I remember, I remember, my beautiful cousin

Srimani Athulathmudali

Srimani Athulathmudali, wife of Lalith Athulathmudali, was probably how she came most to the public eye. But Srimani born De Saram of the illustrious De Saram clan, which boasts the first Maha Mudliyar of Ceylon among many other achievements, was to my mind a True Jayewardene Woman.

Srimani Athulathmudali

Her mother, two grandmothers and great grandmother were Jayewardenes -- descending from Mudliyar Don Adrian Jayewardene, the Thamby Mudliyar as he was called over 200 years ago when he lived his colourful life. Twinkling toes and a mischievous smile are my first recollections of Srimani, my cousin.

Cabinet Minister, UN employee in Geneva, Tap and Ballet dancer and horseback rider were subsequent roles after and during a childhood lived in different parts of the country with her police officer father, Fredrick, and gentle beautiful mother, Ivy.

Married to Lalith, she revisited the corners of her country and got to know her own people better. The assassin’s bullet did not take away only her husband, marriage and family life but also her free spirit. When she left this world later at an age of less than sixty, part of her was already gone. All that was left was that wonderful child Serela and members of her family to comfort her in this world.

My beautiful cousin, may you rest in peace with your husband and family who have gone before you. We will miss you for the rest of our natural lives on earth. May the God you loved so much bless you.

By Prasanna W. Jayewardene