APPRECIATIONS
View(s):Your name will always be etched in our hearts
Subhash Sumanasuriya
It is with great sorrow that I write of the sudden passing of my dear friend and colleague of Ananda College, Colombo for six decades, Subhash Sumanasuriya. He passed away peacefully on January 5 at the age of 76 years.
Subhash Chandrabharathi Sumanasuriya, affectionately known as ‘Subhash’ to his teachers and friends, was born in Ambalangoda, on April 15, 1949. His father was K. T. W. Sumanasuriya, the renowned civil servant and former Commissioner of Examinations, Department of Education, Colombo. His mother Mallika, was a housewife. He was the eldest in a family of four siblings, three brothers and a sister and he was well aware of his family responsibilities.
Since his father’s death in 2005, he was compelled to handle the entire cinnamon cultivation and business belonging to his family and all family responsibilities selflessly.
Subhash received his primary and secondary education at Ananda College, Colombo. An early memory that comes to mind is the noteworthy drama Mal Kumari staged in 1959 by the college primary school students and Subhash took part in the popular production which was staged several times at various venues in different parts of the country.
He was an exceptionally accomplished student and achieved successful academic results, and joined the Institute of Chartered Accountancy after completing the GCE A’ Levels and qualified as a senior manager.
Subhash’s first appointment was at the Ceramic Corporation. Some years later he worked in the Electricity Board in the same capacity. He ended his career in the Singer Group as a senior manager.
Subhash played a key role in the Ananda College cricket team. He was an athlete who had developed the physical attributes required for an all-round cricketer in addition to being a six-footer.
Subhash was 17 years old when he was selected to play for the College XI in 1966. At that time the captain of the team was Tilak de Silva. In 1968 the captain of the college team was Sunil Wettimuny, and his deputy was Subhash.
He was genial, warm-hearted but there was an unmistakable hard edge to his cricket. He could get furious with himself during his batting practices, like most talented cricketers during matches. Importantly this technically refined cricketer with an exemplary power of concentration set an example to his teammates with his performances. He thrived under pressure in most inter-school matches.
Subhash was a humble, amiable person who was loved by all who came in contact with him. If Subhash had continued his cricketing career, without doubt he would have been one of the best cricketers in the country.
Subhash was a devoted Buddhist attached to the Pepiliyana Raja Maha Vihara dayaka sabha. He was happily married to a kind and compassionate lady, Chitra, who had a good sense of humour at all times. She stood by him in all his endeavours to serve the people and his friends. He had three loving daughters- Prabashini- a lawyer, Wilokya- a banker in Sydney, and the youngest Shanika a doctor in Ireland and four grandchildren.
My beloved friend Subhash, your name will always be etched in our hearts.
It is goodbye for now until we meet on the beautiful shore soon. May you attain the supreme bliss of Nibbana.
Meghavarna Kumarasinghe
Memories of a man whose life was a gift to us all
Prakash Butani
It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share the loss of a true gem of humanity, Prakash Butani, who departed this world at the age of 79. His journey was one of inspiration, love, and compassion – a life that touched countless souls and left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Prakash was not just a man of success; he was a man of heart. From his humble beginnings to becoming a billionaire and Chairman of Butani Exports, the Butani Group, he never lost the simplicity and kindness that defined him. Whether it was a driver, domestic worker or labourer, Prakash treated everyone with the same respect and dignity, seeing humanity in every individual. He didn’t just lead; he uplifted, inspired, and cared.
To his beloved wife, Roshani and treasured daughter Malaika, he was everything –adoring husband, guiding father, and the unshakable pillar of their lives. His love for his family was boundless, his presence the heart of their home. Roshani’s unwavering care during his final days was a testament to their unbreakable bond—a love story that will remain etched in our hearts.
Prakash was a man who lived life with warmth and joy. His deep, melodious voice was the soundtrack of countless cherished memories. From “Show boat” to “Stella” nights, his heartfelt rendition of “Green Green Grass of Home” will echo in our hearts. He carried an unparalleled affection for “home”, not just as a place but as a sanctuary of love, belonging, and meaning.
He was a loyal friend, the kind that life rarely gifts us. His friendship with us was a shining example of trust and camaraderie. Whether offering sage advice or simply sharing laughter, Prakash’s presence was a source of comfort and inspiration to all who knew him.
Prakash’s brilliance extended far beyond personal connections. His contributions to Bhutani Exports were monumental, his leadership elevating the company to greater heights. His passion extended to the Capri Club, where his involvement left a lasting legacy. Yet, it was his humility, humanity and love for people that made him truly extraordinary.
As we approach the Royal-Thomian Big Match, we cannot help but feel the weight of his absence. The Stallions’ tent will never be the same without his lively songs, his laughter, and the irreplaceable energy he brought to every moment.
Today, we are left with memories – precious, irreplaceable memories of a man whose life was a gift to us all. We grieve not just for the loss of a beloved friend, husband and father but for the absence of a soul who made the world brighter and kinder.
To Roshani and Malaika, we offer our deepest prayers and love. May you find the strength to carry forward his legacy of love, integrity, and kindness. Prakash would want nothing more than for you to move forward with the same courage and grace that defined him.
Prakash Butani, safe journey to the heavens. Your laughter, your voice, and your love will live on in our hearts forever. You were, and always will be, unforgettable.
With all our love and respect, Ayesh and Lakshmi
A never to be forgotten friend
MICHELE LEEMBRUGGEN
I was very saddened when I heard the news of my dear friend Michele’s death in mid-November 2024. She was a friend over several years and I kept in touch with her regularly – and visited her often at St. Nikolaas Home where she spent the last few years of her life.
I first got to know Michele through a friend of mine in the late 1960s. We were both young and working in different commercial companies but we used to meet and have ice cream and snacks at some of the popular cafes of the time.
She was doing some secretarial work in a leading company but said she found it boring so decided to switch to what she enjoyed – something in the world of creativity! She was also a Creative Director in some of Sri Lanka’s leading advertising agencies. She worked at Grants Advertising and took over a job in the Radio Department.
Michele was also fantastic singer and actress and we’ll never forget her role as Eva Peron in the musical ‘Evita’ which was absolutely amazing. I also well remember her playing Grizabella in ‘Cats’ and her fabulous rendition of ‘Memory’. I recall some of the actors who took part in the plays with her – Richard de Zoysa, Andrew David, Iranganie and Winston Serasinghe, Jerome de Silva, Graham Hatch, Steve de la Zilwa, Percy Colin-Thome, to name a few.
She was also a talented creative designer and I well recall how beautifully she decorated the Dutch Burgher Union for their Christmas events, annual sales and other functions. She loved cooking and I remember she would give me some tasty short eats whenever I visited and at Christmas would send me her excellent Christmas cake, love cake and Christmas pudding!
As time went on we were both involved in our own activities and couldn’t meet as often as we used to. After her daughter Pia married and had her own family, they all settled down in their current house which is also beautifully decorated with ornaments from the past. She loved plants and here too, her designer skills came out and she planned her garden with great care and skill.
Unfortunately Michele’s health gradually deteriorated and she found it difficult to walk and used a roller wheelchair to move around. As her health became more problematic, she decided to move to a home and was happy to go to St. Nikolaas Home (originally run for the Burgher community) which she was familiar with as many of her family and friends had also been there. I used to visit her and have long chats about the old days. She always made me a cup of coffee and served me some biscuits and it reminded us of our young days. It was lovely to spend this time with her.
We will really miss our dear friend Michele, but we know she is now safe in the arms of Jesus and is looking down on us with that beautiful smile she always had for her friends!
Anthea Senaratna
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