Appreciations
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role model for business leaders and civil society I still remember my first meeting with him. First impressions were that he was a soft spoken and well-mannered gentleman. These impressions remained unchanged. He led an exemplary life and left behind indelible impressions of a fine rare gentleman who was a role model not only for leaders in business but to civil society at large. It was a pleasure working with him. He always believed that 'proper example was the foundation of a strong culture’ and he always set the right example. He was ethical, honest and a realist. In an era where values have been eroded it is with great appreciation I remember the strong values he displayed at all times. He embodied those values in his daily life, especially when making decisions. He was keen to live the high vaues that he gained from his alma-mater - S. Thomas College, Mt. Lavinia. He was always determined to achieve success through just standards. He stood by issues that he believed were right. His integrity was manifest in the way he carried out his day-to-day business. He was venerated by all staff who shared in the common vision to do the right thing all the time. He was a great leader, a visionary and above all, an understanding father to his subordinates. Although he had held the highest rank in the Navy as its Commander, he was humble and led a simple life. He understood the complexity of the human psyche. He insisted on training the staff and took interest in developing an employee's skills by providing training both locally and overseas enabling them to undertake added responsibility. He believed in developing the organization through team work. After assuming duties as Chairman HDFC, one of his first tasks was to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the organisation. He obtained the views of the entire staff including the minor staff. He did this with the assistance of the Sri Lanka Institute of Development and Administration (SLIDA). Thus he was responsible for restructuring and process re-engineering of HDFC which resulted in transforming it to a professionally driven transparent financial institution. With
the participatory style of management he introduced, he was able
to improve and motivate the staff which benefited the organisation
immensely. His
untimely demise was not only a loss to the family but also to the
nation at large. His contribution to uplifting values and norms
was immeasurable. Ranjani Jayasuriya Gentleman
of rare integrity and honesty Stanley Wijetunga was a gentleman to the last letter. Those who knew him irrespective of the strata they came from - admired him for his integrity and honesty. I vaguely remember him coming to our house and having lengthy discussions with my father way back in the 60s. Stanley was the undisputed and unanimous choice for the leadership of the association of millers, which he served for nearly three decades with distinction. Not surprising as he had his beginnings in none other than in the rice milling industry itself. Later he took to large scale paddy cultivation, and won recognition as a model farmer. Born in 1926 he had come to Anurdhapura in the early 50s to take up an appointment as the rice mill manager of the then sprawling Srawasthi Group . This was immediately after his education at St. Anthony's College, Katugastota. A few years into the job, he was requested by a friend to run his rice mill as his health was failing. The manner in which Stanley ran the venture pleased the friend so much that he gave his daughter to him in marriage and the mill as her dowry. That was how he married aunty Kamala, I was told by her with eyes full of tears. Stanley campaigned vigorously in support of S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike in 1956, but crossed over to the other side and moved closely with the likes of Dudley Senanayake and remained a green until his death. However he was disillusioned with the conduct of some local politicians of his own party. This must have been the reason for him to distance himself from active politics and to embark on social services. He later joined the Lions Club of which he became president. We will remember Stanley as a knowledgeable businessman, a model farmer and above all a gentleman who never compromised his high ethical standards - irrespective of how high a price it cost him. Jayadeva Mayadunna Those
pioneering days and sporty times Dr.
K.C. and I had common interests, cricket, tennis and water sports.
He became an expert water sportsman and helped to popularize this sport for tourists in the Bentota river. I had the pleasure of being introduced by him to his parents at his family home in Wennappuwa. Unfortunately, in the twilight of his life, he developed a rare disabling disease of his lung, which he manfully bore up with a smile. May I express my deepest sympathies to his family. Goodbye KC, and may God bless you. A. T. S. Paul Wherever
he served, he united people The people in Puttalam, Anuradhapura and Vavuniya — areas where he played a pivotal role as Government Agent — remember him as a livewire, working for the welfare of all, irrespective of race or religion. His yeoman service strengthened amity among the different ethnic and religious groups, especially in Vavuniya. After serving in these areas, he was appointed Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Information, Culture and Social Services and also held the post of Director of Cultural Affairs for some time. After his premature retirement in 1977, Mr. Premawardene served as Director of the Telecine Institute for a short period. Having had his schooling at Royal College, Colombo, he passed out with a first-class honours degree from the University of Peradeniya. Later he went to Britain on a Commonwealth scholarship to do his post-graduate studies in social science at the University of Wales. His role in assisting Dr. Ediriweera Sarachchandra in promoting traditional drama won him national recognition. Mr. Premawardene was a visiting lecturer on mass media and communication and was associated with the Sinhala Encyclopaedia. He leaves behind his wife Paduma, daughter Shyamalee Tudawe, who edits the Hi magazine, and sons Upul and Vasula. He
worked with strong faith He was a parishioner of St. Lawrence Church from the inception of the church in January 1938 and served the Parish Council, working under all the parish priests of the church in different capacities. He served as the Secretary of the Parish Pastoral Council for 10 years with dedication, honesty and strong faith in his Lord. During his remarkable period of 10 years service much expansion and progress took place in the parish under his able guidance and administration. Maurice worked as the church Administrative Secretary until his death. He was never afraid to express his views and never failed to respect others' views. He was an eloquent speaker and writer gifted with many talents. He moved freely among the young and old. He played an active role in all the church activities especially during the festive season. Meticulous in organizing functions and events, everyone accepted his leadership. No church event was complete without him. The church bulletin "ECHO" a quarterly issue was also edited by Maurice, who introduced interesting articles about the parishioners. He was a well known Peterite and University cricketer, cricket coach and cricket commentator. The
parishioners gave Maurice a fitting farewell as he made his last
journey. Maurice
was a rare personality with many noble qualities. S. B. David |
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