PFWA honour Maya Senanayake

Sarath Malalasekera

Police Families' Welfare Association felicitated its founder Maya Senanayake at a ceremony held in Colombo recently.

Association's Chairperson Asha Kumari Balasuriya took the initiative of hosting a felicitation luncheon at the Association's Conference Hall in recognition of Maya Senanayake's service to the Police Families' Welfare Association.

Police Families' Welfare Association former Chairperson Nandani Fernando said the name of Maya Senanayake needs no introduction. A mere mention of her name is sufficient for even those who have not been acquainted with her to know the contribution made to the welfare of the Police families. She is the daughter of the late P. de S. Kularatne, one of Lanka's renowned educationists and politicians and the wife of the late Stanley Senanayake, who was the Inspector General of Police from 1971 to 1978.

Maya Senanayake had the opportunity of experiencing the difficulties and hardships faced by the police families and she was determined to make a positive contribution to elevate and to improve the life conditions of the police families in 1971. As the wife of the Inspector General of Police, she formed the Police Families' Welfare Association (PFWA), which was a prominent milestone in her life as well as in the police welfare movement.

Four decades have passed since the formation of the PFWA focusing mainly on uplift of Education, Health and Housing of the Police families. During her tenure of service, she initiated several beneficial programs, campaigns and projects and handled them with unwavering enthusiasm and commitment. She always had a voice of a martinet but with sincerity and kindness, Nandini Fernando said.

Fernando emphasised that during her period as the PFWA Chairperson she was highly respected not only by persons who received benefits but also all members including regular police officers. Even after her husband's retirement she never failed in her duties towards the Association.

She attended meetings and functions whenever the time permitted and gave much needed guidance for the proper functioning of the Association. As the founder Chairperson she was successful in engaging the collective effort of all members to achieve goals and also did not fail to give due recognition to members who brought honour and respect to the Association.

Maya to her dear and near ones, Senanayake served as the Chairperson whole-heartedly, always maintaining high standards and fulfilled her responsibilities with dignity and also prepared the ground for the members to take over responsibilities after her. The association members readily acknowledged her pioneering spirit and lasting contribution towards the success of the Association. Nandani Fernando said.