by Senaka Weeraratna

D.D.M. Waidyasekera, former Commissioner of Inland Revenue, and author of several books passed away on December 16, 2019. His remains were cremated on December 17, 2019 at the Galkissa (Mt. Lavinia) Cemetery.

Waidyasekera was a Past President of the Sri Lanka Institute of Taxation and Editor/Consultant, Institute of Policy Studies of Sri Lanka. He was also President of the Theosophical Society of Sri Lanka. He is a graduate in Economics (Hons.) from the University of Peradeniya, and served as the Secretary of the 1990 Presidential Taxation Commission.

He has written extensively to books, journals and magazines published in Sri Lanka and abroad.

He will be especially remembered for his ground breaking research on the life and work of Devendra Mulachari, one of the most brilliant designers and artificers produced by the Kandyan Kingdom in Sri Lanka.  It was later published as a book ‘The Great Royal Artificer of the Kandyan Kingdom’ (Stamford Lake: 2017). 

The author D.D. M. Waidyasekera 

See Book Review http://www.dailymirror.lk/article/BOOK-REVIEW-Taking-a-peep-into-the-life-of-a-royal-artificer-143796.html
A tale of the Kandyan royal architect and court intrigue

http://www.sundaytimes.lk/170305/plus/a-tale-of-the-kandyan-royal-architect-and-court-intrigue-231157.html

Devendra Mulachari was the designer and builder of some of the most historic monuments in the Kandyan Kingdom including the Pattirippuwa or Octagon of the Dalada Maligawa, the highly original concept of the Cloud Wall, the Kandy Lake, the Magul Maduwa or Audience Hall, and a number of other architectural constructions and intricate arts and crafts. He lived and worked under three Kandyan Kings.

Waidyasekera’s research and writings on Devendra Mulachari influenced the oil colour painting of Ms. Avanti Sri Nissanka Karunaratne depicting the ceremonial opening of the Octagon or Pathirippuwa in the presence of King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe and the designer Devendra Mulachari, in 1802. She presented this painting to Diyawadana Nilame Pradeep Nilanga Dela on April, 25 2018. It is now on display at the Museum of the Dalada Maligawa.

See

Artist Avanti completes difficult mission

http://www.dailymirror.lk/article/Artist-Avanti-completes-difficult-mission-150885.html

Oil Painting on ceremonial opening of the Paththiruppuwa by the last King Sri Wickrema Rajasinghe in 1802,  handed over to the Sri Dalada Maligawa

 Oil colour painting of Ms. Avanti Sri Nissanka Karunaratne depicting the ceremonial opening of the Octagon or Pathirippuwa in 1802

See

 Why I decided to paint the Opening Ceremony of the Paththirippuwa, Octagon of the Dalada Maligawa (1802)

Why I decided to paint the Opening Ceremony of the Paththirippuwa, Octagon of the Dalada Maligawa (1802)

 Most Ven. Thibbatuwawe Sri Siddhartha Sumangala Thero of the Malwatta Chapter meeting a delegation of Buddhists comprising the learned author D.D.M. Waidyasekera, the former Commissioner of the Inland Revenue Department, and the eminent Historian Prof. K.D. Paranavitana, among others, on March 04, 2017

See also

Commemorating 69th anniversary of Annie Besant: Annie Besant and Theosophical Movement

by D.D.M. Waidyasekera http://www.dailynews.lk/2016/09/27/features/94178
Obituary Notice – December 17, 2019 ( Daily News)
WAIDYASEKERA – D.D.M. (HARRY) – (Former Commissioner of Inland Revenue), son of late Martin & Grace Waidyasekera & step-son of the late Lila Waidyasekera, brother of Sita, late Sam & late Dr Chandra, grandson of the late Veda Muhandiram Carnelis Waidyasekera of Beruwala and the late Beatrice Francina Dantanarayana, expired on 16.12.2019. Remains at Mahinda Florist. Cremation on 17.12.2019 at Galkissa Cemetery at 5.00 p.m. 25E, De Saram Road, Mount Lavinia. 0712214750 / 2712898.122890  

http://www.dailynews.lk/2019/12/17/obituaries/205891/obituaries