Ravindra Anthony:

Charming and affable personality

On hearing of Ravindra Anthony's sudden and untimely passing away, all who knew him and had the good fortune of associating him, were overwhelmed by a deep sense of loss and profound grief. Ravi was the second in my sister Eunice's family of four. From his young days, he stood out as an obedient and God-fearing child with exemplary personal qualities.

He was devoutly religious, instinctively gentle and unassuming in demeanour. With his wife Nelufer whom he adored, he brought up his two sons and daughter with loving care and admirable affection, in a conservative religious environment. He loved his mother and father dearly and was always concerned about their well-being. His affection for his sisters and brother was admirable.

Ravi received his education at St. Benedict's College, Kotahena and at St. Sylvester's College, Kandy. He was very proud of his Alma mater and loved his schools very much. The Catholic environment and his education under the Christian brothers and Oblate priests had a profound impact on him. He was a multi-faceted person who struck a fine balance between academics, sports and extra-mural activities. He represented St. Benedict's College at cricket. As an accomplished musician he enlivened parties and social functions with his renderings on the guitar and wide repertoire of songs. Ravi was an active member of the Old Boys’ Union of St. Sylvester's College and maintained close contact with his school mates. The large number of school associates who came to pay their last respects, manifestly indicated their love, affection and admiration for Ravi.

Leaving school in the late seventies, Ravi pursued a career in the travel trade. With his excellent public relations and admirable concern for customers he excelled in his duties. The management of Ceylon Tours which recognized his professional competence and dedication to duty, placed him in positions of authority within relative short periods. He set up his own business a few years ago yet it is most unfortunate that he passed away when on the threshold, as he was just beginning to reap the benefits of his efforts.

Ravi was an exemplary Catholic, a gentle lovable and an unassuming person. He was totally sincere with a deep commitment to relations. He epitomized kindness, deep concern for others, admirable love for the elderly and other good qualities. He was happiest at home which was an abode of peace, love and tranquility. Those who visited him at his home experienced the family warmth and affection and Ravi's remarkable hospitality. I thank God for the gift of Ravi's relationship. I also thank God for his life.

J.T.R. Fernando

Chellappah Senadhirajah:

Crusader who resisted terrorism

Chellappah Senadhirajah, popularly known as Senadhi Master was born on June 24, 1922 in a remote village in the Jaffna District. He was the father of six daughters, one who became a producer-cum-announcer at Radio Ceylon in the 1980s which was no mean achievement for a young woman hailing from a remote village.

Considered the right hand of former Posts and Telecommunications Minister Chelliah Kumarasuriyar in the Sirimavo Bandaranayake Cabinet, he functioned as the Chief Organizer of the SLFP in the village.

Mobilizing the masses he almost single-handedly brought the minister close to victory in spite of the Eelam wave that swept Jaffna during the 1977 elections. My grandfather was an epitome of courage and could foresee and prophesied the downfall of the LTTE, being an eyewitness of their arrogance. He was considered a 'traitor' by the terrorists and would have been gunned down but for the view that he was too old and weak to pose a threat to their outfit.

We, the grandchildren followed in his footsteps and none fell into the trap of the deadly terror organization. Instead we have emerged champions of social justice with his blessings and valuable guidance. Inspired by the philosophies of the Buddha, Jesus Christ, Mahatma Gandhi, Vivekananda and many others the ideology of democracy and social equity, were his forte.

As a school teacher and Principal he served the village where he hailed from, in immeasurable dimensions. His passion for literature and flair for writing encouraged us to become writers and Journalists. He was not an overly ambitious person but enjoyed and believed in what he did. For him, it was never riches or cheap popularity but the principles of democracy which mattered the most.

I drew enough courage from him to uphold democracy at the expense of social acceptability, holding everything together when everything seemed to be falling apart with regard to democratic values, during the terrorism period. He predicted the downfall of the terrorists in the precise manner and was proved correct though he did not live to see his prophecy come true. He died a natural and peaceful death on March 12, 2007.

He was there for whoever needed him, be it his daughters, grandchildren or the villagers who were desperate to provide education for their children. He always kept the best interests of other persons in his mind. Being so close to all of us his grandchildren who were his pride and joy, he was my mentor, source of inspiration and everything. For us it is so hard to imagine that he has left us forever.

The void left by his departure can never be filled. My grandfather was so fond of books and reading was his full-time occupation. I used to argue with him for hours on various topics like politics, geography, literature, philosophy and science. It was his visionary thinking and the habit of staying ahead of times that moulded me to become a medical Doctor cum Journalist. I salute my dear grandpa for his unswerving faith in democracy.

Till we meet again may his soul rest in peace!

Dr. S. Surendrajith

A.P.M. Gunawardena

A social worker

A.P.M. Gunawardena of Kottawa passed away a few months ago. Born to a noble family he had a good education and thereafter joined the teaching profession which he served for a very lengthy period. He served in many schools in several districts in the island, rising up to the position of head teacher.

He was responsible for moulding pupils of a high calibre some of whom presently hold high positions in the government service and some as senior executives in state corporations. While serving as a teacher, he was also instrumental in coaching his pupils in sports activities, since he was also the physical instructor. However, Gunawardena remained a strict disciplinarian to his students at all times. He did not hesitate to impose punishment on any student who violated school regulations.

On retiring from the teaching service, Gunawardena played an active role in social activities.

He launched many projects to help the poor and also those who were affected by floods in the Southern and Eastern areas, by distributing needy items at short notice.

He also lent his support to Buddhist temples where he associated the Chief Incumbents of several temples as well as the other monks.

He always took pains to look into the needs of students monks attending pirivenas. In addition, Gunawardena was instrumental in activating the Urban Council to repair several roads in the Maharagama and Kottawa areas. The people of these areas are ever grateful to him for the community work that he performed.

Gunawardena was also an active member of the Maharagama Pensioners' Society. As a member of the committee of the Society, he organised several benefit programmes for the elderly in the village with the assistance of the Lions Club of Maharagama. His sudden departure created a void that could never be filled. May he attain the Supreme bliss of Nirvana!

G. Karunaratne