Appreciation on Pat Manikkavasagan

I was shocked to read the obituary of my senior colleague, Pat Manikkavasagan who worked with me at the Bank of Ceylon. To ease my anguish, I informed another close friend, Terrence Hettiarachchi in Sri Lanka who had not known the sad news until then

Pat Manikkavasagan was a senior colleague who worked with me in 1976 at the Bank of Ceylon, Hulftsdorp branch as a staff assistant. His commitment to work was excellent and inspired others. His philosophical qualities were appreciated by all. He possessed a sturdy personality and his wisdom was innovative.

Pat’s English vocabulary was extensive and he knew the meaning of almost all the English words.

He was an asset to the institution. Pat taught us unique leadership qualities and had the ability to get the best out of subordinates and the manner to work as a cohesive consistent unit. Pat led by example. This strategy made him an indispensable employee to the institution.

It was a sheer joy to work with him as he possessed a great sense of humour. This enhanced the efficiency expected of any individual which was a boost to the institution.

He was a product of St.Benedict’s College Kotahena. He chose to undergo a course in journalism. After a short stint as a sub editor at a reputed institution, he joined the Bank of Ceylon

Since he was a son of a station master, he had to frequently change schools and finally studied at St. Benedict’s College, Kotahena where he excelled in English. After completing his studies, he completed a course in Journalism. He worked as a sub-editor at a reputed institution for a short period, before joining the Bank of Ceylon in 1953 when he was 22 years old. He retired from the Bank in 1986 and since then lived at his ancestral home in Sri Jayanthi Mawatha in Wattala.

Pat was a bachelor and came from a family of seven.

After retirement he was in the habit of reading all the English newspapers.

I was close to him after retirement as I too joined a newspaper as a freelance journalist.

Whenever I wanted to know the meaning of an English word, instead of referring to a dictionary, I telephoned Pat for the meaning. He once told me ‘Thena, I know the meaning of almost every word in the dictionary. This could be perhaps a Guinness record.”

My friendship became closer as I called him often and when I was offered a sub editor’s post in the same newspaper institution that I worked, I offered it to Pat as he was more competent. He paid a compliment to me after reading my cricket articles on International matches. He requested me to write an appreciation in the event he passed away, hence I am indebted to write this.

Pat visited the YMCA, Colombo after retirement where he had won many friends. He was an expert draughts player.

His death was peaceful. He was ailing from the usual aging ailments as anyone would at the age of 84, but lived quite healthily and cheerfully until his death.

His death is an irreperable loss to all his treasured friends.We wish him eternal peace.

– Sunil Thenabadu-