A noble human being who did much for the people

The Panadura District recently lost a much loved noble being in M.Raja Salgado, the only son of the late Richard Salgado, who was a ‘Father Figure’of the District. Raja who was a cousin of mine passed away peacefully at the ripe age of 94 years.

He took an abiding interest in public social welfare and Buddhist activities, besides being a professional tea and rubber planter. For about 30 years he dutifully served as President of the large 92-yearold King George V Silva Jubilee Commemoration Home for Elders, which today is the home of 90 elderly people of all walks of life. He was also actively associated with the Dayaka Sabava of the historic Rankoth Vihara, the Walapola Buddhist temple; served as Patron of the Old Boys Association of Sri Sumangala School, and as President of the Boy Scouts Association Panadura/ Bandaragama.

Educated at Royal College Colombo, during the Bradby era of the 1940’s he graduated in Agriculture from Peradeniya University. As an experienced planter, he served the largest tea and rubber company owned by several Ceylonese families, and later, with the “Estates take-over” he joined the State Plantations Corporation.

The clean cut simple dress he wore, mirrored his personal outlook on life. Though born with riches he lived an admired unostentatious life. Raja my cousin, I believe cultivated Bodhisattva ideals. He always worked with no publicity, being mindful of others’ welfare, not expecting anything in return or as reward. He was soft spoken, loved and admired. He passed away in the presence of his dear wife Swarnamali (nee Amarasuriya of Galle) leaving behind two educated sons Priyath and Rajpal.

In a similar hour of grief, poet Samuel Woodsworth wrote:

Slowly and sadly we laid him down

From the fields of fame, fresh and goody!

We carved not a line, we raised not a stone -

But we left him alone with his glory.

This outstanding citizen, for many years did silently under his personal care have painted annually in gold, the large beautiful Samadhi statue, seen as one enters the Panadura Town from the south end on Galle Road reminding all passersby, that Metta and Karuna above all other virtues should guide humanity in their daily decisions. According to Buddhist texts, with rebirth, Gatisampathi being reached, may Raja’s path be strewn with roses.

Upali K. Salgado