Harendra & Thamby: The Dynamic Duo Who Keep Us Together
As we eagerly count down the days to our reunion in Sri Lanka this March, it’s only right to take a moment to recognize two exceptional individuals—not just for their contributions to the event but for their tireless, decades-long commitment to keeping our batch united.
Now, we all know that organizing a reunion is no small feat, and many have put in time and effort to make this happen. But this is not just about the reunion—it’s about acknowledging the valiant, behind-the-scenes work of two men who have, time and again, held us all together through sheer willpower and a touch of magic.
Enter Professor Harendra de Silva and Dr. Ranjit Thambyrajah, or as we fondly call them, Hari and Thamby. On the surface, they seem like complete opposites, but deep down, they are two sides of the same coin. Hari, the wise statesman; Thamby, the fearless enforcer. Together, they have been the invisible thread weaving the north and south of our batch into one unbreakable bond.
The North-South Connection
Let’s not tiptoe around it—our batch has always had a unique dynamic, with individuals from both the north and south of our little island. Cultural and religious differences could have easily created divisions, but Hari and Thamby have, by instinct and sheer presence, ensured that those lines never became walls.
Hari, with his diplomatic finesse and calm, no-nonsense approach, has always been a natural peacemaker. Thamby, with his formidable presence and boundless energy, has never hesitated to step in and set things right when tensions arose. He’s not just a bridge-builder; he’s the security guard at both ends. And because of them, we never became just another group of old classmates—we remained a family.
Flashback – The Bloemfontein Days
Over half a century ago, fate (or mischief) placed me under the same roof as these two in Bloemfontein. Hari was the mature, kind-hearted sage who seemed wise beyond his years. In stark contrast, Thamby was a happy-go-lucky force of nature, bursting into song at every opportunity and testing the very limits of hedonism.
Yet somehow, both found their way to greatness—Hari through his strong roots in the Buddhist Brotherhood, and Thamby through his passionate involvement in the Student Christian Movement. Perhaps their religious upbringings played a part in shaping the selfless, compassionate leaders we see today.
Hari: The Scholar, The Healer, The Gardener Extraordinaire
Hari chose to remain in Sri Lanka and climbed the academic ladder to become a Professor of Paediatrics—a rare and remarkable achievement. Despite his prestigious clinical career and thriving private practice, he never lost touch with his batchmates. If you ever fell ill in Sri Lanka, chances are, Hari was the first person you called. He was always there, ready to help—no questions asked.
Beyond medicine, his passions extend to gardening, gems, plants, flowers, wildlife, and photography. My wife would even bring him seeds from the UK, which he’d transform into thriving additions to his Galle garden. The man has even written books on multiple subjects—because, clearly, mastering just one field wasn’t enough.
And let’s not forget his sharp wit. He disapproves of gossip—not because it’s bad, but because there’s not enough of it! If only every professor spoke so candidly.
Thamby: The Energizer Bunny with a Stethoscope
Thamby holds a special place in my heart—not just because we share a birthday, but because we both chose ENT surgery as our calling. He even taught me my very first ENT operation back in 1979, in a general medical ward that had absolutely no ENT facilities. Resourceful? Yes. Reckless? Perhaps. Memorable? Definitely.
Living with him was a masterclass in endurance. He’d ride into our residence at ungodly hours after a long night out, yet somehow be the first one at ward rounds—bright-eyed, bushy-tailed, and ready to operate. I have spent years trying to figure out the source of his superhuman energy. The mystery was finally solved during a Zoom call in the COVID era—he ate continuously for the entire 80 minutes. There’s the answer.
Retirement? Not Exactly.
Most people retire to slow down, relax, and maybe take up a quiet hobby. Not these two. Their so-called “retirement” has been dedicated to charity, mentorship, and, of course, ensuring that our batch stays connected. Their willingness to spend their valuable time organizing, coordinating, and keeping this batch alive is something we should all be grateful for.
So while many hands have contributed to making our reunion happen, this tribute isn’t just about the event—it’s about two men who have, time and again, kept our batch from drifting apart.
Hari and Thamby, you are the heartbeat of our batch, the keepers of our unity, and, let’s be honest, two of the most entertaining figures in our history. Even your long-standing dislike of students from a certain Colombo school only adds to your charm. And honestly? Many of us share your sentiments.
Gentlemen, we see you, we appreciate you, and we’re not letting you step away from batch duties anytime soon. Cheers to you both!
Jayantha Premachandra
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