Email from Nana - 13/8/2010
Dear Philip
We are very pleased indeed with the honour they bestowed on you by inviting you to to deliver the Commencement Lecture.
The academics seem to have enjoyed very much but it is most likely that the medical students would have been even more impressed and fortunate to have someone with such high esteem and humility giving them the guidance they really can emulate.
We are very proud indeed to share this honour as batch mates.
Best wishes
Nana
Email from Karu – 13/8/2010
My dear Philip,
Congratulations on delivering this year’s commencement lecture. As a batchmate and a close friend I feel proud that you were selected for this.I have no doubt knowing you as well as I do [your dedication to hard work and meticulous nature] and reading all those books etc that you would have delivered a fantastic speech.
I wish I could have been there to listen to it in person, I am less fortunate from that point of view, however I feel that who were there were more than fortunate to have listened to a memorable lecture.I certainly hope it would enable them to train themselves to become good doctors and above all good citizens of Sri lanka.
Congratulations once again,
Karu.
Email from Milroy – 12/8/2010
Dear Phillip,
I was very impressed with your presentation and felt privileged to have known you and having been a batch mate. I forwarded the presentation to my two children
congratulations
Kind regards
milroy
Dear Milroy,
Thanks for the comments re the lecture. It was really the formative years in the Faculty of Medicine in our times, which shaped our outlooks later. The interaction with my batch-mates went a long way towards shaping these attitudes.
Thank you once again.
Philip
Email from Daya Jayasinghe 13/8/2010
Dear Phil,
Yout lecture is fascinating.Our batch is honoured by what you spoke.I wish we had a similar introduction at our admission.Its what you do that matters. In 1956 melbourne olympics in a long distance race an Aussie athlete witnessed a close rival fall. He stopped helped him and continued the run and won it. Later he was appointed Governer of Vivctoria.
Best wishes,
Daya J.
Hello Daya,
Thanks for your comments re the lecture.
It was the caramaderie and interaction with our ‘Batch of 1960’, that shaped our out looks in life. I am indeed indebted to the batch for this.
Philip
This blog is about the entrants in the year 1960, to the Faculty of Medicine, University of Ceylon, Colombo. The email address for communications is, 1960batch@gmail.com. Please BOOKMARK this page for easier access later.Photo is the entrance porch of the old General Hospital, Colombo, still in existence. Please use the search box below to look for your requirement.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
emails from Karals and Tissa re 'the lecture'.
email from Karals
7th August 2010
To both,
I am beginning to see dreams in day light- where credit is given when it is due and some professionals at least - most importantly teachers are realizing that there is more to impart to students than the path of the sciatic nerve. We are very proud of you and I consider it one of the most philosophically pragmatic presentations I have read. Philosophising is all what they do sipping whiskies-you have blended philosophy and the teaching of the MASTERS to the practice of medicine, learning etc. I am delighted that Tissa's painting would remain a symbol ad infinitum - of dedication and loyalty to an institution that nutured us- Well done to both, proud to be with you on many a venture.
Karals
Email from Tissa
8th August 2010
Dear Philip,
> I had the opportunity to view your entire presentation only today.
> It brought together all your philosophical musing that you tried
> to convey in the two books and it would have been a great talk for
> the students to hear upon graduation. Careers are measured in
> terms of what you have done for others in contrast to wealth
> acquired. Congratulations!
> I wish you had mentioned that you were planning to use the picture
> when I met you at the reunion. I would have been more than happy
> to give you the original for the purpose. If the Dean agrees I
> suggest you exchange the original for the copy you gave him - I
> can mail it to you by Fedex. I could also send you a CD
> containing the picture and I am happy for them to use it for
> whatever promotional venture they wish.
> All the best,
> Tissa
7th August 2010
To both,
I am beginning to see dreams in day light- where credit is given when it is due and some professionals at least - most importantly teachers are realizing that there is more to impart to students than the path of the sciatic nerve. We are very proud of you and I consider it one of the most philosophically pragmatic presentations I have read. Philosophising is all what they do sipping whiskies-you have blended philosophy and the teaching of the MASTERS to the practice of medicine, learning etc. I am delighted that Tissa's painting would remain a symbol ad infinitum - of dedication and loyalty to an institution that nutured us- Well done to both, proud to be with you on many a venture.
Karals
Email from Tissa
8th August 2010
Dear Philip,
> I had the opportunity to view your entire presentation only today.
> It brought together all your philosophical musing that you tried
> to convey in the two books and it would have been a great talk for
> the students to hear upon graduation. Careers are measured in
> terms of what you have done for others in contrast to wealth
> acquired. Congratulations!
> I wish you had mentioned that you were planning to use the picture
> when I met you at the reunion. I would have been more than happy
> to give you the original for the purpose. If the Dean agrees I
> suggest you exchange the original for the copy you gave him - I
> can mail it to you by Fedex. I could also send you a CD
> containing the picture and I am happy for them to use it for
> whatever promotional venture they wish.
> All the best,
> Tissa
Commencement lecture for the Batch of 2010 - Faculty of Medicine, Colombo - 6th August 2010 by Philip G Veerasingam.
I was requested by the Faculty of Medicine Teachers Association, Colombo, to give 'The Commencement lecture' for the 2010 Batch entrants, to the Medical Faculty. This was 50 years after our batch of 1960, entered the same Medical Faculty. It was a 'Cap and Gown' affair, with the associated ceremonial parade. I chose as my topic 'The call of duty' and gave a presentation with Power-point support. It was commented on by the academic staff, as a 'fantastic presentation'. I am including a few photographs of the event.
Philip
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
email from Piyusha Atapattu to Nalini
Dear Madam,
How are you? I hope your mother is better now. Are you back in Australia?
Your donation of Rs 50,000.00 has been added to the Medical Stduents Finacial Asisstance Scheme 'pool' and will be used for student asisistance with immediate effect.I have annexed herewith an official acknowledgment letter and a scanned picture of the receipt from the University. If you let me know your address I can post the receipt to you (I will keep it filed till then.)The PH meter is in use and the toilet repair was completed today! We have not yet used the spirometer though, as accurate values cannot be obtained without calibration, and we are trying to raise funds from our own batchmates to purchase the calibration syringe. However we can use it for student ptacticals. Ruwanmalis's BNFs have arrived and some have already been donated. Dr Preena's donation of a stethescope was reqested by a first year student from Thanamalwila, the first student to enter the faculty from his school. I have e mailed Dr Preena, and I hope he received the e mail. Two used books have been taken by two students in the new batch. I will put up a notice for students regarding the availability of these books and the BNFs. No one as yet asked for Dr Preena's knee hammer set, though a notcie was placed a few weeks before.
Thank you so much madam -your batch I think has pioneered a large sacle donor activity. The faculty is now very interested in forming the alumni foundation and inviting further donors!
Dr Veerasingam was here last week, and delivered the commencement lecture on 'Call of duty', which was wonderful and thought provoking, in this day of trying to acquire more and more. Today he has sent a little book of essays of your batchmates, compiled by Dr Kappagoda and its so lovely.
Thank you again madam, for coming back to the faculty and showing us that giving back is important. There is a subtle change in the faculty, with more people talking about duty and paying back and all that since your visit! I hope a lot of good will come of it. best regards
Piyusha
How are you? I hope your mother is better now. Are you back in Australia?
Your donation of Rs 50,000.00 has been added to the Medical Stduents Finacial Asisstance Scheme 'pool' and will be used for student asisistance with immediate effect.I have annexed herewith an official acknowledgment letter and a scanned picture of the receipt from the University. If you let me know your address I can post the receipt to you (I will keep it filed till then.)The PH meter is in use and the toilet repair was completed today! We have not yet used the spirometer though, as accurate values cannot be obtained without calibration, and we are trying to raise funds from our own batchmates to purchase the calibration syringe. However we can use it for student ptacticals. Ruwanmalis's BNFs have arrived and some have already been donated. Dr Preena's donation of a stethescope was reqested by a first year student from Thanamalwila, the first student to enter the faculty from his school. I have e mailed Dr Preena, and I hope he received the e mail. Two used books have been taken by two students in the new batch. I will put up a notice for students regarding the availability of these books and the BNFs. No one as yet asked for Dr Preena's knee hammer set, though a notcie was placed a few weeks before.
Thank you so much madam -your batch I think has pioneered a large sacle donor activity. The faculty is now very interested in forming the alumni foundation and inviting further donors!
Dr Veerasingam was here last week, and delivered the commencement lecture on 'Call of duty', which was wonderful and thought provoking, in this day of trying to acquire more and more. Today he has sent a little book of essays of your batchmates, compiled by Dr Kappagoda and its so lovely.
Thank you again madam, for coming back to the faculty and showing us that giving back is important. There is a subtle change in the faculty, with more people talking about duty and paying back and all that since your visit! I hope a lot of good will come of it. best regards
Piyusha
email from Buddy
Dear batchmates,
It is with great sadness that I inform you that my dear friend and our batchmate Sadiq's sister has just passed away.
Buddy
It is with great sadness that I inform you that my dear friend and our batchmate Sadiq's sister has just passed away.
Buddy
email from Philip
I have released the second book authored by me and edited by Dr.Tissa Kappagoda. It is titled ‘The cry of the devil-bird’ and describes the experiences of my medical life in Ceylon/Sri Lanka. It has been highly acclaimed by various people eg.
By Dr.Mark Amerasinghe, MCh, FRCS, former Orthopaedic Surgeon, Kandy.
“Philip
We both have finished your book. Premini liked it. I think it is first class - a Philosophical Autobiography -much for many to learn from. You should find a good, discerning reviewer. You have succeeded in weaving so many strands of varied colours around your career as a surgeon without losing the central thread, which is one man's journey through the most important part of a colourful life, a journey which touched many places and divers peoples. It is tight and compelling reading even for the non-medical person, and a must I think for every young doctor present and future. And the older ones should also read it, enjoy it and learn from it”.
It will cost Rs.900/- for postage inside Sri Lanka, US Dollars 15/- or Sterling Pounds 12/- with postage and packing to the USA/UK/Australia. You could send an equivalent amount in local currency.
If you send me your postal address, I will post you a copy.
Another book – ‘Friends, dreams and memories’ – a collection of essays on various topics, by members of the Batch of 1960 Entrants, to the Medical Faculty, Colombo, is also available. It was edited by Tissa Kappagoda. It will cost US Dollars 5/- p&p.
Wishing you all the best,
Philip G Veerasingam,
28, Mansuriya Lane,
Honiton Place,
Avissawella,
Sri Lanka..
By Dr.Mark Amerasinghe, MCh, FRCS, former Orthopaedic Surgeon, Kandy.
“Philip
We both have finished your book. Premini liked it. I think it is first class - a Philosophical Autobiography -much for many to learn from. You should find a good, discerning reviewer. You have succeeded in weaving so many strands of varied colours around your career as a surgeon without losing the central thread, which is one man's journey through the most important part of a colourful life, a journey which touched many places and divers peoples. It is tight and compelling reading even for the non-medical person, and a must I think for every young doctor present and future. And the older ones should also read it, enjoy it and learn from it”.
It will cost Rs.900/- for postage inside Sri Lanka, US Dollars 15/- or Sterling Pounds 12/- with postage and packing to the USA/UK/Australia. You could send an equivalent amount in local currency.
If you send me your postal address, I will post you a copy.
Another book – ‘Friends, dreams and memories’ – a collection of essays on various topics, by members of the Batch of 1960 Entrants, to the Medical Faculty, Colombo, is also available. It was edited by Tissa Kappagoda. It will cost US Dollars 5/- p&p.
Wishing you all the best,
Philip G Veerasingam,
28, Mansuriya Lane,
Honiton Place,
Avissawella,
Sri Lanka..
Monday, August 9, 2010
email from Bernie
Dr De Silva[Bernie]Cincinnati, USA
Suggestion -
Let the batch or people related to our batch,there were many in batches before and after,who were closely related to or connected with our batch from the university and those who skipped the university, and many others. Any information, that is not considered personal or irrelevant orscreened by the individual, should be restricted, to respect privacy. Many would like to contact the old friends,who contributed to our general knowledgeand growth during these very difficult times, especially re further education,where and those hospitals, institutions could be contacted,and relevant information gathered, and disseminated.
I remember being among the first to leave the country,without waiting the average of 6 yrs for the scholarships,or trying to break the lines with other types of influence,many used to ask how it could be done, how to seek jobs, learningfrom those from others, including family,that preceded us,to UK[we knew next to nothing of Europe, partly due to licensingdifficulties and poor understanding of their languages]About USA we knew much, in fact keeping in touch with them from the 3rd MBBS time or evenbefore. How many did finally emigrate,when pressured by lack of proper jobs, or waiting in line for poor placement, and almost always at the discretion, of non medical, politically inspired and controlled jobs, promotions, transfers etc. Some of these added to our resolve to beat the corruption within the system. One batch, that immediately followed us,were denied appointments,[remember so many frustration of the many that I met from 1966 onwards]
Suggestion -
Let the batch or people related to our batch,there were many in batches before and after,who were closely related to or connected with our batch from the university and those who skipped the university, and many others. Any information, that is not considered personal or irrelevant orscreened by the individual, should be restricted, to respect privacy. Many would like to contact the old friends,who contributed to our general knowledgeand growth during these very difficult times, especially re further education,where and those hospitals, institutions could be contacted,and relevant information gathered, and disseminated.
I remember being among the first to leave the country,without waiting the average of 6 yrs for the scholarships,or trying to break the lines with other types of influence,many used to ask how it could be done, how to seek jobs, learningfrom those from others, including family,that preceded us,to UK[we knew next to nothing of Europe, partly due to licensingdifficulties and poor understanding of their languages]About USA we knew much, in fact keeping in touch with them from the 3rd MBBS time or evenbefore. How many did finally emigrate,when pressured by lack of proper jobs, or waiting in line for poor placement, and almost always at the discretion, of non medical, politically inspired and controlled jobs, promotions, transfers etc. Some of these added to our resolve to beat the corruption within the system. One batch, that immediately followed us,were denied appointments,[remember so many frustration of the many that I met from 1966 onwards]
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