Tribute
Late Rev Dr Arasaratnam
David Iyadurai
Family Background and initial Spiritual Nourishment
Rev Dr Arasaratnam
David Iyadurai was born as the second son to Pandith Dr S K Arasaratnam and Mrs
Gloriya Nachipillai Arasaratnam of Thunnalai South, Karavetty. They were both
teachers by profession. The six month old baby David Iyadurai was baptized at
home by Rev M S Chinnaiah as the child was not expected to live due to acute
pneumonia. He was born on 09th April 1937. He had his primary,
junior and senior school education at Sacred Heart College Karavedy, St Joseph’s
College Anuradhapura and Kegalle-Aranayaka Central College. He came to know
Jesus Christ through trials and afflictions in Mawanella. He received the assurance of salvation through
Bible correspondence courses.
Professional Background :
Rev Iyadurai began his carrier as
an assistant at Paranagama Adults Centre and then he joined as a teacher at Wesley College
and Royal College. After teaching for a while, he changed his career to Information
& Communication by joining Radio Ceylon. He was extremely
gifted and served in various positions in Radio Ceylon and thereafter in the Rupawahini
Corporation. He was a Radio & Television Broadcaster in Tamil for 31 years.
Acknowledging his commitment and achievements in Broadcasting, NHK Japan awarded him four International awards. He also
received “THODARPIYAL VIDGAR” a
special award from the Sri Lankan government in 1994
which is awarded to media specialists.
Ministry :
Paralleled to his
secular engagements Rev. Iyadurai was very regular at worship services and held
the position of Sunday School teacher, Superintendent and Leader of the
Methodist Memorial Church Moor Road. God called him to be a very effective
communicator in the secular world and this was extended to the preaching
ministry, to which he was called. He expounded God’s Word effectively.
In answer to his
call, he joined the Methodist ministry, fulfilling all requirements and was
inducted in 1988 and was Ordained in 1991 as an Auxiliary Minister.
He distinguished
himself as a pastor visiting the flock and guiding people to deepen their knowledge
and thereby to grow in the Lord. He was a supportive
and friendly colleague to all Ministers who served at
Methodist Memorial Church Moor Road. Acknowledging Rev. Iyadurai’s skills and
academic achievements the Joon gang Presbyterian General Assembly South Korea
Theology Seminary conferred the Honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity to Rev. Iyadurai
in 2003. He was made an All Island Justice of the Peace in 2000.
The Life Style & Witness :
Rev. Iyadurai had a broad vision and
dynamism to implement programs to realize his dreams. He used his leadership skills
to uplift the spiritual state of the church and nation. He was a skilled and effective
communicator and was able to place his vision before his audience eloquently
and coherently, so that those who heard him had a clear understanding. Rev. Iyadurai lived a disciplined, simple life style where he
conducted himself with decorum at all times. He was found to uphold the highest
standards of integrity in financial transactions
and management. He also helped people of
all strata of society, especially the poor.
Family :
Rev. Iyadurai married Miss. Rose Kirupasugirtham at Kurumanveli
Church, Batticaloa. She is a retired teacher who taught at Bishop’s College, Colombo.
God blessed them with two boys and two girls who are committed Christians.
Conclusion :
Rev. Dr. Iyadurai is a unique person who brought
his secular experiences in to the ministry. Most of us who knew him as
colleagues, miss his friendly mannerism and light jokes. The Lord who
positioned him in the secular world, later plucked him out to serve in the
world of Word and Deed to which he responded willingly and passionately.
We thank God for the life of Rev.Dr.Iyadurai and
the example he left us.
All Praise and Glory be unto Almighty God.
Rev G Antony Sathish
Methodist Church-Sri Lanka
