Anura Rajapaksa, physician and musician

Anura Rajapaksa hailed from Panadura, born to RME (Rohan) and Nalini Rajapaksa. His was an illustrious family of four brothers – late Anil of Perth, Australia, late Naveen of Colombo, Sri Lanka, and Priyan of Auckland New Zealand. His early upbringing was in Panadura where he started his schooling, finishing at Royal College, Colombo.

My friendship with him started at Royal College when we were in classes which included boys belonging to the different communities of then Ceylon. His parents were warm people full of warmth and hospitality. We spent weekends on a tea estate upcountry where his parents had an interest.. Anura’s warmth and friendship was ingrained in his genes!

In our teens we looked forward to the Big Match when ‘old crock’ hearses were rented from a funeral parlors to parade the streets with a ‘papare’ trumpeter whose music was supplemented by Anura who had an accordion and a drum. Vocalists included many our classmates singing with him. Anura was versatile musically and could play any instrument and sing as well.

We entered Medical School in 1963. He was in the organizing committee that resurrected the Block Concert which has been put on hold by the then Dean Prof OER Abhayaratna. Dr Joe Wijaynayagam (now in Canada) would write the play and many of us eagerly participated with stage names that cannot be published.

Anura came to Brooklyn, New York with his friend Ranjan Hulugalle in the summer of 1971. Having been here two years earlier, I picked them up from JFK Airport and broke them into the new cultural norms. They were part of the exodus at the time of the ‘Che Guevara’ JVP upheaval. Trikanthi, quite pregnant, followed him and daughter Roshini was born here in Brooklyn.

Upon completing specialty training, Anura settled in Westchester to practice Internal medicine and Critical Care. Once established, within a short period of time he purchased a home in Scarsdale NY. Being an exceptional physician, he had a great reputation and would treat many Lankan immigrants, rich or poor, who sought his services.

We kept our friendship and our passion to work hard and play hard as well. Our parties ended with a sing song with Anura effortlessly playing the piano. He was an amazing dancer and it was a real treat to watch when he took to the floor with Trika. His culinary talent was also exceptional. At Thanksgiving, Anura would complement the customary Turkey dinner with a roast Leg of Lamb done exquisitely. He was a man of many talents and did anything he put his mind to remarkably well.

The Royal Thomian match attracted many expatriates to return to relive their youth! The culmination of the week was at Ken and Swyrie Balendra’s home where we would have Anura on the accordion to lead a small band with Late Sidath Jayanneti(USA) on drums and vocal accompanists, Late Tissa Wickramasuriya (SL), Para Waran (USA), Sarath Samarasinghe(SL) and Lakshman Kaluaratchi.(SL)

Anura was involved with multiple societies which gave him access to many younger individuals who immigrated later to the US. He was a Past President of the RCOBECA (Royal College OBA East) and Past President of SLAMANA East (Sri Lanka Medical Association Of North America). He championed many charitable endeavors in Sri Lanka during his tenure. He was truly a practicing Buddhist with tolerance to all religions and people.

On a personal level, he was warm-hearted and always interested of the pursuits of the younger generation. He always found time to speak to the next generation with words of encouragement whether they were his friends’ children or those of his patients. A great example is his own daughter Roshini who matriculated at Harvard and went on to Medical School where she serves in the faculty.

I have lost a dear friend, advisor, counselor and talented musician. I will forever cherish our lifetime of wonderful memories and remember all of Anura’s innumerable contributions to my life and the lives of so many. He was truly a remarkable person, and will be forever missed.

Para