An Appreciation - Mrs. Yogaranee Mahesan FRSC (UK); FRACI (Aus); C. Chem, F.I. Chem.C
The sudden death of Mrs. Yogaranee Mahesan, retired Government Analyst and Past President of the Institute of Chemistry Ceylon came as a shock to members of the Institute of Chemistry Ceylon (ICHEMC) and to all her close associates, relations and friends. She was visiting her son in the USA and, passed away soon after her arrival in Sri Lanka. The President, the Council and members of ICHEMC wish to express our deepest sympathies to her family members at this time of grief and great sorrow
MrsMahesan had a distinguished career before retirement and was also quite active thereafter. She participated in many of the ICHEMC activities whenever she was in Sri Lanka. She was a very cheerful person with a perpetual smile. She was a close associate of the late Emeritus Professor J.N.O Fernando
As a Fellow of the Institute of Chemistry Ceylon (FICHEMC) and a Charted Chemist, she was the first lady to enter the Government Analyst’s Department in the year 1964. She had a distinguished record of service at the Gov. Analyst’s Department from 1964-1999 and was the first lady to become the Government Analyst in 1992.
In 1981-1982, Mrs. Mahesan participated in the International Seminar in Chemistry at the University of Uppsala, Sweden. She also participated in the Food Sanitation Administration Experts’ Programme held under the Japan Food Hygiene Association (in 1988) and in the International Seminar on narcotic Drugs conducted by the Food and Drug Administration of USA (in 1993)
In 1995, Zonta Club of Colombo had adjudged her as the Woman of Achievement in the field of Science, Technology and Telecommunication
On retirement, MrsMahesan served as Chairman of Mantai Salt Ltd. - successor to Lanka Salt Cooperation.
Mrs. Mahesan was a member of the ICHEMC since 1971 and has been an elected Council Member from 1991-2006.
She had actively participated in seminars, workshops and exhibitions organized by the Institute of Chemistry. She highlighted some aspects of the work of Government Analyst’s Department at these events conducted by the Institute.
She became the President of ICHEMC in 1994, after holding the position of Vice President in 1993. In addition she had served as a member in various committees at ICHEMC including the Awards Committee (19911995), Admission and Ethical practices committee (1998-2006) and Buildings Project Committee (2000-2004). She was the Chairperson of the Board of Trustees (20052006) and the College of Past Presidents (2005-2006). She was actively involved in translating the All Island Chemistry Quiz paper, National Australian Chemistry Quiz papers and other documentsinto Tamil medium.
The idea of awarding the distinguished service award by the Institute was mooted by Y. Mahesan and was implemented for the first time in the year 1995. Considering her tremendous services to the ICHEMC, she was herself the recipient of the prestigious distinguished service award in 2006.
On behalf of the ICHEMC, I wish to place on record our appreciation of the long and dedicated service rendered to ICHEMC by the late Mrs Y Mahesan.
May her soul rest in peace.