H L B Gomes

Lakshman Gomes passed away after a brief illness on March 24, 2010. The funeral was held on Sunday, March 28 at the Rawathawatta general cemetery before a well-represented gathering of relatives and friends.

His parents were C. Martin Gomes and Mabel Chandrasekara.

He started his schooling from the Prince of Wales College, Moratuwa. From the very beginning he was a very bright student and was first in class in every class. He was awarded the gold medal for the Best Student in studies and extra-curricular activities in 1960.

Gomes stepped into his very responsible long noble career of teaching from the Kalutara Maha Vidyalaya. He taught there for four years till 1968. From there he went to the Anuradhapura Maha Vidyalaya as Principal.

The Education Department wanted him to accept a post of lecturer at Maharagama Teachers Training College and he taught there for one year.

He started his eventful career joining his Alma Mater, the Prince of Wales College, Moratuwa in 1989 and was a teacher of the College for 14 years till 2003.

While teaching there he passed his Diploma in Education in 1970. Before joining Prince of Wales he was at Nigeria for 2 1/2 years teaching from 1983-85.

Lakshman was a very friendly unassuming gentleman to the fingertips with an ever-smiling face. His sense of humour was one of his better traits. He was always ready to help others wholeheartedly in whatever possible way he could.

His ever-loving wife, Annette, a tower of strength to him always looking after his needs.

His untimely death not only a great loss especially to his family but also to all that came to know him.

His only son Nuwan Gomes is a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from the Curtin University, Perth, Australia.

A message of sympathy was read by Rohana Mendis sent by President Mahinda Rajapaksa, N E C Fernando, a former principal, Minister Susil Premajayantha gave funeral orations. Walter Senanayake, who was the bestman at the wedding of Lakshan and Annette thanked the gathering on behalf of Lakshman's family.

He was President of the Sri Lanka Schools Cricket Association from 1989 to 2002. Tournament Secretary, Senior Vice-President and President, President of SLSCA during his tenure of office as President of SLSCA an under 19 cricket team toured England in 1992, and Lakshman was the manager of the team. He was Vice-President of the School's Rugby Association.

I would like to end this tribute by quoting from the Buddha Dharma: Viyohi Vippayogo Dukkho Appiyehi Sampayogo Dukkho

It is sorrowful to depart from the loved one. Equally it is sorrowful to associate with the not friendly ones. Merits that he gained by the good and meritorious deeds of his and the merits conferred by the family in offering Dana and other religious deeds will help him to realise the ultimate bliss of Nirvana.

- V K B Ramanayake