He had a strong sense of duty

Lincoln Earle Samarasinghe was a quiet individual who shunned adulation and publicity. He was born on April 9, 1928 and passed away on July 23, 2016. Earle received his initial education at S. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia. He later went to Royal College, Colombo. After a successful period of studies, he entered the University of Colombo and completed his B.Sc (Honours) in Zoology. He was awarded a prestigious Rockefeller Foundation Fellowship to Colombia University in New York, where he obtained his masters degree in Information Science, in the early 1950s.

On his return to Sri Lanka he worked as an assistant lecturer in Zoology at Colombo University. I first met Earle as a medical student when he was the Medical College Librarian. During his tenure, he was instrumental in improving the medical library with a modern cataloguing system of text books, periodicals and magazines. Earle also improved the conditions of the library to the extent where both the students and post-graduates felt more comfortable while doing their studies and research. His final posting in Sri Lanka was as Assistant Director of the Department of Fisheries.

Earle was chosen by UNESCO in 1961. He had a distinguished career at UNESCO Paris from 1961 to 1987. As Program Specialist he travelled to over 88 countries. Earle’s hard work was rewarded with grade and incremental increases. After an excellent career he returned to Sri Lanka with his wife, Charmaine.

Earle had five children – Rapti, Susruta, Gameela, Nira and Sumaya (four girls and one boy). They were a close and well knit family and as proud parents, Earle and Charmaine stood by their children who grew up to do well in their respective fields. Their grandchildren also gave them much happiness.

After his retirement and return to Sri Lanka he enjoyed his favourite hobbies, placing a few bets on horse races abroad and playing bridge. Earle was however restless to do more work. He was instru- mental in founding the Association of Former International Civil Servants (AFICS) – Sri Lanka. Earle was the Secretary General of AFICS under the presidency of Dr. Gamani Corea. They both served for 12 years, during which the membership increased and so did the projects.

AFICS came to the forefront soon after the Tsunami and a number of major projects were completed.

Earle will be missed by AFICS and his close friends. I can visualise Earle from somewhere up there, admonishing me with his finger and asking me what I’m doing by writing an appreciation on him.

To his beloved wife Charmaine, his children and in-laws our heartfelt sympathies. We know you will miss him. Missing You, Appachchi Now, Appachchi, it’s time to disclose

In verse instead of plain prose

You just never seem to run out of steam

You’re special, I know, ‘cause it shows

In the cold you’re a fire’s warm spark

Like an arrow you head for the mark

You heed my troubles, they vanish like bubbles

Like a candle that lights up the dark

This feeling of emptiness started

Exactly the moment we parted, I’m sad and I’m blue I’m sure missing you

Thirteen years have passed since I lost my best friend, who was so dear and near to me. You were like my shadow Appachchi. Why did you have to go months before my wedding I wonder? This is a question, I to-date have no answer for – may be you did, and you forgot to tell me.

I only wish you were around to see me do well with all that you wished for me in my life.

Today I am blessed with four beautiful kids and I must tell you of our twin boys - what they say and do, they resonate your behaviour all the way, day in and day out . Whilst I enjoy every moment with them, inside me, my mind goes to the past, the time we spent together, a void I still struggle to fill especially the morning walks in the village when we visited Rikillagaskada. I make it a point to walk all the streets we walked together and I recall all the things we used to share.

The Department you spent so much time and devoted most of your precious life to, may or may not remember you as much as they did – but the legacy you left behind is here to stay. I love you and miss you ever so much my darling Appachchi. May you attain the bliss of nirvana! Your ever-loving

daughter