Appreciations
View(s):Lived simply but gave generously
Edmund Navaratnam
Born Edmund Selvarajah Navaratnam in 1945, he was affectionately known as ‘Rajan’ by his family; ‘Eddie’ by his in-laws whom he embraced as his own and ‘Nava’ by his colleagues. As for me, I had the privilege of calling him ‘Dada’.
My father’s humble beginnings saw him enter the Ceylon General Railways at the tender age of just 17 years. The CGR was his first workplace and remained his only workplace until his retirement. He was conscientious, committed and creative – skills that propelled him to give of his best to his work. He grew to love the railways; the engines and compartments were his ‘babies’; the people he worked with became his second family and he spent many happy years doing what he loved.
Dada took work seriously, hardly ever applied for leave, worked through holidays, slotted in extra time all because he was of the firm belief that it was his duty as a husband and father to provide for his family.
At a time when dusty files and hand-written documents were the norm in nearly all government departments, he taught himself to use the computer and then introduced it to his department at CGR. An economical man, he invested in things that mattered; he enrolled himself in a computer class in the early 90’s and made sure that his investment paid off. Small wonder then, that he’s still remembered as the ‘computer man’ by his former colleagues.
Dada lived a simple life. He travelled by bus, never shopped for himself, was content with his old ‘soft’ shirts and ‘comfy’ trousers. On the rare occasion that he did venture out to buy himself clothes or shoes (usually on the insistence of my mother) he’d return with great satisfaction at having found a cheap place – this usually turned out to be some pavement wares or a small obscure shop. Was he stingy with money? Of course not. He lived a simple life but, gave extravagantly. Family members always received beautiful greeting cards for birthdays and special occasions. Many a nephew, niece, cousin, in-law, friend, were the recipients of thoughtful and generous gifts. Despite the digital era where e-cards and text messages are exchanged my father would religiously visit ‘Uthum Pathum’, spend hours poring over cards, agonizing over the perfect picture and the perfect verse to fit the people he loved.
Of all his talents, the one he will always be remembered for is his cooking. His best gift to those he loved was always food. Christmas and new year’s lunches and dinners, family get-togethers were an elaborate affair. Dada would start planning the menu weeks in advance, tweaking it and making changes until he was sure he had something special for each guest. He did all the shopping, prepping and cooking, slaving away in the kitchen ably assisted by my mother. How his face would light up whenever someone gushed over how tasty his curries were, or how delicious the meat was!
He was a simple man, with a simple goal in life. He worked hard, loved fiercely and gave generously. He never feared death and even during his illness spoke of all the things he planned on getting done. He left us on October 26 this year but remains alive in the hearts of those who love him.
Nirosha Nanayakkara (daughter)
Thank you for calling me your friend
KENNETH PERERA
Thank you for being a part of my life and calling me your friend. I hope you know now how much it meant and still means to me.
Writing this is hard, because there is still so much pain when I think of you. I will never forget you and every day I am thankful for your love and friendship. I remember all the times you and I had together from home to school and from tuition class to home in the night. Thank you for being an amazing friend.
People say that only the good die young – with you that is the truth. You were the best person I ever met. You made an impact on so many people just through your smile which was brighter than the North Star in the dead of night.
My dearest friend is celebrating his 75th birthday on January 4 in heaven. Though you are not here, we still wanted to celebrate your birthday and remember all the good times. Until we meet again, ‘happy birthday in heaven’.
You loved God more than anything else in life. Your dearest wife Priyani was not just a great companion to you but also a wonderful wife. I cannot express how much your son Milinda will miss you.
Kenneth was an amazing friend, husband, father and exceptional human being.
May he rest in peace.
Your ever-loving friend Lalin
He was indeed God’s humble messenger to all of us
REV. FR. GERALD CHRISPIN LEO
For a Roman Catholic priest, the ordination ceremony is the glittering starting point of a journey when chosen to be a servant of God and entrusted with being devoted to Catholicism while being dedicated to the service of mankind. Late Reverend Father Gerald Chrispin Leo was so ordained in Rome, Italy, by Pope Paul VI, on a very cold January 6, 1966.
From that point onwards, right up to the day he left this mortal world on September 12, 2022, Fr. Chrispin Leo stood out as the epitome of an apostle of Christ, a man who honoured the sacred vow that he took at his ordination.
Rev. Fr. Chrispin Leo was the Chaplain/Spiritual Director of the Catholic Doctors’ Guild of Saint Luke and Saints Cosmas and Damian for 35 years. His contribution towards guiding the members of the Guild is best described as splendid and legendary. He took that assignment as a pivotal voyage undertaken in the spirit of bringing glory to the Almighty. He was responsible for the initial revival of the Guild in the early 70s and then led us with charismatic dedication for three and a half decades.
Rev. Fr. Chrispin Leo was profoundly respected and practically venerated by all of us, while being most affectionately referred to by many of us as ‘Our Father’. His pivotal contributions to the welfare of the Catholic Doctors’ Guild, as well as garnering general support for the Guild and the advocacy provided by him for its progression, were priceless, to say the least.
The Good Lord deemed it fit to summon this much-loved son of his, Reverend Father Gerald Chrispin Leo, to the kingdom of heaven. What else could we possibly envision for such a wonderful man whose sojourn on earth was one of utmost dedication and commitment to the services he provided for the glory of the kingdom of God?
As for us, we do celebrate the life of this dazzling personality. He was indeed God’s humble messenger to all of us. We admire him for his simplicity and for being a renowned bridge-builder in all our activities. More than anything, he was a deeply admired friend; a man who lived a full, beautiful and holy life and enjoyed his journey on earth with the grace of an angel.
We miss his prudent, wise and gentle counsel. Yet, we remain content in our firm belief, that he has now received the bliss of eternal happiness.
May he rest in perpetual peace, very safe in the kingdom of heaven. Farewell, our much-adored Rev. Fr Chrispin Leo. We certainly would be craving your illustrious company until we meet again in a different celestial world.
Dr. B. J. C. Perera
Many were the lessons of life you taught one and all
Nanda Jayaweera
My mother Nanda Jayaweera was a retired textile teacher. Ever since I could remember she had been in charge of the government handloom textile training school in Hakmana, a small township 18 miles away from my hometown, Matara. She worked there for over three decades until she retired from service in the mid-80s. There she had about 30 to 40 female students and a few male students learning handloom textiles.
She worked in the same school for such a long period commanding the respect not only of her students but their family members and almost all the people of Hakmana.
When I look back at my childhood and recall the way my mother led her professional life, I realise she had strong leadership traits that influenced me a lot and helped me to put such qualities to use when commanding my men as a military officer.
She never hesitated to help her students do various courses and studies. Many were given free accommodation in our home at Matara to pursue higher studies.
She also maintained close relationship with the family members of her students. She knew each of them by name. She visited them when required, attended their family functions and helped them in whatever way possible. I still remember many family members and relations of her students were given employment opportunities in the business owned by my father in Monaragala. She was “Loku Eskole Hamine” not only to her students but their family members too. Our home in Matara was always open to them.
Her students were “my kello and kollo” to her. She treated them equally without discrimination. When we went on family trips, she never forgot to include some of her students on those trips on a rotation basis giving them opportunities to visit historical and other places.
Some years back I asked her how she worked in the same position and institution for such a long period commanding the respect of all. She simply said, “It is not the title, rank or positions you hold that make people respect you. It is the responsibility and care you have towards them.” Further she said, “You only need a large heart to work and lead a team effectively.” Unfortunately, her large and kind heart stopped beating some two years ago.
My mother passed away on January 19, 2021. She is sorely missed.
Major General (Retd) Keerthi Kottawatta
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