Emeritus Professor Dayasiri Fernando :

He set an example in the profession

The late Emeritus Prof Dayasiri Fernando was the founder Professor of Surgery at the Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura. Prior to this he had been serving the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Colombo for over 25 years as the Professor of Surgery too. His contribution as the Dean of the Faculty of Medical Sciences (2002 January - 2004 June) and uplifting the standard of the Faculty of Medical Sciences of Sri Jayewardenepura University to be one of the most prestigious Medical Faculties in the country is immense. He was acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura on several occasions and during critical periods.

He was responsible in setting up the Professorial Unit of Surgery at the Colombo South Teaching Hospital in 1995. This Professorial Unit was developed to be one of the best surgical units in the country within a short period, mainly due to the tremendous effort, wise decisions and dedication of Prof. Fernando, with regard to the infrastructure as well as human resource development of the unit.

His services went beyond the limits of the university circle. He was a great surgeon, the most sought after, gastro-enterologist in the country.

His kindness and great human qualities made him popular among all those whom he came across. His attitude towards the quality of a surgeon can be explained with some quotes he made.

“Patients need a surgeon with good communication skills. They prefer a surgeon who could interact sincerely taking time to discuss the problem. Not someone who would just clear the crowd in a hurry, because of the number of patients he has to see within a short period of time in his practice”, Prof. Fernando said, while talking on “Communication skills of a surgeon” at Dr. M. Ganesharatnam’s induction, as the President of the College of Surgeons, Sri Lanka, where he was the chief guest.

“Should we not infuse into these young minds that the surgeon is no longer the key player in a one-man show, but a leader of a team giving direction to every segment of his team. Should we not teach them to be professionals? Should we not teach them to be sensitive to the needs of the patient? Should we not teach them values and attitudes? Should we not do this with our lives as example and being role models? The common answer to all this is a definite ‘Yes’. A lack of these values in the lives of some present-day professionals has led to criticism by the public”. These words depict the legend he was.

He was an internationally reputed academic in his field and was an examiner at the Royal College of Surgeons examinations, held annually in Sri Lanka. In 1998, he served as the President of the College of Surgeons of Sri Lanka.

According to his school friends, his superior knowledge in Latin astounded even his teachers! He was famous for his participation in Drama and Literary Society activities, at St. Thomas College, Mount Lavinia.

His brilliant performance as ‘Portia’ in the ”Merchant of Venice”, brought him great fame in drama and theatre’ during his time. Those episodes staged at the St. Thomas College Hall with his performances had attracted crowds who carry memories of him even today.

He also played a role in a short drama ‘Jeewithe Kumakda’ with his colleagues in ‘Talents 2001,’ the annual cultural show of the Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura. His love for art and drama was remarkable

He passed away on November 28, 2015 after a brief illness. Prof. Fernando’s demise is a loss that may not be easily replaced. He introduced the subspecialty of Gastroenterology and trained many to be efficient surgeons to serve the people of Sri Lanka. Following his retirement from the University, he was made Emeritus Professor of Surgery taking in to account the immense contribution made by him towards the profession at many levels.

He was Chairman of the Public Services Commission, which is the highest body in the public service. Further, Prof. Fernando was the family surgeon , former Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike and Chandrika Bandaranaike. He moved in the highest political circles of Sri Lanka.

He was a gentleman to his finger tiips, and remained a devout Christian. He was also a kind and compassionate doctor who set an example in the profession. He was a much adored teacher, a skilled surgeon and most of all a great human being.

May he rest in eternal peace!

-Prof. Sampath Amaratunge
Vice Chancellor, University of Sri Jayewardenepura

Deepal Peiris:

An ode to a brother

On a warm night last September
We got this terrifying call
The call that would change our lives
We can’t really believe you’re gone

Genuine, gentle warm and sincere you were
Also kind and true, and a Gentleman in every way
It was too late, for your time has come,
But lasting forever are memories of you.

We miss your daily mails and those funny jokes
They were part of our daily life
We miss those telephone calls
So long and soothing they always were

As a brother you would always give
Sound and true and sincere advice
When any of us did well in life
You would express delight in your sincere ways

Decades later, when all of us have forgotten
You would recall in detail so many things long past
Things that bring sweet and pleasant memories
Of days when we were small and young

Word was something you never broke
Gain or loss you will stick to your word
Honestly and integrity were traits you adored
And faithfully kept them guarded right to the end
Attachment was something you always shunned
“Take it” you would say whenever a split was called
Birthdays of kith and kin and friends and colleagues
You would never forget and wished them on time

Rest in peace our dear brother
we are happy that you will never suffer
And now we will wait for our turn
to unite and re-live all those beautiful things

Yes, it’s time for us to say goodbye,
We miss you every minute, our dearest brother
Until we meet again, you will remain in
our hearts
Honestly dear brother, always and forever.

- Charith, Ranil and Suresh