A remarkable scholar and gentleman

Iwas shocked when I heard of the sudden demise of Prof. Sudharshan Seneviratne, a wonderful academic of the Faculty of Arts, University of Peradeniya. I could not attend his funeral as I was not aware of his passing.

When I was an undergraduate of the Faculty of Arts of the University of Peradeniya, Prof. Seneviratne was a Professor in Archeology. I had enrolled for an honours degree in sociology, so was never taught by him at the undergraduate level but we attended his special and guest lectures occasionally at the faculty seminar room or Senate room.

I had the opportunity of a closer association with Prof. Seneviratne when I assumed duties as the Senior Assistant Registrar of the Faculty of Arts. He always encouraged me to overcome the issues pertaining to the Faculty of Arts, when I sought his advice. Once he told me, “Abey, you are a product of this faculty. So you have a big responsibility in order to improve the faculty activities.” He always appreciated my work.

When I joined the Senate as Deputy Registrar (Academic Establishment), Prof. Senevirathne met me regularly for official issues. He often participated in foreign conferences and workshops in the field of archaeology. On his return from his travels, he would come by my office with two bags of sweets, one for my two sons and the other for the staff. This reflected his generosity, courtesy and human qualities.

He hailed from an educated family in Colombo. While a student at Ananda College, he had been involved in various sports which showed his versatile personality. He was also Director General of the Department of Archaeology.

Prof. Seneviratne was appointed High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in India and Bangladesh and was able to build a good rapport between India and Sri Lanka during a short period.

I met him for the last time at the Rajarata University before he assumed duties as the High Commissioner in Bangladesh. He was the Chief Guest of the Archaeology Symposium organised by the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities. I am proud to say that Prof. Seneviratne’s students are playing key roles in the field of archaeology at the University including Prof. Thusitha Mendis who is the Dean of the Faculty at present.

His way of speaking and writing English and his way of teaching undergraduates and postgraduates were all very impressive. He was a remarkable academic and scholar in the field of archaeology. More than everything else, a gentleman.

Sir, may you attain supreme bliss of Nibbana!