Appreciations
Irreparable loss
Embodiment of sincerity and decency
Cricketer and actor
Irreparable loss
Sujith Prasanna Perera
Today marks the first death anniversary of Sujith Prasanna Perera, Assistant
Superintendent of Customs who was brutally killed on his way to office
on March 24, last year.
Sujith began his Customs career in 1989 and joined the Preventive Office,
the main enforcement arm of the Sri Lanka Customs, in 1993. It was here
that he developed his skills to become an excellent investigator.
He was thorough not only in Customs Law but also related laws. He was
instrumental in uncovering many complex commercial frauds and had the ability
of detecting hidden, vital clues while perusing incriminating documents.
He was sent to the United States in 1998 on an investigative mission,
where with the assistance of the US Customs he acquired evidence to uncover
a massive smuggling racket involving several US and local companies. His
excellent investigative skills impressed the US Customs officials to such
an extent that they wrote commendations to the Director General of Customs
on Sujith's ability.
They also said that Sujith was an asset to Sri Lanka's Customs Department.
During my period at the Preventive Office as the Chief Preventive Officer,
I had the opportunity of working closely with Sujith who was a Senior Assistant
Preventive Officer. He was an extraordinary person, fearless in dealing
with smugglers and unscrupulous importers. Sujith was ready to do any job
at any time and worked day and night until the desired results could be
achieved. Usually he was more in office than at home. He was a strength
to fellow officers and they were comfortable and confident when Sujith
led a raid.
He did not work for commendations or appreciations, his only aim was
to do his part of the job well.
His integrity and bravery earned him many enemies and eventually he
made the supreme sacrifice at the age of 34.
To the Customs Department, it is an irreparable loss, while the country
has lost one of its great sons.
Sujith, a year has gone by. But you will remain in our hearts forever.
Gamini Warshapperuma
Assistant Director of Customs
Embodiment of sincerity and decency
Kirthie Abeysekera
It is with profound sadness that I pen these lines in appreciation of
Kirthie Abeysekera, award winning investigative journalist and author who
passed away in Toronto, Canada. In the '60s and '70s he served as a crime
reporter of the Ceylon Observer. He was best known for his exposés
of the underworld.
Though Kirthie emigrated to Canada in 1975, he kept in touch with his
readers in Sri Lanka through regular contributions to newspapers on a wide
range of topics.
Kirthie had close links with Sarvodaya. In his own words he had something
in common with Sarvodaya, our rural roots. His book, 'The Doughty Dons
of Dowa' was printed and published by Sarvodaya Vishva Lekha and the launch
was held in Toronto on December 29, last year.
Since I could not attend the launch I sent a message to be read out
at the ceremony.
It is but seldom that we encounter human beings of the calibre of Kirthie.
He was a living embodiment of sincerity and decency.
His passing away is a great loss not only to his close friends and relatives
but also to numerous readers in Sri Lanka.
I extend my deepest sympathies to his wife Olga and children Jayantha,
Chitra, Rohan, Anoma and Chamani.
Dr. A.T. Ariyaratne
Cricketer and actor
Fitzroy de Mel
Fitzroy de Mel was educated at Prince of Wales College, Moratuwa where
he also played cricket. After leaving school and engaging in higher studies,
he found employment at the Survey Department and later at the Mahaweli
Authority as a cartographic engineer.
He had beautiful hand-writing and was requested to write the oaths of
Sri Lanka's first Executive President J.R. Jayewardene. He played cricket
for the Survey Department too.
Fitzroy was a committed Christian taking on the duties of server, Sunday
schoolteacher, Sunday school secretary, warden and lay assistant.
He was a talented actor and played roles in Henry Jayasena's Kuweni,
Mana Ranjana, Weda Varjana, Diriya Mawa Saha Ege Daruwo, Apata Puthe Magak
Nethe, Kaluware Jaramare, Hunuwataye Kathawa, Thawath Udesanak and in teledramas
and the children's programme 'Master Mama', Amba Yahaluwo and Hiru Kumari.
He was appointed a cricket umpire in the 1960s and officiated at unofficial
Tests. He held the post of Vice President of the Association of Cricket
Umpires and Scorers in Sri Lanka (ACUSL) where he was made a life member
in 1994 for his services. He was also a member of the ACU England.
At the time of his death he was serving as Assignment Secretary to the
Board of Control for Cricket in Sri Lanka.
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