Lorenz Pereira, in The Island, 6 February 2022, where the title reads “An Epic and Inspirational Journey” …. presented here with highlighting imposed
I have always felt deeply about the dire plight of the plantation workers and the hopelessness of their lives. I have been concerned and somewhat saddened as to how hard they have to work under the most inhospitable of external conditions for paltry earnings and a life destined to very little hope of betterment. There is little doubt that their lot has been exploited for greater profits of owners.
Yoga in recent times in UK
Contrary to the above, I am about to relate the journey of a young boy from this background that inspires hope for all those that see no hope for change and enhancement. I have been mystified over the years at this amazingly exceptional and epic journey and the various heavenly/earthly factors that made it possible. I will leave it to the reader to judge.
My father, Prof EOE Pereira, the creator of the Engineering Faculty at Peradeniya University, became “crippled” after a hip operation that went all wrong. He was confined to a wheel-chair thereafter in severe unrelenting pain from the ensuing wound that never healed, for the latter part of his life. As his eldest son, I was fully aware of his agonising predicament that was never ever conveyed to us by word or behaviour. He bore it with an uncanny stoic front.
My dear mother was unable to cope with the heavy demands of my ailing father. Urgent external help was required. My two younger brothers, Bryan and Alan, were planting in the salubrious hill country at the time. She sought their assistance in finding someone to give her a hand in looking after the daily requirements of my father.
One of them sent down this young orphan boy from the tea pluckers’ “Lines”. His name was Yoga, age unknown as no real records were kept at the time with births etc. We considered that he was no more than 18 years old.
In no time, he became my father’s confidante and right-hand man. My father relied on Yoga for almost all his needs, daily meals, medicines, sponging, putting my father to bed, conversations, etc, a complete Man Friday was Yoga. It was an unusual relationship between a highly learned and articulate Professor and this boy with no education and illiterate.
Yoga with his employer and mentor, Professor eOE Pereira in Wellawatte
A bonding and blessing eventuated that was to be the catalyst for Yoga’s stellar future career. In the absence of his three sons who were constantly away from home, involved in sport and other extra-curricular activities, Yoga acquired the status of a defacto fourth “son”. I am convinced that my father provided Yoga with as complete a package of “skills of survival and success” for his monumental journey ahead.
After my father’s death in 1988, Yoga left our home, with little funds but with the best references and worldly skills any applicant for a job could possess.
He soon found a waiter’s job in a little boutique hotel in Bentota/Beruwela. There he met an English couple who were guests at the hotel. They must have been extremely impressed with Yoga that they sponsored him to London. I lost contact with Yoga since then and was astounded when a relative of mine recently sent me some information on Yoga and his status at present.
He owns a string of restaurants in London drives the latest Rolls Royce (see attachment) and is a multi-millionaire. Importantly, he has never forgotten his humble beginnings and remains ever grateful to my father. It’s a journey that should inspire young people to chase their dreams with gusto and passion.
ALSO NOTE
EMAIL NOTE from KK De Silva of St. Aloysius College, Galle, 9 February 2022: “He [Professor Pereira] was a legendary figure & we used to hear about his brilliance when we were at SAC.”.
Thank you for the photo of Prof E.O.E. Pereira. He was highly respected by all younger engineers, who had the privilege of studying under him.
Prior to its shift to Peradeniya in 1965, the original Faculty of Engineering, generally known as the E-Fac, was located at Thurstan Road, Colombo, in temporary buildings. The E-Fac in Colombo admitted about 60 students per year from about 5000 applicants.
In Colombo, Professor Pereira was the first Dean of the Faculty of Engineering. After the E-Fac moved to Peradeniya Professor Pereira, was appointed to the high position of Vice Chancellor of the University of Ceylon.
My first contact with Prof Pereira was at the viva voce, then a compulsory part of the entry process to the E-Fac. He was seated at the head of the table with his ever present pipe in his mouth, with the other Professors and Lecturers. After some preliminary introductions, the conversation drifted into fishing of which Prof Pereira was known to be an enthusiast. However, my having zero knowledge of the subject, I could hardly contribute to the conversation. Nevertheless, I was admitted, to the batch in 1960. Then in our final & 4 th year, he was our lecturer in Structural Analyses.
My last contact with him was sometime in.late 1979 or 81 (?) when he was standing at a bus stop near the Glass House – Medical Laboratory and I was driving past in my company given car ! I dropped him off at his house in Colombo.
Very nice and informative article.
Just only a feedback to all readers: We Sri Lankans tend to use the word “Servant” for “Domestic Help,” when also conversing with other people from the rest of the world. I do not think it is appropriate or acceptable in the modern world, in my opinion. Please, if anyone sees such usage, try to alert them to ……
Just only a suggestions, no comments please. Thanks!