It is three months since Neomal Dissanayake passed away. He was 38 years. His departure was like a flash, hard to believe. How unprepared we are for life’s harsh realities.
No one thought that fateful Good Friday night would be a time of farewell. Neomal’s grieving mother recalls how he waved and smiled when she stopped at the hospital room door before leaving. The following day, before dawn, Neomal answered God’s call. His beloved wife Nirosha was by his side. It was heartbreaking news to everyone.
Neomal was born on July 9, 1971, the only son of a devoted Roman Catholic couple, Noel and Calista Dissanayake, of Bogamuwa, Yakkala. Neomal had his primary and secondary education at De Mazenod College, Kandana. He chose accounting, following in his father’s footsteps. He was a true family man – obedient son, loving and caring husband, and caring older brother to sisters Anjalee and Kishani; a very caring grandson to his 90-year-old grandfather; a loving “maama” to little Nethmini, Jude and Damian. His brothers-in-law Piyavi and Amila were like his own brothers.
Neomal was always ready to help. Caste and creed were not in his vocabulary. The large gathering that came to bid him goodbye at his funeral says it all.
Everyone has some special memory of Neomal. I too have one special memory. Despite a busy schedule, Neomal once accompanied my elderly mother to visit a priest in Kurunegala for a special blessing. It was my mother’s wish.
I had the privilege of associating with Neomal for close on a decade. I will miss our long chats on politics, religion, music, books – everything. There were also the practical jokes. He had a great sense of humour. He also gave very good advice.
This very religious man never failed to be part of the church activities, and he was a source of strength to all – to the priests, the congregation and the family.
We pray for you, dear Neomal. Your departure has left an emptiness that cannot be filled. We pray for your family too. Thank you for all you did.
Thilina Nimalshantha |
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