- By Indran Ramanaden
I will be turning 72 in January 2010. Soon memories will fade. It is autumn now in Canada, and soon we will be in the cold and snowy grip of winter. But my thoughts turn to a youth spent in warmer climes and recollections of the “Clan”.
My mother was Iris, a daughter of Richard & Elsie Weerasooriya. My earliest recollection of mummy is associated with the birth of my sister Shanthi. Mummy did not like going to the hospital and all three of us were born at home. Two months later on Easter Sunday, I remember the Japanese Air Raid on Ratmalana and mummy getting us under the strong teak dining table for protection. The last poignant memory is of her funeral at the house in Patuwata in 1947. What struck me to this day and is still unexplained is why daddy carried me (a 9 year old) for most of the time that we spent outside in the garden just prior to her internment across the road.
I cannot forget time spent at Woodlands Estate. Seeya – sarong hitched to a star doing the morning rounds; Aachi preparing kaludodal, kavuns, lawariya and halape (best I tasted); the distinctive smells associated with the house and the gardens with the fruit trees. That house was one of many on the estate that belonged to other members of the clan – the Koddippily’s, Sam Seeya’s, Uncle Walter Mendis’s place – that come to mind. As children, I believe we have slept over at all these places but if we did not, lighted coconut leaf pandans guided us in the dark on our way back to base. I remember seeing a lot of Uncle Rex at the house. He was mummy’s one sibling (of the other 5 who had fled the nest) who happened to be living there at that time. He spent most of his time standing up.!! He took almost the whole day to do a bath – at the well. He wore national dress and if memory serves me right, he taught at the local Gonapinuwela school. I remember Uncle Leslie, the self-anointed “mummy’s joy”. He liked to hunt deer on the Estate and when the spoils of the hunt materialized in the morning there was a lot of excitement – the skinning and the cutting, culminating in the feasting. Mummy was predeceased by Uncle Lucien. I remember visiting him in the Galle Hospital just before his death from diabetes. Another picture comes to mind - a hackney ride to Church with Aachi and the gona deciding to kneel suddenly as if it wanted to pray! No uncharitable mention of Aachi’s weight that could have been a contributory factor.
In December of 1947, I remember attending Aunty Bertha’s wedding which was hosted by Uncle Percy. My two sisters were the flower girls and there was this little pageboy. I cannot explain this but he reminded me of a new born chick. To think that he later morphed into a mustached general to command our national army!! Uncle Leslie arrived with a bunch of army buddies for a roistering “baila” session the day before. I remember that I wore a nice pair of dark grey shorts with a light grey shirt to match.
My last memory of Seeya is of a visit (around 1949 or 1950) to see us in Nawalapitiya. He was impeccably dressed in Western attire and spent a few days with us. This turned out to be a farewell visit. We were told that he made the rounds seeing many people shortly before he died.
Funerals and Weddings – that’s the common association with family. But interspersed were many other things. We spent many a childhood holiday with Aunty Bertha and her family. She treated us as her own. We watched her children grow and the ties forged then are still strong. Who can forget Ruth’s smile as she ran along the rail line to greet us as we got off the bus. Who can forget Aunty Bertha’s jokes and the tears streaming down her face as she laughed. Or her quotes in Sinhala (“onna Sam loonu kirinawa” drawing attention to Uncle Sam’s dozing, “hakke thiyala sema arinawa” referring to the act of chewing a bone and sucking the marrow, “cigarette eka kate, kalu kalisama athe” which I have still not figured out, “galauda BA” referring to a wastrel who had given up studies and was wasting time, etc.etc. She was offset by the strong and quiet Uncle Sam, the artist whose drawing of Christ still hangs in Indrani’s bedroom in Canada!!. He always woke us up with his famous egg flip (coffee) sans whiskey or brandy. A frequent visitor to Aunty Bertha’s place was our Aunty Lena who was always impeccably attired - beaded necklace, powdered face, nice hairdo and all!
I did attend a few early Pelapatha gatherings and remember the stalwarts of the time – Uncles Maurice, Percy, Hubert, Aunty Merle &Dr JHF Jayasuriya, HSR Goonewardene, Sam Seeya, Aunty Grace (impeccably dressed in Portuguese evening dress and speaking with a refined English accent) among others. There I met family, enjoyed the good food, drink, music and dancing.
I remember meeting Aunty Manique for the first time in Wadduwa in the mid-50’s. Subsequently Uncle Merrill was transferred to the Jaffna peninsula. Daddy was principal of the School for the Deaf and Blind in Kaithadi. We enjoyed the company of our younger cousins and this was probably the happiest time of our lives. Jaffna was a revelation to me and I enjoyed my schooling there and we met many good people who remain friends to this day.
After daddy’s sudden death in 1961, Uncle Percy, Aunty Freda, Uncle Merrill and Aunty Manique took us under their wing and looked after us till we were soon able to fend for ourselves. Aunty Freda brought my morning tea to my bedside and Lakshman gave up his room for me!!
Time passes and memories will fade. But as we remember the many acts of kindness, compassion and love shown to us by many a member of the Weerasooriya family, let us not forget to be thankful and proud of our heritage.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Introducing members of the family of ‘Will’ Soysa and (Dr.) Mrs Kathleen Soysa.
- BYCHANDRAKANTHA SOYSA
“ the leopard’s spring hit me hard on my upper left shoulders and we both went down hard. I had no time to fire the second barrel of the 12 bore that I exchanged for the rifle, as the cover was thick brush. His mouth smelt of putrid flesh and his fangs cut through my left ear, leaving the lobe hanging down. His fangs or right front paw opened a good portion of my upper arm but, fortunately his lower feet did nor cause any serious damage to me. I had fired my first shot, using 2 ¾ Alphamax SGs which had gone through his left side, seeming to hurt his rear right legs, but the first shot from the 7 mm rifle had got him in the lungs, a fatal shot. The tracker, Saranelis “aaratchy” and Carolis were both shouting and trying to scare the animal off, and as the leopard moved away, to die they came and held me up. I was covered in blood by that time…..” Thus, is the description of the now famous “Leopard incident” at Palatupana, by the late Will Soysa.
Firstly, I have to mention my appreciation of anyone and everyone who would have ha a ‘hand’ in producing the DWFWA SOORIYAKATHA MAGAZINE. I am actually a member through marriage; much surprised, that none of the family members of the above mentioned family took upon themselves to write about such a wonderful couple as my father-in-law and mother-in-law.
I grew up in an era where most in our generation – had a quiet yet fun-filled exciting childhood. A period in which we had time to enjoy our grand-father and mother, aunts and uncles and gather memories that would live in our minds forever. I often tell my children and their spouces, that it was a magical world for any child. Therefore, I congratulate the President and committee members of the DWFWA for such a book of stories which take us back in time to appreciate our colourful ancestors.
Kumara (son of Will and Kathleen Soysa) and I went to see his maternal aunt Sybil Fernando, the only survivor of the renowned 7 sisters and 1 brother of the Weerasooriya/Mendis Jayawardena family. There, on the table in the verandah was the Sooriyakatha Magazine. I HAD to immediately start reading it. This interest comes from having heard so many stories of this clan, on my visits to the homes of Marjorie nanda, Derrick mama, Hubert Bappa, Beryl nanda, Johnny Bappa, and by listening to my husband’s discussions, when he got together with his many cousins. I just could not stop reading, enjoying every article and the many pictures that put a face to the stories contained therein.
Fredrick Wilfred Anthony Soysa was the 5th of 7 children born to Haramanis Soysa and Alice Weerasooriya. This family grew up on Hermont Estate where their ancestral home built by his mother still stands. This was very creditable, because this lady had lost her husband when the children were yet quite young. Thatha (as I have called him) “Will” started his education at Trinity College Kandy, as a hosteller. He passed The London Matriculation Examination. After this, very appropriately, he entered the university – made more inviting because Amma too was in the same place of learning. After one year, he could not continue, for the lack of funds available. Giving up his university studies, he very gallantly went back to Hermont Estate to work and redeem their estate, which had been mortgaged by his mother. He had a pioneering spirit and went on to plant three more s’nut estates before he passed away in 1974. I have heard people say, that he had classical taste, whose aristocratic nature was exhibited, being the first gentleman in the village to own a horse and saddle.
Thatha had all the attributes of a Weerasooriya; love of Pork, love of hunting, love of fishing and the ability that every Weerasooriya possessed – to make any conversation into a lengthy story of days gone by. A sense of humor has always prevailed in the “clan” and the few members I have associated with all had this same gift which made them great story tellers to young and old alike.
Early in his life, thatha set his eyes on a first cousin (children of two Weerasooriya sisters) and amidst a little disapproval from elders, won his bride and married her in 7th June 1939. I hear their courting was done during trips to the jungles when amma’s youngest sister Sybil was the “chaperone”. Amma (Dr. Mrs. Kathleen Soysa) was stationed in Batticaloa and after marriage, they spent many happy days in places like Kalmunai, Jaffna, Beruwela, Weligama, Colombo, Kandy, Matara, Panadura, Galle etc..
They had four children, Kumara, my husband, the eldest, Laleeni, Vajira and Kierthi. Sumithra was the 3rd child who unfortunately and tragically died as an infant.
I first met Thatha when Kumara decided to introduce me to his parents a meeting at Fountain Café the restaurant of family gathering in the 60s. I noticed he was a man of few words often curling his lips to show humour that always lurked inside of all the Weerasooriya “clan” his age. I knew thatha for only 7 years. He commanded respect of others around him in the way he moved and was always consulted in matters that concerned his relatives from Gonapinnuwela. His relatives had a habit of stopping by at their Hikkaduwa home and stayed for a sea bath and a meal. There was no fuss to prepare extra food, but everyone sat at the 8 seater and shared the food for the day. He could never be rushed but I suppose was a stickler for time.
The story goes, that on our wedding day, (February 2nd 1967) he announced to the rest of the family “I am leaving at 4 p.m. – anyone who is not ready can walk”. Everyone made it a point, I am told, to be ready on time. Thatha had a peculiar way of talking; very softly, very slowly, using unfamiliar sinhala language. Kumara used to give thatha a bottle of whiskey each year, which he collected – waiting for a suitable occasion to celebrate. I heard he had over 8 – 10 in this collection, kept locked away in his almariah.
I know his relatives thought him to be “wealthy man” but thatha was a very careful spender. However, I know of many occasions where he helped his relations in need as well as friends and neighbours in need with large amounts of cash given without any security or even a pro-note. I also know, that he was “always there” to help a relative who needed his help.
There were no TVs during his time and he entertained himself by becoming a self-taught pianist playing the piano, paying no attention to the tempo of the piece at hand!!
He was a man with his own convictions, voicing it only to Amma and then standing firm without wavering with a mind made up. Thatha, like most of the “clan” was a keen hunter and fisherman. I do not think any of the “clan” could match his story of how he was mauled by a leopard and lived to tell the tale. Thatha purchased Shantha Sri in Hungama, a nature hideout, surrounded by a lagoon, an ocean, elephants,birds, fish and reptiles. This place was a haven to many in the “clan” he belonged to. Amma and thatha lived in a picturesque manner of leisure, living content lifestyles holidaying by the lagoon and spending the latter part of their lives by the ocean.
I have said thatha was a man of few words, one who rarely showed his emotions. This is why I was so surprised one day, to see him sitting by my baby son (of 3 months) and fanning the mosquitoes away. A silent show of love.
Kathleen Mendis Jayawardena was the 2nd of 8 children born to Edo Mendis Jayawardena and Mary Weerasooriya. She attended Prince of Wales Moratuwa and studied to become the highest qualified in her family.
Dr. (Mrs.) Kathleen Soysa LMS (Cey) my mother-in-law was in the 1st batch of lady doctors to pass out. She came from a very simple family where a mother loved her 8 children and instilled in them the fear of God Almighty. One became a missionary (Connie/Constance) who established a mission in Urubokke, which has over 100 converted Christians; one became a stay at home, to look after her mother (Doreen); one became a popular cook par excellence (Florie); the other a teacher (Edna); another who became the first Sri Lankan Principal Matron of Nursing in Ceylon; and the youngest a housewife, to look after two naughty sons!!
Amma was also a soft-spoken, quiet, yet strong minded woman, who put her work and profession first in her life. Her many transfers to different parts of Ceylon made it necessary for her to send her children to boarding school, which was not welcome by her children.
Amma must have had a piece of her heart fall out, when in 1946 she watched helplessly as her 3rd child, Sumithra succumbed to cancer. This must have been such a difficult time for her and I admire her and thatha for having had the courage to have another child (Vajira) born in their 8th year of marriage.
Amma had a way of walking that was only peculiar to her. Her step was light and her demeanour so calm, seeming as if she was always in the presence of God.
I have never seen Amma too long in the “house-coat” the night-time attire favoured by the other ladies. She would always wear a crisp cotton saree which made her slight figure look a little fuller. This was her attire, be it in the house, in the dispensary or jungle. Amma was a very dedicated, conscientious medical practitioner. I would hear her answer the door-bell at all hours of the night, be it 11 p.m. or the wee hours of the morning. Arising from her bed, she would make the least noise as she went to attend to the sick and needy. She did not charge a fee from those that could not afford to pay. Practices long forgotten by the medical profession of today. She would be up early, ready again the next morning, to face yet another day of duty.
She looked so frail yet did not hesitate to drive the large Bogward they owned – even as far as Moratuwa. A Herculean task for her. She and her “matron” sister were among the very few ladies that took to the wheel in those years gone by.
In the midst of her medical work, I used to see her come to give out provision for the day and to make her own cup of tea. She walked close to God which was evident by the bible I found in her dispensary desk drawer. In a ‘gentle way’ she affirmed what she expected others around her to be, and followed it by example. She was respected by all in Hikkaduwa and every relative who knew her personally.
She lost the love of her life in 1974. Whenever we went to Hikkaduwa, it was apparent how lonely she was; still, continuing to serve the people of that town as before. Vajira had married and gone to London and with 2 babies that came one after the other, Amma was given a new lease of life, enabling her to travel away from Hikkaduwa, to be with them. By 1979 she had 5 grand-children. Krishan and Neshanthrie Soysa (Kumara and mine) Dharshan, Praveen and Jiten Wignarajah (Vajira and Wigi’s) Dhushyanthi and Surinda Jayawardena (Laleeni and Senarath’s).
Sadly, however, cancer took hold of this lady of medicine and after 2 surgeries I had the privilege of looking after her in my home. I bathed and fed her and became friends with her and she told me that she was not going to get the operation done again. Her “matron” sister and many others did not accept this, but I did understand and supported her on this issue. Thereafter, one last test was done and she won be insisting on going back to Hikkaduwa. She rested in the large room facing the ocean hearing its sound and feeling the breeze that came with it.
She may have had many a conversations with Jesus till she gave her soul to Him in 1979. My son (Krishan) has a daughter named after Amma. Kathleen Soysa II. We are all praying, hoping she will be everything her paternal great-grand-mother was and more.
Kumara and I have 2 children. Krishan Rajiv Sumitta Soysa B. Sc , working for Xerox Capital Inc., of NY, married to Margo Malvaso living in Rochester NY and Neshanthrie Soysa married to Alakan Sabanathan a millwright technician, living in Toronto, Canada.
Laleeni and Senarath Jayawardena have two children Dhushiyanthi Jayawardena a qualified architect, living and working attached to an architectural firm in New York married to Nagulan Nesiah Consultant to an Aid agency of the Episcopal Church, living in Manhattan NY and Surinda Jayawardena still studying.
Vajira and Wigi Wignarajah have three sons; Dharshan living in Amsterdam and working for the consultancy firm of Makinsey, Praveen attached to the British government Department for International Development, and Jiten who works in a bank. Dharshan passed out of the University of Edinburgh, with an degree in Economics and Politics, Praveen achieved a first class from Cambridge, in Natural Sciences, and Jiten a Degree in Physics and Philosophy from Oxford.
Kirthi is married to Saroja and they have one daughter Shervanthi who is a promising junior grade student. This family lives in Australia.
This is the story of the family of my husband another few illustrious members of “the Clan”.
p.s.
My parents were very modest people. Many people are not aware of the many welfare and social activity they were involved in Hikkaduwa and Baddegama. My father would quote the Bible and say, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, with reference to the charity work they did. My sister in law wonders why no-one had written about the lives of their children and grand children. Maybe that is why.
But they would be proud of their children and grand children’s lives and what they have achieved.
Vajira
“ the leopard’s spring hit me hard on my upper left shoulders and we both went down hard. I had no time to fire the second barrel of the 12 bore that I exchanged for the rifle, as the cover was thick brush. His mouth smelt of putrid flesh and his fangs cut through my left ear, leaving the lobe hanging down. His fangs or right front paw opened a good portion of my upper arm but, fortunately his lower feet did nor cause any serious damage to me. I had fired my first shot, using 2 ¾ Alphamax SGs which had gone through his left side, seeming to hurt his rear right legs, but the first shot from the 7 mm rifle had got him in the lungs, a fatal shot. The tracker, Saranelis “aaratchy” and Carolis were both shouting and trying to scare the animal off, and as the leopard moved away, to die they came and held me up. I was covered in blood by that time…..” Thus, is the description of the now famous “Leopard incident” at Palatupana, by the late Will Soysa.
Firstly, I have to mention my appreciation of anyone and everyone who would have ha a ‘hand’ in producing the DWFWA SOORIYAKATHA MAGAZINE. I am actually a member through marriage; much surprised, that none of the family members of the above mentioned family took upon themselves to write about such a wonderful couple as my father-in-law and mother-in-law.
I grew up in an era where most in our generation – had a quiet yet fun-filled exciting childhood. A period in which we had time to enjoy our grand-father and mother, aunts and uncles and gather memories that would live in our minds forever. I often tell my children and their spouces, that it was a magical world for any child. Therefore, I congratulate the President and committee members of the DWFWA for such a book of stories which take us back in time to appreciate our colourful ancestors.
Kumara (son of Will and Kathleen Soysa) and I went to see his maternal aunt Sybil Fernando, the only survivor of the renowned 7 sisters and 1 brother of the Weerasooriya/Mendis Jayawardena family. There, on the table in the verandah was the Sooriyakatha Magazine. I HAD to immediately start reading it. This interest comes from having heard so many stories of this clan, on my visits to the homes of Marjorie nanda, Derrick mama, Hubert Bappa, Beryl nanda, Johnny Bappa, and by listening to my husband’s discussions, when he got together with his many cousins. I just could not stop reading, enjoying every article and the many pictures that put a face to the stories contained therein.
Fredrick Wilfred Anthony Soysa was the 5th of 7 children born to Haramanis Soysa and Alice Weerasooriya. This family grew up on Hermont Estate where their ancestral home built by his mother still stands. This was very creditable, because this lady had lost her husband when the children were yet quite young. Thatha (as I have called him) “Will” started his education at Trinity College Kandy, as a hosteller. He passed The London Matriculation Examination. After this, very appropriately, he entered the university – made more inviting because Amma too was in the same place of learning. After one year, he could not continue, for the lack of funds available. Giving up his university studies, he very gallantly went back to Hermont Estate to work and redeem their estate, which had been mortgaged by his mother. He had a pioneering spirit and went on to plant three more s’nut estates before he passed away in 1974. I have heard people say, that he had classical taste, whose aristocratic nature was exhibited, being the first gentleman in the village to own a horse and saddle.
Thatha had all the attributes of a Weerasooriya; love of Pork, love of hunting, love of fishing and the ability that every Weerasooriya possessed – to make any conversation into a lengthy story of days gone by. A sense of humor has always prevailed in the “clan” and the few members I have associated with all had this same gift which made them great story tellers to young and old alike.
Early in his life, thatha set his eyes on a first cousin (children of two Weerasooriya sisters) and amidst a little disapproval from elders, won his bride and married her in 7th June 1939. I hear their courting was done during trips to the jungles when amma’s youngest sister Sybil was the “chaperone”. Amma (Dr. Mrs. Kathleen Soysa) was stationed in Batticaloa and after marriage, they spent many happy days in places like Kalmunai, Jaffna, Beruwela, Weligama, Colombo, Kandy, Matara, Panadura, Galle etc..
They had four children, Kumara, my husband, the eldest, Laleeni, Vajira and Kierthi. Sumithra was the 3rd child who unfortunately and tragically died as an infant.
I first met Thatha when Kumara decided to introduce me to his parents a meeting at Fountain Café the restaurant of family gathering in the 60s. I noticed he was a man of few words often curling his lips to show humour that always lurked inside of all the Weerasooriya “clan” his age. I knew thatha for only 7 years. He commanded respect of others around him in the way he moved and was always consulted in matters that concerned his relatives from Gonapinnuwela. His relatives had a habit of stopping by at their Hikkaduwa home and stayed for a sea bath and a meal. There was no fuss to prepare extra food, but everyone sat at the 8 seater and shared the food for the day. He could never be rushed but I suppose was a stickler for time.
The story goes, that on our wedding day, (February 2nd 1967) he announced to the rest of the family “I am leaving at 4 p.m. – anyone who is not ready can walk”. Everyone made it a point, I am told, to be ready on time. Thatha had a peculiar way of talking; very softly, very slowly, using unfamiliar sinhala language. Kumara used to give thatha a bottle of whiskey each year, which he collected – waiting for a suitable occasion to celebrate. I heard he had over 8 – 10 in this collection, kept locked away in his almariah.
I know his relatives thought him to be “wealthy man” but thatha was a very careful spender. However, I know of many occasions where he helped his relations in need as well as friends and neighbours in need with large amounts of cash given without any security or even a pro-note. I also know, that he was “always there” to help a relative who needed his help.
There were no TVs during his time and he entertained himself by becoming a self-taught pianist playing the piano, paying no attention to the tempo of the piece at hand!!
He was a man with his own convictions, voicing it only to Amma and then standing firm without wavering with a mind made up. Thatha, like most of the “clan” was a keen hunter and fisherman. I do not think any of the “clan” could match his story of how he was mauled by a leopard and lived to tell the tale. Thatha purchased Shantha Sri in Hungama, a nature hideout, surrounded by a lagoon, an ocean, elephants,birds, fish and reptiles. This place was a haven to many in the “clan” he belonged to. Amma and thatha lived in a picturesque manner of leisure, living content lifestyles holidaying by the lagoon and spending the latter part of their lives by the ocean.
I have said thatha was a man of few words, one who rarely showed his emotions. This is why I was so surprised one day, to see him sitting by my baby son (of 3 months) and fanning the mosquitoes away. A silent show of love.
Kathleen Mendis Jayawardena was the 2nd of 8 children born to Edo Mendis Jayawardena and Mary Weerasooriya. She attended Prince of Wales Moratuwa and studied to become the highest qualified in her family.
Dr. (Mrs.) Kathleen Soysa LMS (Cey) my mother-in-law was in the 1st batch of lady doctors to pass out. She came from a very simple family where a mother loved her 8 children and instilled in them the fear of God Almighty. One became a missionary (Connie/Constance) who established a mission in Urubokke, which has over 100 converted Christians; one became a stay at home, to look after her mother (Doreen); one became a popular cook par excellence (Florie); the other a teacher (Edna); another who became the first Sri Lankan Principal Matron of Nursing in Ceylon; and the youngest a housewife, to look after two naughty sons!!
Amma was also a soft-spoken, quiet, yet strong minded woman, who put her work and profession first in her life. Her many transfers to different parts of Ceylon made it necessary for her to send her children to boarding school, which was not welcome by her children.
Amma must have had a piece of her heart fall out, when in 1946 she watched helplessly as her 3rd child, Sumithra succumbed to cancer. This must have been such a difficult time for her and I admire her and thatha for having had the courage to have another child (Vajira) born in their 8th year of marriage.
Amma had a way of walking that was only peculiar to her. Her step was light and her demeanour so calm, seeming as if she was always in the presence of God.
I have never seen Amma too long in the “house-coat” the night-time attire favoured by the other ladies. She would always wear a crisp cotton saree which made her slight figure look a little fuller. This was her attire, be it in the house, in the dispensary or jungle. Amma was a very dedicated, conscientious medical practitioner. I would hear her answer the door-bell at all hours of the night, be it 11 p.m. or the wee hours of the morning. Arising from her bed, she would make the least noise as she went to attend to the sick and needy. She did not charge a fee from those that could not afford to pay. Practices long forgotten by the medical profession of today. She would be up early, ready again the next morning, to face yet another day of duty.
She looked so frail yet did not hesitate to drive the large Bogward they owned – even as far as Moratuwa. A Herculean task for her. She and her “matron” sister were among the very few ladies that took to the wheel in those years gone by.
In the midst of her medical work, I used to see her come to give out provision for the day and to make her own cup of tea. She walked close to God which was evident by the bible I found in her dispensary desk drawer. In a ‘gentle way’ she affirmed what she expected others around her to be, and followed it by example. She was respected by all in Hikkaduwa and every relative who knew her personally.
She lost the love of her life in 1974. Whenever we went to Hikkaduwa, it was apparent how lonely she was; still, continuing to serve the people of that town as before. Vajira had married and gone to London and with 2 babies that came one after the other, Amma was given a new lease of life, enabling her to travel away from Hikkaduwa, to be with them. By 1979 she had 5 grand-children. Krishan and Neshanthrie Soysa (Kumara and mine) Dharshan, Praveen and Jiten Wignarajah (Vajira and Wigi’s) Dhushyanthi and Surinda Jayawardena (Laleeni and Senarath’s).
Sadly, however, cancer took hold of this lady of medicine and after 2 surgeries I had the privilege of looking after her in my home. I bathed and fed her and became friends with her and she told me that she was not going to get the operation done again. Her “matron” sister and many others did not accept this, but I did understand and supported her on this issue. Thereafter, one last test was done and she won be insisting on going back to Hikkaduwa. She rested in the large room facing the ocean hearing its sound and feeling the breeze that came with it.
She may have had many a conversations with Jesus till she gave her soul to Him in 1979. My son (Krishan) has a daughter named after Amma. Kathleen Soysa II. We are all praying, hoping she will be everything her paternal great-grand-mother was and more.
Kumara and I have 2 children. Krishan Rajiv Sumitta Soysa B. Sc , working for Xerox Capital Inc., of NY, married to Margo Malvaso living in Rochester NY and Neshanthrie Soysa married to Alakan Sabanathan a millwright technician, living in Toronto, Canada.
Laleeni and Senarath Jayawardena have two children Dhushiyanthi Jayawardena a qualified architect, living and working attached to an architectural firm in New York married to Nagulan Nesiah Consultant to an Aid agency of the Episcopal Church, living in Manhattan NY and Surinda Jayawardena still studying.
Vajira and Wigi Wignarajah have three sons; Dharshan living in Amsterdam and working for the consultancy firm of Makinsey, Praveen attached to the British government Department for International Development, and Jiten who works in a bank. Dharshan passed out of the University of Edinburgh, with an degree in Economics and Politics, Praveen achieved a first class from Cambridge, in Natural Sciences, and Jiten a Degree in Physics and Philosophy from Oxford.
Kirthi is married to Saroja and they have one daughter Shervanthi who is a promising junior grade student. This family lives in Australia.
This is the story of the family of my husband another few illustrious members of “the Clan”.
p.s.
My parents were very modest people. Many people are not aware of the many welfare and social activity they were involved in Hikkaduwa and Baddegama. My father would quote the Bible and say, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, with reference to the charity work they did. My sister in law wonders why no-one had written about the lives of their children and grand children. Maybe that is why.
But they would be proud of their children and grand children’s lives and what they have achieved.
Vajira
My trip to England
By Richard Weerasooriya
From my younger days, I always had the idea of wanting to travel abroad. England was always my first choice. Before I left Ceylon, from my school days, I was always an ardent English Cricket supporter. Actually, I was the only member of my family who supported England whenever they played against Australia.
How I finally achieved my ambition of visiting England came about like this –
Where jobs were concerned, I did not have any particular ambitions. Whatever ideas I had about possible employment in Ceylon did not meet with my father’s approval.
However, one of our relatives (the late Mr. Julian de Silva) recommended to my father that I take up an apprenticeship in a firm of Architects with a view of proceeding to England after a while to get qualified as an Architect.
I simply had no clue as to what sort of work and study was needed to get qualified as an Architect. My belief was then an architect designed houses. Anyway since there was a good possibility of my being able to go to England after a few years of apprenticeship, I decided to take the plunge and join M/s. Billimoria & De Silva, Peiris & :Panditharatne (Architects) as an apprentice. Until I joined the above firm I hadn’t seen any of the instruments etc. that were used to do drawings. I was so ignorant that one day I used a scale rule to draw lines thinking it was a ruler! I should have been using a set square. This actually amused some of the chaps who were seated close to my drawing board.
From Augusut 1960 till early March 1964, I worked for this firm of Architects. I did not get any pay for the first six months. Then I was paid rs.50/- per month for about an year and during the final few months in their employ, I was paid a salary of Rs.187/- per month.
I must admit that by this time I had become a fairly accomplished draughtsman having worked on numerous projects including the construction of the Maliban Biscuit factory in Ratmalana.
By this time my intended trip to England was also getting nearer. Once the decision was made I had to apply for an employment voucher to the British Government. I had to do this through the British High Commission. I had to satisfy certain conditions to obtain a Priority Voucher that was issued to technically qualified persons.
The employment voucher was issued to me within 3 months of application. Soon afterwards, I had to start making preparations to leave the island quickly as I had to get to England within 6 months of receiving the Employment voucher. So the next step was to get a passport and all other necessary documents as soon as possible. I had also to get clearance from the Income Tax Dept. The cost of a passport at that time was a mere Rs.15/- during the time I was attending to the above mentioned matters. I also dropped in at a shipping Agents office (namely, M/s. Harrison & Crossfield) and inquired about possible sailings to the UK in the month of March 1964. I was told of a sailing to the UK on ss’LAOS’ – French ship owned by M/s. Messageries Maritimes which would said from Ceylon on the 11th of March 1964. The fare quoted was Rs.1025/- (Stg.75/- according to the then exchange rate). I booked a passage in the Economy class on that day and agreed to pay the required monies by a certain date which escapes my mind at the time of writing. I had already saved the fare for the passage out of the pay packet. I was receiving each month from my employer. So I didn’t have to worry my father about this. However, I did have to ask my father for a further Stg.75/- in foreign exchange which was the only amount of foreign exchange granted at that time to travelers. Stg.35/- was given to my hand and the rest had to be collected from a bank after arrival in the UK.
By this time I had also handed in my resignation to my employers. So for a few days before I left the country it was farewell party time. At first it was a case of going for drinks and meals with various groups of friends. During this period, I also received a few gifts from my friends. A few days before leaving the country there was a farewell party in our own home. This was attended mainly by my relatives plus 2 English Engineers who were engaged in the construction of the Maliban Biscuit factory at Ratmalana. My first ever speech was made at this party. Only a few words though!!
The date of sailing was on the 11th March, 1964. It was a very busy day with having to hand over the luggage which was going in the ‘Hold’ of the ship that morning at the Colombo Harbour. After a special lunch attended by mainly close relatives and also after having taken some photos, we left for the Colombo Harbour in the late afternoon. Apart from our family members, there were a number of other relatives and friends who came to see me off. At the Harbour everyone got into launches and went to board the ship.
Once on the ship, I had to see the Purser first. He provided the information about what cabin I was to occupy etc. We took more pictures etc., while onboard. Finally an announcement was made for all visitors to leave the ship. This was a very sad and emotional moment. It was indeed very sad to say goodbye to everyone who came to see me off. We were not sure if we will ever meet again. After all visitors had left, I went to see my accommodation etc., which was a cabin with two double bunks. I shared the cabin with three other Ceylonese gentlemen. The cabin was actually below water level. At about 5.00 p.m. the ship started to move slowly away from the harbor towards the high seas. Some of us stood on the deck and watched until the lights of Colombo disappeared out of our view. This was a very sad moment for everyone who was leaving Ceylon that day. A little later there was an announcement for everyone to come to the dining room to have their dinner.
The facilities for the passengers in the Economy class were very simple and basic. Most cabins had two double bunks. The toilets and other washing facilities were in a separate area. So in the mornings, one had to go a fair distance to have a shower and other early morning ablutions. The dining area could be compared to a canteen. Even the service was not much different to what happens in a canteen.
One good thing was that we were served plenty of wine during meal times which of course was a novelty to chaps like me who up to that time had tasted only milk wine and that was also only during Christmas time. The food on board was also rather simple but plentiful. So I had no complaints about it.
After leaving Colombo Harbour, we were at sea for 3 whole days, without seeing any land until we reached the Port of Bombay (now known as Mumbai). During this period a lot of time was spent on the deck getting to know some of the other passengers. From Ceylon, there were two families with kids, one couple without kids, and there were four of us single men and also one lady who was travelling alone. There were some Japanese students and also a few people from Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, Australia and some Englishmen who were returning to the UK after a spell of travel. We were in Bombay for nearly 3 days. On the first day I couldn’t leave the ship till about 3 pm., as I had drunk too much wine and had to sleep off a bit of a hangover! While in Bombay, we used to go out during the day and return to the ship in the evening. I noticed that in India they sold imitations of every well known English cigarettes. Being an occasional smoker, I purchased a few packets of these cigarettes.
I also had to pay a visit to one of my bosses’ daughter who was an Architectural student in Bombay. I was to collect a parcel from her to be given to her brother who was a student in London at that time. I visited her with two other shipmates. She welcomed us and treated us to some Bombay sweets etc., which was much appreciated by all three of us. We also did some sightseeing and took some photos. In Bombay some passengers joined the ship. Amongst them were a group of soldiers from Pondichery (a French colony at that time) who were been taken to France for military training.
The ship finally left Bombay and headed towards our next port of call which was to be Djibouti which was in French Somali land. During this time we were sailing in the Arabian Sea. I was fascinated by some strange looking Arabic boats that were sailing in these waters. We also saw a whole lot of flying fish.
In Djibouti, the ship stayed for about 1 ½ days. Enough time to see a bit of the town etc. which was about a mile away from the port. As we came down the gangplank to the quay there were people selling mainly cigarettes on the jetty. I managed to palm off a Rs.5/- note for a tin of 50 John Player Navy Cut cigarettes. Ceylon money was not worth very much at that time too. I was surprised that he actually accepted my money. When I got back to the ship and told the others of my achievements, some of them also went and got some cigarettes for themselves.
After leaving Djibouti, we sailed in the Red Sea towards the Suez Canal. We had to wait at the mouth of the Suez Canal which is at Port Said for about a day until clearance was granted as only one ship was allowed in each direction at one time. At this point excursions were organized for trips to see the pyramids and to rejoin the ship at the other end of Suez Canal in Port Said. I did not join this trip due to lack of funds. But there were several who took advantage of this offer. When they rejoined the ship in Port Said they told all about the trip with much excitement. While we waited for clearance at the entrance to Suez Canal, the ship was surrounded by several boats owned by local traders. They got their merchandise up to the deck and displayed them. Most people including myself purchased some souvenirs from them. When it was time for us to begin our journey through the Suez Canal all the traders left the ship, except one of them who actually got his boat on the deck. He was taking a ride on the deck up to Port Said where he disembarked. This man even trying to sell pornographic photos to us!
The journey through the Suez Canal to Port Said took a fair amount of time. It was quite a pleasant one with people waving to us from both sides of the canal.
Early next morning we left Port Said and headed for Barcelona which was the next port of call. This was to be the first part in Europe where we set foot. Barcelona was in Spain and it took us quite some time to arrive here from Port Said. During this journey we sailed on the Mediterranean Sea passing the island of Cyprus and various Greek islands including Crete. As we were approaching the port of Barcelona we spotted the ship in which Christopher Columbus sailed when he went on his journey of ‘Discovery of the New World.’
Barcelona was rich in Architecture. Fine buildings etc. A few of us were in a park taking photos etc. when a man approached us and asked us to pose for photos. We posed for a few photos, thanked him and went on our way. Suddenly, we found about twenty people following us. They were insisting that we pay the man for the photos that were taken. We told them that we did not ask to be photographed and that it was the man with the camera who asked us to pose. We finally managed to shake them off and hurried back to the ship. We also managed to get some souvenirs before we set sail.
The last port of call for this ship was to be Marseilles in the South of France. A concert was organized for the final night. Each country had to be represented. A program of the items were also printed and distributed. That night we had a grand time with good food and wine etc. A few Ceylonese including myself did some singing and baila dancing.
We arrived in Marseilles next morning. We were sad to leave the ship that day. We said goodbye to some of the passengers who were not continuing the journey to London. We had made so many friends during our voyage.
The next part of the journey was to be by train. The first of the journey was to Paris where we had to change to a train which was to take us to Calais. We had to keep our luggage with us all the time during the train journey. When the train stopped at one station close to Paris, we noticed a man pick up one of our bags and leave the train. About five of us jumped out and chased this man along with platform. Suddenly he dropped the bag and ran off. This was the only awkward incident we experienced during the train journey.
At Calais, we had the usual immigration formalities and left Dover on the English Coast in a ferry. This journey took about 1 ½ hours.
After more immigration formalities at Dover, I boarded a train with my companions and left for London Victoria terminal which was the final stop. I was getting a little anxious when I was left almost alone on the platform after most of the other passengers were met by either their friends or relatives and departed. Finally, I was very relieved when one of my friends turned up to meet me. Nearly twenty days after leaving the Port of Colombo, my journey to England had just ended. After all the fun I had during the journey, the time had come for me to face reality!!
From my younger days, I always had the idea of wanting to travel abroad. England was always my first choice. Before I left Ceylon, from my school days, I was always an ardent English Cricket supporter. Actually, I was the only member of my family who supported England whenever they played against Australia.
How I finally achieved my ambition of visiting England came about like this –
Where jobs were concerned, I did not have any particular ambitions. Whatever ideas I had about possible employment in Ceylon did not meet with my father’s approval.
However, one of our relatives (the late Mr. Julian de Silva) recommended to my father that I take up an apprenticeship in a firm of Architects with a view of proceeding to England after a while to get qualified as an Architect.
I simply had no clue as to what sort of work and study was needed to get qualified as an Architect. My belief was then an architect designed houses. Anyway since there was a good possibility of my being able to go to England after a few years of apprenticeship, I decided to take the plunge and join M/s. Billimoria & De Silva, Peiris & :Panditharatne (Architects) as an apprentice. Until I joined the above firm I hadn’t seen any of the instruments etc. that were used to do drawings. I was so ignorant that one day I used a scale rule to draw lines thinking it was a ruler! I should have been using a set square. This actually amused some of the chaps who were seated close to my drawing board.
From Augusut 1960 till early March 1964, I worked for this firm of Architects. I did not get any pay for the first six months. Then I was paid rs.50/- per month for about an year and during the final few months in their employ, I was paid a salary of Rs.187/- per month.
I must admit that by this time I had become a fairly accomplished draughtsman having worked on numerous projects including the construction of the Maliban Biscuit factory in Ratmalana.
By this time my intended trip to England was also getting nearer. Once the decision was made I had to apply for an employment voucher to the British Government. I had to do this through the British High Commission. I had to satisfy certain conditions to obtain a Priority Voucher that was issued to technically qualified persons.
The employment voucher was issued to me within 3 months of application. Soon afterwards, I had to start making preparations to leave the island quickly as I had to get to England within 6 months of receiving the Employment voucher. So the next step was to get a passport and all other necessary documents as soon as possible. I had also to get clearance from the Income Tax Dept. The cost of a passport at that time was a mere Rs.15/- during the time I was attending to the above mentioned matters. I also dropped in at a shipping Agents office (namely, M/s. Harrison & Crossfield) and inquired about possible sailings to the UK in the month of March 1964. I was told of a sailing to the UK on ss’LAOS’ – French ship owned by M/s. Messageries Maritimes which would said from Ceylon on the 11th of March 1964. The fare quoted was Rs.1025/- (Stg.75/- according to the then exchange rate). I booked a passage in the Economy class on that day and agreed to pay the required monies by a certain date which escapes my mind at the time of writing. I had already saved the fare for the passage out of the pay packet. I was receiving each month from my employer. So I didn’t have to worry my father about this. However, I did have to ask my father for a further Stg.75/- in foreign exchange which was the only amount of foreign exchange granted at that time to travelers. Stg.35/- was given to my hand and the rest had to be collected from a bank after arrival in the UK.
By this time I had also handed in my resignation to my employers. So for a few days before I left the country it was farewell party time. At first it was a case of going for drinks and meals with various groups of friends. During this period, I also received a few gifts from my friends. A few days before leaving the country there was a farewell party in our own home. This was attended mainly by my relatives plus 2 English Engineers who were engaged in the construction of the Maliban Biscuit factory at Ratmalana. My first ever speech was made at this party. Only a few words though!!
The date of sailing was on the 11th March, 1964. It was a very busy day with having to hand over the luggage which was going in the ‘Hold’ of the ship that morning at the Colombo Harbour. After a special lunch attended by mainly close relatives and also after having taken some photos, we left for the Colombo Harbour in the late afternoon. Apart from our family members, there were a number of other relatives and friends who came to see me off. At the Harbour everyone got into launches and went to board the ship.
Once on the ship, I had to see the Purser first. He provided the information about what cabin I was to occupy etc. We took more pictures etc., while onboard. Finally an announcement was made for all visitors to leave the ship. This was a very sad and emotional moment. It was indeed very sad to say goodbye to everyone who came to see me off. We were not sure if we will ever meet again. After all visitors had left, I went to see my accommodation etc., which was a cabin with two double bunks. I shared the cabin with three other Ceylonese gentlemen. The cabin was actually below water level. At about 5.00 p.m. the ship started to move slowly away from the harbor towards the high seas. Some of us stood on the deck and watched until the lights of Colombo disappeared out of our view. This was a very sad moment for everyone who was leaving Ceylon that day. A little later there was an announcement for everyone to come to the dining room to have their dinner.
The facilities for the passengers in the Economy class were very simple and basic. Most cabins had two double bunks. The toilets and other washing facilities were in a separate area. So in the mornings, one had to go a fair distance to have a shower and other early morning ablutions. The dining area could be compared to a canteen. Even the service was not much different to what happens in a canteen.
One good thing was that we were served plenty of wine during meal times which of course was a novelty to chaps like me who up to that time had tasted only milk wine and that was also only during Christmas time. The food on board was also rather simple but plentiful. So I had no complaints about it.
After leaving Colombo Harbour, we were at sea for 3 whole days, without seeing any land until we reached the Port of Bombay (now known as Mumbai). During this period a lot of time was spent on the deck getting to know some of the other passengers. From Ceylon, there were two families with kids, one couple without kids, and there were four of us single men and also one lady who was travelling alone. There were some Japanese students and also a few people from Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, Australia and some Englishmen who were returning to the UK after a spell of travel. We were in Bombay for nearly 3 days. On the first day I couldn’t leave the ship till about 3 pm., as I had drunk too much wine and had to sleep off a bit of a hangover! While in Bombay, we used to go out during the day and return to the ship in the evening. I noticed that in India they sold imitations of every well known English cigarettes. Being an occasional smoker, I purchased a few packets of these cigarettes.
I also had to pay a visit to one of my bosses’ daughter who was an Architectural student in Bombay. I was to collect a parcel from her to be given to her brother who was a student in London at that time. I visited her with two other shipmates. She welcomed us and treated us to some Bombay sweets etc., which was much appreciated by all three of us. We also did some sightseeing and took some photos. In Bombay some passengers joined the ship. Amongst them were a group of soldiers from Pondichery (a French colony at that time) who were been taken to France for military training.
The ship finally left Bombay and headed towards our next port of call which was to be Djibouti which was in French Somali land. During this time we were sailing in the Arabian Sea. I was fascinated by some strange looking Arabic boats that were sailing in these waters. We also saw a whole lot of flying fish.
In Djibouti, the ship stayed for about 1 ½ days. Enough time to see a bit of the town etc. which was about a mile away from the port. As we came down the gangplank to the quay there were people selling mainly cigarettes on the jetty. I managed to palm off a Rs.5/- note for a tin of 50 John Player Navy Cut cigarettes. Ceylon money was not worth very much at that time too. I was surprised that he actually accepted my money. When I got back to the ship and told the others of my achievements, some of them also went and got some cigarettes for themselves.
After leaving Djibouti, we sailed in the Red Sea towards the Suez Canal. We had to wait at the mouth of the Suez Canal which is at Port Said for about a day until clearance was granted as only one ship was allowed in each direction at one time. At this point excursions were organized for trips to see the pyramids and to rejoin the ship at the other end of Suez Canal in Port Said. I did not join this trip due to lack of funds. But there were several who took advantage of this offer. When they rejoined the ship in Port Said they told all about the trip with much excitement. While we waited for clearance at the entrance to Suez Canal, the ship was surrounded by several boats owned by local traders. They got their merchandise up to the deck and displayed them. Most people including myself purchased some souvenirs from them. When it was time for us to begin our journey through the Suez Canal all the traders left the ship, except one of them who actually got his boat on the deck. He was taking a ride on the deck up to Port Said where he disembarked. This man even trying to sell pornographic photos to us!
The journey through the Suez Canal to Port Said took a fair amount of time. It was quite a pleasant one with people waving to us from both sides of the canal.
Early next morning we left Port Said and headed for Barcelona which was the next port of call. This was to be the first part in Europe where we set foot. Barcelona was in Spain and it took us quite some time to arrive here from Port Said. During this journey we sailed on the Mediterranean Sea passing the island of Cyprus and various Greek islands including Crete. As we were approaching the port of Barcelona we spotted the ship in which Christopher Columbus sailed when he went on his journey of ‘Discovery of the New World.’
Barcelona was rich in Architecture. Fine buildings etc. A few of us were in a park taking photos etc. when a man approached us and asked us to pose for photos. We posed for a few photos, thanked him and went on our way. Suddenly, we found about twenty people following us. They were insisting that we pay the man for the photos that were taken. We told them that we did not ask to be photographed and that it was the man with the camera who asked us to pose. We finally managed to shake them off and hurried back to the ship. We also managed to get some souvenirs before we set sail.
The last port of call for this ship was to be Marseilles in the South of France. A concert was organized for the final night. Each country had to be represented. A program of the items were also printed and distributed. That night we had a grand time with good food and wine etc. A few Ceylonese including myself did some singing and baila dancing.
We arrived in Marseilles next morning. We were sad to leave the ship that day. We said goodbye to some of the passengers who were not continuing the journey to London. We had made so many friends during our voyage.
The next part of the journey was to be by train. The first of the journey was to Paris where we had to change to a train which was to take us to Calais. We had to keep our luggage with us all the time during the train journey. When the train stopped at one station close to Paris, we noticed a man pick up one of our bags and leave the train. About five of us jumped out and chased this man along with platform. Suddenly he dropped the bag and ran off. This was the only awkward incident we experienced during the train journey.
At Calais, we had the usual immigration formalities and left Dover on the English Coast in a ferry. This journey took about 1 ½ hours.
After more immigration formalities at Dover, I boarded a train with my companions and left for London Victoria terminal which was the final stop. I was getting a little anxious when I was left almost alone on the platform after most of the other passengers were met by either their friends or relatives and departed. Finally, I was very relieved when one of my friends turned up to meet me. Nearly twenty days after leaving the Port of Colombo, my journey to England had just ended. After all the fun I had during the journey, the time had come for me to face reality!!
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