Appreciations

Puthra Wijeratne received his education at Thurstan College, Colombo and though selected to the Colombo University opted out, due to the youth uprising at that time. He joined Lake House (ANCL) as an audit officer and retired as a Senior Audit Officer in 1984. Thereafter he worked as an Accountant in a company in U.A.E. until April 2003 when he returned to the island very sick. Treated for a diabetic condition and enlarged heart, depression followed by dementia and in the latter stages, Parkinson’s disease took its toll and he passed away at the Nawaloka Hospital on the early morn of January 14, 2008.

His birthday fell on February 19. It was a sad situation as the family could only watch him, frail and suffering as the disease progressed fast, leaving him with no words to express, lost in oblivion, alone in the midst of the love and affection and the warmth of the family, he could not recognize.

Ours was a legacy of love amidst diverse religions and nationalities, a story of love that could be related down the portals of life. We strode the path of thorns, comforting each other, as we moved across barriers, raised two loving kids, Dushan and Varuni. Together we have faced the ups and downs, ironing out differences, making our marriage span 29 years. He was a loving father who gave all his wealth, time and affection to the family. He was a friend among friends, even though he did not communicate much socially; it was his nature to be a 'silent' friend.

The last time he spoke to me was on December 13, 2007 when I wished him 'Happy Anniversary,' he answered instantly, 'Same to you' in a merry mood.

That was the last time I heard his voice and his words will touch me for the rest of my life.

Touched by his last words