ja_mageia

It is often people shine because of the positions they hold but occasionally we come across when positions shine because of the people holding them.

No one, in this country, in any walk of life will argue with me when I say that position of ‘Director of Colombo National Hospital’ shined because of Dr. Hector Weerasinghe for over a decade. During this time the name of Dr. Hector Weerasinghe became synonymous with Colombo National Hospital with its reputation for efficiency, effectiveness and the enormous service it rendered to the nation. As a member of the ASLGSC I also could say that no other member of ASLGSC, irrespective of positions held instigated recognition, appreciation and respect from the people of the country, to the degree, Dr. Hector Weerasinghe achieved.

It certainly is the result of dedication, hard work and the correct attitude towards the responsibility the person was holding.

Hector graduated from the faculty of Medicine with honours, at the then People’s Friendship University named after Patrice Lumumba in Moscow, now known as the Russian University of People’s Friendship, in 1979. When, in 1990, he was appointed as the Director of the Accident Ward of Colombo National Hospital, he had already  proven himself at Kalutara and Panadura Hospitals. Obliviously, his contribution towards upgrading the quality of both those hospitals has drawn the attention of Health Service authorities when this appointment was made.

However, then, the times were bad for the country. Prolonged armed conflict with deadly LTTE was having heavy toll on the country. On top of the bloody battles fought in North  and East, the LTTE unleashed ferocious and inhuman attacks on innocent civilian targets, mainly in the city of Colombo. Immediately after each of such brutal attacks hundreds of causalities were rushed in to Colombo Hospital. As the whole country watched in admiration and appreciation the hospital received and took care of them with remarkable efficiency. The whole country knows the man behind this miraculous effort made by the hospital staff.

Later, while addressing the media, Dr. Weerasinghe was asked how be managed this enormous task his humble reply was that they knew what to expect and had devised an emergency plan. When occasion warranted they simply implemented their plan utilizing every resources available. Well, it is easier said than done.

In the year 2000, Dr. Weerasingha was appointed as the Director of the Colombo National Hospital.

Not many years ago, Colombo Hospital was not a place many people liked to visit let alone staying. Today I would suggest any one to visit and find what a pleasant place it has become despite the human misery being taken care of.  Few people could imagine the magnitude of effort that has gone in to this transformation. In fact, a couple of my subordinates, who used to work as trainee engineers at the hospital premises, on some development project, told me that they were amazed to see every morning, the Director walking virtually to every corner of the vast hospital premises, making sure that everything is in order.

Many are not aware that CNH is one of the largest hospitals in the world with over 3000 beds, if not the largest. Solving its numerous problems and maintaining its smooth running on daily basis is a challenge a very few talented people could meet and we are proud to see that our Dr. Hector Weerasinghe was such a gift to the nation. Today the CNH has won many awards for various services it renders to the grateful nation.

I fail in my duty if I did not mention his tremendous contribution to the ASLGSC. Being a member of the executive Committee for many consecutive years (mind you, it is a thankless job with few takers) he served two terms as its president and represented it in international forums twice in Moscow and Beijing. In many difficult situations in ASLGSC activities Hector came with the solution using his irresistible charms and affable personality and of course with his growing influence over the others. In one such time I recall, we were having ASLGSC annual dinner at Galle Face Hotel following the AGM. Despite the appeal from the EXCO to book dinner ticket early, only a little over 80 had advance booking. When the function began there was a rush at the gate with a large group of our graduates, about 20, mostly fresh graduates demanding entrance. I was in charge of the arrangements and was not sure what to do. Some of my colleagues in the EXCO said that we have to turn them down. I, however, had warned the manager that I may require accommodation for ten additional people. Hector walked in and told are me to calm down and together we were going to meet the manager when we were informed that another large group of our graduates are on the way to join us. Space was not a problem but the dinner was. I do not know, how he managed with the hotel manager but the two of us walked in to managers office three times and Hector persuaded the manager who sought assistance from the other restaurants in the hotel, to accommodate nearly 50 more new comers before I had a breath of relief. No one was turned down that night.

When we undertook the ambitious project of completing the HQ building of ASLGSC, during the Presidency of Jaliya Dharmasena, Hector was a tower of strength for the EXCO all the way. Despite his busy schedules, he very rarely missed Saturday evenings at the ASLGSC HQ.

In a country where things happen in its own peculiar way which is not always straight forward, one cannot forget the extreme relief Hector brought to many of our members when they, their family members or friends were hospitalized. I would say that some of our members are grateful to him for their very lives.

Such an illustrious carrier has come to an end, in my opinion, leaving a huge vacuum in the health service of the country. Present administration, I presume has offered him the position of Consul General in the United States, in recognition of his contribution and capabilities. I am sure that in his new position he will be able to immensely contribute to the motherland, in an arena where, at a time when, such services are much needed .

I am, in a way, happy that Hector did not select to enter in to national politics upon his retirement although we could do very well to have people of his caliber in national politics and he could have done so, very successfully. I share the opinion with some who think that he could immensely contribute an institution like WHO with his vast and valuable experience, benefiting the world at large. However, he will be the best judge on what he wants to do with himself.

Thank you very much my friend, for the work you have done and done very well, making all of us very proud. I join all the other well wishers, wishing all the best for you and your family members and in your future endeavours. We shall badly miss you for quite some time to come.

K.G.J.Bandara.
Executive Committee Member, ASLGSC