We will always remember their warmth and love
Mohan Tennekoon was born with the proverbial silver spoon to an upper crust Kandyan clan. His parents Dr. and Mrs. Percival Tennekoon nurtured their four children in the best traditions and values of the Christian faith. Despite the perks and privileges that a colonial lifestyle afforded them, they grew up without a trace of arrogance or pomposity.
Nirmalene, the eldest wed popular GP, Dr. Walter Gunaratna and moved to Colombo. Chandrika, the youngest, who is domiciled in the States, is remembered with affection, for she had been in the habit of taking a carload of friends to high tea at home on a daily basis at a time when food was scarce in the country.
The two boys, Reggie and Mohan, after an initial spell at Trinity College, were sent to London for higher studies.
Reggie passed out as a doctor and subsequently migrated to Australia. Mohan, a student of the London School of Economics, passed the LLB with first class honours. After completing his legal studies, he opted to return home. The Central Bank absorbed him and he worked there unobtrusively until retirement. In a land teeming with ‘I’ specialists, the word ‘I’ seldom surfaced in his vocabulary. If asked what his role was at the big Bank, he would reply “clerical work” with a disarming smile.
Mohan’s father was mesmerised by a pretty bridesmaid at a wedding and wished to make her his daughter-in-law. Investigations revealed that her credentials were excellent. Roshni Gunasekera was a playful, carefree student of Methodist College, living in the hostel.
Art was Roshni’s forte and she aspired to be an artist. Dr. Tennekoon did not dillydally. Without losing time, he initiated the courtship, sent chocolates and gifts to Roshni. She swallowed the bait. She shed her school uniform, threw her aspirations to the wind, and walked to the altar with Mohan.
It was a divine marriage. The Gunasekeras were large-hearted, fun loving and easygoing. Altruism ran in the veins of both parties. Mohan and Roshni’s blissful marriage of over 60 years was free of discord. They travelled widely and were blessed with four children. Sadly they lost one son on the way. The other three – Shanelli, Rashmini and Rukshan did their parents proud and matured to be chips off the old blocks – decent, gentle and upright.
Mohan and Roshni were doting grandparents to Vishani and Vishane and took the liberty to spoil them as grandparents do. Their third granchild, Rukshan’s son Mikel, brought sunshine to their declining years. He was his grandpa’s IT coach and helped him explore the internet.
Mohan and Roshni’s greatest happiness was relaxing with family and friends. Their spacious home at Cambridg Place was literally open at all hours. We carry beautiful memories of happy times spent there: Roshni, the accomplished cook flitting around, pouring long drinks into tall glasses or heaping food on plates.
Mohan was a member of the highend clubs of Colombo and friends were invited to wine and dine and share the fun. They helped others indiscriminately. When someone approached them with a problem, they took it on instantly and tried to find a solution.
That final night Roshni called me and explained the efficacy of ‘venivelgata’, the ayurvedic herb and vowed to pour it down my throat the next morning. Those were the last words she spoke and the only promise she couldn’t keep.
We will remember these unique and amazing friends with overflowing love, till life lasts. May they be reunited with their dear departed and find eternal happiness, peace and tranquillity in the arms of the Lord.