My wish and Hope for Sri Lanka. Mahendra Gonsalkorale

My wish and hope for Sri Lanka

Mahendra Gonsalkorale

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You wanted change
You needed change
You demanded change
You have this change

Fed up with dishonesty and greed
Fed up with nepotism and corruption
Fed up with lies and deception
Fed up with bullying and chauvinism

You now have your chance
Your new rulers can only succeed
If you change too
it is a two-way street

Temper your expectations
Change takes time, be patient
Embrace a New Culture
One Nation, One Country
With a proud multicultural heritage
Believe in Humanity and universal love
Cast aside Divisions and unite as one family

Some snippets from the past...ND Amerasekera

Some snippets from the past ….. lest I forget.

Nihal D Amerasekera 

The assertion that “Laughter is the best medicine” has never sounded more true as age has caught up with us with all its vagaries. When APR, lack of energy and health issues overwhelm us, Laughter must have a magical ingredient not found in pills and portions. I have managed to rake up some incidents and anecdotes that have raised a smile for me over the years. These have remained in the archives of my memory over many years. I may even have shared some of them with you in the distant past.

"When I was an intern in Kurunegala, the chef was an elderly man who had severe asthma. No one knew his real name. We all called him Rhonchi Rajapakse. His cooking left a lot to be desired and reminded me of the chemistry book description of oxygen - tasteless, colourless and odourless. Rhonchi Rajapaksa  kept telling us he was the best cook in the world. Fresh from the MBBS we were full of text book medicine. The consensus of opinion was that Rhonchi Rajapaksa had  delusions of grandeur of GPI due to tertiary syphilis. Local gossip and innuendo told us he frequented brothels in his spare time. We all got to know the guy well. He was never sober after he completed the evenings work for us. Rhonchi partook generously in the illegal drink, kassippu, that was doled out at the top of the road, in the funeral parlour. Rhonchi sat with the mourners and wept with them and became a popular figure locally".

When I was an intern in Kurunegala I was designated to cover Eye and ENT wards at night. My knowledge of those specialities could hardly fill a postage stamp. 

"Once in the Eye ward I noticed the letters P L on the BHT of every patient. I asked the nurse what it stood for. She said “Plash Light”. Although unconvinced, I accepted this. Next day I asked the Ophthalmic registrar and he said PL stood for Perception of Light. The nurse wasn’t too far wrong. In those days, getting the English wrong was a good reason to laugh. I told and retold this on numerous occasions in the HO’s quarters and we laughed a lot.  I remember when we asked Rhonchi Rajapaksa what was there for dinner he said “Presh Piss”.  Perhaps he meant ‘fresh fish’". 

On looking back in my early years in England, I too got my English language wrong on many occasions but the English men  and women were far too polite to laugh at my mistakes. Their murky smile said it all.

"I worked in the OPD at Kurunegala in the late 1960’s. Sunday was the ‘Pola day”. This was held close to the hospital. People from far and wide converged on the Pola. It was their habit to drop in at the hospital for a bit of free medicine. The patients’ waiting room was then heaving with people. When weaving my way through the crowd I had developed a form of reflex apnoea. When on duty I had the great propensity to attract hypochondriacs. One old man related a catalogue of symptoms. On examination he had no physical signs to support  any of his myriad of complaints. He insisted on some medicine and I prescribed him a bottle of ubiquitous “Sodi Sal”, the panacea for all ills in those distant days.  On the way out he said loudly “I get an ear ache too”. I told him to apply the liquid on his ear twice a day."

Night duty as the MO/OPD could be a nightmare. It was rarely that I had a sound sleep from dusk to dawn. Mostly, I drew the short straw and suffered. When I heard the noise of the ambulance I could feel my pulse rise. The noise or the wailing that followed gave me an indication of its urgency and the severity. 

"One soggy day a family arrived quite distraught. It transpired that the lady had a prolapsed uterus and it was bitten by a dog. I considered this an emergency and did the needful. It was when I returned to the quarters and related the incident my mates tried to work out how this catastrophic event could have happened. I am sure we now have the wisdom and the generosity to pardon the crass humour of the young medics and those rough edges of youth. After all we too were young bucks, once".

It seemed the flushing toilets had not reached the dry zone yet. The quarters had bucket latrines and the daily ablutions were a tricky business. Those at the back of the queue in the morning had to endure the worst. Sirry Cassim, now a retired senior Ophthalmic Surgeon in Colombo, had his own answer to the problem. He had a generous stock of Bulgarian cigars (Bulgarian bog punt) which produced acrid fumes to counteract the other nasty odours. The non-smokers had to make a quick exit cyanosed and blue poisoned by the fumes and driven by the stench.

"In those halcyon days in the OPD, Mist Sodi Sal and Carminative formed the bedrock of our treatment. Aspirin tablets were doled out like Smarties. Once whilst returning for lunch there was an almighty commotion by the gynae ward. A man in national dress was shaking his fist unable to contain his anger and one of my doctor colleagues was calmly explaining to no avail. It transpired the man was accusing the houseman of stitching the episiotomy too tight. The doctor finally asked the man to mind his own business, which left him rather speechless".

It was a great privilege of my life to live in Wattala in 1962/63 and develop a friendship with Bernard Randeniya and Razaque Ahamat. We studied anatomy together. This was an enclave of a certain greatly respected faith. In those days they conducted their funerals with a brass band following the cortege. Whilst studying we often heard them walk past. One day we heard them play a popular song and we soon recognised it was “He’s a jolly good fellow”.  What a lovely send-off to paradise!!

"Bernard always had a fund of amusing anecdotes. When we studied at his house there was a rather large dog who came to sniff us. When I asked him if he was a dog lover he said he was not, but the dog was bought to look after the poultry pen to prevent thieves stealing them. Once when I went to Bernard’s house he said thieves took away the poultry. I asked him about the dog. He said the dog was fast asleep and he had to wake him up in the morning".

On entry to the faculty, we all had medical examinations. 

"When Bernard went for his he was asked to remove his trousers. When the doctor squeezed his scrotum, perhaps looking for hydrocoeles and hernias Bernard simply couldn’t stop laughing. This irritated the doctor so much he virtually ‘kicked Bernard’ out of the room. For several weeks Bernard thought he may get sacked from the Faculty".

My boss in General Medicine in London had a tremendous sense of humour. This he shared with us in the pub opposite the hospital, after a busy day. 

"A surgeon on his ward rounds came to a patient with severe diabetes. He told the patient “ I have some good news and some bad news. To give the bad news first We have to amputate both your legs”.  The news hit him like a bolt of lightening.  The  surgeon waited a few minutes until the patient composed himself.  Then the surgeon went on  “The good news is that the patient in the next bed is willing to buy your shoes”.

This goes back to the days of old Ceylon when Policemen wore Khaki shorts with knee high socks and a funny khaki hat with a turned up edge.  It was the rule that to ride a cycle at night a light was required.  

"A man was cycling along Baseline Rd as the sky suddenly darkened just before the rain. He didn’t have a cycle lamp. A Policeman stopped him. The cyclist spoke in English saying “I didn’t anticipate the rain”. The policeman  was rather non-plussed as he did understand the turn of phrase. He blurted  “anty – ta- saneepa naththang - yanna” and let the man go on his way". 

I have selected these humorous clips which are beyond reproach - even to medics of my era. There are many others in store that require broad shoulders and a thick skin hence they have been excluded to avoid causing any distress.

I sincerely hope “Laughter is the best medicine” will continue to ring true as we march on to the naughty nineties.

A tribute to Indra Anandasabapathy- ND Amarasekera

 After Fifty Years - A tribute to Indra Anandasabapathy

by Nihal D. Amerasekera

Indra and I hail from that great institution on Baseline Road in full view of the Welikada Prison. We were berated by our teachers that if we don’t tread the straight and narrow path we may end-up in the ‘hotel’ in front of our gates. Despite the generous offer of free food and lodging in the ‘hotel’ opposite we managed to find gainful employment in a more salubrious place not too far from the noise and grime of Punchi Borella. Perhaps we missed out meeting some of the illustrious and colourful characters that walked the corridors of that ‘infamous hotel’.

Indra was always a clever, quiet and studious guy who avoided the rough and tumble. Despite the dirt and stains of the laboratory practicals, he managed to always be dressed immaculately in a brilliant white unstained shirt and trouser. The creases on his well ironed trousers were strikingly sharp and could slice a loaf of bread. He maintained this sartorial elegance all through medical school. Who could forget his skill in identifying the carpal bones while they were still in his pocket!!

We have kept in touch on ‘Facetime’ over the years seeing ourselves grow older and wiser. Sometimes from Florida and at other times from his house in Staten Island, we have talked in all weathers. It is such a pleasure to speak with Indra. I was thrilled when he said he was visiting London and we decided to meet in Busaba off Oxford Street. It was indeed a great pleasure to meet Rani for the first time. In the past I only knew her as the creator of those wonderful paintings and the passionate gardener who maintained an immaculate garden, indoors and out. They have a tremendous love of nature and wildlife. Rani’s kindness and pleasant friendly manner made it a wonderful meeting. We then proceeded to an Italian Coffee shop when Indra and Rani had Devonshire Scones with clotted cream with the coffee. The conversation continued from international politics, to Sri Lankan cricket and our lives in retirement.

Indra still maintains the careful precision of an anaesthetist waiting to wake us up. Although measured, Indra is a fine raconteur and helped us enormously to reconnect and recall those great years at school and the faculty. It was amazing that we remembered so much despite the years. The enchantment of those years in old Ceylon still seems to haunt us.

Both Rani and Indra are kind and considerate and it was hard for me to say goodbye. The tears welled up in my eyes as I hugged them. As I write this note, their generous invitation to visit their home still rings in my ears. What struck me most about Rani and Indra was their amiable honesty and their modesty despite their many achievements. I wish them both good health and happiness in the months and years to come. May we have the good fortune to meet again.

Curiosity...... Mahendra "Speedy" Gonsalkorale

Curiosity......

Mahendra "Speedy" Gonsalkorale

There are many views on the qualities and attitudes that help you to become a good Doctor, such as empathy, skill, a good knowledge base, patience, the ability to work in a Team, modesty, honesty and many more. These qualities are desirable for any aspiring medical student who wants to become a good doctor. I suggest that curiosity is another useful quality.

There are many definitions of curiosity.

The urge you feel to know more about something or someone.

The desire to learn or know about anything.

Curiosity is associated with a strong desire to know about things, from how a machine works to why people fall ill, from why there are storms to how we make decisions on probability.

And there are many aphorisms associated with curiosity. To cite a few.

"Curiosity is the wick in the candle of learning": William Arthur Ward, an American author, said this in the 1800s.

"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious”: Albert Einstein.

“Be curious. Read widely. Try new things. What people call intelligence boils down to curiosity.” Aaron Swartz. American computer programmer associated with the website Reddit.

“If you can let go of passion and follow your curiosity, your curiosity just might lead you to your passion.” Elizabeth Gilbert. American Journalist and Author.

“The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing.”: Albert Einstein

Curiosity leads to asking questions and seeking answers through reading and other information-seeking methods, leading to understanding and wisdom (rather than mere knowledge accumulation).

I remember very fondly one of my teachers at Royal College, Mr Arulanandan, who repeatedly told us, “Always ask the question - why?” At home, I drove my mother insane by repeatedly asking her why. In desperation, she used to say, “Because I say so!”

Looking back on my days as a medical student in Colombo, I had this persistent desire to ask the question, "Why?" When you study a subject, you need more than simply reading the text to give you a critical appraisal of the subject, and that is why I love books that pose questions at the end of each chapter that you need to answer before you move on to the next one.

When dealing with a patient with a problem, I was intensely curious to discover why he had those particular symptoms and try to explain them. Without curiosity, I doubt whether I would have acquired helpful knowledge. Neurology was especially appealing in commencing a path of discovery with a question followed by a step-by-step dissection of the problem, leading to what more data is needed and, finally, an answer. This, of course, applies to any branch of medicine.

Doctors accumulate vast amounts of data. This data has to be connected and relevant if they want to turn knowledge into wisdom. Curiosity helps in this process, and we develop internal classifications and connections that organise data and help us retrieve it productively.

Some of our teachers who encouraged us to be curious were Dr  Wickrema Wijenaike, Dr Carlo Fonseka, Dr Oliver Pieris, Dr Lester Jayawardena, Dr George Ratnavale and many more.

Curiosity makes learning fun! Food tastes so much better if you are hungry!

If our forefathers had not been curious, I doubt we would have achieved so much in human history.

I hope I have said enough to provoke responses from the Blog's readers. Let us have a healthy discussion. I don’t believe that “curiosity killed the cat”!

I am just curious!

FOOTNOTE added on 26th October 2024

Thanks to all the contributors. To all readers of this post, please read the insightful comments to gain maximum benefit. Finally, how many are curious to know why I am also called "Speedy"?

Dr P R Wickramanayake (17.01.1932 - 30.07.2024)

Dr P R (Ranji) WIKRAMANAYAKE (17 01. 1932 – 30.07.2024)

From  the Sunday Island. 6th October 2024.

Kindly sent by Kumar Gunawardane

A few weeks ago, the Sri Lankan community in Australia lost one its most distinguished sons, Dr P R Wkiramanayake, known as Ranji to his friends, an accomplished and highly regarded endocrinologist. He was 92 years of age and hailed from a distinguished family with its origins in Galle. The ancestry and genealogy of the family is well recorded in the book “Galle as quiet as asleep “(1993) by Norah Roberts.

The elder son of E.G. Wikramanayake, Queens Counsel, Ranji was born into the lap of luxury. Like his father before him, Ranji attended St Thomas College, Mount Lavinia from where he entered the Ceylon Medical School, and from where he graduated, and proceeded to the UK for Post graduate work. On his return from London with the MRCP he was appointed consultant physician at the Out Patients Department of the General Hospital, Colombo.

He soon was interested in the study of diabetes and read a paper at the Plenary Scientific Sessions of the Ceylon college of Physicians, 30 years ago. After serving a Nuffield Fellowship in the UK, he moved to Australia where he worked as Diabetologist at the Prince Edward Hospital.

It was through my close friend and former schoolmate Dr Medduma Kappagoda that I first met Ranji who Kappa brought home one day about 30 years ago, in order to assess my blood sugar. That visit was the foundation on which a strong friendship developed and through which I had the great pleasure of enjoying a dear friendship with his brother Nimal later after I moved to Melbourne.

Ranji lived in the affluent and desirable seaside suburb of Vaucluse and his great hobby was horse racing. His father Guy, a leading Queens Counsel, had owned a string of racehorses in Colombo and was the winner of several trophies when racing was the pastime of “kings and squires”. Ranji too owned at least a couple of thoroughbreds in Sydney whose activities kept him occupied during his leisure.

Ranji married Amara Weerasooria daughter of the late Dr and Mrs SE Weerasooria. Amara was Head Girl of Visakha Vidyalaya and an outstanding netball and tennis player. There combined qualities had to produce extra ordinary children. Their only son Priyan is a popular gastro surgeon in. Bowral, and the two daughters Roshanara a lawyer and Shemara is a highly successful leader in the corporate world of Australia.

It was during the course of last year, and earlier this year that I had close interaction with Ranji. It was during this period that Nimal fell ill and passed away about three months ago. Ranji was highly solicitous of Nimal’s welfare, and chose to convey his medical advice to Nimal through me. Ranji the elder brother was generally of a quiet and unruffled disposition. When Nimal was hospitalized he chose not to disturb him, and instead telephoned me for progress reports. About six weeks ago he rang me from his hospital bed in Prince Edward Hospital where he worked previously, to say in a feeble voice that his heart is failing on him. He left this world a few days later.

Ranji Wikramanayake was of a rare breed, sadly lacking in the old country today. Dedicated to his profession, and guide and guardian to his family, he was honest, hardworking and generous. He was a founder member of the. Ceylon College of Physicians, and a member of the Ceylon Society of Australia for many years until his demise.

A little known aspect of his generosity was his donation of five million rupees in January 2016 to the Ceylon College of Physicians, the interest earned from the donation to be awarded annually to the best research paper on diabetes. Ranji was to personally present the donation, but on their way to Colombo, his wife Amara fell ill and had to return to Australia. He was not a man for excuses and made sure that the gift was made on his behalf by his close friend Tilak de Zoysa. Ranji Wikramanayake certainly earned his rest, may he now rest in peace.

Hugh Karunanayake

Remembering dear batchmate Zita Perera Subasinghe- Two years

Remembering dear batchmate Zita Perera Subasinghe- Two years 

Tempus fugit. It is two years since we lost our dear friend and colleague, Zita. This beautiful post was sent by her son Rohan.

More paintings by Nihal D Amerasekera

More paintings by Nihal D Amerasekera

It gives me great pleasure to post another batch of Nihal’s beautiful paintings with brief and helpful descriptions.

Sigiriya, the citadel in the sky

It seems the area around Sigiriya was inhabited since prehistoric times. There is evidence that Buddhist monks lived in caves around Sigiriya since the 3rd century BC.

The intriguing historical story of Sigiriya is well known to every Sri Lankan. I first learnt about it from the primary school history book written by S.F De Silva who was then the Director of Education.  The rock fortress was established in 477 AD by King Kashyapa. This was after a coup, treachery and patricide. Kashyapa seized the throne from his father, King Dhatusena. The rightful heir was his half-brother Moggalana who then fled to India. Moggalana finally returned and fought a war to get his Kingdom back.  Kashyapa unwilling to surrender, took his own life.

After the reign of Moggalana, the Sigiriya complex became a Buddhist monastery.

I worked my internship in Kurunegala and lived there for a further 2 years in close proximity to this ancient rock fortress. I remember a trip that the interns organised to visit Sigiriya and recall Sirry Cassim being a part of that group.

As it is so well known worldwide for its mesmerizingly beautiful Sigiriya frescoes, tourists flock here in their thousands. To provide accommodation for tourists many posh hotels have sprung up in the area. Sigiriya is now a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Walking in the fortress amidst the ruins and visiting the frescoes I always felt a closeness to the past and the lives of the ordinary people that lived there. The simple folk must have been hugely inspired by the intense religious fervour of the time. I still recall most warmly the helpful kindness and the generosity of the rural folk of the area when I visited them in the late 1960’s.

 Table Mountain in Capetown

Table mountain is a tall awe-inspiring landmark in Cape Town that is an iconic backdrop to this beautiful city by the sea. It is 1085 metres high and has a length of 3 kilometres at the top. As its name implies this mountain has a unique plateau at the top. Occasionally  a thin band of clouds seem to sit on the plateau and people call this the “Table Cloth”.

On my trip to the city, I took the cable car to the top. From the summit there is a panoramic view of Cape Town and the wilderness around. The mountain is within a national park and is said to have its own unique fauna and flora.

It is a World Heritage Site. The local people consider the mountain as a spiritual place and a symbol of their heritage.

Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town has been described as one of the most beautiful cricket grounds in the World. As a cricket lover I enjoyed visiting Newlands. At the time there was a game in progress. I watched the match with stunning views of the Table mountain in the background. This is something I will never ever forget.

 Uluru (Ayers) rock in Central Australia

This is a World Heritage listed icon in the Northern Territory of Australia, 450 miles from Alice Springs. This monolith is 348m high and 550 million years old. For the local Aboriginal people this has a special religious and cultural significance. I was immensely fortunate to visit the rock in the evening on a clear day in March 2009. The changing colours of the rock at sunset from ochre brown to deep orange and intense red is breathtakingly beautiful. These colour changes are seen in the reverse at sunrise. Being there at night is an awesome and magical experience never to be forgotten as one can feel the spirituality of the place.

I recall that many of us were keen to climb the rock . Our travel guide mentioned that it is a sacred rock and the local people preferred if we did not climb, and so we didn’t.  The Aboriginal people believe that their ancestors reside in the rock and in the surrounding area. Instead I walked around Uluru in the fading light of a fine evening. There were secluded spots to spend time in solitude. I did feel a deep sense of attachment to the place. It is a magical experience to see the stars drift inexorably in the sky with all its majesty. Although I schooled in the big city my roots are in the rustic part of Kegalle where my ancestors lived and died. The peace and tranquillity of the place  always invoked a certain calmness that transported  me to be close to those who lived their before me. It is a feeling I find hard to describe.

Much of the flora and fauna are unique to Uluru. I still have fond memories of our visit to the Uluru and Alice Springs.

 Utuwankanda, Saradiel’s hideout

My ancestral home was far away from the noise and grime of the big city, in a secluded place in Kegalle. From one of our rear windows, we could see the elegance and majesty of Utuwankanda in the distance towards Mawanella. Although I am now separated by huge swathes of land and oceans from home, I still dream of those years and recall with much nostalgia my happy childhood.

Utuwankanda and its most famous inhabitant, Saradiel,  have now entered the folklore and legends in Sri Lankan history.

Saradiel was born in 1835. For some, he remains a Robin Hood like hero. Locals believe he stole from the rich and distributed to the poor. To others he was a highwayman, bandit and an outlaw. Allegedly he had committed murder too. Some historians believe Saradiel intentions were to start an insurgency against British Rule and he was not just a common criminal. Saradiel was also famous for his prison escapes. Some locals were convinced he had special superhuman powers.

When Saradiel was finally apprehended he was tried in the Kandy Courts. The jury found him guilty. He was sentenced to death along with his fellow bandit Marrikar. They were both sent to the gallows in May 1864.

Saradiel’s legend lives on. Now there is a Saradiel Village with paddy fields surrounded by green mountains. The mountain is a steep and tiring climb to the top through rubber plantations. On the top are craggy rocks that have formed into caves. Many tourists travel to the top of Utuwankanda and explore these caves. The summit can be wet, windy and cold with many leeches for company. It has to be said, this can be a perilous journey to the top and need extreme care.

The view of the distant Utuwankanda that I saw as a child is still deeply imprinted in my psyche. This I will keep and cherish until the end of my days.

Some more of my paintings . ND Amerasekera

Some more of my paintings 

by Dr Nihal D Amerasekera

I have moved, hopefully, seamlessly from drawing portraits to landscapes and now to famous buildings. I cannot imagine life without our bricks and mortar. Buildings made of bricks and mortar have existed for over 6500 years and is believed to have been started in the Baluchistan region which is now Pakistan. My drawings are from a selection which have caught my eye.  I have loved these edifices ever since I first saw them fifty years ago. I am certain you have visited them before, but if you haven’t I do hope my paintings and descriptions will bring them closer to you. They will continue to captivate and charm visitors for many years to come.

Lords Cricket Grounds

Lords cricket grounds is called the home of cricket and is owned by the Marylebone Cricket Club. Established in 1814 it is named after Thomas Lord. Playing in a Test at Lord's, still is widely regarded by many cricketers as the pinnacle of their careers. It also houses the world’s oldest sports museum.

The main gate called the Grace gate was installed in 1923 in memory of W.G Grace.

The current pavilion was opened in 1890 after the original pavilion was destroyed by fire. Until 1999 no women were allowed into the pavilion except Queen Elizabeth II. The pavilion still has a strict dress code. The honours boards and the long room are steeped in history and hold cult status for cricketers and cricket enthusiasts. It gives me great pride to see photos of Sri Lankan cricketers adorn the Long Room. As a former president of the MCC the photo of Kumar Sangakkara takes pride of place.

The first University Match between Oxford and Cambridge was held at Lord's in 1827 This is famously called the “Varsity” match. It has been one of my greatest privileges, over several years,  to be a spectator at the varsity matches seated in the splendid pavilion. I have been a regular visitor to cricket at Lords since my arrival in England 50 years ago. Personally, on a summers day there is no better place on earth to be, than the pavilion at Lords, watching the game I love.  Now that I am retired and live near the cricket grounds, I have the privilege to attend as many matches as I wish.

St Paul’s Cathedral London

It is the most famous Anglican Cathedral in the world. There has been a church at this site since AD 603. The original church was destroyed by the Great Fire of London in 1666. The present Cathedral was designed by Sir Christopher Wren and completed in 1710. Its famous dome is one of the most recognisable sights in London.

The Cathedral is a working church and over the centuries has held Royal weddings and celebrated jubilees. Funerals of prominent people too have been held in the church. Venture down to the crypt and discover the tombs and memorials of some of the nation’s greatest heroes, such as Admiral Lord Nelson, the Duke of Wellington and Sir Christopher Wren.

St Paul’s is home to a spectacular array of art including the gilded dome murals. “Light of the world” painting by William Holman Hunt and “Mother and Child” sculpture by Henry Moore are stunningly beautiful. It is well worth a visit. Particularly for Christians, churches of this calibre have a certain aura and ambience that brings them closer to their maker. I must confess I too have been greatly moved by its reverence and piety.

Painting the cathedral is a massive challenge. Drawing the dome with its intricate lines and curves and to maintain the image in 3D is difficult in the extreme. This painting is indeed a labour of love. Trying to capture the outline of St Paul’s Cathedral has given me tremendous pleasure.  When I look at the final product I do see its many deficiencies and how I could improve it. But I have reached the end of my ability. I hope I have done sufficient justice to one of the most iconic and magnificent buildings of the world.

The iconic Tower of London 

It is more than a thousand years old and is steeped in history. The Tower started its life as a castle. During its lifetime it has also been a place of incarceration and suffering with stories of torture and beheadings. Presently it is a tourist attraction housing a famous museum.

The Tower has provided refuge to ravens since the earliest times. King Charles II  (1630- 1685) decreed that the ravens be protected as he believed in the legend that if they left the Tower, the Kingdom and the Tower will fall. The ravens are still seen merrily flying around the Tower and perching on the turrets.  They are most lovingly fed and cared for by the guards.

The dazzling display of the historic Crown Jewels at the exhibition remains one of the main attractions in the Tower. The Crown Jewels are the British monarch’s crown containing the Kohinoor diamond which is displayed with all its glory. The Crown as expected has intense security.

The Chapel of St John the Evangelist in the Tower was built as a place of worship for William the Conqueror, but it was not completed until after his death. This is an Anglo-Norman church and is an architectural gem. The imposing columns, high gallery and the wide aisle for processions are most impressive.

The Tower of London is a must visit on a tour of London.

Gathering in London to greet Chirasri Jayaweera Bandara on Saturday 7th Sept. 2024

Gathering in London to greet Chirasri Jayaweera Bandara on Saturday 7th Sept. 2024

Dr Nihal D Amerasekera 

It was a rather murky day on the 7th of September and Autumn was well on its way. The purpose of this gathering in Gants Hill of the ‘great and the good’ was to welcome Chira Jayaweera Bandara and to congratulate her daughter for gaining her Fellowship in Ophthalmology and wish them both well. The venue was the Mandarin Palace, a plush Chinese restaurant.

Anjali and Chirasri

When looking  for the venue it was most heartwarming to see Harsha Boralessa in the Gants Hill station accompanying Sunil and Sirima Abeysuriya escorting them to the restaurant. We joined Shanthy Nalliah and Mahendra G and went inside the restaurant. The restaurant was lavishly decorated with traditional Chinese wooden carvings and furnishings showcasing the perfect oriental ambience.

After the bear hugs and kisses we took our seats around two large round tables as we waited for our chief guests. As is customary, Chira and her daughter arrived once we had settled in and this was followed by warm greetings to them both. As the food arrived the chatting began and stories emerged of our time together in the faculty. We recalled the years that followed in the profession and also caring for our families. We remembered fondly those absent friends and the ones who have departed this world.

The quality of the food was spectacularly good and so very tasty. There was plenty of it too. In fact, there was so much food that there was enough to take back home for those who wished to do so. The restaurant owner was well known to Harsha and Harshi over several decades. They came to speak with us. The service we received from the waitresses was friendly, very professional and excellent.

It was lovely to see Bernadette and Joe Samaranayake. Bernice and I worked together in the Central Blood Bank in Colombo for 4 years. We caught up some of those lost years. It was so lovely to see Hemanthi and Ranjit Kariyawasam. I hadn’t seen Ranjit since we said our goodbyes in the Faculty lobby in 1967. We spoke of the time in the faculty, our work commitments and our hobbies in retirement. David and Malkanthi Anthonisz were friends of Chira and also of the Boralessa’s. They indeed mixed well with the rest of the crowd. Sunil and Sirima are regulars at our London reunions and it was such a pleasure to see them. We appreciate Mahendra coming all the way from Manchester for our reunions and gatherings. He did keep us amused with his playful and teasing remarks. Shanthy too has attended our meetings at the RSM this year. She always has interesting anecdotes for a good laugh. Chira’ daughter was with us briefly and had to leave due to a prior engagement. Chira mingled with us all and we had the opportunity to speak with her at leisure. Now she is well known for her beautiful paintings on the blog as much as for her services to ophthalmology in Sri Lanka!!

This was a party we all enjoyed. It was a welcome for Chira and it also had the feel of a fine batch reunion. We are all at an age when life is less certain. As always it was sad to say goodbye not knowing when we will meet again. We must all remember the song that was made famous in 1956 – Que sera sera. “Whatever will be will be”. Those words that rang true then, rings true even today. 

We are greatly indebted to Harshi and Harsha Boralessa for the expert manner in the way the meeting and the lunch was organised. The attention to detail, the kindness and the care they both showed us will be long remembered. Here’s a big thank you from us all.

Speedy adds: Grateful thanks to Bora, who did all the work while I did my best to help with notifications, etc. Those present: Harsha and Harshi Boralessa, Chirasri, Mahendra (Speedy), Shanti Nalliah. David and Malkanthi Anthonisz, Bernadette and Joe Samaranayake , Nihal (ND), Ranjit and Hemanthi Kariyawasam, Sunil and Sirima Abeysuriya. (14)- Guest appearance- Anjali-FRCOphth

Ranjit Kariyawasam, Hemanthi K, Bora, Chira, David and Malkanthi Anthonisz

Malkanthi, Sunil, Harshi, Sirima, Speedy, Shanti, ND, Bernadette, Joe

Shanti, Bernadette, Joe, Kari, Hemanthi, Bora, Chira, David, Malkanthi, Sunil, Harshi, Sirima, Mahen

Chira, David, Malkanthi, Sunil, Harshi, Sirima

Speedy and Ranjit Kariyawasam

Speedy and Shanti

MY PAINTINGS OF BUTTERFLIES AND MOTHS - (3) DR. C.D. JAYAWEERA BANDARA

 

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN BUTTERFLIES AND MOTHS?

Although both these fluttering insects come under the Classification LEPIDOPTERA, they possess many differences that classify them as a Butterfly or a Moth.

(The above differences are given in detail in the previous post). Here is the link if you want to access it easily: -

https://colombomedgrads1962.blogspot.com/2024/07/my-paintings-of-butterflies-and-moths.html

Butterflies can be found in nearly all types of habitats, including deserts, wetlands, grassland, forest and alpine. Some butterflies in the Family Lycaenidae spend part of their lives underground! Moths are found everywhere, from the seaside to almost bare mountain tops, in fact, wherever there are plants for caterpillars to eat. (This is also part of what I wrote in detail in my earlier post.) 

                        

More paintings from Nihal D Amerasekera

More paintings from Nihal D Amerasekera

ND has sent a few more beautiful paintings he has done with very useful descriptions for each.

As we have seen., he is a very talented (and modest) artist.- Speedy

Regents Park

Regents Park is a 410-acre area in North London. It was made into a pleasure garden in 1810 by King George V. It is managed by a team of experienced gardeners of the Royal Parks, a Royal charity.

Regents Park is just a five-minute walk away, virtually on my doorstep. It is my gym and also my place of refuge from the inevitable storms of life. There is a secluded cove at the edge of the lake with a bench ideal for clearing one’s thoughts and meditation. Many ducks, swans, and cormorants frolic in the shimmering waters of the lake, adding to its serenity.

Although the park is a magnet for visitors all year round. For those who yearn for solitude, there are quiet corners hidden away from public gaze for relaxation.

The Queen Mary rose garden is my favourite. It is a haven for bees and butterflies too. I have sat on the seats by the roses admiring the sweet smell and the wondrous colours all through June to October.

My painting is of the great fountain. There is a bowl for the birds to bathe and preen themselves. The fountain is surrounded by flowers so well watered by its generous spray. 

The Peradeniya Botanical Gardens

Although I was born in the citadel in the hills, I never had the good fortune to live there except while on holiday. Nevertheless, whenever I visit that beautiful city, I feel a link and a closeness like nowhere else on earth. It is true that I have left my heart in that ancient capital.

The Peradeniya botanical gardens is not far from the city centre. The gardens are considered as one of the finest in the world. I have made countless visits to the gardens. Those visits with family and later with friends have left an indelible mark in my memory and recall them with much nostalgia.

The park’s 147 acres display nature's charm and elegance, which have survived the wars and the destructive forces of nature.

Its origin dates back to the reign of King Wickramabahu III around 1371. During the British rule it was unused and neglected. The gardens  were revived in 1821 to grow cinnamon and coffee. It was only in 1843 that a formal botanical gardens was established. Successive British superintendents managed the gardens with great care and affection. They handed the gardens over to the Department of Agriculture in 1912.

During WWII, Lord Mountbatten commandeered it and used it as his headquarters for the Allied Forces. This famous location by the Mahaveli River was used for the film Bridge on the River Kwai.

The Peradeniya Botanical Gardens will remain in my memory forever despite my long “exile” in a foreign land.

The Hakgala Botanical Gardens

The Hakgala Botanical Gardens is one of the finest gardens in the world. Situated by the Nuwara Eliya—Badulla road, it has attracted visitors from all over the world. The garden was established in 1861 to plant Cinchona and later for the experimental planting of tea. It was not until 1884 that a botanical garden was established.

The area is featured in the epic book The Ramayana when Sita was offered a pleasure garden in the same area as Hakgala. At the time, it was called Ashok Vatika. The area was named Sita Eliya, where the Sita Amman temple, which exists to this day, was built.

During the 1970s, I worked at the Central Blood Bank in Colombo. My work took me to every corner of Sri Lanka to collect blood. This remains a most memorable and cherished memory. Then I travelled in my rugged and reliable VW Beetle. When in the hill country, I made it a point to visit the Hakgala Gardens. The views of the pristine green mountains partly covered in mist and the sound of the trickling streams still remain etched in my soul. I have drawn the entrance to the gardens.  It was here the landscape changed most dramatically from the endless pine forests to geometric patterns of colourful flowers and foliage. Then my heart leapt up to behold its beauty.

I feel a tinge of sadness not to see the gardens again.

Suriyakanthie Amarasekera honoured

Suriyakanthie Amarasekera honoured

by Mahendra "Speedy" Gonsalkorale

I am proud to announce a great honour awarded to our distinguished Batchmate Suriyakanthie Amarasekera

Suri, as we affectionately call her, was awarded the SLMA Fellowship at the Inauguration of the 137th Anniversary Annual International Medical Congress, held on August 16th,17th, and 18th at the Hotel Galadari. The theme was “Ensuring Health Equity in Challenging Times.”

The following is a very brief synopsis of her illustrious career.

She resigned from Government Service and went to the UK for Postgraduate studies in Anesthesia in 1975, where she received the Final Fellowship in 1977. She worked as a Senior Registrar in Anaesthesia at Kings College Hospital London and obtained the Certificate of Higher Professional Training by 1981.

On her return to Sri Lanka in 1981, she rejoined Government Service. Her first appointment was as a Supernumerary Consultant Anaesthetist in the Colombo Group of Hospitals for two years and then one year as a Consultant Anaesthetist at Base Hospital Panadura. She then worked at Sri Jayawardanepura General Hospital Kotte from its inception in 1985 until her retirement in 2009 as a Consultant Anaesthetist. 

Among her important posts were President of the College of Anaesthesiologists of Sri Lanka in 1996 and 1997. In 2006, she became President of the Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA), only the sixth woman to hold this high office and the second Anaesthetist in 119 years. 

Among her many achievements were the setting up of a Scholarship for Children who lost one or both parents in the Tsunami Disaster of Dec 2004, starting the Programme for Corrective Surgery for Scoliosis jointly with the late Prof Randunne Corea, being awarded the S E Seneviratne Award for the best Free Paper at the College of Surgeons Annual Sessions in 1992, training and setting up the first ever Cardiac Arrest Team in S L in 1985 and introducing Caudal Epidurals to the practice of Paediatric Anaesthesia in 1987.

A truly commendable life combining a professional career of wholehearted and energetic dedication with bringing up a family as a loving wife and mother. She drew her strength from her strong religious belief as a Christian.

We are truly proud of you Suri. 

Sad news that Primrose (Nee Jayasinghe) has passed away

Sad news that Primrose Wijayawardhana(Nee Jayasinghe) has passed away.

Chirasri Jayaweera Bandara informed me that she heard from Primose’s daughter, Mihirinie, that Primrose had passed away during a brief hospital admission at the Lincoln Hospital in UK.

I will post more details as I receive them. The photo is from the Batch Sig collection in the 40th Anniversary Reunion Souvenir, 2007

I remember her as a very beautiful, charming person and a talented and accomplished singer. Sadly, our paths did not cross since then.

She is the 58^th in our batch to pass away.

Please join me in passing on our sincere condolences to the family.

The photo sent by her daughter Mihirinie was taken in December 2023 at the SLBC music archives. Primrose holds the original "Mula Muhuda" recording, her Nava Nishpadanaya.

Many of you commented on Primrose's singing ability. ND referred to the SLBC programme "Lama Pitiya", which was succeeded by "Lama Uyana". Other famous singers who appeared were Malika Kahavita and Sidney Artigala. 

Primrose started her YouTube Channel in April 2024. This is the link:-

https://www.youtube.com/@PrimroseJayMusic

YouTube cover photo on the (L).

Update August 13th 2024

The Island article is shown below. Thanks to Chira.

A photo of young Primrose at a concert, held at the Commonwealth Institute in the mid-90s, sent by Harsha Boralessa

LONDON MINI-REUNION ON 7th AUGUST 2024

ANOTHER LONDON MINI-REUNION - 7^th AUGUST 2024

Report by Dr Nihal D Amerasekera

Once again, on the 7th of August, Pram hurriedly organised a reunion of our batch of 62 before her return to Sri Lanka. It was held at the iconic Royal Society of Medicine in London. Pram had booked an exclusive room for our lunch, which was elegantly decorated for the occasion. We met at 12 p.m. on a hot, sunny day.  

We looked beyond the grey hairs, the lines and furrows in our faces and the extra pounds to embrace our friends from way back. After the warm greetings and handshakes, we sat down for lunch.

There was never a dull moment. The chatter started straight away, and the conversation flowed freely as we shared our favourite anecdotes and recollections of our faculty experiences. We were so happy to have Indrani Subramaniam’s daughter, Rose, and son-in-law, John Moore, with us. We thank them for making the journey to join us. It was so lovely to have Sakuntala Balakumar and Dhushy Vedavanam with us, who partook in the fun and laughter of the occasion. Dhushy Vedavanam kept the southern end of the table well entertained with her amusing narratives of the trials and tribulations of ageing.

Harshi and Harsha Boralessa have been regulars at our meetings and, as always, wonderful company. Rupa and Susil Attale decided to grace us with their presence all the way from Farnborough. Sirima and Sunil are regulars at our meetings in London, too. Sushila Canagasabay brought with her some interesting stories.  Her experiences on board a flight being called upon to help out as a doctor out of the blue were absolutely hilarious. Being the only medicine available, It seems she doled out diazepam-like Smarties. Sushila has the wonderful ability to relate a story. Her comical tales kept us in stitches. Harsha Boralessa, too, was his usual self with a fund of hilarious anecdotes. 

This was a great occasion and a nostalgic one, which we all enjoyed. After a sumptuous meal and delightful company, it was sad to say goodbye. Every reunion has its own lesson to impart, and we come away deeply grateful to the organiser for giving us an experience we would treasure. Our thanks to our marvellous hostess, Pram, without whom none of the London reunions would have happened. We wish her a safe journey home.

Note from Speedy.

I was sorry to miss this one. Bora and I are planning the next one for SATURDAY, the 7th of SEPTEMBER, at a different London venue (RSM is closed at weekends). The main reason for this is that Chirasri wanted to meet as many of her colleagues as possible during her visit to the UK to attend the convocation ceremony for her daughter Anjali, who passed the finals of the FRCOphth London

My latest paintings- ND Amerasekera

MY LATEST PAINTINGS

Dr Nihal D Amerasekera

At my request, ND sent me two of his latest paintings. They are beautiful and ample demonstrations of his artistic abilities. Nihal provided the information accompanying the paintings, which enhanced his presentation. I hope viewers enjoy them as much as I did.

Mahendra Gonsalkorale.

SOUTHWOLD

Southwold is a quaint village by the sea along the Suffolk coast. It has been described as quintessentially British and I have no reason to disagree. It lies at the mouth of the river Blyth and is a place of outstanding natural beauty. It is indeed an ancient village mentioned in the Doomsday book of 1086. Like most villages by the sea it is nature that has decided its fate. Storms and tidal waves have changed the course of its river which have affected the way of life of its inhabitants. A fire in 1659 destroyed much of the village but much of it was never rebuilt and was left as village greens.

It is a picturesque seaside town with sandy beaches and many beach huts. The town is a magnet for tourists all year round. Southwold has a lighthouse commissioned in 1890 which still guides ships that navigate the East Coast. Southwold Pier stretches 190 metres into the sea and houses shops and places of entertainment. The pier also has the famous Water Clock that raises a smile every 30 minutes.

St Edmund’s Church in Southwold, considered one of Suffolks finest, was built in the 1400’s and remains a functioning church and also attracts many visitors.

Southwold is home to the Adnam’s Brewery a famous brand established in 1872.

The famous author George Orwell who wrote ‘Animal farm’ and ‘1984’ lived in Southwold for 20 years from 1921 and wrote much of his work from there.

I first came to this beautiful village in 2007 when my elder son got married to a girl from the area. They arranged the wedding in the ‘village’ which is now described as a town. Southwold will always have a place close to my heart for those wonderful memories I cherish.

PEAK DISTRICT

It has been a family tradition for many years to go away to some place in the UK and stay together in a house or a hotel for a week.  There is no cooking or washing the dishes, just a lot of driving, plenty of music and some good wine. Last year it was Rye in  Sussex and this time round it was the beautiful Peak District.

The Peak District has been designated as a National Park since 1951. The park lies in the heart of England and covers 555 sq miles covering five counties: Derbyshire, Cheshire, Staffordshire, Yorkshire and Greater Manchester. To me its pristine peaks and troughs are a great reminder of Diyatalawa and Bandarawela .  When I part the curtains in the morning the rolling mist that cover the mountains takes me back to the hill country in Sri Lanka.

We stayed in a hotel in the Hope Valley in Derbyshire surrounded by some of the most picturesque scenery. Thirteen million visit the Peak District every year to enjoy walking, climbing, cycling, mountain biking and caving.  There are many disused mines which have been used for quarrying grit stone since the 13^th century.

There are seven rivers in the Peak District and 3 large reservoirs providing water to the local population and for irrigation. The Peak District has some of the purest natural mineral water in the world, and is famous for brands including Buxton and Ashbourne.

The area has inspired writers for generations, from Jane Austen and Charlotte Bronte to William Wordsworth and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

I was born in Kandy, that beautiful citadel in the hills. I am well aware of the affection Sri Lankans have for the hill country and the mountains. The peak district in the summer is simply beautiful and will most certainly transport your mind back to those visits you’ve enjoyed in Sri Lanka.