A few weeks ago, the Sri Lankan community in Australia lost one its most distinguished sons, Dr P R Wkiramanayake, known as Ranji to his friends, an accomplished and highly regarded endocrinologist. He was 92 years of age and hailed from a distinguished family with its origins in Galle. The ancestry and genealogy of the family is well recorded in the book “Galle as quiet as asleep “(1993) by Norah Roberts.

The elder son of E.G. Wikramanayake, Queens Counsel, Ranji was born into the lap of luxury. Like his father before him, Ranji attended St Thomas College, Mount Lavinia from where he entered the Ceylon Medical School, and from where he graduated, and proceeded to the UK for Post graduate work. On his return from London with the MRCP he was appointed consultant physician at the Out Patients Department of the General Hospital, Colombo.

He soon was interested in the study of diabetes and read a paper at the Plenary Scientific Sessions of the Ceylon college of Physicians, 30 years ago. After serving a Nuffield Fellowship in the UK, he moved to Australia where he worked as Diabetologist at the Prince Edward Hospital.

It was through my close friend and former schoolmate Dr Medduma Kappagoda that I first met Ranji who Kappa brought home one day about 30 years ago, in order to assess my blood sugar. That visit was the foundation on which a strong friendship developed and through which I had the great pleasure of enjoying a dear friendship with his brother Nimal later after I moved to Melbourne.

Ranji lived in the affluent and desirable seaside suburb of Vaucluse and his great hobby was horse racing. His father Guy, a leading Queens Counsel, had owned a string of racehorses in Colombo and was the winner of several trophies when racing was the pastime of “kings and squires”. Ranji too owned at least a couple of thoroughbreds in Sydney whose activities kept him occupied during his leisure.

Ranji married Amara Weerasooria daughter of the late Dr and Mrs SE Weerasooria. Amara was Head Girl of Visakha Vidyalaya and an outstanding netball and tennis player. There combined qualities had to produce extra ordinary children. Their only son Priyan is a popular gastro surgeon in. Bowral, and the two daughters Roshanara a lawyer and Shemara is a highly successful leader in the corporate world of Australia.

It was during the course of last year, and earlier this year that I had close interaction with Ranji. It was during this period that Nimal fell ill and passed away about three months ago. Ranji was highly solicitous of Nimal’s welfare, and chose to convey his medical advice to Nimal through me. Ranji the elder brother was generally of a quiet and unruffled disposition. When Nimal was hospitalized he chose not to disturb him, and instead telephoned me for progress reports. About six weeks ago he rang me from his hospital bed in Prince Edward Hospital where he worked previously, to say in a feeble voice that his heart is failing on him. He left this world a few days later.

Ranji Wikramanayake was of a rare breed, sadly lacking in the old country today. Dedicated to his profession, and guide and guardian to his family, he was honest, hardworking and generous. He was a founder member of the. Ceylon College of Physicians, and a member of the Ceylon Society of Australia for many years until his demise.

A little known aspect of his generosity was his donation of five million rupees in January 2016

to the Ceylon College of Physicians, the interest earned from the donation to be awarded annually to the best research paper on diabetes. Ranji was to personally present the donation, but on their way to Colombo, his wife Amara fell ill and had to return to Australia. He was not a man for excuses and made sure that the gift was made on his behalf by his close friend Tilak de Zoysa. Ranji Wikramanayake certainly earned his rest, may he now rest in peace.

Hugh Karunanayake

Bryan Ney Dharmaratne, an illustrious son of Sri Lanka, passed away as quietly as he lived for most of his 92 years. He passed away in a nursing home in Sydney on August 31, 2024..A sportsman with an outstanding school record in both cricket, and rugby in Sri Lanka, ,Bryan lived in Baulkham Hills, Sydney for over 50 years, and subsequently moved to a retirement home together with his wife Jean;

A rare, fifth generation old Royalist, Bryan epitomised the words of the Royal College anthem “School where our fathers learnt the way before us”. The recorded line of descent of his family has Ven. Dharmarama Therrunnanse as its 19 th century progenitor. In 1818, Ven Dharmarama accompanied the outgoing Chief Justice of Ceylon Sir Alexander Johnstone, to England together with another Buddhist monk Ven Siri Gona Muni Ratne. Both monks converted to Christianity during their stay in England.

Ven Dharmaratne was baptised as Alexander Dharmaratne. Alexander Dharmaratne continued his education at the Colombo Academy, where his eight sons too received their education. One of the sons George Alexander Dharmaratne, was a Barrister at law and one of the first Sinhalese to be admitted as a Barrister. George Alexander’s son named Ney Alexander, also educated at Royal College was a Proctor in Chilaw.

Ney’s son Hildan also educated at Royal college, played cricket and soccer for the school. Among his team mates in the school cricket team was JR Jayewardene, former President of Sri Lanka. Hildan kept wickets for the school First Eleven, as did his son Bryan many years later. Hildan and his son Bryan are the only father and son combination to keep wickets for Royal, and indeed is a record. Bryan in addition was in the third successive generation to play cricket for Royal College..

(Members of the 1951 “ Invincibles” Royal College Rugby team” Standing from left SP Wickremesinghe, Norman Gunewardene, C Balachandran, GC Wickremesinghe,Alan Henricus, SD Gunerane, TLK Mendis, MA Rahiman. Seated W Molegoda (coach) Trevor Anghie, Humphrey Wijeyesighe, JCA Corea {Principal)Devaka Rodrigo, Brian Van Twest, MT Thambapillai(Master I Charge) On ground: Bryan Dharmaratne, Lalith Hewavitarne.

Bryan was also a rugby player for Royal, and was a key member of the Invincibles team of 1951 a photo of which is seen below.

With an excellent sporting record at school, Bryan was an automatic choice for any of the cadetships on offer for appointment to the fledgling armed services of post World War Ceylon. He was among the four selected from the “invincibles ” rugby team of Royal College to be trained as Cadets at Dartmouth prior to enlistment as officers in the Royal Ceylon Navy.

On leaving the Navy, Bryan worked as an Executive in Mercantile service in Colombo, and then migrated to Australia where the family settled down in Baulkham Hills.

Bryan was three years my senior at school, so apart from seeing him playing cricket at the Royal Thomian, and at Bradby Shield rugby matches I did not know him personally until I migrated to Australia.

It was at the home of our mutual friend Alan Henricus that my late wife Tulsi and I met Bryan and his wife Jean, almost 40 years ago. Our friendship grew over the years, bonded by many sharing of meals at various homes and restaurants. The Dharmaratnes were gracious hosts with a well stocked bar housing a range of the best that Scotland could offer. Around eight years ago Bryan and Jean moved to the Anglican Retirement village in Castle Hill

Bryan was an honourable family man,who lived a quiet and genteel life. He loved company and his game of bridge. He is survived by his dear wife Jean, daughters Jennifer, Jaqueline, and Colleen, and son Nigel and five grandchildren. His brother Fritz having pre deceased him, two brothers Cecil and Mike survive him.

REST IN PEACE BRYAN.
HUGH KARUNANAYAKE

April 22, 1934 – August 19, 2024

With the heaviest heart, I pen this tribute to my beloved mother, Mrs. Annette Perera.

Ammi passed away on August 19, 2024, in a private hospital at the age of 90. This was the first time she had been hospitalized, aside from the times she gave birth to the four of us. Her life was a testament to strength, grace, and unwavering faith.

Ammi received her education at St. Mary’s College, Matugama, where she met my father, who had joined the staff as a music teacher. A talented singer, Ammi played a pivotal role in one of the renowned musical drama productions at the college, which my father directed. Their shared love for music blossomed into romance after she left school, and they were married on April 28, 1956, at St. Mary’s Church, Matugama.

Ammi served as a chorister while my father was the pianist at St. Mary’s Church. Later, when we moved to Kuruwita, as my father took over the Rubber Research Institute as Superintendent, Ammi continued her service at the Church of St. Peter and Paul, Ratnapura, with unwavering dedication.

After relocating to Panadura in 1975, following my father’s appointment at the Rubber Research Institute, Dartonfield, Agalawatte, her devotion deepened. After my father passed away in 1993, she took on leadership roles within the Sacred Heart Society of Our Lady of Sorrows Church and the church choir.

As the group leader of Zone 8, she diligently visited homes for monthly collections and encouraged families to engage in church activities. One of her unique hobbies was distributing prayer cards and photocopying articles about faith, which she always kept in her handbag, ready to share with others.

Ammi was a shepherd to her community, always working to gather the flock and spread God’s word. Her deep faith extended to encouraging me, my siblings and their spouses, and her six granddaughters to stay connected to church life, whether through serving as altar boys, lecturing, singing, or ministering to the congregation.

She never forgot a birthday or anniversary, meticulously recording dates, addresses and phone numbers in her diary. She was particularly dedicated to caring for priests, often calling them to check in on their well-being and offering advice on healthy living. This kindness was so appreciated that many priests came to bless and pray for her during her hospital stay and her final farewell.

As her youngest child, I held a special place in her heart. She never missed celebrating my birthdays, always ensuring I had a new outfit and something to share with my classmates. A tradition we shared was reading obituary notices together, which taught me the importance of correctly addressing and remembering people, especially in their moments of loss, a ritual I continue to this day.

When we moved from Ratnapura to Panadura, Ammi was determined that I enrol in the premier Buddhist school in the country, where my elder brother was studying, despite us being cradle Catholics.

Ammi had a gift for sewing, needlework, and embroidery. If she saw something beautiful, she would recreate it, often better than the original, and lovingly share it with others. She was always impeccably dressed; Ammi never wore anything without ironing it first. She had an eye for matching her clothes perfectly and took her time getting ready for any occasion, never allowing herself to be rushed.

After moving in with my elder sister in 2008, she became even more involved with Fatima Church, Maradana, quickly forming close bonds with priests and nuns, treating them like her own children. In her later years, she was lovingly cared for by her two granddaughters, both doctors at the Peradeniya and Ragama Teaching Hospitals. Despite their busy schedules, they took turns attending to Achchi Mummy. She considered them the best doctors in the world and eagerly awaited their visits, finding comfort and strength in their care. I must also mention my two sisters, who both diligently took care of her, providing the best comfort a mother could wish for, with the support of a caring son-in-law.

Ammi was a courageous woman who faced life’s challenges with remarkable grace. She never shed a tear, no matter the difficulty, and her resilience was a source of strength for us all. Her life was a beacon of love, faith, and unwavering commitment to those she held dear, and she will forever be missed.

You will be remembered forever, Ammi. Not a day will end without a prayer for your beautiful soul.

May Ammi find eternal rest.
Yours everloving
Chuty Putha
Nilakshan Perera