Appreciations
View(s):An eternal interest in medical education
Dr Neville Fernando
Dr Neville’s death took the winds off my sails. It was only on the previous day that I spoke to his wife Mrs Swarnamali Fernando and told her that the doctor has the will to live and would pull out of the Corona infection, but it was not to be.
I first met Dr Neville as MP for Panadura when I went to Kalutara as GA in 1977 a little after the UNP won all the seats in the Kalutara District and got their overall 5/6 majority. Although Dr Neville himself came with the wave, he did not agree with everything that the leadership ventured out to do with the landslide victory. He stood his ground and walked out when the former Prime Minister, Madam Sirimavo’s citizenship rights were deprived along with a few of her senior cabinet ministers. During the short period he served Panadura as MP, his contribution to the electorate was unique. I would be documenting just a few that I am personally aware of.
Dr Neville had a vision for his electorate, which he would not compromise at any cost, and his idea of a private medical school ran through his blood throughout the period I knew him for over 40 years. Once, when we went to see the Minister of Education with a draft of a pilot project, the minister asked us some cynical questions and the additional secretary at that time didn’t even lift his head to look at us!
Dr Neville gave up his lucrative private practice in Panadura and spent large amounts of money from his own funds which is generally not the done thing in politics, at a time when politics was also becoming a fast growing industry with avenues for income generation. His pet project was the reclamation of lands at Modarawila, and shifting the congested town of Panadura to clear the Galle Road, and to build up a beautiful city with a circular road in the congested area facing the sea, with recreational facilities for children as well as for adults. Mr A P A Gunasekara, who was the manager of the housing authority at Kalutara at that time, was of immense assistance to Dr Neville in acquiring Modarawila and also completing several housing schemes for the needy including the scheme at Paraththa in particular, where Dr A T Ariyaratne from Sarvodaya mobilised shramadhana work.
His commitment to the Dhamma was quite apparent when he helped us to build a fund to finance Dhamma schools by meeting philanthropists at Panadura. With Dr Neville, the District Minister Mr Hettiarachchi and MP for Kalutara Mr Wijemanna, we collected close upon a million rupees from philanthropists at Panadura and the then Minister of Shipping Hon Athulathmudali who treasured Dhamma education which he always felt was the foundation for his Oxford achievements later, gave us a million rupees on a rupee to rupee basis which became a big fund for the development of Sunday Schools along with contributions from the Bodhi trust and well wishers from time to time. I cannot forget the support he got from Rev Gonaduwe Gunananda for this worthy cause.
The Bhikku ward of the Panadura hospital and the cardiology unit were two other lasting contributions to Panadura through Dr Neville’s initiatives. The Kethumathi Hospital for women in Panadura has no equal anywhere in the country. It was an outright donation of a philanthropist which Dr Neville improved with funds from the Health Ministry and his decentralised budget. Later, there were many other philanthropists in and around Panadura who wanted to donate their very valuable properties to DrNeville for public use but he couldn’t accept them as he did not have the funds to maintain them. The red tape in departments irritated him as some heads of departments and ministries who required office space at Panadura wouldn’t move even to take over things given for free where provisions were not made in the annual budget.
I remember Dr Neville taking me to the site where the famous Panadura Debate took place. He wanted to acquire the land and develop it for posterity but I am not aware as to what happened later. In my retirement I met him when he had purchased the Central Hospital at Horton Place Colombo 7 where I took my wife for regular treatment. He had not changed one bit. He helped me until she passed away at his hospital in 2016 from a respiratory problem she carried for a long time.
Later he invested in a land at Kynsey Road and shifted his hospital to the newly built several-storied building, well-equipped, but he sold that too and put all his money for the SAITM when his eternal interest in medical education got the better of him once again.
His commitment to temperance pursuits saw no bounds. He wanted the two arrack taverns at Nalluruwa and Walapolapattiya closed. That led to unprecedented complications on his first attempt but later he prevailed on the authorities that mattered and got the colonial Excise Law changed to break the monopoly of renters. Dr Neville called a spade a spade with no reservations, but he had a tough fist to punch those who betrayed him and undermined him for their mean advantage. In the process he antagonised vicious, influential elements for which he had no regrets. Some of his successors, whom he brought up, turned against him and he nearly escaped death when hooligans opened fire on his house during the insurgency in 1988.
Like many philanthropists, he too was a victim of ingratitude. Many people who exploited him washed their hands off when the tide turned. He had to fight his battle all alone with his dear wife, children and grandchildren and in-laws helping him and looking after him to the very end.
He had his greatest regards for the officers who helped him. In his long speech before he quit parliament, he spoke about me and Mr Hewage, my AGA at Panadura. His last trip to see us was with a copy of the Hansard where our names appeared as officers who helped him to get his work expedited.
We are eternally grateful to him for his magnanimity.
May he attain the bliss of Nibbana and also be blessed with Kalyanamithras (well meaning friends) in his short sojourn in Sansara, who would realise his value and take a leaf from his book for their own emancipation.
Wimaladharma Ekanayake
(Government Agent Kalutara District from 1977-1987)
Passionate about all that was close to her heart, she was a trailblazer
Malathi de Alwis
Even though our parents had been friends going back to the 1950s and we had met sporadically as children, my friendship with Mala only blossomed in the last five years or so. As is typical with so many Sri Lankans, we had multiple overlapping social connections – Pradeep being my dear school mate, Mala’s mother and my aunt being cousins, Mala being close friends with my cousins in England, Mala and her friends staying at my brother’s campsite in Kumana – so it was almost inevitable that our paths would cross. Thankfully, our paths did cross and my life was enriched significantly because of my interactions with Mala.
When I think about my interactions with Mala, three facets immediately leap to the forefront. First, her searing intellect and her stellar record as a groundbreaking cultural anthropologist in Sri Lanka. Mala was truly a pioneer in this field researching, writing and speaking so eloquently about nationalism, militarism, humanitarianism, gender issues and feminism in Sri Lanka. Her original research in the area of militarized sexual violence, particularly as it related to women, brought a level of intellectual rigour to a topic that very few researchers in Sri Lanka had explored. Then, Mala’s skill in navigating between art and anthropology was demonstrated when she collaborated in a landmark photography exhibition on the goddess Pattini. I was also fortunate to join a 90-minute walking tour in 2018 that Mala created and entitled ‘Monuments and Memorials.’ The tour began at the Isipathanaramaya Viharaya and wandered through my childhood neighbourhood (Thimbirigasyaya) and ended at the Lionel Wendt. Along the way, Mala provided fascinating commentary and rich historical detail on the monuments, memorials and famous buildings we encountered.
Second, her deep empathy and compassion for others, particularly those scarred in innumerable ways by the decades-long civil war in Sri Lanka. She opened her heart, particularly to women and children, and she was involved in a number of initiatives to lift them up from the depths of misery. One such initiative Mala was passionate about was the Ezhuval (‘She Will Rise!’) programme in the Eastern Province. This programme provides traumatized girls and young women in the Eastern Province a range of supports (material and emotional) in preparation for higher education opportunities, including scholarships to study at universities in India and Bangladesh. Mala was ardent about helping these young women and worked tirelessly to ensure that funds were raised from all corners of the globe to facilitate this. Notwithstanding all the discomfort and pain she was experiencing related to her illness, Mala still had the desire to focus on these young women and work on plans to improve their situation.
Third, her profound love for spending time in the wilds of Sri Lanka, enjoying the fauna and flora found in such abundance across this resplendent isle. From my conversations and correspondence with Mala, I quickly realized how much she valued and appreciated being in the serenity of rural Sri Lanka, enjoying nature in all its profusion. Next to swimming, I cannot think of another pursuit she may have enjoyed more than camping by the Kumbuk River in Kumana National Park.
There will be so many people who will miss Mala terribly: Pradeep, her parents, her sisters, family members and the legions of friends whose lives she touched in such a meaningful way. Then, there are the professional colleagues who relied on her trailblazing work to stimulate their own research and to whom she was such an inspiration. Then, there are all those young women in organizations like Ezhuval, to whom she was not only a motivational figure but often, the only source of advancement to a purposeful life.
Mala, we realize that you are free from the excruciating pain and the suffering of recent years. No more prodding, poking and jabbing; no more treatments or infusions that may or may not bring relief; no more medications that set off waves of nausea and queasiness; no more earthly worries. Only that eternal, blissful sleep, that sleep that cannot be disturbed. To those of us left behind, let’s strive to memorialize Mala by focusing on the things that mattered to her such as the Ezhuval programme and the environment.
Sujit CanagaRetna
Remembering a dynamic Rector of St Joseph’s
Father Quintus G. Fernando
It is with sadness that I write this tribute in memory of Rev. Dr. Quintus G. Fernando (MA, Ph.D) the 8th Rector of St Joseph’s College, Colombo. A vivacious and dynamic personality, one of the youngest Rectors to guide the destinies of St Joseph’s, he was a gentleman to his fingertips.
Taking the rectorial chair on 1st May 1974, he brought about radical changes in administration and educational policy in keeping with the new educational reforms back then.
Hailing from a deeply religious home in Negombo, he was guided in the choice of his vocation by his genial elder brother, Rev. Dr. Frank Marcus Fernando, late bishop of Chilaw. He had his elementary education at Marie Stella College and secondary education at St Joseph’s College. His pastoral work, especially in the fishing hamlet of Pitipana, afforded him ample opportunities to realize the struggles and sorrows of the people. He showed innate love for humanity, boundless friendliness and sincerity and people flocked to seek his help whether material or spiritual. His love for the poor was manifested in endless ways and he always championed the underdog and the down-trodden.
Returning from London after his brilliant academic achievements, he assumed the position of Vice-Rector at St Peter’s College. His meteoric rise as the Josephian Rector was the turning point for the college. With his winning ways, he was able to enlist the support of parents, old boys, well-wishers and even the government. He encouraged dialogue between the students and himself. A guiding hand, a kind word and an encouraging smile – we found in him a father and friend.
Father Quintus was an organiser par excellence. The architect of the “Green Revolution”, he converted an abandoned playing field beside the Beira Lake which culminated in a grand exhibition. “Agro 74″ was declared open by then head of State, Mrs. Sirimavo Bandaranaike. We, as green-fingered students, proudly exhibited the fruits of our labour.
He made preparations to supplement the practical bias of the new educational set-up with a number of projects which would help school leavers to be employable and become useful citizens. l was one among those who benefited from his farsighted vision.
He had a large place in his heart for children and it was refreshing to see students of all ages and sizes flocking to his office on their birthdays to receive his blessings. The very first oriental band in the history of the college was established apart from the Western band. “Cultural Day” was incorporated into the College calendar, highlighting national cultural values, with stage plays and a large collection of paintings along with cultural pageants. This took a high note each year and many hidden talents were brought out.
The highest honour for an eminent old boy was offered to President Ranasinghe Premadasa on 6th March 1978 when he was elected Prime Minister. Thereafter, he was honoured as the Chief Guest at the prizegiving that year. The Premadasa Pavilion is a tribute to the vision of Fr. Rector whose hard work and dynamic persuasiveness translated into concrete reality- a sports pavilion which ranked as one of the best among Sri Lanka’s schools. Though Fr. Quintus laboured to collect the necessary funds, he was not present for the ceremonial opening by, then President J. R. Jayawardene, for he had already left to the USA. Fr Quintus became the second all-island Priest Justice of Peace, honoured by the government for his services.
On May 23 last year, Father Quintus entered eternal life to be with his Divine Master, whom he served dearly. As for me, he achieved the ideals of his favourite prayer,
“O divine Master, grant that I may
Not so much seem to be consoled as to console;
To be understood, as to understand;
To be loved, as to love
For it is in giving that we receive;
It is pardoning that we are pardoned;
And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Camillus S.P. Fernando
A great educator, patriot, and compassionate leader
Colonel G.W. Rajapaksa
My memory goes back to one fateful day in 1964, when I first met Colonel Rajapaksa. I remember him as a tall and handsome person with a commanding personality. He was Vice Principal of Ananda College at the time.
I had gone to Colombo from our home in Badulla with my mother, expecting the results of the GCE (O.L.) exam. I had received five distinctions and since this was somewhat rare at the time (and obtained without private tuition), after enjoying a sumptuous meal, we headed to Royal College. The Principal, after carefully studying my results and various certificates reluctantly agreed to take me in.
My mother pleaded for a place in the school hostel, but since that request did not materialize, we decided to head for Ananda College. Unfortunately, the response from the Principal of Ananda to our request for a place in the hostel was similar to the previous one. Highly disappointed, my mother and I slowly walked out of the office. There was another person there. He had the stature of a commander of the armed forces yet a face symbolizing human kindness. “Please wait one minute,” he told us.
He returned in about ten minutes, which felt like a lifetime. With a smile, he told my mother, “Okay, I found a place in the hostel for your son. But you will have to bring a mattress!” On that day, this remarkable person showed us the true nature of human compassion and care.
Col. Rajapaksapossessed the innate talent and capability to recognize the diverse capabilities of students, and guide them appropriately. Even though he was a great patriot who nurtured and supported our armed forces (he led the cadet platoon of the college to major victories as early as 1949, and nurtured many personalities including generals through his activities at Ananda), he did not blindly encourage Anandians to join the armed forces. When I planned to apply to the Air Force without completing my GCE (A.L.), he vehemently opposed it. He flatly told me, “Governor, don’t be foolish. Before you find a job, go to university and get a degree. I am not going to give you any certificates for your application!” From the time I imitated the “throne speech” at a school function, Col. Rajapaksa addressed me as “Governor.”
Another incident I recall is the time I contested for the post of Secretary in the Senior English Literary Union of Ananda. The atmosphere was somewhat like a parliamentary election because the officers were elected by a secret ballot of the students. We printed flyers that presented our election platforms, visited classes, climbed on desks to give speeches, and respond to students’ questions. I went on to win the election with a significant majority, while defeating a popular and more senior student. Again, this achievement also should be credited to Col. Rajapaksa. During the campaign, the opposite group spread a rumour that I was a Christian and should not be elected. On hearing this, I discussed the matter with Col. Rajapaksa who called a school assembly and advised the students that the election should not be based on religion or race but rather on the qualifications of the candidates.
Another incident was during my service as the President of the Senior Student Society of the college hostel. Not happy with the food we decided to walk out after drinking only a glass of water. The junior dining room was the adjoining one and seeing us walking out, the juniors also walked out with us. The hostel warden insisted on punishing me by caning (corporal punishment was common then). I objected, and the warden reported me to the principal. Again, Col. Rajapaksa gave me an audience and convinced the principal that I did not ask the junior students to join the “food strike.” If not for that, I would have been expelled from the hostel, and even from the school!
When the results of G.C.E. (A.L.) were released, I was delighted to receive two distinctions, one credit, and one ordinary pass. The ordinary pass was for Physics, the subject that I thought I had performed the best in. Two other students had better results. When it came to the time of deciding the prizes based on the A.L. results, Col. Rajapaksa approached the Government Department of Education to get the actual scores of the students for the subjects. In their review of the students’ answer scripts, they found I had the highest score in Physics, and accordingly revised my grade to a credit. Hence, the school decided to give me the Dr. Irwin de Silva Gold Medal in Physics, again thanks to Col. Rajapaksa. After entering the Faculty of Engineering at the University Peradeniya (University of Ceylon at the time) I was in regular communication with Col. Rajapaksa who was now Principal (he served as Principal for 12 years). On receiving a 1st Class Honours degree and the Dr. Hewavitarne Prize for the best performance among all department of Engineering in the University, I went to meet Colonel Rajapaksa, to express my enormous gratitude to him.
Apart from my parents, Colonel Rajapaksa is the other key person who should be credited for all my academic and professional achievements, including my two PhD degrees.
What I have recalled here was only a drop of what Colonel G.W. Rajapaksa has done for Anandians. I must mention a trace of his legacy. He was able to acquire the Mackwoods land adjoining the College hostel, and build an excellent sports complex for the school. Also, as Vice Principal, he took the initiative to build a Buddhist religious complex in the school. He was not only a great educator but a true patriot, visionary, humanitarian, and a leader like no other. As Anandians, we can pay tribute to our beloved Colonel G.W. Rajapaksa on the school’s 134th anniversary and his 100th birth anniversary by commiting ourselves to uphold his legacy.
Clarence W. de Silva