Ada Patricia Jayawickreme
She was selfless and kind
I can still remember the times when Hiranthi and Hemal were born; the way she cared for them. Later on, when Hiranthi and her husband Dr. Lalith began the Brookside Community Church, she became a live-wire of it to the end. It all started in Anuradhapura and then expanded to Bambalapitiya.
With those humble beginnings, the tree grew new branches, though Amma is no more with us to see it grow. So I write this with such wonderful memories of my mother who did such a lot of services to the underprivileged.
Amma was always concerned about our family and she was also very keen to know not only the progress of our studies, but later, the progress of our children’s studies as well.
She led a beautiful life, selfless and caring for others and touched the lives of the many whom came for blessings to the church. She was always willing to help those who were in need, especially those who came to listen to the word of God.
Though it has been a long time since you entered Eternal Glory to be with your maker, Hiranthi, Hemal and I remember you in our prayers; that you will be with the angels in paradise.
Lalith Mendis
****
Sarath Malalasekera
He was phenomenal
I had associated with him for more than 30 years and never saw him angry. Sarath was always conversant, and most lawyers and judges were his close friends. He made it a habit to talk to them in the morning, before court proceedings commenced.
Sarath was a clever reporter who never missed any important court cases, and throughout his long career as court reporter, he upheld his credibility.
Reporting court proceedings is a tough job because even the littlest of mistakes may lead to contempt of court, but Sarath was a clever reporter who knew how to handle it. It is difficult to find people of his calibre.
Sarath was a very good friend; he was a kindhearted person. He departed from us forever, and I wish that he would attain the Supreme Bliss of Nibbana.
Anura Maitipe
****
Ajith Samaranayake
A dedicated journalist
The untimely death of Ajith Samaranayake, one of the foremost and renowned English journalists who was also a one-time Editor of the Sunday Observer and the Sunday Island, is an irreplaceable loss to Sri Lankan journalism.
He was also a prolific writer on arts, drama, cinema and literature. Apart from these, he was an eminent English editorial writer whose editorials were masterpieces of his forensic skills.
Ajith dedicated himself to the cause of gentlemanly journalism. His name became synonymous with English journalism for well over 20 years. He mesmerised the public with his well-selected vocabulary and maintained a friendly relationship with even those who opposed his views.
In addition to his dedicated service to journalism in Sri Lanka, he rendered an outstanding and unforgettable service through his brilliant writings. He enlightened many readers on various worldly topics.
He valued our national culture and heritage, about which he wrote so much. The demise of this popular journalist shocked and saddened the hearts of all those who had come in contact with him through print and electronic media.
Ajith used an inimitable style in writing and readers of his columns craved to read them daily. His life was rather short, but the imprint he has left on our society, especially in English journalism, is great.
Ajith lived a calm and collected life. His death is admittedly an irreparable loss to Sri Lankan journalism at a time his services were required the most. Nevertheless, he has become legendary in the annals of English journalism in this country.
Dahlan Salahudeen
****
Dr. Sinnathamby Thadsanamoorthy
Compassionate doctor
Dr. Thadsanamoorthy was a kind, charitable and sympathetic medical practitioner both in the government service and private practice. He treated everyone who came to him with kindness and understanding.
After retirement, he set up a private dispensary, but never charged from those who could not afford. He diligently served as a Medical Services Director in villages at the borders of Valaichchenai, Kaluwanchikudy and Vakarai.
He retired from the government service as Medical Superintendent of the Valaichchenai Base Hospital. Hailing from Palukamam, he had his education at the Kallady Shivananda Vidyalaya and later, graduated as a medical officer from the Jaffna University.
From 2010, he turned to spirituality and embraced the philosophy of the Bramhmakumaris; he received spiritual training in Rajasthan, India. He was also devoted to the Bramhmakumaris centre in Batticaloa and helped several others on the path to spirituality.
We express our grief and condolences to his wife, children and other members of the bereaved family.
Sivam Packiyanathan
****
Sunil S. Abeysundara
Leader with a warm heart
Sunil S. Abeysundara was a leader with a warm heart. He was insightful, courageous and determined, and was a father who advised and directed us to the correct path. He wore a smile wherever he went and to whomever he spoke to. Sunil Abeysundara was a gentleman.
He was defeated by U.B. Weerasekara in July, 1960, but regained his status as the representative in 1965, defeating the same. In 1970, Hector Kobbekaduwa won against Abeysundara but in 1977, he secured his seat and became the Deputy Minister of Fisheries. From there onward, he was a permanent member until 1988, while claiming the ministerial positions of Deputy Minister of Agriculture, as well as the Minister of Telecommunication and Postal. He retired from his post after opening the doors to his third son Gemunu Abeysundara. He left us in 1989, completing his life journey at the age of 63.
He advised us to be honest and follow our leaders before walking the path of one. He asked us to listen and understand rather than respond. He taught us to absorb everything like a sponge and learn from it. He made us realise the importance of humanity before anything. He was inspired by leaders such as A.E. Nugawela, Dudley Senanayake, J.R. Jayawardene, E.L. Senanayake, Ashoka Karunarathne, N.H. Keerthirathne and many others. We, as the younger generation at that time, followed his path and have become responsible adults now.
He was in the second year of medical college when he had to carry the responsibility of his family and the family business after his father’s sudden demise. Even though it seemed like bad luck, it was the best thing which happened to the Yatinuwara people. His courage and determination in carrying out his responsibilities and giving back to the people, made him a commendable person.
Sunil S. Abeysundara initiated a project to provide nutritious food to underprivileged families in the 1950’s. He also transformed the Kadugannawa Maha Vidyalaya to a national school during his tenure. Furthermore, he provided facilities to all schools in the Yatinuwara electorate. He was a pioneer in uplifting the quality of life of villagers, and supported many religious activities.
He was a father to all of us. In his office room, where we had the chance to peek in when we were young, he had the songs of the Hindi film Abhimaan. He always had time to take us to a film theatre and again, to walk with us around the Kandy lake.
One in all, he was a role model and a father, who unconditionally loved us; he was a path creator with his honesty and dedication to everything he did. I am lucky to have been inspired by this great personality. I would like to wish that he will be born amongst us again to lead a blissful nation.
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