Together we shared so many memories

Decidero meus Amicus

I begin with an expression in Latin, because in this province, Latin will not be heard ever in the course of legal submissions and orations at lawyers’ gatherings or similar occasions after the recent demise of B.H.S. Jayasekara, Senior Attorneyat-Law, Moneragala.

Jaye, as I affectionately called him, was my closest friend and professional associate for about 40 years in my own legal career of half a century. He hailed from Matara, and was the only son of Albert Silva and Mapi Silva. He had his education at St. Servatius College, Matara and started his career as a teacher which brought him to Colombo where he served in many schools.

He met his wife Indra, a state officer who was transferred there earlier. It was when he was pursuing law studies that I met him first and thus began an immediate close friendship which remained unwavering and firm till his death.

He was frank and forthright, not afraid to express what he felt about men and matters at various events and gatherings and in his submissions to Court on behalf of his clients. Thanks to his upbringing and motivation, his three children – two sons and a daughter - Paboda, Dilum and Sithara have all become lawyers with one son adorning an original Court Bench. A remarkable feat indeed, unparalleled elsewhere in the Province of Uva for four family members to be in practice at the same place, during the same period.

He was a prolific writer who contributed often to the newspapers and a much sought after speaker at various forums where he was in the habit of including Latin maxims and quotations in his speeches. Possessed with a wide knowledge of history and philosophy and with an excellent command of the English language, he always made it a point to educate the audience whenever he was called upon to address a gathering.

As a leader of the Moneragala Bar, Jaye was instrumental in the opening of the Provincial High Court there and such similar achievements for the benefit of the Bar. He was a source of encouragement to junior lawyers who sought his counsel.

On a personal note, from the commencement of his practice in the Uva Province, he was so attached to me till his sad death. In fact I myself may have followed him soon thereafter, but God granted me a little more time to complete my life’s unfulfilled purposes.

You did whatever you thought was right

Our memories together was a sweet Delight……… ”

“May the rains be gentle and the earth rest light……….. Benevolus Amicus - Donec Nos obvenio iterum ulterius Dearest Friend. Until we meet again -beyond!

Vijaya Niranjan Perera