Tribute
J.E.F. Fernando
It is with profound sadness that I pen these words for my dear friend
and brother Jayantha Fernando who passed away from our midst recently.
He was popularly known as JEF to most of us. A tall well set man
having a figure of a colossus, was a person to be admired. His vast
knowledge in textile technology after graduating in Bombay, enabled him
to handle varied appointments during his career.
Having started his life at the Wellwatte Spinning & Weaving Mills he
went on to work in Hotel Oberoi, a short stint in Iraq during the war
years, John Keells Group and many other institutions where he gave his
valuable advice and talent in the field he was most qualified to do so.
His practical ability to handle any situation was tremendous and had the
stamina to work and still not get tired in whatever he undertook to do,
using his ability and knowledge to gain love and respect from people. As
a loyal and honest old Cambrian he almost gave his life for his school
prince of Wales College, Moratuwa where he served as its Honorary
Secretary of the Old Boys' Association for many long years.
It was the same for many other organizations which he worked such as
the Y's Men International, Sri Lanka Region, where he held the post of
Regional Director in the year 2002/3, apart from serving in the Board of
Directors until the time of his demise.
His valuable services rendered in building houses for the poor and
needy affected by the Tsunami is ample testimony to his sincerity in
serving others. He worked hard to raise funds for the Y's Mens "Musical
Memories" which was its main fund raiser.
A fearless and forthright man with a God given gift to speak the
truth and stand by others, when he felt was correct. Man of rare
qualities who was not prepared to accept any injustice and did not
expect anything in return for what he did, a most noble and rare quality
where only a few possess. A friend to everyone, he stretched his hand
any time of the day or night for those in need of help, irrespective of
the financial implications. A huge loss to the family, relations and
friends to whom he was of immense help, a void I believe is very
difficult to be filled. His group of friends the "Toppers" and the
"Factors" of Moratuwa are sure to miss him not forgetting the family
Yantrawaduge Sangamaya, where he was a livewire in organizing many a
family picnic and get-together. A proud father of two daughters, both
graduated and presently working in the States.
The large crowd at his funeral bore enough testimony to the great
number of people whose lives would have been touched with his goodness
and mercy.
May the Good Lord Bless and Protect his Dear Wife Geetha, two
Daughters, Lahari and Siyumi, Pujitha Son-in-Law, his Brother Shantha
and Sister Premila and the three aged Aunts whom he so loved and cared.
"And when my work on earth is done
and my new work in Heaven begun
May forget the Crown I won
whilst thinking still of others"
- Ranjan Fernando |
