Appreciations
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Remembering
a pioneer in education
Rathi was the wife of the late D.B. Dhanapala who was a leading figure in Sri Lankan journalism. Having qualified in the School of Art and Crafts in Madras, she proceeded to perfect her artistic skills in Shantiniketan during the lifetime of Rabindranath Tagore. This is perhaps where she met her late husband who greatly enriched and influenced her life, he himself being a great writer and lover of culture. After a short spell of teaching sculpture at the College of Fine Arts, she assumed the post of the head of the Department of Arts and Crafts at the newly established Handicrafts Teacher Training section of The Teachers College, Maharagama. After a spell of 17 years of useful service, she retired in 1970 to devote her time to look after her husband who was not in good health. It may be correctly stated that the best years of her life were devoted in the service of teacher education at the Training College. The services rendered as lecturer in arts and crafts will be always remembered with a deep sense of appreciation by the college administration as well as students who learnt their trade under her able guidance. She was one who pioneered the introduction of practical subjects to the school curriculum, particularly in an era when training in practical skills as a part and parcel of school activity was considered to be only fit for the intellectually subnormal. She relentlessly fought for the irradication of this malady which was deeply rooted in the minds of the parents as well as children. With her wide knowledge in arts and crafts she was able to innovate several new techniques and skills which were popular among children and promoted the development of their creative talents. Hundreds of teachers who were trained under her will no doubt vouch for her spirit of devotion. Her personality,charm and dignified manner won the respect of all who came in contact with her. To the students she was a mother their behaviour, conduct, manner, and even dress did not escape her comment and advice. Her office was open to all those who sought her advice and assistance. Even the minor staff received the benefits of her generous disposition. She was endowed with an abundance of humane qualities. Those of us who associated her will always remember her as a true friend and a gem of a lady. Her children and grand-children who received her unstinted love and affection will sadly miss her. Our deepest sympathies are with them. In conclusion it is appropriate that we quote a verse from the poem ‘Impermanance’ from her book "Bon Voyage" which she authored. "It
is the nature of things that all will vanish some day!
May she attain the Bliss of Nibbana. He
played his innings well He was one of our leading Test umpires who had stood in six Test matches and 14 One Day Internationals. I was privileged to know Mr. Samarasinghe since 1985 as an umpire. He started his umpiring career in 1968 and was promoted to the Test panel in 1992. He was popular among players and umpires. He was from Sandalankawa and he used to come to Colombo in his own van every Wednesday. His fellow umpires who resided in the Negombo area travelled with him in his van. They used to spend the few hours in the van relating interesting anecdotes and swapping stories. No one felt the time moving as it was such pleasant company. T.M. was a jovial person, and shared his knowledge and experience without reservation. He was gentle and soft in his ways but stood for fairness and justice. He was an honest man who led a humble, simple life. T.M. played cricket for Sandalankawa Central College. Later he became a public servant and played for the State Services Tournament matches. He was a devoted Buddhist who generously helped his village temples in various ways. He was a social worker too and helped the village cricketers by publishing a book on 'Laws of Cricket' in Sinhala. G. Hallalaarachchi Age
was no barrier to her lively personality Despite having lost her husband 25 years ago, she was still able to be a perfect host to her relatives and in particular to the friends of her three children. Food and entertainment, were always ready at hand, which created a sense of fellowship. This was even seen at her bedside in hospital and at the funeral . Her death came at the end of a month of anxiety after being diagnosed with an irreversible illness. Though the best medical attention and the utmost care and concern was afforded to her, she did not respond. The affection I developed within a comparatively short time of 15 years, took me to her bedside regularly at hospital and home as a tribute to a lady of fastidious convictions, who would call a spade a spade without any fear or favour. Walter Fernando Lovable
physician who never shunned his duty A kindly person, he was much sought by parents for children's ailments. Though he was not specialised in pediatrics, he effected remarkable cures. In the field of medicine he conducted research into the effects of synthetic quinine introduced in the market as Paludrine and produced effective skin salves on his own. He started schooling at St. John's School Panadura and at the age of 9 joined Kingswood College, Kandy, where he excelled in studies and spent many happy years, till he left in 1939. He was the opening batsman for the 1st eleven team. He won the best All Rounder's cup and had many credits to his name. After he passed the London Matriculation exam he joined Medical College and passed out with the M.B.B.S. degree. He was appointed D.M.O. Kahatagasdigiriya from where he was transferred to Galle and was selected for specialised training in Surgery. But nepotism then as now instead sent a favoured individual and he was sent as M.O.H. Puttalam. Disappointed and disgusted he resigned after five years of government service and joined the private sector. He married Erma,a daughter of Dr. C.E.W. Mendis, Surgeon of the General Hospital, Colombo. She proved to be a perfect partner and a complement to Dr. Louis; a soft spoken gentle person. They settled down in Mount Lavinia. They embarked on many social activities. For many years he did voluntary work at the Cheshire Home for Incurables, Mount Lavinia, the Deaf and Blind School at Ratmalana, the Sumaga Training Institute for the mentally retarded and also at Mount Lavinia. He spent weekends happily at work at a clinic for the poor, run by the Suhood Movement. He shunned ostentation and helped the poor financially. He supported the Methodist Church at Mount Lavinia in every way. All throughout his career, he never forgot his Alma Mater, Kingswood College, Kandy. He took part in the activities of the Colombo Branch of the Old Boys Association and was a regular participant at the Kingswood College 40 Group meetings with Erma. He contributed lavishly for the continuation of this rather small but vibrant group. At the height of war in Jaffna, he did a stint at Palaly hospital, where medical men were sorely needed. "Duty we dare not flee, heavy the cost may be,” is part of the Kingswood College song. It was not long ago when Erma and Louis celebrated their Golden wedding anniversary. He passed away at the age of 82 on February 15, 2004. The Founder of Kingswood Mr. Louis Edmund Blaze would be proud of Dr. Gunewardena, for he was what Mr. Blaze' wished a "gentleman of Kingswood". Dr.
Louis and Erma have three sons and a daughter, Lohan, the eldest
was a Major General of the Artillery Regiment, their second son
Srian is an architect, a gifted pianist and artist. Malik the third
followed his father’s footsteps and became a doctor and is
Professor of Obstetrics and Gyn: at the Ruhunu Medical College.
Their only daughter Nirmale is an Accountant.
Good-bye. She
had God's gifts so rich and rare She was honest and sincere in her interactions with whom ever she met. As a teacher and manageress of a private school in Colombo, she gave attention to the improvement of the tone and discipline of the school, and directed the students to diligent work. She understood that the school was founded on the humanitarian traditions of scholarship and charity and promoted those values continuously throughout her tenure. She was always sensitive to the need of the school to serve a diverse community. As a daughter, wife, mother, and grandmother, her life was one full of duty towards all concerned. A most generous spirit who loved her family, she was able to share family wisdom, love and humour with her family. She
delivered everything God sent to her to us, and then she returned
to the God who had sent her with gifts so rich and rare. Our mother,
grandmother and friend, Enid, lived out her life with courage, determination,
joy and purpose. Her grieving family
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