A rare jewel

Iranganie Perera (nee de Silva)

It was so easy to talk to Iranganie
Of others' problems and needs.
She had sympathy, compassion and willingness to help.
Quietly whole heartedly, she helped to successful conclusions. She carried on her parent's charity with other family members.
She was a true Samaritan.
And Samaritans are so rare today.
In this world of horror and havoc
It is wonderful to meet Samaritans.
They do not question the whys and wherefores.
Of needy, helpless, people,
They spontaneously help;
And in later years, in spite of illness,
Iranganie helped.
I will not enumerate the various deeds of Iranganie,
But just one -
A young taxi driver at my gate,
(A former pupil in my Nursery Class).
Was helped to buy his taxi by Iranganie (and two others)
And earns happily and prosperously today,
Iranganie’s nature and character
Needs no recounting from me –
She was a Samaritan,
Having known her from our young schooldays at Visakha,
And later going to her place for lunches with very old girls,
I have happy memories of our meetings.
I am happy I met Iranganie on this earth.

By Bona Ekanayake, Nugegoda