APPRECIATIONS
View(s):A rare gem in the public service
LESTER FONSEKA
With the passing away of Lester Fonseka in June, the world lost a classics scholar, linguist, author, orator, toastmaster, counsellor and above all, a gentleman par excellence.
Born to a distinguished family, he commenced his schooling at St Peter’s College and subsequently joined Royal College, Colombo. His brilliant performance at the HSC exam won him a scholarship to the University of Ceylon, Colombo where he read classics for his degree. After graduating, he joined the Inland Revenue Department which he jokingly referred to as the “Income Removal Department” where he rapidly rose to the position of Acting Commissioner General.
He was a rare gem in the public service and his honesty and integrity were unquestionable, a shining example to other public servants. When a wealthy and powerful business tycoon, the owner of a multi-national conglomerate was faced with tax disputes caused by injustice, Lester stepped in and sorted the matter in a just and equitable manner. A powerful politician during that time was not in favour of this. Lester stood up for justice and fairplay in the matter which resulted in his resignation, losing the opportunity to be the head of the department. However, he was duly recognised by the highest in the land with his appointment as Chairman of the National Savings Bank and the State Gem Corporation.
I was introduced to Lester by my father who was a close friend of his. I was enthralled by his charm, elegance and utmost courtesy towards all. His knowledge of Classics and English literature was beyond comparison. He was also fluent in French and Spanish having lived in Spain for many years. Latin words flowed freely from his vocabulary. He was the author of the book “Vade Mecum” a Latin expression (Be my companion) – an anthology of thoughts captured over the years.
We shared a common interest in writing and the advice and guidance he gave me is invaluable. Lester touched the hearts and minds of everyone whom he associated with. He was always available to anyone who sought his help and advice. He looked for the best in people. He did not give himself any airs but rather put humility as the crown. He was a father figure to many of the younger generation who sought his advice and counselling.
He was the founder Chairman of the Charles and Muriel de Soysa Trust. Under his dynamic leadership, the Trust, amongst other projects, built and donated a 24-bed hospital ward to the Lunawa hospital, a library for the people of Moratuwa and a classroom building for the Prince of Wales College Moratuwa. He also silently helped numerous people in financial distress. His generous nature extended far beyond his family and friends. “Do charity by stealth and blush to find its fame” was his motto.
Lester was blessed with a loving family. His wife Preethi, daughters Nayanthara and Roshanara, son-in-law Ranjith Page, and his two grandchildren, Rhaya and Randhir gave him the best of care, love and attention. Whenever asked how he was feeling, in his own inimitable style he would always reply, “I am looking down on creation” implying that he was on top of the world.
He was a great humanist and the legacy he left behind will immensely benefit this generation and generations yet unborn. He will always live in the hearts and minds of all the people whose lives he touched.
Goodbye Sir, until we meet again. May blissful peace be with you forever and ever.
O-rare Lester Fonseka.
Haritha Wijewardene
He lived life to the full while also serving God
Suren Goonesekera
It is with deep sadness that I pay this tribute to my younger brother Surendra Goonesekera fondly known as Suren who passed away one year ago on August 14, 2021 due to Covid.
Suren was the second in the family of three children of the late Fleance (Lyn) and Rita Goonesekera of Moratuwa.
He had his education at S. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia and Prince of Wales College, Moratuwa.
As a young boy he was quite involved in the activities of Holy Emmanuel Church, Moratuwa where he was a chorister, member of the Junior Guild and the Youth Fellowship.
As a youth his involvement in church activities was very minimal but a transformation in his life took place after the demise of our mother in August 1998.
He worked in the garment industry and was a well known businessman who travelled extensively to meet his clients overseas. He gave up his business of his own garment buying office which brought him a very good income and dedicated his life to serve God as a lay person.
He married Charmaine who hailed from Negombo in 1984 and since then they worshipped at St. Stephen’s Church, Negombo, where Suren served as a warden, treasurer, Diocesean Council member and lay worker.
Due to his involvement at St. Stephen’s, he was elected to the Standing Committee of the Diocese of Colombo on a few occasions and also served as the Secretary of the Board of Social Responsibility (BSR) where he reached out to serve people who had no drinking water, provided assistance in case of floods or any kind of natural disaster and also helped needy children by providing school books, stationery, shoes etc.
His work was appreciated by the former Bishop of Colombo Dilo Canagasabey and Archdeacon of Colombo Perry Brohier and the many priests who took part in a virtual service of praise and thanksgiving for the life of Suren.
Another project he carried out during the pandemic and especially during the lockdown was to provide meals for the hungry in Negombo which he continued to do until his sudden demise.
He was equally concerned about the welfare of prisoners and was the President of the Prisoners Welfare Association, Negombo and an active member of St. Francis Home, Minuwangoda.
It was only after his death that we got to know that he was the treasurer of the Asian Theological Academy based in Malaysia and the tributes paid at a virtual service made us feel extremely happy of his dedication and service to God which he never publicised.
He was a man who enjoyed life fully. Every party he attended was full of fun and Suren would be the first to start the sing-song.
Suren and I chose two different paths to serve the people; I chose to be a politician while Suren chose to serve the people through the Anglican Church and I am extremely glad that he did so.
He was extremely close to me and came to my rescue whenever I needed him and I am sad that he is not among the living today.
He was a very dutiful and dedicated son to my parents, caring brother to me and my sister Sudarshini, a devoted husband to Charmaine, a wonderful father to Shehani and Sajith, Erajni and Sujeewa and loved his grandchildren Sashane, Shenith, Nishera, Shenera, Shevin and Nishen.
I believe that God felt that Suren had completed his mission on earth and he wanted to give Suren a much needed rest in his kingdom and called him to rest at the relatively young age of 61 years.
May my beloved brother, Suren’s soul rest in peace and rise in glory.
Ravinath Goonesekera
Sir, thank you for those wonderful memories
D.C. Wijesekera
D.C.Wijesekera known to his contemporaries as ‘Chandi’, who passed away around 2010 was a legend of our times. In the mid-80’s I served for five years in the Company Secretarial Division at Associated Management Services Limited and later at Coopers and Lybrand, Chartered Accountants, of which he was the Senior Partner.
He was strict and never minced his words. He did not suffer fools gladly. This quality did not endear him to some. At the same time he had some sterling qualities. One was that he would always stand by his staff like a rock. He was also known to help staff by keeping them on the firm’s payroll when they were unable to report for work for long periods of time due to sickness or other adversity.
My office was situated at a different location from the office where Mr Wijesekera functioned. Every now and then he would give me a telephone call and ask me to come over to meet him. On such occasions he always encouraged me and gave me the confidence to bring out the best in me.
After I left the firm I met him again along life’s way when I served for a brief period in a subsidiary of David Pieris Motor Company where he was the Chairman. Our relationship was different then and so we were able to laugh and joke together.
He was the son of Dr P. de S. Wijesekera, an eminent Obstetrician and Gynaecologist in Kandy and his wife. He studied at Royal College, Colombo 7 and later graduated from the University of Ceylon with a Special Degree in Mathematics. He subsequently trained and qualified as a Chartered Accountant in England. He served as the President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Sri Lanka.
He started his career at Shell Company and later went into management consulting. He served as the Chairman of the Cooperative Wholesale Establishment (CWE) and was credited with having turned it around from a loss-making concern to a profitable one. He also served for many years on the Board of Directors of Air Lanka as it was then known.
Mr Wijesekera was a very respected management consultant both in Sri Lanka and internationally. He also started the first computer bureau in Sri Lanka. He had a smart appearance, a sharp intellect and was a very articulate person.
I still think of him often and will always remember him with much love, deep respect and eternal gratitude. Sir, thank you for those wonderful memories. They will never fade away.
Rohan
She played a big role in her husband’s ministry
LYDIA RASAMANI THAMPOE
Lydia Rasamani, one among four girls, was the daughter of Sabapathipillai and Rathinamma of Alaveddy. She was educated in Jaffna, qualified as a trained teacher at the Teachers Training College at Palaly and taught in many schools.
Lydia married Rev Sam Thampoe at Alaveddy Church in 1957. They were blessed with three children- Joyce Suganthy, Daniel Rohan and Noel Suresh.
Lydia played a big role in the ministry of Rev Thampoe in the areas of pastoral care, singing and playing eastern instruments during worship services, visiting homes, leading church women’s groups in evangelism, ministry and mission. Even after the passing of her beloved husband in September, 1988 she continued to discharge her duties as a mother (and father) towards her children’s progress in life.
She migrated to Canada to be with her daughter and family. A few years later, she moved to an aged care facility due to her health conditions where she received her ‘Home Call.’
We thank God for her life.
Rev. T. S. Premarajah
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