5th August 2001
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Appreciations
You were my life
Squadron Leader Shiran Perera
I think of you my darling son, Shiran, with an aching heart because you are no longer with me to celebrate your birthday. I recall the day you were born 32 years ago on August 7, which seems like only yesterday. When you were a baby, your vigour and vitality brought joy to everyone around you especially to me. You were so precious to me, and all my dreams and my life were built around you. But on that fateful day, last year, you were snatched away from me so suddenly, and all I could do was watch helplessly. I think the best part of my life ended on September 16, last year, when you died at Aranayake while serving the nation.I now sit at night in loneliness and think of the days when you were a baby and you took that first step. Then months and years passed by and one day you were a little boy. During your school career at S. Thomas' College, you were an excellent student and appointed a House Prefect, thereafter the College Prefect and also the Captain of the Cadet Team. When you were sitting for your O/Level examination you asked me 'Amma will you buy me a Chally bike if I passed well?' When the results came I could not but refuse you, as you qualified with 'flying colours'. Then when you were in your Advanced Level class you surprised me with excellent results.
One day I woke up and found that my precious baby had become a fine young man. As a man you made a brave decision to become a Pilot in the Air Force . With a heavy heart I consented because, my son, I had faith in you and I knew what you wanted to do with your life. I remember like yesterday, the day we said our goodbyes, fighting back tears at the Katunayake Airport. I had to leave you and come back to a solitary home, as this was the first time you were away from home.
You joined up as a General Duty Cadet Pilot, then became a Flying Officer, and were promoted as Flight Lieutenant. You became one of the best qualified helicopter instructors that the Air Force has ever produced. You were always facinated by planes and helicopters. Flying was your 'pet' interest. You were the recipient of the Rana Wickrama Padakkama and Ran Soorya Padakkama on six occasions, given by the nation for bravery and heroism. You dedicated your life to protect the integrity of Mother Lanka, sacrificed your life when that ill-fated helicopter crashed on to a mountain in Aranayake.
My son, we were looking forward to your wedding, which was scheduled for November 9, last year. It was unbearable to watch you come home in a sealed coffin just eight weeks before. That day, the Air Force lost a gallant Pilot, Mother Lanka a brave warrior, and I my beloved son. You were there for me in good times and in bad, and you were a pillar of strength in my life.
You wrote in your last letter, which you requested a friend to give me if you sacrificed your life in the battle field, "Do not be sad, be proud that I sacrificed my life for future generations". I am proud of you son, and your thoughts and deeds make me proud. Farewell to you my son, till we meet again.
Rukmani Perera
A true friend
Wimala Makalanda
The grief has been replaced with reality,I felt after losing you,
Changes have happened in our lives,
For better or for worse I don't know,
But, I will always remember you,
As one mother-in-law,
Who went beyond the expectation,
Of all the daughters-in-law.
I'm eternally grateful to you,
For being my friend and patron,
In every birth may we meet,
On our journey through samsara!
Inoka
To Theeth with love
Suhita Gautamadasa
He was "Suhit" for short, "Theeth" to us who were small and could not pronounce his name, "Skeet" to one of his anglicized teachers at St. John's College, Jaffna and "Gauts" to his colleagues both as an undergraduate and later in his professional career.He had his college education first at St. John's, Jaffna, and later, Jaffna Central College. In school, his interests and preferences lay beyond the realms of textbooks. He participated in many extra-curricular activities like drama and debating and held office in various school societies. He was an athlete of sorts, a "soft ball" cricketer and was knowledgeable in cricket and its history.
During his school days he rarely burnt the midnight oil nor did he bury himself in his textbooks. He excelled at the S.S.C. Examination in English Language and Literature without so much as reading the relevant text from cover to cover.
He entered the University of Ceylon, Colombo to study Physics and Mathematics. He involved himself in various student activities and held office in the Science Union.
After graduation, he had a short stint at the Bank of Ceylon and joined Government Service as a D.L.O. in Kegalle. He succeeded in the Overseas Service Examination and joined the Foreign Service as a Cadet.
The other members of the family and I miss him as we do our mother, father and brother Ashoke who predeceased him.
Aravinda
Nawala
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