Panteleon Algama - the gentleman

Don Panteleon Algama passed away on the 9th November 2008. He was 72 years old, he was a respected business entrepreneur and a well known citizen of Wattala.

I have known Panty as we all affectionately called him for over 60 years, first as a schoolmate and there after a good and trusted friend.

He was a all-round sportsman at St. Anthony's College, Wattala, representing the college at cricket and soccer, and a record breaking hop step and jumper. He captained the cricket team in his last year. He was a prolific run-getter and hard hitting batsman. His love for cricket continued with his association with the Anthoian Sports Club, Wattala. He was the President for a long period the club it a leading cricket club in the cricketing scene. He did achieve his objectives to a certain extent, but there were various factors which prevented him from achieving his dream. He spent much of his time and money for the progress of the club and helped many budding cricketers.

At his funeral the late George Fernando's wife whispered to me that the club is slowly a heavenly cricket team with so many pioneers like Stanley Algama, George Fernanado, Dennis de Silva, Dalton de Silva, Noel Jayanz, Shanthi Samerasekera, Julian Fernando now with Panty joining them.

A committed and & devoted Catholic, and a Parishioner from St. Anne's church, Wattala and All Saints Church Borella, Panty was a ever so generous and help the needy and the poor. Many Catholic Priests including His Grace the Archbishop of Colombo who came for the funeral was evidence to this. He practiced his faith and his religious beliefs which he learnt under the De La Salle Brothers in simplicity and Humanity.

He will be missed by his many friends and specially those who were very close to him.

His hospitality be it after a club meeting or just to have an intimate chat was something very special, those memories of our happy times together, the joys and the successes we had shaded, even the difficult times that brought us even closer together are what is left. These moments no thief can steal.

My deepest sympathies to Malini, his wife, his sons Janaka, Priyantha, Samantha, his in-laws and his grandchildren. Please be comforted in the thought that Panty was a gentleman par excellence, kind, honest and caring the type hard to come by these days, reading a little card entitled "Comfort for those who mourn" I came across these inspiring words 'Death is for the good'. A translation into light, into power into love, those who on earth were ordinary Christians, become perfect, those who were beautiful become good and those who were good become sublime. "Let Angels come and descend unto him, singing joyful hymns around you, bestowing courage to get rid of fear of darkness and then escorting you to heaven to meet Christ our Savior.

Thanks for the happy memories Panty. Good night.

Victor Rodrigo, Former Secretary and Vice President, Anthonians Sports Club, Wattala.