We write in memory of our dear grandmother, who passed away two years ago, on April 2, 2007. Georgiana Jayamanne was born on April 23, 1919, the fourth child in a family of six. Her parents were Stephen Perera, an eminent Badulla lawyer, and Eugenie Perera, a prominent Badulla social worker.
She spent her early years in Badulla, and when her family moved to Colombo she attended Holy Family Convent School. In 1945 she married the eminent neuroradiologist, Dr. David Jayamanne. They had three children – Sirini, Dinal and Deepal.
Music was an important part of Georgiana’s life. She was a brilliant pianist, and the life and soul of many a party, including parties for doctors based in Colombo.
She was a piano teacher before she married.
She was an accompanist for young violinists and vocalists. In later years, she was organist at the Aquinas College Chapel and All Saints’ Church, Borella. She was also deeply involved in charity work, helping the Colombo Host Lion Ladies and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, at All Saint’s Church.
Her musical influence extended to her children and grandchildren. She played duets with her daughter, and all her grandchildren play musical instruments.
Georgiana was very proud of her grandchildren. Her eldest child and daughter, Sirini, lives in London. Sirini has two sons. Shiyam, Georgiana’s eldest grandchild, is a surgeon, and Shahan is a doctor. Both practise in London.
Georgiana’s son Dinal lives in Sydney, Australia, and he has two sons, Dayan, an accountant, and Dilhan, a physiotherapist.
Georgiana’s younger son Deepal has two children, and both have inherited their grandmother’s musical talent. Son Shanil is a marketing executive and a musician, while daughter Raajnie – also known as Anne J – is a high-profile jazz singer and radio show presenter in Sri Lanka.
Georgiana was unique, vibrant and vivacious. Her generosity and kindness will be remembered by all those whose lives she touched.
Shahan Nizar and
Dilhan Jayamanne,
London, UK |
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