Tribute to Sir Ernest de Silva

Colombo YMBA commemorated late Sir Ernest de Silva’s 125th Birthday Anniversary on November 27, 2012 at Srimathipaya, his ancestral residence at Sir Ernest de Silva Mw (Flower Rd) Colombo 07 where Prime Minister’s office is presently located.

Sir Ernest de Silva, the Second President of the Colombo YMBA was the first Chairman of Bank of Ceylon and the First Governor of the State Mortgage & Investment Bank. He was the most prominent philanthropist who bestowed his enormous wealth to propagation of Buddha Dhamma, temples, to uplift the Colombo YMBA, many charitable organizations and to schools all over the island that needed assistance.

The commemoration ceremony commenced with Ven. Kotugoda Dhammavasa Nayaka Thera delivering the annusasanawa to the large gathering that included Sir Ernest’s relatives, Suren Abeyagoonasekera the President of the Colombo YMBA and members of the Board of Management, S. Amarasekara, Secretary to the Prime Minister and his staff, Dr. Gamini Wickramasinghe Chairman of Bank of Ceylon and representatives of the State Mortgage & Investment Bank and other distinguished invitees.

Sangika Dana was offered to the Mahasanga from Gangarama headed by Ven. Galaboda Gnanissara Nayaka Thera and Ven. Tirikunamale Ananda Anunayake Thera from Vajiraramaya. Ven. Galaboda Gnanissara Nayaka Thera delivered the Punyanumodana.

Mr. Suren Abeyagoonasekera, President of YMBA, Dr. Gamini Wickramasinghe Chairman Bank Of Ceylon and relations of Sir Ernest De Silva attending the religious ceremony at Prime Minister’s Office.

Mr. Suren Abeyagoonasekera President of YMBA presenting a photograph of Sir Ernest De Silva to S. Amerasekera, secretary to Prime Minister.