Appreciations
He was pure of heart
He dispensed justice without fear or favour
He was pure of heart
Patrick Gunawardena
Writing the appreciation of Patrick Gunawardena who was called to rest
on September 16, I found it difficult to decide where to start. So I thought
it might be easier to try and pick his faults.
Patrick was extravagant to a fault in his charitable indulgences and
people around him thought he had enormous wealth. But Patrick was not extraordinarily
wealthy. What was extraordinary was his ability to share whatever he had
in equal measure with his fellow beings, especially the less fortunate,
often depriving himself and his wife Phoebe of better comforts.
This also attracted opportunists who came to him with sob stories.
Clad in spotless clothing with a quiet disposition, Patrick had the
countenance of a strict school principal. But within him was a kind heart.
His generous contributions to the Church of St. John the Baptist, Gampaha
where he worshipped, and to those in need, would run into volumes anxd
yet leave so much unsaid. Suffice it to say that his contribution of time
and attention as a church warden and church secretary were even more useful
than the cash and kind given by him.
His life was an embodiment of the teachings of Jesus Christ. The words
of Mrs. Zena Senaviratne on behalf of the Mothers' Union at Patrick's funeral
service brought out the feelings of most parishioners aptly.
"All of us have faced losses in various ways. Just now we feel that
death is the greatest loss to be reckoned with. We have gathered here from
all walks of life, with different beliefs and faiths, for one purpose -
to bid farewell to Mr. Patrick Gunawardene, a dear friend, respected principal,
loving and caring brother, indulgent grandfather, father who instilled
values in his children and devoted husband.
"We have chosen this moment to pay a simple tribute to Mr. Gunawardena,
not because he was the husband of Phoebe, our enrolling member for several
years, but because he taught us, by example, true faithfulness and obedience
to God.
"He was gentle, meek and mild. He was merciful. He was pure in heart.
He was a peacemaker. He comforted those who mourned. He satisfied those
who were hungry and thirsty. The kindness of Jesus Christ radiated through
him not only to his family, household and the parishioners of this church,
but also to all those who knew him.
"Phoebe, Patricia and Ranjit, Gamini and Sue, Dilini and Brian, Imara
and Chirag, Pressie and little Bradley, at this time of great sadness you
can be consoled that Patrick is rewarded in heaven. He brought nothing.
He takes nothing. But he was chosen to lead us to heaven. He has successfully
fulfilled the tasks laid out for him by His Maker and left an indelible
mark on the lives of many people. Some of us are here today, others are
not only because they are fulfilling their duties far away in war-torn
areas and in other lands."
May the soul of Patrick rest in peace.
A friend
He dispensed justice without fear or favour
N. Yogasigamany
The sudden death of respected High Court Judge N. Yogasigamany on September
18 was received with shock by many of us.
Mr. Yogasigamany was born on October 6, 1942 at Velvettiturai, Jaffna,
the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Nadanasigamany. His father was Chairman
of the Velvettiturai Town Council.
The young Yogasigamany had his primary education at Sivaguru Vidyala
and Chithambara College in his hometown. He joined government service in
1961 as a medical laboratory technologist and while in service obtained
the Bachelor of Laws of the University of Ceylon as an external student
in 1971. Thereafter, he passed the Advocates' examination and took oaths
as an Attorney-at-Law in 1974. He left government service in 1975 and began
practising in the civil and criminal courts of Point Pedro and Jaffna.
He built an extensive practice.
In 1979, he was appointed a Primary Court Judge and in 1983 promoted
Magistrate serving stations such as Chavakachcheri and Jaffna. He was elevated
as a District Judge in 1987 and served in Jaffna, then as Additional District
Judge in Colombo. In May 2000 he was appointed a High Court Judge serving
in Colombo for a short period and thereafter in Vavuniya till his death.
During his judicial career spanning 22 years he dispensed justice without
fear or favour. In Colombo he gained a reputation for concluding long-delayed
cases speedily. The warm and courteous manner in which he treated the members
of the Bar and litigants endeared him to them.
Judge Yogasigamany leaves behind his wife and son who has just stepped
into the medical profession.
Let his wife and son be comforted by the fact that he descended to this
world with a noble mission in life, which he solemnly fulfilled. May his
soul become merged with Paramatma.
"Free from pride and delusion, with the evil of attachment conquered,
ever dwelling in the Self, with desires completely receded, liberated from
the pairs of opposites known as pleasure and pain, the undeluded reach
that Goal Eternal"- Bhagavad Gita Chapter XV:5:
P. Balavadivel
Retd. High Court Judge |
