Studies and songs; a friend from fun-filled Pera days!
I lost my good friend and batchmate, Athula Kahandaliyanage a few days ago. I am devastated and still can’t believe that a person so alive and so active as Athula could one day be no more.
I first met him in 1973 when we entered the Peradeniya Medical Faculty together. Although a fresher, he exuded so much confidence that at first I thought he was in the senior batch. Even in those early days he stood out as a leader and it was no surprise that he was unanimously chosen as our batch representative. It was perhaps an indication of things to come, the VIP posts he would hold in the future.
I well remember our batch trip to Dunhinda. I decided not to go as a trek to Dunhinda in the 1970’s was challenging even for the abled, and with my disability I just would not make it. When Athula heard of it he said “You must come! You could anyway enjoy the trip to and from Dunhinda and could stay in the bus while we walk to the falls.” So I went along.
Once at Dunhinda, Athula wouldn’t hear of me staying in the bus, and he and another batchmate Ranadeva, held me on either side and literally half carried me to the falls, the three of us singing along as we went. Thanks to Athula and Ranadeva I enjoyed that batch trip to the fullest.
We were study mates - six of us would get together in the evenings to study. Athula would bring his guitar along, I would get my guitar out, and our study sessions always ended up in a singing session. His songs still ring in my earshis favourite being a hit of that time “Rock Me Gently”. Athula didn’t seem to study very hard but with his high degree of intelligence he didn’t need to, and got through all exams easily and with honours.
Our friendship lasted all these years, and he always kept in touch. The day that he was appointed Secretary to the Ministry of Health was the same day that I was inducted President of the College of Anaesthesiologists. Athula took over the duties at the Ministry in Colombo, and in spite of all the work he had to undertake, he made it in time for my Induction in Kandy. I was touched indeed.
He overflowed with fun and humour and wherever he is I know he will be enjoying himself with his music, perhaps he will learn to play the harp and sing with the angel chorus……..And probably lead them in song?
Into the freedom of the wind and sunshine you went…Into the dance and song of the planets we had to let you go…. I miss you but want you to be happy…. Go safely, go dancing, go running home……And we will surely meet again on that beautiful shore and sing our favourite songs together……..
Dr. Carmeline Fernando