He believed in decency, honesty and fair play
Three months have passed since the demise of my good and trusted friend, Percy Tudor Jayasundara Seneviratne, after a brief illness. Our bonding and friendship was formed and cemented over 60 years since he and l joined the Port together on the formation of the Port (Cargo) Corporation (superseded by the Sri Lanka Ports Authority) with the nationalisation of cargo handling operations in the Port in 1958. I developed an instant liking to him for his cordial and friendly demeanour and more so for his flamboyance which he retained till late in life.
Percy, after a considerable period of service in the Accounts Department was elevated to the executive rank in the early 1980s and transferred to the
Operations Division where he held the position of Superintendent (Administration). Having acquired a thorough knowledge of all aspects of intricate cargo handling operations and having shown his capabilities and potential to shoulder increased responsibility, he easily secured promotion to the position of Chief Superintendent (Operations) in the Jaye Container Terminal, the flagship berth in the port.
Percy conducted himself according to a code of ethics of his own and never compromised his principles at any time in his career in the Port despite obvious temptations. He believed in decency, honesty and fair play.
On reaching the compulsory age of retirement Percy retired in
October 1994. Retirement was not a resting place for him. He along with the late I.E.G. Perera and a few likeminded retirees pioneered the formation of the SLPA Retired Staff Officers’ Association in February 1995. He played a pivotal role to bring the Association to its present stature having functioned as its Hony. Treasurer, Hony. Secretary and also as Vice President.
Sadly during the past few months Percy’s health became a cause for concern to his family members. They left no stone unturned in taking care of him but eventually he passed away on July 28.
Percy was a magnificent husband to his wife Manel who predeceased him, caring father to his two sons and daughter, considerate father-in-law to their spouses and a benevolent ‘Seeya” to his grandchildren.
Death is inevitable. It comes to all, but when it comes to one who is so close in a relationship built on values that have mattered, passing is indeed extremely sad. Percy was a gentleman and friend par excellence. The many who called to pay their last respects and the crowd that gathered at the cemetery to bid farewell were testimony to the high regard that he was held.
Percy pursued his mission in life with determination, courage and commitment. May his onward journey in Sansara be smooth and brief and may he realize early the supreme bliss of Nibbana.
H.D. Gunaratne