It is with great sadness that I pen these lines in appreciation of an erstwhile friend of mine, Kithsiri Senavirathne, Attorney-at-Law. His sudden demise sent shock waves through our hearts. The light that illuminated the Kandy bar has been extinguished.The trail of memories he left behind would be etched in our minds forever, reminding us of a gentle, soft spoken lawyer who was very much a part of the Kandyan social fabric.
Kithsiri was a down-to-earth man, who never had a chip on his shoulder, a man of the people, loved by everybody from the top to the bottom. A gentleman of high calibre, kindness was stamped in the words he spoke and every action he made.
He had assisted me in numerous ways whilst standing by me at my time of need. He was never tight fisted in his acts of helping the needy in their most miserable hours. I was lucky to have been in his circle of friends. My memory races back to an incident where he delivered an inpromptu funeral oration at the obsequies of my late brother Sudharma, a contemporary attorney, at our residence at Pujapitiya.
His presence like a giant and beneficial shadow brought us solace.
Kithsiri, a man of unquestionable moral rectitude, inspired deep devotion in those who required his services in any matter of need. He was also ever ready for consultations when people were down in the dumps. His altruism brought him a host of friends in and out of the legal circle.
He was a scion of the Kandyan aristocracy, born as the youngest son of late Mr. and Mrs. D.D.Y. Senevirathne, with the proverbial silver spoon in his mouth.
He studied at Trinity College, Kandy right through from the kindergarten. Most of his contemporaries were reputed men like Lakshman Kadirgamar, Jayantha Dhanapala, Sarath N. Silva, Gamini Dissanayake and Denzil Kobbekaduwa. He also played cricket for the school 1st X1 team and later for Kandy lawyers’ cricket club. He entered the Law College and graduated as a lawyer in 1967 and had a lucrative practice at the Kandy bar for over 40 years. He married Ramani Ratnayake, and his only son Maneesha is also a lawyer.
He entered politics and was appointed the SLFP organizer to Hewaheta Electorate and was elected MMC member of the Wewelpitiya seat of the Kandy Municipal Council.
His dedication to animals and nature was legendary. He found relaxation from court work by playing the piano. He also led an active life, taking walks around the city very often.
Kithsiri who stood by his principles of life never grovelled before politicians He was Justice of Peace & Unofficial Magistrate (JPUM) and appointed chairman of the Kandy Bar Association. He was behind the newly constructed courts complex and the lawyers chambers.
He was relaxed and affable at courts, a discerning lawyer who exculpated a number of innocent victims sometimes without a fee. His address, submissions and cross examination were meticulous and incisive.
Today, even amidst the consumer-oriented society where money and power have overtaken values and justice, Kithsiri was an icon who upheld professional-ethics. We had the great privilege of having known you.
May you be blessed with a short journey in sansaara.
Sarath Dhanapala |
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