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A
man so generous with his knowledge, life and time
~ Lakshman Devakumar Ranasinghe
By OPA President D. Lakdasa Taldena
Ranasinghe Mudiyanselage Lakshman Devakumar
Ranasinghe was born in Katugastota in 1949. He lived
a remarkable life, one that inspired me.
His adventurous attitude, broad range
of interests and his happy demeanour made him a wonderful
person to know and associate with. He carried the stamp
of patience, and was generous with his time and affection.
He always took an interest in the
people he met. He was all out to help those who sought
his assistance. Despite his own views on politics, he
would help those from diverse backgrounds, political
and religious affiliations.
At the OPA, he held the post of secretary
on four occasions in 1989, 1991, 2000 -, and finally
in 2005 till his death. He served as its Vice President
in 2004. He served as the Editor of OPA publications
in 2001. He was at all times, elected without contest,
an endorsement by the membership of his enormous capacity
for work. At the forthcoming Annual General Meeting,
which was to take place after his tenure of his current
office, he had offered his candidature for the post
of President-elect, and I am certain he would have walked-in
uncontested.
He had a new vision for the OPA, which
he shared with us.
He was a great athlete. At Royal,
he excelled in boxing. After he left school, he continued
to support the cause of athletics.
The discipline he acquired in sports,
he translated into thoughts and words in Courts of Law,
and thus emerged as one of the more successful lawyers
in the country. At the time of his death he was at the
height of his powers. To his credit, he succeeded at
the Bar against great odds.
He was philosophical in his approach
to life. He especially had a great perspective when
it came to the little things, never displaying anger
or impatience. Instead, he showed dignity and humour.
He extended this philosophy no matter what obstacle
he faced.
The strength of his character showed
even in criticism. With a few wry words, he could achieve
so much without resorting to any strong language.
We will miss the news of his adventures;
the stories of his schooldays, his trips abroad; stories
of his children, whom he loved so dearly and his old
friends; and his experiences in the Law Courts; stories
he told again and again, in the same exacting detail
with every telling.
We will miss his perspective and gentle
humour. We will miss the surprising depth and scope
of his knowledge. We will miss the warmth he extended
to everyone he met.
We will treasure his memory forever.
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