From humble beginnings to dazzling heights

Dharmadasa Weeraratne who hailed from Devundera in the Matara District had his early education at Rohana Vidyalaya, Matara. Mr. Weeraratne came to Kandy to further his studies at a time when his elder brother had already established his business in the city of Kandy.

After completing his studies he worked as a sub-postmaster at Polgolla for a brief period and relinquished his post to assist his brother. Through hard work, dedication and commitment he could open up his own establishment in the city of Kandy and subsequently diverted his attention to explore the feasibility of establishing rice mills in Minneriya and Polonnaruwa, opening up avenues of employment to the people.

He chose Kusuma Muthumala, daughter of a leading businessman at Dickwella as his life long partner and settled down in Kandy. He started a new business venture in Kandy 'Devon Group of Companies' and extended the services by establishing branches in Colombo and Panadura.

He built up an undisputed reputation as one who really cared for others much more than himself. As past President of the Y.M.B.A (Kandy Branch), he did yeoman service to develop this establishment to earn a remarkable reputation as one of the best branches of the Y.M.B.A.s in our country. He was elected to the posts of Presidents of Sinhala Welanda Peramuna, Asarana Sarana Saranankara Samithiya and Sri Pushpadana Samithiya while serving on the Board of Directors of a number of societies and religious organizations. Annually he donated dry provisions and food stuffs to over 100 destitute families.

From humble beginnings he rose to dazzling heights and emerged as a leading business magnate in the hill capital. He was always available to those who sought his help and advice. Kindness and willingness to help anyone in need were his unique qualities.

Among the numerous social and religious contributions to his credit construction of an image house for the Kandepahala Viharaya of his birth place Devinuwara, two image houses for the Kandy branch of Y.M.B.A are noteworthy. Many instances could be cited when Mr. Weeraratne had readily assisted at times when financial problems had surfaced in construction projects of religious and social organizations. One such instance was his timely intervention when the building programme of the Pushpadana Samithiya of Kandy ran into financial difficulties.

In the evening of his life, he liberated himself from all his obligations and attachments, by entrusting the entire management of his business establishments to his children. His eldest son Gamini who inherited the noble qualities of his parents studied in the United Kingdom and qualified in Business Management. He has now taken over the entire responsibility of his father's business enterprises. He commanded enormous respect among his associates. His simplicity was coupled with a fair and humane approach to problems.

His peaceful death at a ripe old age leaves a void in his circle of family and close friends. The large gathering who paid a glowing tribute to this father figure at the funeral bears ample testimony to his tremendous popularity.

Deep in our hearts you will always stay
Loved and remembered every day
May you attain the Bliss of Nibbana!