Appreciations
View(s):A warrior and empathetic, inspirational Grandmother
Rathneswari Nadarajah
Our beloved grandmother Rathneswari Nadarajah was a force to be reckoned with. She has left an indelible mark on the hearts of those fortunate enough to know her.
Born in Jaffna, she fearlessly faced life’s challenges, exhibiting unparalleled strength and determination. She fought battles both big and small, never wavering in her resolve. She raised three daughters alone when her husband passed away at a very early age; their eldest daughter was 13, the second daughter was two and the youngest still unborn!
Her struggles were real. Living in an orthodox cultured community without a husband would have been a nightmare. Yet she faced her challenges, educated her girls and gave them in marriage and until her last breath her life revolved around them, their children and grandchildren.
Whether overcoming personal obstacles or providing support to her loved ones, she exemplified the warrior spirit in all aspects of her life. Her unwavering courage and indomitable spirit were a constant source of inspiration to those around her.
One of the most remarkable qualities our grandmother possessed was her extraordinary empathy. She had an innate ability to feel and understand the emotions of others, offering comfort and solace during times of distress. Her compassion knew no bounds, and she always went above and beyond to provide a listening ear or a comforting hug to anyone in need. Her empathy helped foster deep connections with those around her, leaving a lasting impact on hearts and minds.
Our grandmother was undeniably an inspiration to all who knew her. Her unwavering determination, coupled with her boundless empathy created a powerful combination that motivated others to be their best selves. She lived life with purpose, never settling for mediocrity and encouraged others to pursue their dreams fearlessly. Through her actions, she taught us the value of perseverance, kindness and the importance of leaving a positive impact on the world.
Even though you are my husband’s grandmother, I cherished you as my own.
In the absence of this humble lady, we find solace in the memories she left behind. Her spirit continues to inspire and guide us on our personal journeys. We honour her legacy by emulating the same qualities that made her so exceptional: courage, empathy, and the determination to make a difference in the lives of others. 365 days have passed without her voice, gentle touch and kisses!
May her memory continue to be a guiding light and may her legacy live on forever.
Anushuba Kaanaruban
Leaving behind a legacy of scientific rigour and forthright views
Dr. C. R. Panabokke
Vidya Jyothi Dr. Chris Panabokke (born 1926) passed away nearly a month ago. Much has been written about his immense contributions to the development of dry zone agriculture and the development of the Maha Iluppallama Research Station devoted to research on dry zone agriculture.
He was a soil scientist par excellence and immensely contributed to the understanding of our soils, comprehensively described in his publication, Soils and Agro-ecological environments of Sri Lanka (1996).
Since his retirement from the position of Director of Agriculture in the mid-80s, he had an opportunity to ‘quietly reflect on the studies on soils as a natural resource’. I would like to remember some of his important contributions using his vast repertoire of knowledge.
During his tenure as a member of the Governing Board of the Coconut Research Institute and its Research Committee he brought forth the idea of classifying coconut soils based on the potential productivity. This was different thinking – and we saw the potential of using such classification to provide differential subsidies for coconut planting based on the potential productivity, as such a scheme would maximise the national benefits from subsidies.
He led a team of dedicated scientists (L.L.W. Somasiri, N. Nadarajah, L. Amarasinghe and Jayantha Gunathilake) to survey the coconut soils in the country. Using a set of criteria, the study identified an area of nearly 577,000 ha suitable for coconut cultivation based on five productivity groups. This was a unique study providing scientific evidence for policy making on Government subsidies on coconut cultivation.
The study also found that certain districts in the country would not be suitable for coconut cultivation as the yields would be very low, indicating that there was no rationale to provide subsidies to those districts.
Naturally, the Government did not like that as subsidy is a political tool. Although the Government at that time did not want to officially accept this position, it did indicate that subsidies should be more directed to better areas in the country. Dr. Panabokke had the scientific stature to defend the evidence and was vociferous on occasion on the evidence that was generated.
Based on this impeccable evidence, the Tea Research Institute also started a programme to classify soils based on the productivity. However, this could not be continued to a closure.
Dr. Panabokke was also a Founder Fellow of the National Academy of Sciences of Sri Lanka and was actively involved in a number of studies led by the Academy. Notable amongst these are the study on ground water exploitation and the review of the Mahaweli Programme. He was also an active force behind the establishment of the Council for Agricultural Research Policy in the early 90’s; he then provided a valuable service to prioritise agricultural research in the country.
Even in his 90’s, he had a clear mind on matters scientific, and often lamented on the ‘status of science’ in the country.
His loss has created a colossal vacuum in the scientific body; we take solace in that we can be proud of his contribution to the national development. He will always be remembered for the scientific rigour of his work, and for his forthright views.
“It is not for you alone to complete the task, but neither are you free to evade it” (excerpted from the Preface of the book on Soils of Sri Lanka).
Ranjith Mahindapala
He lived an exemplary life of service to our motherland
DR. R.C. RAJAPAKSE
I was saddened to hear that Dr. R.C. Rajapakse (Raj), my batchmate and good friend passed away suddenly, due to a fall. He was well-known as a medical administrator par excellence.
We qualified MBBS in 1962, from the then only medical faculty in Ceylon – the Faculty of Medicine, University of Ceylon in Colombo.
We became friends in 1977, when I was the Medical Superintendent (MS) of General Hospital, Kurunegala and he was the Deputy Superintendent of Health Services, Kurunegala District. We continued our friendship in the early 1980s, when he was Director, General Hospital Kandy and I was Director, General Hospital Colombo.
The creation of the Ministry of Teaching Hospitals (1984-89) brought us closer. He became Deputy Director General of Medical Services of our Ministry as well as the first Chairman of the first board managed state hospital, the Sri Jayawardenapura General Hospital (SJGH), which was under our ministry.
We had an efficient slim Ministry where decisions could be made very quickly. This innovation was a success. However, the Ministry had a few disagreements with the then Prime Minister R. Premadasa. When he became President he closed the Ministry. Raj continued to be the Director of SJGH till he retired. He ended his exemplary career in medical administration as Medical Director of Durdans Hospital.
His beloved wife Dr. Chandra Rajapakse, Consultant Paediatrician was his constant support. They were practising Buddhists. In fact, Raj had his fatal fall at the Narada Baudhha Madyasthanaya.
Chandra and their son and daughter could be rightly proud of Raj who lived an exemplary life of service to our motherland.
Dr. Lucian Jayasuriya
To those cherished moments
DHANE BAHAR
It’s been three months since your untimely demise. October 2, was your birthday, dearest sister, and I wish you eternal peace and in the safe hands of Mummy and Daddy.
We were devoted to each other, cherishing the moments we shared through the years.
Though many miles kept us apart, I loved you always, dearest sister. Your genuine concern for my welfare will never be forgotten.
Your love for beautiful flowers and Sinhala songs, your lovely voice and that smile that spoke a thousand words will always be etched in my heart.
Everloving Nangi from Negombo
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