Appreciations
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She
was a friend of the family and the needy Geethi my darling, you were a special daughter in every way to us, much loved wife to your beloved husband Anura, the most loving and caring mother to your angelic daughter Saisha, a true and admired person among all your friends. You led a simple life, setting an example to the ones who think of nothing but a luxurious way of living. You poured your heart out to every one, especially to the needy. In Los Angeles you fed the homeless people on a regular basis, and continued to do the same in San Francisco until your death. You gained happiness and satisfaction by helping the needy. The few years you lived in Sri Lanka made you contribute more towards the needy. You knew how to face any situation in life and were a genius in advising and guiding a person on the correct path. You were always admired and loved by your relatives and friends for the simple reason that you set a living example in their eyes. I have very pleasant memories of you, Geethi. Your wedding in Los Angeles was the best and happiest occasion as every one enjoyed a real Sri Lankan wedding including the poruwa, food, and all the rituals, though thousands of miles away from home. You gave us tremendous joy as we could fulfill your wishes. Everytime I visited you, your main concern was to feed me well and shower me with gifts. You were such a caring person and the happiness of your relatives and friends was your happiness. The surprise party you organised for me on my birthday in December 2003 in your house, combining yours and mine was yet another very happy family reunion. I heard that you wanted to do the same in December 2005 too if not for this unfortunate incident. In August you asked me to take care of Saisha during your stay in hospital for surgery. I was thrilled. Now I consider that I was fortunate enough to spend time with you the last few days of your life. Why
did this happen to an angelic soul like Geethi? Why did I have to
go through the pain of seeing you go before me? Why could not the
doctors replace your failing heart with mine and let you live some
more. With these unanswered questions and a grieving heart, I have
to live my life, Geethi. The only solace to my broken heart is Lord Buddha's teachings. I have to console myself thinking that the lifespan destined for you was only that and the impermanency of all natural beings. May you attain the bliss of Nirvana, my darling Greethi. Your grieving Amma A man
of good cheer and strong faith He was a friend to everybody, both rich and poor. Seeya never looked at race or religion when he wanted to help someone. His house was open to any stranger. Seeya spoke gently and listened calmly to what a troubled soul had to say. He never advertised himself nor did he lecture people on what they should do. He had a quiet way of showing all this by deed, and people learned from his deeds, not words. All these good deeds showed that he was a fine Christian. His qualities are a good example for us. Seeya never believed in burying a person within 24 hours. He always said: "I have walked long distances and met many different people. They have treated me well and I appreciate their excellent company. So don't close my coffin till they come to see me and bid goodbye to my earthly life." It was when he died that we realised that what he said was correct. We never thought that so many people would come and mourn for a man of 88 years. It was when all sorts of people came and told us what Seeya had done to them, and how he had come and talked to them and enjoyed a cup of tea with them, we got to know what a blessed man he was, a man of good cheer and strong faith. People
who came for Seeya's funeral did not come for what he had done for
them in financial ways, but for Seeya's smile, good heart and listening
ear. Navindra Ruvanmali Gamalathge A fascinating
person These are some of the traits she imbued in her seven children, 19 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren and which I encountered when I entered her family 33 years ago. At the outset (having only one sibling of my own) this experience of constant togetherness, proved overwhelming. But with time and teasing and bullying from my in-laws, which permeated the atmosphere at all family-gatherings, I was duly initiated! Her grandchildren adored her, which speaks volumes for one brought up in the mores of strict tradition. She was party to their wildest schemes but never betrayed them. Now we know how our children used to steal away for teenage parties, under the guise of “paying Achchie a visit!” Her mainstay was her abiding faith in God and humankind. She always affirmed that it was ‘each man for himself and God for us all’. Thus whilst encouraging self-dependence, she reminded us where our true strength lay. The perfect epitaph seems to be in the words of Oliver Goldsmith, from the ‘Village Preacher’,
As
we celebrate her life on earth, we say may she “requescant
in pace!” He
was Doctor Aiya to the plantation people Seevaratnam, fondly known as Siva by his friends and as "Goya Uncle", by his numerous nephews and nieces (a sobriquet he earned after the popular perfumery for reasons best known to his relatives), was an unassuming, sober, mild-mannered, gentle and noble person, with a charming smile, and a great sense of humour and wit. During his days as an EMA in the plantations, he endeared himself to the staff and workers, and he not only cured their ailments, but was also a friend and counsellor to them. So much so, he was always respectfully addressed as "Doctor Aiya" and not by his name. Many sorrowing people in the plantations took the trouble to come all the way from the various plantations, to Colombo to pay him their last respects. Siva bore no malice or ill-will towards anyone, and his heart was of gold, always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. The large crowd present at his funeral was ample testimony of his popularity. Siva lived a full life, having seen his three children happily married, and becoming a grandfather. Brother
Siva was a devoted and affectionate husband and loving and dutiful
father. He leaves behind his wife, two sons, a daughter and four
grandchildren. S. Nadarajah He
is the force that keeps me going He married my mother, Noor Faleel at the age of 28 and was blessed with six girls and five boys always fondly called his cricket team! He was employed at the Royal Air Force and was offered citizenship in Malaysia after Sri Lanka gained independence but declined the offer and decided to remain and serve his motherland. He worked thereafter in the Import and Export Control Department and finally retired from the Government Press. The love he had for his children knew no bounds. At any festival time or happy occasion, he would enjoy the company of all. He was a pious Muslim and he even fasted before his demise in the holy month of Ramazan. He did his obligations towards his family and friends who held him in high esteem. He is survived by his wife, children, 21 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, Alhamdulillah. Personally,
I miss him very much as between the two of us we had an understanding
of the mundane affairs of life, the comfort and warmth I received
when things didn’t go the right way. The strength, the pillar
I leaned on is no more but I feel his presence, his will in me and
the force to keep me going that extra mile. I miss you, my “Sugar
Daddy”- that was his favourite horse in the 60s as my dad
was an ardent punter and I used to call him so in fun.
Noor Kumala |
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