Group Photo from Habarana Reunion 2007

Death of Col. (Dr.) Tilak Dayaratna

The Island July 14, 2012, 6:19 pm

The Royal College 1953 Group regrets to announce the recent passing of their friend and schoolmate, Col. (Dr.) Tilak Dayaratna.
Tilak had his entire primary and secondary education at the Royal Primary School and at Royal College, Colombo, before entering the Colombo Medical Faculty 50 years ago. After qualifying, he served a long period as a volunteer in the Medical Corps of the Sri Lanka Army being assigned to frontline postings during the war.

He retired from the Army with the rank of Colonel.
He also practiced as a GP at Borella and from his home in Nawala.
A gifted artist as a schoolboy, his sketches and water colours drew great admiration.
Simple, friendly and unassuming, he had some wild adventures (and accidents!) on his motor cycle during his younger days.
He was the eldest son of the late Mr. D.G. Dayaratna of the former Ceylon Civil Service, who retired as Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Education and Mrs. Padmini Jayawickrema of Panadura. His younger brother, Deepal, predeceased him.
Tilak leaves his wife, Deepa, and a son.

Royal College 1953 Group

Anybody for Golf?

Dear All,

Just wondering whether any of you are interested in a game of golf on the lead up to or after the Hikkaduwa event? It would be lovely if we could form a group and play in Colombo or even Digana. If interested, could you email me please?

Speedy

mgsk@btinternet.com

First Ever CoMSAA Get-togeth​er and Scientific Sessions

Colombo Medical School Alumni Association
Faculty of Medicine
University of Colombo
Sri Lanka
comsaa@rocketmail.com
www.comsaa.org

E-mail from Yankee Bala

Hi Lucky

I have been following all the activities on your blog and you would not believe, how much I want to join in the 50th. year reunion, but, life gets in your way and you have no choice.

I did Vascular and General surgery for 38 yrs and finally I hung up my "shingles" and took up a job with the Government, last month. I am unable to get time off to come for the Gala.
It seems a cop out on my part, but, I will be there in spirits and have a Drink on me.

In the mean time, a little detail about my family. I have three gorgeous kids, oldest son is a Corporate Lawyer / Politician; my daughter an Educator, Principal; my youngest son is a
Bio - Engineer, Director and FIVE grand kids, whom I spoil them rotten. Life has been good.

I agree with "Speedy's rationalization" and I hope his golf scores are improving, as mine are in the toilet.

Lucky, if you happen to video tape the event, I would like to have a copy of it. Hope I could identify all my mates. Like they say in Texas  -  Have a Ball Ya All.

Hi Ho !
Yankee Bala

We Entered Medical School 50 Years Ago

Please click on the following link to read my article titled "We Entered Medical School 50 Years Ago" in the Sunday Island of 8th July, 2012.
http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=56231

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Hi Lucky!
It's a remarkable contribution you have made. It just rolled back the years and took one on a walk down memory lane. I particularly like the fact that you always give respectful imp ortance to our dear departed batch mates. They are like golden posts on that memory lane.
For some strange reason although 50 more years of student intake has taken place, to me, our 1962 batch stands out like a bright star. It must be because I have watched all the stars of our batch as they shone over the years. If they could all write down their experiences as you did, Lucky, we would have many best sellers in Sri Lanka, and some inspiration to aspiring students of any subject.
Zita

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As expected, it was an excellent 'article' you have presented!  You have always been the genuine and sincere chap I  came to know since we became medical colleagues!  Fate delivered a welcome and complimentary blow on me, when one day (post graduation) we became close relations!  Hilariously, as I recall, you became my "Uncle"!!!!! (  this topic is open to debate and dissension!)
  Above all this, you always maintained a very superior sense of humour which undoubtedly embellished your character and won my personal admiration!  Pity there weren't more like you - then again, we would be asking for a 'perfect world', which alas does not exist! 
     Laughter, humour, satire,sarcasm and wit are the only great qualities left in a human being.It also helps to distinguish ourselves from the rest of the animal world. Unless such 'traits' are nurtured,  stimulated and caressed we may all descend into a state of anarchy and frustration!
 Regrettably, some do not share these views, but by quoting the wise words of Siddarth Gautama,  "all component things are subject to degeneration and decay", we should, and at all times, remain diligent.  "Happiness" is a state of the mind and we should not deny it to ourselves, by the avoidance of good humour!
    It is very commendable of you to liaise with our  former medical school mates, in your effort to revive good old times!
I wish you and the other 'organisers' all success at the forthcoming events.  Neelangani joins me to send our love to you and your family. Maithree!

from Dr. Ranjith Dambawinna

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Lucky
Fine memories and as always well written.
Regards
ND

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From Malkanthie McCormick

Thank you for a wonderful article! Thank you also to the hard work of all the members of the organizing committee to make this the best ever re union! I am glad, Swyrie prevailed on me to make this trip and I look forward to the re union!

malkanthie

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Super article Lucky. So reminiscent of good old days gone by. You have got us even more excited about meeting friends after so long.

Swyrie

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Thanks Lucky
Good one!
Pram

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well done ,just read your article .
Sura

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English Countryside

By Mahendra Gonsalkorala

 A glow spreads across the sky                      
Like the warm smile of a girl so shy                 
As dawn by stealth creeps in
The sounds of perky birds builds up to a din
The smell of happy flowers so fine
Opening joyously, soaking the sunshine
The sound of distant rumbling
Of the herd of horses approaching
The gush of a stream sweeping
Across the wet stones leaping
Searching tirelessly for something
Ceaselessly for ever wandering
The trees become taller, majestic too
Glistening beams breaking through,
The leafy roof top, that covers so well
Grander much more than a citadel
Light up my path oh so serene
Pierce my soul, as calm sets in
A rabbit darts in and then disappears
As a lamb dancing, skipping appears
Then cuddles to mum for suckling
His tail now furiously waggling
In this wonderful joyful countryside
So free, such beauty, I declare with pride 

Tilak Dayaratne - In Memoriam

By Nihal D. Amerasekera

He had his education at Royal College Colombo. I came to know Tilak during the rag in 1962 when we both wore brinjals round our necks and exercised vigorously in the quadrangle. He accepted the rigours and the humiliation of the rag better than I did. Tilak lived in Homagama and rode his Moto Guzzi /Ducati generating noise and elegance in equal measure. As I travelled from Nugegoda he often gave me a lift. Although convenient it was a journey not without its hair raising moments when he cruised at high speed, weaving through the traffic on High Level Road. Tilak was kind and generous and never accepted my offers to pay him for the trip. He often said he should pay me for my willingness to take the risk. 

Tilak had the mind-set of a sensitive youth. He was disdainful of hypocrisy, social convention and conformity. His apparent indifference should not be confused with a lack of respect for values and beliefs. He was clever and on the mark all through the difficult years of hard grind as medical students. Tilak detested the spotlight and remained an enigmatic recluse all his life but interacted well with his colleagues and close friends. We got on tremendously well during our days at Medical College. On those rare social occasions he ignited interesting discussion and humour. 

I was on the verge of asking Lucky Abeygunawardene to bring Tilak along when we meet in Colombo in September when I heard the sad news.  The loss of a friend brings home one’s own mortality.  Simple and down to earth he never suffered from the “big ego syndrome” often attributed to medical students and doctors.  Tilak was never critical of anyone and never argued. He was always polite, kind and courteous and will be sorely missed by all who knew him. 

Some go silently into the night -

walk through the park of our humanity

with breath that parts no air -

steps that bend no grass -

disturbing nothing as they pass.  Anon

May he attain the Ultimate Bliss of Nirvana

Tilak Dayaratne

I just heard the sad news that yet another member of our batch had passed away three days ago. The funeral had been held the next day with full military honours. He had served as a volunteer in the Sri Lanka Army Medical Corp. Sri Lankan newspapers have not carried an obituary notice so far.