5 February 2022 01:04 am Views - 950
As a lover of cinema he never missed any film, Sinhala, English or Hindi. He was a lover of classical music and always sang songs of dramas like Sinhabahu and Maname
Mr. Gange was a writer as well as an advocate. Since 1964 he wrote articles to the then newspapers
He wrote seven books. Rata hellu nadu Volume 1,2,3,4 and Lova Hellu Japan Acramanaya and Lankawa hellu Japan Acramanaya. And also Eda Nadu Pothen
It is with a deep sense of gratitude that I write this appreciation of my mentor Mr. Wimalasena Gange, Advocate of Galle. After enrolling as an advocate in 1964 Mr. Gange served the people for their civil matters in the Galle Bar for nearly 54 years. He passed away at the age of 85.
He was felicitated by his family members on his 84th Birthday at a Hotel in Galle on 30th December, 2018. He very much appreciated this event which was a pinnacle event in his life. His children and the family members respected him so fondly on that day. He enjoyed it very much. As his right hand for over 40 years I worked in his office as a lawyer’s clerk and then as a Notary Public. All my life’s achievements were highly appreciated by him.
I was so sad to hear of his demise from his beloved wife on the 8th of February, 2020. His second death anniversary falls on 8th February, 2022.
Mr. Gange was from a reputed family in Ginthota, Galle and the third in his family of seven. He was a student of Medhankara College, Ginthota and Dharmasoka College, in Ambalangoda.
After his education he was working at the Legal Draftsmen’s Department from where he passed as an Advocate. He was a London BA. Hons. Graduate and was versatile in Sinhala as well as English. As an advocate, throughout his 54 years he worked in the Galle Bar. As a civil lawyer he was a much sought after advocate. Most of the cases he appeared for were successful.
Mr. Gange was the President of the Galle Law Association during the 90’s and he organised several events.
During his time there was an annual get-together of Lawyers and Doctors in Galle called the Law Medical encounter. In the Law Medical Cricket match played between Lawyers and Doctors Mr. Gange captained the Lawyers’ Team and he excelled in bowling as a player.
As a lover of cinema he never missed any film, Sinhala, English or Hindi. He was a lover of classical music and always sang songs of dramas like Sinhabahu and Maname.
Mr. Gange was a writer as well as an advocate. Since 1964 he wrote articles to the then newspapers. His writing about the famous murders in Sri Lanka during that time under the heading ‘Rata Hellu Nadu’ appeared in the Sunday newspaper and there was a high demand for this paper at that time. His articles were published before his demise in the Sunday newspapers under various headings. Most of it was on legal matters. He wrote seven books. Rata hellu nadu Volume 1,2,3,4 and Lova Hellu Japan Acramanaya and Lankawa hellu Japan Acramanaya. And also Eda Nadu Pothen. His first book Rata Hellu Nadu was launched in Galle with the participation of Mr. Yasantha Kodagoda, the Deputy Solicitor General then and Judge of the Court of Appeal Mr. P.W.D.L. Jayathilaka were Chief Guests at the function which was attended by a large crowd of colleagues, relatives and friends.
Being a jubilarian as an Advocate, his 50th year was celebrated by the Galle Law Association and his portrait was unveiled by the then Chief Justice Mohan Peiris. Judges, Lawyers and a distinguished gathering were present at the function held on 5th December 2014 in Galle. I had written a book called ‘Ma Dutu Ohu Advocate Wimalasena Gange’ which was distributed among all participants at the event. He was a widely travelled person.
Mr. Gange married Miss. Bandu Gange a teacher at Musaeus College, Colombo and Mahinda College, Galle. Mr. Gange and Mrs. Bandu Gange are blessed with two sons and one daughter. Their sons are specialist doctors and their daughter is an Attorney-at-Law. Mr. Gange was a loving grandfather to five grand children.
His funeral was held on the 10th of February, 2020 with the participation of Judges, lawyers, doctors, his colleagues, friends and relatives. After religious-rites at home Mr. Gange’s last journey went along the streets of Galle Town where he used to go for his professional duties.
Mr. Gange’s good deeds while on earth is more than enough for him to attain the supreme bliss of Nirvana.
Remembering him on his second death anniversary I pray that he may have a safe journey in Sansara.
Somasiri P. Liyanage
Notary Public, J.P.
Galle.