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| Tuesday, 2 December 2003 |
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Tribute to an old soldier - Major Milan Mendis on his 90th birthday by Ilica Malkanthi Karunaratne
Every inch a soldier, in bearing and stride, although slight in stature, is Major Milan Mendis, who celebrated his 90th birthday, at a memorable party, given in his honour by his daughter, Sunetra, the other day. I wondered if he had been named after the fascinating city of Milan, in Italy, famous for its art and cultural history. The years have sat lightly on this old soldier, a sprightly ninety year old, whose tales of the past weave a rich tapestry. He exasperated his daughter Sunetra recently, when during her brief absence from home, he developed a pain, got himself admitted to hospital and operated on, without even informing her and soon emerged hale and hearty, despite his travail! "I was a forest officer, by profession, and served in many parts of the country. It was during my very first posting in Ratnapura, that I met my wife, who was then only a schoolgirl. I was boarded in the house of a teacher, and had the opportunity to make friends with several students, who were frequent visitors. Our leisure time was spent at the esplanade, where we practised our favourite sports. One day, I noticed an exceptionally beautiful girl, with long, curly hair, glancing surreptitiously at me, over and over again". In modern phraseology this would mean being given the glad eye! On discreet inquiry, the gallant major found out who she was, and there was no stopping him thereafter. Would you say that it was a 'coup d' foudre, as the French call love at first sight? "Yes, our feelings for each other were mutual and reciprocal from the very first moment we saw each other. Her name was Helen Gajanayake, and she was a boarder at the convent, but we soon found willing friends who would carry our letters to each other. It was the beginning of a love of a lifetime, which lasted till she died at the tender age of 34, leaving me with 8 children. It was an inter religious marriage and a very happy one; she was a Catholic and I was a Buddhist". Can you tell me something about your life in the army? "I was in the volunteers and stationed in Trinco during the 2nd world war. Highlights of my time there, were meeting personalities like Lord Louis Mountbatten and Prince Philip, then Philip Mountbatten. We were not to know then that he would be the husband of the future Queen of England. Another great privilege for me, was to serve in the intelligence unit of General Winston Wijekoon. He is to this day, the finest gentleman, I have ever had the privilege of meeting - an officer and a gentleman to his fingertips. I was at the Officers Training School and passed out first, winning the belt of honour. A moment of supreme pride and happiness for me was when General Wijekoon commended me for inherent qualities of Leadership, power of command and initiative. Looking back on my army days with nostalgia, I recall an occasion, when the whole troop was asked to march from Trinco to Colombo in 3 days, to meet a visiting army bigway. After we started and were on our way, we were told to do it in 2 days as the visit had been brought forward. Some of the weaker ones collapsed and had to be driven away in a truck; as the truck left, we would send them off with one loud hoot! I am still in the volunteers, go for regular meetings and get togethers, I am the council member for Sri Lanka, on the World Veterans Foundation which has enabled me to represent my country at meetings held all over the world. Once an army man, always an army man, I am the army and the army is me." Major Mendis has got many awards, decorations and medals, for his long and loyal record in the army, including one for his services during the war, from The Under Secretary of State. The world in Major Mendis's time was a different one. There were certain rules and codes of behaviour which have unfortunately, long since vanished. There certainly wasn't the ruthless violence which has become a part of everyday life to us. Perhaps man's naturally violent impulses, were trained then towards defence of the weak and helpless, so they were not inclined to turn their guns, knives and bombs on innocent victims. People were infinitely more fortunate to live in that era, of respect for others, and genteel manners. Most of us think that wisdom only arrives at the age we are at this moment, and that anyone younger is therefore foolish! We each like to think we are superior to others, and age allows us this illusion more easily; than anything else. Each generation thinks it is the last to possess real taste or genius or sound moral judgement. Major Milan Mendis has an air of classic timelessness about him. His daughter, Sunetra, certainly gave her father, a 90th brithday celebration, which would have made her father not only glow with pride and appreciation. But, made him think that the years had flown by on gossamer wings, and the time spent in sacrifice, bringing up 8 children as a single parent were all worthwhile. After all, what else does a parent ask for but the love and respect of ones children? 'To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under the heavens. A time to be born, and a time to die. A time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and time to dance. The Major was prancing on the dance floor like an 16 years old on his brithday. 'Old soldiers never die, they just pass on. |
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