Appreciations

Man of mighty intellect, boundless heart

D.V.A.S. Amerasekara 

He was a product of Royal College who later obtained a first class in Mathematics at Cambridge University. In addition to being a Mathematician (former Professor of Mathematics, University of Ceylon), he was an award winning painter of the Royal Academy in London. His other cultural interests included English Literature, western classical music, Japanese and Chinese painting, Greek Philosophy, and Languages. He mastered nearly 36 languages and astronomy. It was during his stewardship that he introduced astronomy as a subject to the curriculum of the Ceylon University. It was through him that I met the world famous author Sir Arthur C. Clarke, who resides in Sri Lanka.

At the end of the sixties I belonged to a group of up-country painters - the meridian art group. The president of the group; Mrs. Maud Loos, arranged for us to have master classes with Douglas at Dawson Road. It was then known as the 'Amerasekara Academy'. This was when I first met him.

Later on, when this art group went their own way, I continued to have private, individual classes with Douglas who was an expert and patient teacher.

He had the unique ability to simplify the most complex lessons. He had a gift for it, and would judge my amateur efforts at painting with great tolerance.

He told me, "Everyone has a purpose in life... a unique gift or special talent to give others.... But talent alone is not enough.... You have to work very hard." Which is what I had to do, if I wanted to be his pupil. He taught me for three years.

During those years he taught me not only the finer techniques of French impressionist painting, but was constantly inspiring me to study Plato, Bertrand Russell and Shakespeare. Which I did. For him, all this and more contributed to the making of an artist.

One day, in a flash of inspiration, he hurried inside his home, and brought out two copies of the Bible. One in English and the other in German. He started explaining to me how to study the German Language by comparing the two books chapter by chapter, sentence by sentence. It was so simple. I have often wondered why this method is not used in our schools. It saves the endless turning over of dictionaries and the fumbling search for meaning.

After his famous father passed away, Douglas lived with his aunt. When she too died he was all alone, being cared for by domestic help.

In later years, his good friend and pupil together with his gracious wife, cared for Douglas - in a truly Buddhist, compassionate way. I visited him on and off, but especially on his birthday, on November 30 and I found him happy and content.

His brief illness kept him in the Jayewardenepura Hospital for a while, where he passed away peacefully.

Douglas would have been very proud of his friend and his wife, who arranged his funeral with grace and style. When this friend read a part of the apology, (Dialogues of Plato) at the graveside (at Douglas' request) I could not but think that he would be watching from another world and be very pleased indeed. It was his final tribute. May Douglas, this man of mighty intellect and boundless heart, find the peace that passes all understanding.

Marie Alles Fernando 

He was a father figure

D.T. Palihakkara

He received his education at St. Joseph's College, Colombo, Ananda and Nalanda. Thereafter, he joined the Postal Department and worked there until his retirement as Assistant superintendent (Mails). He had an unblemished record of service. Discipline and honesty were the hallmarks of his career.

He was a dutiful husband and devoted father, though a strict disciplinarian. His priorities were religion and education. The fact that all his children, four boys and four girls (the fifth boy, Manohar was "too good for this world" and passed away at a very tender age), are qualified and hold responsible positions in the private and public sector, bears testimony to this. He encouraged his grandchildren too to study hard.

Mr. Palihakkara was a loyal friend who not only kept in touch with his friends, but helped their families in times of sorrow. He came late for his own wedding, because he had gone to visit a friend in hospital.

He was also not one who paid mere lip service to his religion. He was a true Buddhist. Throughout his life he served the Sangha and the temple.

He did not crave for material things, what came his way, he happily gifted to others. His only love was for books. Many are the books he has lent me from the large collection he had.

Mr. Palihakkara associated with people of all races and religions. His son-in-law, Attorney Tilak Hirimuthugoda told me that every morning Mr. Palihakkara would wake up at 3.30, meditate and read books on Buddhism. At 94, his mental faculties were perfect, which could be attributed to a clean mind and clear conscience.

I lost my own father over 20 years ago. Before the lapse of an year, I got to know Mr. Palihakkara, who was a father figure to me. It was much later that I got to know that Mr. Palihakkara and my father were born on the same day and same month. From the first meeting to the last, he treated me like his son. He was always concerned about the welfare of my family. I am sure Aunty Beryl, her children and their families will find solace in the Dhamma.

May he attain Nibbana.

Gajendran Marcandan