JCI Senator Dr. Upali Mahanama : A well versed scholar on a myriad of subjects
I came to first meet JCI Senator Upali Mahanama, commonly known as the ‘father of Colombo South Jaycees’ at a National Convention of the Jaycees held at the auditorium of Princess of Wales College, Moratuwa in the 80s.
I witnessed the delivering of one of his eloquent speeches, which captivated the entire audience from the word, ‘GO’. An active participant at the General Assembly, I was fortunate enough to be given the opportunity to deliver the Vote of Thanks at the Convention that day.
Just as I stepped off the stage, Senator Upali surprised me with a personal greeting and congratulated me on my Vote of Thanks and the active role I played that day.
Years down the line, on hindsight, I believe that the sense of pride he instilled in me that day, played a significant role in my life, and invariably led me to reach for more than mere modest goals.
Gradually, as I began to form a close association with him, I learnt that he was not just an outstanding orator, but colossus in many arenas; an international marketing consultant, a trainer, an outstanding sportsman - and later, a ramrod straight sports Administrator; a mentor, father, brother, friend; he was a well-rounded gentleman par excellence.
It’s not wrong to say, his mantra in life was, ‘service to humanity is the best work of life’. He had many followers who would seek him out for assistance - be it career, personal or even financial.
He was one man who not only had time for anyone, but also the capacity to fit into any shoe and see beyond what anyone else could see.
He empowered hundreds, if not thousands, providing opportunities, imparting knowledge, advising, and most of all, inspiring change.
There are distinct memories of Upali the humanitarian which still resonate within me.
Spending not days, but months and years trying to rehabilitate a drug abuser everyone else thought was beyond redemption; I recall how he built two modest, but fully furnished houses for two families displaced in the Eastern Province in the 80s, together with a Buddhist priest in Embilipitiya.
Not stopping there, the visionary in him made sure that the children had regular schooling and that they had a means to generate income.
I recall how he was able to lead the people in a village, to contribute to the building of the bridge with their labour to connect their village to the town.
These are but a few examples of the many activities he imitated, and charity was his hallmark.
Upali never failed to impress anyone he encountered – irrespective of race, religion, caste or creed, he understood and spoke a common language with everyone.
A well versed scholar on a myriad of subjects he was able to contribute to any discussion, be it religion with a priest, international affairs with a diplomat, career prospects with a student or the impact of climate change with a farmer from a far off land.
The discussions were never far from being thought provocative, humorous, and mostly, unforgettable. He also leaves lasting impressions with whoever he meets.
During the many walks with him at the latter part of his life, I came to realize he is a man who seeks perfection in whatever task he undertakes; and that to deliver a compelling speech he spends time studying the demographics of the audience, phrases to use, jokes to tell, and practices his speech, and practices again.
A man for all seasons, a mentor, a great listener, the most lively at a party – a rib tickler with no mercy, a humble human being, he leaves a legacy etched in the hearts of those touched by him.
Upali was the Founder President of the Colombo South Jaycees and contributed immensely for the growth and development of the Jaycee movement in Sri Lanka.
He was elected National President of the Sri Lanka Jaycees and later elected a JCI World Vice President.
He leaves his wife Swarna, sons Devaka and Roshan and their loved families.
Upali was a true friend, a companion and a brother to all.
JCI Sen. Malik Cader
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Dr. Nihal Samarasinghe : An internationally recognized musician
Past president, Paul Harris Fellow, Dr. Nihal Samarasinghe (Dr. Sam) passed away on July 11, at the age of 80. He was the most senior member among the present membership of the Rotary Club of Mt. Lavinia, the fifth oldest club in Sri Lanka.
He was a member since 1987 and a senior past president of the club.
During his tenure as a senior Rotarian the Rotary Club of Mt. Lavinia was instrumental in sending a resolution to the Rotary International to accept women to Rotary.
Unfortunately, at that time this resolution was not accepted, but later on it was ratified by the Rotary International and credit was given to another club much to his dismay.
Nevertheless, he always talked about this very proudly at club gatherings.
As a loyal member of our club he was always interested to ensure that projects undertaken were well executed and the Rotary club of Mt. Lavinia made an impact to serve mankind.
He was very much committed, and interested to ensure that all members understood the culture of the club and would continue to appreciate past traditions and cultures of the club in the years to come.
Apart from serving the community we are proud that he was an internationally recognized musician, and brought recognition to Sri Lanka as ‘Sam The Man’.
We take this opportunity to convey our deepest sympathy to his loving wife Filishia, son Nuwan and daughter in law Koshi in their sad loss, and we the Rotarians of Mt. Lavinia also feel the loss of this fabulous personality.
Dear Sam the Man, we the Rotarians of Mount Lavinia assure you that we would continue to carry forward our unique culture in the years to come.
May you attain the supreme bliss of Nibbana and may your journey through Sansara be short.
S.D. Champa Perera
President, Rotary Club of Mount Lavinia