A man with a vision and mentor to many
It is almost four years since the passing away of Lionel Mendis. It is timely to reflect on this very special person’s life. He mentored a countless number of students some of whom are well known public figures. He loved them all as if they were his own offspring. Of them all, his favourite undoubtedly was Arjuna Ranatunga.
Lionel left a void in his family which can never be filled. I remember going to Ambalangoda for Vesak celebrations and staying at his ancestral home. Those were wonderful times we had with him and his close Ambalangoda friends. His younger sister Indrani lives in the old house now. There is a special room there dedicated to Lionel’s life -a mini museum with countless photographs showing various events involving Lionel.
He was best known as a cricket coach. But he had a life outside the world of cricket. He was a devoted and loyal brother to his siblings and doted on his nieces and nephews.
My association with him lasted nearly six decades. He was my best friend and mentor and we were more like brothers. He guided me to become successful in my career just by speaking to me on a regular basis on the phone while I was in the UK for over 40 years. He had that rare ability to inspire those who had the fortune to know him.
During his long and outstanding teaching career, he never resorted to giving private tuition. He devoted his entire adult life to teaching and cricket.
Most people are not aware of his strong religious beliefs. His devotion to the teaching of Gautama Buddha was known only to his family and close friends. As a non- smoker, teetotaler and vegetarian, one would have anticipated a very long and healthy life for him, but we lost him in what would have been the evening of his life.
Getting together with old friends and enjoying a singsong was for him the ultimate pleasure. He was a talented singer and would imitate some well known singers to perfection. His sense of humour was legendary and he could make his friends laugh at the drop of a hat. Lionel’s favourite song was “Dura penena thanithala”. A few days prior to his passing away, Chandra and I visited him with my sister Chitra and brother Gamini. His close friend and cousin Ansingh was there too at the same time.
We asked him whether he wanted anything and what he asked was for us to sing that song with him.
Despite several invitations, he never visited me in the UK because he did not want to abandon his responsibilities towards his charges. His number one priority was to carry on his work. That was Lionel the dedicated professional.
He was a man with a vision. A vision to do his best and make the world around him a better place.
May he attain the Supreme Bliss of Nirvana.
Mike Weerasinghe