experiences and Encounters’ published by Vishvalekha. He co-edited with Kamalika Pieris ‘A Bibliography of Medical publications relating to Sri Lanka (1981-1988)’. He edited ‘Bibliography of Medical publications relating to Sri Lanka (1811- 1976) in 1980, ‘A Bibliography of Health (1977-1980) in 1983 and ‘A Bibliography of Publications on Neurosciences relating to Sri Lanka 1811-1982’ (co-edited with J. B. Peiris and Kamalika Pieris) in 1983.
He wrote his ‘memoirs outlining the changes that happened during a lifetime. Titled ‘Sri Lanka Then and Now’ it was published in 2008 by Vishvalekha publishers. In 2009 his book on ‘Traditional Appliances and Practices’ was published as a Sridevi Publication. This book was also deals with a new theme, like his other publications. Thereafter, he embarked on a series of books in three volumes titled ‘Authors of Books on Sri Lanka 1796-1948 – Their Short Biographies in Alphabetical Order Volume 1. Volume II covered the period from 1949-1975, and Volume II from 1976-1990. All were Sridevi publications.
Last year, he wrote a personal tribute titled ‘Life of Dr. Malinga Fernando – By an Intimate Friend for over 50 years. It was distributed free of charge amongst friends which is indeed a rare hallmark of a true friend. As an octogenarian he has given the next book on “Elephant Kraals” to the printer working on his personal computer. At present, he is working on an another thumbnail sketch on the medical professionals, who have excelled in other fields.
Dr. Uragoda’s whirlwind romance with Padma Rambukpotha bore fruition when they tied the nuptial knot on December 26, 1958. They celebrated their Golden Jubilee in 2008. He sired four children. Dr. Lalith, Neluka, Dianthie and Dishana and blessed with several grand children.
Dr. Uragoda’s ‘healing touch’ as an eminent medical professional is legendary. He treated several prominent people, including President J.R. Jayewardene, and he was one of the most sought-after doctors by several people. Entering the medical profession in 1953 and first serving at the Galle Hospital for one week, he was fortunate to celebrate the Golden Jubilee. In 1985 he joined the Faculty of Occupational Medicine of the Royal College of Physicians of London — so far the only Sri Lankan to serve this prestigious faculty.
Dr. Uragoda won the Guinness Award of the Common Wealth Science in 1980, the Peter Pillai award and the Sir SC Obeysekera Medal awarded by Lady Hilda Obeysekera of the RAS in recognition of five decades of distinguished services as a life member of the society. Dr. CS Uragoda has won unending accolades from both the medical profession and the public. Naming two orations by the prestigious Sri Lanka Medical Association and the College of Chest Physicians whilst he is alive is an extremely a rare honour and recognition for his exceptional ability.
It was not of men who excelled like in the exceptional caliber of Dr Chris Uragoda that Alexander Pope who wrote: “One science shall one genius fit; so vast is art so narrow is human wit.” It is a lamentable fact that as Henry Taylor said (Artvelde, Part 1, Act 1 Sc. 5), ”the world knows nothing of its greatest men” which impelled us to write on Dr Chris Uragoda the onerous task, as he is an intensely a ‘private’ person who made no public pronouncements and did not/and do not wish to be in the limelight.
Dr. Uragoda – a distinguished literati, a medical luminary, an erudite scholar – sui generis – above all an unassuming gentleman par excellence. We wish him AD MULTOS ANNOS!