APPRECIATIONS
View(s):The epitome of academic integrity
Emeritus Professor Chandra Gunawardene
Three years have passed since her untimely demise on August 30, 2021, yet, I can still vividly recall the last time I met her, a few weeks prior to her death, at Professor Ariyadasa De Silva’s funeral. The vision of her in a pure white outfit with a matching pearl set and that charming smile still haunts me.
Much has been written about her qualifications and her contribution to the field of education and in particularly to the University system. In this appreciation I want to highlight a few of her qualities which the present academia should emulate.
Professor Gunawardene was the epitome of academic integrity. The International Centre for Academic Integrity defines academic integrity as a commitment to five fundamental values – honesty, trust, fairness, respect and responsibility and the courage to act on them in the face of adversity. I worked with her during the latter part of her life on several Boards of Management pertaining to education, and I saw in her these qualities in abundance during deliberations.
She possessed multi-disciplinary knowledge. Even though her area of specialization was Social Science Education both her teaching and research indicated her wide cross-disciplinary knowledge. On her first death anniversary, the Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Education (SLAAED) published a commemorative volume containing selected publications of Professor Gunewardene. As the editor of the volume, I was amazed by the wide range of topics she had written on and how relevant they are to the present as well.
People of her calibre are very rare among academics today who are experts only in their own fields. However, education being multidisciplinary such narrow knowledge is insufficient. It was unfortunate that at a recent policy initiative five such experts could not be found to develop a policy document on the theme of education.
Professor Gunawardene was very fair, objective and courageous in her decision making. Although I was a student at the Faculty of Education, UoC at the time Professor Gunewardene was on the academic staff, I never followed the subjects she taught as my field was different. However, when she obtained a research grant to conduct a study on school cultures, she selected me as her research assistant as I had taught in the two schools she had selected. Her main concern was the selection of the best person for the job and she was not influenced by personal relationships.
Paying tribute to her mentor late Professor J.E. Jayasuriya, Professor Gunewardene in her memorial oration stated, “He was a courageous educator who spurned political patronage to aver what is right and just.” I saw the same courage in Professor Gunewardene.
Professor Gunewardene was a role model for teacher professionalism. She was sad and disheartened at the sorry lack of professionalism among teachers and academics today. After one of the Boards of Management meetings where both of us served, she called and shared her frustration and grief over the lack of professionalism among the members who are to lead the future generation to a better future. She was going to tender her resignation, Unfortunately, she passed away before the next meeting.
The vacuum that Professor Gunawardene’s death created is hard to fill. I hope and pray that she will inspire the present generation to fulfil her aspirations and strive for professionalism and academic integrity.
Marie Perera
I am here because of you
Dr. Nihal Thenabadu
Dr. P. N. (Nihal) Thenabadu passed away on August 14, 2024. Dr. Thenabadu, born on July 29, 1941, was world renowned as a senior Cardiology Consultant in Sri Lanka.
Not only was his calibre, unquestionable dedication and expertise moulded into Sri Lanka’s cardiology sector islandwide but his unwavering support towards humanitarian interests remained uppermost. His journey as a fully-fledged cardiologist has inspired me to this day, making the mere memory of him empowering.
In 1972, the Cardiac Investigation Unit came alive with his appointment as head physician, leading on to consultant cardiology till 2001. He pioneered coronary artery stenting, closed heart surgery and paediatric cardiac services for children.
I am here as a cardiologist today because of him and his unwavering perseverance and guidance to me starting out as ministry-approved junior medical trainee under him. A prestigious appointment couldn’t have been without his recommendation, and I am so grateful. He leaves his legacy of achievements, hard work, and innovations for future generations.
His fine achievements and research apart, Dr. Thenabadu will always be remembered by the students and colleagues he mentored, including myself. As much as words can be expressed, he will be sorely missed by his friends and family.
Dr. Gotabhaya Ranasinghe
16 years have passed since I lost the light of my life
VICTOREEN HASSAN
It is with a sense of deep sadness that I write about my loving wife Victoreen M. Hassan. Sixteen years have passed grieving since I lost the light of my life.
Life is so lonesome without you as I face the lonely days. We got married on October 8,1968 and spent a happy wedded life for almost 40 long years with fun, laughter and joy. She passed away peacefully on August 25, 2008 after a brief illness. Victoreen was loving, caring and the greatest blessing in my life.
We prayed together from the first day we got married until her untimely death. Now I continue to pray all alone. In life we loved each other so dearly and it broke my heart to lose her.
Vicky, precious memories are all that you have left for me. No more will I see the love shine in your eyes, and the tender words you spoke to me so softly. You have gone so far away from me and I am so lonely.
Now my only consolation is that you are in God’s hands. I had your love for a life time and it is you who made me smile when I felt sad. You were always there to comfort me when teardrops fell. Now without you standing by my side there’s no one to wipe my tears. My days and nights have turned so lonely and without you at times I do not know what to do. I remember the tender words, your smile and the loving things you used to say.
For almost 40 long years of our married life we had each other to keep us happy. Hand in hand we faced tomorrow with no fears. Side by side we walked the roads of life together as one, and each step we took drew us closer through the years. Wherever Victoreen was, I was there for her, always beside her as she was my one shining star. I walked beside her, loved and guided her. Now, when I am sad I don’t know what to do and that’s the time I miss her so much.
Thank you Victoreen for the generous sacrifices you made for me and our children and all the loving care and affection you showered on us. Thank you for loving me and for being what you were.
Sadly missed by your loving husband.
M. Kamil A. Hassan
Searching for an ideal partner? Find your soul mate on Hitad.lk, Sri Lanka's favourite marriage proposals page. With Hitad.lk matrimonial advertisements you have access to thousands of ads from potential suitors who are looking for someone just like you.