Madhawa Ganegoda:

His death has created a vacuum that can never be filled

One cannot imagine how quickly time passed since the untimely demise of my brother’s only son, Madhawa Ganegoda, whom I loved as my own son. Your death, for certain, has created a vacuum that can never be filled in our lives.

Having graduated from the University of Colombo, prior to obtaining a Diploma in Writer-ship and Mass Communication from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura and another Diploma in the production field from Youth Services Council – Maharagama, you won a number of medals in the field of mass media during your short span of life.

Madhawa ! You are no more with us. Even a short span of thirty years is sufficient for an exemplary character like you to acquire useful knowledge and impart it for the benefit of the others. Your excellence in the field of mass media, and more importantly in electronic media, made us spell bound as to how you gathered such knowledge in such a short period of time. You were extremely clever and stood far beyond the reach of others in studies as well as creating new knowledge. Derana who appreciated your contribution, stood by you to maximize your life, until you breathed the last breath. We as close relations appreciate much the services rendered by Derana to make your life expandable for the service of the community. We are also extremely mindful of the helping hand extended by Derana to make you happy, even in the last few hours of your life. In fact, you were married to Derana, and in turn you treated Derana as your second home.

Madhawa, you were a popular figure among your media community, and your acquaintance with them was almost inseparable. However, we can only reminisce these fond memories as you are no more with us, with your friends, colleagues, peers and your superiors at Derana. Giving much hope and leaving us in such a short stay amidst us, is an unkindest drama.

You climbed high in your chosen field, and strove hard to serve the community with your knowledge and expertise in the handling of most advanced electronic media equipment. Personally you showed us the positive side of human life. This was the message you promoted in the media as well as in your exemplary but extremely short stay with us.

Let us conclude this short essay of remembrance with the following words, although for sure, they may not express the true love and intimacy we have for you.

We cannot say, and we will not say
That you are dead. You are just away.
With a cheery smile, and a wave of the hand,
You have temporarily wandered into an unknown land.
Dear Madhawa, our Ran Putha, May you attain the Supreme bliss of Nibbana!

Malini Ganegoda

Benjamin Polwatte:

A man of integrity and honesty

The 30th death anniversary of Benjamin Polwatte falls on June 9, 2013. Benjamin Polwatte’s illustrious life began in “Indipola” Mirissa, down south, where he grew up attending the village school for his primary education and then moved to Mahinda College Galle, where he completed his secondary education.

After leaving school, he joined the Government Clerical Service and from then on, his life was an uphill climb. His commitment to work and service gave him the opportunity of holding a key position in the administrative service.

I knew Benjamin aiya as a man with integrity and honesty. He rose to become a member of the prestigious Ceylon Administrative Service of the Government Press, Director Food Controller, Chief Administrative Officer Sri Lanka Railway and was the first General Manager of the Ceylon Fisheries Harbours Cooperation, when it was established in the early 1970’s. Even though he held such prestigious positions, Benjamin was a simple man. He was selfless in his ways and had a love of humankind.

He married Sumana Irangi De Silva on January 12, 1949. Sumana Polwatte nee De Silva was a gracious lady and strength to her husband whose career made ample demands on his time. She kept house for him and brought their four children, two boys and two girls.

I will never forget Sumana’s and Benjamin’s hospitality whenever we went to their home, where friends and relations often gathered to share their sorrows and happiness with the couple. Their home in Dehiwala was an “Open house” to all those who visited there.

Their hospitality was not bounded by class, creed and race. Benjamin Polwatte was a dedicated father and a loving husband. Even with a busy schedule, he always tried to find time to spend time with his wife and children. He was particular about his children’s education and concerned that they should grow up to be responsible human beings.

He also took a keen interest in the upliftment of the social, cultural and religious well-being of the neighbourhood together with his wife. His wife continued to support the community in this manner long after his death.

When death came suddenly to snatch away a life well lived, a life so worthy, it was indeed a blow not only to his family but to all in the neighbourhood and all who knew him as a friend and relative. People from all walks of life thronged to the house down Allen Avenue, Dehiwala to bid farewell to a “Good Man”. I remember the huge crowd that wended its way to the Mt.Lavinia cemetery which itself is a testimony to a life that is praiseworthy.

May he attain the supreme bliss of Nirwana.

- Mettananda Samarawickrema