Kandy mourned the death of Leo Devendra a prominent social welfare and religious worker. After suffering a severe heart attack he passed away on February 24, 2010 at the age of 79. His cremation took place the following day in the presence of a large gathering including about 200 Buddhist monks.Leo began his education at Trinity College, Kandy, where his father D A Devendra was the mathematics teacher in the senior forms. He was an astronomer–the Trinity College observatory standing to his credit. After a teaching spell of 25 years, he was appointed Principal, Central School, Hikkaduwa. Leo after attending Richmond College, entered Aquinas from where he ended at the Teachers’ Training School, Maharagama. passing out as an English trained teacher in 1954. He received his first teaching appointment to Central School, Hasalaka, in the Mahiyangana area.
Dr C W W Kannangara ushering in the free education scheme won the admiration of Leo. Fired by the innovative spirit of the Dr Kannangara, he felt compelled to play his role to see Dr Kannangara’s vision fulfilled. Thus his vocation took firm root. Leo’s father was a devout Buddhist who practised the fundamental principles of Buddhism. Following in his father’s footsteps brought Leo moral and spiritual strength. He began to study the Tripitaka and practise meditation to discipline his mind.
At Hasalaka, he was dismayed to find the students backward in their studies and lacking in motivation for self-development. Hence his assignment was more than that of a teacher: he played the role of a father, guide and mentor. He made it a point to visit the students’ homes, get to know their parents and offer solutions to their problems. He was distressed to find that some of them were going through tremendous hardship. It then dawned on him that if he should remain a bachelor, he could share his monthly salary with the needy to alleviate their suffering–which he did.
He taught in many schools which included Nugawela Central, Vijaya College, Matale, Dharmaraja College, Kandy, Central School, Huluganga and Central School, Kosgama in Madulkele, from where he retired in 1990 after an illustrious teaching career of 36 years. Wherever he worked, taking part in social, welfare and Buddhist activities won him the acclaim of the people.
After Leo’s retirement he started his Buddhist activities in earnest. He became a member of almost all the Buddhist Associations in Kandy. His fame having spread as an exponent of the Dhamma he received invitations to conduct sil campaigns, meditation camps, dahampasalas and to deliver sermons. He was a gifted speaker fluent in both Sinhala and English. He had a great sense of humour and at times started off with a favourite song and everybody would sing along with him. All this took place while he was serving at Subodharama Buddhist Centre, Peradeniya, where he taught student monks the Dhamma and English. He built up a library there. His connections helped the Centre to progress and with over 125 resident monks as one of the best run Buddhist institutions.
I also remember having called on Leo and his mother at his sister Kamala’s place one morning and felt alarmed after seeing a crowd of about 10 people. However, I felt relieved when I got to know that these people had come to receive their monthly allowance out of Leo’s pension.
I have been closely associated, with Leo for 30 years, both of us being engaged in Dhamma activities and village awakening projects in the Kurunegala District. I found him to be a refined gentleman with goodwill towards all. He believed that each person comes into the world with a specific destiny, having something to fulfil some message to be delivered and some work to be completed.
To you Leo, our kalyanamithra, we offer you this tribute.
“Of perfect service rendered, duties done, in charity, soft speech and stainless days, these riches shall not fade away in life, Nor any death dispraise.” May you attain the peace of Nibbana.
M B Werapitiya – Daily Mirror
If only the astronomical telescope could be repaired and let the students use it. It has been abandoned right now 1/4th of the floor is gone due to a landslide. You need to walk through a forest to get there.
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