APPRECIATIONS

Manel Chandraratne:

Tribute to genuine friendship

When I came to know Manel in 1967 we both were students in the first year batch of Architecture at the Katubedda Campus. Manel's cheerful, fun loving nature brought life to our whole class. His mere presence made us forget the pressure of our laborious work.

He was always in good spirit, ready with interesting comments about anything any time, cracking jokes in his own style and special way. So special were they, that we called them 'Manel's jokes'. Manel became an inspiration for us to study and work with, in a very pleasant atmosphere. At the end of that year I left campus and we lost contact.

It was exactly 20 years later that I met Manel again. This time we both were married and with children. Strangely enough it was the same Manel. He had not changed over the years. Neither in appearance nor in ways. We lived in the same area in Kandy. He visited our place with his wife Savithri. The couple impressed our family very much on their very first visit. It was their genuine friendly nature that paved the way for us to become good friends. Both Manel and Savithri loved to entertain friends. In their pleasant company everybody felt homely and comfortable, with Savithri always supporting and encouraging Manel to go ahead with his interesting stories and jokes.

My husband highly appreciated his 'down-to-earth' manner and sense of humour. He always admired Manel's modesty and open friendliness whether it was at a party, wedding or just somewhere in the town. We still cannot believe that a friend like Manel is no more.

We first heard about Manel's failing health, when he, not waiting for us to visit him came himself to our place and gave us details of his ailment at length. That was Manel - his unassuming nature. That was the secret of his popularity among friends. Savithri said Manel wanted to visit all his friends in Australia on their last visit - 'as if to bid farewell' I thought to myself. He did pay his last visit to us also.

That unforgettable morning a gentleman rang the door bell and said that Manel was in the car. I went and invited him to come in. Manel said that he just felt like coming as they were passing our place. He did not get down.

He looked feeble and tired. With his last glance fixed on my face he said "We'll come sometime to see you all".

I wondered why I could not forget the strange look on his face but later I understood - that was how our dear friend Manel said 'Good bye' to me. He left for Colombo a few days later and we never met again.

May your journey through Sansara be filled with happiness, May the Noble Triple Gem protect you for ever until you attain Nibbana .

Sudharma Senanayake

H.R. Jothipala

Hettiarachchige Reginald Jothipala is a household name when it comes to music and cinema. The very humble beginnings he inherited was never ever forgotten even after he reached stardom.

This evergreen singer had an enormous following of fans which varied from the beggar to the king.

I personally felt his greatest secret and asset in life was that he was never money conscious, since he openly mentioned to me in the seventies that if he ever collected what was due to him it would have run into millions.

The remarkable inborn talent he possessed was very rare, and even upto date his void has not been replaced even though many have unsuccessfully tried to fill his vacuum. I wish to mention sadly that a certain section who could not stomach his talents looked down upon him with squinted eyes because he was a singer of a great caliber, and his modesty.

The late Gamini Fonseka was one of the actors who rose to great heights due to his prowess in acting, and for the beautiful melodies Jothi sang with Angeline Goonetileke in the 1970 era.

May his soul Rest in Peace!

Li Kuang Shu

Hilary Fernando :

A vociferous half century

The remains of Hilary Fernando were laid to rest on April 2, 2012 at the Chilaw Catholic cemetery in the presence of a large gathering that included members of the Catholic, Buddhist and Hindu Clergy, members of the Judiciary, lawyers, businessmen and people from all walks of life. Many dignitaries, including the Bishop of Chilaw, the Rt. Rev. Dr. Valence Mendis, First Lady Shiranthi Rajapakse, MP Neomal Perera, MP Priyanka Jayaratne, MP Dr. Sudharshini Fernandopulle dropped in to pay their last respects.

Hilary had his early education at St. Mary's College, Chilaw, St. Benedict's College Colombo and Aquinas University College, Colombo.

I first came to know Hilary at the Kityakara Hostel. We were among the few law students to be tolerated in what was a predominantly medical hostel. From those days Hilary was very vociferous and participated in every activity. At first Hilary's voice was drowned by catcalls and boos. However like the famous English Prime Minister Disraeli, he carried on regardless, till he was heard. As time went on Hilary got a good hearing and what he said was respected. Later no activity was organized without him being a part of it. In Law College Hilary participated in all activities. Hilary took his oaths as an Attorney in December 1961 and commenced practice at the Chilaw Courts. He plunged into the legal profession with enthusiasm. He soon had a wide criminal practice. He took to politics and was elected a Member of the Chilaw Urban Council and was Mayor from 1965 to 1970. To strengthen the relationship between the public and the Police he organized the first ever Police Day in Chilaw on August 27, 1967. Hilary continued his legal practice and was much sought after in the Chilaw, Puttalam and Kuliyapitiya courts. He made his contributions to the profession by serving as President of the Chilaw Law Society. Being a Member of the Bar Council for many years, he was its Zonal Vice President. He completed 50 years in practice. As a recognition of his services, he was awarded a plaque by the Bar Association of Sri Lanka.

He was fortunate to have in his wife Indrani, a Bridgetine, an accomplished pianist. Hilary had four children - the eldest son Prasanna, an Attorney-at-Law now Mayor of Chilaw, daughter Dinosha a graduate from the University of Kelaniya, son Dayanika a Solicitor in England and the youngest son Ruwanash who gained an Engineering degree from Nessey University, New Zealand. Hilary's wife, children and grandchildren looked after him with love and affection during his last illness. We convey our deepest condolences to them. I personally have lost a close friend who I have known and kept in touch with from our Law College days right up to his demise.

May God grant him eternal rest!

Rienzie Fernando