Ananda Abeygoonewardene - (DOB 27 October) m. Indrani home town Teldeniya. Twin daughters Jennifer & Lindy - Grand Daughter Mikayla. Lives in San Jose, California.
ananda.abey@gmail.com

Tenure at CIC 1966 to 1977. Accounts Dept, Main Stores, Ratmalana Works, Wharf Sept, Dyes & Rubber Chemicals. 

I remember the day Arichandran interviewed me. I was so nervous as it was my first job.

A.Ragunathan (DOB 27 July) m. Shayanie - Canada 
ragua1@hotmail.com

I joined CIC in 1964 when Mr. Wayne was the last British Chairman. And after that SK took over. I joined Chemanex in 1974 and left in 1982 to join CARE.
 
Antoinette Harvie - (nee Karunaratne) - m. Franklyn (dec) - Lives Melbourne - Secretary

I met Antoinette Karunaratne (now Harvie) at Kanthi Jayasekera's home in Melbourne where I was invited for dinner  Eric 

Ayoma Jayawardene (DOB 25 November) m. Mahen - Sri Lanka
ayoma.jay@gmail.com

Bernard Pathmanathan (DOB 16 July) Marilyn - UK  
tbpath@aol.com

Bosco Fonseka   m Rani - Sri Lanka
bosco.fonseka@gmail.com

Chandra Jayaratne - Sri Lanka - Sales/Ind Chemicals  
chandra@citihealth.lk

Chris (C.S) Edwards - m. Dawn - Pharmaceuticals - Lives Sri Lanka & Melbourne -  
csedwards2010@gmail.com

Cyril Wickremaratne - DOB 20th January, m. Chandrani One daughter married, one grandson - Lives in Nepal.  
cyrilwickramaratne@gmail.com

Joined CIC in 1969 left in 1977 - Department- Agrochemicals 

D H Rajkumar - m. Rubini - UK - C & F
rajudh@hotmail.co.uk 

Donald Amerasinghe  - lives Sri Lanka 
amerasinghed@hotmail.com 

Doreen Ambrose  - (nee Stewart) - m. Basil - Australia
 
Desiree Paiva - m. Edmund - Lives in Canada 

Elmo Perera - (DOB 24 October) Badulla. m. Thalitha. (D) Tanya. Lives Melbourne - CIC 1966 to 1983. Administration, Ratmalana - Pipe Plant & Administration.
elmoper@bigpond.net.au

I joined on 07 July 1966, one week after Boya. I was put to work under Mr Sabaratnam & Peter Fernando in the Admin Dept. The boss then was Mr Yogaratnam. I started off at the princely sum of Rs.208.71 per month because I was under 18 and had not passed the GCE (O) level. All the others started on Rs.228.46 ......and I was jealous!

Eric Motha - (DOB 19 June) - m. Pushparanee - Vancouver, Canada - Sales/Paints 
eric.motha@yahoo.com

Hector Halangoda - Sri Lanka - Ratmalana/Administration/Director Human Resources, CIC
hector-hrd@cic.lk 

Henry Jayasuriya - (DOB- 31 July) - Sri Lanka - Accounts - Lives Sri Lanka
henryjaya@yahoo.com

Isitha Jayasekera - (de Silva) - (DOB- 20 October) m. Randy (d) Thilini - Lives Sydney
thilinijaya@hotmail.com

Elmo, I have been a good 'elder brother' to dear Isitha in Sydney-after scrolling down your mail I am wondering about what she is hinting at. I must telephone her tonight and whisper' sweet nothings'-it was gracious of her (like you in Melbourne Elmo) to get me from where I was staying somewhere near Blacktown and entertain me to lunch at her home-Randy had taken a day off and it was nice spending time with them and children. I still recall Isitha & Randy coming all the way to Kotahena and finding me in College playing Table Tennis to wish adieu before they migrated' down under'. Eric
 
Jayanthe Ranasinghe -m. Damayanthi (d) Dilshani - Sydney - Sales/Pharma 
djranasinghe@hotmail.com

Jayantha Jayasundera - Sales/Industrial Chemicals
jjayasundare@yahoo.com

Jayantha Rajapakse - Agro-Chemicals
kjmdar@gmail.com

James Alagaratnam - (DOB 27 July) m. Dilkie 28 December '74 - Toronto, Canada 
prinsjames@rogers.com

CIC/Chemanex 1967 to 1977  PVAPlant, Ratmalana and Chemanex Technical Sales    

Jill Candappa - (DOB- 3 April) m. Tyronne (dec.) (d) Tracy - Queensland Reception - I am Jill (was Jill Livera and then Candappa)

I worked at CIC for about 10 years before I migrated to Queensland Australia in 1983, a year after the sad passing of my husband Tyrone. I was at the Hemas Building and then moved to the York St building.

Have been in touch with Nalinee, Rukmanie, was in touch with Chinta Salgado but have not heard from her. I hear from Fareeda occasionally. Would love to hear from everyone else. Lalith Fernondo Hector,Paul, Ilangakooon,Ishita Pathma, George, Beeby Sabaratnam Indranie HJT, Peter and the list goes on. Lovely to bring back these memories I have a few photos which I wil soon sent through. Until I hear from you. Regards Jill.

Malika I can remember your name which department did you work in, Thanks for the email what on earth has happened to you. My son is 27 and Tracy is 26. I shall write to you once you reply. Thanks for linking me to the CIC guys.

That was a welcome breeze from Queensland! One more entrant to our CIC club and thanks for joining in. I do well remember your late husband Tyrone who was a stalwart at Chartered Bank. Eric

J M P (Melchi) Fernando - Toronto, Canada  Cashier's/Ratmalana Works
jmpfernando@yahoo.ca

Jayanath Mannakkara 
jayanathmannakkara@gmail.com

Where is Mannakara now? Lot of heads turned when we walked together given our respective sizes! Melchi

Joe Roche  - Head, Clearing & Forwarding Dept. m. Lucy - Lives Sydney.
joelucyroche@gmail.com

Joe Gregory   - Sales/ Textiles, Dyes - Lives Melbourne jag1946@bigpond.com

Kanagaratnam Arichandran  - m. Sushila - Lives Maryland, USA - Chief Accountant/Finance Director 
karichandran@gmail.com

I left CIC in December 1971 to take up a job with ICI in Zambia. From there I moved to the World Bank in Washington DC in August 1973
 
Kathleen Scharenguivel - m. Dunbar (dec) - Secretary to Chairman - Lives Melbourne 

Kanthi Wijenaike - (nee Jayasekera) - m. Percy - Melbourne - Accounts
percyandkanthi@hotmail.com

Kanthi is married to Percy Wijenaike former SSP in Galle-we had a few rounds of 'Black Label'-met one of the twin daughters of Kanthi who I think is married to Cornel Perera's son and live in SL. Eric

Mallika Rodrigo (nee Navaratna) – DOB 21st July - married Cumar Rodrigo - One daughter - Coomerene born 1980 -  Lives in Nawinna, Sri Lanka  - Tenure at CIC 1973 - 1980 - Wharf and Invoice Departments
mallika_rodrigo@hotmail.com

Marilyn Pathmanathan (DOB- 21 June) m. Bernard- London - Accounts

Marini Moses - (nee Chellapah) - (DOB 15 August) -m. Bala - Vermont Melbourne - CIC 1977 - 1979 (Secretary to I P Gunawardene) and Chemanex 1979 - 1990 (Secretary to Chairman S K Wickremesinghe)  aloy.moses@bigpond.com  

Thanks for your email giving all the news at your end. Yes, I certainly do not mind you forwarding my email to the rest. In fact I was thinking of emailing Anto (I was very friendly with him while at Chemanex), Eric and Isitha (whose email addresses were on the website) when I get some time. I re-connected with Mallika when I went to Sri Lanka in 2005 for my niece's wedding. We were talking of the days we played netball after work! Those were such carefree days?

I remember you visiting us when we were at Springvale Road Forest Hill - that must have been in 1991/1992 - from there we moved to Rowville in 1994, stayed there till 1998 and moved to Vermont. It's a nice suburb and we hope to stay here. My address is 2 Mawson Court, Vermont (Home Tel No. 9872 4473). My husband Bala is still at the Hotel Sofitel - almost 17 years service - he is in the Accounts Department.

I must look up my old album and see whether there are any photos of my days at CIC/Chemanex which I can pass on to you. There are some ex Chemanex staff here too but I don't have contact nos. Mr & Mrs Tennakoon were here on a holiday about 2 or 3 years ago and we visited him at his hotel. Lal de Alwis was also here very briefly in 2005 and he rang me and had a chat. I am in touch with Diane (nee Nugara - now Gonsalves) and Nilanthi de Silva - one of the secretaries (who married Kirthi - he was an Executive at CIC). I will see whether they'd like to join the evergreens.

Maqshood Jaffar - m.Gina -  Sri Lanka -  C & F 
maqshood@gmail.com

Nalini Algama - (DOB- 23 September) - (s) Manoj - Ratmalana, Sri Lanka  - Secretary
nalinee@astron.lk

Nawaz Faleel - (DOB 10 May) - m. Jehan - Lives Sri Lanka - Accounts
nmfaleel@gmail.com

Neil Kottege - DOB 13 December - m. Padmini - Son, Navinda (1978), Daughter: Isuruni (1987) ) -Lives Nawala, Sri Lanka / Canberra, Australia. 
neil.kottege@gmail.com

Tenure at CIC 1974 to 1982. Agrochemicals Dept, Pharma /J&J Dept

Nimal Weeraratne - Accounts - Lives Sri Lanka
nimalweerarat@yahoo.com

Noel Senanayake - Sales, Industrial Chemicals 
sunoma@colombomail.lk  

I met Noel Senanayake quite by chance at the funeral of the mother of the Parish Priest of St. Mary's Church, Bambalapitya, Rev. Fr Sriyan Ranasinghe, who happens to be Lalith Ranasignhe's brother. I am forwarding his email to all of you so that he too could join the CIC Evergreens and at the same time I have forwarded the website address to him as well. Mallika

Paul (P.S) Fernando - Phamaceuticals - Lives Sri Lanka

Great Pictures Ana, The one with the Ice Cubes reminds me of Paul Fernando. One morning @ Chartered he was carried in to work in his impeccable white tussore with a broken leg I think. The Elephant House truck was unloading ice blocks to one of the chatham street restaurants when one slid and sailed on to Paul's leg and brought him to the ground. What a freak accident! James

Paul Fernando..........the punter! I meet him everytime I visit SL as he is Ranjith's Ps neighbor. Still the same, talking non-stop, and mad about cricket. Ana

Paul Fdo was a great punter running to us in the midst of work to draw the lucky winner!!! He looks good though-does he still carry that little curly hair on which he spent so much time keeping it in place in an effort to 'win over' the gals!!

Paul Fdo (the chap who comes running to you to with rolled paper stubs in his hand) asking us to pick the "winning horse"-a crazy punter!! James

Preethi de Silva  - Ratmalana Works - Lives Sri Lanka preethidesilva@yahoo.com

Ranjith Ponnamperuma - DOB 15th December - Married to Elsie - Twin daughters Shashini & Charmini born in 1987 - Lives Nugegoda, Sri Lanka 
dsce@sltnet.lk

Tenure at CIC 1965 to 1979 - Accounts clerk, Sales service clerk - Agro chemicals

Ranjith Illangakoon - C & F/Paints - m. Oreen - Lives Sri Lanka
illangakoon@sltnet.lk

Rajini Sandrasagara  - DOB 21st September -  Toronto Canada 
mary.sandrasagara@hotmail.com

Ritchie Gnanadurai - Accounts/Stores & Ratmalana Works

I am not sure if any of you guys joined us on our trip to Jaffna to attend Gnanadurai's wedding. We did the trip in Joe Perera's old Opel Rekard. I remember on the way, we all had to relieve ourselves and Upali sat on one of the fallen tree trunks and put a bog into the river below. I remember Hector, Rohan Perera and some others from the wharf dept were on the trip. We stayed at Sinkainathan's house. Ana

By the way Richie Gnanadurai's son is an accomplished pianist and was recently featured in a Concert in Colombo. Eric

Roshan Shukla - Sri Lanka - Company Secretary

As Eric said, Roshan married Ranjith Perera who worked at Bartleets. I knew Ranjith. His uncle was Dr. P.R.Anthonis. (mother's brother). Sunil Wijesinghe who is one of Mallory W sons, is married to someone whose parents live here, Wanigatungas. Sunil has branch of Bartleets here in San Francisco. Ana

Rohan Perera

Talking of the past, I hope you all remember Rohan Perera? Ana

Was a good friend of mine. In fact he left CIC to join one of my friends audit firm (Both of us were planning together and I pulled out at the last moment - see what a dependable friend I am!!!)) Lost touch with him since leaving Sri Lanka. Mano A was mentioning the other day that he was involved with the infamous Perakuma saga. Melchi

Rohan was a crazy guy those days but I hear that he is now a Cost & Mgmt Accountant! Those days, we used to go to Akasa Kade once a month to have drinks and Appa diet. I remember our group had Ranjith Ponnamperuma, Rohan, Mannakkara, Nimal Weeraratne and a few others.

There used to be a band playing and we used to dance after the drinks. One day while dancing baila in the dimmed lights, we see someone crawling under the tables. Guess what, Rohan had lost his dentures and looking for them on the floor under the tables and chairs! Ana

Rohan Dissanayake -

Do any of u recall Rohan Dissanayake? He was an accounts clerk and guess went over to UK many moons ago and must be a qualified Accountant now. Eric 

About Rohan Dissanayake, was his first name Rohan or something else. Was he the tall fair guy who used to work close to Leonard Ranasinghe at Chartered Bank Bldg? I knew him well because he was at Kingswood Kandy with me. Speaking of Dissa, I remember he, myself and some others were strolling one day on the Breakwater, when we saw a Simca parked. From the top of the breakwater we could see what was going on in the car below. It was ??.. and her boyfriend making passionate love. I think he was working on a ship (Lanka Shanthi). All these come back when we talk about these characters.

Eric, you are right, Dissanayake left for England to follow accountancy and then I lost touch with him. I still remember Jayasuriya and myself going to the Ratmalana airport to see him off. He was going on his own will, and I don't remember seeing any of his family.Ana

Ana, your description of Rohan is pretty accurate; he always sported a smile tall and good looking. I had a hunch that he made his way to UK to pursue his Accountancy exams. Eric

Roy Selvadurai -m. Sharapova's skirt -  Ratmalana Works -  Canada roy.nevins@sympatico.ca

I always did have my doubts about Roy Nevins Selvadurai's penchant for various crevices. I remember even in the CIC days, he would go to the SLTA regularly on the pretext of "playing." And this at a time when the ladies' shorts were a lot longer and the blouses were all encompassing. Not a sign of jiggly bits anywhere! Even the grunting of Sharapova must do things for him!

(How're you, Roy, keep up the good work! I know you will always be grateful to CIC for leading you down this path!) Elmo

Ruwan Lokuge - Sales/Paints -Sri Lanka

Raj Vytilingam - m Jacintha - Keilor Melbourne - Accountant Ratmalana Works

S Francis Fernando - Lives Ottawa, Canada - Pharmaceuticals

Another story re Francis Fernando(to those who remember him).Well Francis & I lived in Mutwal and worked in the Accounts Dept. This chap was in love with a cousin of mine also living in Mutwal. In an effort to break up this affair the 'ole man' packed off his daughter to Jaffna to spend time with her uncle & family.

Poor Francis had to come up with a plan-he joined Sam Jacob on his tour of Jaffna as a Pharmaceutical Rep. During this time Francis's father died and the family did not know the whereabouts of Francis who was meeting his lover 'in secret far  away from home. Since only I knew the trip to Jaffna I was able to track down Francis and inform him of the sad news and the poor fellow did a dash to Colombo just in time to be with his family.

Eventually Francis did marry the girl of his choice sans the blessings of the bride's parents. He is in Ottawa and retired after a long innings with Revenue Canada. Elmo over to you-perhaps you too may remember Francis who left SL in the 70's and worked for ICI Germany and then crossed over to Canada. Eric

Good one Eric. Thanks for the update on our Table - Tennis Team. Raju, Upali, Rohan Perera, Hector and I played TT religiously every day after work and usually ended the day with a Beer session at Bailey Street. Paths

Thanks for the memories Eric. I too remember Francis, Sam, Walter, You and Sinkai the glamour boys of the pharma dept. Later joined by Kingsley and then Jayantha. Glad to know Francis is in Ottawa. Maybe the next time you are in T.O. we should invite Francis over as well. James

Sharmini Devotta (nee Machado) - Lives Canada
sdevotta@hotmail.com

Sithamparam Sengamalay - Lives USA
sengaksg02@yahoo.com

I  read through some of the stories which certainly brought back fond memories of my stay at CIC, although a relative a short period of three years (October 1969 to September 72). It was my first, and only, job in Sri Lanka and the valuable professional experience I gained there (admittedly using some of you, a wonderfully intelligent and talented group of staff, as Guinea Pigs!!) did help me secure brighter horizons abroad - about ten years in three different sub-Saharan African countries, and then at the World Bank in Washington DC, USA from 1981 to 2000, following on the footsteps of the old guru Mr. Ari from CIC.  

Sorabaranee Somasunderam - DOB 3rd April - Toronto Canada

Antony remembers Sorabaranee very well! He was madly in love with her those days.  Ana

Yes, I remember Sobaranee & Anto's crush on her too! As usual with Anta, it was obvious to everyone but him that his meaningful glances were noted by many and, sadly he wouldn't move beyond them! I'm sure Sobaranee knew! Elmo

T Satcunasingham - Accounts/Cashiers

We had Satkunasingham & Satturululasinghe- each had his distinct identity for better or worse!! The former was attached to Invoice whilst the latter (always RED) was into audit and was fond of smoking a cigar as dark as himself. Eric

Sathu seen above worked with me in the Wharf Dept. - a man deeply immersed in Astrology. He observed the Constellations and read the Palms of the Big and the Small. I have often found him to be in a state of trance, staring into outer space as if lifted up in the spirit.

One day Seebert (Our Head Peon) walked into the Wharf Dept while Sathu was in this deep coma like state and brought him down to earth with a rude "Chairman wants to see you". It took a while for Sathu to pick himself up but managed to swagger into SK's Office. Being new to CIC I didn't know what the hell was going on.

After about 10 minutes Sathu was walking back to his seat - with a somewhat victorious smile on his face and sat down quietly. He turned towards me and said, "I have been promoted, Chairman wants me to take up a new post in the Stores from next week". Sathu continued, " I expected this - I knew something good was round the corner, that I am sure about because SATURN IS TURNING ".

The following day Seebert came into the Wahrf Dept again and in his usual abrupt way told Sathu, "Chairman wants to see you. Sathu went quietly to discuss the Hand Over, Take Over arrangements presumably with the Chairman. This time Sathu came back rather quick and with a sullen look on his face as if something terrible had happened.

Sathu then revealed to me the sad news. "Chairman told me he made a mistake, in fact he had got himself confused between me and Sathurukulasingham, and the promotion was not for me but for Sathurukulasingham". The prediction of his own fate seemed to have taken a nose dive. My question is, " Did Saturn Turn or did it make a U Turn?"  Paths

Hello Paths, That was a great contribution re Satkunasingham-I remember it all now. He was a quiet guy but at times went verbally beserk!! So his penchant for the 'stars' let him down!!Poor chap what a disappointment to be mistaken for Satturukulasingham. I believe he must have migrated too. Thanks once again. Eric

Hi Evergreens and Paths! You have a great picture of Satcunasingham, with what "Saturn" turning too. He was one of those "the man from Jaffna guy" carrying his umbrella, always" He was kind of superstitious and had some kind of a superiority complex too. He moved around as if he was the boss right, must have been forever waiting for his Saturn to turn towards Mars 10th house, for his luck to change, and become an executive at CIC. He must have retired now I believe. Eric 

Susantha Fernando - Accounts - Lives Sri Lanka
susanthaf@hotmail.com

Susantha Pinto - Accounts - Lives Sydney & Sri Lanka
spinto@infotechs.lk

T E Antony - Accounts - Lives USA

Incidentally, the great news is that our Anto in New York has secured a job after 16 months in hibernation. I telephoned him and wished him well on our behalf-he will be working at the domestic airport in NY from October after training which starts on Monday with a Security organization. He had just returned after Mass and was happy and relieved. Eric

Tyronne Gabriel  - Ratmalana Works - m. Chrysanthie - Lives Canada  gabriel.tyronne@gmail.com

Winston Thangarajah - Myanmar -  

Carina Jayawardene (nee de Lima) - Receptionist - m. Asoka 

Minoli Goonewardene - Receptionist

Duleep Ranasinghe

Ivor de Silva CIC/Chemanex 19-- to 19-- living in Dehiwela (brother of Elmo) 

Vinodhini - 5th October

Sandra - 23rd December

IN MEMORIAM

Norman Chandraratne - Paints
John Aratchi - Industrial Chemicals
Lou Adihetty - Agro-Chemicals
Lal Kulasena - Plastics & Rubber Chemicals
C Kumarasinghe - Chemanex
Premalal Gunasekera - Accountant
Ian Outscoorn - Paints
S Theobold Alles - Alkathene  
Kingsley Fernando - Agro-Chemicals 
Rex Senaratne - Agro-Chemicals 
Para Wimalaratne - Paints
C Suriyage - Agro-Chemicals
George Fernando - Paints 
D C Piyasena - Paints 
Lambert Ratnayake - C & F 
Joe Perera - C & F 
Premasiri Boyagoda - C & F
C V de Bruin - C & F
A M Hindle - C & F
Upali de Silva - C & F
Marie Fernando - C & F 
Heather Galwey - C & F   
Shirley Gunasekera - C & F/Accounts
Majella Paiva - Reception
J C Fernando - Cashier
M D Leelasena - Invoice 
Rohan Alwis - Accounts
Lakshman Silva (Labi) - Accounts  
P Poopalasingham - Main Stores
J Ignatius Fernando - Filing & Despatch
Hugh Fernando - Filing & Despatch
Mano Setunge - Alkathene Plant, Ratmalana Works
Anoma Ranasinghe - Ratmalana Works

Sam Jacob - Pharmaceuticals Hi Eric, last I met Sam was at his Pharmacy many years ago after his retirement . Unfortunately I was not aware of his demise. As you say he had a very pleasing manner. May be Faleel can help you to establish contact with Sam’s family. Cyril

Cyril, I too noticed the obituary of Anton Jacob, son of late Sam and of Lily. I remember Sam Jacob in his Skoda carrying out duties as a senior Pharma Sales Rep with ease and a pleasing manner. He played in the last line of defence with Joe Roche for our hockey team with Cambridge Blue Lou Adihetty manning the posts.

I recall Sam & family living in Wellawatte until they moved to Mt.Lavinia where he opened a drug store; would love to establish contact with the family but unfortunately there was no address. Eric 

Hello Cyril, Tks. for sharing your thoughts re late Sam Jacob - it is the best we could do lest we forget our CIC bonds of yesteryears. I guess should request Nawaz Faleel to do some scouting to find out the address of Ms.Lily Jacob & family. Eric

Sam Jacob had his pharmacy right at the Mt Lavinia junction. Once S. James and I fell off my Lambretta running over the middle island at Ratmalana after a few drinks at Ivor de Silva's place. Both of us had bruises and we went to Sam's to dress our wounds. I had to go several times after that to get new dressings. He didn't charge me anything. He was that kind of man, and I still have high regard for him. Ana

Ana, You are right - was it Sams Chemists? He was cool as a cucumber and I have never seen him losing his temper - Sam did not have any need for anger management, a term being touted with ease in the Western world !! Eric

What I remember most about Sam was his ready smile. He helped me in many ways and I will always be very grateful for his sound advice and guidance. Elmo

Ramasamy Sabaratnam - Plastics

Another little one from our CIC days. Some of you may remember Ramasamy Sabaratnam who worked for the Plastics Dept. Saba as we called him opened bowling for us in the match against Cargills at the Galle Face grounds. He had brought his fiancee and Saba was determined to 'impress' her.

This lanky bowler started off with a hat-trick-would u believe this -all 3 balls were full tosses! Saba felt like a hero and his fiancee was all smiles. On the darker side Saba's life was derailed later on and his fondness for Lord Bachus was his downfall. Eric

Elmo de Silva - Accounts & Paints

Really sad to know that some of our friends had passed away. Boyagoda, Joe Perera and now Elmo de Silva. I was able to meet Elmo in 2002 and had a drink with the crowd, at Hotel Nippon, with Upali, Jayasuriya and others. Ragu

Rita Muthukrishna - Secretary
Time has slid by and we are on the eve of  the 1st Death anniversary of dear Rita who bade a sad farewell  to her children Tanya,Shyamalie & Nishan, family members and a host of friends who filled her earthly sojourn. Let us unite in prayer as we fondly remember a much loved colleague and join in spirit with her siblings in thanking God for her life. The caravan moves on but the memories of our happy days at CIC will stay evergreen in the bonds of camaraderie though the miles divide us. Eric   

Eric, nice of you to have remembered Rita's death anniversary.  Yes, an year has gone and we, her collegues, and her children respectfully remember her friendly manner and her pleasantness that radiated in the corridors of the Chartered Bank building and later Hemas building. May she rest in peace. Ananda

Dear all, one year has already gone and it seems just like yesterday that we were together.  I really miss my chats with her as we used to call and chat for about an hour at times.  She was such a wonderful and dear friend to all of us.  May the God grant her soul eternal rest.
 
Memorial mass for the repose of her soul will be offered at St Joseph's Church, Nugegoda, tomorrow 25th August at 9.30 am.  I have already informed her family.  Mallika

Thanks Eric. Just cannot imagine an year has passed since Rita's departure from all of us. It is very sad indeed. We always remember her in our daily prayers. I spoke to Shymalie from Nalake's office but unfortunately we couldn't meet. Paths and Marilyn

I T P Saturukulasinghe - Accounts

And Satrukulasingham the guy, who never talked, when he was in internal audit, had quite a change over, too. The man who said that he will never marry had turned out to be a big talker and married eventually, to everyone's surprise. I visited CIC one day, after joining CARE I believe, and I could see the changes in him. Ragu

Tony Solomon - Alkathene Plant, Ratmalana Works

I still cringe when I think of Tony Solomons and his wife’s tragedy. I was on the shift with him, he sent word for Bertie to take over and left me to look after the PVC plant as well. His bro had taken poison or something. I believe the bro got assaulted when he walked into the funeral. James

Dr Ranjith Kumarasinghe - PVA Plant/Chemanex  

I attended Ranjith K's funeral at Mt Lavinia cemetery, last evening. Ranjith Ganemulla was there and he said quite a few ex CIC/CNX people (including 'Ivan the Terrible') were there at the funeral palour.
Ranjith had been in Pakistan on some project and picked up a bug, which had ultimately caused organ failure and death. To complicate matters, he had been a diabetic, as well.

Looks as if he had been a versatile person, who had produced electricity using green plants (bio-mass), cultivated ancient varieties of rice, promoted organic fertiliser etc. This was revealed by his wife, who was my batch mate at uni in 1969.  He had been a class mate of the garment tycoon Kumar Devapura (of Tristar fame) and was the GM of one of KD's factories as well. Ranjith had been 62 yrs at the time of his death. Neil

Many thanks for the update re the funeral of late Ranjit Kumarasinghe and that several ex CIC/CNX staffers had showed up at the parlour and attended the funeral. Ranjit has performed commendably well in his comparatively short life span  and it is sad that the end came in that manner.My vivid memories of Ranjit is of  a cool as a cucumber individual always sporting that winsome smile; we met on Mondays for the office lunch(courtesy Pagoda) and the executives meeting thereafter at CNX H/O. It is nice to know RK's son has acquitted himself creditably as the Principal of a well known school in Panadura. Neil, how come you & Vyvil come under the umbrella of the Nalanda Junior OBA-I guess there is a senior segment too.You both are not juniors anymore. Ivan the terrible -has he not quietened down with   age ?  Eric      

They have a son who is the Principal of a well-known private school in Panadura, and he is only 29 yrs old!! A spitting image of the father (looks more like film star!!).

Talking of Vywil S. I had a chance to share a table with Vywil and his wife last Sunday, when Nalanda Junior OBA had a sing-along musical show. Annesly Malawana, Priyantha Fernando (CT's son) and Judy sang for us. Neil

Hi Eric, yes, I think I know him now.  The "smile" you mentioned make me remember him. His preference was to wear white
short sleeved shirts. I don't think he was that old, maybe 60s?  Ana

Sunil De Silva was the Factory Manager too after a spell in Sales.   Vevil Seneviratne was Manager(C&AP) Chemicals & Adhesives section of the Chemanex Factory and  later on Mgr. of CNX. Factory after RK left. Eric  He must have taken over in'78. I remember Sunil DeSilva, was factory Manager. Did not Vywil also come back to be in charge of Chemanex? James 
 
Ana, Neil is spot on in his reference to Dr.Ranjit Kumarasinghe . I did not know he had a Doctorate under his belt possibly in the 90's after I had left Chemanex. RK was Factory Manager at CIC and then moved over to CNX in the same capacity. Ranjit was fair and of good build with curly hair and a smile at all times. I think he succeeded Pat Vithanage at Ratmalana. Eric  

He started at the CIC factory, if I remember right and that was in '76 or '77. Fair, chubby well-built guy. He then moved to Chemanex. His wife is a batch mate of mine. Nei

A TRIBUTE - THEOBOLD ALLES - I first came to be acquainted with STA (Theobald) Alles in 1957 when I entered the portals of ICI at Harrisons & Crosfield Building in Fort. I remember Theobald was attached to the Invoice Department and was a good employee. The staff was in a sense 'tailor made', a tribute to effective Management a sine quo non with ICI, the Industrial Giant of the times.Theobald was a member of our Cricket team and was a fairly good bat and useful slow bowler. Theo as we called him was a social bird and loved entertainment and was in full cry at our Dances.He married Blanche Shockman from Dehiwela and they were a happy couple who never missed the social functions.In course of time Theo was promoted as Sales Rep. for Alkathene Pipe & Paints-his terrain was the North and he performed well there. I was told by another colleague how Theo and the Proprietor of Puwaneswary Hardware Stores in Jaffna became a close twosome enjoying a few good 'drinking sessions after working hours.Theo served ICI/CIC for a few decades and left his imprint in no uncertain terms.Theobald and Blance lived at Waidya Road Dehiwela where we were welcome guests when the occasion arose. To those of us who knew Theobald, we can honestly state he was a 'jolly good fellow' in sunshine or rain. Eric

OBITUARY - JOHN ARATCHI - Mr.M J (John) Aratchi passed awy on Friday May 18 at 3.00am in California after a long battle with illness. Let us all join in spirit praying for his happy repose and also remember his wife Patricia and family in our prayers at this time of persoanl grief. Eric

When I joined CIC, then at the Chartered Bank in '67, I worked in the Industrial Chemicals Department. John was the head of the department, and Lalith Siritunga was his assistant. I think about a year later he emigrated to the states. Seevaratnam too followed. After which OMRS and Lalith headed their two departments. I had moved to Pharmaceuticals and then a lot of us went on to Ratmalana. John was a good man, and as observed by someone, at the Dance in his white dinner jacket, very stately. May his soul rest in peace. James

James, Thanks for the brief journey down memory lane to our days at the Chartered Bank Building and the personalities you have mentioned. John Aratchi as you rightly state emigrated to USA possibly in the late 60's. Your little tribute to John the Gentleman is praiseworthy-he was an impressive personality but always suave and calm.To those who may not know John & his wife Patricia Leon from Kotahena were teachers at St.Mary's College/Sacred Heart Convent- Chilaw before he joined ICI. I am informed that the funeral is scheduled for Saturday May 26-you may see more details in the Sri Lankan newspapers this week.For the record the home address: Mrs.Pat Aratchi 3586 Hillview Drive Riverside CA 92503 Tele: 951-734-1987 

PS: Received an email from Joe Roche holidaying in Sydney lamenting that our dear friends of yesteryears are making their exit from this world.Joe was in touch with John Aratchi. Trust the sad news is conveyed to Mr. SK Wickremesinghe . We are receiving a lot of sad news these days, about our colleagues and friends' deaths. John Arachi as I knew him was a quiet man, going about doing his work, and was never a nuisance to anyone. May he rest in peace. Eric

I never knew that John Arachi was in California. So many of us are scattered all over the world now and we do not come to know where they are until it is too late, unfortunately. Ragu

Who is John Aratchi (MJ)? He wasn't there when we joined and neither was Arichandran. Mallika 

 Yes, as Eric had mentioned, you may not have been at CIC when John Arachi and Arichandran were there. Arichandran was the Accountant when I joined CIC. In fact he was the one who interviewed me.  Ananda

NORMAN CHANDRARATNE - AN APPRECIATION - I had the privilege of being in NDC's epoch making team when CIC Paints was launched in SL-the rest is history.The others in the team ably led by Norman were Ian Outschoorn,Parakarama Wimalaratne, Geo. Fernando and DC Piyasena. I believe Norman proved his forte at work, at the Billiards table and finally at the Golf Club. May the turf he trod with finesse lie lightly over him. Eric

One year has passed by since the demise of Norman Chandraratne, the founder of N. Chandraratne Decorators. He will never be forgotten for his simplicity and pleasing ways. Treating all living beings with loving kindness, Norman Chandraratne made an impact with his serene disposition and his soft spoken words. Yet despite his calm exterior, Chandraratne was the achiever that we will always admire. "I have been a fellow who was a dreamer. But in life I have realised that it is good to dream so long as you have a foundation," he once told this journalist. 

Looking back at his achievements, it is plain to see that Norman Chandraratne was more than a dreamer. He was a man who pursued his dreams and made them come true. He began his business with a cabinet with two drawers. It all started in his bedroom. He was his own driver, peon and managing director. We can admire Norman Chandraratne's great success in life for the way he began, for the way he pursued his dream, honestly and in all earnestness. Later on in life Chandraratne reached great heights with his business - N. Chandraratne Decorators - becoming a 'household' name in great places as the Hilton Hotel and the Bandaranaike International Airport. Chandraratne's honest efforts bore fruit and he enjoyed a happy life. An excellent golf player, he was admired and loved by all those who knew him. 

Norman Chandraratne helped colour life and living around us. He strove to make everyone's life colourful. He is comparable to a rose, which brought not only colour but also a fragrance to our lives. Marking his first anniversary is a painful memory. For Norman Chandraratne seems to live among us, in the many colours we see. He is truly a bouquet that life gave us, only to be snatched away without warning, but the fragrance, with his words and deeds will always live on. May he attain Nibbana (Tribute in The Island newspaper by Ranee Mohamed) 

IN MEMORIAM - NORMAN (WND) CHANDRARATNE - had a long stint with ICI/CIC/CHEMANEX extending several decades from the early 50's. Norman was associated with the Paints Dept. for a long time intially deputy to W.H.Newman.He was excellent in successfully marketing the range of ICI Paints originally imported from ICI UK. In 1964 CIC Paints was launched in SL with Norman Chandraratne heading the team and making the Firm the market leader for a long spell. On retiring Norman ventured on his own setting up N.D.Chandraratne Decorators who exclusively used the range of CIC Decoratives for their projects showcasing CIC in the metropolis and suburbs. Norman lost the sight in one of his eyes whilst keeping wickets for the ICI Cricket team which included Aubrey Ebert a fine cricketer from Wesley College and brother of Lorenz. However NDC (initials we were familiar with) was never daunted by this setback and proceeded to make his mark at ICI/CIC/CNX with consummate ease. 

Norman was often referred to as 'The Mr.Paint of Sri Lanka' in acknowledgment of his finesse and marketing skills in a competitive arena. Norman was always a very sociable personality and a lover of Billiards playing at the SSC and enjoying it all the way. In later years he switched on to Golf being a popular figure at the Royal Colombo Golf Club winning trophies in the veterans group. It was ironic that Norman collapsed on the golf course and made a sad exit from this world which he enriched. As one of his buddies at RCGC wrote in his appreciation(quote) " May the turf which Norman loved so much lie lightly over him".  Eric

IN MEMORIAM - Mr K GANESHAN -  served CIC and CHEMANEX as the Director/Managing Director/General Manager portfolios with distinction and excellence.The string of titles accompanying his name were a tribute to his academic achievements and educational accomplishments specially in the Engineering field. Mr. Ganesan left an indelible mark at the CIC Factory (Ratmalana) with his knowledge and finesse in performing his responsible task in a very efficient manner. 

I remember him when he assumed duties as GM Chemanex in Kollupitiya.The Company was in safe hands with his guidance and expertise in keeping abreast with other reputed Firms in the Mercantile sector.In particular I recall his initial duty each morning in scrutinising the Sales Turnover book and planning the Company's sales strategy with meticulous care. 

On a personal note the late Mr.Ganesan always met life's happenings with a suave calm and never appeared ruffled. He was a popular figure in the social miieu around him and a well respected personality both in the Profession he adorned with distinction and society in general. Mr.Ganesan's sudden demise left a void in the hierarchy of the CIC Group of Companies. Eric

LEST WE FORGET - MR C S DE SARAM -  joined CIC as a Director after a stint with Shell where he was reported to have made a significant contribution.Mr.De Saram was an alumnus of Oxford University where he was awarded colours for Boxing. I was most interested when I was informed that Messrs.De Saram and K.Ganesan opened the innings for Royal College First Eleven- a great duo academically and in the realm of sports.Chris De Saram was an integral part of CIC being the overall Boss for Paints,Rubber Chemiacls & Plastics, Alkathene Pipe and Dyes. He was meticulous in his work ethics and led by example. He was a genial personality, friendly, knowledgeable and a strict disciplinarian despite his burly exterior. De Saram was a well respected personality in the Mercantile sector and could be termed as a workaholic traversing to the years when most of us came under his purview and thereafter. Ironically, he collapsed when making arrangements for a Trade Exhibition at the BMICH-it was a sad finale to the multi-faceted person that De Saram epitomized. Eric

UPALI DE SILVA -  Dear all Evergreens! - This is just a sad note to keep you all informed the demise of our good friend Upali de Silva.  Hector called me in the morning and informed me of this and requested me to keep you all informed. The funeral will take place tomorrow, Wednesday 09th February at the Galkissa Cemetery.  According to Hector his sister, with whom he was staying had said that it was due to a heart attack. Love to all - Nalinee

UPALI -  AN APPRECIATION 

I never saw the Humorous, Cheerful and Mischievous face of Upali since my leaving CIC in  1977.   

Neither nor many of them, other than Hector Halangoda and Nawaz Faleel. I can remember meeting Isitha, Nimal Weerarathna, Norman Chandrarathne and few other once or twice. 

However, memories of Upali had never erased from my mind and continues until I also meet him "some day some where". 

My first meeting with him was some what nasty. He played a joke on me which made me thoroughly embarrassed. And felt like leaving CIC at once. 

Upali was immaculately dressed always with well ironed trousers and long sleeved shirts.

An eternal  Bristol was between his lips or between his fingers, except during his sleep.

After that incident when I was near the register to sign off somebody tapped from my behind and it was Upali. That was the beginning of our association which was celebrated at the famous Bristol till it was closed.

Actually, I learned to drink from Upali and he was my guru on that subject.

I vividly remember his bouts with Marie and bit lenient with Rita.   

During our few years association at CIC there are so many interesting encounters to remember where Upali was the "HAMLET".

Now the HAMLET has gone for ever and as I said earlier we all may meet some day some where to act in HAMLET with HAMLET.

Good bye my dear HAMLET. Manna

My dear Manna,

I got a little time to go through the mail today and I was really upset after reading about our dear friend Upali.

I don't know whether you knew about our beer nights (our meaning Upali, Raju & myself) of course at the famous Bristol. Every month we had this night out  and one of us paid the bill and it went on till about 8.45 pm after which time we used to go for a 9.30 show mostly to the Regal. 

Raju & I were very close to Upali and I am sure Raju feels the way I do.

You have said almost everything about Upali in the most descriptive manner possible not leaving anything for others to add.

I saw somewhere somebody saying nothing has come to the Evergreens from a few one being me. Will try to come up with something soon.
Donald 

My dear Donald, it is a pleasure to hear from you at last. Of course we were together for a very brief period at CIC. I can still remember the Basket Ball player from St. Joseph's, and our playing together for CIC in Mercantile Tournaments.

Again I can vividly remember when I substituted for you in a soccer match as the Goal Keeper and got hooted from the spectators for giving a dozen of goals, at City league grounds.

So please tell me where are you and what are you doing and also about family; and on your next visit here. Manna

Manna, thanks for forwarding your appreciation of  another former CIC colleague Upali De Silva who is now in the land beyond after a peaceful exit. You have described the characteristics of late Upali in correct perspective and going down memory lane. Eric

In Memoriam - O.M.R.Sirisena - Plastics & Rubber Chemicals

Quite by accident, I came across the death acknowledgment notice of our erstwhile colleague and friend O. M. R. Sirisena while browsing through the newspapers. The press notice is sent herewith in attachment. Surprisingly, none of his former close associates knew about his demise even after the lapse of four long weeks.Let us all join hands in wishing that he attains the Supreme Bliss of Nirvana at the end of his journey through Samsara. Chandra Jayaratne

Thanks for the notfication Chandra. The earlier picture of him is how I remember him when I joined CIC in 67. OMR was also a pert time lecturer for Rubber Chemistry at Katubedde, where I attended classes. I too attest he was a non inetrfering quiet gentleman. May his souls rest in peace. James

Thanks for informing us about OMRS. He was ill for a fair bit of time. It may have been a very private funeral. Though his wife is very closely related to my wife, we did not get information about his demise. Manna, thanks for reminding us about his book on old coins. I was at his place for the book launch. May he attain the supreme bliss of Nirvana. Neil

Hi Chandra,Thank you for informing all of us about the death of Mr. Sirisena.  I do remember him as a gentleman, rather quiet in his own way. May his soul rest in peace. Regards, Ragu

Thanks, Chandra for informing us this sad news. O M R was an authority on Old Coins of this country. May he attain supreme Nibbana. Manna

Sorry to hear of the demise of  O M R Sirisena and thank you for informing us of this sad news. As far as I can remember OMRS, he was a gentleman who had a great laugh and never raised his voice for anything and who seemed to be always absorbed in his work. May his soul Rest in Peace. Paths

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Visva is somewhat okay but feeble health wise-he is nearing 73 or 74 I guess in October. I too have been to his wife Jega's home in Jaffna many moons ago along with Joe.

Ragu, the address of Visvanathan on file is:157, 14 1/3 ST.JAMES STREET, MUTWAL. Tele: 2523155 Visva's 73 rd b'day is coming up on October 19.Joe Roche & I had dinner with Visva & Jega a few years down the road-it was a happy coincidence that Joe & I were there at the same time in SL. Eric

I wish we can meet up with Kanagalingam and Sivalogam two chaps who always were in 'the loop' and part of our team. I recall when we were on strike(CMU) having adjourned to Dominion Hotel in Fort for many hours of drinking with me having to escort Jauffer in a cab to Kotahena in the end.

I was sad to read of the demise of Elmo De Silva-a very sincere chap all the way.

I remember Isitha and Lawrence now. Some of the names have slipped totally out of my mind. I did not know that Visvanathan was living in Colombo. I am feeling sorry that I missed him.

Eric do you have Visvanathan's home telephone number? May be I can call him. He was my boss for the Internal Audit dept. one time remember? Ragu

Ranjith said that Canagaratnam is also very sick. Actually I thought someone showed me a picture of Sengamalay in Vancouver with Eric. James

I am trying to remember the judges son, was it Lucky __ someone. We organized a dance @ BSH he had a group called Jetfires. I was supposed to be his soloist. I turned after my party and his  dance was over to sing Massachusets. He named his group after the Jetliners and Spitfires. I asked him why he didnt call his group "The Spitliners". After that I got no invite to sing with him. James

That was Lakshman Silva or Labi - went on to become Chief Accountant at Hentley's in Ratmalana. Had a red Volks if I remember right. Died some years ago. Hector knows all the details (if we can get him to write, that is!). Elmo