Franklyn Amerasinghe Truly a man for all seasons

The “Diamond Trust” he initiated with the support of close friends and family in later years to facilitate learning for handicapped children was a dream come true for him. The Trust was his precious baby in the last days of his life

It was 1979, I had just married and was trying to manage my fledgling legal practice in Kurunegala when Franklyn Amerasinghe attracted me to the Employers Federation of Ceylon. I followed what he did 5 years earlier; the exception being that when he left Kurunegala, he also left a lucrative practice built by his late father. From then onwards, for the next 45 years he was my colleague, boss, friend and above all; professional and personal guide. I was indeed fortunate as a young professional in the EFC to have had S R de Silva, the doyen of Sri Lankan Industrial Relations and the late Franklyn as my bosses. I am ever grateful to them both for whatever I achieved professionally; ending my working career with the International Labour Organisation in which they served with distinction before me.

I will not dwell herein on the professional attributes and achievements of Franklyn. Neither can I do justice to that aspect in this short piece.  Instead, I will attempt to capture what I knew of Franklyn the man. He was personally exposed to the vicissitudes of life in his youth and again thereafter when his loving wife Neelanthi passed away while their two daughters were still schoolgoing. These circumstances which would have drained a lesser mortal brought out the best in Franklyn’s innate strong character. Whilst being the devoted father to his young children and successfully managing his professional career, he was also the “go-to person” to so many in need of professional or personal help.  With his children grown up and on their own feet, the demands on Franklyn’s time from others only increased. Regardless of social or official status, old or young, he gave wise counsel ungrudgingly and always found time for them. What fascinated me was his ability to make all those who knew him feel that there was a special place in his heart for each of them. 

Inspirational leadership

They in turn considered him to be special. Perhaps it was this unique gift that enabled him to give inspirational leadership to those who worked with him. His faith in humanity was boundless. He genuinely believed that no person was useless.  It was this faith that drew him to help the helpless. Few would know of all what he has done or the sacrifices he has made, to assist the less fortunate get on their feet, without breathing a word of what he had given or lost in the process. The “Diamond Trust” he initiated with the support of close friends and family in later years to facilitate learning for handicapped children was a dream come true for him. The Trust was his precious baby in the last days of his life. 

His faith in humanity was boundless. He genuinely believed that no person was useless

 
His wish to see the baby nurtured into adulthood is now in the able hands of his daughters and  family.  While he will be remembered for his philosophical strengths, he will also not be forgotten by those of us who knew him personally for his social camaraderie. A sportsman himself, he loved sports. So was it with music. His wit and humour was infectious. Many were the long hours he spent with family and friends signing old favourites around a Piano, late into the night at parties.

Family atmosphere

This sense of camaraderie he shared with his office colleagues as well.  We who were at the EFC with him, will recall the family atmosphere he promoted among us. He was truly a man for all seasons. It was my privilege to have had known Franklyn. It will not be easy to fill the void he has left in my life and that of my family. The last audible words he said to me were “I will soon let you know what it is like on the other side”. I know for certain that wherever he may be the grass there will be far greener than on this earth. To Michelle and Sharon, the loving daughters of a devoted Father, the tender care you showered on Dad, particularly in his final days was truly exemplary. 

Gotabaya Dasanayaka