APPRECIATIONS
View(s):Amma, we will cherish every moment spent with you
Yvonne Wijesinghe
Just a year has passed since you left us and we miss you more than ever. I wish you had been with us just a while longer, but to ask this of God would be unfair because your life was complete in all aspects. You have fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith.
As I try to write a tribute to my mother, I am not sure where to begin, for many are her legacies. In Galatians 5:22 it is said that Christians must clothe themselves with the fruits of the Holy Spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. I believe these visible attributes are appropriate to describe her.
Love flowed from her heart without reservation to her family, students, friends and all who crossed her path. Although possessing a high honours degree, she opted to serve as a teacher. She spent the most rewarding years of her career, as a teacher and the Head of Science at Ananda College, where she taught botany to A’L students. Many of her students, now top professionals in their respective fields, had the utmost respect for her, recalling how thoroughly she taught the subject and that botany was the only subject in which they did not have to attend private tuition classes. On the humane side, students recall numerous instances when she gently handled difficult situations – when they were caught cutting classes or misbehaving. She never disgraced a student in front of their parents or friends, only imparted words of encouragement. Even many years after retirement, her students did not fail to call her for a friendly chat.
She was a patient listener as those near and dear to her poured out their hearts, only to be consoled and comforted. As a mother, her love for the three of us (Rohan, Achala and Mayuri) was unconditional, never comparing, and always recognizing that each of us was different. Her six grandchildren simply adored her. She took pleasure in listening to their tales and never failed to praise them for every little achievement, inspiring them to reach greater heights. I know how she made it a point to sit with my daughter Anitra when she came home from school to ask her how the day had been.
She was truly joyful, enjoying every moment God had bestowed upon her, and she brought much joy to others. She planned birthday parties not only for others but also for herself. She knew I was not like her in this respect and so she, with my daughter, planned a surprise party at home for my 50th birthday. She was in the process of planning her 60th wedding anniversary, but that was not to be.
She appreciated life and was thankful for all the blessings. She had been suffering from arthritis since the age of 34, but her twisted fingers were no impediment. After her retirement, her creativity was demonstrated in her cross-stitch and painting – she made scores of wall hangings, many of them portraying Jesus, which were gifted to those near and dear to her. She was well read and kept track of the happenings around her. An ardent cricket fan, she knew every batsman and how they performed at each match. Her memory was astonishing.
Despite being a livewire at home and in church, she had an incredibly quiet personality. She seldom raised her voice. She was the peacemaker often stepping in to settle disputes offering words of advice. She was an inspiration to all and treated people with utmost respect and dignity.
Most of all she was extremely kind and gentle, going out of her way to help those less privileged, the sick, elderly and children, in cash or kind. She was instrumental in organizing charity missions annually to many hospitals and homes taking trouble to find out their needs prior to the visit. She lovingly crafted hand-made cards that she sent to family and friends and many have said they waited for ‘Yvonne’s cards’. She kept relationships alive keeping in touch with those near and far, whether friends or family, remembering every birthday and anniversary.
Her faith in God made her a stronger person. She spent time reading the Bible and praying for us and for all who requested for prayers. She took much delight in the Lord and her actions reflected her faithfulness. From our young days our parents instilled in us the importance of family prayers. I frequently discussed issues I had at work and she would assure me that more things are wrought by prayer than the world dreams of.
Her Godliness was portrayed by her fruitful life and her obedience to God. She was faithful to her calling as a daughter, sister, wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, friend and mentor, and her parting no doubt created a great vacuum in many lives. She taught us not to rely on our own strength but to surrender to God. She lived for others. During the last few days of her life when she was in hospital gasping for breath she was more worried about my father who was at home and my children who were getting back home after classes.
What of her self-control? Both ammi and thathi were not super-rich but as a family we were never lacking in anything. We were taught to be thankful for what we had and to live within our means. We were showered with gifts and goodies but also denied some things that they felt were not appropriate, much to our dismay at that time. But now as a mother, having children of my own, I know how hard it must have been to say no. My parents, no doubt, had to make sacrifices to provide a comfortable life for us. We truly appreciate this discipline.
Continuing to remain in Sri Lanka, I felt privileged to be the primary beneficiary of her love. She looked after me when it was me that should have been watching over her. I had to merely tell her to fix a button, most often at short notice, or to browse through an official document. She never said no. She was more worried about my health and safety than her own. She pushed me to publish my daughter’s poetry. I sincerely wish I could have done more for her to show her how grateful I was.
She lived her life to the fullest. God chose March 16, 2019 to take her into his fold. Her life ebbed away minutes after my brother who was in Australia arrived at her bedside. What greater confirmation do we need, to say that it was God’s appointed time! We console ourselves knowing that she is with her Maker, where there is neither grief nor pain, only eternal joy. Her mandate to follow Christ will continue through her children and grandchildren and all those whom she touched during this earthly journey.
We are blessed to have had you Amma and cherish each and every moment we spent with you. Although you are no more, the legacies you instilled in us live on. I know we’ll see each other again in heaven as in the hymn ‘In the sweet by and by, we shall meet on that beautiful shore’.
Your daughter, Mayuri
We will miss this officer and gentleman at our get-togethers
HERBERT STANLEY JAYASURIYA
Herbie joined the Ceylon Police on January 5, 1960 as a probationary Sub-Inspector along with Tudor Wijeratne, Senaka Pilapitiya, Ranjith Benjamin, Vivian Jayaweera, Felix Silva, L. Landsburger, Felix Gnanandran, Noel Edwards, late R.L De Silva, Mervyn Weerakoon, Premachandra Jayawardane, Tissa Satharasinghe, B.R. Gomes and myself. We were fortunate to be blessed with a gentleman officer late V.T. Dickman, Rtd Senior Supdt of Police as our chief lecturer who was more knowledgeable in practical police work whilst the theory was handled by attorney-at-law M.D.S. Peter.
Herbie was from the word ‘go’ a hardworking and committed individual who excelled in his studies and sports. He was a brilliant leader who was capable of picking the right style at the right time and possessed the skill to obtain maximum performance in a co-operative environment. His qualities indicated that he was the most suitable to lead our batch.
He always gave priority to his religion and never failed to take us to church on Sundays whilst under training at the Kalutara Police Training College. Herbie proved to all of us that he deserved to be recognised as the Best Probationary Sub Inspector of our batch.
In December 1997, Herbie married Aloma with Vere, my brother being their bestman. They were blessed with two daughters Dilani and Roshanthi and two loving grandchildren Roshana and Revantha, besides having a very caring son-in- law in Ruwan, who did much for them especially when he was hospitalised and thereafter. Herbie certainly was blessed to have a caring wife in Aloma.
Herbie was first posted to Kandy Police Headquarters with Tudor Wijeratne and Vivian Jayaweera. After a short stint in Kandy he was posted to Katugastota Police station with Inspector Velu whom he said was very honest and strict. From here he was transferred to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) where most of his time was spent, except when he had to serve in the field on certain occasions during the 1971 insurgency and the LTTE war in the north. His final assignment was as Director Colombo Fraud Bureau where he was called upon to reorganize the operation as it had failed to live up to expectations.
Herbie having retired from the Police worked in the Central Bank as he had wide experience in exchange control cases that not many possessed. Later he worked as a consultant for an audit firm and with my company on several investigations.
Herbie was an excellent tennis player. He was the president of the tennis club in Frazer Avenue. Unfortunately, the Municipality took it over and his tennis came to an end. He was also one of the best singers in the Methodist church and the Baptist church choirs. He had an excellent sense of humour that he used to his advantage at his birthday get- togethers, or even classes or gatherings he conducted.
Herbie helped me to organise our 1960 batch get-togethers at my residence and at the Senior Police Officers Mess. It was in 2017 that we had our last batch get-together at the Senior Officers Mess in remembrance of our late guru, Rtd Senior Supdt. of Police V.T. Dickman. We managed to publish a souvenir with several anecdotes and stories which was edited by Herbie with my help. Herbie excelled at this and he ensured we had fun singing whilst he entertained us with his jokes.
We are certainly going to miss him at our next get-together and not forgetting his birthday celebrations on November 28 each year at the Senior Officers Mess along with his immediate family and close associates
He was accorded a fitting farewell by the Police Department organised by the Retired Senior Officers’ Association with service honours. The citation was read by a senior officer of the RSPOA, S.B.W De Silva, former Director Of Training Of the Police College and former Commandant of the Civil Defence Force. The citation said – “During his service he had been awarded many medals in recognition of his dedicated and loyal police career. He showed his prowess in special investigations, he imparted his knowledge and experience, provided strong leadership and contributed immensely to discipline. He was one of the finest officers to ever adorn the coveted office of his rank…… He was an officer who was a role model for his high level of honesty, integrity, impartiality and leadership.”
Rev. Dilip Fernando, a very close associate and friend of the Jayasuriya family said that Herbie was a gentleman police officer – a rare breed today. “He performed as a police officer always acting according to his conscience and never wavered in his actions, never succumbed to pressure from officers or politicians and always acted without any fear or favour whilst giving priority to his Christian values.”
Herbie firmly believed in the saying: “never be bullied into silence, never allow yourself to be made victim, accept no one’s definition of your life, but define yourself”.
Herbie, your family, friends and colleagues will miss you. We will always remember you as an honourable officer and gentleman.
Nihal de Alwis
A distinguished academic and man of many parts
Charles Senarath
Charles Senarath, Emeritus Professor of Civil Engineering at the University of Moratuwa was called to rest on April 1. He was educated at Maris Stella College, Negombo and St. Joseph’s College, Colombo – from where he entered the University of Ceylon and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering. He joined the precursor to the University of Moratuwa (then called the Ceylon College of Technology) at Katubedda in 1965, and had a distinguished 40 year career as an engineering academic till his retirement in 2005; having been appointed Associate Professor in 1986, Chair Professor in 1988 and Senior Professor in the mid 1990s. During this career he obtained an MPhil degree in hydraulics from Sheffield University in 1972 and a PhD in ground water hydrology from the University of Birmingham in 1981 under Professor Ken Rushton, who later became external examiner for our Civil Engineering program.
In the 1970s and 80s Moratuwa University’s engineering faculty had to establish its credentials vis-a-vis the much longer established one at the University of Peradeniya. In the Civil Engineering Department, these initiatives were led by the charismatic Professor Dayantha Wijeyesekera. He had three lieutenants in the persons of Professors Lal Tennekoon (Geotechnical), Charles Senarath (Hydraulics) and Raghu Chandrakeerthy (Structures). One such early initiative led by Charles Senarath was the coordination of one the engineering faculty’s first postgraduate programmes in 1976, with the assistance of UNESCO, in the area of Irrigation and Hydropower.
Professor Senarath was Head of Civil Engineering for a brief period in an acting capacity in 1978, and then from 1986 to 1989. Apart from developing the newly constructed Civil Engineering Complex during this period, he is remembered for taking a very hard line on ragging, a feature that is unfortunately still rampant in university campuses to this date, but arguably less at Moratuwa University – he would surely have contributed to that.
He was Dean of the Engineering Faculty from 1990 to 1994, a period during which there was expansion in student numbers, including the admission of two batches of students (who had seen their admission delayed due to the social disturbances of 1987-1989); complemented by an expansion in staff numbers and postgraduate programmes. One of his lasting contributions to the teaching-learning process during this time was the obtaining of student feedback regarding the delivery of teaching – this has now grown into a fully-fledged quality assurance system. In addition to all of this, Professor Senarath went out of his way to defuse tensions between engineering undergraduates and diploma in technology students who were housed in the same faculty. Later he served for a short while in 2004 as the Director of the Institute of Technology, University of Moratuwa, which now caters to the diploma students.
Professor Senarath had a long innings as President of the University of Moratuwa Teachers’ Association in the mid and late 1980s. He exercised great leadership during his tenure, notably in maintaining good relationships between staff and students at a time when student unrest was at its peak. Although any industrial action he led was only with great reluctance since he shunned disruption, his Presidency was marked by a significant salary increase for staff – something that contributed towards eventually reversing the brain drain from Sri Lankan universities.
Charles Senarath was a man of many parts. Towards the end of his career, he acquired an MSc in Applied Psychology from the University of Colombo; and used his new found expertise in some of the humanities courses (e.g. on ethics) he taught at the university. Even his hydraulics lectures were interspersed with advice to his students on life, love and liberty.
He was a trained counsellor and once served as the President of the Sri Lanka National Association of Counsellors. He had many involvements in the Catholic church, of which he was a devoted member. Above all, he carried himself with quiet dignity, while touching the lives of all who met him and winning their deep respect. He will be grieved by us all; but especially by his loving wife Nalini, children Nishanthi and Rukshan, and grandchildren – to all of whom we convey our condolences. May he rest in peace.
Professor Priyan Dias
(a student and later colleague of Professor Senarath)