TRIBUTE TO A WONDERFUL BROTHER

Dr Don Bandula Wijetunge

It is with deep gratitude for the life of a wonderful and loving brother, Dr Don Bandula Wijetunge, I am writing this appreciation on his seventh death anniversary.

He hailed from Padukka, in a village called Poregedara, in the district of Colombo. Bandula (Don) was born to the much respected family of Mr. Don Denes & Mrs Prema Wijetunge and had his early childhood education at the village school. He proceeded to Nalanda College in Colombo for his primary and secondary education, and excelled academically, sailing through the public examinations and gaining entry into the Faculty of Medicine, University of Ceylon, Peradeniya. He obtained his MBBS Degree and graduated in 1967.

His first appointment as an Intern House Officer was with the eminent Obstetrician Dr Nanayakkara, at the Castle Street Hospital, Colombo. His subsequent internship was with the two eminent Neurosurgeons of the day, Dr Darrel Weinman and Dr Cabraal at the Neurosurgical Unit in Colombo General Hospital. His first SHO appointment was at the Government Hospital in Panadura under Consultant Surgeon Dr Christopher Canagaratna. From the outset, his dedicated and conscientious approach to his work was appreciated and he was soon recognized as a well respected member of the medical profession.

On completion of his first appointment as a doctor in Sri Lanka, he went to England in 1972 for advanced surgical qualifications and training. He successfully obtained his FRCS, FFAEM, FACEP and completed his surgical training developing excellent surgical skills.

In 1979 he went to Saudi Arabia, for a short period, as consultant surgeon to head the Surgical Department in one of the first hospitals to be built in that country. He returned to England in 1985 to join St George’s Teaching Hospital, London as Consultant in Emergency Medicine where he took an active interest in research, especially aspects in hand surgery, postgraduate training and in modernizing the department. He took great pride in his career as a surgeon and a teacher. His professionalism, dedication and determination shone through his role as a senior lecturer in emergency medicine.

After retiring in 2002 he pursued his interests in traveling, following the Sri Lankan Cricket and supporting Arsenal Football Club.

He was carefree and benevolent. His empathy for the less fortunate was endless. He generously supported many students, especially medical students, with practical help in their higher education. He was a genuine and dependable friend, and was never known to have let family or friend down. The most endearing quality about him was his genuine concern for the welfare of the people who worked for him.

He was simple, sincere, and unassuming with a noble magnanimous heart. He cherished his school days and the education; and the values he was taught at home and in school, such as, to stay humble; yet strive to cultivate good qualities, persistence of hard work and achievements. He never sought material assets and prominence. What was of importance for him was work and a sense of fulfilment and achievement.

We are sad beyond words to have lost him. My dearest brother has left an irreplaceable void in our family and among those close to him. I consider its a privilege to take this opportunity to write a few of my thoughts about this inspirational person. He has left us with a lifetime of happy memories to cherish.

On behalf of all my family members I express our profound sorrow to his family. He was the proud grandfather to Olivia, and Ella, the youngest granddaughter who he saw just a few days before his death. Bandula (Don) was sadly predeceased by his daughter Sonalee 22 years ago. She was also a doctor.

He leaves his loving wife Indra and his son Aruna, (Consultant Psychiatrist, U.K.), Daughter-in-Law Sally and grand daughters Olivia and Ella.

May he attain Eternal Peace and Supreme Bliss of Nirvana.

Thilaka Perera.