Appreciations
View(s):A livewire in the country’s electrical engineering field
Rienzie Fernando
It was shocking and utterly depressing news, when I heard that Rienzie had succumbed to his injuries after getting thrown from a moving bus. Soon, there was a call from overseas confirming the tragic ending of Rienzie’s life. The only solace left to overcome the grief was to attribute his unfortunate parting to karma.
His passing made me go down memory lane all the way back to my first meeting and association with him.
I first got to know Rienzie when he was serving at the Kelanithissa power station. This was his first appointment in the CEB, but even at that young age, Rienzie was showing his entrepreneurial skills and owned a company for building services. His favourite subject was high voltage engineering and as he wished, he got the opportunity to serve in the CEB’s Transmission Division, before long. His experience there helped him to secure employment overseas, and on his return, he was appointed Chief Engineer Transmission Designs.
We in LECO had a close relationship with Rienzie and with permission from the management, invited him to set-up a “live line maintenance unit” for our organization. He accepted it with both hands and completed the assignment successfully in an honorary capacity.
In the CEB, Rienzie had a very clear, safe and bright career path until retirement, but his vision was different. He was of the view that it was cowardice to continue in the comfort of a safe career environment and decided to leave the CEB and start his own company facing risks and challenges. That was the birth of Amithi Power Consultants (Pvt) Ltd.
With hard work, integrity and dedication, he brought up Amithi to be one of the top electrical engineering consultancy firms in Sri Lanka, providing employment to a large number of engineers, making it a happy training ground for undergraduates whilst saving large chunks of foreign exchange which otherwise would have been drained out of the country as consultancy/design charges.
Riennzie was a lighthearted character and had his own brand of humour. I have seen him bringing audiences to endless laughter with his canny remarks. He was ready to help anybody at any time and always accommodated requests from others, if within his capacity.
He is survived by his wife Malee, a son and a daughter, with his son following his father’s footsteps to become an electrical engineer.
Rienzie is no more with us, but he will be in our hearts forever. JK
Your love remains a guiding light in my life
Lilanganie Izzadeen
As December 4 approached, my heart felt heavy with the weight of your absence. It’s hard to believe that another year has passed since you left this world. Not a day goes by that I don’t think of you and what we shared.
You brought joy into my life with your laughter, kindness and unwavering support. Even at times I hurt you, you forgave me due to your kind ways. Your spirit continues to inspire me, guiding me through the difficult moments and reminding me of the impending pitfalls.
I reflect on the wonderful memories we created together – our shared dreams, our adventures and the quiet moments that meant the most. You taught me the true meaning of love even two days before you departed. What hurts more was my absence due to my ill health, but your memories will forever be in my heart.
Though you may no longer be by my side, I carry you with me in everything I do. I honour your memory and will never ever forget the person you were. You are deeply missed and your love remains a guiding light in my life.
Rest in peace, my beloved. Fazal Izzadeen
Remembering you, 18 years on
Bryan Paul Senanayake
A yearly remembrance
can never suffice
To express how much you’re missed in my life.
Your smile, your care,
your love so rare,
Without them, the world
feels harder to bear.
Time rushes forward,
the days slip by,
Yet I still recall each tear I cried.
You left too soon, your story untold
A life meant to linger, to grow old with grandchildren you would have loved to hold.
I treasure your vinyls,
the music you played
Louis Armstrong,
Nat King Cole serenade.
Each note brings joy, a vivid reprise
I see you there, immersed,
at ease.
Your absence lingers,
a wound unhealed,
A pain that time can never conceal.
But knowing you’re with
Jesus and Mary above
Brings solace, wrapped
in heavenly love.
Stay close, dear Daddy,
guide me each day,
In my heart, I hold you,
as every day I pray. Shimi
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.