Lorna de Fonseka:

Lady with humane, strong ethics

I was in my teens when I first met Aunty Lorna. I was struck by her petite good looks, style and charm. As the years passed, our friendship grew. She had the ability to empathies with whomever she was with - no matter, the age difference. I admired her for her calm, humane and strong ethics, which was founded on her deep commitment to her religion.

She was widely read and we had common interests in art and literature, so there was always lots to talk about. She designed her house which was much admired, which she claimed was her sole achievement.

A portrait of herself as a young girl painted by Gate Mudaliyar Tudor Rajapakse, when exhibited was much commented upon for the skill of the artist as well as the charm of the sitter. She was an artist herself and won awards at the exhibition held by the Ceylon Council of Arts.

Lorna de Fonseka came from a very wealthy and distinguished 16th century family from Gandara. Although she was proud of her lineage, she was never arrogant. Long before, her parents house, in De Fonseka place was demolished. I remember this elegant pillared house in which her father, by then widowed, lived.

We were introduced to him and were welcomed with great courtesy, to this gracious home “The Glades” with its beautiful drive way lined with Sal Mal Trees and the Powder Blue Plumbago spiling over the borders. Another memory was the stately ballroom with its Gallery of family portraits and full length mirrors, striking amongst these was her mother’s beautiful portrait by Windsor.

Despite her delicate looks she managed her extensive properties efficiently and was fair in all her dealings, especially to her tenants. All those who knew and loved her will miss her gentle presence.

Aunty Lorna passed away a few weeks from her 90th birthday celebration.

I will never forget her.

Gypsy Wade,
(Nee Senanayake)
Colombo 08

Major Kamal Sri Manatunga:

Gentleman with a heart of compassion

November 12th marks three months of the untimely death of Major Kamal Sri Manatunga.

Born to Akmon Manatunga and Nanda, Kamal had his early education at St. John’s College, Nugegoda and afterwards at Nalanda College, Colombo, where he excelled in studies and extra curricular activities. Later he entered the University of Jayewardenepura and graduated as a Bachelor of Commerce. He joined the Sri Lanka Army in January, 1991 as an Officer Cadet and was commissioned in the rank of second Lieutenant of the 11th Battalion of the Sri Lanka National Guard. As a young officer, Kamal served in such different capacities as Senior Officer, Officer-in-Charge of Groups, Intelligence Officer, Adjutant and Officer Commanding and was assigned for operational duties at Gomarankadawala, Nilaveli, Muttur, Kumburupitiya, Thavulwewa and Pulmoddai in the Eastern Province.

He was subsequently appointed the Publications Officer of the Regimental Headquarters of Sri Lanka National Guard and edited its monthly publication “Mura Sebala” (The Guard). His last appointment was in the capacity of the Officer-in-charge of the Technical Camp Rehabilitation Centre at Nelukkulam, Vavuniya.

In recognition of Major Kamal Sri Manatunga’s loyalty, courage and long service, he was awarded the Poorna Bhoomi Padakkama, Riviresa Operation Medal, 50th Independence Anniversary Medal, 50th Army Anniversary Medal, North-East Medal, Northern Humanitarian Operation Medal and the Eastern Humanitarian Medal.

Though a robust Army officer, Kamal was a thorough gentleman with a heartfull of compassion and understanding. His endearing qualities reflected in his ever cheery smile adorning his face. He was always ready to go out of his way to help others and was a popular figure among his superiors and subordinates, alike.

Kamal was a good writer and displayed his versatility by publishing three books. “Yudabime Sita Liyu Kavi” (Poems from the Battlefront) and “Bunker Kurutu Gee” (Bunker Graffiti) two anthologies of poems embodying the agony and yearnings of young soldiers in the battlefront or manning bunkers and “Dolos Paye Sonduru Meheyuma” (The Pleasant Operation of 12 hours), a collection of short stories. His creations, whether in prose or verse portrayed his sympathetic yet deep understanding of human feelings and behaviour.

Following his confinement to the Army Hospital, he endured the agony of his illness and started compiling yet another collection of short stories for publication. He sent the manuscript of the new collection for my observations and afterwards called to thank me for what I had to say. That was in July. But death sought him out a mere month later and he was just 46 years old.

Kamal was essentially a “Family Man”, being a caring husband and a doting father. His wife, Sugandika and the two daughters, Thisuri and Sathini, who were “The apple of his eye”, will find it hard to bear the shock of the untimely loss of their beloved who showered them with so much affection, care and attention.

Kamal, may you reach the supreme bliss of Nirvana!

- Cha Munasinghe,
Attorney-at-Law