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.