Appreciations
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Gentleman
who served with honesty, compassion and understanding
I recall the first meeting I had with the late Chrisantha Cooray in his office at Brown & Co. Ltd at Darley Road, in mid-November 1990. I was immediately struck by his personality, the way he conducted himself and his disciplined demeanour. Here was a tall, gangling, handsome man, suave, fair in complexion, well-groomed, smartly attired, and all in all, a truly pleasant personality. Having gone to meet him, assuming that it was for an appointment at Brown & Co, at Darley Road, I subsequently learnt, to my surprise, that it was for a General Manager appointment at Associated Battery Manufacturers (Ceylon) Ltd at Ratmalana. I had to tell him, that I had no technical knowledge whatsoever of automotive batteries or the battery manufacturing processes. His reply left me absolutely stunned. He said there were sufficient persons in the factory with the expertise and technical knowledge of the battery manufacturing process, but he needed someone who had the requisite experience and know-how to manage the human beings who manufactured the batteries! It was the beginning of a close relationship, which lasted over eleven years, up to December 2001, when I retired. Having to deal direct with Mr. Cooray as the Executive Chairman, on policy or on complicated or thorny issues, was invariably a learning exercise. He was clear and precise and there were never any ambiguities, however complicated the issues. His advice and guidance was always honourable and fair to all concerned. There was no favouritism, no unfair differentiation, no prejudices and no pre-conceived notions affecting his judgment. Most importantly, there were no double standards. Once a decision was made, he was firm and expected such decisions and directions to be implemented to the letter. Although his office was located in Colombo and the factory at Ratmalana, he kept in close direct touch with the factory personally. He found the time, in spite of all his other responsibilities, to study all reports, in detail, especially relating to personnel, production, sales and finance. If there were any doubts he would call and seek clarification immediately. On matters more involved he would call meetings, so that the decision- making process was not unduly delayed. What was most significant was, that unless something was wrong, he did not interfere by "breathing down one's collar." He reposed complete trust and confidence in his immediate subordinates and thereby inspired mutual confidence. He was a warm and hospitable host, who made his guests feel completely relaxed and at home. His charming wife, Mrs. Pamela Cooray, was always by his side, ably supporting him. There was another side of Mr. Cooray's character that I have not observed in any other person I had met. He was a very pious, practising Roman Catholic. However, he was also obviously a person who believed, that all religions preach good, and it was some of the overzealous of the different faiths that were evil. He silently and unobtrusively, without fanfare and publicity, encouraged all to practise their respective religious faiths. I was at his residence, in the evening of the day after he passed away, when six Buddhist monks called at his home, to pay their respects. It could be said of Mr. Cooray, that he was a gentleman of rare calibre, who gave of his best to the organisations he served, all the time, fearlessly, honestly and with understanding and compassion. It would be appropriate and true to think of this compassionate gentleman, in the words of Stephen Grellet: "I expect to pass through this world but once. Any good, therefore, that I can do, or any kindness, that I can show to my fellow creatures, let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again."
May he Rest In Peace. That
twinkle will remain with us A wonderful man often has a woman by his side, thus Keerthi had his Soma, his wife for nearly 50 years; sadly though, because of Keerthi's sudden parting, they were cruelly denied that forthcoming gala-day. Even so, I can almost hear him telling a string of jokes and anecdotes, tickling the ribs of his children, grandchildren, family and friends who would have gathered at that very special anniversary day celebration. He was a man with an ever-present twinkle in his eye and a real sparkle for life. That twinkle was shining in abundance on his wedding day all those years ago; his and Soma's beautiful wedding pictures are a true testimony to the love that they shared, then and throughout their long and happy union - like precious gems, they sparkled together. Keerthi had a distinguished career as a doctor and was still practising in Kandy up until his death last April. He is sadly missed by everyone. He leaves a void that will never be filled. Keerthi was one of the fine gentlemen doctors of yester-year, he was committed to his patients and he also knew what ripples of healing he set in motion when he simply smiled. He smiled a lot and his patients were the beneficiaries. Members of his team, nurses, secretaries and receptionists were always relaxed and in fits of giggles when he was around; he had a wonderful working relationship with his staff. Keerthi possessed that rare quality that not many are blessed with, 'empathy'. He understood the suffering of his patients and he had the ability to let them know that he understood and wanted to help, and he went out of his way to do so; without empathy there is no basis for helping. He was a very special man, a man of integrity; a golden role-model and an exemplary doctor. One example of his devotion to duty and his patients was highlighted many years ago, when he was the Medical Officer in Charge of the Kandy Chest Clinic. An attendant refused to sweep the ward; Keerthi simply took the broom and swept the ward himself. Those in his care, victims of tuberculosis, came much higher on his priority list than pride and status. When he took the Hippocratic Oath as a young doctor it had great meaning for him, and he continued throughout his long medical career to practise in the true sense of that age-old Greek declaration, in Sri Lanka and in Britain. His sense of humour was not solely restricted to the here and now; it stretched way back in time, to the days when, as a young man, he was at Medical School, Colombo. His many innocent stories, hilarious tales and anecdotes of those halcyon days and of the Professors, easily rivalled the scripts of those famous comedy films, 'Is there a Doctor in the House?' It was always a joy to listen to him reminiscing and great to be a dinner guest at his table. For the past year through, his seat at the table has sadly been empty, his recollections silent, his sparkle now only a wonderful memory and his infectious laughter silent. Death has taken him from the love of his life, Soma, his adored children; his cherished grandchildren, family, friends, neighbours and colleagues. However, Keerthi left us with a wonderful legacy of memories, that we will share and enjoy for many years to come. Dear Keerthi will always be in our hearts and those marvellous memories that we inherited will keep him alive. We will hear his laughter tinkling in some far off corner of another existence. Val Jayakody Lovely
April brings memories of you So
beautiful the creepers, roses, thyme, gold and pink blossoms ... Shari Atukorala |
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