Appreciations
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Those
memories can fill a book Memories of those years can fill a book. My earliest recollection is of the many happy holidays I spent with their children in those idyllic surroundings amidst the tall rubber trees. She treated me like a son and in fact, introduced me as her third son to the many visitors who found refuge in their large PD's bungalow. I've had many occasions to be grateful for her kindness, which has remained in my memory despite the passage of half a century. I feel privileged to have shared those years. She had an open house and there were many lavish parties to entertain their large circle of friends. Aunty Grace was a wonderful host at these occasions. She had her share of misfortunes too. Leaving Warakapola and the loss of her husband in 1971 at the age of 58, took a lot out of her. It was the close family ties and the strong Christian faith that helped sustain her. Throughout the 1950s they were both livewires and virtual life members of the Kegalle Planters’ Club, then a gathering place for the high and mighty in the district. Her charm and sense of humour helped gild those memorable years. She always gave a helping hand to her many loyal servants who remained faithful to her to the very end. My own personal loss fades into insignificance by the loss felt by Nimal, Gamini, Shirani and Renuka. Although I was to meet Aunty Grace in November 2003 when visiting Sri Lanka, it was prevented by a quirk of fate at the last minute. Both her parents died leaving a young family and she took it upon herself to look after and educate her brother Douglas. He passed away a few days before her. That sadness was perhaps too much for her to bear. She
spent her final hours in hospital and passed away without fuss and
with great dignity. We give thanks and celebrate her long and eventful
life. She has enriched our lives. The love and kindness she showed
us will never be forgotten.
Dr. Nihal He found true happiness in helping others Marhoom
Haji Lafir Cassim Lafir Cassim's life was an example to others in the field of social service. He had a close affinity with the YMMA Maligawatte which later became the National Council of YMMAs in Sri Lanka. He was my mentor in the YMMA movement. It was a pleasure and privilege working with him. I learnt the ABCs of my social work from him. To revamp the YMMA Maligawatte, he took over its presidentship again in 1967. I was elected secretary and though I hesitated, Lafir Cassim told me, "Don't worry, I will guide you to do your work properly." I am happy I took up the position which strengthened our relationship and eventually remained a source of guidance in my life. He never felt ashamed to admit that he joined Lever Brothers as an ordinary painter and rose up to the position of Cost Accountant in the company. "I went for evening classes to learn my English and accountancy and made my way to the top through perseverance," he told others with a sense of pride and modesty. As a religious worker, he never failed to attend the weekly 'Diyaya- Halara Majlis' which was held in Zaviyas, small mosques in the city of Colombo. Holding a prestigious position at Levers, Lafir Cassim used to move with the common people as equals when it came to the YMMA work or religious work attached to Shazuliayah Foundation where he was the secretary. I recall how he came to my wife's funeral to participate in the Halara Majlis even during his illness. As a social worker, he was humble in his approach, honest in his dealings and transparent in his activities. I can still remember how I went with him to the Department of Inland Revenue to make Maligawatte YMMA a government-approved charity. We had to take a bundle of accounts books to meet the Inland Revenue Commissioner. As a young man, I felt shy to carry more than three books but Lafir Cassim kept all the remaining books on his head and walked straight through the crowded Fort pavements to the Department of Inland Revenue. Even after his retirement, he preferred to spend his time working for the community. He remained with the Baitulmal and Islamic Secretariat during the last days of his life. I pray to the Almighty to shower his blessings on Lafir Cassim whose life was an inspiration and example to others. While saluting this noble gentleman, we can declare: “There lived a man who found happiness in helping those who were in need of assistance."
Mohammed The
country lost a legal luminary He was a brilliant student of Royal College, Colombo, where he won several awards. In the choice of a profession, he like his father, grandfather, paternal uncles and his own brothers before him, selected law. He apprenticed in the chambers of the late M.T. de S. Amarasekera, K.C. and the late N.K. Choksy, K.C. and was called to the Bar as an Advocate of the Supreme Court on March 18, 1941. In the field of law, he practised both civil and criminal law, but demonstrated a preference for civil appeals. In a short span of 13 years he dominated the Appellate Courts and in recognition of his exceptional ability, silk was conferred on him at the age of 37. He was the first President of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka, an organisation that he was instrumental in setting up, the President of the LAWASIA, the President of the Organisation of Professional Associations and the Vice President of the Commonwealth Law Association. Dr. Jayewardene was a man of many parts. He was Chairman, Law Commission, and served in the Council of Legal Education and the Board of the Law Faculty of the University of Colombo. In recognition of Dr. Jayewardene's dedication to legal learning, the University of Colombo conferred on him the Degree of Doctor of Laws in 1985. He also served as Chairman of the Industrial Disputes Commission, Director of the Tourist Board, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute, member of the UN Sub-Commission on the Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities and Chairman of the Human Rights Commission. Working with his juniors, was something he always enjoyed, teaching, moulding and giving the encouragement and blessings a junior needs in the profession. Dr. Jayewardene took pleasure in following closely their subsequent careers and derived happiness at the progress the juniors made in their chosen fields of the law. Harsha Cabral On
my grandpa's 74th b'day From
the mid-winter I was born, You
guided me through paths and routes,
Loving granddaughter
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