Appreciations

Thank you for the laughter

Laughter, they say, is the best medicine. A cure for sadness and sorrow, loneliness and despair. And that is what my beloved uncle believed in. A 'good laugh' was an antidote for us nieces and nephews, his beloved wife, brothers and sisters, sons and daughters, cousins and the innumerable friends who made up his life. 

Nonetheless, it was naturally a shock beyond comprehension for us when we heard about his sudden death. A sad Sunday morning when many of us wept as we shared the sorrowful news and rushed to the side of his family. 

Gam Bappa, as we all called him, was my favourite. Together with his wife, Aunty Dayavie, we have shared so many good times that the memories will have to suffice for the rest of our days. But to forget him or mourn him sadly would definitely have perplexed him. So I will always treasure in my heart his memory and motto, that a 'good laugh' will never be wasted on a day like today. 

A fine product of Trinity College, Kandy, and proud Trinity Lion, his college life was spiced with quite a few escapades and humorous anecdotes! His college mates who attended the funeral bearing the casket draped with the college flag, remember the fun-loving companion who shone at athletics and rugby. Latterly, his estate in Nalanda, off Dambulla, was a stopover for them to share and reminisce the good old days and those times were plenty! 

It was ironic that his beloved dog of 11 years, a boxer named Tyson, died a few hours before his master's demise. Such was his devotion to those he loved. To many of us who think that Gam Bappa was too young to die can only be assured that his life was lived to the fullest with never a dull moment or time for regret. For all the good times we shared, I can only be grateful and feel that the following words of Carl W. Buechner are a true reflection of what we feel; "They may forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel." 

Bubby

A young life was swept away

15th B'day remembrance

Zamani Fazreen Izzadeen was full of life, smiling sweetly, laughing gaily and bringing happiness to all those around her. But Almighty Allah decided to end her term of life and took her to His abode, no doubt to bestow eternal bliss— Jannathul Firdous — on her.

Fazreen was well mannered, beautiful and radiant. What we did not see was that she was only lent to us for a brief 14 years.

Her untimely death in a place she most loved, the sea, took her away from us. She drowned before the very eyes of her family members who unfortunately could not save her, probably because Allah wanted it that way.

May Allah bless all those in Kirinde who braved the mighty waves to recover her body.

This year, during Ramazan we missed her because she would have helped many a needy friend distributing the presents she received from her loved ones.

We loved Zamani Fazreen in life and will continue to love her. We miss her very much. 

Dada Fazal, Ummi Li-langanie, Sister Fazeela, Darling Mamma, Ummah, aunts, uncles, cousins and close friends.

Always helped the needy

It is with a heavy heart that I pen these few lines about the passing away of my dear friend Nandani. I came to know her almost 40 years ago when I was a resident teacher at Visakha Vidyalaya. 

She was indeed a gracious and charming lady who was the epitome of kindness. During her tenure as Head Matron at Visakha, she was adored by all the hostellers for she was approachable even after they had been upto mischef. Her colleagues, students, their parents and minor staff were all kept happy and content in the hostel. Her radiant smile and commanding voice are yet fresh in my mind. 

She had no enemies. No matter what problems she had, she wouldn't hesitate to join us on our trips. Even after leaving Visakha to get married to Prof. Tissa Perera, she continued to keep in touch by being an active member of the Past Hostellers' Association. 

She was always ready to help the needy, for which her husband Tissa who was equally generous, gave all the encouragement. Her participation in katina pinkamas and other religious activities knew no bounds. Her last meritorious deed was to finance a newly ordained samanera.

Her birthday, March 25, which coincides with the founder's day of Visakha is remembered by most hostellers who usually gathered at her residence to celebrate it. 

I was there for her special lunch this year, with my family not knowing in my wildest dreams that it was to be my dear friend's last birthday with us. 

She was a loving and caring sister - almost a mother to her four younger sisters and faithful wife to Tissa, who in turn personally nursed her to the very end. 

Rukmani Raddalgoda

Guiding Guru

A much loved and respected teacher S.A.W. Subasinghe died on October 5 at the age of 84. He devoted his life to the profession of his choice. Commencing his career as an English trained teacher, he passed his B.A. (London) and taught in a number of schools. Later he was appointed Principal of Veyangoda M.M.V. and then moved to Bandaranaike Maha Vidyalaya, Gampaha prior to retirement.

Many of his pupils who hold distinguished positions stand witness to his efficiency.

I made acquaintance with him 40 years ago when he came to live in my neighbourhood. We had many interesting discussions.

Being a practical Buddhist, he fostered religious activities in schools and even took steps to erect small shrines in some.

If he noticed anyone with talent he helped him to use it to full potential.

After retirement, Mr. Subasinghe devoted his time to social and religious activities. He held English classes for backward rural children.

He was an endearing husband and loving father. All his children are educated and well disciplined.

Those of us who knew him closely will miss him. We will always remember him with love and gratitude.

May he attain the supreme bliss of Nirvana.

R.D.V. Perera