For all the happy times filled with fun and laughter

Ravi Samarasinha

Fond memories still linger and tears still sting my eyes whenever I remember my cousin Ravi who met with an untimely death a year ago. Doctor of medicine though he was, he was quiet and unassuming and sacrificed his career to solely devote his time to safeguard the wildlife and nature of this country. His contributions to leopard research in Sri Lanka and his commitment to safeguard this threatened mammal were remarkable. He was the foremost authority on this subject.

Ravi Samarasinha

He tirelessly gave of his time to sit on the boards of many wildlife and nature societies and had many projects going at the same time for conservation.

His friends remember him as a person who was ever ready to impart his wealth of knowledge and experience without holding back. They honour him for his honesty and integrity and recall his valuable friendship that they had treasured and miss so much now.

He gave me a great impetus in terms of knowledge inputs for my numerous nature-related articles. He was also an inspiration to my son Kusan who was able to gain much knowledge by just listening to him talking.

To us, he was this jovial cousin who never failed to be amused at the most unimaginable things. In our younger days, we have giggled at the most frivolous things as Ravi saw the funny side of things when others found something serious.

My fondest memories are of humorous things and centre around his planter brother Suren’s estates where we had glorious times- river baths and barbeques and croquet on the lawns in plush bungalows where Ravi always had the knack of making things hilarious. I will miss him for those happy times filled with fun and laughter.

By Lankika de Livera

"A service of thanksgiving for Ravi will be held on Tuesday, January 29 at the Cathedral of Christ the Living Saviour at Bauddhaloka Mawatha Colombo 7 at 6.30 p.m."