A man known and admired by many

It was on October 20that I received the sad news from Romesh that his dad Mr. Raymond Paranavitarne had passed away in Melbourne that morning after a brief illness.I was to say the least, very saddened at hearing this news. It took me sometime to comprehend what he told me. That I will not see Raymond Paranavitharne again.

This sad news brought back to me, a flood of pleasant memories of the man I knew and admired. Gentlemen of the calibre of Mr. Paranavitharne are fast diminishing in the present day world.I first came to know Mr. Paranavitharne in 1985 when we went on Army training to Minneriya at the height of the LTTE war as a part of what became known as the Sri Lanka Rifle Corp (SLRC). 

SLRC comprised of planters and senior regional administrators of the Janatha Estates Development Board (JEDB) and Sri Lanka State Plantations Corporation (SLSPC). Mr Paranavitharne was at that time Regional Chairman of the SLSPC Nuwara Eliya region. 

We were the first batch of planters and administrators who were sent for this training; which was the brainchild of the late General Ranjan Wijeratne to somewhat protect the estate regions. This batch of around 30 of us, ranged from those who were in their early 30’s like me to those in their 50’s like Mr. Paranavitharne. Army training was tough and gruelling to say the least. Rank and position in the Plantation world did not matter to them and all were treated equally. It was here that I first experienced the amazing characteristics of Mr. Paranavitharne. When some of us were complaining and being remorseful of the army training, he took it in his stride, never complained, and did what was expected of him in the right spirit. The hallmark of a true leader.  I admired Mr. Paranavitharne’s spirit and his courage. During our training period, some of us younger members enjoyed pulling pranks on a few seniors in the camp occasionally and they were not always amused. Mr. Paranavitharne stood up for us and sometimes joined in the fun too. It was during this period that I realised the respect that many had for this mild-mannered gentleman who up to that time I only knew as a Senior Regional chairman. From then on, I had the privilege of getting to know him and kept in touch, despite our vast difference in status. Thereafter he was elevated to the no 2 position at the SLSPC Central Board in Colombo.  Unfortunately due to an unfair decision, as a result of Mr. Paranavitharne standing firm to his principles, he resigned from this position at the SLSPC around 1989 with courage and dignity. He then took up a very interesting role in a BOI venture until he migrated to Australia.His life is a great example to me. He was a man who was not only highly respected but well-loved too. Wherever he worked, he always walked with his head held high, and earned the respect and confidence not only of his superiors, but also his peers and subordinates. While he held many prestigious positions, he held each position with pride and dignity. 

My wife and I were blessed to keep in touch with him and his precious wife Dharshini. 

I last spoke to him over the phone around 3 months ago and had a long conversation and he reminded me once again that we must visit his home on our next visit to Melbourne. This was not to be, and it saddens me that we won’t be seeing this wonderful gentleman again. 

I must make mention of his three children, Manique, Romesh and Samantha. In conclusion I know for sure that his life truly reflects the words of the Psalmist in psalm 37:23 which says, “The steps of a good man are ordered and established by the Lord and he delights in his ways.” That was his life’s journey.May his soul Rest in Peace in the arms of his creator whom he loved.
Rohan M Fernando