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Dr. Keneth Weerasinghe:
Most sought after physician at Kalutara
A large number of people living in and around my home town Kalutara
deeply mourned the bereavement of well-known physician, Dr. Keneth
Weerasinghe, popularly known as Keneth Mahattaya by common people.
He was distinguished old boy of Thurstan College, Colombo and a
contemporary of President Mahinda Rajapaksa at school.
As I remember, he started practice at Kalutara in mid ’70s. By virtue
of his ability of precise diagnosis, caring attention and inexpensive
effectual treatment, he became the most sought after medical
practitioner at Kalutara within a short period. Upholding the ethics and
norms of the noble profession to the letter, he never wanted to make
money exploiting the patients. In fact, charged unimaginably low fees
for his service to the solace of his large clientele. At times he
rendered his service free of charge for needy inhabitants in the area.
Dr. Weerasinghe lived a very contended, plain and exemplary life
devoting much of his time for his aged mother.
He immensely looked up to all of his employees as a family unit and
did everything possible for their well-being.
Unfortunately he fell victim of a serious illness about a year ago
and was eventually compelled to give up his practice. On hearing the
heart-breaking news that most loveable and respected physician of the
town was about to end up his service due to a wicked illness, many
people came to his dispensary to say ‘Good bye doctor’ and wish him a
speedy recovery on the day of departure, yet his condition deteriorated
and ultimately he succumbed to the ailment. He was a humanitarian par
excellence.
His loss was irretrievable. His pattern of living was relevant to
true principles of every faith, be it Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism
or Islam. People of his nature we rarely meet in present days.
Dr. Keneth is no more. His name will indelibly rest in the memories
of thousands who had the privilege of associating or being treated by
him until their time of their exit.
May he rest in peace!
- R.D.P. Gunawardena |
