Ven Sobitha Thera : An irreparable loss to all Buddhists

The untimely passing away of the Most Venerable Madulawe Sobitha Thera of Naga Viharaya, Kotte, on November 7, 2015 is an irreparable loss to all Buddhists worldwide and all Sri Lankans in particular. His keen insight, hindsight, foresight, and unselfish delivery of Buddhism related topic countrywide to educate the masses led to crucial political changes in the recent pass, paving the way to a more peaceful, contented, and truly exceptional island, setting an example to all other countries with similar problems related to greed, corruption, immorality, an ignorance mainly of those in power to rule.

My mother Leela who lived to be 100 and six months was a devout Buddhist who was very fortunate to be able to follow in the footsteps of Ven. Sobitha and whom we all knew from the year of his ordination at age 11. His sermons and discussions were of high calibre and were attracted by citizens of all ages, young and old. His discourses whether they were in the form of conversation, debate, sermons, Conference or discussions taught us goodwill, loving kindness, sympathetic joy, and an unbiased attitude in our daily lives. He did not praise those who should be criticized but did attribute lots of commendation and admiration to those rich or poor, who were on the right track and unselfish with a mind – set geared to provide healthy actions or words of wisdom for the good of the people. He believed in nonviolence and realised the truth of Buddha’s Noble middle path and always respected public opinion and sacrificed his own physical health for the sake of people’s harmony and peaceful coexistence.

Let us all honour Ven Sobitha Thera by following the middle path and always mindful of the footsteps laid by him during his lifetime, and devoid of irresponsible behaviour in all aspects of our lives that could otherwise ruin not only one’s own life but also the lives of kith and kin and neighbors and society in general.

May Ven. Sobitha Thera be sufficiently blessed to attain the highest state of perfect peace and Enlightenment called Nirvana.

-Richard D May
Roland Dharmasuriya
MD, MBBS, FAPA

‘Professor Manique Gunasekera as I knew her’

It was with profound regret and shock that I heard of the passing away of Dr. Manique, as we referred to her in the days gone by.

Her name was synonymous with the University of Kelaniya where she was an undergraduate, a lecturer, Head of the Department of English and Head of the English Language Teaching Unit during my time there. She was the youngest to have handled both departments. It is a privilege to have worked with her and under her Headship.

Dr. Manique took a great interest in the Teaching of English as a Second Language and was a keen exponent of the varieties of English and Bi-lingualism as is evinced through her publications. She had no disparaging attitude towards those who did not conform to the accepted Sri Lankan Standard of English especially pronunciation-wise.

There were many English courses she was responsible for conducting and contributing to. The English Programme for the Sri Lanka Administrative Service under Professor Doric de Souza. The Courses conducted for Foreign Students-Chinese and Korean.

The English Programme over the week-ends for the youth of Biyagama. All of which were concluded successfully under her direction, guidance and administration. She also created opportunity for the staff to produce Teaching Material.

Many of the staff members at that time were senior to her in age. But Dr. Manique handled any harangues that arose with so much maturity and aplomb. She was understanding, approachable, available and gave ear to both staff and students. She had a respectful attitude towards us the older staff members, maintained camaraderie and established good rapport at all times. At no time was she over-bearing, was always appreciative of work rendered and had a great impact on the staff.

I met Dr. Manique a few times after my retirement. At a Christmas Party organised by the ELTU. At her book launch The Post Colonial Identity of Sri Lankan English to which she did not forget to invite her retired staff members and around the time Kelaniya University chalked up fifty years. Having heard I had come she wanted to meet me even though she was not too well with a heavy cold. “I would have given you a hug but for the cold” she said. She inquired about my family and quipped in her familiar manner. When I rose to leave she added. “Thank you for the cards sent over the years”.

Little did I think then, that I would remain and she would depart.

It is difficult to imagine that Dr. Manique is no more. She was so vivacious, exuding charm and radiance. She had a vibrant personality and a friendly disposition which endeared her to all she came in contact with in that university community.

Dr. Manique contributed her expertise in no small measure to develop and enhance English Language Teaching and Learning at the Kelaniya University and in Sri Lanka.

She will be fondly and sadly remembered by her innumerable students, colleagues and staff who served under her and by the institution itself which she served with such commitment. She has left behind pleasant, fragrant memories of a pleasing personality.

“Many daughters have done virtuously but you excel them all”.
“Good-night sweet princess
And flight of angels sing thee to thy rest!”

-Jeannette Cabraal

Birthday remembrance of a silent SLAF legend

There are hero’s and legends who are talked about and legends who are not spoken of. The late Air Commodore Mohamed Siddique (Dick) Sally of the Sri Lanka Air Force(SLAF) belonged to the latter. Mohamed Siddique Sally or commonly known as Dick Sally in Air Force circles was an exemplary character, regardless of his commitment and dedication to the Air Force. He was a man and officer who proved his actions louder than words. Simple and down to earth, he never spoke of his achievements or credentials.

After his education at Zahira College Colombo, he joined the SLAF(which was known as Royal Ceylon Air Force) in November 1957, as an aircraftman and subsequently was commissioned as a pilot officer in February 1971.

He was trained in Diyatalawa, China Bay, USA, Italy and China. During his distinguished service of 37 years in the Air Force, he served in Katunayake, China Bay, Ratmalana, Vavuniya and Air Force Headquarters in Colombo.

He also took an active role in the air operation during the Eelam war serving along side with the great General Denzil Kobbekaduwa.

To appreciate his services, Commodore Mohamed Siddique (Dick) Sally was awarded the Republic of Sri Lanka Armed Services medal, SLAF 25th anniversary medal, Sri Lanka Armed Services long service medal, Purna Bhumi Padakkama and the Vadamarachchi Operation medal.

Among the many important appointments he has held, to mention a few he was the flying instructor at China Bay, Katunayake and Ratmalana. He was the Commanding Officer in Ratmalana and Vavuniya. He was Director air operations, air coordinator and Eastern Zonal Commander at Air Force Headquarters Colombo.

He was also one of the standby VIP (fixed wing) pilots for the late heads of state President J.R Jayewardene and President Ranasinghe Premadasa.Air Commodore Dick Sally Born on December 17, 1936 passed away after a brief illness on May 28, 2015. He was awarded a ceremonial funeral by the SLAF at the Dehiwala Muslim burial grounds. May Almighty Allah grant him Jennathul Firdouse.

-Shiham Sally