I.K. Weerawardena :

A good field officer

I.K. Weerawardena completed his secondary education at Ananda College and entered the University of Peradeniya to complete his first degree in Sociology. In 1979 I met I.K. Weerawardena as a visiting lecturer at the University of Colombo when I was following my Post Graduate Diploma in Rural Area Development.

He came as the Sociology lecturer for this course. After the lectures he invited us for a cup of tea at Lion House, Bambalapitiya. Over a cup of tea, he explained his experiences in the public service. These explanations were new aspirations for us as beginners in our career. I still can remember that he stated that the public service was maintained by state funds and that state employees should serve the public as servants (public servants) and not as public masters. This philosophy he maintained not only as a public servant but also on numerous assignments that he served after his retirement period.

He joined the Department of Agrarian Services in 1959 and was transferred to the Kalutara District as Assistant Commissioner to start a branch of the Department. In 1971 he became the Deputy Commissioner of Agrarian Services and in 1973 he became the Commissioner of Agrarian Services. Along with this post he held the position of Director, Rural Institutions and Productivity Laws.

In the mid 1950s a survey conducted revealed that nearly 32 per cent of paddy lands were cultivated under the Ande (Tenant) cultivators.

The Ande farmer had to give half his share to the landlord. This resulted in enormous hardships to the peasants. In 1958 a progressive reform called the Paddy Lands Act was introduced to extract the problems of the peasant community.

This Act was linked to the Multi Purpose Co-operative Movement, Paddy Guaranteed Price Scheme, Crop Insurance, and Farmers’ Bank (People's Bank established later). This was the era in which the concept of social justice was introduced in many countries for peasantry. Sri Lanka applied this liberal package of services to the peasants. Under this Act an institute called the Cultivation Committee was established, where the farmers could elect their own representatives.

This was the first time in Sri Lanka that farmer organizations were introduced among peasantry. This Act had broad objectives such as to fix wage schemes for agricultural labour, to start collective farms, to manage agricultural loans, to hire agricultural implements and to manage irrigation systems.

To implement this new legislation Weerawardena dedicated his skills in a professional manner not only as the Head of the Department but also by writing several books on this concept. In Mahaweli System C (Girandurukotte), the first Resident Project Manager (RPM) was Weerawardena, who was selected by the minister. As he was known to be a good field officer, he was asked to select one of two jobs: the first was Government Agent (GA) Nuwara Eliya and the second was RPM in the Mahaweli Authority of Sri Lanka (MASL). Although the minister offered him the GA post in his own electorate, Nuwara Eliya, as he liked to face new challenges, he selected the post of RPM System C. During the end of 1979 there were no houses in Girandurukotte. As a result, he operated with his staff from Hasalaka.

The MASL management and the settlement planners thought that it was necessary to obtain close participation of the settlers during the early stages of the settlement process.

This was known as Worker Settler Programme (WSP). The main objectives of the WSP were to obtain settler participation for the development process and to allow them to earn an income until they got their income from paddy cultivation, and to obtain the optimum benefits of mixing indigenous knowledge of the settlers on canal construction with related modern technology.

Once the settler families were selected only the chief householder left for the new Mahaweli settlement area initially and joined a settler camp leaving the family behind in the old village.

The family was to join him only when the home plot was cleared and a small temporary house was built. When the WSP was introduced Weerawardena was the RPM and he observed the drawbacks of this concept. He explained that the rural chief householder cannot be isolated from the family. As they were isolated they (chief householders) felt homesick, and were unable to preform the expected tasks. Weerawardena's clarification was well accepted by the MASL management, the donors and Prof. Thayer Scudder, the head of the annual evaluation team. As a result, WSP was terminated. He obtained an opportunity to function as National Expert on Institutional Organizer Planning (1988) and Institutional Specialist, National Irrigation Rehabilitation Project (1995). Regularly, he used to write articles to newspapers in Sinhala and English languages. In August 22, 2008, he wrote an article to commemorate 50 Years of the Paddy Lands Act and explained the evolution of the Act during the half-century.

May he attain the supreme bliss of Nibbana!

Senaka A. Samarasinghe Winnipeg, Canada

Ruby Amerasinghe :

She was devoted and dedicated

The month of May brought sad memories of my sister Ruby who went to be with the Lord on May 22, 1997 and of my brother Isaac who departed from us on May 16, 2005. Now both of them are free from all pain and are safely resting in the care of the Lord, is my belief. After her education, Ruby initially found employment as a teacher at Wolvendhal Girls' High School, where she was very dedicated and committed to her school and her pupils alike.

She subsequently joined the staff of Lever Brothers (Ceylon) Limited at Grandpass in the capacity of Secretary. She served in this capacity for a lengthy period until she reached her age of retirement.

She was a very devoted and dedicated employee in the company, so much so that she was commended many a time by her superiors and the management. As a Secretary, Ruby won the admiration and respect of all those whom she came into contact with, both in and out of the company.

Ruby was very fond of pets and gardening which was her hobby. She spent almost all her leisure time outdoors, and maintained a lovely garden with all kinds of flowers ranging from the common Begonias to the exquisite Red Roses. As for her pets - she had many cats, and her daughter Fiona, who also was fond of cats looked after and cared for them.

Fiona was very emotional when her last cat died and tearfully related the incident to us at a prayer meeting held for her father Hugh, on March 18. Ruby was a Methodist and very devoted to God. As a family, they never missed the Sabbath Day service at the church. She took part in all church activities, be they wide functions or otherwise.

Celebrating Ruby's birthday was something we eagerly looked forward for every year. She took pains and care to prepare cakes, sweet meats and other delicious items of foods for both the young and old who visited her on her birthday. Her many friends who were so faithful to her, her nephew and nieces and also her faithful domestic help Anne Amme who worked for her for a very long time, did certainly enjoy themselves at her birthday party.

Sister Ruby fell sick unexpectedly. During her time of sickness, Hugh looked after her very well. He saw to all her comforts and ensured that she lacked in nothing and was always dutifully by her side. Ruby never showed any signs of pain even while she was in bed but was always cheerful and smiling.

There were many Pastors of the church and her friends who visited her and prayed for her. Yet my dear sister Ruby passed away, and into the hands of the Lord, as every one of us will one day. With her death, Hugh lost a precious wife and Fiona, a devoted and caring mother. Patricia Jerome and Lester have lost a kind and affectionate aunt. I have lost a caring and loving sister.

'Deep in our hearts you will always be

Loved and remembered every day'

Violet Vincent

Benjamin Polwatte :

A simple man with love for mankind

The 30th death anniversary of Benjamin Polwatte fell on June 9, 2013. Benjamin Polwatte's illustrious life began at Indipola in Mirissa, in the South of Sri Lanka, 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 of integrity and honesty. He rose to become a member of the prestigious Ceylon Administrative Service. He served at the Government Press, was Food Controller, Chief Administrative Officer of the Sri Lanka Railway and the first General Manager of the Ceylon Fisheries Harbour Corporation when it was established in the early 1970s.

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 was a gracious lady and a strength to her husband whose career made much demand on his time. She kept house for him and brought up their four children - two boys and two girls. I will never forget Sumana's and Benjamin's hospitality whenever we went to their house, 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 it. Their hospitality was not bound by class, creed or race.

Benjamin Polwatte was a dedicated father and a loving husband. Even with a busy schedule, he always tried to find time to spend 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 neighborhood 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 Nirvana!

Mettananda Samarawickrema

R. P. Butani:

A successful businessman

The death anniversary of R.P. Butani fell recently. Butani was a business entrepreneur, a philanthropist a social and religious worker and a person who was loved by everyone who knew him not only in Nuwara Eliya, but in the whole island throughout.

He hailed from Bombay in India, and joined the Sindhy business circles in Nuwara-Eliya during the British colonial regime, rose up as a dominant business magnate and set up his business empire in Nuwara-Eliya.

He had a large family comprising children such as Pragash, Ranjith, Kising Maya and Pushpa all of whom were born and bred in Nuwara-Eliya.

They were also educated in the hill country, mainly at St. Thomas’ College, Bandarawela and in other leading schools.

It is unfortunate that the family is no more in Nuwara-Eliya, but now live in Colombo. Yet, the Butani's have made their mark and presence felt in this city mainly due to their contributions in various methods for the benefit of the citizens.

It would be recalled that Butani who was a giant of a personality, was a keen religious worker, and a close associate of the late Ven. Pandit Senanantha Thero of the International Buddhist and Cultural Centre which stands in the center of the Nuwara-Eliya City and is one of the major tourist attractions.

The other notable feature of Butani was that on every Thaipongal day he distributed rice and coconuts to the poor and needy people in the Nuwara-Eliya areas. Such was his generosity, which was highly appreciated by one and all. His children too are following in the foot-steps of the father. The late Prime Minister Mrs. Srimavo Bandaranayaka often visited Butani's home during her visits to Nuwara-Eliya.

Butani used to relate that he was able to fathom his business friends who called on him for business dealings, by studying their faces to judge this credit worthiness.

This was his secret to becoming a successful businessman. May his soul Rest in Peace!

P. Rajaratnam

Jothi Godage:

A jewel of a friend who enriched our lives

It is still difficult to accept the fact that Jothi is no more. It is equally difficult to accept the fact that the vibrant, vivaciously fun loving Jothi, had to spend the last few years of his life out of circulation, unable to visit friends and seldom visited by his wide circle of friends. Despite the rigours of dialysis and a severely restricted fluid intake he valiantly tried to keep his spirits high but gradually the inevitable weariness and hopelessness took its toll.

I was his senior at Royal College, and my first encounter with Jothi was when I spotted him and a few of his classmates attempting to sneak off from school well before the final bell had rung. As a Prefect I had to apprehend them and Jothi's explanation which I found hard to believe but did accept because of the manner in which it was said was, “No, we are not going out of school we are returning to school”.

Years later, numerous social connections drew us together. In fact so close, that he was the Bestman at my wedding.

There were two remarkable aspects of Jothi's character which endeared him to his friends. One was his infectious ability to enjoy life and make everyone around him enjoy it too. No problem whether it was his own or a friend's it was never too serious to prevent a good time from being had.

Jothi would simply waive-off the problem with a disarming smile and amazingly, it did get waived off. The other was his happy willingness to walk the proverbial second mile to help a friend. I well remember the time when my son, just five years old, was warded at Durdans Hospital.

It necessitated my wife having to be with him day and night. When Jothi came to see the little patient my wife requested him to stay awhile until she went home to get a set of fresh clothes. When she returned about an hour later there was Jothi reading a story to my son and keeping him company. Jothi's ability to relate to even a small child was amazing.

The other instance of Jothi's selfless service which I am personally aware of, was the manner in which he played the role of a son to the late Prof. E. O. E. Pereira who towards the latter part of his life was partially incapacitated. Jothi's classmate and friend was the Professor's youngest son Allan, who had migrated to Australia with his elder brother Lorenz. Brian the second son was a planter. It was here that Jothi stepped in to fill the void. He would visit Prof. E. O. E. every day, attend to his correspondence, go to the bank when necessary to cash a cheque and spend considerable time chatting with the scholarly Professor.

Jothi was the only son in a charming family and had four sisters. He was very devoted to his mother and sisters and they in turn were absolutely devoted to him. It was no doubt that this love and care in which Jothi was nurtured, made him love and care for his friends.

Jothi did justice to his handsome looks by always dressing well - never overdressed, but always elegant. This together with his irresistible smile made him the cynosure of every young lady at every party. But it was a situation which he never exploited.

He treated his many admirers with respect and dignity. Even in death Jothi was the personification of being tall, dark and handsome. Yes, Jothi is no more but his memory lives on and we his friends can still hear his deep base voice reassuring us, “I say come on, don't worry, that's no problem. It can be sorted out.”

On behalf of all his friends I offer my most sincere sympathies to his wife Renuka and his sisters Kanthi, Amitha, Thusitha and Maya. To them like to us his friends, his loss is irreparable.

May his soul Rest in Peace!

J. Godwin Perera

Lakshmi de Mel:

Always gave of her best

It was with deep sadness that I recently learnt of the demise of my dear friend Lakshmi, whom I had known from our primary school days at Girls’ High School, Mt Lavinia.

Drawn to her by her friendly, cheerful, kind ways from our early age we forged an enduring friendship which lasted over many years.

An exceptionally bright, intelligent student, she shone and showed promise of high academic achievement. Lakshmi lost her lawyer father to typhoid when she was a baby.

It was a struggle for her mother who had to work, raise, educate Lakshmi and support the family. Even with some help from the extended family, it was a hard time for them.

Despite all these hardships, Lakshmi continued to shine at school and had excellent results in her Senior School Certificate.

To further her studies Bishop Lakdasa de Mel who was related to her father was able to obtain a well deserved scholarship on her excellent performance for Lakshmi, at Ladies’ College, Colombo. She was a quiet, unassuming, eager, bright student popular with the teachers and her fellow classmates – many of whom she continued to be in touch with.

They respected and regarded her with much love and affection. It was Lakshmi's way of showing her gratitude for the education she received at Ladies’ College, by joining their teaching staff, soon after obtaining her Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Ceylon, Colombo. After many years as a dedicated and conscientious teacher, Lakshmi was forced to resign from her post as she developed a throat condition, which made it impossible for her to continue as a teacher.

Unhappy and disappointed she had to leave. She was always mindful of what she had received and continued to show her appreciation and loyalty to her Alma Mater in generous ways.

Lakshmi gave of her best while employed at the Department of Small Industries, Export Development Board and later at the DFCC Bank where her colleagues will vouch for her integrity, hard work, dedication and friendship.

Some of them were present at her funeral and even at the Memorial Service at the Cathedral of Christ the Living Saviour, Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Colombo 7.

Lakshmi being the dutiful caring daughter and with the close bond she shared with her mother, always put her mother's needs before her own happiness and future. As her mother's health deteriorated, Lakshmi looked after her lovingly, with great care and devotion till she passed away.

Whenever I visited Sri Lanka from my home in Australia, Lakshmi was a friend I'd always meet. On the last occasion, we spent a delightful few hours chatting over a delicious lunch she treated me with. As good friends do, we opened up to each other reminiscing of memorable times we had shared.

Our happy, carefree laughter and enjoyment will always be remembered with joy and a tinge of sadness for a sincere loving friend. I will greatly miss her. Despite all the odds, Lakshmi's courage, selflessness, kindness and affection will live in the hearts of all who came to know her.

I write this on behalf of her many friends and those whose lives she touched in Sri Lanka and abroad.

Her thoughtful, loving nature endeared us to her and we her friends will dearly miss the gentle, unassuming, cheerful person she was.

She was indeed a loyal and genuine friend.

A God fearing Christian, whose faith never wavered in the face of many challenges, she trusted in her Saviour to lead and guide her to a truly Blessed life of peace and fulfillment help and service to those in need.

May the Lord grant her eternal rest and peace!

Chandra Selvanayagam (Nee Jehoratnam)

Violet Ilesinghe:

Devoted social worker

It is exactly one month since Violet Ilesinghe passed away in Australia. She was a dedicated Nursing Officer who was attached to the General Hospital in Colombo, and was the loving wife of Siriwimala Muthukumarana O.A. of the General Hospital.

Those who knew her well found her to be scrupulously honest, intelligent, humble and kind. Throughout her life, she dedicated herself to serve the sick and the unfortunate. She helped the patients in the hospital in many ways. She was an active office bearer of the General Hospital Buddhist Association and the Rohal Seva Kavaya. It was a Shramadana movement which organised health camps and surgical operations.

This voluntary movement performed all their activities on a voluntary basis and was headed by Dr. P.R. Anthonis, the famous surgeon. A long waiting list of hernia and hydrocele patients was cleared completely in a short time. Violet Ilesinghe was in charge of the nursing care in the special shramadana ward opened by the Health Ministry. The Health Minister at that time was A.P. Jayasooriya who highly appreciated her service, organising ability and the high degree of nursing care she rendered in this voluntary movement.

After retirement, she settled down in Australia with her daughter, Apsara. She always showed that exmple was better than advice. Genuineness, determination and gentleness were some of her noble qualities, She offered a humble smile which people will never forget.

She was a true Nightingale and a mirror of goodness. We dearly miss her and it does help to know that her cheerful, productive life offered much humanity. It was an inspiration for each of us who had the privilege of sharing her love. She was a devoted wife and a mother. She showered the family with much love and care. In return, she was very fortunate to have a loving family. Until her death, her husband Muthu and daughter Apsara and son in law did everything possible to ensure that she was well looked after and comfortable. We share the grief of her loss with the family.

May she attain the supreme bliss sof Nibbana!

A.D.T, Maithripala