Писатель Гинна Дженнингс призывает помнить Гиффрея Доббса как великодушного гуманиста, а не как человека с противоречивым характером

View(s): Understanding the many facets of Geoffrey Dobbs I read Sunila Galappatti’s summary of Geoffrey Dobbs (ST Plus, 31.8) with sorrow because her impression seemed to me to fall far short of the man she attempted to describe. The article almost entirely misses what I believe is central to understanding Geoffrey: he was unusually independent, highly energetic and extremely unconventional.  That combination led to actions now sometimes interpreted as racist, sexist or otherwise objectionable but those views do not reflect the man I knew. Geoffrey could certainly be difficult, and some people disliked him, but many of us loved him and his erratic actions are really only a small part of a much larger life. His character, talent, knowledge, and generosity deserve to be remembered with gratitude. Geoffrey did indeed go to Trinity College Dublin, and was then invited to Trinity Hall, Cambridge, to study for his undergraduate degree. He was extremely well educated and well read, and these qualities were among those that gave rise to the Galle Literary Festival, which was such a success for as long as he was involved with it. He was also very well brought up by highly intelligent and interesting parents, who educated all four of their sons to be curious, well read and independent of thought. They certainly succeeded in those aims. He was fortunate to acquire beautiful properties in Sri Lanka, having worked hard for many years to become a successful businessman in Hong Kong, and each property was beautifully decorated, reflecting its character, architecture and history and was also certainly responsible for helping to establish early tourism in southern Sri Lanka, recognising in Galle a bewitching and enchanting attraction while it was still quite run down. In keeping with his independent character, he also introduced madcap schemes such as elephant polo and tuk-tuk polo. He did not do this because he clung to colonialism; he did it because he had an enormous sense of fun and of the absurd and, indeed, they were fun and often absurd.  He shared that fun with people of many nationalities, colours and creeds in Sri Lanka but Geoffrey did not suffer fools gladly, and maybe that was sometimes misunderstood. He was capable of being inspirational, kind and supportive without racial or other discrimination, just as he was capable of being rude, off-hand and difficult without discrimination. Importantly, Geoffrey’s charity, both formal and informal, was significant and deserves to be remembered. After the tsunami in 2004, he opened The Sun House hotel, which he founded, and ensured that its kitchen provided free food, continuously, for many days and nights. He raised money and aid internationally for people affected by the disaster, and founded charities to educate children and support those in need. Through these efforts, he raised many millions of dollars for Sri Lankans suffering from the aftermath of the disaster and for other Sri Lankan causes, as well as donating generously himself. Many of us who knew Geoffrey would include mention of his considerable generosity.  He loved to entertain and give parties, inviting friends, locals and even tourists passing through.  His parties were always entertaining, often drunken and decidedly memorable. A quieter part of Geoffrey’s legacy presented itself to me recently when I was visiting Taprobane. A stall holder in a sarong on the shore came up to me and asked after him. He told me that Geoffrey was a very good man who had helped his daughter with her education, and to whom he remained very grateful. He asked me to take his photograph to remember him to Geoffrey, which I did. An ordinary Sri Lankan, grateful to a man who had helped him: a large, generous, difficult, independent and highly intelligent character who, among his many notable accomplishments and complicated characteristics, was a man of kindness and humanity. He is missed. Gina Jennings    Via email Searching for an ideal partner? Find your soul mate on Hitad.lk, Sri Lanka's favourite marriage proposals page. With Hitad.lk matrimonial advertisements you have access to thousands of ads from potential suitors who are looking for someone just like you.