Tribute to a 'down to earth' Mayor

'Ganesh' as he was popularly known was called 'Thamby' by his close friends at S. Thomas'. Within a short period of time he had many friends - not only boys from the North but from the South as well, including the elite 'Colombo 7 boys'.

One incident, in which Ganesh was involved, still comes to my mind. The first signs of an 'ethnic problem' in Sri Lanka set Colombo and its suburbs ablaze.

Along with Cannon de Saram, the Warden of S. Thomas' at the time, 'Ganesh' and several other boarders were in the forefront of efforts to save the life of an innocent old man who had been attacked by thugs who were on the rampage near De Saram Road, Mount Lavinia. By this act Ganesh, at the age of seventeen displayed his natural leadership and special humane qualities.

From S. Thomas' he gained admission to the University of Ceylon, where characteristically he was an immensely popular figure amongst the student body. Since he was interested in accountancy, he joined KPMG Ford, Rhodes and Thornton.

Realising his competency and efficiency as an accountant Ganesh was appointed as the Treasurer of the United National Party (UNP). In recognition and appreciation of his leadership and capability the late President Premadasa requested him to contest the Colombo Municipal Council election.

After a successful campaign Ganesh was elected to the office of Mayor, and thereby came to be in charge of the most urbanised municipalities in Sri Lanka. As Mayor he knew every nook and corner of the Colombo Municipality, and he went out of his way to help any taxpayer who sought his assistance.

During the period Ganesh had the honour and privilege of welcoming His Holiness Pope John Paul the Second, on the occasion of the papal visit to Sri Lanka.

He fabulously donated large sums of money to several cultural and religious organisations and his generosity never forgot his alma mater, S. Thomas' College.

He was always there in a big way at every Thomian Fair. One of his specialities was running the 'Thomian Thosai Kade' . In order to give the stall an authentic look he would personally transport palmyrah palms and plantain trees and decorate the stall in such a manner that an authentic ambience was maintained.

Yamuna, his wife, was a tower of strength to Ganesh and readily supported him with all the Thomian functions he undertook to organise. Indeed the genial disposition and warm hospitality of Yamuna greatly enhanced Ganesh's success.

Thomians young and old will miss Ganesh very badly.

M. Balasubramaniam