An inspiring guru
Ananda Peiris
It is with profound grief that I pen this tribute to well-known architect Ananda Peiris, who died on March 1, after a brief illness.
Ananda affectionately known among his close friends, relatives and neighbours as 'Ana' is no more. His death was a shock to Royal pool members who enjoyed his company. His departure proved how fragile life is.
The son of the late Mr. and Mrs. S. H. Peiris of Bawa Place, Ana had his early education at Royal College and later at Trinity College, Kandy. Then he joined Messrs. Billimoria, De Silva Peiris and Panditharatna of which his father S. H. Peiris was a partner. Thereafter he obtained professional qualifications abroad and on his return, father and son set up their own firm and became leading consultants.
A genial personality with an abundance of goodwill, he will be missed for his generosity and compassion. He helped anyone who came to him for assistance.
His friends were from various social strata and the large crowds at his funeral were testimony to his popularity.
In what must be their darkest hour, our sympathies go to his wife Shiranthie and children Lehana, Shehan, Thushika and Anoushka.
Words cannot express how much we miss him, but I hope the sun will shine through the rain someday and help us overcome this sorrow.
Ana, may your journey through Sansara be short and end in the bliss of Nibbana.
Ebert Perera
H. D. Amaradasa
The sudden death of H. D. Amaradasa saddened both the old and young students of Mahinda College, Galle.
Mr. Amaradasa was a teacher par excellence having last taught music at Mahinda College. When he joined the College in 1978 there was no musical instrument or a classroom to teach music. Requesting students to bring their own musical instruments, he managed to form a school band in June the same year to sing religious songs at various important places in Galle.
In 1979, 1980, 1983, 1984, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990 and 1994, this great music master's students shone in the all-island school music competitions by winning first and second places not only in singing but playing instruments, like the violin, mandolin, flute, sithar, cello etc.
He never gave tuition but taught the students free of charge. Money was not everything to this humble man.
In 1982, he provided music to the drama 'Ahimi Sampath' (telecast on Rupavahini). In 1992, he directed and produced 'Mahinda Puranaya' and collected almost Rs. 100,000 for the Security Fund. In 1995 he staged a drama in the Galle Town Hall and collected over Rs. 100,000 for the National Defence Fund.
He not only taught music but also values to his students.
May he attain Nibbana!
Sunil R. Wickremeratne
Devapriya Jayawardena
Devapriya Jayawardena, fondly known as Priya is no more. But he has left behind many golden memories.
Though Priya attended courts in various parts of the country, he spent most of his legal career in Kegalle and Mawanella.
Priya was a brilliant student, during both his school and Law College days. He was able to win the prestigious prize for Jurisprudence at Law College.
He was widely read on many subjects. You could put any question on any subject and expect a satisfactory answer from him. He also had wit. Above all Priya was a good friend.
I got to know Priya in the early seventies when both of us were junior lawyers at the Kegalle Bar. He remained a close colleague till his demise a few months ago.
Premachandra Ranatunge
Sabapathi Shanmugalingham
Sabapathi Shanmugalingham, who died in February aged 59, was a firm believer in education and supported students to achieve their goals.
Born in Pandateriuppu, Jaffna, Mr. Shanmugalingham graduated from the Peradeniya University with an Honours Degree in History. He took up the post of Principal of Sri Arumuga Vidyasalai, Chulipuram.
As Principal, he was a strict disciplinarian because he held the view that discipline was the most crucial aspect in uplifting education. Though he was strict with students and teachers, he was also tender and compassionate.
He knew everybody in school by name, and also their skills, strengths and even weaknesses. As an efficient manager, he was capable of making sound decisions.
Pon Sathivel
