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12:44 AM (15 hours ago)
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My dear Philip,
Our batchmate Dr Sumith Fonseka passed away today . He had been ill for more than a year with several hospital admissions for recurrent chest infections and was an insulin dependent diabetic with also cerebro
vascular disease. He had also suffered from severe osteo arthritis and had been bed and chair bound for quite some time needing hoisting.He was cared for by his wife Christine and son at home ( Leeds)supported by the community health and social services.
Sincerely,
Karu
Sent from my iPad
Our batchmate Dr Sumith Fonseka passed away today . He had been ill for more than a year with several hospital admissions for recurrent chest infections and was an insulin dependent diabetic with also cerebro
vascular disease. He had also suffered from severe osteo arthritis and had been bed and chair bound for quite some time needing hoisting.He was cared for by his wife Christine and son at home ( Leeds)supported by the community health and social services.
Sincerely,
Karu
Sent from my iPad
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4:20 AM (11 hours ago)
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Sumith was a very sincere and a friendly mate who had a quite a few ups and downs in his professional career in UK.
He kept in touch with many of his friends in UK.
As you have highlighted, he had significant and a chequered health issues for quite some time.
I will share with some of his batch mates and medical colleagues in UK and Philip could kindly share the sad news amongst our batch mates in his blog.
Please offer our sympathies to Christine and his surviving family.
You could also share the funeral services details when you get any further update.
Regards
Nana
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4:57 AM (40 minutes ago)
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Sumith
Fonseka(S.P.Fonseka) was one of the 1960 medical entrants and entered
from the University following 3months Organic Chemistry ( along with
Karu) repeat.
I attach a
copy of his photo which was published in the 2005 batch get together (
40th Anniversary ReUnion ) Souvenir we held at Habarana Lodge.
He
was also in the group photo - University captain of athletics ( Medical
Students’ Union 1964-65) which was published in our 2018 Get together
souvenir.
You should have his photo in your blog as these photos were collected by you.
He was at Jeewaka Buddhist Hostel as a medico.
He qualified a year or so later than 1965 June. He was DMO Bibile but worked in the cardio thoracic unit at CGH later.
He was working as a registrar in Cardiac surgical unit at Killingbeck Teaching Hospital Leeds, UK.
Karu would be able to add any other relevant details as he was quite friendly with him.
I am sure you would recollect him with this photo.
We can offer our deepest sympathies to his wife Christine and his surviving family.
Funeral service details are awaited.
Please share with our batch mates.
Regards
Nana
Dr S .P . Fonseka (FRCS Lon) FRCS (Edinburgh)
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|  12:32 AM (5 hours ago) |
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Sumith and I were in the 3 months organic batch and entered the medical faculty with all others in June 1960. Others who were with us are Geri, Panditaratne, kasturiratne,Chandra Dissanayake, Felix Senanayake, Piyaseeli Wedisinghe,Balasingham, late Padmini Rasasingham. I think Nalini Rodrigo was also with us.Iam sending the photo that appeared in our 40th anniversary souvenir. I hope it is clear enough to recognise him.
I will keep you informed if I get any more news ? About funeral arrangements.
Karu
Funeral arrangements
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Fri, Mar 29, 9:39 PM (8 hours ago)
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Sumith’s wife Christine left a message for me to advice that the funeral will be held on Friday 5th April at the Pontefract Crematorium.
Her address is. 11 Fairfield Close, Sherburn -in -Elmet, Leeds LS25 6LX,UK
Tele. +44 1977 683442
Regards,
Karu
Thanks Philip for sharing these details.
ReplyDelete1960 medical entrants batch is shrinking in numbers.
This is inevitable but pleased to note we still have quite a number who are active and physically and mentally.
This is the time we as a batch could share news of our feelings, personal, social and family news including the positives and negatives, ups and downs.
Some of us may be able share our own personal experiences as to how we are coping to overcome any of the daily living issues.
Let’s initiate a dialog and see how many would respond.
Very best wishes
Nana
Hi Philip
ReplyDeleteIt was with deep sadness I heard the news about Sumith Fonseka from MGS Karunanayake. Sumith and I were at Jeewaka together. He was a kind helpful and generous soul. Although he was quiet and reserved occasionally he showed his jolly side relating hilarious stories in his own inimitable style with a poker face. I remember too he had a short fuse and erupted like a volcano only to cool down as quickly as it rose. But he never showed any malice after the event. In later years as I worked in the Central Blood Bank he was working in the Thoracic unit at the GHC. Then he often came to arrange blood for his patients and we met up for a chat and a laugh. I found him to be always polite and scrupulously honest. In later years I heard he was at Leeds UK but never got a chance to meet. I am saddened that for a good man like Sumith life wasn’t kind to him and Destiny worked against him. So pleased to know he had the love of his wife and son to care for him in his final months. He is now at peace and away from pain.
I thank Sumith for his contribution to the life of the Faculty of Medicine Colombo and the Jeewaka Hostel
May he find the Ultimate Bliss of Nirvana
This is a wonderful tribute by Nihal who was 2 years junior to us.
ReplyDeleteI am aware Nihal is a qualified Radiologist who held a consultant post in the NHS in UK but apparently enjoys a retired and relaxed life still in UK.
I do remember him well during our medical college days but I have not met him since his move over to UK. I do enjoy his articles and his regular contributions to their blog.
I am fully aware that Nihal contributes actively to 1962 batch website maintained by Lucky Abeygunawardena.
Nihal adds his own experience and personal attributes about Sumith both as a Jeewaka hosteller and his professional capacity as a M O Blood bank during his early career training.
We will get details of his funeral services through M.G.S.Karu who is in touch with the wife of Sumith.
As Buddhists, we believe that nothing is permanent and everything is changing.
Death is inevitable but what is not known is when where and how.
May he attain the eternal bliss of nibbhana.
Nana
Nana
ReplyDeleteGood to hear from you. There aren't many from our years in medical school who will not know you and recognise the booming voice that echoed across those long corridors at the faculty and the GHC. We all value your support for this Blog and the information you provide. Take care my friend.
Thank you Nihal for your kind sentiments
ReplyDeleteRegards
Nana