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
I have given the scientific name of each. Some of the claimed Health Benefits as described may not be strictly scientifically verified and are debatable. Some claims are highly generalised and open to question. Readers can make up their own minds, and I shall be keen for your feedback.
AVOCADO Persea
Americana RAMBUTAN Nephelium
lappaceum
MANGOSTEEN Garcinia mangostane PASSION FRUIT GENUS Passiflora edulis
HEALTH
BENEFITS OF FRUITS
ANTIOXIDANTS ARE
PRESENT IN ALL 6 ABOVE FRUITS
ANTIOXIDANT
FRUIT BENEFITS
Epidemiological
prospective studies show that higher intakes of antioxidant-rich fruits are
associated with a lower risk of chronic oxidative stress–related diseases
like cardiovascular diseases, carcinoma and death from all causes.
Other
benefits of Antioxidants
1. Boosts immune
system.
2. Reduce
inflammation
3 Support
disease prevention
4. Support
Eye Health
5. Aid in brain function
6. Contribute Mental health
improvements
7. Support healthy ageing processes
1
AVOCADO
In addition to the above benefits
of Antioxidants, Avocado
8. Keeps
heart healthy, rich in monosaturated fat that helps in reducing bad cholesterol
9. Lowers
BP, loaded with Potassium, which makes it good for people with high BP
10. One of high protein which helps
in the building of bones, muscle, cartilage, skin and blood
11. Packed with fibre, which helps in
weight loss and reducing Blood sugar
- "Should we not separate the creative work from the personal
lives of the creators and appreciate the works for their artistic value”-
While reading The New Yorker magazine online recently, I came across this article entitled “The Second Death of Pablo Neruda.” It sparked my interest because
Kumar G. and others had written about him previously on our Blog. Neruda was a
Chilean poet who led a colourful life, and was a supporter of the socialist
President Salvador Allende, who was overthrown by Augusto Pinochet in a coup in
1973. For generations, Neruda’s prestige in literature was unquestioned, but now it appears that his life, his work, and even his death are under scrutiny.
He first published his poetry using
the pen name “Pablo Neruda” when he was just 19 years old, and kept on writing
poetry throughout his career in the foreign service. One of his appointments was in Colombo. Later he was elected to the Senate in Chile,
and officially joined the Communist Party. He won the Stalin Peace Prize in
1953 and the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1971.
He was revered and celebrated in Chile long after his death in 1973. His homes in Santiago, Valparaiso and Isla
Negra are now museums visited by thousands of visitors.
Things began to change in 2011 with a
strong feminist movement demanding accountability for Chile’s institutional
violence against women. There were
street demonstrations demanding non-sexist education in schools and protests
against sexual harassment of women.
Details of Neruda’s life began to be viewed in a different light; his
womanising and his treatment of his daughter, who was born with
hydrocephalus. There was also his own
confession of the rape of a maid in Colombo when he was in his late twenties. Neruda wrote about this incident in his book
“Memoirs.” (The original Spanish title of this book translates as “I Confess
That I Have Lived.”) There is a
movement in Chile now to recognize Gabriela Mistral as Chile’s foremost poet
instead of Neruda.
These days, when Neruda’s work is taught in universities, the students frequently challenge the professors. Isabel Allende said it best:
“Like many young feminists in Chile, I am disgusted by some aspects of Neruda’s
life and personality. However, we cannot
dismiss his writing.”
An artist whose paintings I have long
admired is Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio known simply as Caravaggio. He was a violent man who killed a man when he
was a teenager and was forced to flee his village. Throughout his life (1571-1610) he was
involved in drunken brawls and possibly even more killings. He subsequently died in Naples after being
injured in a fight which led to wound infection. His paintings are magnificent, featuring struggles, torture, death, and biblical themes. He was known for his dramatic use of light –
chiaroscuro- (the treatment of light and shade in drawing and painting) and tenebrism (painting using especially
pronounced chiaroscuro, where there are violent contrasts of light and dark). He was also known for painting directly from
life on the canvas without first drawing the subject, which required
exceptional talent. Despite his violent
and murderous ways, his paintings have not been condemned to the basement of
museums.
Paul Gauguin ( 1848-1903), whose vibrant paintings have delighted many of us, left his middle-class life as a stockbroker, a life including a wife and five children, and moved to French Polynesia. There he “married” several young women who
were about 14 years old. Gauguin’s paintings continue to be exhibited proudly
in many museums in spite of his questionable lifestyle.
Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) was another
genius who famously treated the women in his life miserably. He created about 20,000 paintings, prints,
drawings, sculptures and ceramics. His style evolved from realism to abstraction,
cubism, surrealism and expressionism. He
is held in great esteem in spite of his many character flaws.
One of the most shocking revelations
in recent years was when the actor/comedian Bill Cosby was accused by several
women of sexual assault. My daughters and I had been fans of his many TV productions, which included some children’s shows where he played loveable, funny characters. Most recently, he played the affable Dr Cliff Huxtable on The Cosby Show, a doctor and a dad handling the usual family crises with great humour. Reruns of the show
were being aired when Bill Cosby’s trial began, and many TV networks decided to
stop airing the reruns. They punished
not just him but all his young co-stars as well. Bill Cosby got his judgment in court, and I
thought the actions of the networks were quite unnecessary and not justified.
A work of art, literature, poetry,
stage play, film, or television series should be appreciated and judged on its own
merits. It is distressing when we
discover that the people involved in creating such works have major flaws
ranging from racist views to sexual abuse and even murder. As difficult as it may be, I try to separate the creation from the creator whenever possible and appreciate the work on its own merit.
My guess is that not everyone will
agree with this viewpoint.
Sriani Basnayake Dissanayake passes away. Feb 15, 2024
Pram and Nihal have just conveyed to me the sad
news that Sriani Basnayake (nee Dissanayake) had passed away today.
16 Feb Message from Pram. Her remains lie at the A.F. Raymond Parlour on the 19th of February 2024 from 9.00 am, and the cremation will take place at 3.00 pm at the Anglican section, Borella Cemetry. A service at 2.30 at the parlour.
Sriani's husband Ralph Wickremaratne passed away last year. Sriani has not been too well for a few years. She was one of the few who migrated from the Peradeniya batch to Colombo.
This photo was taken at the 2012 Reunion Scientific Meeting. On that day, she kept us educated, informed and entertained with her presentation titled, "What Prevents the Urge to Merge?" - The Problem of Non-Consummation.
Her sense of humour was well recognised and she often contributed a lot of funny snippets to the Blog in its early days.
She is also well known for her work with the FPA (Family Planning Association) for over 30 years. She was a devout Christian. She is the 54th loss from our Batch
Sriani posted really funny articles on the Blog. I am sure she
would have approved of me posting one of her jokes to illustrate her good nature and ability to see the funny side of things. Let us remember her for her professional contributions as well as her great sense of humour.
This is her story about
the Baptist Bra.
A
man walked into the women's department of Macy's in New York City. He
told the saleslady, "I would like a Baptist bra for my wife, size
36B.".
With
a quizzical look, the saleslady asked, "What kind of bra?"
He
repeated, "A Baptist bra. She said to tell you that she wanted a Baptist
bra and that you would know what she wanted."
"Ah, now I remember." said the saleslady, "We don't get as many
requests for them as we used to. Most of our customers lately want the Catholic bra or the Salvation Army bra, or the Presbyterian type."
Confused
and a little flustered, the man asked, "So what are the differences?"
The
lady responded, "Well, it's really quite simple. The Catholic type supports
the masses, the Salvation Army lifts up the fallen, and the Presbyterian
type keeps them staunch and upright."
He
mused at that for a moment and then asked, "So, what is the Baptist type
for?"
"They,"
she replied, "make mountains out of molehills."
Sriani, we shall all miss you. - Mahendra Gonsalkorale.
Sriyani Basnayake -an appreciation Added on 17-02-2024
Dr Kumar Gunewardane
“Like a bird singing in the
rain,
Grateful memories will
survive in times of sorrow"
Tusitala: R.L.STEVENSON
The news of Sriayani’s passing
away, though not totally unexpected, caused my wife Kanthi and me much grief.
She was a good friend to both of us, and we cherish many affectionate
memories of her.
A welcome Peradeniya migrant
to our ‘62 medical student group, she, in ND’s apt words, turned many heads.
She had, in abundance, the fabled panache of Ladies College alumni. Pram’s
photographic portrait does justice to her allure. Although somewhat reserved,
she never displayed her elite background. Her father was the Inspector General
of Police when that position was one of distinction and uprightness.
I hardly knew her in Medical
School, but this was a common failing of most of us who kept to our isolated
groups. The reunions and the blog helped break these barricades.
Sriani B is, fifth from Right seated
The year of internship at
the Mahamodera Hospital in Galle further eroded these barriers. It was indeed an
“annee glorieuse”. While observing with amusement the riotous activities
of the hoi polloi Sriani always maintained a dignity inherent to her. This was
indeed an attribute of all our female colleagues.
Our next encounter was in
Townsville, North Queensland. Her sister Nirmala, another distinguished product
of Ladies College, was married to Justin Labrooy, our local university's Foundation professor of medicine. We spent many joyous hours in their company.
Both sisters had the endearing and rare quality of simplicity. N was a champion
national athlete and also the holder of a doctorate from the University of
Oxford. Sriyani was the chief of the family planning service in Colombo. Both
were remarkably reticent of their achievements.
Our standout memory of that
time is S’s Reiki therapy for Kanthi’s migraine headaches. Reiki is an ancient
Japanese technique of relaxing massages, and Kanthi derived significant
benefits from her ministrations in the solitude of a quiet room.
She was also a gracious host
to us in her ancestral home in Borella. There, she introduced us to her nephew,
to whom she was a foster mother. His father, the gifted surgeon Lakdasa (S’s
brother) had passed away while attempting to rescue two drowning children.
Sriyani’s brilliant lecture
“What prevents the urge to merge” at one of our reunions has already been
alluded to by others. Her wit and humour were amplified by many well-chosen
slides, which made me inquire which medical journals she had resourced; she
deftly sidestepped that one. Of course, they were from her leisure reading. On
that occasion, she was accompanied by her husband Ralph Wickremaratne, a
perfect gentle knight and sportsman. They were a flawless match.
We have lost a good friend
and a gifted colleague. May God be with you.
“Every blade in the field,
Every leaf in the forest, Lays down its life in its
season, As beautifully as it was
taken up.”
Henry David Thoreau
“We will grieve not, rather
find strength in what remains.”
William Wordsworth
An appreciation by Nihal D Amarasekera (Photo sent by Pram)- 16/02/2024
I recall the time Sriani joined us from Peradeniya in our
third year. She made heads turn by her immaculate dress sense and elegance.
Sriani carried herself with such poise and dignity which gave an insight into
her gilded life at home. Although rather reserved and steely at times, she was
friendly and jolly. Sriani had a fund of funny stories and was delightful
company.
She was a regular in the early days of the batch
blog, and I remember with clarity some funny stories and interesting comments she
posted. When I wrote about a maid who cared for me as a child, she wrote about her experiences too.
Sadly I never met her after the great dispersal of
1967. I never joined in any of the reunions in Sri Lanka. But I always received
news about Sriani from her friend from Ladies College, Suvendrini Weerasekera.
It was deeply upsetting to hear of her difficulties with her final illness, which she bore with great courage.
Sriani was a caring professional and served the
people with great empathy and understanding. May her Soul Rest in Peace.
Sir
Noel Coward (1899-1973) was a flamboyant Englishman. He was a playwright, actor,
singer and much more. Noel Coward was Knighted for his work. He became famous for his song "Only mad dogs and Englishmen go out in
the midday sun". Coward
wrote the one act play “Still life” in 1936. This was a turbulent time in the
world. King George V had died, and Edward VIII was made king only to abdicate. Germany
was preparing for war. WWII shook the world. It ended in 1945 with the loss of
85 million lives and causing immense hardship to many.
The British film director David Lean (1908-1991) made the story of “Still Life” into a romantic drama, calling it the “Brief Encounter”. The film was shot in the
final days of WWII. It was premiered in London in 1945. He is no stranger to
epic films. Many of his movies had become box office hits like “Dr Zhivago”,
“Lawrence of Arabia”, “Bridge on the River Kwai” and “A Passage to India”.
David Lean is greatly respected for his mastery of film craft for which he was
given an all-time achievement award in 1990. Brief Encounter is often referred
to as the best movie romance of all time. It received three nominations at the
Academy Awards, Best Director, Best Actress (Celia Johnson), and Best Adapted
Screenplay. In 1999, the British Film Institute ranked it as the second-greatest
British film of all time.
David
Lean chose the leads: Celia Johnson as Laura - a housewife, Trevor Howard as
Alec - a doctor. Stanley Holloway plays the naughty station master and Joyce
Carey as the bossy, buffet manageress. Marital infidelity with the associated
social and emotional upheaval is the subject of the film. Laura and Trevor both
married to their partners and with children meet at Milford train station, just
by chance. Laura got some grit in her eye and asked for some water at the station
buffet when a kindly Dr Alec Harvey, came to help. That’s how it all began. Their
affection for each other grew as they met at the station café again and again
on several occasions. Meetings were always on a Thursday, she was on her
shopping trips and he was there for his work commitments. Once they went to an
afternoon performance at the Palladium Cinema.
During these recurrent weekly visits their casual friendship developed
into something more emotionally fulfilling than either of them expected. After
their breakup, David Lean allows Laura to deliver the anguished narrative, in
flashback, when the doctor takes his family to a new life in South Africa. Her
desire and longing for Alec only gets more intense. The heartache and despair felt
by Laura is brilliantly portrayed. As Laura relates the story her face projects
the feelings and emotions perfectly. The chemistry between Laura and Alec is
exquisite. Their flawless sense of decorum and style all through film is a
tribute to that British dignity and decency of the 1930’s.
The
first colour film was made in 1908. It wasn’t until the late 1940’s when colour
films became more common. Like most films of the early 1940’s “Brief encounter”
was made in B&W. The superb cinematography in the railway station with the
focus on low lighting and the loud announcements from the public-address system
creates the ideal ambience for the story. B&W makes the images menacingly
atmospheric. This also suited the story perfectly depicting a certain poignance,
a place faraway and of a time long ago.
The
film is etched in nostalgia to an era when public transport was the norm and
cars were expensive and few. Steam trains were popular and ran on time. The
noise, dust and the puffs of smoke make us remember that era of steam with much
affection. The hustle and bustle of a busy train station adds to the urgency of
their brief meetings. The camera eavesdrops on their random mundane
conversations. The announcements on the public address system of train arrivals
and departures conveys the beginnings and the endings of their trysts abruptly
adding to the agony and the ecstasy. The emotional rollercoaster of the illicit
affair is beautifully portrayed.
There
are certain songs and melodies that are inextricably linked to films. They seem
to linger in our sub conscious minds forever. Anytime we hear the music our
thoughts are directed to parts of the movie. This is so with Lara’s theme in Dr
Zhivago, “As time goes by” in Casablanca and eminently true for Brief
encounter. The theme music that is played right through the film is
Rachmaninov’s piano concerto No.2. This is recognised as anepic work of genius. Rachmaninov
(1873- 1943) was a Russian composer and pianist. He composed the score in 1900
when he had recovered from clinical depression. He dedicated his work to his
psychotherapist. The second movement creates a cloud of sentimentality ideally
suited, in particular, for the important final scene in Brief encounter. After
the Revolution he left Russia and settled in New York.
Human
history is littered with stories of adultery since the beginning of time. “Thou
shalt not commit adultery” remains one of the Biblical Ten Commandments for
Christians. Religions, Society and even the current legal systems take a dim
view of adultery. There are strong cultural norms too that discourage such
behaviour. This film made in those censorious times, family and stability are
respected and preserved. The moral of the story has remained consistent since
the film was first shown in 1945. However, with the passage of years people are
more understanding of how such a situation could occur. Unplanned, inopportune,
and inelegant, this is how romance happens in the real world. Marriage vows are
sacred, and the union is sacrosanct. We salute Laura and Alec. They both earn
our sympathy and respect for their wisdom.
It
is important there is a release for marriages that are beyond reconciliation for
a multitude of reasons. A further discussion on this subject goes beyond the
scope of my remit.
Although
there is a loathing for adultery and extramarital affairs, people love to know
and hear about it. The media are quick to publish salacious details. With the
modern way of life, men and women mix freely at work, home, and social
functions. The social media and emails on mobile phones allow secrecy and easier
contact. This enhances the opportunities for clandestine relationships providing
the climate for gossip and innuendo. Hollywood, Bollywood and film makers
around the world make use of this human weakness to create gripping stories
that become money spinners for them. It is now hard to find a movie without
such steamy and sensuous details.
This
film is a timeless classic. Brief Encounter grabs you from start to finish. It’s
a great story beautifully told. The movie is a masterclass in cinematography. I
have made a conscious effort not to outline the entire story just in case I
have enticed a reader to see the film. It is a gentle reminder of what it is
like to be in love!! One may even search the past for similar events in one’s
own life. I have watched Brief encounter many times and have been genuinely
moved each time. It still is one of the most cherished movie experiences I’ve
had.
At Jayaratne Funeral Hall on the opposite side of the road from Borella Kanatta entrance
Pictures extracted from Live broadcast on YouTube.
REPORT: From Srianee Dias. (Thanks very much for sending this report- Speedy)
“Just returned from Aśoka’s funeral ceremony. Pram, Lama and I were the only ones
there. I got a chance to talk to Sanjaya and Bhatiya, who seemed to be very nice guys.
They have been checking the blog and were very appreciative of the
comments, Nihal’s eulogy and your (Mahendra’s) ‘Ode to Lubber.’ Sanjay read the Ode! He suggested that friends and relatives
should visit the blog!!! We may have
people from Australia and UK checking in!”
News has reached us that Asoka “Lubber” Wijeyekoon passed away in London
in December last year. He is the 53rd in our Batch to do so.
During his visits to Sri Lanka, on a few occasions he has joined Pram’s
get-togethers at her residence and this is from a photograph taken at one in
2019.
Please read message from his son Sanjaya.
We like to extend our deepest commiserations to his family. May he Rest
In Peace.
Stop press: Message from his son Sanjaya whom I contacted.
He died in London at st Bartholomew Hospital on the 22nd December.He was on a short trip to London and promptly went into heart failure on arrival, was admitted to cardiology, started to develop some tachyarrythmias and then attempted an emergency pacemaker but sadly went into cardiac arrest on the evening of the 22nd and died. We only got to see him briefly before the event. He had a PM unfortunately as the cause of death was uncertain and was cremated in the UK. My brother is coming with his ashes to SL and we planned a small ceremony here as per his final wishes. I’m sorry we did not have everyone’s contact details but I messaged Professor Lamabadasuriya and also emailed the 62 medical school group. We are holding a small ceremony at Jayaratne funeral hall on the opposite side of the road from borella kanatta entrance on Sunday the 11th February at 10 am. We have a video link too for those who cannot attend but would like to view the proceedings
I think this is on 11th Feb, at 09.00 am SL which is 03.30 am UK
Click on it on the day.
I think his two sons, both medical Consultants in the UK are Bhatya (Rheumatologist) and Sanjaya (Colorectal surgeon). I am grateful to Nihal (ND) Amarasekera who wrote this beautiful eulogy at very short notice.
Asoka Wijeyekoon – A Tribute
to my friend
By Dr Nihal D Amerasekera
Friendships are one of
life’s golden gifts. Those made in our youth are specially gilded to last a
lifetime. It is hard to replicate that closeness in associations later on in
life. In our life’s journey we find friends who walk with us a short way and
move out of our sight.
This is a eulogy for Lubber and
also an appreciation of our friendship of many years. After five gruelling
years in medical school we worked together for another four years in the
Central Blood Bank in Colombo, a large slice of our young lives. We managed to
hang on to our friendship despite the distances, careers, family commitments
and the many bouquets and brickbats of life. It is indeed a tribute to our
friendship.
I recall most vividly the
legendary Law-Medical, the intrusion into the cricket match at Reid Avenue and
questioning the umpire. The gory details are best forgotten and buried deep. I
am certain a résumé is analysed and remembered at reunions and gatherings after
a generous dash of the social lubricant.
Final year trip Kurunegala? Badulla? Igloo" HO's quarters. Lubber is squatting behind Lakshman Jayasinghe and Yankee Bala
At our final year trip, Lubber’s
memorable performance took centre stage. In the chill night-air he wore
just his tie and nil else. When asked who he was, he said “I am Argyle
Robertson’s pupil”. Even now, this legendary moment never fails to raise a
smile. That was a fitting farewell to a journey none of us will ever forget.
When this episode was mentioned previously, Sanath Lamabadusuriya
commented this took place in Kurunegala and not in Badulla, as I recalled. I
would most certainly trust his memory more than my own.
My first meeting with Lubber
in med school was perhaps unremarkable, hence lost in the fog of time. I do
recall Sunil De Silva’s long tale of how his classmate from Royal College
,Asoka Wijeyakoon, came to be called Lubber. It seemed Asoka’s teenage swagger
on terra firma was like that of a sailor. The term ‘land
lubber’ was shortened to lubber. Although most plausible, Sunna’s stories were
told with a poker face blurring the fine line between fact into fiction.
Despite being at either end of the alphabet we met up in the common room for a
tea and a chat. The common room was a very special place for us medical
students. It was our own retreat and shelter from the storms of Faculty life. I
have often watched him deep in thought over a game of chess with Satchy. He
joined in the conversations with his endless stream of wise-cracks. Listening
to the repartee between Chanaka Wijesekera, Sunil De Silva and Lubber
Wijeyakoon was spontaneous comedy at its best. It moved from the ridiculous to
the farcical. The ‘one liners’were brilliantly intelligent and hilariously funny.
Those were indeed touches of genius taking the noble art of comedy to a whole
new level. I wish we had smartphones to record those treasures for posterity.
Their quick wit and humour must swirl in the ether of that common room. The
Faculty years passed swiftly. After the ‘finals’ we were thrust into the lions’
den of the wider world. Then marriage and careers usurped our lives. None of it
was easy!!
I was thrilled to see that
familiar swagger entering the Central Blood Bank in Colombo when I was a
Medical Officer of that institution in the early 1970’s. We clicked instantly.
I was then a drifter at a loose end and was grateful for his company. I do recall
our evenings at some of the popular bars discussing philosophy, politics and
religion. Those were heady days of idealism, ambition and youthful optimism. There
were occasions I joined Lubber for company in his blood donation programs in
the out-stations. One that stands out is a trip to Galgamuwa on the road to
Anuradhapura. We stayed at the DMO’s quarters as he was away. Emptying his
fridge of the amber nectar we chatted deep into the night when we heard a group
of girls singing “Oyathamai Bamba ketu ekkana”. In our inebriation they sounded
like a choir of angels. Then again, we spent a memorable evening in the
verandah of the Nikeweratiya Rest House polishing a bottle of Molasses
discussing the world, politics and our ambitions and aspirations. These images
still haunt me.
I recall the dark days of
1960’s and 70’s with sadness. Sri Lankan politics was in turmoil. The economy
was in a perilous state. Our lives and careers were at a standstill. I remember
it so well. Mahendra Gonsalkorala, Lubber and I debating the pros and cons of
leaving Sri Lanka. We couldn’t see an end to the political and economic crisis
that crippled our country. They were emotionally charged discussions that left
us in a wilderness of confusion. After much deliberation we joined the rest of
the herd for greener pastures abroad. Although I had agonised about it, I never
realised the enormity of that decision. My youthful exuberance protected me
from the fear of reality.
I was immensely fortunate to
have Lubber to travel with me to the UK. We boarded the Swissair DC10 and
comforted each other until our transit at Zurich. We were dying for a beer.
Money was in short supply and we had to syndicate to share a bottle that calmed
our nerves. After a change of plane we disembarked at Heathrow airport. I can
still remember that cold and wet June afternoon in 1974. There on the concourse
of the airport we said our goodbyes and parted company. Lubber disappeared into
a Psychiatric Hospital in the heart of Sussex. I started my journey in
Pathology in Chase Farm Hospital in Greater London. We kept in touch and met up
a few times. Each time we had some drinks and listened to our favourite Sinhala
music of Victor Ratnayake which brought back fond memories of our final few
years in Colombo. To be frank it was a tough time for us in the UK too. As we
drowned in our careers and family obligations there was hardly any time to keep
up with friends. There were long periods of silence and we never met on our
journey up the professional ladder. When I went into the abstract world of
Radiology, Lubber became a respected Consultant Psychiatrist in a London
Hospital.
It was a couple of decades
later I met Lubber again this time in his pad in London when he cooked a meal
for me and my family. We talked a lot about times past, of mutual friends and
the pleasures and perils of life. After we parted our contact remained an
occasional phone call, out of the blue, and a warm query on how life treated
us. It was a shock to our system when our children left the nest. He is rightly
proud of his two sons who are Consultants in the National Health Service.
The years rolled by as
retirement loomed. Our careers ended as it started with uncertainty and some
trepidation. The next I heard of Lubber was when he left the UK. A little
birdie told me he was living it up in Bangkok and spending his retirement in
‘well earned’ luxury. No doubt it’s everyone dream to be happy. I thought I had
lost contact completely until one day, on a whim, I used an old phone number
and sent him a message on WhatsApp. A few days passed and to my
surprise I got a reply. His messages were brief and always after a prolonged
latent period.
In May this year I booked a
family holiday in Bangkok. Lubber now spends time in Colombo and Bangkok. He
made a special effort to be in Bangkok during my visit. He invited us to stay
with him in his condominium. Getting into a taxi and finding a location in
Thailand is fraught with difficulty due to language problems. Never being a
part of the British Empire, Thai people do not speak much English. We felt it
would be best to meet near my hotel. It was such a pleasure to see him again, a
little more grey and more rotund than I knew. He decided to stay the night at
my hotel in the best top floor room. We started a drink in his room and caught
up with the lost years of friends, family and our life’s journey. Lubber is
tremendous company with or without a drink and has retained many of his
formidable intellectual gifts. As always after a drink his wit and humour takes
over. We had a fine seafood dinner followed by more drink and chat. Unlike the
hard-nosed yours truly, Lubber has a certain empathy for the less fortunate and
the downtrodden. He rewarded the waiters and waitresses most
generously. We parted company not knowing if we would ever meet
again.
After several months I
was pleasantly surprised to hear from him in London. He was staying in a hotel
near Moorgate where we decided to meet. It was wonderful to see him again.
Lubber is as always upbeat about life but very aware of the ironies, mirages
and illusions that we all must face. Now more than ever life’s oases and their
many pleasures drift past us far too quickly. We spoke for just a couple of
hours as he had to take a taxi to Heathrow Airport for his return to Colombo.
As I think about life, I am convinced more than ever, our lives are a riddle,
wrapped in a mystery, within an enigma – to misquote Winston
Churchill.
When I look back the
memories of 50+ years, Lubber was a kind, sociable friend and a unique human
being. This is not an attempt to deify him. He too has the same faults we all
possess. As in his youth Lubber is extraordinarily frank, fears no one and
retained an aura of gravitas from his ‘consultant’ days. He had the remarkable
ability to bring to any discussion a huge degree of intelligence derived from
lateral thinking. I am ever grateful we were able to meet. It is true we go
back to the beginning as we get to the end.
It was, and will always
remain, one of the great privileges of my life to have known him.
The Last Farewell- Mahendra's version and interpretation of a classic song by Roger Whittaker
Mahendra "Speedy" Gonsalkorale. The lyrics appear at the end of the post.
I give my own imaginary interpretation of this sailor being an English sailor who fell in love with not only a girl in Sri Lanka, but with the country itself. The backing track from Smule Karaoke is the Elvis version in a different key but basically the same. You can watch it in window below or click on the YouTube link to see it.
Many colleagues have asked me to post another musical production of mine and I am obliging!
Released in 1971, this iconic song tells a story of love,
loss, and the bittersweet farewell of two souls. Whittaker’s soulful voice and
heartfelt delivery make this song a classic that continues to resonate with
listener.
The lyrics of The Last Farewell paint a vivid picture of a sailor bidding
farewell to his beloved as he embarks on a perilous voyage. The song explores
themes of longing, separation, and the inevitable end that awaits their love.
It evokes a sense of melancholy and nostalgia, reminding us of the transient
nature of life and the fleetingness of meaningful connections.
Roger Whittaker drew inspiration for The Last Farewell from his own
experiences as a sailor during his youth. He wanted to capture the essence of
love and longing in a heartfelt song that resonated with his personal story.
While The Last Farewell is not based on a specific true event, it
encapsulates the universal emotions experienced by sailors and their loved ones
when facing separation. It draws on the collective experiences of sailors
throughout history.
I gave my own imaginary interpretation of this sailor
being English and who fell in love with a girl in Sri Lanka
“For you are beautiful, and I have loved you dearly
More dearly than the spoken word can tell”.
His love was not just for the girl, but for the country.
Background
Roger Henry Brough Whittaker (1936 – 2023) was a
British singer-songwriter and musician. He is best known for his baritone
singing voice and trademark whistling ability as well as his guitar
skills.
Whittaker was born in Nairobi, then in British
Kenya, to English parents. His father was injured in a motorcycle accident and
the family moved from Staffordshire to a farm near Thika, Kenya,
because of its warmer climate. His grandfather sang in various clubs and his
father played the violin Whittaker learned to play the guitar on an
instrument made for him during WW2 by an Italian Prisoner of War.
Whittaker moved to Britain in September 1959 to continue his
teaching career. He studied at the University College of North Wales and
obtained BSc degree.He Sang in local
clubs during this time. He said later that "I guess I
was an entertainer who was a biochemist for a while, rather than the other way
around".
In 1975, EMI released "The Last Farewell", a track
from Whittaker's 1971 New World in the Morning album. It
became his biggest hit and a signature song, selling more than 11 million
copies worldwide.
Whittaker's father never forgave his son for abandoning a
medical career, and their differences were never resolved. His parents attended
none of their son's concerts and refused to participate in the episode of This
Is Your Life when he was the subject.
After living in Ireland for some years, he
retired with his wife to France in 2012.He
died in a hospital near Toulouse on
13 September 2023, aged 87.
Whittaker hosted a radio programme in The UK, backed by an
orchestra with arrangements by Zack Lawrence. Roger Whittaker said, "One of the ideas I had was to invite
listeners to send their poems or lyrics to me and I would make songs out of
them. We got a million replies, and I did one each week for 26 weeks. Ron A.
Webster, a silversmith, sent Roger Whittaker his poem entitled "The Last Farewell,"
and this song became one of the selections to appear on the radio program. It
was recorded and sold and became one of the fifty all-time singles to have sold
10 million or more physical copies worldwide. The single reached the Top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart, peaking at number 19 in June 1975, the only single of
Whittaker's career to appear on the Hot 100.] The
song first hit the Canadian charts in November 1974 and peaked at number 64 in December.It
then re-entered the charts in April 1975.
The response in America led the single to success in other parts
of the world, including the United Kingdom, peaking at number 2 on the UK
Singles Chart. It
was kept from number 1 in the UK by Rod
Stewart's "Sailing", resulting in an oddity
that the top 2 longs in the UK singles chart at the time had a nautical theme.
"The Last Farewell" also went to number 1 in 11 other countries,
selling an estimated 11 million copies worldwide,making
it Whittaker's best-known song.
The Last Farewell has been covered by numerous artists over
the years, including Elvis Presley, Anne Murray, and Nana Mouskouri. Each
rendition brings a unique interpretation, showcasing the song’s timeless appeal.
Footnote: The lyrics
There's a ship lies rigged and ready in the harbor
Tomorrow for old England she sails
Far away from your land of endless sunshine
To my land full of rainy skies and gales
And I shall be aboard that ship tomorrow
Though my heart is full of tears at this farewell
For you are beautiful, and I have loved you dearly
More dearly than the spoken word can tell
For you are beautiful, and I have loved you dearly
More dearly than the spoken word can tell
I heard there's a wicked war a-blazing
And the taste of war I know so very well
Even now I see the foreign flag a-raising
Their guns on fire as we sail into Hell
I have no fear of death, it brings no sorrow
But how bitter will be this last farewell
For you are beautiful, and I have loved you dearly
More dearly than the spoken word can tell
For you are beautiful, and I have loved you dearly
More dearly than the spoken word can tell
Though death and darkness gather all about me
And my ship be torn apart upon the seas
I shall smell again the fragrance of these islands
In the heaving waves that brought me once to thee
And should I return home safe again to England
I shall watch the English mist roll through the dale
For you are beautiful, and I have loved you dearly
More dearly than the spoken word can tell
For you are beautiful, and I have loved you dearly
More dearly than the spoken word can tell
