Carmen Vyvette Melder:

She spent Christmas with Jesus

December 22, 2012 marked one month since our darling Mum, Carmen Vyvette Melder was called to her Heavenly abode. She lived a good life and ran a great race and when her time was up she was more than ready to meet her Maker.

The very fact that she gave our sister Rochelle a poem to be distributed among her near and dear ones many months ago, is evident that she knew that her time was near.

Daddy misses his life-long partner of sixty two years and Julaine, Rochelle, Jacqueline, Nicola and I will always feel the void she has left in our lives but we are consoled by the fact that she has earned her reward.

She spent Christmas with Jesus, seeing the countless Christmas trees around the world below with tiny lights, like heavens stars reflecting on the snow and hearing the angels sing with voices which brought her joy.

Mama, we tried our very best to keep you, but God had other plans for you. You loved, protected and fought for us right up to the very end and in your eyes we were perfect.

Thank you Mama for your precious gift of undying love. Thank you God for blessing us with one of your most beautiful creations whom we were privileged to call our Mother.

Daddy (Ellis), Beverly, Julaine, Rochelle, Jacqueline and Nicola

F. Felix Delip De Silva :

A model officer and a perfect gentleman

Norman Cousins asserted, “Death is not the greatest loss of life, the greatest is what dies inside while we live”. There are however, some persons who by their remarkable achievements and significant contributions to society leave an indelible impression that their memories continuously linger in our minds. One such persons was Felix Delip De Silva, a versatile and multifaceted personality, a fine Police Officer with an enviable track record and a remarkable administrator. His sojourn on earth was colourful, fruitful and significant.

I write this Appreciation to celebrate his sterling qualities and on behalf of those who remember him with so much love and for those who did not know him, to let them know that such a great person was living among us. It is appropriate to recall to the mind William Shakespeare’s immortal words, “Let us not burden our remembrances with heaviness that is gone.”

Felix Delip De Silva did Sri Lanka proud in the Sultanate of Oman as Inspector General of Police and later as Advisor to His Majesty on Police Affairs. He was bestowed the highest and the most prestigious awards of the State. He passed away in the USA on October 23, 2001. He was 74 years at the time of his death. He guided the destinies of the Royal Oman Police for over two and a half decades and was highly respected, admired and loved by its people.

His education at St. Aloysius' College, Galle under the Jesuit priests had a great impact on him. Discipline and devotion to duty which was synonymous with Jesuits, became his guiding principles. And this in no small measure contributed to his remarkable success. Felix was proud of his Alma Mater and he loved his school dearly. After leaving school, he took to planting.

In search of a more exciting and challenging career, he joined the Royal Oman Police which was in its fledgling state. Distinguishing himself with rare dynamism, dedication and efficiency, much to the envy of other serving British Officers, he was elevated in rank in quick succession. In the early '70s he assumed duties as the Inspector General of Police and Customs. To meet the ever increasing demands of time he systematically planned for the expansion and simultaneous modernization of the police force.

Consequently, he wielded extensive powers and was answerable direct to the Sultan, who had implicit faith in him. When he relinquished duties in 1983 the Royal Oman Police in the international police world, was recognized as a sophisticated, highly equipped force with the most up-to date techniques, systems and procedures with an abundance of expertise. It was best in the Gulf States.

For his significant and remarkable contribution to the Royal Oman Police and national security, he was decorated and bestowed the most envious and prestigious awards by the Sultan. Despite his diverse interests, he was essentially a family man. He loved his wife and family and was happily preoccupied with his grandchildren, whom he adored.

Those who visited the De Silva home experienced that family warmth. Though somewhat of diminutive stature, he was dynamic and asserted himself with firmness and authority, but with enviable decorum. He was responsible for introducing ‘go-carting’ to Sri Lanka and presented enthusiasts with go carts.

A devout Buddhist he participated in his religious activities unobtrusively. With his health deteriorating and no apparent signs of recovery, he did not sulk. His wife and daughters looked after him with exemplary affection, love and care.

They endured the trauma with love and remarkable affection and bore the loss with equanimity. Felix is no more – Sri Lanka lost a great man and Oman, a friend who loved the Sultanate and its people. Felix was a rare personality.

He epitomized the legendary person who would walk with alacrity and equal harmony with beggars and Kings. There was no vestige of superciliousness and assumption in him. May he attain the supreme bless of Nirvana and may his journey be short and comfortable!

J.T. Rex Fernando.

Professor Evan A. Hardy:

The Ampara Technical College was founded by him

The 49th death anniversary of the late Prof. Evan A. Hardy, founder of the Technical Training Institute, now known as Hardy Advanced Technological Institute, Ampara fell on December 4, 2012. Prof. Evan A. Hardy came to Ceylon as an Expert in Dry Zone Agriculture, provided by the FAO of the United Nations.

This was the time Sri Lanka then Ceylon, had begun to feel the need for agricultural development as a very important aspect of her economic development. Immediately on his arrival he identified that there was an acute shortage of technically qualified trained personnel in the country in almost all engineering fields including agriculture. As such, with the permission from the Ceylon government he set up the Technical Training Institute in Ampara.

This location he selected, mainly because the government launched its first development scheme, the Gal Oya Valley Development in the Ampara area, which was carried out by the Gal Oya Development Board.

He produced the blue prints and with the approval of the G.O.D.B. put up the necessary infrastructure and commenced Diploma Courses in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, Soil Science, Surveying and Levelling, and Irrigation.

These courses were open for students from South and South-East Asian countries. As such, at the inception itself, there were students from Burma, Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand and Singapore.

Prof. Evan A. Hardy was the Director of this Technical Training Institute until his demise. He was a father and a guardian to each student alike.

His last wishes were to cremate his body in the institute premises and the ashes to be laid there. As a mark of respect to this eminent personality, the Technical Training Institute was named after him as the 'Hardy Institute of Technical Training'.

W.D. Samarasena

Gertrude Constance Piyasena (Rosa):

She inspired all of us

When I was but a toddler, the clearest and most distinct memory I had of my grandmother was of sitting opposite to her at the dining table which then seemed an endless surface of polished wood, swinging my legs which hung a full two feet off the ground while watching her engulfed in reading the newspaper.

As I traced circles on the surface of the table with my fingers, I observed her carefully as young children are apt to do in their moments of silence and reverie. Her long tresses of hair was always plaited neatly and she curled the end with her fingers as she read on with great interest, glancing at me every now and again, acknowledging my presence with a smile, a nod and the odd question.

Every single time my brother and I visited her, may be for a leisurely couple of hours or a frantic five minutes, we always went to her to redeem a reward of affection, a loving hug and a kiss which she gave with her heart on her lips. When I think about my grandmother, the very first thing that comes to mind is her warm embrace.

Her skin always had a soft powdery scented maternal quality to it and her voice sang of sunshine and Saturday mornings. She inspired all of us her grandchildren, and instilled in us the value of education to acquire knowledge and skills in our chosen fields, as with her children, and above all to be Children of God.

Her perpetual interest in the culinary arts fuelled my own passion for cooking. She loved to experiment with different ingredients and eagerly ruffled through endless pages of recipes. It was not unusual to receive a telephone call from her in the middle of the day, many a times to share a culinary feat inviting us to share in its joy and occasionally asking our opinion on how a particular dish could be prepared.

It is said that grandchildren and grandparents get along so well because they have a common enemy. But it was her unfailing love for her own children which bound us, her grandchildren, to her as she taught both us and her children our parents, to love freely and fully.

Though she is not present in body with us anymore, on sunny mornings when not a leaf moves and the sunlight streams through the windows and dances on your skin, that funny feeling of warmth which runs through you from tip of your nose to the tips of your toes, you know that she's there, looking for you.

Nivanka Fernando and grand children

Thangammah Tharmalingam :

Unforgettable life partner

My beloved and devoted life-partner passed away on 27.11.2012 at the age of 87 leaving me, our children and those near and dear ones immersed in tears and in unfathomable and everlasting deep grief. We lived a congenial and harmonious married life for fifty seven years.

She was God fearing, devoted and an obliging life-partner. I struggle to find proper words to express our deep and heart rending sorrow that has gripped us by the demise causing a void that can never he filled.

Although she was used to city life having been born in Vannarapannai a municipal locality in Jaffna town and having lived there till her marriage to me, she readily adopted herself to rural life without any grumble or disgust as I had opted to lead a rural life in view of my simple way of living and the career I was engaged in. She never crossed my words nor engaged in argument with me on any matter.

Such was her tolerance and obliging character that facilitated us to lead a congenial and harmonious married life for such a long time without any displeasure or disruption.

She was a strength to me in my ups and downs in life and took up the responsibility of minding the family affairs on her shoulders and also the daunting task of bringing up our five children, four sons and a daughter, in an exemplary manner. She coached our children in their education to achieve higher standards.

She took special care in moulding their character beside instilling religious and moral values in their minds to enable them to become worthy citizens and to face life in the present context of time. She was an adoring grandmother to her grandchildren. Later we had to shift reluctantly to Soyzapura, Moratuwa due to the conflict in the North. Even then she followed the same routine in life. Although all our children are married and settled in life, they were still much attached to their mother because of her caring and affectionate attitude.

We were extremely sad to witness her suffering from a brief illness in her last days. We can neither bear her loss nor forget her in our life time. She lives in our hearts. We are unable to believe that she is no more but feel that she is among us in an invisible form monitoring our welfare.

May her blessed soul (aaththma) Rest in Peace at the louts feet of Lord Siva.

Tharmalingam

Mrs. L.A. Gunasekara:

A silent social worker

I write this on the death of Mrs. L.A. Gunasekara on November 13, 2010 at her ancestral home at Kamburugamuwa, with much feelings. Feelings of happiness for the beautiful memories we have of her, feelings of sadness that she is no more with us to share life's joys and sorrows. We miss her but we know that she is free of pain now. We remember her as a loving mother, friend, a devout Buddhist and a silent social worker, with love and gratitude. She hailed from a distinguished family in the Southern Province. She was a lady par excellence. It could be said that there was a place in her magnanimous heart for everyone she came in contact with.

She was also respected by one and all for her humility, sympathy, affection and compassion. She was also one who walked among the cream of society but never lost the common touch and was of a unique calibre. We loved her in life and we shall not forget her in death. Her passing away at the age of 86 years came as an irreparable loss to her family, relations, friends and to all those who associated with her.

Mrs. L.A. Gunasekera was married to the late K.W. Dublin De Silva, a leading businessman in the South. She was blessed with 10 children and her eldest son Ivan De Silva is the Secretary to the Mahaweli and Water Management Ministry. It could also be said that she brought up her children in an exemplary manner and gave them a brilliant education. I would be failing in my duty, if I do not mention here, Mrs. Anura De Silva who looked after her when she was sick for a long time, like a Florence Nightingale.

Before I conclude my appreciation, I would like to quote the following lines.

'There is always a face before us, voice that we love to hear. A smile that we will always remember of the mother we loved so dear. Deep in our heart lies a picture worth more than gold. The image of a beautiful mother whose memory will never fade. Your life, a beautiful memory, your death, a lasting sorrow.

Cecil R. Senanayake

K.P. Bandula:

A first class teacher

News of the death of K.P. Bandula reached us a little late and we were profoundly shocked and grief-stricken. He passed away after a brief-illness and was cremated at Piliyandala amidst a well attended gathering. I am sure his wife Soma will forgive me for this late but factual Appreciation, which I should have written weeks back.

K.P. Bandula was a teacher at Prince of Wales' College, Moratuwa, until his transfer to Hingurakgoda. Born in 1937, after his primary education at Rahula College, Matara, he entered the Teachers’ Training College as a Science Special first class teacher. He served many schools first, being Prince of Wales College, Moratuwa and next, Buddhayaya Maha Vidyalaya in Hingurakgoda.

Bandula was the eldest in a family of eight who were government servants. He has one son and a daughter Maduka who is married to Dr. Dissanayake who serves at the Coastal Research Station in Germany. Bandula was able to earn the respect and goodwill of his colleagues by the devotion to work and the impartiality with which he conducted himself. The staff of other schools in the district especially students, were ever eager to invite him to address them on various subjects which he readily agreed. All those who had the privilege of associating him will always treasure his memories as he was a great friend. To his family, he was a dedicated, loyal, kind hearted and above all a caring father.

Bandula loved to associate with ordinary people mainly because his activities were all based on education. His vision and mission was to create a science educated society which he always treasured. One day I met Bandula who was on his way home and inquired about his life in the rural. “I regret I have but one life to educate my rural folk in this area. But I am quite satisfied with what I have done for them” was his reply. Again he said, “Life is a package of pleasant, painful and neutral experiences”.

Today he is no more but the fragrance of his mission to our country will spread everywhere. On behalf of the Matara Rahula OBA Colombo Branch, I bid Adieu to our beloved friend and also extend our deepest sympathies to his wife Soma and his family and say that there will be no name monuments and streets after him.

His only monument as an honest teacher and his legacy to his family is an untarnished reputation and example of a caring human being.

May be attain the Supreme Bliss of Nibbana!

H.K. Ariyaratne

Sunil Gunawardena:

A religious minded person

Sunil Gunawardena of Pannipitiya, passed away recently. He was the elder brother of Nuwan Gunawardena, leading singer. He retired as a Bank Manager after years of employment at the bank. Sunil who resided at Bogahawatte Road in Pannipitiya, close to our residence was a religious minded person who always gave a helping hand to Buddhist temples in the vicinity and was also involved in other forms of social activities. Sunil Gunawardena is no more with us but we will not forget him. He was associated with us very closely.

May he attain the supreme bliss of Nibbana!

M.G. Asoka Karunaratne

Sarath Vijitha Perera:

He bore no one ill will

It is a year since the sudden and sad demise of Sarath Vijitha Perera. He made a happy entry into our lives when he met and fell in love with our sister Kumari, thirty years ago. An incredibly energetic and intelligent young man at the time, Sarath was imbued with a sincere caring and sensitivity as well as maturity that belied his youthful countenance.

He was an instant hit with all of us. Sadly, tragedy of the cruelest sort struck, taking away their beloved daughter Natassja in her childhood but Sarath stood with great fortitude and courage to carry himself and Kummi through what was the saddest moment of their lives. Later when Demitri, Sasha, Annja and Yannik came into their lives Sarath and Kummi nurtured them into wonderful youth through great love and devotion.

In his chosen profession, Sarath worked with great dedication to rise to a position of the highest respect and admiration. He counted 24 years of loyal service to Emirates Airlines at the time of his passing away. Sarath's unexpected sudden departure left us all in shock and grief. There is no doubt that he held great dreams and aspirations for a longer sojourn in his life with Kummi and their treasured children but difficult to bear are the vicissitudes of life when the good die young, for that he was a loving husband and a devoted father.

The best tribute that I can pay is to say that he did what he had to do for those near and dear to him and bore no one ill will.

Henry Jayaweera