My father L.G. Motha (Attorney-at-Law) was the eldest child born to Joseph Motha and Agatha Fernandez on March 11, 1898.
His younger siblings were Aunty Mary, Uncle Albert, Uncle Cyril and Aunty Christobel.
He was educated at St. Joseph’s Colombo, Colombo 10, during the tenure of world-famous Botanist Rev. Fr. Maurice Le Goc as Rector.
Due to the untimely demise of my grandfather the expenses associated with Dad’s education were borne by his maternal uncle. I remember my father recalling his student days at St. Joseph’s. In a sense of innate pride my father referred to his proudest moment at school when he achieved the top slot trailed by two classmates who carved a niche in the legal profession being appointed as Queen’s Counsel in the days of yore.
Dad passed out as a lawyer in early 1920’s and opted to join the reputed Legal Firm Julius & Creasy in the metropolis. He ventured to commence his own practice after a few years of apprenticeship and moved to his office at 371 Dam Street, Colombo literally in the shadow of the Supreme Court of Ceylon. He had a lucrative practice over the years prompting my Dad to enlist the services of a young Lawyer as his assistant to cope with the increasing number of clients. In a moment of due diligence, he decided to move into a smaller office, aging being the main reason coupled with clients seeking his advice at home too.
In briefly reverting to family, Dad being the eldest was affectionately addressed as “Lokka” by his siblings, an appellation, we his children, also picked up in deference and filial respect to his role as the head of the family. My parents entered matrimony in November 1932 and were blessed with their eldest child in my brother Anton the following year. It is also relevant to mention that my mother Maureen Gomez had her education at Holy Cross Anglo-Indian High School, Tuticorin, where her granddaughter Rev. Sr. Fatima Motha, also a past student, is currently the Mother Superior. Our parents decided to send their sons to St. Benedict’s College and daughters to Good Shepherd Convent, the leading educational institutions in Colombo North.
It is to the credit of my father that he continued his practice for well over 50 years when it was time to retire and relish the happiness of further guiding us and enjoying the innocence of his grandchildren and great grandchildren living in Ceylon/ Sri Lanka and beyond. My siblings join me in thanking God for the blessing of parents who by precept and example showed us the paths to follow in meeting the challenges of Life interspersed with inculcating in us firm discipline which are of inestimable value as we continue the tryst in the bonds of family.
Dear Dad, we wish you a Happy Birthday in Heaven and send our greetings and love in prayer!
ERIC MOTHA