The Vessel Commenced Sailing Between Colombo and The North and East of Sri Lanka

Following the meeting, the Commissioner General of Essential Services chartered the vessel. Few days later we received instructions from the Company that we had to paint the Red Cross at three conspicuous places on the ship in keeping with the denotation of the International Red Cross.

Thereafter the ship was loaded with containers of foodstuff and essential items destined for Mullaitivu and Jaffna. In addition to the ship’s crew, I had two fork lift drivers, one mechanic and one helper from the Sri Lanka Ports Authority as well as a representative from the International Red Cross, a Frenchman.  Accommodation was never a problem as there was ample cabin space in the ship.

On completion of loading, the vessel sailed for Trincomalee. On arrival at Trincomalee, the ship was further loaded with containers stuffed with bagged wheat flour. We left Trincomalee and arrived in Mullaitivu, the morning of July 31st.

Few hours after the vessel anchored off Mullaitivu, we saw a small boat approaching. When it came alongside, we saw one priest and three others.  One of the officers met them at the gangway and brought them up to the bridge. I greeted them and immediately arranged for some soft drinks. After making himself comfortable, the priest, a Catholic, introduced himself as Rev Fr. Stalin - the Parish Priest of Mullaitivu church. As I was talking to them, he said that since they were Tamils, he and his men were afraid to come on board as we were all Sinhalese. He further said he never expected this sought of treatment. I said to him, “Father, I have 24 Sinhalese on board and you will know of us, our thoughts and attitude during this brief encounter. We are not for war. Unfortunately, there is a certain group in the North and East who have created this situation and we are at the receiving end of all these selfish and self-centred actions of those people.” 

The charter continued for about six months. I was so glad; my crew and I were able to help at a personal level, those whom we met in Mullaitivu, Point Pedro and in Delft Island.

Carrying Essential Food Items To The North And East Of Sri Lanka

My ship was in Colombo, after towing a disabled Maldivian vessel which was drifting at sea about 120 miles South East of the port of Colombo. It was during the South West monsoons and the weather was very rough. I remember when we approached and got closer to the vessel, first we checked with the Master if there were any sick people on board. Fortunately, there weren't any sick people but they needed fresh water and food. Thankfully, we were able to supply some fresh water through a small flexible pipe, and transfer some food. The towline was then connected and the vessel was brought safely to the port of Colombo. It was a good operation; rescuing life at sea.

Around the same time, when the ethnic war erupted in July of 1990, all communication and transport to the North of Sri Lanka came to a stand still. This created a situation in the North and in some parts of the East of Sri Lanka where the Government had no way of sending foodstuff and essentials. People living in those areas had the wolf at their doors.

It was around this time that the Department of Essential services which came under purview of the Ministry of Social Services had approached our Company seeking help to transport foodstuff and essential items to the North.

I remember, one day a few Government officials including the Commissioner General of Essential Services came onboard. While talking with me he asked if my crew and I were agreeable to go to the North with some essential items. He further asked if I would ask for an extra allowance for going into an area considered to be dangerous due to the ongoing war. I told him that I was ready but I have to check with my crew and would let him know. He requested for an answer immediately, if possible.

The total number of officers and ratings onboard at that time was about 19. All 19 persons were Sinhalese. While all government officials and our company directors waited in my cabin, I went down and had a meeting with all my officers and crew - they all were ready to go to the North and declined any extra payment. This was conveyed to all who were waiting in my cabin. They left the vessel with a lot of regard for us.

First Command

When I was waiting to meet the Director of Operations at Sri Lanka Shipping Company, I was thinking to myself, well if it is another ship to the Company then I do not have to go job hunting. Most definitely I will get a job as Chief Officer. By this time I had already had five years of experience as the Chief Officer with the company.  Since I had just obtained my Masters certificate I did not have any experience of being in command of a vessel and as a result the chances of me being given the opportunity were rather slim. 

It was almost closing time, when I finally saw all the people who were at the meeting walking out of the board room. The Director of Operations called me and he said “ John, there is good news for us and for you!” “The good news for us is that we decided to go in for a multipurpose vessel and take it over in Singapore in May." "The good news for you is that we have decided to give you command of that vessel.” It was news that I never expected. I thanked God and thanked him from the bottom of my heart.  

He further said, “Be prepared to leave around the 14^th of May and be touch with my secretary for further details. I will meet you for a briefing before that, and I will let you know in a day or two.”

God has always been so good!

I immediately called my wife and conveyed the best news that I could possibly have had in my life. She was very happy to hear about it. Soon after, I called my mother and gave the news. That night I invited few close friends and had a small celebration at a Restaurant in Colombo. 

On May 16th, I, along with the superintendent and few other crew members left for Singapore to take over the new vessel.

Job Hunting

After arriving in Sri Lanka, and taking a short break, I decided to send in a few applications to find a job at sea.  This was around the first week of May. My sister-in-law helped me in preparing an application using her office computer although I still was not sure to which Shipping Companies I ought to send my application. However, I made sure that my very first application was submitted to Sri Lanka Shipping Company. I met with the Director Operations and, handed over my application personally to him. I was always very confident that he will help me, somehow or the other.

Few days later, I visited a friend of mine at his office - an ex-Captain whom I had sailed with.  While I was chatting and having some tea with him, my wife called me and said there was a call from the secretary of Sri Lanka Shipping Company who had requested I meet with the Director of Operations this afternoon. Following that message, I immediately returned home and called the secretary to find out the time of my appointment. She said that I ought to come around 2.00 p.m.

I was there well before that time. When I informed the secretary that I was going to be in the waiting area she said, “There is a board meeting going on, it was stopped for lunch and resumed only about fifteen minutes ago, so please wait.” I said “OK” and went and sat with the Operations Manager, who was a very senior member of the staff. I am not a stranger to the Office or to the Company, as such I was very well treated whenever I visited them.    

While talking with me, the secretary mentioned that the Company is going to buy a multipurpose vessel and the meeting could be to take a final decision on that matter.  

We Left Australia After Passing The Masters

We left Sydney, Australia on or about February 14, 1990. We did not have many friends in Sydney but the few we had were very helpful and were always there for us. Even the day we were leaving one of them called to make a very sincere request: “Stay back, we will help you and you will do well here.” One reason I decided to come was, I had to see to my mother’s and sister’s welfare, as my father passed away while I was studying in Sydney.  It was my duty, and priority at that time.

I Passed The Master Mariner Exam

After passing the Master Mariner exam in December 1989, we spent a few weeks in Australia. During this time we visited the Australian capital, Canberra, and also Brisbane.

It was easy for us because in both places we had friends who took care of us during the stay.

In the meantime, as a practise, I kept in touch with the Director Operations of the Shipping Company, I worked for when I was in Australia. When I passed the exam I did not waste time in informing him of the good news. When I phoned him and conveyed the good news he congratulated me and said “We might have something for you when you get back!” That message registered very strongly in my mind.