Eulogy for a man like no other

Dr Nanda Amarasekera, that much-admired and fabulous human being, passed away peacefully in his sleep a few days ago. With that, we are convinced that a dazzling light has gone out forever in this world.

- BY B. J. C. PERERA

A man loved by all, has finally bid adieu, just as he lived his life, without worrying or troubling anybody. He was laid to rest on the 16th of September 2025.

Dr Amarasekera was not just a man like no other; he was an absolute and glittering gem of a human being. Following his return from the UK, where he secured the necessary foreign postgraduate qualifications, Dr Amarasekera was posted as the Visiting Physician to Kegalle Hospital. Then he had a long stint as a Visiting Consultant Physician in General Hospital, Kandy. Finally, he came to Colombo as a Visiting Consultant Physician to the Colombo National Hospital, from which he retired in the mid-1990s. After that, he remained in Private Consultation Practice, where he provided his experience and superlative care to countless numbers of patients.

During his tenure of office in the National Health Service, he was very definitely an astute and gentle physician who looked after his patients by providing the best possible care available. He came to the ward even before the starting time for the Consultants which was 08.00 hours. He would then see and examine every one of the patients admitted to his wards, every single day, was extremely kind to all of them and was known to explain things to them in a most gentle way. In addition, he provided excellent teaching sessions to medical students and junior doctors. Many medical professionals, including some current Consultants, rave over the clarity with which he imparted his vast knowledge. As a role model, he was the epitome of what every doctor should be. For many of us lesser mortals, he was the ultimate beacon that lit up the pathways that helped to shape our own professional lives.