Appreciation: Father James Ratnanayagam.
It is a privilege to write this tribute to Father James.
I am reminded of the nineteen sixties when Father James was the Chaplain of St. John’s College Jaffna. I was on the staff of Chundikuli Girls College Jaffna. A convert from Hinduism, Father James prepared me for baptism into the Christian faith. He was diligent and saw to it that I was thorough in my knowledge of the basic truths of the Christian faith. Father James gave me the courage and confidence I needed to embark on this new adventure in life.
I met father James again in 1982 when I joined the staff of Methodist College Colombo 3.
Father James was Chaplain of St. Michael’s Church Polwatte. He endeared himself to the parishioners by his knowledgeable sermons. He was a much sought-after padre and officiated at weddings and baptisms. His preaching was full of anecdotes, humour and theological insights. He was fluent in English and Tamil. Father James embraced Anglican liturgy. He promoted dialogue and negotiation to achieve harmony.
Latika Samarasinha, his beloved wife and companion in life was devoted to him. There will be a void in her heart that is hard to fill.
Father James officiated at my son Michael’s wedding at St. Paul’s Milagiriya, Bambalapitiya on December first 2007. We have fond memories of that occassion, more so because of Father James’ participation and pastoral support.
We will treasure memories of Father James. I pray that the Lord will comfort his wife Latika and his children Prasadini and Ricky, Deveshta, Jayadeva, Helen and his grandchildren.
Saradha Olegasegarem
Appreciation: Father James Ratnanayagam.
It is a privilege to write this tribute to Father James.
I am reminded of the nineteen sixties when Father James was the Chaplain of St. John’s College Jaffna. I was on the staff of Chundikuli Girls College Jaffna. A convert from Hinduism, Father James prepared me for baptism into the Christian faith. He was diligent and saw to it that I was thorough in my knowledge of the basic truths of the Christian faith. Father James gave me the courage and confidence I needed to embark on this new adventure in life.
I met father James again in 1982 when I joined the staff of Methodist College Colombo 3.
Father James was Chaplain of St. Michael’s Church Polwatte. He endeared himself to the parishioners by his knowledgeable sermons. He was a much sought-after padre and officiated at weddings and baptisms. His preaching was full of anecdotes, humour and theological insights. He was fluent in English and Tamil. Father James embraced Anglican liturgy. He promoted dialogue and negotiation to achieve harmony.
Latika Samarasinha, his beloved wife and companion in life was devoted to him. There will be a void in her heart that is hard to fill.
Father James officiated at my son Michael’s wedding at St. Paul’s Milagiriya, Bambalapitiya on December first 2007. We have fond memories of that occassion, more so because of Father James’ participation and pastoral support.
We will treasure memories of Father James. I pray that the Lord will comfort his wife Latika and his children Prasadini and Ricky, Deveshta, Jayadeva, Helen and his grandchildren.
Saradha Olegasegarem