Appreciations
View(s):His memoirs a testimony to his multi-faceted personality
Dr. Vernon de Silva
Dr. Vernon de Silva passed away in mid-March this year. My acquaintance with Dr. Vernon began about 12 years ago when I went to his house in Moratuwa to present him a book of mine on public finance.
By that time I had read his articles published in the Island newspaper on subjects like the existence of God, the Turin Shroud, Creation and Evolution and the Resurrection of Jesus. I had later been privileged to write a Foreword to his memoirs. I have also read of his debates with the late Prof. Carlo Fonseka who had shared residence with him in the medical students hostel, Blomfont ein in the late 1950s.
Dr. Vernon had been in charge of the Health Department’s Quarantine Division in his middle years when he returned to Sri Lankan after obtaining post graduate qualifications abroad.
His interest in religion was shared by me. In some of his articles on Christianity and the existence of God he had given references to passages from books and articles published by authors in research journals. I remember his reply to the comments on a book written by an American neuro surgeon Dr. Eben Alexander titled Proof of Heaven. In his review of the book he locked horns with a former cardiologist citing references to articles published in research journals.
His memoirs included a narration of incidents and interesting events spanning his career as a medical practitioner beginning with his medical student days to his beliefs based on research and contributions on subjects like Evolution, Intelligent Design and the existence of a Creator God. He remained a Christian by conviction. He was in his early nineties when he passed away. He had to go through a period of agony when he lost his wife and daughter. May he rest in peace.
Leo Fernando
The ‘thunderbolt’ who set an example
Kanagasabai Baskaran
I met you 20 years ago at Hartley College. You joined the Jaffna National College of Education in 2002. I went there before you but you excelled in the field of continuing education and became the vice president straight away. I couldn’t follow your steps as your normal walk was just like my speedy walk. I have seen you working at a stretch without taking any rest even after lunch. You were a voracious reader and enthusiastic writer as well. Your book on ‘Action Research’ is the most desired text among the student teachers.
You were a disciplinarian not only at home but also at the college. The student teachers named you ‘Thunderbolt’, as you were so quick to take action and solve problems. You were an example of hard work and dedication. Within a short period you became an M.Phil. holder and were to submit your final papers for your PhD as well. It is incredible that you were in your final year of Legal Studies. All this while performing your duties as one of the pillars of the college.
Nobody could argue with you as you had every subject at your fingertips. You coordinated so many programmes and projects at college with utmost dedication, working till the last moment.
On that fateful evening you were on the way to college after fulfilling your duties at home, but unfortunately collided with a massive tractor halted on the way.
You left us after a few hours, praying to your favourite Lord Krishna on behalf of your family.
Society lost an educationist and the family lost a beloved husband and father. Colleague, you and your services will be ever remembered by every one of us. Om Shanthi.
Thambipillai Mohan
Erudite scholar and humble man
Dr. M.A.M Shukri
Dear Dr. M.A.M. Shukri, eminent scholar of Islam
We remember you on this day with a heavy heart
Your sudden departure created a void that cannot be filled for centuries
Your absence from our midst is an irreparable loss.
And the loving memories we have of you are no less.
Born to a humble and well-respected family
In the coastal city of Matara – the ‘cradle of intellectuals’
Pleasing in manner and modest in your ways
You became an academic worthy of emulation in many ways
You made ‘Jamiya Naleemiya’ a radiating centre of Islamic knowledge
Giving the correct leadership and vision
Naleemiya was your heart and soul
It has produced worthy ‘ulamas’ (religious scholars) in thousands
As a gifted orator, you inspired and moved the crowd with your scholarly speeches
As an erudite writer you penned volumes of articles and books on Islam
You participated in international conferences,
delivered lectures and presented research papers
On various topics related to Islam and current affairs.
You were a brilliant product of Peradeniya University
Passed with First Class honours in Arabic
Under your mentor and teacher Prof. S.A. Imam
And later proceeded to UK
Winning a Commonwealth scholarship
And obtained your PhD in Islamic philosophy.
You were a down-to earth man
Who never lost the common touch
Dear Doctor, Your loss and our loss is Allah’s gain
But only he takes the best causing remorse and pain.
May Allah grant him Jannathul Firdouse.
Dahlan Salahudeen
( on behalf of family members and friends)
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