APPRECIATION Elmore Perera: A Richmondite, a professional of ‘class’

By Nihal de Alwis

Elmore was born in 1933 to a family with Christian values at Moratuwa. His father who was a teacher at Richmond College was a ‘legend’. His siblings were Theckla, Christie, Boyd, Darrel and Sextus.

Elmore was born and bred in Galle though his roots were in Moratuwa. He was a keen sportsman, who opened for Richmond at cricket and excelled in athletics, football, and tennis. I recall an actual incident at a Big match where he opened with another good cricketer; and this opening partner of his was hit by a ball on his for-head, immediately some cubes of ice were sent for his partner through our famous club boy Simon, but what his partner did was to chew the ice instead of  treating his forehead with ice. This we all observed. It was a match in the 1950’s.

His wife Shanthie was a great source of  strength to him in his job or any other church activity or social events.  She had been a teacher. They were blessed with Hithaishi, a medical doctor living in Kandy, Priyadari, another daughter, who very much resembles him, and the son Mayukha (who lives next to Elmore’s residence). Elmore was very much grieved after his wife’s death but continued his connections with the Richmond 60 Club.

Elmore has been holding many prestigious posts. He was the 36th Surveyor General, by succeeding S.T. Herath and he was succeeded by Thamotheran Somasekeran. He was later appointed as the Director of Christian Childrens’ Fund, Additional Director of SLIDA, Director of The Salvation Army (Asian Territory ), President of Habitat for Humanity SL, Vice President in Citizens Movement For Good Governance, and President of the OPA. After Completing his law exams in 1991 , he apprenticed with eminent Lawyer Late H.L. De Silva PC. 

Until the demise of Shanthie he was very active in practicing as a lawyer, sought after by many who could not afford high legal fees. I am personally aware that he appeared for many Richmondites, like Nihal Rajapaksa, my cousin Mohan Edrisinhe. He even appeared for me free of any fees where an appeal was made by me in case of a labour dispute, when I was managing my security company. He obtained a court order in my favour. He had many juniors who had great respect for his knowledge.