Ganeshalingam, an exceptional human-being

Ganeshalingam or Ganesh as he was popularly and affectionately called by his friends and associates was born in Puloly, Point Pedro on January 3, 1938 into an orthodox and conservative family which has not only excelled in the sphere of education but has rendered yeoman service in the propagation, promotion and development of Hindu religion, culture and Tamil language and literature.

His father late Kanagasabai was one of the most polished, persuasive and hardworking lawyers who retained the confidence of the Bench, the esteem of his colleagues and the gratitude of his clients at the Point Pedro District Court right upto his passing away.

Ganeshalingam was educated at the Hartley College, Point Pedro, which is a well-known educational institution that has produced eminent personalities like Dr. C.J. Elizer, C. Loganathan and late K.B. Ratnayake who was the Minister and later Speaker of Parliament and the Central Province Governor.

He had his secondary education at S. Thomas' College, Mt. Lavinia. He was extremely intelligent and came under the tutelage of Rev. Roy H. Bowyiryin, a famous Cambridge University scholar. From S. Thomas' College, he entered the University of Ceylon and spent most of his time in the Students Union activities and won every election he contested in the university.

As a university student, he was a socialist in his outlook and took a different stand and joined Ford Rhodes Thornton & Co. to study accountancy.

In this firm, he was very popular with the clients and colleagues because of his friendly disposition. Thereafter he launched into many business ventures, most of which proved successful because of his hardwork, attention to detail and the business ethics that he practised.

Blessed with a seemingly inexhaustible supply of energy, enthusiasm and inspiring leadership, quickness of thought he attained eminence as a leading entrepreneur.

In fact, no field of human endeavour was left untouched by the swaying amplitude of his imagination, the encompassing sweep of his thought, the felicity of his words and the indefatigable zeal of his actions. No wonder, he left an indelible impression in most of what he touched with rare dynamism and exemplary zeal.

His greatness was unique. There was a ring of authenticity and nobility of courage and earnestness in whatever he did and said.

As Mayor of the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC), he was constantly pragmatic and practical in his approach to the problems of the Municipal Council and found out solutions wherever they could be found.

He always believed in teamwork and chose the right men and delegated powers. As Deputy Mayor, Acting Mayor, Mayor and the Opposition Leader in the Municipal Council he piloted the Council's affairs with unsurpassed distinction and unsullied honours, combined with indefatigable energy, undaunted determination, unimpeachable integrity and unflagging firmness and total dedication during the critical period.

As Ganeshalingam took over the position as an Acting Mayor there was a deficit of Rs. 500 million being the overdraft and while leaving the Colombo Municipal Council he had a deposit of Rs. 500.

Ganeshalingam was a man with a charming smile and a brilliant mind who did Justice to his responsibilities.

In fact, his character was moulded by his Alma Mater and the education he received at Hartley College under the remarkable stewardship of our distinguished principal late K. Pooranampillai. He was indeed a gem of a gentleman who had no malice towards anyone.

In fact, he assisted the Past Pupils' Association of Hartley College fantastically and fabulously for its betterment and improvement.

Further, he was greatly concerned about the education of poor students at Hartley and launched an scholarship scheme for students who have excelled in their examination in the G.C.E. (O/L) and A/L. In fact, he never failed to attend any functions held by the Past Pupils Association of Hartley as vice-patron of the PPA Colombo Branch.

In fact, he got married into an illustrious family which produced eminent Advocate and Barrister late P. Navaratnarajah's (Q.C.) brother late Dr. Pathmanathan's elders daughter Yamuna. Indeed, She was a tower of strength and a source of encouragement in her husband's endeavours.

Yamuna Ganeshalingam has done tremendous service as President of Old Girls' Association of Vada Hindu Girls' College, Point Pedro and President of Colombo Young Women's Association for the amelioration of the condition of the poor and downtrodden.

He is an example of Saint Thiru Valluvar's saying: "Who just or unjust lived shall soon appear by each one's offspring shall the truth be clear".

In fact, his daughter and doctor son are excelling in their respective profession. Indeed, the loss of "Ganesh" is irreparable, painful and tearful. The thought of his death is poignant, but his memory is fragrant.

May, I say,

" Good night sweet prince and the Flights of Angels sing thee to thy rest".