Opinion

Remembering Prof. C. C. de Silva

Published

2 years ago

2023/03/3

By Dr Upul Wijayawardhana

Memories of this remarkable, colourful personality came flooding back after reading Prof Sanath Lamabadusuriya’s tribute “Prof. C. C. de Silva: Appreciation on his119th Birth Anniversary (The Island, February 24), especially the start of my medical career. Although almost 59 years have elapsed, I vividly remember April 20, 1964, when I started my medical career spanning 47 years across two countries. I was in ward one of Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children well before the ‘boss’ arrived and the first familiar person I met was the outgoing intern house officer. On seeing me she blurted “Upul, why the hell have you come to work with this man?” It was pretty obvious that she has had tough six months and was keen to get out!

With a sense of trepidation, made worse by her comments, I waited anxiously for the arrival of the grey-haired, bespectacled, portly professor with a beaming smile. Seeing the fresh face, he looked down and asked me “So, you are the new intern. What made you come to me?” When I replied “Sir, I want to start my career working under a great man”. His broad smile with his characteristic huff, not at all nasty, meant that I had made a good start. It indeed was the beginning of a treasured association that lasted till the death of Prof Cholmondeley Charmers de Silva on 20th May 1987.

The first time I met Prof CC was three or four months before I started working for him, as a final year medical student to do the “Paediatric professorial appointment” lasting two weeks; an appointment that medical students feared most as it concluded with a viva. If one failed it, the appointment would be repeated and, in our case, it would lead to postponing the final examination. Fortunately for us, at the end of our appointment, Prof CC gave us a choice; either face the viva or go with him to see smallpox patients in IDH. Without any hesitation, all 10 in our group opted to go to IDH! We feared the smallpox virus less than Prof CC’s viva! I am personally very thankful to him for the opportunity given, as we were among the last to see smallpox cases, the 1963 epidemic being the last.

Apparently, Prof CC was in the habit of calling his juniors late at night to get information but by the time I started working at LRH, no telephone calls were allowed to house officer’s quarters after 10pm, a request granted by the administration mostly to avoid Prof CC’s calls! He overcame this by ringing ward 1 and getting the nurses to send a message through the call-boy, who was tasked with carrying urgent messages. I too was at the receiving end of this on many occasions and it turned out to be nothing urgent but to get some information for research he was doing.

One night a child was admitted with fitting and I did everything possible but the mean streak in me made me disturb Prof CC around the time of his deepest sleep. I gave the story which was followed up by a series of questions which I answered, when Prof CC said, “You have done everything, so why are you ringing me?”. I do not know where I got the strength from but said “How does it feel sir to be woken up from deep sleep?” I expected the worst the following morning but Prof CC greeted me with a big smile. I could not have done that and got away with any other boss of mine and it stands testimony to the greatness of this colourful personality. In fact, I never got a ‘nuisance-call’ after that and when I came to know him better, I teased him by relating this episode which met with his typical ‘huff’!

Although he was a tough task-master, he backed his juniors to the hilt. One day, in the dead of the night, a girl was brought in with obstructed breathing due to diphtheria and, as a surgeon could not be found, my colleague Arjuna Aluwihare, who later became a professor of surgery, and I took the child to the theatre and did an urgent tracheotomy: make an opening in the windpipe at the neck to facilitate breathing. When the authorities attempted to take action against us for doing this, which they considered beyond our abilities, Prof CC stepped in, telling them that we had done nothing wrong except saving a child’s life!

All his toughness vanished during Christmas! He would arrive with a huge suitcase with gifts to everyone, down to the labourers, which made all of them forget what a slave-driver he was! He did not forget Christmas gifts to the children in the ward either. Prof CC enjoyed inviting medical staff, as well as ex-staff, to his country residence. On many occasions, I too was invited with my wife and children and we were fortunate to meet and associate with his charming wife Irene and daughter Ilika. I still remember vividly the sumptuous meals served by Mrs Irene de Silva, who had silver hair tied in a bun at the top of the head and a broad smile all the time.

One day, in early 1984, while I was working as Assistant Cardiologist, Prof CC burst into my office and chucked a piece of paper in front of me and said “Sign this and send”. When I looked at it, it was a proposal for me to be elected a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians, London. I told him “Sir, it is too early, I have time”. He retorted “I know you have time but I don’t. I want to see you honoured for your work before I die.” I held back tears with difficulty realising the rarity of such appreciation by a senior!

A year or two later, he visited similarly when he was diagnosed with heart failure, to tell me that I had to treat him. It was the greatest honour I have ever had.

He was a wonderful patient, a model patient indeed, who accepted immortality with grace. When I suggested that he go abroad for a valve replacement, he said “Upul, I am too old for all these interventions. I have had a wonderful life and it is time to go!”. I was moved to tears when his daughter, the well-known columnist Mrs Ilika Karunaratne recently told me “Upul, I know how much my father loved you and appreciated all you did as his physician”

It is rare to meet such colourful, wonderful personalities like Prof CC and what I found was that he was just the opposite of what my predecessor described on my first day of work. It is a pity that we do not see such great characters anymore. I consider myself very fortunate that I was able to start my medical career by working under a great man; a giant in our profession!

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Opinion

LG polls, what a waste of money!

Published

2 days ago

2025/03/13

Sahan Weerasooriya

If the people of this country were asked whether they want elections to the local government, majority of them would say no! How many years have elapsed since the local councils became defunct? And did not the country function without these councils that were labelled as ‘white elephants’?

If the present government’s wish is to do the will of the people, they should reconsider having local government elections. This way the government will not only save a considerable amount of money on holding elections, but also save even a greater amount by not having to maintain these local councils, which have become a bane on the country’s economy.

One would hope that the country will be able to get rid of these local councils and revert back to the days of having competent Government Agents and a team of dedicated government officials been tasked with the responsibility of attending to the needs of the people in those areas.

M. Joseph A. Nihal Perera

Opinion

What not to do

Published

3 days ago

2025/03/12

Sahan Weerasooriya

Trump and Zelensky arguing in the White House

By Dr Upul Wijayawardhana

It is immaterial whether you like him or not but one thing is crystal clear; Donald Trump has shown, very clearly, who is the boss. Surely, presidents of two countries are equal; perhaps, that is the impression Volodymyr Zelensky had when he went to the White House to meet Trump but the hard reality, otherwise, would have dawned on him with his inglorious exit! True, the behaviour of President Trump and VP Vance were hardly praiseworthy but Zelensky did what exactly he should not do. Afterall, he was on a begging mission and beggars cannot be choosers! He behaved like professional beggars in Colombo who throw money back when you give a small amount!!

Despite the risk of belonging to the minority, perhaps of non-Americans, I must say that I quite like Trump and admire him as a straight-talking politician. He keeps to his words; however atrocious they sound! Unfortunately, most critics overlook the fact that what Trump is doing is exactly what he pledged during his election campaign and that the American voters elected him decisively. When he lost to Biden, all political commentators wrote him off, more so because of his refusal to admit defeat and non-condemnation of his supporters who rioted. When he announced his intention to contest, it only evoked pundits’ laughter as they concluded that the Republican Party would never nominate him. Undaunted, Trump got the party to rally round him and won a non-consecutive second term; a feat achieved only once before, by Grover Cleveland around the end of the nineteenth century. His victory, against all predictions, was more decisive as he got more collegiate votes and, even though it does not matter, won the popular vote too which he did not get when he got elected the first term. Even his bitterest critics should accept this fact.

Zelensky was elected the president of Ukraine after the elected pro-Soviet president was deposed by a ‘peoples revolution’ engineered by the EU with the support of USA. After this, the EU attempted to bring Ukraine to NATO, disregarding the Munich agreement which precipitated the Russian invasion. He should have realised that, if not for the air-defence system which Trump authorised for Ukraine during his first term, Russian invasion would have been complete. It may well be that he was not aware as when this happened Zelensky may still have been the comedian acting the part of the president! Very likely, Trump was referring to this when he accused Zelensky of being ungrateful.

Zelensky also should have remembered that he disregarded requests from Trump, after his defeat by Biden, to implicate Biden’s son in some shady deals in Ukraine and that one of the last acts of Biden was to pardon his son and grant immunity to cover the alleged period. Perhaps, actions of the European leaders who embrace him every time they see him, as a long-lost brother, and invitations to address their parliaments has induced an element of the superiority complex in Zelensky that he behaved so combative.

Trump wanted to be the mediator to stop the war and spoke to Putin first. Instead of waiting for Trump to speak to him, egged on by EU leaders Zelensky started criticising Trump for not involving him in the talks. His remark “He should be on our side” demonstrated clearly that Zelensky had not understood the role of a mediator. His lack of political experience was the major reason for the fiasco in the White House and the subsequent actions of Trump clearly showed Zelensky where he stands! PM Starmer and President Macron seem to have given some sensible advice and he seems to be eating humble pie. In the process Trump has ensured that the European nations pay for their defence than piggy-backing on the US, which I am sure would please the American voter. By the way, though Macron talks big about defence France spends less than 2% of GDP. Trump seems vindicated. Of course, Trump could be blamed for being undiplomatic but he can afford to be as he has the upper hand!

Ranil on Al Jazeera

Zelensky has shown what not to do: instead of being diplomatic being aggressive when you need favours! Meanwhile, Ranil has shown what not to do when it comes to TV interviews. God only knows who advised him, and why, for him to go ‘Head to Head’ with Mehdi Hasan on Al-Jazeera. Perhaps, he wanted to broadcast to the world that he was the saviour of Sri Lanka! The experienced politician he is, one would have expected Ranil to realise that he would be questioned about his role in making Sri Lanka bankrupt as well, in addition to raising other issues.

The interview itself was far from head to head; more likely heads to head! It turned out to be an inquisition by Tiger supporters and the only person who spoke sense being Niraj Deva, who demonstrated his maturity by being involved in British and EU politics. The worst was the compere who seems keen to listen his own voice, reminding me of a Sinhala interviewer on a YouTube channel whose interviews I have stopped watching!

Ranil claims, after the interview was broadcast, that it had been heavily edited reduced from a two-hour recording. Surely, despite whatever reason he agreed to, he should have laid ground rules. He could have insisted on unedited broadcast or his approval before broadcast, if it was edited. It was very naïve of Ranil to have walked in to a trap for no gain. Though his performance was not as bad as widely reported, he should have been more composed at the beginning as he turned out to be later. Overall, he gave another opportunity for the Tiger rump and its supporters to bash Sri Lanka, unfortunately.

Medhi Hasan should watch some of David Frost interviews, especially the one with Richard Nixon, and learn how to elicit crucial information in a gentle exploratory manner than shouting with repeated interruptions. He does not seem to think it is necessary to give time for the interviewee to respond to his questions. I will never watch Al-Jazeera’s “Head to Head” again!

Ranil’s best was his parting shot; when asked by Hasan whether he would contest the next presidential election, he said “No, I will retire and watch Al-Jazeera and hope to see you better mannered”!

Opinion

Ajahn Brahm to visit SL in May 2025

Published

4 days ago

2025/03/11

Sahan Weerasooriya

The Ajahn Brahm Society of Sri Lanka (ABSSL) is pleased to announce that Ajahn Brahm will be visiting Sri Lanka for a short stay in May this year. Many, both Buddhists and non-Buddhists, know him and have listened to his addresses made on earlier visits, including his 2023 public talk at the BMICH, which was attended by over 4,000 people.

Ajahn Brahmavamso, popularly known as Ajahn Brahm, is the Head Abbot of Bodhinyana Monastery in Serpentine, Perth. He was a pupil of the famous Thai forest monk Ajahn Chah, considered the best Theravada meditation teacher in the last century. By his own choice, Ajahn Brahmavamso shortened his name and was extra pleased that the initials represent the major religions of the world. He is renowned world-wide as an outstanding meditation bhikkhu, teacher and instructor, guiding thousands of practitioners.

As in previous visits, Ajahn Brahm’s schedule will be packed with addresses, meetings with senior professionals, business leaders, and researchers. This year, a special session has been included for teenagers and young adults.

The agenda planned for him includes:

Public address at the BMICH to all irrespective of religion and age; then to a younger audience.

· Exclusive Leadership Forum for senior professionals and business leaders.

· Forum with academics engaged in research at the Centre for Meditation Research, University of Colombo.

· A week-long meditation retreat for the Ven Sangha and experienced lay meditators.

Public Addresses

The public addresses will be on Sunday, May 18, 2025, from 7:00 am to 11:00 am, at the BMICH Main Hall and Sirimavo Halls; Ajahn Brahm moving from one hall to another so the entire audience sees him. Each hall will be well equipped with audio and video presentation. The first address: The Art of Meaningful Living, is designed for all, age notwithstanding, offering wisdom and practical insights for a fulfilling life. The second: Coping with Life Transitions and Emotional Challenges, is a special session tailored for teens and young adults, addressing key challenges faced by them in today’s fast-paced, competitive world. Both talks will be in English, with concise translation to Sinhala by Ven Damita Thera.

Exclusive Forums

On Saturday, May 17, 2025, two exclusive forums will be held at the BMICH Committee Room, Jasmine Hall. The first such session will be with eighty invited Sri Lankan academics and scientists engaged in research on meditation at the Centre for Meditation Research of the University of Colombo. This will be followed in the evening by an interactive session for a hundred invited senior professionals and business leaders, featuring a talk on leadership followed by a Q&A session.

Meditation Retreat

The most significant item on Ajahn Brahm’s programme will be a week-long meditation retreat at the Barberyn Waves Ayurveda Resort in Weligama. Focus is intended to be on the fifty members of the Ven Sangha. A limited number of experienced lay meditators will also have the opportunity to participate.

Participation & Registration

Those interested in attending the public talks at the BMICH are kindly advised to register at to secure free passes. For further information, please contact the Ajahn Brahm Society of Sri Lanka at .