Appreciations
View(s):He believed in decency, honesty and fair play
Percy Seneviratne
Three months have passed since the demise of my good and trusted friend, Percy Tudor Jayasundara Seneviratne, after a brief illness. Our bonding and friendship was formed and cemented over 60 years since he and l joined the Port together on the formation of the Port (Cargo) Corporation (superseded by the
Sri Lanka Ports Authority) with the nationalisation of cargo handling operations in the Port in 1958. I developed an instant liking to him for his cordial and friendly demeanour and more so for his flamboyance which he retained till late in life.
Percy, after a considerable period of service in the Accounts Department was elevated to the executive rank in the early 1980s and transferred to the Operations Division where he held the position of Superintendent (Administration). Having acquired a thorough knowledge of all aspects of intricate cargo handling operations and having shown his capabilities and potential to shoulder increased responsibility, he easily secured promotion to the position of Chief Superintendent (Operations) in the Jaye Container Terminal, the flagship berth in the port.
Percy conducted himself according to a code of ethics of his own and never compromised his principles at any time in his career in the Port despite obvious temptations. He believed in decency, honesty and fair play.
On reaching the compulsory age of retirement Percy retired in October 1994. Retirement was not a resting place for him. He along with the late I.E.G. Perera and a few likeminded retirees pioneered the formation of the SLPA Retired Staff Officers’ Association in February 1995. He played a pivotal role to bring the Association to its present stature having functioned as its Hony. Treasurer, Hony. Secretary and also as Vice President.
Sadly during the past few months Percy’s health became a cause for concern to his family members. They left no stone unturned in taking care of him but eventually he passed away on July 28.
Percy was a magnificent husband to his wife Manel who predeceased him, caring father to his two sons and daughter, considerate father-in-law to their spouses and a benevolent ‘Seeya” to his grandchildren.
Death is inevitable. It comes to all, but when it comes to one who is so close in a relationship built on values that have mattered, passing is indeed extremely sad. Percy was a gentleman and friend par excellence. The many who called to pay their last respects and the crowd that gathered at the cemetery to bid farewell were testimony to the high regard that he was held.
Percy pursued his mission in life with determination, courage and commitment. May his onward journey in Sansara be smooth and brief and may he realize early the supreme bliss of Nibbana.
H.D. Gunaratne
Remembering a Buddhist scholar
Prof. A.D.T.E. Perera
Prof. A.D.T.E. Perera, an eminent scholar of Buddhist art and archaeology was born on April 29, 1936, at the Sarikkamulla village, Panadura in Sri Lanka. His father was D.B. Perera, a planter, and his mother was Perl Danthanarayana.
Perera had his primary and secondary school education at St. Sebastian’s College, Moratuwa, and attended the Daham Pasela close to his house at Sri Taksala Vidyalaya. It was here that Perera was able to form a close bond with a well-known archaeologist and scholar monk Ven. Medauyangoda Wemalakirthi Thera, who resided at a nearby temple ‘Sirinandana Pirivena’.
In the late 1950s Perera gained entry to the University of Peradeniya. He studied Pali, Sanskrit, and Buddhist philosophy for his degree in Arts. He was in the last batch of students of Prof. Senarath Paranavitana, who served as the Professor of Archaeology at the University of Ceylon from 1957 to 1961.
Upon leaving the University in 1962 Perera served as a teacher at both St. Sebastian’s College and Sri Taksala Vidyalaya for a short period. Thereafter he worked for a while and also served as a Sub Editor of the ‘Ceylon Daily News’, during the era of Esmond Wickremesinghe.
His scholarly interests in Buddhism led him to establish contact with Ven. Baddegama Wimalawansa Thera, then Head of the ‘Odey Pansala’ at Maradana, also known as Sri Lanka Vidyalaya.
In the mid-1960s Perera married Sujatha Perera, whom he had first met at the Sri Taksala Vidyalaya.
During the late 1960s, Perera had a rapid rise in his career when he was appointed as an Assistant Editor of the Encyclopedia of Buddhism. Prof. Gunapala Malalasekara was the Chief Editor. During the 1970s his articles were published in English and Sinhala newspapers on topics relating to archaeology and Buddhist art. He delivered lectures at the National Museum, the Royal Asiatic Society, and the YMBA, etc. He also took part in a Radio Ceylon programme and together with Alec Robertson delivered talks on Buddhism related subjects in English.
He gained wide public attention with his pronouncements based on pioneering research that Sigiriya was built by King Ravana.
In 1979 Perera travelled to Canberra, Australia with his family to pursue post-graduate studies at the Australian National University (ANU) under the supervision of Prof. A.L. Basham. He submitted his thesis entitled ‘Evolution of Buddha Image’.
In the early 1980s upon returning to Sri Lanka, Perera participated at various international conferences held in Nepal, India, Hong Kong, etc.
Prof. Perera’s articles were regularly published in various international journals such as ‘East and West’ in Rome, ‘Studies in Indo – Asian Art and Culture’, New Delhi and CHISSAN, Tokyo, and also in magazines and newspapers.
In 1984 A.D.T.E. Perera co–founded the international Buddhist journal ‘World of Buddhism’ together with Ven. Mapalagama Wipulasara Maha Thera (1925 – 2000), who was both an artist and sculptor (primarily Buddha statues). He continued as the Editor until his wife passed away in 2012. It was an indefatigable effort on his part.
He obtained his Master’s Degree from the University of Kelaniya and the DLitt degree (Doctor of Letters) from the Malwatte Chapter of the Siam Nikaya.
In the early 90s, Prof. Perera was appointed as an Associate Professor at the University of New Mexico, USA, Department of Philosophy.
Upon returning, he joined the ‘Island’ newspaper and in addition, he served as an Editor of the Sinhala Dictionary. There he prepared the ‘Etymological Sinhala English Dictionary’ with the collaboration of Dr. Saddhamangala Karunarathna, former Commissioner of Archaeology (1979 – 1983). During the mid-90s he was teaching at Wesley College, Colombo for a short period.
In the 1990s his path crossed that of scholar monk and the First Chancellor of the University of Ruhuna, Ven. (Prof.) Paravahara Pannananda Mahanayaka Thera. It was a propitious meeting. Thereafter they began to work and conduct research jointly on esoteric topics. Through intense research, they were able to discover that Buddhism was the earliest religion in the Arabian region. This finding caused a sensation in academia. In 2013, A.D.T.E. Perera’s book named ‘Buddhism in Ancient Arabia and Israel’ won the Buddhist literary award in 2014. It was later translated into Sinhala. by Ven. Meerigama Gothama Thero.
In 2000 A.D.T.E. Perera founded the ‘All Buddhist Congress of Democrats’, (‘ABCD’) at the Padanagara Viharaya, Maradana.
Professor Perera delivered monthly lectures under the auspices of the All Buddhist Congress of Democrats, at several temples, in Bambalapitiya and elsewhere
Prof. Perera performed an immense service at the Buddhist Cultural Centre (BCC) at Nedimala, Dehiwala on the invitation of Ven. Kirama Wimalajhoti Thera. There he translated several books into English namely Buddhavamsa-atthakatha (also known as The Lineage of Buddhas) (in 2011), Chriyapitaka Atthakatha, Vimanavatthy Atthakatha and Jataka Atthakatha.
Prof. Perera also served as the Vice President of the German Dharmaduta Society.
Professor A.D.T.E. Perera spent his entire life of 87 years devoted to both the nation and Buddhism. He supported the idea of ‘Rata, Jathiya, Agama’ with great conviction. His services are unparalleled.
Dr. Harischandra Wijayathunga
Together we shared so many memories
B.H.S. Jayasekara
Decidero meus Amicus
I begin with an expression in Latin, because in this province, Latin will not be heard ever in the course of legal submissions and orations at lawyers’ gatherings or similar occasions after the recent demise of B.H.S. Jayasekara, Senior Attorney-at-Law, Moneragala.
Jaye, as I affectionately called him, was my closest friend and professional associate for about 40 years in my own legal career of half a century. He hailed from Matara, and was the only son of Albert Silva and Mapi Silva. He had his education at St. Servatius College, Matara and started his career as a teacher which brought him to Colombo where he served in many schools.
He met his wife Indra, a state officer who was transferred there earlier. It was when he was pursuing law studies that I met him first and thus began an immediate close friendship which remained unwavering and firm till his death.
He was frank and forthright, not afraid to express what he felt about men and matters at various events and gatherings and in his submissions to Court on behalf of his clients. Thanks to his upbringing and motivation, his three children – two sons and a daughter – Paboda, Dilum and Sithara have all become lawyers with one son adorning an original Court Bench. A remarkable feat indeed, unparalleled elsewhere in the Province of Uva for four family members to be in practice at the same place, during the same period.
He was a prolific writer who contributed often to the newspapers and a much sought after speaker at various forums where he was in the habit of including Latin maxims and quotations in his speeches. Possessed with a wide knowledge of history and philosophy and with an excellent command of the English language, he always made it a point to educate the audience whenever he was called upon to address a gathering.
As a leader of the Moneragala Bar, Jaye was instrumental in the opening of the Provincial High Court there and such similar achievements for the benefit of the Bar. He was a source of encouragement to junior lawyers who sought his counsel.
On a personal note, from the commencement of his practice in the Uva Province, he was so attached to me till his sad death. In fact I myself may have followed him soon thereafter, but God granted me a little more time to complete my life’s unfulfilled purposes.
You did whatever you thought was right
Our memories together was a sweet Delight……… ”
“May the rains be gentle and the earth rest light……….. Benevolus Amicus – Donec Nos obvenio iterum ulterius Dearest Friend. Until we meet again -beyond!
Vijaya Niranjan Perera
Thank you for being the heart and soul of our family
Hemamali Weerasekare
It has been two long years since my dearest wife Hemamali departed this world, leaving an irreplaceable void in our lives. I find solace in the cherished memories we created together and wish to express my heartfelt gratitude for the remarkable person she was.
Hemamali, affectionately known as Mali to those close to her, was an extraordinary individual in every sense. Her love, kindness, and compassion touched the lives of all who crossed her path. I was truly fortunate to share my life with her and while her physical presence may be gone, her spirit and the impact she made on all of us will endure forever.
Hemamali “Mali” Weerasekare was born on June 8, 1957, to W. M.Abeykoon and Tikiri Manike Navaratne in Kandy. Mali grew up on her family’s tea estate in Galaha alongside her elder brother, Asoka Weerasekare. Mali attended boarding school at Hillwood College and after completing school, she earned her Diploma in Piano from the Royal College of Music, UK.
We married in 1980 and a year later, she gave birth to our daughter, Asha.
Mali embarked on her teaching career at Hillwood College in 1987, commencing a 31-year journey in education. She started as a nursery schoolteacher and went on to teach piano. After Hillwood, Mali taught piano at Trinity College until our relocation to USA in 1998. There, she continued her teaching career as a Montessori school teacher. In 2018, she retired, dedicating her time to caring for her baby grandson, Ayan.
Mali’s hobbies included playing the piano, listening to music, exploring new cuisines, travelling, and indulging in cooking and travel shows. She was a person of immense gentleness and peace, welcoming all with open arms, and her kindness left a lasting mark on everyone she met. Mali possessed a generous heart, offering aid to those in need, and had a profound love for animals.
Her unwavering love and support for our family was our bedrock. She was a devoted wife, loving mother and doting grandmother. Her ability to make every family gathering special and filled with warmth is a treasure we shall forever cherish.
As I reflect on our shared journey, I am reminded of Mali’s unwavering support and love during my recovery from heart bypass surgery. From the moment of my diagnosis through the anxious days leading to surgery and the occasionally painful and frustrating days of recovery, she stood by my side. Her reassuring presence was a beacon of hope during one of the darkest chapters of my life. She managed our home, cared for me, and ensured I followed medical instructions with care and affection. Her patience, empathy, and ceaseless efforts played a pivotal role in my healing journey.
Mali’s resilience during trying times, her wisdom in offering guidance, and her patience in understanding me made her the ideal partner. Mali and I travelled to many countries and had hoped to continue our adventures. When she was diagnosed with cancer in 2020, our world was shaken to its core! The shock, fear, and uncertainty we all felt were overwhelming. We faced a journey filled with pain and heartache, but we also discovered the remarkable strength that bound us together as a family.
Mali’s courage and determination served as a guiding light for all of us during her battle with cancer. As time went on, and we witnessed the toll cancer took on her body, we cherished the moments we had left. Our family gatherings, once filled with laughter and joy, now held a bittersweet note, as we were all acutely aware of the fragility of life. Mali passed away on November 23, 2021, at the age of 64, with me and our daughter by her side. The grief we felt was profound and it still lingers today. But even in her absence, her love continues to bind us together. Her memory serves as a reminder of the importance of love, compassion, and cherishing each moment we have with those we hold dear.
Mali, thank you for being the heart and soul of our family. The impact you made on my life, the lives of our family, and our friends is immeasurable. You have left a lasting mark on all our lives, and we are forever grateful for the time we had with you. Asha, Ayan, our son in-law, Sandeep, and I miss you very much!
May you attain the supreme bliss of Nibbana.
With all my love and gratitude,
Tony Dodanwela
Honest, humane and hands-on medical administrator
Brig. Dr. R. C. Rajapakse
It is hard to accept that Dr. R. C. Rajapakse, Raj to his friends, is no more. He was a sprightly 90-year-old, still bold enough to strategically catch the young urchins stealing mangoes from his garden!
He was a mighty atom from a much younger age when he functioned as the Medical Director of Kurunegala Provincial Hospital and of the Kandy Teaching Hospital. He was the first Director of the 1000-bed Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital and was concurrently the Director General of the Ministry of Teaching Hospitals. Then he was the Director of the main General Hospital in a foreign country and finally of Durdans Private Hospital.
He was one medical administrator who hardly sat in his office. Instead, he would be one moment in a ward, another in the hospital kitchen, next in the Intensive Care Unit, also in the Laboratory, and then in the ETU.
The triumvirate of Dr. Rienzie Pieris as Chairperson, Raj as the Director and myself as his Deputy was very particular to establish the new concept of clean State Hospitals, clean hospital toilets, clean bed sheets and linen and wholesome meals in State Hospitals. Although he assigned certain departments to me, Raj kept a beady eye open for any transgressions. As in hospital, he personally kept his home in a spick and span condition and loved to tend the garden.
At his 90th birthday in July this year I had no hesitation in calling him the best hospital director of the world in the midst of family and some of the most senior Medical Administrators – as I had also said the same around 30 years ago to a group of Consultant Doctors in a foreign General Hospital. Raj was a humane person who did his best to get people out of trouble including getting a junior doctor released from Police custody in those gory days of 1989!
He was a firm Hospital Administrator. Both the Consultant Doctor and the orderly were told off individually for any transgressions of hospital rules or ethics including coming late to hospital – and no one was allowed to go off early to do private work. At the same time, he commended any employee for good work. Raj’s disciplined nature, punctuality and care for subordinates came from his military background having finally become the Commanding Officer of the Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Medical Corps. During the strife in the north, Raj loved to serve his country and go on duty to Jaffna.
Raj was straight and honest to the core. Every local purchase bill had the name of the patient, the patient’s bed head ticket number (giving patient details) and the reason for the purchase. There were no audit queries during his time as director. His refusal to bend the rules sometimes made him unpopular but all finally agreed that the Rajapakse Era in every hospital he served was a golden era!
Raj was my boss, colleague and friend. He constantly teased me, my wife Nirmali and my children Nali and Niluka – teasing was a sign of his affection. He fooled me often calling me ‘A God fearing and wife hearing person’!
He was educated at Dharmaraja College, Kandy, Ananda College, Colombo and at the Medical Faculty, Colombo. His postgraduate education was in New Zealand. Most of all, it was a university of practical experience and being a devout Buddhist that made him such a success in the world. It was after taking Sil on Binara Poya day in September that he had a fateful fall. His mind would have been at peace at the time of his sudden death in a temple, but the shock for his family and friends will take a long time to heal.
Raj adored his family. His 57-year marriage to Chandra, a Pediatrician was a love story evident to all and an example for the younger generation. He was proud of and doted on, his children Anuji and Chaminda but most of all his only granddaughter and soulmate Nuwanji. That was indeed a special love. He was eagerly waiting to attend Nuwanji’s convocation when she passed out as a doctor, but fate decided otherwise…
May Raj’s journey be short and peaceful.
Wg. Cdr. Dr. Narme F. Wickremesinghe (SLAF Rtd)
You made ordinary moments special
Naomi de S Wijeyeratne
It’s been three months since you left an empty chair, pin–drop silence at home, and the biggest vacuum in our hearts. The hugs and the happiness you brought to our home warmed our hearts. The fun times and the laughter we shared during the years will never return. You were the heart and soul of our family and your bright smile which put us at ease, we miss every single day.
When we were asked what we would be when we grew up when it came to your turn you said you “want to be a lawyer like Dad”. Naomi girl, you were more than a lawyer; when we listened to countless stories from those fortunate enough to have crossed your path and how you touched lives in your own simple and thoughtful way. You transformed ordinary moments into extraordinary memories which we continue to hold close to our hearts.
As your siblings, we never took our eyes off you during your journey with us. Similarly, you too were protective of your nieces and nephews, especially in the absence of their parents. During party time while the parents were enjoying themselves, it was you who hung around them trying to instill right from wrong. When they grew up, you became their adored Aunt. When you were taken on your daily drives and occasionally saw a little child, your warm heart would make sure that we stopped the vehicle so that you could exchange pleasantries; such was your true love towards little children irrespective of the socio-economic background they came from.
Naomi girl, although we loved you dearly, we could not make you stay. When we realise you are free from all that you were deprived of, we try to move forward keeping you with us in everything we do. We hope you can see how precious your memory will always be to us Chuti girl and now it’s your time to rest gently with ease, until we meet again, on that beautiful shore and sing together your favourite hymns.
We thank God for the life of Naomi who epitomised love, empathy, patience, and a life well lived.
Vinodini Jayawardena
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