Appreciations
H. Y. De Silva
H. Y. De. Silva “Hyde” was a Senior Superintendent of Police (retd).
“Hyde”, our dear Maama is no more. But to me and to my siblings, our cousins and all his dear relatives he shall always be a living memory. Hyde enriched our lives in many ways. In our childhood he was a young uncle who could be approached on any problem. In our adult lives, he stood by us and helped us with sound, sensible advice and assistance whenever the need arose. Our parents too loved him dearly as a young and intelligent cousin who could be entrusted with any responsibility. His endearing ways and lighthearted outlook on life made him a favourite amidst any gathering. Maama could relate humorous anecdotes in inimitable style that sent the listeners into peals of laughter. He was well read and well informed on any subject. No family occasion whether sad, solemn or happy was complete without our Maama.
Hyde, our Maama adorned the police force with his skill in doing his job conscientiously, with a finesse in tackling difficult people and near impossible situations and most of all with his integrity. He handled many complex criminal cases in his day and made a name for himself as an efficient and trustworthy officer in the police force. Maama was proud to be a Police Officer and never once did anything to bring disgrace upon the medals he wore. He was straight in all his dealings and his humble dwelling and simple life style to the end of his days are ample proof of his solid values and unblemished career.
Maama was the youngest son of a respected scion of Balapitiya, Hendavitharana Manuel de Silva, and grandson of Hendavitharana Uparis de Silva landed proprietor and philanthropist of Pathamulla, Balapitiya. Educated at Dharmasoka College, Ambalangoda Hyde our Maama possessed a fine command of the English language. He was versatile and an all-rounder excelling in swimming and sports.
Hyde lived a full life of over three score and ten and only in the last years of life was he a trifle feeble. Yet the characteristic bon homie and fine sense of humour which was his hallmark never left him.
He was happy to see his two young sons Arjuna and Harsha doing well in life. His deep love for his boys could be seen whenever he spoke about them so proudly.
Maama, though gone from sight, has left many lessons from his own life to inspire us. To be generous, to be helpful to any who may need help, to do whatever is entrusted to us with honesty and integrity, and always to look at the bright side of life no matter how gloomy the day was. Maama’s faith in the Buddha Dhamma was unshaken. In the early days, he observed ata sil regularly on Poya day at the Maharagama Sri Vajiragnana Dharmayatanaya but towards the latter part of his life he would be there only occasionally.
Maama’s life was like the notes on a keyboard, a mingling of black and white. But he was neither perturbed in the bad times nor elated in happy times. He always knew how to smile in the face of sorrow and partings as well as to keep calm and unruffled when success and happiness came his way.
Though gone from sight, you our dear Maama shall be forever a living memory to all of us.
May your journey through samsara be in happy abodes and may you soon realise the bliss of Nibbana! (On behalf of all nieces and nephews of Hyde Silva, SSP.)
Srima Warusawithara
