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Appreciation

Though trained in warfare he was a peace-maker
Admiral Ananda Silva
Admiral Ananda Silva, one-time Commander of the Navy, who passed away on November 24, four years ago will always be for me the epitome of the classical "officer and gentleman".

In all he did, either in the line of official duty, or in his personal life, he exemplified all the characteristics of professionalism. Everything about him spoke of integrity, dignity, competence and commitment to duty - the classic hallmarks of a true professional.

Whether in uniform or out of it, he was remarkable for his rational approach, his imperturbability and his ability to always stay focused on the objective before him.
I knew him well and associated with him often in his capacity as Navy Commander at a critical time for the country. I admired very much, both his modesty and the courteous and dignified way in which he behaved.

There is not the slightest doubt that at this particular moment of our history, Ananda would have been a tremendous help in the process of transformation from war to peace.

It is a matter for wonder that some of the staunchest proponents of peace have come from among the ranks of the military: Persons whose lifetime of service was that of defeating the enemy through the force of arms. Ananda was one of those exceptional men trained in warfare who, in fact, was a peace-maker.

The cultural well springs of compassion and tolerance, which inspired his life would have been foremost in shaping this side of his character. Examples of such men are rare indeed and can be perceived only in epic terms. One such image which enters the mind as one reflects on persons like Ananda, is that told of Arjuna in the Bagawat Gita and the agony he endures in the fields of Kurukshetra before the battle with his brothers. His actions would in all possibility result in the killing of his close relatives.

But duty and service cannot be denied. To Ananda who faced this daily dilemma war would have been a constant challenge. So thinking of Ananda and his life at this time reminds me not only of the great service he performed for us all, but also of the sad drama of the past that we had to live through, now fortunately at an end.
Bradman Weerakoon

Cherished memories of a generous heart
Dominic Andradi
Thirty long years have passed since you left us but everyday we bow our heads and pray that your soul gains eternal rest.

With open arms, you did embrace all who came.
With a generous heart you entertained everyone.

Not a frown, nor did you grumble to feed
All who came, any time, to your home sweet home.

May your soul rest in the bosom of our Heavenly Father
We long very much to meet you some day,
Till then may you enjoy, divine love and peace
And receive the true reward - the crown of glory.
Laurinda Jayasinghe

She guided us with patience and love
G. Winifred A. Irugalbandara
My darling Amma, known to her friends and relatives as Winnie died on October 6. She was 87. After my father, Joe Irugalbandara died at the age of 38, leaving her a widow at the age of 31 with three young children - Aiyya was 9, Akka 5 and I just one-year-old, she faced her responsibilities bravely. My Amma's faith in Christianity prompted her to accept her destiny without a murmur and disregard suggestions of a second marriage.

Amma performed her duties to her children to the fullest. Recognising the need to do a job, she became a CWE manageress and educated her two boys at St. Joseph's College, Colombo 10 and the girl at Good Shepherd Convent, Kotahena.

After Aiyya left school, he joined a firm of architects and assisted Amma's efforts to educate Akka and me. Though I was considered a scamp, Amma's gentle ways, her patience, love and advice changed my life.

Amma lived a simple and contented life. She was actively engaged in social work and the vast crowd that attended her funeral bears testimony to her popularity. I have lost my noble Amma but her memory and love will live forever. May she rest in peace!
Chuttie Putha

Time ran out for you and me
Lena Mary Nicolle
Mother, it was not always easy to tell you how I felt about you. I had left many of my thoughts unspoken, thinking there would be another time.

A better time, to talk and yet time kept passing by. And it suddenly made me realize that time had run out. I told you many times that I loved you, but I feel now it should have been more.

How can I thank you now for the unlimited love and guidance you gave me. Please hear me mother, I beg of you. I love you more each day. Mother, you mean so much to me. I will always feel this way.
Hazel Anne

He tackled any crisis with good counsel
Captain Anton Puvimanasinghe
My friendship with Anton began in the mid-1940s, when we were both in our twenties. I had got to know him at St. Joseph's College and the University of Colombo, but more so when his dad Dr. Puvimansinghe was DMO Moratuwa, where our family lived during the Second World War.

Unfortunately, I have been living abroad, so our getting together has been only few and far between. Ours was a lasting friendship and his wife, Elfrida, told me that he kept asking for me during his illness. I was at his bedside with Elfrida and Shayamali, his daughter, when he received the last rites a few days before he died.

The binding link between us was our Catholic faith. All his life he believed in orthodoxy, the faith of our fathers. His personal qualities were those of humility, self-effacement, dedication and efficiency in his service to his country as Director of Logistics in the Air Force. He did not believe in empty showmanship.

However, when the occasion demanded his wry sense of humour was always there. Even age and illness could not diminish that. His reaction to any problem or crisis was to tackle it with kindness, understanding, good counsel and constructive advice.
Although we are sad to lose him when the nation is facing turmoil and uncertainty, I feel that he is now in a position to achieve infinitely more for his loved ones and country from the heavenly abode where he lives.

Rabindranath Tagore, in one of his spiritual writings has told us: "Death is not the end of our lives. It is rather the putting out of the lamp, because the dawn has come."
Let us rejoice in the thought that the dawn of eternal happiness has arrived for dear Anton's gentle soul.
Rev. Philip Motha
Archbishop's House

She lived a simple life
J.A.D. Bandulatha Wijayaratne
The death of Bandulatha after a brief illness on September 16 at the age of 61, is a great loss to her relatives, neighbours and friends. She was born to a family in Wadduwa and her schooling began at Panadura Balika Vidyalaya. Later she joined Wadduwa Central College where she studied upto the H.S.C. In 1962, she entered the Peradeniya University and obtained her degree in 1965.

Her career began when she joined the National Housing Department in 1971 as Secretary, Rent Control Board. She served in Kalutara, Kotikawatta and Dehiwela.
She married W.A.C.P. Wijayaratne, author and journalist, and has too daughters - Yoshinee and Chamila and son Dinusha.

After retirement from government service in 1991, she joined Lanka Electric Company (Pvt) Ltd. (LECO), where she served for nearly two years. Ill-health compelled her to stay at home thereafter.

No social, cultural or religious event in the area took place without her benevolence.
She took a special interest in all ceremonies of Sariputra Vihara and Rajayathana Viharaya on Elvitigala Mawatha, Colombo 8 and Abayasingharamaya in Panchikawatta.

Although she led a quiet and simple life, she was an active member of the Elvitigala Flats Welfare Society.
Durand Jayasuriya

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