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