APPRECIATIONS
View(s):A man in a million, Thaththi taught us many lessons in life
A.D.H. Samaranayaka
March 22 marks the 100th birth anniversary of our beloved Thaththi – Aluthge Dharmadasa Hemachandra Samaranayaka, fondly known as ADH or Samare to his friends. He passed away peacefully during his afternoon nap on March 30, 1996, aged 74 years.
Our father was born in Kumbuka, Horana to traditional Buddhist parents. His father was the notary public of the village while his mother taught in the local school. Our Archchi, Sarah Samaranayaka was in the first batch of locally trained teachers and rose to be the principal of the Kumbuka Junior School. A remarkable lady miles ahead of her time, she was a full-time teacher, dutiful mother, and a capable wife who knew embroidery, lace making, supervised house building and even paddy cultivation. She was indeed the role model who had the greatest influence on my father.
Our father was the eldest in a family of seven children. They grew up in the Mahagedara built by my grandparents in Kumbuke. Thaththi had his early education at Sri Sumangala Vidyalaya in Panadura, but later Archchi admitted him to S. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia. Thaththi’s prowess as an athlete was not known until he was asked to stand in at the annual athletic meet as the regular champion had suddenly fallen sick. Thaththi won the one mile event in his first attempt in 1939 and shattered the existing ground record barefoot! The next year in August 1940, he bettered his own record in the one-mile event to 4 mins 53.34 secs.
For many years he helped STC win the coveted Tarbet and Jefferson Challenge Trophies at the public schools athletics championships. The half mile public school’s record that Thaththi set in 1940 of 2 mins 10 secs was only broken 23 years later by another Thomian S.K. Jayasinghe when I was a schoolgirl. I vividly recall answering the telephone when Warden Davidson called to inform my father about this.
Many decades later when he was invited as the chief guest at the STC sports meet, he recalled these events with nostalgia and how his hostel diet improved overnight on being discovered as a prize athlete and that he was made a prefect at the next assembly. The other prefects in STC at that time were S.S. Wijesinha, Y. Yogasundaram, R. Proctor, R. B. Jayathilaka, B. Wickramasinghe and P.R. Parsons among others. Uncle Sam and Thaththi were lifelong friends and he was best man at his wedding when Thaththi married my mother Susila in 1947.
Thaththi was an outstanding student of science at STC and was awarded the prestigious Wijewardene prize for science and chemistry. He proved the adage “mens sana in corpore sano” by successfully passing the University of Ceylon entrance examination in 1941. In the University of Ceylon he represented Ceylon in the half mile, one mile and the 440 yard hurdle events at the All-India inter university athletic meet held in Madras in 1943. He was the only Ceylonese athlete to win an event – the 440 yard hurdles. He captained the athletics team of the University of Ceylon in 1942 – 1943.
He obtained an honours degree in chemistry and was recruited to the Questioned Documents (QD) section of the Government Analysts’ Department under the former Examiner of QD, Tom Nagendran. As Dr. A.R.L. Wijesekara the former Government Analyst wrote in his appreciation: “Samare had the distinction of being the first scientist to be recruited to the QD section of the Analyst department, when QD examination was more an art than a science. The importance of his presence with his scientific background greatly contributed to revolutionising the concepts and techniques of the handwriting experts of yesteryear and building the image of the modern examiner in QD”.
Dr A. R. L. continued, “he was a fearless witness, much respected by both judges and counsel of both sides for his scientific skills, clarity of expression and undoubted honesty and unimpeachable integrity…..”
Our father received advanced training in document examination from Scotland Yard, the FBI America and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. From 1960 onwards, as the Government Examiner of Questioned Documents (GEQD), he trained document examiners for the governments of Malaysia and Singapore and trained three assistant document examiners for Sri Lanka – P.H. Manatunga, Mr. Thangaratnevel and Mr. Kalupahana. After retirement from government service, he was selected as a forensic document examiner in New South Wales Australia.
As children we enjoyed accompanying Thaththi as he drove to give evidence in courts of law throughout the country. He often showed us the basic techniques of recognising forged documents, which was very interesting and exciting.
As recalled in the appreciation by P.H. Manatunga who succeeded him as Document Examiner in 1977: “Mr. Samaranayaka was a man with tremendous energy who applied himself with dedication and devotion to any cause. He was a man of action and was known not to postpone what had to be done today for tomorrow. If his office was not swept, he would not hesitate to do it himself and set the example. He was greatly influenced by his wife who was a social worker of great repute, who introduced him to the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society in the early 60s. The organisation recognized his talents and he was soon made the honorary treasurer and in no time he was elected as the chairman. This position he held with great distinction from 1967 to 1977 by annual election. His organisational capabilities and leadership qualities blossomed in full measure as a chairman. He is best remembered for having taken the Red Cross movement to the village school temples and churches and setting up first aid units islandwide.”
There is no doubt that his pioneering efforts helped in the construction of the four storeyed Red Cross building in Colombo 7. I must also add that when an ambulance driver was not available, our father would personally drive the ambulance even long distances to the outstations. Such was his commitment to the sick. Sometimes the occupants of the ambulance never realised that the driver was the chairman of the Red Cross Society himself!
Patriarch of the Samaranayaka clan, he was called “Loku Aiya” by some of his relations and “Colombo Mama” by others. Our home in Ascot Avenue was an oasis to his relations from Kumbuka. Many lived with us during their schooldays and he never turned away anyone who came seeking help. He was a warm and caring person and had numerous friends and associates from all strata of society. He treated them equally, with the respect they deserved.
The last social service project he embarked on was the creation of the International Children’s Village in Rambukkana, in a scenic five acre block for poor families with Australian assistance. Thaththi was a keen environmentalist and Ascot Avenue, where he lived for nearly 50 years was probably one of the greenest and cleanest lanes in Colombo at that time, a tribute to his untiring anti- garbage effects.
As a dutiful son, he showered much attention on his mother. Visiting her on Sundays with food and sweets was often a family weekend routine. Archchi could finish a 50-toffee pack in two hours and never developed diabetes! She died aged 99 years in 1995. He was devoted to our Ammi and her last illness had a profound effect on him. He looked after her with great devotion, while she received treatment in Australia. Our sister Manthri’s illness and untimely death at 52 years would have had a devastating effect on both our parents. Fortunately both of them were spared this sorrow.
Thaththi gave us his three children, the best all round education and took great pride in our achievements. Ours was a close knit family and we all enjoyed dinner together and after dinner chats in our parents’ bedoom. He supported and complemented Ammi in all her social service projects. As a doting grandfather, he continued teaching his grandchildren where he left off with his children.
Thaththi taught us many lessons in life. Foremost among them were the values of honesty, integrity, civic sense and contentment. These were the qualities he practised throughout his full and fruitful life. He was indeed a man in a million.
Dearest Thaththi, may your journey through sansara continue to be rewarding and may you finally reach the supreme bliss of nirvana.
Your everloving daughter – Anula Wijesundere nee Samaranayaka and son Hemanatha Samaranayaka
Memories flash back to happy schooldays and matches played
W.D.L. “BABA” FONSEKA
It is with great sorrow we got to know of the demise of our beloved classmate Dayananda Lakshman Fonseka more popularly known as “Baba” to his Thurstan community and the staff at Bank of Ceylon where he worked for 40 years. He passed away on February 8.
We joined Thurstan College in 1951 as the second batch of students and were enrolled in the Lower Kindergarten in this newly founded school in 1950. We were classmates/ schoolmates till “Baba” left school in 1964.
He had the privilege of scoring the first 50 in the Big Match against Isipathana in 1964. During the schooldays we played many softball matches during the lunch interval while we also represented the school in Junior Cricket until we graduated to play 1st XI cricket in 1962. Baba also played 1st XV Rugby for College in 1962 and 1963.
I got to know him more intimately while playing softball cricket for the strong “8th Lane “ Kollupitiya team where we played against other teams in the neighbourhood. After the matches we used to go to ‘Atlanta’ to watch movies before going home. During the holidays we used to play the card game ‘304’ to while away the time. Those were happy times.
In the mid 1960’s he joined the Bank of Ceylon and served in many departments such as Inward Bills, Corporate Imports etc., and retired as a Senior Bank Manager at the Pettah branch in 2006. He represented the Bank at cricket and also played a few club matches for Saracens. He was an active member of the Bank of Ceylon Sports Club.
He was the First Treasurer of the Thurstan College Swimming Pool Management Committee when his classmate and his neighbour Lion Gratiaen Gunawardhana built the Thurstan Pool in 2000 to celebrate the school’s Diamond Jubilee. He was a Life Member of the Thurstan OBU and regularly participated in OBU activities and College activities, including the Big Match, the annual Big Match Party at our classmate Bhathiya’s residence, the annual Thurstan Dinner Dance and our batch get-togethers which he never missed with his wife Indrani.
I remember his parents living in a house with a garden down Ramya Road in Bambalapitiya. He was an active member of many Social and Welfare Societies and Associations in the neighbourhood and was also a Justice of Peace for the entire Island.
He was a devout and practising Buddhist and very closely associated with erudite Buddhist priests at the Vajiraramaya Temple. He was an active and prominent member of the temple dayaka sabha and even performed the annual “Katina Pinkama” of the temple.
He married Indrani in 1974 and they were blessed with three children – the eldest Lakmal living in Australia, the second son Yohan and daughter Peshala living in the UK.
May he attain the supreme bliss of Nibbana
Priya Paranavitane
He inspired me with tales of his travels and other cultures
Ahmed Faiz Nizar
My memory of uncle Faiz runs back as far as to the time when I just turned eight, when my parents occupied his house. Ever since then, he was an inspiration throughout all the milestones in my life – a personality I always looked up to.
A Charted Accountant, graduate in Geography, ardent traveller and culture enthusiast, uncle Faiz was the first to ignite in me the passion for diverse languages and cultures as he encouraged me to pursue French, something I would have never imagined learning otherwise.
He was ever so generous in sharing the amazing stories from his travels to many countries which mesmerised me. Indeed he was one of the humblest persons I have ever known.
When I got selected to the university, uncle Faiz gifted me a computer which I am using to this day. Taking a walk down memory lane, sometimes I feel I was too young to share his wisdom back then. Upon completion of my Master’s in Linguistics, I feel I could have indulged in many conversations if uncle Faiz had been around.
Marking two years since he passed away in London on February 10, 2020, I cannot help but think he was gone too soon.
Uncle Faiz has indeed been family to me; he will be missed and always remembered by all who knew him.
Oshani Alwis
Known for his dedicated service and friendly manner
BERNARD DE SILVA
Bernard joined the Police as a Probationary Sub-Inspector in 1976. He was an excellent soccer player and goal keeper and even represented the country before joining the Police on a tour in Pakistan in 1976.
He was a devout Catholic and attended the service and novena on Wednesdays at All Saints Church Borella regularly. His faith in Mother Mary was unshakable.
I came to know him when I convened an international seminar on industrial security as the President of the Industrial Security Foundation at the Galle Face Hotel several years ago, when he was holding an important position in the Intelligence Division. He displayed his knowledge and expertise at this seminar with great care, as he had to be cautious in what he said. He was articulate, and expressed the importance of intelligence in industrial security which not many knew about.
I am aware that he commanded great respect from his colleagues, subordinates and his superiors due to his unstinted dedication and commitment as a scrupulously honest officer. He was also forthright in his reports or speeches at conferences or meetings. He never aspired to promotion by currying favour with politicians or superiors. Whatever he achieved in his career was due to hard work, dedication to duty, and being meticulous in whatever task he handled. He ensured that he said what he meant and avoided gossip; his speech was directed in the direction of truth and compassion.
Bernard was very close to his family and always spoke about his wife Anesta, children Marie, Dinuka, and Vikum and his grandchild. In his retirement he enjoyed being with his family. He told me that he enjoyed being with his child living abroad and grandchild, but chose not to leave the country for good. He loved Sri Lanka.
After his retirement he joined LOLC Pvt Ltd as a Consultant on Security and I am aware the company respected his commitment and dedication. Memories of his fine reputation whilst in the Police and loving and friendly ways among his sincere friends will be perpetual.
Nihal De Alwis
Altruism came naturally to her
Florence Elaine Gunawardena
Today, March 20, marks 18 years since my dear amma went to her eternal rest in the arms of Jesus. Although it is said that time heals all grief, each day and year that passes I miss her more and think about her so much.
As a wife and mother, my amma had endless love for us and sacrificed for the family. She was a great inspiration to others and shared her life so willingly with many. She was a godmother to many nephews and nieces. She always remembered my grandparents’ birth and death anniversaries and together with her siblings organised lunch for the poor under the auspices of the Helping Hands programme at St. Michael and All Angels, Polwatte.
While serving as the manager of the National Institute of Higher Studies in Kollupitiya she was deeply concerned about the less fortunate children who attended the school. If a parent could not pay the monthly school fees, she was always considerate of their family circumstances and waived their fees. In addition, she looked into the welfare of the teachers and non-academic staff of the school. I remember how she bought Christmas gifts—using her personal funds—for the staff. She also provided monthly stipends to several less fortunate individuals living in Kollupitiya. Altruism was a part of her nature.
Her love for the community propelled her to do all she could for her fellow citizens. She never thought twice about helping someone who sought her assistance.
Amma maintained a beautiful garden that included a lovely collection of anthuriums. She also planted many fruit and vegetable varieties. An avid reader she would read the “Daily News” every morning and had a large collection of Reader’s Digest magazines.
My amma was one of those people that just drew others to her.
Amma, I know your guiding hand will ever be on my shoulder. You will be always be remembered and loved!
Your loving daughter
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