APPRECIATIONS

Air Vice Marshal E. Rohan Amarasekera 

On March 2, the Sri Lanka Air Force celebrated its 50th anniversary. Coincidentally the 28th death anniversary of this distinguished personality fell on March 20. 

Much has been written about the heroes of the Second World War and about the significant contribution made by various persons during the formative years of the Armed Forces. Therefore it is not only timely but an obligation to recall the illustrious career of AVM Amarasekera.

The Japanese bombed Colombo and Trincomalee harbours 59 years ago. But the real impact of the Second World War was not felt by Sri Lankans as they were out of the war arena of Asia. A large number of Sri Lankans joined the British forces at that time and some of them had distinguished careers. But there was no Sri Lankan who had such a distinguished career as Rohan Amarasekera.

Amarasekera from Kegalle, received his early education at Kingswood College and later at Wesley College. Young da-ring and adventurous, he decided to join the Royal Air Force (RAF) during the most turbulent war years, despite stiff opposition from his elders. 

Joining the RAF in 1940 at 24, he distinguished himself as an air gunner in active service serving operational squadrons 153 and 640.

Amarasekera was the most decorated Asian in the RAF. He was a hero who flew no less than 85 sorties over Hitler's Germany during the war years, while Hermann Goering's Luftwaffe, the Nazi Air Force pounded Britain in an effort to demoralize the British and destroy its fighting capability. Rohan who started as a gunner became a flier who could be depended on to hit a target from an aircraft during an era when advanced techniques were not available. He was decorated for bravery and awarded the coveted "Distinguished Flying Cross" and Bar.

He and Air Commodore Fred Papple who was his pilot and later his squadron Commander flew many missions together. Papple dedicated the recent book he has published, "An Anecdotal History of the 640 Squadron", to those who served the squadron and devoted one chapter to "Amare". 

Anxious to make his service and experience available to the Royal Ceylon Air Force , Amarasekera returned to Sri Lanka. Functioning as the Chief of Staff, when Air Vice Marshal J.L. Barker relinquished command of the Royal Ceylon Air Force, he assumed duties as the first Sri Lankan Commander on November 1, 1992. He continued to command the Sri Lanka Air Force till December 31, 1970 and retired from service at 57. 

He systematically reorganised the Air Force to meet the exacting demands of a developing country. He set a high code of ethics for his officers. 

A man of principles, he never hesitated to speak up for what he believed in. He never bowed to outside pressure or interference. He always stood steadfast in his principles. AVM Amerasekera was a great man, who resolutely believed in the immortal assertion by Henry Ward Beecher, "Greatness lies not in being strong, but in the right use of strength". His strength was his uncompromising strict code of professional rectitude.

The Government had to rely heavily on the Air Force during two abortive coup d'etats. Amerasekera played a significant role in quelling successive attempts to overthrow the government. On retirement, he led a quiet, secluded life. His life revolved around his family, his wife Aloma, son Ajith and daughter Roshanthi. He also actively pursued the study of contemporary religions.

He wrote a few booklets on the various facets of Buddhism. The most impressive and soul searching was "The Power Within" dedicated to his dear friend D.C.O.T. Amarasekera.

AVM Amarasekera declined many a prestigious appointment offered to him while in retirement. When he retired he did not even have a house of his own in Colombo and had to rent out one in the suburbs. 

Amarasekera died on March 20, 1974 and was afforded a full service funeral. In deference to his wishes Buddhist, Hindu, Christian and Islamic religious services were held at his graveside.

Sqn. Ldr. J.T.R. Fernando (Retd)

Mahes Waidyatilleke

Mahes was an unforgettable person. Having known him for the last 25 years, we were struck by his positive personality and rakish good looks. Always decided in his views, he was never reticent in voicing them even at the cost of displeasing others. Many an interesting argument did we have with the comfortable feeling that no offence would be taken or given. This is rare in our society. 

His no nonsense attitude belied a warm and caring nature. Having lost his father some years back, he took upon himself the role of being his successor, seeing to the material comforts of his mother, family members, and even the numerous cats and dogs befriended by the family. He ran two houses - his home on the estate and his mother's.

Having started off as a young Assistant Superintendent in the plantation sector, Mahes made great strides in his career. He became one of the most respected planters of his time. His knowledge and experience was much sought after and at the time of his demise he was the Group Manager of the Demodera Group, attached to James Finlays. 

The grief expressed by plantation workers, colleagues and friends who came from all corners of the island to pay their last respects to him, was testimony to the kind of person he was.

Having initially been introduced as his brother Srilal's friends, he soon became our friend as well. 

Our hearts go out to Mahes' mother, his brother and sister and we pray that time will ease their sorrow.

Dilmani and Asoka Warnasuriya 

---

Rev. Bro. Joseph Nicholas

His admirers are legion, and those like me, who had the privilege of being tutored by his wisdom, cannot forget him even in death. Born in 1916 to a family of 10, he followed in the footsteps of his elder brother and entered the FSC fraternity to serve the Lord. 

Bro. Nicholas had a multi-faceted personality, and was skilled in writing lyrics and composing music. Among his many compositions was the hymn for the church feast of St. John the Baptist Church, Mutwal. He added colour to many festive occasions, such as the patronal feasts of Brother Directors or other Jubilarians, where the choir he led won applause. His alma mater was the Uyana school dedicated to St. Sebastian from where he entered the Brothers' Order and was enrolled as a monk of St. De La Salle on August 22, 1941.

From here he went on a journey where men and women came to know him and admire him, for his sense of concern for society. Till recently he was seen on the streets of Colombo collecting money for the poor. 

He taught at St. Bede's, St. Benedict's, and St. Mary's (Chilaw) and was Director at St. Anthony's (Wattala) and De La Salle College (Mutwal). He was given a Presidential Award and also appointed a Justice of Peace. May the Lord grant Bro. Nicholas eternal rest! Lenard R. Mhaarachchi

John Peter Illesinghe

JP was a multifaceted character. Starting his career as an assistant teacher of English at Kotagoda Primary School, he reached the coveted position of sports officer at the time of his retirement. He served untiringly in numerous parts of Sri Lanka. 

The unending stream of visitors to the Colombo National Hospital where he was warded for diabetic treatment before his death, bears testimony to his loyalty towards his friends and relatives. 

Though he was a dedicated teacher and sports officer of high calibre, his forte was singing. His melodious voice kept audiences spellbound. 

As a social worker JP rendered yeoman service and brought about many a change in Baddegama.

He leaves behind his wife, two daughters and son. 

May he rest in peace! 

Piyadasa Rillagoda

N.D. Peiris

You were always concerned about us but never ever allowed us to worry about you. You did everything for us and never expected anything in return. You considered our needs to be more important than yours and were happy to see us getting on with our lives. You had your very special way of showing us good from bad but never with a cane or slap. You gave us the best while depriving yourself of those very luxuries you could so easily have had. You were a perfect father and husband. 

We even called you 'Vessanthara' when I was small. You used to say that doing your best for others was the most important thing. I will forever remember by heart the few words you wrote in my scout book over 25 years ago: "Do you realize how insignificant a speck you are in the universe and in turn how significant you could be if you only learn to think of others foremost and yourself last?" 

As a teenager, I may not have fully appreciated what you meant and may even have felt that you thought of me as a selfish person, but now I understand what you said and did all those years ago. 

You were a simple man who enjoyed the simple things in life. A very tolerant and patient man, who could not be provoked easily. An honest man who dedicated his life to the betterment of others for over four decades. A man who fought for what he believed in and not what was best for him. Your vision, dedication and hard work have indeed provided a better life for millions of people. In 1974, when Colombo faced a severe water shortage, it was you who took on the fight to put things right. You did so by drawing attention to the problem in every little way you could, writing articles to the papers, even though you were a simple engineer in the then Department of Water Supply and Drainage. 

Later that year after becoming the first Sri Lankan and one of 20 in the world to win a scholarship to attend a two-month training programme at the Economic Development Institute (EDI/IBRD - World Bank), you chose to make it your personal challenge to seek funding for desperately needed improvements to projects in Lanka. Your perseverance culminated in the first World Bank funded water supply projects in Sri Lanka, including those in Kalutara and Ambalangoda. Not only did you succeed in securing badly needed funds, your articulate negotiating skills ensured that Sri Lankan engineers would play a major role in these developments and kept the involvement of foreign consultants to a minimum. 

The then hardly known Department of Water Supply and Drainage, soon became the very popular National Water Supply and Drainage Board under your leadership. 

Your leadership in changing the fortunes of the then almost defunct State Engineering Corporation a few years later, was an example how hopeless situations could be turned around with skill, dedication and commitment. 

You never sought any accolades for your achievements. But you were recognized internationally with the 'Men of Achievement Award' from UK and also featured in the Who's Who of Intellectuals. You were also the first Sri Lankan to be profiled in the Institution of Civil Engineers (London) international magazine.

While Sri Lanka and the world have lost a significant contributor to the well-being of mankind, I have lost a dear father who was also my hero and best friend. 

Thaaththa, you were a father a son could only dream of having. The good times we had, the valuable advice you gave, will live with me forever. 

You were and still are our guardian angel and we pray that your journey through samsara is short and you will soon rest in eternal peace, attaining the supreme bliss of Nibbana! 

Son Mohan

Wheel of life

As many as a thousand Lankans suffer spi- nal injuries that leave them confined to wheelchairs each year. With the war continuing, it is feared that this figure has increased enormously. Now for the first time, statistics of wheelchair users will be recorded at the nationwide census to take place in June.

But statistics apart, Sri Lanka has not yet come to terms with the fact that disabled persons too must be taken into account in planning and decision making. Therefore news that the Spinal Injuries Association, with a membership of more than 475, has been forging links between persons afflicted with spinal injuries, is indeed encouraging. 

The main causes for spinal injury include falls (from trees in the case of toddy tappers and coconut pickers, or buildings in the case of masons, carpenters), motor accidents, and war casualties.

The Spinal Injuries Association (SIA) based at the Rehabilitation Hospital in Ragama has been operating these past 1 1/2 years on funds received from Motivation, a British NGO. The SIA aims to help reintegrate those with such injuries with society, but needs much support in this effort, its President Priyantha Peiris said.

Priyantha, himself a wheelchair user stressed that very often even when they are able to go home, those with spinal injuries remain restricted to their rooms because their families do not know how to rehabilitate them. Sometimes even having a wheelchair is a luxury, he explained.

"We always do a home visit when such a patient is discharged to see what he lacks to to lead an active life," he said. 

Clinical psychologist Parvani Pinnewela believes that society's reluctance to see the need for psychological intervention is a major stumbling block. 

A spinal injury changes one's life in a dramatic way, therefore the need for psychological counselling is great, Ms. Pinnewela says. This is because negative life indicators - such as divorce, substance abuse, and social discrimination rank very high for this category of people.

The stigma of being in a wheelchair along with problems of accessibility and finding employment tend to isolate such people from the rest of society.

Spinal injury could also create several other complications, such as marital difficulties, specifically sexual, and high levels of depression and anxiety, which could if unattended, lead to suicide. This is where psychological management comes in, she explained, highlighting the need to focus on family problems, on how to cope and how to increase self-esteem. 

Ms. Pinnewela's role with the SIA is to practise cognitive behavioural group therapy for people with spinal injuries and to train selected SIA members regarding the mental health aspects. She helps them focus on problem areas, develop assertiveness, deal with helplessness, isolation, build a support group, gain psychological counselling skills, stress management skills and communication skills.

SIA started its activities at Ragama, and has steadily expanded its work reaching out to people living in more remote areas. Hemantha Rubasinghe (36), the Deputy Secretary of SIA, was injured when he fell off a tree. He wants to work as a health counsellor and to educate injured people about life in a wheel chair. 

Hemantha lives in Embilipitiya and is in charge of the SIA"s Ratnapura District programme. He sometimes travels by bus. At Pettah they help him to put the wheel chair on board and from Ratnapura he visits nearby places like the Ranaviru Gammanaya by trishaw. "That is sort of an example to the community," Priyantha explained, stressing that independence was most important for a wheelchair user. 

SIA is currently drafting project reports and proposals to raise funds to continue this programme. "We have to manufacture about 25 wheelchairs a month," Priyantha explained. "We sell them. A wheelchair costs Rs. 8,000 but most of these patients cannot afford that, they can hardly pay 10 percent. So we have a wheelchair fund committee to raise funds through well-wishers and then pay the workshop."

One of their major aims is the active rehabilitation programme to train people how to manipulate wheel chairs. "Six of us work full-time and seven part time in the workshop fabricating wheel chairs. For outreach work we go to the National Hospital and on home visits as well as doing community based rehabilitation.

SIA Secretary, Lalith Wickremesinghe (22) who suffered a head injury four years ago when diving into a tank for a swim, is in charge of enrolling members, maintaining the database and sending out letters.

"More than 90 percent of people afflicted with spinal cord injuries will spend their lives in wheel- chairs," Priyantha Peiris said. 

Among the main problems faced by wheel chair users is access to public places and lack of job opportunities, he said. Remedying this has to be a social responsibility. Though there has hitherto been public apathy to this need, it seems the officials are finally waking up. Colombo Mayor Omar Kamil says any new public construction within the city has to be equipped with a ramp as well as a special toilet for the disabled.

The Ministry of Social Services will also grant up to Rs. 50,000 to disabled persons to modify or renovate their homes to put in ramps and other necessities.

Winning a different battle

By Hiranthi Fernando

Priyal was just over 21 years when he was injured at Welioya seven years ago. A member of an Army Bomb disposal squad, a small explosive device commonly known as 'batta' blew up on him when he was clearing a minefield. Priyal lost both his arms as well the sight in one eye as a result. After several operations and prolonged rehabilitation at the Rana Viru Sevana, Priyal is trying his best to live as normal a life as he can.

It was during his period of rehabilitation at Ranaviru Sevana that Priyal began to participate in sports. Seventeen countries had participated in the sports festival in Germany, Priyal said. "We won seven gold medals and six silver medals for the Sri Lankan team. Cpl. K.S. Weerasinghe, who is paralysed and confined to a wheelchair and Lance Corporal W.M. Wijesekera an above the knee amputee, won three gold medals each. L/C H.G. Asanka Kumara , who is blind won three silver medals in track events and Capt. D.K. Aludeniya an amputee won a silver medal for table tennis."

"The Sri Lankans living in Germany were very hospitable and most helpful," Priyal said. "Even Sri Lankans from France came over to Germany and took us to France for three days. They looked after us and took us sightseeing." Back in Sri Lanka, Priyal was saddened that their achievements received no recognition at all. "No one knew where we went or what we won," Priyal remarked. 

Although still employed by the Army, Priyal is unable to do any work because of the nature of his injuries. Since both his arms are amputated above the elbow, he is unable to wear prostheses. A team of American doctors who were in Sri Lanka did a bone graft on one of his stumps to convert it to a two pronged stump. He is now at least able to hold a spoon to feed himself, open a door and manage some small activities.

"I can carry my baby," Priyal said proudly. Priyal who married in 1998, is the father of an eight-month-old baby daughter. He and his little family live at Mirigama, where he has built a small house. When he is at home, his wife feeds him his meals. She is unable to work because she has to attend to his needs. However, Priyal helps by looking after the baby whenever he is at home, despite his disability. Although life is hard. Priyal is trying his best to provide for his family. 

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