S. M. De A. Samaranayake, affectionately known as Sam to his friends, made friends easily. Those who met him liked him instantly, and stayed glued to him like bees drawn to a flower. They did so not because he had enough nectar for everyone but because of his cordiality and hospitality to everyone. He went out of his way to help people, and was consequently nicknamed “Mr. Fix-It”. His wide circle of friends ranged from politicians, judges, lawyers and priests and to the ordinary man in the street.
I first met S. M. De A Samaranayake at a Colombo convention centre, back in the early Eighties. I had travelled from Anuradhapura to attend a club dinner, but without making a prior registration. I arrived too late to go in even as a late entrant. Disappointed, I lingered in the lobby, as I had come to join my colleagues to return with them later that night.
Then I saw a gentleman – dark in complexion, hair cropped short – briskly coming down the stairs. He was wearing the same gear-wheel badge I had on my lapel. I approached him and told him my story. When I finished, he took me to meet the organisers and told them to allow me in, which they did.
When I met next him, he was in the entourage of my future brother-in-law, paying the traditional visit to the bride-to-be. Shortly afterwards, we became relations by marriage.
Susantha Ayya bubbled with energy. He never liked to be alone. When he did not have visitors, he would go over to his neighbours or invite them over for a game of cards or chess.
He married Sunethra, of the Lanerolle family of Kelaniya, famed for their literary contributions.
Susantha Ayya joined Indian Airlines at the age of 18, after his schooling at Thurstan College and Royal College. He rose to become manager before joining the computer giant IBM. He travelled extensively during his tenure with both companies, where he was a much sought-after staff trainer.
He was invited to sit on the boards of reputed companies, and later served as a consultant to other leading firms. His last assignment was as consultant to the Mahaweli Engineering Agency in 2002.
Susantha Ayya was a brilliant speaker. I had the privilege of hearing him address the Colombo Toast Masters’ Club, of which he was the charter president, and several Rotary Club events. He was also president and a long-serving member of the Rotary Club of Colombo, Midtown.
In April this year, while on his way with close friends to Wasgamuwa, he fell ill. His condition was diagnosed as being terminal. He accepted his fate in the same spirit in which he lived his life – with courage and a cheery outlook. When I tried to console him over the phone, he was at his characteristic best, dismissing my expressions of sympathy by cracking some juicy jokes.
Susantha Ayya prepared himself for his end in the most admirable way.
He started uploading his computer with his memoirs, particularly for the benefit of his son Sumantha, who is based in the United States. His lawyer daughter Sumalka and her husband Indaka, were by his side all the way, providing whatever they could to make his life comfortable. The day he breathed his last, he had complained of some discomfort and was rushed to hospital. After receiving pain-killers, he regained consciousness, and had a long chat with his son. By noon that day, he was gone.
His memory will linger for a long time among those who knew him. The memory of Susantha Ayya will not die easily. It will perhaps only fade away.
May his journey in Sansara be short.
Jayadeva Mayadunne |
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