APPRECIATIONS
View(s):He was sharp as a tack and smart as a whip
Prof. Kumar David
Finally, the D-day dawned. I got a message from the CEB that I had been appointed as a member of a committee headed by Pro. Kumar David to investigate/analyse the islandwide failures that had taken place in the recent past. At the first meeting the cheeky smile he flashed when I said that I am a Moratuwa product, sent shivers down my spine, as I had heard that he did not like Moratuwa graduates very much.
He assigned me the task of analysing failures and making a presentation to our weekly meeting. Another member, a senior academic from Peradeniya was asked to model the CEB HV system and be prepared to do various system studies as required. Prof. David insisted that our objective was not to go on a witch hunt, but to do a competent job that should help CEB to come out from the new lows it had fallen to.
We had a few meetings and work went on smoothly as planned with lively discussions and a barrage of questions from the Chair. One day when we gathered for the meeting, Prof. David announced that CEB had informed him of their decision to disband the committee with immediate effect and had requested the handover of all data/information provided and to stop work immediately.
He was very angry and dejected and thundered that he would teach a lesson to the CEB on how to treat professionals and told the two of us to submit monetary claims and work summaries. He further stressed that getting the CEB to reimburse the costs incurred was solely his responsibility and that we should not spend even a minute on it. True to his word, he got the CEB to pay three of us according to our claims.
A few years later in an article to Colombo Telegraph, Prof. David described the fiasco and in that gave me the highest commendation I can get in my life, dismissing the myth that he treated Moratuwa graduates differently.
He invited me to his house in Dehiwala a few times, and as I stepped in, he greeted me warmly and asked, “Karu, what do you like to drink?” Before I could answer, he said, “Look, there are no soft drinks in this house.” We had many discussions on electrical engineering matters, power sector reforms etc. Though he defended his rationale in a loud and commanding voice, he was ready to listen to me even when my views were different. He summed up this at the conclusion of his presentation at the IESL, saying “…. helped me in writing this paper, and there were many intense disagreements and arguments, but thank God it did not end up in murder”.
It is sad to even think that Prof. David is no more. Sri Lanka has lost another brilliant intellectual, without getting him to deliver his best for the country.
JK
She was the inspiration and strong pillar in our family
Dayanthi Nugawela
My eyes filled with tears and I felt them flowing down my cheeks with an unbearable pain in my heart on that fateful day, three months ago when my beloved partner and soul mate closed her eyes forever in my presence. She was an exemplary mother to our sons. Her ambition was to see them grow up as worthwhile citizens wherever they lived.
Peace and happiness were the fragrant flowers she grew in our home with tender care since the day we tied the nuptial knot. She always thought that it was her paramount duty to take care of me and see that I live in happiness and contentment. She was the guiding light in our family.
After her graduation, having served for a short stint in a state-owned organisation, she migrated to New Zealand where she started her career as an executive in a firm in Wellington. Here she won accolades from all her peers in recognition of the service she rendered with loyalty and diligence. They always admired her simplicity and genial disposition.
A very devout practising Buddhist she was always willing to lend a helping hand towards the needy with empathy. A visible hallmark in her life was that she never craved for comforts and mundane pleasures. All domestic affairs including neatness and tidiness of our abode were handled by her in an excellent manner. Until she fell victim to a terminal illness, she was the strong pillar of our family.
My attachment to her was so inexpressible, that the fact she was subjected to such a serious sickness never crept into my heart. I was by her side at the nursing home in Wellington from dawn to dusk until the end, every single day.
Though ninety days are gone, still at times as I am about to wake up, I see a vibrant gracious lady in front of me with a beaming smile instilling in me a great source of inspiration. She faced the vicissitudes of life with fortitude and resilience.
Your sweet and cherished memory will forever be etched in my heart.
Goodbye Dayanthi, until we meet again before we enter eternal bliss.
Beloved husband Amal
Thank you for the countless lessons you taught me
Linden De Silva Wijeyeratne
As we mark the first anniversary of your passing, I want to express my deep appreciation for the incredible person you were. Your love, wisdom and guidance have left an indelible mark on my heart, shaping who I am today.
I fondly remember how you delighted me with a kids’ scooter, even against my mother’s wishes. Your playful spirit and willingness to bend the rules created some of my happiest childhood memories. Those joyful moments of laughter and adventure reflected the depth of your love for me. I also cherish the times we spent riding around in your cab with my cats; those adventures filled my childhood with laughter and happiness, revealing how much you cherished making me smile.
Thank you for the countless lessons you taught me, both through your words and your actions. You instilled in me the values of kindness, patience and resilience. The memories we created together—our shared snacks, the rides to school and our quiet conversations are treasures I hold close to my heart.
Your spirit continues to inspire me, and your love serves as a guiding light in my life. Even though you are no longer with us, your presence remains a comforting force. I feel your influence in the choices I make and the traditions we uphold as a family.
On this day, I honour your memory and celebrate the love we shared. You are deeply missed and forever cherished. Thank you, Seeya, for everything you gave me. Rest in peace, knowing you are always loved.
With all my love, Sulakna Isini
A gift that lasted a lifetime
LEO WIJESINGHE
An Old Joe and well recognized sportsman of
St Joseph’s and the mercantile sector, Leo Wijesinghe departed from us in August this year after completing 91 years in this world.
His wife Rhona passed away many years ago and he definitely missed her. She had always been there for him as a very loyal and faithful wife. They would entertain many friends and relations in their home. They nurtured their three children, Rohan, Hiran and Roshini with Christian values and a deep sense of discipline.
Leo’s children and grandchildren did their best for him after the demise of Rhona. The children had good spouses in Sharmalie and Lalith, and they were very close to the grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
I met Leo in 1965 with my dear cousin David Weerasinghe whilst I was in the Police at Nugegoda and that was the beginning of my close relationship with him and his family.
Leo was well known in the sphere of Mercantile cricket and in the umpiring profession, where he maintained a high standard of integrity.
His friendship with me and my cousin David Weerasinghe has been a gift that lasted a lifetime.
Nihal de Alwis
His mentoring and leadership qualities impacted many
Godwin Perera
We are deeply saddened by the recent passing of Godwin Perera, who served as the Non-Executive Chairman of Ceylinco Insurance PLC up to 2018.
During his tenure, Mr. Perera’s unwavering support was pivotal in the successful transition of Ceylinco Insurance PLC into two separate entities: Ceylinco Life Insurance Ltd. and Ceylinco General Insurance Ltd, as mandated by the regulator.
With his support, the company navigated numerous challenges and achieved remarkable milestones. Notably, Mr. Perera authored the book “When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Get Going,” which chronicles the history and resilience of Ceylinco Insurance.
Mr. Perera’s distinguished career spans several companies and he was a past president of the Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (SLIM). His dedication, integrity and commitment to excellence have made a significant impact on the organisations he served.
Beyond his professional achievements, Mr. Perera also excelled as a trainer, sharing his wealth of knowledge and experience to nurture and inspire the next generation of leaders. His passion for mentoring and developing talent has made a significant impact on countless individuals.
We extend our deepest sympathies to Mr. Perera’s family and loved ones. Our thoughts and prayers are with them. We are grateful for the opportunity to have worked alongside such an extraordinary persona and will honour his memory by continuing to uphold the values he championed.
Board of directors and staff of Ceylinco Holdings PLC
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.