JR's 10th death anniversary today

Ananda Kannangara

COLOMBO: The 10th death anniversary of former President Junius Richard Jayewardene falls today. Called by his friends 'Dickie', JRJ was born on September 17, 1906. Except for two brothers, a doctor and a planter, eight others in his family were engaged in the legal profession.

JR's parents, Justice E.W. Jayewardene and Agnes Helen Wijewardene sent the eldest child JRJ to Bishop's College, Colombo.

At the age of six, he was sent to primary section of the Teachers' Training School at Thurstan Road and thereafter in 1917, he was admitted to Royal College, Colombo where he excelled in studies and sports. He was a member of the school cricket and rugger teams and captained the Rugger team in 1925. Being a member of the College Harward House, he also represented the school football, boxing and the cadet platoon.

He entered the Colombo University in 1926 and Law College in 1928. while being engaged in educational activities, he also showed a keen interest in sports during his university career too. He passed out as an advocate and practised in the Bar.

Married to Miss Elina Bandara Rupasinghe in 1935 and Ravindra Vimal is their only son. JRJ died in November 1996 and the cremation took place on the bank of Kelani Ganga facing the Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya, according to his last wishes.

A Sangika dana in memory of President Jayewardene will be held today at 11 a.m. at the J.R. Jayewardene Centre in Colombo.