Hugh De Kretser appointed President of the Australian Human Rights Commission – By Lawrence Machado HUGH DE KRETSER Prominent human rights lawyer, Hugh De Kretser, who forsake a lucrative career in the corporate world to follow his heart, has been appointed as next President of the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC). The Victorian is the first person of Sri Lankan origin to take charge of this high profile post. His appointment was announced officially by the Australian Attorney General Mark Dreyfus this week. Hugh is the son of the former Governor General of Victory, Professor David de Kretser and Jan, and has three siblings, Steve, Mark and Ross. “I am absolutely thrilled to be appointed to this role,” Mr De Kretser posted on his LinkedIn page. “Human rights are the vital ingredients we all need to lead a decent, dignified life. When human rights are respected, our lives are better ...
Goodbye Dhyan White: You Certainly Made Your Mark – By Lawrence Machado Goodbye, dear classmate and fellow altar server, Dhyan White. It’s always very sad to hear of the passing away of a childhood friend even though we hadn’t seen each other for many years. Those bonds never die, despite distances. Dhyan died in his sleep in Sri Lanka on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, leaving his loving family and many friends bereft of his unique personality. Dhyan seemed to have recovered well after his major heart surgery some years ago and was looking forward to our Peterite 1974 class reunion next month in Colombo in June 2024. Sadly, we will never see his cheeky grin and hear his stories again as he was one of the liveliest members of our WhatsApp group. Fortunately for many of our classmates in Sri Lanka, he attended a mini-reunion a few months ago. Dhyan and ...
May 22, 2024
Posted
Articles, Lawrence Machado, Obituaries
Tagged Australian Army veterans, Dhyan White, Dhyan White life story, Dhyan White obituary, Dhyan White passing, Duncan White Olympian, Lawrence Machado, Lawrence Machado tribute, Sri Lanka expatriates, Sri Lankan hockey history, St Peter's College 1974 reunion
Ron Pieris – A Man For All Seasons – March 6, 1946-April 11, 2024 – By Lawrence Machado When you spoke to Ron Pieris, the conversation will always start and end with a wisecrack. Nothing was off limits for our Ron. A man who easily wore many hats at work and at home, the lanky Ron was always a joy to be with. Despite failing health in recent months, he never stopped his networking and was the first with the news, telling me about someone’s passing away or some great new deal he had spotted online. Ron, who passed away suddenly of a suspected heart attack on Thursday morning (April 11), always made light of his ailments and joked about the serious things in life. He lived a full life and was proud of his hard-working wife, Joy, and children from his previous marriage, Ronny, Sean and Cheryl, speaking highly ...
Vale Richard Heyn – By Lawrence Machado image source:-quadrangle.lk The 1962 Peterite cricket captain Richard Heyn passed away yesterday in the US. He also was a very good hockey player. His brother David represented Sri Lanka in cricket and hockey. May Richard’s soul rest in peace. The sad news was passed on by their cousin Lawrence Heyn. No funeral details known at present. Below is the 1962 Peterite team, courtesy of the Quadrangular magazine special edition. image source: quadrangle.lk Seated (from left): David Heyn, Maurice Deckker, Richard Heyn, Fr Rufus Benedict (Prefect of Games), Tyrone Le Mercier, Tissa Jayaweera, Travice Fernando. Standing (from left): D. Pararaswaram, Clifford Bartlett, Franklyn Bowen, Rohan Abeysundera, Kevin Ruberu, Ravi Fernando, Christopher Harridge, Aditiha de Silva. Click here to receive your free copy of the eLanka Newsletter twice a week delivered directly to your inbox! ...
Apr 4, 2024
Posted
Articles, Lawrence Machado, Obituaries
Tagged Cricket captain, David Heyn, Hockey player, Lawrence Machado, Mourning, PETERITE CRICKET, Richard Heyn, sportsmen, Sri Lanka Cricket, Sri Lanka hockey, Sri Lankan cricket
Flamboyant Wicketkeeper Batsman Russell Hamer Passes Away – By Lawrence Machado Dashing wicketkeeper-batsman Russell Hamer, who played for Ceylon (later Sri Lanka) for many years, passed away in Colombo on Wednesday, March 27. He was 76. The former Wesley College star, who had his share of health issues, was always a treat to watch on the field. He loved to entertain and had a loyal following wherever he played. A former Ceylon Schools representative, Hamer represented the country at the annual Gopalan Trophy against Tamil Nadu, with a highest score of 52 in the 1970-71 series. These matches were among the highlights for Ceylon and later Sri Lanka in the days before the country attained Test status in 1982. During a time when Ceylon produced crack wicketkeeper batsmen, Hamer was at the top of his game, playing a few limited over matches for the national team. This was a time ...
Mar 27, 2024
Posted
Articles, Lawrence Machado, Obituaries
Tagged Russell Hamer, Sri Lankan, Wesley College star Batsman, Wicketkeeper
Goodbye Desmond Brohier, A True Family Man And Friend For Life – By Lawrence Machado Some friendships last for lifetime and so it was with Desmond Brohier, a one-in-a-million friend. My heart is breaking as I pen these lines to farewell him from this world. I know he is not in pain anymore and he died in his sleep in his own bed, which is a blessing. Yet, the ache is there. It will be much more for his grieving son Shannon, Mum, siblings Jerome and Elorine, and their families. But I am consoled we never lost touch despite being oceans apart and you are at peace now. All your cousins, uncles, aunties, relations, in-laws and many friends around the world are united in our grief at losing an amazing companion who was there for us at all times. Desmond, my wife Roshan and I have been very close and ...
Jan 16, 2024
Posted
Articles, Lawrence Machado, Obituaries
Tagged Desmond Brohier, Desmond Brohier friendship, Desmond Brohier legacy, Desmond Brohier life, Desmond Brohier memorial, Desmond Brohier obituary, Desmond Brohier tribute, funeral, General Cemetery Borella., Jayaratne Funeral Parlour, Kenny Roger’s The Gambler, Lawrence Machado, Melbourne, memorial service, obituary announcement, Ramya Brohier, Shannon Brohier, Sri Lanka, St. Lawrence's Church Youth League, Sydney, The Godfather
ADRIAN SERPANCHY – YOUR LEGACY WILL LIVE ON – By Lawrence Machado IT’s always emotional to say goodbye to a friend you have known since kindergarten, specially when his death comes so unexpectedly. When I heard that Adrian Serpanchy had passed away in a Melbourne hospital on the morning of Tuesday (November 22,2023), I was stunned. When I found the courage to call his devoted wife of more than 40 years, Lorraine, later that day, words were hard to come by. I can only imagine what Lorraine, her children Delon and Joanne, and his siblings Russell, Jerome, Randy, Loxley and Yolande are going through. Yes, it’s not easy to think that our wonderful, cheeky classmate Adrian is no more. This is such a shock as you are such a vibrant and positive chap, Adrian, with that memorable laugh. But God wanted you closer to Him and we are grateful for ...
Nov 24, 2023
Posted
Articles, Lawrence Machado
Tagged Australia, drian Serpanchy, in Sri Lanka, Lawrence Machado, Melbourne, St. Theresa's Church Thimbirigasyaya, St.Peter's College Bambalapitiya
Review: Pride Without Prejudice – An inspiring Life – Beverley Pinder Bares Her Soul In Her Inspiring Life – By Lawrence Machado Beverly Pinder OAM is an extraordinary Australian who never ceases to amaze me. Migrating to Australia as a teenager, she fought her own personal battles to become the first Sri Lankan-born to represent Australia at the Miss Universe pageant, going on to become a Melbourne city councillor for many years while running a very successful PR company which saw her make a big impact. Now, Beverley, who remains at heart a true Christian and believes in serving others, specially those going through homelessness and tough times, has bared her soul in her book, which has the blessings of her good friend and mentor, the late Fr Bob Maguire AM. Pride Without Prejudice – An inspiring Life (Wilkinson Books) shows the ups and downs of Beverley’s life and reaches out to us ...
Oct 8, 2023
Posted
Articles, Lawrence Machado
Tagged An inspiring Life, Australia, Beverly Pinder, Lawrence Machado, Melbourne city councillor, Miss Universe pageant
Exciting finish to Josephian-Peterite ‘Big Match’ in Sydney – Petes claim bragging rights as college camaraderie wins the day – By Lawrence Machado The inaugural Battle of the Saints in Sydney had all the drama and excitement you could have wanted for such an important cricket match between the old boys of both famous Sri Lankan schools. Chasing the imposing Peterite total of 177 from 25 overs, the Josephians, led by former Sri Lankan schoolboy star Rohan Wijesinghe, were coasting to victory after big hitting by their in-form openers Randall Ebert and Sohan Rodrigo saw them 100 for 2 in just 13 overs. At 132 for 3, the Josephians had the upper hand and were lustily cheered by one-man cheer squad and ex-president Chris Fernando, with support from another patriotic, jovial Joe Kenneth Brohier. Former Josephian skipper Dylan Fernandopulle made a quick 11, Delan Daniels stroked 21 while Ashan Wickramayake stuck ...
Oct 1, 2023
Posted
Articles, Lawrence Machado
Tagged Big Match’ in Sydney, Chris Fernando, Dylan Fernandopulle, Josephian-Peterite ‘Big Match, Petes Vs joes, Rohan Wijesinghe, Trevine Nicholas
Stephen De Niese passes away (sent to eLanka by Lawrence Machado ) These are the funeral services for our much loved Peterite Stephen: Rosary service on Thursday 8th June at 7 pm Funeral mass service on Friday the 9th at 11 am. Both services will be held at Resurrection Church, 402 Corrigan Road Keysborough 3173. We are requesting fellow Peterites to wear the college tie for the funeral service It is likely that the funeral service will be live streamed, Well known Former Peterite cricketer Stephen De Niese has passed away in Melbourne. He was 74. He had been ailing for some time. May his soul rest in peace and God grant his wife Marina and family the strength to cope. The De Niese Family is famous among the Peterite community. Funeral arrangements to be announced later. ...
