Compassionate doc, outstanding sportsman and loyal friend

We bade goodbye to Dr J.C. Fernando—iconic Royalist, outstanding sportsman, compassionate doctor, and loyal friend—on April 18. I first met Janaka Chandana Fernando— or JC as he was popularly known - in 1962, when we entered the Faculty of Medicine, Colombo. He was well known as the captain of the Royal College athletics team, Public Schools athletics champion for three consecutive years, and Public Schools record holder in the 440 yards sprint.

JC was quick to make friends with the girls in the batch. His unfailing courtesy, quirky sense of humour, and concern for others endeared him to all, making him one of the most popular boys in the batch. He could laugh at himself and took the teasing about his dark complexion good naturedly.

JC was the livewire at any party. Armed with his guitar and pleasing voice, he would lead the singing, often ‘naughty’ versions of popular old songs. He loved dancing and would take on the challenge of teaching ballroom dancing to any girl who wanted to learn. He was the only batchmate entrusted by parents to bring their daughters home safely after attending dances, late at night.

JC continued his passion for sports and won Colombo Colours and All Varsity Colours from 1961 to 1965. He also represented Sri Lanka in the 1964 All India Athletics Meet.

JC married the love of his life Suranganie and was blessed with two lovely daughters Nilanthi and Ruwani. I had the privilege of being present when both were delivered by LSCS. JC and Sura left for the UK in 1973. I reconnected with them in 1975. I was delighted that JC and my husband Mahendra discovered they were soulmates, sharing origins from Moratuwa, the Karawa community, and a love for music, song and dance. Many were the dances and holidays we enjoyed together in the UK. JC would entertain us dancing while balancing a glass of whiskey on his head!

On our return to Sri Lanka we kept in touch with JC and Sura who had returned in 1978. They decided to move to Hong Kong in 1983 where JC developed his experience in Orthopedic Surgery. On their return in 1986, JC joined Baurs and Co as their Chief Medical Officer, a post he continued up to the time of his illness.

He contributed significantly to his alma mater—coaching athletics, cricket, and rugby—and using his skills and knowledge in sports medicine and physical fitness. He served as doctor for the rugby, cricket and athletics teams for over a decade, and accompanied the Royal College rugby team to Australia in 2002. He was appointed Vice President of the Royal College Union in recognition of his services.

Plans for our first Batch Reunion were hatched at JC’s home in Nawala in 1988. Since then we have had reunions in 1992, 1997, 2007, 2012 and 2017, with JC contributing significantly as a vibrant member of the organising committees.

In March 2018 we were delighted to join JC and Sura when they celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary on a cruise ship on the Beira Lake. I remember with gratitude the encouragement and advice I received from JC when I needed a total hip replacement in July 2018. I attribute my return to walking without a limp, driving and swimming barely six weeks after surgery largely to his support.

Tragedy struck in January 2020 when JC suffered a stroke, leaving him weak on his left side and with dysphasia. It was heartbreaking to see him so incapacitated. Mahendra and I visited him weekly, till the COVID pandemic in late 2021 put an end to regular visits. During that time JC responded to music, joining Mahendra, singing old favourites like ‘Bernadine’ with perfect recall of tune and words, but alas it did not progress to clear speech.

The courage and fortitude shown by Sura in the three years JC was ill is legendary. His demise has left an aching void in the lives of all who loved him. We need to find solace in the fact that his suffering is over.

May he obtain the supreme bliss of Nirvana.