Anil Gamini Jayasuriya – a tribute to a dearly loved friend and “adopted” brother

The late Anil Gamini Jayasuriya who would have celebrated his 80th birthday on the 24th of this month was a beloved friend and brother to me. Anil was a gifted artist and brilliant student at school. He proved to be a true scholar at St Thomas Preparatory School where he crafted a delightfully beautiful mural on a wall of the school building which unfortunately due to neglect is no more.

At Royal College Colombo his scholarship and artistic talent won him the coveted position of school prefect. A natural educationalist, his classroom achievements led him to academic heights at University in Sri Lanka. Having achieved a 1st class honours degree, he won a Rhodes Scholarship to Oxford University for post graduate research studies in zoology.

When asked what he wanted to be Anil would say without a moment’s hesitation – “a game warden”! He was a lover of wildlife and on every possible vacation he would go to the wildlife parks of Sri Lanka. As a schoolboy, I was privileged to accompany him on many a jungle trip. We had healthy appetites and tucked into the elaborate meals Aunty Ena organized for us, in the heart of the jungles of Sri Lanka.  Nature and in particular animals, were part of his life. His paintings and the photographs he took in Yala and Wilpattu, portray the depth of his passion for nature and all things Sri Lankan.

Anil, your life as a friend and brother has been an inspiration to me. You have shown us what it is to be a truly humble person despite all the talents God blessed you with.

Until we meet again….

Deva (Devakumar Wilson)