Back in 1986, I saw an advertisement calling for volunteers to help the Sri Lanka Sumithrayo. Curious to see what the organisation was all about, I visited their office in Horton Place. At the time, social service was not on my mind. I was a full-time office worker, with little extra time to spare.
I was met at the entrance by a sweet elderly English lady who spoke in a gentle voice. After a brief chat, she told me to go in and meet the director.
That was my first encounter with Sri Lanka Sumithrayo founder, Mrs. Joan de Mel. I did not realise at the time that she was quietly giving me the “once over”, and that she apparently approved of what she saw. Now, 23 years later, I am still with Sri Lanka Sumithrayo, and what I have gained from the organisation by way of personal growth is immeasurable.
At our first training session, Joan spoke to us about the Rev. Chad Varah, founder of Samaritans in Britain, and how she came to be with us. I was struck by her unassuming ways, and the way she had blended into our culture. Often she wore a saree, and sometimes a lungi.
At her memorial service, held in Kurunegala on January 17, we heard how she had worked with the rural community there, after her marriage to the Rt. Rev. Lakdasa de Mel, and how she had learnt the language of the country.
Joan had various health setbacks and mishaps and had to use a walking stick, but that did not prevent the gritty lady from doing her duty turn each week and attending events as patron of the Sri Lanka Sumithrayo.
In November last year she had had another fall. This time she must have realised she would not be able to walk again.
Manel Wanasinghe,
Sumithrayo, Panadura
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