An outstanding human being

M. De S. Amarapala

It is with great sadness that I write this appreciation in memory of the late M.De S. Amarapala, who functioned as Honorary Secretary of the Grace Perera Elders' Home and Sir Senerath Gunawardena Boys’ Home, at Kreeda Mawatha, Kalubowila. Having served in the Co-operative Department as Assistant Commissioner, Mr. Amarapala joined the Grace Perera Elders' Home after retirement and voluntarily served this Home with dedication and loyalty for many long years.

I got to know him as a teenager when I used to visit this Home along with my father, the late D. Jason Fernando, who was one of the greatest benefactors of this Home. Travelling by bus from his residence in Mount Lavinia, almost everyday, Mr. Amarapala would visit the Home at 8 a.m. and leave by late afternoon having attended to all his work. He gave his very best advice to our committee.

We were happy and proud when Mr. Amarapala received the Presidential Award for his dedicated service. In recognition of his services to the Home, our Committee organized a colourful ceremony to facilitate him on December 9, 2007. His demise on February 2, 2008 was indeed a great loss to many of us.

Mr. Amarapala, was one person who was well acquainted with the history of this Home from its very inception. His honesty in all matters was something that should be greatly appreciated. I feel we will never be able to replace him as he was an outstanding and exemplary human being…

"He speaks the truth, from the truth he never swerves; faithful and trustworthy; he breaks not his word to the world".

May he attain Nibbana!

By Indrani De Silva.