This blog is about new entrants to the Colombo Medical Faculty of the University of Ceylon (as it was then known) in June 1962. There were a total of 166 in the batch (included 11 from Peradeniya).Please address all communications to: colmedgrads1962@gmail.com.You may bookmark this page for easier access later. Header image: Courtesy Prof. Rohan Jayasekara, Dean, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo (2011 - 2014). Please use the search bar using a key word to access what interests you
Sanath Lamabadusuriya was kind enough to send this article written by the Late Prof Carlo Fonseka for posting. When Sanath retired from the Colombo Medical Faculty in September 2008, one of the gifts he received was a Festschrift ( a collection of writings published in honour of a scholar). This is Carlo Fonseka's contribution.
I read this earlier because Sanath had emailed this to me. What struck me was that this article revealed more about Carlo Fonseka than Sanath! His self-deprecating style of writing and his humility was very endearing. We all know what a multi-talented man he was and a really beloved, great teacher. I regret that I didn't stay in touch with teachers like him.
ReplyDelete(By the way, Festschrift is from the German; Fest meaning celebration and Schrift meaning writing). Thank you for sharing this, Sanath.
Sanath
ReplyDeleteI liked the great teacher's article and thanks for sharing it with us.
Fulfilled and overflowing; A brilliant,rewarding career and a very proud father.
Amazing.
Three cheers!,Sanath(Lama).
ReplyDeleteYour unparalleled achievements in the sphere of Medicine is a joy for many and envy of a few. I do remember very well the Final year trip and what took place in Kurunegala Doctors quarters. A visit to a local Vedaral's home with a stomach ache that ended in run for life. Hope the incident has not evaporated from your your photographic memory.
ND, you were too drunk to remember the incident. Wish, your brain be active for many years, to come.
Sumathi, I am glad that all of you didn't end up "pickling" your brains permanently!
DeleteLike Srianee, I too read it in a private e-mail. The reference to the Guyanas is characteristic of the man!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Sanath.
Sanath is highly respected by all of us and there is nothing more I could add.
ReplyDeleteSrianee, my German vocabulary is growing! It was just, Achtung, schnell, herr, heil and something like “ vorsprung durch technik” as appears in the car advert!
Thank you very much to all of you for your very sincere sentiments
ReplyDeleteThe meaning of the word Festschrift is a collection of writings published to honour a scholar
Yes Sanath, that is what Festschrift means when used in English now. I was referring to the derivation of the word, which is from German. (I confess, I was influenced by watching the Scripps Spelling Bee!) I am glad those traditions are ongoing. Carlo Fonseka's tribute to you is really special and well deserved. Congratulations!
DeleteSanath
ReplyDeleteHeartiest Congratulations ! You have made our batch proud. To get an article highlighting all your excellent achievements from a person of that standing as Prof. Carlo Fonseka is highly commendable. Well done.
Chira
Thank you very much Chira for your very sincere sentiments
ReplyDeleteHi Lama I read Prof Carlo's remarks about you with interest . You certainly deserve all the accolades you were given. Carlo's unique style of expression make even the brickbats seem like boquets !
ReplyDeleteI remember too well how we were often in competition as students.
Being an L and a K meant we were aalmost always in the same Clinical Appointments, Ward Classes and what was worse followed each other at vivas and clinical exams .
I clearly remember the paediatric spot at the Final MBBS. Both of us were shown a patient with Dextrocarda . I followed you and though I diagnosed it correctly and answered all the questions correctly, Prof Priyani who was the examiner said. "You are good but you can't beat him !!! " and pointed to you !
Then again at the surgery viva when I was answering the questions flung at me by Antho. he was not listening to me at all his eyes were riveted on you batting away at the next table !
I know you richly deserve all the compliments you got. I was so happy to be your Social Secretary when you were President SLMA .. you gave all the support to revive the SLMA Dance which had not been held for almost 4 years if I remember right. It was a pleasure to have your son Shamin do
his. ICU appointment with me at SJGH.
All the best to you Lama.
Thank you very much very much Suri for your very sincere sentiments. I remember the revival of the SLMA dance very very well for the wrong reasons. Buddhika was diagnosed to have a Stage 3 ovarian carcinoma at that time and my mind was elsewhere
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