APPRECIATIONS
View(s):The Butterfly Effect: 10 years after
Dr. Thelma Gunawardane
A decade has passed since the world dimmed with the loss of Dr. Thelma Gunawardane, my beloved “Archchi,” but her presence continues to flutter through our lives like a butterfly—subtle yet profound. The lasting effects of her love, wisdom, and strength ripple outward, not only shaping the paths of her children and grandchildren but also leaving a lasting impact on the people of Sri Lanka, whose lives she touched with her tireless contributions.
When I think of Archchi, the memories come rushing back with vivid detail. I remember her teaching me and my sister to play the piano, her fingers gracefully moving across the keys, the melodies flowing with ease. It wasn’t just music she taught us; it was the patience and persistence that came with it. When she sat down to sew with me, the delicate way she handled each stitch showed her care for the smallest details, a trait that extended beyond her sewing and into her life’s work.
These lessons, though small in the moment, left an indelible mark. They were moments where she passed on more than just knowledge; she gave us pieces of herself, which still guide me today. My sister and I continue to play the piano, our fingers remembering the touch of the keys as though she was still sitting beside us, guiding our hands. And when I pick up a needle and thread, I’m reminded of her patience, a quiet strength I carry with me in all I do.
Beyond our personal memories, Archchi’s legacy of raising four sons – my uncles and my father – challenged the traditional gender norms of her time. She nurtured them to be resourceful, independent, and unencumbered by the societal expectations placed upon men in that era. This boldness in her parenting reflected her own life, as she, too, refused to be defined by the limitations placed on women.
Her determination to balance a career in a male-dominated field while excelling as a mother has inspired generations of both men and women in our family. Yet what stood out most about her was her inclusivity and fairness. She treated every member of her extended family with the same warmth and affection, never differentiating between one relative and another. Whether you were close by or far away, you knew you had a special place in her heart. Her inclusiveness wove a sense of unity among us all, a rare quality that strengthened our family bonds and left everyone feeling valued and cherished.
But the “butterfly effect” of her influence doesn’t stop within the walls of our family. Across Sri Lanka, people still benefit from the many initiatives she spearheaded. Her work at the National Museum, her contributions to science, and her relentless efforts in empowering women in rural communities continue to echo today. The programmes she started in the Lanka Mahila Samithi movement, teaching women vocational skills, have given countless Sri Lankan women the tools to gain independence and improve their lives. And her work in conserving the cultural heritage of our nation, particularly her monumental efforts in taxidermy and preserving artifacts, has left a lasting legacy for generations to come.
I often reflect on the way she balanced her many roles: as a mother, scholar, and leader. Her accomplishments as Sri Lanka’s first female director of the National Museums were groundbreaking, yet, in her humility, she never ceased to be the loving, nurturing figure I knew so well. I still hear her voice in the stories shared by those she touched, from her colleagues who marvelled at her brilliance to the rural women who found hope in her presence.
Ten years later, she is still with us, guiding us in ways both seen and unseen. In the garden, a butterfly flutters by, and I am reminded of her spirit, free and ever-present, gracefully touching lives even now. Her story is not just one of a single life lived but of the ripples she created, the butterfly effect that continues to influence us all.
Dr. Thelma Gunawardane’s light may have faded from this world on January 23, 2015, but her legacy—the work she accomplished, the lives she touched, and the family she loved—remains a beacon for all of us. For me, she is in the music I play, the skills I carry, and the memories I hold dear. She is everywhere and always, gently reminding us of the power of love, resilience, and determination.
Kavisha and Uvini Gunawardane
A fine lawyer and great friend
HUBERT LIONEL KEERTHINAYAKA KARAWITA
It is three years since this great lawyer and outstanding friend as well as my mentor in my profession passed away on January 9, 2022. He was also a great friend of many senior and junior lawyers and believed in helping and guiding junior lawyers who sought his advice.
It was Mr. Karawita as a close friend of my late father, who offered to take me to Hatton to commence my practice in addition to being an advisor to the Ceylon Plantations Workers Union of which he was the President. I was given the liberty to also do private practice. I was compelled to accept this offer since I could not secure any place with a legal firm or a senior, to work as assistant due to my lack of knowledge in Sinhala.
After taking oaths as a proctor of the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka in July 1972, I was first practising in Hatton and then came to Colombo to continue my practice. I stand today as what I am all due to this great gentleman who opened my path in the profession.
Mr. Karawita was an ardent Communist, who was associated with the great trade unionist N. Shanmugathasan who was a follower of the Peking Wing communism of China.
I continued my relationship with Mr. Karawita even after coming to Colombo instructing him in land and partition cases. He offered me the opportunity to instruct him while learning the basics of the cases filed in court. He argued cases with common sense without confusing the judges with complex legal issues.
A particular table in the lounge was regularly occupied by him along with Max Bastiansz, Mr. Mohideen, Joe Rajakaruna, Raja Mudannayaka, Nimal Ranamuka Arachchi and myself. We used to hear amusing anecdotes about various senior lawyers with whom Mr. Karawita worked when he started his practice. One such incident was when Mr. Thiyagalingam Q.C. appeared before Justice H.W. Thambiah before the Supreme Court in a partition case appeal. While Mr. Thiyagalingam was on his feet, Justice Thambiah interrupted saying, “Mr. Thiyagalingam, I used to do more of these cases when I was practising” to which Mr. Thiyagalingam replied, “less said the better”. Today in any court we may be charged for contempt for such a response but the judges of that era took humour in lighter vein and enjoyed it.
Mr. Karawita was a good entertainer when juniors and or instructing attorneys went to him for consultation. After finishing, he would tell the client “you can now leave and we will look after the legal part of the case” and start treating the juniors and the instructing attorneys to his usual anecdotes.
Kara, we are missing all these now. I miss the daily walk with you on Marine Drive in the mornings which you even continued in the evenings.
You have your beloved niece Viveka, Additional Solicitor General and President’s Counsel to carry your mantle of this glorious profession.
The humble man with ready humour and wit
With nary a care for politics or wealth
Honesty, integrity etched on the face
Calm confidence, but arrogance, not a trace
Adieu! Dear Teacher for a life well spent
Your unwavering faith stood in good stead
May you be the role model we all emulate!
Till we meet again.
K. Kaneshayogan
He brought honour to Rahula College
Nanda Pandithasekera
With the demise of Nanda Pandithasekera, we lost a great Rahulian and dedicated teacher.
Mr. Pandithasekera held the post of District Scout Master of Matara and Hambantota from 1856-1963 while teaching at Rahula College for a long period.
He brought honour to Rahula College, his alma mater during his period of service. As a dedicated teacher, he imparted a wealth of knowledge to thousands of students who are today occupying high posts in society.
Simplicity and honesty were hallmarks of his life.
As our Scout Master he taught us discipline, punctuality and honesty.
He was a student of Rahula during the period of that distinguished principal of yesteryear D.J. Kumarage who is known as the ‘Architect of Rahula’. The Reminiscence of Rahula’ written by him is an example to all Rahulians.
As a devout Buddhist, Mr. Pandithasekera upheld the teachings of the Buddha to the letter.
May he attain the Supreme Bliss of Nibbana.
M.S.M. Dahlan – a student
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.