The light you lit in your students will be passed on

A light has gone out, without so much as a flicker. All that is left is the precious memory of how brightly it burnt and the warmth it gave us.

She was a dear friend and cherished colleague. But we knew her as a respected teacher. Professor Rohini Hewamanna was a proud product of the University of Colombo. It is people of her calibre that uplift the name of the university system. She obtained her BSc in 1975 and completed her PhD in Radiobiology in 1981 from the University of London. Since then, for well over 30 years, she contributed her valuable service to many universities, various organizations and committees.

She had specialized in Radiation Biology. Yet anyone who knew her would say otherwise. She was an expert in many things. She was an excellent teacher who believed in hard work and not in mere memorising. She always urged students to read more. She stressed the fact that students should not be confined to their studies. She had a vast knowledge and did not hesitate to share it with the students as long as the students proved that they were worthy enough to receive the knowledge.

Answers were never forthcoming if you asked her a question. You would have to go to her with your version of the answer. Then she would willingly discuss the question with you. That was Professor Hewamanna.

Her knowledge was not restricted to her field. She was well read and had a fine knowledge on current affairs. You could not just attend her lectures. You would have to answer her questions on what is happening in our country or in Zimbabwe. She did not want a bunch of students who had all ‘A’s and yet were not aware of their surroundings, to go out into the world. She wanted to create a student just like her. Unfortunately, she did not realise that she had no equals - she was one of a kind!

Her greatest quality was her strong personality. She was not afraid of anything or anyone. She treated everyone the same. Be it the students from the University of Colombo or any other uni- versity or institution, they were all her students. She did her best as a teacher till the very last moment of her life. She smiled and spoke to everyone whom she met along the road whether it was a student, a member of the non-academic staff or a colleague.

Prof. Hewamanna was an expert in working with people. She had successfully held a number of positions in many organizations and committees. She did not just hold a position for the sake of having it. She worked hard for the organization or for the committee or for the people involved. She fought hard for good and just causes. She was unbiased in taking decisions and was firm in her beliefs.

Yes, she was tough and very strict. She asked simple questions and she expected an accurate answer. She would pull you up the moment she saw you do something wrong or make a mistake. That was how much she loved and cared for her juniors and students.

The courage she showed in the final days of her life would leave a person speechless. She was close to retirement when she fell gravely ill. She could have easily taken leave and stayed at home. However she endured all her pain and came to the university to fulfil her duties.We knew it was very hard for her to move around, let alone conduct lectures. Somehow, she found the strength to teach and never missed a lecture. We could often see her seated down and gathering all her strength to complete the lecture discussions. It was truly inspiring, not only for the students but also for the other teachers around her. She was a teacher par excellence.

In short, it will be next to impossible to replace her. Her place in the university and in our hearts will be forever vacant. We will bear the loss of one of the greatest persons who lived among us and was loved by us with heavy hearts. After a life well spent, a beloved daughter, wife, mother and teacher who inspired many generations of young minds, bade farewell. The light you lit in your students will be passed on to thousands in the future, carrying your legacy. May you attain the supreme bliss of nibbana!