Appreciations
View(s):She strove to make the world a better place
Dr. Mary Srikanthi Handy
Dr. Mary Srikanthi Handy, had an unwavering commitment to the welfare of humanity. Born in 1935, she was the cherished daughter of Dr. George Rajanayagam Handy and Kanmanie Handy.
From an early age, Dr. Handy displayed a remarkable passion for making a difference in the lives of others. Her early years were marked by tireless efforts to organise fundraising events for various causes including the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA), a non-profit organisation dedicated to empowering women through education and the eradication of racism. Her dedication to the YWCA reflected her deep-rooted belief in equality and social justice.
Her academic journey began at Ladies’ College in Colombo, where she honed her intellectual prowess. She went on to the United Kingdom, where she earned her Master of Science (MSc) degree from the University of Bradford.
She ventured further, entering the University of Sussex in the UK, where, she embarked on ground-breaking research in the field of motor neurone disease, which earned her a well-deserved Ph.D. Her research contributions helped in advancing our understanding of this debilitating condition.
In the early 1990s, she faced a pivotal moment in her life. Her beloved father, the renowned cardiologist Dr. George Rajanayagam Handy, and President of the Sri Lanka Heart Association fell seriously ill and sadly passed away in 1995. It was her father’s legacy that inspired her to create the Dr. G. R. Handy Foundation in his honour. The Foundation went on to make many contributions to the healthcare landscape in Sri Lanka.
Among the Foundation’s notable initiatives was the donation of a state-of-the-art cardiology ward to the General Hospital in Colombo. Dr. Handy’s personal involvement was unmistakable, as she visited the ward daily to ensure its upkeep. She established the Dr. G. R. Handy Memorial Cardiology Unit at the Jaffna Teaching Hospital, bringing vital cardiac care to the Northern Province.
Her compassion for children led her to support the Children’s Heart Project and establish the Dr. G. R. Handy Memorial Trust Fund. The Fund’s primary focus was sponsoring surgeries for children suffering from Atrial Septal Defect (ASD), significantly reducing waiting times and easing the financial burden on families. Along with Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon Dr. Y. K. M. Lahie, over 100 children received life-saving surgeries through this programme. Her commitment to staying at the forefront of medical advancement was unwavering, ensuring that treatment methods for ASD in Sri Lanka incorporated the latest breakthroughs and cutting-edge technology.
She also sponsored a paediatric heart disease ward at the Institute of Cardiology. The G. R. Handy Scholarship for Medicine, established in collaboration with the Incorporated Trustees of the Church of Ceylon, offered a lifeline to medical students grappling with the financial burdens of their education.
At St. John’s College in Jaffna, alongside the college library, which bears the name of her great-grandfather, she pioneered the establishment of a cutting-edge computer laboratory, the Library Internet Browsing Centre. The provision of scholarships for underprivileged yet academically gifted children at SJC, the development of a Senior School IT Lab, an agricultural improvement programme, and the introduction of an English Language Development Course at Tanniyuttu Mullaitivu, all of which significantly advanced the cause of education showed her dedication to uplifting and empowering communities through various educational avenues.
The Eagle Care Trust, a charitable organisation, emerged from the generous donations of the G. R. Handy Memorial Trust Fund, including a substantial contribution from one of Dr. Srikanthi’s church friends, the late John Roy Fussey. The Trust provides support to children facing various challenging medical conditions, including heart disease, renal issues, visual and hearing impairments, special needs, mental health issues, and other life-altering conditions. In 2017, Eagle Care Trust was officially registered as a charitable organization in Sri Lanka.
Dr. Srikanthi’s commitment to education saw the provision of scholarships to academically gifted children at St. John’s College; improved educational facilities; financial assistance to children with medical needs, and even the donation of bicycles to facilitate school transport. She believed in empowering future generations with practical skills that would benefit not only them but also their communities.
Her dedication to uplifting women, continued with her funding of social housing for widows in Jaffna. In collaboration with Zonta International, she built 16 houses in the village of Ariyalai, her father’s birthplace.
Dr. Srikanthi peacefully passed away in August 2023, leaving a legacy of compassion and generosity. She is survived by her son, Prof. Paul Rohan Mather, three grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. In her final years, despite failing health, her commitment to helping others never wavered. Her legacy endures through her generous bequest to a fund designed to assist disadvantaged children in receiving an education.
In a world often marked by self-interest, Dr. Srikanthi’s life serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring power of selflessness and the profound impact one person can have on the lives of so many others. Her tireless advocacy for the educational and medical rights of women, children, and the underprivileged lives on through the Eagle Care Trust and the various charitable funds she established. Her memory will be a beacon of hope and inspiration for those who strive to make the world a better place through acts of compassion and generosity.
T. Chrishanthan
He was never short of bright ideas
Shanti Wijesundera
My good friend Shanti was too young to leave us.Although I have lived in New Zealand for over 34 years, the memories of Shanti linger on and on.
I came to know Shanti Wijesundera in early 1970 when he joined Glacio Ltd, a subsidiary of the Rowlands Group, as a young enthusiastic engineer. I was the Manager at Mofinco Ltd, the printing division of Rowlands. Shanti would come up to me and say ‘I want this colour, that design, – it should be attractive’ etc. He was very clever with bright ideas.
At that time F.R.Seevaratnam was the Glacio General Manager and Shanti came up with the idea of manufacturing Usha electric refrigerators instead of kerosene Glacio refrigerators. The Chairman and Directors of Rowlands Group T.Sri Ramanathan, K.W.G Athukorale, R.M Canakeratne and I.M.Bathusha made him a Director after Mr. Seevaratnam migrated to Canada.
When I left the Rowlands Group and joined as Public Affairs Director of Taprobane magazine, Shanti approached me to help Rowlands to sell the printing machinery and I was able to help him out.
Later Shanti joined his family business known as Lake House Printers and Publishers. Even after joining Lake House he kept in touch with me calling me very often asking me about printing machinery. He wanted to get new machinery to improve the quality of printing. He was a very industrious enthusiastic person. I had high respect for his ability to get along with people.
My sympathies go out to his wife and two children.
My friend – may you rest in peace.
Nagarajah Manoharan
A letter to Heaven
Bryan Paul Senanayake
It’s been 17 years since you left me
Yet, a day doesn’t go by
That I don’t think of you
And wish you by my side.
Time heals they say
Memories fade
But my thoughts of you are fresh
And alive, each and every day.
You know I love you.
And that will always stay
A bond unbroken
Through every passing day.
I know you’re happy in heaven
Even though we may seem apart
God has you in his keeping
I have you in my heart.
Your loving daughter, Shima
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