Eymard de Silva Wijeyeratne, a Peterite of the pre 70s era who was one from the first batch of undergraduates to enter the Peradeniya Campus (when it was part of then University of Ceylon), has passed away.
Eymard, was a very long standing parishioner of St. Mary's, Dehiwala, a loyal Catholic and a frequent contributor to newspapers. He and his wife Doreenda did a lot of social service at Dehiwala. He died after a very brief illness.
Press notice is copied below
DE SILVA WIJEYERATNE – EYMARD. Beloved husband of Dorinda, loving father of Devika, Indira and Kisani, father-in-law of Rohan Perera, Shriyantha Perera and Lalit, much loved grand-dad of Dimitri, Amanda, Tivanka, Navisha and Ravishka, expired. Cortege leaves residence on Thursday 17th October at 3.30 p.m. for cremation at General Cemetery, Borella at 4.30 p.m. No. 5, Peiris Place (off Quarry Road), Dehiwala.
(Courtesy: Algi Wijewickrema – SPC OBU)
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Following is a tribute paid to Mr. Eymard de Silva Wijeyeratne by Ruwam Silva
A proud son of Sri Lanka no more
October 16, 2013, 10:18 pm
Eymard de Silva Wijeyeratne (78), who died on Tuesday morning after a brief illness, was a man who watched over the interest of this country following his premature retirement from the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation. He did not tolerate the robber barons whose entry the J.R. Jayewardene regime facilitated with the liberalisation of the country’s economy in 1977.
Being a keen observer of events and especially of subtle moves from various quarters against the better interest of the country, Mr. Wijeratne demolished the arguments of those vested interests with his rapier sharp intellect and fine use of the English language. A product of Peradeniya University during its golden era, his command of the Queen’s language was second to none. Very unassuming and mild mannered as he was, when it came to defending the truth, no one was too big or powerful for him. Not that he belittled or destroyed them with crude arguments, but by putting across clear and simple logical answers backed by facts.
Those who have read many of his articles published periodically in this newspaper from its inception in 1981 will know what a pleasure it was to read those, as they not only enlightened readers but also enriched us all.
It is said that a prophet is without honour in his own country. Likewise the talents of people like Mr. Wijeratne have not been made use of by those that matter. Nor was he given any national recognition! His talents and impeccable honour were recognised abroad; he served one of the oil kingdoms in West Asia soon after leaving CPC, but having three young daughters and a wife back home he had to return before long.
Earlier former Chairman of CPC, late leading lawyer E.R.S.R Coomaraswamy and then Prime Minister Sirima Bandaranaike had firmly stood by him when there were attempts to tarnish his reputation by those who failed to put through underhand deals.
A devout Catholic, he practised his religion silently. Although he was not rich by any stretch of the imagination, we can vouch for the fact that on numerous occasions he and his family helped those in need. Often when articles about people in difficulties appeared he would personally phone us and get their addresses to send contributions.
Mr. Wijeratne will go on his final journey this evening, when his remains are cremated at the Borella cemetery at 4:30 pm. Our profound condolences go out to his family.
