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| Sunday, 6 July 2003 |
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Features |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
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Sons and Daughters Ranjit Jayasuriya The Advertising Community and the Marketing fraternity lost one of their 'founding fathers' when Ranjit took his last breath a few weeks ago. Ranjit was an Advertising man to the manner born. He proved his mettle when he along with a few of his colleagues established Thompson Associates, which today is a reputed organisation and a leader in its field. When Ranjit led this company he attracted a number of reputed Multi-Nationals, so much so that TAL had a client profile, which matched and even surpassed those of its competitors. Ranjit's weakness and strength, was the undeniable fact of his reliance on his judgement: he lent his ear to all but unfortunately listened to none. He stuck to his beliefs with the stubbornness of a mule, and did so because of his self-confidence and not merely for recognition or any other reason. And, that was why he at the 'behest' of his friend the late and much lamented Upali Wijewardena he left TAL which was growing from strength to strength and ventured into the unknown by making a fresh start as it were with R.J. Associates. It was here that Ranjit enjoyed the best days of his career. It was also here that he faced disappointment and emotion that finally led to his illness and perhaps his demise. While advertising was his Life believing that 'Advertising begins when the first crying child advertises his wants to its mother, ends only with the epitaph on the headstone in the village cemetery' Ranjit also had another and more. His relaxation was in the jungles and his pastimes included boating and horticulture. When he was in his jungle safaris armed only with his cine-camera, he was oblivious to the chatter of his close friends who were the other passengers in his vehicle. His only interest was in the denizens of the sanctuary. He was equally happy to see the majestic elephant, leopard and the bear as well as the nesting bird and those in their wings. The sight of a full grown crocodile, and even the lowly jackal was a pleasant experience. Ranjit was one with Nature. His garden at home with flowers of every hue and colour was a miniature Peradeniya. Ranjit's hospitality was legendary and his generosity had no barriers and boundaries. Ranjit is now no more but all who knew him will remember him as a multifaceted person and will say I have lost a friend. It is the belief of many who saw him in his last days where Dawn his beloved wife cared for him with a sense of sincere commitment that Ranjit was too tired to continue what he had begun. In the immortal words of Emily Dickinson: "Because I could not stop for Death he kindly stopped for me The carriage held but ourselves And immortality.' May Ranjit rest in peace - B.J. Karunatileka M.M.C. Wickramanayake - Pioneer industrialist M.M.C. Wickramanayake a legend who worked tirelessly to put Sri Lanka's industry in the world industry map passed away peacefully in Kandy on 6th July 2001 on his 89th birthday. A father figure of Sri Lanka's industry and commerce. M.M.C. Wickramanayake is a name that stands tall among the country's legendary heroes. He was among the first to recognise the potential of the garment industry, its ability to contribute to Sri Lanka's economic growth and generate direct and indirect employment. He pioneered knitwear industry by establishing Sterling Jersey Co., in 1953 under the brand name Kosala. Born in Unanvita he started his career in Kandy as a Manager at his uncle's Tobacco leaf business. His life exemplified an inspirational success story of a self-made man. As Chairman the Kosala Agencies M.M.C. pioneered re-conditioned cars to Sri Lanka in 1976. In 1978 his company became the first private permit holder to operate private Omni bus service and operated Kandy-Colombo luxury bus. Under his stewardship and visionary leadership the Kosala enterprise diversified into varied sectors of the economy. He was founder director of City Stores Limited, Silverdale Hotel Limited, Sinhaputra Finance Limited, Kandy City Trading Limited, Service Kandy Limited, Beehive Food Canning Limited. He was also the founder director and MD of Kandy, Ayurveda Pharmacy Limited from 1943 to 1987. He was the founder member of Sri Lanka Chamber of Small Industries and was the Vice President from 1963 to 1965. Vice President of Kandy Merchant Chamber from 1963 to 1973. M.M.C. Wickramanayake's achievement and success never eroded his simplicity and old fashioned charm M.M.C. Wickramanayake's demise leaves a void which the country will find difficult to fill. May he attain Nibbana! - S. Wickramasinghe Dr. Riley Fernando I shall pass this way but once any good that I can do any kindness that I can show, to any being or living creature, let me do it now let me not defer it or neglect it - for I shall not pass this way again. This was what was left on the consultation table of Dr. Riley Fernando, Family Physician, poet and satirist who passed away on 14th June following a brief illness a few months after his 75th birthday. Dr. Riley was the son of a Postmaster and his wife who had eight illustrious children, among whom were a University professor, a Bishop and three Medical Doctors. He studied in Trinity College Kandy where he won the Prince of Wales scholarship. He entered the University of Ceylon just reaching 18 and graduated with MBBS at 23 years of age, in 1951. After two years of service in the Department of Health at Badulla and other outstations, he assumed duties as MOIC of the Co-operative Hospital Kurunegala. In 1955 he started his own practice and established the first private maternity home in the North Western Province. He was a founder member of the College of General Practitioners in Sri Lanka and the President of the Kurunegala Clinical Society 1970/1971. He authored a very instructive and useful book titled 'Motherhood and Baby care'. He was very religious and served for several years as a warden of Cathedral of Christ the King, Kurunegala. He also served in many other religious and social organisations in Kurunegala to name a few are, standing committee of the Diocese, Lawn Tennis Club, Motor Sports Club, and Local chapter of the Junior Chamber International. After 22 years in Kurunegala he moved to Dehiwela, where he started a medical practice. He inserted the famous obituary in Ceylon Daily News in April 1974 when the press was gagged by the then regime. "O" CRACY, beloved husband of T. Ruth loving father of L.I. Bertie, brother of Faith, Hope and Justitia. Interred on Saturday 20th inst., - Araliya Medura, Panagiyawatte, Anduruwella." There were references to this in the Readers Digest and the international press. He wrote regularly to the newspaper both in prose and verse and took part in the newspaper captions and crossword puzzles competitions. Amitha Abeysekara in his column. "This is my Island" once described him as a 'wit, literary innovator, versifier and satirist.' He published an anthology of his poems titled 'Rhymes Of Our Times.' His other interests were contract bridge, music and ballroom dancing. He was a live wire in the Trinity College over Sixty Club. I met Dr. Riley at the Medical Centre of the University of Sri Jayawardenapura, where he served his final stint as a Doctor until he passed away. He was an ideal Doctor, he was up to date in his knowledge, meticulous in his work, compassionate and firm. There was no limit to the length he went to assist his patients. Being his junior for 30 years was no barrier to the friendly relationship we had. He had been a guru, mentor and a friend to many at the Medical Centre. He was always with company. The smile he always had remained even after his death. He served the purpose fully for which he was born for. He leaves behind his wife Manel who also shared his sense of humour and two sons Rohan and Malin. The epilogue in the book of poems he published read as follows: "And when the final trumpet calls to beckon me hereafter may I depart with a happy heart and a face lit up with laughter." May he rest in peace! - Dr. Rohana Welikumbura |
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