He rose to great heights, but never lost touch with reality

by Bernie Wijesekera

(April 20, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) After watching the nail-biting first one- day international between Sri Lanka and West Indies, when the Windies hurricane struck the day- lights out of the Lankans, Air Vice Marshal Harry Gunathilake succumbed to a heart attack and passed away peacefully. An officer and gentleman, Harry worked and served for the right reasons. He led a humble life and lived by his principles until his last breath.

I knew him for over three decades and his contributions on and off the field to help uplift the down-trodden youth of this country were immense. He had to face setbacks for speaking his mind, but he never sought personal glory.
A proud product of Royal College, he adhered to the principles of Martin Luther King (Jnr.): “The time is always right to do what is right. You are here for good times, but not for a long time. Everything is temporary”. Harry lived and worked for others. He never mis-used his power even during the height of his career, but helped less affluent airmen to go places in life on and off the field. Harry enjoyed sports and of course rugby was his first love. He was an administrator, player, coach and referee.

One of those he trained initially was the "Golden Boy" of the kicking boots, late Charles Wijewardena, who later joined the Police .Others who benefited from his know-how were 'Viper' Gunaratne, Rohan Gunaratne, "Lofty' Perera and others. Those were the days when the Air Force 'Chipmunks' flew to great heights, thanks to his vision. The Police Sports Board organised a Charity Match with the combined Air Force –Police SC- CR and FC Vs. Kandy SC at Nittawela, on May 20, 2006 and he was invited to be the Chief Guest.

When he retired, he hadn't an abode to call his own, nor a car, but President Ranasinghe Premadasa, gave him a Govt. Flat at Elvitigala Mawatha, Borella. He refereed a number of first class rugby matches. In 1973, he refereed the Clifford Cup Final between Police SC – Army which ended in a thrilling 19-all draw.

Recently, there was a family get–together to celebrate Harry’s grandson's solo flight after training in a private flying school. He skipped that to be in Anuradhapura to assist the Services (widows’) Association.

He was a quiet man and shunned social obligations even at home. He preferred to spend time with those who suffered in silence. Truth was his religion, humanity was his race, and the world was his country.

One of his grand-daughters Nirasha Guruge, won the (Junior/Senior) Women's singles Squash championship five years in a row. Thanks to her sporting prowess, she earned a scholarship to Harvard University to follow a degree in Commerce. He was proud of her achievements.

At his funeral on April 12, at the Borella Cemetery, despite barriers and tight security there was a coterie of loyal friends, from all walks of life, to say goodbye to him. Former Airmen, who served under him - the likes of Eddie Buell, Buddhi Siriwardena , Noel Fernando, T.M. 'bull' Khalid Peiris, Duncan Perera etc. Service Commanders of yesteryear, the Principal of Royal College, Upali Gunasekera, and the homeless, the present (SLAF) rank and file, were among those present.
- Sri Lanka Guardian