Appreciations

Suranganie Ellepola nee Abhayaratne, born on October 6, 1948, as the second child of Daphne and late Theobald Abhayaratne, left Sri Lanka to join her husband Thilak in London with her first born, Emal in 1974. She carried with her a generosity that set her apart from everybody else. She made friends wherever she went with her cheerfulness and lovely personality. It was a privilege to know such a person. Her unique qualities helped her social activities.

Suranganie and Thilak were co - founders of the Thames Buddhist Vihara in London and nurtured it from infancy. She was also a founder of the Lumbini Vihara in East London. Her dedication to religious activities was legendary. She had actively participated in any event that took place within the London Buddhist community. She set an example to all Sri Lankan expatriates in London how to conduct oneself in an exemplary manner, even thousands of miles away from the home country.

Suranganie was also an active member of numerous social service organizations and played a key role in them. Her leadership as a social worker was evident in 2004 during the time of the tsunami devastation that shook South East Asia. When everybody else was grief-stricken and helpless, she mobilized the Sri Lankan community living in London to raise funds to restore the lives of thousands of Sri Lankans affected by the monster waves.

Suranganie was a living example of the famous Sri Lankan hospitality. Any Sri Lankan visiting London would find a home away from home at her place. There were many artists, students and others who have tasted her hospitality. Her door was always open to the needy and she always managed to find a morsel for the hungry.

It’s been seven months since her untimely departure but it still feels like a nightmare that the ready smile that greeted us will never bloom again. The star that shone into our lives has gone forever. Thilak lost a wonderful wife and Emal, Sharmaine & Asitha a loving mother. But most of all, the world lost a great human being. It makes us come to terms with the reality of the uncertainty of human life. However, we are also certain that Suranganie will be reborn among us till the day she will finally attain Nibbana.

A living example of famed Sri Lankan hospitality